Chapter 13

I woke to the telephone ringing. I picked it up and got a dial tone, but the phone was still ringing. Oh shit, that's the guest line.

I pushed the button to get the second line and answered "Hello" instead of Safe Two.

A voice came back with, "This is Chuck, right?"

"Yes, Who, What, and Why?"

"This is Deputy Marshal from Orlando and no jokes please, I've heard them all, just call me Marshal Marshal. I called this number because I need your safe house and the line isn't ringing there. I'm on I-4 about forty-five minutes out and will need to get a couple of guests into your place. I heard you guys moved and that you were the cheese now. Is Bobby really the new station chief?"

"Yeah, she is. I'm concerned though as the line is supposed to be going to both places and the guys should have answered. Do you know where the Bureau's warehouse inspection station is?"

"You mean the place where they have the bunks for guys when there's something big? Where the tech lab is?"

"Yeah, that one. Take your guests there for inspection and induction. If they are clean, they'll go out to the safe house. If they are funny, they stay in the hotel. How long before pickup for relocation?"

"This one is tough; they are witnesses and are being hunted. I have two chase cars with me, one in front and one in back. They even had me use our padded wagon. (protected vehicle)."

"Okay, either Bobby or I will meet you at the warehouse. Get them started through a checkup right away, as it can take a while if they're dirty."

"Got it, see you soon and congratulations on your new job."

When I hung up, Bobby was already in the shower. I called the duty number and told them that Safe didn't answer, that I wanted two teams out there instantly, and to use the tactical radio to let me know. I called the warehouse to let them know of some hot incoming and they said they were ready. I called the duty guy at the hotel to tell him to keep the floor clean as we might have more guests up there. He said "no sweat," as the hotel already promised us the floor for at least the rest of the week.

Bobby was getting out of the shower. I filled her in and asked her if we should rouse the others. She said, "Jan isn't mine, but you can use her. I'll get Marie up, though. If something's hot, I want her cool with me."

"Listen, we don't have a protected vehicle, so we need to be camouflaged. How about us taking the pickup to check out the new safe house, then we'll head to the warehouse?"

Bobby smiled, "Sounds good, but I'm in charge here so you can go back to sleep."

"Not a chance, this is still one of my offices and if there's a problem, the buck stops with me."

I headed for the shower as Bobby said, "How did I know you would say that."

By the time I was out of the shower and getting dressed, Jan and Marie were both up and almost ready. Wanda came out of her room and asked, "What's going on and why didn't you wake me up?"

I gave her a brief rundown and told her to go ahead and get a head start on the day by getting ready to go in. We gave her keys to the Expedition to go in later, and I gave her my keys to the new office. I told her to stay by the phone in case someone else called as there was something wrong with the safe house phone.

She knew immediately there might be more to it, but said she would get ready.

I took a deep breath before I made sure everyone checked their weapons. We didn't have any rifles, but we would remedy that later today.

Bobby drove the truck to the new safe house since she knew where it was, busting my chops about the pickup truck the whole way, but easing the pain by reminding me she had gotten rid of it for me. As we drove up the street near the house, we came to our outside duty guys, and I had to show my face before the window came down. I told them about the phone and they said their last contact with the house was about an hour ago on the radio.

That made me feel better, so I used the radio on the way to the house. They answered right away and I told them that I was visiting in a white Ford crew cab pickup. They asked me if the station chief had authorized my visit and I handed the radio to Bobby.

"Good man, I'll remember that. Um, this is tomorrow, so if you would let the pumpkin in, I would appreciate it." She was giving the password for the day.

"The mice will open the door."

We didn't think they would open the garage but they did. This was a three car garage with the Suburban in the single car slot.

Bobby patted the roof, and the back door to the entrance from the garage opened, showing friendly faces holstering their sidearms. As she walked in the house, Bobby asked, "Is the phone working?"

"Yeah, we used it last night to call home. I'm married and my wife is thinking about perhaps us taking over the Safe One and Two."

I checked the phone, both lines worked. I punched line two and dialed my cell phone number, the caller ID showed some other number than the safe house number. I checked line one and it was the normal number for what used to be our first line at the old house.

It took me a second to remember what to do, but I remembered and called the operator who took a year to answer. I gave her the national security code. She was apologetic that it took her so long to answer. I asked for the security repair facility and was transferred instantly.

"Secure repair."

I identified our branch with its number and advised them of the problem. He asked me to hang on. I could hear him typing on a keyboard and came back said, "The dumb fucks from second shift didn't key in the change. I've got you switched on a direct number swap. Do you want that number changed?"

"No, leave it, since I already have it recorded on my cell. I'll have it available as we're personally retaining that residence."

"Listen, the program change won't be permanent until three AM tomorrow morning. You need to check that number every hour to make sure that it's still programmed right. These numb nuts can screw up a wet dream, so they could make everything revert. I would suggest you call forward the line you consider secure to your new line. That way the call will ring in both places. I'll set it up so it will ring in both places when forwarded. You know what, I'm not waiting. I've got your number, I'll call you right back.

I picked up line one and was going to dial and the dial tone vanished. It came back and I was going to dial again when the second line rang. I picked it up and said, "Safe."

"Gotcha. I know Verizon is going to have a cow, but I made the change permanent and put a security password on it. When you guys need to change this number again, use your office number for the password if the repair guy that's on isn't savvy. Sorry about the mix up."

"No loss this time, just some sleep. Thanks."

I hung up and we all relaxed. The duty guys said, "I put on a pot of coffee and started breakfast. You'll just have an early day."

I told him that we have guests arriving at the warehouse to be checked out, but not to leave for transport until they were declared clean. He said, "Are we going to run everyone through there now?"

Bobby answered, "it's part of the stations new SOP. Better catch up on your reading. I'll remind everybody during the next several briefings. You should have an updated book here."

One of the duty guys pulled the manual from the shelf in the kitchen and began flipping through it. "Geez, there are a lot of changes. I guess I will have plenty to read today."

Bobby said, "Go through the SOP completely every month. It doesn't hurt to do it weekly. If you are the Safe One, you will be putting the info in and can read it then. When you receive a change, put it in immediately as it could save a life."

"Got it, Chief. That's why you're chief and I'm still a straight deputy. I'm working on it."

I called Wanda on the number that had come up on my caller ID. She answered "May I help you," not knowing what was up with the line. I told her to write the number down so she would have it. I told her this part of the emergency was complete. She should drive in when she wanted to, but go through security at the front entrance. She was registered, but would still have to check in until something changed.

We ate breakfast and headed into the office very early. Marie said, "I think I would make a better deputy than those two. I know how to follow directions."

Bobby was perfect. "You are a deputy and you are in one of the most important positions in the station. Every deputy in the station depends on your coordination and your knowledge of every rule, every regulation, and every change. Your job is to keep D.C. off our back."

Marie asked, "Is it that important to be a clerk?"

I answered, "Sarah was the clerk that kept this branch together while we had an infiltrator leading us astray. She knew the rules and wouldn't let the men or even the impostor stray. Even though it was her knowledge that helped the guy fake his position, it was her knowledge that saved the station and probably several lives."

"Pretty important then," Marie said. "Can I still get some action every once in a while?"

Bobby said, "There's always a chance for a clerk to do some field work. I'll make sure you're included on anything big."

I suggested, "Get to know Wanda. She's experienced and knowledgeable. Sarah will bring you up right as well. If you learn from the two of them, you could end up like Sarah as an ACE. That's our nickname for the Assistant Station Chief."

Jan said, "You're in a station that's making history, Marie. Your station is probably the first one in the history of the service to have women as both chief and assistant. People will know of your background and it will help. I want to be a deputy in your station, but Chuck says that my future is better served with the Bureau."

"It is, Jan, but as you can see, I'm trying to get the two branches to work together. Individually, we are both good. Collectively, we are unbeatable."

Bobby said, "Just that attitude is what made the man the new master. Um, just what is your title anyway?"

"I don't know, do I need one?"

"You need cards, stationary, a sign on your door, something to address you by, all that stuff."

I smiled, "I'll let my new Office Manager figure it out and let you know. Perhaps she'll tell me at the same time."

Bobby said, "You know she's going to be a real task master."

"Yep, that'll be great. I was used to Sarah making me toe the line. Wanda is a perfect follow up. I shouldn't miss too much."

We arrived at the garage where Bobby parked the truck in the temporary position and wrote a note that she left with the keys for Hank when he came in. We walked across to the hotel to get a stack of donuts, then went through security on the way upstairs. The duty guy said, "I just put on coffee. The guys from Orlando are at the warehouse. They want the Chief, that's you, Bobby, to call them. Thanks for the donut. Hell of a wake up, huh?"

Bobby called the warehouse to find out that the couple that was intended witnesses were as clean as the wind driven snow. She said, "Since they are going to be going back and forth to court and they may be hunted, I'm putting them in the hotel."

She called the safe house and said, "Take the Suburban and have a detail follow you. I want the guests in the hotel. I'm told the couple are hot witnesses and are being hunted. Keep your eyes open and check at each step."

She looked at me, Jan, then Marie, and said, "You know it's too easy to just take our little group and just do things. I have to learn to use my men. I'll call the standby guys and get them heated up. That's what I'm supposed to do. I better call the ACE, so she's alerted." She was looking at a list, "It doesn't make a difference, Dave is on standby. Two birds with one call."

While Bobby was acting like a station chief, I was eating a donut and drinking coffee. Jan said she was going to the Bureau office, so I gave her two donuts for the security guys on the first floor. She took two cups of coffee and the two donuts and headed to work. I wandered over to the hotel and up to the security guy on the penthouse floor. He said the regular room had been cleaned up and was ready for new people. I told him there were some hot witnesses on the way. I also told him that we should be getting rid of our two Russians. The girl was another matter. I didn't know what to do with her.

The duty guy said, "She really needs to go into foster care. She needs an education and a lot of attention before she can be put out in public. She has too many bad experiences from her slave days to be normal."

When I said, "Where will I find foster parents that can handle a girl like that?" He said, "Call this number and speak to the lady that answers. Her name is Gina and she is just that person. There will be a language problem, but not one where the little girl is not understood. Gina came from that same environment and is now a loving wife and foster mother to girls like that."

I could see the pride in his eyes. "Is she your wife?"

"You guessed it. She can't have kids because her insides were torn up when she was little. But she is one hell of a mother to the girls that need it. She has her teaching degree and certificate, so she can home school the girl. Call her, then call immigration. If you can get Homeland Security to cooperate, they can have her at our house today."

"There won't be a problem with any security agencies in this town, trust me."

"That's right; you're the new whatever it is they call you. Shit, we have it made here with you in our backyard. Go get it done. Don't worry about calling Gina, I'll do it. If you call her, she'll keep you on the phone for a year. She's heard so much about you, she'll talk your arm off."

"Thanks, Jack. We've taken care of another problem. I'll get Jan to come over and explain things to her."

"No need, one of the USF girls stayed overnight with her and according to the monitors, everything is perfect. The little girl went to bed and the student sacked out on the couch. See there." He pointed to two monitors. They are fine. Our couple is acting like a couple, and they have quit bitching at each other. I think they know we aren't going to send them back."

I left the duty guy, Jack, and went back across the street. I went to the rear of the building, looking for something that looked like an elevator. There was an oversized wooden door just inside the back door, but it was locked. Maybe I had a key that fit it.

I went through security again, rode upstairs and walked down the hallway, trying to figure out the rear of the building and where that door had been. There was another oversized door that was also locked. I think I had the answer.

I walked down to my office and almost didn't try the door because I had given away my keys. The door was open and Wanda was in the office, arranging the clerks' desks. She said, "Good morning, Mr. Johnson."

"I'm Chuck, Mr. Johnson passed away years ago."

"You will be Mr. Johnson in this office. The clerks must call you by your appropriate name and refer to you in the same manner. When we are not here, it will be a pleasure to call you Chuck, or some other endearing term, but here, you are Mr. Johnson."

I guess I've been told. "Does that mean you are Ms. Johnson?"

"Only if I'm being scolded. It is appropriate for you to refer to me by my first name or any nickname you wish to assign. The same goes for our future clerks."

Okay, the babe has some rules. I can live with that.

"Wanda, I know this is probably a station thing, but we have a sixteen year old Russian girl who escaped from a brothel here in town. Last night, all of the places under suspicion should have been taken down, but the info is being withheld from the media as there may be more. Anyway, this little girl can't be sent back to Russia, and she can't be released into society since she is too young and only has knowledge of one way of life. I need to get immigration to release her to some foster parents. Because of the possibility that the Russians might want her back, it needs to be kept confidential, even secret maybe. How should this be handled?"

She thought for a moment then said, "Let's get her some ID with a new name. I'll use that name to get immigration to grant us permanent residence and then will work with the Children's and Family DIvision to place her in appropriate foster care."

"We have a deputy whose wife is a teacher and takes care of distressed teens. I want the girl there."

"Give me the names and I will make sure that it's taken care of. I'm good at working with those departments. Ah, Sir, I need to make some personal long distance calls to arrange for my belongings to be trucked. I will also need to find a storage facility for the other few things I am transporting."

"Use the phone all you need. Buffalo is on my list of places to see soon. Go over to the station office for the daily briefing that you need to do everyday anyway. Have Bobby introduce you, and ask the deputies about any a storage places close to the house. That ought to take care of it. Call Hank, our guy in the garage to get you a car. If you want him to take you around to dealerships, he will. If you want to just try out a bunch of different types of cars, he'll fix you up. You'll like him; he's a down home guy that loves to help people and loves cars. You might watch him, though. He is respectful, but the man is single and does keep a close eye on candy such as you."

"That's an inappropriate remark, Mr. Johnson, but thank you. Thank you for the warning, also. I found a stack of credit cards in my desk with a note that says I'm to order a credit card for my expenses and fuel. Should I do that?"

"Yep, take one of mine for right now and you can use Staples online or go there. We have an account there, and you need to decorate the offices. You'll need the card for that. We both have a bunch to do today, so let's get to it. Can I have my keys back? Yours are in your drawer. I won't lock my office so you will have access to everything in there. I will leave my PC on, as I use "Go to my PC" when I'm out of town or the office. My PC password is password, all lower case. If you want to make it something else, let me know so I can memorize it."

"It's almost time for the briefing, so you might start in there. I would appreciate it if you handle the Russian girl for me next. I'll go advise Bobby that you're in charge of that."

As I began to leave the office, Wanda touched my arm and said, "Thank you for hiring me and thank you for immediately using my abilities and trusting my judgment. We are going to work out. I'll get started on hiring clerks. You're going to have a cow at how much paperwork there is going to be."

We went to the station office where I grabbed coffee and a donut, then went to advise Bobby about the girl and what Wanda would be doing. She nodded and said thanks, as she didn't have a clue as to how to handle the young girl.

I told her that Wanda would attend all briefings and I would appreciate it if she introduced her this morning. I would stay scarce so her authority would not be undermined. She smiled and said, "Sarah and I agreed that you could start coming to briefings in a month or so. We should have the pecking order established by then. You did a good job on Marie. She's out there being the little general Sarah used to be. She's going to be a good one."

I left and wandered down the hallway to try my key in the elevator. It was one of those locks that is always locked, but the key just releases the latch to open it. Inside was the elevator with one button. I pushed the button and the door opened. I pulled the hall door closed and pushed the only button available. It was either the top floor or the first floor. I rode down and the elevator door opened. I opened the wooden door and stepped out. Shutting the door and using the key to open it again, I pushed the button to get the elevator door to close and rode back up. How about that, a secure, private elevator? I would have to decide whether it was a good idea for Wanda or me to use it. It might be good to have us logged into the building. That's how they could find us sometimes, if something went wrong and they knew we were in the building.

Wanda was in the office, calling the duty guys that were to get the girl a new name and ID. The Bureau had the available names, social security numbers, and such. We just grabbed them and gave them to whomever we needed to. They didn't really know or understand how the Marshal Service worked, and we didn't bother to tell them. I'm sure they had a lot we didn't know either.

I checked my e-mail on my laptop and answered the couple that were there. I thanked John for the pickup and he called almost as soon as I pushed "send."

He was laughing, "Steal one of my pickups will you. Enjoy your ride, Chuck."

"I sold it."

"What do you mean you sold it? You can't do that."

"Sure I can. There was a requisition for a crew cab pickup that was already authorized. I just transferred the vehicle through the station to the new federal owners. They'll be happy for the fast response. Besides there's only a couple of thousand miles on the truck, it's brand new."

"You are too sneaky. I pull a prank and you're out of it before I get a laugh."

"I did drive it last night, and it came in handy this morning for camouflage." I explained what had happened and he said, "So you came to work early."

"Yep, but I needed to. I have a bunch of loose ends to make sure get tied up, and my to-do list is getting bigger. How important is the problem in Buffalo?"

"It's not critical mass yet, but it's getting there. I have a replacement in the wings. Be careful when you make the change, as the guy can be a hot head. You can offer him a new station as a deputy, but he's done as a Chief."

"Can I use the plane or should I get reservations?"

"If you need the plane, it'll be on its way. If you can use a local charter, use them if it's faster. You have an "at the pleasure of the president's" budget, just use it wisely. I'll watch it for you to keep you posted. The higher you get, the more they watch every nickel. They're going to shit that you've already turned the pickup at cost. That's a coup in itself. You're office had taken a twenty-five grand hit on the truck and you just got it back. Check the listings of available vehicles. If you take a vehicle that someone else has been pulled from, your office gets it free. Tell Wanda that too, she's good with budgets."

I said, "That lady is by the numbers. I love it. This place is going to be ship shape in a heart beat."

"She's tough, but she'll be an ass saver that's for sure."

"Let me get to work, Boss, I'll talk to you later."

"Hang on there, I am your reporting official, you are your own boss. You do not have a boss except for a U.S. Marshal in charge of what you are doing at that minute. Use that power sparingly and with good judgment."

"Jesus, this is a precariously strange job."

"Like you don't know, but you will in time."

We hung up and I answered the rest of my e-mails. I called the Buffalo office to find out the Station Chief's schedule. He was out today, but was due in tomorrow. I was conflicted about whether to use the federal plane or the charter.

I went to the real boss of the place, "Wanda, can you tell me if it's cheaper for me to use the federal plane stationed in D.C. right now or for me to use a charter. We have a good charter service down here and you'll like their people. You know that once we get this office cooking, you'll be traveling with me for some issues. We're going to make things the way they should be, but only change things when they need to be changed."

"Good attitude, Sir. We'll do a good job."

She looked down at her notes, "While you were talking to John, we've established an identity, and the immigration people have made Children and Family Services assign this child to us. I've spoken to Gina. Dave will be taking her home with him. He's made arrangements with the USF girl to visit with the new family member to assist in her English lessons. There's a bunch of paper that has to be handled yet, but I'll get it done as I get it in."

Wanda continued, "Let me figure out which plane is cheaper and I'll advise you. Here are some incident reports for you to review and if you have any questions, e-mail the stations involved."

Darnn, if I have to review all the incident reports in the U.S. it could take a lot of time. I might have to delegate that. I read them over and didn't see anything amiss. Only one dead guy and he did it to himself during his capture. There was a box for the supervising official that was circled in red. I assumed Wanda was telling me to initial it. I did and was trying to figure out what to do with them when Wanda placed two wooden trays on my desk. In small brass letters one said "In" and one said "Out." I smiled and slid the papers in the out basket. She pointed to the "in" to show me more paper. Darnn.

These were Bureau changes that I needed to be aware of. I read them, noting there were holes in them. I pulled a binder out that had "FBI" on it, and it already had some older bulletins in it. I snapped them in and called downstairs to see if Jan wanted to do our required practice with me. She did, so I advised Wanda where I was headed and she said, "May I come with you, please? I want to become more proficient. You have made me have the desire to become a better deputy."

We went downstairs, and while Jan ran through her exercises, I put Wanda in a booth and began from the top. We went over all the safety precautions up through dry fire. Jan had joined me to listen. We went out and the range officer handed me two full magazines and one empty with three loose rounds. I said, "You've watched me do this before. Thanks."

We went through the handling again. I demonstrated putting the round in the magazine, inserting it into the gun, and chambering a round. I jacked the round out and ejected the empty magazine. Wanda did the maneuver in order, stood in a two handed position as I had instructed, then brought the gun up slowly and fired. She hit the outer area of the body circle. She said excitedly, "I hit it. I hit it the first time."

I told her to repeat the process and if she needed to, to go slower but to remember to breathe before squeezing the trigger. This time she hit almost dead center. She was grinning like crazy. She repeated the single round firing one more time hitting a little off center, but still white.

"Okay, Wanda, you now need to load a full magazine and fire all rounds until empty. I want you to count to three between rounds. Count out loud. To be accurate, you might even consider doing that under fire."

She loaded up and began firing and counting, firing and counting, until the slide locked back. She said, "Did I hit the center with all of them?"

Jan said, "You sure did Annie Oakley. That was great for a new shooter."

"I've shot before, as it's required, but no one ever took the time to teach me to shoot. This is sort of fun."

Jan grinned and said to me, "You might have another convert."

I told Wanda, "Now, go load your three magazines and put up a new target. The first magazine in the body, the second magazine in the head, and alternate the last one between the body and head. Remember, count between rounds. If you need to count to four, do it. Accuracy is important."

"Jan and I loaded up magazines with range rounds and did our exercises. We didn't do any decision rounds, just straight accuracy practice. We did sort of do it speed style and I fired my last magazine from the hip for fun."

Jan said, "No fair, Wild Bill, I didn't know you were going to go cowboy on me. I want to practice that. That might be important. I have never thought about it before."

The range officer handed her a loaded magazine. She blushed and went to the stand, pulled the door open and slowly fired a magazine, using my counting method. She did well for the first time doing hip shots.

"That's a lot more difficult than you made it look. Your counting thing works though, as I did focus better. I'm going to use that in competition, but with fewer numbers."

Wanda had picked up her brass and the range officer was teaching her how to clean her weapon. She put the full magazine back in the gun, chambered a round, and put her Glock into her clip-on holster. She looked up at us, smiling.

The range officer said, "Another student off to a good start. I'm using all of your techniques on the new people. It's working out great."

I asked, "Do you have everything you need down here?"

"Yes Sir. John has always made sure the ranges are well funded. Mine is very active, especially since you signed on. We're getting some good shooters in here."

"How about Homeland Security, are they practicing?"

"They only have to qualify monthly. That's not often enough. How about having them try every two weeks. Send a directive and I'll try to schedule them. Do you want the reports of the non-shooters?"

"Better send them to me. We'll log them or something."

"I'll log them, but I know we have some duty people who haven't fired a round down here in almost a year. That's scary."

"Let me know, I'll set up some remedial activity for them. We can't be caught unprepared."

The three of us went back upstairs. Wanda was proud of herself, standing up straight, shoulders back, chest out and I mean way out, mouth watering way out. Damn, she could be a distraction. I complimented her on being a good student. She thanked me for teaching her. She said, "I'm going to be a deputy after all."

"You have always been a deputy, but you were like those guys the range officer was talking about. They are not prepared. A deputy has to be like a Boy Scout, always prepared."

I wanted to check up on the hotel progress, so I went to ask Bobby. She said that D.C. was making up IDs for the couple and transporting them during the night. She said the witnesses were in our main room and doing fine and the girl has been taken home. She thanked me, but I said, "Thank Wanda, she is good. She's handled everything by the numbers today. She's on her way to get some decorations, but has to be back for an interview at two. Want some lunch?"

"I was thinking about Subways. One of the duty guys will chase, if Region will pay?"

I counted heads and handed her forty dollars saying, "Get a receipt."

She gave the money to the duty guy and he was gone. She came back in the office and said, "I have the house ready for you to sign for. You've been issued a VA twenty year mortgage at four point nine eight percent. They waived the down payment. If you'll sign these things, we'll send it to the title office and you'll be a homeowner. I've arranged for insurance, but it's a problem in Florida right now. The rates suck. We're on a watch list for better rates, so we'll just have to wait. You will need some help now that we are both busy. You need housekeeping, lawn care, and pool care. I have the solution. We can rent a room to a couple of USF students and they can pay their rent with the lawn, pool, and housekeeping. We might have to feed them, but it would make sense. You have the room and that would fill you up. If you keep Jan, Marie, and Wanda, they can help with housekeeping too. What do you think?"

"That's a lot of people, will we have any privacy?"

"As much as you want, but remember what I told you last night. I have special needs, and if you want what you have professed, my special needs need to be met."

I laughed, "Go get em. I'll do my best, Ma'am. I sometimes think I joined the circus."

Bobby laughed, "I'll make it worthwhile, my Love. You'll be a happy man."

"I'm going to Buffalo tomorrow. I won't stay overnight unless I have to. I have to make a change and don't know how difficult it will be. We'll see."

"I'll get you packed tonight so you won't have to worry about it. You need extra toiletries so you can have road gear and home stuff. I'll pick up what you need on the way home."

The sandwiches arrived and we all chowed down. I went back to my office, answered my e-mails and spoke briefly to Wanda when she got back. She said Hank had given her a black Mustang that was really neat. I smiled, knowing the car's history.

Her appointment arrived, and she had just shut my door, when my cell phone rang. It was the station chief from Buffalo. The first thing he said was, "Semper Fi."

I responded with a "Oorah." Then "Who is this."

"George Masters, the Buffalo station chief. I heard you're coming tomorrow and I'm sure it's to replace me. I've been an asshole and a pain in the ass for about six months. I deserve to be canned. From you, a vet like me, I can take it. Thank you for coming personally."

"What do you want to do, George?"

"Let me tell you a story and then I'll ask. A year ago I caught my wife with a Bureau guy. I beat the shit out of him and she said it would never happen again. Two months later, I caught her with a deputy. I couldn't beat him up, as he was my employee. I had to eat shit. Well, she said it would never happen again, but when we went from four nights a week to no nights a week, I became suspicious and caught her with the deputy again. I told him that he could transfer or quit. He hit me, because I let him and he quit. My wife left and took up residence with an unemployed ex-marshal who now is a cop. I've been stopped six times for suspected drunken driving. I have not had a drop in six months because of it. I thought Wanda was an answer, but we just didn't work. I was crude, rude, and an asshole. I'm still that way, but getting better."

"Does John know about this?"

"I don't air my dirty laundry. I'm telling you because you're a real jarhead with a history. You'll give me a hand up and smack me around, then kick me in the ass to get on in life. I really want to remain a deputy. I would ask to work down there with you, but you're not a Station Chief any more, and I just heard Wanda went to work for you. You have a great office girl. Do you think I could work out of D.C.? I can talk to John. I don't know the rest of the country that well."

He paused then said, "I've spent a few days of vacation catching up on every report that I've missed in the last three months, and have the office ready for a new guy. This is the way I should have run the place anyway. I have a good clerk and a decent ACE, but he'll never be more than an ACE. Come on up, we'll do the paper work. I have a hundred ten days sick time stashed, and over two month's vacation on the books. Let me go on vacation until you can find me a home. I've sold the house, sold my furniture, and have my few belongings in my truck in a storage building. I'll ask you to take me there tomorrow. I live next door to it in a weekly motel. I'm ready for you, and I'm ready to be a good deputy."

"George, I have your number in my phone now. Let me make a call and see if I can put a smile on your face."

I hung up and called John. I asked, "If I have a guy that wants to step down to a deputy, an ex-marine that admits he hasn't been worth a shit, has his office ready to transfer, where would be a good place to send him. He specifically mentioned special ops in D.C."

"No shit. Did he spill his guts?"

"Yeah, it was a wife thing."

"I heard all the details, but I couldn't interfere. Good deal, you just dodged a bullet. I'll e-mail you where he should report next week. He has a ton of vacation coming, but I think he should go to work. I've got an ex-drill sergeant heading our ready team. He'll get the boy in shape and back on track. This is one in your column. You should have the e-mail now."

"I got it. Thanks, this is the way I love to handle things, short and sweet, to everyone's satisfaction."

"It worked out, talk to ya." John hung up. I was thinking that if all my problems could be handled so easily, life would be good.

I called George back and asked him if he could receive an e-mail. He gave me his address and I forwarded John's e-mail to him. When he said he got it, he paused then said, "Damn, I know the guy who ramrods that outfit. He was a drill sergeant. This will be fun. Thanks, Man, you have no idea. I feel like I'm nineteen years old again. Hurry, get me out of here. I'd love to have a drink."

"I'll see you in the morning. You can be somewhere else by noon, and by day after tomorrow, signed in to your new unit."

I wrote up the transfer form with all the information and slid it into my outbox. My inbox was empty, but I couldn't sneak out because Wanda still had her applicant.

There was a knock on the door. I said "come in" and Wanda escorted a young black girl with Asian features into the office. I stood and asked them to be seated.

Wanda said, "Mr. Johnson, this is Angie Johnson. She has applied for the clerical position. She has one year of college and is attending classes at night. Her business background was in a real estate office, but they recently laid her off. The Bureau did a quick background for me and she comes highly recommended by the real estate company. I want her."

I smiled at Angie and asked, "Is your full name Angela?"

Wanda said, "I'm sorry Mr. Johnson, this is her application."

I looked at the application, then up at the young lady and said, "What a lovely melodic name, Angelina Louisa."

The girl smiled with a thousand white teeth showing and said, "That is the most beautiful way anyone has ever said my name. You said it with music; you made me happy with it."

"Should I call you Angelina or Angie?"

"You mean you're going to hire me?"

"No, Ms. Johnson, Wanda is hiring you."

Wanda also smiled, and said, "There sure are a lot of Johnsons around here."

I stood, went around the desk, and putting my hand out, said, "Welcome to the United States Marshal's Service."

The girl shook my hand and took a deep breath, smiling continuously. Wanda said, "Come, you have a thousand forms to fill out. I have to get Mr. Johnson's flight information.

As she left she snatched the transfer paper from my outbox.

While I played on the internet, getting three screens up at once, I guess Wanda was working furiously. She walked into the office with a printed schedule. Leave the little airport at seven, arrive in Buffalo by nine thirty, leave Buffalo no later that two thirty, and home by five. I thought it took longer to make that flight.

"Great connections, Wanda. Now I need to get whoever will be the new guy so we can do the transfer."

"I have him on a plane to Buffalo within the next hour and he will be at the office at ten sharp."

That's cutting it a little close, don't you think?"

"George has manned up. He even called me on my cell last night and apologized. I'm happy for him and glad he's getting out of there. He's a good man. He was just unlucky with his wife. I wish I had known, so he could have kicked her out earlier. It's done now. How was your conversation with him?"

"Great, we come from similar backgrounds that he already knew about. We talked turkey, and I was able to get him some duty he really likes. He'll be on the road before noon."

Wanda smiled, "It's been a pretty darn good day all around. If you want, I can drive you to the airport in the morning."

"No, I have to get a car anyway. I'll get Hank to give me a loaner. I'm going to check the inventory of vehicles to see if there is something interesting. I understand our office isn't charged if we get an inventory vehicle."

"Oh, when I decide what I like, I'll do that too, good idea. We saved almost nine hundred by chartering instead of having the plane come and get you. We'll watch our dimes and be way under budget."

"Ah, sometimes we need to be spending money or they will cut us down. Just make sure we're not being too cheap to ourselves or the office."

I shut my laptop off and began stuffing things into my case. Wanda nodded that it was good of me to get out of there. I walked to the garage and Hank gave me one of the Expeditions we captured. I told him it would be gone all day tomorrow. He told me to leave the keys in it and maybe someone would steal it. I laughed and drove home.

I was home before everyone else, so I put out a bunch of chicken breasts that I had already sliced real thin, knowing they would thaw fast. I mixed up the spices for the meat and did all the little things to get ready for Marsala. We had plenty of asparagus and I tore up a big bowl of lettuce for salads. The only thing left would be the rice and that wasn't a big deal.

Jan drove up first and parked on the street. Marie's car was in the garage and the Expedition was on the side of the house, so someone could park in the drive behind Marie's car and Wanda could park her Mustang in the garage. We need a bigger garage. Wanda came driving up with Marie, and did what I wanted, then Bobby drove up right after she opened the garage and drove in. We made it. As soon as everyone was in the house, Bobby said, "I want us all to get together for a few minutes to see how we'll work out."

When we were all in the kitchen, Bobby asked me to make margaritas for everyone. Five minutes later, we were celebrating Margaritaville.

Bobby took a healthy drink and said, "In a few minutes, Chuck and I are going to exercise. Any and all are welcomed and encouraged to exercise with us. We eat heavy, so if your metabolism is low, you need to workout with us. Peg leg here has some special needs as he can use the bike for a while but then still has to do about thirty minutes on the treadmill. Then he does weights with me for another twenty to thirty minutes and finally, we celebrate by stripping down and swimming hard until we can't breathe anymore. Do none, part, or all of it with us. I just want to tell you our normal routine. There hasn't been anything normal lately, so we need to get back in the habit."

Bobby noted what was out on the counter and said, "I think we're having chicken Marsala tonight, so you're in for a treat. Chuck really is a good cook. If you make a special dish, tell us in advance and prepare us."

"As you know, everyone has a room, that is, if you want to stay here. We're thinking of perhaps getting a couple of university students to trade out room and board for yard work and some housekeeping. All of you can do the same. Chuck is going to be traveling a lot and not able to do a lot. We'll see. If we can do it ourselves, we will without inviting more people in."

"Jan, I know you were living in an apartment, are you going back to it or what?"

She looked at Bobby and me, then the other two and was a little red-faced when she said, "Um, I don't know how to say this without screwing something up for you two, or me, or all of us."

She looked real hard at Wanda and Wanda said, "Speak your mind, Jan. I'm not some Holy Roller or narrow-minded shrew. Speak up."

"When we were in Branson doing the presentation, I had an opportunity to have a, a, to play with Bobby alone, and another to, um, play with Bobby and Chuck together. I want more of that. I could become a slave of that. I want to stay here, renting a room, just to get an occasional opportunity for more of that." Jan's face was as red as a beet.

Marie spoke up strong. "I still live at home, but sometimes stay out overnight with someone. I'm a little forward when I get to know people, and I like all of you. I figure the only reason I haven't been with Bobby and Chuck is it wasn't time yet. I plan on it. I also want to get to know Jan better, she fascinates me." She looked at Wanda and said, "My God woman, I'm sure you feel my attraction to you. I just want to devour you."

Everyone looked at me as if I was going to say something. It was quiet as everyone stared. If they thought I was going to say something really dumb, they should think again. "I think you all realize I'm along for the ride, pun intended."

Wanda broke up laughing. "You do such a good job not staring at my tits that I want to rub them in your face. I swear you ignored them all day long. Little Ms. Johnson that interviewed with me was so hot by the time she left; she was spreading contrails leaving the building. At least I know I affect somebody. I am a very open-minded woman. I was married to someone who began our relationship very open then wanted to hide me at home while he sampled the neighborhood. That didn't last. Then I had an office romance that didn't work out, although he kept saying it was going to. I've been checking out all of the internet swing group ads so I can go get fucked real well, but I'm terrified of disease."

Everyone was now squirming around in their seats as she continued, "From the first time I met Bobby, I wanted to play with her. She is so fascinating I can't stand it. Watching her swim last night was almost more than I could stand. Then the more I learn about Chuck, the more I'm strongly attracted to him. I'm also leaving a trail wherever I sit when I think these thoughts. I accepted the offer of staying here with the thought that I was going to fuck both of them until they couldn't walk. I think I'd like to be between them some and sleep. Please excuse me if I've been too graphic. I don't see a problem, except Chuck is only one man. He may be a very virile man, but I don't think he can handle the four of us. I propose a wrestling match and the last two standing gets him for the night."

She waited a second then said, "Just kidding. We could have some other form of contest, like seeing which one of us gives the best, ah, perhaps I'm being too aggressive with you. Please forgive me, I really am somewhat of a prudish slut."

I was laughing continuously during this stuff, while Marie, the youngest, was aghast that an adult would be that forward. Jan was observing with a shrewd look like, "This babe's competition." And Bobby, my luscious, loving, Bobby, was drooling and thinking, "Do it now, do it now."

They all were indirectly direct except for Wanda, I wanted to see her naked. I also wanted to play with the neatly packaged Marie, and I already knew Jan is a treat. Oh my, such a tremendous responsibility, but someone has to do it.

I thought I might get away with it, so I said it, "Oh my, such a tremendous, wonderful, exciting responsibility, but someone must do it."

Bobby and Wanda pummeled me on the shoulders. They were both pretty big and Bobby is strong. It hurt. Jan and Marie came around the table and were fake slapping me, then alternately kissing me.

Bobby said, "Come now, children, it's time for our Master to work out."

I went into the bedroom and changed into shorts and a T-shirt, putting my tennis shoe on the fake leg so I could walk evenly. I gave Bobby a hug, feeling all her good stuff, before kissing her and asking, "Going your way?"

She just grinned and gently squeezed my dick and balls. I was already partially hard from the exciting talk.

The other three girls were all sitting on various weight machines when I stepped in the room. It was a contest. Jan had on some very short silk shorts and a top that was sort of a tank top which displayed her erect nipples very well. I wanted to make sure I watched her running on the treadmill. Marie might as well have been nude. She had on see-though white shorts and a just as thin a top that let you know her areola were not real big, but were puffy and making her tits very suckable. Then there was Wanda, I guess she was assuming her "Wicked Wanda" appearance. She has nice hips that were encased in satiny shorts that were pulled a little tight, showing us a very nice camel toe. She has a pookie ass that is beautifully rounded. Her flat tummy was bare and she was wearing a top that had a banded bottom just under her tits. Her magnificent mams were well displayed in the low-cut loose top, banded below, that gave me heart stopping views of her cleavage.

As soon as I walked into the room and checked each babe out thoroughly, I had to adjust my jock, it would not hold me any longer.

I smiled at all of them and said, "Individually, you are each divine. Collectively, you are a dream, and you know all about young men's dreams."

I began with the bike because I hate that thing. Marie jumped on the treadmill and was on about a six or seven incline at five miles an hour. She might have been doing more, but I didn't want to see as I would have a stroke watching her. She quickly broke out in a good sweat, but kept up the pace from a slower run to a fast run, then ran steadily as I pumped the bike. When my fifteen minutes were up and I got up, Wanda, with the long legs, got on the bike and set the tension way up.

I got on the treadmill and started out on my slow walk, making it all the way up to four miles an hour with a one or two incline. Fuck those girls, (I'd like to) this was hard work for me. Any faster and I'll rub the stump raw. The boot was getting loose; I need to go get a new leg. Maybe now that I was making more money, I could get a sports leg and a regular peg leg. I would look it up on the internet.

I only did the treadmill for twenty minutes as I was kind of tired today. I did all of my weight routine, and Bobby spotted the two twenty-five that I was up to on the bench press. I was doing hundred pound curls at two dozen reps a crack. I did two sets of those. I almost choked when I watched Bobby spotting Wanda and I counted up two hundred fucking pounds. That bitch was strong. Bobby was drooling. Bobby wasn't showing off when she was now doing ten reps at four hundred pounds. Damn that's a lot. Wanda was bug-eyed at Bobby's strength.

When everyone looked done, totally sweated up, but done, we began taking off clothes on the way outside until we all showered off the sweat under the outdoor shower and headed to the pool. Wanda was cool. She hung back with Bobby for them to help me hop to the pool after I took my leg off to shower. The two larger women did me in then, as they effortlessly picked me up and pitched me into the pool. Splash! I felt like a three year old, it was fun. I began swimming at a building pace and soon there were five of us swimming laps faster and faster until Jan dropped out, then Marie had to stop. I was determined to take both of the other women, and Wanda finally faded and quit, then Bobby went to the side while I did one more lap at top speed, then drifted to the side. Everyone was panting from the exertion. Wanda said, "You two are the first people to ever outlast me on sprints. I can't believe you, Bobby. You glide through the water so smoothly and, Chuck, that you can take the two of us or all four of us is unreal. I figured you for about ten and out."

She slid up underneath me, taking me into her mouth and sucking me up to maximum hardon. She slid up to be face to face with me wrapping her legs around me. She was oily enough that she slid me into her easily. She kissed me and said, "I think I want to get fucked before supper. Can you handle that, big guy?" I didn't have to fuck her. All I had to do was stand on one leg, hold her ass in my hands, gaze into her lust filled eyes. She was scorching. She moved her hips back and forth so fast and with such force, making contact with her clit the whole time, I was in heaven. Bobby was hugging us both, saying, "Fuck the bitch, fuck her good." Wanda became irregular in her thrusting and her hips slammed into me harder. When she pushed a giant tit into my face to suck, and Marie came from nowhere and latched on the other, Wanda came hard and so did I. I drenched her insides. Oh my, what a good cum.

Wanda relaxed, but stayed connected to my still hard dick, kissed me, and snuggled into me slightly, moving me in and out of her. Marie finally said, "Don't be stingy, I want some before supper. Wanda slid from me while Bobby held my dick, making sure I became seated in Marie. She went to the races. She was saying, "I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum," from the second stroke on. She was finally almost screaming when she hugged me tight and whispered in my ear as she froze up, "I want your cum in me too, soon."

Jan swam over and helped Bobby kiss me while Marie was still stuck on me. Marie said to Jan, "Since you're broke, I'll help you out." Both Bobby and Jan said, "Right."

Bobby said, "I hate to tell you, but I'm broke too for a while. It's the shower or a rubber sheet. She kissed me saying, "No wonder I've been so horny lately."

Wanda was lingering around behind Bobby, playing with her big nipples and tits, and feeling her massive size and tight muscles. Wanda kissed Bobby, then me, "I am going to make you both happy that I'm your toy." She kissed Marie and said, "You, my Darling, are a terror, but you need to learn to fuck a man until he cries uncle. He's knocking you out in a couple of minutes and he's ready for more. I'll bet Jan and I could get a load out of him before you can count to five hundred."

Marie said skeptically, "Sure you can, bet."

Wanda was strong; she surprised me by picking up Marie off my still very hard dick and tossing her backwards, then picking me up and putting me on the side of the pool. Wanda's mouth was quickly around my dick and she grabbed hold of the shaft, stroking. Then both Jan's and Wanda's hands were caressing my balls. It wasn't going to take till three hundred. I was soon cresting and shooting loads into Wanda's mouth. She let Jan have a jet of cum, then they jacked me off, shooting cum towards the counting Marie.

"You did it, he really came fast. Wow, that was awesome. Will you teach me how to do that?"

Jan and Wanda hugged Marie and dunked her. She came up sputtering and said, "I want to swallow his stuff, not pool water."

These girls were playful. We got out of the pool with Wanda and Bobby helping me to a chair, and when I was dry, I put my leg back on. We went in, taking our sweaty clothes. Bobby gathered them up so she could wash them all. I put on shorts and a T-shirt. The girls all showed up with long T-shirts that I assumed had at least panties under them.

I started supper, which meant starting the grill after checking to make sure the breasts were thawed. I started the Marsala sauce, under the watchful eye of Wanda, and the curious eye of Marie. When the sauce was thickening, I began steaming the asparagus and put the chicken on the grill. By the time the table was set and the wine poured, the meat and asparagus were in the warmer and we were eating salads. When I served the chicken over rice, with the Marsala and the asparagus, they all moaned in pleasure as it tasted so good.

I said I would make dessert later. Wanda said, "I had some delicious dessert. Since you ate the asparagus, you won't taste as sweet later." Marie asked about that and Wanda said "When you get a man. You'll want to suck him off every time you look at him. Watch what you feed him and note the taste. When you find what you like, he gets a stead diet of that and pussy. It's a blast."

Jan said, "I love to suck on guys. Most of them won't let me for very long. With most they cum real quick or they only want to fuck. Maybe Chuck will let me suck on him for a long, long, time."

"I guess I could do that. But every time I have to come, perhaps Bobby, or someone else who wants it, could finish me then I could come back to you."

"But I want you hard," Jan almost cried.

Bobby said, "Don't you remember, he fucked me twice, and you once, then we went to sleep with him connected to me. I don't know when he goes soft, but it's not quick."

Wanda smiled, "I'll join you, Jan, while you're sucking him, I'll suck you then we can switch. I'll bet that would be fun."

Marie was just staring back and forth at the wantonness being discussed.

Bobby said, "Marie, if you're as wound up as I am, we'll let Wanda and Jan wash up in here while we check that Chuck is okay. Come with me and we'll check him out together."

Marie was comically bobbing her head yes as Bobby picked me up, setting me on my foot and peg, and led me away.

Bobby stripped my shorts off, then gently took my leg off. She held my dick up in the air and leaned over, swallowing as much as she could. Bobby has a real wide mouth and was able to get me deep in her mouth. She pulled off with juicy sounds and smiled at me. She said, "You do him now, Marie, suck him up real good. I want you to feel him fucking you and watch as he cum's deep, deep inside you."

I think Marie came from Bobby talking dirty.

While Marie was sucking me with a very inexperienced mouth, Bobby sucked her titties and found her pussy, then showed her what women can do with each other. Marie was trying to suck me and scream at the same time. She was flopping all over the bed, holding onto my dick with her hand and her mouth. It was more exciting watching than feeling. It was a blast to know Bobby was making Marie feel so good. Marie finally froze and flopped over on her back. Bobby nudged me and said softly, but loud enough for Marie to hear, "Make love to her, Chuck, make love to her like you do me. Make her know she's the most special woman in the world."

Marie and I kissed and kissed. Then I pleasured her face by kissing her eyes, the corners of her mouth, her nose, her ears, working down her chin and her neck. I made love to lovely young puffy titties until she was almost squirting. Her legs were scissoring with want and her pussy was undulating in a fucking motion. She was very orgasmic, so that must account for some of her experience. Guys must think they were really good, as she could come from just a nibble, much less loving her breasts.

By the time my face was between her legs, she was begging me to stop. Of course I didn't, as she had lots more to go and something told me this young lady was special. I was kissing and licking her pussy, sucking the excessive juices from her, when I slid a finger into her, hunting to see if she had a special spot. Oh boy, she had a huge special spot. She began crying and screaming, holding my face into her pussy with her legs sticking straight up. All of sudden, gushes of juice were streaming out of her. I raised my face to watch and slid a finger into her butt, at the same time watching as she shot a stream onto Bobby's face. Bobby just leaned forward and sucked her clit into her mouth. Marie was crying saying "Oh God, Oh God, that's so, so, so."

I noticed Wanda, with the smaller Jan snuggled up under her arm, watching near the bed. Finally Marie just fainted. She was totally limp. Jan asked, "Is she alright?" Wanda said, "More than alright. Wait till he does that to you. It doesn't always happen, but when it's just right, it's heavenly, and oh so too much."

Bobby encouraged me to get in the saddle, so I came up, sliding on the totally sloppy body of the sweet Marie, and slid into her. I'm a pretty wide fellow, a little longer than average maybe, but very wide, thick. Marie was so open, I slid so deep into her that it felt like the head of my dick went into a different part of her. As soon as this happened, her legs rose up and she wrapped them around me and her eyes opened. She was trying to say something, but nothing came out. I began to slide in and out of her, interring my cock into that special place with each deep thrust. Her eyes were wide and her mouth open as I slid in and out, feeling as if I were going to lose a storm deep inside her any second. As her hips began to undulate with my thrusts, her gasps came heavier until she was groaning loudly, forcing her pelvis into me getting me as deep as I could get. It was coming. The juices were boiling, cum was racing from deep within my balls, entering my tube to shoot deep into Marie. She held me tight while Bobby was kissing us both then she froze, but I kept sliding back and forth shooting and shooting massive doses of man juice deep into her, on the other side of the deep chamber.

I lay still, buried as deep as it was possible. She hugged me tightly with her arms and legs. Her face scrunched up into an intense pleasure. Wanda and Jan couldn't help it, and came to pet her and gently kiss her as Bobby also kissed her, then kissed me the same. She said, "Whew, Baby, that took care of a lot of my special needs."

As Marie's grip loosened, she relaxed and laid back with her arms stretched out and her legs stretched into a "Y."

Wanda observed, "You really made love to her. My goodness, man, that was something. I want that someday."

Jan said, "I want that right now, period or no period. God, that was the most erotic thing I've ever seen. Oh my, if we had a movie of that, it would be a billion dollar seller."

Bobby looked up at Jan, considering that we had already taken movies together.

Jan said, "The loving Chuck gave to me wasn't anything like that. My movie is good, but nowhere near what that was."

Wanda took Jan by the hand, pulling her up asking, "Movie? You have a movie, a real one of you being made love to like that?"

They were gone as Bobby and I kissed and loved a recovering Marie. Bobby said, "Let Chuck help you shower and I'll change the sheets. It's time we put you to sleep with us."

Marie just smiled, and was not much help, as I pulled her from the bed. Bobby had to help me get her into the shower, then she left to change the bed. We showered, then I dried her off, and Bobby came in to take her to bed while I brushed my teeth. I hopped into bed and slid in next to Marie who snuggled up to me. Minutes later, Bobby snuggled up to the other side of Marie. Bobby kissed me and said, "That's what I needed for my special needs."

Bobby kissed me again, winked at me and laid her head on her pillow. Mine hit my pillow and we were all three asleep.

Primary editing by Pepere
Proofing by Sagacious