章節 13: Chapter 13
Despite censure, Arianna had gathered together most of the companions who occupied the apartment building.All were beautiful, intelligent and sometimes witty, selected and trained to serve their employers in many capacities, including the tending of sexual needs whether heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual in nature.Now as she served drinks Arianna allowed her guests to mingle and do as they pleased.Dreama continued to comb Isis' long, jet-blue hair while Shalimar painted Emanuela's toenails a deep purple.The boys, Valentine, Topher and Calypso, sat quietly in reflective and meditative poses, their states of mind the result of an earlier consumption of Serenity, the synthetic opiate drug of choice and available to them through the generosity of their employers.Easy listening music drifted through the living room, the air thick with the fragrances of scented candles, the lighting low and suggestive.
As a rule, the mingling of companions was discouraged by the management, and almost downright taboo under Morrison's watchful eye.Still, they all needed this quiet afternoon time together just to relax, talk, gossip, and enjoy one another's company.The chiming of the doorbell perked Arianna's attention.Setting aside the tray, she went to answer the summons and found Detective Cadye Parrish standing on the other side of the entrance panel.
"Oh, hello, detective," Arianna greeted amicably."It's nice to see you again."
I took a few firm steps into the foyer."I'm sorry to disturb you but I have more questions I need to ask.Can you spare the time?"
"Certainly, Cadye, come in and have a seat."Arianna allowed me to walk on ahead, but I had the feeling she wanted to gauge my reaction while I surveyed the room of her colleagues, all young, attractive, lithe and poised, all companions to the residents here.Whatever their employers wanted, these beautiful servants delivered, from tending bar to submitting to the sexual proclivities of the residents and their guests.
I turned back to Arianna."If you're in the middle of something, I can always return at a later date--"
"No, please, Cadye, you're welcome to join us."Arianna swept a willowy arm to encompass her guests."These are my co-workers.We try to get together as time permits just to unwind, converse, relax and update each other on the comings and goings of the complex.In a way we're just like an extended family."
I nodded thoughtfully."Gossip, too, I'm sure."
Arianna smiled thoughtfully."Oh, yes.Let me introduce you.Of course, not everyone is here, but these are the companions whose employers work during the day or spend the day in recreational pursuits."
My gaze flitted from person to person, although the companions remained occupied in their pursuits, giving little regard to me, the newcomer or perhaps the interloper."I assume they are aware by now of your employer's passing."
"Yes, of course.That's partially the reason why they wanted to meet here today, to share in my loss and help me with the transition to a new employer." Arianna bowed her head slightly."Plus, they serve as an invaluable balm to ease my loneliness."Returning to her statuesque height, she donned an upbeat smile."Now let me introduce you."
Taking me by the arm, Arianna walked us over to the group and began with the young woman serving as a hair stylist, her own hair a mass of sunshine curls, her body lithe and fair, her features pert, and her eyes as deep and shimmering as a blue lake."This is Dreama who works for Mr. Sung Lee, the owner of several Asian restaurants and a premier import/export business.Now Isis here serves as companion to Mr. Victor Rodman, the movie producer."
Isis came in a delicate package, like a Lotus blossom, her oblique eyes the color of green tea and her hair like a shiny, ebony flow cascading down her back.As Arianna continued with her introductions I made mental notes of the companions' identities and affiliations.Shalimar, a tall, dark beauty from Jamaica, was in service to a recording artist, while Emanuela, the most voluptuous of the group with dark, gypsy features and skin the shade of café leche, belonged to a prominent Anglo attorney.She preferred to be called Eman while on duty.
Of the male companions, Valentine seemed to be the youngest and smallest, his body slim but wiry, his hair thick and breezily tousled, his facial features compact but smooth and attractive with a hint of smoldering passion beneath his hazel eyes.Val serviced a man prominent in the fashion and beauty care industry.On the other hand, Topher, the tanned, blond and handsome middle man of the group, provided company for an older wealthy widow.The third, Calypso, sported a tall, muscular frame, sleek, ebony skin, and large smoky eyes.He served as both a companion and an exercise trainer for two women, roommates and partners in a spa and fitness franchise.
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