The Seduction of Suki

Warning bells were sounding in Suki’s head, though she didn’t know why. Agent Hughes was a genuine FBI agent, and Ted had behaved suspiciously after all. Then why did she feel like something was wrong? Why was her intuition trying to warn her that she was in trouble, and just what kind of trouble was she in? She excused herself to go to the bathroom when Hughes paused the movie to make them some popcorn. Since the house was small, it was easy to see down the hall from the living room. One of the doors was closed, and the name TRACY, formed of shiny sequins, was on that door. With Agent Hughes in the kitchen, Suki quickly peered into the other bedrooms. The problem was that she couldn’t see much because it was now dark, and she didn’t want to flip any lights on. She quickly rummaged around the bathroom but didn’t find anything a child might use. She knew the kid wasn’t that young but was still a little surprised by how grown-up everything seemed. Then again, the house had two bathrooms, and this one wasn’t the full one. Maybe in the full bath, there would be other items that suggested a younger person lived in the house. When Suki resettled on the couch, Hughes settled back down as well, a little too close for comfort, and placed a bright pink silicone popcorn bowl between them. “Lots to share,” Agent Hughes said. “You popped this right in the microwave?” Suki asked. Hughes nodded, mouth full of popcorn. A moment later, she added, “It’s air-popped, but I sprayed on some butter and added a touch of salt, so it’s not so boring.” Suki took a handful and found it surprisingly good. “Have all you want.” After the movie ended and Agent Hughes took their glasses and the popcorn bowl into the kitchen, Suki asked, “Why no pictures of Tracy?” Hughes looked at her, and there was no missing the surprise and discomfort that appeared in her eyes, if only for a second. “Well, it’s complicated.” How complicated can it be not to have pictures of your own child in your own home?Suki thought. “Complicated?” “Tracy is always complaining she’s too ugly and has been struggling with being overly self-conscious. She sees this huge and hideous-looking creature where there’s actually a very thin and lovely child.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” said Suki. “Do you have a picture of her on your laptop? I’d love to see the child I’m soon to meet.” “I do, but right now I need to call her and check in. Then I have a few other things to do before bed since it’s starting to get a little late.” Suki listened as she spoke to her daughter. She wasn’t sure what to think at the moment. The whole situation struck her as odd. It was just too much to digest in one day. One minute, she was living her life as usual, and the next, she was supposedly the target of someone she barely knew, who was dangerous and stuck in the home of someone she didn’t feel comfortable with. Suki wandered down the hall but didn’t get a chance to investigate the bedrooms further, as Hughes only spent a couple of minutes on the phone. She heard her footsteps behind her as Suki turned into the room she was to use. “Everything okay?” the agent asked, stepping into the room directly behind her and flipping the light switch on. Suki nodded. “Is your daughter okay?” “Yeah. She and her little buddy are having loads of fun.” “That’s nice to know. Are you going to give me a tour of the rest of the house?” “Not much more to see, hun. There’s my room, there’s her room, and that’s it, other than the bathrooms. I’ll show you my room, but she’s a very private person and wouldn’t want anyone invading her space, no matter how harmless they may seem.” Suki’s eyes turned to the closed door with the colorful sequins spelling out Tracy’s name, then back at the agent. “Come on,” said Agent Hughes. Suki followed her into the master bedroom. With the light now on, she could see that it was a very ordinary-looking room: a bed, a couple of dressers, and a small pile of clothes on a chair that sat in the corner. “I usually shower in the morning before work,” Hughes said. “It would probably be best if you showered at night so we don’t have three people trying to shower around the same time.” “No problem,” said Suki. “I can do that.” Hughes suddenly peeled off her shirt. Suki turned and looked away. “What? You’ve never seen a woman undress and get into her PJs?” “No, no, it’s fine. I mean, of course I have.” Suki laughed nervously. It wasn’t the act of the agent undressing that made her feel awkward or uncomfortable in any way, but the agent herself did. She just wasn’t sure why. Mismatched chemistry, she supposed. The agent was now in sleeveless summer pajamas that resembled a thin tank top with matching shorts. “I like to have a cup of tea before bed. Ever had any of those bedtime teas? It’s great stuff. Very good for you and makes you sleep sounder.” “I actually have,” said Suki. “Would you like me to fix you a cup along with mine while you’re in the shower?” “I would, please.” “No problem. Enjoy your shower in the guest bath by your room. Inside the little closet behind the door, you’ll find the bath towels and washcloths.” “Thank you,” said Suki. After her shower, she pulled on a spaghetti-strapped nightgown that fell to the tops of her thighs and climbed into bed with the tea she was presented with. When it was finished, she set the cup down on a small nightstand by the bed and was surprised by how quickly she became sleepy. Suki went out like a light. Suki’s sleep was anything but sound. It was restless and full of strange, nightmarish dreams. She dreamed that Agent Hughes entered the room and placed a burning candle on the tall dresser at the foot of the bed. Then she pulled the fleece blanket from Suki’s body and down toward the foot of the bed. In the dream, Suki was completely aware of the agent’s movements but unable to move a muscle or utter a sound other than a raspy moan. She watched helplessly as the agent stripped out of her pajamas and crawled on top of her. She pressed her lips to hers and then pulled her nightgown up above her breasts, which she fondled and caressed before moving down to slide the crotch of her panties aside. The last thing she remembered was the agent’s face moving in between her legs.