index


Message-ID: <31818asstr$996988202@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: "Bill Morgan" <morg1058@chartervt.net>
Subject: {ASSM} NEW from Morgan: ALLISON, 2 of 4; M/F Rom
Date: Sun,  5 Aug 2001 01:10:02 -0400
Path: assm.asstr-mirror.org!not-for-mail
Approved: <assm@asstr-mirror.org>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d



<1st attachment, "Allison 2.txt" begin>

The following is a work of fiction regarding sexual
relationships.  If you feel that it is illegal, immoral, or
otherwise improper for you to read this, then DON'T READ IT.

* * *

Allison

Copyright Morgan, 1988, 2001.  All Rights Reserved.

Please note the original copyright date.  This story was
basically written 13 years ago.  As a result, you may find
references to, e.g., "antique" computers, and so forth.  I'm
afraid you'll just have to live with it; it's too tedious trying
to keep up with the latest and greatest in technology in general
and computers in particular.

Incidentally, you will find occasional entries, _word_.  The
reason for this is that MS Word's Auto Format function puts a
word preceded and followed by an underscore in italics; that's my
intent.  Similarly, *word* results in the word appearing in bold
face.  If you use Word's Auto Format, it will take care of
things; if you don't, you at least know why it's there.

More of my works are posted on my site <www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Morgan/www> If
you like it -- or if you don't -- please let me know at
morg105829@aol.com.

* * *

Chapter 6

It was early June.  Bill was sitting in a chair reading when Ali
came out of the bedroom bare to the waist wearing only her
Levi's.  He looked up and smiled at her while she looked at him
with a question in her eyes.  "What's the trouble, hon?" he
asked.  "You're bothered by something."

She came over to him and knelt on the floor.  She leaned forward
slightly so her breasts hung free.  "Darling, how big do you want
my breasts to be?  I've been working for months.  Am I getting
there?  Are they anything like what you want them to be?  I told
you when we were married there's nothing I can give you for a
wedding present except me.  I want to be as perfect in your eyes
as I can.  Am I making any progress?"

He realized she was serious so he quelled his temptation to
laugh.  In the intervening weeks she had regained her lost
weight.  She was getting sun at her health club and was tanning
nude.  Now her breasts were exquisitely shaped with small pink
nipples.

He leaned forward and cupped one in his hand.  Then he gently
tweaked a nipple and felt it harden between his fingers.  Her
eyes closed as she made a small noise in her throat.  Still she
didn't move.  "They're perfect now, honey.  They really are. 
Don't you think so?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him skeptically.  "Are you
sure?  I thought men want women to have boobs so big they can
drown in them."

"Maybe some guys do.  Personally, girls like that remind me of
cows.  I like a nice handful -- like yours.  Your breasts are
perfectly shaped and perfectly sized."  He looked into her eyes
and she smiled as she realized he was telling her the truth. 
"How big are your breasts now compared to the way they were
before you... went on your severe diet?" he asked.

She smiled and said, "They're about as big as they've ever been.
And Bill, I'm glad you like them like this.  I guess I don't want
to look like a cow, either.  It's exactly what goes through my
mind, too."  She got up, headed towards the bedroom, andstopped.

"Thank you, darling.  But remember, it's not what I want, it's
what you want.  If you want me to be a size 40-DD, I'll do it...
somehow."

Bill shook his head as he realized she was just telling the
simple truth.  Moments later she was back with her chambray shirt
on.  She stuck out the tip of her tongue because it wasn't
buttoned.

Bill raised an eyebrow and she said softly, "Suffer.  It's what
you've been making me do for months!"

She sat down at her computer and dialed a number to check the
prices of the stocks in her portfolio.  Ali was now running $600
million of their money, and had made 10 percent while the S&P was
up 4 percent.  Bill had gleefully pointed out that if she were a
reporting money manager, she would have been in the top
one-percent of the Becker universe of professional money
managers.  Ali then checked the commodities prices and the price
sheets, then called her commodities broker in New York to make
some trades.  She had already doubled her money in the
commodities account.  It was now $100,000 with the second
$100,000 invested in T-bills as a back-up for her trading
position.

Then she called Barbara Jamison in Seattle.  The wonderfully
musical voice was instantly on the phone.  "Hi, Cous!" Ali said,
"What's new in the rainy North?"

"We've got a major problem, Ali," Barbara said, with gloom and
foreboding in her voice.

"What's wrong, Barb?" Ali asked, alarmed.

"It's Ginger, Ali.  She wants to get married in two weeks, and
you told me you're leaving for Maui in ten days.  I know how
desperate you are to start your honeymoon.  So the problem is
what do we do without a matron of honor?"

Ali grinned.  "One of these days..." she said grimly.  Then the
tone of her voice returned to normal.  "Barb, I'll survive.  As a
matter of fact, I think I want billing as maid of honor.  Your
daughter is so experienced and so practiced with Charley, I
wouldn't be surprised if, instead of kissing the groom at the
altar, she has a quickie instead.  The fact is, I'm almost
certain she could!  Hell, I'm the virginal one, and ought to get
the billing -- particularly if I have to live with my virginity
for an extra week!"

She changed the subject.  "Have you made any plans for the
graduation?  Bill has made arrangements for you here at the
hotel.  We have a suite for you down the hall, and we've expanded
so we have a huge room for the graduation party.  When are you
coming?"

"Bob's taking some vacation.  We're coming down on Thursday
afternoon.  I understand you graduate Saturday morning and Ging
and Charley graduate in the afternoon," she said.  "Ali, it's
presumptuous of me, I know, but could Bob and I come to your
graduation, too?"  There was silence on the line for a few
moments and Barbara continued, "I guess you know I love you? 
You're the sister I never had.  And I want to share in your joy
if you'll let me."

Ali's eyes were wet with tears as she listened to her friend. 
She replied, "I would love it, Barb.  Thank you.  I... I
obviously feel the same way about you.  Incidentally, I've just
about recovered from my... diet.  I'm not as flat as a board
anymore.  I can actually wear a bikini -- there are some real
tits to hold it in position.  And I can't wait to see you.  What
plane are you coming down on?"

"We're coming down on a morning flight that gets in around noon.
I'll give you a call when we get to the hotel."

"You will do no such thing!" Ali protested.  "Bill and I will
meet you at the airport.  After all, Bob is one of my greatest
living fans -- and there aren't very many of them left.  We'll
see you tomorrow morning.  And Barb... I can't wait!"

At noon the next day Ali and Bill were at the security
checkpoint.  The flight was on time and a few minutes later Ali
saw Barbara arm in arm with a man who looked quite a bit like
Bill.  She judged his height at about six feet two, and he also
looked to be about forty years old.  Like Bill, Ali knew he had
to be older than he appeared.  Barbara ran into Ali's arms and
kissed her.

She then stepped back and said, "Ali, this is my friend, lover,
husband... my life: Bob Jamison."

Bob had his hand out, but Ali ignored it.  She pulled his head
down and kissed him on the lips.  Jamison instantly turned brick
red.  She backed up a step and took his hand that was still
outstretched.  "Hi, Bob.  I'm Ali McGrath Clifford, and I'd like
you to meet my husband, Bill."  Then Ali introduced Bill to
Barbara.

Bob and Bill smiled and shook hands.  They also shook their
heads.  Bob Jamison said, "Bill, what can we do?"

Clifford smiled and said, "Nothing, Bob.  All we can do is enjoy
it."  He indicated the people around them who, while pouring by
in a flood, followed the two women with their eyes.  "Bob, I'm
sure you know that southern California is famous for its movies
and beautiful women.  Notwithstanding, ours draw attention like
flowers attract bees."

They went down to the baggage claim area where they found Fred. 
He had made arrangements for their bags to be claimed and brought
to the hotel.  Then he took their claim checks and led them out
to the car at the curb.  The four people got in and they drove
away.

Bob Jamison shook his head and said to Ali, "Barbara told me
about being met at the airport by you and Ginger.  By the way,
where is our wayward daughter, anyway?"

Ali laughed and said, "Believe it or not, she's working.  She's
interviewing people for our office."  She grimaced.  "But if we
don't pass the bar exams, there's going to be big trouble!"

They arrived at the hotel and Bob and Barbara registered.  When
they left the desk, Jamison was frowning.  "What's going on, Mrs.
Clifford?  This is the first time in recorded history a hotel
didn't care about a credit card.  From the bored expression, I
gather they couldn't care less.  They act as if it's taken care
of."

Ali blushed and explained, "Bob, you're my guests.  Barbara
kindly consented to come to my graduation.  Since I have no
family, and Bill's closest family is two thousand miles away,
you're doing me a great honor by attending."

Bob just glared at her as they went up to the room.  A bellman
showed them their suite and then they went down the hall to Ali
and Bill's.  There Clifford poured champagne and they got
acquainted.

Bob Jamison was just looking at Ali.  Finally he said, "Ali,
you're exactly the way you appear in your movies.  I guess
Barbara told you..." he blushed.  Ali quickly told Bill about
seeing Ali on television when Barbara wanted to make love.

Clifford laughed and shook his head.  "Bob, looking at your wife,
I have to wonder at your sanity.  May I offer a toast?  To the
two most beautiful women in Los Angeles!"

Bob smiled and raised his glass, "I'll certainly drink to that,"
he said.  "I would also like to drink to our new friends, the
Cliffords: May your marriage be as good, as loving, and as
fulfilling as ours!"

Bill and Ali raised their glasses, drank the offered toast and
Ali offered one of her own, "To Ginger, without whom I would not
have met my best friend.  And to her mother, Barbara, my best
friend and my inspiration: the woman who demonstrates every day
that you _can_ have it all."

Barbara blushed and then grinned at her husband, "I told you it
gets a little thick down here -- it's related to the LA smog, I
think.  Now can we eat?  Or see your office?  Or..."

Bill Clifford picked up the phone.  Moments later the
room-service waiter brought up the luncheon that Ali had arranged
for earlier.  After eating, Barbara and Bob excused themselves to
get settled in their room.

That evening over cocktails Bill and Bob were engrossed in a
discussion of conditions in Europe.  Ali looked at Barbara and
said softly, "You've been a bad girl!  Imagine, getting laid in
the middle of the afternoon!"

Barbara grinned and said, "With the drapes back, the shades up,
and the sun streaming in the room.  Do you realize this is the
first time in years we've made love outside our home?  I hadn't
thought about it, but with one thing or another, we haven't left
home together in years.  Ali, it was wonderful -- particularly
when Bob took me on the floor in the living room.  He didn't even
wait to get to the bedroom.  That was later."

Ali smiled and shook her head with a sad expression on her face.
"Barbara Jamison, aren't you getting a little old for that sort
of thing?  Particularly since your ass isn't very well
upholstered.  You know, I think there is something to be said for
wide hips and a big ass.  It acts as a shock absorber when you're
being fucked on a hard floor."

Barbara discretely stuck out her tongue and whispered,"Jealous!"

Ali grinned, vigorously nodded her head and replied, "Very!"

The next evening Bill and Ali hosted a combined graduation and
engagement party.  They occupied about half of the hotel floor
using a special suite that was fitted with a dance floor, tables,
and the other paraphernalia for a party of about fifteencouples.

Ali had made arrangements with Henry Hall, the hair stylist who
had worked on Ginger several months earlier, for Ginger, Barbara,
and herself.  When he saw Ginger, he smiled and said to Ali, "It
worked, didn't it?"

Ali nodded and said, "Henry, it sure did.  She's engaged to be
married and the wedding is in Seattle in two weeks.  What do you
think?"

He looked at Ginger and said, "She's radiant, Ali.  And so are
you.  And who is this?" he asked, indicating Barbara.

Ali replied, "Henry, this is Ginger's mother, Barbara Jamison --
the mother of the bride."

Henry just shook his head.  "My God, it's no wonder.  Mrs.
Jamison, did you give birth at the age of ten?  One of those
miracle pregnancies?  As you may know, I'm a pro.  I would never
in a million years figure you to be old enough to be this girl's
mother."  He smiled, "However, I do see something in common.  You
both have that well-loved look."

Rather than take offense, Barbara grinned and replied, "Thank you
Henry.  I appreciate the compliment.  And if I look it, it's only
because I am very well loved.  My husband is my lover -- and he's
very inventive.  I try to be his mistress, his whore -- whatever
I think he wants me to be.  But thank you."

Then Henry and his people went to work.  First, he and Ali looked
carefully at Ginger's hair.  He took a magnifying glass and after
inspecting the roots, the two shook hands.  "Ali, I don't think
it's possible to get it any closer.  The difference is her
natural color is natural -- it has shadings that are impossible
to get with even the best dye job.  Ginger, your hair and its
color are glorious!  You have to promise me to keep coming back.
Yours is the most beautiful head of auburn hair I have ever
seen."

He worked on them all.  When they were ready to leave, Henry came
back and kissed them.  "You three are priceless: a blonde, a
brunette, and a red head.  Each has hair that is a hairdresser's
dream: the same hair in assorted colors.  I love you all, and
hope you will all come back.

That evening Ali wore a formal dress for the first time since she
had been making movies.  As she was putting the finishing touches
on her makeup, Bill came up behind her.  He hung a magnificent
diamond necklace around her neck and gave her a pair of diamond
ear studs.  The earrings were diamonds larger than two carats
each.  She put them on and turned to look at Bill.

He looked at her with love in his eyes.  "Darling,
congratulations.  Happy graduation.  They aren't nearly as
brilliant as the stars in your eyes or the love in my heart."

She gave him a lingering kiss.  "Thank you, darling.  I've given
up telling you not to do it.  I love you, Bill.  Desperately! 
And thank you so much!  They are absolutely magnificent."

The evening was a spectacular success.  Ali had invited a couple
of friends from UCLA, and there were a number of Charley and
Ginger's classmates from USC.  Ali had fun as one after the
other, her classmates were introduced to Charley's fiancee, not
realizing Ginger was their classmate.

During the evening Bob Jamison came over and asked Ali for a
dance.  As they moved onto the dance floor he said, "Ali, thank
you for everything.  This has been the most perfect evening
Barbara and I can remember.  It's certainly memorable for me.  I
can't wait to I get back to Seattle and tell some of the guys at
Boeing that I actually danced with Ali McGrath!"

Just then there was a strobe flash.  Ali had even arranged for a
photographer to be at the dance.  "Incidentally, Ali, you look
gorgeous tonight.  I've never seen you look better.  And when you
consider I've only seen you before in movies, that's really
saying something.  You are radiant!"

"Bob," she said, "I can't tell you how happy I am.  I'm sure you
know that I consider your wife to be my closest friend, and your
daughter is my law partner -- and a buddy.  Incidentally, what do
you think about your future son-in-law, Charley Conrad?"

Bob smiled and said, "I like him a lot.  Of course, Barbara had
given up on Ging, so anyone would be nice.  But he's smart... and
a good pilot.  We had a pretty good discussion about the relative
merits of several different aircraft.  And I guess he's a good
lawyer.  Which reminds me -- what's this nonsense about a law
partnership with my daughter?  She took Barb and me over to see
your office.  Do you really know what you're doing?  She's just a
little kid, for God's sake!"

Ali looked around and caught the eye of the photographer.  He had
his camera ready when she put her arms around his neck tightly
and kissed Bob solidly on the lips.  When she moved back she saw
his eyes were as big as saucers.  She said, "Bob, that's for you
to take back to Boeing.  It's also for Barbara in case she ever
wants to file for divorce.  But back to our practice: Your
daughter is a fine lawyer.  She's been researching something for
us to get started on -- the matter of my residuals.  When we're
admitted to the bar, some people are going to get a hell of a
shock!"

Later, Ali saw Ginger and Charley together with Jeff and Jen
Sills.  She went up to them and found them talking very
animatedly.  They stopped when she came up to them.  "Don't let
me interrupt things.  You're among my most favorite people.  I'm
delighted you finally got together."

Charley looked startled.  "Jen," he said, "when I had my first
date with Ginger, she invited me over for dinner.  'I'm having a
couple of friends over,' she said.  I heard the message -- from a
girl named Jen.  That's you, isn't it?" Jen reddened, but nodded
her head.  "You didn't know Ginger, did you?" he asked.  Jen
shook her head, looking very abashed.  Charley looked accusingly
at his fiancee.  "Ginger!" he exclaimed.  "Was I set up?"

She looked at him with the most innocent possible expression. 
"Of course you were, Charley.  I didn't think you would have been
nearly as affectionate if there were other guests present.  Now
that you know me a bit more intimately it wouldn't slow you down,
but that was only our first date."

Ali laughed at Ginger's retort and walked over to Bill. 
"Darling, will you dance with me?  You never have, you know.  Not
even on our wedding day."

He took her in his arms with some reluctance.  He didn't think of
himself as an adequate dancer, let alone a good one.  The band
was assisting, he thought.  It was playing music from the
big-band era which was a help.  They moved out on the dance floor
and Bill received a shock: It was as if he were moving by
himself.  Ali was absolutely weightless in his arms.  He had his
arm around her and she had her cheek against his when he heard
her make a warm sound deep in her throat.

She looked into his eyes and he saw a look of warmth and love in
her beautiful blue eyes.  "I love you, darling," she whispered. 
"Are you starting to care for me?  Just a little bit?"

Her lips were close to his as she spoke.  He tilted his head and
kissed her softly.  Her lips were sweet and electricity flowed
between them.  He could feel her molding her body to his on the
dance floor.  Finally, he lifted his head and said, "What do you
think?  Remember, honey, I was madly in love with you for years
before you even knew I was alive."

They continued to move together on the dance floor and Ali raised
her head to look at him again.  "Darling, you said that you like
my boobs the way they are now.  What about the rest of me?  Is
there anything you want me to change?  I want to be perfect in
your eyes."  Bill was impressed with the seriousness of the look
she gave him as she spoke.

"You are perfect, honey.  You're a dream."  He smiled at her and
added, "One of these nights, young lady, you're going to be
raped!  I can't take much more of your sexual inventiveness. 
Your skin is like satin -- only it's warmer and it moves under my
fingers.  But Ali, it's what's inside that really counts.  You're
sweet, kind, thoughtful, brilliant...  I think you expand on the
list of Girl Scout virtues."  Then he kissed her again.

Ali pouted and whispered, "Rape, indeed!  All I get are promises.
 And just remember, Bill Clifford, you can't rape the willing --
and God knows, I'm willing."  She smiled and added, "Just two
kisses from you and this talk causes my cunt to run rivers.  A
girl isn't supposed to say things like that, I suppose, but it's
true.  Just wait until I get you to Maui!"

Ali spent the rest of the evening dancing with the other guests.
At the end of the evening, she and Bill along with the Jamisons
retreated to the Clifford suite for a nightcap.  After kicking
off her shoes Barbara tucked her feet under herself on the sofa
and then stretched luxuriantly.  "Ali and Bill, that was the
nicest party I've ever attended.  It was simply magnificent.  Bob
danced with me more tonight than he has in the last ten years." 
She stuck out her tongue at her husband.

Bob Jamison just grinned at her and replied, "That's only because
you've never learned to dance while lying on your back.  I can't
be responsible for your preferred form of exercise."

	* * *

The next day was graduation.  Bill had been bemused for the
previous week because Ali had been busy with the computer. 
Whenever he displayed an interest, she covered her work and said
it was just a little something she was fooling with.  Normally
Ali was immediately forthcoming when he displayed an interest in
whatever she was doing, so her behavior was very
uncharacteristic.

She came out to the living room wearing her academic gown with
its hood representing her law degree.  The hotel's valet had
insisted on pressing it so it looked the way he felt it should. 
She was holding her cap in her hand.

"Darling, you look beautiful," Bill said.  "The black gown sets
off your golden hair, and golden skin."  He took her in his arms
and kissed her lightly.  "Are you all ready?"

She swallowed hard, and appeared uncharacteristically nervous. 
He saw her surreptitiously check her purse for a sheaf of papers.
 Then Fred Clark drove them to the UCLA campus and Bill and Ali
got out.

He walked with her to where her classmates were assembled for the
academic procession, and kissed her.  She whispered, "Bill, wish
me luck?  Please!"

Bill was puzzled but did as she asked, "Good luck, darling, but I
can't see what you could possibly need luck for.  You're not
going to trip walking across the stage."

She gave him a nervous smile and walked over to join her
classmates.  Bill found a seat near the podium and looked around
for the Jamisons but didn't see them.  The academic procession
entered and the Dean of the Law School began the ceremonies. 
After the invocation and other preliminaries, he said, "It gives
me great pleasure to introduce our top-ranking student to give
the principal address of the day.  Please welcome this year's
valedictorian, Miss Allison McGrath."  He applauded as Ali came
up to the stage and went to the speaker's rostrum.

It was clear to Bill that Ali was over her nervousness.  She was
cool and poised as she began her address.  Bill was impressed
with its content and its cogency.  She addressed the question of
civil rights in a broad context, arguing for equality of
opportunity and against the problems inherent in seeking equality
of outcomes.  The speech was tightly written and very
professionally delivered.  When she concluded, she was given a
standing ovation by her classmates -- a rare occurrence in a
commencement speech.  Degrees were then awarded, and the
graduates dispersed with their families.

Ali came up to Bill who took her in his arms, "Darling, you were
utterly magnificent.  But why didn't you tell me you were going
to be the valedictorian?"

Ali looked sheepish.  "I'm sorry, darling.  It's the only secret
I've ever had from you.  I was nervous, upset, and thought it was
all a miscalculation.  Do you know what I was so worried about? 
That I would go in this morning and be told by the dean there had
been a major mistake in arithmetic and I wasn't number one in the
class.  I was so sure that would happen, I didn't tell you so you
wouldn't be disappointed."  She looked up at him with a wry
little smile, "Do you forgive me?"

Bill just took her in his arms and held her.  "Darling, I told
you how this whole thing started: I couldn't face the singles
scene.  I was a fan of yours from way back and got this idea even
though I hadn't seen you in a new film for a long time. 
Initially, I thought you had married and had left the business. 
Then my investigators found you and I arranged our firstmeeting.

"The day I met you, everything was as advertised.  Honestly,
darling, I really did conceive of the wedding as a tax deal, and
it really was an idea I first had that morning.  I didn't have
the foggiest idea you had an MBA or were getting your law degree.
 I thought you were intelligent, but a good scriptwriter can make
an idiot sound like a Nobel laureate.

"Then I got to know you.  Darling, I'm starting to vibrate, just
holding you like this.  You can't know what it's like to have
your arms around one of the most beautiful women in the world --
and hear her say she loves you.  Particularly when 'you' is me."
He kissed her softly and ran his fingers lightly over her hair. 
She just snuggled against him.

Finally, she gently pushed away from him.  "Honey, I think we had
better get going.  We have another graduation and I'm starving!"
She grinned at him and confessed, "I had butterflies this morning
for the first time in years.  I didn't eat a thing.  Now I could
eat a horse."

Fred drove them back to the hotel.  It was a very warm day in
Southern California with the temperature threatening to break
100.  Bill ordered lunch for them while Ali changed.  After
eating, they went back to the car and then drove to the
University of Southern California campus where they finally met
the Jamisons.

Barbara gave Ali a big kiss and said, "That was a wonderful
speech you gave, Ali.  We were so proud and happy to see you
graduate number one.  I'm sorry we weren't able to stay around
and tell you so."

Bob shook his head with an amused smile on his face.  "Ali, the
guys at work will never believe this.  I'll have pictures of me
and Ali McGrath.  That will blow their minds.  But when I tell
them she graduated number one from Law School, they'll totally
freak out.  I can hear them now, 'The world's not fair!  Beauty
like that, and she's brilliant, too?'  I loved your speech, by
the way.  And it goes without saying that I agree completely with
your position.  Shall we find some seats and see what happens on
this side of town?"

Charles Conrad was presented as the valedictorian of his class. 
They found out later Virginia graduated number three.  After the
ceremony, there was the exchange of congratulations.  Barbara
told Charley that Ali was valedictorian, also.  "And Charley,
lest it go to your head, Ali gave a much better address.  A
standing ovation, yet!"  She grinned and kissed her future
son-in-law, and then turned to Virginia.  "And as for you!  What
happened? _Only_ number three?"

Virginia grinned at her mother, "Sorry, Mom.  It all came apart
on the finals.  For some reason or other, my heart wasn't really
in them."  Then her expression sobered, "I'm sorry, Mom.  I know
how much my education cost you two.  I hope I didn't let you down
too much."

Barbara and Bob kissed their daughter warmly.  "Darling, you got
a husband who was number one.  And a law partnership," Barbara
said.  Then she added, "And you introduced me to my best friend.
No, sweetheart, you certainly didn't let us down.  Besides,
number three isn't really so shabby."

Congratulations were exchanged.  Bob Jamison hosted a dinner that
night for everyone.  Toasts were exchanged all around, one of
which was from Ali to Ginger, "To my new partner, Virginia
Jamison.  May she do as well on the bar exams as she has done in
love and in law school!"

Again that night Ali softly caressed Bill's chest with her
nipples.  In their engorged state they felt like delicate pebbles
scraping his chest.  Finally, she kissed him.  This time the kiss
lingered as she darted her tongue into his mouth.  As she put his
hand on her breast she whispered, "Only a few more days!"Chapter
7

The next few weeks were kaleidoscopic.  There were the bar exams
and the preparations for Ginger's wedding as well as preparations
for their own honeymoon on Maui.  Bill changed their travel plans
slightly: Instead of coming back to Los Angeles, they were
leaving for Maui from San Francisco.  They went up to Seattle on
the Thursday before the Saturday wedding and were met by Bob
Jamison who looked at Ali sheepishly while Barbara was sitting in
the car glaring at him.

Ali looked at her two friends and asked, "What's wrong?  What's
Bob done to get in your doghouse, Barb?  And why is he looking so
sheepish?"

Bob replied, "It's all my fault.  I took those pictures in to the
office and showed them around.  I did something else, too, that I
should have told you about.  I... I guess I'm an unreconstructed
techie.  I have all kinds of toys that Barb teases me about.  At
any rate, I had a miniature tape recorder in my pocket at your
graduation, Ali.  I taped your speech and then asked my secretary
to transcribe it."

He took a deep breath and smiled wryly.  "Then things started to
get out of hand.  It seems my secretary's best friend is another
secretary.  My secretary was so impressed with the content of
your speech, she made a copy for her friend.  Her friend was so
impressed, she showed it to her boss.  Then I get a call from
him: He's the chairman of the company.  One thing led to another.
 He's another great fan of yours, it seems.  My secretary even
shows him the picture of you kissing me, for chrissakes, so he
figures you're a very good friend!"

"I am a good friend, aren't I?" Ali asked with a smile.

Bob smiled, nodded, and continued, "Anyway, he was very
impressed.  He asked if I could bring you in to meet him while
you're in town!"  Then he breathed a sigh of relief.

Barbara said, "Ali, I told him you would tell him to take his
idea and shove it, along with a 747 fuselage, right up his ass! 
The nerve!  If I didn't love him so damned much and need him so
damned much, I would have done it myself."  She smiled at Bob and
gave him a soft kiss.  "Confession is good for the soul, dear. 
She didn't even bite."

Ali glanced at her husband who nodded.  She turned to Bob and
said, "Okay.  When would it be convenient to meet the chairman? 
His name is Homer Cumings, isn't it?  Since my speech was on a
law topic, I would like my partner to meet him, too.  Is she
available?"

Bob called the Boeing office on the car phone.  He was told the
chairman was available to see Ali at any time at her convenience.
 Barbara called the house and Ginger answered.  Barbara asked,
"Ging, are you decent?"

Ginger replied, "I'm always decent, Mother.  I'm a good girl... 
Remember?"

Barbara passed the receiver to Ali with the comment that it was
all her idea, so on her head be it.  Ali said, "Hi, Ging!  We've
got a date in thirty minutes with the Chairman of Boeing.  I want
you to meet us at the office in your best summer lawyer suit. 
Can you do it?"

She heard a yelp at the other end of the phone.  "My God!  The
chairman!  Ali, you're crazy!  It's a twenty minute drive from
here to the office."

"And that gives you a full ten minutes to get ready," Ali
replied.  "What's the problem?  Now shut up and get your
overworked ass in gear.  We'll meet you in the lobby.  Bye,
partner."

Barbara looked at Ali and said, "What, friend, is this all
about?"

Ali grinned and said, "It's the very first new-business call by
the partners of Clifford & Jamison.  Don't you think The Boeing
Company is a big-enough potential client for both of the firm's
name partners to attend?  Besides, I have a whole deck of
business cards for 'Virginia Jamison' that may be obsolete on
Saturday.  I never asked Ginger if she wants to stick with her
maiden name professionally."

They drove to the Boeing headquarters, went into the lobby and
found Ginger there waiting for them.  Ali grinned at her and
winked, "Partner, you look perfect!  By the way, I have something
for you."  She gave Virginia a leather card case with her
engraved business cards.  "You can't tell a lawyer without her
business card."

Bob Jamison escorted the two women to the Chairman's office. 
Bill and Barbara decided to wait downstairs and look around at a
small museum the company maintained for visitors.  Ali, Ginger,
and Bob Jamison were ushered into the office.

Bob was about to perform the introductions when Cumings came
around his desk and took both of Ali's hands in his.  He looked
in her eyes and finally said, "Miss McGrath, it really is you! 
You are even more beautiful in person than you are in your films.
 I am genuinely delighted to meet you.  And who is this?"

Ali said, "Mr. Cumings, I would like you to meet my law partner,
Virginia Jamison.  Ginger, of course, is Bob's daughter; we met
while she was in school in Los Angeles.  We have just formed a
law firm, Clifford & Jamison."

Bob excused himself and the girls sat down.  Cumings began by
offering coffee which the girls accepted.  When they had the
coffee he began.  "Miss McGrath -- Mrs. Clifford, I mean -- my
secretary gave me a copy of your speech at UCLA.  I was most
impressed.  Could you tell me about your firm?  What type of law
do you intend to practice?"

Ali smiled and said, "It's a general practice but with a focus --
at least initially -- on civil liberties."  She explained about
her experience in the movies, including the fact that she had
been almost literally starving to death when Bill Clifford found
her.  She emphasized that, in her opinion, the Constitution
guaranteed equality of opportunity, not equality of result. 
Civil rights was to be the firm's initial focus.

"Mrs. Clifford," Cumings began, "as you may know, we are the
largest builder of commercial aircraft in the world.  At the same
time we are also a major defense contractor.  We are constantly
under attack for our personnel policies.  I share your view.  I
would like to retain your firm to do two things: First, I would
like you to review our policies to determine if they are
discriminatory in any way.  Second, assuming you approve of our
policies, I want you to defend us in court, if necessary.  Are
you interested?"

"Mr. Cumings, of course we're interested.  We accept the
assignment.  Would you like to begin with a retainer
arrangement?"

"That would be fine.  What is your normal retainer?"

"It's $50,000 per month," Ali replied.  She heard Ginger choke on
her coffee when she heard the amount.  Cumings said that was
agreeable.  Ali said, "If it's satisfactory, Mr. Cumings, we
would like to begin our work with Boeing in July.  In the
meantime, Virginia and I have some personal affairs to attend to:
our honeymoons."  Ali gave him her patented smile and he melted.

"By any chance is your husband here with you, Mrs. Clifford? 
I've never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I have heard a
great deal about him," Cumings asked.

Ali said Bill was waiting for her in the lobby, but she was sure
he would be pleased to meet him.  Cumings called his secretary in
and a few minutes later ushered Bill and Barbara Jamison into the
office.  Barbara already knew the chairman and was greeted
warmly.  Bill shook hands and sat down.  Ali explained that
Clifford & Jamison had just been retained by Boeing, and Bill
expressed his pleasure.

Cumings and Bill started to talk so the women excused themselves
and went down to Bob Jamison's office.  "Dad," Ginger exclaimed.
"Guess what?  Clifford & Jamison are now retained counsel for The
Boeing Company!  At $50,000 a month!"  She turned to Ali and
said, "My God, Ali, what do we have to do for that kind of money?
 And where did the number come from, anyway.  I think you heard
me choke when you said it."

Ali grinned and said, "It's bigger than a bread box and smaller
than a house.  I thought $100,000 a month to start would be a bit
much.  Anyway, partner, now we're in business!"

Awhile later, the chairman's secretary escorted Bill Clifford to
the crowded office.  He kissed Ali and congratulated her.  "As
usual, young lady, you're still working for me -- sort of: I just
agreed to join the Board of Directors of Boeing."

That night there was a family celebration and the next evening
Ali and Bill hosted the rehearsal dinner.  They had learned that
Charley was an orphan, so Ali took over as mother of the groom. 
At the end of the dinner Charley got up and offered a toast, "To
my dear friend, Allison McGrath Clifford, who tonight is acting
as my mother.  Tomorrow, as the bride's best friend, she will be
matron of honor.  Later, she'll be partying with the mother of
the bride, whose best friend she is, too.  Still later, she'll be
my wife's law partner.  Finally, she will continue to be my
wife's inspiration.

"Ali, without you Ginger would still be hiding in her shell.  You
demonstrated to her that it's acceptable to be beautiful as well
as smart.  You released emotions that no one knew were there. 
Ali, thank you for everything.  And I do mean _everything!"_

* * *

The next day was the wedding.  Ali was with Barbara and Ginger as
Ginger dressed.  She was standing in front of a full-length
mirror wearing only her bikini pants with a garter belt and her
white stockings.  Her complexion was a gloriously smooth light
tan.  She was radiant, and Ali said so.  "Honey, just think.  Now
it will all be legitimate.  Are you all set?"

Ginger grinned and turned, looking at herself in the mirror. 
"Mom, how about if I go just like this?  I'll wear my veil, of
course."

Barbara looked at her daughter thoughtfully.  "I think it's a
fine idea.  The gown is returnable.  Sure!  Do it!  Don't you
agree, Ali?"

"I did at first, Barb, but now I don't.  If the bride goes that
way, I'll have to take off my dress, too.  Since my body is now
back in shape and it's a hot day, I have no problem with that. 
On the other hand, the other bridesmaids will have to leave their
dresses off, too.  I'm not sure all of our underwear would match.
 Then there are the ushers -- they would cheer the idea of not
having to wear their monkey suits.  And you know damn well
there's no chance of them staying dressed if the bridesmaids
aren't.  No, Ginger, I'm afraid you'll have to wear your dress."
Ali had made her speech while maintaining a completely straight
face.

Barbara looked at her friend.  "Ali, you have comedic talents I
never knew existed!  But you're right, of course.  I knew Ging
had superb judgment when she invited you to be her maid of
honor!"  The girls all laughed and Ginger finished dressing.

The ceremony was beautiful.  Ali was standing beside Ginger when
the priest said to Charley, "You may kiss the bride."  He took
his wife in his arms, and Ali knew it was where Ginger wanted to
be.  They went down the aisle and then out to the reception at
the country club.

When the reception was over and the last guests had left, Bill
and Ali went back to the Jamison's house.  The two women kicked
off their shoes and leaned back on the sofa, while Bob Jamison
made drinks for them all.  Bill said, "Barbara, Ali and I still
haven't bought a wedding gift for Charley and Ginger.  It's a
disgrace, and I apologize.  We just...  blew it.  We're sorry. 
What do you suppose they would want?"

Barbara looked thoughtful and replied, "Well, Charley wants a
beautiful girl who's loving, a sex-pot, intelligent, and
knowledgeable about law.  Ali, you made him one.  Then Virginia
wanted a tall, dark man who would respect her for her brains. 
And she wanted a position in a good law firm.  You got her the
man and made her a partner in a firm with Boeing as a client.  So
I guess the answer is you've already given them each his heart's
desire."

She smiled at Ali with deep affection.  "It looks to me like
you've done enough.  What you gave them was each other -- and God
knows, they're madly in love.  Aside from that, how about a nice
kitchen spoon?  You know, one of those wooden ones Charley can
use to spank Ginger with?  And a kitchen towel for Charley to use
to dry the dishes.  Or do you think the two items would be more
than you would care to spend?  Either one alone would be fine,
but I know you're very generous people who tend to go overboard
on gifts, so maybe both?"

Ali slid over and kissed Barbara on the cheek.  "Thanks, Cousin.
Do you know what?  I was so happy today.  Looking at those two
just makes me happy.  They are so deeply in love!  Exactly like
you and Bob.  They make everyone around them feel warm and
loving, too.  And Barbara, the wedding was beautiful.  It was
simply gorgeous!  I envy them so!"  They finished their nightcap
and returned to the hotel.

* * *

The next morning Bill and Ali flew to San Francisco and then
boarded their plane for Maui.  Bill was pleased when she took a
blanket from the overhead compartment and spread it over them
both.  Under the blanket she slipped off her blouse and put his
hand on her full breast.  She was about to go to sleep when she
saw him looking at her with a question in his eyes.  Ali
whispered, "This is my honeymoon, remember?"  Suddenly there was
a look of concern in her eyes, "You didn't change your mind, did
you?" He smiled and shook his head.  She returned the smile and
fell asleep with his hand cupping her breast. 

They had an oceanfront suite at Kapalua.  After eating a fine
dinner, they went up to their room and then followed their usual
pattern with Ali preparing for bed first.  Bill came out of the
bathroom naked for the first time in their married life.  He
smiled as Ali looked at his body longingly.  He got between the
covers and she came to him.  For the first time, he started to
caress her entire body while she caressed his.  He focused on her
erogenous zones -- her lips which he kissed warmly, her breasts,
her buttocks and her loins.  She responded with increasing
passion.  Her kisses were like fire.

Her hands were busy, too.  She caressed him, focusing on his
groin.  She carefully caressed his cock and was pleased to feel
how big it was getting.  With her eyes dancing she said,
"Darling, you're so big!  I have a confession to make, Bill.  I'm
really very inexperienced with men.  Believe it or not, I've only
made love three times in my whole life -- and that counts
everything.  I'm going to need help and coaching.  Your cock is
so big, and my cunt is so small!"

Bill smiled softly at his wife and kissed her.  Suddenly, there
was a flow of passion between them.  He pulled away slightly and
looked at her face.  She was lying on her back with her golden
hair spilling over the pillow.  She was beautiful.  "My God!" he
exclaimed.  "No wonder you've been jealous of Barb and Ginger. 
You were really serious when everyone thought you were kidding
about being virginal.  You really are."

Ali smiled ruefully and nodded.  "I sure am, Darling.  It's
disgusting.  You marry a woman thirty-five years old and find
she's essentially untouched -- and scarcely knows what to do in
bed.  Can you teach me?"

He ran his hand between her thighs which she had spread wide to
provide him easy access.  His hand had been stroking her inner
thighs.  Finally, he moved a finger into her vaginal opening and
began to explore.  He encountered her clit and he tweaked it with
his thumb while his fingers probed her vagina; first one, then
two and then three.  Her pelvis started to move involuntarily. 
Putting her arms around his neck, she pulled his face towards
hers.  She kissed him warmly as his finger continued to stimulate
her cunt.

Finally, she whispered, "Take me, Bill!  Please.  I need it so
badly.  I've needed you inside me for months.  I'm tight, I know,
but I'll try to help you."

He got between her legs and she guided his cock into the mouth of
her cunt.  Slowly he eased in, feeling the wetness from her
flowing vaginal juices.  As he started to penetrate, she loosely
wrapped her legs around his hips.  He stroked in and out, going
deeper each time.

"It feels so good!" she murmured.  "What do you want me to do? 
How can I make it better for you?"  Her pelvis was slowly moving
under him and he realized he was all the way in.

He whispered, "I've never felt anything like it, darling.  Your
cunt feels like a very warm, moist glove just gripping my cock."
 He could feel her using her vaginal muscles to massage his cock
inside her.  "I don't know what you're doing, or how," he said,
"But it feels absolutely marvelous!"

Just then he felt a violent shudder in her loins as she climaxed.
 He stopped moving and waited for her contractions to pass.  Then
he began to move with long strokes.  She asked him to stop for a
moment and kneel when he was fully inside her.  She moved her
legs up to his shoulders and linked her ankles behind his neck to
ensure maximum penetration.  Then he began his slow stroking
again.

It felt to Ali like his cock was reaching inside her to her
stomach.  She thought about her film roles and all the times she
had faked sex for the camera.  Suddenly, she exploded again.  She
reached three more crests, each higher than the one before, but
still Bill maintained his control.  Finally, her head was shaking
from side to side and her pelvis had taken on a life of its own.
He could feel her reaching her ultimate peak as he let go.  The
release of his semen took her over the brink.  Her pelvis jerked
uncontrollably as she almost fainted from the extraordinary
stimulation.  She was gasping for breath as Bill moved away from
her.  Then she let her legs fall to the bed as he collapsed
beside her.

Ali softly kissed him and murmured, "Thank you, darling husband.
That was perfect!"  Her eyes closed and she went to sleep.  Bill
was asleep moments later.

The next morning Ali awakened to find Bill's hand caressing her
breast.  She put her hand over his and murmured happily.  "That
feels _so_ good," she whispered.  She turned to look at his face.
 "Bill, does last night count as consummating our marriage? 
Frankly, I feel consummated to beat hell.  Do you feel like
trying again?  And could I be on top?  Would you mind?"

Bill rolled over and kissed her gently.  She responded and their
passion increased.  He whispered, "I think it's consummated, but
I want to do it again, too."  Ali felt for his groin and took his
now-engorging weapon in her hand.

"It's so big!  How do you suppose I get it inside me?  Darling,
it feels so _wonderful!"_  She moved in the bed and got astride
him.  Carefully, she positioned his cock at the entrance to her
vagina and lowered herself on it.  Then she leaned forward and
kissed him softly on the lips.  Meanwhile, he had grasped her two
beautiful breasts and squeezed them gently while tweaking her
nipples.  Slowly, she worked herself on top of him and lowered
her body on his rigid shaft.  Finally it was all inside her. 
Again she leaned forward with her sunshine smile.  "I did it! 
It's all in."

He lay on his back and smiled up at her.  "What are you so proud
of?  You're just a kid.  And you're dealing with an old man, not
some young stud.  You get some stud, and he'd kill you.  Maybe I
rescued you from yourself."

Ali daintily stuck out her tongue.  Meanwhile her pelvis was
moving slowly while her vaginal muscles alternately contracted
and relaxed on his shaft.  She then started to move slowly up and
down in a combination of movements that felt exquisite to her and
to him.  Suddenly she had a small orgasm -- and stopped moving
while the contractions went through her loins.  When she regained
control she started the motions again.

Bill could feel her cunt gripping his cock like a soft, moist
glove.  It worked on his cock, massaging it.  One after another
she had orgasms of increasing intensity.  Finally, she could feel
the movement of his cock as it started to throb.  It was enough
to carry her over the brink as her cunt exploded in an overload
of sensation.  She shook and finally regained control, using her
newly-discovered vaginal muscles to extract all the fluids from
the shaft on which she was impaled, then she just collapsed on
top of him.  Bill pulled the covers up over them both.

She murmured in his ear, "Thank you, darling.  It was like
heaven.  Now I know why the Jamison's behave the way they do. 
God, I love it!  But, darling, I have so much to learn.  I've had
no experience."

Bill pulled her down and held her close.  He could feel her
beautiful breasts mashed against his chest.  Ali just moved her
torso lightly over his chest.  "Darling," he whispered, "I guess
I'm not surprised.  Believe it or not, I could tell from your
reaction with Ginger and Barbara that you really did envy them. 
It suggested to me that either your experience with men had not
been very good, or not very frequent."

He stroked her hair and then ran his fingertips lightly over her
back.  Ali made happy noises deep in her throat. s Then she
rolled off him and put her head under the covers.  The next thing
Bill knew was the feel of her lips and tongue on his cock,
carefully licking off the sex juices that now covered it.  As she
kissed and sucked his cock, he was surprised to feel it stiffen
again.  Soon it was again fully erect.

He said softly, "Want to try something new?"  She quickly agreed.
 He had her kneel on the bed and he entered her from behind.  It
gave him the opportunity to reach around and cradle her beautiful
breasts and feel her firm buttocks as he bounced off them.  Soon,
they came again together and then collapsed on the bed.

Much later they awakened together.  Bill looked at his wife and
smiled softly.  "Darling, would you like to see something
beautiful?"  Ali, knowing of the exquisite flora and fauna in
Hawaii, thought it was something outside.  Instead he said, "Look
at yourself in a full-length mirror."

She scrambled out of bed and almost fell down.  Her loins ached
from the unaccustomed exercise.  She massaged the insides of her
thighs and looked at him with a rueful look on her face, then
glanced at herself in the mirror.  She did a double-take and
looked again.

She turned back toward Bill and said softly, "That's a
well-fucked look, isn't it?"  She scrambled back into the bed
after opening all the drapes and windows.  The tropic warmth
flooded the room and she pushed the covers off the bed.  She lay
on her back and Bill started to run his fingers gently across her
entire body.

"Darling, you are perfect," he said.  "I love to run my fingers
over your skin.  It feels like satin -- but it's warmer, it's
vibrant, and I can feel your muscles rippling in response under
my fingertips.  How does it feel to you?"

"Like heaven.  Can I just stay like this?"  Suddenly she rolled
on her side, propped her head on an elbow and said, "Bill, would
you please do me a favor before we leave?"

"What's the favor?" he asked.  "You know, Ali, if it's possible,
it's yours."

She smiled softly and said, "Darling, please take me all three
ways.  I love taking you in my cunt, but I have other openings
and I want you in them all.  And I want to just have you cum over
my body.  This morning when I went down on you, I had my very
first taste of a man's cum.  But it was mixed with my own juices
so I don't really know which was which."  She went down on him
and studied his prick which was now in its flaccid state.  She
looked up at him and smiled.  "Darling, you are so masculine. 
Can I try?"

Without waiting for an answer, she lowered her head and began to
kiss the tip of his prick.  There was a drop of moisture on its
head which she carefully licked off.  As she kissed it, she could
feel it begin to engorge.  She put her mouth over it while it was
still soft and could feel it lengthen inside her.  She used her
long sensitive fingers to caress his balls and then to caress the
length of his cock.  As it reached its full erection, she formed
her mouth around it and started to lick and suck.  She went up
and down and used it to fuck her mouth.  Finally, she could feel
it move into her throat as she struggled to take its full length
inside her.  Meanwhile, Bill was stroking her back, her buttocks,
and her hair.

As she worked on him, she could feel her cunt become wet.  Bill
now had his fingers inside her and was teasing her clit and
working his fingers up and down her vagina.  Suddenly, she could
feel his weapon start to throb.  She squeezed his balls with her
fingers and could feel him start to explode.  She started to
swallow as fast as she could as she felt his weapon pulsate,
pumping his syrup into her mouth.  Soon it subsided and she
lifted her head.  Some of his cum had escaped and was around her
mouth.  She daintily licked it with her tongue, then went back to
his cock and carefully licked all of it off.  She could feel
herself rising to a peak as a result of Bill's ministrations and
she let go.  Bill had moved her leg, and she responded by rolling
on her back.

He was between her legs and had his lips on her cunt.  She could
feel his tongue entering her and licking at her syrup.  He
continued and then she could feel his teeth nipping at her clit.
Suddenly, she let go again in an even larger flood of her cum. 
Still Bill worked on her.  He carefully licked her dry, spreading
her thighs as wide as possible.  When she was dry he looked up at
her, and pulled her towards him.

He took her in his arms and kissed her.  She could feel his
tongue darting into her mouth and could taste her juices on it. 
The kiss continued and then they lay back on the pillows.

"How was it, darling?" he asked softly.

"Bill, I love it!  I really do.  Was that my breakfast?  Your cum
is high in protein, isn't it?  Can I have it every day?"

He smiled and said, "It's better taken vaginally.  I think Barb
calls it her protein injection -- it's good for skin tone, muscle
tone, and all that other good stuff."

He went back to gently stroking her body.  When he felt her body
softly shake, he looked up at her.  Ali was softly laughing to
herself.  "What's so funny?" he asked.

Ali was lying on her back just looking at the ceiling and
enjoying the feeling of his fingertips on her body.  She turned
her head to look at him and he could see her eyes sparkle with
merriment.  "I was just thinking, Bill: I've faked having sex in
movies at least ten times more often than I actually had it. 
Isn't it a contradiction in terms to be a sex goddess who doesn't
know anything about sex?"

She laughed and Bill moved his fingers up to her ribs and started
tickling her.

"I'm not ticklish," she said in a voice totally lacking in
conviction.  Bill continued to work on her ribs and suddenly Ali
started laughing uncontrollably.  She quickly rolled into a
little ball and screamed "Please stop!  Bill, you're killingme!"

He stopped his tickling and she peered over her shoulder at him,
while still huddled to protect her ribs.  He could see tears of
laughter on her cheeks.  "I thought you said you weren't
ticklish?" he said.

"I did.  I guess I wasn't too believable, though, was I? 
Actually, as you quickly found out, my ribs are sensitive as
hell."  She looked at him and frowned, "William Harrison
Clifford, I think I hate you.  Now that you know my secret I'll
never be safe."

Bill leaned over and kissed her softly.  Then he gently stroked
her breasts, coaxing her nipples erect.  She smiled and made
happy noises deep in her throat.  "I changed my mind," she
whispered.  "I still love you desperately.  However, Mr.
Clifford, it's taken me months to get over my starvation diet. 
Do I have to start another one so soon?"

Bill grinned at her and held out his hands.  She took them and he
pulled her up.  They went into the bathroom, shared a sensual
shower, and then got dressed.  They ate and then played golf. 
Bill found that Ali was an excellent player even though she
hadn't played in years.

They had planned to spend a month at Kapalua and did.  It was a
month of sexual experimentation and exercise.  It was only a
matter of days before Ali achieved her objective of taking Bill
in all of her bodily openings.  Once, near the end of their
second week, Ali knelt on the floor and took Bill in her mouth. 
Just as she could feel his cock start to throb with its release,
instead of taking him deep in her throat, she took it out and let
his cum pour over her naked body, beginning between her breasts
and then moving downward.  Finally, she lay back and smeared it
all over herself.

She grinned impishly up at Bill and said, "That was fun.  But
what a waste!"

He smiled and knelt down and licked it off her body.  "Your
tongue feels wonderful, Darling," she said softly, "I love it!"

*  *  *

Towards the end of their stay Ali received a call from Ginger who
had returned from her honeymoon and was back at work.  "Ali, I
just had to call you," she said.  "I pulled an Ali!  Charley came
up to the office with an associate from his firm who is looking
for a job.  Her name is Sandra -- not Sandy -- Harris. 
Apparently, she came up for consideration as a partner and
missed.  Anyway, he brought her up to our office.  She stepped
into the ladies room and Charley grabbed my ass.  Ali, I'm my
mother's daughter: I just can't take it.  Maybe we're anal erotic
or something.  Anyway, whenever Charley does it -- which is often
-- I just melt.  My knees get weak and I just sag back against
him until he's ready for a kiss.

"Ms. Harris -- not, Miss, please -- came back just then and saw
him.  He went back to his office and then she let me have it.  It
was disgusting and didn't I have any sense of self-worth?  I just
looked at her and said, 'Where Charley is concerned, the answer
is no.'  I told her if Charley had wanted me -- or even looked
like he might -- my clothes would be off and I would be on my
back on the desk with my legs spread wide to welcome him.  It
wouldn't matter if half of Los Angeles was there with us.

"She asked how could I possibly maintain my pride and dignity.  I
told her I tried that once and it wasn't worth a shit.  Pride and
dignity don't keep you snugly on a cold night.  I told her how
every night I try to get as close to Charley as I can and mold my
body to his.  Then she says it's not fair: he should mold his to
mine.  I told her mine was more supple and softer.  It fit
better.  Besides, it feels so good.  How does it sound so far?"
Ginger asked.

"It sounds vaguely familiar," Ali said, trying to sound
thoughtful.  "Of course!" she said brightly.  "There was that
poor person, Virginia something-or-other...  Whatever happened to
her, do you suppose?"

"She probably got lost in the lavatory," Ginger said with a
chuckle.  "Anyway, I asked her why she had come up to see me.  I
pointed out that the senior partner in the firm was an old timer
named Ali McGrath who was quite a sex symbol in the movies a few
years ago.  I told Sandra you were on your honeymoon and unless I
was very wrong, your thighs are now like mine: They feel strange
unless they're spread as wide as possible to welcome a wonderful
cock into your cunt.  Am I warm?" she asked.

"You're absolutely right!  God, Ginger, it's great.  I never knew
it could be this good.  Bill and I have been spending a lot of
time at the nude beach.  He says I am all shades of gold, except
my eyes which reflect the color of the ocean.  Ginger, with no
modesty at all, I feel as sleek as a cat.  And I think I look it,
too.  Does that answer your question?"

"Ali, I'm so happy for you!  It couldn't happen to two nicer
people.  Anyway, it turns out Sandra wasn't elected to the
partnership because she wears her feminism on her sleeve. 
Everything's an issue with her starting with men rising when she
enters the room: it's patronizing; holding doors: ditto; allowing
her to precede: ditto.  The interesting thing is she's a very
attractive girl -- or would be if she didn't fight it so hard. 
Of course she's not in the same league as Virginia: no ugly
contacts, no waist padding, no ugly dye jobs on the hair.  But
for an amateur, she does pretty well.

"Anyway, it seems she's a bit afraid of men -- or more
accurately, afraid of herself around men.  Strangely believe it,
her last experience -- five years ago, no less -- resulted in her
nearly raping her date.  He took her, and she didn't want to let
him go.  She had achieved the first orgasm of her life and it
almost blew her mind.  She wanted desperately to have another. 
Anyway, the next day -- and thereafter -- she refused to speak to
the guy.  She was in danger of losing her personhood, whatever
the hell that is.

"I talked to Charley.  He says she's one of the best litigators
in the city.  And we're going to need one.  You could be the very
best, Ali, but you have other things to do.  Can we try her as an
associate?  She's making $110,000 now.  I'm going to offer her
$60,000 if you approve.  The girl needs some humility -- along
with a kick in the tail.  Oh, I nearly forgot.  We both passed
the bar exams -- in the top 1 percent, no less.  And I'm prepared
to file against Alliance Studios.  Do you want me to file or wait
until you get back?"

Ali spoke thoughtfully, "Ginger, I would appreciate it if you
would get the papers filed -- very quietly.  I would like to
serve them in person.  The facial expressions I expect to see
will be a down-payment on the misery they have inflicted on me. 
Okay?"  Ginger agreed and Ali continued, "Hiring Sandra for
$60,000 is okay with me.  If she's a good litigator, we'll have a
lot of work for her.  How's the rest of the staff?"

"Ali, they're great!  Wait until you see.  They're all waiting to
meet the senior partner.  When they ask, I tell them you're an
older woman who is much prettier than I am with hair like gold
and eyes the color of the Pacific.  Oh, and with a smile that
lights up the city.  They're waiting with bated breath to meet
you.  You don't think I laid it on too heavily, do you Ali?"

"Too heavily?  How could you, Ginger?  You only told the simple
truth!"  Ali laughed and added, "Ging, we're having a glorious
time.  But thanks so much for calling and reminding me of life in
the real world.  We'll be back next week."

She hung up and smiled at Bill.  He, too, now had a deep tan. 
With the exercise -- both day and night -- he was in better shape
than he had been in years.  He was naked and looking down at his
groin.  "I didn't think a prick could tan," he said.  Ali stood
up, also proudly naked.  She went close to him and put his hand
on her small pubic thatch which was now bleached almost white
from the sun against the dark tan of her body.

"Do you like it, Bill?  Or would you rather see my mound bare? 
Do you like what you see?" He reached out his hand and cupped it
under her crotch.  He inserted a finger into her slit and she
came close to him.  His prick was now growing erect.  Ali just
sat on his lap facing him with her thighs spread wide.  She told
Bill about what Ginger had said and added, "She's right, you
know.  This feels so natural.  Now, not having my thighs spread
wide to welcome you inside me feels strange."

His cock slid into her vagina that was now practiced to receive
it and soon they both reached orgasm.  By now, Ali's legs were
wrapped around his back and her arms were around his neck.  He
pulled her close and crushed her breasts against his chest.

"Ali, I love you.  It sounds so... so inadequate.  But I am
madly, desperately in love with my wife."  He kissed her and
heard her murmur softly.

Gently pushing him away, she smiled.  Her whole body lighted up.
"Bill, I love you more than life itself.  I adore you.  I'm
yours, darling, to do with as you wish.  Is there anything I can
do to make it better for you?"

He put his face in her golden hair and smelled her natural
fragrance.  Softly, he blew and watched her hair move, exposing
her small ear.  He kissed it and blew gently into it.  Ali
shivered and just hugged him more tightly.Chapter 8

Ginger was waiting for them at the security gate when Ali and
Bill returned from Hawaii.  She just stood and watched as they
walked through and then shook her head slowly.  She took Ali in
her arms and kissed her and then kissed Bill.  "I wouldn't
believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.  Ali, you are
absolutely out of this world!  I can't imagine a girl looking
more beautiful than you do now.  You were right, you know.  You
have a deep golden tan, hair the color of yellow gold, and eyes
the color of the Pacific.  And _joy?_  My God!  I thought I
looked happy when Charley and I returned.  Looking at you, I'm
going to ask him for my money back.  Comparatively speaking, I
must have been miserable!"

She smiled at them happily, then turned to Bill.  "And Bill
Clifford, you look younger than Charley.  What happened to you? 
I know what happened to your wife.  She's madly in love with you
and really has that well-fucked look.  What's your excuse?"

Bill just grinned and replied, "Ginger, I pulled the con job of
the age.  I was madly in love with an image on the screen: Ali
McGrath.  Then I hired her to pretend to be my wife.  What I
found was the image on the screen is just a pale imitation of the
reality.  In the flesh, she's glorious.  Now I realize it was
puppy love.  I adore the person I conned into being my wife. 
It's absolutely the smartest thing I'v ever done in my life!"

They went out to the waiting car, and Ali gave Fred a kiss which
caused him to turn brick red and smile.  "I missed you, Fred,"
she said.  "We had a marvelous time, but it's good to be back."

They went back to the hotel and entered their suite.  After Bill
closed the door, he put his arms around Ali's waist.  Her back
was to him and she leaned back against him as he held her. 
Without a word, she stepped out of her shoes and started to slip
off her clothes.

"What are you doing?" he asked softly.

"I don't want to ruin the lovely dress you bought me with our
fluids when you take me here on the floor.  Darling, I've been
waiting for this," she replied.

Her eyes were dancing with anticipation as she looked at him. 
Moments later they were naked and on the floor together.  Ali now
realized the extent to which their bodies had become attuned to
each other.  Bill entered her slowly and gently, and then they
almost automatically crested together and exploded in unison.

Bill was lying on his back with Ali's head resting on his
shoulder.  "Darling, what more is there?  Is there anything else
you want?" he asked.

She turned her head to look at his face and nodded.  He saw a
wonderful smile as she whispered, "I want you to take me on the
desk in my office with all the curtains open and in view of
anyone who wants to look.  Why do you think I rented that office,
anyway?  I was planning ahead.  It will feel so wonderfully
wicked!"  She grinned, and added, "Darling, I'm afraid I have to
get my poor overworked ass in gear.  I have to put in an
appearance with the troops."  Reluctantly, she got to her feet
and turned to offer her hands to pull Bill up.  He just lay on
his back, grinned, and shook his head.

"I like it just fine right here.  The view is spectacular.  I see
a golden girl standing with her legs spread above me...  whoops!"
Bill moved and put his mouth on her cunt.  Ali remained standing
with her legs spread while he licked their mixed cum that was
starting to drip from her vagina.  Her eyes were closed as she
enjoyed the wonderful sensation.  When he finished, she winked
and went down on him, licking his now-flaccid cock.

She went back on her knees and said, "Bill, this is so much fun!
Are you sure it's legal?"

He winked at her and said, "I just wanted to admire the beautiful
view."

Ali quickly showered, dressed and went down to her car.  She
glanced at her watch and realized she would arrive at the office
about two.  Reaching the building, she went up to the
thirty-eighth floor.  When she got off the elevator, she got the
same thrill she had a month earlier seeing her name in brass
letters.  _Clifford & Jamison looks good,_ she thought. 

She walked in and was greeted by a young receptionist.  For
reasons she didn't fully understand, Ali was wearing her tight
jeans and her chambray shirt with her hair back in a pony tail. 
Her shirt sleeves were rolled up because it was a very hot July
day in Los Angeles.  The girl looked up attentively when Ali
entered and said, "Good afternoon, Miss.  May I help you?"

Ali made a decision on the spur of the moment and said, "Yes, I
hope so.  I saw your firm name on the directory downstairs.  I
think I need a lawyer.  Is either Mr. Clifford or Mr. Jamison
available?"  She gave the girl a very hesitant smile.

The girl replied, "Mrs. Clifford is out of the office, but Miss
Jamison is in.  Whom may I say is waiting to see her?"

Ali said, "The name is Allison."

The girl asked Ali to take a seat.  She picked up the phone,
buzzed Ginger and said, "Miss Jamison, there's a woman in the
lobby to see you, a Miss Allison.  She is looking for a lawyer
and saw the firm name in the lobby.  She doesn't have an
appoiintment."  She listened for a moment, smiled, and hung up. 
"She'll be right out, Miss Allison."

Ginger opened the door and came into the reception room.  She
held out her hand to Ali and said, "How do you do Miss Allison. 
I'm Virginia Jamison.  Would you care to come back to my office?"
Then she reached for Ali and the girls started to howl with
laughter as they hugged each other.  The receptionist looked at
them as if they had lost their minds.  Finally they regained
control and turned toward her.  Ginger had her arm around Ali's
waist and said, "Judy, I would like to introduce you to our
senior partner, Allison McGrath Clifford.  Ali, that was a dirty
trick to play on a new employee.  This is Judy Jeffries, our
receptionist."

Ali turned on her brilliant smile and said, "Judy, hi!  Welcome
to the firm.  And please accept my apologies.  Actually, you were
wonderful: both friendly and businesslike.  I hope you greet all
our visitors that way."  She grinned at the girl and said, "I'm
serious.  It wasn't a test.  I just got back in town and put on
these clothes.  When I came in, and you looked up with that
bright smile, I just thought I would have some fun.  I hope you
don't mind?"

By this time the girl's mouth was almost agape.  She looked at
the two partners side by side and was stunned.  They were both
very tall, very slim, very beautiful women.  Ali separated from
Ginger and held out her hand to Judy.  "Welcome!"

Judy took the hand and shook it.  With a grin, the two partners
went back to the office area.  Judy just shook her head in
amazement.  She had thought that Mrs. Conrad was the most
beautiful woman she ever met in her life.  Then Mrs. Clifford
appears and is even more beautiful.  She decided she liked the
firm of Clifford & Jamison.

Ginger led the way into Ali's office and pushed Ali toward the
chair behind the desk.  She sat down in a very comfortable
leather-covered client's chair and slowly shook her head.  "Ali,
I give up.  I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had
ever seen _before_ you went on your honeymoon.  Now...  Ali,
words fail me.  I am so happy for you!  Married life agrees with
you, is all I can say.  Now, Boss, if you would be so kind, pass
your telephone over here."

Ali slid the instrument across the desk.  Ginger picked it up,
pressed the intercom button, and said, "Kathy, could you come
into Mrs. Clifford's office, please?"

A very pretty girl with brown hair entered the office.  She was
wearing a yellow shirtwaist dress and had a stenographic notebook
in her hand.  Ginger turned to Ali and said, "Ali, I would like
you to meet your secretary, Kathy Carlson.  Kathy, this is our
senior partner, Ali Clifford."

Ali stood up and held out her hand to greet the girl.  Kathy's
jaw dropped as she took her hand.  "Mrs. Clifford," she
stammered.  "I'm stunned.  I knew you were beautiful, but...
but... you're breathtaking!"

"Kathy, that's very flattering.  You are very lovely yourself." 
She turned to Ginger and said, "Would it be possible to get
something to drink?"  She then had a second thought and said,
"Kathy, to get the introductions out of the way, could we get the
staff into the conference room?  Tell Judy to just lock the front
door."  She grinned and added, "I'll risk the loss of a client."

Kathy smiled and withdrew.  "Am I screwing things up, partner?"
Ali asked Ginger.

"Not at all!" she exclaimed.  "I think it's a great idea.  What's
your plan?"

"I don't have one," Ali confessed.  "It just seemed like a good
idea.  Am I interrupting anything?"

"Ali, everyone has been on tenterhooks waiting for you to appear.
 Everything to be done has been done.  We're twiddling our
thumbs, is what we're doing."

"Mrs. Conrad, would there be anything alcoholic around this
place?  Or is there just a choice of selected spring waters?"

Ginger grinned and replied there was a wide selection of liquor;
she had decided they should have a liquor cabinet.  Ali checked
the Yellow Pages and called a caterer who promised to deliver
hors d'oeuvres platters in thirty minutes.  Then the two women
went into the conference room.  Judy and Kathy were already
there.  A small dark-haired girl entered who Ginger introduced as
Joan Fredrick.  Joan was their computer specialist and an expert
at using Lexis and Nexus for their legal research.  The last
person to enter was Sandra Harris.

When Ali saw the girl, her first reaction was that she looked
like Barbara Jamison without the sense of humor.  In spite of the
very warm weather in Los Angeles, Harris was wearing a suit with
a blouse buttoned high on her neck.  It was severely cut and was
not relieved by jewelry or adornment of any kind.  Ali looked at
her closely and smiled.  She saw indications that Sandra used a
certain amount of makeup to enhance the severity of her
appearance and play down any hint of femininity.

Ali put out her hand and said, "Hi, Sandy.  I'm Ali Clifford. 
Welcome to the firm."

Harris took her hand in a very limp grip.  Ali just shook her
head slightly and winked in the direction of Ginger.  Going to
the head of the table, she sat down and asked if anyone had
bartending experience.  Joan grinned and said she had been
working her way through Cal Tech tending bar, but she didn't have
her uniform.  Ali raised an eyebrow and the girl said she worked
topless: it paid more.  Ali grinned back and said that wouldn't
be necessary.  Joan took orders from the others but brought Ali a
Sam Adams, a chilled glass, and a basket of thick beer pretzels.

Ali pretended to glare at Ginger and said, "Someone's been
squealing.  But thank you so much, Gin."

Ginger replied that regardless of what else there might be at
their apartment, there was always Sam Adams and beer pretzels,
"For when the senior partner deigns to visit the peasants," she
added with a grin.  Ginger then told the girls about her first
meeting with Ali and its aftermath.  "Ali, I still thank God that
we didn't run out of Sam Adams or beer pretzels."  With a glance
at Sandra, she added, "If we had, I would still be a tight-assed
little prig working downstairs."

Sandra looked on with obvious disapproval.  Ali noticed that the
other girls were bright, eager, and all very attractive.  She was
also surprised to see that they seemed to hold her in awe. 
Turning to Joan she said, "Okay, I give up.  What gives?  I can't
remember seeing a set of faces looking like yours do now.  You're
all looking at me like I have measles or something."

Joan shook her head and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford.  I don't
know about the other girls, but I have never seen a person like
you.  I've seen several of your movies on TV, so I knew you were
beautiful.  But you made those films ten years or more ago. 
Honestly, you look younger now than you did then; you're more
alive, more vibrant.  And your appearance!   I would bet my last
dime you have no makeup on at all.  Would I win?"

Ali nodded and smiled.  "Thanks, Joan.  But there's more to it, I
think, isn't there?"

Now the younger girl reddened, "Yes, ma'am.  You look like you...
like you just got out of bed with a man.  I have never seen a
girl look so... so sleek.  And you move like a cat.  Anyway, I'm
impressed.  Whatever it is you've found, you can make a mint if
you can bottle it!"

"Ginger, where did you find a girl with such intelligence, taste,
good judgment and brains?  Of course, she is laying it on a
little thick, even to an ex-actress."

She smiled at Joan and said, "There's just one thing: the name is
Ali, at least when there aren't any clients around.  Particularly
when I'm dressed like an urchin off the streets.  Incidentally,
Judy, thank you again for the very professional reception.  If I
had been sitting in your seat, I probably would have thrown me
out.  But in LA, particularly, you can't judge people by their
dress."  Then she said, "Ging, I was thinking when I walked in
about your professional name.  The name on the door is Clifford &
Jamison.  I was thinking about Clifford & Conrad, but Charley is
downstairs.  What do you think?"

"I think I'll stick to being Ginger Jamison in the firm, if it's
all right with you, Ali.  The Conrad name on the door could cause
problems for Charley."  The other girls all had their drinks --
Ali noticed Sandra was drinking club soda -- when the door buzzer
sounded.  A waiter brought in three huge trays of hors d'oeuvres
which were put in the middle of the huge conference table.

Ali leaned back and put her feet on the corner of the table. 
"You know, this really isn't too bad," she said with a smile. 
"Now, what have you been doing while I've been off working so
hard."

Ginger raised an eyebrow and said, "Working?  My, what a strange
name for it.  But Ali, I've never seen you look better -- or any
other human look better, for that matter."  She turned to Sandra
and said, "You have the summary, Sandy.  Did you bring it?"

Sandra got up, grimaced at Ginger -- obviously a reaction to
being called Sandy -- and brought a file folder over to Ali.  She
opened it and quickly went through the material.  There were
eight pages in the folder, but Ali quickly discovered that it was
a very brief synopsis of a great deal of material in the firm's
files.  Of particular interest were over twenty sworn affidavits
detailing the extent of Alliance Studios' vendetta against Ali. 
There were statements from former employees of the studio, and
people to whom the slanderous information had been given.  Most
surprising were five from present studio employees.

Then there were the papers to be served.  Ali had made up her
mind she wanted to do that herself.  She asked Sandra, as the
firm's litigation specialist, if there was any problem with
serving the papers herself.  "I'll need a witness, of course, but
aside from that, what do you think?"

Sandra frowned but said, "It's not normally done, but there's no
legal reason why you can't.  Do you have a reason?"

"I have an idea, Sandy, not a reason," Ali said thoughtfully. 
"Si Goldberg is a hothead.  Moreover, he's a hothead who's used
to always getting his own way.  I have a tiny recorder that fits
neatly into my purse.  If you and I were to go over tomorrow and
serve the papers on him personally there's a chance he'll say
something that will help us hang his ass.  Of course, if he
doesn't, there's no loss.  What do you think?"

"I think it's a fine idea, Mrs. Clifford," Sandra said.

"Sandy -- and it has to be Sandy, I'm afraid -- the name is
Ali... all the time."  Ali turned on her smile and said, "I have
two announcements: First, this being Los Angeles, am I correct in
assuming you all drive to work?"  All the heads around the table
nodded in unison.  "I thought so.  Well, we now have another ten
parking spaces in the garage downstairs.  Each of you gets one."

The girls grinned, and Joan let out a low whistle.

"The other thing is there is a new health club that just opened
in the building.  We have a firm membership with all of you
included.  Ginger and I have husbands who like us sleek, and we
love them dearly.  Therefore, we intend to use the facilities. 
It's very comprehensive, I'm told.  In some offices there are
scheduled coffee breaks which I've always thought are a bit much.
 So instead, we'll have fitness breaks.  Does that cause any
problems?"

Kathy was the first to answer.  "I think it's great!  Will we be
able to watch you and Mrs. Conrad work out, too?"

"I'm sure you will.  And, although I didn't ask her first, I
think she would rather be Ginger.  Incidentally, I can assure you
she's in great shape."  Ali sighed deeply and added, "Oh, to be
fifteen years younger!"

Ginger grinned and then grimaced, "Get a load of our senior
partner.  I think she's at least three months away from a
wheelchair -- possibly as many as six!  Allison Clifford, I dare
you to take off all your clothes right now!"

Ali frowned, but got out of her chair.  In a moment she had her
shirt off with her Levi's following a moment later.  She stepped
out of her moccasins and then slipped off her tiny bikini.  Her
entire body was a deep golden tan with her pubic hair now
bleached almost white.  Her belly was flat and her breasts were
full with their tiny still-pink nipples.

She looked at Ginger and said, "Are you sure I've got six
months?"  She grinned and added, "How about you, Partner?  From
what I hear Charley's been putting a lot of miles on that chassis
-- hard miles!  Let's see."

Ginger shrugged and undressed but it took longer because she was
wearing a business suit.  When she was bare, she, too, was tanned
all over, although hers was a lighter tan.  Her belly was flat,
her breasts were also full, and her hips, thighs, and buttocks
were perfect.

Joan said, "My God!  If I looked like our bosses, I could have
made a mint!  I don't know if they're good lawyers -- everything
I know says they are -- but they sure as hell have to be the most
beautiful name partners in the country!"  The girls applauded
while Ginger and Ali dressed.

Ali sat down again and said, "The answer to your question is you
will see the partners bare.  You just did, and I hope no one was
terribly offended.  Anyway, why don't you keep the party going
while I talk to Sandy for a few minutes in my office."

Ali went into her office followed by Sandra Harris.  Ali motioned
her to take a chair and closed the door.  Ali still had her beer
in her hand but noticed Sandra's hands were empty.  She sat on
the sofa, while Harris turned her chair to look at Ali
attentively.  "Sandy, you don't approve of Ginger or me, doyou?"

Sandra was taken aback by the frankness of the question. 
"Well... Why...  No, Mrs. Clifford, I guess I really don't," she
admitted.

"Why not?"

"Why...  You're not professional!  You don't respect yourselves.
If every woman were like you, we would be set back 500 years. 
You represent everything we've been fighting against, and being a
woman, you are the worst!"  Sandra's voice was growing louder and
she really began to unload.  "If you were a man, you would be a
male chauvinist pig -- an MCP.  Being a woman, I don't know what
I should call you."

"What about taking off my clothes in the conference room?" Ali
asked quietly, ignoring the girl's outburst.

"It was utterly disgraceful!  Disrobing in a business conference
room, indeed!  With the employees present, too.  It's
disgusting!"

"If it had been in the health-club locker room, what difference
would it have made?" Ali continued.

"That would be all right as long as employees weren't present. 
How can you maintain office discipline if you're nude?" Sandy
protested.

"A few corrections: First, I didn't disrobe.  I undressed or,
more accurately, stripped.  I often strip for my husband.  He
likes to see me uncover my body slowly.  We found that Sally Rand
and Mae West had it right: If you really want to excite a man,
you show it coming off, not off.  A woman's naked body isn't
terribly exciting.  Second, I wasn't nude, I was naked.  I
imagine you can tell that Ginger and I spend a lot of our time
that way.  Although it loses something in excitement, it makes us
more available to our husbands.

"Sandy, let me tell you something.  I exist to give my husband
pleasure.  And you know what?  I love it!  While I'm trying to
please him, I give myself extraordinary pleasure.  Everyone says
I now glow.  It's what my best friend calls a well-fucked look. 
Believe me, I am very well fucked.  I can't describe how I feel
when Bill, my husband, gives me one orgasm after another after
another.  Do you know something?  I often don't last through the
final one.  It knocks me out!  Literally.  I lose consciousness
from a sensory overload.  It seems that the whole of my being is
concentrated in my loins.  His enormous weapon is ravaging my
insides, my thighs are spread and my legs are around his neck so
he can get maximum penetration.  It feels like he's in my
stomach, he's so large.  I cum several times and sometimes I pass
out.  I'm getting better, though: I retain consciousness four
times out of five now.  Sandy, it's what I was made for.

"But you said I'm betraying women.  Why?  I think I paid my
dues... in full.  You've been involved in my case.  What do you
think about it?"

Sandra had been watching in amazement.  "But you can't say things
like that!  You can't be like that!  It's a betrayal of women
everywhere.  We need to be respected for our brains, not for
what's between our legs," she protested.

Ali smiled and shook her head, "You don't understand, do you?  I
invest money -- over $1 billion.  I started with a small sum and
built up because I outperformed all the other professional
managers.  It's not because of -- or in spite of -- being a
woman.  Sandy, how much money did you spend on your education
through law school?"

"Thousands.  I don't know, maybe $75,000.  Why?"

"Was it your money, borrowed money, or your parents' money?"

"My parents' money.  But what does that have to do with
anything?" Sandra asked.

"It has this to do with it," Ali replied.  "I paid for my
education at Kansas, waiting on tables during the day, and
working nights, while still studying.  I paid for my MBA program
and law school.  I almost starved to death finishing law school.
I guess I resent being told what I should and shouldn't do by
someone who had it all paid for.  Where do you get your ideas
from, anyway?  The Women's Caucus?"

"A lot of it comes from there.  But they're right!" Sandy
insisted.

"Sandy, who are they?  Aren't they largely a bunch of lesbians? 
Aren't they mostly the same people -- at least the leadership --
who are in the Gay & Lesbian Alliance?" Ali persisted.

"A lot of them are, but so what?"

"Are you a lesbian?" Ali asked quietly.

Sandy recoiled as if Ali had slapped her face.  "Of course not! 
And that is a terrible thing to say!"

"Why is it so terrible?  You're taking your signals from them,
particularly with respect to male-female relationships.  If the
people sending the signals hold a set of attitudes with which you
are in violent disagreement -- and based on your reaction to my
question about your sexual orientation, I assume they are -- why
would you automatically accept their positions?"

Sandra looked bewildered and didn't answer.  Ali continued, "How
much did Ginger tell you about our first meeting?"

"Not much.  She referred to it, of course.  I know there's some
connection with the beer and pretzels you had, but that's about
all."

"I understand from Ginger that you had a wonderful sexual
experience awhile ago.  It seems it scared you, though.  Is that
true?" Ali asked.

Sandra looked startled.  "I... I guess so.  It wasn't right. 
Mrs. Clifford, I completely lost control.  It was awful!"

"And you felt like a depository for a man's sexual fluids? 
Something like that?"

"No.  It was something else.  I... I lost control.  I was
thrashing and screaming..."

"...it felt so good you wanted it never to end," Ali finished for
her.

When Ali's words registered, she looked startled.  "Why did you
say that?" Sandy asked.  "That's exactly how I felt."

"Because that's what Ginger used to say.  Actually, she was in
worse shape than you are.  She actually went to the trouble and
expense of getting contact lenses to change her eye color.  Then
she dyed her hair an awful mouse-brown, and even wore padding to
conceal her gorgeous figure.  And that was all because she had
had an orgasm, tried to keep the guy from leaving because she
wanted another, and then panicked the next morning.  She never
spoke to him again.  When we met, the only reason she was willing
to do something was she had met Charley Conrad, loved him, and
wanted to win him.  I'm sure it's obvious that it worked."

She stopped and looked at Sandy closely.  "Tell me, Sandy, does
Ginger look used and abused?  Used, yes.  Abused, no.  Do you
agree?"

Sandra gave a very small smile, the first one Ali had seen. 
"She's madly in love with Charley, and he's wildly in love with
her.  But my God!  He comes in here and I saw him grab her ass
and she didn't even slap him!  And it was in public!"

"How public?" Ali asked.

"Well, it was in her office, but the door was open."

"What did she do?"

"She seemed to melt.  Then she turned her head and kissed him.  I
would have slapped his face!" Sandy said emphatically.

"Why?"

"Why... why, it's disgraceful.  It's demeaning to her
personhood." 

"But it feels so great!  I guess all of us -- Ginger, Ginger's
mother, Barbara, me -- are anal erotic or something.  All I know
is when Bill grabs my buns I feel my knees turn to water and I
want to spread my legs to welcome him inside me.  What about
you?"

Sandy looked bewildered.  "You do?  You really do?  A girl with
everything -- with outrageous beauty, a woman any man would put
up on a pedestal -- you feel that way?"

"Sandy, it's cold and drafty on a pedestal.  I want to feel warm
and snugly and loved.  I can't tell you how I feel each night. 
Regardless of how many times during the day we've made love, the
best one is at night.  Lately, it's been relaxed and slow.  Bill
takes me up through several small orgasms.  Nothing is rushed or
frenzied.  Then I explode and he just caresses my body while I
recover.  Then I snuggle as close to him as my body can get -- I
mold myself to him -- and he cups his hand over my boob while my
head is on his shoulder.  I put my hand over his and I'm asleep.
I wake up that way -- with his hand still there.  I've never felt
so good in my life."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Sandy asked.  "You're not just
teasing me to make me feel better."

"Now I don't understand.  Why would what I just said make you
feel better?"

"Because... because that's the way it was with me and Jack.  I
thought there was something wrong with me.  Ali, he was inside
me.  I started to explode.  I totally lost control.  It was like
you said earlier -- all of my feeling was in my vagina."  The
girl's expression changed.  "My cunt, damn it!  All the feeling
was in my cunt.  I just freaked out.  It was so wonderful!"

Ali watched the girl's face start to crumple and she began to
cry.  "But you're telling me that was normal.  And I booted it
away, all by myself.  What can I do?"

The girl sat on the chair with tears pouring down her cheeks. 
Ali went to her desk and got a box of tissues.  Then she sat next
to the girl and watched her, realizing that Sandy was looking
very beautiful in spite of her tears.  Ali knew that for the
first time Sandy was looking human, feminine, and vulnerable. 
She passed her the tissue and Sandy slowly regained control.  She
looked at Ali with a little smile.  "Do you think there's any
hope for me?" she asked.

Ali said, "Do you feel like trying the health club?  I could give
you a better answer afterwards."

Sandy shrugged, dried her eyes and stood up.  The girls went down
to the health club located in the building's basement.  "Do you
swim?" Ali asked.  Sandy smiled shyly and said she did.

The girls went into the dressing room, undressed and went to the
pool.  Ali saw that Sandy had a beautiful figure.  She knifed
into the pool and the two of them started swimming laps.  As a
result of her time in Maui, Ali was in near-perfect physical
condition.  She realized that Sandy obviously exercised a great
deal as well.

They showered and went back up to the office.  When they were
back in Ali's office she asked, "How do you feel now?  You look
better."

Sandy was smiling more easily now.  Ali realized the girl
appeared relaxed for the first time since they had met.  "I feel
much better," Sandy replied.  "But Ali, I'll ask you again: Is
there any hope for me?"

Ali looked at the girl thoughtfully.  "Sandy, may I be frank?" 
Sandy nodded.  "First, would you like a drink?  Something
stronger than club soda?"

"Could... Could I have a martini?" the girl asked diffidently.

Ali picked up her phone and buzzed the conference room.  She
asked Joan to bring her another beer and a very dry martini for
Sandy.  She kept a straight face as she heard a yip from the
other room.  A couple of minutes later Joan appeared with the
drinks.  "Sandy, what did they tell you downstairs?  When you
learned you were not going to be elected a partner?"

"Not much," she replied.  "It was one of those 'many are called
but few are chosen' kind of things.  Why?"

"I thought as much.  Sandy, they weren't being honest.  The fact
is you were considered much too abrasive -- inside the firm.  The
word is that you had more prickles than a briar patch.  It just
got to be too hard to deal with you.  No one could relax because
they were always waiting for the roof to fall on them whenever
they said or did anything to which you would take offense.  I
gather the list of things to which you had taken offense was long
-- and growing fast.  Was that a fair assessment?"

Sandy smiled ruefully.  "I'm afraid it was," she said softly.

"Ginger tells me we were advised not to hire you.  They said they
couldn't deal with you, even though they have over seventy-five
professionals.  They said a person like you could be very
destructive in a small firm like ours.  At the same time they
said you may be the best litigator in Los Angeles.  That's the
reason you lasted as long as you did with them.  In short, they
decided they would rather live with someone who was less than the
best with whom they _could_ live.  You were ultimately rated more
trouble than you are worth."  Ali was looking at the girl
thoughtfully as she spoke, and added, "It's a pretty harsh
judgment, I'm afraid."

"A very accurate one, though.  Ali, I was -- am -- a real pill. 
There's nothing more I can say.  I would like to say I was
discriminated against as a woman.  I guess it's what I kept
telling myself, feeling more bitter by the minute.  But do you
know what?  I'm supposed to be very good at persuading juries. 
This time I couldn't even persuade myself!  All I can say is I'll
try my best to change."

Sandy had been sipping her martini.  She got up, took off her
jacket, unfastened the top buttons of her blouse, and smiled at
Ali.  "Can I try?"

Ali just grinned, stood up, and took Sandy into her arms.  Ali
kissed the girl soundly causing Sandy to almost collapse from the
flow of pure love.  After she regained control the two girls went
back to the conference room together.

When they entered Sandy said, "Hi, guys.  I'm Sandy Harris.  I
want to apologize for being such a gold-plated bitch.  Joan, the
martini was marvelous.  Could I please have another?"

There was an audible sigh of relief from the other women.  Then
Ginger motioned to Ali and they went to Ginger's office.  Ginger
held out her hand and they shook.  "Congratulations, Boss.  I
knew you could do it.  The girls were about ready to lynch Sandy,
but I told them you would solve the problem, and you apparently
did.  What do we do now?"

Ali grinned.  "First, I'm calling Bill.  You and Charley have had
our view all to yourselves for weeks, but now it's our turn. 
Ginger, I get wet just thinking about getting fucked on my desk.
It's another beautiful day in LA and it will be a clear night. 
The next thing we want to do is see if we can find the guy Sandy
had her experience with.  It may not be too late."

There was a knock on the door.  Ali checked her watch and was
surprised to see it was 6:30 already.  Ginger went to the door
and admitted Charley who immediately gave his wife a soft kiss. 
Ali could see her legs weaken as she melted in his arms.  Hand in
hand they entered the office.

"Darling," Ginger said, "we've been evicted.  In spite of the
beauty of the evening, Mrs. Clifford, our senior partner, has
commandeered her office."

Charley went to Ali and gave her a kiss.  "Welcome home, Ali. 
God, you look fabulous.  How do you feel?"

Ali gave him a grin and replied, "Sinful.  Charley, I've never
felt so good in my life.  Do you really think I look all right?"

Charley faked a punch at Ali and looked at his wife, "Honey, may
I hit her?  I've seen people fish for compliments, but Ali takes
the cake.  Do you think she looks all right?"

Ginger looked at him and replied, "It's not fair.  I saw her
naked a little earlier.  All I can say, darling, is, thank God
you weren't here.  All right?  I think 'incredible' is better. 
Fabulous -- your word -- is okay.  She's an absolute knockout. 
Ali, you never looked nearly this good at the peak of your movie
career.  I don't think I look so bad but I'm lost in the shadows
when you're around."

Ali, meanwhile, had picked up the phone, called Bill and made
arrangements for him to pick her up for dinner at the office. 
When all the people had left for the day, she met Bill downstairs
and they went to a small restaurant nearby for dinner.  When they
finished, Ali took him up to the office, only turning on the
lights in the lobby area.  They went into her office, opened the
drapes, and she stood in front of him back-lighted by the lights
of the city.  Bill unbuttoned her shirt and then unbuckled her
jeans and let them slide from her hips.  He eased her bikini over
her hips and ran his fingers lightly over her nearly-white pubic
hair.  His fingertips ran lightly over her body as she worked to
undress him.  Finally, they were both standing naked in the light
coming in the window.  "You're gorgeous, my beautiful wife.  How
did I get so lucky?"

Ali smiled at him from the shadows.  "Darling, your wife needs
you -- desperately.  I am going to start dripping on my carpet in
another few seconds.  Please take me."

He lifted her up on her desk, and she spread her legs wide to
welcome him.  He moved closer and she wrapped her supple legs
around his hips.  Soon she was cresting repeatedly.  When she
achieved her orgasm this time she retained consciousness.  While
Bill was still in her, she ran her fingers over him.  She could
feel the last pulsations of his discharge and the last
contractions in her cunt.  "How was it, darling?"

Bill faked a punch at her jaw.  "Ali, it could not be better.  It
just couldn't."

She raised her body from the desk-top and sat on the edge.  Then
she went to the window and stretched.  She came over to him and
kissed him lovingly.  "Thank you, darling, for humoring me.  It
was something I've wanted to do ever since I first saw this
office."  He returned her smile and said it was fun.  She gave
him a quick grin, then they dressed and returned to the
hotel.Chapter 9

The next morning Ali arrived at the office early.  She thought
she would be opening it up but was surprised to see all the other
girls were already there.  They were sitting around the table in
the conference room and jumped up as she entered.

Sandy looked embarrassed and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford. 
It's all my fault.  Judy and Kathy were here when I arrived and
then Joan came in.  I said it was all right to have coffee in the
conference room."

Kathy took the opportunity to whisper to Ali that Sandy had
brought in coffee cake for the office.

Ali looked down at her waist and then looked at the coffee cake.
"Do you think I dare?" she asked no one in particular.  The next
thing she knew, she was hit on the head with an empty Styrofoam
cup.

She looked at Sandy and saw her grinning.  "That is the absolute
end, Mrs. Clifford.  I can't take it!  If you can't eat it, no
one here can.  And I don't think any of us are fat."

"Why Sandra Harris, I do believe you assaulted me.  In fact, I
might be able to persuade the jury it was a battery.  Joan,
you're the Lexis whiz, what do you think?  I may even be bruised!
 Cut, even.  You can't be too careful with that sharpStyrofoam."

Joan Fredrick came over to Ali and pretended to look at her
scalp.  "I think I can almost see where you were assaulted, Mrs.
Clifford.  Should I call the police?"

Suddenly Ali's face turned grim and she said, "The police will be
here to pick up the pieces after a real-life remake of The Texas
Chain-Saw Massacre_ if you clowns don't stop calling me Mrs.
Clifford.  The name is Ali!  I'm old enough without you
teenyboppers trying to put me in a wheelchair!"  She turned to
Sandy and said, "And as for you!  Did you bring in the coffee
cake?"

Sandy turned beet-red and nodded.  "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford --
no, I mean Ali -- I did.  I'm sorry and it won't happen again."

Suddenly Ali smiled her sunshine smile and said, "Why, in hell,
not?  I think it's a great idea."  After taking a bite, she
added, "It's great coffee cake, too.  Just be sure it's on your
expense account."

"I beg your pardon?" Sandy said, puzzled.

"Buying goodies for the office is a firm function, Miss Harris,
it is not a personal expense.  But you all better be sure you
work out today in the health club.  I will not be a party to
creating a bunch of lard-asses.  Incidentally, I think this is a
great idea.  Do we have any orange juice?"

Joan Fredrick blushed.  "I'm sorry, Ali.  I'm responsible for our
stores and didn't get any."

Again Ali smiled her brilliant smile.  "Would you teenyboppers
quit being so damned apologetic?  And as for you, Mrs. Carlson,
where in hell is my coffee?  Don't you have any sense of
priorities?"

Kathy grinned at Ali and pretended to shake.  She brought her the
coffee, stripped off her shirtwaist dress and knelt on the floor.
 "Please, Mrs. Clifford, not more than ten lashes!  I promise it
will never happen again."

Kathy was jack-knifed over with her forehead touching the floor.
Ali took advantage of the opportunity and started to tickle the
girl's ribs.  In a moment, she was rolling on the floor, laughing
uncontrollably.  Finally, she wrapped herself in a ball and Ali
got up.  Looking up from the floor, Kathy's eyes were glinting
with laughter.  "Please, Ali, the whip.  I can't take being
tickled.  May I buy you a whip at lunchtime?"

Ali grinned at her secretary and said to the group, "Kathy's
bragging.  She just wanted an opportunity to show off her figure.
 Of course, Kathy, you are getting a little heavy in the thighs,
and your stomach..."

Kathy looked alarmed and looked down, first at her flat belly and
then at her shapely thighs.  The other girls started to howl with
laughter.  Joan said, "Don't worry about it, Kathy.  You look
great... for a mere mortal.  Not in the class with our exalted
partners, but who is?"

Kathy quickly put her dress back on and the banter continued. 
Ali noticed that Sandy looked very pretty and was joining in.  It
was clear she was trying to get along with the other girls and
appeared genuinely relaxed.  Ali also noticed that she looked
very feminine this morning.

She glanced at her watch and said, "Sandy, shall we get this show
on the road?"

Sandy jumped up, went to her office to retrieve papers and then
joined Ali in hers.  "Ali, here's all the stuff and it's an
impressive stack.  We have a summons and complaint for slander,
breech of contract, and a RICO complaint for triple damages.  We
are alleging a conspiracy, sustained over time, designed to
deprive you of your civil rights.  Then there is more Federal
stuff, including a violation of your civil rights.  We even have
a California criminal complaint for grand theft -- your
residuals.  Incidentally, Ali, guess what we found?  In your
papers were copies of three letters you sent to the studio
formally requesting your residual payments for the television use
of your films.  None were answered."  She smiled at Ali and
continued, "Boss, I think we have a very good case.  I can't wait
to get it to court!"

Ali grinned and said, "Okay, coach, put me in!  We'll take my
car.  I have an idea to surprise Si Goldberg.  Shall we?" They
went down to the garage and took Ali's convertible.  "Which car
is yours?" Ali asked.

Sandy looked at her and said, "Guess."

"It has to be the Volvo.  Right?"

"What else would a sober young attorney drive?  It must be a
serious car, after all."  Sandy smiled at Ali and said, "Ali,
would you do me a favor?"

"Sure," Ali replied, "What?"

"Ali, I'm still new at this relaxing business.  Would you come
with me to look at cars if we have some time this afternoon?  For
obvious reasons I'm getting rid of that one."  She grinned at Ali
and added, "It really is pretty tacky, isn't it?  And Ali, could
we drive with the top down?  I get a sexy thrill from it -- I
guess that's why I always avoided convertibles.  But I love them!
 And could you come car shopping with me?"

"I would love to, Sandy.  I won't comment on the rest, though."

They drove up to the gates of Alliance Studios.  Fortunately it
was where her hair stylist had his studio so she just waved at
the guard who knew her.  This time, however, she drove to the
general offices.  Ali was wearing a cord suit and a simple silk
blouse.  The girls got out of the car and walked in.  Ali waved
at the receptionist and walked into Goldberg's office.  The door
to his private office was open and she could hear him talking on
the phone.  His secretary looked up attentively, but Ali just
smiled and walked by into the private office.

Goldberg looked up, startled.  He told the other party that he
would call him back and hung up.  "What are you doing in here,
Ali?  You don't have an appointment."

"Of course not, Si.  We have nothing to discuss.  I just have a
few things to deliver."  As she was talking, she was opening her
attache case on his desk.  "Here's one, and another, and another,
and another.  Si, you are now served with summons and complaints
from both California and Federal courts.  There's one here you'll
particularly like: It's a California criminal warrant for grand
theft."  She smiled at him and said, "Wear them in good health!"
She closed her briefcase and started to leave.

_"What is this shit?"_ Goldberg exclaimed.  "You can't do this to
me.  I'll sue your ass!"

Ali smiled, "I'm afraid you'll have to get in line.  Right now,
I'm suing you."

"Why you filthy bitch!  I was just being nice to you.  Some of my
boys felt we should really do a number, but I told them it would
be better if we just kept you from working and withheld your
residuals.  You don't have a case!  I've got the best lawyers in
town.  You're just... just a two-bit cheap little whore."  He
picked up the summonses and started to tear them up.  "This is
what I think of your fake legal documents!"

Ali just looked at him and said, "Your wonderful lawyers are
going to be annoyed, Si.  Now they don't even know what you're
being sued for.  And tearing up the criminal warrant is a no-no.
You'll be hearing from the Los Angeles police."  She smiled a
very cold smile.  "Good bye for now, Si.  I'll see you incourt."

With a scream of rage, Goldberg came charging around his desk
with his arms outstretched.  He screamed, "You bitch!  I'll kill
you!"

He looked like he was going to grab Ali by the throat and
strangle her.  Just as he was about to grab her, she moved.  She
drove the fingers of her right hand, held closely together,
straight into his solar plexus.  Goldberg folded up like a
jackknife.  Ali grabbed the back of his head with both hands and
drove his face into her rising knee.  There was a sickening
crunch as his nose was smashed against her knee cap.  The man
collapsed on the floor moaning while Ali calmly gathered her
things together and left with Sandy.  Goldberg was just trying to
sit up as they left his office.  They could hear his shouted
obscenities as they walked out the door.

When they were headed back toward the office, Sandy breathed an
audible sigh of relief.  "Ali, what did you do?  I'm a shrinking
violet.  I was scared stiff when he came charging around his desk
at you.  He had blood in his eyes, and I thought I was about to
be the witness to a murder.  Suddenly you moved, and he folded
up.  What did you do?"

Ali grinned and said, "It comes from a misspent youth.  As you
probably gathered from the files, I didn't get along with the
powers that be in the studio, so I started to hang out with the
stunt people.  They're good folks who generally have their heads
screwed on straight.  Anyway, they're always practicing moves of
one kind or another.  What you saw was a karate knife.  You hold
your fingers together and drive it in like a knife blade at the
solar plexus.  If you do it right -- get the right spot -- you
can feel the backbone with your finger tips.  I got it right this
morning.  Si folded up and I just grabbed his head and mashed his
nose on my knee."  She glanced at Sandy and asked, "Did I do all
right?"

Ali could see Sandy grin out of the corner of her eye.  "Ali, you
were perfect.  May I please apologize?  This morning Kathy took
off her dress and prostrated herself on the floor.  Maybe she'll
let me borrow the whip.  God, what a fool I've been!  Here I was
running off at the mouth yesterday about how you are subjugated
by men!  All I can say is I would love to be as downtrodden as
you are.  And then you level that slob this morning without
mussing your hair.  Ali, I'm an idiot."  She smiled ruefully,
then brightened.  "I hope your tape recorder worked.  Did you
remember to turn it on?"

"I sure did," Ali replied.  "Assuming it picked up what we heard,
how's our case?"

"Ali, if it has it all, Goldberg's ass is grass and I'm going to
delight in being the lawn mower!"

Back at the office Ali asked Kathy to come into her office.  They
put the tape on a player and started it.  Ali whooped with joy as
the tape replayed the events in Goldberg's office with startling
fidelity.  When it was over, Ali looked at Kathy and asked her if
she could transcribe the tape.

The girl's eyes were gleaming with excitement.  "Bet on it, Ali.
This is going to be fun!  There are some very interesting sounds
at the end of the tape, before Goldberg started screaming.  What
happened?"  Sandy told her how Ali had cut him down with her
karate knife and then smashed his face against her knee.  Kathy
was very calm.  She looked at Ali and said, "Ali, may I look at
your knee?  You may need treatment for rabies or something."

Ali pulled up her skirt and looked down.  "He's got a big nose,
but not a very strong one.  I don't even think I have a bruise."
She looked up at Sandy and grinned.  "Do you suppose I could
swear out an assault and battery complaint?  Assaulting my knee
with his nose?"

Sandy smiled a very cold smile, then picked up the phone and
called the police.  She identified herself and said she was
reporting an attempted murder.  Then she was transferred to the
Detective Division and spoke to a sergeant.  After explaining the
events of the morning, she ended with the comment that the whole
exchange was recorded on tape.  It turned out the officer knew
Sandy from her _pro bono_ work with Legal Aid.  He said he would
be right up to hear the tape, and would bring a criminal
complaint form with him.

A few minutes later Judy buzzed.  She said two policemen were in
the lobby to see Miss Harris.  Sandy showed them into the office
and introduced them to Ali.  They reviewed the events of the
morning and finally played the tape for them.  The police were
particularly impressed with Goldberg's screamed threat.  They
took careful notes and left with a copy of the tape.

Two days later they were in the courtroom for Goldberg's
arraignment.  Sandy had prepared perfectly.  She insisted that a
peace bond for $1 million be posted by Goldberg to be sure he
stayed away from Allison McGrath Clifford.  She then served
Goldberg with papers seeking a permanent injunction against
Alliance Studios to prevent it paying any money for Goldberg's
legal defense.

When Sandy served the papers, Goldberg, his nose bandaged and his
eyes blackened, went berserk again.  With the courtroom full of
spectators and in the presence of the judge, he again tried to
attack Ali.  It had a similar but even more painful result than
the prior session.  This time Ali flipped him with a judo move
and broke his arm.  He was quickly subdued by court officers. 
The judge immediately ordered him held in jail pending the
posting of a peace bond.  His attorneys were questioned and
admitted they were retained by Alliance Studios.  Goldberg was in
serious trouble as he was taken away to the prison ward at the
hospital to have his broken arm treated.

That evening, Ali was lying in Bill's arms as she told him what
had happened.  When she finished she turned to look at his face.
"Darling, do you think I'm being too vindictive?"

"Honey, it looks to me like you're going to win this case and win
it big.  It's clear there was an active effort led by Goldberg to
ruin your career and break you.  I think he's getting what he
deserves.  By the way, how's Sandy doing these days?  I remember
you telling me about her prickly reputation at her old firm."

"She's doing great, Bill.  She has really loosened up.  She's in
the process of replacing her wardrobe and has already replaced
her car.  She bought a convertible that she'll be picking up in a
couple of days.  I really like her, and so do the other girls in
the office now."

*  *  *

Three weeks later Ginger came bouncing into her office, bubbling
over with excitement.  "Ali, I think I found him!" sheexclaimed.

Ali looked up from a report Ginger and Sandy had prepared for
Boeing and said, "Found who?  I didn't know you were looking for
anyone."

"I found Jack Benson!  Sandy's dream, remember?  He's still in
Los Angeles -- Orange County, actually.  He's a very successful
aeronautical engineer.  And he's still single.  What do you
think?"  They talked about it for a while.  Then Ali called him
up and introduced herself.  It was a Friday morning and she asked
if he could meet her for a drink after work.  They agreed on a
quiet bar on the ground floor of Ali's building at four o'clock.

That afternoon Ali was sitting in a corner booth when the maitre
d' brought a tall man to the table.  Ali knew he was thirty-five
but he appeared younger.  He had brown hair, brown eyes, was six
feet two, and moved like an athlete.  Ali held out her hand and
gripped his, apologizing for not getting up.  She had positioned
herself so Jack would be in the booth with his back to the door.
Since the back of the booth rose above head height, he was hidden
from the view of anyone coming into the lounge.  They chatted and
Ali learned he had been out of the country for several years on
technical assignments abroad.  He had returned for a management
job only a few months earlier.  She also found out he had no
plans for the weekend.

Ali had made a date to meet Sandy at five o'clock.  As the time
passed, she became increasingly nervous. _If Sandy hits me or
quits flat,_ she thought, _it will only be what I deserve for
meddling in things that are none of my affair._  A few minutes
before five she saw Sandy striding up to the table, and Ali
waved.  She noticed how much Sandy had changed in just a few
weeks.  Now she smiled all the time, was very relaxed and looked
beautiful.

When she got to the booth she was about to slide in across from
Ali when she saw Jack Benson.  Ali said, "Sandy, I think you know
Jack Benson.  Jack, do you remember Sandy Harris?"

Jack was sitting on the outside of the booth.  He slid out, got
to his feet, and held out his hand.  Instead of taking it, Sandy
took him in her arms and kissed him.  It was obvious that Jack's
immediate reaction was surprise but he almost instantly
recovered.  Their kiss held and he put his arms around her,
holding her close.  Finally, they parted.

He held her and looked at her carefully.  "My God, Sandy, what
happened to you?"

Sandy smiled warmly and said, "Jack, Ali happened to me.  I know
that sounds weird but with a lot of luck maybe you'll understand,
some day."  Ali saw Sandy's expression change suddenly.  She now
knew the girl well enough to know that she was seeing fear in her
eyes.  "Where's your wife, Jack?  Don't tell me she lets you run
around loose."

Jack still had his hands around her waist.  He smiled warmly and
said, "There is no wife.  No girlfriend.  No girl at all.  But
Sandy, what about your husband?  You look absolutely gorgeous! 
I've thought about you often."

Sandy smiled warmly but made no effort to move away from him. 
The look of fear in her eyes immediately disappeared.  "No
husband, no boyfriend."  She stepped closer and kissed him again.
 When they separated she said, "Come on, Benson.  I owe you! 
Ali, I'll see you Monday morning."

Jack looked befuddled as Sandy took his hand and started to lead
him out of the lounge.  Ali just shook her head and waved.

* * *

Ali and Bill spent Saturday and Sunday playing golf with Charley
and Ginger.  Bill's game had improved dramatically.  From the
mid-90's, he was now playing in the low 80's, with an occasional
round in the 70's.  He and Ali had fierce matches.  Over the
weekend it was the men against the women, and for the two rounds,
it ended up dead even.

Monday morning Ali was at the office early.  She brought sweet
rolls in with her and went into the conference room.  It had
become the usual thing for the girls to come in early, eat
together and idly chatter.  By eight o'clock everyone was there
except Sandy who was usually one of the first to arrive.

At eight-fifteen they heard the front door open.  Moments later
Sandy came into the room.  She stood with her legs apart, then,
moving strangely, sat down in the chair next to Ali.  When she
sat down, she put her head back against the chair and spread her
legs wide.

"Allison Clifford you have destroyed me," she said softly.  Her
eyes were nearly closed as she continued, "I am so stiff, I can
hardly move.  I'm sore in places I never knew I had places.  The
only way I can feel close to normal now is to have my thighs
spread as wide as possible.  I don't think I got more than two
hours sleep since Thursday night.  And it's all your fault.  I
hope you're satisfied!"

Sandy opened one eye and located Kathy.  "Kathy, as a purely
humanitarian gesture, could you please get me a cup of coffee? 
Very black!  As a matter of fact, let's try about a gallon of
coffee."

Ali went to the girl and hugged her.  "Sandy Harris, you look
magnificent -- even without sleep.  You have that 'you know what'
look."

Sandy took the coffee and had a sip.  She looked up at Ali who
could see the girl's eyes glowing.  "You mean I have that
well-fucked look?"  She looked at the other girls and asked,
"What do the rest of you think?"

Almost in unison the girls said, "You look well fucked!"

Ali said, "How's Jack this morning?"

Sandy grinned and replied, "He's a creep.  He's calling in sick.
Would you believe he didn't even get out of bed to kiss me
goodbye?  After we made love this morning he just gave me this
shit-eating grin and rolled over to go back to sleep while I have
to come in here to work my fingers to the bone!"  She looked at
Ginger and then at Ali.  "Could I talk to you two alone,please?"

They went into Ali's office and closed the door.  Ali grinned as
she saw that Sandy not only brought her coffee with her but
brought the rest of the pot as well.  They sat down and looked at
Sandy, waiting for her to speak.  The girl looked from one to the
other and then her lips formed a wry smile.  "I hope you two are
happy!  I am utterly destroyed.  I wanted to ask how you two do
it?  Particularly you, Ali.  Your partner is just a kid.  I'm
thirty, but you're older than I am.  How in hell do you do it?  I
ache all over.  Then I think of Jack and my crotch is instantly
soaking wet.  Is this the way it is with you two?"

Ali and Ginger looked at each other and nodded.  They turned to
Sandy and said in unison, "Sure is!"Chapter 10

Ali and Bill were having dinner together following his return
from Seattle and a Boeing board meeting.  He was looking at his
wife and his love showed in his eyes.  "Darling, you just
achieved a coup," he said.  "Homer Cumings told me your appraisal
of their policies was brilliant.  He also asked about your Firm.
It seems their counsel are dazzled with your people, particularly
Ginger and Sandy.  They couldn't stop talking about how pleasant
they are and how effective they are with the employees.

"It seems they give you credit for heading off at least five
major law suits.  Apparently some women's rights groups in
Seattle are getting pissed off.  Every time they think they have
a case against Boeing they lose their plaintiff.  This is off the
record, honey, but Homer wants you to increase your fees.  He
thinks something on the order of $200,000 per month would be more
appropriate.  But what is going on?"

Ali smiled and took Bill's hand.  "Honey, nothing's going on.  It
just seems that whenever there's a problem, one of us goes up to
Seattle.  So far, it's played the same way every time.  It's
always been some professional woman who feels abused.  Bill, you
know we're pretty freewheeling at the office.  In fact, you might
say we get pretty bawdy.  It's like a men's locker room, only
with women.  Anyway, I guess it shows.  Our people are pretty
relaxed.  Sandy and Ginger are better at it than I am.  They just
sit and listen to some tale of woe and then tell the girl
something from their own experience.  Then we usually follow up
with a little coaching and counseling.  Then she withdraws the
complaint.  It's funny sometimes.  So far we've always been able
to get the girls to come around."

She looked at Bill and said, "I had a strange day today, too.  I
got a call from Harry Bradford.  He's the managing partner in
Charley's law firm.  He wanted to have lunch, so I met him at the
luncheon club on the roof.  We were sitting by the window and he
just looked at me.  Finally, he shook his head.  He said he
couldn't understand how we do it.  I asked him, 'Do what?'  Do
you know what he said?"

Bill smiled and said, "I don't know, but I'll make a guess.  He
can't figure how you keep your people."

She grinned and squeezed his hand.  "I love my perceptive
husband!  That's it!  It seems he had lunch with Sandy a couple
of days ago.  She cleaned their clock in court last week and
absolutely destroyed their senior litigation partner.  The guy
was so crushed he's accepted an appointment as a judge.  Bradford
offered Sandy his position -- senior litigation partner.  She
turned him down flat.  He said he would double whatever I was
paying her.  Sandy just grinned, he said, and told him that
wouldn't be hard.  She was making only about half of what she
made when she was with his firm.  Bradford said his jaw dropped
and he asked her why she wouldn't leave.  She said it was because
she had never had so much fun in her life.  She said we were more
of a family than a firm, and there was no way she would leave. 
But he said she thanked him for the offer."

She smiled at Bill and said, "Bradford asked me what we had done
to her.  He said she was absolutely beautiful and her eyes
glowed.  He said she was sweet and warm with no rough edges.  I
just smiled."  She looked at Bill and said, "What do you think I
should do?"

"Allison Clifford, you know damn well what you're going to do!"
he said sternly.  Then he smiled.  "Why don't you tell me?"

She grinned and said she was going to offer Sandy a partnership.
He smiled and they went back to the suite and made love for the
rest of the evening.

The next morning Ali talked to Ginger about a partnership for
Sandy.  Ginger agreed instantly so Ali called Sandy and asked her
to come in.  When she entered the office, Ali noticed how
beautiful she looked.  She took a chair and looked at Ali
expectantly.

Ali smiled and said, "Sandy, you look great!  How do you feel?"

Sandy stretched luxuriantly and said, "Sinful!  Ali, thanks to
you and Ginger I couldn't feel any better.  You know I haven't
worn a bra in weeks?  Now I'm thinking of trading in my bikinis
for those plastic pants babies wear -- and for the same reason. 
Whenever Jack's around -- or whenever I think of him if he's not
-- my cunt starts to run rivers.  One of these days it's going to
be embarrassing when my love juices start running down my leg in
court."

"Sandy," Ali said, "I don't even know where you're living now. 
At your place or Jack's?'

"We argued about it, Ali.  I guess it's the closest thing to a
fight we've ever had.  I wanted to live with him in Orange County
so he could be close to his office.  He said the commuting was
much worse coming this way, so he insisted on moving in with me.
Do you think I did the right thing?  I still feel badly thinking
of him with that long commute every day.  There are
compensations, though.  It gives me some time to clean the
apartment, prepare dinner, and get ready for him to come home. 
God, it's fun!  Would you believe, I'm even an adequate cook now,
and getting better all the time?"

She looked at the two partners and said, "Somehow, I don't think
that's what you wanted to talk about, though, is it?"  Suddenly,
she looked apprehensive, "I hope I haven't done anything stupid
again?  I've been trying very hard to change."

Ali just shook her head and looked at Ginger, "Do you think
there's any hope for her, partner?"

Ginger just shook her head sadly and replied, "No, I'm afraid
not.  Sandy, stand up and take off your dress, would youplease?"

Sandy was puzzled but did it immediately.  As she had said, she
wore a dress over a bikini -- that was all.  In a moment, she was
naked.  Ginger walked around her looking at her carefully.  Her
head was shaking sadly.  Finally, she turned to Ali and said,
"Have you seen enough?  I know I have."  Ali nodded and Ginger
told the girl to get dressed again.  She did and sat down again,
now visibly worried.

Ginger said, "Ali, I don't know.  Have you ever seen a more
abused pair of boobs?  She has bruises all over.  She can't keep
her legs together.  Even her briefs are wet, for heaven's sake. 
But there's something familiar about her appearance I just can't
place..."

Ali said, with utmost seriousness, "I think it's what we see in
the mirror, Ging.  There's only one solution."

"What's that?"

"We'll have to make her a partner.  Every law firm should have a
litigation partner, don't you agree?" Ali said, maintaining a
straight face.

Ginger appeared to think for a minute and then said, "Ali, you've
got it!  And it'll serve her right, too."  Turning to Sandy, she
said, "Okay.  Now you're a partner."

Sandy had been watching the byplay and the sudden change of
fortune.  Suddenly, she started to cry.  As the other two
watched, her sobbing grew in volume.  She was sitting up straight
in the chair and didn't lower her head, but she was crying like
her heart would break.  Ali and Ginger looked at each other in
amazement.  Ali grabbed a box of tissues from her desk and went
to sit beside the girl.  She took her in her arms and held her as
she continued to sob.  Slowly, Sandy calmed down.

Finally, Ali held her away and looked at her. _In spite of the
tears,_ she thought, _Sandy still looks beautiful._  She asked,
"Sandy, what's wrong?  I know Virginia and I can be a couple of
creeps, and often are.  But I honestly don't know what we did
this time.  What did we do?"

"You can't make me a partner!" Sandy wailed.  "It's not right."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm a creep!  I'm just starting to join the human race
-- all thanks to you two.  I just rediscovered the love of my
life -- again thanks to you two.  I'm even starting to act human
-- you two again.  I can't do it.  I just can't!"  Again she
started to cry.

"Sandra Harris, knock off that shit this instant!" Ali said
harshly.  Sandy jerked up, shocked.  The tears stopped instantly.
 Ali continued, "I want some straight answers from you young
lady.  Do you hear?  Now, how much were you making at your old
firm?"

"$110,000 a year, but..."

"But nothing!  How was your performance in court, then versus
now?"

"I'm doing much better now, but..."

"You and Ginger were brought to my attention by Boeing.  Because
of your brilliant work, we're now getting $200,000 per month. 
We're about to get millions from Goldberg and from Alliance in a
settlement.  Young lady, you are now a partner drawing $200,000 a
year whether you like it or not!  Understand?"

Suddenly, Sandy brightened.  Ali and Ginger looked at each other
and grinned.  It was like the sun coming out from behind the
clouds.  They took turns after she stood up holding her and
kissing her.  They ended by all shaking hands.  Ali noticed that
Sandy's handshake was now as firm as Ginger's and her own.  Then
she turned to Ali and said, "Ali, could you do me a favor? 
Please?"

"Sandy, if I can, I will.  What is it?"

"Ali, Jack makes $100,000 a year.  With my $60,000 we're happy as
clams.  Please don't get me wrong.  He wants me to succeed.  I
tell him what I'm doing and he makes wonderful suggestions. 
That's your fault, too.  Both of you.  It's becoming a Firm
practice to sleep with your head on your man's shoulder with his
hand cupping a boob.  Anyway, when I'm like that -- and it always
follows wonderful lovemaking -- we talk about all sorts of
things.  Ali, I would like you to take the rest of my money and
invest it for me.  I know you're the very best in the business. 
Maybe we can get enough to buy a house someday.  Will you? 
Please?"

Ali immediately agreed, and then asked about the firm name.  "I
think we're now Clifford, Jamison & Harris.  Agreed, Ginger?"

"Absolutely!" Ginger exclaimed.

"Absolutely _not!"_ Sandy said emphatically.  "It stays Clifford
& Jamison!  I think one of the dumbest things in the practice of
law is changing the damned name whenever a partner is elected. 
In fact, if you two insist I'll refuse the partnership!  It's
still Clifford & Jamison!"

They shook hands all around again.  Ali looked at her watch and
found it was 11:30 already.  She buzzed Kathy and asked her to
assemble the staff in the conference room.  The three went in and
Ali announced Sandy's selection as a partner.  Suddenly she
realized Joan Fredrick wasn't there.  Just then the door opened.
Joan was there, topless, wearing only a tiny apron that barely
reached her crotch, along with black net stockings and high
heels.  It was obvious that she had shaved her pubic hair.  Ali
thought she looked beautiful with her beautiful tip-tilted
breasts.  She was carrying a tray of Bloody Marys.  After the
girls cracked up with laughter, the celebration began.

Sandy got up and offered a toast to the senior partners.  Then
she said, "A few months ago, in an earlier -- and very
forgettable -- life, I sat in this room and met the senior
partner of our firm for the first time.  It was memorable for me
and I believe for you, too.  She responded to a dare from the
other name partner and took off her clothes.  Well, I think we
started a tradition here at Clifford & Jamison."

Having said it, she stripped off her shirtwaist dress and then
slipped off her bikini pants.  She stood there in front of the
other girls and said, "I'm afraid the caliber of partner goes
downhill when you get past the name partners.  One has golden
hair, and the other an autumn russet.  Mine is just plain brown.
You can see from my pubic hair that it's my natural color,
though.  My eyes are an uninteresting brown, too.

"My body isn't bad -- for a mere mortal.  My buns are tight and
my legs are pretty good.  Fortunately, Jack doesn't like huge
breasts.  I don't particularly, either, but one of the things I
learned here is how much fun it is to make a man happy.  My
complexion is good, my muscle tone is very good, and he loves the
touch of my skin.  I'm not in their class, but am I at least
marginally acceptable as a partner?"  The girls cheered, and the
party got under way.

The next day Ali was in her office early when Kathy Carlson came
in carrying two cups of coffee.  She passed one to Ali and said,
"Ali, could I speak with you for a few minutes?"

Ali looked at her and said, "Of course, Kathy.  What's on your
mind?"

Her secretary sat down and said, "Ali, you know I'm married,
don't you?"

"I guess so, Kathy.  How are things at home?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about.  Ken -- my husband --
said last night that he's never had it so good, and he asked me
what's happened.  You see, Ali, I've been listening to you,
Ginger, and Sandy, and looking and listening for tips.  I hope
you don't mind.  Once I heard Ginger say that it was a good thing
Charley didn't want to take her while she stood on her head
because she had a hell of a time trying to do that.  Of course,
she said, if that's what he wanted, that's what she would do.  It
was said in just that matter-of-fact way, too.

"Well, I've been paying attention to Ken.  Before, if I was
cooking dinner -- which I didn't do very often, by the way -- I
would really get annoyed if he did anything to distract me. 
Well, last night I was peeling carrots at the sink and he came up
behind me and started to squeeze my buns.  Normally, I would have
hit his hand or something.  Last night, I just melted -- it's the
way I always feel when he does it.  I just leaned back against
him and his other hand came around and grabbed my boob.  Like the
rest of the girls here, I've stopped wearing a bra so when he put
his hand inside my blouse it was just me.  I asked him if he was
just going to stop and leave me with my cunt starting to run
rivers.  I pulled my skirt way up in back and slipped out of my
pants.  Would you believe it?  He took me from the rear.  I just
leaned against the sink top with my forearms and kept peeling the
damned carrot -- until I came, and then I dropped the carrot and
the peeler.  I think I heard that Ginger did that with Charley
one time.

"Anyway, it was a great dinner, even if we did eat a little late.
 Ken just sat there across from me and stared at my boobs and my
nipples -- I didn't bother to dress again.

"He's in law school, too.  He asked about this firm, but I said
flat, no!  First, he couldn't pass the physical.  Second, I can't
handle the competition.  Third, if he got elected partner, I
would be embarrassed when he had to strip for the all the
employees of the firm -- our new tradition.  Anyway, I said it
was all your fault.

"Ali, I can't recall ever being happier than I've been the last
few weeks.  I've done everything I knew Ken wanted to try with me
but I never dared do before.  Some weren't great, but most of it
was a lot of fun.  I had never taken him in my ass before, and
that hurt -- particularly the first time.  But it was interesting
as a change.  I had never taken him in my mouth before, either. 
That turned out to be fun.  After I did him, he decided to do me
and that was wonderful -- he had never done that before, either.
Ever since then, we do each other.

"I just want you to know what Ken said this morning.  He said you
ought to charge me at least $200 a week for allowing me to be
here.  He said it would be cheap at twice the price."  Kathy
smiled at Ali with a very warm smile.  "Ken says I can't come
home tonight until I have an answer.  How much is it going to
cost us for me to continue to work here?"

Ali returned the girl's smile with her own sunshine smile. 
"Kathy, thank you.  You don't know how wonderful that makes me
feel.  I think you're a beautiful girl, too.  In fact, Kathy, I
think you're more beautiful by a good bit than you were just a
few weeks ago when I got back from Hawaii."

Kathy blushed prettily.  "I think I am, too, Ali.  Ken adores my
body, now.  He loves to just touch it.  He says he likes to feel
my muscles quiver under his finger tips.  Ali, I know my love for
Ken has never been stronger, nor his love for me.  I think I've
joined the well-fucked crowd.  But there's more.  Ken is bringing
me things for the first time ever.  He'll bring a single flower
and put it in my hair."  She reddened and said, "Two days ago he
got a little carnation and wanted me to wear it in my pubic
hair."

"What did you do?" Ali asked softly.

"I pinned it in my pubic hair.  That night we mashed it between
us.  We both smelled of carnation when I went down on him
afterward.  It was delicious."  Kathy tried to act stern.  "You
still haven't answered my question, though."

Ali smiled and said, "How does $40,000 a year sound?  Now there's
a third partner and more work for you.  How about if we pay you
$40,000 plus bonus, plus profit sharing?"

Kathy's jaw dropped.  "That's impossible, Mrs. Clifford.  I'm
making $25,000 now and Ken and I agree I'm grossly overpaid.  I'm
getting far more out of the firm than I'm putting in!  It's out
of the question."

Ali pretended to glare at the girl.  "It's still Ali, damn it,
and it's still $40,000.  Now get your tight little ass out of
here!" An hour later, Ali gave Kathy an envelope.  "This is for
you and Ken, with love and gratitude from the partners for a job
very well done."  Kathy opened it and found a bonus check for
$5,000.  Ali winked at her and said, "With a husband in law
school, I dare you to tell me you can't use it."

Kathy came around from behind the desk and took Ali in her arms
and kissed her softly.  "Ali, all I can say is what I know Ken
will say: Who do you want us to kill for you?  Thank you so very
much."Chapter 11

Fall arrived and Ali and Bill Clifford went back to Hawaii for
three weeks.  On their return in November, they planned to go to
Austin where Bill's oldest child, his daughter Jennifer, lived. 
She was a graduate student in political science at the University
of Texas.  When they arrived and cleared security, Bill was
annoyed that Jennifer wasn't at the airport to meet them.  He had
given her their flight information and the connecting flight down
from Dallas had been on time.  However, they were met by Fred who
had driven the limousine over from Los Angeles.  He took their
baggage checks and made arrangements for their luggage to be
brought to the hotel.

Meantime Bill called Jennifer's apartment.  When he returned,
Ali's eyes widened.  She had never seen him look the way he did
now.  He appeared both angry and apprehensive as he gave her a
weak smile going out to the car.  When Fred pulled out on the
highway, Bill looked at Ali and said, "I've got a problem, I'm
afraid."

Ali looked concerned and felt a sharp pang of fear.  "What's
wrong, darling?"

"It's Jennifer.  She didn't want to come out here and then didn't
want to meet us in our suite at the hotel.  She wanted to meet in
the restaurant downstairs.  Something's very wrong," he
continued, "and I think I know what it is: I'm afraid Jennifer
doesn't like you."

Ali did not reply.  She just looked at him.

Finally, he continued.  "Jennifer and her mother were close.  You
probably noticed I don't talk about her very much.  The reason is
my first wife and I weren't very close at all.  Ali, if I seem
utterly ecstatic when I'm with you, it's only because I am.  I
have never been so happy in my entire life."  He looked at her
and tried to smile but failed.  "It's possible the reason I was
so successful in business is because I was so unsuccessful
everywhere else."

Ali took his hand and just held it in both of hers.  She still
hadn't said a word.  Then she moved over close and gave him a
kiss that was loaded with all the love she felt for him.  Then
she just held him tightly.

They had just settled into their suite when the doorbell rang. 
Ali moved to answer it but Bill motioned her to remain seated. 
He went to the door and opened it, returning to the sitting room
followed by a girl Ali guessed to be his daughter, Jennifer.  She
was a tall girl with sandy-blonde hair about the color of Bill's.
 She had a beautiful figure and very lovely features but now her
face looked grim.

Ali rose as she entered the room.  She had intended to take the
girl in her arms but quickly rejected that idea.  Instead she
held out her hand and said, "How do you do?  I'm Ali, your
father's wife.  I'm delighted to meet you."

Jennifer looked at Ali's outstretched hand and then ignored it. 
She went to a chair and sat down still without saying a word. 
Ali looked at Bill who was red in the face and looked like he was
about ready to explode.

He looked at his daughter and said, "Okay, Jennifer.  What's the
problem?  Aside from the fact you have clearly forgotten any
manners that you may have ever learned."

Jennifer glared at Ali and said, "The problem is this dumb,
cheap, gold-digging whore!  That's what the problem is!"

Before Bill could say anything -- and he appeared ready to
explode -- Ali said, "Bill, try to relax."  Turning to the girl
she said, "That wasn't very flattering, Jennifer.  First, why do
you say I'm a whore?  You do know your father and I aremarried?"

"Because you trapped him with sex!  I'll bet you did something
quaint to get him to marry you, like telling him you were
pregnant or something!"

Ali kept her face passive and quietly replied, "That's not true,
Jennifer.  Actually, your father and I were married almost four
months before our marriage was consummated.  Before that, all we
ever did was kiss.  I guess it's fair to say that I was
unsuccessfully trying to seduce him, but we _were_ married.  Then
I think you said I was a gold digger.  I can see why you might
say that.  Your father and I do have a business arrangement. 
Maybe you're right, though.  The arrangement was for me to play
the part of his wife for one year for a fee of $1 million.  I
didn't ask for it -- he offered.  The fee may be excessive.  In
fact, I'm sure it is, but it could be revised downward.  What do
you think would be fair?"

The girl was glaring at Ali with hatred showing in her eyes. 
Finally, she said venomously, "The only thing that would help
would be for you to get out of my father's life! _This minute!"_
she screamed.

Before Bill could say or do anything, Ali got up and went into
the bedroom.  A few minutes later she reappeared with a suitcase.
 Bill's jaw dropped and he jumped to his feet.  "Ali, where are
you going?"

"Bill, I think it would be better if I got another room.  I guess
they can find a room for me in the hotel somewhere.  I'll call
you later."  She quickly kissed him and left.

Bill wheeled on his daughter who was sitting open-mouthed.  "Why
you ungrateful little bitch!  Do you know what you've justdone?"

Jennifer had regained her composure and looked at her father with
a self-satisfied smirk.  "Yes, I do!  I just got rid of a
worthless piece of trash!"

She recoiled as it appeared Bill was going to slap her across the
face.  Then he relaxed a little and sat down.  He shook his head
in sadness and frustration.  "Jennifer, you have just destroyed
my life!  That's what you've done.  That woman who just left is
the finest person it's ever been my privilege to know.  She's
also the most loving, the smartest, and the most capable.

"You said she's a gold digger?  Let me tell you something!  In
the six months or so since I've met her, she's generated about
$150 million for me.  That's made, not spent.  You won't believe
this either: She was the purest, most virginal woman I've ever
been with!  A _whore?_  Ali McGrath is the farthest thing from a
whore imaginable.  When I first met her she was literally
starving to death.  Why?  Because she wouldn't sell her body even
if the alternative was starvation.

"I think I heard you say dumb, too.  Ali is a Phi Beta Kappa and
graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kansas.  She was
first in her class in UCLA's MBA program and later at its law
school.  She is the senior partner of the very best law firm
Boeing has ever worked with.  It's an all-female firm, by the
way.

"I won't go into our personal life except to say she is the
warmest, most loving person I could imagine."  He frowned and
shook his head.  "That's wrong.  I could _never_ imagine anyone
like her.  Now what do you have to say for yourself and for your
actions?"

The girl had been recoiling but she was not prepared to admit she
had made a mistake.  "That's okay, Dad.  You're well rid ofher."

"Jennifer, get out of here! _Now!"_ he shouted.  "Get out before
I do something I could be prosecuted for.  Consider yourself cut
off.  There will be no more money for you -- _ever again!"_

The girl recoiled in fear and fled from the suite.  Bill waited
awhile in order to calm down enough to talk.  Then he called the
front desk.  "This is Mr. Clifford.  I believe my wife engaged
another room.  What is the room number, please?"

"Sir, we can't give out room numbers, but the hotel operator will
connect you."

He heard the phone ringing and Ali immediately answered it. 
"Darling, it's me," he said.  "What are you doing?"

He could tell there was something wrong with her voice.  Then he
realized what it was.  She had obviously been crying and still
was.  "Honey, I got another room," she said, "and I'll send a
bellman up for the rest of my things.  I've made a reservation to
go back to Los Angeles tomorrow.  I'll be out of our suite at the
Beverly Wilshire by the time you get back.  I love you, Bill
Clifford," she said very softly.  Then the phone went dead.

Bill looked at the instrument and called the operator asking to
be reconnected.  He was told Mrs. Clifford had asked not to be
disturbed.  He was frightened.  He could feel all of his
happiness disappearing down a drain.  Then he picked up the phone
and called Ali's law office in LA.  The receptionist, Judy
Jeffries, answered immediately.  Bill identified himself and
asked for Ginger.  Judy said she was unavailable.

Bill said, "Judy, this is a matter of life or death.  I must get
in touch with Ginger immediately!"

He could hear Judy's sudden intake of breath.  "Would you wait,
please?  I'll try to reach her."

There was silence on the phone for a few minutes.  Then he heard
Ginger come on the line.  The connection was not good.  "Bill,
it's Ginger.  What's the problem?"

"Ginger, the problem is Ali... and my idiot daughter.  My
daughter, Jennifer, started to insult Ali.  She called her a
dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore!  Then she really let go.  Ging,
Ali's left the suite and took her clothes.  She has a room of her
own and she won't even tell me the room number.  Ginger, I need
help -- and I really think she does, too.  Where are you?"

"I'm in Seattle with Sandy.  Look, Bill, I'll come right down. 
If it's okay with you, I want to bring my mother, too.  Ali
refers to her as her best friend, and I think she is.  I'll see
you as soon as I can get there."

Bill paced the floor of the suite.  Bellmen came up and he gave
them the rest of Ali's luggage with the greatest reluctance.  He
tried to read but couldn't.  Then he turned on the TV but
couldn't stand the noise.  He thought about eating, but the
thought of food turned his stomach.  Finally the phone rang.

It was Ginger.  "Bill, Mom and I are downstairs.  Can we come
up?"

Bill's jaw dropped.  It had only been three hours since he had
spoken to her in Seattle.  "My God, Ginger, of course!"  He gave
them the room number and a few minutes later the doorbell rang. 
He opened it and saw the mother and daughter.  He kissed them
both and they came into the suite and sat down.  Both women
looked somewhat bedraggled.

"My God!" he exclaimed.  "How did you get here so fast?"

Barbara gave him a tired smile and said, "Blame Boeing.  In
addition to their commercial aircraft, they make a few little
jewels for special purposes.  Anyway, I called Bob after Ginger
called me.  He called Homer Cumings and one of their special
birds was immediately made available to bring us down here. 
Unfortunately, it's built for speed, not for comfort.  Bill, Ali
rates very high in Seattle."

Barbara's face turned serious as she added,  "Now tell us what
happened."

Bill began to recount the events of the morning.  He stressed the
fact that Ali couldn't have been nicer or more reasonable to
Jennifer.  As he was finishing the story, the doorbell rang.  He
opened the door for a bellman with an envelope.  The boy looked
embarrassed.  "Mr. Clifford, I need you to sign this receipt,
please."

Bill scrawled his signature and gave the boy one hundred dollars.
 He had immediately identified the handwriting as Ali's.  "What
room did this come from?" he asked.

The boy turned red and looked into Bill's tormented eyes. 
Finally, he said, "It's suite 700, sir.  But please don't tell
anyone or I'm history!"  Bill smiled and assured him he would
not.

The boy left and Bill took the fat envelope back to the sitting
room.  He opened it and emptied it onto the table.  Then he
looked at the contents and started to cry.  Spilled out on the
table were Ali's American Express card, MasterCard, Visa, and
personal check book.  All the things he had given her were being
returned to him, even her jewelry.  He idly looked at the check
register in the check book.  When he looked at the last entry, he
grabbed the phone and called Morgan Guaranty in New York.

His account officer checked and verified that $600,000 had been
put into the account by a Federal Reserve wire transfer from Bank
of America.  "Bill, there was something odd about the transfer. 
It's why I happened to know about it.  There was no indication of
the originating account and B of A refuses to release the
information."

Bill sat on the sofa stunned.  Tears were running down his
cheeks.  "My God, it's over!  What am I going to do?"

Ginger was sitting next to him and took him in her arms.  She
just held him and listened to his sobs.  Barbara had heard Ali's
suite number and took her suitcase to the elevator.  She went to
the door of suite 700 and rang the bell.  Hearing Ali call out,
she waited.  Barbara guessed Ali was washing her face to
eliminate some of the signs of tears.  Awhile later the door
opened.

Ali gasped in surprise as she saw her friend.  "My God!  Barbara!
 What are you doing here?"

Barbara smiled although she had nothing to smile about.  Ali
looked terrible -- the worst, by far, that Barbara had ever seen
her.  The most noticeable thing was her eyes: they were dead. 
Barbara wanted to cry but forced a smile.  "Hi, cous!  You forget
I'm a Texan.  I do get back home every once in a while.  Can I
come in?"

Ali stepped back quickly and invited her friend in.  They went to
the sitting room and Barbara could see the signs of Ali cleaning
things out.  Bill hadn't exaggerated one bit: she was leaving. 
Barbara looked at her friend and said, "Ali, what happened?"

Looking into her eyes, Barbara wanted to cry.  Ali was tormented
and looked it.  She said, "Barb, I have to leave Bill.  His
daughter hates me and I will not come between a man and his
children.  I won't!"

Barbara spoke very softly.  "Ali, shouldn't Bill have something
to say about that?  I thought you loved him?"  As she said it,
Barbara Jamison was frightened.  It was obvious that Ali was only
hanging on by a thread.  She was only moments away from a
complete breakdown.

"Love Bill?"  Ali looked at her friend with her tormented eyes. 
"No, Barb.  I don't love Bill Clifford.  I adore him.  I would
cheerfully sacrifice my life for him.  In fact, I guess that's
what I'm doing."  She broke down in tears and huddled in a small
ball in the corner of the sofa.  Watching Ali's misery made it
the very worst day of Barbara's life.  She went over and held Ali
in her arms and just listened as she cried her heart out.

The next day Ginger got a call from Sandy Harris while she was in
Bill's suite.  Barbara never told Ali that Ginger had come down
to Austin with her.  Sandy said, "Partner, I got a call late last
night from Ali.  She was unable to reach you so she called me. 
She wants to file for divorce against Bill.  Actually, first she
wanted to go for an annulment but I eased her off that.  You
can't contest an annulment but you can contest a divorce.  Ging,
this is the most contestable damned divorce I've ever heard of. 
What do you think?"

Ginger said, "Sandy, I have an idea.  Here's what it is..."  She
then proceeded to outline in detail what she had in mind.  She
ended by asking Sandy, "If you called in every chit we have in
the Firm, how soon could we get a trial date?"

Sandy immediately endorsed Ginger's idea.  "I think I can get us
on the calendar for the end of next week.  Good enough?"

"Partner, that's great!  You know what?  If we weren't playing
for such incredibly high stakes, this could be interesting!" 
Ginger continued with sadness becoming evident in her voice, "I
guess you know that even if we win, we lose.  We both have to
leave the firm."

Sandy replied quietly, "Of course.  But we don't have a choice,
do we?  If we don't win, Ali dies and the firm dies anyway. 
Ginger, that woman saved my life!  At any cost, I must try to
save her."

Ali flew back to Los Angeles with Barbara and Sandy met them at
the airport.  She had borrowed Jack's car so it would be big
enough to handle Ali's things.  When she saw Ali come through
security Sandy was shocked. _My God,_ she thought. _She died! 
Her eyes are absolutely dead._  Sandy felt her heart knot up as
she felt the pain Ali had to be suffering.  Ali gave directions
to her old apartment in the Valley where she had continued to pay
the rent rather than give it up.  On the way out she asked Sandy
what was going on and was told that the process was being rushed.
 It would be completed by the end of the following week.

*  *  *

The case was called for Thursday morning at nine-thirty in Family
Court.  It was to be heard by Judge Helen Carter.  After Sandy
escorted Ali into the courtroom and up to the plaintiff's table,
Ali paid no attention to her surroundings as their case was
called.  The judge asked if the plaintiff was ready and Sandy
said the plaintiff was.  She then asked if the defendant was
ready and Ginger said the defendant was.  Ali heard Ginger's
voice and looked across at the defendant's table.  Ginger was
sitting with Bill Clifford.

The judge asked the counsel to approach the bench.  She glared at
Ginger and Sandy and said, "What is this, you two?  Is this some
kind of sick joke?  Your senior partner is sitting at the
plaintiff's table and you, Miss Jamison, are defending the case
-- against your own senior partner?"

"Yes, your honor," Ginger said quietly.

"Young ladies, I'm warning you!  I am going to watch this very
carefully.  I am fully prepared to move for disbarment against
you both!  Is that clear?"

They both said it was perfectly clear and returned to the counsel
tables.

Sandy called Jennifer Clifford as her first witness.  Ali's jaw
dropped as she heard Jennifer's name called.  She whispered,
"Sandy, what in hell are you doing?  There's no need for this!" 
Sandy just shook her head and went to the stand as Jennifer was
sworn.

After the preliminaries, Sandy addressed Jennifer.  "Miss
Clifford, are you related to the defendant?"

"I am his daughter," she replied.

"Do you know the plaintiff?"

"I met her briefly, once."

"What was said at that one meeting?" Sandy asked.

"I called her a dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore."

"What had Mrs. Clifford done to provoke this accusation?"

"She married my father, the bitch!"

"Miss Clifford, could we take your accusations one at a time
please.  First, you said she was dumb.  What is your basis for
that statement?"

"She's nothing but a cheap actress.  Everyone knows you wouldn't
have a whole brain if you combined them all in one person's
head!"

Sandy frowned.  "Are you asking the court to take judicial notice
of what you are claiming to be general knowledge: All actors and
actresses are stupid?"  Jennifer looked puzzled and didn't
answer.  Sandy said, "Let's skip that and go to the next
statement.  I think your words were cheap.  What do you mean by
cheap?  Inexpensive?"

Jennifer said, "Of course not.  Everyone knows what cheap means:
too much makeup, flashy clothes... that sort of thing."

"Oh, I see!  Miss Clifford, am I wearing too much makeup?"

Jennifer looked at Sandy for the first time.  She realized the
girl was beautiful.  She looked closely and could see no sign of
any makeup at all and said so.  Sandy said, "I'm wearing lipstick
which is more than my client is wearing.  You also mentioned
flashy clothes.  Is Mrs. Clifford wearing flashy clothing?"

Jennifer glared at Sandy and exclaimed, "She's not Mrs. Clifford,
damn you!"

Judge Carter immediately interjected, "The witness will control
her tongue or she will be held in contempt!  And as a matter of
both fact and law, the plaintiff is Mrs. Clifford.  Counselor,
you may continue."

"We were talking about dress," Sandy said.  "Is Mrs. Clifford
cheaply dressed today?"

"No," Jennifer answered very softly.

"Your Honor, would you please instruct the witness to speak up. 
I did not hear her reply to my question."

Jennifer glared at Sandy as the judge said the witness must speak
loudly enough to be heard.  Sandy then said, "I repeat, is Mrs.
Clifford dressed cheaply today?"  Ali was wearing a suit
custom-tailored for her in a very conservative gray material.

Jennifer nearly shouted, "No, she is not!"

"Oh!  Then she was dressed cheaply when you met her in Texas?"

"No, she wasn't," the girl replied in a more normal tone of
voice.

"Then what is the reason for referring to her as cheap?  It's
neither of the things you referred to earlier.  It's not makeup
and it's not clothing.  What is it?"

"She married my father!" the girl wailed.

"Oh, I see!" Sandy continued brightly.  "Then your mother must
have been cheap.  She married him, too."

Jennifer put her nose in the air and said, "That was different. 
He loved my mother!  This woman is just a whore!"

"Please define a whore for me," Sandy asked quietly.

"A whore is a woman who has sexual relations with everything in
pants," she replied smugly.

"Oh, I see.  Now, you said gold-digging: How much money did Mrs.
Clifford take from your father?"

Jennifer's eyes widened and she said, "Millions!  I don't know
how many, but millions.  And she's trying to get more today!"

Sandy turned to Ginger and said, "Your witness, counselor."

Ginger said, "I have no questions at this time, but I would like
to request the witness to remain available.  I may have questions
for her later."

Sandy said, "I call the plaintiff, Allison McGrath Clifford, to
the stand."

Ali had said next to nothing to Sandy before the trial except to
say she wanted nothing from Bill.  She was stunned when Sandy
called her to the stand.  She was sworn and took her seat.  Sandy
made sure Jennifer was still sitting in the courtroom as she
began the questioning.

"Mrs. Clifford, how long have you been married?"

"About six months," Ali replied quietly.

"When was the marriage consummated?"  Sandy stopped and said,
"Let me rephrase the question.  When did you first have sexual
intercourse with William Clifford?"

Ali glared at Sandy and said, "About three months ago."

"Then your first sexual experience with Mr. Clifford came after
you had been married for about three months?"

"That is correct," she replied softly.

"With how many men have you had sex in your life, besides Mr.
Clifford?"

Ali glared at Sandy.  Her eyes were glinting with blue fire --
she was angry.  Sandy was secretly delighted.  It was the first
sign of life she had seen in Ali since the day she left for
Texas.  Ali muttered under her breath, "Wait until I get you back
in the office, young lady!" and then said in her normal quiet
tone, "Two."

Sandy said, "Mrs. Clifford, did I hear the number, two?"

"That's correct."

"On how many occasions did you have sex before meeting Mr.
Clifford?"

"Three."

"When was the most recent occasion?"

"About seven years ago," Ali said quietly, all the while glaring
daggers at Sandy.

"So, Mrs. Clifford, you slept with two men a total of three times
before meeting Mr. Clifford.  The most recent prior occurrence
was about seven years ago?"  Ali said that was correct.

"Now, Mrs. Clifford, Jennifer says you are dumb.  Did you go to
college?  If so, where, and how well did you do academically?"

"I went to the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  I graduated
summa cum laude with a major in history.  I was elected to Phi
Beta Kappa.  I received my masters degree in business
administration and my law degree from UCLA."

"What was your class rank at UCLA?"

"I was first in my class in both programs."

"Your honor," Sandy said, "I request the Court to take judicial
notice of the fact that a woman who is Phi Beta Kappa and first
in her class at UCLA law and business schools is not dumb."

Judge Hunter glanced at Ginger who shrugged and nodded.  The
judge said, "It is so noted."

Sandy turned back to Ali and said, "Mrs. Clifford, how does Mr.
Clifford's net worth today compare with what it was when you met
him?"

Ali glared at Sandy and replied, "I'm really not sure."

Sandy pressed the point.  "Surely, you have some idea?"

"It's a little higher today, I think."

"Mrs. Clifford, what do you think would be a fair divorce
settlement for you?  What do you want?"

Ali glared at Sandy and said, "I would like one dollar and my
freedom!"

Finally, Sandy said, "Ali, do you love Bill Clifford?"

Ali glared but then her eyes started to fill with tears.  "Of
course I love him.  My God, I love him more than life itself!"

"Thank you Mrs. Clifford.  I have no more questions nor any more
witnesses."  She turned to Ginger and said, "Your witness."

Ginger said, "Your honor, I have no questions of the plaintiff at
this time.  I would like to reserve the right to recall her
later, if I may.  I call as my first witness, William Harrison
Clifford."

Bill went to the witness box and was sworn in.  He took his seat
and waited.  He looked like hell.  It was obvious he had scarcely
slept or eaten since the events in Texas, and Ali was shocked by
his appearance.

"Mr. Clifford," Ginger asked, "why are you contesting this
divorce?  Is it a matter of money?"

Bill, like Ali, had no advance knowledge of what was going to
happen.  When the question was asked, he looked stunned.  "Money?
 Of course not.  Ali is welcome to all that I own if it will get
her back.  She won't let me give her anything.  And I owe her."

"What do you mean, you owe her?"

"She has been managing the family money for the last six months.
Through yesterday she has increased the family wealth by about 10
percent, or roughly $200 million.  She is paid 1 percent of the
assets under management, so for six months that would be about
$10 million.  She won't take a penny!"

"Do you love Allison Clifford?"

"More than my life!  She's the finest thing that ever happened to
me.  I don't want to lose her!  I'll do absolutely anything to
get her back.  Anything!"

"Mr. Clifford," Ginger said softly, "do you agree with your
daughter's characterization of Allison Clifford?"

Bill glared at his daughter and said, "It would be impossible for
me to disagree more.  Calling Ali a whore?  When we finally made
love for the first time, it was apparent she was inexperienced
with men in spite of having been a sex symbol on the screen. 
Nevertheless, all she could think of was how she could increase
my enjoyment."  Bill started to cry as he continued to speak,
"That's so typical of Ali, too.  All she ever thinks about is
other people and what she can do for them.  You know it, Ginger,
and you do, too, Sandy.  She doesn't have a selfish bone in her
body!"

Ginger said, "Mr. Clifford, Allison Clifford said she wanted one
dollar and her freedom.  Do you believe her?"

"Hell, no!  I don't believe it for an instant.  She's sacrificing
herself -- and me -- because I have a daughter who's so selfish
she can't see a thing.  Jennifer is cut off and has been since
last week.  I will not speak to her again until and unless she
abjectly apologizes to my wife!"  Bill turned to Judge Carter and
said, "Please, your honor, don't give her a divorce!"

Ginger asked if Sandy had any questions and Sandy shook her head.
 Ginger called Ali for cross examination.

"Ali, did you listen to Bill's testimony?"

Tears were flowing down her cheeks, but she said, "Yes, I did."

"Did you believe him to be lying?"

Ali looked genuinely shocked.  "Bill?  Lie!  That's ridiculous! 
He's incapable of lying."

"Then you believe him when he says he loves you?"

"Yes," she said very quietly.

"More than life itself?  Weren't those your words about him,
too?"

"Yes, he does, and they were."

"Why do you want a divorce?  Can't you stand to live with him?"

Ali glared at Ginger and said, "That's the dumbest thing I've
ever heard in my life!"

"Then why do you want a divorce?"

"Because I refuse to come between a man and his daughter!"

"But it's okay for a girl to come between a man and his wife? 
When he adores his wife and she adores him?  When he's already
disowned the daughter?  When her accusations have been proven to
be false and malicious?"  Ginger stood up straight and looked
right into Ali's eyes.  "Ali, are you sure you want this
divorce?"

Ali finally lost her fragile control.  She broke down in tears,
slowly shaking her head from side to side.  Bill jumped up from
the table and went to her.  When he took her in his arms and held
her close, she buried her head in his shoulder and clung to him.

Meanwhile, Sandy approached the bench.  "Your Honor, on behalf on
my client I would like to withdraw the complaint.  As you just
heard, it really wasn't much of a complaint."

Judge Carter looked at Sandy and at Ginger who had come up to
join her partner.  "You two are law partners of Mrs. Clifford,
aren't you?"

"Yes, Your Honor," they replied in unison.

"Well why, in hell, did you let it get to this courtroom in the
first place?  Never in my life have I seen two people so much in
love as those two, with the woman trying so hard to destroy
everything she loves!"

Ginger shrugged.  "I'm sorry, Your Honor.  We were unable to talk
her out of it.  In fact, we couldn't talk to her at all. 
However, my client has offered to pay anything at all in the
nature of court costs and apologizes for wasting the Court's
time."

Judge Carter looked at the two girls carefully and slowly shook
her head.  "I've heard about you and your firm.  You're the
hottest thing in Los Angeles and I can see why.  Incidentally,
you're undoubtedly the most beautiful lawyers in town, too. 
Would you please give your senior partner my very best regards
when she's feeling better?  I don't think she'll be sorry about
the outcome.  As for the rest of it, the mission of the Court is
to try to see that justice is done.  I'm convinced it just was. 
Thanks, girls!"  Judge Carter smiled at them and whispered, "Now
get your trim little asses the hell out of my courtroom.  I've
got some real cases to try!"

They grinned and returned to the counsel tables, got their papers
together and prepared to leave.  Ginger led Bill away, while he
still held tight to Ali.

When they got back to the Beverly Wilshire, they went up to the
suite.  As he opened the door, Ali put her hand to her mouth and
gasped.  "Bill, I have nothing!  Everything I own is back at my
apartment!"

Sandy and Ginger were with them.  Sandy said, "Do you want to
bet?"

They went into the suite and Ali went to the bedroom.  All of her
things were back in their accustomed places.  She came out to the
living room.  There on the table were all of her cards, her
checkbook, and everything else she had returned to Bill.  Ginger
was pouring champagne.

"What's this for?" Ali asked.

"This is to celebrate your rebirth," Ginger replied.  "Ali, have
you looked at yourself lately?  You were dead.  Take a look. 
Please!"

Although the light was back in her eyes, she still looked haggard
from lack of food and sleep.  She looked at herself in the
mirror.  Her mouth formed an 'O', and she covered it with her
hand.  Then she looked at Bill and realized again how badly he
looked.  "My poor darling," she said.  "What have I done toyou?"

The two girls quickly excused themselves leaving Ali and Bill
alone.  She went into his arms and kissed him.  After he held her
tightly, she could feel moisture on his cheeks.  She moved away
and realized he was crying.

"Ali, don't ever do that again," he said.  "I couldn't take it! 
You can't realize how much I love you."  Then he smiled at her
and said, "I think I finally figured it out.  You're so busy
thinking of others, it never occurred to you that I could love
you as much as you love me.  Darling, if anything, I love you
even more!"  The tears stopped as he looked at her.  "Ali, could
we eat?  I can't remember eating since that day in Texas.  I feel
like hell and you don't look much better."

Ali tried a grin and reached for the telephone.  A few minutes
later a waiter wheeled in a cart with shrimp cocktail and two big
steaks.  As they started to eat, they both realized how hungry
they were.

Still later when it was time for bed, Ali looked at Bill and
said, "Darling, would you do me a favor?  Could we go back to the
very first night we spent together?"

Bill gave her an odd look but agreed.  She was in bed waiting for
him when he came out of the bathroom.  He pulled back the covers
and felt a twinge almost like pain.  Ali was thin again -- not
nearly as bad as the first time he saw her, but very thin.  He
got in bed beside her and she rolled over on top of him.

As she lay on his chest she said, "Bill, the first time I wanted
my body to be perfect for you before you took me.  I guess I let
it go to hell in the last week or so.  That's only right because
I was in hell.  Darling, I can't tell you how bad it was.  Can
you possibly forgive me?" He held her close and kissed her.  She
made noises deep in her throat and nuzzled her cheek on his
chest.  Then she rolled over, snuggled as close to him as she
could get, placed his hand on her breast and went to sleep.  They
were both exhausted from the emotional strain.

Early the next morning Ali was only dimly aware of Bill moving on
her.  She spread her legs wide and felt him enter her and move
gently within her.  Almost instantly her cunt had begun to flow
with her juices.  As he moved within her she smiled softly, but
still hadn't opened her eyes.  She achieved a small orgasm and
finally opened her eyes to look into his.  She gave a start and
murmured, "Bill, you cheated!  You weren't going to do this."

He continued to move inside her, bringing her up towards another
climax.  "Why are you punishing me, Ali?  I thought you
apologized last night?  Do you realize how agonizing it is to lay
beside the world's most beautiful woman who's also my loving wife
and not be able to touch her?"  He grinned down at her and
whispered, "Besides, your glorious cunt feels so wonderful!"

Just then Ali crested.  She exploded inside taking him over with
her.  Moments later after she had extracted all his juices he
collapsed on top of her.  Still later she awakened.  Bill was
still above her.  She kissed him softly and he took her
again.Chapter 12

It was after nine o'clock when Ali entered her law office
downtown and found that Judy wasn't at her desk.  In fact, the
front door was still locked.  Ali went to the conference room and
found the girls around the large table drinking coffee. 
Normally, the coffee hour was a time of joking and banter.  This
morning it seemed like a wake.  When she opened the door it was
as if the executioner had just entered the cell to bring out the
condemned man.

Sandy Harris smiled wryly at the others and said, "Good bye, all.
 Thank you."  She got up, passed a letter to Ali, and started to
leave.

Ali glanced at the letter and said, "What's this?"  Then she
looked at Ginger who also had a letter which she, too, gave to
Ali.  She got up and prepared to leave.

Ali glanced at Ginger's letter and exclaimed, _"Not so fast, you
two._  Sit down!  I'm not through with you yet.  You're not
getting off so easy."

The two girls looked at Ali and saw blue fire in her eyes. 
Ginger thought, _Uh, oh!  This is going to be worse than I
thought._  Her eyes were downcast as Ali sat down at the end of
the table.  "Let's review the events of the last twenty-four
hours or so.  You first, Ginger.  This letter says you're
resigning as a partner of Clifford & Jamison.  Why?"

Ginger looked up, startled.  "Because I went counter to the
interests of our senior partner."  Ginger was puzzled.  While she
was looking at Ali, Kathy, moving like a mouse, had poured coffee
and passed the cup to Ali.

"Mrs. Conrad, I realize you're a new member of the bar.  Whose
interests are you supposed to represent?  The firm's or the
client's?"

"Why, the client's interest, of course," she said.

"Your client was William Harrison Clifford.  What was his
interest?"

"To contest your action for a divorce.  He didn't want to give
you one."

Ali's voice was accusing and the blue fire was still coming from
her eyes.  Ginger felt like a bug impaled on a pin.  She couldn't
move nor escape Ali's gaze.  Ali continued, "And you won the
case.  Here."  As she said the last word she had reached into her
purse and pulled out a folded piece of paper which she slid down
the table to Ginger.

Ginger unfolded the paper and saw it was a check.  She looked at
it and almost fell over.  It was a check made out to Virginia
Jamison Conrad for one million dollars.  It was signed by William
H. Clifford.  Ali didn't say a word.

Ginger looked at her and suddenly saw the fire replaced by a
glint of amusement. _"What is this?"_ Ginger exclaimed.  "It says
one million dollars!  And it's made out to me."

"It's the best I could do, I'm afraid," Ali said sadly.  "Since
half the money is mine, I was trying to economize but Bill was
adamant.  He thinks it's not nearly enough and will be happy to
replace it with a check in what he considers to be a more
appropriate amount."

She then wheeled on Sandy.  "But as for you, Sandra Harris,
what's your excuse?  Believe it or not, Bill was going to give
you the same size check.  I told him it would be grossly
unethical for him to pay counsel for the opposing party.  Ginger
was protecting her client's interest.  What were you doing?" 
Again the blue fire was coming from Ali's eyes.

Sandy was sitting up straight in her chair.  Tears were starting
to roll down her cheeks.  She said softly, "I was guilty of the
worst sort of malpractice, Mrs. Clifford.  That's why I'm
resigning from the firm and from the Bar.  Clearly, I can no
longer practice law.  I spoke with Jack last night and we thought
I might be able to get a suspended sentence or only have to serve
a few months in jail.  He said he'll wait for me.  I'm sorry."

Still Ali glared at the young woman.  "Suspended sentence for
what?"

"For a gross breech of client confidence, and..."

"What is a lawyer's responsibility?" Ali demanded.

"To serve her client's interest, of course," Sandy replied.

"I was your client.  What was my interest?"

"To obtain a divorce.  Except I thought..."

"You thought what?"

Ali didn't think the girl could sit up any straighter but she
did.  Sandy replied, "I did not think a divorce was in your best
interest.  I know you love Bill Clifford more than life itself. 
A divorce would have killed you.  Therefore, Mrs. Clifford, I
substituted my judgment for yours.  I subverted the divorce
action you began, I breached your confidence, and I'm not sorry.
I still think it was the right thing to do, even if it was
certainly unethical and probably illegal!"

Again Ali went to her purse and slid a piece of paper down the
table, to Sandy this time.  Sandy picked it up and looked at it.
Her jaw dropped.  It was a check on Bank of America made out to
Sandra Harris for $500,000.  It was signed by Allison McGrath. 
Ali smiled softly at the girl and said, "Sandy, that's only a
down payment.  It's all the money I have right now, and I refused
to accept any of Bill's.  There will be more later today -- I get
my investment management fee -- and I'll sign it all over to you.
 You said you exercised your judgment over mine.  You said you
didn't believe a divorce was in my best interest.  We both know
you were absolutely correct.

"Sandy, I don't know what I have to do.  Would it help if I
crawled to you on my hands and knees and begged you to stay?"

Suddenly Ali had dropped her act.  She went over to Sandy who
rose from her chair.  Ali hugged the girl tight and said, "Sandy,
there aren't any words for me to tell you what I feel!  As a
start, you saved my life!"

Sandy pushed Ali away and glared at her.  If blue flame had been
apparently coming from Ali's eyes, it was nothing compared to the
fire now in Sandy's.  She took the check and carefully tore it
into tiny pieces.  She took Ali's hand and put the pieces in her
palm and closed her fingers over them.  "I've been listening to
you Allison McGrath Clifford!  Now you listen to me!  We both
know when I joined this firm I was a mess -- a disgrace to the
human race!  What did you do?  You picked me up and put me
together.

"Notice, I didn't say back together -- that would imply I had
been together and we both know that's just not true.  You and
your partner even managed to find the love of my life, Jack
Benson.  He is coming over to meet me later this morning.  He
insists on going to the courthouse with me when I turn myself in
to the District Attorney.  He says he's waited for me for five
years.  Now that we've been together for a while, a few more
months will be easy.  Do you think what you have done for me has
no value?  It may not have value to you, but it certainly does to
me!"

Ali was abashed.  Just then Ginger gave her Bill's check, also
ripped into small pieces.  Ginger said, "Charley and I may talk
to you about borrowing some money later for a down payment on a
house.  What you did for Sandy is nothing compared to what you
did for me.  Ali, will you just this once try to understand there
are people for whom you have provided the greatest gift
imaginable -- the gift of love!  Ali, it's priceless!

"All I can tell you is if I accepted Bill's check, it would not
only cost me my marriage -- and there's no value high enough for
me to place on that -- it would also cost me my parents.  They
would never speak to me again.  They worship the ground you walk
on and with reason."  She looked at Sandy and said, "We'll make a
deal with you: You and Bill can pay for the office Christmas
party out of your own pockets and we'll call it square.  Do you
accept?"

For the first time in weeks the girls saw Ali's sunshine smile. 
There were audible sounds of relief from the girls around the
table.  Ali had been listening in wonder to her two partners. 
Slowly she nodded her head.

Then she turned to Kathy and said, "I need to be fattened up.  I
guess the lack of food finally affected my brain."  Kathy went
off to order a big breakfast for her.

When she returned, Ali was organizing the Christmas party.  She
grinned and put Sandy and Kathy in charge.  Then she looked
around the table and excused herself.  When she arose, the sense
of relief around the table was palpable.  A few minutes later she
returned with a folder.  She reached into her purse and took out
a pair of rimless reading glasses.  Ginger smiled to herself. 
She knew the glasses were only a prop.  Ali's eyesight was
perfect; the lenses were uncorrected optical glass.  While she
wondered what Ali was doing, the answer was not long in coming.

She looked around the table and appeared stern.  The girls slowly
sat up very straight in their chairs and the room become quiet. 
The only sound was the air flow from the registers.  Ali was
amused.  They appeared like children with their hands caught in
the cookie jar, waiting for their mother to say something.

Ali said, "There's been enough time wasted around here.  We have
decided we're going to have a Christmas party.  When I left the
room the discussion seemed to be centered on making it a formal
dance with husbands or dates.  Normally, bonuses are paid at
year-end.  However, I've always felt that practice made life a
bit difficult for people who have holiday expenses and no exact
knowledge about a bonus -- whether they would even get one, let
alone how much it might be.  Then, of course, there's all the
jazz of withholding for FICA, and Federal and California income
taxes.

"I decided we would have our performance reviews today.  I
remember from business school that compensation action is
supposed to be removed in time from performance reviews. 
Frankly, I always thought that was a lot of garbage.  If the
compensation doesn't relate to performance, what's it supposed to
relate to?  Anyway, let's begin."

She looked at Kathy Carlson.  "Kathy, aside from taking care of
all the secretarial work for the three partners, what in hell do
you do around here?"  Then she grinned.  "Kathy, your bonus is
being reduced from what you deserve because you got a partial a
month or so ago."  Ali looked at the check and said, "We'll get
you the appropriate stub later.  The checks are net pay; we're
going to need our computer whiz, Joan Fredrick, to run our
payroll program backwards to figure out what the gross pay and
deductions are.  Anyway, Kathy, here's your bonus."

She slid the check down the table to Kathy who gasped.  "Ali --
Mrs. Clifford -- you can't do this!  It's not right!  It's for
$35,000!"

Ali looked at her and said, "You're earning $40,000.  You already
received five thousand.  Forty minus five is thirty-five.  See,"
she said with a grin, "I can, too, subtract.  Now what's your
problem?  Isn't it good enough?"

Kathy just shook her head; tears of joy were flowing down her
cheeks.  Ali passed out bonus checks to Joan and Judy Jeffries
also equal to their gross annual salary.  The girls sat around
the table stunned.  Finally Ali looked at Ginger and Sandy and
said, "As for you two, I'll take care of you later!"  She left
the room and went back to her office.  Her breakfast had arrived
and she sat down to eat it.

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door, and Joan
Fredrick came in looking worried.  "Joan, what's the trouble?"
Ali asked.

"Ali, may I talk to you, please?"

Ali looked at Joan.  She was about to graduate from Cal Tech with
a major in computer science.  Before coming to work for Clifford
& Jamison, she supported herself by tending bar topless on Sunset
Strip.  Joan was dark haired with brilliant green eyes like
Ginger's.  She was five feet four with a perfect body.  Ali liked
the girl and liked her spirit.

"What's the trouble, Joan?" Ali asked again.  "I guess you're
probably coming in to resign, aren't you?  Don't you get your
degree next month?"

Ali was surprised to see the girl's eyes widen and register
genuine shock.  "But Mrs. Clifford, I though I was doing a good
job here for you and the others.  And then you gave me that
magnificent bonus!"  Ali saw tears start to roll down the girl's
cheeks.  "Mrs. Clifford, I love it here!  I really do.  Do I have
to leave?  I'll work harder and try to improve the quality of my
work.  I didn't realize you weren't happy with it."

Ali realized she had put her foot in something and hastened to
make amends.  "Joan, first, damn it, it's Ali, and you better not
forget again!  Second, we couldn't be more pleased with your
work.  I didn't talk about compensation action for you, but I
will now.  We know from information we get from the bar
association that Clifford & Jamison is probably the most
profitable law firm in Los Angeles.  I'm just sort of part-time
around here.  I spend most of my time soaking up the sun.

"That leaves the workload to Ginger and Sandy.  They handle about
three times the case load of any other lawyers around -- and
don't even stay late.  They are both very passionate young women
and their priorities are at home.  So how can they do it?  With a
level of support that would be the envy of every lawyer in the
city -- if they had the first clue how we work.  With our
billings we're supposed to have a support staff of fifteen to
twenty.  We have three!

"Joan, you are the outstanding computer scientist in your class
-- and Cal Tech is no slouch as a school.  I have been hoping
against hope you would consider staying -- at least for a while.
I propose to increase your salary to $60,000 a year beginning the
first of the year.  You're still underpaid for what you do, but
it's a start.  We really do want you to stay, although we know
this work is as simple as riding a tricycle for you.  Don't you
get bored?"

As she was speaking a range of emotions was passing over Joan's
face.  When Ali finished, the girl said with a grin, "That's the
trouble working with a bunch of computer illiterates!  You don't
realize how tough it is, or how much fun it is to try to develop
programs that are easy for non-techies to use!  I try to create
programs that produce the right information presented in the most
useful way for the users.  It's the most technically-challenging
computer job around.  I'm the envy of all my colleagues.  And I
get to run the whole operation myself!

"Then there are the other things," she said with a warm smile. 
"I feel like I belong.  This is almost a sorority -- combined
with a men's locker room.  Did you know we have a pool -- Kathy,
Judy and me?  Only now Kathy's out -- and Judy's about to be out,
too.  The pool is to figure which of you came more times the
night before.  First, it was between you and Ginger.  Then we
added Sandy.  Now Kathy's in it, too!  Judy and I just shake our
heads in amazement as you four come staggering in, day after day
looking utterly exhausted but with the most glorious expressions
on your faces!

"Then there's the health club, the free parking, the goodies --
Ali, thank you for letting me stay."  Joan was now relaxed and
smiling.  "Ali, Ginger hired me.  I was here when you came back
from your honeymoon.  Do you know anything about me?  Other than
the fact that I'm finishing at Cal Tech?"

Ali shook her head, no.  Joan continued, "Ali, I'm an orphan.  I
have no money.  You know I worked topless because it was the best
way for me to make the most money in the least time to pay for my
education.  Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about the party.  Do
I have to bring a date?"

Ali looked at the girl closely.  She realized she was a truly
beautiful girl.  Then an idea started to form.  She said, "Joan,
what I think I'm hearing is you don't have a boyfriend.  There is
no one you want to invite.  You only meet two kinds of guys: the
guys ogling your tits at the topless bar -- and the less said
about inviting one of them, the better; and guys at Cal Tech. 
What's wrong?  Are they too stiff?"

Joan smiled and nodded.  "Ali, I'm not sure they could put two
English sentences together back to back.  Some of the guys I used
to see on the Strip were probably nice, but they always think a
girl working topless is just a quick lay.  So they're out. 
Anyway, is it all right if I just come alone?"

Ali smiled her beaming smile, "Of course it is, Joan.  But you've
raised a very good point.  With Ginger, Sandy, Kathy and me, all
with our husbands, things could get pretty bawdy.  We're not the
most prim and proper group of girls in town!  What about Judy? 
What's her situation?  And I don't mean to pry.  It's really none
of my business and I know it."

"That bitch!" she said, but her words were belied by her smile. 
"Do you know what happened three weeks ago, just before you got
back from Hawaii?  It was Monday morning and I was waiting for
her for our pool.  She just stumbles in and says, 'Pay me.  I
win!'  She found a Marine officer stationed down at Camp
Pendleton.  She's been watching you people and then she took the
bull by the horns.  Anyway, she's gone, too!  I'm sure Mike will
be up for the party.  He's getting out of the Corps pretty soon
and Judy didn't want to let him get away."

*  *  *

It was Friday three weeks later and the day of the firm Christmas
party that was scheduled for the restaurant on top of their
building.  Ali had decreed that the office was closed for the day
so the girls could all get ready.  While Bill was off somewhere,
she was in the suite going over her investment information when
the doorbell rang.  Ali was wearing her favorite outfit -- her
skin-tight Levi's and chambray shirt.  Rising from her chair she
buttoned her shirt and went to answer the door.  Opening it, she
found Jennifer Clifford.

She looked at the girl in surprise, but asked her to come in. 
Ali was genuinely shocked by the girl's appearance: she was
haggard and pale.  Ali realized with a shock that the girl looked
worse than she had herself on the day of her divorce hearing. 
Jennifer held out her hand diffidently.  It was obvious from the
look in her face that she expected Ali to ignore it, if she
didn't slap it away.  Instead, Ali took the girl's hand and
gripped it.  "Come in, Jennifer, and sit down if you wish.  I'm
sorry, but your father's not here, so you may prefer to come back
some other time."

Jennifer just shook her head and came in.  She turned to Ali and
said, "Mrs. Clifford, I came to see you.  I've been hiding
downstairs for days.  This morning I saw my dad leave the hotel
alone so I came up here.  It's a good thing he's not here.  He'd
throw me out!"  Ali looked at the girl and could see anguish in
her eyes.  She continued, "He would be absolutely correct, too. 
He should throw me out!  So should you!  I took a chance coming
up today to see you, anyway.

"After the trial I stayed around town.  I was so sure I was right
and Dad was wrong.  I went over to UCLA and then to USC law
school and asked about Ali McGrath.  Two things always happened.
First, everyone knows you.  Second, they all love you.  You can't
understand what this has done to me.  Day after day I would go to
the Student Union and order a beer.  I would strike up a
conversation and ask about Ali McGrath.  The same thing happened
every time!  I would still be there when they were closing the
place each night.  I couldn't guess how many people I've talked
to, but the result is always the same -- can you top this -- one
Ali story after another, after another.  I even met a few people
who know my dad.  They all say the same thing: He's never been
happier or looked better."

Tears were flowing from the girl's eyes.  Ali was shocked as she
dropped to her knees on the floor and said, "Ali, my dad said he
would never speak to me again.  He said I should drop on my knees
and beg your forgiveness."  She looked up at Ali and she could
see the pain in the girl's eyes.  "Ali, all I can do is beg!  I
am begging you to forgive me.  There's not one single reason I
can think of why you should.  Not one!  And as you saw, I'm
pretty creative.

"Ali, it's not the money, believe me."  Still kneeling on the
floor, Jennifer reached into her purse and pulled out a letter
which she gave to Ali.  Ali read it.  It was a
To-whom-it-may-concern letter signed by Jennifer Clifford
renouncing any claim to the estate of her father, William
Harrison Clifford.  Ali saw at once that it had been very
carefully drafted by a skilled lawyer.  It further provided that
if anything were to be left to her from his estate it was to be
immediately transferred to Allison McGrath Clifford or to her
estate.  The reason was an effort to try to make amends for the
great harm she had done to Mrs. Clifford.

Ali put the letter down and extended her hands to the anguished
girl.  Ali saw a look of hope appear where there had been pure
anguish before.  Jennifer took her hands and stood up.  Then Ali
took her in her arms and held her.

Jennifer had started to cry and now was bawling like a baby.  All
Ali could hear was, "Ali, I'm so sorry!"  Finally, the girl ran
out of tears.

Ali held her away, looked at her, and said softly, "Jennifer,
they say it's an ill wind that blows no good.  What you did for
your father and me was to confirm us in our love for each other.
I had been so preoccupied with others I guess it never penetrated
my thick head that you father loves me -- let alone how much.  He
said he couldn't go on living without me.  Seeing the terrible
shape he was in that day, I guess I have to believe him.  Now
what are we going to do to get you two back together?"

Jennifer smiled at her.  It was an intensely warm smile.  She
shook her head and said, "Nothing, Ali!  Absolutely nothing at
all.  This letter is on file with my attorneys and in the Los
Angeles County Court House.  The best thing that's ever happened
to me was being cut off by Dad.  I won't go back on the tit! 
Speaking of which," she said as she shrugged off her shirt, "I've
got a job working as a stripper out on the Strip.  I've
transferred to UCLA for the rest of my doctoral work.  Do you
think I can make it?" she asked with a wry grin.

Jennifer was full-chested and her breasts were beautiful.  She
slipped off her blue jeans and then her bikini briefs.  Then she
just stood in front of Ali with a questioning look in her eyes. 
Ali smiled and nodded saying, "You'll make it.  Your body is
exquisite!"

Jen quickly put her clothes back on.  Then she stuck out her hand
again, "Thank you, Ali!"  The girl went to the door and stopped.
She looked at Ali and said, "Could you possibly do me an enormous
favor sometime?"

Ali said, "Of course.  What?"

Jennifer grinned wryly and said, "The boss hasn't made up his
mind yet, but he may want me to have a bare mound.  I tried, but
I can't bring myself to pluck the hair.  I have a machine that
pulls it out.  If I need to be hairless, could you do it forme?"

Ali smiled and shook her head.  "Only on one condition: If I do,
you have to tell me where you're working.  I'm going to bring
your father out to see you!"

Jennifer's face fell, "My God!  He would..."  Then she smiled, "I
don't know what he would do.  It might show him I am human!  Ali,
it's a deal!" With a grin she let herself out.

*  *  *

That night Bill looked at Ali as she prepared to put on her
dress.  She was standing in front of the mirror wearing only her
bikini briefs, her shoes and her stockings.  He came up behind
her and cupped her breasts in his hands.  Once more, they were
perfect.  She closed her eyes and leaned back against him.  "Do
we have to go, Bill?  Couldn't I just send Fred with a check?  We
could stay home and neck."

Bill kissed her neck and smiled.  "You have it easy!  I have to
wear a dinner jacket... in Southern California, yet."

They finally went to the party and were the last to arrive.  When
they came up to the table the others stood and applauded.  They
were greeted warmly by Charley Conrad and Jack Benson, both of
whom looked great.  Judy Jeffries, her eyes glowing, introduced
her date, Marine Major Michael Morris.  Morris was tall and
tanned and wearing his dress whites.  Ali's eyes flared as she
realized that around his neck was the Medal of Honor.

Judy, looking worried, took Ali aside.  Ali asked her what was
wrong.  "Ali, I took the liberty of reserving a suite for Mike
and me at the Beverly Wilshire.  We're there for the whole
weekend.  I had completely forgotten that it's where you and Mr.
Clifford are.  I hope you don't mind too much?  We could change
hotels," she said, sounding doubtful.

Ali smiled at the girl warmly.  She said very quietly, "What's
this I hear about you leaving Joan all alone?  She told me about
the pool you had, but now she's left with no players!  As far as
the hotel is concerned, don't worry about it."  She smiled at
Judy and added, "Mike seems like a very nice guy... and obviously
a certified hero.  Do you like him?"

Ali noticed that Judy had never looked better.  She glowed.  She
said, "I'm sure he's the one, Ali.  I utterly adore the man!"

Ali looked for Bill and spotted him out on the floor dancing with
Joan Fredrick.  The evening passed quickly.  Even Joan had a good
time as all the men took turns dancing with her.  Finally Judy
said, "Joan, you're doing more dancing than any two of us. 
You're monopolizing our men!"

Joan just pertly stuck out her tongue and said, "You have them
for the rest of the night and for the whole weekend.  Don't
begrudge me a few minutes on the dance floor."

Ali danced with Ken Carlson, Kathy's husband.  As they danced,
Ken said, "Ali, I've been hearing all about you and Ginger for
months.  I couldn't believe there could be two such beautiful
women.  Then Kathy started to become more affectionate.  I
couldn't believe that, either.  Finally, she comes home with a
$35,000 bonus check.  Ali, all I can say is thanks.  I guess
Kathy already asked you who we're supposed to kill for you?"

He grinned and she grinned back.  "Ken, I love her and think
she's the best damned legal secretary alive.  I'm glad you don't
mind her working for us."

_"Mind?_  How could I possibly mind?  This has to be the only law
firm in the country where everyone is thrown out of the office at
five o'clock!  I gather you have a set of personal priorities you
share with your partners."  He held her away and grinned, "I have
only one complaint, lady.  I haven't been getting much sleep."

Ali's eyebrows went up.  "You haven't?  Gee!  What do you know
about that?  Bill complains about the same thing!  You ought to
talk to him about it.  Maybe it's some virus going around."

He pulled her close and kissed her lightly on the cheek.  He
whispered, "Right!  It must be a virus!" and grinned at her.

Later in the evening Ali asked Bill what he wanted to do over
Christmas.  He said he was thinking about going skiing in
Switzerland.  "Ali, you've had a terrible experience with one of
my children.  Dare I introduce you to another?  You have to
promise me, no matter what, you won't walk out.  Promise?"

She reached for him, pulled his face down to hers and kissed him
softly.  "I promise, Bill.  Never again!"

To be continued...

* * *

Comments and constructive criticism are sincerely welcome.  Let
me hear from you.  morg105829@aol.com

_Allison_  Copyright 1988, 2001 by Morgan.  <morg105829@aol.com>

All rights reserved.  No part may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any electronic means, including photocopying,
recording or by any information and retrieval system, without the
written permission of the author. <1st attachment end>


----- ASSM Moderation System Notice------
Notice: This post has been modified from its original
format.  The post was sent as an email attachment and
has been converted by ASSTR ASSM moderation software.
----- ASSM Moderation System Notice------


------- ASSM Moderation System Notice--------
This post has been reformatted by the ASSM
Moderation Team due to inadequate formatting.

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| alt.sex.stories.moderated ----- send stories to: <ckought69@hotmail.com> |
| FAQ: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/faq.html>  Moderator: <story-ckought69@hotmail.com> |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Archive: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org> Hosted by Alt.Sex.Stories Text Repository |
|<http://www.asstr-mirror.org>, an entity supported entirely by donations.         |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+