Memoirs of a Sex Toy
by Lizbeth Dusseau
ISBN 13: 978-1-936173-60-0
ISBN 10: 1-936173-60-3
A Pink Flamingo Ebook Publication
Copyright © 2009 Lizbeth Dusseau
All rights reserved
Prologue
Maximus Darrow’s house belonged in the woods amid the hardwood forest and the undergrowth of feral things, the babbling brook that crossed the property at an angle and the silent sounds of the earth shifting softly beneath the hiker’s feet. Perched on a rise above the brook, the modern contemporary jutted over the terrain below like a floating ship. The wood, the concrete, the glass, all fragments that innocuously conformed to the contours of the landscape so that someone approaching on foot might find it difficult to see the home without careful scrutiny, at least until one was upon it and its understated magnificence suddenly struck the unsuspecting eye. Inside, its interiors glowed with warmth from candles lit for the cocktail hour. Guests milled about with drinks in hand, while the aromas of wine, garlic and fresh herbs infused the air, and cheerful laughter set a festive mood.
Caretaker Travis Givens stood on the sidelines of the gathering, the stocky woodsman rising on tiptoe in his effort to find the master of the house amongst the crowded company. When he finally spotted him speaking with the bartender, he carefully slipped between guests and moved his way, pulling his boss to an empty corner of the living room. Maximus Darrow cut a fine figure in a tuxedo even though he hated ostentatious clothes and all the formality that went with them. He was a robust and vigorous man, with a brilliant mind and an intense focus that could easily intimidate without intending to. Though his facial expression was often grim, tonight his smile was unforced and his mirth a pleasure to see. After all, this was a celebration.
“Is there a problem, Travis?”
“There’s been a breach on the northwest perimeter. Someone on foot.”
Maximus’ eyebrows peaked with interest. “Someone we know?”
“Perhaps you should have a look? I know it’s not a good time, sir…”
“Then let’s not waste any, shall we? You have the intruder on video?”
“Yes, sir.”
Maximus moved with haste, granting guests sincere smiles and stopping twice to shake a hand while on the way to his private office. Once the door closed behind the pair, the world around them went silent and the noise of the cocktail party became no more than a low murmur beyond the soundproofed room.
Maximus moved directly to the monitors in the wall unit where Travis brought up the tape recording of the intruder. The two watched with rapt attention.
“A female?” Maximus suspected as he watched the slight, black-clad shape move stealthily over the fence and into the woods where the video cam tracked her as far as the camera angle reached.
“Yes sir, a female, that’s exactly my conclusion. I thought you should see for yourself,” he added, code for “I wonder what female admirer is stalking you now?”
“How old is this image?”
“Seven, maybe eight minutes. I came as soon as she was spotted. She’s out of sight at the moment, but I can probably track her down if you’d like.”
Looking to his employer for an answer, Travis noted Maximus’ expression with some curiosity. A mix of interest and, perhaps, was it awe? Amusement? Not exactly what Travis expected to see.
“We’ll both track her down,” Maximus turned abruptly with the announcement.
“But your party, sir?”
“They’re doing just fine without me. I’m sure Talia has it all handled, I’m just window dressing. You can grab the Dobermans and join me. I’ll be heading due north, I think. That is the path you recommend?”
“Yes, sir.”
Maxi