This is the third part of a continuing story. In order to appreciate the characters and their relationship, please read the previous part: Background Research.
* * * * *
Lisa typed quickly into her computer, transcribing and editing her notes. The background research that went into her books was often tedious, but it allowed her to create the sense of detail and realism that made her mysteries so popular.
When the phone rang, she glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Don.
"Hi Don. What's up?"
"Hey Lisa. I hope I'm, not interrupting anything. I just got a strange e-mail, and I'd like to get your reaction."
"Sure, Don. I was just typing up some notes. Go ahead, tell me about it."
"Well, it's kind of sexual. I mean, it's pretty much an ad for a sex service."
Don actually sounded embarrassed. Lisa grinned, picturing his face. In the past few days she had watched him having sex with two different prostitutes, and even – after a few too many drinks - sucked his cock and let him cum in her mouth. But he was still shy talking to her about sex.
"Don, I get ads for sex all the time. Not to mention ads for Viagra!" Lisa laughed.
"No, seriously, it's not spam. This is very specific, and it's addressed to me by name. It says that I was recommended as someone who would appreciate a high-end, luxury service. It's very descriptive, and there are some pretty explicit pictures. The basic pitch is to have four women at once. Here, let me read part of it..."
"Imagine yourself being caressed by four beautiful girls. Feel their fingers, their lips, their breasts pleasuring every inch of your body as your arousal grows."
"Wow, Don. That sounds incredible. Think you can handle four girls at once?" she teased. "It seemed like Kathleen and I were plenty for you!"
"Actually, I wanted to find out if this is part of your research. Am I supposed to call the number in this e-mail?"
"Do you want to?"
"Well, normally I'd just delete it. But after the things I've done in the past few days, I'm actually considering it."
"You're intrigued, right? You want to experience this, don't you?"
"Well, yeah. Is that what you're looking for, my reaction?"
"Yes. This is pretty important Don. In my book, the victim gets an invitation like this. You know he's kind of a sex addict, and he's been seeing prostitutes for years. Do you think he'd call?"
"I'm sure he would. God Lisa, I'm getting aroused just thinking about it."
"Sounds like you need to make a phone call Don," Lisa said as she hung up.
= = = = =
Don walked through the hotel lobby to the elevator, and went straight to the fifth floor, as instructed. It was a weekday afternoon, and the hotel was mostly empty. He walked down the hall and knocked on door 530.
The door was opened by an attractive, middle-aged woman. Don was surprised by her conservative appearance. She was dressed in a simple business outfit; a mid-length gray skirt and a dark blue jacket over a white blouse. Her hair was neatly arranged and her makeup was just a little overstated. Don would have thought she was a realtor or an insurance agent if he had met her under different circumstances.
"Hello Don, I'm Mary. It's a pleasure meeting you after our phone conversation. I'm sure our service will be everything you could hope for."
She took his hand and smiled warmly as she welcomed him into the room. He was not surprised to see Lisa there, seated at the small hotel-room desk with her pad. She was dressed casually in shorts and a simple short-sleeve top that showed off her tan, her shapely legs, and her ample breast. He found himself staring at her, tongue-tied, as he remembered the night he had spent with her and Kathleen. She winked at him, then pointed her finger at Mary.
Don realized he had entirely missed what the older woman was saying, as he turned to her, his face flush with embarrassment.
"... and your fee has already been taken care of by Ms. Swanson," Mary said, "so if you're ready, I will introduce you to the girls, and leave you in their... hands."
