Holiday at Dartmouth

Cooperative: ''This story is coordinated by Laveaux. It is open to any new writers with characters alive during the year 1947. The coordinator asks that any writers that do join the story, complete a character description in accordance with this article. Note that writers can only write for their characters, the coordinator will write for all other characters and events. Use the talk page if you have questions or suggestions.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:43 am

Jamuary 1st 1947

John awoke, it must be Sunday? Crikey it was the first, the first of the year, had he celebrated? He did not remember anything since the night before, he had got off the train at Victoria and sauntered throughout London and in the Savoy he had met...who was it? Caruthers? Yes it was Lewis Caruthers an old Eton chum whos family distilled whiskey. Yes Whiskey that sweet ambrosia that had got him here.

John's head had a minor thump taunting it, still he began to look where he was, he seemed to be in a bed there was a woman besides him that was little suprise, he got out of bed and leaned out of the window finding himself in Kensington and Chelsea in a quaint little appartment.

John dressed and packed his belongings into his briefcase and then quickly wrote a note to Lewis,

Good bash old man,

will be back later for more of a catch up

Your pal,

Herc

John slipped the hat onto his head and stepped out into the fresh London air. It was time now, education was over and it was time for John to ascend the social ladder as was his social right. He needed to go the best parties. His Uncle's old pal Douglas Haig had married one of the ladies in waiting of Queen Anne, that was the plan, that was a good move for old Douggie, shame about the Somme, bloody affair that.

John had no plan what to do next, he imagined he would spend time with good old Lewis and crash up the Savoy and the Ritz every night. Good womanfolk and a lovely country estate is what he needed. But for now it was time to enter government he supposed. Those liberal bores were gaining in power and good old Mr Churchill and Eden was such a boorish thug. However the majority of labour under the leadership of the rampugnant Welshman Nye Bevan was worse.

John realised that a job along the lines of diplomat was his best option and using his chums from school was his best bet. For now he would bought a copy of the Daily Telegraph and meandered about the borough until he reached a coffe house, after sitting down and ordering the drink he amused himself by grooming his hair and reading the news.

Last edited by John Masterton on Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:12 am; edited 2 times in total


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:13 am

January 1, 1947, 8:00am

The Kensington Diner was especially empty that morning. A gentle, but flurried breeze made it a cold morning. Only the sober or unlucky were up at this hour and in this neighborhood. Along the stretch of stools was a recently wiped counter supporting bottles of honey, jars of sugar, jams, jellies, mayonnaise, and other relishes. Decorated as a poor attempt of an American restaurant, British decor still permeated the place with an olive drab wallpaper and Victorian electric light fixtures.

An aging and thin-hairedman with a mustache and a beak of a nose, was manning the paistries, tea, and coffee. He regarded his new customer with a proper smile and was quick to wash his hands before greeting him.

Elsewhere in the diner, an older gentlemen wearing a bowler cap, bow tie and freshly pressed suit enjoyed tea and scones over his news. Round spectacles treated his eyes with vision and a nicely trimmed salt and pepper goatee treated his face with character.

Everyone went about their business until another distinguished looking gentleman entered the diner. This man was younger, not much older than John, and wore an American-style fedora and double-breasted suit. Almost immediately, the older fellow came to his feet and cast a beaming, knowing smile upon John.

"Frederick, is that you! Why, how long has it been? How is your mother?" He tromped over to John as if he'd know him for years.

Extending his hand for a handshake he leaned in and barely above a whisper he said, "5 pounds if you play along, good boy."

The yankee-looking man disregarded the others and sat at the bar, ordering coffee.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:20 am

John had been quite the japer at University, be it pouring a bucket of water over the beak or other such a lark. So when accosted by this new fellow he was more than happy for a quick few pounds but more importantly it was the game and skill of the thing, the ability to "epat" the rest of the clientele but for all his intelligence John could not think of a reason why the chap was accosting him.

Shaking the hand warmly John was quickly into his stride, "Oh hullo Arthur, mater is fine if not a little under the weather," John stood and wandered over the the bar, "What have you been up to these last few months?"

Last edited by John Masterton on Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:21 am; edited 1 time in total


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:20 am

The proper gentleman immediately continued the banter, relieved that the young man was going to support his story.

"I've been lost in my work, good boy, so I took a holiday this last Christmas. To the Azores. It was splendid, indeed. Glad to hear your mother is well. We miss her at the club."

As if rehearsed, Arthur skirted around John, so that he was facing the apparent American at the end of the bar, causing John's back to be to the same. He glanced over John's shoulder with curious eyes.

A resounding "thud" sounded from behind and the restaraunt man gasped with horror.

The reaction was due to the American having collapsed on the floor.

Arthur immediately dropped the charade and said with precision, "I am a doctor."

The older man rushed over and checked the man's pulse. With surprised eyes that were clearly feigned, he said, "This man is dead!"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:51 am

John was rather bemused with the game, he wondered what the jape was, something to do with that American fellow, no doubt he was going to fleece him or something, pilfer his wallet for a lark. John had his share of rougish traits and welcomed a fellow scoundrel in his midst, the chaps at the Reform club would guffaw about this incident for many moons.

John put the coffee to his lips as he heard the thud, quickly he turned round and put the cup down on the bar, putting a hand to his forehead as if to swoon himself, "Crikey" was all he could manage, this American must be one of those chaps who dashes about all the time and lives a life of riley.

Then the further statement, "Dead?" John said in disbelif he had not seen a dead person since he was seven and have seen his aunt die at his house from a heart attack. He was young then, but now he immediately had the urge to grab this imposter by the collar and box his ears, after all it could hardly be coincidence that this man had died in the middle of this jape, was he an accomplice to murder? He would not go down he had his friends, the chief judge would get him off, Cambridge student in jail never, not in a hundred years!

John moved over to the man and crouched down checking his own valuables just in case, when he was leaning down he whispered hastily, "What have you done you scoundrel!"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:28 pm

Knowing eyes glanced up from beneath the brim of the man's bowler cap. He was aged. And smart. A cocky grin appeared on his face for a brief moment and in the next moment a semi-automatic pistol was drawn and in John's face.

"Don't move, good boy," he said, still smiling, then he pointed at the restaurant owner with the other hand.

"Lock the door, will you, fellow?"

Stunned by the events of the last four seconds the man hesitated and then quickly did as he was told. There were two other patrons in the place who gasped and then fell silent. One woman, forty, blond hair and a nice dress and a twelve-her old boy opposite her, probably her soon, who's blonde locks he'd inherited.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:12 am

John gawped at the gun before him, he had learnt quite a bit about warfare at Sandhurst, he was however an officer, Corporal John HErcules Masterton technically but he knew little about deflecting bullets or immobilising a chap with a single finger and this sort of things left to the colonials. His great uncle Roger had been in the colonial office and had gone out to South Africa and fought the Boers the first time at Majuba with Colley. Bad luck that battled, African wing of the army was never the same again.

"Crikey old boy, dont do anything you might regret" John gulped and then looked about noticing the other patrons of the location, "Come on old man be a sport and let the lady and the boy go, they are no good to you and it is the gentlemanly thing to do. This affair can be settled between us gentlemen surely." John made his coice calm and calling upon his debating hoped he could convince the chap that his course of action was a foolish one, "Come on old man, dont want to go to prison now do you?"

Last edited by John Masterton on Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:42 am; edited 1 time in total


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:15 am

The older gentleman regarded John with a raised eyebrow. Now fully in control of the room, he backed away, keeping his gun trained on either John or the proprietor.

"Keep your socks up, fellow, don't try to reason with a pistol, then. Everyone can remain calm, this will only last for a short while until my blokes arrive. Don't do anything shifty and no one gets hurt."

He stopped backing away when he could have all of his hostages within his sight.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:20 am

John stood up slowly, his eye focused on the gun but regaining a little self-confidence. He calmly began to say, "Put the gun down old man, you wont get anywhere with dead bodies on your hands and I know people, my death would make the pages of the papers." He took a step forwards his hands by his side, "A woman and a child as well, what kind of reputation are you getting, you are the brigand that we hear about. Put down that gun and save your reputation." John was however in no mood to debate with a wall and instead sat down on a seat and put his elbow at a table "You bugger this is England, the home of chivalry, and here you horrid cad fortune favours the brave." John leapt from his chair hoping the sitting had lured the man into a false sense of security and aimed to take him by the middle and send him sprawling. John had been reared on stories of British heroism and this was his chance for a stupid heroic act but he had faith that in England this bounder could be defeated.

Last edited by John Masterton on Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:14 pm; edited 1 time in total


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:30 am

The strange hostage-taker seemed thoughtful at John's remark, but did not change posture. Glancing only briefly to the fallen American and then at the door in silent hope that whoever was going to come arrived soon, he lost interest in John's banter when he sat down.

Take completely off guard by the young man's charge he reeled to point his weapon, but his move was too late. He found himself flying back into the breakfast bar, losing grip of his gun as he went. John's shoulder crashed hard into the man's gut sending a spike of pain through his own body.

He tumbled ontop of the older man and the collapsed to the ground together, losing their hats and ruffling their suits.

The man retaliated by shoving John off him. As they both recovered, it was clear that the two were equadistant from the gun.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:52 am

John was rather chuffed about his courage and success he could see himself on the front pages of the national newpapers, but first he needed to immoblilise this fellow. He reeled his fist back into his own chest and cracked a punch towards the man, throwing punches from a position on the floor was quite difficult but he tried to do a flurry hoping he could leave the man winded while he was reaching for the gun, then he could himself move towards the gun.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 2:55 pm

Fear washed over the old man's face as he was about to be struck. Doable, but ackward, John threw his arm forward. From the man's position it would be difficult to move out of the way or indeed block the blow.

Somehow he did.

The old man snapped his arm up with uncanny reflexes and grabbed John's fist not a moment too soon. Stopping the blow with an apparently hidden muscle strength, he returned John's efforts with a genuine smile.

"Very good, old chap," he said, "Roger, you can get up now. I've seen enough."

The dead American stood up and straightened his pant legs. The restaurant owner, woman and child all clapped heartily.

"You've passed the test. Bravo!" The old man said.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 4:02 pm

John felt his hand being caught, this chap had dared block the famous Masterton right hook, "rusty" as it had been called back in his school days and what is more he could not move his hand. Suddenly the man was smiling and John took a moment to find himself, his great brain whirring into action. He jumped up when he was released and held his fists out but on hearing the words uttered he fell back into a seat.

"Test?" John took a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and mopped his sweaty brow and straightened his tie, gently he straightened his suit, "What this was all a test? This cafe is a fake cafe or what? I am afraid I dont understand this whole situation." Gently John turned to the barkeep, "I dont know if you are a barkeep but can you get me a strong drink, brandy if you have it?" He waited for an explanation all the while needing the stiff drink.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 10:15 am

Still smiling the proprietor poured some whiskey for John and happily handed it over.

"On the house," he said.

The older man recovered his hat from the floor and also handed John his. Sitting casually at the kitchen bar he lit a fag and straightened his coat. Resheathing his pistol and pulling out his wallet he said,

"From the Ministry of Defence, old boy, and we're looking for recruits. Are y'interested in work?"

The man flashed his badge but did not leave it enough for John to see his name.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 11:22 am

John took a sip of the whiskey feeling the drink slip down his throat, it was a poor year and strung his throat a little however. He put ot down looking somewhat peeved at that and then set about straightening his hat rather angrily. Upon hearing the words of the man he looked up, "The ministry of defence, the runt of the government and you want me, Corporal John Hercules Masterton the lion of the union to be a recruit. I am not naive old man I could get a job managing one of the colonies if I so wanted, if you want someone of my talent and reputaion to work for your organisation you are going to have to up your offer, after all I am in the top one percent of this nation and any government group would jump at the chance to recruit me."

John had this arrogance from his academic record and he had confidence in his haggling and should he be persuaded to work for the MOD he knew that he had better go in running and not at the bottom of the ladder.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Mar 08, 2005 1:04 pm

The older man scratched his salt and pepper beard and looked back at Roger.

"Runt of the government?"

"Heard him pretty damned clear, Barrister," his accent was thickly American. Probably east coast.

"I've been fully informed of your qualifications, good man. So I'll make this easy on the both of us. You do one assignment for a thousand pounds, no strings attached. If you like the work and we like you we'll sign you up. What do you say?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Mar 08, 2005 1:45 pm

John grinned gently at the words of the men, he had enough arrogance to think that one thousand pounds would fund a weekend of his possibly if he was relaxing from his usual style. But one would always like to hear the offers of people. "Come on then tell me the work, though I should think you owe me a thousand for ruffling my suit, saville row my tailor is not cheap you know."

John reclined back and finished the whiskey and turned to the barman, "Your drink is detestable I reccomend you pay a trip to my friend Percey's estates in Scotland he will set you up and maybe you wont manage to poison your customers." He looked at the two men and raised an eyebrown, "As long as I dont have to deal with any more irksome scoundrels that waste the time of innocent bystanders I should be fine." He grinned to himself, arrogance almost oozing from his mouth.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:30 pm

Barrister's eyes narrowed at John's behavior, he cast an apologetic look to the proprietor. Reaching into his coat jacket he took a stack of a hundred bills and placed them on the counter in front of the new recruit.

Without a word, he signaled the American by patting him on the back. Heading for the door, he made a short bow an a tip of the hat before leaving.

The American, Roger got up and sat closer to John.

"If your diplomacy skills are anything like your people skills we are in trouble. But a deal is a deal. Your job will be at the US Embassy. You will have to help determine the fate of an international thief. I'll be your shadow."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:07 pm

John reached into his jacket and removed his wallet, leather made in Florence origionally, he opened it and slipped the money inside before returning the wallet to his jacket. He made no response when the man left and when the American sat near him he remained calm and passive. "My words are reserved for those who deserve them, there is nothing wrong with giving the barkeep advice or calling you men what you are, you meddler."

John sighed and stood up, gently slipping his hat on his heat, "If you want to be a good shadow just dont let me notice you." John regarded this as asking a bit much with that dreadful American drawl emitted whenever that silly man opened his mouth.

John stepped outside the establishment and signalled a black cab, he would take it to the embassy and after entering assertain the situation.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:10 pm

January 1st, 1947, 9:00am

The US Embassy rested in the London Chancery Building in Grosvenor Square. The window-infested blocky building bore the American Eagle above a humble entrance. 600 rooms, 9 floors and six stories, the somewhat non-descript building was a very new one.

Two soldiers were posted in the lobby of the building, standing fast on Italian marble floors. An ambassador's secretary sat behind an oak desk typing studiously on stationary. Although corridors stretched in both directions and an elevator was accessible, it was clear the guards would not let anyone through without proper authority.

Roger followed John's cab all the way to Grosvenor Square, keeping two cars back and one car over. He did not remain unseen, however, when John entered the building. Following behind with duty and silence, he waited for John's next move.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:51 am

John stepped out of the cab, he straightened his tie and walked up into the building, he took a minute to stand outside and tut at the ostentacious American architecture infecting this lovely city. As a minor art critic himself John had been quick to sneer at Cubism, Futurism and Dadaism in that very order and architevture while not his forte, he could recognise pretentious Bauhaus rubbish when he saw it. Softly he pushed open the door and look around for a moment, his eyes scanned eveything and his shoes clicked when they touched the marble floor. He coughed and walked up to one of the security guards and whispered to him, "Young man, dangerous matter, I am from the department of construction and development, we have reason to beleive this building may breach custom and the architect used may have not used the proper materials. I need to speak with your superior. Not only may you be infringing on the laws of this land and breaking them will carry a fine or possibly improsonment at her majestys pleasure but this building could sink into the foundations and we dont want that in this city do we?" John stood back and waited keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the man he was speaking to hoping to convince him that he really was a government official.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:28 am

The security guard, a large man who easily doubled John's size in sheer mass and stature, regarded him with a raised eyebrow. He hoisted up his pants over a bowled waistline and pointed to the secretary.

"She's the one you want," he said in a thick American accent.

The secretary, typing diligently did not notice the exchange.

Roger came in from behind and somewhat amused by John's tactics stayed quiet and crossed his arms waiting for the next move.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:42 am

John nodded to the guard and stepped back from him, his hat held under his hand he moved over to the desk exuding confidence, looking down at the woman he leaned in somewhat to lean on her desk. His puppy dog eyes and curled mouth greeted her gaze and the voice he used was rasping like honey trickling over velvet, "I am glad to see they send the most pretty girls from America over here for us English men. Sorry....I am here on bussiness unfortunately." He winked gently before continuing "I am here to see your superior, I am from he Ministry of Works and I we have reason to beleive that this building breaks a number of rules and that the architect may be wanted for punishment and I need to speak with the man who hired him." John smiled, "And maybe after we can go for a drink, Savoy my shout?"

Last edited by John Masterton on Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:51 am; edited 1 time in total


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:03 pm

Blond hair done up in waves adorned a pale face with dark brown eyes who looked at John inquisitively. Stopping her typing, the secretary leaned forward. Inquisitive eyes suddenly were drowned with sass accented by a raised eyebrow.

"You know, in Iowa, it takes more than a wink for an over-glorified plumber to flatter a young lady."

She smirked and dialed on the phone, "Counselor Brown? A man from the Department of Works is here to see you."

She paused and then hung up.

"He'll be just a moment, please have a seat."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:26 pm

John grinned at the girl as she spoke to him. After she had phoned her superior John could not help but continue his interaction, "over-glorified plumber eh? Well I have never been to Ioha but I am quite tempted if you are from there." John smiled again, he was not seedy nor was he sarcastic, he was pleasant and a little cheeky. "But since we are not in Ioha what does it take an Englishman to get a little drink with a delightful Ioha girl?" John smiled and decided banter would be fun until he could get into the office.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:50 pm

The blonde smiled coyly at the man and then said, shrugging her shoulders up.

"An Englishman could start by learning the word 'Methodist' and then approaching the Iowa girl again, once he's learned her customs."

She playfully cocked her head and then resumed typing.

Just then, the elevator door opened and a balding man with a mustache and bowtie came out. He thanked his secretary and then extended his hand to John.

"Yes, how can I help you, sir?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:08 pm

John grinned, "of or pertaining to or characteristic of the branch of Protestantism adhering to the views of Wesley." John grinned and leaned into the girl, "They taught me something at Oxford, more than just how to be a plumber, I will speak with you later." He smiled and stood up straight accepting the hand of the man. Gently he moved in closer, "It is a delicate matter sir, one we dont want to raise but we feel we should for your sakes. I am from the Ministry of Works and we have reason to think that there may have been certain corners cut in the creation of this building." John coughed gently, "Now we know our American friends are not to blame but I should like to peruse your records room and look for the architect so we can interview him." John smiled amiably, he had no idea who the thief was and needed to generally have some luck and a bit of skill.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:02 pm

The secretary, a bit impressed quickly sequestered the expression on her face and went back to business as her boss stepped in and then snuck one last glance over her typing.

The balding, mustached man had a firm handshake and then listened politely.

"You understand that our records are proprietary, and I am sure this building's architect is a matter of public record. If there is a legal matter, you shall have to contact an English emissary. Perhaps I can direct you to the right person, Mr..." he paused waiting to hear a name.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:50 pm

"Percey, William Percey" he replied he had to admit somewhat under his breath so the secretary would not hear, he did not want her checking up on the name. "Well I understand your records are hidden sir and quite right too, there are many people around who would use the information for nefarious purposes but if you do not let me see your records on your building details and architects to check over your involvement in the matter I will take your reluctance as a sign of your knowing involvement in the wrongs commited and have no option but to file charges against your person and trust me sir the bureau take these cases very seriously, this building could sink into its very foundations for god sake, this is London clay you need to follow procedure." John was a bit worked up now as if he really did beleive that this building could sink into the ground.

John smiled, "Now look sir I know for a fact you did not know about this, so lets make a little deal, let me into the office and I will reccomend that the blame in this case is due to the architect alone and we will even fund the reconstruction, nothing off your back my friend, nothing at all." John smiled trying to gain the trust of this man and be allowed into the records to look for this international criminal among many he presumed.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:56 am

The man was impatient and irritated. John's explosion of information caused him to resign his posture for a moment. Glancing quickly to the secretary and to the others in the room, he finally sighed.

"Very well, I will give you limited access. Leave your indentification with Miss Green and she will give you a vistor's badge."

He shook John's hand and then returned to the elevator.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:44 pm

John smiled at the man and walked back over to the secretary. He was his charming and cheery self as ever as he leaned on the desk again next to the secretary, "Well Miss Green as I always say, pleasure before bussiness, so firstly now I have displayed my prowess of your custom I think you mentioned something about a date, oh and I need my visitors pass if you could be so kind, William Percey if you could I have a lot to do, life of a plumber is never dull." John smiled and gave a cheeky wink as he idled on the desk and waited for his pass hoping identification did not require any proof.


 * Author: The Ambassador, PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:36 am

The phone rang while John was talking, but the secertary still listened to John, but not in the overwhelmed why he had probably hoped for, but just idly paying attention to him, almost measuring him up.

"Eh," She said to the guard, "Something is wrong on the east courtyard, probably nothing they say." The guard grunted off out the doors.

She then looked toward John and shook her head, "You know, it's slightly out of sorts to ask a girl to get drink while she is...verking."

Now, John may or may not have been to Iowa, Idaho, but that last word was defintely in accent that wasn't American.

"Well, here is your pass, Percy, but I may a word of caution. Why don't you just check out the courtyards. Do not go any further. And then," she said writing something down. "Meet me here. I think I can get you what you are looking for, and much more. At a price."

She picked up the phone, though it did not wrong and she did not dial any numbers, and her eyes drifted like one who is on the phone, "You can go ahead as you planned, but I do think that is wise." She laughed as if the conversation she was having over the phone was entertaining. "Sure you have a pass, but once you leave here... Anyone ever asked you that hypothetical question: What would you do if you only had three days to live? Continue on and you might want to start thinking about that."

She hung up the phone and gave John a smile as soft and lovely as newly fallen snow, "I vould be must pleased now, if you vould meet me for a drink, at the location on the peice of paper I just gave you."

The note read:

Brookstone Pub, 25 minutes. Two blocks south of here. Meet me outside. And...buy a nice looking tie.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:15 pm

John gave the girl a funny look when she had finished speaking, she sounded German, a horrid warlike bosch no doubt. He eyed her up until she gave him the paper, after reading it he put it in his blazer pocket. Then he turned on her, "I will meet you after viewing the courtyard but I want answers and I intend to get them. Dont you even try to doublecross me, I have powerful friends that could save me from any situation."

John finally said, "With three days to live I would make sure I destroyed everything that had put me in that situation, dont forget it. Meet me in this pub and I shall try to get a tie for whatever queer reason you suggest? A tie fetish perhaps?"

John shook his head in wonder before following the guard to the courtyard just to see what the woman was talking about.


 * Author: The Ambassador, PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:47 am

The courtyyard was almost perfectly maintained, and perhaps to Masterson's displeasure, almost perfectly empty. A few older fellows, probably in there seventies, walked along with a younger guide, probably no one important. They walked past John with a nod, and continued a quiet conversation after they past.

Five--ten--fiveteen minutes past, but nothing seemed to be catching his attention out in this courtyard.

The security guard that had been sent out by the secretary was out seemingly wondering until he spotted John and slowly made his way towards him, and finally was walking right next to him.

Oddly he didn't talk at first, merely blew into his hands trying to keep the bite away.

Finally as if realizing he had just been walking next to Masterson, the security guard turned to him, "Yeah, you got a pass, I just saw you inside." He said to both himself and to Masterson at the same time. He walked next to John for another awkward moment and then stopped, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his inside breast pocket, putting on display, for a flash, his sidearm.

"Emma, actually talked to you. Yeah--" he had a burst of laughter, "that's the most she's talked in months. She's business like, never does anything without a purpose--you English guys, probably call her a tart or something. That she is."

The guard looked as though he feared he was boring John, "Hey, you want one?" He said offering his cigarettes, then before he could even answer the question, he took a step forward as if vying for his attention, "Buddy, aren't you supposed to see someone about a tie?"

The guard then sighed heavily, and shook his head quickly almost irratated, "Name is Eddie. I'm from Manhattan." He lit up his cigarette finally. "I was here for most the war, but I ain't ever home sick because...places ain't that much different. Island...crowded, bustle, ya know? 'Cept...Manhattan didn't get the hell bombed out of her, and I can't stand the thought of that ever even coming close to happening."

Eddie stopped talking...for once. And undid his own tie, as if he needed some air, "Sorry, talk a lot, I know. But I don't see any harm in it, as long as someone is listening. It's just that when people stop listening when others are try to speak is when all hell breaks loose. I ain't a brain, but that's the only way I think we got out of all this, people started listening."

"Yeah, Emma, never does anything without a purpose." Eddie flicked the cherry off his cigarette, and stuffed the rest back in his pack.

Eddie, then pulled his tie free from his neck, "So, yeah, buddy...you gonna need this?" He said holding his tie out.

Still holding out the tie, but looking Masterson in the eye he continued, "Getting to ask questions is something you earn around here, but belated Christmas, if you got a real big one, ask it now. 'Else take the tie, two blocks south, you don't even have to cross the street. She'll meet you outside...in seven minutes."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 11:58 am

John was by now thoroughly confused, he listened to Eddie ramble on before taking his tie. Softly he flicked his collar up and put it on as he spoke to the man, "I will go and meet her then, after all these matters must be solved in time and fear not. I shall go and I shall listen all I can." John saying that straightened his tie and left the building, he walked two "blocks" (how he hated that word) south. He stood outside Brookstone Pub for the girl.


 * Author: The Ambassador, PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:58 pm

John walked down the streets, it took sometime with all the early morning bustle, and he would have to weave in between folks obviously getting to work, or running errands for work.

It took a bit longer than he might suspect, but eventually he would spot Emma, her eyebrows furrowed, and casting daggers at him as soon as she spotted him.

"There are timelines to these things you know. I can just be away from work forever, come one."

She led him inside the Brookstone, a slightly upscale place. Inside many men in suits and ties, talked loudly, with some secretaries taking notes. Most the men were enjoying some very early morning drinks.

She led John to a very secluded part of the pub, and sat down, all in a hurried fashion, and lit up a cigarette.

Emma spoke in a very low-tone, "This is how, this is going to verk. Because you are obviously new to dis. I will ask a question, you will give me an answer, and I will give a gift. And not that kind of gift." There was that accent again, and it wasn't German, it was Russian.

She reached inside of her coak, and pulled out some papers neatly folded, "Blueprints?" She said quirking an eyebrow. "Now, who do you verk for?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 12:49 pm

"? ?????? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ???? ????? ??????????????" John softly mumbled to the girl. Softly he looked at her and straightened the infernal scratchy tie before continuing. "Look on the matter of who I work for, it is an old clichee but I really would have to kill you, and I especially dont negotiate with the commies. Look I know you helped us and all in the war but I dont trust you or your brethren."

John puts his hands on the table, softly he wiped his brow with his forehand, and looked at the girl, "Look I dont work for anyone, I am doing a job for a man who claims to be a member of the Ministry of Defense but I am not with them. I am just a humble Oxford student turned spy suddenly." He paused and licked his lips before going on, "I am looking for the fate of an international thief and that is all I know. You tell me that and I am sure I can help you somehow." John looked at the girl, god how he loved the Russian accent, it gave him goosebumbs even now.


 * Author: The Ambassador, PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:39 pm

She listened to John, and inhaled deeply on her cigarette, cocking her head to the side, "Let me pose a question to you then...are you still looking for this thief?"

She threw the blueprints at him, they would bounce off his chest, and land into drift into his lap.

Emma ashed her cigarette quited pointedly into the ash tray, "Tell, me what kind of things would someone steal from an embassy? An international, vat vould they be interested in?"

She looked at the blueprints that were now in John's lap, with a frustion and an almost malice in her eyes.

"Ever cross your mind, the theif never left?"

A waitress was walking by, and Emma rich out a lightly tapped the girls arm, "Excuse me, miss, would you tell that man at the bar, I would like to buy him a shot of vodka. Thank you."

She crushed her cigarette into the ash tray, "Perhaps you vould like something to drink, now?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri May 06, 2005 12:48 pm

Among some circles in London John Masterton was a name that meant something. he could make women swoon and he could make men envious. Softly he looked at the blueprints, and then at the woman scoffing slightly. "I must say I have never spoken to a woman with such a boche accent before, you hide it remarkably well."

He smiled gently, "Hope you realise I dont really need blueprints but this thief you mention is worth about a night at the Savoy for me so lets get at it." He gently folded the prints and slipped them into his case, they might prove handy. "Drinky eh, yes how about allowing my eyes to drink in your radiant Teutonic features and besides that methinks a whisky and soda." He grinned and sat back, "Ah you know at Eton I have a ladyfriend by the name of Helga, jolly nice but could not understand a word she said. Seemed to be obsessed with the number nine." He shrugged, John had got French under his belt but he was no Prussian.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:40 am

"You are the most thick spy I've ever met," she said, sucking her cigarette, "but I'm sure it is your charm that got you dis far."

The waitress arrived at the man at the bar with a shot. He was heavyset and wore a worn and tightly fit, small-brimmed fedora. His posture changed upon receiving the shot and he turned around to meet eyes with Emma. Recognition crossed his face and he tipped his hat to her, then proceeded to sip his drink.

"Ve can help each other, silly man. Pass the files in your lap to the man at the bar. I will give you the name of your thief ven you return."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 9:34 am

When a man did not listen to a German wars began to John was quick to comply with the orders. He did not like pubs, they tended to contain Irishmen and scum of the earth. Naturally the Irish languished beneath scum of the earth but they were not much better. John handed the tick set man the files not really caring who he was or what the consequences of his actions were. He wanted to get his money and go and have a drinky.

Still he walked back to the table and stood behind the woman, he was rather upfront in putting his hands on her shoulders and gently beginning to rub as he began, "So about this spy then, should I at least sleep with you before you tell me? I though that was what spies did, technically you should be jolly unhappy about telling me but should swoon over my lovely words and mastery of language. Then you fall in love with me, I get the info off of you and then bugger off." John continued to stroke, "sounds about right, then off the Savoy for cakes."


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu May 19, 2005 8:39 am

The man at the bar did not even look up at John as he approached and left the files. No words were exchanged and no eyes were met. He continued sipping vodka and behaved as if the files were never there.

When John returned to the elusive young woman from Iowa, she did not react to his hands on her shoulder, except to emit an icy coolness that even the least receptive person in the country would notice.

Glancing upward at him she said, "I promised you to reveal your thief."

She reached into her purse and pulled out a compact mirror. With precision, she lifted the mirror in in front of John's face.

"There is your thief. His name, I think, jou already know."

Almost is if a miracle occurred, the man at the bar was gone and the files with him.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat May 21, 2005 10:57 am

John turned his head and saw a empty space at the bar. He suddenly felt as though he were in a Hopper painting ot possibly a Noel Coward play. Silence, death and a lack of humanity surrounded him as he realised what he had done. Still had he really cared he would have tried to find the man. But this went deeper than need, he did not really want to work for the ministry of defence, he was no good as a spy it was far too difficult. Instead he wanted to play golf and marry well. Possibly do some work in the colonies and a piddling thousand for such a complex job was outrageous. His honour however had been questioned.

"I have never hit a woman before and I dont intend to start now but they say over in Boche-land the women resemble men so maybe I am able to strike you." He took his hands from her throat and moved around to his side of the table and sat down once again. "I would hit you if I really cared about those plans or being a spy. You have likely noticed I am about a good a spy as the Irish are at being loyal subjects." He grinned slighly, "So you know good luck with whatever you feel like doing, you cost me a cool thousand that would of got me a night at the Savoy but I wont hold it against you." Gently John stood and gave a curt little bow, "you outplayed me so well done and good bye." John gave a last smile and walked out of the building. The bloody ministry of defence would be after him now but John reasoned they had offered him a job he had fumbled like a buffoon since spying was not his line of work. He still was confused about the woman, he was searching for a spy, where on earth did those files come from. Who knew? Still he wandered along the street towards Picadilly hoping to pop into the East India Club before deciding what to do. A little jaunt down to the county maybe? Get himself invited to a country estate where he could woo the aristocracy. He smiled and walked his hat resting happily on his head.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2005 9:36 am

Her smile was smug and her lack of fear was evident. She lit a cigarette and said, "Tell the Ministry of Defence I said hello."

Not moving as John left the restaurant, she continued to smoke her cigarette, her job was done. John left unnoticed and made it to the East India Club without being followed. It seemed the Ministry of Defence had not yet caught on to the events of that afternoon.

The club was garish and opulant as usual. Tons of wealthy gentlemen in their finest attire waltzed into the various rooms, some for dining, some for smoking. A young, greasy-haired, pristine-postured Maitre d' immediately came to his aid. A white tuxedo jacket and cumberbun decoraetd his torso and a black tie and handkerchief served as accessories.

"Ah, good day to you, sir. Will you be dining this afternoon?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon May 23, 2005 11:11 am

"No just sitting for the moment, I think I will eat later, for the moment. Yes for the moment I need to do a little fishing if you will excuse me." John stood and moving in that supple and confident way only a well educated Englishman can he breezed like an ethereal beast into the smoking room. His earlier troubles had served as a nice distraction until lunch. Now however this was work, this was about getting a free ride for a little bit.

He scanned the smoking room. Removing a cigarette from his case he lit it quickly and trained his eye across the room. He had not been in the club for some time but he knew the rich were here. Now all he needed was some rich old woman who did not mind a little flirting and would put him up in her estate for a few days. He could hone his seduction powers on her and then move onto the daughter/niece/cousin/milkmaid/servant girl or whoever else cropped up. He rubbed his hands as he moved about the room looking for a prime target to latch onto like a predatory disease.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 9:04 am

The Smoking Room was filling with clientele, being the middle of the day. The very wealthy or the assistants of the very wealthy enjoyed brandy, cigars, pipes, and cigarettes while seated in Italian leather chairs and enjoying the company of young debutants and their leathery-skinned mothers.

There was a twenty-something cocktail waitress delivering tobacco and spirits, as well as a young man who cleaned up after everyone. Aside from them, the rest of the room were Britain's elite, enjoying an hour with good company.

No woman in the room was without a man, except for one. An exceptional black-haired beauty with a bob cut, red lipstick an riding uniform complete with khakis and knee-high boots. Enjoying a glass of Chablis, she simply stood to the side of the room exploring all of the inhabitants with classy disinterest.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 3:18 pm

John spotted his target. Softly he licked his lips and ran a hand over his hair flattening it against his skull. His tongue darted out like a snake and gently soothed his lips. He had expected some fifty something woman he could charm and then visit her estate. Even if this woman lived in a hovel in the heart of Ireland he would not care. As long as the hovel was heated. Still he sidled up to her, his shoes making a delightful crack against the floor as he walked.

"My aunt was the head of the Rorchester ride, it was sometimes remarked that you could hear her voice across two counties, I feel sorry for the little blighters but I shoot rather than dash about on horses. Despite the fact I am a corporal in the cavalry. However I did not come over to tell you of my extended family. I came here to ask you if I could escort you to lunch today?"

John paused for a second, "My name is John by the way, John Hercules Masterton and I am just back from Sandhurst and Cabridge, thought I would sample my membership here and I am not dissapointed." John awaited the woman's answer with a great deal of trepidation. For once he felt a sense of necessity in securing this woman's charms.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 8:37 am

Black eyes scanned John as he spoke, her pale skin starkly contrasted against finely cared for bobcut hair. She kept her head low and her eyes up like women in the picture shows, trying to seduce men. Limply toting her white wine with her fingers, she allowed the index finger to extend to her chin.

"Why, Mr. Masterton, do you always disclose your family history to strange girls?"

She took a confident sip and said, "Perhaps I know your aunt, I am familiar with the Rochester ride. Surely she must have been proud about her young dapper nephew fighting for Queen."

She glanced only for a second at his cigarette and then added, "Are you sharing, Mr. Masterton?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:30 am

John smiled amiably, "Oh you know I give my family details to women who look like they are worth talking to." He smiled, his lips attractively curving and seeming to become more prevalent. Softly his body moved just a bit closer to hers as he leaned against the wall almost sending a signal that he was the male now courting this woman. This part of the room was his.

"I never fought, my Uncle who funded me through Eton kept me at Sandhurst and my education was paramount. I was rather peeved but quite releived actually, just imagine I could have died on the beaches or I could be atalking witgh lovely women in expensive clubs."

"Oh and my aunt is rather well known, married a rather rich man named Travers no less. But I assure you I am far more interesting." On the girls question he grinned, "Excuse my lax etiquette but I always find it more plesant to share a single cigarette than start a new one." John offered his cigarette to the girl, putting it up to her lips.

"So I hope this is not going to be a short conversation, rather I would prefer to accompany you from now till this evening. Possibly lunch here and then we could wander through the city streets and discuss various world matters." John smiled and leaned against the wall, it was lcear that he wanted her and she knew it.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 9:55 am

Keeping her eyes unblinking and locked, she quietly accepted his banter and with elegance took a hit off his cigarette, blowing smoke out delicately. Not changing her expression with his plans for the day, she only cocked her head slightly and then took his cigarette.

"You assume I have nothing better to do, Mr. Masterton."

Turning her shoulder to him she went to a nearby cocktail waiter and ordered a martini. Not completely closing to him, she still maintained control of the situation.

"Can I presume you are able to afford lunch here?" She said not looking at him.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 3:15 pm

"You may presume as much, money is no problem at the moment but I would like lunch with a jolly attractive woman with the ability to talk, lunch with an ice maiden may get a bit tiresome." He now had the delicate task of regaining control of the woman without pushing her away. He enjoyed these sparrings but had to be careful. How he wanted this woman. She was attractive and seemed rich as well. Handy and a potential marriage candiadate especially if she had good relations and a title.

"To be honesy my dear I do assume you have nothing better to do, only meeting the Queen and possibly having lunch with the leading golfers of the day would be more enthralling than lunch with me and I dont think you are doing either." He carefully adjusted his collar and ran a hand through his hair.

"Now we have reached a critical moment in how our lives with travel from this moment, either you are content with my cugarette alone or seek to dine with me. Now I am going to get a table, if you feel the need for company feel free, I shall be glad to have you." With that John walked off into the dining room where he took a seat and waited. He would either eat alone or with her. The food would quell the dissapointment or render a perfect moment even better.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:50 am

She turned back to him and then took another pull of the cigarette, "Even an Ice Maiden needs a fire to warm her hands by."

Stepping forward she put both arms around his neck, gripping the cigarette in between her fingers.

"I shall see if my schedule has opened up."

She returned the cigarette to John and watched him leave for the dining room. Waiting long enough to be interesting but not short enough to be desperate, she joined John at his table.

"There is something you should know about me, Mr. Masterton, I enjoy taking money from the wealthy. Men I sit with are generally ones I am making fools of. You are not easily conned, so I decided to come clean before we talk about anything else."

She paused, "Of course, I am interested in the wine selection as well."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:43 am

John smiled as she confessed to him, "You know the advantage of going to Eton, Oxford and Sandhurst is you get to know the right people. Now if we are talking about honesty I shall let you know my family is not rich, I am not rich myself not do I have any means of getting a lot of money. I am a perennial parasite on my chums so you are in good company. However I can stretch to pay for you now have no fear of that." He gently took a puff from the cigarette.

Gently he gazed at her through the tabacco mist, she was quite stunning and totally opportunistic, "you know when I saw you I fully intended to get some cash off you. I mean I had you down for a countess or some other genrtywoman who had a big country estate somewhere in Devon. I am quite dissapointed I wont get to spend time in the country now." Softly he picked up the wine menu before discarding it. "You choose the wine then I have no eye for these things."

Silently he sat and brooded before saying, "You know I am afraid that I am rather slipping behind my chums, I mean by rights I should be a member of the gentry by now Lording over an estate in a quaint town in rural England. I mean I am a loafer. I dont suppose you have any unmarried landed ladyfriends who need a husband do you?" He chuckled gently showing he was less than serious or optimistic.

John put a hand to his mouth and rubbed his lips for a moment before looking at the girl quizically, "You know if I am buying you lunch ice queen you could at least tell me your name and occupation besides money filtcher of course?" John sat back and intrigued that he was waited for an answer.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:27 am

After John's confession the woman smiled as well, "It seems we are two peas in a pod."

"I may not have a big country estate in Devon, but I know many who do. I think the two of us can still go to the country, but perhaps with a clever plan. There are several families of whom I've made an aquaintance. We simply need to plot how to get them to give us their wealth willingly.

"Depending on how well you work, Mr. Masterton, I may ask you to be my partner."

She smiled quite sweetly at his request and said, "Christian. Angela Christian. I swindle people out of their money for a living. I have some rather big plots and so have been waiting for the right . . . persuasion to help me."

The waiter then arrived, "Good afternoon to you, would you like to see the wine list?"

"Your finest Bordeaux," she said, keeping her eyes on John, "and an assortment of cheese."

Momentarily stunned that the woman ordered, the waiter cleared his throat, said, "Yes, right away madam" and proceeded to the kitchen.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:15 pm

John raised an eyebrow, "partner eh, in what sense I wonder." John sat mulling until the wine and cheese arrived. While softly sipping some extravagantly priced wine he retured to the conversation. "You realise I have a reputation. I am a Colonel in the army, I went to Oxford and a bit of fraud on my record could be very very detrimental to my future career. But if I was to travel down to these estates with a woman who had told me she was possibly a respectable member of the community, and it emerged I had been tricked as much as anyone else. I dont think they could blame me then could they? Plus the money we could make would be rather nice. Buying titles is a bit crasse but there are some nice little castles up in Scotland or little estates in the north I am interested in. However if we go into this we are not going for pocket change, no pilfering the pearl necklace, we go in for the whole deal. We taken all we can, Estate, title, money and everything from these families, I will not risk a sully to my reputation for pennies."

Gently he put a piece of bree in his mouth and ate it, then gently held it out to her mouth. Just holding it near those lips, "Fromage pour madam?" He softly said, "You like the high life, so lets make sure we stay at the top of the British socia hierachy. A beau with such a good background may well add credibility to your scheme, what do you think?"

He smiled again quite liking how the plan was going thusfar, "So tell me who have you got lined up? Some nice little counts, or perhaps a shipping magnate, I would naturally prefer to take as much money as possible."


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:09 am

"I too have a reputation, Mr. Masterton, that is why I choose one of many aliases when I participate in such schemes. You could be anyone you want for a small price and with a few humble excuses utilize your earnings as your true identity. With war and organized crime in this world, no one pays a passing fancy to people like us and they certainly do not care where our wealth came from.

"I have my sights on a newspaper tycoon. He should have died 10 years ago, but the mummified old man keeps ticking. He is London elite, but has taken residence in Devon. His promiscuities drove him away from his baby daughter not 20 years ago. Estranged and destitute his daughter and the woman who bore her never passed before his eyes again.

"To, as you say, go in for the whole deal, I will need to assume the identify of his daughter and you will shall be my lawyer. Our scheme will be to take his estate before he dies.

"Unless, you have a better plan."

Smiling devilishly, she sipped her wine.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 6:37 am

John smiled, it was one of those smiles that contained no joy or any kind of nice emotion. It was a smile that radiated greed and lust, a smile of the most horrific sort. "My dear Angela before today I never thought I would meet a woman that was my equal in debate and in ambition. I tip my hat to you."

John took another sip of wine, "Then lets rob this old coot, the estate would only go to a labour government when he died so why not good stock of the British establishment." He turned his eyes on the girl, they were piercing and fiery and warranted his old university nickname, "The lion of the union." He smiled showing a row of pearly teeth much like a shark with especially good dental care, "Now look here however, it is all very well me being your lawyer and going down and helping you do all these things. Advising the old coot to give you his estate and his empire and whatnot, but when he is six feet under god rest his soul why am I supicious that suddenly the lady of the manor will see me as the cog in the machine that is surplus to requirements. I dont doubt you will do all you can to keep my sweet but forgive me for assuming you are not the sharing kind of girl."

He leaned back and while she no doubt looked for an answer he said quite offhandedly, "Will be nice to escape London for a while, but I do wonder what this reputation of yours is? You are a conwoman yes, but besides that? I mean you mentioned you were familiar with my aunt's ride, are you of good birth yourself?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:43 am

"Well now," she said with seduction drenching her voice, "that is a legitimate concern. I suppose you shall have to make sharing my wealth worth my while. If you do become, as you say, a cog in the wheel, then perhaps you will need to figure out how to become . . . grease in my wheel.

"Of course, if you don't trust me, this is not worth embarking on."

Satisfied with her non answer, she sipped more of the expensive Bordeaux.

"I liked to you about my reputation, Mr. Masterton. I have never heard of your aunt, nor have I ever ridden."

She winked, "I was born in Liverpool and escaped home at 16. I have been working for myself ever since."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:31 am

"Lied to me eh? I can only admire that I suppose. I think you are the most clever northern person I have ever met. As for meeting my aunt, you seem to have your hearing so I saw through that lie. I think it will be fun trying to become as you say grease in your wheel but I am not a risktaker my dear, I am a sensible Tory and as such will have ways of assuring my gain. Oh and I shall teach you to ride if we have time."

John himself took a sip of the wine wondering if he could charge it to someone elses account "But I will trust you for now, please dont try and swindle me because you will regret it." He took his pocketwatch from his waistcoat pocket and scanned its face. "We could get the night train if you like, there is no point wasting any time is there? After all if this chap needs a little help to wade across the Styx then we should oblige." He drained his glass and began to finger through his wallet for the bills to pay hoping they would set off soon. It was only a brief jaunt to the station from here and they could be in Devon or wherever this place was quickly he imagined.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 3:23 pm

Only half-smiling at John's remark, she gathered her purse taking his cue to leave.

The waiter came by, taking their leftovers and then said, "Are you finished then? Will you be charging this to your account, or do you wish to settle now?"

Her interested eyes darted quietly to John to see how he would handle this opportunity.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 8:53 am

John was a practical man and while he could pay now replaced his wallet and smiled at the waiter. "Righto charge this to the account of Lewis Caruthers will you, I am a guest at his house, he will pick up the bill, just tell him John Masterton asked him to. We went to Eton and Oxford together." He smiled at the waiter, and quickly took a note from his pocket, "Oh and I know tips are supposed to be handed in at the front office, but buy yourself something nice eh?" He softly put the note in the man's front pocket. "Now if you will excuse me I am taking this lovely lady to the county. She tires of the city this time of year."

He smiled and put and arm around Angela, "Come on Darling we will miss the train." He turned to the waiter again and smiled, "I tell you they cant move unless full to the brim of wine and expensive food." With that he began to walk away with the woman, naturally if he was stopped he would pay but he had signed in with his name so they could tell it was John here not some flippant imposter. Besides he wanted to get the night train, and while he held that woman to him he contemplated getting only a single carriage. Saving money and maybe she would not mind sharing a bed...." He grinned to himself, "So while we walk, tell me do you want to take this man's house and money or his entire company. I have always fancied the life of a newspaper magnate myself." He mused as he collected his hat and set it on his head, gently he picked up his briefcase that had all his necessities in it. "Now do you need to get things from somewhere before we go?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:22 pm

Perhaps it was his confidence, or more likely the personal tip, but the waitor graciously lowered his head with a grin.

"Of course, sir. Don't we all tire of the city at some point, sir?"

Proud of the production, she stood quickly and took his embrace as if they'd been together for years. Winking at the waitor she added, "What else would a girl want?"

They escaped the hall unscathed and even though they were out of eyeshot, she still walked closely with him.

"If you have a knack for the media, Mr. Masterton, there is a great deal of money to be made in the news. International relationships, advertising, world travel. I could accept a life like that."

She shook her head, "I travel light. Let us head on out shall we?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:48 am

John led the woman out of the club and along the now somewhat darknening streets. Even at this hour people still walked in this part of London. Bussinessmen moving towards their exclusive homes and other such fun seekers. John was quite happy however, he held her close to him, confused. Could he become linked to a woman with no good breeding. But she offered much if played right. Maybe he would take all her wealth and then deal with her. He could have the money, estate and the well bred wife. John was an opportunist and a cad and he knew it. Gently he held her into him just a little more as they walked towards Picadilly station.

"The life of the newspaper magnate is a comfortable one. Gets you in with the politicians, we shall see what happens. First we have to convince the old coot you are his daughter. Then we need to get his new will drawn up and then finally we need to dispose of him." John grinned softly, "Perhaps a little tinkering with his morning tea could convince the grim reaper to arrive just a little quicker."

John chuckled as he realised his morals were as lax as the skirt on one of those flappers in the US across the pond. Picadilly was a short walk and John walked up to one of the ticket offices. "Right Darling where do we need to go?" He turned to the man, "One couple, overnight carriage to...." He looked at her waiting for her to give the destination as well as he reaction to the single carriage. It was a bold move worthy of any romantic hero, and John was a hero of sorts.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:17 pm

Angela didn't recoil at John's forward gestures and, in fact, when he ordered a single carriage, she proped herself upon his shoulder with both arms. Cocking her head flirtateously, she said, "Dartmouth. A couple for Dartmouth. I hear it is pleasent in the winter. If a bit chilled."

After a pause she added, "And John, don't forget the champaign. We have much to celebrate."

It was the first time she called him by his first name and perhaps it was done with precision.

The ticket man, easily annoyed, balding and cursed with very poor eyesight, squinted at the two and said, "I see, yes. Well, then, rail to Dartmouth departs in ten minutes. You've come barely in time. I shall need 2 pounds for the lot. Your steward will satisfy any amenities you may require. I suppose you will need help with your luggage?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:38 am

John smiled as the woman continued to play the good woman. Softly he went into his blazer pocket and got the required two pounds out exchanging it for the double ticket. Softly he placed this in his wallet and with a curt nod to the bald man he turned towards the tracks. Hearing the man he lifted his briefcase and said, "No dont worry, we are travelling light." He hurried slightly jogging along and making sure Angela could keep up so they caught the train.

John borded the thing and helped the woman off. Taking a look at the ticket he quickly located the room and let the woman in first. He planned to settle in then get a bit of food and some champers. Then who knew what he would do next. So with a sry smile he entered the room.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:50 am

The train ride was uneventful, pleasent and somewhat relaxing. Angela and her new accomplise chatted a bit about wealthy life. She did not disclose much more, but it was clear she'd been deceived enough as a young woman, that she didn't trust anyone. Her own escapades had made her rather wealthy and she still managed to keep her notorious nature under wraps.

When they arrived in Dartmouth they had to set themselves up. Taking a room at the Royal Castle Hotel their treatment was not less then luxurious. Although bunking together, the first two nights Angela kept a polite distance, not allowing any advancement in their relationship... just yet.

Angela used a connection to get a rental office for the law firm front and on the 2nd, hired a crew to set it up. On the morning of the 3rd the office was ready. It was in a small flat near a park with large windows overlooking a foot-traffic heavy road, full of shop fronts and even a small fruit market. The location was only a ten minute stroll to their media man's residence.

A front office was outfitted with a waiting area and receptionist desk and the back office was decorated with a large oak desk, a wall-sized book shelf fool of law tomes, and decorative plants. Angela beamed proudly at the display as they walked inside.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 9:24 am

John had rather enjoyed the train ride, it was not one of those quick things but a nice slow train that took a few days to make its journey. This gave John plenty of time to play whist with the other gentelmen on this journey. He also learned as much as he could about the area he was going to. Where were the best racecourses and who controlled the social scene in the south and things like that. He also sat still and imagined hi headlines rolling out of his new newspaper. Marvellous.

He was a little releived when they did reach the destination however because he seemed to have found the last refuge of the finest whist players in the world and he had received such a thrashing that his ego needed time to re-inflate.

And as for his partner in crime, the Masterton wit was further knocked as he discovered seducing her was like trying to nail jelly to a wall. She writhed and slipped about and could never be pinned down. Metaphorically of course, a gentleman never uses force as a tool of seduction. Despite of course the customary clutching embrace and masterfull sweeping into the arms, but that stage was a way off yet.

Still she had excellend at this office lark, he had assumed they would walk into the man's house say, "Here is your daughter you old too now give us the moolah!" But apparently these con artists were cunning devils, and john could not hide his respect. "Jolly nice old gal" he said when they walked in, "I could get used to this, now as for my secretary, tall, blonde and preferably with legs the size of the Khiber pass." He grinned softly and walked over to the main chair, behind the oak chest and sat down. Softly he put his feet up on the desk and lay back. "So old gal, what do we do next? Do I phone the old bugger and tell him to hand over the cash?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:02 pm

Sitting on his desk like a fem fatal on the cover of a pulp fiction magazine, she grinned at John playfully.

"Not so fast, Johnny, if we just come prancing to his doorstep, he'll throw us out like transients. We need to be official."

Completely lying on the desk, she propped herself up with her elbow and took stationary from the top desk drawer and placed it in his typewriter.

"Dear Mr. Greeley," she dictated waiting for John to type, "I represent Miss Laura Greeley at the Law Firm of Rhode and Sons. After careful consideration she has decided to meet you in person after having been removed from your life since birth.

"Please meet us at our law office for a mediation of personal affairs.

"Respectfully, Thomas Rhode.

"There. We send that and then we wait."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 4:59 am

John began to type diligently, rapping away like he had on his unles typewriter on long, lazy days in the county. The delightful clickety-clack of the buttons always amused him even now and he typed with a little spring in his fingers, namely two of them. He was no professional but two fingers would suffice. Meanwhile he had this veritable Venus lying across the desk in front of him. Well to be blunt it made concentrating a little difficult but like any good Englishman he brandished the stiff upper lip and completed his task.

When the letter was typed he adressed it and then put it in an envelope. Writing the man's name on it was the final task and then he stood up holding the envelope. "It is alright you there looking pretty but this is a partnership and I am not just the brawn you know." Softly he put the letter on the desk next to her hand. "If you go now you might catch the early post." He reached into his wallet and put a few pound notes on the envelope. "You can go and get us lunch while you are out." He smiled and sat back down in his chair, "A nice quiet romantic lunch just between us, sounds nice eh?" Gently he leaned over and took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and stroked it softly.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:21 pm

She pointedly did not recoil at his gesture and allowed the moment to last long enough just to tease. Then with a single gesture whisked the letter out of his hand and dropped to her feet. Checking her hair and the dark blue skirt and white blouse she wore, she twirled on her heels and began to leave the office.

"I hope you enjoy seafood, Mr. Masterton."

Stopping in the doorway, she lit a cigarette and said, "In an hour?"

In the next hour, John would be left alone for the first time since they met.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 4:13 pm

Men are normally bad with free time. They try to fix something and end up destroying it. They try to do cleaning and end up making a mess or even worse they try to cook and destroy the house. John being well versed in the dangers of being without the safety of a woman sat still for a moment. His feet twitched gently on the table and he looked at his watch. The hand seemed not to move and the hour would go slowly it seemed. The two concerns he had were food, which was being fufilled and boredom. He could have gone with her, but he wanted to show her he had a little control left.

He twiddled his thumbs for a few minutes before digging out his paper and trying to do the crossword. He soon found he was no better than he had recalled, and had never been a crossword man. Too meticulous, John was more of a daredevil. He decided he needed to work on the old mind and thus pawed through the pages of the paper. Finally he stood and took off his jacket forecfully. Placing it over the chair he wandered round the office with no real aim. Till he went to one of the law tomes, he intended to look up any kind of legal proceedings he may need for this case, he would paw over inheritance. He would not absorb it but it was occupying till lunch anyway.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 8:08 am

She returned an hour later with fresh sea bass, cheese, and wine. Setting up a picnic on the desk, she prepared the entire luncheon with practiced ease and seductive glances. The wine, a good vintage chablis, was poured and she offered a toast.

"To wealth and fortune for all our days."

After the toast, she picked at the cheese and remarked, "We should cultivate a plan now, I suppose."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 3:08 pm

John smiled as he gulped down more wine. It seemed to act as a fuel for him at the moment. A social oil that his kept his engine running and he applied the Masterton intellect to forming a plan. "How about we come up with a jolly innocent beginning." he smiled, "We met on board the liner Lincoln on a trip from New York to London. When in London we spent some time together and became engaged. In preparation for the wedding I invited my family and yet your family remained elusive. After twisting your arm I persuaded you to reveal the location and by an act of cioncidence the man was near my new office. Naturally we are a happy couple seeking to know the family and future family before the wedding. This will not only create the space for you to maneuver but hopefully earn praise for me, for not only marrying his daughter but also for persuading her to contact him. And I will wager he will accept a little legal council from his soon to be son in law."

Gently he took out one of his cigarettes and lit in, he puffed on it gently with an indolence Keats would have admired. His feet were still on the table and he regarded Angela rather amused picking at the cheese. "maybe it was your down to earth attitude and manners. Although the food scum at Eton was much the same I suppose. Although if you are to be lady of the manner you will need to learn etiquette my dear." He gently put the cigarette to his lips. The paper softly crackling against his parched lips as he exhaled the smoke. "I wonder how quickly we can trick the old coot out of his cash. I dont think I can wait more than a week and lets be honest he may still be full of Christmas cheer to not regard us too badly." He smiled, "Well plan is good or have you a better one?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:03 am

Angela giggled as John bantered at her.

"Surely, you've done this before! It is a plan of genius. I hope the letter will send him here, so we can meet under official circumstances. After that we can push him at the estate into revising his will. If a death should . . . befall him, all the better.

"An old man is prone to many accidents."

She let the insinuation stand for a moment before she said, "Well, then. The only thing left to do is to get identification. I know a man, if you don't mind make a trip across town."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 4:20 am

John smiled at the praise, "Oh you learn more at Oxford than just how to debate." He grinned and stood up, "accident eh? well I think that is a little reliant on luck, how about we just kill the bugger." There, he said it. He smiled at her and took her hand in his and left the office.

They would walk for a way and just for a little while he would enjoy her company, he would entwine his fingers in hers and look at her with a new sense of affection and admiration. She had impressed him with her cunning and her seduction. She had him if only for a bit. Still he would hail a taxi and get them over and looki forward to his spot of acting. Angela as his wife, it was an interesting thought but the social situation would be too hard to handle....would'nt it?


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 9:56 am

As if they were together for years, the odd couple walked holding hands to hail a taxi. The effort did not last and a taxi arrived very quickly. Seated in the back, Angela barked an intersection at the south end of town.

"I can pay for my part," she said, "but it will drain me."

She leaned in close like a lover, placing her black-haired head on his shoulder, gripping his hand with both of hers.

"And you wouldn't want me to run out of energy, would you?"

The remark caught the cabby's attention and he grinned, glancing up in the rear view mirror.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:27 am

John was rather enjoying the verbal and physical dueling. She was very good at it he had to admit and as she rested her head on his shoulder he smiled and wrapped his hand round her. He caught the cabbies eye and decided to banter if just a little bit. "The thing about you lovely upper calss girls is that you are so lovely in public but so naughty in the bedroom."

As the cab moved along the road he softly rested his head on top of hers as they rested in a very affectionate way. Two people joined by the foulest of aims yet appearing very much in love. He softly turned to the cabby his head still resting on her head, "We are getting married soon you know, met in American waters actually. She is a bit cheeky but marriage should mature her." He grinned softly at his lack of tact and waited for them to arrive where presumably Angela would direct him onwards.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:36 am

"Mature me??" She said with feigned anger.

Pushing him away, she leaned forward to fully engage the cab driver.

"This coming from a man who went through women more than he did changes of clothes. You can't throw a stone in England without meeting an ex-Mrs. Masterton."

Rolling back into their prior position she raised a sassy eyebrow waiting for a clever retort. The cabby simply chuckled at the duo, before finally pulling the car over.

"Here you are, then. It'll be two p."

They were parked outside a non-descript office building built in an odd Colonial red-brick and white window frames. Standing two stories, it blended in with a neighboring bakery and ice cream shop, closed for the season. Close to the sea, this area was certainly built for summer tourist pedestrians looking for kitschy souvenirs.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 5:46 pm

"Let she who is without sin cast the first stone my little honeybucket, whatever happened to that nice shipping magante you were seeing before me? Or was that the steel maganate you must get them muddled hmm?" He smiled before leaving the car and handing the cabby the money as well as a little extra.

Then he took her hand again and led her into the office building hoping that the name changing would be a bit of a lark.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:52 am

It was clear Angela enjoyed the banter and she playfully smacked him in the arm.

"They were bozos. The lot of them!"

Grateful for the tip, the cab driver thanked them and then drove away. Angela, was back to business and letting go of her partner, she directly and professionally arrived at the door of the simple building and tapped it.

In a very quick moment the door opened revealing a stub of a man, no more than one and a half meters who'd lost every strand of hair years ago. He wore a leather apron over what was once a business suit, but had since seen years of decay, unwashed nights, and printing press ink. Wire spectacles hung on his nose and his aged face squinted at the young woman for a moment.

"Is it Raven?" His sandpaper voice asked, "My it's been years. Come in, darling."

He opened the door wider and then squinted at John.

"Who's this then?"

"A friend," Angela said simply, and took John's hand as they entered.

The building was, in fact, a warehouse. Dusty mist settled on beams of window light as they penetrated the vacancy. Three printing presses were set up in the middle of the large open room and the walls were full of paper stock and finished product. A desk with a single lamp sat in a pile at the end of the chamber and a make-do kitchen was in wrecked disuse at the other end.

"Come in, come in."

"Christoff, we need documents for a barrister."

He squinted at John, "I see. Could be a big job. What sort of barrister would you like to be?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:45 am

"Oh you know as the average barrister but I do want a few specifics created if you dont mind, and I am willing to pay extra for them. For one I want to have been born and spent much of my life in India and also I want you to make me the second cousin of John Hercules Masterton." It was a necessary detail that would make John's future plan so much easier. The transfer of assets would be much easier between family and would open the way for his wide ranging plan.

He gently patted Angela's shoulder, "Raven eh, more like the magpie if you ask me." He smiled and waited for the man to begin his seedy work.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:20 am

The gnome of a man nodded and scribbled some notes on a nearby pad, muttering calculations and gibberish under his breath. He looked up at the magpie reference and for a confused moment looked at Angela before returning to his notes.

He turned on the lamp of an art desk and began sketching designs.

"Magpie. Really!"

She pushed him, playfully.

"Raven is my generic alias. I use it often enough to be known, but not often enough to be notorious. Shall we come up with one for you? Perhaps . . . snowbunny or . . . lilac?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 6:16 pm

"Does not quite suit me, possibly Promethius or even Ajax?" he had a little look round the shop. His plan was finally starting to take effect in his brain. He was a little worried about just how far he was willing to go, what he was prepared...to do even. Death ran through his mind like a seeping bile polluting the innocent brain. This was opportunism bordering on insanity.

"So could we pick them up later or will they be done soon?" John had little desire to hang about and wanted to get to this man soon. The quicker that was done the quicker he could put his plan into motion. Then he would strike. He gave Angela a honeyed smile all the while hovering about her like a dark tempest set to burst.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:54 am

The counterfeiter hardly reacted to John's impatience, continuing to work with studious silence over diagrams and eventually paper and ink selection. Before an hour passed, he was running one of the printing presses with skilled precision. And as dusk settled the work was done. John was furnished with full law credentials, a degree, identification, passport, and even letters of recommendation.

"It will cost seventy-five pounds."

Angela immediately responded, "Put it on my account."

She thankfully kissed the old man on the cheek and took John's hand.

"Where to now?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:18 am

John happily took her hand and left the place, outside he stood for a moment and pondered on her question. "Well if you are a good girl I might take you out to dinner somewhere, but I was wondering if we want to knock out an old man what is the best tactic? A little push down the stairs which may look like coincidence or possibly his loving daughter could make him a nice breakfast. Just think, sausage, egg, bacon, a little black pudding, some potatoes chopped and fried and a couple of mushrooms. And how was she to know that the mushrooms she bought should not be eaten and could be fatal? Why it would take someone with an intimate knowledge of poisons to know that."

John bit his lip softly to supress his grin, "But dinner first mmmm, lets meet the chap first I suppose who knows perhaps a riding accident may be even easier. The possibilities are endless and I dont intend to be caught for any crime." She on the other hand was expendable.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:28 am

"I suppose it is time we met the old bastard," she said not commenting on his ideas but accepting them with a knowing smirk.

The took a taxi to south of town before finally arriving at luxurious estate. Even in the winter time, the mansion glowed from behind the bare arms of oaks and maples. A beautifully manicured garden provided paths throughout the estate and the largest, likely cobblestone, provided a willow-lined avenue to marble steps and a manor of colonial design.

As they were left off, Angela watched the house with a cocked head.

"Perhaps the barrister should do the talking? Initially?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 3:10 pm

John smiled at her as she made her suggestion, "Just let the Lion of the Union deal with this old bugger." He grinned and set off down the path holding Angela close to him. Her warm body next to his was pleasant in this cool climate. He could feel her through his coat and just for a moment he felt connected despite the fact it was all a facade. he stopped himself forming attachment by using this excuse. He moved up to the door and rapped upon it expecting a servant. He was well dressed in a saville row suit and he imagined he would not be taken as a beggar or a salesman.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:15 am

From behind solidly built oak doors an aging woman with hair in a bun and a traditional maid's uniform answered. Flour on her apron and a wet rag ringing between her fingers suggested that they caught her while in the kitchen.

Squinting from thick spectacles, the woman's wrinkled face furrowed.

"Yes?" She creaked, "Are you expected?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:28 am

"I am afraid not my dear woman, but I am a lawyer representing a member of your masters family and I think he may well be interested in who I have here. Go and ask him if he will grant an audience to his daughter." He smiled and stroked Angela's back before smiling genially at the woman.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:29 am

Her squished face expanded with surprise at John. Examining the two very carefully, she finally muttered "Daughter?"

Without a word she waved them inside and took their coats.

Closing the door behind them she said, "Mr. Sinclair is resting at the moment, I shall fetch him. Would you like tea while you wait?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:29 am

"Yes we shall take tea if you are offering, perhaps if you direct us to the drawing room we could wait there? And as for tea, I will take mine without milk please and a nip of brandy if there is any, if not then that is fine." John smiled and stood waiting in the hallway.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 3:23 pm

After escorting the couple to the drawing room, she disappeared back into the main corridor. The room was plucked right from a cozy mystery. The faint smell of pipe tobacco radiated from the golden drapes. Velvet residue licked the pillows of the half dozen love seats and chairs. A dark wood bar displayed fine liquor and cigars.

John's companion took his arm.

"Old money."

She picked up a cigar and wrinkled her nose at it before plopping it back in its place. Dusting off whatever odor repulsed her she twirled on her heel to examine the room.

"What if he doesn't sign? How will we make him? Do you have a plan?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:27 am

"He will sign the will my dear, after all you are his lost daughter." He smiled gently and then gently patted her stomach, "And the promise of a grandchild always makes the grandfather do silly things." He smiled and took one of the very same cigars, and put it under his nose scutinising it for a moment. "Havana" he said approvingly, "I like your fathers taste honey."

He smiled again before resting on a full leather armchair. "I will enjoy sitting here while you make me my evening drink you know." He winked at her and began to think of any other plans he could use to make the man sign.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:52 am

"Don't light that, Mr. Masterton . . . I can do without the smell of burnt laundry in the air."

Grinning at his gest she poured straight bourbon into a glass and in a very forward gesture, lifted her skirt and straddled him. Drinking the entire glass without glancing away, she stood up and and turned her back.

"Poor your own drink."

Just then, the door opened. A stoutly looking man with a full beard and mustache, now bleached white with age, walked in. He wore a bathrobe and slippers and squinted from behind wirefram spectacles.

"What is this?" He barked, "Who are you people?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 11:25 am

John smiled as she gestured to him, she was a tough woman and he would enjoy taming her, women needed to learn their places and she would learn hers. Under his heel namely. But let her drink his alcohol for now and he would take her later, he would get it all.

As the man entered he stood up and brushed a little dust off his trousers, "Allow me to introduce myself sir, I am Thomas Rhode of Rhode and sons, I am the lawyer and finacee of your daughter, Miss Laura Greeley who you see here." He motioned to his companion and watched the man's expression. "She decided to find you when she learned that she was pregnant with our child, after all as the patriach of the family we felt we should call."


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:56 am

"Impossible," he barked, "my daughter is much younger . . ."

He took a pause, apparently having done the math in his head. Squinting more he looked Angela over.

"... Laura ...?"

Playing the part as a Hollywood starlette, her face melted into sentemental tears. Embracing the man around his neck her shoulders rocked with weeps.

"Father . . . you look just as I remembered."

Hesitant at first, he patted her on the back, having taken the bait.

"Good lord, love, I haven't seen you in years. You are all grown up."

Releasing the hug, the old man gestured for them to sit.

"This is indeed good news and it is a pleasure to meet you sir. When are you expected?"

"We just learned yesterday, in fact," she said with weepy smile, drying her eyes.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:09 am

John smiled at the girls reactions, she was quite a talent and should really have been in the pictures, kissing handsome men with silly names. John pondered why he had not enticed her into bed yet, she was surely playing the part of the temptress.

"I am lucky so far in life, having just left Oxford I took a jaunt to America and found Laura over there. We got engaged quickly." A little smirk "You need'nt worry about her Sir I assure you, regardless of gender the child will be well looked after as well as the mother. The Rhodes boys have always gone to Eton, it is tradition." He smiled softly and enjoyed the game. "I am sorry we could not arrive for Christmas, we did our best but boats from the Us are few and far between at this time of year. Yet we are thinking of staying in Britain now."


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:16 pm

"Yes, I see," the old man kept a suspicious look at has would-be daughter.

"I am too sorry you missed Christmas, but we shall make up for it, yes? We have much to catch up on. Tell me, where have you been?"

"All in due time, father," she said, "Let me hear about you. Mother never spoke of you."

Sad and distant eyes settled nowhere in particular.

"She hadn't? Well, I suppose I understand why. We didn't leave on the best of terms. I was rather the playboy, I must admit. I did try to treach you, but your mother wouldn't have it.

"How is she, by the way?"

Angela hesitated. Perhaps too long.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:41 pm

John the perfect gentlman crept in to help the lady in distress, "Ah best not the mention the subject sir, I am not sure when you last spoke to her but perhaps she did not want to tell you." A pause showing discomfort, "Laura's mother is not very well, it is half the reason she is finding you I suppose, along with the baby, well her mother has a problem with her lungs. I am sure it is nothing serious but Laura being the sentimentalist like she is thinks it is life and death." He smiled and tried to stop questions being directed at the subject by mentioning a fake anecdote, "Actually we met aboard the ship as I said but the reason was very funny. I was having my usual walk after lunch when I slipped and pulled a muslce in my calf and well this one came over asked how I was, we introduced each other and she would not leave my bedside for days." John smiled softly, "love at first sight you may say." He paused for a moment, "We can talk a little more on the course if you like, are you a golfing man?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:41 am

Fadingin memories and questions about the woman he once had relations with, the old man's eyes narrowed and then softened when diverted. There woud be time for all that later. Smiling a bit from John's story, his face completely lit up at the mention of golf.

"Why yes, I am indeed. Quite the nack for it actually. The boys on the lawn hardly wish to play with me for fear of their own humiliation. We shall have to take up a hole or two at my club. You'd rather enjoy it, I think.

"Oh, I'm a fool. Please come in, let me show you around. Will you be staying here?"


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 1:29 pm

John smiled, "Ah a fellow enthusiast, I must admit I played a little county cricket in my time and they always mocked me for using a golf swing with the willow. But anyway, my set is in Kent so I may need to borrow some clubs and so forth. And dont worry I will let you win first time." He smiled gaily, placing a hand on his supposed wifes shoulder, softly rubbing it. "Oh and yes we will stay for a time if you dont mind, I know this one here wants to spend some time with you. And I get bored of beating all my chums around the country, we could play twosomes and fleece some of your friends." He laugh to show he was not serious.

"It is quite a wonderful house, what is the history?" John asked, his hand still rubbing Angela's shoulder, certainly he would have her tonight. That much was certain, she had wriggled like an eel every other night to stay away, teasing him, keeping him on top form. But he wanted her now and he would trap her.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:33 am

It was difficult to know if she was playing the part or was enjoying the attention. What had been calculated and distant eyes were warming up and she received his gesture by dropping her head to the side onto his shoulder. Her "father" noticed their affection and smiled and then turned back toward the door.

"Thank you, I'm glad you like it. It was built in 1815 by my grandfather. He was a Mason, both socially and professionally. Very successful developer around Dartmouth. They say you can't sling a dead cat in Dartmouth without hitting a cornerstone laid by my grandfather.

"It has of course passed down to my father and then to me."

He paused for a moment, "I'd thought I had no one to pass it to. When one gets to my age it is something you think about. But my branch of the name shall continue on it seems."

He smiled and took a look at what would soon be his grandchild.

"I'll show you to your rooms and then we can have lunch. I hope you like salmon."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 1:49 pm

He liked her head on his shoulder, her hair smelt lovely and gently he moved his head about a little in an affectionate gesture. "I have a lot of siblings so I like big families, this one wont get off with just the one baby trust me." He grinned and swivelled his head to give the side of her head a little kiss to show he was not serious. "I can imagine the government would love to get their hands on a place like this. They would turn it into a museum of exotic sea sponges no doubt." He smiled at his joke and was secretly delighted the man had caved so easily. All he needed was the gold match to continue his plan now.

He stood and took her hand in his, "Yes lets go to our rooms, perhaps missy here would like a nap? Or we can at least change." He smiled gently, "And then golf tomorrow on the links old man, we shall see if my game has stood up to standard." he began to follow the man hoping to get her alone in a room with him before lunch.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 8:30 pm

With laughing pleasentries the old man escorted the young couple deep into the corridors of the ancient mansion. Built and decorated in the Victorian era it was nothing short of a classic horror movie without the cobwebs. After reaching the summit of a wide staircase they were taken down a long corridor decorated with burgandy carpeting over hardwood floors.

Their room was toward the end of the corridor and was especially made up for guests. A large four-poster bed with elegant netting complimented a dainty and white decor complete with laced curtains and white table clothes. The room had a sitting area, cigars and a small bar with vodka, gin and mixers. The large bay window overlooked the front yard and the humble skyline of Dartmouth beyond it.

Flabbergasted by the room, Angela spun like a young girl and taking both of John's hands she let out an unrehearsed squeal. Then back to her "father" she said, "Oh thank you, it is wonderful!"

She gave him an obligatory kiss and hug.

"Let us freshen up and rest from our journey, father, and we shall join you for dinner."

"Very well," he said smiling and left them alone.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:00 am

"Bravo old man, love what you have done with the decor." he smiled and gave a curt nod of the head as the man departed. Softly he moved across to the little bar, he expertly mixed himself a gin and tonic and sipped it gently. With that he moved over to the door and closed it securely. Then he turned and walked over to her. Placing a strong hand on her shoulder he pushed her back against the wall and help her there, softly but securely while he took another sip of his drink, "You have teased me long enough now." He whispered, "If you want to keep our relationship professional then I wish you would tell me, and then I can get my half of the money when this is over and leave, I dont like to persue impossible targets." His mouth was only inches from hers now, and he occasionally turned his head to sip his drink as he waited for an answer.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:10 am

She let him stand there for a moment before offering a coy smile. Taking his gin and tonic and casually sipping itself she finally said, "Why, Mr. Masterton. We've only just met."

She put a seductive hand on his chest and then pushed him backward and slipped away. Still holding his drink she continued sipping it.

"I make it a certain policy to never get involved with my boys."

A glance over her shoulder punctuated her next statement, "It's bad for business."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:15 pm

John smiled gently and put ahand against the wall, he flashed her a smile, his carefully placed hair now out of place giving him a slightly more wild look than usual. "Oh and I thought I was the only one." He chuckled to himself and gently walked over to the bed laying down on it and putting his hands to his forehead. "Now then what about when we get the inheritance?" John did not mention it was going all to her, he had his own plans for that, she would not screw him now she he would screw her later and get it all.

"I think it should sit quite nicely, I can stay here and take over the business and have the house, you honeybunch can go back to London and scam some other poor young fellow, of course I will pay you off, lump sum you get most of the cash, I am sure daddy moneybags has a big bank account." He smiled, "That is the deal, when we get the job you leave, I dont like being Mr Rhodes, Mr John Masterton will take over the paper and so forth and you Angela will melt into my past and I shall never see you again." John propped himself on his side, "After all I am an eligible young man with a good background, I should marry into the establishment, recive my knighhood, perhaps when I am rich and famous you can bribe me hmm? Anyway I dont want to sour our relationship before the job is done, after all that would be most ungentlemanly, and despite your humble beginnings you are a lady, so do we have a deal? I get the house and business?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 1:40 pm

Considering his proposal, she paced the room, perhaps doing some calculations her head.

�This estate is likely worth far more than any liquid assets the monkey may have,� she thought out loud, �however, I need cash flow not investments. I am not a realtor nor do I like them. I think your plan best suits both of our needs.

�And perhaps in the future we can meet again under non-professional skies.�

Her smile was coy, but there was no mistaking what she meant.

�Very well. Let�s get him to sign this will and off the old bastard. What�s your plan, or shall we play it by ear?�


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Oct 17, 2005 1:57 pm

John smiled and sat up on the bed, "Perhaps we shall meet after this my dear, likely when I am rich and married and you will turn up to leech money off you realising you should of tried to stikc to me sooner." He grinned gently and pondered for a little bit. "Here is what we will do. We will go and eat with him and then tomorrow I will play golf with him and convince him to invest in the future of his family. Then that night we will get him." He grinned, "But how, push him down the stairs? Poison the brandy? Suffocate him? And then the money shall go to you and you give me my cut or I shall make sure you go down and I get off scott free understood?"

He smiled, "I will tell you what, we will add to our deal you kill him and you can come back here and stay whenever you like ok? I find the whole bussiness of taking his life most distasteful, I dont mind the concept but I dont want to get my hands dirty." He smiled and lay abck on the bed again.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 8:50 am

"Mr. Masterton, you mean to tell me that after all of this your stomach is too weak?" She let out a laugh and smacked him on the behind, "Wouldn't want to let your precious hands get dirty. You can leave the details to me.

"Let's go to dinner, shall we?"

The dinner went rather late and the three were able to banter without suspicion. The old man was very much interested in his fake daughter's fake life and cast appreciative glances at John throughout the evening.

That night, Angela slept in the same bed as John and although she teased him, she would not allow him to advance further.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 8:50 am

The peachy faced woman that let them in yesterday pounded on their door at 8 in the morning.

"Mr. Greeley requests your presence for a game of golf. He is waiting with tea on the grounds."

Angelia stretched and groaned at the hour.

"You have to work. I get to sleep in."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:18 am

John was not easily roused from bed. In fact his friends knew only a few motheds to rouse the old Etonian. One was to begin the argumment that the Americans had saved the empire in both world wars, John veermendly denied this philosophy. The second was to declare that a woman in a decidely revealing skirt was somewhere nearby. And finally one told him he was invited to play golf. So John slid out of bed with the practiced ease of a former university student and stoos up. He was wearing rather thick pyjamas in a dlightful green colour but even now his muslces were visible.

"Golf is not work my dear, it is the most wonderful pasttime ever created. To think the Scots came up with something useful, that and porridge which passes as a very useful cement in the building industry." A guffaw showed he was in good spirits as he sat back on the bed. She had been teasing him all night so as a bit of revenge he snaked his hand under the covers and tickled her ribs for a few moments. "You have your nice lie in, you look suprisingly attractive in the morning, if only the soul was reflected in the looks eh?" He chuckled and slipped on some clothes acceptable for golf and sauntered out of the door. Having a final look at her before he left to find his soon to be supposed father in law.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:43 am

She giggled like she were in secondary school and sat up with him, a gleam in her eye. Perhaps her spirits were high from knowledge of their fortune coming, or perhaps she was taking a liking to her partner in crime. In any case, she accepted his sarcasm in stride.

Outside, Greeley's maid greeted John with tea and biscuits in the dining room. Dim January light broke in from the garden outside.

"Frigid day for golf, isn't it?" She said as she cleaned up a prior stting, "Mr. Greeley would go in a blizzard, he would."

Outside the fairway could be seen beyond the garden. As diligent as an army man, Greeley was practising his put.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 3:39 am

John was suprised that the course was right on the doorstep, he had imagined a little drive to it but he was not complaining. "I should not worry, I have played at the old course at St Andrews and that was actually in a blizzard. Jolly hard to find the ball let me tell you." He chuckled, then began to walk across the garden. "Remember old man!" He hollered, "only rock the shoulders, dont use the hands." He made up the ground between them and smiled gently, "I hope we shall have an interesting game, and I must say I did mean to speak to you about your daughter." He smiled gently hoping to entice the attention of the old duffer.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:50 am

Greeley raised an eyebrow and completing his swing, sent the ball far into the fairway. It bounced forward and fell within two swings of the hole.

"Yes. I'm sure you have several questions. I have a lot of regrets, to be certain. I could have been more assertive. A man must respect a woman's wishes, though."

His face softened.

"I am terribly glad you sought me out. I can put my regrets at bay."

He stepped aside to allow John his shot.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 8:52 am

"No old chap you shall receive no chiding from me, I dont pass any judgement. I actually wanted to talk to you about the state I found your daughter in." He smiled gently and took the club in his hands, setting up behind it he moved his shoulders back sweeping the club along the ground, moving the arms until the club faced down the line. Then he focused on meeting the club square with now much power. Before swining throught the bakk. Regardless of where it ended up he would continue, "I would rather you dont mention it sir for she will deny it and give me an earfull but when I met her she was a little down on her luck." He smiled sadly, "She was....well I mean she has..a little gambling problem she had some money she made from being an actress in some small films but would loose it immediately." He grinned, "I bought her some jewellry a few months ago and she pawned it to bet on horses. Kentuchy darby no less." He grinned gently, "Now she has not done it for a while but I dont take any chances. Our money is in my account and I buy her whatever she wants but I remove temptation you see."

"Now I bring this up because you hinted yesterday you were going to transfer your estate to her at some point." He smiled, "Just a reccomendation to do something else with your estate, perhaps a trust or something?" He smiled and began to walk towards the two balls. "Or perhaps if you did she would win for once." He laughed.


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 1:12 pm

The man took the news with seren contemplation. And as they arrived at their first strike, he pausing to take a careful aim. His put was skilled and he sunk the ball under par.

"It grieves me," he said at last, waiting for his companion to put.

"Although, what other life would a girl who has seen such neglect obtain? You should be honored sir, for your faithfulness to her while keeping your arm placed firmly in your pocket.

"Perhaps in time and with your adoration this disease will be cured. You did, indeed, hear an implication on my estate's transfer. It is, of course, only proper."

A realization occurred to him, "You are a barrister sir? Why not draft the papers while you are here. If you do not mind the work. It would settle my aging conscience."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 1:59 pm

John smiled gently and stood ready to putt, he lifted his head up and smiled. "I could draft the paper, that would be no hassle. But I have a way of doing things. This conversation stays between us and I am afraid if you were to implicate me I would be forced to deny everything." He smiled, "The government have a rather brutal policy concerning inheritance." He smiled, "I dont see this law changing soon I am afraid and if your estate were to pass to your daughter she would loose about forty percent of the wealth." He ruefully shook his head, "Disasterous I know, why we voted Labour in is shocking, disgraceful. But there is a way to get round this, if we do not then she will either loose the paper or the house, and I shall have to reclaim them from my own pocket I imagine."

He smiled and took his putt, resting the putter on his shoulder he walked over to the man and said in a conspiratorial tone, "I dont want this said to your daughter but when my uncle died instead of the money passing to me it passed into a hidden account of mine, it is the account of a person named John Hercules Masterton, he is a fellow who died while I was at Eton but when the money went to him I was able to claim it....tax free." He smiled and continued while walking to the next tee, "My idea is that we transfer any inheritance of yours into my secret account, basically the bank account of this dead fellow and then it goes to your daughter." He smiled, "Good idea no, the question is do you want the risk or the legacy?"


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:16 pm

The old man became increasingly uncomfortable during the last exchange. He took position to put again, but then paused. Setting his putter down he looked at John with furrowed eyebrows.

"You've given this a great deal of thought, haven't you?" His voice sounded accusitionary.

"You won't mind, of course, if I spy your credentials before we sign such paperwork? And, I understand a certain amount of discretion is necessary, however, I should like to ask my daughter for her .... eh, credentials as well."

He sunk the ball below par.

"Just of course, a formality. Never can be too careful, these days, can you, old boy?"

There was no doubt that something raised his suspicion.


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 5:28 pm

John smiled and shook his head, "No no old sport, no great thinking here, I got together with your daughter because I love her, I do not need any sort of inheritance and I hope she never will either it is more for you, after all who would want all they have worked for to go to the state and be turned into a museum or be bought up by a foreign company or somesuch. At least this way it stays in good English stock and in your fine family." He smiled, "The amount of people I deal with each year sir, these things dont require thought. Obviously I would only suggest this minor bit of fiddling to very trusted customers, the old fashioned men who dont care for the state one bit."

He smiled, "As for details, because we have just been travelling we happen to have all sorts of identification on us, we can have a look back at the house if you want. But honestly all this paperwork is not womensbussiness, and I dont want her being stressed now she is carrying my child. So we shall discuss it but keep her involvement to a minimum if you dont mind. She is rather happy to have found you and I think she needs to keep trust in her daddy so let me bring you her identidication, dont let her think you are questioning her identity."


 * Author: Laveaux, PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:18 pm

John's ruse settled his thoughts. The old man smiled, this time sincerely and reached his hand for a close to their deal.

"Just testing you, son. My daughter is a lucky young woman. I can't wait to make her complete aquaintence."

He kept his smile as he picked up his ball.

"Now, let's end this talk about my demise, shall we? I'll send my lawyers to touch up the papers for you by tomorrow and we can get it out of the way. It's your go now, I think."


 * Author: John Masterton, PostPosted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 7:07 pm

"Yes I hope your lawyers are good sorts willing to accept my decision to stop the horrid government pilfering your fortune sir, after all I want your daughter to have a comfortable life and not rely on me for money. Does wonders for a girls self esteem having her own money, and once we have her gambling sorted I am sure she will enjoy looking after everything. She is rather controlling sometimes, but I dont mind, as long as a hearty dinner a gin and tonic is avaliable I dont mind." he smiled and looped the club at the ball settled on one of his East India club personalised tee's. "Tell me about your estate anyway, does it have a history?"