Emerald Dungeon by Kathy Kulig Page B

she heard about the job. She and Jack went to
    college together. I’m here just for the summer.”
    “Ah, so you’re a student?”
    “No, I took a temporary leave from my management job in a security company. I’ll
    be returning to my position at the end of summer.”
    Lee’s face scrunched up. “A manager? You left a good job? Aren’t you a little old to
    be acting like a rebellious teenager?” His voice was tight. Dana didn’t know what to
    say.
    “Uncle,” Jack cut in. “Maybe she had a good reason to leave.”
    “When you’re young, you can be reckless and have a traveler life, drifting from
    place to place, job to job like a gypsy. When you’re an adult, you stick with a job even if you don’t like it. That’s how you stay off the streets.”
    Jack was about to argue but Dana jumped in.
    “No, your uncle has a point. If I had a family, I probably would’ve made a different
    choice, but sometimes taking a risk opens up opportunities. I don’t want to look back on my life and wonder what if, or if only I had…” She glanced at Jack then at Lee. She
    obviously wasn’t scoring any points with his uncle. “I might be making a mistake, but we learn from mistakes and become stronger from them.” She should shut up before
    she dug herself in deeper.
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    Emerald Dungeon
    “It’s foolish.” Lee’s face was red. He headed into the other room then glanced back
    at Jack. “Look around if you like. I have the kettle on if you’d like some tea. Got a letter today. You were turned down on that last loan.”
    Jack swore under his breath. “Did they give a reason?” He held up his hand.
    “Forget it, I don’t want to know. They’re all stupid reasons. Out-of-town banks say the tourist trade has dropped off and a shop in this area is too much of a risk. Local banks say they remember my wild, reckless days in college and don’t think I’m a responsible businessman. That was thirteen years ago. Other reasons mention the leather and
    specialty items are not appropriate merchandise. Certain months of the year we make
    more on those items than the woolen goods.” Jack shook his head. “I’ve sold everything I own, given up my apartment to buy this place and it looks like it’s not going to work out.”
    Lee frowned. “If I took out part of the loan.”
    “No. You’ve been trying to retire for seven years. You’ve worked hard all your life.
    I’m not going to have you sacrifice because of me. You could get a buyer for this place and live comfortably. If I can’t buy it in three months, then it goes on the market and I find another job.”
    “Don’t worry about it, Jack. There’s time.” Lee glanced over at Dana and gave her a
    nod. “I’ll get the tea.”
    After Lee went into the other room, Dana turned to Jack. “I’m sorry if I upset your
    uncle.”
    Jack groaned. “You didn’t. He doesn’t understand. Things were different in his
    day.” He took her hand. “Come on, I have something to show you.”
    “Is this the surprise?”
    “Yeah.”

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    Kathy Kulig
    Jack showed Dana into a room separate from the clothing section. It had a sign that
    said “Adults Only”, which he pointed out to her. Opening the door, he led her through and kept an eye on her expression. He wanted to see her response when she viewed the
    various items and devices.
    Upon scanning the room, Dana studied the display of leather fetish wear and
    extensive selection of bondage accessories and implements for a sadomasochist’s
    dream. “Wow, this is amazing.” She walked around and felt the leather floggers, held
    up a leather vest and frowned at the mask and ball gag. A few contraptions she
    examined for a long time. By the look in her eyes, she appeared more fascinated than
    shocked. He was relieved at that.
    “What do you think?”
    “It looks like Disneyland for the sadomasochist.”
    Jack laughed.
    “I think I’d need an instruction manual on most of this stuff.”
    Jack agreed. “A lot of it does