Turning off the street and up the driveway, the first thing I noticed was Charlotte's Ford Explorer, was not alone in front of the house. A black Toyota Solara, sat along side her vehicle, with a Civic parked behind that.
My wife, Charlotte was always popular in our town. Heading up our local PTA and having a seat on the City Council means, hosting luncheons at our house, was a common occurrence. I assumed that was the reason for the extra cars in the drive and along the street.
I pressed the button to open the garage door and was surprised to see a familiar beige Lexus in the space reserved for my car. My stomach twisted a bit at the sight, as I tried to think where I had seen this car before. I turned off the car and headed inside thought the garage like I had plan.
"It's just a luncheon," I told myself aloud, knowing full well that my wife was full of surprises. I love surprises which was the reason she and I fit together so well. If life ever got boring she wouldn't just shake them up a bit, she would overhaul whatever she didn't like, until she was satisfied with the results.
Taking in a deep breath I walked though the door, removed my jacket, and headed quietly into the kitchen. I could hear voices and laughter coming from the great room. They were a female so I decided to leave them alone. I got a coke from the fridge and made myself a sandwich. That's when I heard it.
"Crack!" The unmistakable sound of Charlotte's whip cracking along human flesh. I stood there frozen with the sandwich a few inches from my mouth, wondering if my mind had played a trick on me. Another loud crack broke me from my stupor and sent me running toward the great room.
Reaching the arched entryway, I was no doubt shocked to what seemed to be a completely normal ladies luncheon. Eight women sat on our wrap around couch, sipping tea and snacking on scones Charlotte had made. The only thing more out of place then myself, was the naked man whose wrists had been tied to the iron sconces on either side of our fireplace mantle.
He wasn't completely naked if you count having a red silk tie in your mouth as a gag. Never the less, these ladies had a full view of their hostage, who was being whipped by a young woman standing next to my wife. She was dressed in a pale blue business suit holding a whip that had laid open my back on many occasions, tightly in her hands.
"Oh, John, I didn't think you were coming home for lunch today," Charlotte said lightly as she came over to me. She kissed me on the cheek then took me by the hand to where the man was standing. I wasn't really sure what to say to my wife. Her casual attitude towards torture could only be compared to something out of a horror movie. This man had her attention at the moment and I certainly didn't want her to turn to me next. It was only an hour lunch break.
"Honey," I managed to squeak out, "Do I want to know who that is?" I forced a smile looked back at the women who were unfazed and unaffected by Charlotte's behavior.
She stepped away from me toward the naked man with the lowered head. Grabbing a fist full of his black hair, she pulled his head back for me to see his sweat covered face. I knew him alright, he was the owner of the Lexus in my garage. I had to force myself not to laugh and tried as best as I could to hide my amusement.
"So, what did he do?" I said curiously. Charlotte twisted her fingers in his hair, then pulled tight, jerking the man's head back further. She looked at the woman standing next to her.
