A Rose Called Miracle: Book #3, Pt. 6
Author's Note: This is the third book of 'A Rose Called Miracle'. This is fiction. All characters in intimate situations are over 18. Any resemblance to real people, organizations, or businesses is purely coincidence.
If you are uncomfortable with the subjects of control, restraint, discipline, and mild corporal punishment, please go no further. Likewise, this story is peopled with hetero, interracial, and LGBTQ+ characters and couples, and indirectly--incest; if you can't deal with that, leave now--you'll only be offended. Also, I apologize to BDSM aficionados--in this story I pretty much ignore proper BDSM safety measures as the characters develop their relationship. Please do not use these writings as a 'how to' guide. Lastly, if anyone reading 'A Rose Called Miracle' has enjoyed my characters, feel free to take them on new adventures--but please don't mess too much with the canon.
BRETT AND KARI (A Master/slave story of Love and Loss)
**There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. Albert Einstein
**For those who are willing to make an effort, great miracles and wonderful treasures are in store. Isaac Bashevis Singer
CHAPTER 21
The last morning on our tropical paradise, Brett and I woke up early. We'd been told to expect the seaplane two hours after sunrise. We packed, made sure the place was clean, and carried our things down to the dock. Then came the fun part--we had to track down Nick and Nora and get them into their carrying crate. We finally caught up with them down on the beach playing with the crabs again. We enticed them, at last, with a can of tuna fish, just as the plane splashed down in the lagoon. I had to run back to the bungalow and put on some clothes...nudity was my new norm and I'd forgotten until Brett reminded me.
Solo and another man stepped off the plane and greeted us. Solo was effusive with his apologies for the loss of Brett's house. He couldn't understand or explain how their inspection and renovation work had missed the damaged fuel oil line.
The trip home was just like the trip down--except in reverse. When we got home...I mean to the local airport, Brett's home was gone now...we were met by a limo parked near the bottom of the airplane's stairs. As we descended the stairs, Mistress Spencer and Sister Elizabeth climbed out of the car and rushed over to us. Annabeth grabbed Brett's hands and blubbered her apologies...I swear, Mistress Annabeth blubbered. She was distraught that after all Brett had done, one of her companies had allowed Brett's house to be destroyed.
Elizabeth approached me, "How are you Sister Kari?"
"I'm fine...honest. We're safe and Master and I had a wonderful six-week vacation. I feel as if we're closer than we've ever been."
"But your master's house?" Elizabeth insisted.
"Can be replaced. We're already discussing plans and fantasies for a new house. We loved the beachside bungalow so much we want to look for--or build--our new home overlooking the water." As I finished speaking Mistress Annabeth waved us over to join Brett and her. I said goodbye to Solo and the other man and thanked them for watching out for us. The chauffer promptly opened the door and we all climbed in.
I sat next to Brett and across from Elizabeth and Mistress Annabeth. "Alright, let's get down to business." Mistress Annabeth began. "Brett...Kari...I apologize again for what has happened--especially considering all you've done for me. Here is what I propose: first, Spencer Industries will provide you with a place to live while you find a permanent home; second, when you find a suitable location, Spencer Industries will cover your costs to purchase or build a new residence--up to a maximum of $1,000,000. We..."
"Jesus Annabeth, that's not necessary!" Brett interjected.
"Of course it isn't, but I'm doing it anyway. Now, if you will stop interrupting..." She glared at both of us, daring either of us to interrupt again.
"Sorry." Brett and I answered together. "Mistress." I added alone.
"Now as I was saying, before I was interrupted, Spencer Industries will cover the first million to replace your home. Also, the Spencer Board of Directors has elected you, Brett, as our newest corporate director with annual compensation of $99,990.
"What!!" Brett and I gasped together. I stared at my Master. He stared at Annabeth; his mouth moved but no sound came out.
"Well, I've quieted you down at least." Annabeth smirked. "Finally--at least for now--the Board of Directors has assigned you 100,000 shares of SI common stock issued the day before my recovery was announced.
Brett sat still. At least his mouth wasn't gaping open now. After a lengthy silence, Master spoke, "Annabeth, thank you, but all this isn't necessary. I helped you as a friend. I only did what any decent person would do for a friend in trouble. I didn't help for..."
"Brett, you darling boy..." Brett flushed; I glared as Annabeth reached out and patted his knee, "I know that." She smiled at me and removed her hand. "And that's what I explained to the board. Now, let me explain something to you. I am here not as CEO of SI, but as the messenger from the SI Board of Directors. Back...is it really only?...any way, when I was in that bed, and waiting to die, word of my illness leaked out. In seven days, SI's stock price dropped by 90%."
"I didn't know that." Brett whispered.
"I'm sure you didn't. Now, since the news of my recovery has spread far and wide, and investors know that I'm back in the saddle..." Sister Elizabeth gasped and began laughing. Mistress Annabeth gave her a stern look, "We'll discuss that outburst later. Now, as I was saying...since the news of my recovery became public, our stock price has fully recovered...not only recovered, but is now 28% above our previous all-time high. Brett, the rewards I've told you about are the SI board's attempt to say thank you."
"I understand." Brett said softly. "But, before we accept anything, I have one condition."
"Let me guess." Annabeth smiled like a cat that ate the canary, "You need to speak with Freda Haugen about a conflict of interest. Am I right?"
Brett nodded. Freda reached into her handbag, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to Brett. He read it, sighed, and handed it to me.
Dear Brett,
I have spoken in-depth with Annabeth Spencer in regard to Spencer Industries' offer for you to join the SI board of directors. Annabeth has assured me that it is entirely a personal matter between the two of you, and in no way compromises your position at WAMA. In fact, we look forward to your imminent return when your recovery is complete. We all miss you.
Congratulations on your election to the SI Board of Directors. I'm sure that with your unique way of looking at any situation you will be of as great a value to SI as you are to WAMA.
Sincerely,
Freda Haugen
I finished reading the letter and handed it back to Brett.
"What do you think?" Brett asked me.