It had been a few months since my backyard exhibition. I had seen Billy only once since then. His parents invited my husband and me to dinner before Billy left for college. He was very excited and unusually talkative that night. I caught him looking at me several times during the meal. Most likely remembering the day he spied on, and saw me naked. When we said our good-byes that night, he could feel him pulling my chest close to his as we hugged, and it felt like he might have even been hard in his pants.
In the next few weeks, Billy left for college, and I went back to work at the high school. Shortly after the school year starts, it closes for Labor Day, giving everyone a three day weekend.
Earlier in the summer, my husband Ted's golf team had won a tournament. The prize was an all expenses trip to Florida for the team to play in a bigger tournament. Ted left Friday afternoon and would not be back until Tuesday. We talked about me and the other wives buying our own tickets and tagging along, but in the end, we just let them go without us.
I had the house to myself all weekend. That Saturday I decided I needed to spruce up my wardrobe and go shopping. I showered and dressed in my usual conservative manner. I was wearing a sleeveless blouse, khaki shorts and sneakers. I planned to shop all day and wanted to be comfortable.
I was gathering my things to go out when the doorbell rang. When I answered it, there stood a man in a suit with a briefcase. He was tall, with short, salt and pepper hair, and brown eyes. He reminded me of George Clooney. I first thought he was a salesman or a Jehovah's Witness.
"Hello Ma'am, I'm Jack Eastland. I'm with AAA Realty and would like to talk to you about your property here." he said in a smooth voice, "May I come inside?"
"Well our property is not for sale at this time Mr. Eastland." I replied politely.
"I understand that, but I think when you see what I have to offer, you might at least consider the possibility of seeing how much you have to gain." he offered back.
"Ok, well I was about to go out but I can give you ten minutes, is that enough time?" I asked.
"Oh that will be enough for you to hear my offer for sure...I am sorry... may I ask your name?" he said confidently.
I offered my hand to shake, "My name is Ellie, please come in."
I became very aware that my husband was not home. Jack seemed so professional and polite and I had just let down my guard for a total stranger. We walked to the living room and I sat in the recliner and he sat on the couch, putting his briefcase on the coffee table.
"So Ellie let me tell you what I have to offer you. You see I have several homes listed in this neighborhood. In fact, I have one that sits directly behind yours to the right-side of your backdoor." he said.
At this point, I started to feel uneasy about everything, especially letting Jack inside.
He continued, "Back in the summer I was taking pictures of some kitchen remodeling that had been done inside that house. I was upstairs by myself when I heard music. I looked out the window and saw you come out into your backyard." he said coolly.
I started to tremble knowing what he was about to tell me. Too scared to move or tell him to leave.
"That swimsuit was very eye catching Ellie. In fact, I could not take my eyes off you. I took a few pictures with the zoom lens. I was actually about to leave when you started touching and taking off that swimsuit. I stayed until you went back inside when you got finished." his eyes watching me for my reaction.
I cleared my throat, "Jack I don't think you should have watched me like that. That was a private thing that was not meant for you so don't get any ideas and think it was! My husband would not be happy at all and he has a bit of a temper."
"You mean Ted? Well he won't be back until next week. Oh yeah, I saw you at his golf tournament, you see his team beat mine and I didn't get to go to Florida. Imagine how shocked I was to see the same woman looking all prep and proper, after I had seen her before getting off in her backyard. Then finding out that this sexy little thing is a local school teacher and the wife of the guy that cost me a free vacation." Jack answered bluntly.
At this point, Jack opened his briefcase and pulled out the two piece swimsuit I had worn that day and laid it on the coffee table. He had seen me throw it away, and retrieved it after I left. He also pulled out a folder and handed it to me. I took it from him and opened it. Inside were photographs of me. There were close to a hundred, showing me in my bikini, taking off my bikini, touching, rubbing...fingering myself. My face was in ecstasy as I had got off for Billy that day. I had no idea that two men were watching me or that I was being photographed.
"I'm sure you have lots of copies of these right?" I asked.
"Of course I do. They are saved on my computer and on a secret thumb-drive." he answered.
"So this is blackmail? Do you want us to let you sell our house?" I asked.
He nodded "No".
"You want money? Were aren't exactly rich but I can pay you some if that will keep this private."
Jack answered, "I do not want to sell your house, unless you want to move. I do not want your money either. I am not going to blackmail you Ellie. I never said I would use these pictures against you in any way at all. I could, but I really don't want to do that. You are a beautiful woman and I have enjoyed these pictures more than you will ever know. I have not shown them to anyone and I have no plans to either."
"So what do you want then?" I demanded.
"No Ellie, what do YOU want?" he answered. "I will not blackmail you into anything."
"Obviously, I want the pictures gone and for this to just go away. I want the thumb-drive, and all copies erased off your computer, the camera if it's digital and any copies like these you have printed off!" I looked him fiercely in the eyes. "What do you want?"
"Well I can do all that for you, and I am willing to. The question is, what are you willing to do to make that happen? I won't blackmail you, but if I have something you want, make me an offer or show me what you will do to get what you want. If the offer is enough, then I will take it in exchange for everything you asked." he negotiated back.
I sat there for a minute, "How do you know I won't call the police?" I asked.
"Well if you do, then the evidence aka these pictures, that you don't want out, will very much be out. The police would likely circulate these amongst themselves and the whole town see them. Ellie, again I am not threatening you with anything. I am just showing you what I have and asking what would you do to get it back?" Jack said matter-of-factly.
He was right and I knew it. I had more to lose than he did. I am not even sure that what he did was illegal since I could be seen by anyone looking out that day. Billy and Jack had both seen me, but Jack had proof I exposed myself. I wanted that proof and I was cornered. I took a deep breath and looked at him. He was an attractive man, he had already seen me naked, and he had made no physical attempt to threaten me. I felt if I had asked him to leave, he would have. He might not even show the pics to anyone ever, but there would always be the possibility that he could. I remember how I felt when I knew I was being watched before. I felt so desired and naughty. Jack was the result of my naughtiness. This was the consequence of my actions.
I stood up, "Whatever happens, it is finished after today. I want this deal done before the sun goes down. I get all the pics...everything...agreed?"
Jack was still sitting, "If it is worth that, and I think it probably is, then yes I will surrender everything to you and this will never be mentioned to anyone. Only you and I will know what happened here." he promised with trusting and hopeful eyes.
I simply said, "OK".
