Chapter Three –
Sandra combed out a lock of Coraline's dark, syrupy brown hair with her gloved hands, applying a coat of lagoon blue dye with a bristled brush. Coraline's smile was infectious, tugging on the plastic sheet draped around her neck.
“You're gonna look so cool, everyone's gonna be jealous – the girls and the boys,” noted Sandra, popping a seedless grape into her mouth.
“Coraline, what're you doing to your hair?”
Coraline's smile faded, sighing, her eyes downcast, “Sandra's helping me color my hair blue, Renee.”
The snobbish woman who had answered the door sauntered into the living room, scrunching up her nose, her floor-length, leopard print sundress trailing behind her. She turned her icy gaze towards Sandra, fluffing her hair behind her shoulder.
“You're still here?”
Sandra repressed the urge to giggle, unable to take the woman seriously. She could never understand grown women who insisted on speaking with a hormonal teenage girl's vocabulary and mannerisms. She flashed the woman a facetious smile, “I'm Sandra, nice to meet you. You must be Renee.”
“Of course. So I see Tate's hired you,” smirked Renee, floating onto the couch.
Coraline's shoulders tensed, inching away from her, “Leave us alone, Renee. I actually like this one.”
Sandra pursed her lips, her thoughts churning at the strange comment. She watched as Renee's glowering expression shifted instantly to one of self-pity and defeat, bottom lip quivering for effect. Sandra craned her neck to her line of sight, subtly rolling her eyes as Tate walked into the room. Sandra's eyes lingered at Tate's toned, athletic build through his perfectly tailored, cobalt blue suit, before turning back to Coraline's half-done hair.
“Hello, ladies. Looking good, tiger,” said Tate, pinching Coraline's nose as she pulled away, snickering.
“Thanks Dad.”
“Morning, Mr. Donahue.”
“Morning, Sandra, how's everything so –”
“Tate, baby.”
Tate turned towards the source of the whining, blinking expectantly at Renee as she leaned back against the couch, the back of her hand against her forehead. He sat down next to her, slipping his arm around her waist, “What's going on, Renee? Do you want me to call Dr. Roland –”
“No,” blubbered Renee, bursting into tears, “It's Daddy! It's the piling medical bills – the doctors say he's getting worse, more treatments – I don't know what to do!”
“It's alright, Renee,” whispered Tate, glancing up to nod apologetically at Sandra, “I've always got it covered, you know that – and nothing's gonna change now.”
Sandra leaned forwards, hissing in Coraline's ears, “I think we should leave the – ow!”
Coraline elbowed her in the ribs, the smile returning to her face, “Shh! It's getting good!”
“– I don't know how I'd ever repay you,” continued Renee, wailing into her hands.
“That's never been a problem, honey. I'd really like to come see your dad with –”
“No, no,” said Renee, brushing away her tears, “Daddy doesn't want anyone to see him at a state like this.”
“Right, Coraline,” said Sandra, taking her by the arm, “Let's go to another room and let the adults finish up here.”
“Fine.”
Coraline tugged on Sandra's arm, pulling her up the winding flight of stairs. She grinned impishly, pulling Sandra into the master bedroom. Sandra gasped, sweat collecting in the palm of her hands as she tried to guide Coraline out the door. The little girl wriggled free from her grasp and pounced onto the crisp, lavender sheets.
“Coraline! We shouldn't be in here – let's go! And please be careful, I don't want you dripping on those sheets – they probably cost more than my apartment.”
“It's okay. Dad won't mind,” said Coraline, rolling on her stomach as she switched on the television.
Sandra gave up, tottering around the room with her hands tucked under her armpits, careful not to touch anything. She shook her head violently as Coraline urged her to join her on Tate's bed, clucking under her breath. Coraline shrugged, returning to the screen. Sandra's lips curled to a smile, approaching the framed picture of a younger Tate with an army-issued buzz cut, baby Coraline cradled in his arms.
“Ow!” yelped Sandra, her toe striking a wooden box underneath the bed. She bent down, reaching for the object peeking out from the shadows. It was a black leather collar with a dangling silver hoop. She pawed blindly underneath the bed, opening her mouth to inquire about the dog they must have owned. Her eyes widened, gulping as she recovered a twenty-inch, double-ended dildo, quickly shoving the items back under the bed. She yelped, Coraline's face materializing above her.
“Find something cool?”
“What? No, just some boring old weights. Come on, lemme finish up your hair.”
After Sandra's shift, she excused the driver, sending him home for the day, and took a detour from her usual route home. She pulled her frock coat closer to her as she roved through the dark, wary neighborhood, staring straight ahead. She slowed down, pulling out the crumpled flyer from her bag, peering up at the chipped, faded sign, “Godfrey Curtis, P.I.” She chucked the paper on the ground and headed inside.
Chapter Four –
“Sleep tight, Coraline.”
Sandra bumped fists with Coraline, reaching to switch off the pink glow of her night-lamp. She retracted her arm, leaping off the bed to reach for her purse instead, “I almost forgot.”
“What is it?”
Sandra unwrapped the bundle of tissue paper, producing a small pair of bright, prussian blue gladiator sandals, placing them next to Coraline.
“For me?” Coraline bolted up on her bed, her mouth stretching into a wide, gleeful grin, “They're not ballet slippers! And they're not pink!”
“Thought you'd like them. They'll match your hair.”
“These are awesome,” said Coraline softly, “Thank you Sandra. I really like you. I hope you stay forever.”
“Thanks, Coraline. I like you too. Now put them away and get to bed, okay?”
“Okay!”
Sandra closed the door to Coraline's room quietly, striding towards Tate's study, clenching her faux-leather hobo bag close to her. The door was wide open, and Tate was huddled over on his chair, peering at his laptop through a pair of black, wayfarer reading glasses. His suit coat was cloaked over his leather chair, and was dressed only in a mink brown vest, the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up. She took a deep breath, knocking on the open door.
Tate looked up, slowly removing his frames. She looked absolutely fragile and perfect, her hair wrapped up in a milkmaid-bun, revealing her full, heart-shaped face, a bold flick outlining her smoky black eyes. She was dressed in a modest, single-toned lapis dress that fell just below her knees, adhering to the lines of her shapely hips and stomach, her fleshy arms pale and flawless under her floaty butterfly sleeves. He wet his lips, looking up at her inquisitively.
“Can I help you with something, Sandra?”
Sandra settled her bag on the armrest of the chair across Tate's desk. She raised her arm, gently knocking it over. Tate rose from his chair and squatted next to her as she carefully gathered the discarded items on the floor. He froze, the creases on his forehead wrinkling as he picked up a leather strap with a red silicone ball, next to a tube of lipstick and her comb. Sandra continued to carefully slip the items into her bag, feigning innocent ignorance. He raked a hand through his dark, tapered hair.
Tate stood, shutting the front door. Sandra swallowed, her eyes darting towards the door as she rose from the floor shakily, uncertain and a little frightened, a flash of regret permeating her billowing thoughts. He crossed over to the corner of his bookcase, pushing against the shelf gently, her jaw dropping as the section of the bookcase creaked open. He slipped through the space, Sandra tailing tentatively behind.
Tate yanked on a hanging chain, blinding white lights instantly illuminating the vast space. Sandra's knees buckled at the sight of untouched, state of the art bondage furniture; a black, leather sex swing held up by thick, ominous chains; a wall adorned with various sizes of flogger whips, collars, and chains; and the looming berkley horse in the center of the room.
“What is this place?” gasped Sandra, finding her voice.
“When we had our safe rooms installed, I had the contractor install another compartment in my study,” said Tate coolly, stalking towards a sizable black closet.
“Why is it so new? Renee –”
“– has never set foot in my study,” said Tate flatly.
Tate slid open the closet, revealing rows full of gleaming latex outfits, bodysuits, leotards, heels, and headwear. A tingle shot through her spine as he slanted his head, the kindness in his eyes disappearing, his emerald eyes narrowed, lifting the corner of his lip.
“Strip.”
“What?”
“I'm not fucking repeating myself, you slut!” roared Tate, slamming an open palm against the closet door.
Sandra trembled as she pulled her dress above her slowly, her fingers skimming the slick and slippery insides of her thighs. Tate swallowed, his grip around the closet door tightening, as her heavy, milky white mounds bounced out for his approval, licking his lips as he fixated on her large, pinkish nipples.
“You fucking dirty slut. Get on your knees and crawl to Daddy Donahue.”
Sandra dropped on all fours, slowly prowling forwards, her glimmering black eyes unblinking, her luscious, pendulous breasts swaying back and forth. She stopped at his feet, ogling at his towering, authoritative frame, the crevice between her legs pulsing, more of her juices slithering down her thighs.
Tate bent down, prying her legs apart forcefully, running his finger against her fleshy, rippling thighs, shoving a finger drenched with her juices into her mouth. He grasped the bun on her head vigorously, whispering hoarsely into her ears, “Taste yourself for Daddy.”
His swelling, hardening shaft throbbed against his zipper as he watched her pure, beautiful face contort to an uncomfortable grimace, her intricately-styled locks tousled. Sandra yelped as he twisted her bun in his hands, painfully stretching her roots.
Tate leaned down, rasping, “You wanted me to find your little ball-gag, didn't you, whore?” He clenched her chin firmly in his fists, “You have no idea what you just walked into, you stupid little harlot.”
He grabbed her by the arm and shoved her towards the wooden spanking bench. He pulled out her ball-gag from his pocket and thrusted it at her face, barking, “Put that on, you little bitch. You wanted this, remember?”
Sandra shuddered, strapping the ball into her mouth, bending forward. Tate unhooked a flogger whip from the wall, wiping away the trickling beads of sweat on his forehead, and bound her arms and legs together, fastening a chain attached to a bell around her legs. The thick rope pierced into her flesh. A warped smile twisted on his lips, raising the whip above him.
Sandra shrieked, her shrill scream muffled, as the leather fringes smacked against her raised, jiggling cheeks. Tate shivered as a raw, reddish tinge slowly blossomed on her cheek. He reached for a ribbed, 12-inch purple vibrator, biting his lip as it hummed to life in his hands. Sandra looked behind her desperately, the whites of her eyes rolling to the back of her head as he shoved the vibrator into her dripping folds. Her eyes squeezed shut, a conflicting rush of pain and pleasure rushing through her as he continuously scourged her bouncing cheeks with his whip. Tate's eyes fluttered, gasping, bending over hurriedly to catch the juices flooding down her thighs as she convulsed in her seat.
Sandra's chest heaving, craning her neck, immobilized, as Tate hurriedly unstrapped her gag and loosened the ropes around her wrists and ankles. Confused and mortified, she dressed herself quickly as Tate fiddled with something in his fingers, his back turned. She approached him slowly, her brows converging in bewilderment as he handed her a thick wad of cash.
“I don't want – I don't understand –”
“Take it, and show yourself out. Coraline gets off ballet practice at three tomorrow.”
Tate turned on his heel and left.
Chapter Five –
“Gimme that, you little brat!”
Sandra burst into the living room, startled, studying the scene. Coraline's shoulders were hunched forward, a crestfallen look on her face. Renee stood opposite her, her pearly white teeth bared, slightly smudged with sherry lipstick, clutching a doll in her hands with its blonde hair streaked with blue sharpies. Sandra hurried over to Coraline, placing her hands on her stooping shoulders defensively.
“What's going on?” demanded Sandra, pulling Coraline close to her.
“She's mad 'cause she thinks I ruined the doll she gave me for Christmas,” explained Coraline, twiddling with the ends of her hair.
“It's a thousand dollar doll!” spat Renee, flourishing the doll under Sandra's nose.
Sandra cocked an eyebrow, “So it's a gift? Why would you berate her for doing something to her own doll?”
“You're fucking nosy for a nanny, keep your –”
“Watch your language,” snarled Sandra, her eyes challenging, “You're pushing forty and you're getting worked up over a doll?”
“You've got some nerve talking to me like that, fatass.”
Coraline grabbed onto Sandra's hand, squeezing tight, hollering as loud as her tiny frame would let her, “Don't call her names!”
Sandra quickly brushed off the brief stinging, stroking Coraline's hair gently, a slow, triumphant smile spreading across her lips, “Don't worry, Coraline. That word doesn't offend me, it's a body type, and I embrace it – nothing to be ashamed of.”
Renee smirked, attempting to arch her eyebrows, tittering, “Well, good for you, Norma Rae.”
“Norma Rae?” repeated Sandra, tickled, “That lady who rallied for unionism? She's hardly a chub, you might want to at least get your references straight.”
Renee's eye twitched, the vein on her temple throbbing as she shrieked, hurling the doll at their feet. She pushed past the stoic pair, slamming against Sandra's shoulders as she stormed out of the living room in a huff, stomping into the kitchen. Sandra and Coraline cringed, making faces, as Renee's high-pitched demands and insults tore across the corridor.
“Poor Jacques,” said Coraline, frowning worriedly, “He hates when she's around, he has to make the same dish over and over for her. I don't like Renee. She gets mad at everything.”
Sandra picked up the doll from the floor and handed it to Coraline. The pair plopped down on the couch. Coraline patted the doll's disheveled hair, rubbing the bald spot that resulted from Renee's misplaced rage. Coraline flicked away the teardrop crawling down her face.
“I'm so sorry, Coraline,” said Sandra softly, rubbing the little girl's trembling shoulders.
“That's okay,” sniffed Coraline, “I'm sorry I don't like the same things other little girls like, I've tried –”
“No,” said Sandra, squeezing her wrist gently, “There's nothing wrong with liking what you like. We've got a lot in common. We like what we like, right? You're still the same little girl, and plus, there's tons of other little girls like you who like the same things you do.”
“Really?” said Coraline, wrinkling her nose doubtfully, “How come I've never met one?”
“Well, that's 'cause – hold that thought,” mumbled Sandra, reaching over to the loud buzzing inside her bag.
“I'm sorry, I'll have to take this call, okay?”
“Okay.”
Sandra jogged to the corner of the room, cupping her hand over her receiver, “Hello? Sandra speaking.”
“Hello, Ms. Vaughn, this is Godfrey Curtis – I checked my account this morning and the payment went through. I have the information you're looking for, and boy, it's quite a doozy.”
“Really?” gasped Sandra, glancing over quickly at Coraline, who was still playing with the doll on her lap, “Okay, I'm ready, go for it.”
“You were looking for a James Lipton, Sr.?”
“Yes,” breathed Sandra, “Did you find him? Do you know which hospital or home he's staying at?”
“Oh, we found him – only he's not in no hospital. The James Lipton, Sr. we found was retired and living the life down in Key West, Florida, fit and kicking, clean bill of health – the man's seventy-three and is an avid member of the Senior League Extreme Water Sports – yes that's a thing, you get the idea.”
Sandra's eyes widened, processing the bundle of information, “What –”
“Still there, Ms. Vaughn?”
“Yes,” breathed Sandra, “Are you sure you've got the right –”
“Father to a James Lipton, Sr. and a Renee Marie Lipton?”
“Right,” said Sandra, pulling at her bottom lip, “And you're sure –”
“Positive, Ms. Vaughn.”
“Right,” repeated Sandra, gulping, “Thank you again, Mr. Curtis. I understand.”
“Not a problem, Ms. Vaughn. Let me know if you need anything else – you know where to reach me. Have a good day.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Sandra hung up, a deliberate, meaningful smile spreading across her lips.
Chapter Six –
“Thanks again, Ricky,” said Sandra, the car rolling to a stop.
“My pleasure, Sandra. Have a good day, I hope Donahue's treating you right.”
Tate's glowering, sweaty face slithered into Sandra's thoughts. She suppressed a knowing grin, “He's treating me exactly the way I should be treated.”
“Good to hear,” said Ricky, turning to smile at her from the driver's seat, “Go get 'em. I'm glad Coraline's finally coming around – she's a good kid, that one, just a little troubled.”
“Yup,” beamed Sandra, “Oh, and of course, I got you breakfast.” She handed him a brown paper bag.
“Sweet! Ricky's favorite passenger!” He opened the bag, smiling toothily, “Double-fudge-glazed donuts and peanut butter cinnamon rolls – a girl after my own heart.”
“You know it,” winked Sandra, hopping out of the car, “I'll see you at nine!”
The front door rolled open as Sandra lifted her finger towards the doorbell. Renee stepped out, swathed in a plush, white bathrobe, her golden hair half done in elegant ringlets, her face pristinely made-up. Sandra wavered uneasily as Renee's sheeny, crimson lips extended to a contrived, insincere smile.
“Oh, it's just you. Come on in, come on in, you're here just in time for my amazing announcement. I just have to go finish up quickly.”
Renee glided up the left end of the staircase, leaving Sandra with her forehead wrinkled, her mouth slightly parted in shock. She stepped through the doorway, shutting the door behind her. She adjusted the sweetheart neck of her black top, glancing at the blurs of blues and whites around her. The staircase was sheathed with layers of periwinkle and cream chiffon, the usual centerpieces replaced with a stunning assortment including blue-raspberry orchids, lilies, freesias and hyacinths. The foyer was completely decked out, as if for an impending dinner party.
Sandra ambled towards the similarly decorated dining area, the rectangular, acacia wooden table resplendent with a bucket filled with expensive bottles of wine and champagne, tiered trays and platters of various finger foods, and steaming, silver platters of exquisitely cooked courses. She ran her fingers along the edge of the table as she perused the massive, golden-brown turkey and the succulent, honey-glazed ham centering the long table.
“Hi, Sandra!”
Sandra turned, smiling as Coraline skipped forwards, dressed in a miniature, frilly a-line dress with rose patterns, her pigtails held up with two pink bows.
“Well, don't you look pretty.”
“I don't like the dress. It itches,” grumbled Coraline, scratching her sides, “Renee wanted me to wear this for her and dad's party.”
“Aw, I'm sorry. Are they having a party? Must've been last minute, I don't think I was told – should we stay out of the way?”
“I guess so, Renee said she wanted us all here – the maids and drivers, you, everyone – so she could announce something?”
“Oh, alright. Do you know what it could be –”
“Okay everyone, listen up!”
Renee paraded into the dining area, about a dozen of house and maintenance staff filing in behind her. The staff gathered in the corner of the dining room in an awkward, whispering clump. Renee's hair was swept to the side in a gorgeous, unimpeachable ballerina bun, a diamond-encrusted tiara perched on top of her head. She was dressed in a tight-fitting, shimmery red gown with a plunging neckline that showcased a sliver of her taut abs, and emphasized a pair of bronzed, impossibly round breasts. She cleared her throat, waving her fingers dramatically towards the silenced staff, brandishing a staggering marquise-cut diamond engagement ring.
“Mr. Donahue and I are getting engaged!” blurted Renee, squealing in excitement.
Coraline reached for Sandra's hand, breathing an audible sigh of discontent. Sandra's heart dropped to her stomach, her ears ringing, unable to look away from the sparkling monstrosity on Renee's finger. There was a soft, slow clapping from one single member of the staff.
“I'm so sorry, I couldn't hold it in anymore – isn't this exciting?! I'm gonna be your new boss!”
The clapping stopped abruptly.
Sandra bent forwards, whispering in Coraline's ear, “Where's your dad?”
“I think I saw him in his study, I'm not too sure.”
“Great, hey, why don't we head back to your room? You can wait for me there, I'll just be a second. I need to talk to your dad about something really important. Would that be okay?”
“Sure, let's go, beats staying here listening to her,” muttered Coraline, leading Sandra away from the dining room.
Coraline waved at Sandra as she scurried towards her room. Sandra walked towards Tate's study, her mind tumbling in full speed as she attempted to string her thoughts together. She knocked on the closed door, taking a deep breath and wriggling her fingers. The door cracked open, Tate's rugged, handsome face poking through the space.
“Hey,” said Tate, glancing down either side of the corridor, “Not now, slut. Daddy can't play right now.”
“No, Mr. Donahue,” said Sandra, swallowing, “It's not that – I need to talk to you.”
“Is something wrong? I'm actually in the middle of something, can it wait?”
“No.”
Tate pulled the door open. Sandra shuffled into the room nervously as Tate walked over to the full-length mirror. Her turbulent train of thought slowly winded down, her attention falling to his reflection. He was buttoning his dress shirt, the dark, fuzzy trail down the deep navel, the almond beige flesh of his defined stomach visible through the slit of his closing shirt. He caught her entranced gaze through the mirror, winking.
He turned around and bent over to adjust the laces on his black dress shoes, peering up at her expectantly, “Now what was it you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Right,” mumbled Sandra, “There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just gonna say it – Renee's dad isn't sick – he's never been sick.”
“What?” Tate's brows furrowed, frowning, “Is this some kind of joke? Cause we got engaged?”
“No,” said Sandra softly, looking down at her dandelion pumps, “I wish I was. James Lipton, Sr. is retired and well – he lives out in Key West.”
“What?” Tate scoffed, rising from the floor, “Where are you even getting this?”
Sandra pulled out a manila envelope, handing it to Tate, who snatched it out of her arms, glaring at her as he shook out its contents. He stared at the glossy photographs and stacks of paper in his hands, his expression growing increasingly grim. He screamed out in rage, knocking everything off his desk violently with his arms. Sandra jerked, bending forwards to tidy up the books, stationery and fluttering sheets of paper strewn across the floor.
Tate heaved, kneading his temples furiously with his fingers as he paced across the floor. He glanced over at Sandra, who was quietly arranging his table, his heart walloping against his constricting chest. He hoisted her upwards by the arm, and threw her against his desk, Sandra squealing in surprise, stumbling backwards. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and mashed his lips against hers, his sharp tongue slipping in her mouth, his hand slowly moving upwards, grabbing hold of the plait of her braid. Sandra gasped as he pulled away, her lipstick smeared all over her mouth and chin.
“What –” stammered Sandra.
Tate clinched his arm around her wrist, staunchly forcing her towards him, dragging her towards the bookcase.
“You unleash this terrible fucking news on me – you think I'm gonna let you go without punishing you first?”
Tate booted the bookcase open, Sandra squeaking in reply.