Bradley Bean was sitting on his patio sipping some wine after a two-week marathon of programming and meetings. The Logisti-max rewrite seemed to be finished. The Big Bear board of directors, of which he is a member, approved the new version and sent it off to testing. The testing group would run it until it broke and then run it more. Brad's team would look over the testing and make what ever changes were suggested.
He decided to sit outside in the afternoon because he wanted to get away from his computer screen. He longed to feel the supple body of Jane Françoise St. Jeremy, because they have not seen each other for a week and a half. Jane was on the west coast on a business trip. She left at the end of last week.
"I'm sure that I am the farthest thing from her mind," Brad thought.
He sipped the wine and tried to identify the various flavors that made up the experience. Brad decided that that his palette wasn't sophisticated enough to decern the discreet flavors that made up the wine. "It either tastes good or bad," he thought. He continued sipping the wine and looking out into the wooded area behind his house. In the distance he saw the creek that flowed in the development.
Two days ago, two electricians installed a two hundred and forty volt plug in his garage. That was in preparation for his taking delivery of a new electric car. The plug would provide enough voltage and amps for a medium fast charger. Now he was waiting for the car to be delivered. A car would allow him to get out of the house and away from his computer when he wanted to. Waiting on ride-share was getting old and the quality of drivers and cars has been slipping for a while. It might have been different if he lived in the city where he could walk to events and other things. But living in the suburbs away from the city center made it hard without a car. Brad decided on an electric car not for "Environmental" reasons, as the carbon footprint of the car was in dispute. He liked the technology and the quiet in the car. His phone rang which surprised him.
"Quit masturbating darling," said Jane in his ear.
"Jane one I was not masturbating, and two how did you get this number. I don't even have your number. Also, what is your fascination about whether I masturbate or not?" said Brad to the accusations about his sexual practices.
"Darling can't I have a little fun at your expense?" asked Jane.
"When did you go and get my number, darling?" asked Brad.
"The last time we had sex, you were sleeping, and I had one of those midnight jaunts waiting for you. I was in the kitchen and ran a cross a box of your business cards that had your cell number," Jane replied.
"Do you moonlight as a CIA agent?" asked Brad.
"No, darling, but in my business, it pays to have as much information as possible. I wouldn't have the position that I have, despite my name, without knowing where the bodies are buried. That goes for the people I love also. Now when can you get on a plane and meet me in California? I rented a house with a full staff, and I need someone to share it with."
"I guess I can get a reservation and be there tomorrow," Brad replied.
"No darling I have a plane for you and Mr. Burns should be driving up right now. I will expect you at eight west coast time. I have dinner planned," said Jane with an exasperated tone in her voice.
The phone connection suddenly went dead leaving Brad sitting on his patio wondering what was going on. He quickly made the number that Jane called from, a contact in his phone. Jane had good timing as there was a lull in his activity. But of course, she already knew that. She knew everything about what he was doing. He still wanted to know where she got her information. He heard a beep and moved to the kitchen and saw on the monitor, that the blue BMW was sitting on his driveway. He moved out front and told the driver that he needed to pack and would be down in fifteen to twenty minutes. He went upstairs and found his suitcase and filled it with the gray suit several pairs of slacks, several shirts, socks and underwear. He included a spare pair of shoes. From the bathroom he pulled a shaving kit together and stuffed that in the bag. Brad grabbed his laptop case and the bag and moved to the front door. He was lucky that he had on a pair of slacks and a decent shirt, so he didn't need to dress.
The driver was waiting just outside the door and took the bag from his hand and put it in the boot of the car. Brad slid into the rear seat and waited for the driver to close the door. Brad was getting used to acting like a member of the privileged class. He reached into his pocket and hit the away button to lock the house and set the alarm. After they got on the road, he called the dealership and set the delivery date to open. Mr. Burns, the driver, was probably one of Jane's information conduits. So, he expected to get questions about the new car, when the information filtered up to her. He reached over an patted his laptop case just to reassure himself that it was there.
Mr. Burns guided the car to the private terminal of the airport. The driver got out an held the door. A ramp attendant pulled his bag from the trunk of the car and attempted to take his computer, but he declined. He was standing on the sidewalk when the BMW took off. "I guess I am committed" he thought.
"Are you Mr. Bean?" asked a woman behind the desk as he walked into the terminal.
"Yes ma'am," Brad replied as he pulled his wallet out and showed ID.
"If you'll follow George, he will show you your plane, have a nice flight."
Brad followed George outside to the steps of the plane. Brad was happy not to go through the insanity of security checks, one of the advantages of flying on a private jet. On the tarmac, he was assaulted with the smells of Jet exhaust and burnt rubber. George turned out to be the flight attendant and directed him up the stairs and into the cabin. After stowing his computer under the seat, the door came up and was sealed. Brad heard the engines spin up and felt the plane move. Soon they were airborne and heading west. This was not the first time that Brad used a private jet. When his group met face to face, he used a private jet several times to travel to his group's meeting location.
The thought of the beautiful Jane Françoise St. Jeremy caused a stirring in his crotch. But he didn't think that beating off in the plane would be a good idea. After a few diet Cokes and some other snacks, the plane started to descend. Brad did not know where he was going other than California. Was she bringing me to Malibu or somewhere north?
He heard the wheels drop and the engine noise change. The plane dropped on the runway and the pilot ran the reversers to slow the aircraft down. He looked out the window and saw that it was a small airport. Jane would give him instructions to find her or meet him Brad thought. He looked on his watch and saw that it was about 7:45, local time, so he beat the deadline. The plane pulled to a stop. George opened the hatch and Brad grabbed his computer case and walked off the plane. He checked the map on his phone and noted that he was near Monterey.
"Darling you are late," said a voice he recognized over the noise of the aircraft and tenders.
"You said 8:00 and it is 7:55 so I am not late."
Jane came up beside him and used her hand to bend his head to hers. The couple kissed like teenagers almost making a scene on the tarmac.
"Darling, you are late because I say you're late. Time is relative and we are wasting time. Follow me," said Jane.
Jane walked Brad into the terminal and out the door toward a black Escalade. The tailgate door was closing after Brad's bag was placed in the cargo compartment. A very tall and well-built gentleman got out of the front passenger seat and held the back door for Brad and Jane. In the driver's position was what looked like the first gentleman's twin.
"Sorry Brad but the company requires the enhanced security for me while I'm here in California. These beautiful gentlemen will be with us until we travel back home."
Brad used his hand to bring Jane's head to his and the couple kissed again. They separated and the trip continued in silence. The car pulled into a cul-de-sac and onto the driveway of a large house. The exterior lights came on and a woman stood at the door waiting for Jane and Brad to exit the car. Brad grabbed his computer case and got out of the car after the door was open. He waited for Jane and the couple walked arm in arm toward the entrance to the house. Jane kissed his ear while they walked.
"Darling, it is great to see you. I can't tell you how much I missed you," said Jane in his ear.
"I missed you too, darling," replied Brad.
"Any problems Ma'am?" asked the woman as they approached.
