Three Steps to Hell (17 page)

Tom’s eyes lit up,

“I’ll second that, can’t wait.”

“By the way Tom the shower in the en-suite is a double one, mind if I join you?”

“I thought you’d never ask!” How good can this get, thought Tom.

Tom had never seen such a palatially equipped en-suite room and such an enormous shower cubicle. For the second time today he was amazed at Maria’s tenderness in the way she ran her hands over his warm, wet, soapy body pleasuring him in many different ways. He too caressed and explored her gorgeous body with his warm soapy hands finding himself deeply aroused watching the water run all over her voluptuous breasts. He gently teased her nipples with his tongue and explored her body further, his fingers finding just the right pleasure spot to bring her once more to orgasm. She groaned and shuddered with delight and kissed him as if there were no tomorrow.

Having showered Maria left Tom to get dried, changed and ready for dinner. She returned to her own room with a large smile on her face and devilish thoughts of developing this somewhat dangerous relationship further. Normally a careful scheming meticulous woman, she found playing with fire occasionally gave her an immense buzz. She had always been a very adventurous person and had become powerful enough to be confident that should things become awkward or dangerous in her life she had sufficient funds and contacts to finalise or terminate them in a ruthless and incredibly efficient manner, Carlos usually being the preferred catalyst.

“Jackie’s shepherds’ pie is absolutely delicious Maria,” Tom said as they sat at the kitchen table enjoying well earned sustenance after their energetic late afternoon exploits in the bedroom.

“She’s a great cook Tom, I’m very lucky, she is an adept housekeeper and very trustworthy. I would be lost without her. Now Tom I want you to make me a promise.”

“Yes Maria, of course, what is it?”

“I do not at any time want to hear you say you are worried or anxious about what has happened between us. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. If it happens again in the future, great, if it doesn’t, no harm done, but you are not to worry about it. Personally I hope it does happen again, life is too short of fantastically satisfying moments like that. It’s good for the heart and soul.”

Tom started to talk.

“Hush, I haven’t finished yet. Also I want you to give me your word that this remains private between us, I don’t want you telling anyone about this, I am a very private person. Colin has only just left and I don’t want to be thought of as a heartless, uncaring, scheming bitch. What happens here between us stays only between us.”

“That goes without saying Maria and I would never have considered telling anyone anyway. It wouldn’t do my reputation much good as a very professional, morally correct Officer of the law would it? Taking advantage of a beautiful wealthy married lady only just separated from her husband during an official police enquiry. No, don’t worry, between us it is.”

“It’s lovely to see you smile Tom. You usually look so serious and determined.”

“Well I should think I am smiling, I feel wonderful. Making love to you was like floating through heaven on a silk cloud. Words can’t describe the pleasure and amazing feelings I experienced.”

“Thanks Tom, it was damn good wasn’t it? I never thought a man could awaken those feelings in me again, but I was wrong.”

Tom was in the office bright and early. He was still on a high from yesterday’s events. He had gone in early to catch up with some paperwork. He also wanted the opportunity to update the DI and Superintendent in respect of Colin Peterson.

“Morning Sarge” bellowed Dave Sweeting.

“Morning Dave.”

“I’ve just seen what time you booked in in the duty book, you were an early bird this morning.”

“I’ve got a load of paperwork to catch up on, which reminds me, I’m waiting for three court files from you for court next week Dave.”

“Yep, they’ll be on your desk by four o’clock, scouts’ honour.”

“Were you ever in the scouts?”

“No, but I’ll get the files finished, honest.”

“Make sure you do Dave otherwise I’ll have ASU and CPS on my back. I’m going to try to see Sue today to do a little more digging about Evans.”

“Oh that reminds me Sarge, Martin took a phone call for you yesterday from Eric at The Bull. He wants you to call.”

“Cheers Dave, I’ll do it now.”

Tom looked up the number and phoned.

“Hello, The Bull Public House.”

“Is that you Eric? It’s Tom Lancaster, you tried to call me.”

“Yeah, hi Tom, you’re early. Only to say I had Evans and Dorsey in a couple of days ago, Evans has had a good beating hasn’t he.”

“He certainly has, he’s lucky not to be more seriously hurt,” replied Tom.

“Anyway, I overheard them talking about a couple of Scottish lads on a motorbike. Apparently they’re the ones who did it to him. I think I know who he means, I have had them in here drinking and they’re bad news Tom, nasty characters, must be the same ones.”

“Do you know anything about them Eric?”

“Nothing. Got a noisy bike, big lads, leather jackets, late twenties, Scottish accents and that’s about it. Not very helpful I know.”

“No, it’s really helpful Eric ‘cos we had an incident with a bike the other day, it could be the same guys. Also one of my lads saw two fellas about the same description on a bike coming away from Evans’ house the day after he got stabbed.”

“Well, I hope it’s useful Tom. Don’t forget I didn’t tell you.”

“Of course Eric, goes without saying.”

“You owe me one Tom.”

“See you soon Eric, let me know if they come into the pub again will you?”

“No problem, cheers mate.” Eric hung up.

Tom had many contacts in the town as a professional Detective should. He knew that they would only give him information if he kept the source entirely to himself and he always honoured that agreement. His next call was to Sue at the bakers. She agreed to call in to see Tom at the police station during her lunch hour. She was very nervous and worried but Tom assured her it was just for a chat and advised her strongly not to mention it to Evans.

Tom updated the DI and Superintendent in respect of Colin Peterson but knew he could not close the file until Colin had been seen and interviewed. Tom still felt a few things were not right about the whole disappearance issue but because of developments with Maria, hoped he was just being over suspicious as was common in his occupation. He would certainly feel happier when he had managed to speak to Colin Peterson personally.

Although engrossed in his work he couldn’t get Maria Peterson off his mind. He wanted an excuse to see her again very soon but didn’t want to appear over keen or over ambitious. His mind continually re-ran the events of the previous evening. Wow, what a fantastic evening and incredible sex, he thought to himself.

Tom had four Detective Constables on duty today, a luxury for sure. It was proving to be a busy day but he was making pleasing progress with his catch up exercise in trying to clear paperwork. His lunchtime chat with Sue had persuaded him to delve much deeper into what had happened to Wayne Evans. Sue had after some persuasion told him of the visit of the two bikers to their house and the further beating that Wayne received. She had not been able to help with descriptions but Tom now felt sure that this was the same two guys who had forced him to swerve off the road that day on his way back from East Point. Sue hadn’t been able to help with how Wayne knew them or where he had been working other than to say he had been doing agency driving work. Neither did she know the agency’s name. Unfortunately agencies weren’t as free with information as they used to be and didn’t particularly like passing information on employees to the police anyway. Without a complaint from Evans Tom didn’t really have a crime to investigate and to put resources into, but he was now very intrigued as to what had occurred between them and intended to delve further as time and manpower permitted. He also wanted to identify the two bikers in order that he could pursue the incident in the car. No way were they going to get away with pointing a gun at two CID Officers even if it did transpire to be an imitation. Tom had reassured Sue that Evans would never know she had spoken to him. She was obviously very scared of him and Tom dished out some fatherly advice that she should kick him into touch and find someone else before he ruined her life. He hoped it had sunk in. Sue pleaded with him not to talk to her parents but to phone her at the bakers if he wanted to speak to her further.

The end of the day and Tom couldn’t resist it any longer, he closed his office door and returned to his desk, picked up the telephone receiver and dialled Maria Peterson. She answered.

“Hi Maria it’s Tom.”

“Hello Tom, was just thinking about you, I really enjoyed yesterday evening.”

“So did I Maria, what are you doing tonight?”

“Nothing much Tom, I have a free evening, why?”

“This sounds a bit presumptuous but how about if I pop over to see you again.”

“Would this be official business or carnal pleasure Tom?”

“Oh definitely carnal pleasure.”

“In that case come over about 7.30, I will do food.”

“Great, thanks Maria, can’t wait.”

“Good, I hope you still have some energy. See you later.”

Tom went home, walked Misty, showered and made every effort to look his best. He felt like an excited schoolboy.

“Sorry I’ve got to leave you on your own tonight Misty but I’ve got a hot date.”

Misty looked at him out of one eye as she lay in her basket. Rather a disapproving look Tom thought. Tom had some serious doubts about this relationship but had decided to throw caution to the wind.

Once at Colmar Grounds Tom drove up to the electric gates and pressed the intercom button.

“Hello.”

“Hi Maria, it’s Tom.”

“Hello Tom, I have a little surprise for you. When you get to the house the front door is unlocked, let yourself in then lock it behind you and come upstairs to the bedroom you used yesterday. I have something to show you.”

“Okay, sounds intriguing.”

“Oh, you won’t be disappointed Tom.”

The gates opened and Tom drove over the cattle grid, down the long drive and pulled up just outside the front door. He had wonderful butterfly feelings of excitement in his stomach. There was no one around. Tom loved the peace and tranquillity of the sprawling old house and grounds. His imagination was working overtime as to what Maria’s surprise was. He let himself in, closed the front door and locked it behind him as instructed. Once on the staircase he called out.

“Maria, I’m on my way up.”

He got no reply. The long winding wooden staircase was very ornate and the walls adorned with what in Tom’s estimation were very expensive and very grand oil paintings, mainly landscapes and the occasional portrait. Once at the top of the stairs he started to walk along the long broad upper landing towards the room he had used the day before. He called out again, “Maria where are you?”

“Here Tom,” her voice coming from that same room.

Tom walked through the doorway then stopped abruptly in his tracks as soon as his eyes met with Maria. She was standing in front of the dressing table facing Tom, dressed only in a beautiful silky red and black basque, dark hold ups and stiletto heeled shoes. Her hair was down, long silky curly hair hanging down below nipple level, she had done her makeup beautifully as usual and wore red glossy lipstick. Tom was completely mesmerised with her appearance, the way she was dressed, her seductive exciting eyes, the whole scenario was totally intoxicating. He was completely lost for words, quite an unusual occurrence. He felt unbelievably aroused and imagined he must be dreaming.

“Maria I don’t know what to say, you are such a beautiful woman and so so sexy. What have I done to deserve this?”

“A little surprise for you Tom. Sex with you was so satisfying and exciting yesterday, I want you again. Come here sexy Detective, I want you now.”

Tom went to Maria, held her gently at arms length for a minute and just feasted his eyes in disbelief. There was something very animal in her eyes tonight. She pulled him close and kissed him vigorously. Tom pulled away and undressed. Maria stood at the end of the sumptuous bed smiling at him, waiting. Tom approached her and slowly and gently kissed her moving from her passionate soft lips to her shoulders and her neck. The reaction on her neck was instant, she obviously found being kissed gently around the nape of the neck and shoulders very exciting. His hands stroked her soft silky buttocks. Tom gently eased the straps of her basque off her shoulders pulling it down to reveal her breasts. He moved his mouth down until his tongue made contact with her erect and excited nipples. He could feel them harden with excitement. Her hands gently massaged his erection until Tom could wait no longer. He lay back on the bed and pulled her on top of him. She rode him gently, often stopping for a few seconds and moving up and down on him so slowly as to tease him, laughing and smiling as she was doing it. Then suddenly she rode him fast and hard and Tom had an orgasm that shook his whole body. A few seconds later Maria cried out with ecstasy as she too came to orgasm, her eyes becoming wide with excitement. She stopped, smiled at Tom and said, “Tom, it just gets better and better, you are one hell of a lover. I hope my little surprise was to your liking?”

Tom smiled, “Like all my Christmases came at once!”

They lay together for a while then Maria convinced Tom to go and relax with a swim and sauna before dinner, which he did.

Dinner was a fine fillet steak and all the trimmings followed by coffee and a glass of cognac in the living room, listening to one of Maria’s relaxing CDs. Maria spent the evening asking Tom many questions regarding his upbringing, his marriage and children but mostly about his experiences in the police force.

That night Tom left Colmar Grounds a very happy, contented and completely satisfied man. The smile never left his face until he was asleep in bed and probably not even then. One thing was for sure, his dreams would be filled with images of his new and gorgeous lover.