The Harem on the Hill (Part XLVI) (Patreon)

"I wasn't sure I could trust you.  Now I know that I can."

"Please don't use that word," Tina says.  "I'd prefer you be honest.  That you were using me like you always do."

"But I do trust you," you say.  "Without you, the cops probably would've hauled me away, or Tabitha might have bashed my head in with a chair.  Any number of things.  You've earned it."

There is a long pause.  You half expect the lights to click off.  Then Tina answers, "Thank you.  You're right."

You lean back and exhale.  The disgusted looks on Officer Morgan and Anastasia's faces tell you they didn't find your words as heartfelt as Tina did.

Unfortunately, the verbal victory is brief.

"I've earned your trust," Tina continues.  "But what have you done to earn mine?"

Still foggy from the evening's events, you struggle to answer.  You've allowed Tina some sway in your harem's day-to-day operations, sure, but it's mostly been an illusion.  A calculated manipulation to further your own interests.  In truth, Tina has as much real power as a minority shareholder in one of your Fortune 500 companies.

"That's what I thought.   Well, you're going to have to trust me this time."

A second later, darkness engulfs you again.

                                                                                 ****

Hours later you remain in the dark, literally and figuratively.  The chamber is quiet.  Officer Morgan entertained you for a while with empty and blustery threats, but when they failed to elicit a response she turned to pleading and weeping...which entertained you even more.  But now her cries have subsided, save for the occasional whimper.

Anastasia has been silent ever since the lights went out.  She may be sleeping--if anyone could catch some Zs under duress it would be the cool Russian spy--but it's more likely she's quietly contemplating her next move.

Speaking of which, what's yours?