I've posted a new story in blade_slinger2002 file. Yes that is me. And yes I changed my Id. Don't ask why. The story is listed as Sherry. The story is rather erotic, so be warned. I wrote it at the request of The Great Throwdini who has contributed much to this group. He wanted to see a story written from the knife thrower's point of view. Well, this story is written from this former knife thrower's point of view.

A Forbidden Desire By Blade_Slinger2200

After you read this tale, you may decide that this story should never have been written. To be honest with you, I wouldn’t have written it, but I

needed to get what I've done out in the open. I needed to get the weight of my guilt off my chest.You see I’ve been doing something that is totally unforgivable. I’ve been having inappropriate thoughts about my best friend’s wife. I know you’re probably thinking that isn’t so bad. After all, we all have thoughts like that from time to time. But it wasn’t an occasional thought. It was a full blown obsession. It got to be so bad that I would find any excuse I could to be close to Sherry.

When I went to visit, I’d volunteer to help with the dishes. We’d stay in the kitchen, and chat for more than an hour.

I know I shouldn’t have been entertaining such thoughts, but I couldn’t help it. Sherry is a knockout. I mean she is a drop dead gorgeous woman.

Sherry could make a potato sack look good. She has long blond hair, and deep blue eyes. She has a smile that will melt snow in January. Sherry stands at a little over five foot seven, and has a body that would make a Barbie doll green with envy. I would struggle to control my desires, but I couldn’t help neither did Sherry. Or so I thought.

Then last Month the unexpected happened. It was a warm Saturday afternoon, and I was over at Bob and Sherry’s house. I had brought my throwing knives and practice board with me. (I’m an armature knife thrower.) Bob and I had spent most of the afternoon in the basement throwing knives. Bob is a pretty good thrower, but to be honest with you, I’m better. I’ve been told I’m good enough to throw professionally. But I’ve never seriously considered throwing knives for a living.

As we were throwing, the phone rang. Bob answered it, talked for a few minutes, then hung up the phone. Sherry came down stairs. She had been lying out by their pool, and was wearing a white string bikini that barely covered her private parts. I had to turn away to keep from drooling over her incredible body.“Who was that, honey?” She asked. “That was the office. One of our clients isn’t happy with the presentation I made to him, and he wants to discuss some changes. Unfortunately he wants to discuss them now.”I immediately began to pack up my equipment. Sherry noticed what I was doing and stopped me.

“Jim, you don’t have to leave. It shouldn’t take Bob more than a couple of hours to satisfy his client. Once he takes care of the client, he’ll

come back, then you two can continue practicing your knife throwing.” “Yeah, there’s no need for you to go. I’ll just be an hour or two.”“Ok, if you don’t mind me hanging around.” I said, hoping that I didn’t sound as anxious as I was feeling. Bob left for his office, and I continued to practice. As I threw the

knives, I began to fantasize about Sherry. I’d imagine us locked in an erotic embrace, as we made love by the pool. The images in my mind were so strong that I nearly broke a basement window when I missed the six foot tall board completely.

“Get a grip, Jim.” I muttered. I picked up the knife, returned to the board, and pulled the rest of the knives from the wood. As I moved to return to my throwing spot, I saw Sherry standing on the bottom step. She was still wearing the string bikini. She was also wearing a very inviting smile.

“You’re very good with those knives. I don’t know how many times Bob has said you ought to perform professionally.”“Thank you,” I managed to say without stammering. Sherry strode past me, and walked over to the board. She ran her hands along the rough surface. I let my gaze soak in her beautiful body. I knew I shouldn’t be looking at her like that, but my eyes refused to turn away. Sherry turned to face me, her body now centered with the board.“I think you’d make a terrific knife thrower. You’re tall and handsome, and you have a dynamic personality.”

Sherry stepped back, and placed her body against the knife board. “If only you had an assistant to stand here, as you threw your knives.” My nerves turned to jelly. I dropped three knives to the floor. Sherry smiled at me. It was a wonderful smile. “You've dropped your knives.”I bent over and picked up the knives. When I straightened up, I saw a sight that nearly made me drop my knives a second time. Sherry had positioned her body so that she was in a classic human target pose. Her body, was straight, and her left knee was slightly bent. Sherry had spread her arms wide, and was clutching the sides of the board. “You can throw your knives at me if you want. ” Her invitation sent chills up my spine. I stood there staring at the woman I’d desired for years, and suddenly all I wanted to do was run. I weakly nodded. I drew a knife from the bunch that I held in my right hand. I took careful aim, and threw the blade. The weapon sank into the board, a mere half inch from Sherry’s shapely calf. Sherry, moaned in pleasure.

“Throw them closer, Jim. I want to feel the knives graze my skin.”I threw the next knife close to her other calf. The blade slid along her skin. Sherry closed her eyes, and a very passionate expression crossed her face.I threw two more blades. The knives pinned her incredible thighs to the board. Sherry had this far away look on her face, as the blades sank in the wood around her legs.“Can you cut my bikini off?”“What?” I asked, not quite sure that I’d heard her right.“ I want you to undress me with your throwing knives.” I’d heard her right. “Won’t Bob wonder what happened to your bikini?“

Her smile became even more inviting. “I have another one just like it.”

I struggled to keep my hands steady as I threw the next two knives. As

Sherry stood there, the front of her bikini bottom suddenly fell forward, exposing her crotch. I wanted to grab her and take her right then and there.

Sherry spread her legs a little, and then tilted her hips slightly forward. The cut up bikini bottom fell to the floor.Sherry’s began to breath more deeply as her obvious excitement increased. Her breasts swelled with each intake of air. “Don’t stop,” She said, almost in a whisper.I threw two more knives. The blades had skimmed along her sides, dead even with her navel. I realized that it was time to cut her top off. I intently studied the spots where the knives would have to land. I quickly realized that if I aimed a hair too high, I’d hit Sherry in the underarm. I took very careful aim, and hoped beyond hope that I didn’t miss. I threw the first knife. It sank in the wood, just beneath the bikini strap. I’d thrown too low. I carefully aimed the next knife, and threw it.

I held my breath as the blade slid just under her arm, and through the tiny string that held the top to her upper body. The top drooped on her left side, exposing Sherry’s left breast. I gritted my teeth, as I took in the beauty of her mostly exposed body. I threw the next two knives around her neck and shoulders. The first blade had cut into the top string, but it didn’t cut through. The second knife hit it’s mark perfectly. Sherry leaned forward slightly. The tiny bikini top fell from Sherry’s body, leaving her very nude, and very vulnerable. I glanced down at my right hand. I still held three knives in my hand. I quickly threw two of them. They landed on either side of her cheeks. The blades were buried in her long blond hair. I threw the last knife above her head. The blade slid along the part in her hair. Sherry stood there for the longest time, not wanting to move. I wanted to run forward and take her in my arms, but I held very still.

Finally, after several minutes, Sherry stepped away from the board, took me by the hand, and then led me upstairs to the guest bedroom, where we made love. Later that afternoon, Bob returned form his meeting. We practiced for a few more hours. I struggled with the shame I was feeling. I’d done the unthinkable, and now I was filled with shame. I finally made up an excuse, and went home. I was so ashamed of what I’d done, that I couldn‘t look Bob, or Sherry in the face.

I haven’t gone back over to Bob’s house since then. He’s invited me over several times, but I’ve made excuses not to. I can’t face him now. Not after what I’ve done. I still practice with my throwing knives. But now, much to my shame, when I do practice, I see Sherry standing in front of the board in all her naked glory.

The End

The Pledge By blade_slinger2002

It was a Friday night, in early September. 18 year old Julia Carlisle stood in line with twelve other pledges, as The Delta Kappa girls stood around them. Monica Andrews, who was the leader of the sorority stood in front of the new pledges, looking them over.“Is this the best Delta Pi has to pick from?” She said disdainfully. “We’d be better off with a cage full of mice.”The Kappa girls laughed at the cruel remark.

Julia wanted to slap the snooty witch for her comment, but remained silent. She decided it would be worth putting up with Monica’s mouth, to get in to the Deltas.Monica continued. “Here’s your final challenge. You have one week to do something that is totally outrageous, and very dangerous. And I do mean outrageous. I don’t care what you do, as long as it is something wild, and dangerous. Also you have to bring back proof that you did it. preferably a video tape. Any pledge that fails to do something wild and dangerous is disqualified.” Monica stopped in front of Julia. “Does everyone understand?All twelve girls said, “Yes Ma’am.”Monica smiled an evil smile. “Dismissed.”

Julia left the sorority house, wondering if being a Delta Pi was worth all this. She knew it was. She’d been offered a chance to pledge with Sigma Pi, but she didn’t want to be in any other sororities. She wanted to be a Delta.The next morning Julia got up and immediately started working on fulfilling her pledge challenge. She bought a newspaper, hoping to find something in there. It didn’t take her long to find what she was looking for.She found an ad in the entertainment section.

The Great Throwdini will be appearing at The Abracadabra Club for the next ten days, starting tonight. Tickets to the show start at thirty dollars. Each night’s show will begin at 7pm, and 9pm.Julia stared at the ad for several seconds. “This will work.” Julia muttered. “All I have to do is convince this Throwdini guy to let me stand in front of his knife board, while he throws knives at me.” Julia threw the paper down. This is nuts!!! There has got to be a better way of becoming a Delta Pi.” Julia picked up the paper, and continued to scan it. She found nothing. As she sat there, considering her options, she looked down at the newspaper. She slowly opened the paper to the ad. “Girl, do you want to be a Delta Pi this badly?”

Julia knew the answer. She called the club, and reserved a ticket for the second show. That night she watched the knife throwing act with a mixture of fear, and wonder. She couldn’t understand how the young woman standing in front of the board could be so calm. Julia began to imagine herself in front of the board. The image gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach. She didn’t know if she could go through with it.

After the nine oclock show was over, Julia slipped back stage, and approached Throwdini. “Excuse me, could I have a few minutes of your time?” Throwdini turned to face Julia. “Certainly, what can I do for you?” Julia drew in a deep breath, cleared her throat, and blurted it out. “Throw knives at me. ”Throwdini chuckled. “Somehow I knew that you were going to say that. Let me guess, you’ve wanted to be a knife thrower’s assistant since you were a little girl.”“Actually, no. I need to do something that is outrageous, and dangerous by next Friday night.”

Throwdini gave the young woman a quizzical look. Monica explained her circumstances to Throwdini. He shook his head and chuckled. Let me ask you something. does the idea of standing in front of a knife board frighten you?” Julia smiled sheepishly. “To be honest with you, the thought of standing in front of that board, and letting you throw knives at me is terrifying.” “Yet you’re willing to go through with it just to get into a sorority?”

Julia nodded. “Be here tomorrow morning at ten am. And wear something snug. You don’t want to get pinned to the board because of loose clothing.” Julia thanked him, and left the back stage area. “Wait till the Misses hears this one.” Throwdini muttered as he watched Julia leave.

The next morning, Julia entered the club through the rear entrance. She was wearing a leotard, skin tone tights, and a pair of ballet slippers.

She had a video camera bag slung over her shoulder. She found Throwdini onstage, warming up his throwing arm. Julia nearly turned and ran, as the

knife thrower hurled one knife after another into the board. As he threw the final knife, he looked up at her. “I see you’re ready to go.” “Ready, and willing.” Julia’s smile was forced, and not very convincing. “Set your video camera up over there, and point it toward the Wheel of Death.” Julia started to lower the camera, when she realized what Throwdini had just said. “Wheel of Death? You‘re going to strap me to?” Julia pointed to the wheel. “You did say that the stunt had to be dangerous, and outrageous. The wheel is my most outrageous looking stunt.” Julia stared at the terrifying device. Suddenly, being a Sigma Pi didn’t seem like such a bad choice.

“If you’d rather not, I’ll understand. I was just trying to be helpful.”Julia started to decline, when she remembered Monica’s snide remark about being a mouse. “No, I think the wheel will clinch it for me.” Julia set her camera up, turned it on, and then approached the wheel. “What do I do?”

Throwdini gripped the side of the wheel, and then held out his hand. “Stand with your back to the board, hold tightly to my hand, and then

step up.Throwdini helped Julia into place, then ran the strap around her waist. Julia stood still, as Throwdini tightened the strap. Throwdini stepped to the side of the wheel, took hold of the edge, and looked up at Julie.

“Are you ready?”Julia gritted her teeth, and then nodded. Throwdini began to spin the wheel. He gave it several hard turns, then stepped back. Julia felt a wave of dizziness hit her, as she spun on the wheel. She wanted to close her eyes, but didn’t dare take her eyes off of Throwdini. She groaned as Throwdini picked up the knives, squared himself, and began to throw them at the board. Julia could feel the vibration of the knives hitting the board. She held totally still, too terrified to even breath. The blades hit the wheel, one at a time. four to her left, and four to her right.

After what seemed like an eternity, Throwdini threw the last knife. Julia breathed a sigh of relief as the blade sank into the wood, next to her right shoulder. Throwdini quickly stopped the board’s spin, and helped Julia down. She nearly collapsed from fear and dizziness. “I do believe that qualifies as dangerous and outrageous.” Throwdini smiled at the dizzy woman. “And if any of your sorority friends would like to disagree with you, tell them to come on down, and give the wheel a try.”

The following Friday, each of the pledges showed the videos of their stunts. Only eight of the pledges had returned. Each girl had performed a fairly dangerous stunt, that contained some risk. One girl was holding what she claimed was a rattle snake. Unfortunately for her, one of the Delta Pi’s was studying to be a zoologist, and recognized it as a gopher snake. One girl did manage to lie on the railroad tracks as a train bore down on her. Although snooty Monica felt she could have stayed there a few seconds longer. But the group did recognize it as dangerous. Finally, it was Julia‘s turn. Julia slipped her tape into the VCR. “I had a little help with this stunt. The man who helped me said that if anyone wanted to say this stunt isn’t dangerous enough they can come down to the club, and try it themselves.” Julia pressed play. The sorority girls all sat in awe as Throwdini hurled knife after knife at Julia’s spinning body. Needless to say, Julia is now a Delta Pi.

The end.

Knives for Katherine  

by Blade_slinger2002    

Katherine Harris sat transfixed as she watched the incredible display of knifeman ship. She watched in amazement, and excitement, as Throwdini hurled knife after knife at Morrigan, his lovely assistant. Katherine could feel her heart pounding, as she watched the dangerous display. Each throw seemed to place Morrigan in great peril. Katherine found herself wishing that it was her standing in front of the board.  

Twenty minutes later, Throwdini, and his Morrigan took their bows, and left the stage. The audience gave them a thunderous ovation. Katherine stared at the now empty knife board. She wanted to run up on stage and run her fingers along the gashes that the knives, tomahawks, and machetes had made during the performance.  

As the audience slowly filed out of the auditorium, Katherine hung back, waiting for them to leave. After several minutes, the auditorium was  empty. Katherine quickly looked around, and then slipped onto the stage. She approached the board. She could see the gashes in the painted wood.  The sight of the chipped wood sent chills of excitement through her.

Katherine took another quick look around to see if anyone was watching. The auditorium appeared to be empty. Katherine stepped  forward, and placed her back and shoulders squarely against the board. The feel of the gashes in the wood excited her.

She looked at the table that held the throwing instruments. They looked very dangerous, and yet very inviting. Katherine closed her eyes, and began to wonder what it would be like to stand here while knives were thrown close to her body. “It’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it. You look like you were born to stand in front of the board.” Katherine jumped at the words. She turned to see Morrigan standing a few feet away. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”  Katherine blushed. “Forgive me! I shouldn’t be messing around with  your equipment.”  “It’s ok. I won’t tell if you won’t. I take it you have a desire to be a  target girl?”  Katherine’s blush deepened. She nodded.  Morrigan stepped forward, and extended her hand. “I’m Jenn Slater.  What’s your name?”  “I’m Katherine Harris.” Katherine shook the woman’s hand.  

Morrigan suddenly got an idea. “If you’d like I’ll ask the Reverend to throw a few knives around you. He won’t mind.” Katherine thought about it for a minute, then agreed. Jenn left the stage area. Katherine stood there, unable to believe that she was going to go  through with this. She wondered what her husband, Mike would think if he  knew what she was doing. He’d probably tell her she was nuts, and would  Put an end to her trips to New York.  

Jenn reentered the stage a few minutes later. Throwdini was right behind her. Jenn introduced Katherine to the knife thrower. They talked for a few minutes, then Jenn suggested that Throwdini let Katherine try a few tricks out. Throwdini obliged her.  Katherine stood against the board, and held her breath, as the thrower, hurled knives around her. The blades seemed to reach out for her flesh, as if  to devour her life. The sensation caused Katherine‘s heart to pound. She felt every nerve in her body explode with excitement and fear. Katherine couldn’t believe she was standing here, letting a stranger throw knives at her.  

Later that night, she lay in bed, holding the pamphlet that Throwdini had given her. She couldn’t believe she’d stood there and let Throwdini throw knives at her. She closed her eyes and conjured up the image of the knives coming at  her. The powerful rush she’d gotten from acting as his target, was still  there. She looked at the picture on the pamphlet, of Throwdini, and Jenn. They were standing in front of their wheel of death. Throwdini was holding  several knives, and Jenn was holding one of the machetes that Throwdini  used in his act. It was then that Katherine made up her mind.

When she got  back home, she’d talk to Mike about taking up a new hobby. After all, Mike  was a pitcher on his college baseball team. He shouldn’t have any trouble mastering knife throwing.    

(Three days later.)   “You want to do what!!!!” Mike nearly fell over when Katherine told  him her idea.  “Honey, don’t get upset. It’s just an idea.”  “It’s an insane idea. There is no way I’m going to throw knives at  you. I don’t even know how to throw a knife.”  Katherine held up the pamphlet. “The Great Throwdini has a tape  and book set that covers all of that. We can order it from him, and then you can begin practicing.  

Mike took the pamphlet from his wife, and began to look through it.  “Is this where you got this crazy idea?” Mike started to rip the  pamphlet in half.  “No!!!” Katherine screamed. “If you tear that up, I’ll never speak to you again.”  Mike saw the expression on Katherine’s face, and realized that she  meant it. “Honey, you can’t be serious about this. Do you realize how  dangerous this is? You could be injured, or killed. I‘m not going to do  this.” Katherine stepped close to her husband. She looked up at him.  “Honey, I know it’s dangerous. I know that I could end up seriously  injured, or worse, I could get killed. But don’t you see, that’s what makes  this so compelling. There’s something about placing myself in harms way  that excites me.”

Katherine drew in a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve got to be  honest with you. When Throwdini threw those knives around me, I got  unbelievably turned on. I wanted to run straight to the airport, come home, and make mad passionate love to you.”  Mike could tell that just talking about it was exciting his pretty wife. He’d seen that depth of passion in her before. He knew it wouldn’t go away  until it ran it’s course. “Look, Hon, even if I agreed to this, it could take a long for me to get  good enough to throw knives at you. To be honest with you, I might never  be good enough. Besides, I don‘t want to perform in front of people.”  

Katherine shook her head. “I don’t want to perform in public. I just want to perform privately. Just you and me.“ Katherine gave Mike her pitiful look. “I’ll make you a deal. If you’ll  give this a try for six months, and then decide that it isn’t going to work, I’ll  forget about it, and I won’t bring it up again.”  Mike looked down at the pamphlet, and then back at his obviously excited wife. “All right! I’ll give it six months.”  Katherine threw her arms around Mikes neck, and kissed him hard.  “I love you.”  “One thing though. Where do we get the equipment?”  “Throwdini covered all of that in his book and video.”  “So, I guess we need to buy a book and video.”  Katherine stepped over to the couch, and reached under a throw  pillow. She held up a package.  “Throwdini had them with him. I went ahead and bought a packet.”  Katherine reached under the pillow a second time, and brought out a set of ten matching throwing knives. “He also told me about a knife shop in New York, where I could find professional throwing knives.” Mike took the 16” daggers from his wife, and looked them over. They were heavy, and very dangerous looking. He saw Katherine’s  expression, as she admired the blades. She was definitely getting turned on by them.  “I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into?”    

Mike spent the next few months practicing with the knives. He had  built a board, and had set it up in the basement. Every night after work, he would go into the basement, and practice  for two hours. Katherine would sit on the steps, and watch him practice.  Afterward, she would take him upstairs and make love to him. The woman had become wild in her love making. Mike began to look forward to his practice sessions. He would come home, and find Katherine sitting on the couch, watching the video. Sometimes he found her in the basement, standing against the board.

Katherine would spend hours on the internet, looking up knife throwing sites. She eventually found a knife throwing group called dangerous circus acts. She would spend a lot of her free time looking through the pictures, and reading the stories. When Mike came home from work, he would sometimes sit with his wife, and they’d go to the web sites together. Usually within fifteen minutes of surfing, they would end up making love on the desk, in front of the computer. Sometimes, they would make love in front of the knife board. Katherine’s passion seemed to be even more powerful there.  

Katherine found and ordered a movie called The Girl on the Bridge. It was a movie about two people who satisfied their passions during their knife throwing act. Mike and Katherine were soon making love on the couch, while they watched the movie.  As the months passed, Mike got better, until he felt he was almost good enough to let Katherine stand in front of the board. But he didn’t want to push it. After all, what they were planning to do was extremely dangerous, and Mike wanted to make sure he was ready.  

Then one night Mike came home from work, to find Katherine sitting  on the couch, dressed in a long, clingy, silk robe. She was also heavily made up in stage makeup. But what was the most striking was her hair. She had it cut short, and wore it like the girl in the movie. Mike felt a lump rise in his throat.... and in his trousers.   “Hi honey,” she said cheerily. “I hope you don’t mind, but I went  shopping today and I bought you something.”  Mike immediately realized that Katherine was up to something.  “And, what did you buy me?” He asked, his eyes taking in his wife’s sexy new look. “I bought an outfit, for you to wear, when you practice. It‘s laid out  on the bed.”  Mike gave Katherine, one last look, went upstairs, and found the outfit. It was a white silk shirt, with ruffles up the front, a pair of black denim pants, and a pair of black leather boots. Mike slipped out of his work clothes, took a shower, and tried the outfit on. Mike quickly discovered that the shirt only buttoned up part way, leaving his hairy chest partially bare. He looked at himself in the mirror.  “Woman, you are definitely up to something.”  

Mike returned to the living room. Katherine’s robe was lying on the couch, but she was no where in sight. He strode to the back of the house. The basement door was wide open. Mike slowly walked down the flight of stairs.  As he reached the bottom step, he looked at the board. Katherine was standing in front of it. She was dressed in a black lace bra, with matching panties, black fishnet stockings, that were held up by a black garter, and a pair of stiletto heels. The lump in Mike’s throat returned. As did the other lump.  Katherine was standing in a classic knife thrower’s assistant’s pose, with her back to the board, her feet together, and her arms spread out, so she could hold the edges of the board.  “You look magnificent.” Mike’s voice cracked.

Katherine smiled invitingly at her husband. Her eyes burned with passion.  Mike stepped into the basement, and stopped next to the table where the knives lay. “I don’t know if I’m ready to try this yet.”  Katherine didn’t say, a word. She continued to smile at her husband. Mike looked down at the knives. They were laid out in a half moon shape, like the pros do.  “Maybe I should practice some more.”  Katherine didn’t move.  “I mean, it’s only been a few months, and I still do miss from time to time.”  

Katherine’s smile broadened. She gave him a look that said it all. It was time. Katherine had waited months for this day, and nothing was going to make her wait one more day. She wanted this. She yearned for this.   “Throw knives at me, darling.” Her voice was deep and husky. Her body trembled with anticipation. Mike knew he was in for the night of his life. He reached down and picked up the knives. He struggled to keep his hands from shaking. Mike stepped into his usual spot, then looked up at Katherine. When Mike saw the excited expression on her face, he nearly dropped his knives. He’d never seen his wife this turned on before. “Are you ready?” Stupid question.

He took the first knife in his left hand, and aimed at a spot, about six inches from Katherine’s left knee, and gave the knife a good hard throw. It stuck about an inch higher than he’d intended. but it was a pretty good throw. Katherine looked down at the blade, and then looked back up to her husband.  “Throw them closer.”  Mike gritted his teeth. He knew she was behaving recklessly, and that he should refuse. But the sight of his scantily clad wife standing in front of the board was just too much.  He threw the next knife next to her other knee. This one landed two inches from her thigh, just above her knee cap.  Katherine’s eyes were filled with fire. She held on tightly to the board, to keep from passing out from the pleasure she was feeling.  Mike threw two more knives. Each knife sank into the wood, about an inch or so from Katherine’s hips. She moaned deeply. As Mike threw the fifth knife, he held his breath. Mike felt it come out of his hand wrong, and he just knew Katherine was going to be hit. Katherine realized that the knife was off, but she didn’t move. The blade slid along Katherine’s right side, just below her rib cage. Katherine gasped as she felt the weapon skim along her bare skin. She smiled deeply.  “That was so incredible. Oh honey, don‘t stop.”  “This is crazy,”

Mike muttered beneath his breath, but he continued to throw the knives.  The next knife landed next to Katherine’s left breast.  He only had four more knives to throw. He threw the next two knives on either side of his wife’s cheeks. One blade landed a couple of inches away. The other blade grazed the side of Katherine’s jaw. Mike wanted to quit. This was getting to be too dangerous. But for some reason he didn’t. He realized that playing this dangerous game was exciting both of them. There was something sexy and erotic about doing something this dangerous.  He threw the next knife. It stuck just to the left of her ear. He took careful aim and threw the final knife. The blade had landed uncomfortably close to Katherine’s head.  Katherine stood there for a minute, and didn‘t move. She was afraid that if she let go of the board, she’d collapse. She looked the knives over, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by them.  “That was wonderful. I‘ve never felt so alive in my life. Thank you honey.” She sauntered over to her husband, eased her arms around his neck, and kissed him. They spent the rest of the evening making love in front of the board. the knives were still buried in the wood.  

Mike continued to practice with the knives. Katherine would watch him as he practiced. Finally, after another six months of practice, Mike felt comfortable enough to let Katherine stand in front of the board on a daily basis. Their sex life had never been more passionate. One night after an extremely intense night of passion, Mike sat down in front of the computer, and wrote a heart felt thank you email to Throwdini, and Morrigan.

The Dream

In the theater the people were watching a women in a red evening gown. As there was a single spotlight on her as she walked across a dark stage. Then the lady came to what looked like a white wall. She stopped and raised her hand to touch the wall. When she did this there was a load thud sound. The thud noise was a knife that had hit the wall just in front of her hand. Then she turned to walk away. There was second thud heard, another knife had hit the wall, inches from her chest. At that moment she froze in her tracks. A third knife landed in back of her at the same height as the last. The fourth landed close to her nicely curved backside. The fifth landed at near the back of her ankles, and the sixth knife landed at the front at the same level as the last. The next knife lands in front of her waist high. The lady stepped away from the wall and you could see the array of knifes. The stage light came up and you see a knife thrower. The two came together and took a bow.

The Master of ceremony introduced them as Ted and Alice. Alice went behind the wall for amount. While Ted removed knifes from the wall. Alice came out from the other side wearing a silver bikini. Alice then came around to the front of the wall, standing with her shoulders against the wall. Placing her hand above her head looking at Ted. Ted standing about 10 feet away. Alice gives Ted a nodded with her head, and smiled.

Ted grabbed the first knife out of the eight that he in his left hand, and took aim at Alice.

Alice standing at the wall with her knees placed wide about apart. The first knife landed right in the center between her knees. With the knife in place Alice brings her knees together so they touch the steel blade.

Ted takes aim with next blade and it strikes the wall at Alice right hip, which are inches from her bare skin. The third knife strikes the wall on the opposite side just inches away from Alice's left hip. The forth and fifth just inches from her waist. Sixth and Seventh on each side of her well-formed chest. At this point Alice bring her arms down to her side. Trapping the two knifes that are at chest level next to her body. Ted last knife shines as he holds it in his hand. He takes aim and lets it fly. It lands just above Alice’s head in amongst her hair. Alice moves her hips from side to side and touches the knifes, with her bare skin.

Alice steps away and waves her hand to shows the arrangement of the knifes.

Alice and Ted take a bow.

Ted goes and removes the array of knifes from the wall. As Alice stand next to Ted with two balloons. Alice takes one-balloon places so it sticks to the wall about third of the way up from the floor, with the balloon hanging down like a teardrop. Then she steps up to the wall spreads her leg so that the balloon is in between her legs. The bottom of the balloon is about to Alice's knees. Alice puts the end of the second balloon in her mouth. Then turned her head to the side so the balloon was resting on the wall.

Ted throw the first knife burst the balloon, which Alice held in mouth. A second balloon appeared which was inside the first. Ted throws a second knife and burst that balloon. A third but much smaller balloon appeared. Ted throws final knife in his hand and burst the last balloon. The last knife was almost touching Alice's nose. The knifes were spaced apart on a line from her nose.

Alice turned back to look at Ted as he picked up three more knifes.

Ted throw the first knife it hit the bottom of the balloon hanging downs and burst. The knife landed on the wall between Alice's knees. Again a second balloon was inside the first. Ted throw the second knife and it struck the balloon in between Alice’s legs about mid thigh. Ted aimed the third and final knife at the last balloon in between Alice’s shapely legs. Ted released the knife and when it burst the balloon, the knife landed inches from the top of her legs.

Alice put her legs together to feel the cold steel against her legs, which she enjoyed.

Ted walked up and took her hand to help her off the wall.

They both walk to center stage to except the applause.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alice was looking at the want ads in the morning paper. She could here husband coming down the stair. She knows her piece and quit will be gone. Alice’s husband was not a kind man to her. The marriage of five years has been not a nice one.

Alice went back to looking at the Want Ads.

She reads "Knife Throwing Assistant wanted".

Beautiful assistant needed

Call 555-7438 Ask for Ted

Alice looked at her wedding ring as a song on the radio was playing "The Ring" by "Bob Seager. She tore the ad out of the paper, and left the room so she did not have to deal with her husband.

She went into the bedroom and picked up the phone and dialed the number.

Then Alice looked at her wedding ring, and took it off. Waiting for someone to answer the phone.

The End

Note: The song "The Ring" is about a woman that married a man at an early age, in a small town. The husband worked and ignored the wife, which left her with a boring life.

The last line in the song is "Woman looked out at the world and watched the world go by but she could not look at the ring".

Amy

PART ONE

Amy just lied on the blanket motionless. She watched as the elephant's front foot carefully moved over her midsection. Then another gingerly passed over her body. Moments later, after the elephant's two rear feet traveled by, she rose and smiled at the appreciative crowd. Amy took a deep breath and ran to her mark. She was picked up by the elephant's trunk and held while the elephant spun in place. After another bow, she mounted her elephant "Charlie" and rode out of the tent.

Mr. Terzini, the elephant trainer, helped Amy off the 13 year-old African elephant. "Good show, Amy. Good night." He continued to move the elephant toward the animal cages.

Another show completed. Amy walked slowly to her dressing room. She, like everybody else, was wondering what the big meeting was about. "I hope we are not going any further south," she thought. "Brasilia is as far as I want to go."

Amy could not stand to go any further from the States. Amy was an actress who grew up in the Carolinas. At 5'5", with long dark hair and green eyes, she was stunning. After getting as many local jobs as she could, Amy decided to try to move out to California and see how it was in the big time.

Eighteen months ago she saw an ad in the Rock Hill paper. The Great Richardson Circus was advertising for a showgirl. She sought out the owner of the circus to find out about the route of the show. When Amy found out that the Great Richardson show would be touring California within the next year, she took the job.

Initially, Amy just dressed up in costumes and danced with the other showgirls between acts. On one of the stops, Amy met Gina Lipardi, one of the aerialists in the circus. Gina and Amy were instant friends. It was Gina who told Amy about the opening for an elephant rider. Gina said that whoever took the job would get an increase in pay and would be moving to a semi-private trailer with her. Amy was growing a little bored with her dancing job, so she went to see Mr. Terzini. Amy got that job and even became lead elephant rider three months later (That's how she wound up letting Charlie walk over her during the show).

The Great Richardson Circus did make it to California, but the stay was brief. The owner, Mr. Newby, got an offer to travel through Central and South America. He took the offer after only two days in the Los Angeles area. By this time, however, Amy had met another friend.

Chano Leonard was the equipment manager for the show. He had dark hair and a chiseled physique. Chano and Amy became an item in Salt Lake City, and Amy was not ready to give up on this relationship. She decided to continue performing with the circus and possibly stay in Southern California on the return trip.

The show had been touring for seven months when this meeting was called. At midnight, all the performers gathered in the main tent to hear what Mr. Newby had to say.

"Folks, this news is going to come as a shock to you, but our sponsor has bailed out on us. As you know, we have not received the advertising or the subsidies that we were promised."

The tent came alive with the concerned discussion of all of the performers. Mr. Newby waited for the murmur to die down.

"I am afraid I am going to have to take immediate and drastic measures to move the show back to North America."

After that sentence, the discussion ceased. "We are going to have to cut loose as many of you as we can. We are going to ask those who are left to take double-duty in the show and with the maintenance group. We have a plan and will deliver it to you all individually. I want to tell everyone how much it pains me to do this. If it was up to me, we would all stay, but I simply do not have the money to pay you. Please come by the managers tent one-by-one and we will tell you if we can keep you or not."

Amy was shocked. Here was news she would never have dreamed of getting. She now faced the prospect of being dropped off by the circus in a foreign country with no means to get home.

Like the others, Amy went in to see Mr. Newby. "Amy, I am sorry, but I cannot keep you on." He looked down at his shoes as he went on, "This really hurts me a great deal because you have been such a pleasant addition to our show and our traveling family."

After a moment of silence, Mr. Newby continued, "We are giving you your pay and an additional twenty dollars. Good luck to you. I am sure a person of your intelligence will be able to find your way home." Newby looked back to Amy with tears welling up in his eyes. He was barely able to say "I'm Sorry" before he got up and headed to his private quarters.

Amy left the tent in a stunned silence. "How am I going to get home?" After a few moments of thought, she headed over to see Chano. She was sure that he would help her out.

Amy told Chano the news. She then could not believe what she heard.

"Well, hey, I'm sorry, but those are the breaks," shrugged Chano. "I wish I could help you, but I'm all tapped out. Take care of yourself." Chano practically leaped out of the trailer.

Amy once again sat dazed and demoralized. She couldn't believe she stayed on with the circus to be with him. Now, when she needed his help, Chano dumped her in seconds.

Amy went back to the trailer to pack.

PART TWO

The next morning, Amy said goodbye to Gina with a big hug. The two had grown as close as sisters. Amy stepped out of the trailer and immediately saw Chano. He was sitting at one of the portable tables flirting with Jacqui, one of the animal trainers. "It didn't take you long, did it Chano," she said under her breath. Amy just picked her head up and walked out of the compound.

Like many of the "former" circus people, Amy walked down to the nearest town in hopes of finding a bus terminal. Since the show was performing just outside of Brasilia, she thought there might be a good chance of getting to Sao Paulo, at the very least.

As Amy was walking, one of the circus jeeps pulled up next to her. Inside was Mr. Newby, who was trying to flag her down. He finally stopped the jeep and ran over to her.

"Amy, if you don't speak to me, I wouldn't blame you," he said, a little out of breath. "I just wanted you to know that there was an opening at the circus, if you wanted it."

Amy stopped, and began looking at him. She tried to conceal her eagerness to hear more.

"Alicia, the knifethrower's assistant has decided to leave and go back to her home in Mexico City. The job is yours if you want it. Fact is, nobody wanted the job"

After a few minutes of silence, Mr. Newby said, "I understand, Amy. Take care of yourself." He headed back to the jeep.

"Mr. Newby, I'll take the job," Amy announced firmly. Newby turned and gave Amy a genuine smile. "That's great, Amy," he said. "I hated not to have you with us." Mr. Newby gave Amy a cautious hug, and then showed her into the jeep.

PART THREE

Mr. Newby knocked on Amy and Gina's trailer at 9:00 am the next day. "Amy, please meet me at 9:30 in the big top."

Amy knew what that message meant. Newby was going to introduce her to the knifethrower, Oscar Linares. Amy did not know much about him because his act always followed the elephants. She was always getting Charlie back to the cages as he and Alicia performed.

Oscar was a thin man that stood about 6'1" tall. He was clean- and appeared to be very neat and precise. Amy reasoned that this was probably a good character trait for a knifethrower.

"Oscar, this is Amy," said Newby. Oscar immediately replied, "Yes, I watched her on the elephant every night. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, my dear." Oscar took Amy's hand. "Come, let us get better acquainted."

Oscar led Amy to the center ring where the knifethrowing equipment was set up. Amy saw a table covered with what looked-like two dozen 12-inch throwing knives. She then looked over to the upright board. Amy knew that was where she would be working for the next few months.

"Amy, we must get you comfortable with the knives. This morning we will just throw the knives into the board, closer and closer so you can adjust slowly. This afternoon, we will start working on tricks. We don't have much time to develop the act, since we are performing the new show in three days."

Oscar walked over to the board. He reached down and picked up one of the three bouquets of flowers that were nearby. "Amy, I warm up in front of the audience by chopping these flowers with thrown knives. All you have to do is hold them with your outstretched arm, like this." Oscar held one hand behind his back and held the flowers with the other. He then gave the flowers to Amy and asked her to assume the same position.

It was at that moment that the reality of being the assistant to the knifethrower hit her. She knew she was taking a risk, just like when she allowed the elephant to walk over her. But this was different. Amy was about to allow this man to throw his blades at her. She felt herself struggle to contain her nerves.

Oscar selected four knives from the table. "Amy, do not look at the knives. Pick out an object behind me and focus on it." She relaxed and did what she was told. As soon as Oscar noticed that his assistant was still, he began throwing the knives.

The blades made a louder sound than Amy expected. She jumped a little, but still managed to hold the bouquet in place as Oscar's knives shredded the flowers.

"Very good, Amy. Getting through this experience is the hard part. From then it is all down hill." Amy had a tough time believing that.

After a few more practice rounds, Oscar took Amy aside. "Amy, that is all for today. You are going to make a marvelous assistant." She hoped he was right.

"This afternoon, please wear a practice leotard. We will be throwing the knives a little closer to you. Also, I have asked that a new costume be made for you."

"I thought I would just wear my elephant girl outfit," Amy replied. Oscar immediately responded, "No, that will not do. Your old costume has too many feathers and bows. The knifethrower's assistant must wear something more form fitting. I must know exactly where your body is." Amy took this to mean "skimpy."

"Second, we will need someone involved in the act that you trust with your life…besides me." Concern showed in Amy's face. "No my dear, I am not trying to scare you. For our final trick, I will be blindfolded. The third person will tap on the knife board with a small hammer to tell me where to place the knife."

"Why can't I tap the board?" replied Amy. "I will show you all the details this afternoon, Amy. I will see you at three o'clock.

PART FOUR

After Amy's adrenaline rush, she was exhausted. She took off her jeans and settled into her bed for a well-deserved nap.

As she was sleeping, her thoughts turned to love and romance. She began to get turned on. Amy imagined herself in bed with a handsome man. He was curled up behind her, stroking her body.

Amy swallowed hard. She could not believe how real her experience felt. Amy shifted over in the bed and hit something hard - something that shouldn't be there. She then realized that someone was in the bed with her!

Amy leaped from the bed and tried to wake herself. She looked down to see Chano in the bed, giving her a confident, wanting smile. "Hey, baby," he said. "I just thought I would come over and give you a proper welcome back party."

Amy leaped up and drove her knee into his face. She heard the crunch of cartilage in his nose. Blood began to run into his hands and down his shirt. Chano couldn't see, and began groping for something to help him stand up. Amy grabbed Chano by the arm, pulled him to the doorway, and shoved him out of the trailer.

"Never come in her again!" Amy shouted at the top of her lungs. A number of the performers and circus hands immediately came running at the commotion. A small crowd watched Chano stumble to his feet. Amy stood in the doorway of her trailer, totally resolute.

As soon as he could see, Chano noticed the crowd that had gathered. As everyone realized what had happened, the joking and giggling started. "What's a matter, Chano. I thought nobody would throw you out of bed!"

Chano sneered at the crowd. He turned to Amy, "I'll get you for this, bitch!" Amy just said, "Go to Hell."

PART FIVE

Amy showed up for practice with Oscar at the appointed time. Amy wore a white leotard and white shoes. She brought Gina as her designated helper. Oscar discussed how Gina would be used in the act, and then the team began to learn the tricks they would perform on Saturday.

One of the tricks they rehearsed was the mirror trick. Oscar showed Amy and Gina how he threw knives with the aid of a mirror on a stand. Oscar taped three pieces of paper on the target board and picked up three knives. Looking away from the board and into the mirror, Oscar hurled the knives over his head and into the board, striking each of the pieces of paper dead center.

"Amy, I will throw five knives at you using the mirror. I will throw two knives at either side of your body, and one above your head. To add effect, we will light the knives on fire." This would have scared Amy if she hadn't seen Oscar's incredible demonstration.

"Gina, you will blindfold Amy." Oscar stated.

Gina gave Oscar a funny look, "Why should I blindfold her?"

Oscar replied quickly, "Because the audience must know that Amy cannot see to move out of the way of the knives. They must know that it is my skill that saved her from harm."

Amy stood blindfolded with her arms behind her at the center of the board. Being blindfolded was another incredible feeling. She stood in her leotard, waiting for knives to narrowly miss her. She could not focus on the far away object, obviously, because she could not see.

In an instant, Amy felt a knife whisk by her thigh. She then felt a blade land just off her shoulder. Oscar threw two more knives at her other side before placing a knife just three inches from the top of Amy's head.

"Amy, do not take the blindfold off, just walk straight out, away from the board, and then remove it." Oscar instructed. Amy did what she was told. "You'll avoid getting burned from the fire knives if you practice this way," he explained.

Finally, Oscar showed the two women the finale, and his pride and joy, the blindfold trick.

Oscar explained to the women how the blindfold trick would work. "Gina, I will be blindfolded, and I will stand right here. You will take that small hammer and tap the board in several places around Amy. I will aim for the location you are tapping. "

Gina experimented with the tapping until she had it just right. "Gina, it is important to know that I can place the knife very close to the spot you are tapping. However, you must make sure to tap the board at least three inches from Amy's body, because I have at least a two inch margin of error for this trick."

Amy spoke up, "I still don't know why I can't tap the hammer?" Oscar walked over to the board and turned it around. On the other side was an array of leather straps.

"Amy, you will be secured to the board with these straps. You will also be wearing a ball gag." Amy gave Oscar an incredulous look. "I do this so the audience knows that you first, cannot move, and second, cannot communicate with me. This heightens the excitement of the trick. Once again, the audience must know that it is my skill that keeps you safe from harm."

Amy got light-headed. "Easy there, girl" Gina said.

"I think we have worked enough for one day," Oscar said in a gentle tone of voice. "I will see you both at 10 o'clock tomorrow.

PART SIX

Saturday night came around much more quickly than Amy would have liked. Gina's aerial act was scheduled for the first half of the show so she could help Oscar and Amy in the second half.

Amy went into the dressing room, but still could not find her new outfit. She had to tell Oscar that she would just wear her old costume this night.

Oscar answered Amy's knock. "Hello, Amy. Don't worry, you will do fine tonight."

"Oscar, I'm OK, I'm only here to tell you that my outfit wasn't finished in time. I can wear my old one, and maybe take off the feathers. Of course, I guess I could wear one of Gina's bikinis…"

"Here it is Amy" said Oscar. He held out a bag for her. "There are shoes in there as well. I will see you backstage."

Amy sat down in the women's dressing tent and began taking off her jeans. She then emptied the contents of the bag. Amy expected to see a skimpy outfit, and she was right.

Oscar had ordered a pink bikini with sequins sewn into it. The top was made up of pink strands. The only cloth was the diamond-shaped swatches that would be covering her nipples. The bottom of the costume was a small g-string. Oscar had picked out black strap-on shoes with 3" heels to go with her bikini. To complete her ensemble, Amy took out a small black shawl from out of the bag and tied it around her waist. The shawl only covered her down to mid-thigh. "Good thing I'm not self-conscious," Amy thought to herself.

Amy met Oscar while old act, the elephants, was drawing to a close. Oscar was wearing a pink shirt and black pants, to "match" Amy's costume. Gina came up a few minutes later, wearing the black shirt and black pants Oscar had prescribed. Gina's eyebrows raised when she saw Amy.

Amy kept her eyes on the show, primarily to fill the time so she would not become nervous. One of the wirewalkers had taken her old job, and Amy watched with interest. "It looks like Louisa will do just fine with the elephants," she told Oscar.

As the elephants plodded out of the tent, the ringmaster took his position. "Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare yourselves to witness one of the most daring and dangerous of all the circus acts! Please welcome our knifethrower, Oscar Linares, and his beautiful and brave assistant, Amy!"

Oscar and Amy walked into the ring hand in hand. Gina waited behind in the wings until she was needed.

Amy picked up a bouquet of flowers and held it just as she was taught. Oscar was flawless. His aim was incredibly precise, and this gave Amy even more confidence in his abilities. Amy then removed her shawl and the performers went to work.

The first trick involved a skin-tight outline of Amy. Once again, Oscar showed immense skill as he threw sixteen knives around his assistant. After Oscar removed the blades from the board, Amy showed the audience a cigarette. She placed it in her mouth and stood motionless, with her profile toward Oscar. Oscar locked his vision on to the cigarette and heaved one of his blades. The knife neatly shaved off the end of the cigarette, and he received a burst of applause from the audience. Amy, however, did not move a muscle.

Oscar picked up a second blade, and took a few seconds to line up his shot. At the right moment, he released the blade. The knife traveled swiftly and struck the board between the first knife and Amy's attractive and vulnerable face, cutting the cigarette yet again. Once again, the big top burst into applause. Oscar took Amy's hand and they accepted the cheers together.

The next stunt was the mirror trick. Oscar skillfully threw the flaming knives around his blindfolded assistant with ease. He was definitely on top of his game this evening.

At Oscar's cue, the ringmaster came out to address the buzzing crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Oscar Linares will now attempt one of the most unbelievable stunts you will ever see. He will now throw ten razor sharp daggers at his lovely assistant - blindfolded!"

After a few seconds, the ringmaster continued. "In addition to the blindfold, Oscar will secure the lovely Amy to the board and put a gag in her mouth. Our performers will have no way to communicate once this act has started!"

"It is very important that no sound be made during this final trick. Please, for the safety of our beautiful knifethrowing target (gesturing to Amy), remain silent until the act is finished." With that, the ringmaster left the ring and Oscar, Gina, and Amy began the blindfold trick.

Amy walked over to the board, which had been turned around so the leather straps faced the audience. Amy took a deep breath and placed herself against the target. She stood with her legs together and her arms straight out. Oscar placed the ball gag in her mouth and locked the strap firmly behind her head. Then Gina and Oscar quickly worked to tighten the leather bindings. The straps held Amy's ankles, thighs, wrists, upper arms, waist, and neck tightly against the board. Amy could now only watch, as she was completely immobilized.

Oscar and Gina quickly moved out to the knife table. Oscar picked up his knives and then nodded to Gina. She placed a small blindfold on the knifethrower, and then placed a black hood over his entire head. Gina then turned Oscar toward the target board, picked up the small hammer, and gingerly strode back toward the bound Amy.

Out of nowhere came Chano, dressed in all black like Gina. He ran to her so fast, she could have sworn he materialized only five feet from her. Chano huddled very close to Gina since they were in front of the circus crowd.

"Gina, there's been an accident, it's your mother" said Chano.

"My mother has been dead for 10 years, do you mean my aunt?" replied Gina.

"Yes, it's probably your aunt. You had better try to reach your family. I'll take over for you. Go on, now," urged Chano. He took the hammer from her as she hurriedly exited the ring.

Amy could not fathom what she was watching. Her emotions were rolling back and forth between disbelief and panic. She began struggling mightily against her leather bindings. No one noticed, however, because she had no slack to work with. Amy tried to get the board to fall over, but that idea proved futile, as well.

A vile grin came over Chano's face as he came up to the target board. "Goodbye, Amy," was all he said.

Chano took the hammer and tapped the board at Amy's waist, right at the edge of her soft skin.

"He's not giving Oscar enough room," thought Amy. "He really is going to kill me!" Amy bit hard into her gag and tried to call out to Oscar. She did not dare move, however, because the knifethrower was about to release his first blade.

"Thwack" was the sound that the knife made as it sunk into the target. "Oh well," muttered Chano without moving his lips, "We still have nine more tries, don't we?"

Chano moved to the other side of the beautiful woman and tapped the hammer in the same location. Oscar flung his knife swiftly and it landed once again within millimeters of Amy's belly. She could feel both knives on either side of her.

For the next two throws, Chano signaled Oscar to throw towards her exposed ribs. Amy watched the knives land within an eyelash of puncturing a lung. The knives were literally hugging her midsection.

Here is where Chano got really mean. He tried to move Amy's breasts over slightly so the hammered location would actually be behind her chest. Amy didn't give up. She strained as much as she could against her tethers. Oscar once again placed his knives just off her body.

The crowd could not believe how close the knives were coming. They had seen knifethrowing acts before, but this was remarkable. Many of them wondered how these performers could tempt fate like this every night.

Chano moved up to Amy's pretty head. He tapped right against her reddening face. Amy closed her eyes as the knife landed safely, but so close to her she could touch it just by putting air in her cheek.

Chano tried the other side. Oscar threw the knife. Amy bit down hard on her gag. The stinging pain was not horrible, but it was constant. She had been cut on the ear, right above her lobe. She wondered if there was any blood. Maybe someone could stop the act!

There was a small trickle oozing out of Amy's ear, but because of her dark hair, and the leather strap around her neck, no one could spot it.

"Two more knives," Amy told herself. "Be strong." Inside though, she wondered, "How long can Oscar's perfection keep up?"

Chano stroked Amy's hair, to make sure he would strike the board as close to the top of her head as possible. Here came Oscar's blade. "Thunk" was the sound the knife made as it hit the target board. There was actually pressure from the knife on Amy's head.

Chano made the most of his last chance. He tried to move her head away from the board so that he might tap behind where she would be. Amy was able to fight him off because of the excellent leverage her straps gave her. After Chano hammered for the last time, he ran out of the ring and the tent, leaving Amy to her fate.

The crowd was almost sullen. They were watching this lovely, scantily clad assistant get assaulted by this man, but had no understanding of what truly was happening. What the audience did know was that this was the last knife, and the thrower would be aiming for his assistant's head.

Amy once again told herself to be strong. If she could survive this inhuman attack of knives, while she was bound and gagged wearing the smallest costume in the history of the Great Richardson Circus, she could handle anything.

Oscar assumed his stance, aimed, and flung the final knife. Amy struggled hard against her neck restraint. She was trying desperately to move her head lower on the board, hoping to give herself any chance she could of surviving.

"SKRIIP" was the sound Amy heard. The knife took some of her hair with it as it landed against the board, right on top of her skull. All she knew to do now was close her eyes.

Meanwhile, Oscar was removing his blindfolds. He let his eyes adjust as he waved and bowed to the loudest ovation of the night. He expected Amy to join him seconds after he removed his hood. "Come on, Gina," thought Oscar. "Get Amy off the board so she can take her bows." He turned to the board with a look of frustration.

Oscar couldn't believe what he saw. There was Amy, with knives practically sticking out of every vital part of her body. "The knives are too close -what happened?!!" thought the alarmed knifethrower.

Oscar ran to the board and started to untie Amy. He saw the blood on her ear and the top of her head. After he released her, she was so drained she could barely walk. Amy fell into Oscar's surprised but capable arms. He quickly took her gag off and hugged her tightly.

"What happened? Where is Gina? She didn't follow my instructions! My dear, I almost killed you!" Oscar said with a very shaky voice.

Amy struggled to speak. "No, Chano almost killed me," whispered Amy. "It was your skill that saved my life."

Amy passed out against Oscar. He leaned over, took his beautiful assistant in his arms, and carried her out of the ring to the continuing roar of the crowd.

PART SEVEN - Epilogue

It was a long time before Gina could forgive herself for abandoning her friend. It seems that Gina's aunt, who raised Gina for much of her life, was getting on in years. Her family had been dreading the day they got news of her aunt falling or hurting herself in some type of accident. After a period of time, Amy understood this. The Chano episode actually made their friendship stronger. Gina pledged that nothing in this world would ever take her from Amy's side again.

Chano ran from the circus that night. He was picked up by the police a few weeks later, but the circus had moved out of Brazil, and could not afford to come back to allow the performers to testify against him. Chano was released. Oscar swore that if he ever saw Chano again, he would put ten knives in his heart.

After a few days, Amy was ready to perform again. She became extremely confident in the act, and impressed Oscar in every show.

The circus saved every penny they could and finally made it back to the U.S.A. Amy did make the decision to leave the circus once the troupe stopped in Los Angeles.

After their final act together, Oscar told Amy that she was the best assistant he had ever worked with. Amy just smiled. He also told her that Gina had volunteered to take her place in the act. Amy embraced the knifethrower, then looked into his eyes, and said, "She'll be in good hands."

THE END

The Corporate Retreat

By

tg545

author's note:

This story is more or less based on a true story (maybe a little less than more ;) ). The place where I work has annual retreats. Every year each retreat has a theme. One year it was "teamwork", another it was "trust". The year that it was trust we had an act for dinner entertainment where these jugglers juggled clubs back and forth. It wasn't required, but if you wanted you could walk between them. Nothing too dangerous, but you didn't want to get knocked in the head with one of the clubs. This story involves a fictionalized account of what might happen at a retreat like this. The characters are actually loosely based on real people, but, unfortunately, this never actually DID happen.

* * *

"Last but not least," said Katherine, "the focus of this year's retreat is trust." Katherine Harold stood at the head of a long conference table. Around the table were eager junior executives in Katherine's division. Katherine was a VP in a large corporation and a manager of the corporation's Los Angeles branch.

At 42, Katherine was successful, single and attractive with a slim athletic figure. She had beautiful, dark, auburn, shoulder length hair and gorgeous green eyes. She was also frequently the object of sexual fantasies of most of the men who worked under her. But, as the boss, she was completely unattainable.

Every year the corporation required each branch to hold a retreat, with a theme in line with an overall company goal. This year the theme was trust.

"We need to brainstorm for ideas people!" said Katherine. "Each of you is required to come up with something we can do at the retreat to exemplify our trust in each other. I'll expect suggestions on my desk no later than tomorrow afternoon. You're all dismissed."

Disgruntled murmuring spread throughout the room. The junior execs hated assignments like this. For most of them, Katherine's assignment represented little more than a pain in the neck that would best be dealt with with an off the cuff, little thought out suggestion. But for Ron and Harry, Katherine's suggestion was an opportunity.

Ron and Harry were junior executives at Katherine's branch. In their spare time they had a juggling act that they performed in local nightclubs. Ron also had a related knifethrowing act--Harry had an act with a whip. Their whole act was based on trust. Their assistant, Stephanie, who served as their foil and target, had to have tremendous trust in them. As they left the meeting they were silently thinking the same thing--maybe they could offer to perform at the retreat. They could pick audience members to help.

On the way out of the office that day, Ron stopped by Harry's office.

"What's up bud?" he asked.

"Not much," said Harry. "Just trying to think of ideas."

"You know," said Ron, "I was thinking that our. . ." Harry finished his thought "act would work?"

"Yeah," said Ron. "Me too," said Harry, "but the only person in our act who has to trust anyone is Steph. How does that fit in to the theme of the retreat?"

"Maybe we could involve the employees," said Ron. "You know how sometimes we have them stand in between us as we juggle--we could do that with employees."

"Sure," said Harry. "We could do that. Doesn't seem like much of an act though--most of our act involves Stephanie. But we'll never get anyone to volunteer to do what she does . . ."

"It'd be great if we could get Katherine to do it," said Ron "she's so incredibly sexy. And it would show her up for always forcing us to think of these dumb ideas. But she'd never agree to it."

Harry smiled a knowing smile. "Not if she knew about it in advance. We could force her into a situation where she'd have to agree. Shut the door, let me tell you my idea."

* * *

The next day Ron and Harry took their idea to Katherine. Her office door was open, but she was quietly working at her desk. "What's up guys?" she asked, looking up as they knocked.

"We've got an idea for the retreat," said Harry.

"Great," said Katherine. "What've you got?"

Ron and Harry explained their idea to Katherine. They explained their juggling act and how they frequently involved the audience--leaving out the bits about the knife throwing and whip flinging.

Katherine looked pensive and lifted her long, athletically-toned and stockinged legs, streched them across her desk and leaned back in her chair. She flexed her feet in her three inch heels. She crossed her arms. "Hmmm. . . are you guys any good?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "This might not be such a bad idea."

"Sure we're good," said Ron. "And this fits in perfectly with the theme of the retreat." Ron secretly winked at Harry. "And it gets the employees involved," said Harry.

"Okay," said Katherine, nodding at Ron and Harry. "We'll pencil that into the schedule. . .maybe on the last night, as dinner entertainment."

"Great!" said Ron and Harry, almost in unison. Part one of their plan was fully in place.

* * *

The company retreat two months later was at a resort in Palm Springs. For two days all the employees got a free stay at the resort. Friday there were meetings, lunches, and dinners. Saturday, Katherine's division walked rope bridges and did other team and trust building exercises together. Saturday night was the last night of the retreat. A dinner was planned in one of the resort's banquet halls, and Ron and Harry's show was set as the evening's entertainment. As far as Katherine knew, they'd do their juggling act and invite willing employee audience members to get involved.

By dinner that night, though, almost everyone--but Katherine--knew what was really planned.

They had converted the dance floor in the banquet hall into a sort of stage. As the employees all finished their deserts, Katherine took a mic and went to center stage to introduce Ron and Harry's act.

Like everyone, she wore her typical business attire, a white silk blouse, a black business suit with a short but professional skirt, black hose and her typical black high, three inch heels--she liked them high as they gave her an advantage with men.

"And now," said Katherine, "we have a real treat for you. As many of you may know, two of our employee's Ron and Harry, have a juggling act on the side. Now they're going to perform for us tonite but they're going to need some volunteers. Now you might think it's a little dangerous, but I want us to show some teamwork, a little trust, and all get involved!"

Katherine took a seat near the stage and Ron and Harry took the stage, juggling clubs between them as they ran out. "We need a volunteer," said Harry. "Who want's to help?"

Jeannette, from HR jumped up. "Great Jeannette," said Harry. "Come stand by me." Jeannette did as she was told. As she did, Harry stepped back, leaving Jeannette caught in the middle of a flurry of juggling clubs. Jeannette looked all about her and laughed. "Okay, now run out!" said Ron.

Jeannette ran. "Who's next?" said Harry. One by one, employees volunteered to help. Some ran through the flurry, others just stood in the middle. Katherine had wathced the whole thing, smiling and clapping. Little did she know what was planned for her. After about fifteen employees had helped out and Ron and Harry had done some other juggling Katherine grabbed her mic, stood up and took the stage once more, looking to close out the retreat. But the act was only half over.

"My thanks to Ron and Harry," she said as Ron and Harry bowed and left the stage.

"Well," said Katherine smiling, "that closes out tonite's entertainment and the retreat. . ."

Katherine was interrupted by Ron. "Actually we're not done yet," said Ron emerging from a door in the back of the room. "There's one more act left!" Ron pulled behind him a large, heavy wooden board, painted red and set on rollers. Behind him, Harry pushed a cart covered by a black sheet. "And there's someone who hasn't volunteered for anything yet," said Harry.

Katherine turned, surprised. The audience of employees laughed, knowing what was coming.

"We're going to need your help," said Harry, gesturing to Katherine.

"Ummm," said Katherine, bewildered, "I wasn't aware there was anything left. . ."

"Well," said Ron, "we kinda planned this on our own." Harry whipped the black sheet off the cart revealing twenty gleaming knives, a long, coiled leather whip, a pack of cigarrettes, and two uninflated balloons.

Katherine glanced at the cart, then the board, and quickly put two and two together. The board looked familiar from circuses Katherine had seen as a little girl. On it was painted the yellow figure of a woman with arms opened wide to the edges of the board. Straps were secured to the board at strategic points. "Well, we're really out of time," she said, licking her lips nervously, "and we shouldn't be doing anything the hotel hasn't approved. . ." She wasn't about to let them coax her into something like this!

Katherine's voice trailed off to a stream of soft boos in the audience. She nervously glanced about the audience. "Uh, oh," she thought. "I'm going to have to let them do this."

"We've already cleared it with the hotel," said Harry. "There's no reason we can't do this--unless you don't trust us."

The employees laughed. Katherine laughed uneasily with them. She knew she was trapped. She cocked her head and smiled an uneasy smile. "Well," she said trying to calm herself with a deep breath, "I guess there's nothing stopping us. What do you need me to do?" She had a pretty good feeling what it was already, though.

"Well," said Ron, "for starters you can give me your coat and roll up your sleeves." Katherine peeled off her black coat, and walked over to Ron, who was standing by the target. Ron gently set it behind the target as Harry helped Katherine roll up the sleeves on her white silk blouse.

"Okay," said Katherine, "what next?"

"You'll have to lose those" said Harry, pointing to Katherine's black three inch heels. Katherine looked down as Ron knelt before her, taking her right leg by the ankle, raising her foot just enought to slip off her heel. He did the same with her left leg leaving Katherine standing in her stockinged feet. Katherine blushed slightly, somewhat embarrased to be standing before all of her employees without her heels. She was already ready for the act to be over.

"Now we just have to get the target ready," said Ron, as he and Harry undid the straps on the target and got them ready to hold Katherine. Katherine watched from the side, bouncing nervously on high up her toes.

"Okay," said Ron, offering his hand to Katherine. "You'll have to step up here." Ron directed Katherine to turn her back to the board. Katherine stepped back on to two small platforms about eight inches up from the floor jutting out from the board set about shoulder length apart and leaned all the way back against the target, inhaling deeply. She could not believe she was doing this. She was terrified and shaking slightly, but was determined not to let her employees see her afraid.

Ron and Harry each grabbed a wrist and secured it to the target. Harry cinched a strap tightly about her waist.

Katherine looked at each arm, and her wasited, gently tugging on the straps to test them. She could barely move. "Is all this really necessary," asked Katherine softly. "After all, if I trust you enough to let you do this, it's not like I'll run away."

"We're not worried about that," said Harry. "This is for your safety. If you weren't fully secured you might flinch and get hurt."

Ron again knelt before Katherine, lifting her left foot and placing it on another small platform below and between the others. Just Katherine's gauzily masked stockinged toes fit. "You also need to be standing on your toes," he said, placing a strap tightly around her ankle. "That way we know your head is as high up know as it can get." Ron gently lifted her right foot and placed it on top of her left, and secured that ankle as well.

Katherine looked down and wiggled her toes. "Now," said Ron, standing back from the target "we don't have to worry about you getting nervous and moving around on us."

Katherine smiled at Ron and Harry and turned to her employees, the audience. She was nervous and scared, but excited and strangely aroused. Somehow, being secured to the target helplessly in her bare feet in front of all her employees made her feel sexy. She had absolutely no power--It was not a position she was used to being in, but she had to admit to herself that she sort of liked it.

Ron took his place by the knife cart, about fifteen feet away from Katherine on the target. Harry angled the target with Katherine on it so that now it faced Ron, and the majority of the audience. Katherine smiled out at the audience. She was not about to let them see her afraid, but she was shaking like a leaf. As Ron picked up the first knife Katherine took another deep breath and wiggled the toes on her right foot nervously.

As Ron reached back Katherine closed her eyes, opening them just in time to see the knife hurtle towards her. She flinched instinctively as it hit the target right above her head. Now she knew why they had secured her so well--she'd of jumped right off the target if she hadn't been strapped to it. And she might have been hit . . .

Ron aimed another knife at the side of her head. Whapp! In an instant it was on the other side of her head, no more than an inch from her ear!

Ron moved down the target, a knife on each side, placing the final knife to the right of her legs just below her calves. Ron raised his arms and took a bow as the audience applauded.

Katherine breathed a deep sigh of relief. The audience applauded wildly. Katherine had a gleam in her eye. She had done her part. "That was fabulous!" she said, as Ron and Harry approaced her. Katherine shook with excitement and anxiously waited for them to release her. She'd never admit it to anyone, but she had just had the thrill of her life.

But as she waited, Ron and Harry each blew up a balloon, tied them off and placed them in her hands, one each.

"What's going on now?" said Katherine. Fun was fun, but she thought it was over.

"I'm going to pop these with my whip," said Harry.

"And now," said Harold to the audience, "I, the Harry the Whipmaster will perform my amzaing feats." It was toungue in cheek, and the audience laughed.

Harry walked over to the cart and picked up and uncoiled the whip. He threw it forward softly, measuring the distance to Katherine on the target. Katherine again closed her eyes. "Why have I let them do this?" she asked herself. ""If I wasn't so excited I'd fire them!"

Once satisfied with his measuring off Harry reached back, flung the whip forward and cracked it, popping the balloon in Katherine's right hand. Katherine opened her eyes to find the balloon in her right hand totally destroyed. She had barely recovered from her amazement when Harry reached back again, and flung the whip forward popping the balloon in her left hand. Katherine could barely stand to watch, surely thinking Harry would hit her. But he hadn't, and she dropped the remnants of the ballon that had been in each hand. The audience applauded.

"Now Ms. Harold," announced Harry, "do you really trust us?"

Katherine was not sure how to respond. What did they have up their sleeves now? She didn't have to wonder long as Harry picked up the pack of cigarettes. He placed one in his mouth and walked over to Katherine.

Katherine tried to maintain her composure. "Sure," she announced to the audience smiling. "I'm up for whatever you have left." Her voice though betrayed her nervousness.

Harry lit the cigarette, took a drag and reached behind Katherine's neck, pulling the straps of the collar attached to the target around her slender neck. Katherine arched her eyebrow, nervously eyeing the cigarrette.

Harry cinched the collar tight around her neck and placed his hands on each side of her head. "Now it's important that you don't move a muscle," said Harry quietly. He took another drag on the cigarrette, knocked off the ashes, and raised it to Katherine's mouth.

"I-I-I don't smoke," said Katherine.

"Don't inhale then," said Harry, smiling. "You'll only make the target smaller anyway."

Harry gently placed the cigarrette between her lips. Katherine took the cigarrette, but puckered her lips, pushing the cigarrette as far as possible as she could from her beautiful face.

Harry walked back to his position, wondering if perhaps he and Ron hadn't gone too far. Katherine had been shaking a little beneath her brave exterior. But little did he know, Katherine was enjoying the thrill of her life, even if she was scared to death.

As Harry again measured the distance Katherine continued to nervously wiggle her toes. "Oh please!" she thought looking down at the cigarrette between her lips. "Hurry up! The cigarrette is burning down!"

Harry inhaled and reached back with the whip. He winked at Katherine and flung the whip at her. She flickered her eyes nervously at the crack of the whip as she felt the cigarrette torn from her puckered lips.

"Yes!!" said Katherine. The audience applauded as Ron and Harry walked over and released Katherine from the target. "That's all everybody," annouced Katherine to the audience. "Thanks for coming!" All three took a bow. As they did so, Katherine whispered "You guys are in sooo much trouble. . ." But she winked, and Ron and Harry knew they had gotten away with it.

THE END

Jill's Fantasy Fulfilled

By

TG545

You have a fantasy about what?!" exclaimed Jill's friends.

Jill and her friends were enjoying lunch, discussing their innermost sexual fantasies.

"Being a knife-thrower's assistant," said Jill. "What's sexy about that?" asked her friend, Kim. "Well," said Jill, "in my fantasy I'm totally nude, strapped to one of those spinning wheels in front of a huge crowd, with a handsome knife-thrower whizzing knives past me. So helpless, so vulnerable, it's very sexy," Jill said smiling. "I've had a fantasy about it for ages, since I saw a circus as a girl. . .Of course, it's developed a little in my mind since then--I didn't always fantasize about the nudity."

Jill's friends Kim, Julie and Anne were completely taken aback. Of all four friends, Jill had always been the most modest and shy. The fantasy she described was just so unlike her. Jill was 34 and had been married for the past ten years, but she was recently divorced. Her marriage had always insulated her from the wilder side of things. "Well," said Julie as she called for the check, "I don't see how you'll ever see that fantasy fulfilled. What guy would you get to throw knives at you like that?"

"It's just a fantasy," said Jill, gathering her things, "it's not like it'll really ever happen. Hey, can I catch up with you guys later, I gotta get to the gym?" Kim, Julie and Anne passed knowing smiles. During her marriage Jill had always been not fat, but somewhat "thick." Since her divorce Jill's friends knew she had been working hard to stay fit and they had noticed the results. Jill had always been pretty, but had never been a head turner until she had started working out. Now, guys who passed her 5'7" 130 lb. frame on the street always had to look back. "See you later Jill," they said as Jill got up to leave.

Kim, Julie and Anne waited for the check as Jill left. "You've been quiet Anne," said Julie, "what gives?"

"I've just been thinking about Jill's fantasy. It'd be nice if we could do something for her, you know, since her divorce. She hasn't been dating much," said Anne.

"Yeah," said Kim, "but how could we help with that? I don't know any knife-throwers and it sounds too dangerous."

"Actually, I know a guy who runs a carnival," said Anne. "He's a friend of my brother's. He tours with a regularly, but he lives near here. I know he has a knife-throwing act. Maybe we should talk to him. . .and do something nice for Jill."

Anne, Julie and Kim excitedly began to plan. . .

* * *

Two months later. . .

Jill was getting ready for a night out with the girls. She had been working hard at her job lately and they wanted to treat her to a good time. Tonite seemed special, though. They kept saying they were going to set her up with the man of her dreams, but they had been very secretive about their plans. . .She could only imagine.

She showered, set her straight, shoulder length brown hair, put on her make-up and slipped on a sexy black dress she had bought for the night out. She was dressed to kill and ready just in time when her friends arrived to pick her up. She hopped in Anne's car with the other girls. "So guys," said Jill, "what's up?"

"You'll see," said Anne looking back as she backed out of Jill's driveway. Jill, Julie, Kim, and Anne began talking. Jill got wrapped up in the conversation and it was some time before Jill noticed they pretty much left the city. Just as she was about to speak up, Anne pulled off the highway onto a road leading to a cluster of large circus tents. It was getting late.

"The circus?!" said Jill. "What're we doing here? It looks deserted."

Sure enough it did. There were lights on in the largest tent, but only a few cars parked about.

"You'll see," said Kim, as Anne parked the car. As the girls got ought it was clear Jill still hadn't put two and two together.

"Hi ladies," said a man approaching them from the tent. "Glad you could find the place. Hi Anne, good to see you again," he said shaking Anne's hand. "I'm Tom," he said to the other ladies, "I run the show out here," he said as he extended his hand. "Why don't you come on in, it's just a little more than an hour before we get started."

"Started with what?" asked Jill.

"Oh you must be Jill," said Tom. "Well, we have a surprise for you tonite," he said as he took her hand leading her into the tent. Kim, Julie, and Anne exchanged excited glances as they entered the huge tent.

Inside, rows of seats in bleachers surrounded the permiter of the tent. In the center was a large, circular slab of cement set off from another smaller inner tent. The slab ran all the way up to the bleachers. Jill looked in awe about the tent, her eyes finally coming to gaze on a large wooden wheel set in the center of the cement slab. It was a familiar sight. She had seen it as a girl at circuses. It was painted blue and bore knife marks evidencing years of use. Leather straps were located about the wheel to hold the "target" in place.

"Is that what I think it is?" asked Jill, pointing to the wheel, finally realizing what it all meant.

"Yep," said Tom. "And it's all for you. We've got a special show tonite, and you're the guest of honor, assuming you don't back out. We'd like you to assist us in a special knife-throwing act. What do you think?"

"We did this all for you," said Anne. "It's your fantasy, to a 'T'. It's the wheel of death."

"Oh, I don't know," said Jill. "I never thought. . ." Her voice quietly trailed off.

"Of course," said Tom, "we hope you'll want to carry your fantasy out like your friends explained it. Tonite's crowd is going to be expecting a very special kind of show--not a family show. All of the acts tonite are for gentlemen, primarily."

Jill put her hand on her chest. It was all too much. It was her fantasy. It had come true. All she had to do was say yes. She walked over to the wheel and ran her hand across it, pausing over the knife marks.

"I hope we haven't wasted time," said Kim. "This was really hard to set up."

Tom interjected--"We do have other girls who could step in, but I can't believe you'd pass this up."

"Who's the knife-thrower," asked Jill. "Where is he?"

"He's here," said Tom. "We'll introduce you before the show. Whadya say, we got to get busy."

With her friends eagerly awaiting her response Jill knew she couldn't let them down. But it was so dangerous and she just couldn't imagine appearing naked in front of an audience. Still, she couldn't get past the fact that this was her chance to fulfill her deepest fantasy--and show off all the work she'd been doing at the gym. "I'll do it!" she said, excitedly but anxiously.

"Great," said Tom. "Why don't you come this way and we'll get you ready. The crowd will be filing in soon." Tom took Jill by the elbow and led her towards the smaller inner tent. Jill's friends waved goodbye and said they'd see here during the show. "We'll be right in front," yelled Julie.

Once inside the inner tent, Jill could see smaller rooms cordoned off. Tom pulled away the curtain leading to one and led Jill in. It was a dressing room, and inside was an older woman.

"Jill," said Tom, "this is Bernice. She handles our costumes and she'll get you ready for the show. I've got to run and set things up. I'll be back in about 45 minutes and we'll go over the act."

Jill and Bernice exchanged greetings. "We have a special dress for you and something sexy to put on under it. We've also got some sexy high heels for you to wear," said Bernice. "But my fantasy, and the act. . ." said Jill. Bernice cut her off--"This is just to wear out on the stage. The assistants will strip the dress off you before they strap you to the wheel, then they'll cut off the rest. Why don't you get out of what you're wearing and go ahead and put these things on."

As Bernice turned to work on other things Jill got undressed. She put on the sexy black thong and top Bernice had given her and stepped into the shiney black stilleto heels. She slipped the sequined dress over her head. A zipper ran from the top to bottom in the back. Bernice help her zip it up. Once zipped up it was short, tight and form fitting. Her friends must have given them her size, she thought.

"You look gorgeous, honey," said Bernice. There was no mirror, but Jill felt sexy in the tight, sequined dress. Time had flown by as she got dressed. Tom would be back any moment. Jill could begin to hear the tent outside begin to fill up. She could also hear cheers outside in other tents. The circus must have been getting going. She could only imagine what the other acts were!

Finally, she heard Tom's voice outside the dressing room. Everything was happening so fast! Jill's heart pounded in her chest. In just minutes her deepest, innermost, secret fantasy would be fulfilled.

When Tom entered he had three attractive men with him. Tom introduced the eldest one. "This is Jose. He'll be throwing knives at you tonite." Jose was older, but tall, dark and handsome. He was dressed all in black and wore a flowing cape. "Hello my dear," he said taking and kissing her hand. "Are you ready?"

Jill almost blushed. "Oh yes!"

"Good, then I'll see you onstage. Don't worry, you have nothing to fear." Jose released Jill's hand and turned and left.

Tom then introduced the other gentlemen. "These are our assistants and your, Jill," said Tom. "Their names are Ryan and Jeff. They'll take you onstage after you're introduced and help you slip off your dress. Then they'll strap you to the wheel. All you have to do is follow them, okay?" Ryan, Jeff and Jill exchanged pleasantries.

"Okay," said Jill nervously but excitedly. "Okay," said Tom, "I'm going to go introduce you and the act now."

Tom left. Moments later Jill could here murmurring in the tent as Tom announced the act. She could barely tell what Tom was saying, but heard a loud cheer as her two escorts gently took her by the arms and lead her toward the tent. Once inside, Jill noticed that the tent had been darkened somewhat. A spotlight was focused on the wheel. The wheel had been moved closer towards the now almost full bleachers. Jose was nowhere to be seen. She looked about and found her friends sitting in the front row just before the wheel.

Nervousness gripped her and she felt like running out, but she took a deep breath and calmed herself. It was all about to happen.

"Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce our lovely target, Jill!" said Tom. Applause rang out. "Gentlemen, would you prepare Jill for the wheel?"

Ryan and Jeff led her before the wheel. Jeff passed behind her and unzipped her dress. Gently he pulled the dress down off her shoulders and past her hips. As it fell to the floor Ryan took her by the hand as she stepped out of the dress. "I can't believe I'm doing this!" thought Jill. She had never even worn a thong on the beach. Now she was wearing one in front of an audience whose attention was focused on her.

"Okay, gentleman, you can strap her to the wheel," said Tom. Jill's escorts led her to the wheel. It was set about 8 inches of the ground, but a wooden box had been set down front for her to step up on.

She stepped up on the box and turned toward the audience. Her escorts also stepped up on boxes and took her by the wrists. She stepped back all the way and placed her shoulders, back and rear against the wheel. She tensed as the paint was cold. Jeff and Ryan fastened her wrists to the board spread about three or four feet apart above her head. A second set of straps fastened her arms to the wheel just below her elbows.

Jeff pulled straps from behind her back attached to the wheel just below her ribcage and tightly fastened it about her midsection. Jill had to suck in. Ryan knelt before her and removed her high heels. He ran a finger down the sole of her foot to tickle her. She smiled. A tiny wooden platform jutted out from the wheel well beneath her feet. She would have to stretch to reach it and even then only with her toes. Ryan placed her right foot, toes only on the platform and secured a strap tightly around her ankle. He brought her left foot over her right, slightly crossing her legs, and secured a strap attached to the wheel around her left ankle. Her body was now stretched tautly on the wheel. Jill looked up from watching Ryan and anxiously glanced at her friends, who waved. She smiled back and inhaled deeply.

"And now, we'll make the final preparation," said Tom. Jeff produced a huge bowie knife and brought it towards Jill's chest. Quickly, he sliced her bra on both sides. Jill's top fell off revealing pert but pouting breasts. The soft white skin of her breasts contrasted slightly with that of the rest of her golden tanned skin. The crowd roared. Jeff moved down and did the same with her small black thong. Two quick slices and her thong fell away revealing a neatly manicured thin strip of hair between her legs. Again the crowd cheered. Jill blushed and stole a glance at her smiling friends. She thought they almost looked envious. "Well," she thought, "that's half of the fantasy."

Tom then introduced Jose to the crowd. As Jose came out, Jeff and Ryan wheeled a cart out from behind the wheel. Neatly laid out on top were 22 gleaming knives in two rows of 11 each. Jill watched as they pushed the cart past. She inhaled deeply at the sight of them. Seeing the razor sharp edges of the blades quickly made it seem real.

Jeff and Ryan set up the cart about 15 feet in front of the wheel. Jose took a few quick bows an approached Jill on the wheel. He stepped up on the box and came face to face with Jill. "I have to place the collar around your neck," said Jose looking into her eyes. He reached up around her neck and pulled two leather straps around her throat. He carefully cinched the collar about Jill's neck. It was tight and Jill found she could no longer move her head side to side, but she could still breath comfortably. Jose could tell she was shaking nervously. "You're trembling like a leaf my dear. Relax, I never miss. . .or should I say I never hit?" He smiled and Jill relaxed.

Jose stepped off the box and pushed it to the side. He walked away leaving Jill alone, on the wheel, and took his place beside the cart. He picked up the first knife, slowly, deliberately and examined it. He held it before him taking aim. Jill breathed heavily, her heart pounding in her chest. "This is it!," she thought. As Jose reached back Jill closed her eyes. . .

Wham!! In a second the knife had landed between her arms just inches above her head. Jill exhaled and smiled in relief.

Jose picked up another knife, aimed, and fired the knife towards Jill on the Wheel. This time she kept her eyes open. She was surprised that she could follow it the whole way until it landed inches from her right ankle on the board. Jose proceeded to outline Jill's body on the Board, moving up as he went. The last two knives just whizzed by Jill's breasts, landing just below and to the side of them. She could actually feel the air on her skin as they past. Jill noticed that by slightly shifting her body her right breast could just barely graze the blade beside it. "Whew . ." she thought.

Jose took a bow and gestured towards Jill, who smiled at the audience. Jeff and Ryan removed the knives from the wheel. "And now," said Jose, "for the difficult part of the act. Gentlemen, would you man the wheel?" Jeff and Ryan each went to one side of the wheel. "My dear, would you like a blindfold?" Jill could barely respond. Without really thinking she nervously stammered "N-n-no."

"Fine then," said Jose, "Gentlemen spin the Wheel!"

Ryan and Jeff began spinning the wheel, counterclockwise. Jill was surprised that she did not feel sick. And she was surprised that she could see everything that was happening clearly. Jose picked up another knife, aimed, and reached back. . .

"Ahhh," she screamed as he threw the knife. From her perspective on the wheel it looked like the knife would surely hit her. But as the wheel turned the knife landed safely above her head, again between her arms.

Jose again outlined her body, with each terrifying throw moving up Jill's body until the final two blades set themselves firmly in the wheel beside her breasts.

The wheel slowed and finally stopped. The crowd was cheering madly as Ryan and Jeff released her from the board. They replaced the wooden box and helped her down off the board. Jose met her and they took a bow. Jose placed his cape over Jill's shoulders and led her back towards the dressing room.

* * *

As Jill was dressing she heard her name.

"Jill!" It was Kim, Julie and Anne. "That was incredible," said Anne, "it was so sexy, you were right." "I couldn't believe you had the nerve," said Kim, "what was it like?"

Jill told them everything about how it felt, the danger, the excitement, the vulnerability.

"Well that settles it," said Anne, "I'm next!"

THE END

KIMBERLY

By

greyotter77

PART 1

Paul was disgusted. He entered the coffee shop and found a booth next to the window. It was rather cool in Chicago today, so the indoors felt very comforting.

Picking up his phone, Paul dialed the number he knew so well, his talent agent in New York.

"Hi Roland"

"So, you want another girl? What happened - did you hit her?"

"No, she got pregnant" said Paul.

"You the father?"

"No" Paul said tersely. "She found a nineteen year-old boyfriend at one of our stops. She says its true love"

"I am sure it is, and they will have the proof, too." Roland cracked. "I'll see what I can do for you. You know how it goes, though…"

"Yeah, I know. Thanks" Paul said, hanging up the phone.

He ordered a coffee from the rather overweight and unattractive waitress. Paul then pulled out the Tribune and began looking for prospects.

The waitress was just putting his cup on the table when the front windows began to shatter. The tremendous roar made Paul instinctively dive for the floor.

The waitress was on the floor next to him. She started a stream of terrified sentences "He found me! How did he find me! They said he would never…"

"Who found you?" Paul screamed back, half-hysterical himself.

"Gacci, my ex-boyfriend who I fingered for the FBI! I'm in the witness protection program! Or I was!"

Paul got on his feet and pulled the waitress up with him. He guided her behind the counter and sat down with her. The shooting had temporarily stopped, but the screech of tires sounded like the cars would be coming right back.

"Does this place have a back door?"

"No" said the waitress. She was completely disheveled, now. Her hair was awkwardly out of place, and her glasses were sliding down her face.

"What's that door" Paul quickly uttered.

"That's the walk-in fridge…We keep the meat in there" she whispered hurriedly.

The bullets started flying in the shop from the street. The other patrons were just lying face down and screaming.

Paul pulled the waitress up and pulled her to the outside of the refrigerator door. "Take off your dress" Paul said.

"Screw you" was her reply.

"Look, I've got a plan. You take off your dress and climb up into the drop ceiling. I am gonna use your dress to throw them off track…Do it now, the bullets have stopped!"

During the instant it took for the waitress to pull off her dress, Paul could not believe what he was watching. She ripped off her brown curly wig and glasses. Her blonde hair was matted against her head. She then pulled her dress over her head to reveal a foam outer body, created to hide her true shape. This came off immediately after her dress, revealing the shape of a beautiful woman. She took off her brown flat-soled shoes and thick stockings to complete the transformation.

Paul was blown away, but the sound of rubber tires screeching to a halt broke him out of his wanting stare.

The waitress then moved swiftly up on the counter and through one of the ceiling tiles. Paul then moved swiftly into the refrigerator.

The front door flew open. There was Coco, Gacci's closest friend and partner. He was holding a magnum like he was ready to use it. He moved carefully through the pile of broken glass and dishes. The customers screamed as he walked through the restaurant. As soon as Coco saw each customer's face, he commanded "Get out of here!"

After no one was left in the dining area, he moved behind the counter. A man with a suit was lying just outside of the refrigerator door, face down like everyone else.

Coco just kicked him in the shoulder. "Move" he grumbled. Paul got up and streaked out of the shop, desperately hoping that his plan was going to be successful.

Coco had his eyes squarely on the refrigerator door. He put his left hand on the door and ripped it open. He saw mostly darkness, except for a bit of light on some pink fabric.

Coco proceeded to calmly empty his pistol into the person in the dress. ."Got her" he said with a smile on his face. Immediately after his shooting spree, Coco heard sirens

He quickly moved back through the coffee shop and back into the waiting car. It immediately sped away.

The police began to tape-off the area and interview the customers. Paul saw no sign of the waitress, and began to become worried. Two other policemen who were searching the restaurant brought out Paul's pride and joy, a side of beef with a pink waitress dress on, shot full of holes.

As the customers described the waitress, no one saw what had happened to her. Paul waited for her to come out, but still held his tongue and gave very little information to the police. He finally asked to go in, but the police refused to let him past the tape.

"I just have to get a few of my things" Paul said nervously.

The lead officer said "No, you can't go back in until after we have the dusting crew in here tomorrow morning." The officer gave Paul a steel-eyed look, and Paul knew he would not win with anymore arguing. Paul slowly moved down the street away from the shop.

Three hours later, the sun had gone down. The crowd around the coffee shop had also left, except for one uniformed policeman in his squad car. Paul had anticipated a guard and had dressed appropriately. Dark shirt, gloves, and pants. He even wore a black knitted cap, although he did feel a little stupid for wearing it. He also carried a small athletic bag with him.

Paul was able to cross the police line and climb into one of the windows of the coffee shop rather easily. It had appeared the policeman was taking a short nap.

"Hello…Ms. Waitress" Paul whispered. "It's me…the guy that wanted you to take your dress off"

After a few repetitions, the ceiling tile began to slide over. Paul cleared away a place for the waitress to land on the counter. She came down onto the counter and then into Paul's arms. Of course she was still in her underwear, just as Paul had left her.

"It's great to see you, I didn't know if you were coming back to get me or not" she said as she squeezed him. "I thought I was going to have to go through the streets like this!"

"No worries…I brought you something to wear." said Paul, handing her the bag. She retreated bent down behind the counter to put on the clothes.

"Black lycra pants?…a pair of jeans would have done just fine" she said.

Paul replied "We need to be as black as we can so we can get by the guard. Come on, let's get going" The waitress slipped into the pants, and put on the sweater and the flat-soled shoes that she had on during the job. After crawling out of the window, they both dashed down the dark street unseen.

PART 2

Paul showed the waitress to his hotel room. He ordered room service while she took a shower.

During their meal, Paul found out a few things about his damsel-in-distress. Her name was Kimberly. A former dancer, she had married Gacci without knowing he was with a major crime family in New York. She tried to run away but found it impossible, until she turned state's evidence.

"Thank you for not telling the police that I was still in shop," Kimberly said.

"Your welcome" replied Paul. "I was praying you were allright, but I thought you would come out when you wanted to, injured or not. Why exactly did you wait?"

"Because Coco's eyes aren't that good" she stated. "He actually thought he killed me in the walk-in refrigerator. I certainly didn't want any cops to know otherwise. Now, for all anyone knows, I'm dead. You have given me my freedom." Kimberly leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm so glad I don't have to worry about them looking for me anymore," Kimberly continued. "I owe you my life. How can I repay you?"

Paul grinned sheepishly. "Well, you can be my assistant, if you want."

"Great," Kimberly said. "I don't know shorthand, but I can type."

"Don't worry," said Paul. "You'll need a different set of job skills to be my assistant."

PART 3

Kimberly drove up to the club at precisely two o'clock. She was still wearing a scarf and sunglasses since she was not really sure if Coco was out of town. With her was her travel bag containing the dress shoes and nylon hose that Paul requested. She still found it funny that he did not give her any more instructions.

As she walked in, she was immediately greeted by Paul. "Good afternoon, Kimberly. Come right in."

Paul had just finished his lunch. "Kimberly, thank you for coming over. It is not easy to get people to assist me with my act."

"Act?" said Kimberly.

"Let's go into the other room" Paul said.

In the show room, Kimberly quickly soaked in Paul's array of equipment. A large pine board stood in the back of the stage. To the front there was a table. Upon closer inspection, she saw an intimidating collection of knives and hatchets.

"Kimberly, I know that it's obvious to you now that I am a knife-thrower. My assistant is my target girl."

Kimberly's mouth began to dry up.

"I know I kept you in the dark about what we were going to do today, and I apologize for that. I have had a lot of bad luck in the past with people canceling at the last minute. I wanted you to come and see what it was all about before you made any final decisions."

Kimberly still did not know how to respond to Paul. "OK," she responded, still mesmerized by the blades on the table.

"I'll tell you what," said Paul. "Let's have a go today, so you can see for yourself what the act is like."

"Alright" she said. Kimberly took a deep breath and smiled at Paul.

"Great" said Paul. "Did you bring the shoes and stockings I told you about on the phone?"

Kimberly raised up her bag and nodded her head. She felt herself getting a little dizzy.

"Alright then, go in the back - you'll find the women's dressing room. Pick out one of the costumes and come on back."

Kimberly found the dressing room and sat down in one of the chairs. "What have I gotten myself into?" she said to herself. After a minute or two, she made a decision. This man did help her when she needed him the most. He showed bravery for her. She should now return the favor.

She looked over the costumes and selected a crimson leotard with a no sleeves and no neckline, just cloth all the way up to her collar. The costume was cut high in the legs, she was used to this style from her days as a dancer.

Kimberly forced herself to walk calmly into the showroom. Paul was warming up. She saw him flinging three knives in succession against the board. Kimberly felt the sound of the knives hitting the board right down to her spine.

Paul stopped his practice when he caught sight of Kimberly. She was gorgeous. Her blonde hair tumbled down her back. She had the face of an angel. Kimberly had a full bosom, but had a trim waist. The leotard showed off her dancer's legs.

Paul stared at the beautiful Kimberly for a moment before saying "You look fantastic." He motioned her up onto the stage.

"Kimberly, today we will just do a few tricks to get you used to the act. Basically, your job is to look brave and allow the knives to land near your body without the slightest flinch. It may sound difficult at first, but it gets easier."

Paul led Kimberly to the board, where he showed her how to stand. Paul had Kimberly put her shoulder blades, buttocks, and the heel of the left foot against the board. He then had her place the right foot in front of the left foot. Paul then asked Kimberly to raise her hands high over her head and then cross them at her wrists.

Paul urgently walked back to his knife table. He picked up four knives and squared himself with the target board. Once again, he was blown away at the incredible Kimberly. She was truly frightened, but she was willing to participate under any circumstances.

Kimberly had never felt so exposed. Her body was splayed out for the marksman with no protection at all. Wearing the leotard did not help her perception of the situation.

Paul told Kimberly "I am going to throw two knives, one on either side of you - just relax."

Paul immediately flung two blades, each hitting the board about a foot from each of her thighs. He then picked up two more knives, showed them to Kimberly, and threw those also. They each landed a foot away from her also, about even with her waistline.

Paul walked toward Kimberly and asked how she felt. "OK, so far" she said with a slightly wavering voice. Paul said "There are variations, and more daring tricks, but you have just gone through most of what it takes to be a knifethrower's assistant." Kimberly was happy to hear this news and gave him a big smile.

During the rest of the session, Paul worked with Kimberly on a variety of small tricks. After they were finished, Paul sat down with her in the lounge.

"Well, you've seen how this works - do you want the job?" Paul asked.

Kimberly replied "I think I can do it, but I am worried about something…"

"I have never hit anyone, in fact…" Paul blurted.

"It's not that, I can see you are very talented. I worried about someone from the mob recognizing me. Even though they think I'm dead, I do not want to travel the country showing crowds of people that I am alive."

Paul thought for a moment. "You've got a good point…What about a mask?"

"A mask would be great, if it could really conceal my identity" replied Kimberly.

"We'll get working on it, I'm sure we can come up with something that will allow you to be comfortable performing" said Paul. "Will I see you tomorrow?"

Kimberly nodded "I said I owed you my life, and I meant it. What time should I be here?"

PART 4

Paul was lucky. He knew the club owner in Chicago well. When his previous assistant quit, the owner allowed Paul to stay and practice in the club until he made up the date. Paul asked for three weeks to perfect his act. However, the owner was not that forgiving. "You've got two weeks, and this act of yours better be hot." Paul had no other choice, but given the attitude of Kimberly, he thought he could do it.

During the next two weeks, Paul and Kimberly worked hard perfecting the act. Paul was able to throw his blades closer and closer to Kimberly's body. The tricks got more daring also.

On the morning of their first performance, Paul and Kimberly met to go over the act and the particulars. After moving through the list rather smoothly, Paul announced that there were only two things remaining on the list.

"We've got your costume and the closing trick."

Kimberly chimed in "I am picking my outfit up at lunch, so that should be ready…What's this about a closing trick?"

Paul smiled at her question. "Well, I have developed this knifethrowing trick. It'll be a great closer, but I'll have to get your OK on it." Paul said.

Kimberly tensed up immediately "This sounds dangerous."

"That's the idea, Kimberly" Paul said, grinning. "It's supposed to sound dangerous."

"Touche', ……….show me the way, Paul."

PART 5

The magic club typically drew good crowds, but this Friday night is was standing room only. The change of pace, from slight-of-hand to knifethrowing, was a welcomed by a large amount of magic fans.

The club owner, Rich, was also the emcee. He was thrilled to see the club so full, and it showed as he stepped up on the stage. "Good evening, everyone. It's great to see all of you here. Tonight, we will see the one of the most daring acts to hit Chicago…Paul Reeves and Company! Please give them a big hand"

As Rich left the stage, Paul trotted on from the wings. Paul wore black pants that were somewhat baggy to give him plenty of movement. His shirt was also loose-fitting. It was silver, with a collar and cuffs.

Kimberly followed Paul on stage. She was wearing a pink satin robe, which was only long enough to cover her hips. On her feet were clear, 4" pumps.

The most intriguing part of Kimberly's costume, however, was her white, sequined mask that she wore. It was a masquerade-type piece that covered her eyes and nose. It also fanned out to cover her temples and cheekbones. Only her mouth and jawline was left exposed.

Paul wheeled the knife table into position. Kimberly reached behind the knife board and pulled out a 12" plastic ring with three balloons attached to it. Kimberly stood to one side of the board, with her side facing Paul. She held the balloon ring out against the board with her arm straight.

Paul selected four knives. With a smooth motion, Paul threw the knives at the ring. The audience heard four knives land with a startling thump. But they heard no balloons burst! Paul had placed the four knives around and between the balloons on the ring. Kimberly actually released the ring, and the knives held the balloon ring to the board. The audience gave Paul and Kimberly a surprised applause. Before they could conclude, Paul selected three more knives and popped each balloon. The crowd once again showed their approval.

Paul and Kimberly walked toward each other, took each other's hands, and took their bows. Paul removed the knives from the board and turned toward the rolling table.

Paul walked back to his knife table as his assistant came to center stage. Kimberly reached down and untied the small straps on her robe. As she slid the robe off, the males in the audience voiced their approval. Kimberly wore a white two piece that matched her mask and accented her curves perfectly. The top was a simple piece of cloth that wrapped behind her, and tied in the front. The bottom was a daring thong with a bow attached at the small of her back. She smiled to acknowledge the whistles from the crowd and moved back to the knife board. She inconspicuously place the robe behind the board.

Paul was back at the table and picked up eight ominous daggers. Kimberly placed her self against the board just like Paul taught her, with her wrists crossed high in the air.

Paul turned to face his beautiful assistant. This was the first time Paul had seen Kimberly in her bikini costume, and he had to take an extra moment to collect himself. Without warning, Paul began flinging the daggers. The duo had worked to reduce the clearance of the blades to 4", and from the perspective of the audience, it looked much smaller.

When Paul had finished throwing his eight blades, they were outlining the left side of the smiling Kimberly. The marksman reached over and selected eight more blades. Kimberly concealed a deep breath, looking back confidently at Paul. He once again began his assault. The knives once again crept up the wall just missing his assistant's body.

When the eighth knife hit the board just below Kimberly's elbow, Paul once again walked toward the board. Kimberly wriggled her hips slightly to show the crowd how close to her the knives had actually landed. She then met Paul for their bows.

Paul worked quickly to retrieve his knives. Then Kimberly moved a bar stool in front of the board. She was smiling, as her jitters were fading, overcome with confidence.

After some adjusting, Kimberly sat on the stool so Paul saw her profile. She placed both hands on the seat, put one foot on the top rung, and leaned back as far as she could. For this stunt, Paul had selected his double-bladed hatchets and abruptly began throwing them along Kimberly's profile as soon as she was in place. Gasps erupted from the audience as the hatchets narrowly missed Kimberly's shapely legs. Five had been thrown when Paul reached down for more. He then began his throwing, this time above Kimberly's upper body, throat, chin, nose, and forehead.

The crowd was honestly glad that the trick was finished as Paul once again faced them and their clapping. Paul assisted Kimberly off the stool. She bowed in front of the line of deadly hatchets buried into the wood.

Before the audience was finished, the daring couple left the stage. Rich then walked out with his hand in the air. "Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Our performers have one more feat of daring they would like to perform. It is very dangerous, so please, no sudden moves or noises that would distract our marksman."

Rich moved to the left of the stage so Paul and Kimberly could roll in their prop for the final trick. It was a framework, of sorts. The prop resembled a medieval pillory, with three upright stocks. Paul adjusted the framework to its proper place on the stage.

At this point, Rich once again addressed the already dazzled crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight you will see a stunt that requires true skill and bravery. You will now see a knifethrower actually throw his knives AT HIS ASSISTANT!"

As Rich left the stage, Kimberly calmly walked over the pillory, and positioned herself inside the framework. Paul began closed the first stock around Kimberly's legs, just above her ankles. Paul took out a padlock and he placed it through the hasp. Paul closed the next stock, which was just above his assistant's knee, and once again used a lock to secure it in place. Finally, Paul stood up to secure the last stock. It had three holes, one for Kimberly's neck, and two for her wrists. Paul looked into her face as she raised her hands into place. As the stock was closed, Kimberly had to raise her chin to allow the prop to close completely around her neck. Paul completed locking the final stock, and surveyed the entire set to ensure that nothing had been missed. He turned the stock 360 degrees to show the audience that indeed the lovely Kimberly had been locked in place.

Working quickly, Paul locked the wheels in place and retrieved three four by four boards. The boards fit on three sets of brackets on the framework. One by one, the boards were placed against the prop holding Kimberly. The first board was place across her thighs, the second across her trim waistline, and the third across the highest stock, which continued to hold his assistant's neck and wrists.

It was clear to the audience that the preparation had been completed. Paul then some words to reassure his restrained assistant, and turned to select his knives.

As Paul raised his arm, holding the first knife, a hush fell over the crowd. It was quite apparent that most of them had not even an idea what the knifethrower was about to attempt.

Paul waited for the crowd to settle down, brought his hand back down, and threw the dagger. It landed on the four by four that crossed Kimberly's legs. Paul once again threw his next knife into the same piece of wood.

It was now obvious for all of the people in the club. The knifethrower was throwing at the assistant, but the wood placed across her body was her protection.

Paul selected two more knives. He threw them both into the plank which crossed Kimberly's waistline. Kimberly could not look down because of her predicament, but could barely see the knives striking the wood just inches before they would have sliced her bare body.

The knifethrower picked up three blades and turned away from his assistant. After three seconds he turned back to Kimberly in the imprisoning though protective framework.

As was his usual, Paul threw the first of the knives with little warning. This knife struck the topmost board right at Kimberly's right wrist. He then held the second knife briefly, then flung it toward his assistant. The knife landed on the same board just inches from piercing her left wrist.

Paul held his final knife. The brave Kimberly gave Paul a smile to signal that it was OK to make the last throw. Paul nodded, smoothly drew the knife back, and released the deadly blade directly at the neck of his daring assistant.

As with the others, the knife landed on the four by four, and not into the trapped assistant. Kimberly let out an audible sigh after the knife landed, having just watched it fly directly at her throat.

Paul raised his arms in victory, nodded to the roaring audience, and then quickly turned towards Kimberly. He removed all three boards from and framework and showed the crowd where each of the knives landed. This created much discussion and joking among the people. Paul then took the key from his pocket and began unlocking the stocks one-by-one, releasing Kimberly.

Kimberly stepped out from the framework and took her well-deserved bow by herself. Then Rich shouted in the microphone "Paul Reeves and Company!"

Rich then began a preview of future shows and times. Paul and Kimberly eased off the stage. Kimberly grabbed her pink robe and slid it on as she walked.

As he was out of the sight of the audience, Paul became ecstatic. "You were fantastic - I could not believe how great you were out there - I've never had an assistant handle this act as well as you did!" Paul embraced Kimberly with joy pumping through his body.

Kimberly giggled, then surprised Paul by giving him a short but passionate kiss. Paul took off her mask and stared at this gorgeous woman in his arms. Kimberly then smiled and said "You haven't?…well, get used to it."

THE END

Lisha

By

greyotter77

Cortez Gonzales left the trailer amid a moderate amount of laughter and chiding, another bad night at the poker table. "Oh, well," he thought,"it was all in fun, anyway."

Cortez was only down twenty. "No big deal," he sighed. He reasoned he could afford it. The Armand-Wells Circus had just raised his share of the proceeds. Cortez' juggling act was the hit of every stop. He was funny, skilled, and knew how to play to the crowd. He could almost name his fee. Now he just needed to convince Lisha of this.

Cortez married the beautiful Lisha Ang just two years ago. She was the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her given name was Lee Chung Ang, but when she began pronouncing her name "li-sha" at the age of two, the name stuck. Her parents reasoned she would get along better with an American-sounding name.

As he entered his own trailer, Lisha was sitting in the bed reading. "Have a good time?" she asked. The words conveyed her disinterest in his answer. "The usual" replied Cortez. He began changing into his bedclothes.

Cortez crawled in next to Lisha. "What are you reading?" he asked. "McNaughton's Gamble for the second time" was her reply.

"For the second time? Why?" he asked, stepping right into the trap she had set.

"Because, I have no friends. I have no one to talk to. I have told you over and over again, when you are not part of the circus, you are not part of the circus family." Lisha's pain showed in her voice. "Why don't you let me help you with your act?"

"Lisha, I don't need any help, I do my own act!" he insisted. She turned over in a very disgruntled manner.

Cortez tried to comfort his wife. "Lisha, I am sure it is just a matter of time, you'll see." He rubbed her back and shoulders gently.

"Cortez, I know that I will never be a part of the people until I do what they do. I see that everyone here has a common bond, and I don't share that bond." Lisha shook her head, "They will never accept me if I am not a working member of this circus." Lisha reached up and turned off the light.

Deep down, Cortez knew she was right. He just couldn't stand the thought of his wife performing. The outfits that the circus girls were wearing were so revealing. Cortez could not bear the thought of all those men looking at the woman that was his, and only his.

Part Two

Two days later, the circus was setting up for one of its biggest dates of the year. The show always did well in the Midwest.

Lisha, as usual, was walking by herself. She turned a corner and saw Mr. Richards, the ringmaster, talking to a group of the showgirls.

"We really need your help this time, ladies. Nancy left, and Aldon has no act without her. If one or two of you would fill in during this stop, we would be awfully grateful."

"Yeah, right" said one of the showgirls. "Like I'm going to let him throw those things at me!"

Mr. Richards replied "We will, of course, double your pay for every night you assist him." He looked around the group and got no takers. Mr. Richards wasn't surprised. He knew it would take a courageous young woman to assist Aldon Cope, the master knifethrower.

Lisha watched the crowd disperse, and then approached the ringmaster. "Mr. Richards, exactly how much would a person get paid to be Aldon's assistant?"

Part Three

Cortez couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You did what? Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" He was seated at their table with his head in his hands.

"I told you that I wanted to be part of the circus. You wouldn't have me, so I found someone who would" she said. Lisha was in the bedroom, changing her clothes.

Cortez, half-begging, said, "I absolutely forbid you to go." As he finished his sentence, he turned to see his Lisha in a sequined aerialist's bikini costume. His eyes were completely attached to her gorgeous form.

Lisha replied "It's too late, I have agreed to assist Aldon. If you want to throw me out, I'll bunk with the other girls in the show. They are paying me you know."

Lisha grabbed her robe, and left the trailer. Cortez couldn't do anything except sit in stunned silence.

Part Four

Friday night came quickly. Too quickly for Cortez. He had not seen Lisha in three days. He did, however, hear the rumors. "Aldon Cope and Lisha were putting together quite an act," they were saying. Cortez almost became a hermit himself so he wouldn't hear the reports of the knifethrower and Gonzales' wife, the human target.

Cortez struggled through his act. He was definitely not enjoying himself, so he went through the motions and left the ring in a rush. He ran hard back to his trailer. "Am I going to have a stroke?" he asked himself.

After forty minutes of lying on his bed, a knock came on the door. Carl, one of the acrobats in the show and one of his poker buddies, came in to check-up on Cortez. "You OK? That was not one of your best performances" said Carl.

Cortez, still lightheaded, said "I'm OK."

Carl didn't wait for an answer. "Listen, Aldon and Lisha are on in five, hurry before you miss them." Carl was gone in an instant.

Cortez sat up in the bed. "Should I watch this act? Can I bear to see it?" he asked himself. After a few minutes of contemplation, Cortez knew he could not stay away.

Part Five

After all the show ponies had left the ring, Mr. Richards walked out with his microphone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you are now about to witness one of the most death-defying acts in the country today. Please welcome, Aldon Cope and Lisha!"

Cortez had struggled to one of the barrels near the bleachers. He did not even want to see them together backstage. Cortez still felt weak and nauseous.

Cope was in his late thirties. He had thick black hair and was clean-shaven. Cope wore a dark purple satin shirt and jet black pants. As soon as he entered the ring he began rolling up his sleeves, mostly for effect.

Then Cortez's eyes locked on the beautiful Lisha. Her outfit matched Aldon's, except her shirt was tied off above her navel revealing her midriff, and instead of slacks, Lisha wore a bikini bottom. Lisha's ensemble was completed with black boots that extended up to mid-calf. Her eyes were sparkling as she walked over to the knife board. Lisha never looked more radiant.

Cortez closed his eyes and took deep breaths. "Maybe he will just do a few simple tricks, since this is their first night performing," he thought to himself.

Cortez watched as Lisha nestled herself in between eight balloons that were attached to the board. Aldon picked up eight shiny knives and took his time positioning himself in front of Lisha.

Finally comfortable, Aldon began throwing the weapons. Cortez bit his lip as he watched Aldon fling the knives, throwing to one side, and then the other, until all the balloons around Lisha had been popped.

"He throws those things so hard, and so close to her," Cortez thought. At this point, he knew he would be watching the whole act, because Cortez couldn't move an inch.

Two clowns then brought out the wheel of death. Lisha quickly moved to the target and the clowns started the attachment process.

Cortez's spirits lifted. "This is normally Aldon's final stunt. My Lord, let this be the final stunt of the evening."

The knifethrower picked up ten knives and approached the wheel. Lisha had been secured to the wheel and was ready for the spin. Once again, Aldon adjusted himself to the target, and gave the signal to the clowns to start the wheel turning. Even from her position, spread-eagled across a knifethrower's target, Lisha looked confident and simply gorgeous.

Aldon Cope started slowly and then picked up a rhythm. He threw the last six knives in what seemed like six seconds.

Mr. Richards immediately yelled into the microphone,"Ladies and gentlemen, Aldon Cope and Lisha!"

After Lisha was taken off the wheel, she quickly bowed and ran through the curtains to the backstage area. Cope continued to enjoy the applause.

At this point, Cortez was starting to feel normal again. The act was over. He could now go to Lisha and talk to her. He would offer her anything to keep from going through this personal hell.

Mr. Richards approached Aldon Cope with the microphone. "Aldon, that was wonderful. And now I understand you have something special planned for this evening."

"Indeed we do," replied Cope. "For the remainder of the act, I will perform as…THE EXECUTIONER!" Aldon reached into his pocket and pulled out a black cloth mask, with eyeholes so he could see. "Bring on the victim!"

Out from the curtain came two stagehands, dressed in all black. They were dragging a struggling Lisha by the arms. She was wearing a long white robe that covered her from neck to ankle. Her struggles became audible as she entered the ring.

"Enough!" shouted Aldon. She stopped struggling and looked him right in the eyes. "Prepare the victim!" he shouted. The stagehands quickly pulled off the white robe to reveal Lisha in a tiny black bikini. Her boots had been replaced with black stiletto heels. Cheers rang out from the audience.

"The first stunt we will perform is inspired by the French Foreign Legion….Put her up against the wall!" Cope shouted rather dramatically. The stagehands pulled out a pair of handcuffs and secured Lisha's hands behind her back. They walked her over to the wall, and positioned her so that her profile was facing Aldon Cope.

Cortez wanted to run out and stop this passion play, but his knees were like Jell-O. He felt completely helpless and was glad to have the barrel to lean on.

"Well, would you like the customary cigarette and blindfold?" asked Aldon, somewhat sarcastically. Without waiting for a reply, the stagehands blindfolded Lisha and put a cigarette in her mouth.

Aldon turned and picked up a double-edged tomahawk. The play-acting was over now. He carefully sighted the cigarette, and skillfully flung the weapon. In an instant, the tomahawk neatly cut the cigarette and landed into the board with a suprising "Thunk."

The crowd roared. Aldon acknowledged the cheers, while Lisha just stood at the board, blindfolded and handcuffed, playing the helpless victim.

Cortez once again hoped for relief, but it was not to come. "Since that didn't work, she must be a witch!" announced Aldon. "She must be burned at the stake!" The band played a very haunting tune. Lisha's blindfold was removed by the stagehands as they led her over to the next prop. It really didn't look like a stake. It was more like a narrow door. Lisha was positioned with her back to one of the sides as "henchmen" tied her to the door.

Meanwhile, Aldon retrieved ten odd-looking knives. A showgirl carrying a lit torch approached the knifethrower and helped him light the blunt end of each of the knives.

At Aldon's command, the door began to spin in place. The knifethrower prepared himself as he watched Lisha's form pass by at every other turn of the door. He focused in on his target, and began throwing the knives in a flurry of light. The blades began to stick in the door onto the side that Lisha was strapped.

As he had done before, the knives started to hit low on the board. He then went from side to side up the board next to her body. The spinning knives stayed lit, and Lisha appeared to be concealed by a wall of flames.

Several screams came from the audience. Cortez would have, but couldn't summon the strength. He was physically drained from his ordeal.

After Cope threw the last blade, he waved to the crowd and took his customary bow. The stagehands ran over to the revolving doorway and began extinguishing and removing the knives. Lisha was unstrapped and assisted off the board. She continued to wear the restrictive handcuffs.

"How much more can I take? Is this the end?" Cortez thought. He prayed for relief, but it still would not come.

"Our next stunt was inspired by King Henry VIII!" Aldon said, smiling a toothy grin. "Guess who will play Ann Boleyn?"

One of the stagehands walked Lisha over to pillory that was brought out by the other "henchman." A crown with a balloon attached to the top of it was placed on Lisha's head. The crown was kept in place by a rubber band. Lisha was then bent over so that her neck was in the pillory. The stagehands closed the device and walked off stage. Once again, the knifethrower was looking at the profile of his courageous "victim." The knife board was about three feet behind Lisha.

Aldon was sincerely enjoying himself at this point. He obtained an axe from a showgirl and displayed it to the audience. It was an ominous-looking weapon. The double-bladed axe had cutting surfaces that must have measured ten inches long. Aldon's showboating was truly getting the effect he wanted, as the crowd began a concerned murmur.

Cortez looked at his Lisha. Her hands cuffed behind her. Her head locked in the medieval torture device. Lisha's beautiful black hair hung on either side of her head. He could not see her face as she was facing the ground. The pit in Cortez's stomach grew to be a canyon.

The knifethrower took his position approximately 25 feet from his victim. The band started a drum roll. Aldon swung the axe above his shoulder and then down, practicing his throw. Finally, after the third repetition, he released the blade.

The blade revolved once in the air and then it approached the motionless Lisha. The sharp blade was now moving down towards her head.

Cortez's eyes widened. He watched, and saw……nothing.

Part Six

All Cortez Gonzales could make out was a blurry white light. He was extremely thirsty, but could barely move his mouth. He could feel the cold comfort of the bed that he was lying on. Cortez began to hear someone speaking in the background.

"No, I doubt it was a heart-attack, since he is so young. But we will know once we run the tests. More likely it was a stress-induced seizure. Has he undergone any sort of trauma over the last 12 hours?"

Cortez looked to his left and saw three blurred figures. Finally, his vision began to clear and he saw his lovely wife, Lisha. She was talking to a man who wore a simple oxford cloth shirt and slacks. Along side of Lisha was Carl.

Lisha saw Cortez turn and his eyes flutter. She immediately walked over to cuddle his head. "Hi, baby," she whispered "Are you OK?"

"Am I OK? Are YOU OK?" Cortez retorted. "You were about to be decapitated!"

"Easy now, you need to relax," Lisha responded gently.

Cortez lay back in her arms and tried to make sense of where he was. "I had an episode? Was the knifethrowing just a dream?" He began to collect himself and breathe easier. As turned to look up at his wife, something caught his eye. It was a tattoo of a knife on Lisha's upper arm. Cortez began to scream.

Lisha quickly turned to the doctor, "I think we are going to need some sedation over here!"

Part Seven - Epilogue

Unfortunately for Cortez, the act was not a dream. Lisha became Aldon's full-time assistant and helped him develop new and exciting stunts.

Cortez took a full month to recover from his seizure. He then rejoined the circus. Cortez never watched the knifethrowing act, though. And nobody mentioned it to him.

Lisha, however, enjoyed her newfound life. She was contributing to the circus in a very big way. Lisha was also enjoying all her new friends, as every member of the troupe respected her.

Cortez and Lisha did resume being husband and wife. They just took measures to keep Cortez safely away from any part of the knifethrowing act. Lisha even dressed in another camper so he would not be reminded of the horrific night.

After some soul-searching, Cortez was finally able to reason through the situation. He decided that it came down to one thing.

Lisha could face any kind of danger, if it meant avoiding something really scary.

Isolation.

THE END

Nicole

Part One

Gary Davis leaned back in his chair. Yet another boring staff meeting. “Just tell me what you want so I can get out of here,” Gary thought.

The Senior Editor, Edward Hemphill, knew Gary felt this way. Hemphill was very much aware of Gary’s two great talents – writing and womanizing. Hemphill hated to see Gary misuse his talents, but Gary could never get serious about his work. Gary would always be out on the town when a particularly important assignment was pending. He would then crank out an article during the eleventh hour to just make the deadline.

When Edward complained about the quality of the submission, Gary always said, “Nobody here can do better.” Edward knew he was right, but also knew Gary could produce great stuff, Pulitzer-type stuff, if he just applied himself. And stayed away from the bars for a while.

When Edward reached his breaking point, he began assigning Gary the low interest, lightweight stories. At least, reasoned Edward, he wouldn’t have to worry about the major stories making deadline.

Gary watched as other reporters were given assignments such as the housing authority scandal, or the latest on the pollution down river from the power plant.

Eventually, Edward leaned over toward Gary. “Davis, the Concorde Circus is in Louisville, and they have a new act that’s getting some extra attention – check it out.” Some of the other reporters snickered.

Gary felt he had reached a new low. “Circus,” was all he said.

Edward closed the meeting and the reporters headed out to cover their assignments.

“Is this the best you’ve got?” Gary questioned Edward as he was walking back toward his office.

“How many times have I asked you that question, Davis?” responded Edward. The Senior Editor moved along and into his office leaving Gary with his thoughts.

“OK,” Gary thought, “If he wants a great circus article, I’ll give him one.”

Part Two

Gary drove along Chestnut Street in his 1965 Mustang. It was a beautiful April morning and he had the windows rolled down.

Suddenly, off to Gary’s right, he saw an incredible set of legs and a black short skirt walking into the library. The woman had walked through the front door before he caught a glimpse of the rest of her.

Gary’s old weakness kicked in again. “Hey, I’ve got time to investigate this “situation” before I head to the circus. The monkeys are probably not even awake yet.”

Gary found a parking space a block down from the library, and quickly walked into the building.

In a few minutes, he found the set of legs he saw outside just minutes ago. They belonged to a lovely blonde young woman. She looked to be around twenty years old. The woman was wearing a white long sleeve blouse with the black skirt that came down to mid-thigh. She was wearing jet-black business heels.

Gary barely caught a glimpse of her face. She was stunning, with large brown eyes and sweet rounded cheeks.

Gary played it cool. He pretended to be interested in some books in the next row over. When he noticed that he was in the “child-rearing” section, Gary quickly moved.

The young lady found what she was looking for and walked over to the checkout desk. Gary slyly grabbed an automobile book and moved in line behind her.

The young lady proceeded to put her books on the counter in front of the checkout clerk.

“Card please,” replied the clerk.

“I’m from out of town, I would like to borrow these temporarily,” said the woman.

“We can let you borrow these, but we must ask that you leave the entire replacement cost of the book with us. We’ll give you the money back after you return the books,” explained the clerk.

“How much is that?” replied the young lady.

“Let’s see,” said the clerk. “You have Houdini, a Biography, and Magic and Escapes. All totaled we will need $27.00 from you.”

The young lady looked through her purse. “I have $19.00. Will this do?” she asked.

“I’m afraid you will only be able to have one book, then,” said the clerk.

The woman looked distraught. “Are you sure you can’t bend the rules just a little this time?” Just as the clerk was about to go into her “rules are rules speech,” Gary slid $8.00 onto the counter.

“Oh, thank you,” said the young lady, “But I can’t let you do this.”

“Sure you can” said Gary. “You can mail it back to me when you get your money back.”

The woman hesitated. “Alright,” she said, with a growing smile.

“Perfect,” thought Gary. “Now I have a need to exchange names and numbers!”

The clerk checked the books out and gave the young woman her receipt.

The young lady turned to Gary. “Thank you very much,” she said, clutching her books to her chest.

“Your welcome,” said a very pleased Gary. “I’ll meet you at the front door and I’ll tell you where to send the money.”

The woman nodded her head and moved toward the door. Gary proceeded to check out the book. He didn’t want it, but he thought he would keep up the appearance of being an innocent library patron.

Gary walked over to his beautiful damsel-in-distress. “I’m Gary. Gary Davis,” he said.

“I’m Nicole Everson. Thank you so much for your help. If you would, just right your address on this piece of paper and I’ll send your money back.”

Gary complied. He then escorted her out of the library. “How about some lunch?” he asked.

“No thank you,” said Nicole. “I really have to get back.”

“Back where?” said Gary.

“I’m with the circus, the Concorde Circus,” she said. “We are set up at the Lions Field outside of town. “

Buzzers and lights went off in Gary’s head. “Nicole could be the subject of my article, and the object of my attention,” he thought.

“Nicole,” he continued. “I know this really great deli just two blocks from here, and I happen to know you don’t have any money.” Gary smiled at her, “Come on, just have lunch with me. It’s a sunny day, what will it hurt?”

“Okay,” Nicole said, returning his smile.

The couple began to walk down Chestnut Street. The Gary Davis magic was in full force.

Part Three

Gary kept the talk light as they approached the deli. He knew how to warm up his interviewee before going into the heavy topics. Gary had always been easy to talk to, and he knew it. That was the gift that allowed him to get stories other reporters could only dream of.

Gary and Nicole ordered their sandwiches and found a cozy booth for two in the back of the restaurant. After a little more chitchat, Gary decided it was time to go to work.

“What do you do with the circus?” Gary asked, trying to sound as genuine as he could.

“I’m the assistant to the knife thrower,” she said.

“Wow, how did you wind up with a job like that?” Gary immediately responded.

“It’s a long story,” Nicole said. She took a bite of her chicken salad on wheat.

“I’ve got all afternoon,” said the eager reporter.

“I don’t” she responded. She saw his disappointment. “It’s really a very boring story,” she explained.

“Nicole,” Gary pleaded, “Don’t leave me hanging here.” Gary gave her his best puppy-dog look.

“Okay, I’ll give you the short version,” she complied.

“I’m from Wyoming originally. My biological father had a heart attack and died when I was two, so I never knew him, really. My mother tried to keep up afloat, but after the hospital bills and funeral costs, we were bankrupt. My mother did everything she could, including holding three jobs, but she really couldn’t afford to feed us, and keep the house and car.”

Gary looked at Nicole’s eyes. He could see the real pain she was carrying around.

“About the time I was ten, the circus came to town. One of the circus managers came into the diner my mother was working in. He was talking about needing an assistant for the knife thrower. The current target girl had just left the show.”

Nicole started to get more and more involved in her story. Gary was hinged on every word.

“My mother was thirty-five then, but still really good looking. She just kept talking to this man about the job and the benefits. Meals and shelter would be provided. Work hours would be limited to practice and show times. Finally, she asked for a tryout. She went down to the circus and met the knife thrower. His name was Del Smallwood. Anyway, Del and my mother got along great. He taught her the act, and she got the hang of it right away.”

“Later that day, my mother met me coming home from school, she told me we were going to be traveling with the circus, and that I would need to pick out the things to take with me. Since I knew what kind of stress my mother was under, I thought the idea sounded great. We moved into the knife thrower’s trailer – he gave us part of his living space! I guess he was just excited to have a full time assistant. Del and my mother worked very well together and eventually fell in love. My mother married Del about a year after that.”

“I was having a ball. I kept up with my schoolwork and got to know all the circus people. I got to ride on the elephants, and even try the trapeze.”

Nicole’s eyes focused on her plate. “Then my mother got sick. The diagnosed her with double myloma, breast cancer. She died when I was fourteen.”

“I’m sorry,” Gary said. “What did you do?”

“Well, I turned into a complete bitch. I was mean to everyone. I acted like a hated everyone. For some reason though, Del continued to take care of me. I thought he would drop me off at the nearest orphanage after Mom died, but he didn’t. He let me stay in his trailer and gave me money.”

“He took my Mom’s death hard. He could not perform. Del just did odd jobs with the circus – usually just cleaning up. He drank heavily and cried himself to sleep almost every night. I was mean as hell, but I still felt so bad for him. He must have loved my mother very much.”

Gary took Nicole’s hand and comforted her. Nicole’s eyes were tearing up. “What happened then?” Gary asked.

Nicole cleared her throat and continued. “This went on for about two years. It was awful. One night, when the circus was in Stillwater, Oklahoma, I was reading in my trailer. The performance had already started so nobody was in the living quarters. Then, three local guys broke into our trailer.”

Nicole collected herself. “They raped me. Then tied me to a chair. I hardly had on any clothes.”

She paused again. Gary obviously knew how tough this was for her.

“Then…those assholes set the trailer on fire. It was at that moment that I quit feeling sorry for myself and hating the world. But the first thing I had to do was get out of the trailer! So, I worked the ropes as the trailer filled with smoke. The chair fell over, which allowed me to breathe the air near the floor. I was able to pull my hands free fairly easily, but they really tied my ankles tight against the chair. When I finally got my ankles free, flames had almost reached me from both sides. Luckily, there was a vent directly above me, so I stepped up on the chair and got out of the trailer. I slid down off the trailer, hit the ground, and passed out. I woke up in a clinic being treated for smoke inhalation.”

“My God,” Gary said. “What a horrific experience.”

“Yeah, but I tried to let it be a good thing for me. After that I didn’t walk around hating the world. I knew I had to make amends.”

“What did you do?” Gary asked.

“Soon after I got back to the circus, I went to the costume trailer and found my mother’s old outfit. I put it on and went to find Del. He was repairing one of the clown wagons. He turned around and saw me in that costume, and started crying. I hugged him and started crying, too. We had been through so much together, I think we cried there for a half hour.”

Gary was blown away.

Nicole continued. “I can’t believe I’m telling this to a total stranger.”

Gary comforted Nicole, “We’re not strangers anymore.”

“Del stopped the drinking and began to sharpen his throwing skills. Soon I was working with him in his act. Over the last few years we have built the act up. Del and I both have worked through our problems together. He is my stepfather, but he’s the only family I have. I love him dearly”

After a moment of silence, Nicole continued, “So, that’s how I became a knife thrower’s assistant.”

Gary squeezed Nicole’s hand. “That’s quite a story,” he said.

“Oh my gosh! What time is it?” Nicole demanded.

“It’s 3:15,” said Gary.

“I’m supposed to be back at 3:30!” said Nicole, almost shouting.

“Come on, I’ll take you.” Gary replied.

The twosome went dashing out of the deli and down the street.

Part Three

During the ride back to the circus, Gary asked Nicole to meet him for lunch the next day.

“It will have to be breakfast, we are leaving for Muncie, Indiana at noon,” said Nicole.

“Is eight alright?” asked Gary.

“That will be great,” said Nicole.

“By the way,” asked Gary, “Why the magic books?”

“Well, this is sort of my long range plan, but I hope to begin an escape act soon. When Del retires, I am going to need an act I can perform by myself, and we are performing a version of an escape act right now.”

“Really? In your knife act?” Gary questioned.

“Yeah – Why don’t you see the show tonight? You can find out for yourself,” said a teasing Nicole.

“I may just have to do that,” Gary responded.

Gary drove Nicole up to the main circus tent. Nicole thanked Gary and hurried toward the costume tent to get ready for the afternoon show.

Gary watched Nicole’s long legs walk away, wondering what kind of act this lady is involved with. He pulled back onto the roadway and started thinking about what he could do until showtime.

Part Four

At 6:45, Gary walked up to the main tent with his ticket. He shuffled through the growing crowd and found a seat in the second row from the ring.

Gary saw the usual. Kids with cotton candy and cracker jacks ran around screaming with delight. Parents worked to keep their families together amidst the mass of people.

At about 7:05, the lights went down and the ringmaster, dressed in a shining, multi-colored coat, walked into the center ring.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Great Concorde Circus! Music from the sound system blared out and the audience cheered.

Gary sat through a lion act, a trapeze act, some clowns, and an acrobatic troupe. The ringmaster introduced Perreault the Great. He was a stage magician. He performed several clever tricks with scarves and rabbits. . Gary was mildly amused.

After another round of clown action, the ringmaster took up the microphone. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please prepare yourselves for the most death-defying act in the circus. Please welcome Del the Magnificent and his lovely assistant, Nicole!”

Gary’s ears perked up immediately. The first thing he saw were two stagehands bringing out a large wooden board. Then another two quickly carried a table covered with a black cloth. Finally, Gary saw Nicole. She was stunning. Nicole was wearing a black skin-tight leotard, with sort of a turtleneck collar and long sleeves. Her outfit was cut out at the shoulders and around her chest to show some cleavage. The leotard was cut high at the leg openings and had a thong back. .

Nicole and Del walked into the ring hand in hand. They waved to the crowd and took their places. Del was a thin man, obviously approaching fifty. His costume consisted of a red sequined long sleeve shirt and black pants.

For effect, Del walked over to the table and jerked the cloth away a lightning speed. On the table were his knives and tomahawks. Gary knew this was just for effect, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous for his gorgeous friend.

Nicole sauntered over to the target board and put her back against it. She raised both hands above her head and grasped the top of the board. Del picked of several knives and began throwing them quickly along the edge of Nicole’s curvaceous form.

His rapid style was unnerving to Gary, as he found himself increasingly concerned for her safety. Gary knew this was the reaction the act was supposed to have on the spectator, but he was usually unaffected by these things. Gary wondered what kind of feelings he was developing for the comely target girl.

When Del had finished with his barrage, it looked like twenty knives were protruding from the board. Nicole wore a big smile as she moved away from the board unscathed.

While Del removed his knives from the board, Nicole held up a long-stemmed flower for the audience to see. She moved back to the board, leaned over and put the flower in her mouth. Del now had three tomahawks in his hand. He hurled the first one right into the bloom of the flower. The second one cut the stem of the flower, even closer to Nicole’s face. Del swiftly threw the final hawk. It also cut the remaining stem, but even closer to Nicole’s vulnerable face.

Nicole stood straight up, smiling once again. Gary let himself breathe, but he shivered at the sight of the three tomahawks buried deep into the wood.

A stagehand brought out a six-foot ladder and set it up against the board. The ringmaster addressed the crowd in a serious manner. “For this next trick we will require you complete silence. The life of the brave Nicole is at stake,” he said.

Gary had no idea what to expect. He watched Nicole walk up the ladder. She stopped at the second-to-last rung. Nicole slid her smooth legs through the rungs to the other side, and held on with her legs like a trapeze artist. She then bent over backwards and let her back rest against the ladder. Her hands were placed behind her back leaving her profile exposed to the knife thrower. Gary had never seen a knife thrower use an upside down assistant before.

Del had in his hand the daggers he threw during the first trick. The crowd noise was reduced to a dull murmur as he readied for his stunt.

When Del began to throw his knives, it seemed like he would not stop. The knives were thrown in such rapid succession that the casual observer prayed for a break. Del started the knives near Nicole’s tummy and worked downward. For this act the knives were so close as to almost touch his assistant. The knives worked around Nicole’s chest, then her throat and her chin. Gary thought the blades were way too close for his comfort. Del picked up another set of knives and began hurling them in the same fashion. Near her lips, under her nose, and almost grazing her eyebrows.

Nicole was motionless as the final knife was thrown just centimeters from her forehead. Del turned to the crowd and accepted the applause. Then two stagehands moved the ladder away from the embedded daggers. Nicole was able to right herself, and then climb down the ladder to acknowledge the ecstatic crowd.

The music began playing. The stagehands pulled the board down and moved it to the wings. After one final bow, Nicole and Del walked hand-in-hand out of the ring.

“Weren’t they sensational!” yelled the ringmaster. You will see them do their final stunt to close the show. Now, here come the elephants!”

As the pachyderms lumbered into the ring, Gary got out of his seat and went for some fresh air.

“What final stunt would Nicole and the knife thrower do at the end of the show?” Gary thought. “Careful now,” he cautioned himself, “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were in love with that girl.” Gary thought some more. Maybe he was in love with Nicole.

Gary went back into the ring and sat through four more acts before the grand finale. The ringmaster explained the last trick to the crowd. “This last trick will be performed by Del the Magnificent and Nicole. They will combine elements of knife throwing and escape art in a stunt called the Venus Flytrap.”

Ominous music played throughout the tent as the stagehands completed assembly of the knife thrower’s apparatus. The ringmaster continued, “In this last act of the evening, our hero, the spider, will rescue the beautiful butterfly from the jaws of the deadly Venus Flytrap.”

The ringmaster showed the audience an arrangement that Gary had never seen before. It had three target panels resting side-by-side on the ground. Above the middle panel, a fourth panel. The fourth panel was attached to the middle panel with hinges. It appeared that the fourth panel also had sharp blades sticking out from it. If the fourth panel was released by the stagehands, it would swing about the hinges and close against the middle panel on the ground.

The stagehands set the fourth panel in place using some kind of strut supports and moved away from the apparatus.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back Del and Nicole,” the ringmaster said. Del was now in an all black outfit with white spider webs on it. Nicole came out in a long, colorful robe that looked somewhat like a monarch butterfly. With a breathtaking whirl, she spun out of the robe. She was now only wearing a black g-string and small black pasties over her breasts.

Gary felt his heart pumping. It was as if it was going to leap out of his chest. The combination of Nicole’s beautiful body and the impending danger was on the verge of overwhelming him.

Nicole went over to the middle board, under the imposing blades. Stagehands came out with long ropes. The stagehands tied the ropes around Nicole’s body. The ropes were then pulled through eyelets on the middle board, pulling Nicole along with them, and then the other ends secured to hooks at the outer edges of the two outer boards. Three ropes extended to the right of Nicole (those bound around her neck, right wrist and thighs) and three to her left (those securing her left wrist, waist, and knees). The ropes had Nicole completely immobile and in the path of the blades hanging above her.

The ringmaster proceeded to describe the final stunt. “Your attention please, you see that our lovely butterfly is now caught in the Venus Flytrap. Our spider will attempt to throw his butcher knives against the ropes stretched across the outer two boards. This will release our butterfly from an ugly end. But, our spider will only have 30 seconds to break the ropes, otherwise the Flytrap will close on our trapped butterfly!”

The crowd let loose with concern and nervous chatter as Del moved in front of the “woman-eating plant.” He was holding three butcher knives, with six more on a small table beside him.

This must be the act that Edward wanted Gary to report on. Gary knew of nothing even close to this being performed.

“Performers, are you ready?” the ringmaster called out. Del nodded to him carefully and continued to keep his arms loose for throwing. “You will have thirty seconds when I give the signal…NOW!”

Del began heaving his knives toward the outer boards. When he successfully cut a rope, Nicole would show the crowd that she was loose. Del cut the ropes leading to her right wrist, her thighs, and her knees first. Nicole was then able to use her free hand to pull the ropes off her legs.

Del hit the rope that held Nicole’s waist against the board. “Ten seconds,” announced the ringmaster, who seemed to enjoy his evil role.

After two tries, Del hit the rope that held Nicole’s left wrist. She was now free except for her neck.

Del had to grab another knife from the table, which cost him a precious three seconds. Only the rope around Nicole’s delicate neck remained. Del heaved a butcher knife, and missed the rope.

“Five seconds!” called the ringmaster.

Del carefully aimed the final knife. It flew into the board and embedded the rope into the pine wood. Nicole reached up and gave the rope a firm tug. The rope was split and she quickly stepped away from the Venus Flytrap. The blade board swung swiftly down upon the middle board, where Nicole was standing only seconds earlier. A loud bang was heard throughout the main tent.

“Del and Nicole!” the ringmaster screamed. The applause was deafening as the stagehands turned the Flytrap around to show how the awful machine would have bludgeoned Nicole.

Gary’s mouth was dry, and his hands were shaking. The sight of the blades stuck into the wall did not help matters.

The circus music started and all the performers came out to make a final bow. Gary lost Nicole in the shuffle, but was glad to know she was safe. Gary sat back, took a deep breath, and tried to collect his thoughts and emotions. What a story he had.

Part Five

Gary worked all night to complete his assignment. He described in every detail Nicole, her life, and her work. Gary sent the article into Edward on e-mail, and then printed a hard copy out to take with him.

When the morning came, Gary picked up Nicole at the circus. She was dressed in a gray sweatshirt, jeans, and Nikes – much different from the glamorous costumes she had worn the night before. Here hair was tied up in a ponytail.

Gary took Nicole to one of the nicest breakfast restaurants in town. After their order, Gary couldn’t help talking about Nicole and her performance.

“You were incredible last night,” said Gary. An older woman looked over at Gary with a disapproving look. Gary and Nicole giggled.

“I really thought the show was fantastic,” he continued. “How did you come up with the Venus Flytrap stunt?”

“It was my idea,” said Nicole proudly. “I just thought our act needed something new, and since I was interested in escapology, the Flytrap sort of came to me.”

“It certainly had me on the edge of my seat,” he said, sincerely. “In fact, I found your whole life story to be incredibly interesting.”

“Thank you,” said Nicole.

“I need to let you know something,” Gary began, “I am a reporter, and I have put a story together about you and your job with the circus. It will be in today’s evening edition. I think you will really like it.” Gary handed Nicole the article to read over.

Tears began to form in Nicole’s eyes. She flipped through a few pages and then discarded it on the table.

“What’s wrong?” asked Gary.

“I told you my story in confidence,” said Nicole. “I didn’t want it printed so everyone in Louisville would know about it.” Nicole began to cry.

“I’m outta here,” Nicole said sternly. She quickly slid out of the booth and went through the door before Gary could even comprehend what was going on.

It took Gary a few minutes to collect himself and size up the situation. He decided he could fix this situation, but it would not be fun.

Part Six

Gary walked into Edward’s office and closed the door. “Edward, I really need to talk to you,” he said.

“I read your article, Gary. Damn fine stuff. You haven’t given us a product like that in over a year.” Edward commented.

“Edward, I’m sorry, but all of the article is just a lie. I was partying all night last night and I needed to come up with something to turn in. I got carried away with the Nicole character and embellished everything about her. I thought you needed to know before press time.”

Edward was exasperated. He leaned back in his chair and took off his reading glasses. “Gary, I don’t know what to say,” said a dismayed Edward. “You turned in a work of fiction, passing it off as fact! I’m sorry, Gary, but this is the last straw. You could have caused this newspaper major embarrassment and possible legal action.”

Edward gave him a very cold look. “Gary, you’re fired.”

There was nothing else left to say. Gary slowly got out of his chair and left the office. He knew it was not going to be fun, and he was right.

Gary loaded his car with everything that mattered to him in the world. It was about 6:00 pm and bought several copies of the evening edition. “These might serve as evidence,” he thought. Gary browsed through the paper. Just as he thought, there was no sign of any circus article.

As the sun was setting, Gary got a fill up and pointed his car north toward Muncie.

“I hope the Concorde Circus needs a publicist,” he thought. “Then again, I wonder how long it takes to learn knife throwing?”

THE END

Jaycee

Part One

Harold drove up to Gerald’s in his Chevy Cavalier. “Let’s see,” Harold thought, “should I park with the Beamers or the Jags.” He had to joke a little. Harold knew he would be extremely out of place at an establishment like Gerald’s.

Harold entered and carefully made his way to the hostess. “I’m here to meet with Richard Allenby.” The hostess glanced down at her seating chart and quickly looked up at him.

“Follow me,” she said smoothly.

Harold swallowed hard and hoped he was doing the right thing. Signing on with Allenby was going to be a big step. He worked to keep up with the hostess through what he considered an obstacle course that served fine food.

Harold was an illusionist. He was gaining a fairly good reputation in the Miami area and was hoping to move up to larger venues. He still didn’t know if he should have told Richard about Mary’s quitting.

Mary was his assistant. She was beautiful and smart, and practically designed the whole show. Would Richard take him without Mary?

The hostess finally stopped at a corner booth with three table settings. The hostess smiled. “The Allenby’s have not yet arrived, but please have a seat,” she said. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Just water will be fine,” said Harold.

After a short period of watching some of the beautiful people, he saw Richard Allenby approached the table.

“Harold, I’m glad you could join us tonight,” said Richard. The two shook hands. Then Richard slid into the booth.

He didn’t know what “us” meant. He thought it was only going to be the two of them to talk business. “Maybe he just brings his wife along at night, and writes it off as business,” Harold thought.

“Thank you for the invitation” responded Harold. “Will your wife be joining us?”

“No, I’m not married. Tonight, I’ve asked my sister to meet us. She is going to help me with the agency for while until she finds something else.” Richard said. “Is that alright with you?”

“Of course,” said Harold, abruptly. What else could he say?

“Excellent,” said Richard. He continued “You know, we believe we can help you with your act. From what I’ve seen, you’ve got great potential. We just have to find you a niche, and get you away from the tired, old illusions you’re performing.”

“Wow,” thought Harold. “He comes out slugging at the opening bell. First he says I have potential. Then he says I perform tired, old illusions. Oh well, I might as well be open-minded. Just remember, this guy is the best talent agent in Florida.”

Richard started talking about something on the menu, but Harold wasn’t listening. A gorgeous blonde woman was talking to a couple two tables down. Harold couldn’t help but stare at her long, smooth legs, and the rest of her fantastic figure. She was wearing a business suit with a skirt cut above her knees. Her hair was tied up in the back, in a very stylish sort of way.

Harold pretended to get interested in his menu, and tried not to be too rude to Richard. The blonde woman then moved gracefully up to Richard and put her hand on his shoulder. “Introductions, please,” she said wryly.

“There you are,” said Richard. “Try not to be too fashionably late next time, or you’ll miss dessert” he shot back.

“Harold, this is my sister, Jaycee. Jaycee, this is Harold Wockenfuss.”

Jaycee was obviously an old pro at meeting people. She had eyes that immediately put you at ease, and, at the same time, seemed to go right through you.

“Hello, Harold,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you boys this evening. I am going to be working with Richard, so I wanted to jump right in.”

“Well, great….” Harold searched for words. “Please sit down,” he recovered.

“Thank you very much,” said a smiling Jaycee.

Harold thought to himself, “If this agency deal doesn’t work out, it will be worth it just to spend one evening next to this lovely woman.”

“In fact, I thought it would be perfect for Jaycee if she started with your act first, if you decide to come on board with us,” said Richard. Harold could feel his temperature start to rise.

After the threesome ordered, Richard jumped right into business again. “Harold, I think Allenby and Associates can build your act from the ground up. However, I hope you are willing to have us tear down some of the things that don’t work?”

Richard was very direct. “I like what I have built, but I am willing to listen to your suggestions and reasons,” replied Harold.

“I’m afraid that won’t be good enough, my friend,” Richard firmly explained. “I insist on having complete control of my clients acts.”

After an uncomfortable pause, Richard continued, “Don’t worry, Harold. We have a remarkable success rate. We are only going to make you better.”

Harold knew this to be true. Richard Allenby always seemed to get the job done.

“Alright, I can work this way,” said Harold. “I think you need to know that Mary, my assistant, has quit the act. You’ll really be working from the ground up.”

“No problem,” replied Richard. “I was going to recommend that you replace her anyway. We saw her work. She was a bit stiff.”

Harold felt relieved. He began to explain his relief when Richard’s personal phone rang.

“This is Allenby. Yes, I remember the booking. They didn’t show? I’ll be right there.” Richard hung up abruptly and looked straight at Harold.

“I hate to run out on you, Harold, but I have a bit of an emergency. I know this is highly unprofessional, but I am going to leave you in the capable hands of Jaycee. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, if that is alright?”

“Quite alright,” said Harold. Harold was actually somewhat relieved. Richard Allenby’s direct nature was very intimidating.

As Allenby turned and headed for the door, Jaycee smiled and looked over at Harold. “Well, it looks like it’s just the two of us.”

“Yes,” responded Harold, once again not knowing exactly what to say. “So, Richard said you are between jobs?”

“That’s right,” said Jaycee. “I was with a large brokerage firm in New York. I thought I was doing well, getting promotions, raises, and all that. But when it came time to negotiate, I was just a planned distraction.”

“You mean, they just used you for your looks” said Harold.

“Right. I was never involved in strategy sessions or bargaining. So, I quit,” said Jaycee, somewhat defiantly.

“Good for you,” said Harold.

“Enough about me,” said Jaycee. “Tell me about your act. What do you do?”

“Well,” replied Richard, clearing his throat. “I am an illusionist, and have been for about five years. I do many of the standard illusions you see on television.”

“Really,” said Jaycee. “Do you cut women in half?”

“Yes, I even used to cut Mary into six pieces,” responded Richard. “It’s one of my favorite illusions.”

“What else?” Jaycee said enthusiastically.

“As a closing number, I threw knives at Mary.”

Jaycee’s eyes opened wide, as if Harold said some kind of magic word. “Really? What is fake or did you really throw them?” said Jaycee.

“Definitely real,” responded Harold, trying to impress.

Harold could almost see the wheels turning in Jaycee’s head. He watched as a smile formed across her face.

“I’d love to see your act. Why don’t we go to your place after dinner and you can show me your stuff.”

Harold’s eyebrows raised slightly. These Allenby’s really don’t beat around the bush.

Part Two

Harold showed Jaycee into his house. I was a two story with a large basement. The basement functioned as Harold’s workshop.

Harold took Jaycee’s coat and showed her down the basement stairs.

“Welcome to my laboratory,” said Harold. On display were many magic cabinets and props. Harold showed Jaycee the equipment and described each trick. He could tell she had seen many of them before.

“What’s that?” Jaycee inquired, pointing to a large circular board.

“You mean this?” Harold said carefully. “This is what they call the Wheel of Death. The assistant is tied to the board and it is spun around while I throw knives at it. I’ve only used it a couple of times. The axle broke while we were moving it to a show. I haven’t had the chance to get it fixed.”

“Harold, would you show me your knife-throwing act?” Jaycee asked.

“Sure,” Harold replied. He led her to a large wooden target. It was obvious that a person stood in the middle of the board while daggers were thrown around the edges.

Jaycee eyed the board intently. Harold walked over to a black case and opened it. The case contained sixteen knives, approximately 14 inches long. He picked two of them up and showed them to Jaycee. He then flung both of them at the board. Each of them landed approximately waist high.

“Bravo,” said Jaycee. “I guess there is more pressure when you have a live target standing there.”

“Oh, yes,” Harold quickly replied. “It’s much different.”

“Harold, I have an idea. Why don’t I be your assistant tonight?”

Harold was stunned. Before he had a chance to respond, Jaycee continued her planning.

“Where is your assistant’s costume?” Harold pointed toward a small dressing room in the corner.

“I’ll be right back,” said Jaycee.

“What’s happening?” thought Harold. “I was just showing her my props, and now she wants to be my target girl? For knife throwing?”

In just a few moments, Jaycee replied with another question. “Is this what Mary wears?”

She was holding up Mary’s black costume. It was cut low on the legs, and was rather conservative in the chest area as well.

“What century is this from?” she said sarcastically.

Harold struggled to get a grip on himself. He decided to warm up. It would sharpen up his aim, and hopefully relax him a bit. Harold heaved six knives into the board. He went to retrieve them plus the two that he used when Jaycee was watching. Harold walked back to his position and began throwing again.

After the third knife was thrown, Harold was once again interrupted. It was Jaycee’s voice.

“I hope this will be okay. Mary’s costume didn’t fit anyway.”

Harold slowly turned his head. Striding toward him was the beautiful Jaycee. She had stripped down to a black teddy negligée, and had put back on her high heels. The teddy was cut very high on the legs and had spaghetti straps over the shoulder. Her legs were fantastic and Harold could not take his eyes off them.

Jaycee played nonchalant. She moved smoothly over to the target board, removed the knives, and gave them to Harold. She then quickly moved back to the target.

“How do I stand? Is this alright?” Jaycee said.

Jaycee put her feet together and her hands out gripping the edge of the board. Harold struggled to appear the calm, cool, professional knife thrower that he was.

“Just a little to your left,” Harold said. “That’s fine, dear.”

Harold then threw a knife at the board. It landed about a foot away from her right knee.

“That can’t be your best throw,” she said, playing with him. “I might as well not be standing here at all.”

Harold took a deep breath and began throwing. The knives crept up the edge of Jaycee’s body, landing about two inches away from her each time.

“Better?” questioned Harold.

“Yes, much,” she replied.

After Harold had finished throwing his eight knives around Jaycee, the two just stood there looking at each other.

“Well, that’s it,” said Harold.

“That’s it? Don’t you throw anything else? Don’t you do any tricks?” Jaycee quickly shot back.

Harold cautiously replied, “Well, Mary designed the act, and I’m afraid she wasn’t much of a risk taker past this part.”

“I could tell that by her costume,” Jaycee answered wryly. She walked away from the board, leaving her silhouette in knives behind her.

“If we want our act to work, we are going to need to be original,” said Jaycee.

“Our act? What do you mean our act? Jaycee, is this just a set up?” barked Harold.

Jaycee began to look very guilty. “Well, sort of…” she stammered.

“Sort of? You just walk in here put yourself in the act? I thought you were my agent? Are you really Jaycee Allenby or just someone Richard hired?”

Jaycee walked over to Harold. “Let me explain. Yes, I am Jaycee Allenby and I am Richard’s sister. I did work in a firm in New York. But, I left because I always wanted to be an assistant in a magic show. It has always been a fantasy of mine. I decided last year that I wasn’t getting any younger, and that if I was going to perform with an illusionist, it was going to have to be now.”

Harold sat down on a stool. He stayed silent.

“I told Richard if he signed anyone that needed an assistant, I would be eager to come down and be in the show. Richard found out about Mary leaving your act, and gave me a call. It was about the same time he contacted you.”

Jaycee walked over to Harold and put her hands on his shoulders. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. My only intent was to do you a favor while living out a dream of mine. I’m sorry, but the whole knife-throwing show idea really excites me.”

Harold turned around and looked at this beautiful woman. “I should throw you out. But you look awfully cute when your guilty,” Harold said, smiling.

Jaycee laughed and hugged Harold. She then asked, “So, am I in?”

Harold nodded his head confidently, ”You’re in, you’re definitely in.”

Part Three

Harold and Jaycee began to work on their act. Eventually, they threw out the illusions for the night club routine. They were too bulky to lug around. And besides, they were a little out of date.

The two performers concentrated strictly on knife throwing. Jaycee invented some new tricks for them to try. Eventually, Jaycee had a revelation.

“Harold, I couldn’t wait to see you today. I have the best idea for our act.” Jaycee said as she walked in. She was almost out of breath.

Harold waited for her to continue.

“We need to make the knife throwing act more…audience interactive,” she announced.

“Audience interactive? Jaycee, I really don’t feel comfortable throwing knives at members of the audience. They get nervous and someone could get hurt.”

“That’s not what I mean. Listen to my ideas, Harold.”

Jaycee pulled up a chair and began to outline her newest theme for their act. Harold listened very intentively and could not believe some of the great ideas she had. He eventually had no reservations about putting her plan to work.

Later on that same day, Harold got a call from Richard. “Harold, this is Richard. Listen, I’ve got a club interested in your act.”

“Great,” said Harold, “When do they want us?”

“This weekend, but there is one catch. They are willing to pay the act $2,000 for your normal routine. But, they are willing to go up to $5,000 if your assistant goes topless. Apparently, they like to book acts that are somewhat risqué.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” said Harold.

Jaycee was listening to Harold near by and immediately saw the distress in his face. “Don’t know about what?” she said.

“Richard, I’ll call you back in a few minutes,” said Harold. Harold filled Jaycee in on the offer. Jaycee shrugged, “Tell them topless is no problem. This is showbiz.”

Harold couldn’t believe it. Mary would have slapped him for even asking about it. Jaycee was always surprising him.

Richard was able to book the new act, “Harry and Jaycee,” at the Lucky Stars dance club (Jaycee was eager to change the name of the act from the “Great Harold Wockenfuss”). They were to go on at about 11:00 p.m. before the real night people show up about midnight.

Richard caught Harold in the dressing room in the back of the club. Harold looked surprisingly comfortable in a white turtleneck shirt and black pants.

“I just wanted to see you and wish you luck,” said Richard. “Where’s Jaycee?”

“She’ll be out any moment. Listen, Richard, I just wanted to know how much your cut of tonight’s proceeds is going to be?” asked Harold.

“Nothing,” Richard said bluntly. “As Jaycee has already told you, she has always wanted to assist in a magic or knife-throwing act. I am just doing this as a favor.”

“Wow,” responded Harold. His eyes appeared fixed and glassy.

“Well, think nothing of it. I’m only going to be…”

“No, I mean WOW, look at your sister!” interrupted Harold.

Slowly moving up behind Richard was Jaycee.

She was wearing a sheer sleeveless bodysuit that was cutout at the breasts. The bodysuit had high leg cuts that ended in a thong back. The suit and her nude color nylons accentuated her long, beautiful legs. Jaycee had on long black gloves that extended over her elbows. On her feet she wore short boots with spike heels. Jaycee’s hair was pulled up in the back, with just a few locks dangling along either side of her pretty face.

“Oh my God, Jaycee…You look fantastic!” said a very bubbly Harold.

“I would say you have outdone yourself, sis,” complimented Richard. “I just wanted to wish you good luck tonight.” Richard kissed his sister on the cheek.

“Thanks, Rich. I really appreciate what you have done,” responded Jaycee. Richard smiled at her. He then patted Harold on the back and headed for the main hall.

Harold turned to Jaycee, “You ready?”

“I’m feeling some butterflies, but I’m very excited to be doing this,” she said.

Harold put his arm out like a formal escort, “Shall we?”

Jaycee took Harold’s arm and they sauntered toward the stage.

Part Four

Harold and Jaycee stood ready as the DJ introduced them to the club patrons. They could see the temporary chairs set up around the stage.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s welcome our entertainers for the evening. The daring Harry and Jaycee!”

Harold strode out first and picked up his knives. The crowd began to give the obligatory “ooh” when Harold flashed his blades before them. Then Jaycee walked onto the stage and headed right for the target board. She was immediately received with screams and whistles from the males in the audience.

Harold held four of his gleaming knives in his hand as Jaycee positioned herself on the board. Once she became still, Harold let the knives fly. The first just off her left knee, the second near her left thigh. The next knife was place at the left side of her delicate waist. The fourth knife landed next to Jaycee’s left ear.

The audience roared their somewhat drunken approval as Harold walked over to his table to pick up five more knives. Jaycee’s chest was heaving as the excitement of finally being on stage as an assistant was overwhelming her. Harold readied to throw again and put the next four knives opposite the first four knives – on the right side of Jaycee’s body. Harold then calmly aimed the final knife and flung above Jaycee’s head. It landed about three inches above her hairline, a safe distance from her head.

Harold felt surprisingly calm and professional this night. Maybe his new assistant had something to do with that.

As the audience let loose with another roar of applause, Jaycee walked away from the board toward a microphone at center stage.

“How was that folks?” she asked the crowd. She was answered with more clapping and shouts. “Great!” she responded back. “Tonight we are going to let you all in on the fun we are having up here. Sound good?!”

The crowd responded a little more cautiously this time. Nobody knew exactly what she meant.

“To begin our audience participation portion of the act, I want all of you to check under your chairs to see if you have anything under them.”

The audience members all leaned frontward until they could see underneath their chairs. Some of them pulled up chains, and some pulled up balloons.

Jaycee then called out, “Did anyone pick up a card with the number 20 on it?”

A man in the second row carefully held the card up so Jaycee could see it.

“Sir, would you come up on stage with me?” said Jaycee.

The man hesitated. Jaycee then leaned over in his direction and gave her sexiest “Please.”

The man jumped out of his seat and came on stage with Jaycee.

“Hi,” said Jaycee. “What’s your name?”

“Stan,” the man said.

“Stan, your card says “20” on it, right?” Jaycee asked.

“That’s right” he said.

“Here’s what we’re going to do, Stan,” continued Jaycee. She reached over to the board and showed the audience a hoop that looked to be about 15 inches in diameter. “I am going to hold this hoop above my head, and Harry will throw knives into it.”

“OK,” said Stan.

“What you are going to do is determine how many knives we will throw, and how far away from me Harry will stand. If you want, Harry can throw one knife from 20 feet. If you want to see extra knives thrown, that’s fine, but Harry gets to come two feet closer for every additional knife. Got it?”

“I think so,” said Stan.

“OK, then how many knives should Harry throw?” questioned Jaycee.

The crowd then began shouting out “suggestions” for Stan as he began to weigh his choices.

Stan then leaned into the microphone. “Four” was his answer.

“Stan wants Harry to throw four knives from fourteen feet into this hoop,” announced Jaycee. “Let’s give Stan a hand.” The crowd cheered Stan as he made his way back to his seat.

Harold took out a tape measure and showed the audience fourteen feet. Jaycee walked over to the board and bravely positioned the hoop above her head, holding it in place with her right hand.

Harold took four blades and walked into position. The hoop did not look very big from fourteen feet away. Harold took a deep breath and let the first knife go. It landed on the lower side of the ring, only inches from Jaycee’s vulnerable head.

Harold took the second knife and threw it into the center of the hoop. Jaycee tried not to look at where the knives were landing. She was totally professional as she stayed motionless against the board.

Harold flung the third and fourth knife into the hoop just next to the second one. Jaycee let the ring rest on the embedded knives and walked away from the board. The crowd gave the couple a surprising round of applause.

A smiling Jaycee then returned to the microphone. “Ya wanna have some more fun?” Jaycee said seductively. The crowd responded enthusiastically. Harold couldn’t believe how she had them eating out of their hand.

“Now, who had the balloons?” Everyone with balloons raised their hands. Jaycee instructed them to come up and stage and form a ring around her. She showed them sections of double-sided tape that they were to use to secure the balloons to the board.

“All you have to do is place the balloon on the board, wherever you want, and Harry will pop the balloon with a knife. Simple?” she asked.

The ten members of the group all nodded. Jaycee continued, “The only trick here is that I will be on the board, too. You can place the balloons anywhere you want, but they must be attached to the board, and not ME!” she playfully demanded.

Jaycee casually walked over to the board and positioned herself spread-eagle against it. “OK, folks,” said Jaycee, “Anywhere you want.”

The first person to go was a cute girl with brown hair. She placed a balloon just inches off Jaycee’s right hip. “Thank you,” Jaycee kidded.

The guy who was next in line was a little more bold. He placed his balloon between Jaycee’s legs, only an inch from Jaycee’s privates. The crowd starting laughing and hooting. “We know where his mind is at,” Jaycee cracked.

After all the balloons were placed, Jaycee had three balloons between her legs, one off each hip, one dangling close to each of her bare breasts, and three encircling her head. “Thanks, everyone,…you’re all heart,” Jaycee kidded from her precarious position.

When the spectators returned to their seats, Harold grabbed five knives. He eyed the balloons around Jaycee’s body intently. Harold reared back and released the first knife. It popped the balloon near Jaycee’s left hip. The next knife took out the one on her right hip. Now, he turned his attention to the balloons near her breasts. Harold coolly sent a blade crashing into the board only an inch from his gorgeous assistant. The second knife did the same thing on the opposite side. Harold was obviously gaining confidence and showing his prowess as the act went along.

Jaycee wondered where Harold would be throwing next. The only thing he had told her was that he would leave the most difficult for last.

Harold gathered three knives and quickly burst the balloons around Jaycee’s smiling face. He was down to the three balloons between her legs.

Three last knives were shown to the audience. Harold readied himself more than usual given the small margin of error of the final throws. Jaycee’s chest was starting to bob up and down with her breathing.

The first blade was dead on target. Jaycee did not look at the knife between her legs or the remaining balloons. The second knife flashed and caught another balloon.

The final balloon was the one closest to Jaycee’s private areas. Harold took the third knife and hurled it slightly low, even with the first two knives. The balloon remained unpopped between Jaycee’s legs.

Harold picked up another knife. Jaycee was getting a little more nervous now but still tried not to show it.

The final knife was thrown through the air higher than the other three. It appeared to Jaycee that the knife might wind up in her belly. She closed her eyes and heard the pop of the final balloon.

The crowd erupted with applause as Jaycee worked her way out of the impaled knives. Harold, approached Jaycee and said, “Sorry about that last one, he put that balloon right up on you.”

Jaycee gave him a confident smile. She then headed for the microphone once again.

“Folks its time for our final trick of the evening,” announced Jaycee. “Did anyone find chains under their chair?” Four men came walking up on stage.

During this time, Harold moved a new target board in place. It had a frame around it roughly the shape of a coffin.

Jaycee said, “In this last trick, Harry will throw eight knives at me as I stand in this coffin. It will be covered with black paper.” The crowd gave her the obligatory “oohs” as she demonstrated where she would stand.

“I know you don’t want me moving from side to side in the coffin, so I am going to ask these guys to hold me in place. Think you can do that, boys?” joked Jaycee.

Jaycee instructed the four men to wrap the chains around her ankles, each of her wrists, and her neck. The chains were secured with padlocks Harold provided. The loose ends were then placed through small holes in the target board and held – one by each of the spectators behind the board. Harold asked them to pull the chains tight, and Jaycee’s body instantly was pulled flat against the board. Jaycee’s body was now centered in the coffin-like frame. Her hands were secured next to her sides. It appeared that only two or three inches of free space existed between the frame and the lovely assistant. The crowd showed more concern.

Harold then took a large black sheet of paper and placed it over the frame, in effect closing the coffin. He quickly walked back and picked up four knives.

“Gentlemen, please hold the chains tight as we execute this act,” Harold called. A few audience members got this joke and gave him a chuckle.

Harold made short work of the first four knives, throwing them where Jaycee’s shins and thighs would be. He then grabbed four more knives. Two more went through the paper near Jaycee’s upper arms. Finally, Harold held the final two knives.

He took a short pause, basically for effect, but he did not want to rush this part. Harold reached back and threw the knife near the top of the box. No sound could be heard from inside of the box, so the crowd assumed the beautiful Jaycee was not injured.

Harold smoothly threw the final knife, again near Jaycee’s head. He ran over to the coffin and pulled off the paper, revealing the gorgeous Jaycee sharing the coffin space with the eight gleaming knives.

The crowd gave the couple a deafening round of applause. Jaycee was released from her chains and joined Harold for their bows.

They moved out to the wings and Harold clutched Jaycee’s hand.

“I have never gotten applause like that. Jaycee, you are a genius.”

Jaycee gave Harold a great big smile. She kissed him on the cheek and headed for her dressing room.

After changing out of their costumes, Harold and Jaycee began packing up their equipment. Richard caught the couple in the wings and congratulated them on the performance. “Harold, you were smashing. Jaycee, you were definitely titillating!” Richard joked.

Jaycee smirked at Richard. “Funny,” she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Well, Jaycee,” asked Richard, “Are you ready to get back to your day job?”

Jaycee just smiled and grabbed Harold by the hand.

“Where are we going?” inquired Harold.

Jaycee quickly answered, “To get that wheel fixed!”

THE END

The Dream

In the theater the people were watching a women in a red evening gown. As there was a single spotlight on her as she walked across a dark stage. Then the lady came to what looked like a white wall. She stopped and raised her hand to touch the wall. When she did this there was a load thud sound. The thud noise was a knife that had hit the wall just in front of her hand. Then she turned to walk away. There was second thud heard, another knife had hit the wall, inches from her chest. At that moment she froze in her tracks. A third knife landed in back of her at the same height as the last. The fourth landed close to her nicely curved backside. The fifth landed at near the back of her ankles, and the sixth knife landed at the front at the same level as the last. The next knife lands in front of her waist high. The lady stepped away from the wall and you could see the array of knifes. The stage light came up and you see a knife thrower. The two came together and took a bow.

The Master of ceremony introduced them as Ted and Alice. Alice went behind the wall for amount. While Ted removed knifes from the wall. Alice came out from the other side wearing a silver bikini. Alice then came around to the front of the wall, standing with her shoulders against the wall. Placing her hand above her head looking at Ted. Ted standing about 10 feet away. Alice gives Ted a nodded with her head, and smiled.

Ted grabbed the first knife out of the eight that he in his left hand, and took aim at Alice.

Alice standing at the wall with her knees placed wide about apart. The first knife landed right in the center between her knees. With the knife in place Alice brings her knees together so they touch the steel blade.

Ted takes aim with next blade and it strikes the wall at Alice right hip, which are inches from her bare skin. The third knife strikes the wall on the opposite side just inches away from Alice's left hip. The forth and fifth just inches from her waist. Sixth and Seventh on each side of her well-formed chest. At this point Alice bring her arms down to her side. Trapping the two knifes that are at chest level next to her body. Ted last knife shines as he holds it in his hand. He takes aim and lets it fly. It lands just above Alice’s head in amongst her hair. Alice moves her hips from side to side and touches the knifes, with her bare skin.

Alice steps away and waves her hand to shows the arrangement of the knifes.

Alice and Ted take a bow.

Ted goes and removes the array of knifes from the wall. As Alice stand next to Ted with two balloons. Alice takes one-balloon places so it sticks to the wall about third of the way up from the floor, with the balloon hanging down like a teardrop. Then she steps up to the wall spreads her leg so that the balloon is in between her legs. The bottom of the balloon is about to Alice's knees. Alice puts the end of the second balloon in her mouth. Then turned her head to the side so the balloon was resting on the wall.

Ted throw the first knife burst the balloon, which Alice held in mouth. A second balloon appeared which was inside the first. Ted throws a second knife and burst that balloon. A third but much smaller balloon appeared. Ted throws final knife in his hand and burst the last balloon. The last knife was almost touching Alice's nose. The knifes were spaced apart on a line from her nose.

Alice turned back to look at Ted as he picked up three more knifes.

Ted throw the first knife it hit the bottom of the balloon hanging downs and burst. The knife landed on the wall between Alice's knees. Again a second balloon was inside the first. Ted throw the second knife and it struck the balloon in between Alice’s legs about mid thigh. Ted aimed the third and final knife at the last balloon in between Alice’s shapely legs. Ted released the knife and when it burst the balloon, the knife landed inches from the top of her legs.

Alice put her legs together to feel the cold steel against her legs, which she enjoyed.

Ted walked up and took her hand to help her off the wall.

They both walk to center stage to except the applause.

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Alice was looking at the want ads in the morning paper. She could here husband coming down the stair. She knows her piece and quit will be gone. Alice’s husband was not a kind man to her. The marriage of five years has been not a nice one.

Alice went back to looking at the Want Ads.

She reads "Knife Throwing Assistant wanted".

Beautiful assistant needed

Call 555-7438 Ask for Ted

Alice looked at her wedding ring as a song on the radio was playing "The Ring" by "Bob Seager. She tore the ad out of the paper, and left the room so she did not have to deal with her husband.

She went into the bedroom and picked up the phone and dialed the number.

Then Alice looked at her wedding ring, and took it off. Waiting for someone to answer the phone.

The End

Note: The song "The Ring" is about a woman that married a man at an early age, in a small town. The husband worked and ignored the wife, which left her with a boring life.

The last line in the song is "Woman looked out at the world and watched the world go by but she could not look at the ring".

It's Pretty's Turn

by magic_dom2000

Pretty knelt on the floor, and read through her Master's journal, unable to believe the things he had done in life. He'd been the King's warrior, poet, and personal guard. She realized that he was a very talented man, with many skills. She was truly impressed. But the thing that surprised her most was that he'd performed for three years as the Queen's knife thrower.

"Why would the Queen need a knife thrower?" She muttered.

As she read, her Master entered the room. She looked up, then quickly dropped her gaze.

"Good afternoon Master," she said, letting her eyes rest on his chest.

He approached her, and looked down at the journal. "You've read quite a bit in such a short time. I'm impressed."

She blushed. "It is my duty to perform my Master's bidding. And you did ask me to read your journal as thoroughly, and as quickly as I could."

"Since you are now my number one slave, I wanted you to understand me a little better. I felt it would help you to serve me better, if you understood what kind of life I've lead."

"I know, Master. That's why I haven't stopped reading since you gave me the book this morning."

He leaned over, and stroked her face with his palm. "You' are a very obedient slave. I'm delighted that you seek to please me."

She blushed furiously. "Thank you Master."

He looked down at the journal. "Have you found anything in there that interests you?"

"She studied the page she was on. "Yes Master. I'm curious why the Queen needed a personal knife thrower?"

Her Master chuckled. "I thought you might wonder about that. You see, the Queen has very strange tastes when it comes to entertainment. She doesn't enjoy sitting around listening to musicians playing dull slow songs. She like entertainment that makes her feel a rush of excitement."

Pretty looked up at her master in wonder, before remembering her station, and lowering her eyes again. "You threw knives for the Queen, to satisfy her sense of excitement?"

Master grinned. "I did more than throw them for her. I threw them at her."

Pretty's eyes grew wide, as she looked directly into her Master's eyes.

"You threw knives at the Queen?"

"Actually, I threw them around her."

Pretty was shocked. "But why master?"

Master sat down in front of Pretty. She instinctively scooted down, so that her position would be lower than his. He did not fail to notice her action. He felt fortunate to have a slave who is as content in her station as Pretty.

As Pretty settled herself in, Master began to share his experience with her. "The Queen has led a very sheltered and quiet life. She has never been very far outside of the castle in her entire life."

Pretty continued to listen.

"One day a circus troop came to the castle, and begged for the opportunity to entertain the Royal family. The King granted their request, and that night they performed before the king, the queen, and the local Lords and Ladies. As a member of the King's guard, I was there as well."

Pretty sat quietly, delighted that her Master would honor her with a story. She made every effort to remember it as completely as she could.

"The performers juggled, and the clowns made fools of themselves. The animal trainers brought forth exotic creatures from all over the world. There were magicians, and fire eaters. The troop performed all sorts of tricks."

Master got a far away look in his eyes as he told the story.

"Then it came time for the finale. A knife thrower performed a most amazing display of knifemanship imaginable. He threw knife after knife, at his lovely assistant. Each blade seemed to carress her skin, before sinking into the board. It was an incredible sight to behold. The Queen was delighted at the performance. She was so moved, that when she got an opportunity to speak to the knife thrower, she asked him to bring his equipment, to her quarters, later that night."

"You mean he threw knives at her?" Pretty's eyes grew wide with amazement.

"No one knows for sure what happened in there." A small smile crossed his lips. "But everyone suspected what was going on in there."

"What happened next, Master?"

Master could tell that Pretty was becoming enraptured by the story.

"A few days later, I was summoned before the Queen."

Pretty gasped. "Were you frightened?"

Master shok his head. "No, but I was intrigued. It seems the Queen had made enquiries as to who among the castle guards was the greatest knife thrower."

Pretty knew the answer to that one. She'd often seen Master throwing his knives in the basement. He was a very skillfull knife thrower.

"Needless to say, I became her personal knife thrower. She would summon me every few days, and she would stand in front of the board wearing nothing but her bloomers. She would stand there, as I threw knives around her body."

      &nbs