Part 09: The Learning Curve
Devon arrived upstairs after seeing Sheriff Mitchell and Robertson the County Attorney to the door. Ann's door was open so he stuck his head around the corner and saw her standing before a mirror examining her appearance as a Dominatrix for tonight's venture to the BDSM Clubs in New York.
"I'll only be a few minutes, I apologize for the late start." Devon said.
"How did it go?"
"We've reached an agreement. I'll respect his wisdom, and wishes, in regards to legal matters and law enforcement. On personal issues, such as his personal likes and dislikes, I'll listen to his argument, consider his opinion, and do as I damn well please." Devon said smiling slightly.
"So I still have a job?" Ann asked.
"Of course. I see no reason to fire you, and unless you're quitting, the issue is settled." Devon said as he turned towards his own door. "Oh, by the way, you look fabulous."
Ann smiled. She had wondered how he'd like the leather mini skirt, ankle boots, and bustier top that showed off all the cleavage that genetics and the wonder bra could manage. As usual, Devon had noticed everything, without once appearing to take note of anything.
In ten minutes Devon stepped out of his room dressed in dark slacks, a white cotton shirt, and a leather dress style vest, instead of the expected heavy strap covered vests that the predominate majority of Master's tended to favor. Ann realized that he didn't dress the part, he didn't try to fit in with anyone's idea of what a Dominant should do, he just exuded the impression that he was absolutely confident that he could do whatever was being discussed.
In the Club de Sade, Ann was introduced around and he introduced David and their student as of Monday Cathy.
Ann watched Cathy for a several minutes, and realized Devon had her pegged right. She was a manipulator, she was coyly trying to get David to take her home and have sex, rather than listen to Devon talk about training. She was subtle, but it was there, and Devon had picked it up in how short a time?
After mingling and meeting people for a while Ann noticed that Devon was looking out the mirrored windows to the club proper, and seemed interested in a table about half way across the room. She walked to him and said. "What's got your interest now? Find your boy toy?"
"No, I'm not looking for anyone in particular, just spreading the word tonight. However a lesson in domination and submission. That table, with the two couples. The fat guy and the blond. Tell me your impressions of them." Devon said softly.
"OK." Ann looked at them for a bit and shook her head. "I don't like him."
"Why?"
"He's an abusive bastard. Big old bully."
"How can you say that? Isn't abuse what you said I was all about too?"
"Look at his gestures, no refinement, big sweeping arm gestures. Those in this room don't behave that way they're more genteel I guess. He's not really a Dominant is he? At least, not your idea of a Dominant." Ann said.
"Ok, let's talk about the girl first, the blond on his right, the kneeling one. What about her."
Ann looked for a while and said. "She's not embarrassed, or humiliated. She's not Geneva. She's awful young though. No way is she twenty-one. She's not Jeannette, attending to him like she does to you. She's not like Diane either, she's not a wallflower hiding behind the crowd, or in this case the Master."
"She's nineteen, and she's sitting stoically to keep from making him mad." Devon said. "By the way, you pegged him about dead on. He uses the BDSM scene to cover his abusive tendencies." Devon turned and whispered near her. "Also she's on drugs. Look at her sway now and then; her brain is one big buzz right now. She would never be a candidate for us, because of her drug use and her history."
Ann looked at the girl again and sighed. She had just been told and shown that she couldn't save the world. Devon was right, if the Sheriff suspected drug use at the house, he'd bust in with the SWAT teams himself. Or the Feds, or the State, or God only knew who else. She took one last look and remembered something her instructors had said at the Police Academy. You can't save the world; you can sometimes help those who want to help themselves. She had thought it awful cynical, now she wasn't so sure.
Devon introduced her to Luke, who had toured the facility and was interested in sending Marie, but Marie had reservations. "Of course she does. Marie, you're concerned about many things, including the fact that you would have no choices out there right?"
"Yeah. Look I've talked to Luke. I dig this whole scene. I really do. But man, I'm not going to do it. If he insists, I'm leaving Devon." Marie said seriously.
Devon nodded. "Of course, I commend that attitude Marie. You see, our school is not for the people who play the part of a submissive, it's not a spa. It's a serious school for the art of Domination, and submission."
After chatting for a while Devon took Ann and they went to another club. The Executive Club. Devon explained to her. "Dominique got us the corporate membership, and I haven't been there yet. I think we'll find more clients than potential staff at this one but it's hard to tell."
"So we're going to see what?" Ann asked.
"We're going to take a look around. To introduce ourselves, and to see what develops. At the moment, we're still relatively unknown. The reputation is starting to spread however Mistress Ann."
Ann smiled. "I'm still not used to hearing that."
"You'll get used to it, give it some time." Devon said.
They went in and Devon looked around and smiled. "Oh, we're going to get rich off this club Ann."
"What do you mean?"
"Look around, all the little toy slaves that are around." Devon said as he leaned closer. "They think that Bondage is about chaining your little play toy up and fucking away. They have no idea what a trained slave of ours can do. I'll have to come back with Jeannette. Dominique was right, there are a lot of potential clients here."
They walked around and did the introduction thing. Devon watched as one Master was flicking the whip at his slave who was tied to a rack of sorts. She was glowing a slight pink, and sweating. Devon remained silent and walked along watching another group.
As Ann continued to chat with a group about the lifestyle, she was more listening, trying to understand the nuances of the language. A blond in her mid twenties approached her and hung her head submissively as she spoke. "Excuse me Mistress. May I ask you a question Mistress?"
Ann turned and found a blond about her height wearing a large leather collar. "Yes?"
"Mistress, My Master Randolph has ordered me to invite you to join him at the table." The Blond said.
"Your name?" Ann asked.
"I'm Slave Sindy, with an S."