Catspoke

By Anthony J. Beck

A vicious murder starts a difficult investigation for newly promoted and recently transferred DI Dennis Pipe. Pipe, who lives a strange and erotic private life struggles with the investigation and is eventually assisted by a strange and sexual woman called Catspoke. As the investigation unfolds other people involved in the case, people like the sisters Jilly and Jerry, have their lives irrevocably changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Dec 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504996679

Anthony J. Beck

I have always been interested in people; why they do the things they do, what motivates them and so on. I look at the way they behave and listen to their words to see if they match their actions. I simply observe. It's all there, one simply writes it down. I have lived quite few years now, and I've probably made every mistake an average man can make. Because I've made mistakes I can see others making the same or similar errors. I don't interfere, it's not my place to, but I do try, sometimes, to hint at a better way. You never know. I say this. It is ok to make mistakes when you're 20. Just don't be making them when you're 50. I am happily married to Diana. I live a a quiet village in Warwickshire. I am retired from the Civil Service. I play the Blues guitar (Electric) and I still enjoy singing. I own 5 really nice guitars. My favourite guitarists are Eric Clapton. Gary Moore and early Peter Green. I enjoy reading and listening to Radio 4. Anything else about me I'd rather keep to myself in case anybody is looking.

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© 2016 Anthony J. Beck. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse   12/22/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-9668-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-9667-9 (e)

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Foreword from the author

Within the pages of the story you’re about to read you will come across occasional comment written in italics. This is an artifice or device I have used a few times to add ironic humour and a few hidden truths to the overall read. The person who speaks to you is the ‘voice’ and he opines on his own life and what’s going on in the story. Now, he has nothing to do with the main story and nothing will be lost by you if you skip his input. Indeed, some of you might be offended by what he has to say. But hey, I like putting it in. It’s your choice.

One other thing before you get going. I have no religious belief and I don’t believe in god above. This frees me up to believe in almost anything else I take a fancy to and I expound a couple of these beliefs in ‘Catspoke.’ It isn’t my intention to proselytize anyone into my way of thinking. Go your own way – as Fleetwood Mac would say - has always been my maxim. All I’m saying is, things aren’t always black and white…that’s all.

I hope you enjoy the story.

AJB.

Mid June, Wednesday; a lovely day.

I like it here, the woman said. She steered her eyes past the tennis courts and over toward the green corrugated rear partition wall of the driving range. She could hear the sound of club on ball and see the occasional high flying shot before it disappeared from view.

She was Margery Wilsom – Jerry to her friends – and was forty two years old. She thought of herself as being reasonably attractive, but that was all. She was slim, five eight, with nicely cut fair hair and she was fit and healthy. I’m not pretty, she would often say to herself, I’m a plain Jane, but I’m trim and I’ve got nice legs.

Dressed as she was in a flowery blouse, white knee length shorts and white sandals; she looked sharp…well turned out.

You should come here more often, her companion told her, I don’t know why you don’t…you’ve been a member longer than me.

Jerry pulled her gaze away from the range and looked to her left to focus on her companion; her sister, Jillian. Jillian was the younger by three years and was the one with the looks and the figure too; Jerry believed. She was pretty – everybody said so – and had, in Jerry’s opinion, bigger and nicer breasts, as well as the same long legs. In every department, Jerry acknowledged, Jilly is just a bit better than me.

It was never an issue between them though; Jilly had never been anything other than a kind and loving sibling. At no time had she lorded her beauty over her or boasted about it; it was like she couldn’t see the difference between them.

Mmmm, I suppose I should, Jerry said, I have enough time." I do too, she thought. I don’t have to work, Roger has seen to that, but…

They were outside, sitting at a low wooden table in comfortable chairs and relaxing under a wide parasol; they were drinking white wine spritzers. It was a lovely day; warm, with a light breeze.

So why don’t you then? Jilly drained her glass, turned a little in her chair and looked back through the French doors to catch the barman’s eye. She raised her empty glass then raised two fingers, careful to make sure her hand was orientated the right way around…palm forward.

It’s not the same for me, you know that. I’m not like you…you’re the outgoing one, and you’ve got lots of friends, I’m… She shrugged.

Jilly wanted to sigh, but held back. She knew her sister had a complex about her looks…or what she perceived to be the lack of them. Like her, Jerry had lovely eyes and good skin, and she had a nice willowy figure, it was just that…she wasn’t particularly pretty. But she wasn’t ugly either; she’s a bit like a younger Princess Anne, but with nicer hair. There was nothing wrong with her, she just wasn’t outstanding, that was all. But Jerry was a really nice person; the best sister a woman could have, so she controlled her mild frustration and refrained from commenting.

It was Jerry’s low self-esteem that made her marry Roger, Jilly was sure of it. The solicitor Roger; the epitome of a boring fart.

There’s a do here Saturday night; why don’t you and Roger come? You could mix in…socialize, get to know people better. She pointed out at the tennis courts where three matches were being played. You used to be a so good; you ought start playing again… She stopped, their drinks had arrived. A young olive skinned man placed them down and collected the two empties.

Thanks Guido, you’re too good to me; put them on my tab, there a love. Jilly winked at him.

For my favourite lady, nothing is too much trouble. If there is anything else you want from me you only need to ask. The double entendre couldn’t be missed, even if the man’s accent was extremely thick.

Go on, you, Jilly said with a chuckle, You’re far too young for me.

I don’t think so, Guido said, laughing. He gave a mock salute before moving away.

You wouldn’t would you? Jerry asked as she watched the man disappear inside.

Jilly picked up her drink and sipped at it. I would if I thought I could get away with it; if I was safe. She stared ahead, her eyes slightly glazed. She turned then and gave her sister a wan smile. I’m not sure, Sis, but I think David’s having an affair; he’s certainly not putting much my way anymore and that’s a fact.

This revelation shocked Jerry. She’d always believed her sister had a happy and successful marriage.

Are you guessing or do you know? It was all she could think of to say.

I’m guessing. It’s nothing I can put my finger on, but… She shook her head a little. It’s just that he’s not the same as he used to be; he’s quieter, not so happy, not so happy with me…I don’t think. She pinched out a thin smile and huffed. What about you Sis; what’s your love life like? Jilly immediately put her hand up. Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked, it’s none of my business.

We’re sisters and I love you; you can ask what you like. And to answer your question…it’s the same as it’s always been really…not much. She gave her sister a frank look. We do it every Saturday night, unless I’ve got a period of course. If I have, then I wank him off like it’s a substitute. Either way I don’t get much out of it.

Jerry stretched her legs out under the table, pulling her sandaled feet back as far as she could; she could feel the stretch in the back of her legs. I think he likes the wank better than the real thing; I think he thinks it’s cleaner, not so messy. She smiled humourlessly. He comes into a tissue you know. He holds it there while I wank him; then, when he comes and he’s got it all, he folds it up and goes and puts it down the lavatory. She added this as if it was important. He always says thank you when it’s over; like I was a member of his staff doing him a favour."

And you’re satisfied with that?

Jerry shrugged. You just get used to stuff, don’t you? I’ve stopped thinking about it, it’s less stressful.

They sat in silence for a while like they were considering the value of Jerry’s disclosure. It was Jilly who spoke first.

I know we’ve never talked about this sort of thing, but do you like it? Sex I mean…

I…to be truthful…I’m not sure anymore; I used to though.

Jerry took a sip of her replenised drink; it tasted fresh and cool. I don’t like it with Roger, not anymore; he’s spoiled it for me. When we first married we did it a lot…as you would, and he seemed more enthusiastic back then, so it was ok. But now, now I think he finds it all a bit sordid…with me anyway. He always wears a condom, you know. I think he wears it to keep his cock clean, free from my vaginal secretions; not as a contraceptive.

Strange, Jilly commented. Then added, I like it…sex; I like it at lot. She looked around to ensure no one was within ear shot. I’m seriously considering a lover; I have been for a while, it’s just getting up the nerve really.

You’re not thinking of leaving David are you? Jerry was surprised by what Jilly was saying.

God no, I’m not giving up all of this. She waved her hand in an all-encompassing sweep. David has got me accustomed to the life style I want to continue enjoying. No, if we ever split up it will be because he wants it, not me."

Jerry gave an understanding nod. She and Roger were comfortably off, but they weren’t in the same league as David and Jilly. David was something in the city, a high earner. When pressed about what he actually did – something Roger had done on several occasions - his vague answer was always that he was in ‘International banking,’ he would never be more precise than that.

She glanced back through the French doors at the young barman inside. You’re not thinking of sleeping with him are you? She cocked her head to show what she meant.

"Noooo. If I’m going to risk my marriage by giving my fabulous body to another man to enjoy, it’s not going to be to someone like him…a mere waiter, as lovely as he is…he couldn’t afford me. No, it’s got to be someone more worthy than that. She looked at her watch, picked up her glass and got to her feet. Come on Sis, our table will be ready; let’s go and eat."

As Jilly stood up she caught sight of her own reflection in the glass doors; it stared back making its own mute comment. I look really good, she thought. She did too, dressed like her sister in a blouse, shorts and sandals - a coincidence – except hers were of a different colour. But if I’m as good as I think I am, then why has David lost interest in me? She gave a mental shrug and pushed the question from her mind.

*

Inside they were joined by Haley and Carmen, two keen tennis players, so their conversation became focused upon the intricacies of that sport; then onto who was the best player in the club and who was likely to be the new club champion, and so on. Next they moved on to golf and how the course was playing. this was what they did…at the club.

Jerry listened without making much comment. She had nothing against either game, in truth she quite liked tennis and had been quite a good golfer, but she wasn’t particularly drawn to play either game anymore; she’d simply lost interest.

She became more involved with the chit-chat when the talk turned to her, personally. Was she going to become a more active member? Why didn’t she resume her tennis or take up golf again? The new instructor was really dishy; and on it went.

She went along with them by saying how she would think about it and how she would probably become more involved; it was a promise she could keep…or not…it didn’t matter. And anyway, it was an easier conversation than the earlier one she’d been having with Jilly. That had stirred up more mental churnings than she was comfortable with.

After that the talk moved onto their children, their husbands, their homes and so on; all everyday stuff and easy to deal with.

-–-

They stood in the car park next to Jerry’s Mazda coupe, a sleek looking beast that was a pleasure to drive; it was time for her to go.

So, will you come Saturday or not? Jilly pressed. I’d like you to and…I worry about you, you need to get out more.

I’m not sure if I could get Roger to agree; he’s a real stick in the mud, you know he is.

Both of them were staring out towards the tenth tee; they watched as an elderly man drove off. It was a good strike and the ball sailed off into the distance.

Excellent shot, Jilly said in a distracted manner. She turned and smiled. Do you ever feel you’re on the cusp of something…some kind of change, but you’re not sure what?

Jerry pressed her fingers against the warm paintwork of her car. Like you’ve been waiting for something to happen, you mean? Like you think it might be coming soon?

Yes, exactly that, Jilly sounded animated. That’s just how I feel right now. I’ve been like it for a while; it’s as if I’m about to burst open. She placed her hand on her sister’s arm. You don’t think I’m odd do you…going a bit nutty or something?

No, it sounds to me like you’re just bit unhappy, that’s all; a bit unfulfilled.

Jilly took a deep breath and glanced around. I’m glad we’ve met today, I felt I needed to talk to someone…someone I can trust. She leaned in and kissed Jerry’s cheek. That meant you of course; there isn’t anyone else.

Are you that troubled, love; or is it just a passing phase, do you think?

Look at me…look at you; is this it; is this all there is? When was the last time you felt great, on a high and having something worthwhile to look forward to? It’s been a fucking long time since for me, I can tell you.

So what is it then, sex; sex with somebody else, I mean…and is that the answer?

I don’t know Sis, but it’s a starting point isn’t it? She looked around again…checking. I’ve started to watch porn on the computer you know; I’ve begun masturbating. She closed in and gave her sister a hug. Sorry, I’m probably sharing too much. I haven’t got anyone else though, so unfortunately, you’re it.

They stood in their own small bubble, together in a containing moment.

What’s it like?

What like?

The porn; I’ve never ever seen a porn film…

Good…yes it’s…good, I like it, it’s very…stimulating; it makes you want what they’ve got. It sort of makes you realise what you haven’t got; if you know what I mean. That’s when I touch myself…when I watch. She stepped a pace or two away. Are you coming Saturday then? I’ll get a couple of tickets reserved for you if you want; I know they’ve got a few left.

Jerry didn’t answer right off, she was trying to imaging her sister masturbating to an on-line porn film; she struggled with the image. "Why do you want me to come; do you have a reason?"

Yes…I’m frightened, that’s why. Jilly moved closer again and grabbed Jerry’s hand. We’ve always been good haven’t we…me and you? There’s never been any bother between us has there?

We’re sisters, and I love you, Jerry said. You love me, so why would there be bother?

That’s what I mean; we don’t create pressure, do we? We’re easy with one another.

Jerry felt a nip of concern as it bit at her. It was like finding a crack in a favourite piece of porcelain and realising it wasn’t perfect any more.

"What’s brought this on all of a sudden? Has something happened…have you…are you having an affair? You can tell me; you know I wouldn’t say anything."

No, I’ve told you, I’m not, but I just feel I’m missing out somehow, that’s all. She forced out a smile. Look, David’s in London till Friday, why don’t you come back with me for a coffee, I…I just don’t want to go back alone today; would you?

Jerry glanced at her watch. Ok, but I won’t be able to stay too long. Roger likes to have his evening meal on the table when he gets home; he’s a bit finicky like that.

-–-

Jilly led the way in her Mercedes cabriolet; Jerry followed on behind, a miniature convoy – Thelma and Louise - heading into the sun in separate cars.

They stayed on the outskirts of town taking the dual carriageway bypass. A left hand turn and another half mile took them to Jilly’s turn off; a hundred metre drive to the house. Cars and houses, Jerry thought; an extension of ourselves.

The house – it was called the Firs - was a refurbished and extended farmhouse with adjoining stables, outhouses and recently added garages. The stables and garages either side of the main building created a huge courtyard which was paved with rustic slabbing. The property must be worth a fortune; Jerry knew this. The recent extensions alone would have cost the best part of a king’s ransom. And if cars and property said something of their owners…anything at all, then this place spoke loudly of David’s earning powers.

As Jilly stepped out of her car a gardener waved in acknowledgement of his employers return. Mrs Lunston, he called out as an ‘Hello.’

Jilly waved back, but that was all; she headed for the front door with Jerry hard on her heels. Inside, in the spacious hallway, they were met by Clarissa, the housekeeper come maid.

We’re going up to my room Clary, bring us some coffee…there’s a love. Jilly headed for the stairs.

Jerry smiled at Clarissa as she swept by, Hello, she mouthed. The pretty young woman was dressed, incongruously, in a French maid’s outfit: short black dress with white collar and a white pinafore, with black stockings and black high heeled shoes; her head was adorned with a frilly white cotton tiara headband. But that was where the maid thing ended; the girl was no shrinking violet.

What sort do you want Jilly, filter or cappuccino?

Ask my sister. She tossed the words out over her shoulder. She can choose.

Jerry touched the girls arm. Don’t go to too much trouble Clary; filter will be fine.

Clary grinned. Don’t you be worrying about me, love; I don’t take too much notice of either of them. They know if they gave me too much grief I’d be gone in a flash.

Jerry just nodded and headed up after her sister. She thought it odd that Jilly actually had a maid at all.

*

Jilly’s ‘room’ was a nice sized lounge on the first floor. It had a large balcony that overlooked the rear of the property and the spacious garden that disappeared into a small coppice about a hundred metres away.

Jerry stood in the open double doors and looked down the length of the garden. Do you ever go in there?

Jilly joined her. Where there?

Jerry pointed unnecessarily. Into that wood. Is there anything in there?

Don’t think so…I’ve never been in; I’ve never thought of it, either.

I like trees, Jerry said, I like walking in woods, especially when the bluebells are out; its lovely." She sounded wistful.

Do you really? See, that’s the third new thing I’ve learned about you today; it shows we don’t talk enough, doesn’t it?

Third…what’s the other two?

You’re not getting it enough, for one, and Roger prefers a wank to real sex, for another. Jilly moved away from the window and sat in an armchair.

Jerry understood that Jilly’s words weren’t meant to offend; they were merely a terse summary of what had been previously said. And I’ve learned something about you too, little sister.

And that is?

That you really like sex and you enjoy masturbating. I have to say, she added quickly. It really surprised me…the masturbation, I mean; it seems so… She stopped, looking for the right words. "What I mean is…I didn’t know you had such a need for sex. But then, in truth, we’ve never talked about it really…not in detail, so what do I know…"

Jilly kicked her sandals off and sat down. She pulled her feet up onto the chair and hugged her knees as if for comfort. Do you know Sis, I didn’t know either; it just sort of crept up on me. She hugged her knees tighter and stared blankly at the floor. I think it was when that Guido started flirting with me a while ago, it sort of made me think…think I was still desirable; still fuckworthy.

"Ha, fuckworthy, that’s a good one; is it even a real word?" Jerry had turned away from the garden now and was looking directly at her sister.

Well if it isn’t, it should be. Anyway, it sounds good, and you knew exactly what I meant didn’t you? She was smiling when she said it. She stopped then; there was a knock on the door before Clary walked in carrying a loaded tray.

Clary placed the tray on a low table and backed away. I’ve brought you some biscuits as well, just in case. If you don’t want them just leave them; I’ll give them to the birds…ok?

Thanks, and Clary, we need a bit of privacy for a while, so…

Oooow, don’t worry about me barging in, I know me place. What’s more, I’ve got better things to do with me time. With that she closed the door behind her and was gone.

She funny isn’t she? Jerry said. I think she’s quite perky.

Yeah, she’s ok, as long as you don’t take any notice of her; which I don’t. She makes David bristle sometimes, but then, good live-in maids don’t grow on trees.

Jilly poured the coffee and gave Jerry hers. Right, now we’re alone I want to show you the kind of film I really like watching. She got her laptop and returned to her seat.

We can watch it on the big telly, she explained as she found the site she was searching for. I’ve got them linked up.

Kind of films? Jerry said.

Yes, some are better than others; I like threesomes the best, and some sites have better films than others as well; you have to sift through a lot of rubbish though, before you find the odd golden nugget. She pointed at the large television screen that was fixed to the opposite wall; it had just come to life. This is one I’ve saved; it’s really good.

The screen jumped a few time before settling down to show a two mature women on a bed with one younger man; all three were naked.

Jilly leaned forward. "Look at him, isn’t he a specimen; and those women, they’re good for their age, don’t you think?"

Jerry had never seen a sex movie of any description, now here was one right in her face; full on…literally. The two women were on their knees with their rumps to the camera, everything they had was on show. Both of them were focusing their attention on the man’s erect penis; it was of considerable size.

How old are they then? She couldn’t think of any other response.

About the same as us I should think. She gave a quick thin smile. They’re amateurs, you can tell by the quality of the camera work. They’re supposed to be friends sharing one of their husbands; I believe he belongs to the one on the right. The other husband is doing the camera work…I think.

On the screen the woman on the left climbed over the recumbent man and lowered herself onto his cock. She sighed and began moving her arse up and down, taking the whole of the man’s length. Oh my god, this is wonderful, the copulating woman was commenting to her female companion rather than the man she was doing. And even though the sound quality wasn’t too good, Jerry could make out what the woman was saying. She watched with interest as the camera moved in for a close up of the sliding action; it was all very clear and explicit. The non-participating woman seemed keen to join in too; she moved in closer, began fondling her friend breasts and started to kiss her with accustomed ease.

Jerry was fascinated by the clear close up views of the women’s vaginas and anuses. She’d never really seen another woman’s fanny, not in such fine detail; that was for sure.

On the screen the riding woman began to groan as her orgasm started to flower. She arched her back and ground down at the man, twisting and moaning at the same time. Then, with her head thrown back she went rigid as her orgasm overwhelmed her.

There, Jilly called out, pointing at the screen with one hand and kneading her groin with the other. That’s what I want. She turned to stare, wide eyed, at Jerry. Have you ever come like that, I mean, really come that hard?

Jerry shook her head. Her own body was tingling and her face was flushed. "I didn’t even know you could come like that. Do you think she was faking it?" Her voice was clogging in her throat.

I don’t think so. I’ve watched enough of these films now to know when they’re faking it…and lots of films are fake. She was pressing the heel of her hand hard against her vulva. And anyway, I’ve faked enough of my own, so I can tell a real one when I see it…

Hello there, it’s me again…the voice. Hey, I sound a bit like a TV presenter, don’t I? Anyway, it looks like the author has decided to utilise my talents again…giving me a chance to spread the word, so to speak.

You may not have come across me before – I’ve featured in some of his other books – so I’ll give you the heads up about what I do and what I’m here for. First off, you need to know, I’ve got an extremely big cock and that’s really important, don’t you think? After all, what can be more important for a man than that? Secondly, I live with my two women Midge and Titch – yeah, they’re only skinny little things, but they go at it like crazy – and we live in a council house on a crappy housing estate. I’ve also got a little bit of a problem so I can’t go to work, but between us, with all my allowances, rent and rates reductions, and social support and that, we manage quite well; we’ve even got a car now. But enough of that, I’m sure you’ll learn more about me as we go along.

Now, within these pages it’s my job to comment on some of the things that go on with the characters; be like an independent observer, sort of like a sagacious critic. Now I have to tell you…because he makes me…I’ve got nothing to do with the actual story, so if you wanted, you could skip my bits without missing out. But…and be warned, if you do miss me out it’ll be your loss, not mine. And one more thing before I crack on, and so as you know, the author is a tosser and a bully; but more of that later.

So what do you think of those two eh? Well shod Milfs is what I think. See, women like them, they don’t work or anything, all they do is leach a living off the back of their husbands and strut around like they’re god’s gift to mankind and womanhood; and all they’ve ever done is lie in their backs and take it. I hate that kind of thing; people riding on the backs of others and doing fuck all. Still though, it’s a shame they ain’t getting any, especially the pretty one. Mind you, they’re all pretty when the lights are off…ain’t they? Or you can always do then from behind; you can’t see their faces that way, can you? And to tell the truth, a chap ain’t really interested in a woman’s face when he’s giving her a length; well I’m not anyway. See you soon…

-–-

Lunston rolled off the bed, walked to the window and looked down at the river. He watched a couple of tourist boats as they crossed paths; one moving up river and the other going down towards Greenwich, and he wondered about the people who rode on them. Ordinary people, day trippers and foreign holiday makers in the main, he thought; I don’t know them and they don’t know me. But then, that’s the way it is for everyone; for every one person you know there’s millions you don’t, and all of these people have their own lives…their own secrets…just like me.

Come back to bed David, a voice behind him