I do not own anything from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. All rights and likenesses belong to Roald Dahl, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. No profit is being garnered from this work. I'm starting to get some good feedback about what should happen to Victor. All are plausible so it's giving me ideas. Drop me a note casting your vote in the "Reviews" and get as creative as you want. So far the funniest I've gotten was a note saying that Sni-Ki should hack his medical records while going in for plastic surgery ends up with gender reassignment instead. – Stealth Phoenix
Chapter 61
While the thought of returning home quickly was a good one – the reality of trying to get everyone organized and into the Wonkavator was hopeless.
"Sni-Ki! Wrap it up and let's go," barked Orville, balancing one of the travel crates the electronics gear was packed into.
"Yeah. Just a mo'," The small Oompa Loompa was perched on a stool at the breakfast nook, crouched over his keyboard and typing furiously. He had a wide grin and occasionally giggled in a disturbing way, "Ownage! Total ownage!"
Orville and Sherman exchanged concerned glances.
"What are you doing?" asked Sherman.
The blue light of the screen reflected eerily off of Sni-Ki's glasses, "Oh, just ensuring our friend Victor gets a little going away gift...or five."
The two men shrugged and continued carrying out the equipment while the hacker cackled over his keyboard.
Willy and Veronica were outside, glancing inside the Grand Wonkavator with dubious expression.
"Okay – we managed to get it all to fit in here before, but now there's not enough room," Willy said apologetically.
Orville and a team of workers piled the last of the crates up to fit neatly between the top of the stack and the ceiling, leaving cramped floorspace for the remaining members of the tribe and their employer.
It was going to take a game of human Tetris to get everyone inside.
Veronica shook her head, "L.A. and Tupik-Ra traveled commercially, and so did I. There's not going to be enough room for everyone."
"I'm not leaving you behind," he said stubbornly.
He brightened suddenly, "Okay, new plan – Orville, you and the rest of the tribe pile in and head home. You've got a flight window in about 45 minutes with FAA and NORAD clearance. I can program in the course. We'll just have to arrange for some conventional transportation for the taller folk."
"But…" Sherman protested, not at all comfortable traveling in the Grand Wonkavator without its creator.
"Relax! It's harmless! Just don't jump around too much or you might destabilize it during flight and plunge to a fiery death – or hyperventilate and use up all of the oxygen before you descend," Willy said cheerfully, ignoring the looks of horror shot in his direction. "I understand oxygen deprivation is a good way to go – you get all light-headed and giggly then just go to sleep…for good."
Orville rolled his eyes at the wide-eyed shaman – nice time for the shrink to discover a fear of flying!
"I've taken it for test flights, I can drive it with no problems Sher-Man-Ra," he said soothingly, ignoring Willy's giggles.
"Besides, it's not the flight that kills you – it's the impact with the ground that leaves a smoking crater," Willy said helpfully.
Veronica tugged the laughing Chocolatier away from the small group, "That's not funny," she protested, trying to hide her smile.
"Yes it is. Sherman's been after me all this time to face my fears and he's been hiding a fear of heights – this is too rich!" Willy snorted.
She had to agree and she laughed gently, glancing over her shoulder at the nervous psychiatrist. When her eyes returned to Willy, his warm violet gaze and smile made her heart beat a little faster.
"That's what I've missed – your laugh," he said quietly, one gloved hand cupping her face and leaning forward to rest his forehead against hers. The close position made his eyes cross and she chuckled again.
She kissed him on the nose before moving away, "Not a lot to laugh about. In either case I'm fine – just a bit beaten up around the edges, but still me."
"Oi! Watch the cases!" yelled someone right before a crash inside the Grand Wonkavator made everyone jeer and boo at whatever had happened inside.
"Okay – snuggles later once I can get this bunch out of here. Could you go see what you can to get us home? I would rather walk than take a commercial plane...all crammed in like sardines. The idea of breathing everyone else's' used air is enough to make me…brrr…" he shuddered theatrically.
He lunged forward, pecking her on the cheek before darting off to the Wonkavator calling, "No no no! Not like that…"
Veronica smiled at the bright figure fluttering around the small workers and turned to enter the cottage. The place felt empty without the small figures underfoot, but Sni-Ki was still at the counter typing away on his laptop and L.A. was looking avidly over his shoulder. Tupik-Ra was talking quietly on the phone in the next room and she could hear the reassuring rumble of his voice.
"What are you two up to?" she asked, coming up to glance over the small man's other shoulder.
The screen was slammed down with lightning speed and two sets of eyes turned to her with contrived innocence. "Uh, nothing much – just checking out some…stuff." L.A. said, trying not to meet her eye, Sni-Ki just looked mildly guilty.
Sighing in exasperation, she reached around them and flipped open the screen to see what they'd been looking at.
Veronica felt her jaw drop in stunned comprehension as she saw the website
"Mistress Payne's Leather Goods?" she asked, giving the two of them an evaluating glance. "L.A., I'd never guessed…and Sni-Ki?...actually I had my suspicious…"
Sni-Ki blushed violently and twitched, "Um…not for us. Um…well, you see…"
L.A. jumped in, "Actually, it's Sni-Ki's idea. He hacked Victor's credit card account and I've been helping him…shopping."
Veronica blinked and reexamined the page, "Whoa. Quite the…interesting…list here."
The two Oompa Loompas exchanged apprehensive glances at getting caught, would she tell Won-Ka? He'd be so disappointed.
"I'm shocked at you two – carrying on like this. This is a horrible, humiliating thing to do to the man," she started sternly, crossing her arms.
They looked abashed until she continued.
"Not that I don't approve, but you've got this all mixed up – you can't buy for both a Dominant and Submissive at the same time and you've completely ignored the prospects for toys for anal insertion. Here…let me show you…" she sighed, leaning over the incredulous pair to click on a tab near the top of the page.
"See…this is a nice leather harness…I like the nipple clamps…order this up with a bow. Then break up the order for separate deliveries and send it to various sites. You know…like his restaurants…the catering business…his house… over the course of the next week or so."
Veronica's face was mischievous and the trio exchanged a devious glance, "You might also want to pay that extra fee for express delivery. Can't keep a boy waiting you know."
"I find myself thoroughly educated and oddly aroused…where did you learn all this?" Sni-Ki asked, typing furiously. His blush hadn't faded and Veronica wondered for a moment if the small man was harboring a crush on her - although it might be some of the material he'd been looking at.
Sni-Ki was weird like that.
"With Reggie and Spencer I've learned more than I've ever wanted to. I've also learned to never…ever…ask Spencer where he wants gift cards from," she explained.
L.A. giggled at the thought, "Now I know what to get him for birthdays."
"Willy asked me to come in and figure out how to get us home. There's no more room in the Wonkavator. Sni-Ki's got a ride, but the taller of us needs a bit more room to travel." Veronica said, running a hand through her hair in irritation. She just wanted to get home.
"Are you kidding? In Los Angeles? Private planes are a as common as mud. We could go in real comfort if the cost isn't an option…" L.A. trailed off, giving her a questioning look.
"Just get us home as quickly as possible. If we're going to fly – might as well be in style…"
--
Willy leaned back into the comfortable leather couch and sighed happily. This was more like it!
The small aircraft was large enough for a starlet and her entourage, which in fact it was for – if the starlet in question hadn't been in rehab at the moment. Supple tan leather, exotic wood, fully stocked galley and plasma screen television ensured that passengers wouldn't get bored. It was a bit too bland for his personal taste – but far superior to flying coach.
Veronica was stretched out across the seat with her head resting in Willy's lap, fast asleep. He stroked her hair, watching her breathe fondly. L.A. and Tupik-Ra were in the forward seats, talking quietly – flirting if his eyes didn't deceive him.
It would be a long flight with several stops for refueling. The time change alone from one place to the other without calculating the time it actually took to travel was mind-boggling. Willy closed his eyes and leaned back his head, fully intending to join Veronica in a nap.
It was one of the reasons he hated to leave the factory to travel. Once there and acclimated, he was fine – eager to explore and see new sights, taste new things, try new experiences. It was the disorientation, not knowing where he was in time and space that threw him.
Veronica made a noise and shifted on the seat to turn onto her side, facing toward him. He held his breath and froze until she stilled again. She nuzzled closer and let out a long sigh, sinking deeper into sleep.
Firmly reminding Bob that this was neither the time nor place for the thoughts that threatened to stir, he glanced up at the Oompa Loompa couple. L.A. had been sniggering as they got onto the plane and he'd never gotten the chance to ask her what she was up to.
"L.A.?" Willy whispered, trying not to disturb the sleeping woman in his lap.
The engine noise made it impossible to hear.
He glanced around, looking for something to toss in their direction, but the cushions were out of reach without risking waking her up. He'd have to settle for something drastic.
L.A. and Tupik-Ra were startled out of their conversation when Willy's hat flew from the back to land in the aisle between them. Tupik-Ra glared at the Chocolatier who indicated that he wanted to speak with his companion.
The Oompa Loompa woman made her way up the aisle to take the seat facing Willy, 'What's up?" she asked in a low voice returning his hat.
"You're up to something," he said accusingly.
She shrugged, "Maybe."
"Spill – we've got a lot more time before we get home and I want to know what the joke is."
Instead of speaking, she pulled out a newspaper from her large purse and handed it across to him.
It was an entertainment paper and he was startled to see his name emblazoned across the top.
WILLY WONKA ON THE LOOSE!
"What the…" he breathed, rapidly scanning the article.
His eyes were dragged up to the picture. It was a good shot of what looked like him, dressed in his favorite plum coat and top hat, goggles firmly in place apparently holding a can in a supermarket. The picture was caught mid-comment to some middle-aged overweight woman who looked startled and ready to swoon. Charlie was standing by the side of the cart, sorting through something inside and the expression on his heir's face looked blasé, but there was a hint of something in his expression – only known by those familiar with him – that said he was up to no good.
"Charlie was getting harassed by Slugworth – a lot of strange queries and comments. Rather than draw attention to the fact that you were not there, Spencer suggested a decoy," L.A. explained.
"Who is this?" Willy asked, examining the face closely. The mouth wasn't quite right, but it was amazingly close to his own features.
"An American actor named Johnny Depp – I believe you met him at Spencer and Reggie's wedding if Spencer was right."
"The pirate guy? Wow – who knew?" Willy said, grinning and handing the paper back. "He hasn't been getting into any trouble, has he? I don't want to head home only to get arrested for something he's done as me…"
"Charlie's been keeping an eye on him. They've been popping up around town only to disappear just as suddenly. It's been driving the paparazzi mad – according to Smi-Li, the crowd outside is down to half its original number. Spencer told me that Johnny said he'll keep it up until Wednesday."
"Giving us a couple of days reprieve – Cool Beans!" Willy said cheerfully. "I've got to meet this guy when I get back."
Veronica twitched in her sleep, her brow creasing slightly – groaning in her sleep. Willy jumped slightly and L.A. stood and moved back toward the front winking at the man.
Willy stroked Veronica's hair again, trying to soothe her back into sleep.
"That feels good," she said, not opening her eyes.
"So do you," he replied.
She rolled back onto her back, opening her eyes and stretching, "How long was I out?"
"I have no idea. Go ahead, ask me which time zone we're in and I will proclaim my ignorance to anyone who cares," he said lightly.
Veronica blinked and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, the dry air making her lids stick to her eyeballs, "I'll be right back," she mumbled, staggering to her feet and into the lavish bathroom near the front of the plane, past the forward seats that held the Oompa Loompas.
Once the door was closed, Willy called out to L.A., "Let's invite pirate guy and his family to the factory for a visit. It's the least I can do to thank him for playing sitting duck for the media."
"You got it Boss man."
As Veronica sleepily returned to her seat next to him, he slouched low, pulling the hat over his eyes letting his mind wander. The possibility of having someone who resembled him playing decoy on occasion would be of huge benefit. He'd actually be able to go out like a normal person again…
There was a thump against his side and he tilted up the hat to glance at his companion who had fallen asleep again, slouching against his shoulder. Rolling his eyes, he muttered, "This is silly."
He nudged her back awake and rose to crouch before the couch.
"What are you doing?" she yawned.
"Giving in to the inevitable," he said, reaching under the couch with a distracted expression – he gave a cry of triumph as there was a metallic click and she yelped in surprise as the couch folded down into a slightly lumpy bed.
Willy removed his hat and coat, setting them on the seat across them and opened up a storage compartment to pull out a blanket and a few pillows. Handing one to her he crawled next to her on the bunk. Too weary to argue, she put it down and immediately curled into a ball – out like a light between one breath and the next. Willy snuggled up to spoon her, draping the blanket over them and closing his eyes.
Before he knew it, he too was fast asleep.
--
Victor returned home, feeling pretty smug about his meeting with Slugworth. Opening the door, he was startled to note that Rosalinda or what's her name the replacement maid had not shown up to clean his condo. D
irty dishes filled the sink and clothes, towels adorned the furniture, just as he had left it after leaving this morning.
"Damn it," he cursed, grabbing his cell and dialing Rosalinda's number.
"Domestic Divas, this is Rosalinda," said the older woman's brisk voice.
"Rosalinda – this is Victor Brahm. Why wasn't my home cleaned today?" he demanded.
"Senor Brahm, you are no longer a client of this business. Who you get to clean your home is not our concern," said Rosalinda's frosty voice.
"What about the girl sent to replace you…Lana or something?"
"I have no idea who you are talking about. I put up with your nonsense for too long Senor Brahm. I cleaned up many things outside the scope of our contract without comment. However, you abused our working relationship and it is no longer tolerated. Good luck finding someone else to clean up your pigsty ways – and may God have mercy on you."
The phone hung up with a click.
Victor resisted the impulse to fling the phone away – the hassle of getting a new one programmed just wasn't worth the effort.
A knock on the door grabbed his attention. Opening it, a FedEx driver held a box and a clipboard.
"Victor Brahm?"
"That's me," he said surprised. He didn't order anything.
"Sign here."
He scribbled his signature and collected the box.
Closing the door he investigated the box. No return label on the outside, just a bar code and his address.
He took the box into the kitchen and grabbed a knife to cut open the box. Inside was something wrapped in plastic and a lot of Styrofoam peanuts that managed to get everywhere. Batting away the clinging mess, he ripped open the bag to see something made of black leather inside.
Victor grabbed the leather and pulled it out.
Chaps?
There was an attached invoice inside and he grabbed it in confusion. What the hell was this?
Welcome to the wide world of Bondage!
Mistress Demeter promises you will find all orders of the highest quality restraining material for you and your lover(s). Enjoy.
Inventory
(1) Beginning Submissive Kit including:
- Nipple clamps
- 4" butt plug
- Luscious Lovers warming oil
- Steel handcuffs
(1) Black leather chaps (size - large)
Victor felt his eyelid twitch in agitation as he studied the inventory sheet and the soft black leather before him.
It had his name all over it – even signing him up for the weekly newsletter.
It had his credit card number and a charge of 550.72 for the order.
"What the holy flying fuck is going on?" he asked between gritted teeth.
Someone was fucking with him. He felt his body tensing with restrained fury and his eyesight dimmed with the jump in his blood pressure.
The phone rang and Victor grabbed it before it had even finished ringing once.
"What?" he barked.
It was hard to hear his general manager over the noise of the kitchen but he could dimly hear the man speak, "Vic? This is Teegan down at the restaurant…listen, I know you've got a lot on your plate, but I just opened an order for you from some S&M place. I stashed it in your office for now, but really man – get your shit together. The health inspector wasn't too happy to see that crap…"