Desmond, the art coordinator, was happily informing Jessica that three of her photographs had sold. Jessica was happy and relieved at the same time. She knew Mrs. Grayson-Hanson had bought the West Virginia photograph.            “Jessica, I heard through the grapevine that you were a painter as well,” Desmond said.            “That’s correct.”            “I own an art gallery. I would love to take a look at your painting portfolio to see if I could display some of your pieces.”            Jessica lit up. “That would be great. Are you willing to come to my loft after the New Year to take a look at my work? &nb

            Two weeks later . . .             Desmond had just arrived at Jessica’s loft. She led him upstairs to the third bedroom she had turned into a studio.            The five-foot-five brother was always impeccably dressed. Today, he wore pressed brown slacks and a white dress shirt with a brown scarf. He immediately went to the wall-sized canvas painting she was working on. It had a blue and yellow feather brushed background. Two silhouettes indicating one man and one woman were painted light brown. The female silhouette was straddled over the man’s lap.He examined it on the large easel. “This is very erotic,” he commented. “I like how you used the light and shadows of the background.”“Thank you. It’s one paintin

            Calvin Michelson was holding a board meeting in the twentieth-floor conference room. It was an informal meeting to inform the board to what Michelson Investments was doing for the New Year.            Of course, Calvin, his mother, and Charles had seats on the board. Charles hadn’t been to a board meeting in ages. His mother only attended one board meeting a year to keep up with what was going on. Walter Vanderberg IIII was from old money. A Vanderberg had been on the board since Calvin’s grandfather started the company. William L. Quarters was also from old money. His father and Calvin’s father had been best friends and business partners. William and Calvin got along and had invested in a couple of business ventures together, but they weren’t close. Boyce Dillinger was a lawyer who represented the Lockhart Group. The group was a s

It was late Friday afternoon, and Charles was meeting with the PI that Arthur hired for him. They were in his office.“Mrs. Davis hasn’t changed her name legally, but she uses her maiden name for her professionally pursuits. It appears she is doing business with Desmond Early. He’s an art dealer and collector. He has a gallery on Fifth Avenue. She lives in Harlem with her thirteen-year-old daughter in the Chase Building. Loft number 503 on the fifth floor. The child attends The Alexander Prep Academy for Gifted Children.”Charles mulled over the information Randy had just recited. “Anything else that could be useful?”“Not really. Jessica Davis lives a pretty normal life. She goes to the grocery store, she takes her daughter to school and picks her up, she runs errands while her daughter is in school, and she works from home.”“All right. I appreciate the work you’ve done on this,” Charles

There were two khaki-colored couches in Jessica’s huge living room. Toni and Max curled up on the sofa across from the one Charles lay on. The thick wood coffee table separated the couches.As Toni and Max quieted down, Charles thought about the dress that clung to Jessica’s body tonight. He wanted to peel it off her, but he didn’t think she would appreciate being seduced in front of her guests. She had gained a few pounds over the years in all the right places. Jessica always had a nice ass, but it was plumper now – more rounded. She looked to be a healthy D-cup now as well. Her brown legs and thighs looked strong and smooth. As he fell asleep, he wondered if Jessica slept in the nude.Charles wasn’t sure how many hours had gone by, but he was being watched. He could feel it. It had to be Jessica. He acted like he was still asleep, letting her gaze upon him. He knew she wanted him last night. He fought the urge to smile as he waited for h