A Servant of the Company (19 page)

Her fingers were tingling, he had just confirmed her feelings, and a warm glow filled her whole body, but it didn’t last. How could it be possible to be so happy yet so miserable at the same time? Why couldn’t he be coming home to her tonight and not miles away? Both her hands were now around her telephone grasping it as though letting go would see Steve slipping away from her. ‘Oh! Steve, I think I’ve fallen in love with you, you just don’t know how it makes me feel when you are so far away.’

‘Darling Anthea, I feel exactly the same. Don’t worry we’ll be together very soon. This job is just a stepping stone. Once I get some experience, I’ll be back I promise.’ He laughed as he said, ‘And don’t you try to stop me. We have some wonderful times ahead of us, I just have to be patient for a couple of weeks.’ The thought of holding her was foremost in his mind and with their next meeting, he would see them consummate the feelings that they had for each other. ‘I don’t think I’ve told you that I love you too, well I do. On that damned train journey the thought of you was the only thing that kept me going.’ She still hadn’t mentioned the job, so maybe he would get away with it tonight. It was not to be.

‘Any news from your company yet Steve or do just have to sit it out until they contact you?’ There was a problem here, she was certain. Maybe he would tell her some news which would dispel the doubt. She had decided to mention it just this once and then let the matter drop. It was unfair to put pressure on him, he would tell her when the time was right, but the odd question kept things in the open. If he needed help, he would see that she was not only a female, but strong and determined to go with it.

There was no way he could divulge his instructions so the best thing he reasoned was to lie. ‘Nothing yet Anthea, I might hear something tomorrow with a bit of luck.’ He would have to face up to it sometime, but tonight wasn’t it. ‘Will you be in tomorrow night?’

‘Home at six as usual. But to an empty house this time unfortunately. If I said that I didn’t want you sleeping in the spare room any more, would that get you back to me a bit sooner?’ She couldn’t believe she had said it but was pleased that she had. It had been on her mind for some time and now she had given him the invitation.

Steve realised how slow he had been in his relationship with Anthea reasoning that she was far too good for him, came from a far better background and would probably have rejected him. Now she had made the move and he loved her for it. ‘I think I’ve just missed the last train, or I would have been on it,’ he laughed. ‘Darling, I can’t wait to see you again. It’s going to be a very long week and you’re going to be permanently on my mind.’ As he spoke, he came to the conclusion that he was in denial of the reality of his situation. He felt as strongly for Anthea as she did for him, but before they met again there was some serious work to do. Work he could never discuss.

Anthea felt the tears coming, it wouldn’t take long before they were flowing down her cheeks. The cocktail of happiness and misery was very upsetting and before he could sense her pain she had to get off the phone. ‘Steve, please ring me tomorrow night, I’ll just wait in for your call.’ She couldn’t say any more, her hand was over her mouth to stop the sound of her sobs reaching the man she loved.

‘I’ll give you time to have something to eat before I ring, but the time is going to drag for me. I love you Anth. Speak to you then.’

It took all of her composure to say, ‘Love you, bye.’ As she put the telephone down the tears came. She needed him but felt that he needed her just as much, if not more. All was not well with Steve, she just knew it.

Everything was going to plan, all he needed to do now was prepare the final induction package. He smiled as he thought of Carol Barcroft, wondering whether it would have been better to have tried a personal approach to get her to Paris for the weekend rather than recruiting her into the Organisation. It was too late now, she was one of the team and he never mixed business with pleasure of the sexual kind. Although she was the final recruit, he would never stop accruing information when it presented itself, it may never be used but was there should the need arise. He was therefore pleased to allow himself just one token. It was this final thought which brought his mind back to creating Carol’s guidelines.

As he set up the computer he wasn’t sure whether he was sad about this last throw or happy that he had reached the culmination of his art without discovery, and with a large fortune for the Organisation in an assortment of banks under an assortment of names. This project had been on his mind for some time as an excellent prospect for profit, all it needed was the right final ingredient, and then he had found Carol Barcroft.

Before he knew it the light was fading and he had to put on the desk lamp to see the keyboard properly. He had been working continuously for six hours and had just one final paragraph to add before the plan was complete. Twenty minutes later he had finished reading through all that had been written. It might be the last one he would ever have to write, but he considered it his best. Every eventuality had been covered, right down to the safety of the girls yet to be recruited. Satisfied, he switched on the printer setting it for two copies. One for the safe, the other for Miss Barcroft. He had tried to comprehend the feelings he got when his efforts had reached this final stage when everything was under control, but it still remained an enjoyable mystery.

Hotel accommodation had been arranged for Carol Barcroft. At six p.m. tomorrow he would telephone and give her the start date and hotel details. The briefing notes he would send to the hotel for her collection.

Simon Colbourne was looking forward to his journey to Cardiff where he would be visiting a company which supplied high quality antique reproduction metalwork for the family furniture business. It was just a P.R. exercise but one which might secure him another extremely attractive bed mate. On an earlier visit he had noticed a girl working in an office adjacent to the managing director and had been captivated by her looks. She was honey blond and had either just returned from a holiday in the sun or been a frequent visitor to a sun bed centre. He favoured the former, her colouring was perfect. The yellow silk blouse and camel coloured skirt reflected the girl’s excellent dress sense. He had only a brief chance to speak to her, but from their eye contact his experience told him she was interested in him. And he was certainly interested in her. Listening to the M.D. talking to her, he learned her name was Glenys, this he filed away in his memory for the future. Tomorrow he would see her again, he closed his eyes and let his memory of her flow through his mind. A quick courtesy call to the factory in Cardiff confirming his visit then he would have a relaxing evening.

‘That wouldn’t be Glenys would it?’ he asked, hoping he hadn’t been mistaken. If he was right this might be the hoped for opener for a more intimate relationship. Picturing the blonde girl at the other end of the telephone, he waited expectantly for her answer.

‘Yes it is Mr. Colbourne, how on earth did you know?’ She was pleased he had remembered her voice and her name. She had recognised his voice as soon as she had answered the call. ‘This is quite remarkable, I was just about to call you on behalf of Mr. Davis.’ The thought went through her mind that he might be interested in her, he had certainly looked deeply into her eyes on his last visit and it was the memory of that moment that had prompted her to volunteer to call him. She was pleased there was no-one else in the office otherwise her call would have been on a strictly business basis with Mr. Colbourne. As it was, her voice had displayed pleasure. Something that Simon noticed immediately.

‘Are you on your own Glenys?’ he asked in a conspiratorial way. This could be the time, the intonations in her voice were right and if she was alone, the game would be on. ‘And please, do call me Simon. Although we have only met briefly somehow I feel as though I know you. Strange isn’t it. Do you ever get that feeling?’ It was fishing again, he had cast his line and he would be watching the float carefully and when the time was right the fish wouldn’t be landed on the river bank but the girl would be landed in his bed.

‘Yes Simon I am on my own. The reason for the call was to invite you to a party the company is having to celebrate our twenty-fifth year in business. It’s to be held on the 20
th
of next month at the Hilton Hotel here in Cardiff. I do hope you can come. Partners are being invited but I will be on my own.’ She held her breath, would he be expecting her to say this? What would he think of her, would he give her the cold shoulder?

Glenys need not have worried, it was an open invitation to Simon and he knew just the way to accept it graciously without saying, ‘My room number is 203 and I’ll be in bed when you come up.’ He paused before answering because suddenly he reappraised Glenys. Maybe she was as good a fisherman as he was. Not only had the invitation been offered, the unsaid words were in her voice. ‘Clinch the deal Simon,’ he said to himself.

‘Would you thank Mr. Davis for his kind invitation, I would be delighted to accept. I must say that seeing you again is probably the best part of it but don’t tell him that.’ He laughed as he said it, and settled down for more of the game before he would end the conversation. ‘Perhaps you would join me for a drink after the party, I would love to get to know you better?’ His voice was warm and encouraging as it usually was at this stage of the proceedings.

‘Thank you Simon, I would love that. Are you staying overnight?’ She reminded herself that he was good looking and so much more cultured than any of the local men she had met. If he did stay, she would arrange his hotel booking and check out the room before he arrived to make sure it had a double bed.

‘Glenys, how could I leave after the party and head for home when you are on your own? I hope you will save some time for me.’ He always made sure that his partner did not feel that she had made the running in the forthcoming liaison, it was something that the girls usually appreciated. It made them less likely to feel that their favours had been easily obtained.

‘I was hoping I might see you tomorrow, I was ringing to confirm my visit with Mr. Davis and just to see you again would make the trip more than worthwhile. Unfortunately it will be a very short visit as I have two other appointments after lunch. Would you check with him that the visit is still convenient Glenys?’ He believed in treating his suppliers with the utmost courtesy although he knew they would be only too pleased to see him in order to maintain a good business relationship with a valued customer.

‘Would you hold the line please, I’ll just pop through to see him, I won’t be a moment.’ Glenys flushed at the thought of Simon Colbourne being in the office tomorrow. Would she be able to look at him without giving the game away? After a quick conversation with her M.D. she returned to the telephone. ‘Hello, yes Mr. Davis is expecting you and looks forward to seeing you again.’ Quietly she said, ‘And so am I.’

Things were going well, her longer term aims were going to be achieved. Tomorrow would be frustrating seeing him for such a short time, but the Company anniversary function would make up for it. This was to be a reunion of old friends or lovers. She was totally relaxed now, she had made a decision and would be spending the night of the 20
th
in Simon’s arms. The feeling was suddenly disturbed as two of her colleagues returned from lunch. She had to end the conversation now as it was taking a more personal approach and the girls being girls would soon recognise it as such.

‘I’ll let Mr. Davis know you will be coming Mr. Colbourne and I’ll let you know when your room has been booked.’

Simon was too old a hand at the game not to recognise the change in Glenys’s tone and reacted accordingly. ‘Many thanks, I’ll just wait to hear from you. Goodbye.’ He paused then added, ‘I’m sorry tomorrow’s visit is going to be so brief.’

Slowly he replaced the handset thinking of Glenys, savouring the delights awaiting him on her company’s anniversary.

The 20
th
was a good date to have this sort of assignation, he would treat it as his own personal reward and on this occasion, Glenys was it.

As usual the M4 was busy, but Simon Colbourne was unconcerned. This was to be a leisurely drive to Cardiff where the delightful Glenys had booked him into the Hilton for the night. As this was the venue for the Company celebration, it couldn’t have been more convenient. He did like things to go smoothly, and Glenys was playing her part in ensuring he was not going to be disappointed. When she telephoned to confirm the booking, she told him that she had asked to inspect the room as it was for a very important guest of the Company, the result was that they had upgraded the booking to an Executive room which was much nicer and would suit their plans for the night perfectly.

Simon had been amused when she had asked if she could leave her coat and a small case in his room while she helped organise the Reception area for Company staff and guests. The arrangements so far were excellent as he was the only guest from the party staying overnight at the Hilton, so there would be no embarrassing questions to answer in the morning. He just hoped the celebrations would end at a reasonable time without hordes of drunken Welshmen bursting into song and insisting everyone present should join in. Under normal circumstances he would enjoy it, and would comply if the words were in English, but his celebration tonight would only start when they had all gone home.

Today he was representing his company at a suppliers’ celebration, and had informed his secretary where he would be. This was a day off from everything but the pleasure of sex. The suppliers’ celebrations he would find an absolute bore but would bluff his way through the evening, talking to all and sundry and saying just the right things. His hosts would be delighted with his presence and tell each other later what a charming man Simon Colbourne was. He had done this on many occasions, but not always with the delightful reward he would receive once the event came to a close.

Once the Cardiff business was complete and Glenys had said her goodbyes and left his room, he intended having a leisurely breakfast before planning his day. His mind returned to the present as he saw the Millennium Stadium come into view. He was familiar with the city and soon turned into Kingsway and then to the Hilton car park.

Checking in at the Reception desk, he was soon aware that Glenys had impressed on the staff that Mr. Colbourne was no ordinary guest and should be treated accordingly. He wasn’t sure whether the courteous reception he received was the norm, but he was impressed by the professionalism of the Receptionist who had obviously remembered quite a lot about him. This could only have come from Glenys. His room was what he would have expected from a five star hotel, there were some nice touches, and the view was excellent. The sun had moved around to the west and a warm clear glow had settled over the city which made the dullest of buildings seem attractive, where light and shade played their part in creating a gentle panorama. Simon gazed across the city and reminded himself that beneath the surface, it was perhaps not all it seemed. ‘Nevertheless,’ he told himself, ‘this is perfect for my needs.’ Glancing around the room, he noticed that the mirrors were perfectly sited, and reminded himself that patience was a virtue. He would shower and change at seven thirty before joining his hosts in the Reception Suite where a buffet and drinks would be served. It was a good choice for Simon, he would have hated a sit down meal, glued to the same two people for a couple of hours. Far better to be free ranging, after the initial chat with his host, he could circulate picking on whoever took his fancy but ensuring he did not give the beautiful Glenys too much attention. That could wait, she would get her share later.

Thankfully the Chairman had kept the speeches to a minimum, making the point that he knew everyone would far sooner talk to each other than listen to him. This was greeted by a roar of laughter and set the trend for the rest of the evening. He did spend a short time praising his staff for the success the Company enjoyed, which went down very well. As an observer, Simon believed that most of the people grew two inches at the end of the speech. It was their evening and the Chairman had just made an important investment in his business by recognising their efforts. Simon was impressed.

He invited everyone to enjoy the excellent buffet which the hotel has provided for the occasion. Drinks from the bar which would stay open until eleven thirty were on the Company. Following the speech, one of the staff took the microphone and suitably praised the Chairman and the Company to tremendous applause from the gathering.

There must have been two hundred people attending the function, mostly staff and their partners, but some suppliers and customers were also present, Simon wasn’t the only customer, but his was the most prestigious Company. As people finished their food, the bar became the centre of attention and Simon reckoned that there would be some very sore heads the following day. His wouldn’t be one of them, keeping a full glass which he put to his lips from time to time, but didn’t drink, he intended being very sober when he finally got into bed. Spotting Glenys holding a glass, he waited until he could talk to her out of earshot of other guests.

‘Good evening, I don’t think we have met. Are you one of Mr. Davis’s team?’ Without showing it, he glanced around to make sure he could not be overheard if he continued the conversation. He need not have worried, the Welsh were never short of a word and the noise level and laughter would have drowned out anything he said. But Simon was as ever, cautious.

Glenys smiled coyly, and quietly said, ‘Mr. Colbourne, I’m Glenys, I booked Room 502 for you. See, I even remembered the number.’ She could see the twinkle in his eye and was looking forward to the end of the evening. It would be difficult to leave early and she was sensible enough to enjoy the company of people other than Simon Colbourne. ‘I’ll be here until at least eleven thirty, it wouldn’t be right to go before that. I hope you don’t mind.’ She glanced around the room deciding which group she would join after leaving Simon as the evening was here to be enjoyed. ‘Don’t drink too much Simon, will you?’ She offered it as a joke but the meaning wasn’t lost on him, and he didn’t after all have to ask her to do the same thing.

‘I must say Glenys, you look absolutely stunning tonight.’ He looked into her eyes as he turned to move away and search out a group to join. ‘I’ll nod to you when I’m going to my room and look forward to you joining me when you can. Don’t forget, 502.’ They parted and moved off in opposite directions. The brief meeting was noticed by no-one.

At eleven fifteen Simon excused himself from the group he had joined and sought out Evan Davis, his host. Putting his hand on his Evan’s shoulder, he spoke giving the impression that he had enjoyed several drinks. ‘I’m so pleased you invited me to the celebrations, I have met some wonderful people here tonight. They certainly enjoy working for your Company and I don’t think it was the drink talking. With that quality of people working for you, there will certainly be a celebration for the fiftieth anniversary and I hope you will think of me when you have it. It has been a wonderful evening and may I wish you ongoing success, you deserve it. I can’t thank you enough for your generous hospitality, it certainly has been a wonderful evening with smiling faces everywhere.’

The words flowed with sincerity and conviction. Evan Davis was delighted with the compliments from his guest and thrust out his hand to Simon.

‘It’s been great pleasure having you here Simon and I’m so pleased you have enjoyed the evening. They are a great crowd aren’t they? Well, long may our two Companies have dealings with each other, as we have for all of our twenty-five years in business.’ As they shook hands, ‘I’m sure we will meet many times before our fiftieth, and then it’s a must for you to join us.’ The pleasure that Evan Davis felt from the conversation showed on his face, the evening had been a tremendous success and one of his favourite customers had thought so too.

‘I think I will call it a day now if you don’t mind Evan and leave it to you younger fellows.’ Evan Davis was at least ten years older than Simon and it showed but Evan smiled in response. ‘I think I will sleep very soundly, with luck the bedroom walls will be thick so other people won’t hear my snoring. Thanks again Evan, I will be in touch.’

‘Goodnight Simon, sleep well. So pleased you came.’ It wasn’t just the business he received from Colbournes, he really liked young Simon as he had liked Colbourne senior when he was M.D.

Simon turned, and briefly joined various groups to say his goodbyes. He also scanned the rooms and managed to discreetly signal to Glenys that he was leaving. Just as discreetly, she acknowledged the signal.

The knock on his door came thirty minutes later, he had undressed, showered, and was now watching a television programme. Smiling he opened the door and let Glenys glide in while the door was only half open. ‘Welcome to room 502 Glenys. I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather have knocking on my door.’ He held her hands, and she moved close to him before putting her arms around his neck.

‘Oh! Simon I thought this moment would never come, I’ve so been looking forward to it.’ She looked at him waiting to be in his arms, her face slightly flushed. ‘I hope you haven’t been waiting long.’ The evening had to be perfect, she didn’t want anything to spoil it. Simon Colbourne had been on her mind constantly since they discovered their mutual attraction, and tonight she was certain that neither of them would regret it.

Simon held her close, kissing her forehead before saying, ‘I only had time to shower before you arrived, two minutes earlier and I would have been at the door in the all together. Now come here and let me have a good look at you. If I had sore eyes they would be cured immediately, you are truly beautiful and I can’t believe my luck in having you here with me.’ His lips moved to hers and they were kissing passionately while his hands moved over her body, feeling her well shaped firm breasts and noticing the nipples hardening.

Moving away from him, Glenys took hold of his hands. Simon would you mind if I had a shower too, it was rather hot downstairs and I would feel so much better lying next to you if I did.’ She hoped he wasn’t going to be too impatient, but the last thing she wanted was to put him off if there was the slightest hint of B.O.

‘You’re a girl after my own heart, that’s just how I felt once I came to my room. All the things you need are there, so I’ll lay down and wait for you to return refreshed.’ Cleanliness was something Simon was almost paranoid about. There was no way he would be doing some of the things he planned if she hadn’t showered first. She had saved him the job of suggesting it. Things were certainly going well.

He heard the shower being turned on and imagined her body arching as the hot water poured over her. When Glenys came out of the bathroom she was wearing a nightdress which was for all intents and purposes completely see through. Simon sighed as he once again told her how wonderful she looked.

Lying beside him on the bed she felt the smoothness of his pyjamas against her face. ‘Are these  silk Simon?’ There was a touch of luxury about them which she enjoyed. Her new nightie had cost her a week’s wages at a small boutique and she hoped it wasn’t out of place. It had been a toss up, buy a new one or wear nothing at all. After carefully considering the options she had decided that even the smallest amount of modesty was better than none at all. She could feel his hands slowly exploring her body, moving her leg to give him better access, it brushed against him. ‘I think I can feel you getting hard under those pyjamas, can I take them off?’ Her hand was already on the button and as it became loose he let her pull them from him. Stretching, he quickly disposed of the pyjama jacket.

‘Now it’s my turn, as lovely as you look in your nightie, you will look even better without it.’ Glenys raised her arms and Simon gently lifted it over her head revealing her perfect figure. He also noticed that the tan was real, the only part not sun tanned was that which had been covered with a thong. She was also a natural blonde.

When he finally entered her, they reached that ultimate pleasure together. As they lay in each other’s arms, they talked of their delight in their love making and soon were ready to start again. This time Simon employed more of his skills in the art of sex and Glenys was not disappointed.

It was after two a.m. when he finally kissed Glenys goodnight. They had both been well and truly sexually stimulated, and it was mutually reassuring when they thanked each other for a wonderful experience.

Simon woke when he felt Glenys kiss him. She was fully dressed and had done her makeup. ‘Why didn’t you wake me, I didn’t hear you get up.’ She still looked ravishing and after a quick shower he would have liked to make love again.

‘You looked so peaceful I couldn’t bear to wake you. I thought maybe the sound of the shower would disturb you but I’m glad it didn’t. If it had, we would be making love now and I would be late for work, and that I have never been in my life. There will be other times when we will be together I’m sure, that is if you want to?’ As she spoke she collected her things together and put them in her bag. She was in her work clothes now, and looked the perfect secretary.

‘How on earth do you manage to look so perfect at this God forsaken time of the morning?’ He had raised himself on one elbow to get a better look at her, and silently praised his good taste in women. ‘Now, changing the subject, what do you think of this room?’ He held out his hands to her and she moved towards him.

‘I think it’s a lovely room, just perfect. How about you?’ She was gripping his hands now, she had to go but hated the moment when the she would leave the room and close the door behind her.