THOMSONS FERRY
CHAPTER ONE
When James Delray moved to the town of Thompsons Ferry fifteen years ago, he was a thirty year old chef looking for a change of career in the booming oil fields that dot the area. After a couple of years as a welder and pipe-fitter on several rigs, he spotted a possible niche for a new restaurant concept.
After pitching his idea to a few possible investors, his boss, Mark Wilson, offered to front all the start-up costs for a forty percent silent partnership.
In the years since, the concept has taken off and expanded to seven states and more than fifty locations.
Rather than have offices in many locations, as the business grew James added an extension to his home. The home addition is just enough to have his office, a conference room and a reception area and desk for his secretary.
Also, as his business grew and the demands on his time became greater, he realized that he had less and less inclination to take care of household chores. That situation prompted him to hire a cook/housekeeper as well as a secretary to take care of the tasks he didn't have time for at work. His original housekeeper, Traci Rogers, has been with him for eleven years however his first secretary had to move out of state for family reasons prompting the hiring of Teena Jones just three months ago. In keeping with his personal desires and beliefs both of the women are black, as they should be. In James' mind the proper place for blacks
is
serving whites.
Sitting at his desk, pondering a management problem at one of the local kitchens, James Delray is annoyed by the interrupting buzz of the intercom and the voice of Teena: "Mr. Delray, you have a call on line two from Mr. Wilson. He sounds very upset, Sir."
"Oh, great! Now what? Thank you Teena."
Twenty-five minutes later, Teena is surprised when the door to her boss' office is yanked open a very angry James Delray storms into the reception area.
Taking a deep calming breath, James looks at Teena and says "Ok, two things. First, buzz next door and tell Mrs. Rogers that I need to see her as soon as possible. Second, call and cancel all of my appointments for... the next... say... three weeks. When you have done that, go home and pack for two weeks and be back here ready to travel in an hour. Got it?"
After writing down the instructions she has just been given, Teena replies "Um...Sir? I have prior plans for this weekend..."
As her boss stops in his tracks and turns back to face her, she is surprised by the change in his demeanor. Suddenly, James Delray is no longer the relaxed and laid-back man that she has become familiar with over the last three months. The man standing in front of her is now stern and forceful in his body language and facial expression. She is even more surprised with what he says to her next.
"Miss Jones, before you were hired, I explained to you that this was not just a nine to five, Monday to Friday job. You were made aware that you would be required to work odd hours at times and that you are expected to accompany me when I travel for business. Correct?"
Teena is shocked by the sudden and unexpected tone of command in her boss' voice. And her reply comes stammering out "Uhm... yes, Sir."
"Well then, Miss Jones, I expect one of two things from you. Option one; you will do as you have been instructed and NOT question me when I give you instructions again. Option two; Pick up your purse, go home and I will mail you your final check. Pick. NOW!"
Stunned by the force of his reply, Teena manages to stammer "I will go pack and be back in an hour, Sir."
As James turns to enter his office, she sees a brief, odd little grin on his face. And she is not sure but she thinks she hears him say "Now that's a good girl!" before the door closes behind him.
On the drive to her house, and while packing; Teena is assaulted by thoughts that anger, confuse and trouble her. What was it that James said before walking into his office? 'Good girl?' No, she is sure he didn't say
that
, or did he? And why does she feel pleased that he would think she's a "good girl"? She
should
be (is?) offended that he would say that to her! How
dare
he call her "girl"! Does he not know how that sounds coming from a white man? And why did his sudden change of attitude have the effect on her that it did? Why is it that she got excited by being talked to that way? Who the fuck does he think he is telling her to
never
question his instructions? But most disturbing of all, why is she getting aroused by replaying it in her mind?
As Teena leaves the office to drive home, the door in James' office that joins to the private living area of his home opens. The differences between the woman who has entered the office and the one who has just left are huge and unmistakable! Traci Rogers is about twelve years older, calmer and moves very deliberately with no wasted motion. Also, other than the leather collar around her neck she is completely naked! Stepping into James' office, she closes the door and takes three steps into the room before kneeling and folding her arms behind her. Once settled in position, she remains still and waits for instruction.
After a couple of minutes writing notes about his upcoming trip, James looks up and sees Traci. With a smile he takes a few seconds to look her over, checking her position for accuracy out of habit, even though she has not made an error in many years. At the same time, he is examining her nude body. He knows every inch of her body and is still attracted to the naked black woman, even after all the years he has owned her. "Nigger, I have been called out of town. You will pack my bags for a three week trip. I expect to be leaving in two hours."
With only a slight nod for a reaction, the naked black woman says "Yes, Master. Will you need any
special
items, Master?"
Thinking about the question, James continues to let his eyes roam over the body of the naked nigger that he has owned and been using at will for more than a decade. "No, nigger, just normal daily wear I think."
"Yes, Master. It will be as you wish."
Patting his hand on his lap, James smiles at the kneeling woman and says "Come, nigger."