Discreet Activities (Barry/McCall Series) Read online

  Buzdar slipped on the coat and shoved his feet into his boots then opened the door and walked out into the crisp morning air. He found his visitor sitting in the old Sentra, beckoning him to join him.

  “Is there a problem?” he asked as he settled into the passenger seat.

  “There is no problem and our plan is progressing smoothly,” the man replied. “As part of that plan, there is something which you must do for me.”

  “I will do whatever is needed,” Mahmood vowed, his tone solemn, “Even if my life depends on it.”

  The man laughed as he pulled a small object from his pocket and held it out to Buzdar. “You will not put yourself in any danger for this part of our plan, my friend.”

  “What is this?” asked Mahmood, studying the device which somewhat resembled an iPod, right down to the ear-buds.

  “This is a transmitter detector,” replied the man. “It is possible that this house has been bugged.”

  Mahmood went pale as he stared at the man. “I-I’m so sorry. How could anybody know? We will tear the place apart to find all of the devices.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about as you could not know,” the visitor reassured him, “And, no, you will not tear anything apart. This device will confirm if there are bugs or not and that is all I need to know for now.”

  “But, if there are bugs, somebody has been hearing all we have said,” argued Mahmood, “And will hear whatever we say in the future.”

  “Then you will simply continue saying what you have been saying,” the man smiled, “Or, whatever I tell you to say.”

  Mahmood nodded and smiled as well. “I think I understand. How does this thing work?”

  “Simply place the buds in your ears and turn it on with this switch,” explained the visitor. “If there are transmitters within twelve feet of you, you will hear a buzzing sound. Make sure to check everywhere in the house.”

  “I will do so immediately,” declared Mahmood.

  “Do not be obvious,” the man warned. “There may be hidden cameras as well. Simply walk around and you will seem to be listening to music.”

  “I will do as you suggest,” Mahmood agreed. “How will I let you know?”

  The man leaned over to open the glove compartment and pulled out a BlackBerry Bold, indicating a small label on the back. “Memorize this number and get rid of the label.”

  “Should I remove the battery to avoid anybody tracking it?”

  “That isn’t necessary with this phone. Transmissions are all via satellite and securely encrypted. But do not enter the number into memory. Also make sure to delete any records of calls and messages you send or receive and do not use this phone for any personal calls. Is that clear?”

  “Very clear,” Mahmood nodded. “You will hear from me soon. Is there anything else?”

  “Nothing else for now but I will contact you on that phone as required,” said the man as he started the engine. “Do not mention my visit to the others for now and do not speak of the bugs to them. I want you all to act as naturally as possible and they will do so more easily if they do not know.”

  Mahmood looked at the man and nodded then climbed out of the car. The vehicle immediately backed away onto the road and headed off, quickly disappearing from sight amidst the trees.

  * * * *

  Having finished their lunch, Leslie and Cat were now lying on long-chairs in the sun by the infinity pool above the beach, enjoying a cold Heineken.

  “Well, look over there,” Cat murmured, “Three o’clock, coming out of the buffet. Is that him?”

  “I believe it is,” Leslie replied as she examined the man walking towards the steps which led to the beach bar below. “Shall I get us another beer?”

  “Please do,” Cat grinned as she watched Leslie stand and re-adjust her tiny bikini. “I’m sure that he’ll notice you.”

  “I’m touched by the compliment,” said Leslie, batting her eyelashes, “And I have no doubt he’ll notice you as well soon enough.”

  She made her way around the pool and towards the bar, well aware of the many eyes following her firm body and lithe movement.

  As she descended the half-dozen concrete steps to the beach, the bartender looked up and broke into a wide, welcoming smile. “Hola, Senorita. What can I get you?”

  “Two more Heinekens, Senor,” she replied as she slid onto the barstool next to the one now occupied by their subject. “It’s pretty hot so they go down fast.”

  “I’ll make sure to get you the coldest ones,” the bartender winked as he headed for the cooler.

  “Yep, it is a hot one,” said Walter Simpson, eager to start a conversation with the red-headed babe.

  “It certainly is,” Leslie turned towards him and flashed him a smile. “We just got here at noon. Quite the contrast from Montreal this morning, I have to say.”

  “You’re from Montreal?” Simpson asked in surprise. “I’ve spent a fair amount of time there myself. Beautiful city.”

  “It is indeed,” Leslie agreed. “I don’t even mind the snow because I ski, but it’s nice to get away to somewhere like here in the middle of winter, even for a short while.”

  “How long are you staying?” asked Walter, trying to gauge how quickly he’d have to make a move on her.

  “We’re not sure yet,” Leslie admitted with a pout. “It all depends on when my girlfriend’s husband might need his plane back.”

  “His plane?” echoed Walter in doubt. “You’d need a decent plane to fly from Montreal to here.”

  “Oh, this is the sweetest little jet I’ve ever been in,” Leslie gushed. “When Lila called me this weekend and asked if I was interested in a girls-only getaway, I nearly wet myself. It was so cool, just sitting in the cockpit next to her while she flew that baby down here. I think we’re going to have some fun. I’m April, by the way.”

  “Walter Simpson,” the man replied as he offered his hand.

  “Here you are, pretty lady,” announced the bartender, placing the icy, wet bottles before her.

  “Gracias,” she replied, dropping a ten dollar bill in the tip jar before turning back to Walter. “So, are you here on vacation too?”

  “No, actually I live here, year-round,” Walter boasted. “Retired and moved here a little while ago.”

  “Wow, that is so cool,” Leslie exclaimed, “And to retire so young.”

  “Be careful with your flattery, young lady,” Walter laughed. “I fall for that kind of thing pretty easily.”

  “That’s always good to know,” Leslie winked. “Why don’t you come on over by the pool? Lila’s waiting there for me and these beers won’t stay cold forever.”

  “I’d be honoured,” replied Walter, slipping off the stool and gallantly gesturing her to lead the way.

  They went back to the pool to join Cat, who, by the way he gazed longingly at her, was also quite up to Walter’s hopes and expectations.

  “So, do you ladies often go off on these girls-only getaways?” enquired Walter, working his way to finding out if girls-only meant ‘no men allowed’ or if there existed a possibility of some threesome fun with this hot duo.

  “Well, we try to get away a couple of times a year,” Cat replied, a little coyly as she ran her fingers along Leslie’s thigh, “Because we do enjoy each other’s company, if you know what I mean.”

  “But, that’s not to say that we don’t enjoy other company as well,” Leslie suggested, patting Walter on the knee, “If you know what I mean.”

  “Uh, are you ladies messing with me?” asked Walter, feeling a little flustered as he tried to hide his suddenly growing erection.

  “Not yet,” Cat winked at him, “But we’re definitely considering it.”

  “Really?” said Walter, feeling his face heat up as both women smiled at him. “Perhaps you might consider joining me for dinner tonight, at my place. It’s a lovely place with a private terrace, pool, hot-tub.”

  “We’ve got our own little evening planned,” Cat apologized. �
��We’re having dinner at La Cucina and then want to spend some one on one time since it’s our first night. I hope you understand.”

  “Of course I do. No problem,” replied Walter though his disappointment was evident. “Maybe some other time?”

  “How about tomorrow?” suggested Leslie with a grin. “What’s your schedule like?”

  “Are you serious?” asked Walter. “Please don’t tease me because you ladies are, well frankly, gorgeous.”

  “We’re not teasing you, sweetie,” reassured Cat. “We’re free tomorrow and we’d love to see your place and hang around in your hot-tub. It is private, you said?”

  “Very private,” Walter promised them. “I’m up on a bluff with a fantastic view of the bay but nobody can see up there.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Cat smiled. “Give us your address and we’ll come by, say at one o’clock tomorrow. Is that good for you?”

  “That would be great,” agreed Walter. “You really are going to come over?”

  Leslie sat up on her chair then rolled onto her hands and knees to crawl close to where he sat. “Baby, we really will be over at one tomorrow and believe me when I tell you that it’ll be a day you’ll never forget. Can we bring anything?”

  “Not at all,” replied a beaming Walter. “Just bring yourselves and I’ll be a happy man.”

  * * * *

  Mahmood had returned into the house and, though he had felt like immediately checking for hidden surveillance devices, he had forced himself to make and eat breakfast first, in case he was in fact being watched. After having put his dishes in the dishwasher, he had retrieved the transmitter detector and turned it on then casually walked around, even dancing the occasional step and bopping his head to a non-existent beat as he listened to the constant buzzing in his ears.

  Once his aimless tour of the ground floor was complete, he had moved upstairs, first to the bathroom to brush his teeth then his room where he made the bed and finally to each of the three other bedrooms for a quiet peek inside, as if to confirm that his friends remained asleep. He had then sauntered back downstairs, looked bored for a few minutes before shrugging into his coat and boots to go for a walk outside. Once he had walked for a good five minutes down the road, he pulled out the phone his visitor had left him and placed his call.

  “I’ve detected transmitters in every room of the house,” he announced once his call had been answered.

  “You have done very well, my friend,” was the reply. “This will be a very important part of our plan so you must not let anyone know, especially those who spy on you, that you are aware of these bugs. Make sure you keep the phone I have given you charged and available. I will contact you again when it is required.”

  Chapter 7 – Tuesday, January 11, 2011

  “Nice looking place,” Cat commented as they came up to the house, a roomy and tasteful white stucco affair, on Little Bay Road a short walk from the resort.

  “You wouldn’t expect an embezzler with over eighty million dollars in the bank to live in a shack, would you?” was Leslie’s response.

  “True,” Cat agreed. “So, are you ready for some action?”

  “You betcha,” Leslie grinned as they strolled up the paving stone walkway to the front door. “Like I promised Walter yesterday, this is a day he’ll never forget.”

  Cat announced their arrival with the large, ornate, wrought-iron knocker and only seconds passed before the heavy, wood door was opened by a smiling Walter, wearing only tan, knee-length cargo shorts.

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” he exclaimed as his gaze devoured them in their short shorts and shorter tank tops. “Come in, come in.”

  They entered the foyer, both offering him a hug and a peck on either cheek before allowing him to close the door.

  “You have a beautiful home, Walter,” Cat cooed as they made their way inside, the ladies slipping an arm into his on either side. “So nice and airy.”

  “Thank you, Lila,” Walter replied with modest pride. “I’m a firm believer that we have only one life to live so we might as well enjoy it to the max.”

  “Oh, we believe in that too,” said Leslie as she gave him a playful pat on the butt. “Where’s this amazing terrace you mentioned? I’ve no doubt the view is spectacular from up here on the hill.”

  “This way, my darlings,” Walter replied, sliding an arm around each of their waists as he steered them towards the open French doors, “And yes, as you’re about to see, the view is magnificent.”

  “Wow, this is nice,” Leslie exclaimed as she kicked off her sandals and stepped ahead to the pool to dip her toes, “And the water’s perfect. I’ll be looking forward to getting wet in there.”

  “Just make yourselves at home,” said Walter, anticipating the coming hours with excitement. “Can I offer you ladies something to drink? I just mixed a pitcher of pina coladas but you can have whatever you like.”

  “A pina colada sounds delicious,” Cat replied, spotting the pitcher and glasses on the wet-bar off in one corner. “Let me serve.”

  As she headed off, Leslie approached Walter with a teasing smile, capturing his full attention. “You were right. The terrace is very private, which is a good thing because we didn’t bring any bathing suits.”

  On that note, she peeled off her tank top then slid her shorts to the stone floor and stood before him wearing only the tiniest of g-strings.

  “Oh, Lordy, Lordy,” Walter murmured as he gazed at her almost naked body.

  “Hey there, naughty girl,” laughed Cat as she returned with three full glasses. “Are you trying to get a head start on me?”

  “Oh, I’m sure that you can both catch up if you want to,” Leslie purred as she accepted her drink. “Cheers.”

  She raised her glass and drained it with Cat following her lead while Walter just took a sip.

  “We don’t always knock them back this fast,” explained Cat with a wink to Walter as she set her glass down before removing her top. “We just want to get our motors lubricated.”

  “Well, here’s to motor lubrication,” Walter grinned before downing his drink. “How about another?”

  “You’re such a sweetheart,” said Leslie as they handed him their glasses.

  As they watched him make his way hurriedly back to the bar, Leslie whispered, “How long?”

  “I think he’ll be needing some help over there before he’s finished pouring,” Cat replied.

  At the bar, Walter managed to fill all three glasses, though the last one to overflowing, before dropping the pitcher on its side to the paving stone as he desperately clung to the countertop.

  “Honey, are you alright?” Cat asked as she hurried over with Leslie close behind.

  “I’m juss feelin’ real dizzy,” Walter mumbled as they helped him into a chair. “Muh legs ish like rubba…”

  “He’s out cold,” Leslie commented, handing Cat her tank top before slipping her own clothes back on.

  “Yep, we get some good stuff,” Cat grinned. “He’ll be out for forty-five minutes, maybe an hour. Let’s get him inside and get set up.”

  * * * *

  Walter Simpson felt as if he was floating, though he knew he wasn’t in the water. Clouds drifted by, occasionally blocking the glorious rays of sunshine which warmed his body. Gorgeous, naked females drifted by as well, gracing him with tantalizing smiles before disappearing in the clouds amidst playful giggling. He knew he was naked as well, just by the feeling of the cool breeze as it caressed him all over. He couldn’t remember where he was but was certain it was somewhere wonderful where much pleasure was to be anticipated.

  As if he had just been granted access to new information, he suddenly seemed to remember new details. Images of attractive women shedding their clothing flashed in his mind, causing an immediate erection. “I think someone’s coming around,” a laughing voice said from somewhere unknown but close by. ‘April’ he thought, recognizing who had spoken and getting further aroused. “Yes, he sure is, but that’s n
ot the head we need,” another female commented in jest. ‘Of course, that was Lila,’ he remembered. ‘They came over and we were out on the terrace…’

  “Wake up, Waldo. We don’t have all day, buddy.”

  Though he still had a sense of floating, it now seemed more of an internal impression as he could feel that something firm, yet comfortable supported him. His back, buttocks and legs pressed against what felt like soft leather to his skin, almost like the recliner in his den. In fact, the more he thought of it, the more it felt exactly like when he lounged in his recliner.

  “Waldo, I know you’re in there. Open your eyes and let’s get the show on the road here.”

  Yes, he was certain that was Lila, he remembered the slight, sexy huskiness of her tone. But what did she mean about opening his eyes? His eyes were open, weren’t they? How else could he see the clouds and sunlight and beautiful nude women who floated teasingly by? He now realized that he could no longer see any of these things. Perhaps he had drifted off? It was dark, he could see nothing at all, so maybe his eyes were closed after all.

  He attempted to raise his eyelids and found that doing so required much effort. He persisted and was suddenly confronted by sheer, blinding light which caused him to tightly close his eyes again.

  “Go get his sunglasses. I saw them on the bar outside. Then we’ll wake the boy up.”

  He continued to drift in a pleasant euphoria, still somewhat in a dreamlike state but much more in tune with surrounding sounds and scents. He recognized Lila’s perfume, a light, spicy fragrance and felt his erection grow harder yet. He wasn’t certain what had happened to him earlier, he had apparently fainted, but he was raring to go now and looked forward to a wild, passionate afternoon with the two women.

  “There we go,” he heard April say, feeling his sunglasses being placed gently on his face as he breathed in her delicate, flowery perfume.