The Playing Fields

Chapter 43

They stood and waved goodbye to Ivan as he sped recklessly back down the winding road from Arthur's mansion.

"How on earth did you accomplish that?" He said, leading her back inside, an arm possessively about her waist.

"Just like all you men." Gertrude said, coyly. "Ivan thinks his little peccadillo is safe and secure. My suggestion was barely out before the fireworks started in his eyes."

"Perhaps I should be worrying then."

"Not about Ivan, I can promise you that." She allowed him to guide her into the sitting room where they settled among the feathery cushions of a massive sofa.

"To be honest, old 'Bully' was my last concern."

"Now don't be mean to Ivan." She scolded, snuggling against him.

"You're right. Any man that can hold onto a desk at the utilities commission deserves some respect."

"Mmhmmm." She agreed, fingering the button on the front of his shirt. "Speaking of desks... and holding on... do you still have that big, leather topped one from our old office?"

His smile spread to a wide grin and he stood up, taking her hand. "As a matter of fact..."

*****

"I can't believe how well it worked," He boasted, taking credit for the arrangement that put them alone in Carmela's house.

"Are you certain, Ivan, that she doesn't suspect? Gertrude is very astute you know."

"Do I look like a careless man, my sweet? In my job I delude people on a regular basis - it's necessary." He added, not wanting to appear crass and conniving. "Gertrude doesn't suspect a thing, trust me."

"In that case," Carmela commanded, "we shouldn't waste this golden opportunity. Come." Ivan hurried obediently after her, down the hall and into the master bedroom, standing at loose attention as Carmela dragged a large blanket box from beneath the bed.

"Do you want me to—"

"Just get those clothes off." She said, almost harshly, removing the contents of the box and laying them out on the bed.

With nervous excitement he began undressing, placing his things carefully over the back of a large side chair. Retaining his shorts and socks, Ivan turned, groaning deep in his throat. Carmela stood by the bed, legs apart, the criss-crossing leather straps, just wide enough to cover her breasts, dove between her legs and encircled her buttocks, clipping to waistband at the back. Black mesh stockings sprouted from patent leather spiked heels, pulled taut by the ribboned garters fastened to the leather waistband. She wore leather, long-sleeved gloves and a cat-whiskered face mask, leaving only the sneering scarlet lips exposed. Ivan fell to his knees in front of her, blubbering his ecstasy, waiting for the first crack of the velvet whip.

"Bully, my temptress. Bully"

THE PLAY

The first and second acts finished, on time, and with a favourable response from the sold out house. The final act would be the test of all the practice and hard work. Eight of the characters had to perform double roles with corresponding costume and makeup changes; this was going to require everyone's full concentration.

"Five minutes to curtain." Henry shouted in the door of the costume room, ducking back before Milo could catch his eye.

"Okay people, remember this is the play within the play. Keep your characters straight. Victoria and I will be right there to help if anything comes up. It's the first dress rehearsal, and you've invited a small audience, just as we did earlier this week. Daryl, when Ross sounds the gunshot, you must fall down. Preston Bench - you William." He pointed to William Croft who was twirling the gun like a cowboy. "Has killed you. Right?"