Island IV – Meetings · Part 7

Island IV – Meetings · Part 7 (7/21)
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One and No Way Done While waiting for their names to be called Ralph handed Erin her passport. “You’ll need this, since the signatures have to be notarized. Think of it, this will be the last time you can sign anything for the next year.”

“Not just the next year, sir. It will not be one and done. That is our understanding, isn’t it?”

Ralph nodded. “You’re right. It’s an odd feeling, knowing from today on we’re inseparable, forever and a day.”

When their names were called, they both made their way to the counter. Ralph took the one-year Agreement from the portfolio and presented it to the clerk. He placed his passport on the counter, followed by Erin. “Good, it isn’t signed. You have no idea how many times a day someone doesn’t read the instructions. Sir, if you will sign here,” she watched while Ralph scrawled his signature. “And Erin, you sign here,” she pointed to a blank line at the bottom.

The clerk examined the document one last time before affixing the notary seal. “Erin, you are enjoined to obey your master and obey all Island laws and regulations. Mr. Welk, Erin is now your property for the specified period, ending at noon on this date, one year from now. Per the terms of your Agreement, there are no restrictions on how you choose to oversee her.”

Ralph drew out the metal collar from his portfolio. “Pull your hair back,” he ordered. Erin’s eyes went wide when the band went around her neck and she heard the click of the lock; well aware she might never hear it open again.

“I suppose I should point out that was the point of no return. For better or worse, we’re committed now.” Ralph dropped her passport into the portfolio. “You won’t be needing this any longer.”

Erin said nothing. What is she waiting for? It took a moment for the obvious to occur to him. Me, she’s waiting for me. “We’re done here, let’s go.” He took hold of her arm and steered her toward the exit.

When they reached the car Erin stood by the passenger door but made no effort to open it. This is new, Ralph thought. It seems she has decided she can’t open the car door without my permission. He had a premonition this was not going to be the end of the changes she envisioned for this new phase. And what’s so bad about that? She had an image in her mind of how this new relationship should work. As long as it didn’t conflict with his own plans he saw no reason to call a halt.

The Same But Completely Different In the car, heading back home, Erin was unusually quiet. “I hope you’re not having second thoughts?” Ralph asked. “If so, your timing could not be worse.”

“Oh no, sir, nothing like that. I’ve always known this moment would come. Now it’s here, I suppose I feel a bit overwhelmed.” She hesitated a few seconds before asking, “Sir, may I touch the collar?”

Ralph had no problem agreeing to her request. “Go ahead. From now on you don’t need to ask permission. Think of it as a permanent part of you.”

Suddenly she reached up, curled her fingers around the left and right side of the metallic oval, and began pulling with all her strength. Nothing happened; the locking mechanism was sturdy and not so easily defeated. “I can’t take it off, sir.”

Ralph glanced over at her. “Good, that’s the general idea.” They both started laughing. “Enough of that,” he told her. “Place your hands in your lap, left crossed over right. From now on that will be required when you are in the car.”

“Is that an order, sir?”

“Not exactly,” he answered. “It’s a rule governing your behavior. It is necessary that you sit a certain way in the car. I will not explain why.” So, I’m revealed as a heartless dictator. There’s not much she can do about it.

He wasn’t particularly concerned about the proper way to sit in a car seat. The details were completely random, based on nothing more than the first thing that popped into his head. The what was immaterial; it was the why that was important. Ralph had picked up on Erin’s need for organization, clarity, a set of rules she could focus on. Left hand carefully crossed over right went from idle gesture to driven compulsion, an obsession for perfection in what would otherwise be trivial.

Erin did not appear to be unduly concerned about his entirely arbitrary modification to how she should conduct herself. “I understand, sir. Please, be sure to correct me if I forget.”

Is oppression supposed to be this easy? Ralph wondered if he should temper his sudden drive to test how far he could go in manipulating his new prized possession. No, he caught himself, don’t let self-doubt creep in. It’s certain to disappoint her, and the first day is no place to set a precedent like that.

“Sit up straight, face forward, do not look around. You will not speak unless I ask you a question.” Ralph was impressed with how quick she was to comply. “That is an order. The difference? It only applies this one time.”

They drove on in silence, both lost in thought. Ralph was adjusting to the realities of virtually unlimited power over Erin. In fact, the last few months she had been his property in all but the legal sense. Nothing had changed, yet it was completely different once the collar was around her neck.

At the next red light, Ralph turned to Erin. She hadn’t moved, frozen in place by nothing more than a few words from him. “I’m cancelling the sushi place for lunch. We have much to discuss, and the car, in traffic, is no place to start.”

She showed no reaction at all. Amazing, how does she manage to imitate a statue? What is going on inside her head? Ralph had no clue, but he had every intention of doing whatever he could to get some idea of how her brain worked.

At home the changes began immediately. He held open the front door for her, as usual. What wasn’t usual was the way she stopped and waited for him just inside the entrance. Normally she’d head to the bedroom to change, or to the living room to sit down and rest. Instead, Erin stood to one side, back to the wall, watching him.

“Something wrong?” Ralph asked.

“No, sir,” she answered. “I need to know the proper procedure when we come home. You wanted to talk? Should I go to the living room?”

She made the transition a lot faster than Ralph. “Leave your purse in the closet. Go to the bedroom and change into a skirt and blouse. From now on, I’m going to ban dresses in the house, during the day. One other thing, when it’s just the two of us, no shoes in the house either. When you finish join me in the living room.”

“One question sir, by ‘day’ do you mean up to curfew? Am I allowed to change after that?”

Details, I have to remember the details. “Yes, daytime starts and ends at curfew times. If we leave the house, day or night, you may ask to change if you think it appropriate. If we stay at home, no guests, then the no dress rule still applies.”

She started to say something, thought better of it and instead headed down the hallway with a simple “yes, sir” in acknowledgement. Why the odd stipulation on her appearance? For Ralph the explanation was easy; because that’s what he wanted. He had made up the requirement on the spot, without thinking it over. If indulging himself with senseless rules was going to be a problem, better he found out right away.

It didn’t take long before Erin reappeared, this time in a tapered, dark blue skirt and peach-colored, long sleeve blouse. The combination appealed to him, and he let her know he approved. Her mood brightened with his words of praise. Use it sparingly, he thought. She’ll know if my approval isn’t deserved.

He patted the place next to him on the couch. “Sit down. I’ll start while you listen. When I’m done it’ll be your turn.” Always take the lead, Ralph reminded himself. Once I set the direction, she’ll be more comfortable with sharing her side. The formula had worked up to now. Ralph saw no reason to change.

“To start, I’ll remind you that what was optional before is mandatory now. You’re familiar with Island regulations. They aren’t theoretical any longer. I’m sure I don’t have to warn you about the consequences if you violate the law, especially in public. Or private; I will insist you adhere to all the Island requirements even if it’s just the two of us. I appreciate habits can be difficult to change. Even so, I will not be lenient or understanding about the basics regarding your new legal status. Do we need to discuss this any further?”

Ralph could tell this was old news to Erin. “No, sir. I’ve had considerable practice these last two months. I rely on you to keep me on the straight and narrow.”

Based on that last comment, he suddenly realized Erin was one who was neither lenient nor understanding. He had certain standards to meet too, at least in her eyes if not in the legal sense. Any mistake on her part, no matter how small, anything that didn’t fit her ideal of a “good girl”, meant that if he didn’t catch it and act forcefully, with immediate effect, then the real failure was on him. Her reminder left no doubt in Ralph’s mind that when it came to keeping on the straight and narrow path, for both of them, the responsibility was his burden to bear.

“Next, there is the sexual element of our relationship. No doubt you will be astonished to learn I have certain…preferences… which I can now insist on. One you already found out: skirt and blouse in the house, and a dress if we go out. Those are your only choices, by the way. I’m very old-fashioned; nothing pleases my eye more than a woman who proudly displays a bit of leg to one and all. I trust this won’t interfere with your job?”

With head slightly tilted to one side, Erin stared at Ralph. “Now that I know what’s expected, sir, I will make every effort to select my wardrobe to meet your wishes. Every woman who ever lived knows instinctively how men respond to our appearance. No, sir, there won’t be any work issues. Your other preferences?”

Ralph paused, debating if he should reveal his greatest weakness. Such knowledge in her hands would be a powerful weapon if she used it against him. And if I start thinking in terms of hostility, we’re already doomed to fail. “Erin, I’m going to trust you with a secret. Superman has his kryptonite; I have my need for dependency. We’ve talked about this, but there’s more to it. I know I’m not making sense, so I’ll try to explain.

“Being your owner, your master, you have to count on me for all the basics in daily life: food, shelter, stability, you get what I mean. What I long for, always dreamed of, is much, much more. My preference, though it’s more a deep-seated drive, is to shape your life, your way of thinking, into such an extreme level of reliance on me that you could not make through one day without my being there to provide for you. What I’m after is for your mind to see the world, everything in it, in terms of my approval, my help, for me to fulfill your every want and need. I’ll be that voice of your conscience, reminding you about what’s allowed, what’s forbidden, and especially when you need to ask permission first. To be blunt, I want you to be addicted to me.

“It is also my greatest weakness. Give me what I so fervently covet, and you will find you have gained an immense power of persuasion over me. I realize that breaks a promise to you.”

Ralph waited for her disappointment to burst out in accusations he couldn’t deny. “Sir,” she finally broke her silence, “I’ve spent considerable time in contemplation about a moment like this. What you describe, it’s not out of the question. I never mentioned it because I was afraid you might think of me as insecure, constantly seeking your attention. I’ve read about ‘clingy relationships’ that lead to exhaustion by constant intruding into your own private space. Am I wrong to be holding back, sir?”

Ralph felt like the kid who had just finished picking out all the candy he wanted from the store, and then being told to go back for more. “Under normal circumstances, if I encouraged your “clingy’ behavior I’d be considered a first-class jerk for enabling you. Here on the Island, it’s a different matter. You will not hold back any longer.” He took Erin’s hand in his. “If you ever have any doubts, remember I want this as much, maybe more than you. Besides, if it doesn’t work out the worst case is we have to make do for a year.”

Erin suddenly jerked her hand away. “Please, sir, don’t say that. I can be all you wish, if you give me some time to grow into it. But what I cannot stand is a reminder all we work toward might stop in a year’s time. There is no end, sir, so don’t act like one exists.”

She shook her head. “Persuade you? Why would I ever do such a thing? I must, must believe in your infallibility about choosing what’s best for me. I’d be working against my own interests if I tried to change your mind. I accept you’ll make mistakes. I’m also convinced you’ll fix those mistakes. I hope you’ll ask my opinion, though only to see things from my perspective, not open the door to some mystical power of influence.”

Ralph had to be figuratively hit over the head with a club in order to recognize a major mistake on his part. “You’re right, Erin. I did it again. No more talk of time limits. If I slip, you have my permission to whack me upside the head for acting like an idiot. Not too hard though. You know how fragile the male ego can be.”

She started laughing. “Sorry, sir. It’s just the image, me threatening you with a frying pan. I’m afraid that’s one of those cases where you will have to punish me for gross disobedience.”

Other Side Of Preferences “If I may, sir, I also have some of those preferences. Do I have permission to tell you about them?”

Ralph didn’t answer her immediately. I’m in unknown territory here, he warned himself. Denying her would only kick the can down the road. Sooner or later he had to hear her side. I want inside her head. Careful what you ask for, you might get it. “Yes, go ahead, I want to know all about you.”

“Two points, sir. The first one is no great secret.” She stared at him intently. “I’m not easily broken. At least not when you make demands of me. Never hold back out of concern over what I might think, that’s what I ask. With all due respect, your orders, your rules, frankly they are quite tame, sir. What I’m trying to say is that I’m up for more, umm, challenging demands.”

“The second point, sir, that’s a bit embarrassing. I’ve never admitted to it before now. I’m sure it comes from sexual fantasies, so you can understand it’s difficult for me to talk about it. No secrets from you, sir, which means I shouldn’t hold back.”

Hold back what? Ralph had an uneasy feeling his life was about to become more complicated that he anticipated.

Erin took a deep breath. “So here it is, sir. There is this thing, I don’t know what to call it, inside my head. I’ll just come out and say. I want you to tie me up, sir, in ways that leave me helpless. Not with rope, I really don’t like that. It leaves marks and cuts off circulation. Leather, or best of all solid, heavy, metal chains. Inescapable, with no hope I might ever free myself. In a word, bondage.”

Ralph couldn’t help but stare at Erin, mouth agape at what she had revealed about herself. I did not see this coming. Sure, after curfew he’d followed requirements about restraining her while out in public, but he’d never given it much thought.

Once Erin started all her reserve seemed to vanish. “Those times, after curfew, when you used the handcuffs behind my back? Sir, I wanted to beg you to push me up against the wall and take me; demanding, overpowering, brutal and rough, with no regard to my feelings. I know there’s a word for that, a certain kind of fantasy for women. Don’t ask me to explain; I can’t.”

How was it he hadn’t picked up on that? She hid it well. “You were right to bring this to me, Erin.” He reached out and stroked her cheek. “Set your mind at ease, I’m not shocked. I do need some time to think it over. So you know, I am inclined to meet your preferences. How, I have yet to determine, but you’ll be the first to find out how we’ll fulfill your preferences as well as mine.”

Ground Rules “So, this is where you work? Fu’s Manchu Fine Dining, I’m told it’s a landmark for restaurants in the downtown area.” Following Erin’s directions, he drove around to the employee parking in the rear.

“Yes, sir. I’ve been here for the last year and a half. I started as a waitress and worked up to shift manager. I love the job. I’ve learned all about the business end, and I get to meet so many interesting people, for all of about thirty seconds.” Left unsaid was a plea to allow her to keep her position, though he could hear it in her voice.

Ralph had marked down this visit as one of their first stops. She had told him more about the job the night before. The enthusiasm that came out when she described some of the humorous incidents left no doubt this was a significant part of her life. Which meant, as her new owner, it was his duty to determine if remaining at the place was in her best interest.

When they entered through the back door all the employees stopped and stared, not at Ralph so much as the collar on Erin’s neck. She led him to the manager’s office and knocked on the door.

When they entered Erin looked up at Ralph first. “Sir? May I…?”

With a nod from her master, giving her permission to make the introductions, she began. “Mr. Fu, may I present my owner, Mr. Ralph Welk. Sir? This is Mr. Fu De Huai, sole proprietor of Fu’s Manchu Restaurant.”

“Why so formal, Erin…” Fu caught himself in mid-sentence. “My apologies, Mr. Welk. Up to now we’ve been on a first name basis.” The two men shook hands. “Based on Erin’s new jewelry I would guess you and I have much to discuss. Might I suggest Erin wait in the kitchen? I’m sure her friends would like to speak to her.”

“Erin? Wait for me outside. Don’t leave the kitchen area. You may talk to your co-workers.”

She hesitated, as if she was about to say something, thought better of it and headed out the door. Ralph watched her go, astonished at how easily he could handle her. It was clear to him she wanted to stay, but he wasn’t about to set that kind of precedent. Whether or not she kept her job was solely his decision to make. She didn’t need to know the details.

“Amazing, if you don’t mind my opinion,” Fu said. “Your Erin can be quite, err, stubborn at times. This is a remarkable change. And please, call me Dennis. Like many expatriate Chinese I adopted an anglicized name for business and social purposes.”

“Dennis it is, if you call me Ralph.” He sat down in a chair facing the desk, at Fu’s invitation.

“If I may begin?” Fu asked. “I have a good idea as to the purpose of your visit. Erin is an extremely valuable asset to our business. Whatever I can do to persuade you to let her remain, please, tell me.”

“From what she tells me Erin loves working here. I don’t want to be the cause of her losing it, but there are issues we need to clear up. There are some questions. Can she continue now that she can’t handle money, will her new status change how she interacts with customers, and then there’s the problem of coming home after curfew? You must have encountered this before; how did you handle it?”

“Her role is more the hostess and managerial roles these days. Erin rarely waits on tables or acts as cashier. For those occasions the bus boy can handle the check. Many restaurants have a similar policy. I can arrange for someone else to tally up the shift receipts and make out the bank deposit. Now, she will be exposed to the daily accounting, both receipts and food orders. She has a good eye for it, especially if there’s an unexpected drop off in customers. South Island regulations are ambiguous on bookkeeping. She would be limited to examining the figures, not actually posting to the ledger. If that’s acceptable I can have someone else count the till, fill out the deposits and sign the purchase orders. She would not be subject to questioning by an auditor.”

“I’ll have to read the statutes first. From what I know the law does allow for employment in clerical positions. Accounting should fall within the same scope, as long as any form of access to funds transfer isn’t involved, and no signatures are required. I can work with it.”

Fu smiled. “Halfway there! Transportation, yes that is rather more complicated. At the moment she works days, lunch times to early supper, and Sunday Brunch. She’s off Monday and Tuesday, our slowest days. Normally she leaves an hour before curfew; that won’t change. If she is allowed to continue using her car that should be plenty of time to go home.

“The problem comes in when we are unusually busy, or if someone doesn’t show up for work. Up to now she’s always offered to stay on through the busiest part of the suppertime crowd if we are shorthanded. It’s not a big problem, but this is the restaurant business. People come and go without notice.

“I’ll see to it you are notified if she has to work late. I know she has her own car, but she won’t be able to use it after curfew. If you pick her up in the evening, then I can have the deliveryman stop by your place to bring her in before lunch begins. I’ve used this arrangement before. I can vouch for my driver, who’s also my nephew.”

Ralph nodded. “That can work. What about customers? Naturally she will be deferential to men, that’s not optional. Are there occasions where you have to deal with overly aggressive, or drunk patrons?”

Fu sighed. “Sadly, it does happen, though not often. We are in an upscale neighborhood where those types of incidents are rare. I keep two guys on the payroll as helpers in the kitchen. They aren’t all that skilled at cooking, but can handle themselves if we need bouncers. It is well known that mistreating a waitress at Fu’s often results in a terrible accident when the offender is abruptly escorted out the back door. It seems our alley is strewn with safety hazards.”

“Back in Wyoming we have a similar policy. Okay, she can stay.” Ralph took out his business card. “You can contact me regarding information to update your payroll. Erin is no longer allowed access to her employment records or salary arrangements.”

Fu De Huai stood up and extended his hand. “I will see to it personally. Then it’s a deal. By the way, you should know that in all my years running restaurants I’ve never come across someone who has a better intuitive sense of what it takes to keep the doors open. If Erin ever went out on her own, she would be a fierce competitor.”

Overtime Ralph followed Erin into their apartment after holding open the door for her. Fu’s restaurant had been unusually busy at dinnertime, requiring her to put in several hours of overtime. Unfortunately, that meant she missed the cutoff for the evening curfew and was unable to drive home. Ralph had come to the rescue.

“I apologize for this, sir, but you know how it is. The restaurant business can be unpredictable. We had two large parties come in late, and the scheduled night manager called in sick. It was nonstop chaos.” Erin stood at her designated spot in the entrance hallway, facing the wall. Her hands were cuffed behind her back, and leg chains on her ankles restricted her to a slow walk. Curfew regulations were every bit as inflexible as her restraints.

Ralph closed the front door. First things first, he thought, while carefully inspecting her position. This wasn’t the first time she’d been stranded at work, though he didn’t mind. The restaurant business was her passion; he’d never deprive her of such a key part of her life.

Besides, he liked the view from where he stood. Casual conversation was allowed, but he insisted on a rigid procedure when they arrived home during her curfew. Admit it, he told himself, this is just an excuse to give in to your own guilty pleasure, seeing her bound, helpless, subject to my restrictions, and obediently following my entirely arbitrary orders.

“You must be tired after a long day. I’ll warm up our dinner while you soak in the tub.” The restaurant chef had made up some dishes for them.

“Yes, sir. Oh, the curry? Warm it on the stove, low heat, not the microwave. Chef’s version has a very delicate taste.”

The bath might be heaven, but she wasn’t going anywhere until he released her. Erin knew the routine. She wouldn’t budge until he gave the word. And there was the small matter of the chains. Ralph sometimes questioned the necessity but the law was clear and enforced. After curfew she had to be “closely supervised”, the exact wording of the law, which was defined as in full restraints, essentially the same as U. S. jail transport procedures, and escorted by a man at all times. He might have ignored it, if possible, but Erin would be the first to remind him of his duty as her owner. And there was the small matter of how much she wanted to be exactly where she now was, neatly trussed up in a manageable package.

Island IV – Meetings · Part 7 (7/21)
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