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11.
Out front, under the portico, Judith waited impatiently for T to join her. The woman who finally emerged was sharply turned out in a suit of light grey pin stripes and patent heels. She was every inch the picture of a self-assured young lady. An image of the slender, golden T on her hands and knees had been so imprinted on Judith's mind that she was taken aback. T smiled and extended her hand.
“Traci Hepburn. Pleased to meet you, Miss. Jackson.”
“Call me Judith. Nice to meet you as well, Traci.”
How bizarre, Judith thought…there they were exchanging polite introductions as if they had just set eyes on one another.
“You look rather surprised. Perhaps you were expecting something different. Velly solly, Missee but only my mother is Japanese.”
Judith did not reply, deciding to ignore the hint of sarcasm. It was only natural that Traci would be a bit defensive after the display Emily had made of her.
“I was driven here so I shall have to go with you. I can call for a ride after we are through if bringing me back will be a bother.”
“Where is your office, Traci?”
“If you have everything with you there is a quiet little bistro nearby. We can go over things there.”
The short drive was made in silence. Traci volunteered no small talk and Judith remembered that D had told her that the slaves of the bridge club were not allowed to talk amongst themselves. Judith would have loved to ask a few questions but was sure anything said would find its way back to Emily.
They sat across from one another at a quiet corner table and ordered espressos. Judith unfolded her suggestions for streamlining Assco's financial structure to take advantage of tax benefits that were being overlooked. She found Traci to be a quick study. Judith decided the girl must have a phenomenal memory. She was able to call up facts and figures pertaining to Emily's holdings at will.
“So, those are my broad recommendations. There is still much that I am unfamiliar with. I would like copies of everything you have in Emily's file. In time I will forward the details of a comprehensive plan to your office for an appraisal if that is what Emily wishes.”
“I shall explain all of this to Mistress Emily. She assured me that you are competent in your field and it appears she was not mistaken. I am impressed by what you have accomplished in so short a time.”
Hearing Traci refer to Emily as Mistress unsettled Judith. The bridge club was extreme enough but it seemed that the bright woman across from her was held in thrall beyond any one night a month agreement. She tried not to let her disdain for this show but promised herself that whatever was ahead she would never allow this to happen to her.
“Now that we are finished…shall we have a drink before I drive you back?”
Traci looked at her steadily but did not respond until Judith lifted an eyebrow.
“I see how you regard me. Well, I was there when you crawled your ass along the red carpet. Don't be feeling sorry for me. For all of your airs, J… you are her slut too.”
Without even thinking, Judith whipped her hand across the table and slapped Traci's face a sharp one. She was as surprised by her reflex as Traci was by the blow. Immediately, conflicting emotions flashed through her. There was a certainty that the woman had deserved it but also an urge to apologize. Stronger than either of these though was a rush of arousal. The sting on her palm seemed to be sending signals to her pussy.
She half expected some retaliation but instead, within an instant, Traci's wide eyes dropped submissively and it was she that apologized.
“Forgive me. I spoke incorrectly.”
Judith stood up and covered her confusion by gathering her things.
“I think we'll skip the drink and probably it would be better if you called for a ride.”
“As you wish.” Traci acquiesced with her eyes still lowered.
Judith made her way to the door without looking back. She was up on the expressway before her thoughts settled enough to think rationally. Probably the entire incident would be related back to Emily. She laughed aloud ruefully. She should have known that no meeting involving Emily would ever end in any predictable manner.
Looking back over the afternoon, she was no longer surprised at having slapped Traci. Judith had been businesslike and polite. There had been no need for the woman to play the bitch and rub her face in the memory of her own humiliating ordeal. No, she was no longer shocked that she had lashed out… but she was still in wonder that slapping the little bitch had aroused her. She glanced down to find that she had actually been driving with a hand between her thighs.
More busy days ensued for Judith. Other friends of Emily's had retained the firm to handle their affairs and Geller was falling all over himself to please Judith. She meanwhile heard nothing further from Emily but as the end of the month approached her dread of a second night with the ladies of the bridge club became ever heavier. When the summons at last arrived, Judith found it bitterly ironic that it was worded as an invitation to ‘another evening of fun and frolic'.
That evening, even though she knew that any choice of clothing would be immaterial, she still bathed and dressed with care, almost if she were preparing for her own execution. She had taken the silver choker from its hiding place and laid it atop her dresser, refusing to put it on until the last possible moment. That arrived when her intercom buzzed and Blackjack politely informed her that he was waiting downstairs.
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