Office Temptress Ch. 03

A heavy silence came over the room like a shroud muffling all sound. Steve and Louisa found comfort in each other's being there, but they were shaken more with each passing moment.

Louisa said, "You are telling me that I have been married to a wizard for eighteen months and know nothing of all of this." She laughed uncontrollably for a few minutes. "And this idea of a mystical paranormal group is just bullshit. Fucking ridiculous."

Steve clenched his fists in frustration, the need to protect Louisa burning like a fire in his chest. "So, we just sit back and wait for them to make their move?" he demanded, his voice laced with bitterness. "Fuck that idea."

Reynolds shook his head, his expression grim but definite. "No, we gather what evidence we need to build a solid case against Craig. We bide our time until we have the power we need to remove him."

"NO!" Steve declared, his voice firm and resolute. "NO! We need action, now! We need a plan, and we need it fast. We must stop Craig's mental attack on Louisa now."

As Steve's voice sounded in the room, Louisa felt surges of hope within her. She nodded in silent agreement, her eyes alight with a fierce resolve as she met Steve's determined stare. "We'll stop them, together," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within her.

"Well, that's nice, Louisa," said Reynolds sarcastically. "--I mean--," he stopped his sarcasm abruptly. "It's good that you have each other for support. But we must clarify the scope of our actions for your problem. It's not possible to take down Craig and CinematiX-AI, now. The Woman in White Faction is too big and powerful. We will be working on that goal for several more years, at least."

Steve's jaw clenched with frustration, his mind racing as he tried to simplify their task--cut it back to bare necessities. "If we can leave this mystical faction out of our reasoning for the present, there must be something we can do to stop Craig," he insisted. He refused to accept defeat. There was so much at stake.

+++++++

Steve, Louisa, and Agent Reynolds huddled together. Brainstorming frustrating ideas and strategies that led nowhere. And then, as the tension in the room reached its peak, Agent Reynolds revealed his plan. It was bold, risky, and fraught with danger, but it was their best chance at putting an end to Craig without jeopardizing years of painstaking surveillance work on the faction behind CinematiX-AI. As Reynolds outlined the details of his idea, Steve and Louisa listened intently, their determination solidifying with each word.

Reynolds proposed that they have their operatives, already undercover in CinematiX-AI, re-engineer the videos, replacing Louisa with deep fakes of another computer-created character. As he outlined the details of his daring scheme, Steve and Louisa listened intently to each word.

Steve, however, couldn't help but feel a doubt creeping into his mind. "But Reynolds, won't Craig see through the deception?" he questioned, his brow furrowed with concern. "He's not stupid, and he's been married to Louisa for eighteen months and monitoring her every move. What if he realizes that we have worked the videos over? What about copies he probably has?"

Reynolds nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Steve's valid concerns. "The bottom line is that Craig probably won't have copies that identify anyone. And it doesn't matter if he realises that we have altered the videos. Let's go through it one step at a time."

"1. CinematiX-AI only provide a preview cut for the first payment. Previews are only shorts with all faces pixelated, and all participants unidentifiable. The quality of the rest of the video is excellent to satisfy the customer that the final cut is fit for purpose and worth the final huge payment. The previews are most likely what Craig has. The cost of the finished videos is astronomical and it's not likely that Craig would pay for these without a clear purpose."

"2. CinematiX-AI makes these videos for activities where large amounts of money are involved and CinematiX-AI ensures that they get their share."

"3. Remember that they charge a fortune for these final videos, they aren't going to make it easy for anyone to copy the preview or the final cut for free. They are encoded with a non-standard codec system that only their own video player can decode."

"4. Our operatives have access to the financial transaction records and can see if Craig has paid for previews or final cuts. We will deal with those events as needed."

Steve and Louisa nodded as their understanding grew. But Steve still had concerns. "This doesn't cover everything," he said to Reynolds. "This really only covers the issue of copies that Craig may have."

Agent Reynolds said, "Our operatives will re-engineer the originals at CinematiX-AI so that they show Craig in illegal activities and every trace of Louisa will be removed completely. We can tie up Craig with legal action for years at a minimum. CinematiX-AI will disown him for becoming a person of interest to the authorities. Threat neutralised. He may even be put away if we are lucky."

"And if he does have final cuts?" Steve asked.

"We will know from the transaction records. And we can remove those as needed." Reynolds answered non-plussed.

"There's still a risk of blowing all of your work on The Woman in White Faction," said Louisa.

"It's a small risk we'll have to manage," he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "Both of you hold high-level, sensitive positions at QuantumTech Enterprises and our findings about Craig, CinematiX-AI, and The Woman in White Faction, require escalation of our response. Blackmailing either of you for any reason is a severe threat to the company. Craig has picked the wrong targets. He is now classed as a major threat."

As the plan took shape, Steve couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. This was personal. Louisa's life hung in the balance, and he would be damned if he would let Craig's twisted games continue.

Reynolds said, "We will meet back here in two weeks unless there are any unforeseen developments in the meantime. Louisa, contact me if you remember anything that we should be aware of--anything." He looked directly at Louisa and stressed the point.

Steve's jaw clenched with resolve. "Keep me updated on any developments. We can't afford any missteps."

As the meeting adjourned, Steve remained seated, his mind racing. With Craig's connections and the faction's influence, they were walking a razor's edge with only partial understanding. But Steve was undeterred. For the sake of Louisa's safety, they would see this through to the end, even though it was becoming like a spy movie. It was too big for him to deal with alone, he had to just follow the lead of the security team. It just all felt so surreal, but he would stop at nothing to bring an end to Craig's influence over Louisa.

+++++++

Steve rested in the spa back at the Penthouse. The warm water-jets soothed his body as he gazed out through the one-way glass walls over the sprawling cityscape beyond. With each sip of his favourite smoky peat scotch, he felt the tension of the day slowly melt away.

He was amused by the thought of how some inexperienced drinkers described the taste of this scotch. He had heard it described as vodka strained through month-old dirty socks that had survived a house fire. But to him, it was nothing short of perfection, a moment of luxury in the chaos. The rich, complex flavours flowed around his mouth. The fine single malt scotch is perfectly complemented by the subtle smoky peat, like the aroma of the finest cigar. Steve chuckled softly as he savoured his indulgence.

Just then, Louisa entered the room. Her gossamer robe draped around her slender frame. Steve couldn't help but admire the way the soft fabric clung to her curves, accentuating her beauty in the dim light of the Penthouse. The vague light showed glimpses of her perfect form as she moved, a nipple atop a breast here, a long leg leading to her perfect hips there.

Louisa caught his gaze in the reflection of the glass walls. A knowing smile grew from the corners of her lips. She moved gracefully across the room, the gentle sway of her hips mesmerizing as she approached the spa. The front of the gown dived deeply between her pert breasts revealing enticing sights.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked. Her French accent added a sensual tone to everything she said.

Steve shook his head. His own smile mirrored hers. "Not at all," he replied, reaching out a hand to help her into the water. Her gossamer gown becoming transparent as she sank into the water, revealed her sensual body more enticingly than any strip tease.

Steve felt sensations of peace settle over them. At that moment, with the city spread out before them, they found comfort in each other's arms, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

She tasted the smoky scotch on his lips, the tip of her tongue lightly dancing before pushing ever so gently between his lips. The taste of the scotch, mellowed by his mouth, was arousing, a taste that evoked a sensation of Steve's strength. She moved to taste more of him as she slid her hand lightly down his chest. Following the recent stress, it was time for relief for both.

As they relaxed in the tranquil sanctuary of their Penthouse, the world outside faded into insignificance, replaced by the simple joy of being together, sharing a moment of quiet intimacy amid the chaos of their lives.

She straddled him as he slid his hands up her lightly muscular back and hooked them over her shoulders. He pulled her to him, slowly impaling her on his erection. Locked together they began their ritual of minimal movement while they kissed passionately and explored each other delicately with their hands. Sliding against each other in the slippery water of the spa, they relaxed and soaked in the pleasure of each other simply continuing without rush, knowing that they would slowly build toward the inevitable stress-relieving climax, enjoying the long slow carnal pleasure.

Louisa eventually began purring between gasps, her tongue seeking his. He felt her stirring movements. The room began to fade. She arched her back, gasped and moaned loudly, shuddering through her whole body, pushing back in his strong arms as she stretched and contracted. Her long, wet hair floated in the water around them. Her frangipani scent inundated his sexually heightened senses. He smelt it and tasted it. Then he held her tightly as all his muscles spasmed and his relief pumped from him.

Then they both coughed out water as they slipped over sideways nearly unconscious.

"Well, that must--have been--good," Louisa coughed out the words and then laughed.

Steve just laughed between coughs, trying to clear his airway.

++++++++++++++

Steve and Louisa left the last of their stress in the spa. They fell asleep quickly in the warm comfort of each other's bodies, resting on the sumptuous bed covered with plush pillows and luxurious blankets.

But before long, Louisa woke. She sat bolt upright and screamed into the silent darkness of the room again and again.

Steve was instantly awake, his arms wrapping around her as he tried to soothe her. She fought against him as he said, "It's okay, Louisa. It must have been a bad dream, a nightmare." His voice was gentle and reassuring, "I've got you. It's alright."

She was terrified. He felt her heart racing as he tried to comfort her in his arms. Slowly, Louisa's sobs began to subside and eventually, she calmed down enough to tell him about her terrible nightmare.

Her voice trembled with fear as she spoke, "The creatures of the faction were closing in with cameras, filming us," she began, her words coming out in a rush as she struggled with the terror of her nightmare.

"And we were naked, trying to outrun them, but it was like running in treacle in a grey landscape. I know it sounds silly, but it was so fucking real. The air was like a thick, sticky mist." She paused for a minute and shook her head to clear her thoughts.

She was still not quite awake and made little sense. "The White Faction monsters were moving around in the air as we ran down a grey cobble-stone street. It was all in black, and white, and grey, like an old movie."

Steve listened intently, as she described the disturbing nightmare. He stroked her hair, his touch a comfort in the chaos of her emotions.

"We were determined to get away from the faction. But I didn't know what that meant," Louisa continued, her voice quivering with emotion. "I had no idea what we were trying to do. But the confusion got worse. Every step was fucking frustrating as we tried to reach their enormous black and grey castle. But we didn't know why."

Tears streamed down Louisa's cheeks as she told the tale of her nightmare. "We were lost and couldn't win. We were slowly dying. It was so fucking real," she whispered, her voice breaking. She buried her face in Steve's chest sobbing, seeking comfort in his hug.

Steve tried to soothe her, as he said, "It's okay, Louisa. It must have been a nightmare." His voice was gentle and reassuring, "I've got you. It's alright."

Steve had one single thought, "Craig has to be stopped."

Steve held her tightly. He whispered gentle words of comfort and reassurance, promising to protect her from any real or imagined dangers. He turned on the calming background sound generator in the darkness of the room. The sound of gentle waves lapping on the shore.

He felt Louisa finally begin to relax. Her breathing slowed as she drifted back to sleep. Together, they lay in each other's arms until morning.

++++++++++++++

Back in the dimly lit meeting room two weeks later, Steve and Louisa sat tensely, their gazes fixed on Agent Reynolds as he paced back and forth, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the cold, bare walls once more. The atmosphere felt ominous like they were in an interrogation room rather than a meeting space. The renovations of the room had barely begun. All features of interest were missing, but the room was private and secure.

"We need to stop Craig," Steve said with firm determination. "This mind game of his is taking a toll on Louisa. It can't continue. He must be stopped, now."

Reynolds' brow furrowed in contemplation as he absorbed Steve's words. After a moment, a slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips, adding to the air of mystery that surrounded him. Across from him, Steve and Louisa exchanged troubled glances, their worry etched into every aspect of their faces.

"We will continue our work on the Woman in White Faction, but it will take years as I explained before," Reynolds said calmly, with an officer's authority.

"We don't have fucking years," Steve erupted, frustration boiling over as he pounded his fist on the desk and rose to his feet. "This has to stop, NOW!"

Reynolds halted his pacing, fixing Steve with a steely gaze. "I understand your urgency, Mr. Jackson," he responded evenly, his voice commanding respect. Steve sank back into his seat, disciplined by Reynolds.

"Complex matters require patience and finesse," Reynolds continued, his tone measured. "Your company contracts us for our expertise. Let me continue with the update."

Steve and Louisa listened intently as Reynolds outlined the progress they had made since their last meeting. "We implemented the plan we discussed two weeks ago," he explained. "The videos have been re-engineered. The implicating master cuts held by CinematiX-AI no longer exist as they did. There is no video evidence with CinematiX-AI implicating Mrs. Bassett anymore."

A wave of relief washed over Steve and Louisa at the news. "That's a big step forward--and a relief," said Steve. "But we still have the problem of Craig and his psychotic threats. Does he have anything he can use against Louisa?"

"Yes," said Reynolds, "our operative inside CinematiX-AI found that he did, indeed, have two final cuts. Two videos of great potential danger."

"Fuck!" said Steve as he pushed hard against the edge of the table, making his chair legs screech against the floor, the sound bouncing back from the walls. He thumped the table with his fist in frustration.

"Yes, it did complicate things. Not what we hoped for," said Reynolds calmly as he began to pace again, the scuffing of his steps resounding from the plain walls.

Louisa tentatively said, "You told us you could deal with that..."

"And so, we have, Mrs. Bassett."

"How?" said Steve quickly.

"You don't need to know the details, Mr. Jackson. I can confirm that there are no remaining copies of video evidence in any form that you need to be concerned with. Craig will be going away for a long time to a penitentiary where the most hardened criminals harshly treat his kind. CinematiX-AI will ostracise Craig, he has brought the unwanted focus of the authorities toward them, with our assistance. It is in the interest of the faction to cut him loose. Craig is no longer a direct threat to you."

"So, that's it?" Steve asked with obvious disbelief.

"All threats from Craig have been neutralised. For the time being, there is nothing else you need to do except get on with your lives."

"Thank God," said Louisa as she grabbed Steve and hugged him.

"Thank you, Agent Reynolds," said Steve. "It seems too good to be true."

"I have one last question," said Agent Reynolds. "Do you know anything of The Woman in White Faction?"

Steve and Louisa looked at each other and shook their heads.

"The faction is very old. Perhaps you have historical information about your ancestry?" Reynolds was probing.

"We know nothing of The Woman in White Faction," said Steve emphatically. "Why is this important now?"

Reynolds said, "We have a link to a paranormal aspect of the factions' activities. It is a tenuous link between Craig's activities and an old legend that is important to The Woman in White Faction. That is all I know, but I will keep you updated if the information leads to something more concrete."

"So, what is this legend?" Steve asked.

"Well, that is part of the problem. There are numerous forms of the legend around the world. They all differ, so we are trying to narrow down which version it is that is relevant--if it is anything more than superstitious tales. I will keep you up to date. Let me know if anything comes to your mind. The Woman in White Faction has many paranormal type practices that are puzzling."

++++++++++++++

Back on the Penthouse rooftop, Steve and Louisa celebrated with sips of champagne and the sweetness of ripe strawberries. The moonlit sky showed through the clouds as they began to break up. A light rain drifted onto the glass ceiling overhead. Moonbeams made the droplets sparkle like crystals on the large glass panels.

With Craig defeated and their troubles seemingly receding, they stood side by side, their fingers entwined. Their laughter mixed with the night air. The fragrance of her frangipani scent floated on the breeze around them. She wore only her gossamer robe arranged about her sensual form.

But as they gazed out at the city skyline, jagged and imposing against the darkness of the night, the tranquillity was shattered by the sudden buzz of the access intercom. The sound ominously stirred uncertainty in the shadows. With each pulse of the intercom, their unease grew.

Faced with the unknown, they shared a fleeting glance, a silent exchange of resolve. Moving towards the intercom, their footsteps heavy with apprehension, they braced themselves for whatever awaited.

Steve reached toward the control panel and pressed the intercom button. In his strong voice, he confidently and calmly said, "Yes."

A woman, her voice dripping with honeyed tones, uttered in French, "Etienne--c'est toi. Je connais ta douce voix. Je veux être avec toi pour toujours."