~~~

  Chapter 6

  Chastity and Humility exit a cab outside a New York skyscraper. Humility hustled Chastity into the building before she could start crying.

  Chastity was pushed into the first elevator that opened and the women were whisked to the 35th floor.

  Moments later the elevator bell sounded and the door opened.

  Humility shoved Chastity from the car and whispered harshly, “Come on!”

  Chastity followed reluctantly in Humility’s wake.

  Humility tosses the letter on the receptionist’s desk.”I wanna see Jennifer Ridgeway.”

  The receptionist, pretty, 20s, scanned the letter. She dialed a number.

  “Ms. Malachuk to see Ms. Ridgeway.”

  She hung up and held the letter toward Humility.

  “Ms. White will be right out. If you’ll have a seat.”

  Humility ripped the letter from the the woman’s hand and stomped to a chair across the lobby.

  Chastity followed mutely as Humility plopped herself into an expensive golden brocade chair.

  Nancy White, 40ish, small, pretty, easy-to-take-care-of short hair, dressed in off-the-rack office attire, walked into the lobby.

  “Ms. Malachuk? This way, please.”

  The women were escorted past a busy bullpen of secretaries to a conference room.

  “If you’ll have a seat, Ms. Ridgeway will be with you in a moment. Can I get you coffee or tea?”

  Chastity began, “I… “

  Humility interrupted with an emphatic, “No.”

  Once Nancy closed the door, Humility asked, “Did I say you could talk?”

  Chastity, cowed into submission, answered, “No.”

  “Then shut up.”

  A few minutes later, Jennifer Ridgeway walked into the room with a folder in her hands.

  “Good morning. Thank you for coming. I am Jennifer Ridgeway, executor of Mr. Belmont Malachuk’s estate.”

  She held her hand out to Humility who refused to shake it.

  “Alright, then. Which of you is Ms. Malachuk?”

  “Nothing you have to say to her, you can’t say to me, “Humility snapped.

  “You are the one I spoke to on the phone. Correct?”

  Humility just glared at Jennifer.

  “Did you bring the certified copy of the court ordered guardianship?” Jennifer asked.

  Humility was momentarily flustered.

  “Don’t need no paperwork. Her mother gave her to us to raise and we did. Now it’s time she paid up.”

  Jennifer smiled an ironic smile.

  “I’m afraid that is not good enough according to the will of Mr. Malachuk.”

  Humility was insistent, “Well, it’s gonna have to be ‘cause we raised her since her mother died.”

  “Then, perhaps you brought a copy of Mrs. Malachuk’s will that expresses her desire to place the child in your care.”

  Humility was beginning to really get agitated.

  “No. Just tell me how much she’s gonna get so we can get back to the Commune.”

  “Perhaps you are Ms. Malachuk’s lawyer, then? We can discuss the will in the presence of her legal representative.”

  “No. She doesn’t need a frigging lawyer.”

  Jennifer nodded toward Chastity. “I assume then that this is Ms. Malachuk?”

  That did it. Humility’s patience evaporated.

  “Yeah! You think I’m gonna…”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but the will has been sealed by court order. It stipulates the will is to be read only to Ms. Malachuk or her legal representative. I must ask you to step outside.”

  “The hell I will. If you think I’m gonna let you take advantage of this addle brained… What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  Jennifer had dialed three digits on the conference room phone.

  “Please ask security to come to the conference room.”

  Then she turned her attention back to Humility. “I will have Ms. White escort you to the Plaza. We have a suite there that you may use while you are in the City.”

  Humility jumped from her chair. “We ain’t be staying. Chastity! Let’s go!”

  Chastity looked at Humility for a count of three, then she looked at Jennifer.

  Softly, she said, “No.”

  Humility went ballistic. “What? Get on your feet right now or I’m going to make your life a living hell when we get back to the commune.”

  Nancy and a SECURITY GUARD, dressed in black pants, white shirt with a badge, and a police style belt rushed into the room without knocking.

  “Nancy. Will you please escort… I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

  Humility, furious, lurched from the room without another word. Nancy and the guard followed her out.

  Jennifer closed the door and sat across the table from Chastity.

  “Chastity, is it?”

  Chastity answered with a brief, shallow nodded.

  “Well, Chastity. We believe you to be AnnaBel Malachuk, the sole heir to the Belmont Malachuk estate. If you are, in fact, AnnaBel you are a very rich young lady.”

  Chastity nervously wrung her hands.

  “So, the next step is to establish your identity through DNA. We would like to do a simple cheek swab, if that is alright with you.”

  “Will it hurt?”

  Jennifer smiled. “No. You simply open your mouth and we use a cotton swab to collect a few cells from inside.”

  Chastity pulled her hands into her lap. She looked at them a few seconds before asking, “If I’m not? AnnaBel?”

  “If DNA shows that you are not AnnaBel we will, of course, compensate you for any inconvenience.”

  Chastity looked hard at Jennifer.

  “But we have every reason to believe that you are indeed the missing heiress… Are you willing to take a chance that we are right? And if so, are you willing to leave the comfort of the commune for a year?”

  Chastity’s immediate thought was to answer yes. But she hesitated.

  “But where would I go?”

  Jennifer smiled broadly. “Mr. Malachuk’s will requires that you… I should say, requires AnnaBel… reside at a tropical resort for one year. It’s to broaden your horizons, meet new people, and just enjoy life.

  If, after we receive the results of the DNA test and find that you are not, in fact, AnnaBel, then you can return immediately and we will give you $250,000 for your trouble.”

  Chastity, startled by more money that she knew existed fretted a moment. “Can I give the money to the commune?”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “Yes.”

  “All right. I will draw up the appropriate papers and they will be ready for you to sign when you return from the resort. Is that agreeable?”

  Chastity nodded.

  “Alright, then. May we continue?”

  Chastity nodded again.

  Jennifer depressed a button on the intercom. “Please send in the nurse.”

  ~~~

  Chapter 7

  Jennifer led Chastity out a door toward a rooftop helipad.

  The rotorwash noise was deafening and Chastity balked a moment.

  Jennifer yelled into Chastity’s ear, “Nothing to be afraid of, Chastity. Think of this as the first adventure of your new life.”

  Chastity hesitated a moment longer before she smiled and scurried to the helicopter.

  The noise increased as the chopper takes off.

  One hour later, the aircraft landed on the grounds of an upstate New York Hudson River mansion.

  Jennifer and Chastity climbed out the side door of the helicopter and it took off again as they walked toward the mansion.

  The excitement Chastity feels evaporate into dread the moment she entered the sitting room and saw Matt rise from his chair.

  Chastity immediately looked around for escape routes.

  Jennifer suggested gently, “Chastity, have a seat.”

  Chastity obeyed without question. She sat on the edge of a high back winged chair ready to bolt.

  Jennifer walked over to Matt.

  Jennifer “I’m Jennifer Ridgeway. You’re the resort’s new maintenance supervisor?”

  Matt understood the game she was playing and answered, “Yes, ma’am. Matt Kirkpatrick.”

  “Good. Let me introduce you to my client.”

  She led Matt over to where Chastity sat.

  Chastity jumped to her feet in panic, then flopped back into the chair.

  “Chastity, this is Matt Kirkpatrick. He will be traveling with you. He’s the resort’s maintenance supervisor.”

  Matt extended his hand. Chastity reluctantly offered only her fingertips to him as she looked at the ground.

  “Ms. Chastity. Glad to meet you.”

  “You must excuse her, Mr. Kirkpatrick. She’s lived a very sheltered life.”

  “No problem. If there is anything I can do to help, Ms. Chastity, please ask.”

  Chastity smiled a very small smile as she raised her eyes to meet Matt’s.

  “I think I’ll go sit over there. It may make your client more comfortable.” Matt indicated before he walked back to the far side of the room.

  “It won’t be long, Chastity. A short ride to the airstrip and you’re on your way.”

  Chastity looked up at Jennifer in a panic.

  “You’re not coming with me?”

  “No. But Mr. Kirkpatrick will protect you… Won’t you Mr. Kirkpatrick?”

  From across the room, he answered, “With my life, Ms. Chastity.”

  ~~~

  Chapter 8

  The wheels of the private jet touched down the runway so smoothly the passengers were aware of the landing only when the pilot reversed the thrust of the engines to slow to a stop.

  Rhonda watched the jet turn and taxi back to the small blazing white single story 20x40 terminal.

  The pilot shut down the left engine as she drove her electric tram to the jet. The door opened and the stairs descend.

  Matt was the first to deplane followed by a hesitant Chastity.

  Rhonda stepped out of the tram.

  “You’re the new maintenance guy?”

  “Yes.”

  “Any luggage?”

  “Nope.”

  “All right.”

  She turns her attention to Chastity.

  “Good morning, Miss. If you will be seated we can let the pilot get back into the air.”

  Chastity, Matt, and Rhonda climbed into the tram and Rhonda moved the tram away from the jet as the left engine started up again.

  They watched the jet taxi to the end of the runway and take off.

  Chastity, wild-eyed at her new environment, trembled at the sounds of the jungle.

  “Is it always this…” She didn’t know how to describe the tropical forest surrounding the paved path. “…so green?”

  Rhonda chuckled. “Most of the time. Thousands of different shades of green exist within these trees.”

  She paused a moment.

  “And the wildlife at night can be just as fascinating.”

  “Really? Is it dangerous?”

  Rhonda looked at Matt, incredulous at Chastity’s naive question.

  Matt shrugged at Chastity’s innocence.

  “Only if you lose control.”

  A few minutes later, Rhonda stopped in front of a guest bungalow fronted by a screened porch.

  “You sit tight.” Rhonda ordered Matt. “I’ll be out as soon as I show our guest her bungalow.”

  Rhonda stepped from the tram, followed closely by Chastity.

  “This is where you will be staying. Let’s do a walk-through so you know where everything is.”

  Chastity meekly follows Rhonda onto the porch. She shows a slight fear of the unknown.

  Rhonda opened the unlocked door and strolled into the bungalow.

  “To the right is a kitchenette. You do cook, I hope.”

  Chastity croaked a weak, “Yes.”

  “Good. Housekeeping comes in once a week to change the bedding and towels. They don’t do dishes.”

  Chastity followed Rhonda into the bedroom.

  “This is your bedroom. Be sure to wrap the bed with the mosquito netting at night. That door leads to the bath.”

  She glued her face to Chastity’s.

  “You may have guests in, but my staff is off limits. I can’t have my people mooning over every young woman looking to titillate herself with a new cock every night.”

  Chastity blushed, mortified at Rhonda’s insinuation.

  “Do we understand each other?”

  Chastity nodded.

  Rhonda led Chastity back to the front room.

  “Good. I’ll leave you to get settled. A welcoming committee will be along in a while.”

  Rhonda disappeared onto the porch without another word.

  Chastity collapsed onto the couch. In a panic she wrapped her arms tightly around her knees and watched the open door.

  ~~~

  Chapter 9

  Rhonda stopped the tram in front of the maintenance shed. She rested her arms against the steering wheel as she looked at Matt.

  “I don’t suppose you know anything about guns.”

  “I’m a Marine. Why?”

  “The kid we hired for the season to run the gun range bailed on us. He left everything dirty. If, in your down time, you can find it in your heart to clean the guns, I’ll make it up to you.”

  “Sure. No problem. Just show me where things are.”

  Rhonda slid out of the tram and walked toward a Quonset hut.

  Matt followed as Rhonda unlocked the door and stepped inside.

  Matt followed.

  “Welcome to paradise. Hotter than hell at the moment, but open the windows to let the trade winds through and it cools down in ‘bout half an hour.”

  “Looks like you have everything I’ll need. Anything that needs fixing immediately?”

  Rhonda sat down on the edge of a stool next to the work bench. She crossed her arms under her breasts and arched her back slightly to emphasize their prominence.

  “I hope you’re good with your hands.”

  Matt looked puzzled for a moment.

  “Better than average, I’d say.”

  Rhonda smiled cryptically.

  “Jim has a list up at the office. Stop in later and he’ll set you up with your passkey and the list.”

  “Will do.”

  Rhonda abruptly changed the subject.

  “So. You want to fill me in on the real reason you’re here?”

  “Pardon me?”

  “Maintenance supervisor? Jim’s kept the resort in top shape for years. Now, all of sudden we rate a real ‘maintenance supervisor’?”

  Matt decides to evade.

  “Ah! Well, I don’t know what to say.”

  “You could start with the truth.”

  Matt smiled half a smile.

  “Okay. The island has recently come under new ownership. I’m here to do a survey of the entire island.”

  Rhonda looked alarmed for a split second.

  “So, who’s the new owner? Not that little piece of fluff you flew in with, is it?”

  Matt ignores the insinuation.

  “I’ve got no idea who it is. I just hitched a ride on the first plane out here. I was told she escaped a cult and needed someplace secluded to keep her safe.”

  Rhonda looked perplexed.

  “So they send her here?”

  Matt smiled.

  “I read the brochure and it had me wondering about that too.”

  Rhonda laughed. “She’s gonna get a rude awakening any time now. Let’s go get you settled into your room.”

  ~~~

  Chapter 10

  Chastity stood up. She’d never had a room to herself, she’d always had to bunk with someone else. Slowly, she realized the entire bungalow was all hers and she smiled.

  She walked into the bedroom to lay down. She thought she was too excited to sleep, but she closed her eyes and drifted off.

  ~~~

  Rhonda and Matt

  They stopped at Matt’s room and Rhonda unlocked the door with her master key. She handed Matt his key and opened the door to step inside.

  The room was sparsely furnished with a mosquito net wrapped double bed, a chair, small drop leaf table and an overhead light/fan combination.

  “Cozy,” Matt said when he stepped inside the room.

  Rhonda turned to him. “It can be. With the right person.”

  Her nails sent a shiver up his arm as she gently raked his arm.

  Matt stepped away to inspect the bed. He tested the mattress.

  “Hard. I like that.”

  He straightened as Rhonda stepped against him.

  “So do I.”

  Matt smiled half a smile before he walked to the sink. He turned on the hot water tap.

  “Sheets are changed Saturdays. Housekeeping strips the bed, but I can help you make it, if you like.”

  “No problem. Years of practice in the Corps.”

  Rhonda sidled up behind him and leaned into Matt.

  “You sure?”

  Matt glanced toward the open door.

  “I think I can handle it. Could use another pillow, though… In case I have company over.”

  Rhonda leered at him in anticipation.

  “I’ll see what I can do. And you will let me know if you need anything else?”

  She stepped back a step.

  “Amazing how quickly things heat up here.”

  She oozed forward hard against him.

  “What about now?”

  Matt quickly changed subjects.

  “I’d like to get started as soon as possible.”

  She caressed his arm, shoulder to elbow and suggested, “We could start your work week…”

  She glanced toward the bed.

  Matt stretched and groaned.

  “Thanks, but I need to stretch my legs. Long flight. Is the office open?”

  Rhonda tried to hide her disappointment. “You’re sure you wouldn’t…”

  “I’d like to get settled in first.”

  Matt walked into the hallway. He closed and locked the door after Rhonda exited.

  He followed Rhonda’s wiggling ass as she glanced back at him over her shoulder.

 

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