The Pit

Hitting pause on the remote and dropping it back on the desk, Greg leaned back in his chair and smiled to himself. He had suspected for a while someone had been stealing stock off the shop floor and it hadn't really come as that much of a surprise as to who the culprit was. Still, he had installed the hidden cameras just to confirm his suspicions and sure enough, there she was, hiding some of the boxes in various places around the factory to be sneaked out later when she thought no one was looking. Joanne had only been at the company for a short while and in the last couple of weeks it had come to Greg's attention there had been quite an alarming spike in stock disappearing.

"Gotcha," he smirked, picking up the phone.

"Tracy, could you ask Joanne to come in here please? Thank you."

Joanne had just finished loading up one of the trolleys when she heard the familiar clip-clop of stilettos approaching behind her; turning round, she found the manager's secretary, Tracy, standing there.

"Mr Osborne wants to see you in his office."

"Oh shit," Joanne muttered, "what the fuck does he want now?"

Following Tracy through the warehouse, Joanne stepped into the office and stood outside Greg's door.

"Go on, just knock," Tracy smiled, sitting back down at her desk.

She knocked the door and waited.

"Come in."

Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside and stood by the door.

"Ahh Joanne, close the door and sit down please."

With a sickening feeling in her stomach, she closed the door and sat down. For a moment or so, Greg sat back in his chair just looking at her with a very pleased expression on his face, casting his eyes over the young woman. She was quite short, standing at around 5' 4'' with cropped dyed blonde hair, soft facial features and brown eyes. But what she lacked in height, she certainly made up for in other ways; she was a chubby girl, at least a size 20 with very large boobs and chunky thighs. Feeling rather unsettled by the way Greg was looking at her; she tried to break the silence.

"Erm...Mr Osborne, if this is about my timekeeping again, I'm really sorry, the bus was running late."

"No no, it's nothing to do with that, I'd just like a quiet word with you about another matter, that's all."

"Oh, okay," she said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat, "what is it?"

"Well Joanne, it's come to my attention that quite a bit of stock appears to be missing."

"Oh...right," replied Joanne nervously, swallowing hard.

"I just wondered if you knew anything about it or heard anything perhaps," Greg smiled, drumming his fingers on the desk.

"Erm...no, sorry," she said, feeling the sweat forming on her brow.

"Hmm oh well never mind, I just thought I'd ask," said Greg, a smug grin spreading across his face, "well perhaps you can help me with this."

Picking up the remote he nodded at the screen and pressed play. Joanne's insides started to churn as she watched herself hiding the boxes and furtively looking round before quickly running off.

"Oh God," she sighed, her voice just a whisper.

"Recognise her?" Greg smiled, pressing pause.

"Mr Osborne....I'm sorry...I'm sorry...please," she sobbed, tears streaming down her face, "I was desperate, I needed the money."

"I've got to hand it to you Joanne, you're good, you managed to get past all the other cameras, so I had a few more installed that no one knew about."

"What will you do now?" she asked nervously.

"Well, by rights I should report it to Mr. Samuel, then what happens next is up to him, but I should think he will probably sack you and might even involve the police," said Greg, picking up the phone.

"Oh no....please Mr. Osborne ......please!" she wailed, bursting into tears again.

Pausing, Greg smiled, put the phone back down and handed her a box of tissues. Wiping her eyes, she looked across the desk to see Greg leaning back in his chair with a strange expression on his face. None of the girls in the warehouse really liked him; he was quite a slimy character, about mid to late forties, a little overweight with his horrible shiny suit, dark thinning hair and a sort of smarmy, ratty like face. It was rumoured that he was involved with quite a few dodgy people, which was probably how he could afford his flashy Range Rover, he certainly couldn't afford it just on his salary. Still, whatever she thought of him, at least he hadn't reported her.

"Thank you," she sniffled, blowing her nose, "why did you put the phone down?"

"Well, it's just occurred to me that we could erm...perhaps help each other out," smiled Greg, tapping his teeth with a pen.

"How?"

"Well, let's just say you do something for me, and in return I make the footage of you stealing disappear."

'Oh God' she thought, the sick feeling returning to her stomach as all sorts of ideas flashed through her mind, the most revolting of which was the thought of having to sleep with this odious little creep. Swallowing hard and thinking she already knew the answer, she decided to ask.

"What something?"

"Oh don't worry, just a small favour, you might even enjoy it," the manager smiled, getting up and pacing round the office, casting his eyes over the chubby girl. "Hmm, I think you're just what I'm looking for."

"What do you mean?"

"I told you don't worry, by the way, do you own a bikini?"

"What?" Joanne shrieked, "No I don't! Do I look like I would own a bikini?"

"Well you do now," said Greg, dropping some money on the desk, "go out in your lunch break and buy one."

"Look, I'm really not sure about this Mr. Osborne."

"Really?" Greg smirked, picking up the phone again.

Glaring at him, she sighed and snatched the money off the desk.

"Fine, any particular colour?" she asked moodily.

"No no, I shall leave that entirely up to you and your own sense of style," said Greg, smiling at her leopard print leggings and neon pink t-shirt.

'You bastard,' she thought, looking daggers straight at her slimy boss.

"Right then, seeing as how you still have a job here, I suggest you get back out there and get on with it; come back and see me after you've been on your little shopping trip."

"Okay," she said quietly, getting up and heading for the door.

"Joanne."

"Yes?" she asked, turning round.

"Don't let me down," Greg warned sternly.

"I won't."

Closing the door, she looked over to Tracy, sitting at her desk and painting her nails.

"Everything alright Jo?"

"Erm...yeah I'm fine," she replied, quickly leaving the office and heading out into the warehouse. Walking down the third aisle, she came across her workmate, Lisa.

"Hiya mate, I heard you were in Osborne's office, what did that creepy fucker want?"

"Oh nothing really, he just wanted to have another moan at me about my timekeeping that's all," Jo replied nervously.

"God, he's such a wanker," Lisa smiled, shaking her head, "you coming the chippy at dinner?"

"Err...ah, no I can't, I've got a dentist appointment."

"Oh, okay," she shrugged.

Lisa was Jo's closest friend; a rather plain skinny little thing with shoulder length mousey coloured hair who always wore rather dull or dowdy clothes, a complete contrast to the chubby blonde. They had both started work there at around the same time and had been pretty much inseparable ever since; both girls were in their early twenties so they shared the same interests, liked the same music, TV shows and so on. One thing they definitely didn't share though was the work ethic; Lisa had always been hardworking, reliable and punctual, Jo on the other hand had always struggled, she was late at least two or three times a month, always with an excuse at the ready. On top of that, she was now a thief; steeling luxury boxes of chocolates for her boyfriend, Steve, to sell on. She had wanted to tell her friend how much trouble she had got herself in, but she wasn't sure how she'd react. All the time they stood there chatting, it just seemed like a blur, with Jo just nodding and smiling. All she could think about the conversation she'd just had with Greg.

"Well, see you later then, enjoy your dentist appointment," giggled Lisa.

"Hmm, yeah thanks, see you later mate," she smiled.

'Bloody wish it was a dentist appointment, I'd rather have that than whatever that bastard's got planned for me,' she thought, her insides wincing again. Sighing, she made her way over to her trolley and got on with her work....

Lunchtime quickly came round; grabbing her jacket, Joanne stepped outside and began the walk into the centre of town. When she got there, she went round all the stores but only managed to find one bikini in her size, a rather garish pink and orange stringy one with bottoms which tied at the sides. Paying for the tacky garment with the money Greg had given her; she quickly made her way back to the factory and knocked on his door.

"Come in."

Opening the door, she entered the office and stood there nervously running her hand through her hair.

"Sit down."

Taking her seat, she looked down at the floor, her heartbeat getting faster.

"Well?" Greg smiled, "did you get it?"

Sighing, she opened her bag and pulled out the bikini, dangling it in front him.

"Dear oh dear," Greg laughed, "Ohhh yes, very you."

"It was the only one I could find in my size!" Joanne snapped.

"Come on, where's the rest of the money, there's no way that thing cost thirty quid," the manager grinned, holding out his hand.

Rolling her eyes, she pulled the money out of her pocket and tossed it on to the desk.

"There!" she hissed, "I suppose you want me to try it on for you."

"No, that won't be necessary Joanne, thank you."

"Oh....okay," said Jo, a little confused.

"Right, have you got a nice smart dress?" asked Greg.

"Why, are you going to buy me one of those as well?" she said, sarcastically.

"No, well have you got one or not?"

"Yes," she sighed, "look, what is this all about Mr. Osborne?"

"Well, when you meet me at Watson's corner at eight on Friday, you'll find out." Greg smirked.

"Friday night?" asked Jo, her voice wavering, "what do I tell Steve?"

"Oh I'm sure you'll think of something, you just make sure you're there, and bring that with you, okay?"

"Okay," she nodded, a feeling of dread engulfing her.

"Good, get back to work then and I'll see you on Friday."

Walking back to her section, she tried to work out what Greg was up to. Was he going to pick her up and take her to some grotty hotel? And what was the thing with the bikini all about? Was he kinky? a bit of a perv? On reflection, she thought the answer to the last question was probably yes; but why her? All the girls he'd sleazed around before had been skinny, slender types; nothing at all like her. Deciding there was no point in brooding about it, she got on with her work, hoping whatever he had planned for her, it would be quick.

***********************************************

The rest of the week had dragged by, but finally it was Friday; tottering along Bennet Road in her black stilettos, Joanne made it to Watson's corner just before eight. Wearing a purple knee length dress with long sleeves and her hair neatly done, she actually looked quite presentable for a change, even if the dress was a little tight. A few moments later, a blue Range Rover pulled up and the passenger door opened.

"Good evening Joanne, get in." Greg smirked, the smell of his nasty aftershave wafting out.

Putting on her seatbelt, she sat with her handbag on her lap looking down, feeling her skin crawl as Greg cast his eyes over her.

"Nice...very nice, I honestly thought I'd find you standing there wearing some horrible leopard print number," he laughed.

"Look, are you going to tell me what this is all about Mr. Osborne?" she sighed, ignoring his remark.

"Greg, not Mr.Osborne, we're not at work now," he smiled as they pulled away.

"Well alright then 'Greg', are you going to tell me which crappy hotel you're taking me to so you can do whatever it is you want to do to me?"

Greg didn't answer; he just laughed and shook his head.

"Come on, tell me!" she demanded.

"Alright alright, have you ever heard of a man called Lenny Fraser?" Greg asked.

"Of course I have," she said, rolling her eyes, "he owns half the bloody town."

"That's right, including the casino."

"So?"

"Well, recently I've run up a few debts there and Mr. Fraser is starting to get a bit erm...anxious."

"What the hell's that got to do with me?" Joanne shrugged.

"Have you ever seen Mr. Fraser's wife?"

"No."

"Judith, lovely woman, she's got a figure quite like yours, Mr. Fraser has got shall we say, a penchant for ladies of a rubenesque build."

"Fuck sake, just spit it out, you mean he likes fat birds!" she huffed.

"Alright, yes."

"You still haven't told me where we're going."

"Well, erm....Mr. Fraser has invited me up to his place for a little 'chat' and er, as you can imagine, he is not the sort of man who takes kindly to his invitations being turned down," said Greg anxiously.

"So, where do I fit in?" asked Joanne.

"Oh for Christ sake Jo, don't be so bloody naïve," he said, raising his eyebrows at the chubby blonde.

"OH MY GOD!" Jo shrieked, as the realisation hit her, "you're gonna try and pimp me out to the local gangster just so you can clear your fucking gambling debts? Jesus, you're some piece of work aren't you...you utter bastard!"

"Oh come on, it's not that bad, and anyway he's not a gangster, he's a businessman."

"Yeah right and the Krays were social workers, stop the car."

"Jo, for God sake calm down."

"STOP THE FUCKING CAR!" she screamed.

Pulling over, Greg glared at her.

"Don't even think about getting out Jo, I've still got the tapes remember."

"I can't believe that's what you want me to do, I mean, for fuck sake," Jo sighed, knowing there was no way she could back out.

"It isn't honest, I just want you to be nice to him, you know, put him in a good mood, smile, laugh at his jokes and stuff."

"Huh, and stuff," Jo moaned, looking out of the window, "I take it the 'stuff' has something to do with that bloody bikini."

"We're going to be late," Greg muttered, pulling away again.

"Alright fine," Jo sighed, I do this for you and you wipe those tapes?"

"Yes."

"Promise?"

"Yes yes, I promise."

For the rest of the journey the pair sat in silence with Jo staring blankly out of the window. Turning down a long gravel drive, they pulled up to a large mock Georgian house with a black Rolls Royce parked outside.

"Right, here goes," said Greg, taking a deep breath, "I'll do all the talking; you just smile and only speak when you're spoken to, okay?"

"Fine, suits me." Jo muttered.

Ringing the doorbell, Greg then smoothed down his jacket as they waited. Eventually the door opened and a huge man with a shaved head in a dark suit appeared.

"Hello Terry," Greg smiled up nervously at the giant towering over them.

"Come in," said Terry, ushering them into a large sitting room. Sitting down on a large red leather sofa, they surveyed their opulent surroundings, the plush carpet and curtains and the very expensive looking TV mounted on the wall. Greg turned to Jo as if he was about to say something when Terry came back into the room with a smartly dressed middle aged man with grey combed back hair and chunky gold rings on his fingers who they both instantly recognised.

"Greg, glad you could make it," he smiled, holding out his hand.

"Evening Lenny," he said nervously, shaking it.

"And who do we have here?" Lenny asked, turning to the chubby girl with a warm smile.

"Joanne...Joanne Spencer, pleased to meet you Mr. Fraser," she smiled awkwardly, offering her hand.

"Please, call me Lenny, we're all friends here," he said, kissing her on the cheek, making her insides flinch, "right, shall we all have a drink?"

"Just an orange juice for me please Lenny, I'm driving."

"Fair enough; Joanne?"

"Rum and coke with ice please."

"Terry, an orange juice, a rum and coke with ice for the young lady and I'll have a large scotch please."

"Okay Len," the giant grunted, stepping over to the drinks cabinet.

Fixing the drinks, he then brought them over on a tray and placed it on the coffee table.

"Right, now then Greg," said Lenny, picking up his glass and taking a sip, "we've got a bit of a problem haven't we, regarding your account at the casino."

"Yes," he said quietly, his stomach churning.

"Well, I don't really want to discuss it in front of your ladyfriend here, so I think we will go in the billiard room and Joanne can wait here."

"Okay Lenny."

"Judy, come in here and keep our guest company please love," Lenny yelled.

"Oh, Okay," a surprised female voice yelled back.

Moments later, a large curvy woman with long red hair dressed in black silk pyjamas strolled into the room; noticing Joanne sat on the sofa, her bright blue eyes lit up as a warm smile spread across her face.

"Judy, this is Joanne, Greg's erm...friend, Joanne this is my wife Judith," said Lenny.

"Hello Joanne, pleased to meet you," the redhead purred, sitting down next to her.

"Erm, hello," replied Jo, smiling nervously.

"Right, shall we go and sort this out then Greg?" Lenny asked, knocking back his drink.

Nodding, Greg stood up and the three men made their way to the door.

"See you in a short while ladies." said Lenny.

The door closed and Judith turned to her anxious looking guest.

"Would you like another drink?"

"Yes please."

"Same again?"

"Please."

"Okay, I think I'll join you," the redhead smiled.

Jo studied her host as she poured the drinks; she guessed she was about early to mid 40's and pretty much the same build as her but with perhaps slightly larger boobs. She was certainly a very striking looking woman with her long red hair and pale ivory-like skin, 'Quite attractive,' Jo thought, not that she had ever been attracted to women in that way.

"So, you're Greg's friend then?" she asked, handing Jo her glass.

"Hmm, sort of," Jo sighed, "he asked me to come here with him 'cos he's too shit scared to come on his own."

"Oh I see," Judy laughed, "he's always struck me as that sort, I've seen him at the casino a few times, trying to chat up the croupiers, slimy creep; so how do you know him?"

"He's my boss at work," the big blonde sighed.

"Oh right, I'm guessing he's just as much of a sleazy twat there as he is at the casino."

"Yep, that's Greg alright," Jo giggled as she started to relax. There was something about her rubenesque host that seemed to put her at ease as she sat there smiling at her; a couple of more drinks later, she had almost forgotten about Greg and why they were there, that was until there was a gentle knock on the door and Terry stepped in.

"What is it Terry?"

"Sorry Judy, Len wants a quick word with you."

"Okay, won't be minute Jo," Judy smiled, leaving the room with Terry.

Jo sat on her own for about ten minutes before the big redhead returned, much to her relief.

"Everything okay?" Jo asked anxiously.

"Yeah fine, Len was just telling me what Greg had told him about you," Judy smiled, raising her eyebrows as she sat back down close to her.

"Why, what the hell did he say?" the chubby blonde asked, a hint of panic in her voice.

"Don't worry; he just said you were the type of girl who was up for a bit of fun, you know, not afraid to try something different."

"Erm yes, well......within reason," she smiled nervously, 'Oh shit, here it comes,' she thought as she felt a hand gently brush her thigh.

"He also said you've brought a bikini with you."

"Yes."

"Why don't you go and put it on?" Judy purred, winking at her apprehensive guest, "there's a bathroom on the left just through that door, I'll have another drink waiting for you when you get back, okay?"