Corporate Intrigue

[Lady_Kit]

OOC: Closed thread for me to share with BigDawg69. Hope that some of you decide to read along and that you enjoy what you read.

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The predawn darkness is quiet. The town wouldn’t normally wake for another hour, but by then everyone will be awake.

Along the road a figure slips from one pool of deep shadow to another. Steady progress soon brings the shade to the entrance to the sports park. Moving silently between playground equipment and picnic tables the wraith trots to a set of bleachers at the edge of the soccer filed.

The rising sun sparks off an object flying toward the field. Rigidly alert for any sound or movement the figure watches from cover, waiting for the proper signal before heading for the open space. The signal comes from above, a single flash…then two…then one more.

Breaking from cover just as the first whoosh of chopper blades is heard, the lean figure sprints across the field. Legs pumping and arms pounding, the runners’ stride doesn’t falter; knowing that the patrolling security teams will have heard the aircraft. The ‘copter is on the ground by the time the first alarm sounds; the first responders arrive at the field just in time to see it lift off, passenger settled safely aboard.

“Hey Boss, right on time. How’d it go?” The pilot asks into the mike as his passenger dons a headset. Glancing at the other seat, his smile quickly fades. Seeing the face of his employer, Sam, groans and wishes for the 100th time that he’d learn to look at Jac before opening his mouth.

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Jac Duvall is a corporate mercenary. Skills include information mining, covert operations, and pinpoint sabotage. Works strictly by contract, and only after a verified personal referral. Fees are high, word of honor absolutely secure, and silence is without question. Employs personally recruited specialists for all jobs, treats them well, pays them well, and has their unquestioned loyalty; doesn’t sleep with the employees, or the clients, or friends. Follows only one set of rules…
Hers.

Jacqueline Suzanne Duvall, or Jac as she is Always called, is 33 years old. Her blonde hair is long and thick, woefully impractical, but easier to maintain than cuts every six weeks to keep a short style in shape and appearance is important. Not that she’s vain, she is simply well aware of her assets and maintains them all accordingly. Her body is curved in all the right places; breasts generous, firm and shapely; legs long and toned from daily exercise. Clear blue eyes are accented by skin tanned a golden brown. Her body is an asset and she learned years ago that she could disarm a man faster with the desirability of her body with any other weapon in her arsenal.

Unfortunately, she could also out run, out shoot and out drink every man that she knew. It made it difficult to find a man she could respect. Some time ago, she just stopped looking. She really didn’t have time for a new man anyway, she had her work, and that was surely enough.

Sex? She hated casual sex, although she wasn’t above using her body and sexual favors to get what she needed to accomplish a mission. If asked she can’t remember the last time she had sex just for fun. She told herself that her business was stimulating enough. That there was nothing else she needed.

Her next client interview was going to change her mind.

 

[BigDawg69]

The boardroom on the 112th floor was cold. The post modern décor of slim angled furniture and palette of black and brush stainless steal only added to the coldness. Twelve older business men sat around the monolithic conference table. Their mood was somber; their faces wore visages of stress and anger combined with a hint of confusion and wonder.

Chesterfield Dowling sat at one end of the room. He eyed the powerful men one by one with a smugness so subtle it only added to their heightened tension. Chester was used to being in this situation. He did not like these surroundings, but he had grown accustomed to them.

Chester wore his charcoal gray Armani suit like it was part of his daily wardrobe, the whole time he could not wait to shed the business suit for a pair of khakis and his favorite faded denim shirt. This, however, was clearly not a khaki and denim kind of meeting.

“Gentlemen, this is Chesterfield Dowling. When a difficult issue arises, such as ours, Chesterfield is the man you call to quietly work through the issue.” A smaller white haired man addressed the room from the far end of the table.

Chester stood slowly to his full six foot four inch height. He was a tall man, but not necessarily a large man. Though his shoulders were wide and his limbs quite long, Chester could easily be described as wiry. Chester stepped to the table. He held his hands crossed in front of him, his left over his right.

“I am well aware of the situation in Columbia, and have been given clear direction on my objectives. You have nothing to fear gentlemen. Within the hour the first installment of my fee will be safely transferred to one of my accounts in Grand Cayman, and I will be on my way south. I can guarantee you that your pesky little scientist will not interfere with your construction plans any further.”

“He’s not to be killed!” A very nervous man blurted out from across the table.

Chester smiled warmly at the man. “I am not a killer Mr. Wilson. I am simply a negotiator. I am going down there to investigate Dr. Jordan’s research and negotiate favorable findings for his final report.” Chester took a slow step back from the table, “Now if you gentlemen do not mind? I have a plane to catch.” Chester slowly withdrew from the boardroom.

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The airport was crowded. Passengers, crew, friends and families moved about shoulder to shoulder in an organized frenzy of a great ant colony. Chester moved slowly, methodically through the crowd. He stood a head and shoulder above nearly everyone in the airport. His bright green eyes constantly scanned his environment. He was looking for something or somebody.

He held his leather knapsack over his right shoulder and tightly gripped his large Pelican case in his left hand. His cargo pants fit him well, and his dark green twill shirt hugged his shoulders not concealing their power. The crowd seemed to part before him as he moved. He projected a calm confidence through his dark angular features.

Chester stepped outside into the heat and humidity. Almost instantly a small native man ran up to Chester and began to speak nervously.

“Chester, I did not expect to see you again. It is a pleasure. What brings you to Bogotá?” The man spoke with the high pitch of fear in his voice, as well through a thick French accent.

“Business.” Came Chester’s one word reply.

“Business of course, I knew that.” The man tried to laugh but is nervousness got the better of him.

“Not with you, Luc.” Chester did not look at Luc, but constantly scanned the crowd at the busy curbside pick-up.
“Of course.” Luc sighed with some relief. “I have found a guide as you have requested. She is the . . .”

“She?” Chester cut Luc off and looked down at him directly.

“She is the best, Chester. I promise you will not be disappointed. I have set up a meeting.” Luc pleaded.

Chester looked up from Luc. Chester’s eyes settled on a young American woman clumsily making her way from the terminal. Though she was clearly out of her element, she had at least tried to dress correctly with a long white linen dress. Of course the bright white dress only made it easier for Chester to follow her already obvious movement.

“Take me to her.” Chester spoke to Luc, not taking his eyes from the woman in white.

As Chester climbed into his minivan that would shuttle him to meet with his guide, he kept a steely gaze on the woman. A man emerged from a cab and greeted her. He looked as though he had just walked out of the deepest jungle, and probably had. He was gaunt to say the least and wore an unkempt beard. At first the woman was relieved to see the man, but quickly began to clearly express her disgust of many things.

Chester smiled as the minivan pulled away from the curb. The man was apologizing as quickly as he could, trying to subdue the woman’s now full force tirade. All the while he tried to get her into his cab, nervously looking around the airport. Chester knew that man, his pesky scientist, would be and easy nut to crack.

 

[Lady_Kit]

The suite at the Hotel Casa Medina was comfortable, although most Americans would find it beneath their idea of a “top” hotel. Jac was more concerned with function than with luxury, the fact that the hotel boasted internet ports in every room and above average security was enough for her. Due to its location and designation as a historical building, it was also about as safe as any public place was likely to be in Bogotá.

Yesterdays ride from the airport had been uneventful, and everything had gone well with Luc. She had been able to learn very little about the man she was to meet today. Luc had been unable or unwilling to say more than that the man needed a guide for a short trip to check on an investment for his employer. When questioned about the use of a local guide, Luc could offer no satisfactory answer. In the end, she decided that his reluctance to give her too many details about his client was due more to true ignorance than to discretion. Luc had never been discreet in his life.

“You will meet with him? Yes?” he had pestered her yesterday, seeming anxious to secure her answer quickly.

“I may tell him to come now? That you will be his guide?”

You may tell him only that I will meet him. I will listen to his proposition, and then I will decide. Tell him only that.

And remember Luc, if he is not what you claim, or if he misbehaves in any way, I will hold you responsible.

“Yes, so you always say, and have I yet failed you?” He asked with a smile.

No, you haven’t you old thief, but maybe that’s because I threaten you every time we meet. When does he arrive? Tomorrow afternoon? Fine, bring him here and we’ll talk. Now, what’s his name?

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INCOMING FILE

Dowling, Chesterfiled, case file cd156 flashed across the computer screen.

Jac settled down at her laptop to review the disappointingly short data stream from her office. They had had nearly 20 hours to work on a profile, and Jac expected that it would take her some time to wade through it all. Her staff was very good at discovering things about people, things that a man might not even know about himself. Government files, financial records, employment, it was all there; if you knew where to look. However, much to Jacs’ surprise, Mr. Dowling appeared to be a special case; her staff had trouble finding out anything at all interesting. She particularly didn’t like the fact that there was so little to find, and that the “facts” they did manage to uncover was so vanilla. The whole dossier screamed average, but he had to be more; in her profession, Jac seldom met “average” men, and she was sure that none knew Luc.

A puzzle, how interesting.

She said as she began to dress for her meeting. A full sleeved wraparound blouse, in a vivid shade of red accented her slim waist and full breasts. It topped white linen slacks that hugged her hips and fell in crisp lines to the tips of red high-heeled sandals.

Jac told herself that the sensual outfits she chose for these meetings were tests to determine the true intent of the prospective client; but that was only part of the truth, the rest was that she loved the feel of the linens, silks and satins. Then there were the heels, at 5’4” high-heels were a god-send. She would never be able to look eye to eye to most of her male counterparts, but every little bit helped.

Hair loose and tousled, and a light make up completed her preparations. She looked around the room, nothing visible that should not have been.

Well, Mr. Dowling, I guess I’m ready for you.

 

[BigDawg69]

The minivan sped through the crowded streets of the city. The driver rounded tight corners so fast Chester was sure two of the wheels left the ground on several occasions. He sat in the back trying to take in as much of the city as he could. The streets were crowded with people and the driver used his horn more often than he used the brake.

Luc kept looking back at Chester and smiling nervously. Luc had been the subject of one of Chester’s investigations and exiled himself to Bogotá’ as result. Luc was a long time gone since he lived high in New Guinea like a king on the money he embezzled from his French corporation. Chester brought him down; so far down he almost committed suicide. Chest had prevented even that, and had sent him here. Luc hoped he would never see Chester again and was anxious to get him to the hotel and out of his life once more.

The cab screeched to a halt in front of the Hotel. Casa Medina. Chester smeared at it’s appearance, it was a bit more than he normally preferred, but knew that the alternatives would be well below his standards. Luc stepped out of the van, followed quickly by Chester.

“Your reservations are at the front desk. You guide will meet you in suite 1104.” Luc said not stepping far from the cab.

“Thanks.” Chester mumbled not looking down at the man. He shook Luc’s hand passing a one hundred dollar bill to him. “For your troubles and your silence.”

Chester turned and walked into the lobby. He was relieved to get off the street. He didn’t like third world countries and preferred not to spend his time in one. The lobby was decorated with a half budgeted attempt to be lavish. Chester was unimpressed.

He checked into his room, which was also unimpressive, but the Internet connection was important. He quickly set-up his computer out of the pelican case. He left the portable satellite up-link folded neatly in the base of the case. He would need that in the jungle.

Chester quickly checked his mail and responded to only one, his employer. He packed the computer back into the case and set the alarm at the handle. Chester carefully placed the case in the bottom drawer of the shabby armoire. He gave the room a quick look and listen then snatched up his knapsack and left.

Chester punched the button on the elevator and it creaked its way to the eleventh floor. He stepped slowly out from the doors and moved carefully down the narrow hallway. He came to a silent stop in front of room 1104, and stood perfectly still for a long moment. Satisfied that he heard nothing-strange coming from within, he knocked twice on the door.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jac stood on the balcony of the hotel watching the activity in the central courtyard. Waiters and buss boys were arranging tables and chairs for what looked to be a small dinner party. Amid the bustle, a young couple stood quietly, watching the preparations. The pair held hands and from time to time their gaze would meet and their laughter would rise up to the lone figure above. Jac pushed aside a pang of loneliness; disliking the way it made her feel weak and vulnerable. Better to focus on the job at hand, she thought, as she moved back inside.

Two sharp knocks on the door brought her out of her reverie. She silently approaches the door, years of caution prompting her to listen for sounds from the hallway as she moves. When nothing unusual is heard, she opens the door to find a tall, broad figure quietly waiting outside.

Yes, may I help you?

“I have an appointment to meet my guide. Luc said that I would be expected.” was the terse reply Jac received.

Yes, of course, please come in.

Stepping aside, she watches as her guest pauses to assess the room before he enters. Most people just walk into a space, this man entered slowly, and did it as if he expected trouble. Curious. Closing the door to the hallway, Jac follows into the sitting area of the suite.

He turns to watch her silent approach. Luc had said a woman would be his guide. Could this be her? At first glance, she hardly looked like she could find her way through anything more complicated than a shoe sale. There was something about her movements that told another story. Perhaps she wasn't what she seemed on the surface.

I’ve been expecting you Mr. Dowling. I’m Jac Duvall. I’ll be your guide, if we come to terms. She said with a smile.

She extended her hand and met his in a firm clasp. A brief flare of recognition shot up her arm. Like calling to like? She took a second look at the man before her. Average, she decided, was just not a good descriptive for Chesterfiled Dowling. He returned her gaze coolly, giving nothing of his own feelings away. He was like her, composed and self-contained, keeping his real thoughts and opinions beneath the surface.

Won’t you sit down?

Would you care for coffee? No?

Then perhaps you’d better tell me why you need my services.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester took his time walking into her room. He looked the place over thoroughly as he made his way toward the balcony. He gave a cursory glance out the sliding doors and down to the handle. He could see a slight smudge on the glass by the handle and knew that she had just been outside. For some reason this made him more comfortable.

He turned a watched her as she walked across the room toward him. Her beauty was striking, but he refused to show it. Her manner and dress made him wonder if this was in fact his guide or if she were merely an emissary. Chester hated dealing with emissaries.

I’ve been expecting you Mr. Dowling. I’m Jac Duvall. I’ll be your guide, if we come to terms. She said with a smile.

She extended her hand and met his firm grasp with one of her own. Chester was impressed she obviously carried herself with calm cool confidence. He could also feel the calluses of hard work on her otherwise soft hand. As he pulled back from the handshake he took the opportunity to slide his index finger along the outside of hers. Trigger callous. She was his guide.

Won’t you sit down? She offered nicely. Chester sat slowly on the soft couch as she perched on the edge of a chair near the round table.

Would you care for coffee? No? She motioned to a fresh pot brought up by room service sitting on a cart near the center of the room. Chester shook his head silently as he began to withdraw a leather bound portfolio from his knapsack.

Then perhaps you’d better tell me why you need my services. Jac said in a very straightforward manner.

Chester looked up from his bag with only his eyes. The brilliant green flash shot across the space between them. He had dark features and from this angle almost looked evil. Slowly a sly smile grew across his face as he began to sit up.

Jac, I have no doubt that you are a very competent guide. Perhaps over qualified for what I need. Or at least I hope so. Chester started slow, his voice low and calm. I am doing some investigation into research being done by a certain scientist for a certain company. His fieldwork is being executed deep in the forest. I need you to get me to his jobsite.

Jac sat back and studied Chester for a moment. He could see doubt in her face. She suspected that there was more to the story than he was telling. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Chester cut her off. The outcome of the professor’s studies could have profound impacts on my associate’s investment and the local people. The locals have been trying to sway the results of his experiments. I am here to help assure the investment.

Chester sat back in the couch. He held the portfolio in his lap. Jac moved slightly in her chair. Chester could see the long lean muscles of her legs beneath her linen pants. Somewhere deep beneath his hard business outer shell the thought occurred to him that if he had to spend time in the jungle it might as well be with a woman this beautiful.

Once again Jac opened her mouth to speak and before words could be made, Chester cut her off. You’re compensation will be generous I assure you.

Jac gave Chester a cold stare. Clearly he had cut her off twice answering her questions before she could even get them out. Her displeasure was growing, but she did an excellent job of hiding it with a disarming smile.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jacs laughter rang out in the quiet room. She wasn’t sure who was more surprised at the sound. She was sure that it was not the reaction he expected. He hid it well. Most people would have missed the tightening of his mouth and the way his eyes turned cold. There were certainly other indicators, but she didn’t know him well enough to see them all, yet.

Well, you’re an arrogant bastard. Aren’t you. Tell me, Mr. Dowling, is this the way you deal with your employers? Do you stand there in your…what?…Brooks Brothers?….no, conservative, but no flare….you’d be Armani…yes, in something subtle, but expensive Custom tailored, of course, wouldn’t want anyone wondering about that bulge at your hip.

Do the CEOs cower when you speak? Quiet a thrill. Isn’t it?

Her voice had gone from warm honey to whisky over ice; cold enough to freeze a mans’ blood, and hot enough to melt it again.

Unconsciously she straightened in her chair. It was clearly time for her to explain a few things about the way she did business.

She took a long measuring look at Chester. The breadth of his shoulders and depth of his chest were not solely the result of a good personal trainer. He had the look of a man who worked hard at whatever he did, and she suspected he did many things; things that her people might never be able to find out about. That would explain the “A is for Average” across his file. He started to speak and Jac raised a long finger.

Ah…ah…ah….you had your turn, now it’s mine. I’ll speak you listen. If you choose not to listen, our business is concluded and you leave. You decide, choose now.

His curt nod was rewarded with a smile.

First, clarification of a few points.

I will be told the truth, no matter what that truth is. I don’t care what it is you’re doing or who you are doing it for, but I will know the entire story before we proceed. If you can’t trust me, I can’t help you.

Further, I need to be able to trust you if we’re to travel together. Because I’m sure that I’m not overqualified for your needs, you wouldn’t have gone to someone like Luc if you didn’t need my level of skill. Hence, you expect something more than you can handle alone, but not so much that you need a crowd. You want a guide who can back you up if necessary, and know when to be there without being told.

And finally; you do not buy me for an amount you deem to be “generous compensation.” You hire me at a price I set and you agree too, or business concluded, and you leave.

Jac leans forward and pours strong dark coffee into a delicate cup; takes a single sip, and smiles at the taste. Her hand is steady as she holds the saucer, now with the matching cup, by the edge. Her face and posture are relaxed.

Chester is not relaxed, nor is he happy, his hand seems tight around the portfolio. Good, she’s unsettled him, now perhaps, she’d get the truth. She realized that she wanted the truth, wanted to take on this job. Wanted to get to know the man seated on the sofa.

Mr. Dowling, what are you doing in Bogotá? And how does it involve me?

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester tensed around his shoulders and tightened his grip slightly around his portfolio. He could the smug confidence in Jac’s eyes as she sat back sipping her coffee. He could also see something else behind her strength. He could not tell yet, but he could definitely see something in the way she held her head, the way her hair fell just so over her shoulders. She either wanted or needed this job.

Chester took a moment and looked around the suite. He sat forward a bit and made it appear as if he was adjusting nervously. He craned his neck just a bit to see the reflection through the closet mirror into her bathroom. The door only slightly ajar, Chester could just see a part of the counter top. No make-up, no hair dryer, no lotions and oils. He glanced through the cracked door into the closet. The only shoes on the floor were a pair of running shoe, a pair of well-worn sandals and a pair of really well worn boots. His eyes made their way back across the room to meet hers.

Chester squinted his eyes slowly as her looked deep into her for the first time. She did not back down but returned his stare with equal intensity. Without breaking the gaze, Chester pulled a stapled report from his portfolio and placed it on the coffee table between them.

I have not and will not lie to you, Miss Duvall. That report says it all. My employer does cower at my words while I speak them plain in his boardroom wearing an Armani suit. He does so because I do not fail. This scientist will release a study with findings that support my employer’s construction plans. The natives will not prevent him from finishing his work. That is my job here. Chester sat back slowly not braking eye contact.

Jac sipped slowly from her cup. She continued the look at Chester from over the rim. As she shifted in her seat and seductively crossed one leg over the other, Chester could see immense beauty in her eyes. Slowly he closed his eyes and took a breath in through his nose. He could smell no perfume to speak of, only the fresh clean scent of a woman.

As Jac leaned forward and began to flip through the pages of the report, Chester could feel a strange feeling welling within him. He found himself pouring over her legs and arms. He looked at her chest as she breathed and read through the pages. His mind, his keen highly trained skills of observation were no longer looking for signs and clues. He was engrossed in looking at her. He could feel a charge building between them.

My fee. . . Jac spoke softly not looking up from the papers. Her words broke Chester back to the meeting at hand.

Of course you name your fee. It will be paid to you as you desire. Chester finished her statement. “Desire?” Chester wondered why he had chosen that word?

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jac breathed a soft sigh as she closed the door behind Chester. Her nerves were frayed and her head ached. The process of reaching terms had been lengthy, more a wrestling match than a negotiation. Chester had reluctantly agreed that she, as guide, would make the decisions during travel to the scientists’ compound. Once there, she conceded that she would follow his lead. The matter of her fee was the easiest part of the whole business. The funds, the 50% first payment were to be transferred into her accounts immediately. She was to begin planning and, once deposit was confirmed, she would gather her resources and they would leave.

Her expediter would handle most of the materials planning. Jac only needed to specify the trip duration, route, time frame and number of travelers. She would also take into account the skill level of the travelers and equip each accordingly. Everything from weapons to clothing could be provided as necessary. She would email the requirements and things would be ready when she gave the word.

She returned to her chair and, sitting down, she reviewed the events of the past few hours, or at least she tried to think about her meeting. Quickly, her mind drifted to the muscular thighs that had tensed each time Chester moved on the sofa. Instead of details about the job, she could only think about Dowling.

In her minds eye, Jac looked at Chester. He was sitting on the couch opposite her, but he was different, more relaxed, smiling at her as they spoke. He leaned forward to emphasize a point in the report she was reading. His face was close; she could smell the clean masculine scent of his skin. Chester turned to look into her eyes; she was caught, couldn’t look away. She leaned forward, felt his breath against her mouth. Her lips parted; her eyes closed.

[size=large]KNOCK..KNOCK..KNOCK

KNOCK…KNOCK…KNOCK….[/size]

Jacs eyes snapped open. The pounding on the door penetrating her consciousness.

Just a moment.

“Housekeeping, Miss Duvall, just doing a room check. Do you have everything you need?”

Yes, I have everything, I won’t need anything further tonight. Thank you. Jac said, without opening the door.

She listened to the retreating footsteps and silently berated herself for her lack of caution. Indulging in fantasy while she was supposed to be on the job was bad enough, but for a client to be the subject of such fantasy; well that was too much. She’d have to get herself together; she would be no good to herself or Chester if she lost control. She wondered briefly if Chester ever lost control…no probably not. What would it take, was she woman enough to …

Enough! Jac, it’s time to hit the showers. You’ve got a job to do and you’d better do it right.

Standing in the shower, moments later, she curses very colorfully in several different languages as the cold water runs over her skin. She had never needed a cold shower in her life, and now instead of helping, it just seems to feed her imagination. Random scenes play in her mind as her body responds to the stinging water. Her nipples hardened in the cold and she imagines a mouth, warming them from the chilling water. Determinedly, she lowers the flow of the hot water. Goosebumps break out over her body as the icy blast hit her, nearly chattering from the water, she begins to repeat in a low voice:

He’s just another client; he’s just another client; he’s just another client…

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester walked slowly down the hall forcing himself not to turn back. He rode the elevator down his floor. He padded slowly to his room and entered quietly. He glanced around the unimpressive room and felt lonely. Chester walked over to the window, slid the shades open and looked down on the busy city street.

With a sigh, he closed the drapes once more and picked up the room service guide. Hs lip sneered at the offerings, his eyes looked slowly around the room. Dropping the menu to the bed Chester strode over to the mini fridge and opened it. The fridge was slightly stocked with two beers and an assortment of cheap liquors in mini bottles. Chester took a mini bottle of Jack Daniels from the refrigerator and looked at it with scorn. He nonetheless poured its contents into a small glass and took a sip.

Chester headed off to the bathroom and drew a warm shower. His mind kept running back to the long slope of Jac’s thighs through the thin linen of her pants. Instead of thinking about what he may encounter from the scientist or the natives, Chester could only think about what Jac may look like in the middle of a long day of hiking in the jungle. As he stepped beneath the luke warm water his mind raced off to picture the long Jac standing before him, sweat holding her hair to the sides of her face. She was strong and passionate. Chester was beginning to find her irresistible.

Chester allowed himself to relax fully under the warm soothing shower. He leaned against the cold tiles and for the first time in a long time he let go of his imagination and allowed himself to dream of a woman. But he did not dream of just any woman, he dreamed of Jac. The way a tight t-shirt would hug her perfect breasts under the heat and humidity of a hot jungle day. His mind quickly wandered to feel of her skin against his own. He began to touch himself there in the shower. The hot water steamed the small tiled room. His imagination so vivid he could feel the silky smooth touch of her skin. He could taste the soft body of her breath. Chester’s cock became quite hard as he stroked it, dreaming of his guide. Leaning against the cold tile, the hot water cascading over him, Chester stroked hard as his mind dreamed of a time when he could kiss her, hold her naked body next to his. He could feel himself enter her; her moans of pleasure replaced the sound of the running water. His muscles tensed, his head fell back and Chester released in a strong orgasm.

Breathing heavy Chester opened his eyes and tried to focus. He stood slowly and moved under the water. Wetting his hair and washing it, he began to mentally berate himself for indulging. She was his guide, possibly, no probably his lifeline. He had to shake these thoughts from his mind. He should have been stronger to resist the urge.

Chester completed his shower and wandered back into his room. He put on his light cotton drawstring pants and withdrew his computer from its secure location. He plugged it in and began to check his messages. Jac would contact him, when she had completed the arrangements. Already Chester had to trust her. Normally he would have not allowed such an arrangement to occur, but it was different with her. And that nagged at him.

 

[Lady_Kit]

The light at 4am was dim at best, but the temperature was moderate and would make the first leg of the journey more tolerable for the occupants of the waiting range rover. Jac reviewed the equipment list for the final time while she waited for Chester to arrive. As requested, the vehicle was stocked with enough gear for two nights at an easy camp, after which they would trade the rover for trail bikes and packs. She expected some resistance from Chester about the bikes, since they would be far less comfortable than the rover, and would greatly limit the amount of gear to be carried. However, she knew that where they were going the only thing better than the bikes for maneuverability would be horses, and they were neither as fast nor as practical. With luck, they would be able to move from the relay point, where they would pick up the bikes, to their goal in a single day. If not, there were one or two possible campsites along the way. She fervently hoped that luck would be with them, otherwise they were going to have to make a rough camp, available site or not.

She had made a couple of assumptions about gear for Chester and one pack contained a 40 caliber Browning Hi-Power semiautomatic handgun for his use. She had wanted to be sure that something was available that would suit his size tucked in with the weapon was a cross draw holster that she found suited most large men. In another bag was a variety of climbing gear that fell into the category of “be prepared.” She was reasonably sure that her handsome companion could handle whatever came at them; but it was her job to make sure that they avoided as much trouble as possible, just in case.

Todays wardrobe revealed more of the true nature of Jac Duvall than the silk and linen she had worn for her first meeting with Chester. Today, she was dressed for work; kaki pants fit snugly over muscled legs and a gently rounded bottom and were tucked into worn boots to prevent crawlies from invading her clothing; a plain t-shirt stretched over her chest, emphasizing the size and shape of her full breasts, and reveled the strong shoulders, back and neck of someone in top physical form. Her long hair was braided and hung down her back in a single golden rope. At her hip was her personal side arm; a 40 cal “Baby” Desert Eagle. She caressed the butt of the gun as she stood by the rover and decided once again that she felt much more comfortable with it, than without it.

Glancing at her watch, Jac begins to wonder what is keeping her companion, and she feels a flash of irritation at the delay. She wouldn’t have taken Chester for the kind of man to spend a lot of time in bed…well sleeping anyway, she thinks with a small smile. A mental picture of his hard form laying among tangled sheets sends a wave of heat through her body and she indulges herself for a moment; imagining what he might be like, fantasizing about the passion that might be contained within his reserved persona. With a mental shake and a deep breath, she pushes the vision aside and chides herself aloud for her lack of professionalism.

Jac, you have got to get a grip. You aren’t some schoolgirl anymore. Focus on the job!

Grimly, she begins to tighten the straps of the roof packs, venting her frustrations on the heavy canvas and nylon. As she punches the bags and packs into place she mutters.

…its going to be a long trip.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester sat straight up in bed exactly five minutes before his alarm went off. This was usual behavior and a large reason why he could never keep a woman around. It was a largely annoying trait to have a perfectly synchronized internal clock. He rose slowly and went into the bathroom where he splashed his face down with cool water. Chester looked up into the mirror. A dark shadow of stubble had appeared along his strong jaw line over night. He rubbed his face and the image of Jac entered his mind once more. This time splashing with the coldest water he could extract from the tap Chester shook off his thoughts.

He moved methodically into the room and laid onto his back. Closing his eyes, Chester went through the motions of an aggressive, yet almost meditative abdominal workout. Having completed his workout, Chester strode calmly to the shower and went about the business of getting ready for his journey.

Dressed in long khaki cargo pants, tucked neatly into the tops of his combat boots and a long sleeved green twill shirt, Chester grabbed his old lucky Yankees baseball cap and slid it over his head. The deep navy blue of the cap and white lettering had faded over the years with wear. This cap looked less to be worn by Chester as it appeared to almost be a part of his head.

He tucked his Beretta .9mm in a holster designed to fit in his waist band and checked through his leather knapsack. Bound in a watertight portfolio he held the report on the scientist and other important documents. Several loaded clips for the Beretta, a complement of clothing, and a smattering of first aid supplies filled the bag. He pulled a large Bowing knife from a secure holster that lined the back of the pack and checked its razor sharp edge. Chester pulled his Gerber multi-tool for a side pocket and strapped it onto his belt.

He placed the knapsack on the edge of the bed and checked the contents of his pelican case. The laptop, satellite uplink and various other electronic devices fit snug in their respective compartments. He had a feeling Jac would balk at the size and weight of the case, but Chester knew he had to have it. It wasn’t just the computer equipment he needed, there were a few contingency materials hidden inside as well.

Feeling prepared for his trip into the jungle, Chester grabbed his knapsack, and case and headed down to the street. He got to the Range Rover to find Jac busily tightening the straps on the large roof packs. Chester coolly walked up just as she was punching and tightening down the bag.

“Remind me not to be loose around you.” He spoke softly and clearly as she jerked down on the strap. His words and presence startled her. She turned with a jerk and glared at him.

“You’re late. Let’s go.” She said curtly and climbed into the driver’s seat of the Range Rover.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jac threw the Rover into gear and sped off down the narrow city street. As they passed from the middle class neighborhood of their hotel to the working class apartments Chester spoke for the first time.

“I wasn’t late. In fact, I am never late,” he said.

Her response was an unladylike snort.

Midmorning found them at the edge of the improved road. The next stretch would cover old asphalt so full of potholes that it resembled a length of black lace more than a road. By the end of the asphalt it would be night, and they would make camp.

Jac pulled the Rover off the road at a small dirt car park; backing into an area that gave her easy access back to the road, and a good view of her surroundings.

Lets break here and have something to eat.

She cuts the engine on the Rover. Turing to her companion she continues,

You’re right. You weren’t late. My mistake.

She quickly climbs from the Rover and moves to pull out food for their break.

Chester looks at the empty drivers seat and a small smile forms on his surprised face.

“Well, I’ll be damned, an apology. Bet she doesn’t do that often.”

At the rear of the Rover Jac pulls drinks and sandwiches from a large cooler. She hopes that he’ll let her comment drop now. She’d said she was sorry, at least as much as she was able. If he asked she’d chalk it up to pre-departure tension. God knows she couldn’t tell him that he had that kind of disruptive effect on her.

His presence next to her in the Rover scurried across her skin all morning. Feeling like small sparks; making her excited and tense…and…aroused. And not a cold shower in sight. She would definitely be taking the first watch tonight. Maybe the cool night air would do the trick.

With only the two of them, they’d be sleeping in shifts. Less caution would risk equipment at the very least. The practicle side of her had used the sleeping arrangements to save space; requesting a small tent that would have been too small for them both; but it would serve as long as they had to set a guard, and that would be for the duration of the trip. A strange stab of disappointment followed the thought that she’d not share a bed with him, and Jac pressed it down, hiding the idea away, but not ready to discard it all together.

It’s the heat she mutters. Pulling a large chunk of ice from the cooler, she runs it over her face, letting the water run down her neck to soak the edge of her shirt. Careful to stop before she looks like an entrant in a wet t-shirt contest she tosses the dripping crystal aside.

Mr. Dowling, lets eat. I want to keep moving. We still have miles to go before we get to our camp for tonight.

 

[BigDawg69]

The road was bumpy but Chester had expected that. Hw could not help myself but to take the occasional glance at the lovely driver. She held a strong determination on her face for the whole morning. They rode in silence as the truck bounced down the broken asphalt.

As she pulled over to a small dirt spot along the side of the road and announced lunch a slight apology curled off of her lips. She climbed out of the Rover and moved around to the back quickly.

“Well, I’ll be damned, an apology. Bet she doesn’t do that often.” Chester muttered half to himself.

Chester turned in his seat to watch her for a moment as she pulled the cooler out and began to extract their lunch. His eyes were captivated as she gently rubbed a large chunk of the ice over her face. Chester slowly turned and climbed out of the truck. He could not deny the simple fact that this woman turned him on like no other he had ever encountered. The thought of the drips of cold water rolling down her face and over her delicate neck occupied him as he slowly walked to the rear of the truck. His mind saw the droplets as they disappeared beneath the tight low-neck line of her shirt. He wondered about the sleeping arrangements for the first time. Did she bring two tents? He hoped there would be only one.

“Mr. Dowling, lets eat. I want to keep moving. We still have miles to go before we get to our camp for tonight.” Jac stated as he rounded the corner.

She handed him a sandwich and then turned to sit on the rear bumper to eat her own. Chester took his sandwich and gave it a slight inspection before biting into it.

“Chester.” He stated plainly stepping away from the vehicle.

“Excuse me?” She replied.

Chester turned back to her in a strong move, his eyes poised directly on hers. “My name is Chester. Please.”

Jac stood and took a step toward him. She stood straight and strong, her advancement caused a slight lump to form in Chester’s throat, something he was wholly unused to. “You are my client.” She said with a slight smile.

Chester did not break their look. “Perhaps, but we will be spending the next couple days together. You may call me Chester. I would prefer it.”

Jac looked away briefly to her sandwich and to his. She turned and headed back to the Rover. “Finish your sandwich Mr. Dowling we have a long way to go yet.” She pulled a pair of large water bottles from the cooler and began to repack the back of the truck.

Chester stood and looked down at his sandwich. He was at a loss. Calculating his next move, Jac turned to him before he could speak. “Chester?” She said as she closed the rear hatch. She approached and handed him one of the bottles of water. “Let’s get back on the road shall we?”

Chester took the water and walked to the passenger side and climbed in next to Jac. “Jac?” He started as she turned over the engine and started to pull back onto the road. “Is that short for something?” He non-chalantly took a long drink from his bottle and looked over at the driver.

Jac smiled at the road and responded to Chester. As the afternoon wore on and the road grew worse the morning’s silence was replaced with witty banter and familiarizing conversation through the afternoon. The more Chester talked to Jac the more he liked her. At several points he could feel himself pulling back almost in fear. There was a connection that he had never felt with anyone before let alone a woman.

As the afternoon wore into evening he began to wonder if the road actually went anywhere. As the sun began to sink behind the high mountains the broken asphalt disappeared from the road. The Range Rover bounced and slid around a few corners on the winding road before Jac took a sudden turn off the road and drove down a small ravine a few hundred yards. She pulled to a small clearing and stopped the truck.

“We’ll make camp here for the night.” Jac announced as she climbed from the vehicle.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jac watched as Chester expertly laid the fire ring for their small camp and drew a pail of water from the nearby stream to set close at hand. Clearly, this was not his first wilderness adventure, nor the first time he’d carried a gun and a laptop to do his job. There was more to the man than met the eye; and after a day of conversation and close proximity she found herself wanting to know more. She also wanted to see more; images of Chesters skin by the light of the campfire had tortured her for hours now, and she was in a fine state. The problem was, that she wasn’t sure what to do about it. Jac had caught a couple of looks cast in her direction, and she believed that he was having similar thoughts.

She pulled foil wrapped packets from the cooler and laid them near the new fire.

Dinner, when the fire is ready, just lay them in the coals.

“What? Oh, sure, dinner. Looks like we’ll have plenty to eat, but I’m a little concerned about the tent. Do you really think it’s big enough for the two of us?”

Chester asked as he gestured to the small tent Jac had raised.

The tent will only be big enough if we’re very cozy Chester; and we aren’t that cozy.

She smiled, hoping that her attempt at humor would show him that it was practicality, not choice, that dictated the sleeping arrangements. Oddly, it was important that he understand that it wasn’t personal.

However, since we’ll be sleeping in shifts, the size of the tent won’t really matter. You have the second watch, by the way, since you can sleep while we travel.

Right now, I’m going to take advantage of the clean water, and freshen up a bit. I trust you’ll stay put?

“On my honor ma’m.” He replied, covering his heart with his right hand and raising his left.

The desire to be clean overcame any timidity Jac had about Chester and his honor. She gathered her toiletries and moved along the bank of the stream to an area sheltered from the campsite and offering a smooth rock just at the edge of the water. She stripped off the sweat stained t-shirt, and laid it aside, following it with her bra. On top of the small pile of clothes, she places her gun, loose in the holster, and within easy reach.

Kneeling on the rock; Jac stretches forward to dip a cloth into the clear water. Droplets flash in the dappled light as the water streams from the cloth to her heated skin. Cool water runs in rivulets along her arms, and she rubs the cloth through the streams, spreading the moisture to her neck and chest. The air drifting above the water caresses her bare breasts, causing caramel colored buds to jut out from the tightened areola. She sighs with pleasure at the scene before her, the clear water, flowing under a canopy of green leaves; a pool just perfect for a nude swim, a second sigh, this one of regret escapes her.

The sound from her right was wrong; her hand found the gun without conscious thought. The leaves rustled; she picked up the gun, pivoted on the ball of one foot, and raised the gun and sighted in one smooth motion.

Come out, come out whoever you are…

Jac called in a low voice, while sincerely hoping that she was not about to catch Chester peeking at her from the bushes. A flurry of feathers was the only thing she could make out as the small bird ran from one bush to another. With a laugh, she continued dressing, pleased that Chester apparently was a man of his word; “or at least smart enough to avoid discovery,” a smug voice cried from deep in her psyche.

Meanwhile, Chester was trying to quickly and quietly erase all trace of his movement from the path back to camp.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester sat by the fire and did not even look over his shoulder as Jac disappeared from view. He played with a stick in the fire absentmindedly for a moment or two. With a sigh he turned and looked in the direction Jac had walked off. He could see my the flickering light and through the canopy of leaves of her sheltering bush just the broken outline of her very feminine form.

Chester slowly turned around and crouched low for a better look. He was no longer in control of his senses as he watched her lift her long arms over her head. Moving very slowly and silently Chester found himself closer to her. He could not make out much, just the back slope of her slender shoulder as dripped water over her face and chest. Chester could feel his heart begin to race. He furled his brow at the sensation that was overtaking him. Suddenly her movement stopped. Chester froze dead still in the night. With a swift movement Jac spun around holding her pistol with a strong hand a peering into the dark jungle to her right and away Chester’s position. His eyes slowly followed her aim as she spoke out into the cool night. A bird lifted from the ground into the air.

Chester took the opportunity of the bird’s noisy departure to cover his tracks and retreat to the fire. He stood by the fire with his back to Jac and looked down into the dwindling flame. Chester’s heart slowed as reason returned to his brain. He felt like pounding his head against a stone for allowing himself to do what he had just done.

Almost angrily Chester pulled his shirt off and tossed in a heap next to his pack. He squatted by the small tent and began to pull his computer out of the case. In a few short moments he was up-linked and looking for any new information. There was none.

As he sat there staring at the screen Chester ached with a desire he so rarely felt. He wanted to touch Jac’s skin, to feel her touch him. He shook his head hard and began to re-pack the computer. It was going to be a long night, and he wondered if the humidity would ever go down. As he was closing his case he could the presence of another person nearby. He froze completely.

“Whew I feel better . . .” Jac spoke as she walked back toward the fire, but before she could finish Chester had darted to her side and grabbed her around the waist. With a finger to his lips he shook his head as Jac struggled against his grip.

Chester stared solemnly into Jac’s eyes he did not loosen his grip and it didn’t take Jac a whole second to realize Chester felt they were in great danger and not alone. Her eyes moved from his and darted around the dense jungle that surrounded their site.

Chester slowly withdrew his Beretta and held it up to his face. Slowly he turned around. Neither made a single sound as they surveyed their surrounding as best they could. A long moment passed as the two stood dangerously close to one another.

With a loud flutter a small flock of birds lifted to the high canopy and out of sight. Chester relaxed his grip from Jac, but she did not move. They turned to each other, faces too close. Their eyes met in the steamy heat of the jungle night.

“You should try and get some sleep. I’ll keep first watch.” Jac spoke slowly, quietly.

“Sure.” Chester replied in a low voice.

They looked at each other for a moment longer. Neither wanted to be the first to break the stare, nor did either want to be the first to make a move. Finally the fire popped loudly and stole Jac’s attention. She stepped away slowly and tossed a small log onto the smoldering pile. Chester stood for a moment before turning to the small tent.

 

[Lady_Kit]

The moon was riding cool and bright above Jac as she stood watch over the small camp. The earlier sounds from the tent had finally stopped, apparently, Chester had at last found sleep. Jac doubted if her rest would be any easier.

The whole situation was damned unnerving. Why couldn’t she treat this like any other job? Chester, of course, he was more than just another client. He was a pain in the ass. No, that wasn’t true. He hadn’t whined or complained. Remembering the way his lip had curled when he’d mentioned the hotel they’d left this morning, she smiled. Apparently the establishment wasn’t up to his standards, but he’d kept his mouth shut about it.

The brief touch earlier confirmed her suspicion that he was more than he appeared, well the touch and the way he’d handled the Beretta. She wondered if he’d been military…that would account for a lot. He was a puzzle, no question. He certainly kept in shape, everything that she’d come in contact with during that short contact had been hard…or at least firm.

Jac stood and stretched. This was the worst part of any watch, the last hour. Your body has been awake for so long that it’s pretty much on auto-pilot, your mind is almost completely numb, and every sound could be something it probably isn’t. She took a turn around the fire, working stiff shoulders, rolling her head from side to side. Resuming her seat on a nearby log, she listens to the night sounds, the plop of a fish in the nearby water, air moving through the leaves above.

Chester turns over in the tent, drawing her attention. She should wake him soon, try to get some sleep herself. Tomorrow would be a long day, they had to reach the staging area before night. To her surprise, he’d been fine with the plan to use bikes, guess he’d figure out some way to transport the laptop. Well that was his problem, she was only responsible for Chester, not his technology.

She checks her watch, time to rouse Chester. The tent flap moves aside under her hand, the interior is dark and still.

Chester? Wake up, it’s your watch.

No response, she moves closer, nudges his foot with the toe of her boot. Nothing. Kneeling, she tries again.

Come on, Chester, wake up. You’ve got the watch.

Her night vision is good, and she can just make out his sleeping form. She moves closer, hoping to find a shoulder, meaning only to shake him lightly. Her hand reaches forward tentatively. Jac feels the warmth of his skin rising to meet her hand…as her fingers make contact she realizes two things in quick succession: She has not found his shoulder after all and that Chester sleeps in the nude.

Damn she whispers now, I'll never sleep.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester rustled around in the small tent for quite a while. He tossed around the idea of sleeping in his boxers and a t-shirt as he watched Jac poke at the small fire just outside. He even laid back an attempted to sleep, but to no avail. Finally in a rush he slipped out of his shirt and pulled off his boxers, leaving both crumpled beside him in the bag.

The night was hot and humid and Chester found it very hard to sleep. He tossed for a bit, then settled into a comfort to close his eyes. He rested there letting his mind drift back across the reports and findings he had been able to acquire from the company and this scientist. Sleep would not come easy but the endless string of figures and specifications slowly lulled him.

A soft touch that stirred him from his slumber. Chester lay still for a moment, he had been lost in a dream he could no longer remember and still did not have his bearings. His eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness as a hand reached into his bag and came to rest softly on him. With a quick and singular move, Chester snagged the wrist of the person touching him and whipped them to the ground next to him. His strength and movement sudden and shocking, it pulled a gasp and slight scream from his perceived foe.

Chester leaned up pinning his would be abductor to the ground next to him in the tent. His eyes fell onto the wide-open eyes of Jac. Her mouth was open but slowly drawing into an angered smirk. Her brow furled as she looked up at him. He stared down at her catching his breath. He watched as her eyes slowly moved down over his thick chest and then lower. A corner of her mouth curled up uncontrollably as her eyes shot back to his.

“It’s your watch.” She spoke softly.

Chester looked at her. His eyes traced the outline of her lips. For a fleeting moment he thought of kissing her. She laid so close her lips so full and inviting. Chester’s mouth fell open slightly; he looked deep into her eyes. He saw there in her face a welcome response. Jac too opened her mouth to equal his. Her head lifted from the ground slowly, his lowered. The slight gap of air that separated their lips electrified through the night air. A kiss was eminent.

“You need to get some sleep, yes?” Chester spoke softly. As his lips moved he could feel the very slight brush with hers.

“Yes, and the fire will die soon if you don’t get some wood on it.” She breathed.

Their eyes met for a long moment. And then in as quickly as Chester had placed them in this position they both equally looked away. Chester released Jac and rolled away to put on his clothes. Jac sat up slowly and made her way out of the tent. Each of them shook their head slightly in a feeling of disbelief.

Chester pulled on his pants and tucked aside his growing hard on. He tried to wash the thoughts of Jac from his mind with more recounting of the reports. Jac walked to the fire. Her nipples struggled against the fabric of her t-shirt. She breathed heavy and slowly.

“Sleep well. I’ll wake you just before first light.” Chester said as he emerged from the tent. He bent over quickly to collect some wood from a small pile and to hide the bulge in his cargo pants.

“Thanks” Jac spoke softly and walked around to the tent crawling inside.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Jac stripped down to a brief thong and an undershirt, then laid down on the rumpled sleeping bag. She was sure that sleep would elude her, but oddly enough, exhaustion won out. Her eyes closed quickly and she was immediately cast into a web of heated dreams.

In the shadowy realm of sleep, Jac chased, and was in turn, chased by all manner of specters; only one image remained constant; Chester. No matter where her inner vision turned, her eyes kept finding his form. She felt as if she was trapped in a fun house maze, constantly running into dead ends, never quite reaching her goal. Was she moving toward him, or trying to flee? It was impossible to tell. Her night form ran down a final corridor, Chester waited and watched her progress. As she neared, he opened his arms and a welcoming smile lit his face.

The dream Chester wrapped his arms around her; she molded her body against him and raised her face, eager for his kiss. The touch of his lips sent a thrill through her; the feeling was unlike any she had known before. His mouth moved against hers, and her lips parted, welcoming his probing tongue. Jac moaned against him; tightening her arms around his neck, drawing him close. His hands moved over her back, sliding down to cup her buttocks; he pulled her tight against him, and she felt the hardness of his manhood, hard, hot and ready. Chester raised his head, his eyes smoldered into her own.

“Jac” he said hoarsely, “Jac.”

“Jac. Wake up, if you get your butt out here you can have fresh coffee. Otherwise, it’s the dregs.”

Wha…What? Wake up? Oh!…Right, I’m awake, be right there.

Jac sits up slowly, trying to shake off the last of the dream. The smell of coffee drifts into the tent; she quickly pulls on a loose shirt and crawling awkwardly from the tent, stands to fasten her pants.

Thanks for starting the coffee, Chester. I’m no good at all without my caffeine in the morning. She said as she moved to the dying fire.

Unless you object, lets pack up now, and stop later to eat. I’d like to get rolling. We have another long day ahead of us, but tonight, real beds await, not to mention a real shower.

Jac smiled as she contemplated the joys of a shower. Remembering her dream, and looking at the handsome man before her, her smile changes, as the possibilities of a soft bed run through her mind. “Perhaps,” she thinks, “just this once, getting close to a client would be ok…Just this once.”

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester watched carefully as Jac stepped out of the tent. His eyes subtlely fixed on hr long fingers buttoning the top of her pant. He shot his look to her lovely face just in time for her to look up to him and smile.

Chester offered her some coffee, which she graciously accepted. As he handed her the cup, their fingers touched and Chester felt a wave of emotion wash over him. He could no longer deny to himself how much he wanted to be with Jac. He began to wonder how long eh would be able to conceal his desire from her, and even if he should conceal it at all.

Jac suggested they hit the trail early and try to cover as much ground as possible. Her promises of a soft bed appealed to Chester. Although he did not mind and had been forced to do so on many of these type excursions, he much preferred a real bed to the ground.

Jac quickly went about the business of folding and packing the tent. Chester washed the coffee pot and began to put out the fire. His eyes kept wandering over her form. She was poetry in motion. Her movement was precise and liquid. Chester made short order of the fire and pulled his pack into neat order as well.

The two quickly made for the Rover and repacked it before climbing inside. The predawn air was cold and Chester could not help but take a long look at Jac’s hardened nibs as they pressed out against her tight t-shirt. She climbed in beside him her eyes followed his and a slight grin spread across her lips. Chester quickly recovered and shifted in his seat looking out the window.

The Rover roared to life and Jac maneuvered their way back onto the road. She knew with this early a start they could be on the bikes before lunch and to a shower and bed by dark. She looked over at Chester. She looked down his long legs, trying to discern his muscle tone through his pants and assess his abilities as a cyclist.

“Don’t worry Jac. I can handle a day long ride, even in the jungle.” Chester spoke without looking at her.

“I’m sure you can.” Came her dry reply.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Morning moved to noon and the dust-covered vehicle ate the miles with surprising efficiency given the miserable road conditions. Jac tried to keep the pace steady and miss the majority of the frequent potholes in the dirt road. The springs in the Rover were good, and she doubted that anything else on 4 wheels could have provided a better ride, but her sore body was unconvinced and protested loudly with each jolt. Glancing at her companion to see how he fared in the bouncing ride Jac can’t help but appreciate his hard lean form. Even slouched in the seat, sound asleep, he looked ready to spring on a seconds notice. Most people wouldn’t be able to get any rest under the circumstances, but he appeared to have schooled himself to take his breaks when and where he found them.

Well, so had Jac, and a break was exactly what she needed now; a lunch stop was definitely in order. The decision made she begins searching for a likely place to pull off the road, although with no more traffic than she had encountered so far, stopping in the center of the road would probably not cause any major difficulty for the next few hours. A suitable patch of shade beaconed from ahead, and she slowed the vehicle to a stop. The silence of the engine woke Chester, and he yawned and stretched, before looking at Jac with a surprisingly boyish grin.

“Lunch?” He asked hopefully.

Lunch!

Jac replied enthusiastically, and headed for the back of the Rover. The large cooler once again provided sandwiches and bottles of water for their meal, and they both tucked in quickly.
We’re running right on schedule, Chester. We should make the lodge in another 4 hours or so. In the morning we’ll go visit your scientist; just to keep a low profile, we’re going to use motorcycles to travel from the lodge. You do ride? It will be a short trip, and the bikes will let us stay off the main road. So we get in, check on your investment, and then back to Bogotá.

Jac cringes inwardly at the flip tone in her voice. It hadn’t come out at all right, that’s what she gets for trying to make conversation. She sighs to herself as she notes the frown developing on Chesters’ brow.

“What Lodge, and what motorcycles, that yes, I can, ride.” Chester asks with a tinge of irritation. “Staying off the main road? This is the best you can do? I must confess, this doesn’t sound like much of a plan.”

The sarcastic tone in Chesters voice runs up Jacs spine like nails on a chalkboard. Her diplomatic skills, never her strongest, immediately leave her and she replies with the first thing that enters her mind.

I’m sorry, I assumed that you would have read the brief I provided. We will be staying tonight at the lodge of a colleague. While in his home we’ll be able to rest in comfort and safety; his people take care of security even when he is absent, as he will be now. He will have provided two trail bikes suitable for our movement to and from the compound where we’ll find your scientist. Once you have ascertained that all is well, we’ll reverse our trip, returning first to the lodge, and then to Bogotá. There, you and I will conclude our business. Have I made everything clear to you now?

With a start, Jac realizes that her voice has not only risen, but has taken on the icy quality she so often used with her employees, or anyone else she wanted to keep at a distance. She regrets the tone immediately, but the set of Chesters shoulders tell her that it’s too late to take back the words.

“Yes, Jac, I believe you have made everything perfectly clear. It is plain that we’re both anxious to put our association behind us. To that end, I’d say its time to get back on the road. Wouldn’t you?”

She watches, with regret, as he moves to the front of the Rover.

Nice going, Jac. No need to worry about a tumble in the sheets now. She chides herself, and then wonders when she had decided that a tumble was not such a bad idea.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester walked purposefully to the front of the Rover. He was disappointed in the small rant he’d been given by Jac. He was more taken aback by his own erroneous assumption that “bikes” in her brief meant motorcycles not mountain bikes. His snap was a clear and decisive way of masking how turned on her snap had really gotten him.

Jac slowly joined Chester and restarted the engine. Just before putting the vehicle into gear she looked over at him. For a moment time paused as Chester pondered his next move. He thought quickly through the possibilities of just leaning over and kissing her, or returning her look with a steely gaze. Should he be cool, or should he step forward and apologize. His mind ran through scenarios at amazing speed, the reality quickly fell that there was no way he could predict with any accuracy her reaction. And that simple realization endeared her to him even more.

“Is it nice?” Chester asked plainly without looking at her.

Jac’s mouth fell open slightly. She did not say anything. Chester slowly turned his head and looked her straight in her baby blues. “Is the lodge nice?” His eyebrows arched up and his eyes almost seemed to twinkle.

“I suppose it is yes. Does that matter?” She spoke softly and turned away as she put the Rover into gear and pulled back onto the road.

“Good. I don’t mind a tent and the ground, but finer accommodations are always appreciated.” Chester said calmly. His voice hardly wavered as the Rover bounced down the rough road.

The two sat in silence for sometime. Chester flipped through some of his notes. This was unnecessary, but he wanted to look occupied as they drove on. Finally after a particularly long patch of a particularly bumpy section of road Chester looked up and over at Jac. Her face was pulled tight as she concentrated on driving the Rover to keep it up right and avoid getting stuck.

“Perhaps you should stop and back-up, I think you missed a pot hole back there.” Chester quipped.

Jac’s face shot around at Chester. Her scowl slowly faded into a smile then a laugh as Chester sat looking at her with a giant shit-eating grin.

“Perhaps you think you can do better?” She offered.

“Oh no. You’re doing quite well.” Chester actually winked at her. Her return smile set his heart to ease. Finally the air in the Rover seemed to ease of tension.

BANG!

The Rover jerked to one side and Jac slid it to a stop. Chester quickly withdrew his handgun and opened the car door sliding out surveying his surroundings. Jac followed suit, quickly moving around to Chester’s side of the car. As she rounded the front of the Rover, she saw Chester standing and reholstering his weapon. He was looking down rather dismayed at a very flat tire.

“I figure this might set us of schedule a bit.” He said looking at the nearly shredded tire.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Shoving the Baby back into it’s holster, Jac let loose a short expletive, and gave the useless tire a kick.

Well, there goes the manicure, she quipped. Let’s see if we can change this thing and get moving.

Chester proved more than willing to do the dirty work in the replacement of the tire, and Jac found herself all too ready to let him. She prided herself on being capable of handling any situation, but she also knew that there were some things that a man could just do faster and easier. It was simple anatomy and uppper body strength. She made herself useful by holding the loose lug nuts and handing Chester items, as they were needed.

The only real damage came as the last nut was being tightened and Chesters sweaty hands slipped on the tire iron. He let loose a loud yelp and Jac caught a flash of crimson before he wrapped the injured area in his free hand.

Are you ok? Let me see.

“Its nothing, just a scratch.”

Let me see it; scratch or no, it needs to be cleaned and covered. The last thing you need here is an infection.

Reluctantly, Chester extended the injured hand. Jac was relieved to see that he had only scraped his knuckles, probably on the edge of the wheel, and the whole thing was nothing that a bandage and some antibacterial ointment wouldn’t cure. She held his large hand in her own as she cleaned and treated his nicked skin, all the while feeling that same tingle that had surprised her the day they met. When the last of the tape was smoothed down she looked up and gave him a quick smile before speaking.

There. You’ll be good as new in no time. I'm sorry you got hurt changing the tire.

“If you're really sorry, how about a kiss to make it better?” Chester asked quietly.

Time slowed; Jacs’ breath caught in her throat, and she felt her heart begin to pound. She slowly raised the tanned hand to her lips and laid a gentle kiss on the stark white bandage.

“That wasn’t quite what I had in mind, Jac.” Chester said with a low growl and pulled her forward with a jerk. “I don’t know about you, Lady, but I’ve waited for this as long as I intend to.”

Her body melted into his and she lifted her arms to wrap them around his neck. His lips descended to meet hers in a kiss that was both conquest and surrender. She moaned aloud, felt his arms tighten around her in response. Chester pressed his lips against hers, teasing her with his closed mouth, allowing only the pressure of his flesh to convey his desire.

She savored the feel of him, hard and firm under hands that roamed up and down his broad back; his mouth continued its assault until she thought she die for a taste of him. When his lis finally parted against her own she felt her nipples tighten at the wave of desire that washed across her skin. When his tongue touched hers the last sane part of her knew that it was now or never. Either stop now or have him right here.

My god, Chester, where have you been all my life? Jac took a deep breath and said shakily, reluctantly pulling away.

He made as if to pull her back into his arms, but stopped as she placed a trembling hand on his heaving chest.

No. We need to get to the lodge before dark Chester. This would not be a good place to spend the night, or believe me, we’d pitch the tent right here. Jac said.

Chester looked into the blue eyes that had gone from summer sky to summer storm and knew that she was right, he also knew without a doubt that they weren't finished.

Giving her a mock salute, he replied.

“Yes, Ma’m, you're in charge, for now; but we're going to continue this later.”

His tone left no room for arguement; the wicked grin, doubt about his intentions.

Jac smiled in response, brushed her lips lightly across his and rose to her feet.

Then lets haul ass, Dowling! she said, and darted round the Rover to the drivers door.

 

[BigDawg69]

Chester quickly moved back to the passenger side of the Rover. His mind was racing forward to their arrival at the lodge. He could not help himself but to look longingly over Jac’s chest as each climbed into the tuck. He smiled slightly at the protrusions her nipples made in her tight t-shirt. He knew that was a reaction to their kiss and embrace. His own stiffened reaction was hidden only by the tail of his shirt pulled out during the tire changing.

“There’ll be more of that when we get there.” Jac said playfully as her long slender arm reached over and cupped Chester’s stubbled chin.

He looked up to her blue eyes and was met with a wink and a kiss into the air. Suddenly the tension that had filled the truck now melted away as anticipation grew in its stead. The road continued to be bumpy and the truck was tossed about, making it difficult for Chester and Jac to remain in contact. He had tried resting his strong hand on her knee, but a bash into the bottom of the steering wheel stopped that. He moved his hand to her slender shoulder but a particularly deep hole which nearly rolled the Rover pulled him away.

As the sun slowly sank in the sky the road seemed to ease up. They ascended a ridgeline and rode along its apex for several miles before turning off a steep side road that curved it way round and down into a small gorge. This new road, although still dirt, was amazingly well kept and the ride seemed almost smooth.

A few hair pin turns and the Rover pulled up to a set of giant iron gates. Jac leaned out the window and spoke something into a small box. Chester shifted slightly in his seat. He was not terribly comfortable with his current surroundings. His fingers subtly found their way to the snap around his shoulder holster as they sat waiting.

“No worries.” Jac smiled at Chester, seeing his nervousness.

Slowly the iron gate slid open and Jac pulled the Rover forward. Chester turned in his seat to watch the gates slide closed behind them. Just as he turned back around, Chester’s mouth fell slightly open.

The Rover turned through a great hedge row and a giant house came into view. The distinctly South American style house sprawled out in front of them. Across the way Chester could see that one whole side of the house looked out and down over the miles jungle. Its low sloped roof belied its enormous size. The garden to the front and disappearing to the side was immaculately kept. A small man stood in the great front entrance beneath a huge swinging wrought iron chandelier.

“I think you’ll approve of the arrangements.” Jac said smugly as she pulled the Rover to a stop and got out.

Jac moved quickly over to give the small man a giant hug. Chester got out of the vehicle slowly, taking in his new and surprising surroundings.

 

[Lady_Kit]

….no, Marcus, I didn’t hear anything from him before I left. What? No, I…never mind, we’ll talk about it later. Right now I want you to meet Chester.

Jacs keen ears picked up the sound of Chester moving across the gravel drive, and she turned to him as he approached. Chester hesitated before climbing the steps, he’d caught part of the conversation with Marcus. Secrets were being kept, and other peoples secrets had always made Chester nervous. Jac felt the smile fade from her face as she saw the suspicion in Chesters eyes.

You know what? It’s damned difficult to try to communicate with someone as suspicious as I am. We’re safe here, you have my word, Chester. Trust me, I’ll explain everything later.

Please, come and let me introduce you to an old friend.

Her heart pounded as she waited for the refusal to trust; Jac knew it would come, it always did. She held her breath and waited, nothing in her life had ever seemed so important. A relieved sigh escapes as Chesters face breaks into a polite smile, and he climbs to meet her on the landing. Jac rewards him with a smile that promises many things besides the explanation will be his later.

Chester, I’d like you to meet Marcus, an old and dear friend. Marcus was not as young as he appeared at first glance; the signs age were visible at close range; he could be anything from 50 - 70. Chester felt his tension ease a bit, probably not a former lover, which was good news.

Marcus, this is Chester, the client I told you about.

Jac watched with interest as the two men quietly sized each other up. Equally suspicious, they shook hands carefully, identical expressions of caution on each face.

Chester, there are things I must attend to; I’ve asked Marcus to take you to your room. I hope you don’t mind. I’ll meet you for dinner in a couple of hours. Marcus can show you where to access the net, too. I’m sure you’ll be glad rid of me for a bit, and you'll have a chance to check on your affairs.

Giving the men a curt nod, Jac trots down the steps, shouting orders as she moves. Instantly several young men arrive to do her bidding; boxes begin to move from the Rover into neat piles at a rapid pace.

Marcus chuckles as he looks upon the scene. His eyes never leave Jac as he speaks to Chester.

“She's something isn’t she Chester? Our Jacqueline? She has always been like this. Even as a child. Lead, follow, or get out of the way, she said. If You look to be the same way. Your journey must have been ... interesting.”

Chester grinned. “Interesting, yes, it was that. Jac said this place belonged to a collegue...would that be you, Marcus. Are you our host?”

“She told you nothing? Well, that does not surprise me. Her mind is on other things.” Marcus nods toward Jac as she passes around the side of the house and from their view.

“Chester, you are a guest at Villa Riga, your host, who is not present, is Lawrence Duvall, Jac’s father. Come now, I’ll show you to your room.” Marcus led the way into the tiled foyer and up a large staircase; at the top, he took Chester along the balcony to what was clearly the master suite; Marcus confirmed this as he opened the doors to a large suite that was tastefully decorated in strong masculine lines and colors.

“I’ve put you in the Master suite, although technically, it isn’t; the Master of this house has his rooms elsewhere. Jac has rooms just next door. You have an internet connection at the desk, the bath is through the door to your right. If you need anything, just pick up the phone and dial zero. The staff will see to dinner. I’m afraid that I have a previous engagement away from the villa tonight. Your visit was a surprise, and regretfully, my plans could not be changed. I will not see you again before you leave. Good luck to you.”

The door closed behind Marcus leaving Chester with more questions than answers and time on his hands.