John's Gift

by Prudence Walker

 

Chapter 14

It was several days later, when Cathy rang me at home. Pauline was still staying with me and was downstairs when I picked up the phone.

"Jan, Nick's been arrested," she hurriedly gasped out.

"WHAT! On what charges?" I asked feeling somewhat uneasy.

"Yes, one of the boy's we swapped into his girlfriends body, went and laid a charge of rape against Nick in the hope he'd swap them back into their old bodies, in which case she'd drop the charges. I heard it from the girl, now boyfriend just a few minutes ago.

"Damn," I replied. I was hoping the new girl's would be too cowed to try anything to risk exposure. Now I had to come up with a plan of action. "Okay, I'll think of something, can you come over for lunch?" I asked.

"I'll get mom to drive me over," was Cathy's reply.

"Great, see you soon," I said, hanging up the phone.

I rang the local precinct to find out the situation with Nick and see if the bail had been set yet. Getting the information I wanted, I went to see mom. I explained that nick had been falsely accused, and needed $7,000 dollars to get bail. Mom wanted nothing to do with it at first, until I begged her that Nick was innocent and needed help in proving his innocence. She reluctantly agreed, after getting a promise that if things went bad I had to sell my car to repay her. My instant agreement to the conditions went a long way to softening her opinion of Nick. If I was willing to put up my car (which she knew I loved), then I must believe in his innocence, and she was willing to trust my judgment.

Mom was magnificent as she paid over the bail money, while Cathy, (who had arrived just in time) and I watched her demand that Nick be released into her custody till the trial date. She even called the family lawyer, who had looked at the details of the charges, and read the statement of Darlene (our new girls name).

Driving back to the house with Nick in the back seat, we quizzed him on what had happened. He told us the police had barged into his place and arrested him without giving him a chance to answer the charge. Mom, listening to his tale got steadily angrier as the facts came out. Nick explained that at the time of his alleged rape, he was actually with his girlfriend Pauline.

I wondered if Pauline in her new vulnerable emotional state could withstand the type of cross-examination that she would surely be put under in a trial situation. The last thing we needed, was her coming apart in the courtroom, and thus, potentially exposing our powers. I needed to tear Darlene's case apart before it got to trial. Like a light bulb flashing over one's head typified in the cartoon way, I had my solution.

I talked over my idea with Cathy and Nick and got their approval for the plan I was setting up. I wanted to get it done tomorrow, before things got out of hand. I was to get within visual range of Darlene in the morning after we found out her address from her 'boyfriend.' Cathy agreed to meet us for breakfast, as Nick would be staying the night in the guestroom. I drove Cathy home, staying to say hi to my real family for a few minutes, before saying I had to go.

0~o~0

I was ready, clad in a black body stocking to confuse the next occupant of my body as I transferred into that of Darlene's. Cathy had a black hood sitting on my head, ready to pull over my face when I jumped, so Darlene's current occupant couldn't identify whose body she was in or who else was involved. I was rather uncomfortable as we waited for our target to show, as I was restrained in a makeshift strait jacket we had cobbled together, plus I had a gag that would silence and outbursts from our target. It in turn was covered by a coat that hid the fact that my arms where restrained behind my back. So we wouldn't attract too much notice if we drove around with a person completely hooded in black Lycra, a full costume mask with a blonde wig attached, would cover my head and neck.

There! Darlene had showed, dressed rather subdued in black stretch jeans and dark tee. Her face was bare of makeup as she went to the letterbox outside her home to get the mail. I looked at Cathy and winked, (my signal for the jump) as I looked once more at Darlene and jumped into her body and displaced the male mind residing there. I felt the momentary disorientation as I completed my adjustment to being someone different. I looked over to the corner where we had been parked to see Cathy struggle to pull the mask over the black covered head of my former body. Nick drove the car slowly towards me as I stepped out to the curb and waited. Looking at the three of them, I couldn't see anything unusual in two girls and a boy driving along. The mask went past the neck of the dress I had been wearing, and at a glance looked completely normal. I gave the thumbs up and watched then speed up and cruise past on their way to Cathy's home.

Okay, it was time to get to work. I went inside, hoping to find Darlene's room without alerting her parent's. Fortunately, I heard them both in the kitchen to the rear of the house, the sound of dishes being washed, clueing me in. I managed a quick survey of the house without anyone seeing me and I located the all important bedroom and bathroom without discovery. Plucking up my nerve, I took the mail I had retrieved, and went into the kitchen with it.

"Thanks honey." The man said, as he took the mail from my hand. Darlene's dad gave me a quick kiss on my cheek, as he breezed out of the room. I looked around, seeing the mother putting away the last few dishes from breakfast.

"You'd look better with a little makeup on Darlene," she said, grimacing at my appearance. "I don't know what's got into you these last few days," she continued.

I grinned inside, 'I knew exactly what had got into her daughters body, but I wasn't about to tell her it was her daughters boyfriend. Oh no, not me. Now, I was about to make her even more confused.

"Mom?" I enquired slowly. "I have to go to the police and retract my statement about Nick," I said in a rush as she turned her attention to me.

"The police?" she acted surprised. "Whatever did you do? I thought Steven was your boyfriend. Who is Nick?"

"Long story mom, I'll tell you later, right now I have to change, okay?"

"Hmmm young lady we will speak later about this. I'm not very happy with the crowd you have been associating we, nor am I happy with the way you dress and act." She responded sternly.

"Okay," I agreed. Feeling a sense of delight that Darlene's boyfriend would be the one to face up to the music. I was relieved that Steven hadn't revealed to Darlene's parent's what he'd done, although for the life of me, I couldn't understand why he thought going to trial could have been kept quiet from the parents. He must have really been desperate when he came up with that plan.

I raced to 'my' bedroom to check out what I could wear that was more appropriate. I stripped of my clothing as I found what I wanted. Sheesh her boyfriend needed lessons in dressing, no wonder my bra felt uncomfortable, the straps were twisted. The catch was also misaligned he hadn't caught all the hooks together. 'What a dummy,' I thought to myself. At least this body was clean, as I sniffed under my arms, although he hadn't used any deodorants, (probably to feminine smelling for his tastes).

I got out fresh underwear, as I checked out Darlene's naked body. It was slightly taller than mine and more muscled, not that it was unfeminine in anyway, just an overall increase in bulk. Fortunately her usual gothic appearance was due mostly to her choice of makeup. Steven had forgone that in his attempt to tone down his obvious femininity, so I had a clean slate, so to speak. Boy, was he in for a surprise when he got back into this body.

It took an hour, before I was satisfied. I'd even had to borrow some of Darlene's mom's stuff, as her selection of makeup was somewhat lacking. I twirled around in front of the mirror checking out my appearance. Great, I had captured the look I wanted. Sweet and feminine without going overboard, the girl next-door look. I was wearing a summery dress that showed off my body without being blatant about it. I'd styled my hair with waves and a couple of tortoise shell combs, so it flowed silky over my shoulders in a blonde cascade. I wore heels, not too high; I didn't want Steven breaking her ankles when we swapped back.

Darlene's mom looked gob smacked as I kissed her goodbye. She obviously wasn't used to seeing her daughter look… well normal, I guess. I'd love to be there when Steven got back. I had rung the real Darlene in Stevens's body to come and pick me up and drive me to the precinct. I was a little nervous about their reactions, but Darlene had assured me that whatever happened had to be better than living with the stigma of having had rape on official police records. She had suggested a couple of ideas when we had discussed what we were going to do.

My statement that I had lied about the rape didn't amuse the sergeant in charge of the case. He did begin to thaw somewhat, when I explained I was drunk and may have been given drugs at the time. I think he assumed it was one of those date rape drugs; needless to say, I didn't disabuse him of that idea. I told him I had become unconscious and woke upon a park bench with my clothes all bunched up. I had assumed the worse, but had no proof anything had taken place, as I'd already had sex with Steven earlier in the evening before he'd gone to get more beer. I cried crocodile tears, and saw him starting to soften.

He tore up the charge sheet and said he'd sort out things, but that I could be in trouble with Nick if he wanted damages for false arrest.

I knew Nick was never going to do that, so I left there and Steven drove me around to his place. He complimented me on my looks and said he'd never thought Darlene could look that attractive and had tried to look as tough as nails so she (Darlene) could survive. I told him I'd teach Darlene or that Cathy would as well if Darlene wanted to look nice after he got back into her old body. He looked wistfully at my body, walking around me to examine everything I'd done. He said as soon as Steven was back in my body; that he'd insist that she dress the same or he'd do more than just have sex. He laughed, saying he'd tell her if she didn't pass inspection, he'd strip her naked in public and leave her there.

"I'm sure that will get through to him… oops, her." I laughed.

"Yeah! I want her to experience everything he subjected me to, before she gets to have his own body back. Once I see that glimmer of understanding, I'm sure thing will be better for both of us."

"Well, its time for me to get back to my body," I grinned. "I hope you'll explain her change of mind regarding the rape?" I asked. "I'm sure the police won't be happy to see her trying to do that again."

"Don't worry, I think I'll put a tighter leash on her this time."

I kissed Steven on the cheek as we walked outside. He drove me back to Darlene's home. My body, in which help the real Stevens mind was being held captive, was still at Cathy's. Fortunately, I didn't need to see it to be able to return to it. I winked at Steven and said goodbye, as I kissed him full on the mouth. He was getting into the kiss just as I concentrated on transferring back to my old body. As I felt the familiar sensation of returning to my body, I wondered what Darlene's reactions to the intimate kiss would be. I grinned under my hood, as I gave the prearranged gesture to Cathy using my fingers so I would be released. Maybe Darlene might enjoy that kiss, guessing from the way her body had started to react when I started the kiss. I felt somewhat sad I couldn't have enjoyed it further.

I felt Cathy starting to release me from my hood and gag. She started to ask me questions on how it all went, as I worked my tongue to get the taste of the rubber out of my mouth.

"Well?" she demanded as I tried to move my still restrained arms.

"Everything went fine, the police bought my story, and I don't think she'll try that again once Steven explains what 'she' did."

"What!'' she asked, at my slight grin. " Okay what did you do?" she added, with a sigh.

"Oh nothing much…just I left Darlene in a tight situation," I giggled.

I explained that the tight situation was Stevens's arms, at which Cathy burst out laughing.

"God, you're evil," she gasped, managing to stifle her laugh.

"Who me? I'm an angel." I grinned back.

Later, when I went back home, I got a call from Steven. He told me that Darlene had struggled briefly after I jumped, but Steven didn't break off the kiss till she relaxed in his grasp. She had seemed resigned to her fate somewhat, and allowed Steven to take charge of the situation. He noticed she was more subdued in her attitude and didn't fight to get away. Steven said she even moaned a little when he fondled her breasts. Once he told her about the dealings with the police, she cried a little, but finally said she would stick out the month until she was swapped back. I asked about what she thought of her appearance and our offer to help.

"Darlene realized she was dolled up when we went inside her home," he replied with a laugh. "She managed not to fall over in the heels and seemed to get the hang of them by the time we were inside. The expression on her face when she looked in the mirror was priceless," He went on. I'm sure she stood there looking for 5 minutes turning and checking herself out. I came up and hugged her and I felt her muscles tense for a second before she turned to me hugged me. We stood there, silent, while she got herself together. Then she asked a curious question."

"Oh?" I replied, making an educated guess.

"She asked if she looked beautiful. When I said yes, very much so, she smiled somewhat wryly and asked if she turned me on."

I laughed, knowing I'd been right in my guess. I listened to Steven as he told me what happened next.

"I kissed her then and pulled her to the bed. She came unresisting, and…well… the next thing, we were doing it."

"Congratulations," I offered, smiling at the memories of my first time.

"Thanks… I think, boy did she change when it was over. She wanted to do it again, now I'm a little wrung out." Steven laughed. "Oh later, when we cleaned up, she tried to redo her makeup like you had. I think she's ready to take a lesson or three. I said I'd ask you if you could show her and she agreed."

"Great, I'll go run over to Cathy and we can have a makeover party with Pauline. I can get Darlene on the way through." I chuckled happily.

I hung up, and then I rang Cathy to tell her I was coming over. I didn't take me long before I arrived at her place; she had a grin on her face as she clambered in. I sniffed.

"Not very ladylike," I grumbled, thinking of my own lessons. "I hope you'll set a better example for Darlene."

"Oh phooey." She snorted. "I'm wearing jeans, those rules don't count."

"I'll remember that for next time," grouched, pretending to be annoyed.

Cathy laughed, seeing right through me. I could never hide anything from her when I was her brother and it seemed there was no difference now, even occupying Jan's body. Must be feminine intuition, I knew it existed, as I had experienced it a time or two myself.

Soon, we had picked up Darlene and were on our way back home. Darlene seemed nervous and ill at ease with the two of us. We chatted about inconsequentials until we entered my driveway, trying to treat her as just one of the girls.

Darlene's face showed surprise at the opulence of the place. I saw her eyes widen when she entered the front door and took in the surroundings. Cathy scooted up before me, heading for my bedroom, while I followed after Darlene's tentative advance up the stairs. Just as I was about to hurry her up, dad poked his head out of the living room and called for me. I told Darlene to carry on and tell Cathy to start while I found out what my dad wanted.

I walked back into the living room and went over to where my dad was sitting.

"What's up dad?" I asked sitting in the seat next to him. I looked at the papers he had spread before him, tying to see what they were.

"Remember me telling you I'd have a surprise for you if you graduated?"

"Hmmm, yes." I answered, wondering what it was.

"This is a research lab that I acquired a while ago." Dad said, handing me the papers. It is still operational and some of the original projects are still currently being worked on. The head of research has left and I thought of you, when you mentioned that research held an interest for you."

"Yes, but I'm not sure what your getting at." I replied, warily.

"How do you feel about heading the facility and controlling what goes on there?"

"ME? But I'm only just out of school, what do I know about leading a project like that?" I asked incredulously. Inside I felt excited, but had to play the part of his daughter and show a certain amount of reluctance, due to my supposed youth and inexperience.

"You're my daughter, that's enough for me," he said proudly. "There's even living accommodation for the head of the facility. It's a very nice house with full amenities and maid accommodations."

I tried not to grab and hug him, but looked thoughtful for a few minutes as if trying to decide. Then I moved and hugged him, thanking him and said I would try to do my best with it. I asked if there was money for new projects, thinking I could look into the way my gift worked.

"I'll fund the money for anything up to a year," he said. "Then, I'll review any results from the current and any new projects you may want to begin. I don't mind a loss if I see some future in the research itself."

"Dad? You're the best." I grinned, bouncing up and down in my excitement.

0~o~0

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I couldn't concentrate on the makeover lessons with Darlene. Cathy did question me on my seeming preoccupation, but I evaded the subject with monosyllables as my mind was racing with plans for starting a research into the abilities of the mind. I did manage to come back to the real world in time to inspect both Darlene's and Pauline's attempt at putting on makeup after the instructions from Cathy. They seemed pleased with the praise we heaped upon them. Actually, it was only mediocre, but in time they should improve.

Cathy knew something was really up, when I told her she could drive Darlene home in my car. Only a major event would allow me to give up my pride and joy to another, even if it was my sister. I promised to tell her everything on her return. I did remind her not to damage my car, so she knew I hadn't completely lost it.

Cathy was over the moon when I told her the news. She stayed for dinner that night and we talked in my room after Pauline had gone to bed. I asked her if she wanted a job as my assistant. Of course she jumped at it after asking how much it paid. I laughed and said I hadn't even considered that yet. We made plans to visit the facility the next day to check things out. As it was late, Cathy phoned home begging permission to stay the night with me. I threw her a nightie in readiness for the all clear as I went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Cathy came in moments later and joined me in the shower.

0~o~0

Nick arrived after breakfast, to take Pauline home. She seemed reluctant to go, knowing she had to face parents she had only seen momentarily (as Nick). Nick was filling her in on the necessary details she would need. So she would be able to fool them in thinking that she was indeed their daughter. This left us free to get a good squiz at my new premises.

After getting the necessary paperwork and keys, plus the security swipe cards from dad, we hurried out to the car. We had both dressed in smart tailor made suits that had that subtle style that shouted "Money." Heels and stockings were a must and we had styled our hair into fashionable coifs suitable for the upwardly mobile. Our journey took an hour, before we reached the gates of the proclaimed Zantech research estate, according to the signs on the security fencing. A guard at the gate stepped out to the car and looked at our papers. He went from slightly dismissive to alert deference as he checked and confirmed our credentials. Asking if we needed a guide or for someone to meet with us, we shook our heads, saying we wanted to visit unannounced. He did give us badges, which we pinned out of sight under the lapels of our jackets. I did ask who was in charge of the facility at the moment.

"Well, Rebecca Anne Stewart took over as temporary director for the moment, are you sure you don't want me to call her?"

"No, that's fine thank you," I reassured him.

We drove slowly though the now opened gates and proceeded to move closer to the main building. We found a parking spot for the executive director and we got out and walked over to the main entrance. Not knowing what went on inside, we decided to ask for Rebecca by name. We asked a nice lady by the name of Joan Bankes at the main reception desk if we could, meet with Rebecca for moment.

Joan asked for our names as she made a call. We listened to her one sided conversation and gathered that Becky, as Joan called her was extremely busy canvassing for funds to keep the research going. I gathered she wasn't pleased to be dragged away from important work, just to see two unknown young girls.

Joan gave us a look of apology as the conversation continued, shrugging her shoulders as the harassed Becky continued to berate Joan for the interruption. I walked up to the desk and turned my lapel over, revealing the badge there. Joan's eyes widened and she interrupted Becky's speech with an urgent.

"You'd better get your ass down here…now."

Dead silence ensued. Joan flinched, and I assumed the phone had been slammed down. We waited; Cathy, sensing impending conflict came and stood by me. We could hear the doors slamming further down the corridor and we could hear the rapid clicking of heels coming closer. Finally, the door opened and out stepped a blonde mid thirtyish woman, who's hazel eyes, clouded by anger, and blazed at the three of us.

"Jo? What's the matter with you? This place is on the edge of going under. What's so important, that I have to meet these two…?" The unspoken pronoun lingered in the air, as her gaze narrowed, searching our faces, and then moving down over our attire.

I looked at her without a qualm, checking her out just as thoroughly. She was about 5'7" high with the classic 36 24 36 figure, although I guessed her bust was about a b cup in size. She was dressed in a fashionable manner with that extra something, that said Wal-Mart never saw the inside of her wardrobe. I was glad we were wearing similarly tailored clothes. Obviously, she recognized our clothes were of high quality as she calmed down somewhat as she asked us why we were here.

"There's no vacancies here, girl's, in fact we are on the brink of closing." She spoke calmly, but firmly. "I'm sorry about my temper just now, it's been a hard week and next week isn't looking much better."

"Well I hope that will change, when I tell you that I'm now the head of this research facility." I watched as I saw her surprise and disbelief.

"My father now owns this place lock stock and barrel, as of…" I looked at my watch. "48 hours ago, and in his wisdom has put me in charge. Before you say, 'what would a wet behind the ears kid like me know about running something like this,' I'll just say appearances can be deceiving. I do have some experience in research, but I'll not go into that at the moment. Please… can we go into an office so you can see the relative documentation?" I stated with authority. I smiled to take any sting out of my words.

Becky stood uncertain for a moment, before making the correct decision and waved us towards the door that she so recently came out of.

"Please accept my apology," she said, as we followed her door a corridor and into another office. "I was at the end of my tether and just let fly."

"Not a problem, I understand," I countered, "I'm sure I'd be exactly the same." I grinned, as she waved to two chairs for us to sit in while she sat behind the desk.

"I guess you should be sitting here," she said as she opened up the pages of legal documents.

"It's fine," I said, feeling comfortable in the leather bound chairs.

While she quickly went over the papers, Cathy and I looked over the office. Whoever had decorated it, had spared no expense with the teak shelves and bookcases. It even had a mini bar and TV. A huge computer sat on the desk to one side, and the furnishings fitted in remarkably. A connecting door in one wall, led (I assumed) to the secretaries office.

"What do you want me to call you? Miss Carmichael? Director? Or President?"

"I'd prefer Jan in private," I replied. "I guess director will do for now in formal situations. May I call you Becky?" I asked, hesitantly, not wanting to be presumptuous.

"Please," she smiled, as she offered her hand in welcome.

I stood up and walked around to her and as she in turn stood, I gave her an unexpected hug.

"Can you show us around please? I'd like it if you continue running things till I get myself sorted out. I still have oodles to learn here and I'll need your support."

"Of course, oh! I'm a behavioral psychologist. I used to run a research program of my own, till I got drafted to temporary director. Now, it's been run by my associate, Hypatia Williams."

"Oh, before we go any further, this is my dear friend Cathy Saunders. She will be working with me on a project we'll be starting soon." I explained.

Cathy looked at me, thanking me with a glance for the intro. She went and hugged Becky as well, which put a smile on her face.

I could tell that Becky wanted to ask questions, but wisely remained silent as she ushered us out on the tour of the place. We were surprised and pleased to find out that one of the projects was to do with the possibilities of proving some of the extra sensory properties of the human mind. This project was now under Hypatia's care, which meant we would be working closely with her and Becky.

One of the other projects dealt with finding a cure for gender dysphoria issues and finding a method to identify the causes. I looked at Cathy and got her nod that she understood that we would probably get involved with that too. The other project was more money orientated, namely the possibilities of creating synthetic skin that would bond with natural skin without scarring.

The tour took an hour as we went from the sterile environment of the skin lad to the equipment filled room of the psychic testing labs. We were introduced to the key people in each section, which took time as the reactions varied to the news. Most were just pleased to hear that their pet projects would carry on without the imminent possibilities of closure.

We took a break for some food and refreshments at the cafeteria located in the north wing of the building. Becky warmed up to us fast as we showed her we were more than just a token gesture at management. Our questions were probing and showed we knew what was what. Cathy was content to let me ask most of them, but she never hesitated to ask something relevant as we had walked around.

I asked about the director's residence and if we look at it. Becky looked at her watch, then shrugged and said.

"What the heck. I don't need to be worrying about funds now, so let's go."

The residence was only a few minutes walk away down a tree-lined lane. The trees that surrounded the house blocked the view of the main building an offered an oasis of tranquility in the mainly commercial area. The house turned out to have more than enough rooms for guests. It was tastefully furnished, all it needed was a few feminine fripperies according the Cathy. I bowed to her greater wisdom in this area, although I was learning fast.

We were met by several of the live-in residents, mainly a cook, a maid and a butler come security man come driver, jack-of-all-trades. We introduced ourselves and mentioned that we would be moving in soon. Our arrival drew a collective sigh of relief as they had only yesterday been given their marching orders. They were in the throes of packing and closing the place down, when we arrived.

Jose Canseco, the only male of the household, offered to help us in any way if we were going to continue to use his services. I assured all the staff we would be keeping them on. Indefinitely. I liked the look of the cook with her sunny disposition. She offered to cook lunch, but I said we had to do some organization with our personal stuff. Cathleen offered us a rain check, which we accepted graciously. Next, the 20ish maid offered us a tour of the place. Misty Dawn, as she had introduced herself, showed us around. I could see us all having some fun together with her bubbling enthusiasm. She was very out going and couldn't get over the fact that I was indeed the new director. The main bedroom had one large bed that seemed to invite one to test its comfort. I must admit that I could see myself with Sam enjoying a pleasant evening together in that bed.

Cathy wanted to have the bedroom next to mine as it looked out to the east and would get the morning sun. The staff had their rooms in the rear of the house and there was a comprehensive intercom system, which would summon assistance from any room. We concluded our visit saying we would be back tomorrow.

Driving home with Cathy, we started planning our move and discussed the various projects and our future involvement in them. One thing for sure, we were going to open some eyes when we got started.

To be continued.

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Prudence Walker. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.