Kit could do it properly when the change in sensation
worked its way into Fox’s conscious mind. Kit’s hands were sliding
over Fox’s breasts, still a smooth, almost delicate, soothing
touch. There was still no pressure, but the stimulation was
stiffening Fox’s nipples.
Fox opened her
eyes a crack and looked at the girl leaning over her. Not a girl,
exactly. What she could see above her was a projection into her
brain, a manufactured, animated, full-sensory projection of a girl
in a little white strapless dress with a mass of ash-blonde hair
which formed ears at the top of her head, and a thick, white fox’s
brush emerging from her back. The stylised, anime face with the
big, green eyes held an expression of concentration with her tongue
firmly lodged at the corner of her lips. Her tail was flicking
randomly as she worked. It was working too: Fox felt the
beginnings of a familiar warmth between her legs.
‘Kit?’
‘Yes, Fox?’
‘What are you
doing?’
‘I’m relaxing
you. Is it working?’
Fox fought the
urge to squeeze her thighs together. ‘When you decided to study
human sexuality, I thought it was for Vali.’
‘Well… I don’t
see why I can’t have more than one reason. You don’t like it?’
‘You have
access to all my biomonitor data. What do you think?’
‘I think your
body is responding physiologically in the manner my research
indicates it should, but that does not necessarily mean you are
mentally enjoying the experience.’ Kit’s hands stopped their motion
and she looked down into Fox’s eyes. ‘Should I continue?’
Fox’s brow
furrowed. VR sex had always been a little unsatisfying, as far as
she was concerned. When in full VR, implants locked out voluntary
muscle movements in a similar manner to the way someone in a dream
state could not move: it avoided the possibility of hurting oneself
while reacting to something which was not there. That lockout meant
that you could experience a mind-blowing virtual orgasm, but your real body did not get the usual release. She had been told
that the halfway house of VR telepresence did not have the same
problem and this was pretty much like that…
‘Can you
actually finish what you’ve started?’ Fox asked.
Kit’s lips
twitched. ‘I believe I understand the principles. I’ve never
actually put them into practice…’
‘Well… let’s
call it further product testing. Terri still wants reports on your–
Kit?’
The kitsune’s
face had gone, quite suddenly, serious, clearly concerned by
something. ‘Javen is contacting me.’
‘Sam’s PA?
Why?’
‘Sam’s client
has been murdered. Sam believes that the detective assigned to the
case may be considering holding him for the death.’
Fox moved,
getting to her feet and starting for the bedroom. ‘Who’s the
detective?’
‘Detective
Brownlow of–’
Fox broke into
a run. ‘Oh fuck! Tell Javen I’m on my way and that Sam’s not to say anything until I get there.’
~~~
Sam was being trooped
out of the address Javen had given Kit, his hands cuffed in front
of him, when Fox marched up to where a NAPA prisoner transport was
waiting. There was not that much use for ground vehicles these
days, but getting a prisoner from scene to cell still called for
some form of enclosed vehicle. The two uniforms escorting Sam saw
Fox and slowed their pace; they recognised her and probably figured
there was a reason she was there beyond curiosity.
Brownlow,
bringing up the rear, saw them falter, but did not see Fox. ‘Get
him in the damn van and get into–’ His eyes fell upon the woman
approaching, then they narrowed, and hardened. ‘Meridian, what are
you doing here? You’re not a cop anymore.’ He was a tall,
good-looking man though the thin moustache he liked to wear did
less for him than he thought, probably because men with his brand
of dark-blonde hair looked better with beards. His eyes were a cool
blue and he knew how to use them to devastating effect