by Jackie J
Chapter one
With Mrs Tutteridge’s uniform meticulously
laundered and folded back into the case Cassandra showered and slipped into her
long silk negligee and peignoir. Sipping on a glass of Prieur Montrachet she
stared out over the city lights from the company’s penthouse apartment she
enjoyed and chuckled reflecting on the week passed. Was it her high-pressure
job, the power and control she held over others, perhaps the self-imposed loneliness
of her lifestyle brought on by her failed Sapphic relationships, guilt at her
significant wealth? Maybe it was just something within her? Whatever the root
cause Cassandra had given up trying to reconcile why many years ago. All
Cassandra knew was that whilst she could control it, she could not stop, she
had tried many times it was like a drug. Even when she had moved cities, she
could not help herself and found a way, there was always a way to appease her obsession
always aware, no matter how fastidious her planning, that one day she could be exposed.
What then? would she willingly, be subtly coerced or perhaps even be forced to offer
up her total capitulation to her inner demons and secret supressed desires. For
her part time pretence to become her reality, to be truly aproned and
subjugated. Many restless dreams filled with such tempting imaginings.
Another glass of wine Cassandra, swathed in her fine silk, snuggled down on the sofa with her thoughts and chuckled reflecting on her latest experiences and to update her diary. A detailed log of all her past assignments and placements of her alter ego maid Cassie. Squirming with relish she noted the duties and the feelings they engendered within her along with other musings that fed her tortured soul.
Outwardly Miss Cassandra Fellows was a
successful executive twenty-eight, pretty, a lithe figure, well spoken,
articulate and confident. Admired and envied in equal measure but behind their
politeness many men feeling threatened most women insanely jealous.
Cassandra’s week away from her usual
profession had been satisfyingly demeaning but that was over now and before
going to the office a trip to the beauty salon was an absolute must. Nails and
hair restored and, ready to leave, the girl on reception admiringly helped
Cassandra into her Dior jacket which slid effortlessly over her translucent
silk blouse. Leaving a generous tip Cassandra left the salon and headed to her
offices.
The week went well and visits to the European offices were planned. During the following month only one snag Cassandra’s assistant could not make the visit to Rome and she was accompanied by a junior, an excitable internee Jennifer Fairbright –Jones. A wealthy family’s daughter, new to the business willing to work for nothing to gain experience and hopefully a position in the company at the conclusion of her internship. The young lady’s naivety amused Cassandra but her insistence on taking selfies during their evening meal infuriated her and Jennifer was most apologetic when told to cease. Apart from the episode with her mobile Cassandra was most impressed with Jennifer her knowledge of live screen updates into the new pan European systems was excellent and a great help during Cassandra’s meetings. The report forwarded to Human resources, submitted by Cassandra on her return, reflected positively on Jennifer’s attitude and skills.
Locking up her basic apartment in the city
Jennifer could hardly contain herself returning to the family home for the
weekend. Mrs Wilson, the HR director, had called her into her office and
praised her for her work in Rome which would stand her in good stead for her
future at the company, although she must keep up the good work. It was not a
job offer but obviously she had made an impression on Miss Fellows, a senior director
at Hobson and Lloyd.
Jennifer’s paternal father had died
tragically in a boating accident many years before and her mother had
remarried. Whilst Jennifer’s mother took her new husband’s name of Crawford
Jennifer held onto the memory of her father retaining the name
Fairbright-Jones. The home of Samuel and Mellissa Crawford was a splendid
rambling mansion set in five secluded rural acres some twenty miles from the
city. Samuel had fought hard for Jennifer’s internship at Hobson and Lloyd and
was always eager to hear of her progress during her often only fleeting and
irregular visits.
“Well, that’s wonderful news Jennifer to
be given the opportunity to accompany this director was fantastic but being
able to make a meaningful contribution to the meetings wonderful. She must be quite some woman this Miss
Fellows giving you such a recommendation, it could be the difference in gaining
a full-time position?”
Jennifer then went on to wax lyrical about
Miss Fellows
“O father she is, she is beautiful, she
really is, always wearing such fashionable clothes, hair, makeup, and nails
always perfect and so clever, reviewing the books in Rome she was razor sharp.
I have a picture of her on my phone she didn’t like me taking it, but I did,
look this is me and Miss Fellows in the restaurant.”
Samuel took the mobile from Jennifer and
stared at the image?
“Very pretty and looking at the picture
quiet young, under thirty I would say, keep on her coat tails Jennifer”
“Mellissa, look at this, this is the
director at Jennifer’s company, the one Jennifer went to Rome with”
Mellissa only half interested glanced at the
photograph then took the phone from Samuel and took a second look before handing
the phone back to Jennifer.
“Beautiful eyes, so alive, is she married,
does she have a partner, I would like to meet this director of yours?”
Jennifer glared at her mother and Samuel
sniggered, the main reason that Jennifer’s visits to Kingston hall, the family
home, were few and short being the open marriage of her Mother and Samuel and it
had been most distressing having seen her mother with another woman on more
than one occasion.
“MOTHER, stop it, she is not like that, I
don’t mind what you and Samuel get up to, well I do, but that’s your choice.”
Mellissa smiled.
“You never know about people, just teasing
you Jennifer, like I am ever likely to meet her. Dinner is ready let us go
through to the dining room Paula will be waiting to serve.”
Six months passed and Miss Cassandra
Fellows, the confident and authoritative Europe contracts director of Hobson
and Lloyd went about her work with the usual cold efficiency for which she was
known.
Despite her travelling and demanding work
schedule Miss Fellows always found time for her “Little hobby”. Some weekend
work, anonymously donning her apron for Mrs Tutteridge’s exclusive agency.
Cassie was the perfect maid dressed in one of Mrs Tutteridge’s plain uniforms,
low heeled laced shoes, minimal makeup, bereft of her expensive jewellery and
her hair scrapped back into a tight ponytail. Dressed down as she was, and
exhibiting such a meek and humble persona, no one would consider questioning
the validity of this skilled domestic drone. That it was a senior executive for
an international business? Never.
Cassie’s latest weekend assignment had
been rewarding in more ways than one. Casandra Fellows, through failed
experience, had no desire for relationship’s but a needy maid Cassie always found
the attentions of female predators too exquisite to resist. What that client,
the hostess of the event had done with her, to her, over the weekend, would not
be soon forgotten.
Every three years, at the insistence of
the chairman, senior executives at Hobson and Lloyd undertook a week-long
residential psychiatric evaluation at Temples retreat. The facilities located
at the secluded Mansfield manor. Unknown to Casandra, Miss Casandra Fellows was
being considered by the chairman of the company to head up the North American
division. Miss Fellows work record was exemplary, and she would be perfect for
the role, but It was a main board position and there could be no risk of any
scandal. Having spoken with the main director at Temples the chairman of Hobson
and Lloyd had made it clear no stone must be left unturned.
An unwanted distraction, from her busy
work schedule, Cassandra’s last assessment at Temples was prior to her
promotion to European Contracts director. Cassandra was a little apprehensive
but not unduly so, the psychologist on her previous visit never exposed or
probed her alter ego and she would be on her guard again.
The appointment made by Stephanie, Miss
Fellows secretary, Cassandra travelled out to Mansfield manor and waited in the
reception area.
Some time passed and a smiling Dr Jenkins
picked up a file from reception and walked across to the seated Cassandra and
held out her hand.
“Miss Fellows, Hobson and Lloyd? I am Dr
Jenkins, Sandra, I will be leading on your assessment pleased to meet you.”
Cassandra put down her laptop on the seat
next to her and stood to take the doctor’s hand.
“Yes, Cassandra Fellows, pleased to meet
you Dr Jenkins?”
Dr Jenkins looked down at the computer a
mild frown on her face.
“You know the rules here, no outside
contact?”
Cassandra was apologetic.
“Yes, sorry just finishing something
before I am enrolled.”
Cassandra was taken behind reception where
Cassandra was seated for the obligatory photograph for her ID badge to be used
during her stay.
Cassandra then followed Dr Jenkins into a
small office for her enrolment. Her
passport and secondary identification checked Doctor Jenkins stood from the
desk and opened up one of the lockers situated at the back of the office.
“Something we have introduced since your last
stay with us. We understand how difficult it is for senior executive clients to
isolate themselves from their roles at work and to a lesser degree their
personal lives, but it is essential for our evaluations. if you could put all your work related and personal
belongings inside, everything you will need is here at Temples. It removes any
temptation to circumvent our policies. They
will be securely locked away during your time with us.”
Dr Jenkins pointed to Cassandra’s case.
“Could you open that check there is
nothing in there that should go in the locker?”
Cassandra was hesitant but placed her
travel case on the desk and flipped the catch
Seeing the leather satchel, which
contained Cassandra’s personal things and private phone, on top of the clothing,
Doctor Jenkins smiled.
“Naughty, naughty, no distractions, put
that in the locker with your other items.”
Cassandra would have no need of anything
during her stay at Temples everything was provided, it made sense in a way,
could she really have resisted checking her emails, making a call? It was for one week and she would have to
endure her isolation.
With everything deposited inside, Dr
Jenkins closed the locker and turned the key making a joke.
“Don’t worry I will help you with any
withdrawal symptoms.”
With the enrolment forms signed Dr Jenkins
took Cassandra to her accommodation.
“I will leave you to settle in if you need
anything just ring the service bell. I
will be back in an hour to collect you.”
Clothes hung in the closet and put into
the drawers Cassandra looked around her room. Much improved from her first
visit, much like the high-end hotel’s she stayed in on her travels with the
noticeable omission of a mini bar.
Seeing the service call bell Cassandra
smiled and pressed the ornate button. A coffee would be most welcome. Within a few
minutes a gentle knock on the door was answered and in stepped a maid.
“You rang Miss, my name is Judy, your housemaid
today, how can I help you?
Cassandra stared at the young domestic, a
shiver running through her, the uniform most familiar, it was like her own, one
of Mrs Tutteridge’s uniforms.
Cassandra struggled to gather her thoughts;
she did not recognise the girl hopefully the pretty maid did not recognise her!
“Erm, erm, Just a coffee, white no sugar”
The Maid looked at the guest
questioningly.
“Yes Miss, certainly, right away”
The maid left and Cassandra began to
panic. She did not recognise the maid, she had not worked with her, had she? What
if she had, the girl would not recognise her, would she? Just seeing the uniform
had made Cassandra quiver, like it always did when she slipped into her own
vestiges of servitude, her mind filling with thoughts of her supressed
submissive alter ego.
The girl returned with her tray and placed
the ordered beverage on the low table in the centre of the room and smiled.
“Your coffee Miss, will there be anything
else?”
Cassandra stared out of the window
avoiding eye contact.
“No, nothing, that’s all thank you.”
Under the stewardship of Dr Jenkins, who
collected her from her room, the majority of Cassandra’s first day at Temples
was spent completing various psychometric tests. With Cassandra’s thoughts
filled with her meeting with the maid it was a distracted Cassandra with Cassie
at the front of her mind being analysed. Reviewing the results in the early evening
Dr Jenkins was puzzled comparing them to those recorded during Miss Fellows previous
assessments. This just did not happen. So concerned was she Dr Jenkins took the
results to the senior partner, Miss Longwood.
“Well Sandra, this is very interesting, of
course you will have to run these tests again but the whole program of tests indicates
the same, they are consistent, like we would expect. Re set the computer and
have this Miss Fellows complete the tests again. People change as we know, but
not like this.”
Chapter 2
The restaurant at the retreat was compact
but most impressive with a varied menu and attentive staff, not that Cassandra
had much of an appetite. Her mind was in turmoil over her meeting with this Judy
girl. Cassandra had not seen the maid since the morning but knew it would only
be a matter of time before she did. Cassandra could not get the thoughts of her
potential exposure and being a maid herself out of her mind. Cassandra, with
sapphic imaginings of what this young maid would want of her, in return for her
silence, smiled, a pleasing ripple of arousal causing her to squirm on her
seat.
A friendly voice broke Cassandra from her
Cassie fuelled thoughts
“Do you mind if I join you?”
Cassandra looked up and smiled
“Not at all please take a seat.”
The Gentleman, smart and handsome in a
mature sort of way, sat and smiled.
“it’s just like being away on business is
it not, the tables in the restaurant populated by singletons. Paul Balfour by
the way.”
Cassandra responded.
“Cassandra Fellows, so you are also here
for the “Spanish inquisition” I presume?”
Paul laughed,
“That is how you see it is it, no, no I
work here for my sins. I saw your name on the board you arrived today didn’t
you, I think I am seeing you on Thursday morning.”
Paul laughed again.
“I better get my thumb screws ready.”
Cassandra smiled politely but nothing
more.
“Cheer up Cassandra, you are with Dr
Jenkins aren’t you, she is very good, thorough, she will have you bearing your
soul, good therapy, she is quite new here, came shortly after all the changes.
Have you been here before?”
Cassandra swirled her glass and took a
sip.
“Yes, three years ago, a lot of changes to
the décor, this restaurant, my room much brighter and welcoming than I
remember, all good.”
Pauls meal ordered he was soon eating.
“It’s not only the decor that has changed
as you will find out as the week progresses, much more thorough and in depth.
Miss Longwood, who you will no doubt meet during the week, introduced some
remarkable techniques here at Temples. Like I say to all clients, go with the
flow and enjoy your time at Temples.”
Cassandra did not linger at the table and
forsaking the gym and pool picked up a magazine and headed back to her room.
Cassandra had slept well and without the
thoughts of Judy, or Cassie in her mind, she enthusiastically whisked through
the Belbin and other psychometric tests of the morning session. A disguised
repeat of the tests from the previous afternoon and Cassandra recognised the
process.
A break for lunch Cassandra smiled.
“The tests seemed very similar to
yesterday Doctor Jenkins still you know what you are doing.”
Doctor Jenkins shuffled her papers.
“Yes, Cassandra that’s right but trust me
it’s all part of the program.”
Doctor Jenkins was eager to interpret and
compare the results with those of the previous day and whilst Cassandra sat in
the restaurant at lunch Doctor Jenkins was in Miss Longwoods office.
With
the historic, yesterdays and the mornings profiles up on the screen Miss
Longwood turned to the young doctor.
“That is impossible, the computer program
was not corrupted, I had it checked last night. It is like two different personalities a wolf,
that we would expect from Miss Fellows profile but yesterday a sheep and this
morning, the wolf returns. Well, well Sandra, it would appear that interesting days
lay ahead for you with our Miss Fellows.”
Cassandra taking lunch in the restaurant placed
her serviette on the table and drained her teacup having admiringly watched the
waitress at her work about the tables. Opening her file, she smiled at the
afternoons program for her. Word association followed by a group session, that
should be fun, not.
Sat facing each other Doctor Jenkins
explained the principle of the exercise and they began. Doctor Jenkins saying
seemingly random words and Cassandra responding with an associated word. After
a series of words and responses, whatever Cassandra’s response had been to the
various first words spoken, they were repeated back to her for a subsequent
response this forming a chain of words from each of the first words raised by
Dr Jenkins.
Feverish taps on the Doctors tablet
recorded the word chains and, punctuated with a few short breaks to set the new
start words, the exercise continued well into the afternoon.
With the session ended a weary Cassandra
sat back and sighed.
“I am not sure what all that will tell you
I think I ran out of words at the end, I had to really think.”
Doctor Jenkins closed her folder.
“It’s the instinctive responses that count
that and the record of your associated eye movements, the small camera behind
me synchronises with the words, a new technique we have adopted that separates
random and meaningful words. A true pattern of your subconscious if you will”
Doctor Jenkins uploaded the sessions data
from her tablet to her PC and turned to Cassandra.
“You will recall the group sessions from
your last visit no doubt.”
Cassandra chuckled.
“Yes, no wrong or right answer if I
remember, it’s all about process?”
Sitting
forward in her chair Doctor Jenkins smiled.
“Well not quite, you may find things a
little different, but you will see.”
Following a hurried coffee in the
restaurant Cassandra found her way to the conference room.
Three small round tables four chairs at
each, a few spaces remained when Cassandra entered to be shown to a seat at one
of the tables.
The first task given to the group involved
their survival in a desert following the forced landing of a plane they were
travelling on. All the attendees had plenty to say some more than others.
Cassandra being quite vocal on a number of issues during the first period.
Refreshment’s served Cassandra took a comfort break.
Leaving the cubicle, straightening her
skirt, Cassandra was confronted by a smiling Judy, the maid from the previous
day, who was just entering the lady’s room.
“Hello again Miss, I trust you are
settling in, you looked a little worried yesterday when you arrived. I brought
you a coffee, remember?”
Casandra moved quickly to the washbasins.
“Yes, yes fine thank you, the coffee, yes,
it was perfect and most welcome, now I must be on my way, nice to see you
again.”
Judy smiled.
“Silly I know, but yesterday, when I saw
you, I thought I recognised you to be someone else. ridiculous really, it is just
the eyes Miss, you have the same eyes.”
Cassandra dumped her hand towel into the
basket.
“Really how strange, bye”
Cassandra hurried through the door and out
into the hallway taking a deep controlling breath. Seeing the uniform again,
the girl a hairs breadth from recognising her, exposing her, what was she going
to do?
Back in the group session a new task was
described, and the composition of the groups was changed by the facilitator. The
activity eventually ended, Cassandra having been rather subdued and distracted
in the later session. Little wonder following the meeting with Judy having put
thoughts of Judy and Cassie back to the front of her mind.
The morning and afternoon program complete
it was not long after six and Cassandra, back in her room, soaked in a bubble
filled bathtub, her mind reflecting on the day’s tests, but more concerningly
the maid Judy. There was to be an evening session that she was not looking
forward to. Career path analysis.
Whist Cassandra soaked, Dr Jenkins and
Miss Longwood reviewed the results from the days programs. Miss Longwood
particularly interested in the results of Miss Fellows.
“Interesting the group sessions from this
afternoon, again Miss Fellows exhibited different characteristics. The first
task, as one would expect, dominant and opinionated. The last two tasks passive
and accepting? Something is just not right, I sense it. Nothing was picked up
on her last visit here, nothing. Proud, articulate, a leader, a shaper, a wolf,
traits shown throughout her evaluations. She shows all those characteristics
again but then, but then humble, hesitant almost a wallflower, a team-worker
for goodness sake? It does not make
sense. Show me your work from this morning again, the word associations strip
out the opening phrases and the first line responses.”
The data flicked up on the screen. The
instantaneous responses, apart from the lead in phrases such as dog – cat, day
– night, mainly work related as one would expect. However, scattered amongst
these instantaneous responses some word association strings that seemed out of
place.
Miss Lockwood sat back in her chair.
“This gets more intriguing by the minute Sandra,
now put those on the screen again with the new technology, there is only one
truth with that, nowhere to hide. isolate
the deep words, the hesitant words, the guarded words, from the linked eye
movements.”
The words blinked onto the screen one by
one, then the repeats.
Doctor Jenkins and Miss Lockwood turned
away from the screen to face each other and Miss Lockwood could not resist.
“Well bless my soul, Baa, Baa, Baa”
The two laughed in unison
Miss Longwood picked up Cassandra’s file
and chuckled
“First the test data now this, I do
believe we may have a sheep in wolves clothing Doctor Jenkins. I wonder if we
can get that sheep into a pen and hold it there?
Doctor Jenkins smirked
“If Hobson Lloyd do have a sheep in their
pack, perhaps they would prefer it back with the flock? I just need to find its
triggers and we are good at that here at Temples aren’t we, with the changes we
have made.”
Miss Lockwood offered words of caution.
“Off Course Doctor Jenkins we will need to
be absolutely sure, one swallow does not make a summer, Hobson and Lloyd are
good and profitable clients. Find her tiggers, they are here at Temples somewhere,
they must be. You have a one to one with Miss Fellows this evening, skip the
standard career path analysis. Use the sensors chair in the Lofthouse suite and
run a memory evaluation, since she arrived at Temples, that should tell us what
we need to know.”
Doctor Jenkins smiled, picked up her
file’s, and left to prepare for her evening session with Miss Fellows.
Chapter 3
The bath had been most relaxing, and
Casandra picked out some casual clothes to wear for her one-to-one meeting with
Dr Jenkins later. She was not particularly hungry but having time she would go up
to the restaurant and have something to eat before the final session for the
day. The restaurant was not particular busy, and Cassandra enjoyed the mackerel
salad with a quality glass of wine. Passing
on a second glass of wine offered, Cassandra checked her watch. It was
twenty-five past seven and she made her way to Doctor Jenkins office.
The Doctor smiled.
“Cassandra, right on time very punctual,
please, take a seat.”
Cassandra settled into a chair and Dr
Jenkins closed the file she had been studying.
“We have a slight change of plan this
evening, we should be covering career path but, due to some rescheduling, the
Lofthouse suite is free and we can move to memory and observation evaluation a
little earlier than planned. We can go over the career path later in the week.”
Cassandra shrugged her shoulders.
“That’s fine by me, you are in charge.”
Doctor Jenkins stood picking up a set of
keys from her desk.
“Right, let’s go then, follow me.”
Cassandra followed Doctor Jenkins across
the reception area and down to the end of a long corridor.
Keys in the lock and the door opened both
entered the Lofthouse suite. Lights on Cassandra looked around. The room was
smaller than she had expected having a slightly clinical feel to it. In the
centre a booth with its door open, a large leather chair inside. Facing the
booth, a desk with a screen and a control panel with a number of dials.
Cassandra smiled.
“I little like a quiz show, I presume I
will be sitting in the booth, the chair looks comfortable?”
Doctor Jenkins flicked some switches and
with a few lights flashing approached Cassandra
“Yes, you are in the booth, but you are
right, the chair is very comfortable. This is one of Miss Lockwood’s systems that
she introduced to Temples. Tests memory and reaction time to respond, I am sure
you will be fine with this exercise.”
With Cassandra sinking into the embracing
chair Dr Jenkins explained the procedure and applied the attachments. Earphones
and microphone a wired wristband and a pair of oversize spectacles, a cross
between normal glasses and goggles. The Doctor would ask specific questions and
Cassandra would respond; the session should take between thirty and forty-five
minutes.
When the door of the booth closed to
commence the session the walls and door became mirrored. Cassandra thought it
all most elaborate. The oversize glasses to track eye movements, the pulse
monitor on her wrist the earphones and microphone? She was sure that on her
previous visit, with all the interviews, she had just sat across the desk from
the doctor asking questions who scribbled on a note pad?
The doctors voice came through the
earphones rather loud making Cassandra tense in the chair, but the volume was
quickly adjusted.
“Sorry about that Cassandra, just setting
the levels, don’t be intimidated with all the attachments they are necessary I
assure you. Could you just speak a few words so I can set your levels at this
end?
Cassandra obliged and Doctor Jenkins
watched the needle scrawl on the virtual chart, all was set and ready.
The questions started quite benign, commencing
from her arrival at Temples and Cassandra had little problem in providing
timely answers. Progressively the test of her memory became more challenging
and less chronological. The first morning then the recent events of today then
back to the first afternoon, a little disorientating and Cassandra had to think
hard. What was the receptionist wearing on her arrival? Who sat with her in the
first group session? what shape is the vase in her room? The questions seemed
to come at a much faster rate. Cassandra not even noticing that some questions were
not memory related at all, eager to keep up with the pace. What was her biggest
worry before coming to Temples? Had
there being anything unexpected? Where is the clock in the reception? How many
chairs in the group sessions? How many staff had she met? The sound of a buzzer
eventually halted flow of questions and Cassandra sighed.
“Is that it, can I take these things off
and come out?”
Doctor Jenkins smiled at the results and pressed
the upload button.
“No, I will come in and do that, so how
was that, quite intense isn’t it, I struggle keeping up with the timer for the
questions. You will be pleased to know that you did remarkably well.”
It had been a blur, but Cassandra was
content that she, according to the doctor, had done well.
“It was strange and being shut in here,
all wired up, I seemed to lose track of time.”
Sandra, happy she had what Miss Lockwood wanted
smirked.
The door to the booth opened and a smiling
Sandra removed the glasses and headset then unfastened the wrist band.
“There finished and I will see you in the
morning, role play tomorrow, something to look forward to?”
Cassandra stood from the chair and
stretched.
“Well, I think I will call in the bar, I
am not sure of the protocol, but would you care to join me?”
The doctor smiled.
“I would love to join you, but sorry, I am
afraid not, I will need to process this data and prepare for tomorrow’s
sessions, another time perhaps, before you leave.”
Cassandra left the suite and found a table
in the bar area of the restaurant and settled with a glass of wine. She wasn’t
seeking company but could not really refuse when one of the members see
remembered from the group sessions came to join her. Then another lost soul
joined them. William was quite relaxed, he was joining a pharmaceutical company
and had been on similar evaluations before, were as Jenny was rather nervous
about the whole affair finding the probing quite intrusive. Cassandra was not
into networking and having finished her drink made her excuses and left the
pair debating if the extra sails had been necessary for one of the scenario’s
set them in the afternoon. Scooping up a magazine Cassandra headed for her room
unaware of the implications from her latest session with Doctor Jenkins.
Dr Jenkins and Miss Lockwood had studied
the polygraph, voice modulation and eye movements along with hesitation from
the planted questions. There was something hidden for sure, but what? Nothing
in isolation, from what they had viewed, could be considered a trigger for such
a change in personality? Had they been looking for something that was not
there? But the tests had never been wrong before?
Miss Lockwood reviewed what was known from
the data.
“The most glaring example revealed was
regarding something unexpected. The answer was a categorical no, then the afterthought,
delayed response of being wired up in the booth. The results, polygraph, eye
movement, hesitation, and her voice pitch tell us something else. Find the
unexpected and we have her trigger. The time frame, from you showing her to her
room and your preliminary analysis on the first day, then during the group
session break, what happened? What was so unexpected to have such an effect,
whatever Miss Fellows is hiding it is suppressed and deep rooted, controlled
even, what made her lose that control?”
Doctor Jenkins prepared two coffee’s and
retook her seat.
“We still have the recordings to watch,
shall we do that?
Miss Lockwood picked up her coffee and
took a sip.
“Yes, we may as well, and something may
come up during your role play tomorrow.”
“The two sat and watched the footage from
Miss Fellows arrival. Both commented on the concern Miss Fellows showed in
having her personal belongings locked away but little else. She had unpacked
and ordered a coffee from room service and that was it, nothing revealing.”
Miss Lockwood yawned and looked at her
watch.
“Well, that’s three hours I won’t get back, look, its late let’s leave it until tomorrow, I will look at the group session footage in the morning and let you know if I find anything. I know we are meticulous but are we absolutely sure that Miss Fellows knows no one on the staff here at Temples or the other delegates, probably worth a double check?”
Breakfast taken and with a top up for her
coffee Cassandra sat glancing through a morning paper before her day was to
start. A few nods to people she recognised from the group sessions when she made
her way back to her room and Cassandra wondered what the third day at Temples
would bring.
Doctor Jenkins had been called to Miss
Lockwood’s office early and both sat staring at the images on the split screen,
much revealed. Both had thought nothing of the coffee Miss Fellows ordered
after arriving and waiting to be collected by Doctor Jenkins, but now that all
changed. A common denominator found. There was nothing seen by Miss Lockwood
viewing the end of the first group sessions and only by chance had she picked
up on the camera from the hallway at the mid- session break. Both chuckled,
Sandra had confirmed that none of the other delegates could have had previous
interaction with Miss Fellows and none of the staff at Temples could possibly
be known to Miss Fellows. Temporary staff however, that were recruited at such
short notice, it was never considered, and a maid? How could Miss Fellows know this
Judy Finnigan girl and for this maid to have been the catalyst for such a
drastic change in her performance, indeed her personality.
“Well, Sandra we seem to have located the
trigger but why and how does this girl have such an effect on the normally
confident Miss Fellows?”
Doctor Jenkins sought an explanation.
“Well, she could have used the maid,
Tutteridge’s are a prestigious agency, that’s where this girl comes from, that
would be embarrassing for Miss Fellows, being recognised here at Temples?”
Miss Lockwood eased back in her chair.
“Really? That would have put her head in a
spin would it, really?”
Miss Lockwood considered another
alternative.
“We know Miss Fellows is of a certain
persuasion, there is no secret of that, perhaps she has a thing about maid’s,
maids in general, or this particular one?”
Doctor Jenkins laughed and made an
unknowingly prophetic comment.
“You say that, from the secondary profile,
the submissive traits shown, she would make a good maid herself?”
Miss Lockwood smiled.
“You are right, indeed she would, but an
highly unlikely career choice for our Miss Fellows.”
Doctor Jenkins laughed again.
“Well, you never know, an executive by day
and maid by night. I guess stranger things have happened, even here. Mr Ferris,
if you remember, left Temples in a dress I recall. Swapped his directorship for
the role of a secretary, and a good secretary she made in the end I understand.”
Miss Lockwood stood a smile on her face.
“Yes, I do remember Simon Ferris, Simone.
But this is all conjecture, all we know is that this maid is the probable cause
of distracting Miss Fellows during her time here at Temples. We are being paid good
money by Hobson and Lloyd to identify any weaknesses that could be exploited
and have a detrimental effect on their business. We know Miss Fellows to be a
Wolf and she has proved this in her work and here previously when evaluated. Like
we are paid to do we have unearthed something within Miss Fellows that we must
seek to investigate fully. If she can become weak here, like she has shown, her
judgement effected, then it could surely occur back in her working environment.
If it is just a case of coming across an old flame, which I suspect on
reflection it may be, then perhaps Miss Fellow’s temporary distraction is
somewhat understandable. If it is more than this then we would be duty bound to
advise Hobson and Lloyd accordingly. Have a discrete word with this maid and
see if she can through any light on the matter.”
Doctor Jenkins glanced at her watch and
stood quickly gathering her files from the desk.
“Nine thirty, I had better be on my way if
I am to catch up with this maid before my morning session with Miss Fellows.”
Chapter 4
Unaware that her secret passion was being
unravelled Cassandra left her room and was soon sat in the conference room
waiting for Dr Jenkins and for the morning session to start. The Spanish office
should have completed the Miguel contract and she was anxious to know all had
gone well. Being stuck at Temples she had no way of knowing, no phone, no internet
no lap top it was so frustrating for her. She would be glad when this pseudo
isolation was over, and she could get back to normality.
Asked into Dr Jenkins office Judy was
quite flustered and anxious to know why.
“Is there a problem Miss, I cleaned your
office first thing, have I missed something.”
The
maid was soon put at ease and invited her to sit by the doctor’s desk.
“No problem, no problem at all I just want
a word with you, something you may be able to help me with. Judy isn’t it, from
Miss Tutteridge’s agency you’re here on a temporary contract?
“Yes Miss, that’s right, Miss Tutteridge
got the contract at Temples two months ago. I have only been here this week, Mr
Roberts the facility manager arranged it. Betty the fulltime maid who is
resident is away, I am filling in for her, I should be here for another month”
Dr Jenkins smiled seeing the girl relax and
become quite chatty.
“Now what we discuss, what you say, what
you tell me, will go no further it is absolutely confidential you understand
that don’t you?”
Judy nodded.
“Yes Miss, Mr Roberts explained that to me
when I started everything here at Temples is very private, highly confidential.
I had to sign some papers.”
Doctor Jenkins removed her glasses and
smiled.
“Good, so you have nothing to fear. We
have a client here and we believe you know her, that she knows you is that
true?
Judy looked at the Doctor with a puzzled
expression.
“No? Like I would know anyone here,
everyone here is rich I am just a maid?”
“So, you don’t know Miss Fellows the lady
in room seven, the lady your served coffee to on the morning of her arrival?”
Judy’s eyes turned away in thought then
smiled.
“No, I do not know her at all, but I know
who you mean, room seven, tall, although that is probably those heel’s she wears,
very elegant, I think she was quite surprised to see me on that first day,
probably did not expect to see a proper maid dressed like this serving her
coffee. She seemed a little embarrassed if that is the right word, awkward if
you know what I mean. It seems to impress a lot of the people who stay here,
the uniform and everything.”
The doctor continued
“Surprised you say and that’s all, and you
are sure you have never seen her before or perhaps that she could know you?
Nothing will go beyond these walls, trust me.”
“No Miss, I do not know her or what she has
said, but it is funny that you should be asking this, It’s the ladies’ eyes it’s
odd, and yesterday, when I saw her again, I did apologise to her for just for
thinking it. The lady’s eyes, they are so distinctive, you must have noticed
them, we have a girl who works at Mrs Tutteridge’s, only part time, but she has
the very same eyes, ridiculous I know, but when I saw her at first, I thought
it was her! But no, I do not know the lady, it cannot be the same person. Her
hair, makeup, jewellery, her clothes, and those heels. I would kill for a pair
like those.”
Sandra stood and smiled considering her
thoughts from earlier, could it really be? An executive by day and a maid by
night?
“Interesting, thank you for clearing that
up and you have nothing to worry about, you have been most helpful. I ask Judy,
could you organise tea for three in the conference room for eleven please?”
Judy stood to leave.
“If the lady said something, I am sorry,
and yes tea for three, in the conference room at eleven, certainly Miss.”
Having called into Miss Lockwood’s office,
to update her on her meeting with the maid, Doctor Jenkins eventually arrived
and apologised for being a little late before opening a file.
“The results from last night Cassandra,
the memory test, excellent I must say, you are obviously very observant eighty
seven percent.”
“You will have seen from the program we
are scheduled to run through some role play today, how do you feel about that?”
Cassandra had been sat waiting for the
doctor for twenty minutes or more and the good results from the memory test
were nothing more that she expected. If she had an internet connection and her
lap-top, she could have been working and was not best pleased just wanting to
get whatever was planned for the session over but forced a smile.
“Fine, role play, just the two of us not a
syndicate?”
Doctor Jenkins smiled anxious to see if
she could draw out Miss Fellows weaker personality that she had shown during
the evaluations of the previous day’s observations.
“A syndicate, like the group sessions, no
Cassandra it will be just the two of us this morning.”
Removing a sheet of paper from her file Dr
Jenkins passed it to Casandra.
“This is your role read it through and
then we can begin.”
Cassandra was to be a subordinate in a
busy direct sales office who had undercharged a client, she was already on a
warning from her boss for a similar infraction. Her supervisor had asked to see
Cassandra, and this was their meeting.
Cassandra read through the background;
this poor girl was bang to rights for sure. Cassandra had worked through role
play before, they were free- wheeling and the agenda fluid, she would need to
control the agenda.
“Right, I am ready will you start?”
Cassandra was sharp, very sharp and Dr
Jenkins had a high degree of admiration for how Miss Fellows, with calm
dignity, manipulated the situation to her advantage. At the conclusion of the interview,
Wendy, the girl in question, had come out very well. Increased work-station
space, a modern split screen PC, doubt cast on two co-workers who worked adjacent
to her and a small rise in her basic pay. Why, Wendy was potentially the best
staff member on the floor. Wendy’s difficulties had all been the company’s
fault!
Cassandra’s performance had exceeded all
expectations, even for one holding such a senior executive role within a
company. Doctor Jenkins looked at her mark sheet every box ticked. This was
Miss Fellows at her very best, a Wolf on the prowl of that there could be no
doubt.
Temples were nothing if not thorough in
their work, that is why organisations paid top dollar for their services. If
there was any flaw suspected in an attendee’s character, they prided themselves
on finding it, and exposing it. Having invested heavily in the latest
technology and techniques they had saved many a company an embarrassing or
costly outcome.
Dr Jenkins had reported to Miss Lockwood
on her interview with the maid having assured herself that the Judy girl had
been open and honest having studied the eye scanner footage. No excessive
blinking, no eye movement, upper left or right, she had been truthful. There
was nor had there ever been any relationship between this maid and Miss Fellows
although the scanner showed that the maid had genuinely believed, on first
meeting, that Miss Fellows and a work colleague were one and the same.
Miss Lockwood had pondered on what Dr
Jenkins had told her and was sceptical that anything would come of an inquiry,
but every avenue had to be explored.
Mr Roberts showed some concern when Miss
Lockwood asked for the contact details of the Tutteridge’s agency but was
assured there was no problem with the maid, it was an unrelated and private
matter.
Finishing her telephone call with Miss
Tutteridge, she now understood a little more why the maid had such a
distracting effect of Miss Fellows. But, even calling on all her years of
professional experience, Miss Lockwood struggled to explain why the
confrontation had proved to be so mentally debilitating?
It surely could not just be the
embarrassment of having to explain such a strange hobby if exposed by this
maid? Could this in fact be Dissociative Identity Disorder in the most extreme?
Dual Identities at the two poles of the Social spectrum. Miss Fellows executive
existence obviously dominant, the maid within suppressed, ordinarily
controlled, and released at will. But, here at Temples, being already in a
stressed state, the confrontation with maid Judy, the visual stimulus of seeing
her own uniform before her, creating a powerful mental paradox, drawing the Maid
Cassie within to the fore of her consciousness. What an internal mental
struggle that must have been and yes that would explain the dichotomy of the evaluation
results.
A hurried reading of Professor Monroe’s
paper on the subject of Dissociative Identity Disorder appeared to confirm Miss
Lockwood’s suspicions. She would need to delve deeper, read more on the subject
before she could be sure. The examples given in Professor Monroe’s studies
separating the fine line between nature from nurture.
Nurture,
Miss Fellows would have surely been capable of riding the potential storm
without such an impact on her mental abilities. Nature, and, with such
stimulus, according to Professor Monroe, her Alter ego would have unknowingly
flooded her conscious mind and, oblivious to such an intrusion, she would have
unconsciously responded not has the sharp executive but a servile maid. This would certainly explain Miss Fellows
strange responses.
What to do? Ordinarily such findings would
be added to the Temples confidential report for submission at the conclusion of
the evaluations. What happened beyond that would be a matter for Hobson and
Lloyd. But there was nothing ordinary about Miss Cassandra Fellows. The
techniques and technology she had developed and introduced at Temples had
exposed the extreme character flaws in this outwardly successful executive where
previous evaluations had failed. She was not going to let that be buried in a
confidential client report.
Miss Lockwood had agreed to meet with Dr
Jenkins and Miss Fellows just after eleven. An intrusion by maid Judy having
been arranged just prior to her arrival. With what she now knew Miss Lockwood
was ready to make and offer to Miss Fellows she would find hard to refuse.
The first role play exercise concluded Cassandra smiled at the outcome and with Dr Jenkins reviewing the salient points a knock on the door heralded the arrival of the tea requested. With an unnerved Cassandra looking on, whilst the maid dispensed the tea and cups from her small trolley Miss Lockwood entered the room.
“Good morning ladies, tea how nice, thank
you Judy, you may leave us now.” I have come to join you Doctor Jenkin’s, Miss
Fellows I presume, pleased to meet you. I am Evelyn Lockwood, co- owner of
Temples I am sorry I have not had the opportunity to meet with you earlier.”
Cassandra effected by the entrance of the
maid half stumbled to her feet holding out her hand to that offered by Miss
Lockwood.
“Yes, Cassandra Fellows, pleased to meet
you, sorry about that I caught my heel when I stood.”
Miss Lockwood smiled.
“Of course, you did dear, please sit we
need to talk.”
Miss Lockwood opened her laptop and
plugged it into the connector for the large monitor on the wall before tapping
at the keyboard and sets of data flickered up onto the screen.
Sandra Jenkins set about pouring the tea
whilst Miss Lockwood continued
“I thought you would be interested in what
Doctor Jenkins evaluations have revealed during your time at Temples.
Cassandra sat without a word whilst the
personality disparities from the various tests she had undertaken were
revealed. She then blushed when Miss Lockwood showed how they had located the
triggers causing the differences but felt beyond faint and went ashen when Miss
Lockwood’s discussion with Miss Tutteridge was disclosed.
Miss Lockwood let Cassandra stare into her
drained teacup for a few minutes and turned off her laptop, the large monitor
going blank.
“I am not one to judge Miss Fellows,
Cassandra, and our work here is strictly confidential as you know but what your
company Hobson and Lloyd, your chairman, would make of this, well I don’t think
I need to paint a picture do I?”
Cassandra just nodded.
“Good, so you can see the dilemma, you are
obviously very talented the higher marked results indicate that. Miss Cassandra
Fellows the executive would have left Temples with a glowing report of that
there is no doubt. However, maid Cassie, who was exposed during the
evaluations, not so.”
Cassandra interjected starting to feel
quite threatened.
“Alright stop, yes I do work being a maid,
a maid for Miss Tutteridge’s agency, well done for tracking that down, I have
done for years it has never affected my work, never.”
Miss Lockwood smirked
“Until now that is, until now. How do we
know, how does your chairman know that there have not been similar episodes in
the past, when your judgement was affected, how would you know come to that,
you suspected nothing regarding your performance here at Temples until I just
made these revelations?”
Miss Lockwood asked Dr Jenkins to pour
more tea and took a sip
“Like I said at the outset I am not one to
judge so please hear me out.”
“I am sure with your exemplary record at
Hobson and Lloyd the chairman would rather you remained in his organisation,
but, unless we can seek to prevent such potential for lapses in judgement, like
those that we have isolated, well, that may well be a risk the chairman would
not be willing to take. Wanting to be a maid, actually being a maid is not the
problem. It is the potential for the maid within you to surface whilst within
your executive role.”
“Only if you are willing of course I, well
we at Temples, can help eliminate this tendency remove the risk and, given we
can, Hobson and Lloyd, your chairman, need never be made aware. I would have no
problem in signing off a report that reflects only the positive aspects of your
time here. Of course, you can spurn my help and I regret, in that case, your
potential weakness will be reported accordingly.”
Miss Lockwood looked into the beautiful
eyes that had betrayed her and smiled sensing Miss Fellows was reviewing her
options but decided against seeking an immediate answer.
“Look, this is lot to take in but for you
Miss Fellows, the course is complete. We have concluded our assessment and have
all that we need to report back to your company chairman. What that report will
indicate is very much in your hands now. Come to my office at four and let me
know if you would like my help. If you do, I am sure the report your chairman
will receive will be very different from the one I would be obliged to write
now.
Miss Lockwood turned to open the door.
“Doctor Jenkins please come with me. Miss
Fellows I hope to see you at four in my office.”
It reminds me of a job interview I had....
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Jackie!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back, Jackie. Wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteWhen will we have more of Big bird's story?
ReplyDeleteA Very intriguing story thus far, I look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteGood story! Can't wait for more!
ReplyDeleteGr8 beginning Ms Jackie. I can see where its going. Just hope it doesn't take 50 or so more chapters and various new characters.
ReplyDeleteI really like this story. It's almost hard to believe it's an erotic story, but the tension is incredible. I can't wait to read the next installment!
ReplyDeletegreat story! Love it.
DeleteThis was a chore.
ReplyDeleteMore bigbird please.
Miss Longwood appears to become Miss Lockwood halfway through the story! Other than that, excellent stuff as per usual from JJ.
ReplyDeleteThe stories in the modern office are great and give a strong sense of substitution. This type of story is really great!
ReplyDeleteHope to see more stories happening in modern social offices!
ReplyDeleteWould be nice to have some sort of regular contact from Miss Langtry about what is coming up and when. It sometimes feels like she's not even here...
ReplyDelete- Vessantia
I am here, do not worry! More updates coming up. I've been super busy the last few months with not much time left for the blog sadly.
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