Holiday at Dartmouth/5


 * 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?"