Lights, Camera, Blood: Ch. 01

Chapter 1: Lucy's Job

"No, Lucy. I think it's a bad idea. A very bad idea. I can't agree with you."

"But Richard, it's my first chance at a regular column."

"Can't you be content with freelancing? You've got a good reputation."µ

"Freelancing? You call that 'freelancing?' It's more like working for free. Most of my reviews are gratis, and the ones that aren't only pay small honoraria. This would be a real job. And it can lead to better things. I didn't spend four years at UCL to write free reviews."

"But we don't need the money. My salary may not be kingly, but it suffices for us to live."

"It's not about the money, Richard; it's about my career, about what I love. Can't you understand that?"

"Be serious. Can you honestly tell me that being a columnist for Tentacles and Torture: the E-Zine of Erotic Horror will help your career?"

"Yes! Yes, I can! Having a monthly review column for anything cinematographic can be a springboard. It will show I'm serious, and that I can review any genre."

"As if 'erotic horror animation' was a genre worth reviewing. No, I don't think you should consider it. And besides, think of what the work environment would be like in an enterprise like that. Some seedy editor constantly trying to take liberties, and, perhaps justifiably so, with a woman who reviews pornographic horror cartoons. God knows what goes on in their office!"

"I can handle myself, Richard. I'm not going to be frightened off by your horny old bogeyman."

"Let's end this discussion for now, Lucy. Please just tell me you'll give it more thought."

"All right, I'll give what you've said some thought, but I don't think I'll change my mind. I've already scheduled an interview for Monday."

A classic and trite 'harrumph!' from Richard, and he walked away. It was his usual response when Lucy wouldn't follow his advice. Into the parlour, then, and a book to read; he knew by bedtime that she'd come to him, accepting what he had said. It was what she had always done since they started living together a year earlier.

Lucy was shy, she knew it, a little too shy for her own good, and truth be told, a little too willing to go along with what others thought. She dated occasionally in Uni, but all her dates wanted sex right away, and she didn't. Fearing her own susceptibility, she never had second dates. Not until Richard, that is. He didn't seem overbearing, but more so rather protective. And helpful. He was full of advice for Lucy, advice on what to wear, which courses to take, how to manage her money, which political party to support, and she generally followed his advice. Except when it came to school.

He thought Film Studies were a waste of time. Either make films or study something more useful, he suggested; there's no future in commenting on someone else's work. But film was Lucy's passion, and she graduated with first class Honours.

He himself was in economic data analysis, looking for a career at the Stock Exchange. After graduation, that was just what he found. Now, with a decent income, he asked Lucy to move in with him. She agreed, and at last shared his bed. Sex was calm and regular; every Saturday night, at his initiation, and consistently missionary.

And so it was that the unemployed University College London graduate in Film Studies came to share a flat and a life with a London Stock Exchange juniour data scientist in capital markets.

Lucy waited a few moments before following Richard out of the kitchen, but she didn't stop to talk to him. Straight into the bedroom, and she plopped down on the bed, engrossed in thought.

He's usually right, she conceded to herself, but it just feels wrong this time. I really want this job; I love cinema. That's why I spent four years studying it. To have a regular job as a film reviewer, that's why. And I don't care what kind of film it is.

But what if Richard is right? What if the editor is some sort of middle-aged pervert? Can I deal with it? Would I let him use me just so I could have the job?

She picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hi, Lucy! What's up? Are you going for it?"

It was Mina, Lucy's closest and best friend. Lucy's friends' and family's ideas of helping her were to tell her what to do, and, just as with Richard, she invariably did what they proposed. Mina was different. Mina always tried to help her find what she really wanted. Not that she always listened to Mina. No, it was usually easier to do what someone else told her than to deal with the responsibility of making her own decisions. Still, Mina stayed by her. From her first year at Uni, Mina befriended her. And often tried to seduce her. But she knew how suggestible Lucy was, and she never pressed her on it, even knowing her friend was likely to give in. Lucy insisted she was straight, and Mina respected that, no matter how strongly she yearned for her friend's alabaster flesh and golden tresses and sweet personality.

"I'm not sure, Mina. Richard is adamant that I shouldn't, and he may be right."

"You always say that, Lucy. What is it you want."

"I really want the job. I've even scheduled an interview for Monday morning. But I'm worried. I don't care so much about the genre; I can review erotic horror as well as any other genre, but I'm worried about the editor."... Richard says he'll probably be a pervert - which, if you ask me, is just paranoia, but... What if he is? What if he does try to take advantage of me?"

"My advice? Flirt a little. Yes, I know that's not very feminist of me, but men can be dicks and they do love to have their... egos stroked. I'm not saying you should sleep with him, or anything, but it won't hurt your career prospects if he thinks he's maybe in with a chance, if it looks like he'll hit on you. You'll have the upper hand, then, and you'll set the tenor of the relationship."

"That sounds good, but I don't think I can do it. I have no idea of what to do."

"It starts with your clothes, and then . . . Well you've seen me in the clubs. Tomorrow's Friday. I'm free. Let me take you shopping for an outfit, and we can discuss the rest over lunch. My treat."

"Okay. Richard leaves for work at eight; how about I come by your place around ten. I really do want to get this job. It's the first real opportunity I've had since grad."

"Ten it is, then. See you tomorrow, Lucy."

"Bye, Mina,"

Lucy showered and readied for bed, sitting propped up by the pillows and reading Pauline Kael's Deeper into Movies. It was just after ten when Richard joined her.

"So, have you decided to accept reason?"

"I'm still thinking," she answered as she put down her book and turned off the bed lamp.

For a long time, Lucy pretended to sleep, aware of Richard stirring restlessly beside her in the dark. She felt guilty about avoiding confrontation with him, but frustrated too. Why couldn't he understand that this job would be good for her? That it was important for her? Why couldn't he encourage her for once?

Their morning was silent until breakfast was finished and it was time for Richard to leave for Paternoster Square.

"Well. Lucy, have you seen the light? Will you be reasonable and give up this ludicrous endeavour?"

"I'm still thinking. I'll speak to you at dinner."

She surprised herself with the firmness of her response.

Richard spent his day at the Exchange worrying about Lucy, unable to imagine what had come over her; she never behaved like this, but Lucy spent her's quite differently. Mina was bubbling over with enthusiasm as she joined Lucy for the shopping trip.

"I've been thinking about the outfit you need," she said. "A short skirt and tank top or a horror flic Tee would be too expected. And, besides you're a bit past that age. You need something mature, serious, and erotic, and I figured out what it is."

Okay, Mina, what is it?"

"It's out of a porn horror film I saw three or four years ago. It was by some guy named Adam something. It was called The Office. It was really good. Each scene looked like it was going to be the horror, but was just scary and hot. By the time it got to the real horror, everyone was ready to scream or cum or both. A real hot secretary goes into the boss's office. His back is to her, and when he turns around, his head is like some insect or spider, like with eight eyes. She screams, and he takes a deep breath, literally inhaling her scream. There's just silence. Then his arms come out, like spider legs with claws. He grabs her by the wrists and ankles - he has eight arms or legs or whatever - and he lifts her up and starts tearing her clothes off with the other arms, slow and sensuous, and the claws cut into her flesh as her clothes come off. She keeps screaming and he keeps inhaling the scream, and it makes him grow bigger until he pops out of his business suit entirely and has this incredibly long cock and . . . well you should wear an outfit like hers. Let's go."

She brought her to a boutique and picked out an outfit in Lucy's size. Into the dressing room, and out all dressed for Mina to see.

"There you go," Mina said as she undid the top three buttons of the white silk blouse.

Lucy took a look at herself in the triple mirror. Gray jacket over a white blouse, the blouse tucked into a mid-thigh gray pencil skirt, underneath it all, a black lace lingerie set of demi-bra and mini-bikini.

"You'll need a pair of stilettos and sheer black thigh highs," Mina observed.

Lucy blushed as she looked in the mirrors, but she did like it.

"That will put you on top, Lucy. If the editor gets fresh, use your sexuality to put him in his place."

Lucy laughed.

"Do you really think I can?"

"Of course. I know you. You have it inside you. You want the job, and you're a better reviewer than they could ever hope to find. You make them take you. And on your terms."

Off, then, for shoes and stockings, and, after, lunch.

They spent the afternoon chatting, and Mina gave her much advice on putting men in their place. As a really hot and loose woman, but a lesbian, she had plenty of experience at the clubs in showing macho men their place.

Back home, then, for Lucy; dinner to prepare and new clothes to hide away.

Nothing was said until after dinner, but the question hung heavy in the air between them.

"So, I presume you've given up this foolish idea?"

"No. It's not a foolish idea. It's what I want to do, and I will do it."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you."

Richard jumped up from the table, cast a reproachful eye towards Lucy, and he stormed into the living room, grabbing his book and sitting down to read. Lucy ignored him and went about her tasks. Not a word passed between them that weekend, until Monday morning as Richard was leaving for work.

"You're making a big mistake, Lucy," he declared as he was on his way out the door. "And don't come crying to me when you find that out."

Lucy didn't respond, and when she finished cleaning up, she dressed, applied a touch of make up, and headed off to her interview.

The magazine's office was just off Tottenham Court Road, an area familiar to Lucy, but at an address she didn't recognize. As she rode the Tube to the Goodge Street station, she was surprised to see not just a few men ogle her, and she hadn't even loosened the top buttons of her blouse. Mina made a good choice, Lucy thought. Off at the station and onto the street. She soon found Number 13B Chenies Street; a sign indicated that the offices of Tentacles and Torture occupied the garden flat. Lucy paused, and unbuttoned the top three of her blouse, spreading the plackets apart, just as Mina had shown her.

A couple of raps, and the door was opened. An attractive, somewhat immodestly dressed, middle aged woman greeted her.

"You must be Lucy, come for your interview," she said in a friendly voice. "Come in, Ms. West. I'm Shirley. Charlie - Mr. Ashley - is expecting you."

Shirley led her through an untidy room with three desks with computers, a settee, two armchairs, and a coffee table. Off to one side was a neater area with a desk, computer, and file cabinets. Lucy assumed that was Shirley's space. The receptionist knocked on a door at the far side of the room, and a gruff voice beckoned her in.

"Ms. West to see you, Charlie."

Charles Ashley seemed about sixty years of age, but reasonably fit and with a full head of hair. He rose and shook Lucy's hand, then pointed to a chair in front of his desk.

"Have a seat, Ms. West," he offered.

"Thank you Mr. Ashley," she replied as they both sat.

"Call me Charlie, please," he proposed. "We're very informal around here. Mind if I call you Lucy?"

"Of course not," she agreed as she looked around the room.

She smiled to herself as she realised he was gazing at her cleavage and the glimpse of black lace that held it. He, in turn, saw her eyes fall, with some concern, on the rumpled bed off to the side of the room.

"Oh, that," he said, motioning towards the bed. "I sometimes sleep here when I'm working overtime to get an issue online."

"Now, let's get down to business," he resumed."I've read your CV. Very impressive. And a few of your mainstream reviews. You write very well, Lucy."

"Thank you," she paused, about to say 'Mr. Ashley,' but remembered what he had said, "Charlie. I'm honoured."

"But your review of Ito's latest film, The Seven Tentacles, was brilliant."

He began to read from her review.

Rumours have it that Ito employed a dozen master puppeteers for this film, and it shows. He's presented us with the most realistic tentacles ever in this genre, and not just us, but he also presented them to the star of the movie, Mitsumi. And Mitsumi rose to the occasion, responding perfectly to the advances and violations of the seven tentacles as they tore her clothing, caressed her flesh, and probed her orifices. But her best was shown to the real protagonist, the unnoted and unexpected eighth tentacle.

Massive and slimy, it slithered over every inch of her flesh as her body lay tightly bound by the seven. Her fear was palpable as she saw and felt its girth, and, then, the subtle transformation of fear into pleasure. The final scene, the intersection of Thanatos and Eros, showed Mitsumi at her finest: an utterly believable, an utterly feel-able, "grande-mort!"

Mr. Ashley paused as he finished reading aloud.

"That was incredible, Lucy," he declared. "And I'd like to publish it as a lead article. Will you accept £200 for it?"

Lucy didn't need long to think about it. The most she'd ever received before for a review was a tenner..

"Yes, Charlie, certainly," she responded, trying hard to contain her joy.

"I'll be honest," he continued, "I'd like to hire you as a feature reviewer, not an animation columnist, but I have all the feature writers I can afford, and I need a columnist for the erotic horror animation niche. And I'd like to have a woman write it - I think the nerds and incels would find it hot."

He rose from his seat and stepped to the front of his desk, leaning against it as he stood beside Lucy.

"To tell the truth, Lucy, I decided I wanted to have you on staff as soon as I read your application. I can start you at three-fifty a week. You'll only have to be in the office four hours a day. You can be here longer if you wish."

As he spoke, he laid his hand on her leg, just above her knee on the stockinged thigh bared by the short pencil skirt.

"And I'd like to give you an exotic pen name for the column: Lucinda Luna. Is that agreeable to you"

Lucy placed her hand atop his, but did not immediately move it away. She made a show of considering the offer for a few seconds, then agreed to the position and the name.

"But," she added as she squeezed his hand. "You may look as much as you want, but you can only touch if I invite you."

With that, she slid his hand a little further up her thigh, to a bit of the bare flesh under her skirt, and then lifted it away.

"Understood?" she asked with an alluring smile.

"Yes, Lucy," Charles said, rather impressed by her pluck. "When can you start?"

"I'll see you at ten tomorrow," she said firmly as she rose to leave.

"I'm looking forward to working here, Charlie," she added as he brought her to Shirley to take care of the paper work.

Lucy could hardly contain herself as she walked the ten minutes to Russell Square and then north to the London Pub. Mina was waiting for her at an outdoor table.

"It went well, I see," Mina said to her smiling friend. "You got the job!"

"Yes," bubbled Lucy. "And more!"

"Tell me!"

"They bought my sample review as a feature article. For two hundred pounds!"

"Fabulous! . . . and . . ."

"It's half-time, and I'll start at three-fifty a week."

"And the editor? Was he some fat middle-aged perv?"

"No, at least the fat and middle-aged part. He was about sixty and reasonably built. But he was a bit of a perv."

"What did he do?"

Lucy told her how he had ogled her cleavage and laid his hand on her thigh.

"And it was unbelievable!" Lucy exclaimed, "I can't believe I did it. I took his hand and gave him a little more feel, and then told him he could look but not touch."

"Great!"

"I didn't think I could do it, I was so nervous, but I did. And he agreed!"

"When do you start?"

"Tomorrow."

"Well, I guess we should shop some more this afternoon. You'll need more clothing - on the sexy side, too - for the job."

"You're right, Mina. And I have to be alluring but in control. I think I can do it. He's in a closed office and the only other person there is Shirley, the receptionist, secretary, whatever."

A pleasant, and helpful, afternoon with Mina, and Lucy was back home in time to change into "more sensible" clothes, remove her makeup, and get dinner ready.

She and Richard chatted during dinner about his day at work, but he didn't ask about hers. As they finished, she told him she had the job and would be starting tomorrow.

"I'll be working half-time," she noted; "I'll still be able to take care of housework and meals."

"Fine," he replied, "but I don't want to hear about your career in pornography at all."

Lucy's life at home settled back into its usual routine of daily homemaking and Saturday night "love making," but her life outside their flat proved more interesting. Work in the office was pretty monotonous, even with her spending much of it watching horror porn animations. The fun at work came from writing reviews of the cartoons. As for Charlie, he proved to be no problem. He spent most of the day working in his office, coming out to exchange a few words and ogle Lucy when she arrived, left, and at lunch. Once a week he had her in his office to discuss her column and eye her up and down. As agreed, he made no physical advances on her. She occasionally wondered what would happen if she did invite him to have a touch.

It wasn't until her second week on the job that she met the rest of the staff. She expected a dozen lecherous middle-aged men; instead she found two post-grad geeks, Steve and Jake. Apparently they wrote under a multitude of by-lines, and could manage different styles. Yes, they gawked at her a bit, but it was clear that they had no idea of how to deal with her, an actual living woman who wasn't naked and in chains at the hands or tentacles of some psychopath, priest, or cephalopod. And they only came in every week or two to go over their pieces with Charlie. All the better for Lucy.

She enjoyed the freedom work gave her from the household routine, and it also became an excuse to have lunch with Mina every Friday. A long lunch: she was working so efficiently she was able to take off work at eleven. And she really appreciated Mina's company; there was little chatter in the office, and talk at home continued to be stiff and uncomfortable. With Mina, though, she could talk freely, and did, just as when they were in Uni, even about the men who ogled her on the Tube as she rode to and from work.