Chapter 23 - Sortilège

Not long after the above exchange Connie and I retired to our beds. It was too late by then for me to telephone Guy as arranged. There was no telephone in the room, and I was too tired for a trip down to the lobby. In the meantime, I tried to take some satisfaction from the hope that he might be worrying about me!

I woke the next morning with a sense of purpose. I finally had a real plan in my head instead of the mere pretence of one and it was childishly simple. The casino boss appeared to me to be susceptible to a little mild flirtation. Exploiting that weakness might possibly provide a key that would unlock the mystery. The problem I had was the usual one. First and most importantly, in the little drama I planned to play, how ought I dress for the part?

My choices were strictly limited. Although Gloria had generously sent me on my way with three or four outfits plus some lingerie, and even though, setting aside my client’s anxieties for my safety, I had called at my apartment on the way over here and picked up some of my own clothes, it seemed unlikely that within my limited arsenal of raiment I would have anything to advance my nefarious intentions. The range of glamourwear I had available was not extensive. It was a tricky one.

The one thing I was clear about was that Midas must be so used to seeing scantily clad female flesh that even the most outrageously revealing dress might not make sufficient impact on him. Perhaps I should try and put on an act as a demure little innocent lost in the seamy world of the racketeer. Could I bring off such a role by appearing naïve and vulnerable on the surface but as sexy as a call girl underneath? I was by no means confident that I could.

From among the things Gloria had lent me, I laid out the sets of lingerie on the bed. First to consider was the deep red bra and pantie girdle I had worn for my ‘interview’. It was certainly a beautiful set but in order to boost my morale sufficiently I reckoned my get-up ought to be brand new, to me at least. Then I might play the game with any hope of success.

Then there was an elegant lacy combination in delicate white lace.

It was simple and pretty and I fell in love with it immediately. It felt lovely to wear but in the end, I rejected that choice. The look it gave me was as demure as I could wish but probably a mite too much so. Did it have enough ‘man appeal’ I wondered.

The last set was different again. Shiny and slinky in metallic blue satin and lace, the style was fun and flirty. I liked it a lot but suspected the look might be too similar to the golden glitter which the casino boss encountered every day. I was doubtful whether the overall effect would be seductive enough to beguile a man like Midas, if he ever got to see me in it, that is.

I just couldn’t make up my mind. I would have to give the matter a lot more thought. I’d already taken so long over this decision that now I’d have to hurry if I was to make breakfast. Then I remembered my promise to Guy. It would be unfair to my boss to keep him in suspense any longer, so hastily I threw my coat around me and ran down to the booth in the lobby to call his office. When he picked up the phone, he mostly sounded relieved, instead of being angry with me.

“Jennifer, it’s you. Are you okay? That’s a crazy thing you went and did.”

He did care about me! I tried to keep any gratification I felt on that score out of my voice as I answered somewhat breathlessly “Of course I’m okay. And when you hear what I’ve discovered you might not think I’m so crazy. Remember Connie, the girl at the equestrian centre. Well, she also works as a hostess in the casino and guess what her father’s name happened to be, when he was still around, that is. Simpson. Arthur Simpson! It’s got to have been the same man.”

“Slow down Jennifer. I didn’t say that you were crazy. What you are doing is a little reckless, that’s all.”

“But what about Arthur? You have to admit there’s a connection.”

“True. Before he died, he must have been a regular habitué of the club, but we don’t know how that links him to Raymond Price. I admit, there’s more digging to be done, but please, tread carefully. Someone shot Raymond and already someone, possibly the same person, has attacked you. They might strike again.”

Guy had to be satisfied with my promise that I would run no avoidable risks. At the same time, I made it clear I wasn’t prepared to let pass any opportunity to get to the bottom of the mystery. I knew what I intended to do.

After I’d eaten, I would have the rest of the morning on my hands and there was one urgent thing I needed to do. Yes, that’s right. When in doubt the girl goes shopping! I picked up the phone book and leafed though its pages until I found what I sought; a lingerie store. There were two in town, and I made my way to the closest without further loss of time. It turned out to be a complete frost, definitely not the up-market establishment I was after. That left one other place to try, my last hope.

An old-fashioned bell tinkled as I opened the door to the second emporium. The shop smelled slightly musty with an atmosphere of disuse. My hopes plummeted as I took in the worn floor covering, the faded cloth on a side table and the sombre varnished drawers and shelves. I nearly turned right around and went out again, there and then.

Behind the counter a woman of indeterminate years stood. Her appearance was a little old-fashioned, but her figure was upright and well-formed and was admirably set off by the way that her black uniform dress fitted her. That, and the friendly smile she wore, gave me encouragement to persevere.

“I wonder if you can help me. I’m looking for something rather individual in the way of foundations” I explained. “I need a showstopper to wear for a special occasion. I want to make an impact, if you know what I mean.”

The saleswoman’s smile broadened. “I feel sure I know exactly what madame is seeking” she replied. “Be assured you have come to the right place. I have years of experience at your disposal. You can call me Mildred. Reckon you can trust me?”

I smiled back, hesitating. Then… I had nothing to lose… I nodded in acquiescence.

Mildred showed me into a cubicle directly. “First I need to see what we’re working with” she exclaimed. “Undress please!” She drew the curtain across and left me to do as bid.

When I had removed everything except my panties, and feeling more than a little nervous, I called “I’m ready”.

Instantly the curtain was whisked open. I was thankful that the store was deserted apart from Mildred and myself. It was quite unnerving to see the lady advancing on me brandishing a tape measure. Nothing remained for me to do but allow her free rein over my nearly nude body!

A step into the unknown!