Jacqui and Heidi (aka Jekyll and Hyde) - Chapter 18

Dale had bid his furtive farewells to his wife who was enjoying her best life in Las Vegas as a high-class prostitute and he returned to a somewhat less-exotic Philadelphia to resume his slightly less-exotic life as a company executive in the environmental industry.

On the flight back home he mused on how events had conspired to bring him to the life he was now leading, a life where he had willingly entered into a contract of his wife being under the control of another man and that under the terms of that contract he had little say in how she was to be 'employed' for 12 months. Or, put another way, Jacqui, his wife (or Heidi, as per her working title) was employed as a whore in Nevada where he had been just another customer.

He wasn't too sure either how he could convincingly report back to his colleague Karen about the conference he had supposedly been attending although he wasn't concerned that she would find his explanations as being too surprising for Karen and he had their own 'history' and should he tell her the whole truth it would only confirm some of what she suspected in any case.

The 5-hour flight gave him plenty of time to think back on the events when and where Karen had entered into his 'orbit' and he smiled at the memory of those early days when their mutual friend Martin had asked Jacqui to pose nude for his collection of 'portraiture'.

As the United 737 lined up for take-off, over the roar of the engines, Dale remembered he had been a little uneasy about Martin's true intentions at the time when the request was made so, without Jacqui's knowing, he had asked Martin for the contact details of two women who he knew had posed for him previously so he could use them as 'character references'. Both had been very complimentary of Martin and supportive of Jacqui posing for him but their reassurances were a little suspect for they were both good friends of Martin and why would they have said anything otherwise? What he wanted was to get an ‘independent’ opinion from someone, preferably female, who had no ties to Martin.

Brakes released and as he was pushed back into his seat, he smiled at the memory (and of his good fortune as it turned out) of 'finding' an excellent source, Karen, a business acquaintance who worked for a competitor whom he had gotten to know from meeting at environmental conferences as well as them both serving on a couple of professional committees.

The 737 clambered into the air and as they climbed he recalled it was after one such meeting at his own offices that she was on her way out, that she stopped by his office to say goodbye. Her timing was impeccable for he was deep in a telephone conversation with one of the ladies whom Martin had recommended as a reference. He had his back to the door and hadn't noticed Karen entering and she had overheard the reason for the call. He finished talking and turned to see her standing there and the first thing she said was, "That sounded serious, you look rather pensive, what’s so weighty?"

He replied with something like, "I was trying to sort through a rather interesting situation …" Then in a moment of candor and without thinking said, "… it's not work-related and it is a, er, rather erotic situation".

Karen, a lady with a bubbly but very smart personality, was intrigued and immediately reacted with a big smile and asked if she could help out by saying, "Oh, now I’m interested! Do tell!"

Dale reacted to her genuine interest and put aside any qualms he had of revealing his private life and told her the whole story of Martin's offer; of him wanting her to pose nude; of his suspicions that the photo shoots might be a preamble for something that went beyond just taking pictures of his wife without her clothes.

Karen's reaction to hearing this was not quite what he had expected for she just kept on grinning and interjecting with comments like, 'I bet that sent her ego a mile high … Wow! That’s great; She’ll love it!’

Dale gained the distinct impression that far from being censorious Karen was supportive so he asked, "So, you think she should do it?"

"Absolutely, like I said I’ll bet she'll love it and it's great this guy wants her to pose for him ... but only as long as you are OK with her doing it; are you OK with it?".

That was the point when Dale revealed his true colors when he said, "Well, I do like the idea…."

Before he could say any more Karen cut him off with, "Tell her to do it before she changes her mind …" and she then revealed her true colors when she added, " …. just keep me in the loop with how it goes!"

Dale gave his consent (as if consent was needed!) and the session was quickly set up which confirmed that Martin agreed with Karen, that he had Jacqui pose before she had too much time to think about it and change her mind.

As the aircraft leveled out, Dale recalled that Karen showed just how interested she was in what was going on by calling at least three times in the week following asking if Jacqui had posted yet. It was on the third call that he was able to confirm that the session had indeed taken place but hearing that only further fuelled her curiosity and to Dale's amusement she asked, almost demanded, that he showed her the results of the photo session at their next meeting.

The flight attendant interrupted his thoughts when she offered him a meal tray which reminded him that it was over meal that he met with Karen for lunch and complied with her request to 'fill in her in' with what had happened at the photo session and, more important, that he brought along copies of pictures Martin had provided him for his 'personal collection'.

At lunch, Karen was her usual lively self and began the meeting by ignoring the menu and saying, "I want all the juicy details, I’m all ears!"

He laughed at the memory and recalled that he told her the details of the post-photo session when Martin had taken both Jacqui and himself to dinner. He smiled as he re-ran through his mind the banter that passed between them at the meal table and of Jacqui's fussing with what she required to wear; how they had laughed when he had told her, "‘Somehow I don’t think that will matter … " and to, "… make it as brief as that may be!" That later, when they met at the studio, Martin complimented her on her dress and she replied with a wink, " … as brief as that may be".

Hearing that Karen just burst out with a laugh and said, "Good for her!"

"Oh, it got better," he said. "While Martin was fiddling with setting up his cameras, Jacqui commented to the effect that she ‘guessed he’d like her to get naked’. He didn't immediately turn around but mumbled something about 'that does seem to be why we are here'. You should have seen his face when he turned around and there she was completely in the buff ready for him!"

He chuckled at the remembering that when Karen let out such a laugh on hearing that description that activity at the tables around them all stopped, forks in mid-air, folks straining to eavesdrop on what was the cause for such an outburst of laughter.

Karen apologized to Dale saying, "Sorry for that, I couldn’t help it! That was such a hoot. I think Jacqui handled the situation well; Good for her again!".

Dale waited for the attention of their fellow diners to go away and opened up the envelope containing the pictures from the session. He passed them over and asked Karen who had regained her composure what she thought. Her reaction was to say that she found them to be excellent; that Jacqui made a beautiful Nude; and that she thought the pictures were tastefully erotic and well-posed.

Dale looked at her to gauge if she was being serious or whether she was making some kind of joke at his expense but, no, Karen showed that she was genuinely impressed. He asked her to qualify her remarks and if she thought Jacqui looked 'natural' or was uncomfortable by the expressions on her face.

He was gratified to hear her say that, ".. you know you can tell if she’s being forced or if she is enjoying herself, and it looks to me that she is certainly enjoying herself". When Dale asked if she was sure of that, she answered, "Oh, believe me, she is very much enjoying herself!"

With the memory of that conversation easing his mind, he put his head back and dosed away for the rest of the flight North.

The PA system clicked on, "We are preparing to land. Please put your tray table away, your seat to the upright position, and check that your seat belt is correctly fastened."

Dale complied and settled back to watch the night lights of Philadelphia passing beneath the wings as the United flight lined up on the approaching runway. With nothing more to occupy his mind, he returned his thoughts to the meeting with Karen and how excited and involved she had become in the saga of Jacqui and the nude photo session.

She had asked him how he felt about Jacqui posing nude, now that she had done it and he smiled that he had had to confess that it had personally it turned him on that his wife had behaved so shamelessly in the company of another man.

Karen had said, "Nothing wrong about that … " and "… that is great to hear. The pictures show Jacqui is very relaxed and it is just as obvious that she is enjoying posing." She then surmised that these pictures would not be the only time Jacqui posed for Martin.

Dale concurred that there was the suggestion that Jacqui return to the studio for more 'Art House' pictures to be taken to which Karen had, once again, demanded that she wanted to be kept posted on all subsequent activities.

The 737 kissed the runway and the thrust reversers kicked in slowing the aircraft to allow it to make a fast taxi to the terminal. As he sat waiting for the moment when he could release his seat belt and join the departing passengers, he finished his reverie and told Karen of subsequent events; of Martin arranging a party when he had presented Jacqui as having found a ‘real treasure’; that he must have thought very highly of Jacqui if he arranged a party like that to show her off.

Karen agreed that he must have thought of his wife as 'being special'. She was all ears when Dale then mentioned that Martin had an idea for a nude competition, that he had a notion that the competition might not be just a straightforward photo shoot.

Karen was excited by the implication and once again insisted that she be told all about it if and when it happened …

… and so by way of these intimate lunchtime meetings, Karen became part of the 'Jacqui and Heidi and Dale' world.


Back at the ranch, Heidi readied herself for what was to be her last night at Cougar Springs and the celebratory night out with her latest conquest, Mark, the co-owner of the ranch who had become quite enamored by the charms and skills of this exciting courtesan. She busied herself with showering, then carefully depilating the faint stubble and stray hairs around her already moist pussy before choosing lingerie from her extensive selection of 'working clothes'. She had already chosen a sundress which was just long enough to reach her knees and, having decided against wearing stockings, would show off her sun-tanned legs to best advantage. Indeed, Heidi's attention was mostly focused on the night ahead and how best she could show her appreciation to her welcomed benefactor.

Meanwhile, Mark, although he was similarly and keenly anticipating the night ahead had other thoughts running through his mind; thoughts and plotting scenarios whereby he could encourage Robert to release her from her binding contract so that Heidi could return to the ranch and become a more permanent part of the ******. But, knowing of Robert's stubborn ways and his strict adherence to business protocols, he knew it would be a tough call; that it would have to be some devious kind of plan to have Robert concede control of his 'asset'.

With those thoughts in mind he pulled on his dress suit jacket, climbed into his vintage Rolls Royce, and drove out to the ranch to collect his companion to take her out for what she expected was going to be a farewell night of fun.


Heidi's return to New Orleans and Robert's 'care' was conducted without any great ceremony and, to her irritation, he seemed mainly indifferent to her presence in his mansion due to him being deeply involved in another of his dubious and devious business deals and she became frustrated at the lack of attention. Heidi didn't ask what he was involved with, indeed, it was not her place as a contracted sex slave to ask so she just bided her time and mainly entertained herself in the ways she knew best with toys and memories to keep her occupied. It was therefore a surprise, a welcome surprise, when after a few weeks of being 'under-employed' under his roof Robert announced that he was sending her back to the ranch in Nevada. She never questioned the reasons why there was such a quick turnaround (once more, it was not her place to ask ) but assumed that she was once again an element in one of Robert's elaborate plots and schemes. She wasn't far wrong in thinking that this was all part of some game that was being played, only wrong in thinking that Robert was the instigator. The truth was Robert dropped her off at the domestic terminal of Louis Armstrong International and told her that he had negotiated for the Ranch to pay the plane fare and all other expenses to travel back; and that her ticket would be waiting for her at the check-in desk.

She said her goodbyes saying that it was very nice of the ranch to have done so and then she took full advantage when checking in of requesting an upgrade, which was granted, and thereafter enjoyed the special treatment offered by being seated in the first class cabin for the flight back to Las Vegas.

A limousine awaited her (a courtesy as part of the airline's first-class service) and the chauffeur had no difficulty in guessing her profession when she informed him of her final destination; Cougar Springs was a regular attraction for his company's high-end clients and he had driven the route many times before. His guess was confirmed when on arrival at the ranch he assisted her with her bags and witnessed the warm reception that awaited her from her 'co-workers'.

As he drove away he wondered if his next visit to the ranch would be delivering a passenger who would be paying for the privilege of her company.

Although there had only been a few weeks since her last 'tour of duty' she couldn't fail to notice that quite a few changes had taken place around the place, not least that there was a new hostess, 'Madam', by the name of Maria in reception who in turn introduced her to a new head of security, a somewhat manly woman of questionable gender, who went over the 'improved' security measures recently introduced at the ranch. Heidi wasn't too concerned at what she was told, from her point of view, as long as the new checks and balances meant there would be less delay in getting fucked, that was fine by her.

Maria waited for the security brief to be completed before she stepped in to give her instructions and was pleased to tell her that she would be accommodated in the executive suite, the guest house, once again. Heidi was delighted to hear it but suspicious that this sudden change of circumstances from being Robert's 'Chattel' in New Orleans to once again being feted as a high-class prostitute in Las Vegas was part of some elaborate game being played out by Robert and his co-conspirators. Her suspicions were borne out when Maria told her she would be entertaining a 'special guest', someone who enjoyed her charms previously, and had stayed several days with her in the guest house. Maria added that many of the otherwise normal rules were being waived for this guest but said that she was not making a big deal out of it with the other girls. The butch head of security looked distinctly unhappy as she listened to this invitation to be breaking the rules that she had just so patiently explained; Heidi smiled sweetly and made her guesses as to who the special guest could be (there were a few candidates she had in mind) told them that would not be a problem as far as she was concerned.

The welcoming brief over, Heidi went into the main reception lounge and was gratified to see that whilst the rules and some of the décor had changed, the girls, her co-workers, decorously seated on couches and armchairs had not, they were still dressed in the same 'working clothes' of provocative lingerie that she favored. Corsets, Bustiers, with half-cup bras that pushed up and enhanced fulsome breasts. Some wore stockings either held in place by garters or were thigh-highs; some girls wore French knickers, some went for the minimal look and wore bikini thongs, and some didn't bother with either and shamelessly displayed their bare pussies, shaven or not.

While there were a few girls from her first time at the ranch, almost all the others in the lounge were new, and following the welcoming introductions they were more interested in attending to their own 'business' rather than pursuing any longer conversations.

Not so the 'old timers', her colleagues from before, who seemed to genuinely be glad to see her. They knew the name of the game and how the ranch operated and they had also been informed ahead of time that 'Heidi would be returning specifically to be entertaining a 'special guest'. They congratulated her on her change in fortunes (New Orleans hadn't sounded as if it favorably compared to Las Vega) and all of them assumed this special guest was a 'high roller' of sorts and, as such, it was none of their business. Their reaction to hearing of her being placed in the guest house made some sense as several of the girls had 'regulars', mostly older, rather well-off men who 'called' whenever they were in Las Vegas, and they had enjoyed the same privileges from time to time.

And so Heidi settled back into the life of a prostitute, albeit, a high-class prostitute, not knowing that in reality she was being set up to be gifted and was part of an elaborate plan being acted out by her benefactors. (Not that she wouldn't have cared either way if she had been told, just as long as whatever was being played out meant that she got plenty of cock to pleasure her along the way!)

Following Maria's suggestion that she get a good night's sleep, Heidi resumed the daily routine she had so easily adopted her first time around at the ranch. Her day began with a leisurely shower and an inspection that all her 'assets' were in good order and presentable. Stray hairs or stubble were carefully removed before applying her preferred subtle-scented body lotion, 'Modern Muse', a perfume that she knew to be appreciated by her customers. Satisfied that her body was satisfactorily prepared and ready for later inspection she would then carefully choose from the extensive lingerie collection that had been provided by the ranch an 'outfit' that perfectly framed the scented body she had just prepared. She opened the drawers in the closet and smiled to see that the ranch hadn't scrimped on the choices of underwear. She picked out a black bustier that was trimmed with red, a matching pair of silk French knickers, and finished the ensemble with a pair of black nylon stockings which she carefully fastened to the garters. She stepped into a pair of black patent hi-heels and then stood before one of the many mirrors that surrounded the walls of the bedroom. She looked upon the reflection, primped her hair into shape, and gave herself a final inspection thinking that the half-cup bra was a nice touch in how it pushed up her tits and allowed just a glimpse of her nipples. Satisfied that her choice of working clothes would be much appreciated later …. but only after she had first enjoyed a leisurely breakfast which she then proceeded to do.

Maria found her at the breakfast table to advise her of her first day's schedule and Heidi was pleased to learn that her first customer was to be someone who she knew very well from her previous time of working at the ranch. He was an older gentleman who she knew as 'John' but given the circumstances that brought men to the ranch, she was certain that wasn't his real name. That didn't matter to her in the slightest but what did interest her was to remember that previously John had almost completed his grand slam, five separate appointments which qualified a customer for subsequent discounts. Maria laughed when she heard that and said that John had practically begged to be the first to have her when he heard she was coming back so she said that she would make certain that this visit was faithfully recorded so that John could indeed 'join the club'.

John was an elderly wealthy man, a Southern gentleman from the 'old school', very charming, with impeccable manners and, Heidi was aware, had known 'issues' with getting and maintaining an erection. Heidi remembered him from previous appointments and suggested to Maria they allow extra time for him as it would take a while to make sure he was 'relieved' properly! Maria agreed.

John celebrated her return and his arrival by presenting her with a box of chocolates and a bouquet! He escorted her back to the executive suite and could hardly contain himself, telling her how happy he was that she was back, how much he had missed her, and hopes that she would be staying a much longer time … even though having the benefits that would come from being a 'Grand Slam Member' was not a consideration as, given his wealth, he did not need a discount.

Once into the suite and with the door firmly closed Heidi helped John to divest himself of his hand-made leather shoes, exquisite cashmere suit, white linen shirt, and silk tie so that he was left standing in his tailored boxer shorts. There was not a hint of a bulge.

She led him to the king-size bed and he sensed that she had glanced at the seeming lack of excitement and he confessed that he had not been able to have an erection since he had seen her and that his wife continued to have no interest in any kind of sex whatsoever. Heidi commiserated and asked why he hadn’t come back to the Ranch for one of the other girls.

He boosted her confidence to no end when he said very simply that after her departure he had indeed come and tried other girls but, "… none could do for me what you did and I didn’t want to disappoint either them or myself".

"What a gentleman," she thought as she helped him pull down his boxers.

Suffice to say it, she was right about John needing more time. She began by taking his limp dick in her hand and then spent the better part of an afternoon working with him by firstly gently masturbating him whilst making whispered erotic suggestions in his ear. She felt the reaction to her suggestions manifesting itself as his penis began to swell and grow in her hand, it responded even more when she suggested that he feel inside her French knickers and discover how excited she had become at once more being in his presence. He grunted his approval as his fingers found her wet smooth cleft.

She encouraged him to return the favor of being masturbated and for him to finger-fuck her which, after having tugged down her knickers, he did so with enthusiasm. She squealed with delight as he stroked his fingers in and out of her baby-smooth pussy and she felt his cock stiffen even more in response. His gentle insistent probing soon brought her to her first orgasm of the day and she sighed with delight as the waves of pleasure washed over her. Then as the spasms subsided, she remembered that she was 'at work' and it was she who was supposed to bring about the same effect in her customer!

Back to work Heidi assumed the 69 position and straddled John's face so that he could taste for himself the evidence of what he had achieved. He lapped gratefully at her offering and she delighted in sensing the mini-spasm that accompanied each lash of his tongue. She bent forward and without releasing her hold felt him shudder as her warm breath washed over and enveloped his now very erect cock. She resumed masturbating him and enhanced the sensations that were beginning to build in his groin by licking the swollen knob and giving it butterfly kisses. A few minutes of that treatment did the trick and without warning other than a deep groan, John erupted and his spunk fountained and splattered her face.

She was delighted; she had successfully serviced her first customer; she felt like she was back where she belonged.

They spent a few more hours together in her suite and Heidi was able not only to bring him to orgasm with her special ways of giving oral sex but he was ecstatic when she straddled him more conventionally, patiently keeping his erection alive just long enough so he was able to fuck her (or so he believed) for them both to enjoy a mutual climax.

John was pleased, even proud of his efforts and although he didn't express his delight in quite so basic terms, he said as they parted, "My dear, I am so eternally grateful to you for your kindness”.

She smiled at his gentlemanly choice of phrase and responded with an equally polite, "... You're very welcome," but was good-mannered and professional enough not to add that her delight was enhanced by the huge tip he left on departure. He also had begged to take her out that evening to dinner and a show in Las Vegas; she told him that such invitations were strictly against the new rules of the establishment but as she gave him a goodbye peck of a kiss made a promise that she would make herself available to just him any time in the future he visited the city.


It was a few weeks later that Dale, as per the contract obligations, contacted Robert to check on his wife's welfare. He knew from his own experience that she had been 'detached' to Las Vegas but for obvious reasons, he made no mention of his surreptitious visit to the brothel at Cougar Springs and the clandestine meeting with his wife Jacqui (aka, Heidi the whore) for, as per the same contract obligations, he was not permitted to have any direct contact with her. It was therefore a surprise to learn from Robert, her master, that he had subsequently summonsed her to return to New Orleans to live once more as his dutiful slave (as per the contract).

He speculated as to the reason why Robert had chosen to do so but failed to come up with an answer; he had long since given up on trying to fathom out the workings of Robert's devious mind and his interpretation of the contract between the three of them. Nevertheless, it was a disappointment to learn that her 'tour of duty' had been cut short as having her installed at the ranch had, for their reasons, been such a buzz for all of them.

Having absorbed that nugget of information he was then further surprised and confused when Robert then said in an offhand manner that 'things hadn't worked out as planned' and Heidi had since been returned to Cougar Springs; that from a business point of view her presence at the ranch has been such a success that it made good sense for her to be better employed there than be idle in New Orleans.

Dale was not convinced by the explanation of his wife being used in such a manner but, hey, that was the name of the game when they entered into this 12-month-long agreement so it was not his place to criticize or complain but he was right to be skeptical as to Robert's explanation and the reason he gave for Heidi's return to the brothel. What hadn't entered his mind was the real reason for her return was to do with himself; that he was the justification for the turnaround …. then again, neither did Robert.


Mark nodded in approval to no one but himself when he picked up the message from Maria and read that Heidi had successfully returned to the ranch and had quickly picked up on where she had left off, Now he could put the next step of his plan in motion.

Although he was a minority owner of the ranch (with an uncle and cousin being the majority owners) he had total responsibility for financial matters of the business. As such he kept a close eye on the day-to-day operation, the accounts, and, in particular, the profitability of each of the 'assets'.

It had been a business associate, Robert, who had suggested that Heidi come and work for him temporarily. He didn't particularly care for Robert at a personal level, he found him boorish, a little devious, and misleading with his dealings but, he had to admit that he was an interesting character inasmuch that he was the main player in some erotic society that he had set up. He didn't know too many details of what the society did but he was aware that they played out elaborate games and that many attractive and interesting people (some of whom he knew) were involved and had joined. He was intrigued by the tales of what went on with Robert's society and it was on that basis that he had agreed to take Heidi and for her to assume the role of prostitute as part of one of the games that the society was playing out.

No, he didn't care for Robert but he was certainly interested in finding out more about the society to substantiate the rumors.

It was at the end of the month following her arrival that on his scheduled examination of the accounts he noted 'the new girl' had proven extremely popular and that her 'service delivery' had soon commanded a high price that customers were more than willing to pay. It was for that reason that he had then taken upon himself the selfless task to sample her offering. He had not been disappointed and thereafter took a special interest in her for the remainder of her time that he had agreed with Robert for her period of employment.

As part of his monthly survey of the business accounts he would also take the opportunity to review CCTV footage; if nothing else it amused him to gauge the reactions and the expressions on the faces of some of the customers when they were introduced to the scantily dressed girl of their choice. It was such a review of the tapes that identified to him that Dale was 'a person of interest', there was something about his mannerisms and his ease when being introduced to Heidi that struck him as not being quite right. He decided that he would investigate further as to who this mystery man might be.

In the event, it had proven very easy to identify exactly what part Dale played in the great scheme of things. They had met at the bar and exchanged pleasantries and Mark found Dale to be an extremely amenable character. As they chatted he noted a picture of Heidi (taken in her Jacqui persona) in his open wallet lying on the bar surface and somehow, one thing led to another and the conversation had revealed that they had a mutual acquaintance in Robert and that they both shared the same opinions of him.

A little more probing by Mark and he learned that Dale was very much involved with Robert's group and that the group went by the grand title of 'The Erotic Society of America', ESOC, for short and Dale had no qualms in revealing the kind of things that ESOC got up to. He said that the lady in the wallet picture was his wife; that his wife was presently 'contracted out' to Robert; that by the contract she (they) had to do whatever Robert chose to do with her; that presently ESOC was playing out a game whereby Jacqui (aka Heidi) was being used as a prostitute.

Mark asked how he felt about that. Dale responded that he was excited to be involved in the game but, at the same time wasn't happy that the rules of the game meant he had to be parted for so long from his dear wife especially since he was forced into the situation by the binding contract that Robert had insisted upon.

Mark commiserated with his dilemma and both came to the same conclusion that, for reasons of their own, they did not care for Robert at all.

It was after that conversation that Mark began thinking about how he might do Dale a favor and at the same time be instrumental in freeing both Heidi and his new friend from what seemed like an intolerable situation. A plan began to form in his head.


Karen enjoyed her new job, working alongside Dale and his Environmental Services company; it was a refreshing change from her previous employment in a bigger corporation. True, in her new position, boss Dale had given her more responsibilities than she had been used to but as this was coupled with him giving her more freedom to make decisions it was something that made her time more interesting and, as a by-the-way, Dale had shown himself to be a nice guy which made work a pleasure.

One of her responsibilities and the first task she had to perform on a workday was to deal with the incoming mail and messages. Most communication was by email but inevitably there would be a pile of letters delivered courtesy of the USPS most of which on examination would be identified as junk mail, flyers advertising dubious services, and went straight into the trash can. Occasionally there would be an invoice which after brief examination she would deal but hardly ever would there be anything personal. So it was that one morning a few weeks after Dale had returned from attending the Las Vegas 'Conference' that she espied a very different-looking letter amongst the pile, a gold-trimmed envelope personally addressed to Dale, post-marked 'Las Vegas' and marked 'Special Delivery - Invitation to Participate'.

Her roles and responsibilities gave her the authority to open it and she was intrigued to read that it was a letter from a hospitality provider that traded under the title of 'The Cougar Springs Ranch', a name she recognized from some of Dale's business expense claims.

She read on and soon became apparent to her that the hospitality provided by Cougar Springs was specific and, reading between the lines, left no room for doubt that Dale had been a recent customer and, curiously, that they had taken the trouble to name the girl whom had he had enjoyed the company of, Heidi.

She continued to read and almost laughed out loud when she came to the concluding paragraph which went on to seek his opinions as to how they could make any future visits even more pleasurable; that as an incentive to give an honest answer, a blatant come-on, an invitation to enter a competition which would give the winner 4 days and nights, all expenses paid, 'vacation' with the girl of his choice.

She read that the competition was a very simple one, all the participant had to do was write in 50 words or less the 'why' and 'how' and 'who with' the first visit made to the ranch and 'why you would recommend our services'.

Karen was not fooled as to the purpose of the letter, it was a not-so-subtle mail shot, encouraging repeat business but that aside it did also answer a lot of the questions that she had been mulling over as to the real purpose of Dale and his visits to Las Vegas. For whatever reason, she strongly suspected that his wife Jacqui (whose pictures she had seen) and this 'Heidi' were the same person.

She waited patiently for Dale's arrival at work when dealing with the letter would be the first task on her project plan for the day's business; she did not know that she had already completed the first task on Mark's project plan of dealing and antagonizing his business rival Robert.