Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) (6 page)

I shorted a few million Euros while maintaining my heavy position in Japanese Yen. After a few days of strengthening against the Dollar and staging a brief rally the major trend kicked in and Yen moved to new yearly lows. I felt sorry for poor Japanese Prime Minster Abe. His bold plan to regulate the economy by weakening the Yen became his worst nightmare. The currency was being trashed while the economy remained weak.

The Japanese government bond market (JGB) collapsed as he set a two percent inflation goal and pumped up the money supply. The Nikkei 225 average advanced as the Nikkei the Yen weakened. Mr. Abe was definitely losing the foreign exchange currency wars. Weaker Yen made imported energy costs more expensive. The economy suffered while the currency was trashed.

“Weird, isn’t it? The consequences of implementing Premier Abe’s plan are the exact opposite of what he expected. Federal Reserve Bank tapering and Japanese quantitative easing fueled a massive weakening of Yen.” While smiling like a maniac, Joy was talking to her computer screen.

Our positions offered life changing profits. Joy thought we should exit the market and relax for a while. She was savvy and knew excessive greed could be a terrible thing. Markets can turn and profits disappear in a flash.

“Joy, I know what you’re thinking. And I agree. Let’s start closing out Yen positions. Say 20 million Dollars at a time. We’ll still trade heavy on unemployment report day. I’ve got good feelings about that action.”

“You and your feelings. Better stick to reading your charts and indicators. I’d rather rely on reading tea leaves than bet on your feelings.”

“C’mon Joy. Don’t you ever use women’s intuition to scope out markets?”

“Never. But I admit I do visit Chinese fortune tellers.”

“Yikes. I wish you’d kept that tidbit of information to yourself. Well, whatever works is fine. Just a few days until a new month and the unemployment report. Start scaling down our long-term positions. As I hear around my gym, let’s get ready to rumble.”

Since the last unemployment report, I hadn’t heard a peep from Brian. I grew nervous as the first Friday of the month approached. I would log into my website every few hours. Nothing.

“What’s the deal Jay? You seem as nervous as a guy thinking about getting married. Are you and Amanda about to take the drastic step?”

“Ask me about markets not my personal life. Are you jealous? Can’t stand the thought of being alone and working with a hot married man? Think I won’t pay you as much attention?

“Don’t flatter yourself. You seem to be more on edge than usual, that’s all. It’s only July. I want that bonus pool to grow all year. A case of nerves isn’t good. You should take a vacation in August, along with the other big shot foreign exchange traders.”

“That’s good advice. Next month Amanda and I are going to take a two week vacation. She gets 21 days of vacation each year, so we’re going to make it happen.

“That’s good news. You should spend more time together.”

“You can help me out. Work out of our Yen positions. Keep covering on Yen moves to new lows. We’ll let the Euro trade run. You’ve done a great job. I’m confident you can handle things while I take a couple of weeks off.”

“Thanks. I’ll do my best. Being flat Yen with huge profits booked will put us more at ease. I want you to have a restful stress-free vacation so you’ll come back in a good mood. Then I’ll ask for some time off.”

“Got it. Now continue to close out our Yen trade and clear the decks for unemployment day. “

Joy beamed and said, “Yen profits on the books will improve my mood even before vacation.”

I
t was the first Friday of the month and still no word from Brian. He vanished. I had no idea if he was still in Hong Kong, arrested by the FBI, picked up and held by NSA, or hiding out somewhere. I wondered if our success using stolen data with the first trade was a one off affair. 

I must have checked the website a hundred times or more. I’d almost given up. Then thirty minutes before the official release I saw the magic word. Ready. I followed the link and there was the unemployment report. Once again, it was far different from expected numbers. 

“Joy buy 100 million Dollar/Yen in 20 million increments.”

“Damn Jay. Been having those feelings again?”

“Just do it Joy. We haven’t much time.”

Within a minute Joy calls out. “Done boss. Our ass is on the line. Better hurry, if you need to pee.” 

“I’ll tough it out. Just a couple minutes to go.”

Once again the report matched up with figures reported by Brian. Within minutes, we booked profits of $1,250,000.

“Good work Jay. Bali here I come.” Joy had the brightest smile possible. She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. I couldn’t believe it. She almost never showed emotion at the trading desk. Win or lose she was poker faced. Until now.  After last month’s unemployment data, with profits booked, she clapped her hands. But now a kiss?

I tensed as her soft hands draped around my shoulders. Joy must have surprised herself.

“Sorry boss. Getting a little carried away here.” She withdrew hands and moved back to her chair.

“No problem Joy. We have good reason to celebrate. Let’s call it a wrap and go for a drink.” I knew I shouldn’t offer, but what the hell. One drink.

Within minutes we’re seated at a booth at the back of the M Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with Hennessey XO cognacs in hand.

“Remember meeting here?”, I asked.

“How could I forget? After that meeting life became more intense and satisfying. I’ve enjoyed working with you. In my opinion, we make a great team.”

“We do at that. I don’t know how I got along without you.” I noticed the same perfume scent. Joy smelled as exciting as the night we met. I might have made a mistake bringing her here. I’d always found Joy attractive, but off limits. Now I wasn’t so sure about the off limits part. I felt a little woozy and it wasn’t from the cognac.

“I’m sure you managed fine. You have quite a reputation in Forex circles.”

“I’m sure I do. Not all good.”

“Some traders are jealous. Say you’re a cocky little bastard. Show off too much. And that you’re only lucky.”

“That hurts. It was true at one time. Hope I’m more grounded now.” I sensed trouble. Sitting in the semi-private red leather covered booth next to Joy I wanted to touch. She was wearing a clinging summer silk dress with a revealing scalloped neckline. Not too much cleavage showed; just enough to make me want to see more of rounded creamy smooth breasts.

The dress was short; just above the knees. The silk clung against firm shaped thighs. In the office Joy was attractive. Sitting next to me in the booth, she was irresistible.

Being an easily aroused bastard my cock pressed against my trousers. The booth gave us some privacy, perhaps a little too much. I placed my hand on her knee. She let out a little surprised gasp, but didn’t push away.

“Jay, when I was dating Brian, were you jealous?”

“At the time I was glad for you. I’ll be jealous now.” I drained my drink. “How about another?”

“One more. Then I must go. My cat is waiting. And Amanda? Is she at home?”

“Not until tomorrow afternoon. She’s on a Tokyo flight. Hard to keep up with her schedule.” I moved my hand up Joy’s leg. I was more confident now and becoming excited. Her bare thigh was firm yet soft with buttery smooth skin. She leaned toward me. I could feel her breathe on my face. Her sensuous perfume made me light headed. Joy’s hand pressed the fabric of my pants and moved to my hard cock.

Joy kissed me near my ear and whispered, “Jay, I’ve tried hard to avoid this situation. But here we are. Let’s keep celebrating.”

The waiter brought our drinks. I noticed a slight smile as he walked away. I guess it wasn’t the first time the cozy rear booth had seen action. 

“Joy, we make such a great trading team. I don’t want to do anything to mess that up.”

“No one will know. It’ll be our secret. I promise to never say a word. Don’t stop now. Move your hand a little higher and you’ll see how wet I am.”

I groaned as through my thin summer pants she continued to rub my cock. I followed instructions. Through wet panties I felt her moist slit and soft pubic hair. I became aroused to the maddening point. I stopped worrying about maintaining a proper office relationship. Joy moaned as she bit my ear, and then kissed my lips, before deepening the kiss into my waiting mouth.

I gasped, “We better go. This booth is getting steamy.”

“Want to meet my cat? She’s an interesting pussy.” 

A
manda was home 3:30 Saturday afternoon. After enjoying Joy’s sweet affections Friday night and early Saturday morning I felt like a real prick. I didn’t have time to adjust to Amanda’s return. I was tense, but tried not to show it. Feeling like a dirty bastard, I tried hard to show I missed her.

“Jay I’m home. Where are you?”

“In the kitchen Amanda. Glad you’re back on time. I missed you.”

“I missed you too. I was getting worried. I called late last night. Called the office too. No answer. And again this morning. ” Amanda entered the kitchen. She looked exhausted and irritated. 

“Sorry to make you worry. Worked late then went out for dinner. Slept in this morning. How was your trip?”

“The usual. Even passengers in first class are becoming rude. The poor flight attendants working economy are getting hammered. The tight seating and lousy food must have something to do with it.”

I said, “I’m sure. Even on short flights those seats are uncomfortable. And with cutbacks all airlines in economy serve disgusting food. Glad we fly first class.”

Amanda sat on the sofa and said, “I’m ready for a vacation flight. Remember, you promised two weeks in August. Let’s decide where and when to go and book reservations.”

“I’ll let you decide. You’re the travel expert.”

“I’ve been thinking of Bali. Never been there, but my best girlfriend Noi went last year and says it’s fabulous.”

“That’s where Joy wants to go.” Oh shit. I immediately knew I’d made a huge mistake. Amanda wouldn’t like me discussing vacations with Joy. And my face. As I said Joy’s name I felt a flush. 

“Oh Joy, eh? You’re discussing vacations with her?”

“Sure. We can’t be away from the office at the same time. We have to coordinate.” Even though true, I knew Amanda wouldn’t like it.

“You know, I’ve noticed the way she looks at you. Mister, if I find you two are fooling around I swear I’ll cut your dick off.”

“Amanda, please be reasonable. She’s my assistant. We have to talk with each other.”

“I bet you do. Your face gets red every time I mention her name. Don’t think you can fool around and I won’t find out.”

“Can we talk about something else? You don’t have anything to worry about.“

“I hope not. You better remember I have lots of girlfriends in Hong Kong. When I’m out of town you better watch your step. We look out for each other.”

I began to worry about Amanda. I didn’t like a relationship built on threats. I was sure Amanda loved me. But a jealous woman makes life miserable. I knew I was at fault for sleeping with Joy but didn’t like the feeling I had now.

Maybe I didn’t love Amanda after all. Joy’s sweet kisses and jamming body planted seeds of doubt. I get a boner thinking of Joy’s eager love making Friday night.

Monday, I was eager to get to the office. Over the weekend Amanda was not pleasant company. She must have intuitive powers of the first order as she kept questioning my whereabouts Friday evening. I had no choice but to lie. I may be many wicked things, but I’m not a good liar. I’m sure she sensed my discomfort as I told her lies about where I had dinner, and what I did afterwards.

Joy was her normal cheerful self. “Good morning, Jay. Ready for another exciting week?”

Nothing to raise suspicions right? She had to be talking about only markets.

“Hi Joy. Have a good weekend?”

“Friday night was terrific. And Saturday morning even better. Can’t say the same for Saturday afternoon and Sunday. “

“The same for me. We’ll have to work on that.”

The phone rang. Joy answered. “Jay, a man says he’s Special Agent Samuel Cooper from the FBI. Wants to talk to you.”

My heart leaped into my throat as my stomach turned a few flips. Definitely not how I wanted to start my week. I took the phone worried about the FBI calling. It couldn’t be good.

A business like smooth voice said, “Mr. Gunner? Jay Gunner? Good. I’m FBI Special Agent Samuel Cooper. My partner and I would like to set up an appointment as soon as possible. Say this afternoon?” 

“What’s this about Mr. Cooper?”

“Just want to ask you a few questions. It’s no big deal. We think you may have some information about someone we’re interested in. Shouldn’t take long.”

“I see. Hope I can help with whatever you’re after. This afternoon will be fine. Say at 4:00.”

“We’ll see you at four. That’s suite 8852 HKSH building right?”

“Yes Sir. That’s it. See you at four.”

Joy overheard the FBI part. In a near panic, she said, “OMG must be about Brian Andrews. Why did I ever speak to that man?”

“Joy, they want to speak with me. They must know I had a couple of meetings with Brian. Shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Jay, I should have spoken sooner, but I didn’t think the FBI would be calling you. Special Agent Cooper came to see me a few days ago. Wanted to know how I knew Brian.”

“Damn Joy. Wish you’d told me. What did you say?”

“I said I didn’t know Brian well. Only dated a few times. Told him I thought Brian a liar and decided not to see him. Didn’t believe he used to work for NSA. That seemed to be all Agent Cooper wanted to know. Haven’t heard from him since.”

“That should be OK. If asked, I’ll back up your story.”

The day passed in a blur. I felt ill. I knew it a serious crime to lie to federal officials, especially the FBI. People go to prison for that. As four o’clock drew near I still didn’t know what to do. I had no idea how they made the connection.

Had a hotel surveillance camera recorded our meeting? Maybe they had knowledge of the restaurant date. If so, it was important Joy’s story and mine match. From what she just told me, we seem to be on the same page.