Corporate Backlash - The Corporation - Part Nine

The limo pulled up outside his apartment block on the dot of
eight. 

Jack took the stairs down two at a time. He felt on top of the
world. When he reached the kerb, the chauffeur gave a slight bow
and offered to take his overnight bag. Instead of passing it to
the driver he launched it through the air, nearly knocking the
other man completely of balance.

"There you go, my man", Jack said as he slid into the plush
interior of the limo.

The chauffeur stared in the direction of his passenger for a
fraction longer than would be considered polite, then closed the
door with amazing restraint. He threw Jack's bag into the boot,
then moved into the driver's seat and they were off.

Jack was not sure how far out of town St Claire's country place
was and did not want to show his ignorance, by asking. So he
settled back to enjoy the experience of what it would be like to
be rich. He toyed with the idea of helping himself from the well
stocked bar he had discovered, but thought twice about it. It
would not do to arrive reeking of alcohol. Not if you wanted to
impress. And he desperately wanted to impress.

About an hour and a half later, he became aware that the crunch
of gravel had replaced the sound of smooth tarmac under the car's
wheels. He had been vaguely aware of passing through a very large
gate, and now felt quite certain they must be inside the St
Claire estate. 

It was, however, another ten minutes before he could make out the
shadowy outline of the main house. Although it was already
getting dark, he was impressed enough to let out a low whistle.

The car scrunched to a halt outside the main entrance, and
instead of waiting for the driver to come around and open his
door, he let himself out. He was barely out of the car, when two
enormous dobermans came out of nowhere. The dogs were inches from
his legs and growling furiously. Jack froze. He tried to melt
back into the metal of the car, fear now causing him to sweat
profusely.

"Heel!"

The dogs obeyed instantly, and Jack became aware that the owner
of the voice was female. He breathed. He had not realised he had
stopped. He tried to compose himself, but he was badly ruffled.

"You should have waited for Landers to open the door."

Then he saw her. To say that she was beautiful would have been
an understatement. She nearly took his breath away again.

"I'm sorry" he said. He hated sounding so lame.

"I am Lisa St Claire" she said, proffering him her hand in a
manner in which he was not sure if he should shake it or kiss
it. "And you must be Jack Conrad, I have been really looking
forward to meeting you".

Jack, still uncertain of what to do with the hand, just touched
her fingers lightly and bowed ever so slightly. Her touch sent a
frisson of electricity down his spine. He was not sure how long
he would have just stood there feeling like a complete idiot, if
she had not grasped him by the arm and said, "Shall we go in, Mr
Conrad".

He had not been prepared for St Claire's wife to be so young,
beautiful or even so sexy. There was no doubt in his mind or body
for that matter that she turned him on. 'Not now!' he told
himself, as he glanced nervously at the two dobermans. He tried
to pull his suit jacket down to cover himself up a bit more and
realised he should say something.

"Please", he said, "call me Jack."

"Of course", she said, "Jack it is, until I can think up a
suitable nickname for you. You may call me Madam. Everyone here
does."

Jack was confused. What a strange nickname. He decided that the
rich just had strange habits, and that if he wanted to impress
his boss's wife and get that promotion, he would play along.

They entered the main hallway, where Lisa St Claire let go of his
arm.

"Landers will show you to a room where you can freshen up a bit
before dinner. Shall we say fifteen minutes. The dining room is
over there. Don't worry about your things I will have them taken
care of."

Jack memorised the door she had pointed to. He did not want to
make any more of a fool of himself than he had already done. He
presumed they would show him his room later, because it was
already getting late for dinner. So he followed Landers along a
small passage way and disappeared from sight.

Lisa watched him go. 'This is going to be a weekend you will
never forget Jack Conrad' she smiled wickedly at her own
thoughts, and then headed for the dining room.