Another quickie built around another simple concept. I have, on occasion, thought of an original discovery method, but original consequences are harder to come by. I think this is one.
It's only a shorty, less than 2,000 words with no sex—sorry—and it is mostly dialogue and quotes from newspaper reports.
Once again, this is fiction. If you spot anything unlikely to happen in real life, please don't embarrass yourself by making a public comment. Instead, contact me on my private email address, 'BoringTitWhoHasTroubleSeparatingRealityFromFiction@gmail.com
My thanks to CTC, once again for the edit, as beautiful as she is talented.
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THE SCENE: The home of Dave and Jennifer Brown, childless married couple. Jennifer and her best friend, Julie, are going through their weekly ritual of sharing a wine at the kitchen table after some shopping.
"You're putting me in a very awkward position, Jen. Dave is a friend of mine as well, after all, I've known him almost as long as you."
"Yes, I realised that before I told you, Julie, but I just had to tell someone and I know I can trust you. I love Dave to bits and I'm happy we have a timetable to start a family, I really am. Peter is just something a little extra for me, some harmless fun; a last hurrah before I knuckle down and become a mum."
"How can you say harmless? You know Dave. If he catches you, your arse will create a sonic boom on the way out the door with his foot behind it."
"Don't you think I don't know that, silly? That's why I'm going to such great lengths to make sure I'm never caught. I get off school at four, Dave never gets home before seven. That gives me two hours to rock Peter's world then clean up before Dave gets here. If Dave were to come home early, all I would have to say to explain where I was is that I stayed at the school to grade some papers.
"Peter picks me up from behind a small store across the road from the schooI and drives me to a motel less than five minutes away so if Dave ever checks, my car is in the school carpark. I put on a wig before I get out of the car and the motel has a very discreet carpark. If Dave goes to the school and rings me, I'm five minutes away and can always say I went for a walk.
"I make sure Peter always uses a condom, so there's no soiled panties and no risk of pregnancy or disease. So, you see, Julie, it's risk free."
"But why do it, Jen? It's disrespectful, it's risky and, goddammit, it's just plain wrong. Does this guy Peter have a huge cock? Does he take you places you've never been to before?"
"Good god, no, Julie. His cock is about two inches shorter than Dave's and, despite all his bragging, he doesn't last nearly as long. I don't tell him that, of course, and I've become quite an adept faker over the weeks."
"Then why do it, Jen?"
"Well, at first it was the excitement. He's rich and a highly successful businessman. He has this commanding manner and most of the time he just throws me down and takes me. It was quite hot and very flattering at first."
"But that palled pretty quick, didn't it?"
"Yes. After two or three times, I suppose."
"Then why keep going? Is he blackmailing you or something?"
Jennifer hesitated, obviously worried how her next words portrayed her. Finally, she rose from the table, picked up her handbag and retrieved her purse. Something flat and shiny was laid on the table.
"My god, is that what I think it is?"
"Yup," Jennifer stated with pride. "An American Express Platinum Card."
"He gave this to you?"
"Yes." Jennifer smiled with reflected pride.
"It has a five-thousand-dollar limit but seems to reset itself every few days. They say it opens doors. It certainly opens the doors of the most expensive jewellery shops in town. Do you want to see what a one carat diamond looks like?"
"Wow, five thousand dollars. This Peter guy must really like you."
"Well, at the risk of flattering myself, of course I'm worth it."
This was said with a smile.
"But, honestly, five grand is pocket change to someone like Peter."
"So, how the hell did you sneak that big rock past Dave?"
"Well, that's the downside, of course. I have all these beautiful, expensive things, but I have to hide them under the floorboards in my closet so my husband doesn't see them. Quite frankly, it's getting frustrating and my conscience is starting to play up a bit."
"Just give up then, Jen. Don't risk losing Dave over buying something neither of you will ever be able to afford on your salaries and thus you won't ever be able to show him."
"I will soon, I promise, Julie. By the end of next week, I reckon."
"Why then?"
"Well, there's this necklace that I'm paying off, it's worth twelve grand. I made the second payment on it today so hopefully I can pay it off Monday or Tuesday."
They were both startled when a huge bang shook the front of the house. It took several seconds for Jennifer to realise it was the front door being slammed. She raced to it to see what the hell was going on but the door was closed. Hurrying to the window at the side of the door, she was just in time to see Dave throw his phone through the open window of his car before jumping in. Jen dashed out, calling out Dave's name even though she knew it was unlikely he'd hear her above the roar of the engine as he gunned it down the street.
EPILOGUE
Front page, Gippsland Times, 7
th
July 2020
MORWELL TEACHER SUSPENDED AFTER PROSTITUTION CHARGES
Jennifer Marie Brown, a married teacher from a local state school, has been suspended after being arrested on charges of prostitution...
Inspector Reynolds stated, "While we accept that no money changed hands for sexual services, we are convinced that Mrs. Brown's motivation for the sexual acts was directly financial...
Mr. Brown, the alleged prostitute's husband refused to grant an interview, stating only, "Who do you think called the police on her?"
Page 3, Gippsland Times, 17
th
September 2020
BEST FRIEND SUBPOENAED
The best friend of the former schoolteacher at the centre of the unusual prostitution case, Ms. Julie Smith, appeared in court today. Under oath, she confirmed allegations that her friend, Jennifer Brown, confided in her that she'd exchanged sexual services with a local businessman, whose name has been temporarily supressed, in exchange for free use of an American Express credit card. The public prosecutor pointed out in his opening address to the court that this fulfilled all three criteria to be classified as prostitution...
Ms. Smith went on to say that Mrs. Brown had admitted to her that she was only maintaining the relationship with the businessman for the use of that card. Mrs. Brown appeared devastated at her friend's admissions.
Later that day, the state entered into evidence a voice recording of part of a conversation between the two women. Attempts were made by the defence to get the tape ruled inadmissible, but the judge ruled that as it was made by Mr. Brown in his own home, he would allow it into evidence...
Front page, Gippsland Times, 18
th
September 2020
