Mr. Harris by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Copyrighted Karen Blayne 2019. All copies must be of the complete document.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus if they are not suitable for you put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author. Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Luv Karen 

“Mr. Harris how kind of you to drop by. I would have thought you’d forgotten all about us by now.” “Well it has been a day or two I’ll admit.” “Twenty eight years Mr. Harris?” “Has it been as long as that. I thought I didn’t recognise you.” “Considering I would have merely been a twinkle in my father’s eye at the time it is unlikely. Now what can we do for you? I might point out that I have a substantial student loan to pay off and with you not popping in once a year to be told to lose ten pounds, exercise more and your cholesterol is a bit high it isn’t getting paid off very quickly.” “Well I think something is wrong.” “Good we can investigate, a few expensive tests, the local hospital has just received a new expensive high resolution CAT scanner and they also have an MRI one as well that I’d really like to try out.”

“Can’t you just use a stethoscope?” “Well I could but it’s not nearly as profitable. Undo your shirt then and I’ll take a look.” She listened carefully then asked “Have you gained or lost any weight recently?” “I’ve lost five pounds in the last couple of months.” “Any change in diet or exercise? Do you feel tired? Had a holiday recently? Any stressful events such as getting married, divorced, death of a pet or relative?” “No that I’m aware of, now you mention it I have been feeling tireder recently, I have been taking time off from work and pottering round the house. I never did get round to finding a wife nor a pet. Any thoughts?” “At this stage I wouldn’t like to commit myself and I really would like to see some blood tests first. Any new lumps at all?” “Sorry but no.” She wrote out a form and ticked a few boxes. “Here you are. Come back a see me in week after the tests then I’ll have had the results and we can get a better idea.”

He had his blood sampled and made a new appointment. She smiled at him when he arrived “Your cholesterol is a little high.” “Now why did I expect to hear that?” “More seriously there are some indicators that are not good. There is a possibility of a cancer so I’d like to send you to a specialist.” He frowned “I’m not sure I want to be analysed to pieces.” “What I have so far is indicative. I’d say you have a two out of three chance it is something else but there is something odd and it does warrant further investigation.”

Two months later he was back in her office. “The good news is we know what it is and it can be treated.” “The bad news?” “The treatment takes months and isn’t very pleasant.” “Chemotherapy?” “Surgery followed by radiation treatment and chemotherapy.” “The chances of a cure?” “Nearly a third of patients are clear after five years.” “Well its been a good life and if I don’t have treatment?” “At a guess eighteen months to two years. The first twelve months or so you’ll just be a bit tired then you’ll get progressively worse. It is only a guess and you could last longer.” “Well at least I don’t have to worry about the cholesterol.” “Concentrate on the quality of life then. I suggest you pop in and see me once a month and we can see how you are progressing.”

He felt in shock for the first little while then he arrived back at the office. “Mrs. Forbes we are going for a long lunch so pick an expensive restaurant you fancy.” Mrs. Forbes raised an eyebrow and wondered what news he was going to impart “Yes sir.”

She picked an Italian restaurant out of the city centre that would be quieter and made a reservation for a quiet table. The food was excellent veal in a pale sauce and the wine complemented it nicely. “Now then tell all.” “Am I so transparent?” “In thirty years never have you invited me to a long lunch before so tell.” “I have about eighteen months to live so enough time to tie up the lose ends if you like.” “What sort of lose ends do you want to tie up?” “Well who do I pass the family company on to? A cooperative is one possibility but there might be someone in the family with a bit of sense.” “Want me to research the family tree then?” “Might be sensible.” “We can start to delegate some of your workload if only so someone else can pick up the reins. I assume you don’t want this to become general knowledge?” “Discretion as always.” “Right then we have work to do. How long can you function?” “The guess is twelve months or so but I’ll be tired.”

He took a walk round the warehouse and spoke to the girl who was making up boxes. “This is so boring, you know some of the developmentally delayed adults I worked with last semester could do this.” He knew they had problems retaining staff to do less challenging work and his interest was aroused. “Have you finished your courses?” “Yes but trying to get a job in social work that pays any sort of money is impossible.” “You have a year to get a team of six developmentally delayed adults working here.” “With the new minimum wage they’re expensive.” “We don’t pay minimum wage, the lowest we go is a dollar an hour more, and they get the normal benefits.” “You’re serious?” “Yes and you get promoted to supervisor.” She stood there in shock then the implications of even trying to get them to catch the bus each day to work hit her.

“We have a passenger van that you can use to pick them up until they get used to the bus system and if you don’t have a commercial license we’ll make it part of your training plan.” Madison quickly ran through the possibles in her head. “Just see Mrs. Forbes and let her know what you’ll need and when.”

Madison called her contacts “For that sort of money I’ll volunteer. I mean I must count as mentally retarded to go out with Jeff last Friday night.” “I don’t think that counts.” “Pity, but with six you’ll need an assistant for a bit whilst you get them trained and my contract is up at the end of the month.” Madison talked with Mrs. Forbes and the additional full time person was approved. “If she’s got a bit of sense we can find her something to do and she can act as your deputy when you take vacation.” It took time and lots of patience but eventually the boxes got made up. More to the point they seemed to enjoy the challenge. Jessica was very proud of her job.

“I think I’ve found someone.” “Tell me more.” “He’s a third cousin but bright.” “Have him in over the summer?”

Marvin looked at the letter that thanked him for his application and said that a summer job was available starting the week after he finished school accommodation was included. “Mom know anything about a job application?” “I haven’t seen one.” “I’ve just got a letter offering me a summer job.” “I’d write back and say thank you unless you’ve been offered something else.” 

Mrs. Forbes sat Stella down with a mug of coffee. “Talk.” “I don’t know how to go on.” “I can see that.” “We’d saved up to put a deposit on the house next to my sisters, an estate sale, and Edwin got given a tip by a stock broker so he brought options.” “Oh dear, everything gone?” She nodded glumly. “He never was very responsible but I thought I could change him. Anyway he’s yesterday’s news now but trying to be a single parent on my salary is impossible. Just as I think I have everything budgeted something new pops up and I can’t stay with my sister forever. Divorces seem terribly expensive.” “Lawyers generally are. So what you want is a quick million dollars?” “But only after the divorce, otherwise the lawyer’s fees would go up accordingly.” “Your fairy godmother will wave her magic wand.” Stella blinked “Do they still exist?” “I always find a spot of shopping helps lift my spirits.” They sneaked off “Now the secret of window shopping is to only look in the most expensive windows and only at the most impractical and glamourous things.” “Expensive nightdresses that you’d never dare wear?” “Exactly.” “Lead on.”

“Can you imagine paying this much instead of a pair of tights?” “Well yes but when did a man get excited about a pair of tights?” “I’ve sworn off men.” “So let’s buy these and then you can wear them and imagine their reaction if only they knew and you can feel terribly superior.” There was a militant gleam in Stella’s eye.

When they got back to the office Stella wasn’t feeling quite so down. “Now come with me for the second part.” Puzzled Stella followed her into Mr. Harris’s inner sanctum. “Give him a kiss, it’s his unbirthday.” Stella kissed him lightly on the lips. “Happy Unbirthday?” “Alice in Wonderland the Mad Hatter’s tea party.” “Oh of course, I remember now.” “Sit in his lap and kiss him again.” Stella did as she was bid. Mr. Harris rested his hand on her thigh to steady her and could feel her stocking tops through the thin material. “Why?” He asked. “Well Stella mentioned she could do with a million dollars and I thought you might be prepared to pay a million for the privilege of being able to run your hands over her lovely thighs whenever you wished.” Mrs. Forbes reached across and hitched up Stella’s skirt then placed his hand on her thigh. “But until the divorce comes through a million isn’t much good to me. Edwin would get half.” “Edwin gambled their house deposit away.” “Ouch.” “But if we set up a trust that brought the empty house next to her sister’s and invested the rest in index linked funds she should get an income of $30,000 a year for the next twenty years at least.” “It doesn’t sound very much to live on.” “No but combined with no rent to pay and her salary it’s enough to raise her daughter. We could set up an option to buy the house for a dollar after twenty years.” “I like it, no way could Edwin get his hands on the money. Now why don’t you move your hand a little higher?”

“I think we’d better be a bit more open.” He looked at Stella “Nothing is to be said to anyone outside these four walls.” She looked puzzled “My expiry date is 6 to 12 months.” Mrs. Forbes translated. “He means he’s terminally ill and is not expected to live longer than a year so it’s concentrate on the quality of life time.” “Live out his fantasies?” “I’m not sure I have enough to occupy me for six months.” “He’s had a sheltered life, no wife or mistress, I think he was wedded to his job.” “Oh that won’t be a problem, I have a few to get him started. When I was a teenager I had a crush on one of my teachers who he reminds me of. Just hearing him say Stella used to give me the collywobbles. Do I get an dress allowance?” “I think we’ll make you his assistant acting, teleworking from home and I think an undress allowance would be in order. So your first job is to buy the house, the second will be to move him into it.” “Any furniture?” “A top of the line range for a start.” “I wonder what my sister will say when I move in next door with an older man?” “How will you protect your child?” “Oh she’s at school during the day and in the evening my sister will be happy to babysit her from time to time.” Mr. Harris was playing on the computer looking at a collection of indecent underwear. “These look interesting.” Mrs. Forbes looked over his shoulder. “I think you’d better leave it to Stella, she’ll have a better idea of what suits her body best.” Mr. Harris frowned “Stella is slim and a boned corset is more suited to a more mature body.” Mr. Harris leered. “A new dress code for you my dear.” “Go and play with your new toy, I mean assistant.” “There seems to be a collection of what they call toys here but I can’t begin to imagine what they’re used for.” Stella looked over his shoulder and blushed. “We have at least six months to explore them all.”

“Stella they’ve taken the for sale sign next door.” “So soon.” “You know something about it?” “I’m moving in tomorrow as caretaker.” “Sounds odd?” “It comes with a lodger but its rent free and there’s room for my daughter as well. Now let’s talk about paying you to babysit.” “No need she can play with mine.” “Yes but with the divorce coming up it gets listed as a child care expense so Edwin has to contribute.” “I can offer a very expensive childcare package, including pick up from school etc?” “Sounds perfect.”

“Marvin Harris, I have a summer job?” He asked hesitantly. Mrs. Forbes inspected him then took him through to meet Mr. Harris. “Marvin is here.” “Are you planning to enter further education?” “I’m hoping to study software engineering in September.” Mr. Harris frowned still it was better than political science. “Mrs. Forbes will fill you in. You’d better give her the details of your course.” Marvin shrugged mentally, it seemed an odd request and Mrs. Forbes guided him from the room. “What am I supposed to be doing?” “Filling in for staff who are taking time off.” It made sense. “We have a problem retaining staff on the programming side. They seem to stay for about three years then they leave. Apparently they want to work on new projects whilst we have older software that works well and the users understand it so we just want it maintained. So that’s your first assignment to find a solution.” “Could we just teach the end users to program?” “An interesting question see if you can find an answer.” Mrs. Forbes rather liked Marvin and it seemed a shame not to throw him together with her niece and let nature take its course. “Courtney if you can put up with being a general dogs body I can find you some paid work for the summer.” “It’s not stretching out little springs is it and measuring their length?” “Worse, photocopying and helping out with the mentally challenged workforce.” “Minimum wage?” “You’re family so I can’t been seen to favour you but our minimum is minimum wage plus a dollar an hour.” “I suppose I could.” “Wear a pretty dress.” Courtney was suspicious. “Why?” “To impress your new boss?” Courtney felt she was missing something but whatever a dress she would wear. Well if she could find one in her wardrobe that is and it would need ironing no doubt.

The next morning she presented herself to her Aunt and was led to meet Marvin. “Your new assistant.” Marvin shook his head. “Well you may have to step in to relieve a manager or supervisor and its better if you have a bit of experience supervising someone first.” “And let me guess I’m expendable?” “Well if he offends another summer student it isn’t quite so serious as one of the workers who has been here some time.” A gleam came into Courtney’s eye “So he could approve training courses?” “But of course.” Courtney typed something into the computer and printed it off. “Sign please.” Marvin signed and she handed it to her Aunt who laughed. “A four year university course?” “It’s called learning by experience. Should teach him to read things first.” “True enough.” Courtney took it back and tossed it in the waste bin. Marvin looked at them both. “I really should read things through shouldn’t I?” “You’ll learn, and by having someone to assist you they can double check things as well to make sure no one takes advantage of you.” “Oh by the way could you house sit Mr. Harris’s old home for him? He’s found somewhere else to live but hasn’t sold the old one yet. I have the key here so why not go and inspect it now? You could take Courtney with you.” “Yes please, I enjoy looking round other people’s homes.”

Stella looked round at the house. “Think of it as your dream home. I have money enough for a bit of luxury.” “You mean fancy kitchen and things?” “Fancy kitchen and things. We could go shopping together money no object.” Stella blinked and wondered about a German washing machine, range and whatever matched. She brought up their web site and looked at what they had. “$30,000 just for appliances?” “If that’s what you’d like.” “We need someone reliable to rip out what we have in the bathroom and kitchen and put in what I’d like.” “I’ll speak to Mrs. Forbes about using the fitters from work. It’ll be something different for them to do and they’ll enjoy the change.” “I’m glad I don’t have to deal with workmen. Now I suggest we play a little game. Let’s pretend I’ve just gone on the pill so I’ll be safe in four weeks time. That means no sex for four weeks but I can tease you and give you hand jobs and such. Just think of the anticipation.” “If I last that long.” She stepped in closer and kissed him stroking his crotch at the same time. “I’ve never had a man who could stay hard for a month before. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy this.”

“So what do you think? I mean its so close to the office we could cycle there each day.” “We?” “I just blurted it out, but we could and it would save me two hours on the bus to get there each day. I mean it’s big enough for two.” She looked at him hopefully. Marvin change the subject “It’s comfortable certainly. Want some lunch I think I saw some lamb chops in the fridge.” Courtney stood back in amazement as Marvin threw lunch together. “Hey its not bad. I didn’t know guys could cook?” There was a silence then she realised he was looking hard at her. “Just a tiny bit sexist? I happen to enjoy cooking.” “So can I move in?” She joked. “Why not.”

Marvin and Courtney together searched and found an aptitude test for programming then asked everyone in the company to take it. The interesting result was six people who wouldn’t have thought themselves capable of computer programming scored quite respectable results but the really interesting one was the husband of one of the cleaners took it with her interpreting the questions that needed interpreting but others such as patterns he managed quite well. He needed to be taught English as well as programming. Marvin spoke to Mrs. Forbes who replied “Well if you were the boss what would you do?” “Teach him English.” “But it isn’t very cost effective to only teach one at a time and you need two or more English Second Language teachers to work as a team. We have money so set up a language training school we have room on the ground floor.” He hadn’t realised how little the teachers earnt and after interviewing half a dozen he didn’t feel he had the experience to differentiate between them. He talked to Mrs. Forbes again. “Have them in and see what ideas they can come up with.” She was enjoying this.

They ended up setting up a language training school and employing all six teachers. There seemed to be a high demand for passing the International English Language Testing System and mixing it with teaching immigrants language skills gave the teachers some variety. “You know one of my students worked in a coffee shop and their English improved with the customer interactions.” The ground floor had room, some of the immigrants were happy to run it especially as they didn’t have to put up the initial investment and it made a small profit from the first day.

“Mr. Harris wants to arrange a bonus for the workers. He’s proposing to give them 10% of their monthly salary multiplied by the number of months they have worked for us in shares. Your job is to explain it to them and see if they have any concerns.” They put up a notice on the notice board and sent round an email to those with email asking for input.

One question that came up more than once was would they have to pay tax on it and would it complicate their tax filing. Courtney sat down and did her homework. “Well the cheapest tax filing software costs ten dollars and we could lend them a laptop so they could use it.” “But how would that help?” “Oh these days you can download all the information you need T4s T5s etc from Revenue Canada into a tax filing program then you just have to check to see the numbers are correct and upload it again.”

“You’re assuming they have an internet connection.” “Doesn’t everyone these days?” “No.” “So if we asked people to notify us if they were sick by email we could justify giving them a basic internet access and an old laptop if they wanted them then they could do their taxes on line as well?” Mrs. Forbes looked startled. “If we did that then they would be able to work from home occasionally if they wanted to?” “How would that help?” “Sometimes it can be quieter at home and you can get a lot done without interruptions.” “So we give them the shares as a bonus, but also a cash amount to cover the tax payable?” “Or we could use a Employees Profit Sharing Plan.” Mrs. Forbes blinked again. “If it is less than 20% of the employees income it sort of gives you the benefit of owning a share with less complications on the tax side.” “Whereas Stock options are fine but you have to exercise them to get shares and that gets taxed as employment income but if the shares drop in value you can’t claim a loss against employment income.” They decided to go with an Employees Profit Sharing Plan which seemed simpler and which Mr. Harris approved.

“If you wouldn’t mind housing sitting I can arrange for you to take your courses at the local university. It would give you a bit of independence from living at home and wouldn’t be as expensive as renting an apartment.” Courtney grinned “Both of us?” “Well either or to be honest although I’m not sure what your mother would say to you living with a young man.” “You mean she’d think I was sleeping with him?” Courtney was shocked at her mother could even think of such an idea. “Am I so ugly then?” Courtney blushed “No not at all, Oh dear.” She broke off in confusion her hands covering her face, not knowing what to say that wouldn’t make it worse. “It’s OK I was only teasing you.” She put her tongue out at him. “I know it’s generally a rule of thumb not to date your boss but he wouldn’t be your boss at the end of the week and if you get on well with him as I think you do you have at least got to know him over summer.” Both Marvin and Courtney looked taken back. “I’ll leave you to talk it about it.” Mrs. Forbes slipped out of the office to find herself a coffee. Had she been too forward, was it the right thing to say? She wasn’t sure.

“Now why would my aunt suggest such a thing?” “Your Aunt?” “I was ordered told to report here in my prettiest dress on my first day. I suppose she thought we might be a match but why?” “Well if we are to share a house it might be awkward bringing someone else back?” “You mean it would save on travel time if we wanted to hang out together?” “And I’m lazy.” Courtney looked threatening and glanced round for something to throw at him. “You’re beautiful.” Marvin threw out quickly “Keeping talking and you might not die a long lingering death.” “Very beautiful?” Courtney frowned “I could give you an audition I suppose.” “Audition?” She stepped up to him and kissed him lightly on the lips but he held her round the waist and deepened the kiss. “So committed relationship?” He looked at her blankly. “Boyfriend girlfriend, exclusive you only go out with me and I only go out with you.” “As long as we can stay in together as well.” She tried to give him a hard stare but he kissed on the nose and she broke into giggles.

Mrs. Forbes entered the office carrying three mugs of coffee. “Have you talked it through yet?” “Well we haven’t discussed everything in detail such as where the wedding will be and the design of the bridesmaid’s dresses.” Marvin blanched. “I think she’s teasing you back.” Marvin frowned. “Well you teased me first.” Mrs. Forbes shook her head, “Whilst I think about it what about birth control?” Marvin blinked again. “If you go to your doctor and get a prescription for a year then you buy a year’s supply whilst you’re covered for working for the company.” “But my dad’s insurance covers me for prescriptions whilst I’m in full time education.” “Want to hand your dad a receipt for the pill so he can reclaim it? It doesn’t mean you have to have sex but if you do it is safer to be on the pill than having a child.”

“You’re right he might not be ready for me going on the pill. I’ll make an appointment.”

Later that night she crept hesitantly into his room and snuggled down in his bed. When he came up thirty minutes later after getting engrossed in some emails he found her head on his pillow. He gave her a look. “Well we can sleep together without having you know what and your bed is bigger than mine.” Somehow he thought the next few weeks until she was safely on the pill were going to be long time. He slid into bed and gave her a hug and a gentle kiss.

It was a year later Stella woke up and looked at the body lying motionless in bed besides her. She touched his skin and it felt cold. She picked up her sheet of paper and started to make phone calls. The first was to his doctor for advice, the second to Mrs. Forbes. After that she started to get her daughter ready for school.

Thank heavens it had happened whilst Marvin was working in the summer vacation so he could be briefed properly. “Marvin you are now the new owner of the company.” “What exactly does that sentence mean?” “It means you are rich, and you’ll have all sorts of people wanting to help you with the burden.” “But I can still finish my courses?” “If you want to. The managers are competent and can run the business on a day to day basis without any problems.” “What you might find is a few people who will suddenly want to become friendly. You’ll need to become much more suspicious of peoples’ motives and watch out for the gold diggers. Many will consider you fair game, married or not although an engaged male they sometimes think is off limits.” “You mean I’ll be fighting them off?” “Or visiting the sexual health clinic on a regular basis.” Marvin gave her a grimace. “There is a candidate for a clerical job who needs interviewing if you wouldn’t mind.” “Wheel her in.”

She entered the office and summed him up quickly. “I’m Ashley. My isn’t it warm today.” She undid another button on her blouse. “Do you have a CV?” She looked at him blankly “Why would I have a French car? Mind if I sit down?” Marvin nodded and she stepped round the desk to sit on his lap. “Now I know the job advertised is for an office junior but I thought you might like to consider the advantages of offering me something that paid a little better.” She undid yet another button on her blouse and took his hand and moved it over her breast. “Well if that’s what you really want? It means working at night.” “Oh definitely.” She gave a small shudder. “Right then off you get and I’ll have Mrs. Forbes type up the job offer.” “Wonderful.” He followed her to Mrs. Forbes office. “Could you type up a letter of offer for Ashley, driving one of our trucks on the night shift.” He stepped back into his office sharply as Ashley made her views about what he could do with his offer of driving trucks at night known.

Marvin gave a small shudder at the experience. “Courtney, feel like getting married?” Courtney wrinkled her nose. “Why? Afraid of the gold diggers are you?” Marvin blushed “Well yes but we get on fairly well.” “And you’re too lazy to find someone else.” “You know me far too well.” She stepped up and kissed him. “If it wasn’t for the fact I like your kisses too much it might be fun to watch the gold diggers pursue you. When are we getting married then?” “Whenever you like.” “Next week and we’ll mention to people afterwards.”