Combining Business and Pleasure 6

Being a member of the upper class since her birth, Leonora had often been to really good restaurants, thus knowing the credo of many of the renowned cooks, saying that the Haute Cuisine was actually simple. Obviously, this was true for giving massages, too.

Technically, Karim had just kneaded and caressed her whole front, culminating in her by then throbbing and tingling middle he had spared as a desert. Technically, everyone with healthy hands, including herself, could have done it – only that under Karim’s hands, she had just climaxed in a way she knew that raising from the table wasn’t yet an option, and her only concern was that his walls were really as soundproof as he had promised.

She vaguely felt Karim’s fingers caress her throat, and it took her all her remaining strength to reach up and hold his hand. A smile formed on her lips, and she blinked, seeing his face looking down on her. His white T-Shirt was now stained, and she knew it wasn’t just oil. Leonora wanted to say something, but all she managed was to continue panting.

»Maybe, I should write a receipt, so you can try to get your money back from your insurance!«

Leonora’s giggle came out as a cough. Though he had just reminded her that he had just done his job well, she was sure that what he had done to her, he didn’t offer to every customer. If he was speculating for a generous tip, he hadn’t hinted it yet, and Leonora was sure that he had not been lying when he had complimented her.

»It’s my husband’s money!«, she croaked, noticing her voice sounded hoarse. Leonora blushed when she remembered why it was that way, and she felt a faint remnant of the tingle in her loins. With a deep sigh, she sat up. Karim gently placed his hand on her back to prevent her from sinking back onto the table.

»Speaking of that damned bastard – I am afraid I have to talk to him, listen to his apologies, unless I want to ask the Captain for another cabin!«

She saw her reflection in the mirror, and she could almost read the word »postcoital« written all over her forehead. Somehow, even her rage over Martin and Babette had reduced to some indistinct bitterness, not worse than an old scar.

»I hope he at least considered letting change the sheets!«

Then, a smile built on her lips, and she reached up for Karim’s face, brushing over his cheek. It seemed that the tension the Berber had loosened inside her also allowed her to think more clearly, and to reflect her situation.

»How do you think about me making you an offer you can’t refuse? I am not sure whether it’s legal, but you should remember that I am a rich woman, and right now, I am feeling very generous!«

***

»Oh, Hi, Suzette!«

The redhead spun around, and John frowned at the angry glance in her green eyes. With a smile, he said:

»It was by tomorrow I was intended to get you breakfast served by the pool!«

»Keep it to yourself!«, Suzette snapped, and she saw a perplexed expression on his face. Was this moron really that ignorant?

»Maybe, you want to enjoy it with your blonde – guest! As an exchange, when she returns you your shirt!«

She expected a half-hearted excuse, but the man just seemed unimpressed as he replied:

»So, a short discussion about not having lunch together has lifted our relationship to a point that allows you to be jealous?«

Suzette glanced at him, but then, her lips trembled.

»If you put it that way, it sounds silly!«, she pouted, and John smiled. To look more rational, and to also proof she wasn’t just a naïve girlie, she added:

»I am in the music business for some years, and I know that I am not ugly! So, you are not the first man who suddenly developed an appetite for an – in-between snack when he saw me!«

For a few moments, they just looked at each other’s eyes. Before any of them could win the staring contest, a cheering sound behind them made them turn around and look at the deck below. Here, some mats had been placed on the planks, and a small crowd stood around the three men on those mats, all clad only in their bathing trunks. It looked as if two of them were about to attack the third, a tall, athletic man with a shorn head.

»What’s that?«, Suzette asked.

»American Gladiators!«, the man leaning at the railing beside them answered. He had been watching the scene for a little longer, and so, he could explain what was going on:

»The tall American and the blonde guy obviously tried to flirt with the same girl – the one in the red bikini over there!«

He pointed at a busty brunette who seemed fascinated by what would soon happen on the mats. The way she sipped on her drink at least was quite lascivious.

»Well, they started quarrelling, and the buddy of the blonde guy intervened, too, and they threatened to throw the American overboard – and then, that balding guy with the cigar intervened!«

John recognized the mentioned man as Andrew Davenport, and the tall guy on the mat was his bodyguard and right hand Jeb. The man explained to him and Suzette that Davenport had promised the two guys 1000 Dollars each if they managed to stand three minutes against Jeb.

»He insisted on a brawl without weapons, so that’s why they are all just wearing shorts! Also, he promised to the crew that there would be no blood, and all involved would be able to enjoy their dinner with all their teeth intact!«

Obviously, the passengers were considering the fight a welcome variety, and John could see some bank notes exchanged as bets were placed. Suzette looked at the man who had explained the situation and asked:

»Whom would you bet on?«

The man shrugged.

»They are two, and both look quite athletic! Also, I saw the American have a few beers! So, I’d say he might have won if he was at his prime, but now, they will win!«

Suzette looked at John, her green eyes sparkling as she cocked her head.

»To spice things up, I will bet on the American! Could you lend me a Fiver?«

With a smile, John handed her a note, looking at Davenport who whispered something into Jeb’s ear. Since he was standing close, John could read from his lips:

»Teach them a lesson – but no lasting damage!«

Jeb nodded, and then, in a capable imitation of Michael Buffer, Davenport raised his voice:

»Let’s get ready to rumble!«

The two men were no complete amateurs, as they went into fighting positions and attacked from different sides. Jeb dodged a blow by leaning backwards – and then, surprisingly fast, he kicked away the blonde’s standing leg whilst his right hand darted forward, grabbing the other’s carotid artery. With a croak, the man collapsed, and Jeb now threw himself on the blonde who was coming to his feet, sending him to the ground with another nerve pinch. The whole battle had lasted less than five seconds.

There was a short commotion, but Davenport promised that the two were okay, and indeed, after a few minutes, the two men came to their feet, puzzled, but obviously unharmed. They even bowed to Jeb who, with a grin, held the brunette in his arm, and Davenport, who obviously didn’t care about the financial aspect, paid each of them 500 Dollars for compensation. Suzette, now holding two five Euro notes in her hand, gave one to John. Pointing at Jeb, she purred:

»And you thought you were fast on the mat!«

***

Babette had also watched the short fight, unnoticed by both Davenport and John. She had avoided walk along the massage studio, and on her way on deck, she had noticed the crowd and looked what was going on. She had shivered when spotting the men who maybe were behind the attack on her, and then, seeing how easily Jeb had knocked out the two attackers had made her think of how she had been rendered unconscious.

»John said it could have been Sato – but Jeb is also capable of a nerve pinch!«

The thought of the bulky man taking off her bikini top and most likely kneading her breasts whilst she had been knocked out felt horrifying, and Babette could not fake a smile when she knocked at Conradi’s door. She was almost relieved that neither his wife nor Sato were present.

Conradi led her to the couch, and she noticed that he still held her hand when they sat side by side, his knee touching hers.

»Babette, I hope you managed to recover a bit – for there is some more you will have to cope with, unless you prefer quitting my service!«

She frowned, looking a little perplexed.

»You – you are firing me for getting assaulted?«

Conradi shook his head, obviously abashed by the idea.

»Of course not! It’s just – you may have wondered why I didn’t call the Police!«

»Because there’s just a security on this ship, and we are in international waters?«

Now, Conradi smiled and again, he shook his head.

»In case of a capital crime, there would be a cooperation with the next available Police force on land! However, this deal with Davenport is important – so important that even if he’s behind all this, I better pretend that nothing has happened! I will not pretend it is something else than bribe money, and I am willing to raise the sum, but I am begging you to keep the attack to yourself!«

Babette thought of John. However, she had told him before Conradi had asked her not to tell anybody, and so, she didn’t have to lie as she agreed. He seemed relieved, and then, raising the hand that held hers, he added:

»This includes my wife!«

»Pardon? I mean, she saw me, tied to your bed!«

The memory of her also having been almost naked made her cheeks redden, and she felt somehow threatened by knowing that very bed was right behind her. Conradi said:

»She saw you, that’s right, but according to her reaction, she was distracted by – other details, so she didn’t notice you were restrained!«

Now, he was looking at her breasts, and Babette had to force herself not to pull her hand free. Conradi added:

»In other words – it would be best if she continues thinking that we have an affair!«

He looked at her eyes, and he raised her hand so he could kiss her knuckles. Babette let out a fluttering breath he obviously misinterpreted as an agreement, for he pulled her closer. Babette stiffened, and he looked at her, questioningly.

»What do you say, Babette?«

A few hours ago, she would have sunk into his arms. After all, this was why she was here – trying to get information at all costs, if necessary, by seducing Conradi, or allowing him to seduce her. In her thoughts, she had repeatedly imagined going physical with him, and she was sure that it would not be a traumatising experience. After all, he wasn’t really old and still in quite good shape.

However, the memory of John made her hesitate. She hadn’t reflected what she felt for him, or if she even had feelings, but somehow, she could not just let Conradi have his way. She decided to escape by telling half the truth:

»Mr. Conradi – Martin, it’s just – there’s someone else!«

To her surprise, Conradi smiled, obviously relieved.

»Well, I am not considering a divorce either! However, I would not be appalled by putting up this little charade – and being convincing in doing so! So, what do you say, Babette?«

Her heaving chest distracted him, giving her a precious moment to think. In this very moment, the door opened.

In the fraction of a second, Babette imagined several scenarios: a masked man, forcing Conradi to open his safe by threatening her; Sato, who would be ordered to make her sleep with the fishes, for her cover had been blown; and finally, Mrs. Conradi who would attack her with a rolling pin.

It was indeed Leonora, but when she spotted her husband and Babette on the couch, all she said was a calm »Oh!«. Conradi let Babette’s hand go, but before he could say anything, Leonora raised her hand to silence him.

»Relax, both of you! I have not come to scratch any eyes!«

Indeed, Leonora seemed quite relaxed as she now sat down on the edge of the bed, brushing over the sheets.

»So, the cabin service did indeed change them – or did you think of it, Martin?«

Conradi cleared his throat, and Babette tugged on the hem of her short skirt, though it was one of her more modest ones. To her surprise, Leonora seemed rather amused than bitter, and there was a strange sparkle in her eyes. Had she taken some drugs?

»Now, let’s consider how we find a decent way to handle this – menage a trois!«

Babette opened her mouth, but there was still Conradi’s plea of faking that they had an affair, and her own will to find out about his supposed illegal business. And since Leonora did indeed not look as if she would attack her the next moment, she just listened. Leonora turned towards her husband and said:

»I think I saw Sato on the promenade deck. You sure have to discuss something with him – or, if you prefer, you may also continue your negotiations with this tobacco-smelling parvenu from Chicago! However, before you do either of them, You will have to write a cheque for Mr. Boulaga, over 20.000 Euro!«

Conradi looked at her with disbelief.

»Who the hell is Mr. Boulaga?«

With a surprisingly warm smile, Leonora explained:

»Karim Boulaga, the ship’s masseur! He has really got magical hands, and I think I will visit him quite regularly during the cruise! It seems that his therapies help me to cope with – every day’s issues!«

She let her eyes wander over Babette’s buxom forms and added:

»Besides, as long as I am on his table, you may do whatever you want!«

She then literally shooed Conradi out of the suite. Babette also wanted to leave, but Leonora stopped her:

»Please, Babette, there are a few things I want to settle between the two of us, too! I promise that I will not again lose my countenance – for which I wish to apologize!«

So, Babette stayed, thinking of whether being alone with Sato or Jeb really was the creepier option.

***

Though his shift was over, Andreas still wore his white uniform. He didn’t mind if passengers occasionally asked him for a direction, and it made sure that no one would ask questions when he was at a place forbidden for passengers. He had looked at the library, to see that Johanna Müller wasn’t there anymore, and then, he was surprised to see her in the office of the security, talking to Melissa.

»Maybe, she has lost her wallet, and now, she thinks it has been stolen?«

He could not imagine that Johanna had anticipated his thoughts about adding her to the list of potential »merchandise«, and he was right about that. What Andreas didn’t know was that Johanna had knocked at Hannah’s door for a third time, and the journalist still wasn’t there.

»I know, this is a cruise ship with hundreds of accommodations, but still, we more or less had an appointment – and after what has happened yesterday-«

Melissa nodded grimly. She had thought about little else (except during her massage, and during the little interlude with the two women about to fight in the corridor) than the attack on Hannah, and she still was sure that it had something to do with the two Americans, though both had an alibi.

Now, Johanna reported that she had secretly approached Conradi and Davenport, listening to their negotiations.

»They were speaking English, and this Davenport really has got a terrible accent, but if they didn’t use some elaborate code, they were talking about the sale of a brewery in Chicago!«

Of course, Melissa wanted to know why Johanna had helped Hannah in spying on these men, and after some hesitating, she confessed her true identity.

»I just thought that it would get me some – inspiration! I mean, even though Hannah had been assaulted, I wasn’t thinking this could be really dangerous – and now, she is missing!«

Melissa knew that she should have scolded Johanna, but on the other hand, all she had done was sitting next to Conradi and Davenport at a public place. She looked at the empty seat by the computer; Kugler had his day off, and he usually spent it on deck, working on his tan. So, it would be on her to handle the situation.

»Mrs. Müller-«

»Johanna, please! I feel strange calling you by your first name whilst you have to say ›Mrs.‹!«

Had this been just a petty theft, she would have offered the blonde to call her Miss Bauer, but now, she just started her sentence again:

»Johanna, I will now do something that could get me a warning if I get caught – so, I need you to watch my back!«

She went for the cupboard and grabbed something before she left the office, followed by Johanna who didn’t dare to ask about Melissa’s plan. Having placed the »back soon«-sign at the door, she went to the elevators, not noticing that they were watched by Andreas.

***

Babette was wondering what had happened to the enraged woman from just a few hours before. Nevertheless, Leonora being calm, even relaxed didn’t mean the conversation was comfortable. Or rather the monologue, for Mrs. Conradi did most of the talking.

»So, here are my rules: you are only doing it at your cabin, you will be at least so discreet that I can pretend not to notice it, and you will stay away from both Martin and me in public – aside from your work, of course! If not, I will take care that you lose your job, and that you wherever you will hire, your new employer will learn about your – will to please!«

The situation was terrible: if she and Martin Conradi really had an affair, this would be a fair deal, and she couldn’t blame Leonora for treating her like a slut. Under the true conditions, however, Leonora’s words hurt her.

Silently, she nodded, sitting on the edge of her seat like a schoolgirl reprimanded by the principal for wearing indecent clothes at school. Almost inaudible, she breathed:

»Deal!«

Leonora rose and took her hand, shaking it. When Babette got up, she looked at her with a smile that did not reach her eyes.

»You better don’t forget!«

When Babette had reached the door, she called her back.

»Oh, Babette?«

When she turned her head, Leonora added:

»Remove your lipstick before you go down on him! He hates lipstick traces on his best piece!«

When she staggered along the corridor on wobbly legs, Babette now felt physically sick.

***

Not only Andreas had been watching Johanna attend Melissa’s office, but also Sato, and he had a suspicion about where they were going. So, he had taken the stairs to the deck where Hannah’s cabin was, and indeed, he saw them leave the cabin after a few minutes. He leaned against the wall at a corner, pretending to check his phone.

The trip to the cabin had not only proved that Hannah was indeed not there, but the room looked almost clinically clean, with the bed made, and nothing lying around. Johanna stated the obvious:

»So, we know that she hasn’t been here after the room service was here! But – where is she?«

Melissa, now also feeling slightly concerned, placed her hand on Johanna’s shoulder.

»I am still assured that she has maybe withdrawn to some place where she would feel safe, and that she will return before dinner! However, we will leave a note on her table that she shall call you!«

If they did so, Hannah would know they had been at her cabin, but Johanna didn’t want to pin her private number at the outside of the door, and so, they placed the little sheet on the laptop’s display instead. Then, she told Johanna to either withdraw to her cabin, or to stay on deck, far away from Conradi and Davenport.

»I will meanwhile try to grill them again without sounding paranoid! Now, please, remember that you are not a cop!«

She closed the cabin door, leaving Johanna alone on the corridor.

»Mrs. von Gröbern?«

Reflexively, she spun around, remembering too late that she was travelling under her real name. She looked at the face of the Japanese who smiled triumphantly.

»I knew it wasn’t just a resemblance! Mrs. von Gröbern – may I thank you for your work?«

He bowed, deep and formally, and Johanna smiled, both flattered and embarrassed. She looked around if someone had witnessed the scene, and then, lowering her voice, she said:

»Please, I am trying to find some inner peace! So, would you please keep it to yourself who I really am, Mr.-«

»Sato!«, he replied. Then, with a smile, he added:

»Your secret will be safe – under one condition!«

Johanna raised her eyebrows, and now, he looked a bit timid as he asked:

»Would you sign my copy of ›Death on the Rhine‹? Please, I have it in my room, just one deck above!«

Clearing his throat, he added:

»I mean, I will get it to you, to the corridor, not – ehm-«

Johanna couldn’t help smiling, knowing that Sato liked seeing her do so.

»I was on my way upstairs anyway! So, if you own a pen, I will fulfil my part of the deal right now!«

On the way to his cabin, Johanna had to admit that Sato was maybe a fanboy blackmailing her, but he was indeed polite. He opened the staircase door for her, and he walked behind her on the stairs, keeping just the right distance so he could assist her if she staggered, but at the same time wasn’t entering her comfort zone. At his door, he once again cleared his throat.

»Mrs. von Gröbern, the room – it isn’t cleaned up! Please, wait here, just for a moment!«

Leaving the door ajar, he withdrew, and Johanna heard some rummaging. Then, he returned, opening the door. She wanted to ask where the book was when his left darted forward, grabbing her wrist. She opened her mouth, but she then noticed the gun pointing at her.

»Please, do nothing you might regret!«

His voice was still calm, but his look had changed completely. All Johanna could do was gasp as he abruptly pulled her inside, closing the door behind them with his shoulder. Then, she felt the barrel poke into her side, and she whimpered.

»If you do as I say, you will almost not get hurt! Now, get on your knees!«

Still perplexed, Johanna obeyed, and Sato now said:

»I will put the gun into my belt now – but, please, remember that I still have it and, if necessary, will use it!«

He then brought her right wrist he was still holding to her back and ordered:

»Please, put your handbag on the floor and give me your other hand!«

»P-please, Mr. S-Sato, what i-is this a-about?«

»I will tell you once your hands are tied! Now, give me your hand, please!«

His grip around her wrist tightened, and she obeyed. Sato grabbed one of the ropes lying on his bed and put her lower arms side by side. Then, ignoring her pleas, he tied her arms right wrist to left elbow and vice versa, leaving a long end dangle on each side. Taking these ends, he brought them over her shoulders, crossed them between her breasts and then threaded them through her armpits. Having pulled the slack out, he then slung them around her bound forearms and then brought the ends to her front again, getting close to her as he reached around and knotted the rope directly at Johanna’s solar plexus. She ached, and when she shifted her upper body, she realized that though the tie didn’t hurt, it was tight, and she could hardly move her arms at all. In addition, the ropes were tightening her dress, so her breasts were clearly modelled, though still protected by two layers of cloth.

»I am working for Mr. Conradi – who is not very pleased about your constant suspicions and your snooping around!«

He grabbed her upper arm, firmly, but not brutal, and made her get up and sit on the bed. Johanna looked at him, her eyes wide as saucers, and her chest heaving.

»What have you done to Hannah?«

Sato reached for another rope before he answered:

»I have not the slightest idea! Admittedly, I visited her last night, to send her a warning – unfortunately, she didn’t take it serious and even got you involved in the whole affair! But since I left her cabin last night, I haven’t seen her, nor heard of her!«

He sounded honest, and Johanna tended to believe him. However, there was still the crimes he had committed – and was committing right now. She gulped, and her voice sounded hoarse as she asked:

»Will you now – warn me, too?«

»I am trying!«, Sato replied, sounding matter-of-factly.

»Now, please, don’t overreact, I will now remove your shoes and tie your legs!«

»Oh, God forbade that I am acting emotional in any way! Sorry for not knowing the protocol of being a good damsel!«

Her slightly trembling voice ruined the remark, but Sato showed a little smile that also showed some admiration. He then placed his chair beside the bed and told Johanna to place her legs on his knees. She obeyed, and he took off her sandals. Then, she let out a fluttering breath when he pulled up the skirt of her dress, but he stopped after having exposed her thighs and reached for a second rope. This, he wound around her legs, above the knees, taking care the coils were neat and parallel. Johanna thought that the bond wasn’t too tight, but Sato cinched it before knotting it off.

When he did the same below her knees, and she saw that he again seemed to take care of the aesthetics of his ropework, she couldn’t help feeling a slight fascination.

A third rope was tied and cinched around her ankles, and he then gently lifted her feet by the heels a bit, so he could change the position of the chair and sit opposite to her. Johanna saw her crumpled skirt that had billowed a bit, and she was sure that he could see a bit of her panties. Not that she didn’t have other problems.

Sato now produced a rope the size of a shoelace and wound it around her big toes. She twitched when he cinched that, and Sato looked up at her.

»Ticklish?«

»Just a little«, she admitted, and Sato brushed over her sole. For the fraction of a second, she was tempted to yell »Hey!«, as if this was a consensual game. Then, however, her eyes fell on the gun in his belt, reminding her that this wasn’t a game.

When he lowered her legs to the ground, Johanna thought of what Hannah had told her about what he had done to her, and though her heart was beating fast, she also told herself that Hannah’s ordeal, though terrifying and humiliating, was something she would be able to get over with. She cleared her throat and asked:

»Will you – spank me, too?«

Sato looked at her with an expression she couldn’t interpret.

»Not if I don’t have to!«, was his somehow ambiguous reply. Johanna now remembered another detail of what he had done to Hannah.

»A-and remove my – my p-panties?«

Sato just showed an enigmatic smile as he now produced a white silk cloth.

»Open your mouth, please!«

He placed his other hand at the back of her head; gentle, but Johanna felt that if she would try to avoid getting gagged, he would grab her scalp. So, she parted her lips, and Sato worked the cloth behind her teeth. It was smooth and soft, and he wasn’t brutal, but the cloth was considerably big, and Johanna retched as he wedged it all the way in. Then, he took a white scarf and tied a double knot in its centre. This, he placed between her teeth and pulled until it pushed the gag in even deeper before he knotted it at her nape.

»Uuhhmmph!«

 Johanna panted through her nose, trying to cope with the experience of getting gagged, but Sato wasn’t finished: he tied a third cloth over her mouth, followed by yet another, white with black polka dots, he bound over her mouth and nose. He let his eyes wander over her for a few moments; then, he said:

»I never was a member of the Yakuza, but nevertheless, I have an offer of which I hope that you will not refuse!«

***