Freeing Kirsty Ch. 03

One evening Brian met Merrick at a pub for a couple of drinks and they left five hours later well tanked. "Listen, old buddy, Brian said to him, arm around Merrick's neck "The women of our household think you really are something."

"Come off it," Merrick had laughed. "They must be the two most stuck up bitches in the entire city."

"Well said, buddy," grinned Brian. "But I know them from old; all the signs are there. But I tell you this - fuck my sister by all means. She is a bit of a tramp. On the other hand, don't lay a finger on my mother. Why? Because my father will kill you, that's why. He'd a really jealous bastard and his possessions are his possession alone. Get it?"

"Yeah, but I really aren't into stuffing my sponsor's women."

"Don't be too correct - two of my old buddies reckon Kate is one of the best lays in town, that she really knows how to pump a guy dry."

"Thanks for the advice buddy. You better drive home now before you get any drunker."

"Good advice, Merrick, and I shall take it. Don't you wreck that car of yours either."

One long holiday summer weekend, the Raymond's invited Merrick on a cruise. On Saturday night there was a big party ashore. Merrick, not in a drinking mood which was usual for him, swam out to the moored sloop and had just got into his bunk when he heard a clunk of a dinghy alongside, and considerable giggling.

He went to investigate and helped Kate and her mother aboard. They were both all over him affectionately and he shooed them off to bed, with Kate inviting him to her cabin in ten minutes; she said she would have something for him.

Merrick decided to accept the offer and went to the cabin where Kate, already sprawl out naked on the double bed in the dimly lit cabin, held out his arms to him. He didn't have to work hard to get her excited and was just about to enter when Mary her mother, also nude, slipped into bed beside them.

"Alec has that slut Mrs Rogers ashore and I'm not going to miss out," Mary had said, bending over her daughter's left breast while massaging Merrick's nuts with her other hand.

At that time Kate had graduated with a Masters of Arts degree and was teaching at a private girls' college. A year later Merrick graduated with a bachelor's degree plus a diploma in photojournalism gained from an associated technical institute. He decided to seek experience in Australia and was engaged by a magazine company based in Adelaide. Kate went with him. They returned to Auckland six months later and were married, returning to Adelaide where they spent the next five years. Their first child Giles was born there and they were back in New Zealand living in Christchurch when Bella arrived.

Mostly happy years followed. At times Merrick suspected that Kate had the occasional one-night stand but stood aside to avoid it becoming a deep suspicion leading to a confrontation. The weeks turned into months and he realized that Kate was referring to the name Mark more and more and one day he arrived home and found Mark in his place in bed.

"Hullo, you must be Mark," Merrick said, as the bare-chested man sat up in bed, very surprised and embarrassed. As Kate stirred Merrick calmly said, "I'm off for a walk around the block. If you are still here when I return I shall smash you to pulp."

There was no Mark around when Merrick returned but he found a very irate Kate in the bath who screamed at him for threatening 'Dear Mark' is such a childish way.

"Choose between me and Mark," Merrick had challenged.

"Don't be so childish," she sobbed. "I want both of you. You had not compunction about having me and my mother together all those years ago - remember!"

"I do, much to my shame," Merrick confessed. "But here is now - Mark or me?"

"Then I choose Mark - he is far more sensitive and considerate than you are, and the children adore him."

That enraged Merrick; she'd exposed her lover to their children. He told her that he would sleep in the spare room until the weekend, when he would shift out. He was happy to get a divorce by qualifying under the legal terms of irreconcilable separation, but would consult his lawyer – her brother Stan, Brian's twin, to ensure that the house was sold and he obtained his legal share of their assets and retained legal access to the children. In fact, he would be happy to have the children if she wanted to flit off into a romantic sunrise with precious Mark.

"Daddy is my lawyer and he's a better lawyer than Stan. You'll end up with nothing."

"So be it," Merrick had replied, removing his toiletries from the bathroom.

The next two evenings he'd slept at Brian's house. Brian and Marg were very sympathetic. Brian's view of his sister was uncharitable: "Once a slut, always a slut."

Merrick shifted out that weekend, Kate having been kind enough to spend the weekend with her children out sailing with her parents to leave him to make a peaceful exit.

After that it turned to custard for Merrick. Brian joined Stan in the battle to negotiate successfully for Merrick's guardianship of the children but lost it; Merrick decided not to try to win a custody order in Court saying, "Let the children live in Australia with their mother and the man they apparently like so much."

The final farewell with the children was traumatic. Giles wished his father would stay and accept Mark as a kind uncle, while Bella didn't know which parent she wanted. Giles had gravely shaken his father's hand at the airport when Bella finally made her decision; she hugged her father and declared she'd always love him, he was her daddy and she'd return to him when she was free to do so. Her mother was anything but conciliatory: 'If you need to contact us, write to my father." She then moved off to where her own family was waiting out of sight.

Mark had thought that was the end and that he would never hear from them again. But thanks to the establishment of email cafes he began receiving emails from Bella, who with commendable enterprise emailed her uncle Brian Raymond for her father's email address.

Merrick sent his messages to the email address of one of Bella's friends. Over time he noticed Bella's wordage was becoming more and more affectionate until a year on she finally announced, "Long ago I decided that as soon as I turn eighteen I'll return to live with you, daddy – that's if you'll have me. Mummy remains a bitch, if you will excuse the expression; Mark is ever so kind to us all, but he's weak and is not my daddy." Although not a heavy drinker Merrick went out and got blind drunk that evening, being delivered home to his dwelling by a kindly barmaid who had to wait until dawn next morning to get thanked properly. However Merrick kept to his rule much to her disappointment: only the occasional non-recurring, one-night stand.

They were dark times for him but he coped. When properly sober he sat in front of the keyboard feeling far more excited that he'd ever been at a computer. He wrote:

'My Darling Daughter (usually he addressed his messages, 'Dear Bella'). I await your homecoming deliriously. Let's keep this a secret between ourselves as I have no wish for your current relationship with your mother to deteriorate. I trust you can understand the importance of that. I'm honored to accept that you have chosen me entirely uninfluenced by me. It is a tribute that I shall remember hugely for the remainder of my life. I shall, of course, not hold you to your intention to rejoin me as sometimes people's plans change. Just let's see what happens, huh? Your ever-loving father. Merrick. PS. Please respect Giles' decision about which parent to remain with. Remember, he always tended to favor his mother whereas you were the exact opposite. M.'

Situations indeed do change so Merrick decided he'd email Bella about the entry of Kirsty into his life as soon as this business with Spiro was finished. He avoided wondering whether Bella, now twelve years old, and his twenty-five year old lover would take to each other enthusiastically; he'd learned long ago that he possessed no skill at predetermining any female's thought or action. The answer would come from the two women.

He was glad that he'd purchased a house rather than still living in a one bedroom apartment even though it had been a very luxurious pad. Development as a freelance photojournalist had been very profitable from him mainly because he was so damn good at his work. People who commissioned his services for the first time invariably came back again. That, of course, gave him great satisfaction, strengthening his self-belief.

After reviewing the past, including those gut-wrenching times on this flight to the JFK International Airport, Merrick slipped into a peaceful sleep, ready to battle for the freedom of the new love of his life or possibly being beaten up or worse trying to win freedom for Kirsty.

* * *

Merrick rang the bell to Kirsty's apartment in East 102 Street. He saw an eye appear at the peep hole.

"Yeah. Who are you?"

"Merrick Jamieson from Auckland New Zealand."

"Christ!" was the disbelieving response. "Wait there!"

Merrick had no intention of leaving. He tried to image the scene instead the apartment: The black suited goon who'd answered the door whispering to Spiro in shirtsleeves, smoking a cigar with a glass of red wine in front of him. He imagined a distraught Meg who was being used for the entrapment of Kirsty, sitting on the toilet seat, handcuffed to the water pipe. Merrick deduced if he could take out the goon he might have a chance of flying across to handle Spiro before he could pull a gun out.

The door opened.

"Come in punk," snarled the goon.

Merrick almost grinned, thinking it was like a reply of a B-grade gangster movie. He'd seen scores of them in his time, and if today's gangsters modeled their physical behavior on their predecessors he was in for a rough time. The voice of the goon sounded slightly unsettled which pleased Merrick - either the guy thought Merrick was insane coming here or was some kind of superman. That might slow down the goon's tiny brain a tad.

As Merrick walked passed the goon he was commanded to halt and something hard and round slammed into Merrick's back and just missed his spine; it could only be the barrel of a gun.

The goon's hands swept over his back, under his armpits, up his legs to almost jam his balls into his under-belly and down the other leg.

"Turn around, goon," ordered the goon. Well, someone was using the wrong name, Merrick thought.

It was a short barrel revolver in the goon's hand. It was the first time in his life that Merrick had seen a real handgun as they were outlawed in New Zealand for ordinary citizens apart from members of gun clubs under certain restrictions.

This time he was frisked – Merrick was sure that was the correct word – down his front, under his arms and up and down his legs again, his balls taking another painful hit.

He's clean, boss, Merrick almost mouthed, staring at the goon, trying to unnerve him.

"He's not carrying, boss."

Well, almost right with his wordage.

"Hi Mr Jamieson, welcome to New York although I understand it's a return visit to this city for you and to this apartment," boomed a big voice. "You may face me."

Merrick turned and was astonished. Lovely, sweet Meg whom he'd jogged with in the company of Kirsty was sprawled across Spiro's lap, looking as if it was the only place in the world she wanted to be. She was totally nude. Spiro was nude from the waist down, was in shirtsleeves with his tie yanked opened. He looked hot and sweaty. Both had a bottle of beer in their hand as if recovering from some sort of exertion. With a start Merrick had also noticed that Spiro had an empty gun holster on the table in front of him. That meant the gun was probably on his lap, giving him the feel of cold steel against his dick.

"You have one of my top men being deported from your country, you naughty man." Spiro grinned. "He was supposed to be one of my best, and is not very happy with you. He called me and requested that I get you to linger so that he can mess you up a bit when he arrives tomorrow evening. Why didn't you bring Kirsty?"

"It wasn't necessary."

That reply seemed to upset Spiro but at the same time he squirmed, as Meg busily worked to re-prime his cock, apparently ignoring the gun.

"Why wasn't that necessary?"

"Because it only takes one of us to negotiate her release."

"Her release as you call it is non-negotiable."

Spiro nodded almost imperceptibly to the goon behind Merrick. Merrick was thankful that he was eying Spiro instead of watching Meg at work.

The gun barrel pulled away from Merrick's back. He took a chance that an old movie was being replayed. He lunged to towards Spiro, half-turned and shot his left-leg up high and fast where he knew instinctively through hours of practice all those years ago where the assailant's throat should be, only this time there was no pulling back as this time he was free to maim although regrettably he was long out of practice.

Merrick's eyes held those of his victim who had, like in the old films, flicked his gun around and had raised it high and was in the process of slamming it down on Merrick's skull.

In the same instance as Merrick saw the goon's eyes widen the edge of Merrick's leather boot slammed into the goon's throat. Those coal-black eyes turned up into the goon's head and with a high-pitch rasp he dropped to the floor already unconscious.

Merrick spun around and hearing a heavy metallic click, froze.

Spiro had a gun pointed at him, having just removed the safety catch and his dark brown eyes and surrounding face were expressionless.

Meg was picking herself up where apparently she'd been tossed aside. She now looked afraid.

"A very impressive performance, Mr Jamieson; I think that earns you the right to negotiate, don't you think Meg sweetie."

Meg nodded.

"Well, apparently that's confirmation from Meg. Very well, persuade me Mr Jamieson."

Well, this was it. Merrick had reasoned on the aircraft that Spiro would greet any plea for release with contempt from a man he intended to punish for luring her into becoming a runner. Spiro had to be convinced to make a concession as an unavoidable business decision.

Merrick cleared his throat.

"Kirsty and I became engaged a few days ago, but her association with you continues to hang over our heads. I want your promise as a gentleman that she is released, totally and utterly with no further price to pay."

"The problem with that, Mr Jamieson, is that I am not a gentleman. But carry on."

"In return for that concession I will stay written instructions on a countdown for execution at the offices of my lawyers back in New Zealand. That suspension will cancel a process that will lead to your investigation by the Inland Revenue Service here of yourself and a number of your business associates apparently tipped off to the authorities by you in order to have the IRS go easier on you."

Spiro's face turned almost purple in rage and for a split second it appeared he was close to pulling the trigger.

"You're lying," he snarled.

Merrick worked hard to remain calm; it was important not to show weakness.

"Kirsty had an enjoyable time with you Spiro and describes you as a fair guy when it comes to relationships. She says you treated her with tenderness, consideration and rewarded her handsomely. She wishes you well. May I remove my right boot?"

Without hesitation Spiro said yes but warned Merrick would get a bullet through the chest if he pulled out a weapon.

"Just a piece of paper that I hid, expecting to be searched on my arrival; it would have meant nothing without the build-up I have just presented you."

He removed the shoe and pulled out the piece of paper.

"May I approach you with it?"

"Move slowly."

Merrick approach and almost felt the power of the man. He stepped back, allowing Spiro to read the names on the list.

"Christ, how could she get this information? I kept her separated from my business activities."

"Almost, but not quite. There was an overlapping between business and social activities, and you involved her here in New York in social activities, no doubt very proud to have such a beautiful lady at you side. Unfortunately for you Kirsty has an excellent memory: these names she memorized. She also assures me she doesn't have a clue about what business operations you are involved in, although suspecting that some of them may be of interest to the authorities."

"If this list falls into the hands of the authorities I'm done for - many of those gentlemen on this list would personally wish to put out my lights."

"I can understand that; a hazard of your profession no doubt."

Spiro smile thinly and put the gun on the table.

Merrick knew this was it: "So do I have you word that you release Kirsty and leave us alone ever after?"

"Yes, provided that you as a gentlemen will retrieve your list or lists of these names and destroy them."

"I give you my word on that, absolutely."

"This is a peculiar way of doing business, and I'm uneasy about it; it's most irregular. I will call my man off as soon as I talk to him again, but make sure you don't run into him at an airport. Now fuck off and hurry through that door before I'm tempted to put a slug up your ass."

"Goodbye, Merrick," called Meg. "Please give my love to Kirsty and tell her that I've taken her vacated position."

"Bye Meg, goodbye Spiro."

"Through that door fast, Mr Jamieson."

On the way down in the elevator, Merrick thought he would burst into a relieved sweat and his knees would give way. However, he remained relaxed and strong, but was very, very relieved.

Outside he waved down a cab and headed for Penn Station. He would make a surprise visit to his aunt and uncle on Long Island. He'd call Kirsty from outside Penn Station. He felt elated, knowing that a wedding was coming up– he'd tell Kirsty he wanted it within three months as he wanted to make an honest woman out of her, as they say.

Merrick could hear the phone at Orewa ringing. Damn, she might be out. He decided to let it ring for another thirty seconds.

"Dr Brian Raymond's residence," was the tentative response. But it was undeniably Kirsty's voice. Merrick felt a surge of adrenalin pump through his chest.

"New York calling, Penn Station. It's all over; you're free."

There was a brief pause, then the sound of air being sucked in. With ear-drum-saving anticipation Merrick held the phone away until the scream subsided.

"Truly, truly?"

"Yes, truly,. truly? I am unhurt and wish to be married to you inside two months."

"Well, we can talk about that."

"Inside two months, Kirsty; I'm afraid this is not negotiable."

There was a pause as Kirsty grappled with the competing forces of instinct and conservatism. Instinct was triumphant.

She took a deep breath, "Yes master, as you wish master."

"Excellent - phone your parents as soon as you have finished here with me. Any date will suit, and any location. I'd be inviting a dozen people plus my best man and his wife."

"Oh, that sounds as if you want to rush it."

"How very perceptive of you," Merrick chuckled. "By the way, Meg has just been installed as the replacement New York; she looked very happy and sent her love."

"Well, fancy that. Meg used to be so offhand about sex, saying she could go for months without feeling the need."

"Perhaps it's the life-style she has bought into? Anyway, I think we should invited Spiro and her to the wedding."

"What!" was the anguished cry of disbelief.

"Want me to repeat myself?"

"No thank you. I heard you loud and clear. How could you think of such a thing? I can imagine you did not have the nicest of receptions when you visited Spiro. Either Stevie or Solly would have had a gun shoved in your back."