Coming back to the present, Charmaine stood over a bound and gagged Melody. Nydessa was standing next to her, secretly reviling the woman to whom she pledged allegiance. Too many horrible things had gone down in the weeks since Martin McCormack's untimely death and Ray Marsh's sudden surge in pre-election polls. She had to keep her hatred in check lest Charmaine became wise to her, and she had to devise a way to get Melody out of the underground lair. Dessie knew of other secret passageways out, but she had to be sure Charmaine was not in sight. Right now, she cringed at what her mistress had in store for her new lover.
Melody, still groggy from the chloroform Jake administered, tried to focus on the woman standing over her. With her hands and feet tightly bound, her mouth covered with duct tape, Melody was helpless. There was no chance of escape. Now she dreaded the inevitable – held captive by Charmaine and in danger of going the way of Taylor. Whatever Charmaine had planned, it certainly would not be a pleasant exit.
Her mind still befogged, her eyes not quite focusing, Melody summoned all her will to fight for her very life. She tried to struggle to free herself but the drug had rendered her quite incapcitated. However, her hearing was sharp, and what Charmaine said to her jarred her to reality.
Nydessa stood next to Charmaine and tried hard to surpress her concern; she put on quite the "loyal pet" act, convincing Charmaine that she performed her good deed. Perhaps Nydessa would, in time, find ways out of this mess, but so many things went through Melody's mind. The election was days away, and the fake "Dark Horse" program had already begun to do its damage. Word got back that Ray had slipped a few points in the polls, but Charmaine had no inkling that her chosen man's unsteady slide was all fabricated by the Jim Jacobs camp. Yes, they're getting desperate so why not broadcast a few phony statistics to prove that Ray Marsh was not quite the runaway winner as previously predicted. It's all pre-election jitters; Ray will win by a landslide as Charmaine predicted.
Now, Charmaine focused on her latest conquest: the capture of Metacorps' finest agent. She gloated her pending victory over who she believed was her lifelong adversary. She wanted Melody to feel all the pain and anguish she felt when she was Deidre Maxwell. She blamed the Starrs for the death of her father, the forced separation from her mother which caused a young Deidre to transform herself into Charmaine Shade. If it wasn't for the Starrs, Olivia could be alive today; mother and daughter could still be together. But it didn't happen that way, and Charmaine blamed the Starrs. If Mary Starr hadn't introduced Frank Maxwell to John Eiger, if only Eiger and Olivia hadn't run into each other at that cocktail party long before Deidre was ever conceived. Oh sure, Melody lost her parents tragically, but at least she had her grandmother to rear six-year old Melody into adulthood. That grandmother is still living, and Melody, when she's not on assignment, obviously visits the old woman quite frequently.
Deidre had no one. No one who remotely resembled family. When Olivia orchestrated that switch, planned the accident that claimed the lives of six teenagers, then had her daughter go underground, Deidre literally salivated for the day when she would at last confront the brave and virtuous Melody Starr. No way would she show her a kindness, not after what her parents pulled...
OK, let her have it, then stand back and watch. Maybe Nydessa will give herself away, then she will be next...
That was another reason Charmaine wanted Nydessa present. She had reason to believe the girl was not being truthful, that Dessie had cultivated more than mere friendship with Melody. Wasn't it that obvious? The long absences, the lame excuses, the lies about lengthy shopping trips and mornings spent in libraries were never bought outright. Jake told Charmaine so much, and he suspected Nydessa was seeing Melody in secret. Charmaine surmised that had to be it – Nydessa had been quieter than usual, moodier, the crushing weight of acting as "double agent" was just too much. So, if Nydessa is indeed carrying on an affair with Melody, Charmaine wanted her pet present, to witness firsthand what happens when anyone proves disloyalty. If Nydessa can stomach through Melody's agony, then all the better, then Charmaine would teach the girl a lesson she'd never forget.
"Melody," said Charmaine in a particularly oily voice, "or do you go by 'Satine'?" She chuckled throatily, pulling Nydessa close to her as if to prove to Melody that no one messes with her propery. She clutched the girl to her side, allowing her hand to caress Nydessa's back and butt. She planted several kisses to the girl's neck, even grazed her tongue across Dessie's ear. Nydessa tried hard not to pull away or grimace. One more moment in this woman's presence could send the girl into a screaming fit of rage, but Nydessa held firm. No, play along with her, let her know I care for her, that I enjoy her hands and mouth on me...
Still on the floor, Melody, the chloroform finally wearing off, stared at this exhibition in disbelief. Screaming against the tape that clamped onto her mouth, Melody struggled in her ropes, tears streaming down her face. She stared up at her captor, wondering what was to come next. She had a chance to glance around the room – the "rumpus room" as Nydessa told her days ago. Stark gray walls, no windows, and only one door, the room was kept dimly lit. A small desk and one chair in the far corner served as the sole furnishings. The cold concrete floor was devoid of any carpeting, with only a padded rubber mat, like one would see in a gym. On that mat Melody lay. She noticed tiny wires protruding from the mat's sides. What is this? Is Charmaine planning Melody's desmise by electrocution? Has to be, and not a pleasant exit. With worried expression, Melody looked at Charmaine with pleading eyes, of which her captor paid no notice.
"Melody," said Charmaine, "thank Nydessa for luring you into my trap. As you can see..."
Charmaine clutched Nydessa tighter as if to say, "She is mine."
"As I said, Nydessa is quite the little helper. Always keeping me informed of anyone snooping about my business. Just as she lured Taylor down here, she does the same for you. Now, it time that I finally take care of the famous Melody Starr!"
Charmaine chuckled sinisterly, walked to the desk then pulled something from the drawer. Walking back to where Melody lay, she brandished a tiny remote. Grinning wickedly, she said, "My dear Ms. Starr, I will not kill you now. Oh no, that would be too easy. Word has gotten back to me of some unsavory behavior on your part. Cheating on your intended of all things. Tsk! Tsk!"
She glanced at Nydessa just to gauge the girl's reaction. No, she doesn't flinch, not even a tremble or tear. No matter, I shall take care of her later, but first things first.
"Melody, after Jake drugged, then tied you up, I slipped a tiny device inside your pants. A vibrator no less, and it's situated in the most private of places." She smiled broadly at the thought of Melody in the throes of electronically induced orgasms not of the Metacorps spy's choosing. In a way, she wanted to teach both Melody and Nydessa a lesson – a lesson on loyalty and obedience.
Melody finally learned what that thing was taped to her panties, and it was situated dangerously near the clitoris. She means it, thought Melody as she stared up at the statuesque blonde beauty. She stared hard into the cold blue eyes, to search for anything remotely good and decent. What happened in this woman's past to make her so utterly heartless and evil? "Charmaine Shade" can't be her real name, so something traumatic happened during the woman's childhood, an event so devastating that it embittered her for life. Yet Melody suffered tremendous calamity as a child: Her own parents were murdered in cold blood, yet she, with the steadfast guidance and love from her grandmother, managed to rise above her grief and anger. She couldn't understand it and wished with all her might that she'd somehow escape this nightmare so she could learn more about Charmaine. No doubt Reyna has some background information on the woman, but she never divulge such. Perhaps Reyna had her reasons...
Melody continued to stare at Charmaine, searching for the woman behind the facade. She thought she caught a glimmer of the familiar, but for now, she had to focus on her present situation. There has to a way out; and even if she's rendered totally mad, driven insane by endless forced climaxes, Melody endeavored to keep her wits about her. She avoided most eye contact with Nydessa as she was certain Charmaine was on to the girl. It pained Melody to ponder what would become of Dessie once Charmaine finished the present "torture" session. Perhaps she'll force Dessie to watch Melody writhe in agony, then she'd have to watch her new lover die, then she'd be next...
"An ingenous little tool, Melody. I had this made up, just in case..."
Charmaine, resplendid in a form-fitting black lamé cocktail dress, laughed again in anticipation of a most entertaining "live' show, as she termed it. "Yes, thank John Eiger for desiging this gem. And now, my dear Melody, let us see you try to get out of this!"
And with that, Charmaine aimed the remote at Melody then began the countdown, "Three, two...ONE!," then depressed the button. Immediately, Melody felt the vibrating sensation against her clitoris. Trying so hard to resist her own body's impending sexual response, Melody clamped her eyes shut, gritted her teeth, and generally tried to keep her mind off what her body was feeling. It was of no use as that tiny vibrator did its work, causing Melody to tremble with forbidden, unwanted pleasure. She felt her clit swell and throb within, then that familiar wetness. As hard as she tried, Melody could no longer fight the feelings within; her body would not comply with "mind over matter."
In the full, unrelenting grasp of unwanted sexual pleasure, Melody's body began to tremble, her pelvis rocking from the sensations of the vibrator. Any other time, Melody's sinuous writhings in those shiny, skintight red spandex pants and equally clinging shimmering black top would turn on Nydessa, but the girl could only watch in horror as her new lover twisted and squirmed with unbidden passion.
Chuckling wickedly, Charmaine aimed the remote at Melody, actually turned up the vibrator's intensity. Within seconds Melody flipped and jerked wildly on the mat, her body on fire. Tears streamed from her dark eyes, screams of desperation tried to escape the tight tape over her mouth. The Metacorps spy was reduced to a mindless, sobbing, writhing, wriggling creature, her curvaceous body twisting and rolling about, the tight spandex gleaming proudly pronouncing Melody's each and every contour.
"Ah yes!," cried out Charmaine in triumph, "Squirm like the worm you are, Melody! There is no escape for you this time!"
Charmaine, obviously turned on by Melody's torment, grabbed a trembling Nydessa by the hair then kissed the girl ferociously on the mouth, the tongue cruely and savagely probing and teasing. She pulled Nydessa dangerously close to her then proceeded to grind her pelvis against that of the girl's. Dessie didn't know how to respond. Normally she would let Charmaine to do whatever she pleased, but this was so confusing, so horribly unwanted.
Nydessa, not wanting to witness the further torture of Melody Starr, whispered to her mistress, "Can we leave her here? I need – no, want – to be with you, alone with you."
Nydessa really didn't mean what she said, and she wished with all her heart that her mistress would, for once, become distracted by some minor problem – such as Audra or Jake calling at the precise oppotune moment. All she wanted was to get Charmaine away, somewhere, long enough to spring Melody from this insidious, vicious sexual torture. It took much effort on her part not to cry watching Melody suffer so, but she had to play along with Charmaine. No way would she give in so easily.
However, prayers do get answered; miracles do happen. Just as Charmaine prepared to give Melody a triple dose of "good vibrations", her cell phone rang. What a time for whoever to contact her! Just when she had Melody Starr inches from certain death, Audra or Ray or Jake had to call with some insignificant problem.
With a sigh of annoying disgust, Charmaine grabbed the phone which was strapped to her dress. Flipping it open she noticed the call was from Audra. Clearly perturbed, she released Nydessa then turned off the remote, much to Melody's (and Nydessa's) relief. Crossing the room, then laying the remote on the table, she briskly exited the room, leaving Nydessa alone with a still bound, prone, throbbing, and panting Melody. Dessie wanted to go to her lover, comfort her, but she knew Charmaine and didn't want to take that chance. Besides, if this is an important call, somehting that demanded Charmaine's immedieate attention...
Nydessa looked at a prone Melody; her eyes said it all, and Melody, her body drenched with sweat, her nether regions still throbbing and pulsating, stared right back at Nydessa. It just may be the break they needed...
When Charmaine returned to the room, she was clearly angry. Glaring down at Melody, she said, "Well, seems our Ray has run into a little snag. I need to meet with him now."
Turning to Nydessa, she said, "Darling, I will leave you in charge. Make sure Ms. Starr does not try anything funny. And if you want to entertain yourself," she nodded towards the table, "use that remote. I'm sure Melody would love to repeat her scorching performance."
With a wide wicked grin, she eyed Melody with abject contempt then exited the room.
As soon as Charmaine left, Nydessa made sure the coast was clear then ran to Melody's side. With tears in her eyes, she said in hushed tones, "I'm sorry, Melody. I had no idea she would do this...I'm so sorry!"
Melody looked into Nydessa's eyes, detecting that glimmer of devotion and remorse. No, the girl was not to blame for she was caught between her love for Melody and loyalty to Charmaine. That Ms. Shade had to had something on Dessie to make the girl do her bidding. Whatever it was, Melody held no animosity towards Nydessa. All that mattered now was to get out of this hellhole, make sure Nydessa was taken to a safe house, then take down Charmaine and Ray Marsh with all deliberate speed. The election was days away and time was of the essence.
Nydessa again went to the door, peeped out to see if Charmaine or the hired goon Jake was anywhere nearby. Good! The coast was clear. Quickly and deftly, Dessie untied Melody, ever mindful that Charmaine could return in due time. Perhaps that phone call was a ruse, a test of Nydessa's "loyalty", then Charmaine could make a surprise return, killing both women on the spot.
"We have to get out of here," said Nydessa as she finished freeing Melody. "There is a secret passage I found days ago. Even Charmaine doesn't know about it. Come on!"
She assisted a still wobbly and shaken Melody to her feet. The intrepid Metacorps spy felt the unwanted throbbing within her loins finally abating. With a twinge of rage, she swore she would find Charmaine and bring the villianous bitch to justice.
Catching her breath and finding the strength to speak, Melody said, "Thanks, Dessie. I knew you had it in you. Now, where's that passage?"
"Here," replied Dessie, "grab my hand and follow me."
On the far side of the room, under that table, Nydessa found the trap door. A surprised Melody wondered about that, and how Dessie knew about it.
"When Charmaine had Taylor brought here, I found this by accident. I really wanted to free Taylor but couldn't..."
Melody thoroughly understood and allowed Nydessa to guide her down the underground tunnels. "I used this when I sneaked out to see you. Charmaine never got wise to it."
Nydessa sported a wry smile, adding, "This leads to the parking garage. It's still dark so we have time. I just hope Charmaine or Jake is there when we..."
Now Melody had to speak; something wasn't right. "Nydessa, how are we to get away? My car keys are still in the dressing room, my gun, my..."
"Don't worry about that. I know how to hotwire a car. I learned in eighth grade from a guy I used to hang out with. He was a gang member who got expelled for trying to steal the principal's car..."
Melody had to laugh, knowing that Nydessa was to be of more use to her than she gave credit. If anything, Melody vowed to herself to protect Nydessa at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.
Through darkened tunnels, with Nydessa's tiny flashlight as the only illumination, the women made their way. Climbing up many narrow steps, they could finally see a grate covering the street, the faint lights of the garage finally visible.
"My car is on the upper level," said Melody.
"I know," answered Nydessa, "we'll take the stairs. The elevator is much too risky."
Finally at their destination, Dessie at once removed the grate, mindful not to make much noise. Once they emerged from the underground passage, the women made their way to the stairs, keeping a sharp lookout for Charmaine.
"She could be anywhere," said Melody, "and I agree that that call was all a ruse, a trap."
Removing her high heeled shoes, Melody suggested Nydessa do the same. It's not good to make much noise, and the clacking of heels on concrete floors and steel steps would only attract unwanted attention.
Up the six flights they sprinted, still watching and listening for anyone or anything suspicious. Once they reached the top level, Melody carefully opened the door, peeped out for any signs of Charmaine, then motioned for Nydessa.
"My car is over here," she nodded toward the left.
When they reached the car, they were shocked to see Audra there. Now what? Is this indeed a trap? Would Audra rat on them? Hold on! Didn't Audra just call Charmaine regarding some urgent business?
With reassurance, Audra said, "I know this isn't what it looks like," she held out her hands to Melody, "Here are you keys and gun. I got them before I made that call to Charmaine."
Looking shocked and bewildered, Melody was speechless. How could Audra know Nydessa was to free her, let alone know that Charmaine led her to a trap?
Audra, after handing over Melody's things, reached into her jacket pocket and produced her credentials.
"I should have said something long ago, only I didn't know how far Charmaine would go to cover her tracks. Rigging an election is one thing; committing several counts of murder is entirely different."
She then showed Melody her credentials, saying, "Audra Byer, FBI..."
To be continued...Go to Part 10
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