The Unofficial Biography Of Kimmay

Book 3: The Nature Of Time

by G. L. Hudson

 

CHAPTER FOUR

 

Todd and Traci returned on a private jet chartered by Todd. They landed at General Mitchell Field and a limo took the two of them to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee. Traci rode along and followed Todd up to his suite. "Now that I know your room number I'll go report to Kimmay."

"Do you have to leave?" Todd asked. "Why don't you just call her?"

"Those are my instructions Mr. Reimer."

"So she is at your house? What's the address?"

"I'm not sure if she will be there or not. And I'm not sure if I should tell you my address. Just let me go find her and let her know that you are here."

"Ok, Traci. Come back soon."

 

Traci returned to her house and found it empty. It was Friday, and she had been gone for almost five days. The house didn't have that feeling of being empty for a full week. Kimmay had been living there most likely. She took a shower and crashed on her bed. The jet lag was catching up with her and she was tired.

Kimmay returned about two hours later. She was reading some files on the kitchen table when Traci wandered out of her bedroom. "Hi, Traci. Did every thing go all right?"

"It took me a couple of days to find him, but all in all it was no big deal."

"Where was he?"

"At his castle in Davos Monstein."

"Did he give you a tour?"

"Yes. It's quite a place. I wish I had that kind of money."

"Traci, did Linda leave her little toy in the basement?"

"You mean the time travel projector? Yeah, it was pretty cool. I've never seen a full size dinosaur, let alone petted one."

"So where is Todd? Did you leave him at the hotel?"

"He's on the top floor in the President's Suite. He's anxious to see you."

"Have you had anything to eat since you returned?"

"No, I've been too sleepy to eat."

"Well let's go see him and get something to eat."

Traci looked at Kimmay's rags, "Do you want some clean clothes to wear?"

"No, I'll get some later. We can eat in his room tonight, so these will be fine. Before we go, I'd like to ask you something."

"Ok, what?"

"Would you like to work for me?"

"Doing what?"

"I'm going to need a bodyguard. You seem to have some good training that might be useful. There will be a fair amount of traveling and you're not going to be home very much. There are no eight hour days, and you will be on call 24-7. You will be asked to give me your complete loyalty and many of your questions are going to go unanswered. Do you think you might be interested?"

"How much does it pay?"

"How much do you want?"

"Your kidding right? A million a year would be a good place to start."

"How about $200,000 a year to start?"

Traci's eyes lit up. "I can probably make due on that."

"While you're on call, all of your lodging, meals and transportation will be paid. You will have a company credit card and cash advances, and you will be expected to pay for everything for both of us. I will expect you to handle all of my expenses."

"I can live with that."

"You will need training. I'll arrange for that. You're going to find that this is boring work most of the time. You will be expected to stay in the background, out of the way, and remain essentially invisible. This isn't like in the movies, it isn't glamorous. Do you still think you want the job?"

"Yes, I do. And I promise I'll give you my complete loyalty."

"That's important, Traci. Penalties are harsh. You're going to be dealing with some very powerful people, and they don't tolerate mistakes."

Traci merely shook her head in acknowledgement.

"Ok then. Grab your coat and we'll go down to the bus stop."

"Would you like a coat Kim … what should I call you?"

"Kim or Kimmay in private, Kimmay or Ms. May in public, depending on the circumstances. You'll have to play that by ear. And yes, I think I will accept a coat, it's starting to get very cold at night."

 

Kimmay and Traci arrived at the hotel, and Kimmay led them across the lobby to the front desk. "Would you please call Mr. Reimer and tell him Kim and Traci are here."

The girl picked up the desk phone and rang Mr. Reimer's room. "He says to come right up. Here is a key for the elevator."

Kim took the key and led Traci to the elevator. "If there were anyone else on this elevator, I'd expect you to be standing between him and me," she told Traci.

"Right," she said.

The elevator arrived on the top floor and Traci led them to Todd's room. Kim rung the bell and the door instantly flew open. "Am I glad to see you," Todd blurted out as he grabbed Kimmay in a bear hug and swung her around and into the room. He hugged her for what seemed like ages as he refused to let her go.

Kimmay finally squeaked, "Todd, you're crushing me. Give me a break." Todd let go and Kimmay stepped back, the two of them smiling at one another. "You look thinner than when I left, Todd. Been on a diet?"

"Not intentionally. Boy, am I glad to see you. Come in and tell me about Linda and Amanda. How was the trip? Was it as exciting as I've dreamed? Come on, sit down. Traci, it's good to see you too. Come in, both of you. What do you want to eat or drink?"

They both took off their coats and tossed them on a chair. "Todd, I' haven't had a good meal in ages. I've been doing most of my own cooking and I could use some real food. Can we order in?"

"Absolutely, I think the menu is over there by the desk. The refrigerator is fully stocked, what can I get you?"

"Coke."

"Traci?"

"Coke will be fine."

Kimmay picked up the menu and quickly flipped through it. "Filet mignon and mushrooms, medium rare, green beans, garlic potatoes and French dressing on my salad." She handed the menu to Traci. "Todd before we go into my trip, I would like to introduce you to our newest employee. Traci has agreed to be my bodyguard."

Todd flashed Traci a big smile, "Traci that's great. Welcome to the company. Have you been a bodyguard long?"

"Almost an hour," she giggled.

"I'm going to ask Jennifer if she'll take Traci under her wing for a while." Kimmay faced Traci, "You know who Jennifer is, right?"

"Oh yea, I remember. She's President Horn's bodyguard."

"There's no one in the world better than Jennifer," Todd chimed in. He paused for just a moment then added, "Other than maybe one person. How's Linda?" he asked Kimmay.

"You haven't talked with her?"

"Oh yea, but I think I would rather hear your side of the story."

Kimmay snorted and said, "We can talk about that later. Do you know what you're ordering?"

"Traci, let me have a quick look at that, and then I'll call it down. I think Kimmay is hungry." Todd finished delivering their cokes, called in their order, and then he sat down opposite Kimmay. With huge expectations and a smile on his face he asked, "So how was Amanda?"

Kimmay frowned and took a gulp of her drink. In a disgusted tone she said, "I wouldn't know. I never made it there."

"What? Why not? Where were you?"

"I spent fifteen years flying all over the galaxy watching people die." Tears started forming in her eyes. "It was a living nightmare. I hated it and I hate Linda." It just came flying out of her mouth. She lost control and was wracked with sobs of crying, while tears streamed down her cheeks.

Both Traci's and Todd's mouths dropped open. They were stunned by Kimmay's bluntness and emotion. Neither knew exactly what to say. Todd started to talk a couple of times but couldn't string together a complete sentence. He finally walked over to Kimmay and squeezed into her chair and held her. Traci watched as Kimmay cried into Todd's shirt. She totally lost control and just cried and sobbed, while Todd patted her head and shoulder.

After a few minutes her sobbing began to subside. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose it like that." Traci handed her a box of Kleenex. She blew her nose and dried her tears. "Thanks Todd, I needed a hug. I'm so sorry to destroy our reunion."

"Don't worry about that," Todd said. He glanced around as if he were nervous about something. "We're here for you, Kimmay. Can you talk about it? Do you want to talk?"

She finished sniffing, "Not now, please. Later maybe."

Todd was too stunned to let it wait until later. He tried to pick around the edges of the subject. "Kim, do you know why she did this to you?"

"School. I was being taught – brainwashed - and there were different lessons on each planet. It wasn't all negative. I did see some wonderful things and met some exceptional people. But I never dream about the good parts." Her voice dropped off and she stared into her drink.

"How many different places did you go to?"

"I'm not sure – fifteen or sixteen I think. I'd have to count them all up, and I don't want to right now."

"So you must have spent a couple of weeks at each planet then."

A flash of horror swept across her face and then disappeared. "I wish. I spent over a year up close and personal at each planet, living and eating with the principal people each time. Then I watched them die." Tears reformed in her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.

"But Kimmay," Todd explained, "You were only gone eight or nine months. You couldn't have spent that much time at each place. It just felt like it, I guess."

"No, I did spend years, Todd. I'm not totally sure how Linda did it, but I think there was some time travel involved. I think I was going back in time to watch different planets and people go through their unique successes and failures."

"Time travel? I guess that would explain how you were able to be gone fifteen years. But Kimmay, you don't look fifteen years older."

"I know, but I sure do feel older. I feel like I'm fifty years older." She stopped to wipe her eyes with a Kleenex. "Each time we went to a different planet, the people were different – there were different species and races. They were mostly humanoid and all, but everyone was slightly different in one way or another. Linda changed us physically each time we went somewhere new, so that we would look like the locals and be accepted easier. I suspect that it's the same thing that she does when she comes to earth. It's all seamless and probably built into her transportation system."

"I've thought about that before," Todd mused. "That would make sense, I suppose."

"I thought so too. So anyway, each time she changed me I think she could also control age. When I switched back to my real form, I think she wiped out those fifteen years."

Traci was stunned, "She can do that?"

Todd gave a forced chuckle. "I think there's almost no limit to what she can do," Todd answered.

"So Kimmay, what was all this for?"

"Later, Todd. Can I just sit here and look at you. You've lost some weight haven't you?"

Todd delayed answering for a minute while he fussed with his drink. "I've … I've got a problem Kimmay. It's very serious and I guess its time to confess."

Just then the bell rang. Traci opened the door and a waiter brought in their food. "Would you like it at the table?" Todd's room had a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, sink and of course a table.

"Yes, please," Todd answered.

The waiter set up the table and left a complimentary bottle of wine. Traci offered some to Kimmay and Todd; Todd accepted, Kimmay declined. "I almost never drink alcohol. Help yourself Traci, but in future situations I will expect you to remain totally sober. Tonight is different." Traci decided to decline also.

They each began their meal and Todd stayed away from his problem. They ate in silence for over half the meal. Both Traci and Kimmay were very hungry and they plowed through their food. Todd ate a bit and pushed the rest of his food around with his fork. As Kimmay became sated she looked at Todd, but said nothing. She raised her eyebrows in a questioning gesture and Todd took the hint.

"I don't know where to start, Kimmay. This is horrible and I feel so utterly stupid." Kimmay nodded to urge him to continue. "I'm being blackmailed and she wants to know how to activate the chips."

"What?" Kimmay blurted out. Traci almost jumped out of her skin. "How does anyone know about that?"

"Me," he said staring at his plate. "I must have said something and not even realized it. I thought she loved me. I was stupid and I was trying to impress her I guess."

"Who is she?"

"She said her name was Barbara, but I'm sure that was a lie."

"And how is she blackmailing you?"

"Kimmay, I feel so stupid and ashamed. I'm … a transvestite. She's going to expose me."

Traci gave a snicker and Kimmay shot her a look that would have frozen fire. "Todd, don't worry about that. We can make everything better, better than you can possibly imagine. Trust me, this isn't really a problem at all." She flashed him her largest and warmest smile. "But first, tell me exactly what happened. Don't leave anything out, I have to know."

"Kimmay, you're so nice. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to kick me out of the company."

"Todd, that's the last thing I would do. I need you more than you know. Please, don't worry. I'm going to take care of everything. You are going to be fine. But you have to tell me the full story."

Todd began, "It started a long time ago. I have no idea how young I was, but I have always wanted to be a girl. Pretty stupid, huh?"

"Not at all Todd. There are more boys than you can possibly imagine that have that same dream. Please, tell me the story about this woman and how you met her." Kimmay wanted him back on subject.

"Well, it was about five months ago and I was in Amsterdam. Dr. Drum and I were there for a meeting on international standards for the storage chip. The Germans wanted to use the new ISO standard for …"

"Todd, just the story please," Kimmay urged him.

Todd shook his head, "The meeting was over and Jason grabbed a limo to the airport because he had a tight flight. I had originally thought the meeting was going to last longer, so I wasn't scheduled to fly out until the next day. I ended up downtown and wandering around. I saw this flyer tacked to a telephone pole – it was for a drag show at the Maison Noir. I decided that I just had to go. I had dinner back at the hotel and around nine I left for the club.

"The show didn't start until midnight, so I had plenty of time to watch the people and drink the beer. Finally the show started, and they had the most gorgeous girls that I have ever seen. They were really guys of course, but they looked so convincing that I couldn't believe it. And they were really good. Each had her own act, and then later they performed dancing and singing numbers together. It was really good, and it re-awakened my old urgings.

"On the way out I stopped in their bookstore and found some books on crossdressing and transvestites. She was following me. After I left she went to the clerk and found out what I had bought."

"How do you know that?"

"She told me later. When she broke up with me and threatened me with blackmail, she had pictures and told me the whole story. She knew everything."

Kimmay shook her head in a knowing manner. "Go on."

"The next morning I took the train back to Davos Monstein. All the way I kept sneaking looks at the magazines and I just got more and more excited. When I reached the lodge, I went to your old room and went through your clothes and picked out some lingerie and a nightgown. I wore them to bed that night."

"You wore Kimmay's clothes to bed?" Traci asked scandalously.

Kimmay again gave Traci an evil look and said, "Traci, please don't interrupt. I want to hear the full story."

"I'm really sorry, Kim. I feel like such an asshole."

"Todd, like I said, don't worry about this. It's going to be all right. I promise. Please finish the story."

"I just loved wearing your clothes. When I was young I used to sneak around the house and wear my mother's clothes when no one else was around. But this was perfect. I had the house to myself and no one was around to catch me. Everything started to snowball. I was dressing in your clothes full time during the day, and wearing you negligees at night. I was even sleeping in your room. It was more feminine than my room. I started curling my hair and trying to style it. I wasn't very good at it, but I tried none-the-less.

"You had everything I wanted except cosmetics. I wanted to wear lipstick and eye makeup, but you didn't have any. So I decided to make another trip to Amsterdam. I wanted to see another drag show, and while I was there I could buy cosmetics without worrying about anyone recognizing me. But I guess she saw me again. As it turns out, she wasn't working alone."

Kimmay became even more interested, "Is that so?"

"She told me all about it at the end. She said I was sitting at a table by myself, waiting for the show to begin. The club was full of transvestites and I was watching them. First she sent this gay guy to my table to try and pick me up. When he saw that I wasn't interested he left. Next she sent over a very pretty TV. We talked for a long time and I was asking her all kinds of questions about how she dressed up and how she applied her makeup and general questions about looking convincing and pretty. After a little while she asked if I would like to have sex with her. I said no, that I was strictly heterosexual and so she left.

"Then she came over. Barbara I mean. She asked if I was interested in the girls and how they dressed. I admitted that I was interested, and then she said that she was a beautician and she did the hair and makeup for many of the local TVs and even some of the performers. She said she had a 'thing' for TVs. We spent the rest of the night together, talking and chatting until they closed for the night. When she asked if she could come to my room the next day and make me up, I of course jumped at the opportunity.

"The next day she showed up with a suitcase full of clothes and cosmetics. Barbara took total control and ordered me to into the shower to shave my legs and chest, and wash my hair. When I finished I put on panties and a brassiere and she slipped breast forms into the cups. I threw on a robe and she sat me down in front of the mirror and set my hair. Then she applied makeup while she explained everything that she was doing. I was in seventh heaven not only because she was dressing me as a woman, but because she was explaining everything so well. After finishing with the makeup, she gave me an ankle length skirt, a fuzzy sweater and some pumps with a short heel. Finally, she took me back to the bathroom and removed the curlers and styled my hair.

"I probably looked like a guy in drag, but I thought I was beautiful. She gave me a purse and invited me for a walk outside. I was very scared at first, but we walked into the gay part of town, and no one ever said a word. We bought some ice cream and had a light lunch. She had me, I was totally hooked. I gave her my e-mail address and we began sending e-mails five or six times a day.

"I bought all of her clothes and cosmetics. I offered her so much money that she couldn't turn me down. When I returned home, I practiced everything she showed me, and I was dressing almost every day. I started doing most of my work from the chateβu in Davos Monstein, and I must admit, my attention wandered from work.

"We kept talking over the Internet, and it wasn't long before I had her AV number and I was calling her a couple of times each day. We made arrangements for me to go to Amsterdam again, and I spent the entire weekend dressed. We went for walks and went to dinners and shows and clubs. I had a wonderful time. I eventually invited Barbara to my hotel room and we made love. We fell in love. At least I fell in love.

"I invited her back to Switzerland and we spent a couple of weekends together. She continued to encourage me to crossdress. No one ever treated me so nice and liked me so much."

Kimmay cleared her throat and gave Todd a sideways look. "I think I called you my hero once."

"Yea, I do remember that. But this was different. This was sexual. Anyway we started dressing together and then sleeping together. Eventually she started getting interested in me. Me as in Todd. She wanted to know what I did and we would talk about work things once in a while. I guess during one of our pillow talk sessions I mentioned our chips and how we needed to 'activate' them.

"Any way, last week I invited her to the chateβu and she shows up on Friday night. We talked a little and I said something about her curling my hair. Instead, she pulls out these pictures and lays them out on the table. She had hundreds of them. At first I thought she was being playful and I took it all in good spirits. Then I started to notice that some of the pictures were taken when I had no knowledge of them. There were tons of pictures of me half dressed or getting undressed. The more I looked at them the more I realized that they might be damaging. And then she hit me with it. She wanted information, especially information on how to activate chips. I have two more days to deliver the information or she sells the pictures to the paparazzi and destroys my reputation. My family will be devastated."

Kimmay reached over and patted Todd's hand. "Todd, don't worry about a thing. It's all going to work out better than you could ever dream." Kimmay stopped and looked at Todd's hand. "What's this?" as she held one of Todd's fingers.

"Oh, that's all I have left of Barbara. She gave it to me on one of our last dates."

Kimmay's face had a look of shock. She had been about to tell Todd about herself and how she could help Todd realize his dreams, and then she saw the ring. How could Todd be so stupid? It was obvious what the ring was. Barbara, or whatever her name was, was undoubtedly listening at that very moment.

Kimmay's attitude changed immediately, "Listen Todd, everything is going to be fine. You need to take a bath, relax and get a good night's sleep. I'll see you tomorrow. And Todd … don't worry," she whispered in his ear.

"Todd, before I leave I need some money – cash. How much have you got?"

Todd stood and retrieved his wallet, "How much do you need?"

"All of it," Kimmay said. "Don't worry, I'll return your cash tomorrow." Todd handed Kimmay his wallet and she removed all of the cash. "Thanks, sweetie," and she kissed him on the cheek.

Kimmay motioned to Traci and they grabbed their coats and left. They walked down the hall and hit the button for the elevator. Traci started grinning and exclaimed, "Can you believe that story? What a sicko."

Kimmay turned on Traci and jumped down her throat, "Who in the hell are you to judge anyone? You just heard something very personal and intimate. If you ever repeat a single word of that conversation to so much as a cat, I'll have your hide. If you're going to work for me, you better find some compassion sister!"

Traci hadn't been berated like that since she had been in basic training. For such a little girl, Kimmay intimidated her like no one she had ever met. She had underestimated little Kimmay and she was now realizing what a mistake she had made.

"I apologize," she said. "I've been hanging around Army people too long." Kimmay was silent. "Where are we going?"

"I've changed my mind. I can't do this alone. I need help."

"So who are you going to get?"

"We need help from the big guns, my mom and Krysallis."

"We're going to your mother's?" Traci guessed.

"Yea, but first we have some revenge to take care of."

The elevator landed and Kimmay sprinted across the lobby and headed towards the taxi stand. She stopped just short of the exit, and took all of Todd's money out of her pocket and handed it to Traci. "Get us a taxi. Please."

Traci smiled and opened the door for Kimmay. Once they were outside, Traci hailed a taxi and they jumped in the back seat. "Take us to the Great Lakes Mall," Kimmay instructed the driver. The two girls sat in the back seat. "We're most likely being followed," Kimmay said to Traci.

"How do you know?"

"You have to be more attentive, Traci. Didn't you see the large ring that Todd was wearing?" Traci nodded yes. "I can almost guarantee you that it's a bug. Someone was listening to everything we said."

"Really?" gasped Traci.

"Whoever they are they have a lot of time and effort tied up in Todd. They'll want to know what we're doing."

"You mean you and me?" Traci asked.

"Absolutely!"

They were approaching the mall. Kimmay leaned forward and gave the driver his instructions. "I want you stop at the east end of the mall. We'll pay you then. Drive to the west end of the mall and wait for us. We'll try and walk through as fast as we can. We'll pay you fifty extra if you meet us there and take us to our next stop."

"Sure thing ma'am," the driver said. "I'll give you fifteen minutes, and then I'm gone."

"That'll be enough," Kimmay told him.

"Will you be able to identify whose following us?"

"Don't even try," Kimmay said. "We're trying to lose them and we don't want them to suspect anything. Besides, I suspect they're professionals and very good. You'll never spot them."

The taxi reached the mall and pulled up to the east entrance. Both girls got out and Traci paid the driver. "I'll see you at the west end."

They walked inside and immediately began heading towards the west end. "Glance at the stores as we walk by," Kimmay instructed her. "Make it look like were shopping, but don't slow down. Don't let them try and anticipate too much."

At the opposite end of the mall they wound their way around the various cosmetic and hosiery counters and quickly walked out the door and spotted their taxi. They jumped in the back seat and Kimmay said, "The airport as fast as you can go."

The driver threw the car in drive and pulled out and sped down the street. After slipping through a couple of yellow lights he headed towards the interstate. Just before he reached the entrance ramp Kimmay said, "Don't take the ramp, go straight."

The driver continued straight until he hit another red light. "Now what?" he asked.

"Traci, give the man fifty dollars and your street address."

 

When they reached Traci's apartment, Traci led the way inside. She started to remove her coat but Kimmay stopped her, "Leave your coat on. We're going to leave immediately." Kimmay started rubbing her ring, and about 30 seconds later Linda appeared.

"Hello Kimmay. Hello Traci. What can I do for you?" She used her sweet voice.

"Can you take us to Kristal, please?"

"Decided at last that you need some help, did you?"

"Yes. Do you mind if just Traci and I go?"

"But you don't want my help?" Kimmay didn't answer. Linda took her little black bag from her pocket and looked at it. "You're in luck. Kristal is alone. Shall we go?"

"Follow me Traci. Just walk towards Linda." As Kimmay walked towards Linda she disappeared with a quiet pop.

"Oh my," said Traci.

"Your turn, Traci. Just walk this way."

Traci had taken only a few tentative steps towards Linda when everything turned black and her stomach flew into her throat. "Holy shit!" she screamed as she stopped in front of the President of the United States.

The President was seated at her desk wearing her little reading glasses. She looked up in surprise as Kimmay and then Traci appeared before her. "Hello Kristal," Kimmay said.

Kristal removed her glasses and a large smile spread across her face. "Kimmay! Welcome home." She stood and walked over to Kimmay. Kristal was wearing a pink silk blouse, a pleated gray skirt that ended at her calf, a pearl necklace and just enough makeup to make her as beautiful as ever. They embraced in a tight hug. "How was your trip?"

"Awful. Kristal, I would like to introduce you to Traci Diane Marshall. I've asked her to be my bodyguard."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Traci," and Kristal shook her hand. Traci stood with her mouth slightly open and said nothing. Kristal smiled and asked, "Your first time flying?"

"Yes ma'am. It caught me by surprise." Not only was Traci stunned by the 'pop', but also by Kristal's beauty.

Kristal laughed gently, "You'll get used to it." The President waved her hand and invited them to a sitting area. "Tell me Kimmay, why was your trip awful?"

"Before I go there Kristal, I need a big favor. Todd is in trouble and he needs your help."

Kristal didn't blink or flinch a muscle, "What do you need?"

"He's being blackmailed. Todd is a transvestite and a woman has found out. She is threatening to expose him if he doesn't release some top-secret information on the design of our energy chips. I'm sure that she must be working for a foreign government. She gave Todd a large ring and I'll bet you anything that it's a bug. I suspect they followed him to Milwaukee and are watching him now."

The President said nothing. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a small sat phone. "Jennifer, will you please come see me? I'm in my private study." She returned the phone to her pocket. "What are you going to do about Todd?" she asked Kimmay.

"I'll take him to my mom and we'll give him everything that he wants. She'll take good care of him." Traci looked puzzled but said nothing. "Does any of this surprise you?"

"Not too much," Kristal said. "You two are going to be prime targets. It would be a good thing for you both to have body guards."

"No, I mean about Todd."

"I'm not sure what you mean."

Before Kimmay could answer there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Kristal yelled.

Jennifer stepped in and immediately saw Kimmay. "Kimmay! You're back!" Jennifer almost ran to Kimmay and gave her a tight hug. "It's so good to see you."

"You have no idea how great it is to see you and Kristal," Kimmay replied. "Jennifer, I'd like to introduce you to Traci Diane Marshall. Traci, this is Jennifer Gayle." The two of them shook hands. "I've asked Traci to be my bodyguard."

"Very good," Jennifer said. Looking at Kimmay she asked, "Do we have something in common?"

Traci had no idea what 'in common' was code for, but Kimmay shook her head no. "Jennifer, Traci has no experience as a bodyguard and I was hoping that I could impose upon you."

"You know you can, Kimmay. As long as it is ok with Kristal, I'll do anything for you."

"Kristal, can Jennifer take Traci under her wing and give her a little practical experience?" Kim asked.

"I'll need Jennifer for certain things, but I believe she has some free time of her own. What do you think, Jennifer?"

"No problem. I'd be glad to help. I can set up some training with the secret service, maybe the FBI and I'm sure that we can use all of their training facilities."

"Be careful during your training," Kimmay warned Jennifer. "Traci has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do."

Jennifer smiled at Traci, "Really? Do you know any street fighting?"

"I don't think so."

"That'll be much more useful than kicking sticks in two."

"Great," said Kristal. Returning to the original subject at hand she said, "Now what can we do to help Todd?" Kristal turned to Jennifer, "Jennifer, Todd is being blackmailed. Kimmay thinks he is being bugged and the culprits may be here in the states."

Kimmay explained a little more. "Todd just arrived from Switzerland. He's staying on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee. A woman is blackmailing him and threatening to expose him as a transvestite if he doesn't give her some secret plans to our energy chips. She gave him a large ring that he's still wearing and I'm sure that it's a listening device. That means that they've probably followed him to Milwaukee. I want to know who she is and who she works for."

"What can we do?" Kristal asked Jennifer.

Jennifer thought for a moment. "I'll handle everything. I'll have people in place first thing tomorrow morning and we'll sweep the room first. A couple of questions Kimmay; does Todd know anything? Will he be expecting us? When I do find out who is involved, what do you want me to do about it?"

Kristal answered first, "You will report back to me and I can discuss those questions with Kimmay. Kimmay, will Todd be expecting us?"

"No. I said nothing about the ring in case they were listening. He's oblivious. He's too caught up in his own fears."

"Jennifer, do you need any more information to get started?"

"No, but I probably will as we go along. Kimmay wait here and I'll have a secure sat phone brought up for you."

"Are you sure it's going to be secure?"

Jennifer smiled, "The geeks all work for us now, Kimmay. We've got the best stuff in the world. It'll be ok." She pulled her phone out of her pocket and turned away from the group as she placed a call for Kimmay's phone.

Jennifer finished the call and then addressed Kristal. "Do you need anything more right now?" Kristal looked at Kimmay and Kimmay shook her head no. "I'll get things started then," and she left the room.

Kristal crossed her legs and straightened her skirt. "Kimmay, you were asking me about Todd. Was I surprised by anything?"

"Are you surprised that Todd is a transvestite?"

"I don't know that I ever gave it any thought, but I can't say that it is that surprising. Some how it fits him."

"Exactly what I was thinking. I never gave it any thought either, but now it seems to make sense." Kimmay turned her attention to Traci, "Traci I'm really sorry about this, but I have to talk with Kristal in private. Do you mind waiting out side?"

"You can wait in the anteroom over there. Just go out the door that Jennifer used," Kristal pointed.

Traci stood and walked out the door. There was a small room with a couple of chairs, and a desk with a computer built into the top. Jennifer was working at the computer and she was wearing a headphone unit. Jennifer smiled and nodded with her head for Traci to sit in front of the desk while Jennifer continued talking. "… that's correct. Ask them to put everything on line, including video from the security cameras. I especially want the cameras behind the desk and facing the guests." While she was talking her fingers were flashing across the keyboard, stopping only once in a while for the computer to catch up.

Jennifer must have ended the phone conversation because she said to Traci, "There's a 'frig inside those doors. Get us a couple of soft drinks, please." Traci brought back a couple of cokes and set one on the desk next to Jennifer's computer. Jennifer opened the coke and leaned back in her chair. "Get kicked out, did you?"

"Yes."

"Don't take it personal. You're a bodyguard, not a confidant. One of your jobs is to guard the doors, and you can do that better out here than in there. So how long have you been on the job?"

"Just a couple of hours. I went to Switzerland to secretly get Mr. Reimer and bring him back to Milwaukee. We arrived earlier today. Later, Kimmay asked me if I would be her bodyguard."

"How long have you known Kimmay?"

"Not much more than a couple of weeks."

"Really? How did you meet?" Traci gave Jennifer a recap of the encounter and their conversations over the last several days.

"And Kimmay has been spending all of her time at the library?"

"Yea."

"And she hasn't been home?"

"Not that I know of."

"Interesting," Jennifer muttered. "So why do you think she asked you to be her bodyguard?"

"Maybe she felt sorry for me. I have to admit that I've done a bit of bitching about my general economic state."

"I meant, what are your qualifications. Kimmay mentioned that you have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Yea. I've been practicing Tae Kwon Do since I was seven. I have a fourth Dan black belt and I have won numerous state and national tournaments. I can also shoot. I started shooting traps with my dad when I was just a kid, and I've won a couple of state titles. I was drafted when I turned eighteen and earned expert marksmanship medals. I joined the special forces as a sniper and saw duty three times."

"Have you ever killed anyone?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Jennifer said. "Do you mind if I have your records pulled up?"

"Not at all. I would expect a full background check." She gave Jennifer her Army serial number, her social security number and her federal ID number.

"So what do you think of Kimmay?"

"I have to admit that she had me fooled. I thought she was some dirty little street urchin with no family and no skill. I felt sorry for her. I probably would have totally ignored her but she stood up to this humongous guy the first time I saw her. I was impressed so I decided to buy her the socks. Even after I took her home and off to the library a couple of times, I was never overly impressed. I mean I could tell she was smart, but she seemed rather submissive. I mean the great Kimmay cleaned my toilet."

Jennifer grinned, "We don't need to go around telling anyone that, ok?"

Traci smiled, "Don't worry. And then when she told me who she really was, well I didn't believe it because I didn't think she had the right demeanor and personality. She had to call Linda to convince me." Traci stopped and sipped her coke.

"But the thing that really impressed me was her concern for her friend Todd. When we walked out of his hotel room I made a derogatory remark about Todd being a transvestite and she jumped in my face like a lioness. I don't think anyone has ever gotten in my face and intimidated me like that. She's a force that demands respect."

"Good," said Jennifer. Jennifer also didn't like the idea that Traci had made a negative comment about Todd or transvestites. "I'm glad she got in your face. There are a few things you need to know up front. This is the tightest group of friends that you will ever encounter. Every one of us will do anything for the others. And I do mean anything! Don't ever underestimate the bond between us."

"I won't," promised Traci.

Jennifer changed the topic. "So how did you like your first jump with Linda?"

Traci laughed, "It scared the hell out of me. When my stomach jumped into my throat I thought I'd just jumped out of a plane."

"It'll do that to you. Gravity doesn't travel through the portal, so it's just like going into free-fall."

"Then I landed in front of the President of the United States and the first words out of my mouth were Holy shit."

"What did Kristal say?"

"Hello Kimmay, or something to that effect."

"And what do you think of the President?"

"I never realized how truly beautiful she is. And how focused she can be. She just cuts to the facts when something needs to be done. She is extremely decisive. It wasn't at all what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

Traci's eyes left Jennifer and fell on the computer sitting on the desk. In a much quieter voice she said, "I was never a fan of Kristal's. I mean not as a President. I used to like her movies. But I had that armed forces attitude that she was a liberal and weak. In retrospect, I never gave her much of a chance to prove herself. I just listened to what the other side had to say." She looked up at Jennifer. Jennifer's eyes were hard.

The computer gave a beep. Jennifer leaned over the keyboard and typed in a few commands. "Traci, grab your chair and slide around here. We've got the feed from the hotel's security camera. You said you came back with Todd, right? Let's see if you recognize any of these faces."

Jennifer watched as a guest walked up to the registration counter. "We're starting right after you and Todd checked in. Let's zoom in on this guy. Recognize him?"

"Nope." Jennifer fast-forwarded to the next guest and she zoomed in. "Nope," said Traci.

Just then someone must have called because Jennifer began speaking into her headset. "What's the time index? Ok, just a second. Traci, Langley has identified a couple of people, let's see if you recognize them." She fast forwarded to the correct index and then zoomed in on a woman and two men. "Recognize them?"

"Never seen them. Who are they?"

"Israeli Mossad." And then into the headset she said, "Where are they staying? Send over a full field crew and put them under level five surveillance. I want electronic surfing also. No interference, got it?" There was a knock at the door and Jennifer hit a button under the desk. The door lock buzzed and a courier walked in. He handed two sat phones to Jennifer and a clipboard. Jennifer signed and the courier left. Jennifer pulled off the headset and stood up. "Come on Traci, let's let them know what we have."

Jennifer knocked on the President's door and heard Kristal call her in. She walked straight over to Kristal and handed her the phones. "The CIA has identified a couple of foreign agents checking into the Hyatt Regency about two hours after Todd."

"Where are they from and are they under cover?"

"They're Israelis and they entered the U.S. under cover. They're staying on the third floor

of the Hyatt," Jennifer added.

"Seems rather sloppy," Kimmay mused. "It took you less than an hour to find them and identify them. I thought the Israelis were usually better than this."

"It might be caused by something else," suggested Kristal. "They weren't expecting you Kimmay. They probably figured they had Todd isolated and all alone back in Switzerland. Loneliness can be a powerful weapon. Then you showed up and whisked him off to the U.S. They might have been spooked that you knew something, and even if you didn't, they probably decided to speed up things in case you discovered their blackmail plot."

"What are you going to do?" Kimmay asked.

"Nothing officially. They're supposedly our allies and they have some very powerful lobbyists in Washington. I'm tempted to pick them up and quietly expel them," Kristal said.

"I'm not tempted to do that at all!" Kimmay exclaimed. "Arrest them for attempted blackmail!"

"I can't, they didn't do anything on U.S. soil. They did it in Switzerland."

"And we don't have reciprocity agreements with Switzerland?"

"We have to ask first."

Kimmay thought a minute. "Kristal we just talked about this," she pleaded.

"Kimmay I'm on your side, and I'm starting to agree with you. And I will get tougher. I will speed up the items that you mentioned and I'll get more aggressive. You made your point. But I also have to follow the law. This is not your personal revenge committee. I will not stoop to the tactics of the past administration. Law will prevail."

"Then I will handle it myself. Can Jennifer come to Milwaukee with me?"

"What for?" Kristal kept such an even tone of voice you would have thought they were talking about gardening.

"I want Jennifer to personally kick them out of the country so that at least they know the President has first hand knowledge of them."

"Ok, I'll agree to that."

"And then I cut them off."

"What?"

"I am going to give them a message to take back to their government. They're cut off. No more chips."

"Kimmay, there is already a flourishing black market for your chips. Companies are trading them back and forth everyday. Your threat will be meaningless."

"It's meaningless now, but the next generation won't be meaningless. I'll have to make a few design changes, but I intend to be able to turn on and off any chip in the world."

Kristal took a deep breath. "Be careful Kimmay. You're talking about a potential act of war. These chips are going to be crucial to world economy. If you randomly control access and make them unreliable, you will A: long-term kill your market and B: short-term you may just start a war. Or they may just come straight after you."

"Yep, that's all possible. But sometimes you have to stand up for your friends." Kimmay stood up and straightened her ratty shirt. "I'm willing to take the chance."

Kristal stood up and walked over to Kimmay and gave her a big hug. She handed her the two sat phones and Kimmay passed one to Traci. "I got the message … friend. Keep in touch. Jennifer can you go with them tonight or do you need to coordinate something from here?"

"I can go tonight. Just give me ten minutes to send a few messages," and she again left the room.

The President returned to her desk. "Kimmay, I will certainly think about everything that you have said tonight. And it really is good to see that you're back. Give your mom my best wishes and tell her that I want her to come visit me. I'm going to send her an invite to one of the upcoming state dinners and I want her here. No excuses. You tell her that. Traci, welcome to our little team. I'm sure Jennifer will take good care of you, and there is no one better in the world to help with your training. Listen to what Jennifer tells you. Sometimes she speaks with more emotion than she should, but she usually knows what's right."

"Thanks Kristal." Kimmay rubbed the ring on her hand, and Linda almost immediately appeared.

"Hello, Linda," Kristal said. She offered her hand to Linda. "How have you been?"

"Very good Ms. President. It's good to see you again as well."

"Linda, please don't call me Ms. President in private," she smiled.

"Kristal, how is the job treating you?"

"It's killing me Linda, but then you knew that. Can you take our friends home?"

"Where are we going Kimmay?" Her voice was very friendly and the undertones of animosity were gone.

"Linda, can you take the three of us to my mother's. Jennifer is coming along also."

"No problem. Goodbye Kristal," she said as she led everyone out the door to find Jennifer.

 

CHAPTER FIVE

 

One by one, Kimmay, Jennifer and Traci popped into Melissa May's living room. It was almost eleven and Melissa was already in bed. Kimmay walked through the dark house and entered her mother's room. In a quiet voice she announced, "Hi mom. It's me, Kim. I'm home."

Melissa grunted then sat up in bed. The lights were off, but a little light from the street lamps peaked through the curtains. "Kim, is that really you?"

"Yes mom. I'm home." She sat down on the bed and reached for her mother. Melissa said nothing as she wrapped her arms around Kim. Kim could feel her mother's tears caress her own cheek. After a few minutes Kim said, "Mom, Jennifer and a new friend are here. Do you want to come out and meet them?"

"Jennifer is here? Of course I want to see her. Go tell them I'll be out in a minute, I have to get dressed first."

Kim closed the door behind her as she left the bedroom. She found a seat in the living room and the three of them waited for Melissa. They didn't have to wait long. Melissa almost ran to Kim and gave her another hug. She gave Jennifer almost as big a hug and politely shook hands with Traci. Then she did what most mothers would do, she went to the kitchen and started making food. Even though everyone protested that they weren't hungry, she couldn't be swayed from her motherly duty. In addition, she called Valerie who was out on a date. Valerie made her apologies and rushed home.

By the time Valerie burst in the door, everyone was sitting at the table eating warmed up leftovers from dinner. "Kim!" she screamed as she flew across the kitchen and jumped on Kim's lap and hugged her around the neck. Kim had to beg for mercy. She gave Jennifer a big hug and then Kim introduced her to Traci. Mom insisted that Valerie join them at the table, and she pulled up another chair for Valerie and began filling her plate.

Jennifer leaned over to Traci and whispered, "See what I mean about family? Don't ever forget that." It sounded like a warning more than a note of information.

Kim knew that she would quickly be asked about her trip. It was inevitable and she wouldn't be able to avoid it. But first, she needed to discuss why she was there. "Mom, before we discuss anything else, I have to tell you why Jennifer and I are here."

Melissa immediately became agitated. "You're not in trouble again, are you?"

"No, no, mom. It's nothing like that. But Todd needs help. He's being blackmailed, but don't worry Jennifer and I have it under control. It's a group of foreign spies that are trying to steal secrets about our energy chips. Jennifer has it totally under control. She has them under surveillance tonight, and tomorrow she will confront them and deport them."

"So what kind of help does Todd need?" Valerie asked.

"Todd is a transvestite. These people found out and used that to blackmail him. It has totally destroyed him. He thinks he's a useless freak. That's why I need your help. I can't think of anyone in the world better than you to talk with him and help him."

"I'd be glad to help," Melissa said. "Do you know what he wants to do?"

"Not really. We never had a chance to talk about his future. But I have a feeling, mom. I might be crazy, but I think once he calms down and really thinks about it, he is going to want to transition. If he has our full support and knows it … knows everything … I think he will ask for our help to transition. If we open up totally, I'm pretty sure that is what he will decide to do. Can you do that?"

"Is that what you want? Is that what you are planning on doing, telling him everything?"

"Yes."

Melissa slowly shook her head yes. "I'll welcome him with open arms," she said.

"I'll bring him over tomorrow morning. He's going to be a wreck so he will need to be handled with tender loving care. Thanks mom. I really think this is the only way to save him now."

"Don't worry Kim, I know what to do." She paused and then smiled and in a louder and more cheerful voice she said, "At least I think I know what to do. It's been a long time since I was in his place. I hope I can remember."

Traci was again puzzled, but remembered Jennifer's comment and decided not to say anything.

Valerie took the opportunity to change the subject to something that she was more interested in. "Kim, tell us about your trip," Valerie begged. "What was it like? What did you see?"

This time Kimmay was better prepared. This was her family and the first time through her story many things were going to be left out. She actually smiled when she began, "It was different than I expected," she started. "First off, we didn't go to Linda's home planet. I never did see her home planet Amanda. Instead, it was more like a tour. I think we went to sixteen or seventeen different planets; I've lost count. Every time we went to a new planet, Linda changed us physically."

Eyebrows raised and oohs escaped a few lips. Kimmay had a captivated audience.

"I think Linda does the same thing when she comes to earth. It makes sense after all. All the different races and species across the galaxy can't all look the same, there is always something different. So when we visited a new planet, we converted our appearance to the same as theirs."

"How?"

"I'm not sure. Linda's technology is so far beyond ours that I couldn't begin to guess."

"What was the strangest change you made?"

"Nothing too Earth shattering. Hair and ears changed a lot. In one place our hands were webbed, in another we all had six fingers. On one planet everyone was much larger, maybe eight feet tall. I guess the strangest thing was a small tail."

"Tails? Could you hang from a tree like a monkey?"

"Valerie, you ask some of the strangest questions. No, it was a very short, stubby tail and it just got in the way whenever you tried to dress or sit."

"So what did you do there?" Valerie asked.

"It was like a student exchange program. I lived with a family on each planet. It was always a very important family and it was my job to stay out of the way and learn."

"How long were you with each family?"

"About a year. Ok wait before you say anything, I've already had this conversation once today. I think Linda was transporting us back in time. When we were finished with all of the visits she brought us back to the present, only a few months later."

"Why a few months later?"

"I have no idea. You would have to ask her."

"So how long do you think you were really gone?"

"My guess is about fifteen years."

"Oh my goodness. But you don't look that much older."

"I'm thinking that not only can Linda change your appearance, but your age also. In fact, she once made a joke about keeping me young and pretty. At the time I didn't totally understand what she meant by it, but after I got back here it made more sense."

"It's like a fountain of youth then," Valerie said. "Can she make us look younger whenever we want?"

Kim laughed, "Don't even go there, Val. I can't even imagine what a can of worms that would be."

"Speaking of worms, did you eat any? I mean did you eat the local food? Was it gross?"

Kimmay laughed, "You do like to go for the dirt, don't you?" Valerie gave her an innocent 'what-me?' look. "The food wasn't that bad. Everyone kind of had the same tastes. We ate some strange animals, and on one planet there are some large insects and they eat the legs. I suspect that Linda screened the planets for me."

"What else did you see? Any neat inventions?"

"I also suspect that Linda didn't want me to see technology too far advanced beyond ours. Most of the planets were below our technology level. One planet was above our level, but … things were a bit chaotic … and … I didn't have much chance to look at things." Kimmay conveniently left out the part that they were under attack by aliens and their race was being exterminated.

Kim answered questions and the five of them talked for almost two hours. Kim stayed away from the dreadful things that she had witnessed and as long as she did that, she enjoyed the conversation. Valerie asked the weirdest questions while Jennifer asked some rather penetrating ones. Traci said little and mom said nothing. The evening was winding down when Kim had admitted as much as she wanted (or could).

"What else did you do?"

"It actually wasn't that exciting. Most of the time was just watching other people react to crises and see how they handled problems. I guess it was a lesson in governing."

"Why?" Valerie asked. "What was Linda trying to teach you?"

This was family and they would give her the most honest assessment she could hope for. Kimmay decided to use them as her sounding board. "I think Linda was preparing me for something. Most of what I saw had to do with how different cultures set up their governments and how they interacted between themselves. Because of their cultures they reacted to crises differently, and I think Linda wanted me to see different ideas in operation. I was deliberately shown some great success and really competent people. They accepted great adversity and found true answers to the problems.

"And then I saw just the opposite. I saw cultures caught up in inter-tribal conflicts that destroyed their abilities to face challenges. In some cases they literally destroyed themselves and their world from inside. And other times, they faced outside forces that they were totally unprepared to face. The result was a disaster of proportions I never want to see again."

Traci still hadn't figured out how to read Kim. The others could read her expression and knew that the conversation was over. In retrospect, Traci's question was necessary, because it forced Kim to finally start verbalizing what she had endured. But at the time, that necessity was lost in the result.

"Like what kind of disasters?" It was a short question, but it drove into Kim like a spear.

The first thing she did was shudder uncontrollably. Tears formed in her eyes, but they didn't flow down her cheeks. Her voice trembled as she began. "Genocide … murder … extinction. My best friends were blown to bits, their blood and guts covered my face and I couldn't see. Rape as brutal and cruel as you can possibly imagine. The stench of death was so bad that I vomited. Legions of soldiers destroying every living person, dog and cat in their path. Spaceships landing and machines killing everything. The sky was on fire and the oxygen was sucked out of everyone's lungs. They shriveled and burned to a crisp. In the middle of the day the sky turned black from smoke and dust. Planets with the brightest sun you can imagine turned to dark. The ground heaved and shook beneath you. I watched thousands of people walked away for sale as slaves or worse. I watched life come to a complete and horrible end, and nothing happened to me. Linda stood next to me and never said a word. Never lifted a finger. She watched and did nothing. She made me watch; over and over and over again. I would kill Linda in an instant if I could." Kim said it coldly and meant every word.

There was complete and total silence around the table. No one said a word. No one looked at each other. They stared at Kim and saw that she had meant every bit of it. There was no doubt what she had seen. And there was no doubt that she meant every word of what she had said about Linda.

Her mother walked over to her and cradled Kim's head against her bosom. Kim wrapped an arm around her mother's waist, but her eyes did not close. She starred straight ahead with just the trace of a tear left in her eyes. Her lips were compressed tightly and the muscles in her cheeks were bulging ever so slightly.

"It's time for bed. Jennifer you can have the guest room and Traci, I'll make up the sofa for you," Melissa announced.

"That's not necessary," Kim said. "Jennifer you take my room and Traci you can have the guest room. Valerie, can I sleep in your bed?"

"Sure,"

Valerie had a king size bed and there was plenty of room for both her and Kim. Everyone headed off to their assigned rooms.

Kimmay followed Valerie to her bed. Instead of using the full width of the bed, they cuddled in the center. "Kim?" Valerie whispered. "I'm sorry. It sounded horrible." Kim said nothing. Valerie could hear her breathing. "Why do you think Linda really did it?"

A huge sigh filled the silence. "I think I'm supposed to change the world. She was teaching me various lessons for a reason. She was showing me the right way and the wrong way to do something. I think I understand her motives, but I don't understand why she had to be so brutal about it." Kim paused and took a deep breath. "I've had a long time to think about this. I think there is something horrible in our future and we have to be prepared for it. I have no idea what it is, but I think I'm supposed to be some kind of savior of the human race. Valerie, I don't think I can do that. I can't handle that."

Valerie slid a little closer to Kim. "Kim, you have always been the most amazing person I have ever known. And you've been the best sister I've ever had."

"Your only one, jerk"

"Yea, but that's just a minor point. But anyway, I don't know how you've always done things, but you have. Everything you wanted to do, somehow you not only managed to do it, but you accomplished things way beyond what anyone else thought was possible. I don't know how you are going to save the world, but somehow you will. I believe in you."

"Thanks."

 

CHAPTER SIX

 

Even though they had not gone to bed until the wee hours of the morning, Jennifer was rousing Traci and Kim by six A.M. "Let's get going she whispered." They quickly washed up and dressed. Kim returned to her old room and was finally able to get out of her rags and wear some decent clothes. By six thirty Jennifer had the three of them standing on the street corner. It was still dark and very cold. They shivered and jumped around trying to stay warm while they waited for the large car with the government license plates.

The driver took them to the Hyatt Regency and led them into a first floor conference room. The team leader was ready for Jennifer. He offered coffee to the three of them and began his report. The Israelis had two rooms on the third floor, the girl had one room and the men had the other. The agency had picked up the fingerprints of electronic signals in and out of the room. They had not contacted Todd or been in his room yet, but they could pick up traces of some listening devices in his room.

"I've got two agents on each end of the hall on both floors and everyone is ready to move," he concluded.

"Fine," said Jennifer. "Let's check them out and send them home. I want two agents to go in and secure the woman, and I want four to go in after the men. Keep two more at each end of the hall. Cuff 'em and bring them down here. After you have them here, go scan their rooms and clean them out. Bring their stuff to me. Have the FBI send over three transportation vehicles and have the jet prepped. They'll spend a few days in D.C. before they're loaded up and shipped home."

Jennifer turned to Traci and Kimmay. "Traci, I want you to sit over there and say nothing. Kimmay, you can sit here next to me. The prisoners will be seated across the table and there will an agent behind each one. I'll have two more at each of those doors and the rest I want standing behind me." Jennifer turned back to the team leader, "Are you ready?"

"Yes ma'am," he said smartly.

"Then go get them." Jennifer, Kimmay and Traci took their seats. About fifteen minutes later the prisoners were brought into the room. They were still wearing pajamas and hotel robes. Their hands were cuffed behind their backs.

After the prisoners were seated and the agents situated in their places Jennifer spoke, "Do you know who I am?" No one answered. "You will be sent to D.C. to be held for a couple of days before you are deported. There is a lot paperwork that has to be completed," and Jennifer smiled. "Your embassy will be notified in a couple of hours concerning your situation. We know the purpose of your mission although not all of the details. You can fill in the details later. But as of right now we know that you were blackmailing Todd Reimer to get secrets concerning the energy chips that he invented."

Jennifer looked the girl in the eyes and asked again, "Do you know who I am?"

"You are Jennifer Vail, bodyguard for the President."

"Good. I wanted to be perfectly clear on that point, because I want you to know that the President personally is interested in this. And do you know who is sitting next to me?"

"Kimmay."

"Excellent, I wanted that to also be perfectly clear. I have nothing more to say. Kimmay, would you like to speak?"

With her jaws partially clenched, Kimmay began, "Todd Reimer is my partner and friend. You have made a colossal mistake. Tell your people that your country has been cut off from all future chips. I know you think that's an idle threat, and that you can get all of the chips that you want on the black market. I promise, that will change. I will never forget and I will never forgive. I'm done, Jennifer let's go." At the time, Kimmay meant every word of what she said, but future circumstances would distract her from her promise.

Jennifer, Kimmay and Traci left the room. "Are you going up to see Todd?" Jennifer asked.

"Yea. I think it's best if I go alone."

"I think so too," Jennifer said.

"Will you send someone up later to sweep his room and belongings? Have the FBI send them to my mom's when they're done."

"Sure," Jennifer said. "Then for now it's goodbye. Don't won't worry about Traci, I'll give her the best training possible." They embraced and exchanged kisses on the cheek.

"Traci," Kimmay began, "listen to Jennifer. She's the best and she'll take good care of you. I'll see you in what … a couple of months?" Jennifer nodded yes. She stood on her toes and gave Traci a hug and kiss. "See you both," and she turned and walked towards the elevators.

 

Kimmay rang the doorbell and Todd answered, "Kimmay, you're back. Come in. Have you had breakfast?"

"I've had some coffee."

"Then let me call room service and get some real breakfast up here."

"Todd, you don't need to do that. Were going to have breakfast at my mom's."

"Really? That's great, I'll get dressed."

"Todd, wait. We can't trust anything that you have here. The people that were blackmailing you followed you here and have you bugged. I suspect that your ring is one of their listening devices."

"What?" he stammered. "They're here? She's here?"

"Don't worry about anything. Jennifer is also here and she has already arrested them. We've already identified them and they are on their way out of the country."

Todd sat on the closest chair and pulled his bathrobe around him. "Do you know who she really is?"

"She is a spy for the Israeli Mossad."

"Now everyone is going to know. Even my family," he muttered.

"Todd, listen to me. Yesterday I told you that everything is going to be fine. Trust me, I can't tell you why until I get you out of here, but this is something that we can handle. Ok? We need to leave."

"I'll go get dressed," he said.

"No, you are dressed," Kimmay responded. "We don't know what is bugged and what is not. As soon as we leave the FBI will sweep your room and they'll bring your clothes to my mom's later. You'll have to wear that robe until I get you to mom's and then we can throw it out."

 

The large sedan dropped them off at the rear of Melissa's building. They went in the private entrance and walked up to the third floor. As they walked in Valerie greeted them both, "Hi Todd. Here take this and go change in the bathroom. There are some panties in the pocket and slippers on the floor. I'll throw this robe out for you, after you change."

Todd returned a couple of minutes later confused and embarrassed. He was wearing a fluffy pink robe and slippers. He handed his robe to Valerie. "I'll be right back with mom," and she whisked out the door.

"What's going on?" Todd asked. He held up the hem of the pink robe and asked, "Are you making fun of me?"

"Not at all, I promise. Let's sit down, it smells like breakfast is ready."

Melissa and Valerie walked in and Melissa gave Todd a hug while Valerie brought over breakfast. As they started eating, Kim began, "Todd, I promised you that everything was going to work out all right. It's time to explain. First, I want you to know that everyone of us here understands how you feel and we are here to help you."

"I don't …"

"Listen Todd, I am just like you. I am technically a transvestite, although in my mind I am satisfied that I'm really a woman." Todd dropped his fork. Valerie laughed. "Trust me, I am not lying to you. I was born a boy, but mom and Cynthia raised me as a girl. I have lived my entire life as a female."

Todd's voice barely worked, "You have?"

"Yes I have. And listen Todd, there is more. Melissa is also a transvestite. My mom used to be a male."

"Technically I still am, Todd. I'm in the same situation as you. We're all pre-op transsexuals. Let me explain something else, I'm not really Kim's or Valerie's biological mother. Cynthia was their mother, and I am their father."

"No," Todd muttered.

Melissa didn't pay any attention but continued on, "When I first started college, Cynthia and I started dating. She wanted me to start dressing as a girl and I soon found out that I loved it. I began taking hormones and started living full time as a girl. Before the hormones, I had my sperm frozen so that later Cynthia could use it to have our children. I took on the role as the mother of the family and Cynthia took the dominant, bread-winning role."

Todd looked at Valerie. "I'm for real," she laughed.

"Wait right here," Melissa said and she left the room. When she returned she had several photo albums, which she sat down on the table. She sat next to Todd and pushed his breakfast out of the way. "These are pictures of my transition," and she opened one of the albums in front of Todd.

"They are?" exclaimed Valerie. "I've never seen these before," and she looked over Todd's shoulder.

"I didn't know you had these either," said Kim and she crowded next to Todd's other side.

"I wasn't sure that I should share them with you girls, but now I think I can. This album starts at the very beginning. This here is the first picture Cynthia took of me." She pointed to a small boy standing in the middle of the picture.

"That's you?" Valerie asked incredulously.

"My original name was Matt Kaufmann. Cynthia and I met at Notre Dame and we started dating immediately. From the very beginning of our relationship, Cynthia wanted to turn me into a girl. I didn't know it of course. First she had me shave my chest and armpits – you can see that here. Then little-by-little she had me start dressing in women's lingerie and wearing lipstick. For Halloween she made a big production of dressing me up in women's clothes and going out in public."

"Cynthia seduced you?" Valerie giggled.

"This is why I didn't show this to you earlier smarty pants. The more I wore girl's clothing the more I liked it. By Christmas she had me hooked. I moved in with Cynthia and finished the school year. By then I was living full time as a girl and taking hormones." Melissa flipped through the album pointing out pictures and commenting on the clothes and hair. "I went to a cosmetology school and learned to be a beautician. About a year later Cynthia was transferred here to Milwaukee. With grandpa's help we bought this place and remodeled it. Just before we were married I opened 'Lissa's and Gabrielle's. Kristal came to our wedding and stayed afterwards to do all kinds of promotional things. She really got 'Lissa's off the ground."

"Do you have wedding pictures?" Valerie asked.

"Yes, in this album I've …"

Valerie grabbed it from Melissa's hands and opened it. "Is that you mom? Oh my gosh, you were beautiful. You both wore dresses, how romantic! And that's Krysallis? Wow! She is so beautiful in that dress." Kim and Valerie quickly consumed the wedding album while commenting on how beautiful everyone was.

"Mom, I wish you had shown us this album a long time ago. It's wonderful," said Kim. "You were a gorgeous bride. And so was Cynthia. I wish she could be here with us right now, looking at these pictures."

That comment caught Melissa off guard. She walked around the table and sat down again. "So do I," she whispered quietly.

Todd brought her back to the present. "I can't believe this. You and Melissa are both TVs? I'm not the only one?"

"Of course not Todd. But we don't consider ourselves transvestites. We've both lived as women for so long that we both consider ourselves to be female. Even though we have something extra between our legs, we live and act and enjoy life as females. And so can you."

"What?"

"If you want to that is," Melissa said. "Gabrielle's Beauty Salon is strictly for TVs. I have three or four customers a week. I'm very good at turning men into beautiful women. I can do the same for you. You can dress whenever you like and I'll show you how to be perfectly passable."

"Or," added Kim, "You can make the transition to 'Lissa's Salon. You can begin hormone therapy and live full time as a female. We can help you do that also."

"And I'll help," said Valerie. "I'd be happy to help you make the transition. I'll take you shopping and out in public, we can go to clubs and pick up boys and …"

"Valerie!" Melissa was shaking a finger at her and Valerie laughed. "The choice is yours Todd. We know what it's like and we can offer you help that you can't get anywhere else in the world. Do you want to think it over?"

"No! I don't have to think it over. This is a dream come true. This is exactly what I want. But I have to admit that I'm scared. I'm afraid everyone in the world will think I'm a freak."

Melissa gave Todd an assuring smile, "Todd, when I was about one year old in girl time, I decided that it was time to tell my mother. I invited her to South Bend to see me. She walked in the door and saw me, and immediately called me a freak. I told her to leave. It hurt, but I wasn't going to change back just to please her. I was happy as a girl, happier than I had ever been in my life. I told Cynthia to take her back to the bus station and I never talked with her again. I decided that those who couldn't accept me weren't important.

"You're going to have that happen to you too. You are going to have to decide who is important and who is not important in your life."

"And don't forget, you're one of the richest people in the world. You don't have to bend to anyone's opinion," Kim added.

"And even more important, we will love you no matter what you decide," added Valerie. "And so will your other true friends."

"Others?"

"Kristal and Jennifer," said Kim. "They know all about your situation and they will support you also."

"This decision just gets easier and easier. Melissa, no disrespect intended, but I hope my mother handles this better than yours."

"So do I, Todd."

"When do we start?" Todd asked anxiously.

"After you finish your breakfast," Melissa laughed.

"You can stay here while you begin your transition," Kim offered. "Is that ok mom?"

"Sure, you can have the guest room. It's all yours."

"Mom and Valerie will handle everything for you, but we've got some other things to consider. Your transition is going to take a while and we have lots of business work to do. So we eventually have to set up an office somewhere close by," Kim explained.

"There's a vacant office building over on Tulane Street," Valerie offered.

"I can check that out. Short term, we need a small office where we can communicate with the home office and handle daily business."

"You can use my office," Melissa offered.

"Thanks, but it's not big enough."

"Do you want me to evict one of the second floor tenants?"

"No mom. I'll come up with something satisfactory. Do you have any room in the photo studio?"

"No, but the basement is open."

"No thanks. I have an aversion to spiders. I'll find something temporary nearby."

"Wait, I know! Grandpa's place. He's been trying to rent the upstairs for months."

"That's it! I'll confirm with grandpa and then call a temporary rental company and get some AV phones and computers moved in." Kim jumped up from the table and headed towards the phone.

"Hold it," Melissa ordered. "You're not going anywhere until you've had your hair done."

"Mom," Kim whined.

"There will be no mom whining. Your hair looks like a drowned rat. You're going to get your hair cut and styled … maybe permed, and your nails look like you've been digging coal."

"I'm sorry mom, but I've got some extremely important things that I have to get started."

"It's Saturday and nothing Earth shattering is going to happen today. You can start your work after you look like a civilized woman."

Valerie leaned over to Kim and whispered, "Give it up. You're going to lose anyway."

"And before you go downstairs," Melissa continued, "you will return to your room, you will take off those jeans and that T, and you will put on a nice blouse and skirt. Chop chop girl. Time is money."

Todd had finished his breakfast and was ready. His fidgeting made it clear to everyone that he was anxious to get started on his transition. "Come on Todd, let's go visit Gabrielle's Salon, Melissa said. "Valerie, are you available also?"

Melissa led Todd down the back steps and into Gabrielle's. "We're going to start with body hair. I'll have Valerie wax your legs, chest, arms and armpits. Your nails are short and there isn't much we can do other than extensions. I'll have Susan handle that later. I'll take care of your hair and makeup. Since I run Gabrielle's I have some excellent contacts in the community, and I know exactly where to send you for undergarments and pretty unmentionables. I also have some good spots for outer clothing. I'll take you out this afternoon and get you started. Once you've got the right clothes to start with, Valerie can start taking you around for real shopping. You're going to love that part. Valerie has a few talents, and shopping is definitely one of them. I'll get Valerie in here and start making those calls. Good luck."

Melissa walked out and then right back in. "I forgot something very important. What do you want to be called?"

"Is Tiffany all right?"

"Perfect. Enjoy your wax Tiffany, Valerie will be right with you."

 

Kim walked into 'Lissa's and Simon was the first to spot her, "Kim! It's Kim everyone." Kim covered her head with her arms pretending that she was being attacked. Simon picked her off her feet and spun her around. "Kim, your hair looks like hell! Where have you been?" he laughed as he set her down. Everyone else crowded around Kim and welcomed her home.

After the welcome, everyone returned to their clients. Melissa called to Simon, "Can I talk with you? As you have noticed, Kim needs some serious help here." Simon shook his head vigorously and grinned. "Can you fit Kim in this morning? She has a lot to do and she can't wait too long."

"Mai ouis. For the little girl, I give my life," he said in a poor imitation of a French accent. Kim laughed and Melissa smiled. She loved having her extended family back together. "I'll ask Susan to fit you in as soon as you are ready. We'll get you a manicure and a pedicure," she told Kim.

"That'll be swell," Simon said. He studied Kim for a moment and then asked, "Can I give her to George first? She desperately needs to have her hair colored. He's the best we have, Melissa."

"Of course. Let's get busy kids."

Melissa spent the next two hours walking back and forth between Tiffany and Kim. She stopped in on Valerie twice to make sure that Tiffany was comfortable and didn't need anything. Valerie took the interruptions as an affront to her professionalism and kicked Melissa out of the room. George had half of Kim's hair covered in tinfoil and blue goop. He laid done a square of foil, took a brush and painted Kim's hair, then laid down the next square of foil. George had two bowls and two brushes, and he alternated colors. After completing her entire head, George placed a plastic bonnet over her hair and set her under a dryer.

Melissa insisted on bringing her coffee. "Mom," Kim asked, "don't you have any clients today?"

"Of course dear, but they're both under the dryer right now. I had an open minute to check on you."

"Mom, George is the best. You can relax. Don't you have to get ready to do Todd's hair?"

"I'll be ready in plenty of time. And by the way, she chose Tiffany for her new name."

"That's sweet," Kim said. "Now go."

George retrieved Kim, and took her to his station. After rinsing the coloring from Kim's hair he spun her around and faced her towards the mirror. "What do you think sweetheart?"

"Perfect as usual George. It really looks good on me."

"All right then, over to the second best hair stylist in the country. Simon, I have given her perfect color, don't let us down."

Simon grinned and stuck his tongue out at George. "It is so ugly, seeing that kind of petty jealousy in the presence of a master." Simon seated Kim and wrapped a pretty floral cape around her. "Do you have any preferences?"

"Butch?"

"No problem. But I think I can better bring out your beautiful eyes with a spike. Or how about this year's hottest feminine swirl of short tight curls layered on top, followed with gradually expanding curls down the side, and finishing with old fashioned spiral curls interlaced around the back with a couple over the front of the ear? It will be seen on the walkways from Milan to Tokyo this year." He blurted that out in one breathless whisper. After taking a deep breath he said, "Or pigtails. Which shall it be?"

"Tough choice, Simon. Let's make it your call, you're the expert."

"Ahh, respect at last! That's more like it," he said. "Close your eyes and dream of Cinderella. Your fairy godmother is about to begin."

 

Meanwhile, Valerie finished waxing Tiffany's entire body. She took Tiffany to the one and only beautician chair in Gabrielle's, and went off to find Melissa. Melissa walked in while Valerie was still out looking for her. "For today, if you don't mind, I'm going to wash, treat and cut your hair. Then I'll set it and give you your first style to consider. After I set you hair, you will have to sit under the hair dryer for a while. I'll have Susan give you a manicure while you're drying. Monday you get a pedicure."

"Ok."

"After I'm done with your hair, we'll start with your laser treatments. I'll paint a special solution over your beard and it will have to soak for about an hour, then I can start your laser treatments to eliminate your beard. Ok?"

"Sounds good," Tiffany said.

"And finally, when we're done here, we go shopping. I have some contacts in the community, and I've already set you up for this afternoon. I'll go with you. Can you think of anything else you would like?"

Tiffany laughed. "This is fantastic, Melissa. It sounds great."

 

Meanwhile, Simon was weaving his magic. The top of Kim's head was covered with short, thin curlers. Every curler was paired with another curler that was just slightly bigger than the first. Around the sides, Kim had another combination of twin curlers, one slightly thicker than the other. These curlers were almost twice as long as the curlers on top. Around the back and over the front of the ears were larger, long curlers lying perpendicular to the others. Kim's hair was spiral wrapped around the larger rollers. Simon squeezed a clear, pungent fluid over every curler.

"That's cold," Kim complained.

"My poor, sweet Kim. I can tell you what they say in New York when this problem comes up."

"What's that?"

"Tough titties. I've finished with the setting lotion. Now I will place a plastic cap over your cold head and I will slide you into the oven with the other little children. I love gingerbread my little darling." Kim laughed. It was indeed good to be home.

 

Melissa had Tiffany sitting under her dryer getting a manicure from Susan, while Simon finished with the final touches on Kim's hair. While Tiffany was having the best day of her life, Kim was getting anxious. "I look like I stuck my finger in an electric socket." Simon crossed his arms and began tapping his toes, a distinct pout covering his face. Kim giggled, "You're too easy to tease, Simon. I hope you used the super-hold permanent stuff, because there is no way that I can re-style this every morning. It's going to fall right into place when I let it dry, correct?"

"Don't you wish! You're going to have to re-set it every night and finish it with the curling iron every morning."

"Simon, you know that I can't do that!"

"You are so easy to tease, Kim," he gloated. "Now, you have one more stop. Susan is waiting to give you your manicure."

Susan was already tending to Tiffany, so Valerie handled Kim's manicure. "I love your hair," she said. "Is that Simon's latest style? I love it. How are you going to take care of it though? It's really complicated. Beautiful, but complicated."

"That's just what I didn't want to hear. I'm not mom's little dress-up girl anymore. I've got too many things to do. I'm out of here." Kim stood and stomped out before Valerie could even begin the manicure.

"Damn," she whispered as she watched Kim leave.

 

Dinner that evening was at seven thirty at Melissa's inlaws' and she and Tiffany just made it. Grandma and grandpa were delighted to have Kim back, and they welcomed Tiffany with open arms and a kiss on the cheek. Everyone complimented Tiffany on her hair and new dress. Melissa's mother-in-law was a wonderful cook and the dinner was splendid. The conversation was mostly about Kim's travels, and Kim was able to control both the direction of the conversation and her emotions. They planned their Sunday shopping spree, with Kim deciding that she too needed some new business clothes. She was going to join Melissa and Tiffany on their trip to Diane's. Kim announced that she had made it to the bank before they closed, and she now had more than enough money to buy half of Milwaukee. She promised to return Tiffany's cash when they returned home.

In spite of Kimmay's anxiety earlier in the day, everything had gone well. She had indeed made it to the bank on time, she and grandpa had toured the office above his dental business, and she even made a few calls for furniture and electronics. She also reached Dr. Jason Drum and gave him instructions on meeting her and Todd on Tuesday morning. Yes, the day had turned out better than Kim could have foreseen. The evening was another matter.

The group returned to their home on the corner of Wilshire and Schenk streets. Tiffany modeled her sexy nightwear, and everyone applauded and tossed out lewd remarks. They finalized their plans for Sunday and Kim discussed some of the things she needed to accomplish the following week. Finally, everyone retired to their respective rooms.

Shortly after midnight a blood-curdling scream rang through the house. With hearts thumping a mile a minute, everyone came rushing into Kim's room. Melissa turned on the light and Kim's bed was empty. Panic gripped her chest as she searched the room. Kim was on the floor, huddled in a corner and cowering under the blankets she had ripped off the bed. "Kim!" Melissa screamed and ran to her. She fell to her knees and wrapped her arms around Kim. "Kim, are you all right?"

Kim was in another world. When the light came on she was blinded and had no idea where she was. "Mom?" she asked. "Mom? Oh mom, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't want this. I didn't. I didn't." Melissa tried to console Kim, but it took several minutes before Kim seemed to know where she was.

Melissa helped her struggle to her feet and continued to hug her. Tiffany and Valerie watched and said nothing. "Kim? Are you ok? Kim, you're ok now. You're home and with your family, everything is ok now." Mom helped Kim stand and walk over to the bed where she dropped onto it like an inert anchor.

"Mom?" Kim still seemed dazed. "I didn't … I didn't … I'm so stupid," and she began crying.

Melissa sent Valerie to get something to drink, and she returned with a glass of milk which Kim chugged. Kim turned away from her mother and looked for Valerie. "Valerie? Are you still here?" Valerie returned to the doorway where Kim could see her. "Can I sleep with you?"

"Of course you can." Valerie helped Kim off her bed, and Kim leaned heavily against Valerie as they walked to Valerie's bedroom. Kim fell on the bed and struggled to reach the center of Valerie's large bed. Kim acted like all of her coordination had disappeared. She curled into a ball under the bedcovers and announced that she was ok, she was just tired. No one bought it for a minute, but Melissa nudged Valerie and she crawled under the covers and slid next to Kim.

"Valerie, can we go to sleep?" she asked pathetically.

"Sure we can, Kim. Sure." Melissa turned out the light and reluctantly returned to her room.

 

(continued)

  

  

  

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