Chapter 8 – Honesty is the Best Policy

After closing the shop, Dan and Amanda went to Dan's apartment to spend Sunday evening.  Neither spoke much, but each communicated their feelings in other ways: a kind touch, a loving smile.  When they arrived, Dan turned on his computer and began composing an e-mail to the owner of the store.

Dear sir or madame,

Unfortunately, I am e-mailing you to inform you of a serious lapse of judgment on my part.  Over the past few weeks, I have been carrying on a personal relationship with Amanda in violation of the shop's strict no-dating policy.  I understand that you have a zero tolerance policy for such behavior, and I would not be surprised if you demanded both of our resignations immediately.

Although I have started to look for a new position, I know that the shop is already understaffed.  Amanda and I would be happy to remain on staff as long as it takes to hire and train replacement sales associates.  Of course, I would be personally grateful if you allowed Amanda to remain at the store after I leave.  She enjoys her work, and she is an exceptional salesperson.

Please reply with your decision.

Dan

Before the end of the evening, Dan received an answer to his e-mail confession.  Dan almost deleted the message because the owner had "spoofed" the e-mail system into displaying Dan's own e-mail address as the source of the reply.  The only reason Dan didn't delete it as spam was that the owner cc'd Amanda on the reply.  The owner's reply read:

Daniel,

I truly appreciate your honesty.  Of course, I cannot tolerate your infraction if I am to remain consistent with my longstanding policy prohibiting employee dating.  For that reason, I must regretfully terminate your employment as well as Amanda's.  That said, I also truly appreciate your offer to stay on and help in view of the shop's current staffing crunch.  I will take you up on your offer of staying on until you find another suitable position.  Of course, Amanda should begin looking for alternate employment, as well.

As you probably guessed, "Leather or Knot" is merely a pleasant distraction for me.  I support myself through a number of other endeavors, and I own and run several other businesses which are far more profitable than the shop.  One such business may soon have an opening for your services, Amanda's services, or both.

Once I have had an opportunity to consider each of your respective talents, as well as the talents of other qualified applicants, I will contact you.  Until then, please know that while I am disappointed that you broke my rules, I respect your honesty.

M

After reading the reply, both Dan and Amanda were saddened but relieved.  Neither of them was scheduled to work on Monday.  So, they both decided that they would spend the entire day on their job searches.  Dan and Amanda went to bed Sunday evening and slept well knowing that they no longer needed to hide their relationship.

Monday was spent mostly in front of Dan's computer.  First, they updated Dan's resume.  Then, they updated Amanda's.  They identified as many jobs as they could, made phone calls, printed resumes and prepared mailings.
Tuesday, however, brought them back to reality.  They both got ready for work and started the day early.

The day began as routinely as any other.  Although business was slow because it was a weekday, Dan and Amanda kept themselves busy by unpacking and tagging inventory, restocking shelves, and cleaning the shop.  When they weren't busying themselves with administrative tasks, they alternated tending to customers.  Nearly every customer that day had been a novice or thrill-seeker who failed to buy anything more than a cheap pair of handcuffs or some low-end ballgag.  Shortly before closing time, however, the day took a decidedly different turn.

A man in a black trench coat and dark glasses entered the store rolling an over-sized stainless steel briefcase behind him.  If Dan hadn't known better, he'd have sworn that he had stumbled onto the set of a low-budget thriller and that the customer was an undercover agent of some type.  It was Dan's turn to wait on the customer.  So, he approached the man with his usual inviting style.

"Hi, I'm Dan.  Welcome to Leather or Knot.  Can I help you find something?"

"No, but I may be able to help you find something," the customer said in a soft, low, east coast accent.

Dan couldn't believe how melodramatic this guy was, but Dan played along.

"Oh, really.  How's that?"

"I represent a new player in the high-end bondage equipment and accessory market.  If you and your co-worker have a few minutes, I'd like to demonstrate some of our devices for you," the stranger replied.

Dan looked over his shoulder to Amanda who had been listening to the entire exchange.  Amanda shrugged as though to say "why not?"  Dan turned back to the stranger and said "Actually, we don't make the purchasing decisions, but if you leave us your card, we can pass it along to the owner."

"I'm not asking you to make any decisions about purchasing our products, but if I could just demonstrate a few of them, I'm certain that you would appreciate how unique they are.  Then you could describe the products better to the shop's owner," the man explained.

Amanda had come out from behind the counter to stand next to Dan.

"Sure, we'd be happy to take a look," she said with a smile.

"Great," the man said.  "I'll set up the demonstration in the open area over there," he said, pointing toward the back of the shop.

Amanda nodded.  "Okay."

As the man moved to the demonstration area, Dan pulled Amanda aside.

"Something about this doesn't feel right," he whispered.

"Yeah, I know he looks like he's one of the 'men in black,' but lighten up.  It could be fun," she said with a smile.

The man took off his trench coat to reveal an expensive black suit.  Amanda offered to hang it up, and Dan watched the man unfasten two latches on the side of the stainless steel case.  As he opened the doors of the case, several felt-covered shelves swiveled into place creating a type of Christmas tree shaped display case with the lowermost shelf jutting out from the case the farthest and the uppermost shelve remaining close to the case.

Each shelf displayed a different set of restraint devices, and the top shelf contained a small stainless steel case which resembled a miniature of the case from which it emerged.

"Okay, I'll need a volunteer," the man announced as he pointed at Dan.

"Wait a minute.  You never said anything about having to try the stuff on," said Dan.  "You do it," he said looking over to Amanda.

"Actually, she can't.  This set is specifically designed for a male," the man said flatly as he leaned down to remove a device from the bottom shelf.

"Oh, come on," said Amanda.  "You've done this countless times before.  I'll go lock the front door, and we'll consider this gentleman our last customer for the evening."

Resigned to the task, Dan accepted the first restraint from the man.  Dan turned it over in his hands, but he couldn't quite figure out how to wear it.  He thought it was some type of belt, but it had no buckles.  It had a generally egg-shaped metal container at one end with three rubber straps coming out of it.  Each of the three straps connected to a silver box at the other end of the device.  The center strap was considerably thinner than the two side straps.  Dan figured that the thicker side straps formed the belt and the center strap passed between the wearer's legs, but he wasn't too eager to find out.

"While your co-worker is closing the front door, is there a dressing room where you can put this on?" the man asked.

"Yes, but I wouldn't know how to begin putting this on," Dan said with a question in his voice.

"I'll go back with you to assist," the man offered.

"Whoa!  I draw the line at any customer touching me in the dressing room.  Especially, another guy," Dan growled.

"I assure you that I am as uninterested in touching you as you are in being touched.  By 'assist,' I merely meant that I could talk you through it," the man explained.

Slowly, Dan made his way to the changing room.  Once both men were in the room, Dan said loudly "The door stays open."

"No problem," said the man with a disgusted tone.

Dan removed his clothing and hung it on a hook in the dressing room.  He stepped into the belt-like device placing the larger oval shaped metal piece in front and the smaller rectangular metal box toward his lower back.

As Dan had guessed, the man explained that the larger metal container was a penile restraint and chastity device that fastened around a man's cock and balls.

"I've had a bad experience with chastity devices," Dan said doubtfully.  "Can I take it off whenever I want to?"

"Any time you want it removed, just let me know," said the man reassuringly.

The man then instructed Dan how to open the holding chamber.  Although barely visible with the naked eye due to its superior construction, the metal chamber was made up of two halves which opened from the bottom.  The device could then be fastened around his manhood from the top, and closed again to seal the appendage within the chamber.  The brushed metal encasement had an upwardly curved spine that acted as a hinge for the two sides.  Once opened, it resembled an expensive car with gull-wing doors.  On the edges of the sides closest to the wearer, rubber piping lined the opening which would secure the device to Dan's package.  Dan hated to admit that it actually looked rather comfortable, as these things go.

Inside the device, supported by metal blocks along the underside of the spine, were two rubber rings.  According to the man's instructions, Dan threaded his penis through the rings before carefully closing the device around his penis and balls.  Although there was no visible locking mechanism, the sides held fast together once the device was closed.  Dan assumed that the sides were either spring-loaded or magnetized to keep the device closed.

When the two men returned to the demonstration area, they found Amanda sitting in a chair patiently waiting for them.  She smiled as she eyed Dan wearing nothing but his metal and rubber thong.

As the man began to remove one device after another from the display case, he explained to Dan and Amanda that these restraints did not use conventional locking mechanisms.  Each device employed a small but powerful electro-magnet which enabled the device to be locked and unlocked electronically.  Each device further had a small transceiver and microprocessor built into it allowing the set of devices to be wirelessly networked together and controlled.  Finally, each device had a small servo motor which could lengthen or shorten each attached strap to ensure a customized, secure but comfortable fit.

The man handed Dan a wide rubber collar.  Dan examined the collar with a critical eye now that he had more information.  The collar seemed exceedingly simplistic.  It appeared to be little more than a rubber strap with a metal box at either end.  Dan wrapped the strap around his neck, and the two boxes clicked together when they met at the back of his neck.

After following the salesman's direction to similarly fasten cuffs around his wrists, above his elbows, and around his thighs and ankles, Dan was not impressed.  Although the belt, collar and cuffs would not come off, they were not exactly snug.  He looked at Amanda with a look that said "So, this is it?"

While the two were having their silent conversation, the man opened the small metal case on the top shelf of the display and removed what appeared to be a flip phone.  He handed the device to Amanda and said "You may do the honors."

The man instructed Amanda to navigate a simple graphical user interface.  With a few touches to the screen, Dan was startled to find that all of the restraints had automatically tightened to a point that made him feel completely controlled even though he still had the use of all of his limbs.

While standing next to Amanda, the man reached over and quickly touched the screen a few more times and said "Please place your hands palm to palm behind your back and touch your wrists together."

Slowly, Dan complied.  As his wrists drew closer, he felt the strong attraction of the metal boxes of the wrist cuffs.  With a loud metallic "clink" the wrist cuffs became inseparable.

As Dan stood looking behind at his wrists and tugging against his bonds, the stranger began to list the highlights of the new bondage system.

"As you can see, the cuffs are incredibly easy to use.  Although we are using a dedicated remote controller, the system can be controlled by apps downloadable to any mobile phone or PDA.  In addition, the cuffs are virtually inescapable employing the same electro-magnetic technology used by department stores and office buildings to secure their front doors during off hours."

"They do seem secure and easy to use," said Amanda as she smiled at Dan's continued preoccupation with the cuffs behind his back.  "But are they safe?"

"Good question," said the man in the black suit.  "The system includes a panic button that will instantly release all control of the cuffs.  Once pressed, the cuffs will literally fall off the wearer.  Of course, I'm not quite ready to show you that feature since we've really just started the demonstration."

The man gestured to a red circle in the lower right corner of the flip-phone screen.

"Of course," agreed Amanda.

"In addition, the cuffs can be set to release at a predetermined time or after a predetermined duration.  They also have a time-delay feature enabling them automatically lock after a predetermined duration.  These features not only add to the safety of the system, but make it an excellent choice for those interested in solo bondage."

"Wow!  I'm impressed.  You guys have really thought this through."  Amanda said.

"I could go on and on, but let me show you some of the accessories," the man replied.  "Is he able to touch his elbows behind his back?" the man asked Amanda.

Amanda giggled.  "No, he can get them within a few inches, but he can't get them to touch."

"In that case, let me show you one of our spacers."

The man pulled out a 9-inch length of hard rubber cord with a metal disk attached either end.  After directing Amanda through a couple of taps on the remote controller, the man held one metallic end of the cord to Dan's left elbow cuff and the other end of the cord to Dan's right elbow cuff.  A pair of loud "clinks" announced that Dan's elbows were inescapably linked together.  The look on Dan's face suggested that his elbows were at their limit.

The man asked Dan "How does that feel?"

"Uncomfortable," Dan replied, grimacing.

"Tell me young man, do you worship this young woman you work with?"

There was an awkward silence as Dan tried to find the right answer."

"Of course he does," interjected Amanda, smiling.

"Yes, of course," repeated the man.  "Let's prove it, shall we?  If you would be so kind, please step over to your lady friend and kneel down in front of her."

Dan smiled sheepishly, moved in front of Amanda and knelt down in front of her.

The man reached over to the controller in Amanda's hand and deftly pressed a few buttons on the remote controller and "clink" "clink."  Each of Dan's thigh cuffs were instantly welded to the corresponding ankle cuff forcing him to remain kneeling in front of Amanda.

"Wow!  I'm liking this more all the time" said Amanda with an mischievous grin as she looked into Dan's eyes.

"Yes, I thought you might," said the man confidently.

"So, what else do you have?" asked Amanda.

"Well, we have quite an assortment of other accessories that employ similar technology.  For example, we have ballet boots with electro-magnets built into the heels and soles.  When used with specialized flooring, a subject can be rendered immobile without otherwise restraining them."

Taking a breath, the man continued.

"Let's see, we have female insertables, anal insertables, nipple rings… you name it, all controllable through the same interface.  We also offer heart monitors, perspiration sensors, GPS devices and that can be used to provide input for certain automated functions of any other networked device.  Of course, we are proudest of our blindfolds and gags, but I'm not allowed to demonstrate them."

"Why not?" Amanda asked, disappointed.

"Because our owner insists on personally demonstrating those pieces since they incorporate some of her best ideas."

The screen on the remote controller suddenly went blank, and Amanda heard a small noise toward the front of the store.  Looking up, she was shocked to see Mistress Juliette standing near the checkout counter with a remote controller in her hand similar to the one Amanda was holding.  The mistress was dressed in a black leather trench coat with her hands on her hips, and a broad smile across her face.

* * * * *

Links to Leather or Knot Chapters 1-20:
1.   First Impressions
2.   The Job Interview
3.   Dan's First Modeling Session
4.   Things Get Personal
5.   Amanda’s in a Bind
6.   Dan’s Private Modeling Session
7.   A Lapse in Judgment
8.   Honesty is the Best Policy
9.   Dan’s New Position
10.  The Employment Agreement
11.  Juliette’s Domain
12.  Dan’s Preparation
13.  Amanda’s Decision
14.  The J-2010 Training Harness
15.  Amanda’s Mistake
16.  Linda’s New Job
17.  On The Job Training
18.  The Final Tests
19.  Test Results
20.  Epilogue