Chapter 6

When Jack awoke the next day, it was not even six A.M. He liked getting up early when there was work to do. It set an efficient tone for his day, which he liked to instill in his men. If he didn't get a very early start, he found himself with too many things to do and not enough time in which to do them.

He was up before anyone else. Slipping from his bed, Jack walked around the bedroom, deciding what to wear. The meeting was scheduled for early that morning, and he knew that every detail had to be right. He had to maintain complete order in the gathering-an order that he controlled. The new boys would be in the very same room, after all.

The boys were to gather at his apartment and Jack wondered about letting Nancy remain during the meeting. After all, she was a child, and strictly extra-curricular. It was unwise to do so, but he didn't want to simply order her to get out.

There must be a way to send her on an errand, or out shopping. Maybe he would give her a few charge plates and release her for the shopping spree she had talked about the week past.

He had time before she was awake to figure it all out. She'd obey, he had no doubts about that. She had better!

Jack chose a conservative suit from his large wardrobe. He knew that the meeting should be all business, with a strict agenda of things to cover. All that was needed was a quick report on the status of each person, and then he'd be able to get into the subject of the possible new agent. And of converting more of the traffic to heroin.

Dressing in front of a full-length mirror, Jack smoothed his expensive shirt down into his tailored pants. Then he let his hands go beyond, until they covered his limp prick. He gave a few quick tugs and let go. There was no time this morning to get involved with that wonderful toy. He'd make up for it later that afternoon.

Closing his pants, he lifted his head to check out his appearance. His hard belly looked good in the tight pants, so did his prick.

Then he put on a muted tie, knotting it in the latest style and letting the wide end hang just over the top of his waist. It looked nice. The beautiful colonial jacket topped the entire outfit, and Jack knew that he looked the part of a successful banker or stock-broker.

It was just the image he always liked to convey when dealing with his men and the world. All success, and all business. There was no fooling around when it came to their duties.

Once he felt completely dressed, he left the bedroom. Since the housekeeper was still not awake, Jack decided to fix his own breakfast. As much as he enjoyed eating, he had never liked breakfast, and making a decision on what foods to eat first thing in the morning always had been a chore. He paced the kitchen back and forth, looking in cabinets and checking the refrigerator from time to time, searching for something that might appeal to him.

Disgusted by the prospect of eating, Jack slammed the refrigerator shut and decided to have coffee as a start. Maybe after a hot cup of black coffee, he would feel ready to face breakfast goods.

The coffee machine was ready in a moment, and he filled his cup. That was another thing he disliked-waiting for coffee to percolate. It would never make it alongside the deeper, brewed stuff. But in a pinch, or when Jack felt unnerved by the whole breakfast process, it would surely do.

He stirred the black liquid. Then he let the coffee sit, black and steaming, until it was cool enough to drink. Bitter it was, and Jack made a wry face as he forced the liquid into his gullet.

"Where the hell is Trudy?"

He yelled the servant's name twice, and then stopped, waiting for the rustling to begin in the small room that served as her bedroom.

The servant appeared, bleary-eyed, in her robe. By that time, Jack's temper was boiling over and he angrily demanded a good breakfast.

"Make it different, too. Something like pancakes or crepes. I can't stand breakfast."

The servant hopped about, getting a quick pancake recipe started, hoping to please her grumpy boss. She moved silently, her small head bobbing over the counter as she managed to whip up a batter

Jack sat watching the scurrying servant. He felt powerful. He loved watching people doing his bidding. Nothing pleased him more than making someone wait on him hand and foot. That was why he had a servant. And a mistress. That way, whenever he didn't want to do some unpleasant task, he could delegate it to a hired hand. If they refused, they could always be fired. Part of his powerful image, he supposed.

There had been a few times in the past few years when he felt obligated to do away with someone. Usually it was a person who had sold the government out, or who was attempting to defect with secrets. There had been one time when it happened with his former mistress. That had been quickly taken care of, and both the woman and the male spy killed.

Jack smiled secretly as he thought back to the look of anguish and surprise that had crossed his mistress' face when he had told her of her imminent death. She had screamed just once. Then she had attacked the man, pummeling him with her tiny fists. He had slapped her hard, watching her eyes roll as she realized that it was true and it was all going to happen just as he had said.

It wasn't long after that when Jack's men had dragged her away. He had been glad to see her go, glad that she was about to pay for being a traitor. No one made a fool of the U.S. A.

He had arranged a fitting end. The woman was destined to meet her foreign lover in a pre-arranged hideout, where the men bound and gagged them in their chairs. Then they were ordered to undress.

The naked figures huddled together in a corner, shaking with fear. Jack's men talked to them, guns drawn, threatening to shoot them for one false move. Under the terrible stress of the approaching death, the woman broke down and whimpered for mercy.

She promised to tell all. She was told to shut up, and when she continued her crying, her face was slapped again and again. Her lover watched helplessly, knowing that to interfere would merely hasten his own end. But they were prepared.

Finally the couple kissed, softly at first and then in a strange sort of way. The man allowed them those last few moments. Even agents could be romantic.

The kiss was completed, the sentence carried out even while the couple was busy spending the last few seconds in a tight embrace.

Two quick silenced blasts ripped through them, and the bodies slumped to the floor, dead.

Now Jack remembered the entire incident, and hoped that it would never bear repeating. As long as Nancy kept her place and served only his needs, then she was safe.

The less she knew, the less-likely that she could betray anything. He had told that to her, and although he had never outlined the details of the shooting, he had left Nancy suitably impressed with the importance of her fidelity. And so far she had proven her trust.

When breakfast was ready, Jack fell to it ravenously. Then he finished off his dark coffee. His stomach was full and his anger had subsided.

"Thank you, Trudy. Now I can function."

The servant nodded politely and turned to begin cleaning up the kitchen. Jack stood and wiped his chin. He wanted another cup of coffee. This time, however, he wanted the real thing. There was still plenty of time before the meeting, so he ordered the servant to brew some percolated coffee, and he left the kitchen.

He wandered around the living room for a minute, deciding on where everyone should sit. He pulled a few chairs into a row, and put his usual seat at the front of it, with his back to a wall. Never paid to be careless, even in your own apartment.

When the seating arrangement was ready, he made a mental note of the agenda, once more going over the order that he wanted to make the meeting follow. He expected it to be short and sweet. Then he'd get a chance to talk with the new agent if he was acceptable.

Thinking of Nancy then, he turned towards her bedroom. He ambled towards it and forced the door open. She was sleeping soundlessly, her mouth shut and her eyes closed tight. Only her nostrils moved from her breathing, and Jack tiptoed close to the bed.

He stopped before he was on the bed, and looked down at the lovely girl, Nancy's soft hair flowed out around her pretty face, and Jack felt a strong urge to grind his mouth against her and wake her with a passionate kiss.

As he watched she turned over, exposing the top of a breast. A strand of hair caressed the soft skin and Jack felt an urge come over his body. He had a hard time keeping his hands away from that pretty thing fast asleep.

But the thought of the imminent meeting made him hesitate to start. It wouldn't do to get engaged in a fuck session and have his men arrive in the midst. It wouldn't do at all. Then they'd have a reason to laugh at him, and to joke during the meeting. All his control would be shattered. That would be no good.

He walked away from the bed and back into the living room. The city was coming alive and sounds of traffic rose up from the street. Jack glanced at the clock and saw it was nearly nine A.M. The meeting would start in a few hours. Perhaps he should wake Nancy and get her used to the fact that she had to stay out of the apartment until at least four.

He turned back to the bedroom and walked briskly to Nancy's bed. He knelt beside her, his hands just above her shoulder. Then as he called her name softly, he shook her arm.

"Nancy ... get up now ... come on up."

He let go as the child stirred. She turned his way and her eyes fluttered open. Then she turned away for a second. Her eyes seemed to shut as if she were making up her mind about something They opened once more-this time for good.

"Good morning."

She stretched and yawned, letting the blankets slip from her stirring form. Her body was naked beneath the sheets and Jack eyed her now mature tits and hips as they moved from her motions.

"Time to get up, dear. I've got a busy day, and you must help me."

Nancy stared up at him, wondering what she was going to have to do. She sat up, pulling the sheets up to her neck, keeping her sex covered. It was too early to fuck.

"I need the apartment empty until the afternoon. So you must go out ... go shopping or something."

He paused, giving her time to consider the order. Of course she had no choice.

Nancy knew that it was indeed an order, even though it had been spoken in gentle tones. She would have little choice but to obey, but maybe she could at least find out why she had to go.

"Someone coming here today?"

It was a simple question, and Nancy tried to look innocent as she asked it.

"Yes. A meeting. You'll have to be gone pretty soon. That gives you little time to eat and leave. I have money if you want to go shopping." . '

It was settled. She would have to go soon, but at least she was going to get money for it. That helped.

"I'll be right up. I just need a minute to stretch. Is there anything ready for breakfast? I'm starving."

Nancy stared up at the man, wide-eyed.

"Trudy fixed me crepes. I'm sure she can help you out. I'll tell her to get some going. You get dressed."

Jack took one last longing look at the covered curves and left the room.

As soon as she was alone, Nancy threw back the sheets and stretched. It was nice to wake up in her own bed again, and to feel secure in a city she understood and liked. It would be nice to go to mid-town and browse through the stores. Probably she would end up not spending most of the money, but rather placing it in a secret bank account that she had established the first week she had come to live there. By now the sum was nice, and Nancy felt secure every time she thought about the money waiting for her, in case she ever needed it.

Not that she planned on leaving this convenient set-up just yet. Not while it stayed good. But, one never knew. He might just decide to toss her out on her ear one day, and she wanted to be ready, in case.

She put her feet on the floor and left the bed. At her closet, she checked her clothing carefully, picking a sharp suit with a vest that would show her good taste as she wandered through the large department stores. It was always a good feeling to know she had dressed smartly and could buy just about anything she wanted.

She had decided against wearing a bra that day, wanting the silky material of the blouse to caress every part of her chest with complete freedom. She felt in need of that erotic stimulation.

Nancy knew that when she returned to the apartment, after lunch, she would undoubtedly be called on to help Jack finish his hot bath. The clothes would help her feel sexy and as she returned in the elevator, she could work herself into a frantic state that would please her master, just before she joined him.

She walked out into the kitchen having finished applying her makeup and having gone to the bathroom. She was ready for the world. Nancy got feeling good being home.

Nancy almost sang the words as she tripped into the kitchen. Trudy was busy at the stove and turned to greet her politely. Jack was sitting at the table, nursing his coffee.

He sat up straight as Nancy came close, smelling her light perfume and feasting his eyes on her figure. He wanted to take her then and there-to spread her out on the kitchen table and shove his cock between her sexy thighs. She looked good enough to eat as a second breakfast.

"Sit down, Nancy, or I just might rape you."

"Why is it you look so sexy today? Because you're going out? Going to meet someone?"

Jack was being tough, and more than a bit mean. He knew she had been loyal, but still couldn't help feeling that she look almost too good to go out free.

"It's just the suit. Do you like it?"

Nancy acted innocent again, ignoring the hidden accusation. She knew she had nothing to fear on that score.

"I like it too much ... that's what I mean."

Jack poured her a cup of coffee and passed it across the table. His cock was throbbing.

"Thank you."

Nancy drank the hot brew, looking at her man over the cup. The liquid warmed her insides and made her feel ready to brave the world outside. It was always hard to face New York for a teenager alone.

"If I'm going shopping, can I have some money? Unless you want me to use your charge accounts."

Nancy knew how Jack disliked her to use his charge-plates because she always charged so much. It was her own little way of making sure she got bread.

"I'll give you some cash. Here."

He stood up. Jack withdrew three fifty dollar bills from his wallet and handed them over.

"When should I be home?"

Nancy smiled super-sweetly, and stopped as soon as she saw Jack getting angry.

"Don't get smart. I'm in no mood to take any shit from you, or anyone else. Just be back soon, right at four. I'll be expecting you.

He walked behind her chair and bent to kiss the nape of her long neck. Then he pinched it.

Nancy was unhappy with him. She felt used, and bossed. It was distressing to feel his harsh way so early in the day. Why couldn't he be nice to me all the time? She wasn't a toy!!

Even though she fought against the occurrence, a rash of shivers ran along her neck, up behind her ears. She hunched her shoulders high against her head and turned away any further kisses. Then she stood, smoothing the suit over her body.

Jack stood back.

"Don't get into any trouble today."

Then he left the kitchen, leaving Nancy alone with Trudy. The girl sat back down and crossed her legs, shaking her foot in a fast rhythm. Now she was anxious to be away and into the exciting crowds that frequented the city. The kid in her was out again.

She wolfed down the food that Trudy had made, and as soon as she was finished, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and waved goodbye. In another instant. she was out the door and on her way.

Jack heard the door slam and checked the time. The meeting was scheduled to begin shortly. He paced the living room, rechecking everything to insure the proper seating. Then he drew out a piece of paper on which he jotted a few reminders. He was determined that things would go just the way he wanted.

The time passed quickly. Jack was still staring down from his terrace at the rushing traffic when the doorbell rang. Trudy, an agent herself, recognized the signal and buzzed to allow entrance.

The men came up in the elevator together and they entered the plush apartment. Jack greeted them warmly, slapping each man's back and ushering them into the living room.

He was glad that everyone had showed up, and on time. Jack knew he had nothing to worry about now.

Next to Sam, Ralph fiddled with his jacket. Ralph was also an old-timer but Jack felt less sure about which side he was on. He had been bought out a long time back by Jack's side; and Jack still thought that he could be bought back by the other country.

The next seat was occupied by a younger man. Dave Marrow stared at the floor anxious to give his report and get out to his mistress. He loved women, and although at times, Jack disliked his flashy ways, he thought the guy was doing a good job with some lady agents.

One more place brought Jack to Gerry. Jack checked him out carefully. Lately there had been rumors that Gerry was involved sexually with a male agent. It was hard to tell just by looking at his face, and Jack wished he had a chance to check the man's ass to know for sure.

The last chair brought the line to completion. Jack eyed Harry, the man in charge of new agents. And also in charge of getting rid of the bad ones. He was a good man to have on your side ... Jack wanted to make sure he stayed that way.

"Well, gentlemen, shall we get started?"

Jack looked at the group once over and glanced down at the paper in his hands.

"I want to hear short reports on current and future possibilities. Who'll start?"

He paused waiting for volunteers.

The men fidgeted as they thought over their reports. Finally one spoke up.

"I guess I'll do it. like I told you on the phone, boss, the only problem we got is the new kids getting involved with small-time agents. It's hard to keep track of all the amateurs bringing the information and dealing it to friends. But the pack's growing ... it's there. We just have to find the right way to tap it."

As he finished talking he smoothed his suit and look at the big man.

"I know all that. I know ... but what I need to know is how to get in with them. Can't your men get inside these groups ... or something?"

Jack stared hard at the man, demanding an answer.

"It isn't quite that easy, sir. It's just people dealing with their friends. A lot of college kids too. There is another problem. Most of them have heard bad things about the government and want nothing to do with us. It's a problem."

"It's one I want solved quick! That's what you guys are for."

"But, sir ... "

A chorus of dissent rose from the assembled men. They sounded tense.

Jack looked harshly at them, watching them stiffen into silence. He wanted action ... and these shaking jack-asses pleaded with him. The idiots.

He stood, his tall body towering above the seated figures.

"There's only one thing that's going to make me happy. An efficient network. Oh, I know that you're working hard. But I want more. I don't want anybody selling information that doesn't come to us. Understand?"

And one more thing. I want the foreign trade up in the next few months. Every out-of-town pot smoker is a potential informant. Although they might not know it."

His face cracked a bit and showed a slight smile.

The men around him were quick to complement his smile with smiles of their own. Jack watched them imitate him and knew that he indeed was still in charge. It felt good to see his men tense as he spoke. It would do good to have a bit of old-fashioned discipline back in the group.

"About the foreign exchange junkies. As soon as we've got their confidence, I want the supply tightened up and finally just about cut off. Then you can begin. I needn't remind you about the growth possibilities inherent in this group. Let's push our quota over the top. I won't be satisfied until that plan is under way."

Jack sat heavily in his seat, sure his point had been made.

The men murmured slightly and then sat silently, waiting for the next speech.

"OK, you've heard me. Any questions?"

The boss looked around at the group of male faces, trying too decipher their moods. Things seemed simple enough on the surface but he knew that beneath the calm exteriors there were bound to be abrasive feelings that had to be dealt with.

Only Harry, looked completely at ease. He had no quota to fill. All he had to do was take care of dissent and new men and he knew his business well.

"Well boss, I've got one thing."

It was his old time pal speaking. "There's some talk of taking on some new kids. You know that's where most of the information comes from. I've got a switch who says there's some action to be had. There's one guy who's been selling pot and wants to do something better. He's one of these drop-out types, but a good hustler. What about him?"

"Can he be trusted?"

Jack asked the only question that ultimately mattered. Everything came back to security ... for him and for the government.

"I guess so, Sir. From what my switch tells me, the kid's eager to make his mark, but that's all. And he knows a lot of these foreign types. One other thing ... he wants to deal only in pot and information. No intrigue. He wanted to make that very clear."

Jack scratched his nose.

"Well, that gives me an idea. Say we take on this kid, and some others like him, giving them just what they want. Then, after they're implicated with the whole set-up, we can pressure them into taking on other assignments."

He liked his idea and wanted to see the reaction of his listeners. It was going well.

"Sounds OK, at least we'll start covering the field better than we've been able to do."

"My only fear is that too many ambitious kids will think they know just what it's all about and try some funny stuff. I never liked kids." Gerry turned his wedding band on his finger, and leaned forward to drive his point more forcefully.

"Yeh. Well I'll take care of any problem kids."

Harry sounded eager for action.

"OK, that's enough. I say that we should give it a trial. Harry, take on this kid and see if he can drum up anything good. Then we'll see what happens. If there are any problems, let me know immediately. I'll let Harry here know when to move. The meeting is over, gentlemen. I will see you at our next conference."

Jack stood and left the room, signaling the end of the talk. His men quickly left the apartment, one at a time.

Jack was pleased with the way the meeting had gone. He had learned nothing really new, except that there was a chance to break into other areas through some kids. That was welcome news. He also saw that his hold on his men was still strong. That was most important.