The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3) (21 page)

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone Trial. Guy increased the pressure around the nipples and brought his lips down on the smooth skin of her exposed throat. The suit applied pressure all over her body. He started at her ankles and the wand climbed up her inner thighs. Her legs shook when he reached her sex.

Tess

When Tess awoke she turned and switched on her phone. With trepidation she entered Si’s name into a search and waited for the results to load. She clicked on the link without hesitation. Tess watched the video clip dispassionately. She couldn’t see their faces, the camera was too low, but she could hear their voices clearly.

Mr Lawrence?” she asked.

“Shhhhh. What the fuck are you playing at?”

“Games are for later. I want a drink.”

“I’ve got a tab going. What do you want?”

“A glass of white wine, please.”

“We can take the drinks to the room.”

“Some business first. How long will you require me to stay?”

“The usual arrangement.”

“I’m sorry; I’m new to the company. Tonight was a rush, so I need to fill in some blanks.”

“Like what?”

“How long?”

“I’ll pay for as long as it takes.” 

“What drugs?”

“Christ, you really are a rookie. We can discuss it in the room.”

“I’ve only got coke.”

“Fine. I suppose you’re going to ask for your money next?”

“How did you guess.”

“I’ve got an account and I want to fuck, so finish your drink. You’re on my time now.”

Simon voice was almost a snarl and Tess felt her cheeks grow hot at his behaviour. He really was obnoxious, arrogant and selfish. She sighed because as she admitted all these things about her husband, she still loved him. She was pleased to see his missed calls but it was agony to ignore him. However, Anna had been vehement in her instructions and Tess was intimidated by her. Tess hoped it would be worth it. Everything was in place, because she didn’t trust Si. Blackmailing her own husband had come first and now she would hold him to ransom. Why? She wanted the sex films of them destroyed and his agreement to be faithful. Tess was the only one who could save his career now, and the only one to save him from himself. Si, cornered and running out of options, would do it, not for her but to save his own skin and career.

Tess was unsure if Si would change but Anna was confident the plan would work. Her phone, still muted, had buzzed several times but Tess ignored it. Still exhausted, she burrowed under the luxurious duvet and closed her eyes. The video played over and over in her mind. Si’s cruelty had been hidden before their marriage. He was more fun then. However, now he was used to getting his own way, and when denied, quickly turned nasty. How could Tess bring a child into that environment? On and on her mind whirled until sleep finally claimed her. The next time Tess opened her eyes she felt worse, her stomach was cramping and her back was aching. She struggled to sit up. Her phone was buzzing again and this time she saw it was Phil.

“Hello,” she said tiredly.

“Hi, Tess, are you okay? You sound tired,” said Phil, his voice full of concern.

“I’m not feeling well but I’m sure it will pass.” Tess had taken Phil into her confidence. She hadn’t told him about the set up only that Si was using prostitutes. He was as worried as Tess about exposure. She knew he would be furious with Si when he saw the video.

“Where are you Tess? I spoke with Si earlier,” said Phil.

“In a hotel. We argued last night. How was he?” said Tess guiltily.

“Extremely rude,” Phil retorted.

Tess said nothing.

“Have you seen the media? You were right to be worried Tess. He’s been recorded by a journalist posing as a prostitute.”

Tess gasped as a pain shot through her stomach.

“I’m sorry to tell you that Tess. He’s a bastard. I’m glad we put a plan into place. I’ve planted the seed by questioning your loyalty. Told him you may not stand by him. He seemed confident you would, so burst his bubble,” said Phil harshly.

Tess felt like crying again. Her stomach cramps were still there and she was worried something might be wrong.

“I’ll speak to him,” she said. Do you think the plan will work?”

“Yes,” he said, with a certainty Tess didn’t share. “To be truthful, Tess, I don’t think he deserves you. You should just let him drown in his own shit.”

“I’m pregnant, Phil.”

She heard him suck in his breath. “Tess…I’m so sorry this has happened to you. First, congratulations and second, commiserations; the timing couldn’t be worse,” said Phil, sighing heavily. “I didn’t know you wanted kids.”

Tess bristled. “Phil, I’ve never said I didn’t…that was Si.”

“You need be strong, Tess. Si needs you whether he knows it or not. His career is finished without you.”

Tess gasped. The cramping was getting worse. Beads of sweat were forming on her forehead.

“Tess, are you okay?”

She waited until the cramp eased before replying, “Yes, I’ve got to go. Thanks for everything Phil…I’ll call Si, goodbye.”

She had called in all her favours and Phil had come through for her. Tess had set up Si’s ‘get out of jail card’. Si could explain why he was with a prostitute. He would pass it off as research for a new documentary they were planning on escort agencies. Phil had made it happen. He listened to what Tess told him without interruption, unaware it was Tess who’d set Si up only a matter of days later. The timings were vague enough for Tess to get away with it. Phil had been angry. He wanted to tear a strip off Si. Tess talked him down. She reminded him he was a business man and Si was still his biggest asset. Reluctantly, he’d agreed to Tess’s plan and set up the documentary as a cover just in case. Tess felt guilty that Phil had undertaken her dirty work, but she had bigger things to worry about.

She struggled out of bed when the pain in her abdomen subsided but she was gripped by terror. Was she losing the baby? That would be an apt punishment. She hadn’t really wanted the pregnancy; the weeks wearing the corset. Had that damaged the baby? She staggered into the bathroom, she needed to pee. Tess almost screamed when she saw her underwear was dotted with blood. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. She was so afraid and totally alone. The only person she really wanted was Si, but he didn’t want her. He hadn’t wanted her from the start. Tess understood their marriage was a sham and it started on her wedding night. Blinded by love, she’d made the best of it until the pregnancy. Tess couldn’t do it anymore. All she wanted was a normal husband and a normal life.

There was nothing normal about her marriage to Si. She remembered reading complete bed rest was recommended if you had complications with your pregnancy. Unsteadily, she walked back toward the bed and crawled under the covers. The cramps returned, worse than ever. She lay in a cold sweat, grimacing in pain. Thoughts of the blood and her baby consumed her. However, she was too miserable to move. Closing her eyes, she turned her face into the pillow and sobbed.

The Braille Club Undone

The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone. Guy was lost in lust and memory; no longer impartial. The masked Patron was breathing heavily, adding to the excitement. The Assignee was writhing in the chair as she climaxed for the second time; the fabric darkened from the juices between her legs.

Si

Shaken, Si had no alternative but to order a taxi and leave the hotel. He paid the driver and rushed into the house, shouting Tess’s name. He ran from room to room but the house was empty. Heart thudding, he called her mobile again but it went straight to voicemail. He left another desperate message. He’d called Anna Dunbar but she did not pick up either; he left a message. Si poured himself a large wine and sat down. He was angry. Where the fuck was Tess? He needed her. Every time he thought of the woman in the red dress, the reporter, he corrected sourly, his stomach clenched. He was out in a cold sweat. The media would eat him alive. They’d been desperate to get him for years but Tess had been his perfect cover. The house seemed so empty without her and Si switched from topping up his drink to calling his wife.

When he woke, he didn’t know where he was at first before his brain kicked in, telling him he was still downstairs on the couch. He must have fallen asleep. His body was cold and stiff. Squinting at his watch, he groaned, it was 6.00am. He stumbled towards his laptop; his eyes bleary as he tapped the keys. He scrolled through the online news, only breathing out when he saw nothing about himself.

He climbed the stairs and went to bed. Exhausted, he was asleep in seconds. When Si next opened his eyes he was blinded by the sunlight coming into the room. He groaned, aware that something was wrong. Turning, he was alarmed to see Tess was not beside him and then the previous night’s events came rushing back. Jumbled at first. The fight with Tess. He’d been so angry with her. He froze when the doorbell rang. Who the hell was that? Gingerly he got up. His head felt like it would explode. Cursing, he crossed the room and peeked out of the window. There was a photographer with a large zoom camera pointed right at him. He jerked away and drew back quickly, his mind in turmoil. With sickening clarity he remembered the rest of the evening. His call to the escort agency had been reckless. The stunning girl in the red dress, the bloody journalist, he now realised was a huge mistake. However, he was drunk and horny; used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. Outraged when Tess spurned him, he let his needs cloud his judgement.

Christ! His stomach gave a lurch. He cringed as he remember his conversation with the journalist. A horrible thought crept into his mind. Had she been taping him...or worse, filming? He blanched and turned towards the laptop they always kept in the bedroom, but it was gone. Puzzled, he fumbled around pulling open the wardrobe and froze. Tess’s clothes were gone. He thought of how he had viciously squeezed her leg and shame crept through him. The doorbell rang again and Si stiffened in alarm. The front of the house was all glass with curtains they rarely closed because their plot was private and set well back from the road.

Whoever was ringing his doorbell could see right into his home and would no doubt spot Si coming downstairs. Feeling cornered, he slumped on the bed. Every time the bell rang he tensed. His head throbbed but, unable to go downstairs, there was nothing he could do to ease it. He could hear someone shouting his name through the letter box and a flash of rage spiked through him. How dare these vultures come onto his property? He thought of phoning the police but dismissed the idea; he doubted they’d be interested in removing some reporters from his property. His mobile phone was also downstairs where he’d left it on the sofa. He cursed again. Si was intrinsically lazy and hadn’t bothered to memorise Tess’s number. He regretted that now and was angry at his stupidity. He couldn’t even call his wife. Suddenly, he remembered Anna’s card. Rifling through his pockets, he found it and triumphantly picked up the phone. This time she answered on the second ring.

“Anna Dunbar.”

“Anna, it’s Simon Lawrence.”

There was a pause. “Are you calling about removing the video?”

“Video?” said Si in confusion, noting the coolness in Anna’s tone

“Yes, the video of you negotiating with a prostitute. Your manager called earlier,” said Anna calmly.

“What?” said Si in alarm.

“It’s gone viral, I’m afraid. The firm will make the necessary moves to get it removed...but I fear the damage may be done.”

“Fuck!” roared Si.

“Mr Lawrence, tone down your language or I’ll terminate this call,” said Anna coldly.

“Sorry,” Si mumbled. “There are
reporters
at my house,” he exclaimed. “They are trespassing on private property. Can you get them removed?” he demanded in a panicked voice. He was desperate to access his computer. He’d have no choice but to go downstairs after he finished this conversation.

“My advice, ignore them. Pull your curtains. They’ll soon get bored and move on,” said Anna crisply. “Tell me. How is Tess taking it?” she asked bluntly.

Si paused because he couldn’t answer. He simply didn’t know. Tess had always warned him about the media. Her greatest fear was being exposed. He swallowed. “Well, she’s not thrilled, obviously,” said Si cautiously.

“I’ll bet,” Anna retorted. “You’ll need her more than ever, Si. If Tess stands by you then you might have a chance.”

“Of course she’ll stand by me,” said Si coldly.

“Are you sure?” questioned Anna.

Uncertainty assailed Si. “I’ll talk to her,” he blustered.

“What, you haven’t already? Mr Lawrence, you need to get your stories straight and release a joint statement. This isn’t my area of expertise, your management will advise you but I believe that’s how it works.”

Si was sweating. His hangover had gone from bad to vicious. He felt sick. “Get the video removed?” he snarled.

“Mr Lawrence, this is a Saturday...”

“For fuck’s sake,” Si screamed in frustration. The line went dead. Si smashed the receiver down. He pulled on some clothes and stormed downstairs. On entering the lounge he sprinted to the curtains and pulled them shut but knew the cameras had got their shot. He exhaled and picked up his mobile. There was a barrage of missed calls but none from Tess. Moving quickly, he darted into his study and closed the blind; unsure if the press were still out there. A hammering on his door confirmed they were. He shrank back instinctively although he knew they couldn’t see him. He plugged his mobile into its charger while he waited for his laptop to come to life. With shaking fingers he googled himself. The video was top of the list and with a sinking heart he clicked into the link; it was his worst nightmare. He held his head in his hands. He would be ruined. His mobile rang and hope soared through him that it was Tess. Tess would understand, she’d be angry but she’d understand. Instead, he saw that it was Phil. He let the call go to answer phone. Snatching up his mobile he dialled Tess’s number.

Only last night he was thinking of ending their marriage...he was thankful that he hadn’t. What a difference a day made. He needed her to get through this crisis...afterwards he’d start divorce proceedings and blame it on stress. An unfortunate but understandable separation. With the right spin, he’d be the victim. However, Tess wasn’t picking up.

Si stared at the video blankly...rooted to the spot. After some moments he checked the online newspapers. He was breaking news everywhere. His stomach rolled and with an urgent dash, he barely made it to the toilet before vomiting. The retching had left his throat and chest burning. Tears had come to his eyes as he staggered into the kitchen. He sipped the glass of water gratefully until his gaze noticed something flash across the garden. The photographer grinned at him as he snapped. Si ducked and then losing his temper strode to the back door and threw it open.

“Get off my property,” he bellowed. “This is private land. I’ve called the police,” he shouted angrily.

“Would you like to comment on the video and your prostitute?” came the reply.

“No,” Si howled and slammed the door shut. He was shaking with temper. He could hear his mobile ringing and moved back to the safety of his office. Sighing, he answered.

“Well, you’ve finally done it,” said Phil immediately.

Si said nothing.

“I warned you. As of now I no longer represent you,” he added tiredly.

“Yeah, like a rat leaving a sinking ship,” said Si.

“Oh you’re more than sinking, Si…you’re finished. You’ve got no one but yourself to blame.”

“Oh fuck off, Phil,” spat Si.

It was his second hang up. Si viciously kicked his desk before collapsing into his chair. He tried calling some of his friends but no one was taking his calls. His only hope was Tess. She was all he had left he realised. He knew, one by one his friends would distance themselves from him and his scandal. As if by association…they would be implicated in his sordid life. He’d seen it happen before. No longer caring if the reporters were still around, he returned to the kitchen and made himself a coffee but saw nobody. Maybe they had left. He wandered back to the lounge. Where the hell was Tess? He’d been so caught up with everything, it was the first time he felt concern for her. Not coming home was totally out of character, but then again, so was their fight. Si realised most of his troubles had started since he’d met Anna Dunbar.

Cool and beautiful. Smart and fiery, he’d been drawn to her immediately. She wanted him. He was never wrong, he knew women. However, her cold and judgmental voice earlier made him grind his teeth. The stupid bitch was meant to be on his side and yet she’d asked about Tess. He’d wanted to laugh. She’d wasn’t concerned about his wife when she was flirting with him;
hypocrite
. However, flirting wasn’t a crime, whereas asking for drugs and paying for sex was. The public would be shocked. The coffee and paracetamol he’d taken earlier were beginning to help. He needed to speak to Tess. He didn’t know who to call to ask about her whereabouts. She rarely saw friends. He rang her parents, secretly hoping they hadn’t seen the online news. A short frosty call with them confirmed they had seen the online news and that Tess was not with them. He dialled her number again, frustration making him end the call as soon as her voicemail started. His own mobile continued to ring. None of the calls were from Tess, but he kept hoping. Alarm shot through him when his producer’s number flashed on screen. He was too afraid to answer. He heard her leave a short terse message asking him to call her immediately.

Si hated to admit it but he was missing Tess. They’d worked and lived together for many years now and it was a shock to his system to be alone. Tess handled everything and he’d gotten used to it. Perhaps taking her for granted. He doubted a woman like Anna would be so obliging. In fact, now Si thought about it, he doubted anyone could measure up to Tess. She had a way with people. She was kind, loving and compassionate. All the qualities Si lacked. Had he pushed her too far?

There was more shouting through his letter box which Si ignored. He needed a drink badly and felt better after the first sip of wine. As Si drank his mind wandered. He’d enjoyed being married more than he’d expected. His wedding ring seemed to turn women on more; like an unspoken challenge. Even his wedding night hadn’t stopped them and if Si admitted it, he’d been thrilled. Tess didn’t seem to keep in touch with her friends anymore which was a shame. Si had slept with all of them. They were always so grateful. He got up to refill his glass, blinking rapidly in the bright kitchen after the dullness of the lounge. He glanced outside but saw no one although he knew they were still there. Filling his wine glass to the brim, he returned to his study and laptop. As more and more media sources picked up on the story it seemed to grow. Si checked his mobile intermittently in case Tess called, but she’d thrown him to the wolves like everyone else. Well, he didn’t need her, he thought savagely. The loud thumping at his door interrupted his sour musings. Cautiously Si approached.

“Si, it’s Phil.” The voice was muffled but Si knew it was him.

Opening the door, Phil bolted inside amidst whirling cameras and shouts from the press pack outside and followed Si into the darkened lounge.

“Where’s Tess?” asked Phil agitatedly.

“No idea,” Si slurred.

“You’re pissed,” Phil said accusingly.

“So what,” he sneered. “I’m in my own home; I can do whatever the fuck I like.”

“Yeah, no change there, Si. You’ve done whatever the fuck you liked since I met you. God knows why Tess has stuck with you.”

“Oh piss off, Phil; I don’t want your lectures.”

“Lecture?” Phil spat. It’s more than that today; it’s cards on the table time. I used to admire your work, Si, but Tess has been carrying you for years. You’re lazy, arrogant and out of touch. She’s the one the public respond to. Did you know she’s been approached for an independent project?”

Si stared at Phil speechless.

“Yes, that got your attention. To be honest, Si, the studio hasn’t been happy with you for a while. You’re a pain in the ass to work with. Most people tolerate you because of Tess.”

Si opened and closed his mouth like a fish.

“Evelynn has already drafted in a replacement for the show. She said she’d left you an earlier message to call her? As of now, you are suspended.”