Town Meeting

A knock on the door interrupts the trio only a few minutes later.

“I’ll get it.” Jane says, waving at Robert and Layne to stay put. Opening the door an inch or so, she peers through the gap.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Mistress.” Alexia says. “I sent you a few messages, but it sounded like things just wrapped up.”

“For now, at least.” Jane says, glancing back at the pair on the bed. “Probably for the night.” She adds, after a moment of reflection. “That girl is going to be sore.”

“I need to borrow you for a few minutes, Mistress.” Alexia says in an urgent tone.

“Fine, one minute.” Jane says. Looking back at Robert, she asks. “Do you want me to send in Mei for cleanup duty?”

“Mei is unavailable.” Alexia says. “I can get Reyna, Taylor, or one of the other girls though.”

“We are good.” Robert says. “No need to overwhelm her right now.”

“If I’m not back in thirty minutes, start getting cleaned up.” Jane says. “We are having an early dinner before the town meeting.”

Robert nods, and Jane slips out the door with Alexia. “What did she do this time?” Jane asks.

“It’s easier to show you than tell you, Mistress.” Alexia says. “I’m not sure I fully understand it, but Lucia is pissed.”

When Jane reaches the first floor, she finds Lucia on the couch in the sitting area, an anxious and repentant looking Mei kneeling at her feet.

“Well?” Jane asks, looking around for something damaged, broken, or defiled.

“It’s outside.” Alexia says, walking the two dozen paces to the front door, and opening it. A pallet of boxes is nearly blocking the bottom of the steps, a few members of Chad’s construction crew standing around it. One box is cut open, revealing a small rectangular metal box.

“Alexia, what is that?” Jane asks.

“They are addressed to you.” Alexia says. “Apparently Mei ordered them. It’s some sort of computer stuff.”

Turning, Jane walks quickly back to Lucia and Mei, followed closely by Alexia. “Ordered it how?” Jane asks, fury entering her voice, even as she tries to keep from shouting. “With what money? Did you take one of our credit cards?”

“No, Domina.” Mei whispers, looking truly wretched. “I paid for it.”

“With what?” Jane asks, a note of panic in her voice. “Everything was confiscated, you shouldn’t have any money. Letting you take those frying pans was stretching things a bit.”

“Woks.” Mei says, earning a glare from Jane. “I’m sorry, Domina.” She quickly squeaks.

“How did you pay for it?” Jane asks again. “My name is on those packages. I want to know, right now.”

“It’s complicated.” Mei says. Seeing that Jane is about to lose her composure, she quickly adds. “Crypto, kind of. You are safe, no one knew I had it.”

“Crypto.” Jane says, voice dripping with sarcasm. “The thing where every transaction is recorded online, for anyone to see?”

“I didn’t buy it directly.” Mei says. “I swapped it around through a few different coins, and then bought a gift card, which I exchanged for another gift card through an anonymous exchange, and then I bought the stuff with that.”

“And you are sure that no one can trace that?” Jane asks incredulously. “How much money did you spend?”

“Ten thousand.” Mei admits.

“You spent ten grand on computer stuff?” Jane asks, dumbfounded. “And paid for it with money you hid from the government?”

“It’s a big house.” Mei says sheepishly. “And the walls are going to be difficult to get Wi-Fi through. I had to order the right access points to make sure everyone has signal. It was before Daddy and I had our conversation. I’m sorry, I know I should have said something then, but I didn’t want to get in more trouble.”

“You wouldn’t have been in much more trouble, but you sure are now.” Jane says. Looking at Lucia, she asks. “Anything to add?”

“We should pull her off the sleeping schedule indefinitely.” Lucia says, glaring down at the girl on the floor. “Until she has learned to stop doing things without asking.”

“Please don’t!” Mei says, hands coming up as she prepares to beg. “Spank me, give me extra chores, but don’t take away my time with him.”

“I need to think about this.” Jane says. “I’ve got too much to do today to deal with this. Mei, go get started on dinner. And I don’t want to see you on that phone for anything except essential communication.”

“Yes, Domina.” Mei says, bowing nearly to the floor, before rising and scurrying down the stairs.

“Talk to Amber while Robert and I are at the town meeting.” Jane says. “Come up with a few punishment options. Feel free to find out more from Mei about what she was thinking, if you want to. And before anyone suggests it, a spanking isn’t going to do it.”

“She asked Robert to spank her yesterday.” Lucia adds. “If I didn’t know it takes longer than a day for this stuff to arrive, I’d think she did it just to get one.”

“We’ll come up with something, Mistress.” Alexia reassures her.

“Good.” Jane says. “I’m going to get Robert and Layne moving. I want dinner on the table in an hour.”

*****

As Jane pulls the car into a parking lot a few blocks from town hall, Robert looks back at Megan and Layne. “Are you both sure you are good with this? I can still call Amber to come get you.”

“They are fine.” Jane says shortly. “Let’s get in there before it’s standing room only.”

Layne latches onto Robert’s arm the moment he is out of the car, much to Jane’s amusement, and Megan’s concern. When they arrive at the doors, they find a Sheriff’s deputy and another man turning people away. “Try First Baptist. Or one of the other churches. They are getting video feeds, and will be able to relay questions during the Q&A portion.”

“Let’s just go home.” Robert says quietly. “I don’t really want to spend a night at church.”

“Layne!” The deputy says, spotting her, and pointing in their direction. “You four can come in, the Sheriff saved seats for you.”

“Thanks…” Robert says as he walks by, fairly sure he does not mean it.

As they enter the hall, Jane scans the crowd for Rick. “I didn’t really expect this many people to show up.” Robert says quietly.

“There really isn’t much to do here on a Tuesday night.” Megan says.

“I’m sure people are curious about what is so important that a meeting is necessary on short notice.” Jane says. “Some people can’t stand to be the last to know something, after all. There he is.” Jane nods towards the front, before taking off in that direction.

“Mya?!” Layne shouts, letting go of Robert and bolting down the aisle, knocking into a collared woman sitting with an older couple.

“Layne!” Robert says, going after her before she can get herself into trouble. When he arrives, he recognizes the other woman as the one who was helping Layne during their first meeting.

“I’m sorry about that.” Robert says, attempting to gently pry Layne loose.

“It’s fine.” The older woman says. “I’m glad Mya is getting to catch up with her friend. She’s been worried about her. I’m Tina, and this is my husband Trent.”

“Nice to meet you.” Robert says, giving up on trying to pry Layne free. “I’m Robert.” Turning to find Jane and Megan immediately behind him, he continues. “This is my wife, Jane, and another one of our girls, Megan.”

“Hi.” Jane says with a wave. “Layne, honey, we need to go find Rick. Maybe you can catch up with your friend a bit later?”

Layne reluctantly lets go, looking back at Robert and Jane a bit pitifully. “But…”

“There you are.” Rick says, appearing on the other side of Robert. “Layne, why don’t you come sit with me?”

“Sorry.” Robert says quietly to the couple as Rick manages to lead Layne away.

“Really, it’s fine.” Tina says. “Mya told us all about Layne. I think the chance of seeing her was the only thing that got her to agree to come tonight.”

Mya looks pleadingly at Tina. Chuckling, Tina looks back at Robert. “Mya would like to ask a question, if you are ok with that.”

“Of course.” Robert says.

“Is she doing ok?” Mya asks in a troubled voice. “Is someone watching out for her?”

“All of the girls take turns keeping an eye on her, but Megan in particular has been helping her out a lot.” Jane responds, waving at Megan, standing just behind her still.

Mya looks, noticing Megan for the first time. Megan nods, and a look of relief flows over Mya’s face.

“We need to get seated, honey.” Jane says, tugging Robert towards their seats a few rows ahead of Trent and Tina.

“Thank you both for coming.” Rick says as the three squeeze past him. Layne grabs Robert’s hand as he passes, pulling him into the seat next to her.

“No Wanda tonight?” Jane asks with a smirk.

“She decided to skip it.” Rick says, voice and expression betraying his gratefulness for that.

“What a shame.” Jane says, unable to stop herself.

“Yep.” Rick says after a moment.

“How are we expecting this to go?” Robert asks, trying not to react as Rick notices Layne’s grip on his arm.

“First, I’ll get up there and remind everyone that this is going to be a peaceful assembly. Then Tom will make the announcement.” Rick says. “He and the other County Commissioners will take questions and angry comments, and if necessary, I’ll remind everyone to calm the hell down. After that, depending on the reception, we may point out our special guests, people like you, Tina and Trent Tillman, and a few others in the crowd. People may have some questions for all of you, but if the reception is poor, we obviously won’t point any of you out.”

“It sounds like you aren’t optimistic about it going well.” Robert says with concern.

“Things don’t usually change fast around here.” Rick says. “Between new people coming in, and this change, it’s going to shake things up. People will need a bit of time to wrap their minds around it. That’s why we are doing the announcement so quickly.”

Noticing Tom and four other men coming out of a side door onto the dais, Jane says. “I think you are up.”

When Rick gets up to approach the Commissioners, Jane quietly says. “If things get rowdy, we go straight to the car. Do not stop. Do you understand, girls?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Megan says. Glancing at Layne, she eventually nods as well.

When the sound of the doors closing echoes through the room, Rick grabs a microphone from in front of the County Commissioners. “Everyone take your seats, and please keep it down. For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m Sheriff Rick Miller. As you know, the County Commission has a big announcement to make. I’d like to remind everyone, those who are in this room, and those watching from other locations, that we expect these to be peaceful assemblies. There will be time for questions and complaints towards the end, if you have any. Until then, we ask that you remain in your seats, and keep the noise to a minimum, so everyone can hear what is said. Anyone who can’t handle that, please get up and leave now.”

After a moment’s silence, and no one getting up, Rick continues. “Deputies will remove anyone who can’t manage to behave themselves.”

Handing the microphone to Tom, Rick walks back down to take his seat.

“Well…” Tom says haltingly, standing up from the small folding table at which the Commissioners are seated. “I’m just going to get to the point. For those of you that don’t know, in addition to being a County Commissioner, I was recently put in charge of the BAA in our county, and that’s why I have called this meeting. I received word yesterday that the BAA will be coming to collect all of the local detained women who do not have owners, unless we start holding auctions. As a result, our first auction will be held on Friday, at Six p.m., at the Ag Center.”

Tom pauses as the murmurs and mutters grow loud. “People, please, keep it down. I’ll take your questions in a moment, but I want to explain the process first.”

When things have died down a bit, Rick continues. “You all got color coded ID cards when you were tested. Those cards have your ID numbers printed on them. You can go to the BAA website, and pull up yourself with the ID numbers. That will give you a minimum and maximum number of women you need to bring into your house from the auctions.”

A man bolts up at the back of the room, drawing the immediate attention of the deputy standing at the door. “The government can’t tell me what to do!!!” He yells.

“They managed to get you to test, Simon.” Tom says tiredly. Waving away the deputy, he continues, cutting off the man’s angry response. “None of us like this. If I had my way, I’d keep going the way we are, letting the women in the camp stay up there in peace. But that’s no longer an option. We have two choices. Either we hold an auction, and meet the thresholds the BAA has set, or they show up, probably with the National Guard, and those women, most of which are one of our friends, family, or neighbors, will be shipped off to an auction somewhere else. They’ll replace me as the BAA administrator, and you’ll all get to complain to some outsider about their decisions, one of which will definitely be to bring in new women to replace those they are taking.”

“They can bring in as many women as they want.” Simon yells. “I’m still not attending their goddamn auctions.”

“Language, Simon.” Rick says, turning and half rising to look at him.

“Sorry.” Simon says, very temporarily looking abashed.

“If we go down the second road, the new administrator will call more auctions.” Rick says. “In other counties where people have boycotted the auctions, they have assigned women who were not purchased to those who did not attend. If no one shows up, I’m absolutely certain they will want to punish us, probably by sending us the worst of the worst. You tell me, Simon, would you rather have a few women you actually know in your house, or some that they took from a jail somewhere?”

“Goddamn sons of bitches.” Simon yells, looking wildly around the room. “We can block the roads coming in. They’ll never make it in on foot.”

“I think that’s enough.” Rick says, rising and motioning for his deputy to eject Simon. “That’s a stupid plan. The feds have planes, helicopters, drones, and any number of other things that they’d be happy to use to stop you from being a problem. There will be no talk of getting this town into a war. Any more of it, and I’ll start tossing people in jail until the auctions are over.”

“Folks, I’d like to make this clear.” Tom says, as the deputy pushes Simon through the doors. “We don’t have a choice in this. I don’t expect the relatives of the women in that camp to allow them to be taken away. And I don’t blame them for that. If we want to keep this from becoming a war zone, and I do, the auction is our only choice. Now, I’d be happy to take constructive questions. I’ll listen to complaints after that, if you still feel the need.”

After a few half-hearted questions about the process, discouraged by glares from those sitting nearby, and quite a few complaints about almost everything, Tom decides to cut things short.

“Ok, folks. As much as I enjoy hearing your opinions, I do have one more thing to address.” Tom says. After the few scattered chuckles subside, he continues. “As many of you have already noticed, we’ve had some recent additions to the town, and I’d like to take the chance to introduce them.”

“That’s your cue.” Rick whispers, motion for them to stand.

Jane stands first, followed by Robert, hampered slightly by the Layne sized object still attached to his arm. When he succeeds, he finds her standing next to him. Megan hesitates, before slouching in her chair, clearly not wanting the attention.

Looking around, Robert notices four other couples, as well as a single woman, standing in the room.

Robert misses most of the introductions, too busy looking at the sea of faces staring at them to pay attention. Jarring back to reality when Jane pulls him back down, he whispers. “Sorry. I got distracted.”

“I could tell.” Jane says quietly.

“A few of our new arrivals will be staying back to answer your questions about their experience going through the auction process. I expect everyone to show them the kindness and hospitality our little town is known for.” Tom says. “Meeting adjourned.”

Rising and stepping into the aisle, Rick gestures for them to follow. “Let’s go up front, that way I can keep an eye on the room.”

Following him to the front, Robert stands uncomfortably as people exit the room, Layne still attached to his arm.

“Jane!” A woman says, making a beeline for them. “And this must be Robert.”

“Yes.” Robert says, shaking the offered hand.

“Robert, this is Tom’s wife Lorraine.” Jane introduces them. “Lorraine, do you already know Megan and Layne?”

“Of course, I do.” Lorraine says. “Nice to see you again, girls. Are these two taking good care of you?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Megan says.

Layne nods, gripping Robert tighter.

“Are you ok, Layne?” Jane asks when Lorraine steps away to talk to Tom.

Layne nods.

Jane glances at Robert, who shrugs.

“If you need something, you need to tell me.” Jane says. “I’m not interested in playing Twenty Questions.”

“Can we go home now?” Layne asks.

“We should stay a few more minutes.” Jane says. “This part is the whole reason Tom and Rick wanted us to come.”

Layne pouts, squeezing Robert’s arm again.

“We’ll be home soon.” Robert says quietly.

When the crowd thins, Robert sees a few people talking to some of the other couples. Looking over at Rick, he asks. “Any idea why everyone is avoiding us?”

“They are probably avoiding me.” Rick says with a laugh. “I’m sure some of them are pissy about Simon getting tossed out, but they’ll get over it.”

“What was his deal?” Jane asks.

“Simon just doesn’t like people. Or the government. Or people from the government telling him what to do.” Rick says. “If I found him drowning in the lake, and told him to get out, he’d probably sink to the bottom on principle. I should tell him to remember to eat all three meals a day. He’d probably stop being a problem in a few weeks.”

“Maybe.” Jane says grimly. “Should we be concerned about him?”

“He’s all talk.” Rick says. “And he hates leaving home. You may never even run into him again. His cabin is way up in the hills. I doubt he’s had more than three people up there in the past decade.”

“How would assigning women to him work?” Robert asks. “It doesn’t sound like he’ll show up to the auction.”

“Hell if I know.” Rick says. “That’s Tom’s problem. If it were up to me, I’d pretend he didn’t exist.”

A few moments later, Lorraine returns with Tom.

“A few of the new arrivals are going to move to the diner.” Tom says. “If you’d like to join them.”

“We really need to be getting home soon.” Jane says, much to Layne’s relief. “Maybe next time, though.”

“Oh, c’mon.” Lorraine says. “A few minutes wouldn’t kill you.”

“It might kill Layne.” Robert jokes, after feeling her grip on his arm get tighter. “She’s been anxious to get home for a while.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Rick says.

When they make it out the door, Rick holds it open. “Sorry about being abrupt, but Lorraine would have kept pushing until you went.” He says.

“I got that impression, too.” Jane says, leading the way towards their car. “Thanks for getting us out of that. Now, Layne, what is going on with you?”

Layne shrinks towards Robert, glancing around the small group of faces looking at her.

“Why don’t we figure that out when we get home?” Robert suggests, feeling her hands begin to tremble slightly.

“Did you all get a fence up yet?” Rick asks as they approach the car.

“Not yet.” Megan chimes in. “I’m hoping to get started in a few days. Mistress Amber is still pricing out the materials.”

“I’ve got some stuff that might help.” Rick says. Looking at Robert and Jane, he asks. “Do you mind if I swing by tomorrow and drop a few things off?”

“You are always welcome.” Jane says.

“Do you mind if we pick your brain on a few other things while you are there?” Robert asks. “Jia, the woman we picked up in Arkansas, is ex-military. She’s not very impressed with my gun collection, and she’s making a list of things she wants us to get.”

“I can take a look.” Rick says. “See you all tomorrow.”

As they get in the car, Robert has to nearly pry Layne loose to get her into the back seat.

“Layne.” Jane says, voice filled with exasperation. “We aren’t leaving until you explain what is going on. Are you sick? Bored? Something else?”

“I…” Layne starts.

“It’s ok.” Robert says, looking back at her encouragingly. “Just tell us what is going on.”

“I’m missing my night.” Layne says, voice starting to quaver. “I’m supposed to get to spend the whole night with you. I want to put on my PJ's, sit in your lap, and watch a movie with you. Like Lucia and Mei get to.”

“Oh…” Jane says, a note of compassion entering her voice.

“When we get home, I’m all yours for the rest of the night.” Robert promises. “We can cuddle up and watch whatever you want, just the two of us.”

“Everyone else can watch the movie too.” Layne says. “But I get to sit with you.”

*****

“You aren’t going to watch the movie with us?” Robert asks, cocking his head to look around Layne.

“Some of us have things to do.” Jane says. “Enjoy your movie, and don’t come to bed too late.”

When Jane and a few others walk out, Robert glances over at the few remaining girls. “Any idea what that was about?”

After a moment with no answer other than a few head shakes, Robert zeroes in the one person avoiding his gaze. “Emily?” He asks.

“I don’t think I’m supposed to say, Master.” Emily says nervously.

“Mei’s in trouble again.” Layne says unexpectedly. Reaching down, she grabs his hand, holding it in hers. “Now, can we watch the movie?”

“What did she do?” Robert asks.

“You said we could watch the movie.” Layne responds. “You said you were all mine tonight.”

“I’m sorry.” Robert says, turning his head to glance at the shut door of the dining room where Jane and the other girls had gone. “We can watch the movie.”

*****

“I’m honestly not sure what to do with you, Mei.” Jane says, pacing in front of the kneeling girl. “Every time I think things are going well with you, you find a way to cause problems. I’ve talked to you, Lucia, Alexia, and Amber have talked to you, even Robert tried. I really thought he had gotten through to you. But apparently I was wrong.”

“I’m so sorry, Domina.” Mei sobs, tears creeping down her face. “I’ve been really good since Daddy talked to me. I’m not going to do this stuff anymore. I’ve been keeping my journal, like he asked me to do.”

“But you still let me get blindsided by all of the shit you bought.” Jane says. “You could have told any of us about it before it arrived. You could have tried to cancel the order, or refused the delivery. You decided to do… nothing.”

“I…” Mei says, before halting, looking down at the floor again. “I won’t make excuses. I messed up. I’m very sorry. I might mess up again. But I will try not to.”

“Mistress.” Amber says.

Jane turns, looking at her, and gesturing for her to speak.

“I think she is being sincere.” Amber says. “I don’t think she did this maliciously.”

“Well?” Jane asks, turning back to Mei.

“I was trying to help.” Mei says. “You guys spent a lot of money on me. I knew I couldn’t just give you the money, so I came up with this idea. The Wi-Fi here sucks, and I thought fixing it would make everyone happy.”

“Why did you put my name on it?” Jane asks, the anger in her voice rising a bit.

“I couldn’t use my name.” Mei says. “I didn’t want to use Daddy’s name, and Amber had just found Isabel. I thought your name was the safest one to use.”

“Because if I got in trouble for this, you would still have Robert.” Jane says, voice full of scorn.

Mei shrinks, more tears running down her face.

“Mei, please answer our Mistress.” Amber says.

“Yes.” Mei croaks.

“I need a minute.” Jane says, fists balled tightly.

As she steps out, she closes the door firmly behind her.

“Should I go after her?” Alexia asks the other two.

“I wouldn’t.” Lucia says. “She’s pissed, and she should be.”

“Mei, how sure are you that this isn’t going to come back on us?” Amber asks, kneeling down to look her in the eyes.

“I’m really sure.” Mei says. “I used an encrypted messenger, with a throwaway account, for the communications. And I went through a VPN first. And I deleted the messenger account and app when I was done. Some of the crypto I used isn’t traceable. Even if they manage to track the first set of crypto transactions, it’ll end at a guy in Germany. Then that gift card got swapped with a lady in Canada. I was really, really careful.”

“Do you two know anything about this stuff?” Amber asks, looking back at Alexia and Lucia.

“Robert might.” Lucia says. “Why would we know anything about crypto, though? We barely had enough money to feed ourselves before this.”

“Just google it.” Mei says. “I’ll give you the names, and you can check to see if they are traceable.”

“Fine.” Lucia says, pulling out her phone, and doing the searches.

“That doesn’t mean the government can’t trace it.” Alexia says. “It just means we can’t.”

A moment later, Jane comes back into the room, holding a small bag. “Go to the bathroom next door, and take this.” Jane says, tossing it to Mei. “Then bring it back.”

Mei catches it, scurrying out of the room.

Catching the other girls looking at her inquisitively, Jane says. “She and Robert have been very active. I need to know if she is pregnant before we decide what to do.”

“We asked her a bit more about the crypto thing.” Amber says. “She used crypto that’s supposed to be untraceable. She seems to believe that it’s not traceable, at least.”

“That’s something, I guess.” Jane says, sagging into a chair. “And she ordered it domestically, so it didn’t attract attention coming through customs. We might be ok.”

“What if we aren’t?” Alexia asks, moving over to put a hand on Jane’s shoulder.

“If we wait much longer, it’s going to be hard for anyone to believe I wasn’t involved.” Jane says. “Chad’s workers saw me looking at the boxes this morning. They are going to ask why I didn’t report it.”

“I should have handled it.” Alexia says, realization dawning on her. “Bringing you down made it worse.”

“I needed to know.” Jane says. “She should be back in a minute. If she’s not pregnant, do I turn her in?”

“Yes.” Alexia says immediately.

“Hang on.” Lucia interjects. “I’m as mad at her as anyone, but if you report her, they’ll send her to a camp. Robert is going to fall apart, and we may never see her again. Even if we do get her back, who knows if she will be the same.”

“Amber?” Jane asks.

“I don’t know, Mistress.” Amber says. “It’s not my name on the package. It can’t be my decision.”

“If it was your name on there?” Jane asks.

“I’d report it.” Amber says. “I have Isabel to think of.”

“What if this had happened a few weeks ago, before Isabel came back into the picture?” Jane asks.

Amber hesitates, before replying. “I think I would wait. Turning her in harms her immediately. If she is right, everything will be ok. If I turned her in, I’d be worried that I’d done that to her for nothing.”

Jane nods, turning as she hears the door open behind her. “Well?” She asks.

“Negative.” Mei says, holding out the test for Jane to see.

“You are off the sleeping schedule.” Jane says. “You will not do anything that risks pregnancy. Even if Robert pushes, you will stop him. I’m too angry at you to make a final decision on the rest of your punishment tonight. For now, these three can punish you as they see fit, until I say otherwise.”

“I’m sorry.” Mei says helplessly.

“I’m sure you are.” Jane says. “But this isn’t about you anymore.”

Turning, she strides out the door, shutting it hard enough for an audible bang to sound through the room.