The Inner Fullness Heist Ch 07

Chapter 7: The First to Fall

Earlier.

"Thanks for the ride, Vera," Sammie said, climbing into the front seat of the jeep.

"Of course! I appreciate you filling in today on such short notice."

"Oh, it's no worry at all, boss," Sammie said. "Besides, gotta get used to the extra workload, right? Are you all ready for your trip?"

"I'm counting the hours," Vera smiled. "I'm tempted to get an early start tonight."

"Well, it's a light day," Sammie said. "Just a few regulars, right and one couples massage — out-of-towners, I think."

Vera furrowed her brow. "Do you know anything about about them? We don't usually get vacationers."

"Just business travelers," Sammie said. "I took the call from the woman herself. She seemed friendly, and I think she said she does something with healing?" She looked at Vera. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just a feeling. It's nothing — I think I'm just eager to get my vacation started."

"Well, you've earned it," Sammie grinned. "Where are you staying, anyway?"

"I found a beautiful little spa on the coast. I go and just turn my brain off and let them pamper and take care for me, no?"

"Are you bringing Jean along?" Sammie asked.

Jean was one of the few lovers whose name Vera had actually mentioned, although Sammie suspected there had been quite a few others in the three years they'd known each other. Her relationships seemed to start suddenly, then taper off gradually with surprisingly little bother or drama.

"Oh no, not Jean," Vera said, shaking her head. "He has virtues, but relaxing is not one of them. I thought of bringing an old, how you say? A friend with benefits from lycée. But no, I am happier to go alone. Maybe I enjoy someone new out there, or maybe I just lie around and daydream while they fatten me up like a cow."

The two women laughed.

"And what about you, Sammie? Are you excited to try running the place?"

"Meeting more people, doing more work, making more money — what's not to like?"

Vera smiled. "I don't know how you do it, Sammie. The exercise classes and then massage, and all your clubs, and your classes. You never stop moving!"

"I just get a kick out of being around people and staying busy, I guess. It energizes me, keeps me from ruminating, you know?"

Vera nodded seriously. "Well take care of yourself. And keep a tight reign on Laney, okay? I worry about the girl. Either her mind is on boys, or she's fighting with the other girls. She becomes forgetful of her job."

"Oh don't worry, I can handle her. And she's not bad at corralling the clients and keeping everything moving. She just needs a little nudge here and there when she gets off task."

"I appreciate the optimism, Sammie," Vera said, putting the jeep in park. "Maybe after I rest up, I come back with some of my own."

* * *

Elsie: Up for brunch and a treat?

Willy: What do you have in mind?

"Is that that girl from last night?" Hank asked, walking into the big frat common room.

"What girl?" Willy asked, innocently looking up from his phone.

"Your Mom, asshole. What girl do you think?"

Willy shrugged. "I know a number of young ladies."

Elsie: You'll just have to wait and find out....

"Yeah, but only one of those young ladies walked out of here with cum in her hair around midnight last night."

"I'm afraid you must be mistaken my friend. My platonic friend Laney was just over for a study date. I'm talking to my girlfriend now."

"Oh yeah?" Hank asked, slyly. "How does she study?"

Willy held up one finger and typed a response.

Willy: Your crazy babe. in a good way lol.

Willy: Want me bring beer or anything?

"Hungrily. Just absolutely gobbles down information," Willy grinned.

"Isn't she friends with Elsie, though?" Hank asked.

"Relax. Elsie doesn't suspect anything," Willy said. "She's set up a little date just the two of us this afternoon."

"Damn, dude. Well, hit me up if you hear Laney is looking for more study partners," Hank said, walking out of the room.

Elsie: Just your cute ass. Don't keep me waiting.

"Yeah, dude," Willie called back, half-heartedly, "I'll let you know."

* * *

"First time at Inner Fullness Massage?" Laney asked.

"Yep," said the man. "My first professional massage, actually."

They were an odd couple, Laney thought. No doubt about that. But after the boring morning of regulars, she didn't mind odd. Joey was massive — thick arms, thighs, and chest, a sharply cut chin as stubbly as sandpaper, a tuft of dark hair popping out of his plain v-neck t-shirt, the shiny belt buckle on his black slacks, his only apparent concession to fashion. He even had a slate grey shoulder bag to complete that nothing in particular look. Still, he looked strong, handsome, and had a sweet, almost bashful look that Laney found quite appealing in someone so built. She wondered what it felt like to be held in those arms when things got a little wild.

"Well welcome! We're very happy to be your first," she said, smiling as she watched the woman out of the corner of her eye.

The woman continued to smile blandly to herself as if enjoying some secret joke.

"What about you, uh, Carla?" she asked, glancing down at her screen. "Is this your first massage, too?"

The two couldn't have been more different. Carla wasn't much over five feet tall, with a round, cheerful face, and short, shaggy brown hair which, to Laney's eye, looked styled but not especially fashionably. She wore a pretty dress with an empire waist that flattered her build, an extravagantly chunky watch, and a bulky feed sack purse that seemed to ruin the entire look. She was cute, Laney supposed, but nothing special. She instantly took a disliking to Carla.

"Oh, heavens no," Carla said. "Although I suppose this couple's massage is a first for me."

"Oh, good," Laney said, a little distractedly as she finished signing the couple in.

She looked up at the man, brushing a lock of reddish-blond hair behind her ear. The student wondered if perhaps the two might simply be good friends. Joey certainly seemed to enjoy the view of her curves in a light green summer dress. Then again, so did Carla. Neither had said or done anything inappropriate, but there was something a little strange about their body language — especially hers. It was almost as if Laney had already agreed to some sort of arrangement for later.

Well, she would probably at least consider it if they proposed. Wednesday was a short day this week. They only had two massage therapists on duty today, and were scheduled to end at 4:00, which meant another evening of studying at home, unless she could find some sort of diversion. After that disappointing hookup with Willy last night, she could use a pick me up. And anyway, it would let her keep her distance from Elsie for the evening.

"You're all ready to go, you two! Straight through that door, into Room 1. You'll see robes you can change into, and Samantha and Vera will be right in to take care of you. Help yourself to the sauna afterwards, if you'd like. And we've got free herbal tea and snacks available as well. Enjoy your couple's massage, guys!"

"See you later, Laney," Carla said, giving the woman a smile that seemed a little too friendly.

"Buh-bye!" Laney waved, with a tight smile.

Joey returned the wave with a look back that made Laney's heart beat a little faster.

Right as usual, she thought. Looks like I'm having some fun tonight!

She looked at the schedule. The next appointment wasn't for a good hour, and unless the foul weather outside cleared, drop-ins were unlikely. She put on her headphones, and cracked a textbook.

* * *

Joey took a deep breath, feeling unusually nervous as the two stripped off their clothes. A certain amount of combining work and pleasure was inevitable in their business, but a naked massage just seemed to be pushing their luck. But with all the liberties she let him take on missions, Carla was certainly entitled to a few of her own. And she had found the idea of starting off a job with a massage from tw beautiful targets was irresistible.

"Don't worry, I think you're really going to like this," Carla said, carefully positioning her purse under the massage table, her clothes stacked neatly in the corner. "And God knows you need this as much as I do."

"I suppose I do," Joey said, working his left shoulder in a circle. He carefully arranging his own equipment under the table, belt sitting on top of the shoulder bag. "What do you think of Laney."

"About as much as she thinks of me," Carla said, "but she's the right target. I can't wait to see what you do with her."

There was a knock.

"You guys ready?" asked a cheerful voice from the hall.

"Yep," Joey said, sliding the robe up over his shoulders. "All ready now!"

"Hi! I'm Sammie, and this is Vera," said a triangular faced woman, popping through the door.

Sammie looked like an aerobics instructor, compact, peppy, and fit. She had long, black hair in a neat French braid, a beautiful jawline, big, black, almond-shaped eyes and a bright smile over flawless, light brown skin. She was wearing a halter top that exposed a little navel piercing and toned body, with a cute round ass displayed by her yoga pants. The two knew she was 19 years old from her file, but she looked possibly even a little younger.

"Welcome guys, I'm so happy you've decided to try my studio!" Vera said, stepping through behind Sammie.

She was taller, softer, a little older, and much more refined. She had a bleached blond, assymetrical haircut, luscious lips, and round, blue-green eyes. Her chin was soft and lightly cleft, with naturally rosy cheeks on a pale, oval face. She was clothed in a dark blue wrap dress that flowed, dreamily around her luscious curves.

"Is this your first massage?" Sammie asked.

"It is for Joey," Carla said, "but my boy loves his back rubs."

"Well, I'm sure you'll both enjoy it," Vera said. "Typically, we like to use a little music and some incense or fragrance to create a relaxing atmosphere. Is that alright with you?"

"That sounds great," said Carla. "Honestly, I have a lot of trouble tuning out my own thoughts, so the louder the music and the stronger the fragrance, the better. Something very sweet if you have it."

"No problem at all," Vera said, turning on the small stereo.

Sammie gestured for Joey to lie down on the table as Enya blared from the speakers.

"Since it's your first time, I'll start out gentle, but you can tell me if you want more pressure, okay?"

"That sounds good," Joey said, lying down on his stomach.

"And since you're a massage veteran, Carla, can you can tell me a little bit about what you'd like today?" Vera asked, adjusting the lights down. She had a smooth, soft voice with a melodious French accent.

"Oh, I like a lot of pressure," Carla said. "Could you focus on my lower back?"

"Of course," Vera said. "I'll start there, and then we can work up and down your back a little bit once that's loosened up."

"Oh my!" Sammie said, rubbing Joey's shoulder. "You've got quite a knot back here. Where do you work?"

"I work in procurement and shipping," he said.

"Well that explains all these muscles everywhere, I'm sure Carla doesn't mind."

Carla smiled, indulgently. "Oh, I get by, somehow."

"Mmmhmm," Joey sighed.

"What about you, Carla?" Very asked. "Are you in procurement and shipping too?"

"I help with procurement," said Carla. "Also a bit of training and sales, too."

"Oh, like a teacher," Vera said. "No wonder your back is so tight! So what made you decide to go in for a couple's massage? Romantic getaway?"

"Actually, we're here on a business trip, but I thought we could both use a little stress relief first."

"Oh, are you in town for a convention?"

"No, right here," Carla said, casting a teasing look at Joey from the corner of her eye.

"Uh, here?" Vera asked. "What does that mean?"

"Carla," Joey said.

'Ooh! That tensed you up," Sammie said, pushing down on Joey's back. "Maybe let's have less business talk right now."

"Yeah," Joey mumbled. "Need a few more minutes, Carla."

"Well, you booked a whole 55 minutes, so it shouldn't be a problem," said Vera.

The room grew quiet for the next twenty minutes, save for the sighs of the couple.

"I think we're making progress," Sammie said, resting her hands on his mid back for a moment. "Is it starting to feel better, Joey?"

He gently rolled his shoulder. "Yeah, actually, that's a lot better. Thank you."

"How about your Carla?" Vera asked, quietly. "Is this starting to help?"

"It's nice," she said, "but is it okay if I take a break? I know it's weird, but there's a healing product I brought that really helps me, if you don't mind."

"Of course," Vera said. "Take your time. There's a water cooler against the wall if you want. I'll help Sammie with Joey in the meantime."

"Thanks," she said, sliding her robe back over her shoulders. "And sorry."

"Oh, it's no problem," Vera said, walking over to the other table, her back to Carla. "Sometimes massage releases pent up--" she heard a snap behind her, as Carla popped open the plastic case around the applicator. "Uh, what is that?"

Carla permitted herself a smile. The applicator was the most important tool of her trade, as Vera would soon find out.

"Oh, this?" She asked innocently, holding the rectangle of folded fabric. "It's actually an herbal wrap that provides a kind of energy therapy, I suppose. It induces a state of deep relaxation. We're in town looking to hand out some free samples and acquire investors, actually. My chiropractor loves it for letting go of stress."

"Interesting," said Vera, walking back towards Carla. "How does it work?"

"I'll show you. Turn around and have a seat."

"What? Oh no, it is you who are supposed to relax. I will relax later," Vera laughed.

"Trust me, you'd be doing me a big favor just by trying it out and offering your honest opinion."

"Well, okay. I sit for it, but just for a minute," Vera said.

"Hey Sammie? Could you go back to my right shoulder?" Joey said, sensing Sammie watching the proceeding. "There's one spot I'd really like you to find."

"Sure, Joey," Sammie said, walking around the table, her back now to the other two.

"Alright. Just rest your hands in your lap, and take a deep breath," Carla said in her best energy healer voice.

"Good, now all the way out."

"And now what?" Asked Vera stifling a yawn.

"One more deep breath, and when it's out, I'll wrap this gently around your face. Three deep, slow breaths in and out, and then you're done. You can get back to the massage — or take a nap if you want to."

Vera chuckled. "All this talk about naps and relaxation, I just might. But what will I feel?"

"The energy might make you feel a little strange. Some people report a sweet smell or a little moment of dizziness. But by the time you're done, you'll be deeply, deeply relaxed."

"That's Vera. Always the first to try everything," Sammie quipped.

"Once you see how well it works, you might end up trying it yourself," Joey smiled, shifting.

"Okay, I'm ready," Vera said.

"In... and out," Carla directed, unwrapping the sticky, fuming cloth, it's smell disguised by the incense.

As soon as Vera's lungs were empty, Carla lifted it over her head, deftly wrapping the ends together, covering her whole face from chin to eyes.

"And in. Three deep breaths."

"Mmmhhh?" Vera hummed, seemingly trying to pose a question while following instructions. Carla was right. The smell was very sweet, and she felt more than a little dizzy, although Carla's hands on her shoulder felt quite reassuring.

"How is it, Vera?" Sammi asked, without turning around.

"Unnhh li'l dizzz," she murmured, trying to reach the cloth as she sagged back into Carla's hands.

"Oh, that's totally normal," Carla said as Sammie turned around, just in time to see Vera's hands fall off her lap.

"Did she just, uh, nod off?"

"Yeah, I think she did, " Carla said. "She really resonates with this treatment. Has she had energy work before?"

"Yeah," Sammie said, watching Vera's legs swing gently, like a small kid in a big chair. "Vera's a very spiritual person. We have a healing arts night weekly, if you're, uh... interested."

"Wow!" Carla said, as Vera sagged bonelessly in her arms. "I guess she really needed it. Could I have some help laying her down?"

"Sure," Sammie said, gently laying her boss on the table. "How long until she's up?"

"Oh, not long. Just until processing," Carla smiled, as Joey reached under the table for his belt, and rolled upright.

"Processing? What do you-"

Sammie froze, eyes wide as Joey rolled off the table and wrapped the belt around her neck.

"About time," Carla said, snapping open the applicator, and approaching Sammie. "Sorry about this. If it's any consolation, we really enjoyed the massage."

The massage therapist slammed her heel down into Joey's shin.

"Fuck!" he grunted, the belt slipping lose as Sammie pulled forward. Joey stumbled after her, catching the belt and tightening, as she plowed into the massage table, knocking the unconscious Vera onto the ground.

"Just relax," Carla said, wrapping the applicator around her face as Joey held her down.

"Triple D," she whispered. Joey rolled his eyes and released the girl.

"This way, Sammie," Carla said, grasping her arm and pulling her along. "Quick, you've got to get into the back!"

Sammie grunted, clutching at the applicator with her free hand, as she tried to shake Carla off, her legs already wobbly.

"Come on, focus, Sammie!" Carla cheered, putting the woman's hand on the door knob. Sammie grasped the doorknob with both hands, leaning against the door. She made a questioning sound as she slowly collapsed to her knees, rattling it back and forth.

"Goddamnit. Why would you lock the office when you're in the next room?" Carla asked, She reluctantly lowered the woman to the floor.

There was a low, polite knock.

"Hey Vera, everything okay in there?" the concerned voice of the receptionist asked through the door.