U.S. Embassy, Singapore, 7:56 AM Friday, March 29, 2019
The limousine with little American flags on the front fenders pulled up into the loading zone in front of the U.S. Embassy. A uniformed Marine guard stepped up and opened the rear passenger door. He offered his white-gloved hand to Trixie and helped her out of the seat. A second guard went to the rear, opened the popped trunk, and extracted her suitcase. Both men then gave a crisp salute, and the first asked, "Ms. Beatrix Thomson, I presume?"
"Yes, why yes," replied Trixie. Never has she been treated with such courtesy and respect.
"If you would be so kind as to follow me," said the guard holding her suitcase, "I shall show you to reception." As he led Trixie toward the Main Front Doors, the other guard retained his stiff salute, though his eyes did follow Trixie's magnificent ass as it wiggled with her walk away in the tight dress.
The Marine took Trixie to a woman at a desk in a side, semi-private alcove. He introduced her and the woman as Mrs. Byrnes, the executive receptionist, and then left. The woman though acting extremely professionally, did catch her breath for just a brief moment as she was confronted by the beautiful young woman with dazzling red hair and a spectacular figure, tightly wrapped and displayed by the short dress.
However, Mrs. Byrnes was too professional to let Trixie's appearance throw her for more than a fraction of a second. "Welcome to Singapore, Ms. Thomson," she said enthusiastically. "Have you ever been to the Republic before?"
"No, No, I haven't," stuttered Trixie, still overwhelmed by the reception. " I...I haven't traveled much."
"Well. Very clean. It almost makes Disneyland look like a dump, if you know what I mean." Byrnes gave a little knowing chuckle. Trixie responded as if she understood, despite having never seen Disney. "I can promise you will love the place," the receptionist said.
“I will have the couriers take your bag to your flat." She saw Trixie look unsure at the word. "That's what they call apartments here, my dear. Now, there's no time to waste. Minister Burnside and the Second Minister Alberts are expecting you. Just take the elevator over there to the fifth floor, and Peter, the Minister's personal aide, will be at the desk in front of you."
Trixie went to the elevator indicated and the Marine guard there, acknowledging Byrnes' gesture, turned a key where there was usually a call button, and the elevator door opened.
On the fifth floor, there was a small anteroom straight ahead, and a young man sat at a little, immaculately neat desk. He introduced himself as Peter and said the Minister was waiting for her. The way he was dressed and spoke immediately made Trixie think he might be gay. However, she had no prejudice about that, and he was most friendly, though he did look at her a bit questioningly.
After speaking on the intercom, Peter rose and showed Trixie to the door. Opening it and ushering her in, he remained for a few extra moments to see the reaction of the two senior officials.
