Modern World - Final Part for archiving
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Modern World - Final Part for archiving Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:40 am
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This must have been just about ready to archive before the hacking - wish to God I'd done it! Evil or Very Mad The loss of all those wonderful comments is terrible - but at least the story itself can be repeated.

Saturday 3rd September 2005 started early, very early for some. Nell Wilson was in a deep sleep, not even dreaming, until, suddenly she was dreaming of being on a boat with the waves rocking the boat from side to side, she had just decided that it was a good thing she wasn’t prone to ‘sea-sickness’ when her consciousness caught up and she awoke to discover she was being shaken.

“Grandma! Grandma wake up!”

Nell opened her eyes, it was still dark and she couldn’t see a great deal. A dark little figure beside her bed spoke again,

“Wake up Grandma!”

“Robbie? What’s the matter?” Nell was immediately worried, Robbie sounded as though he was crying. She reached out and switched on her bedside lamp, Robbie looked at her, his eyes suspiciously bright, his lower lip jutting out. Nell looked quickly at the clock on the bedside table, “Robbie it’s four o’clock in the morning!”

“Yes Grandma,” the little boy sounded so woebegone that Nell immediately sat up and lifted him onto her lap, cuddling him.

“What’s the matter, little man?”

The initial flood of words were somewhat mangled, then Robbie took another breath and tried again, “It’s my birfday granma, and no one was awake. And Mummy said I wasn’t to wake anyone up so I couldn’t wake her or Grandma Hilda.”

Nell tried desperately to stifle the smile on her face, wondering if she should be insulted, Robbie obviously didn’t feel she counted as ‘anyone’, however the little boy was so obviously upset she just bit her lip and said nothing.

“An’ I was sad cos no one was here to see I was four and a big boy now.”

Nell cuddled Robbie to her and felt the lad snuggled into her.

“Robbie, love, it’s too early yet, it’s not even light yet.”

“But Mummy said it was my birfday when I woked up.”

“Yes, but she meant when you woke and it was daylight, not now. You’ll have to go back to bed.”

“Want to stay with you, Grandma.”

Nell thought swiftly, she could get up, carry the little boy back to his room and attempt to get him back into his bed without disturbing Cherry. With the quite high possibility that he’d get up again. Or, she could stay here, she yawned, it wasn’t a difficult decision,

“Alright, Robbie, just this once, but you must go straight to sleep, you promise?”

“Promise Grandma.”

Nell reached across and switched the light off, then pulled back her quilt to allow Robbie to snuggle in next to her, “Oh, Robbie, you’ve got cold feet!”

Robbie giggled, “But you is all warm Grandma, you make my feet warm.”

“Humph, I’m sure that wasn’t part of my job description!” Even while saying this Nell placed her arms round the lad, he was asleep almost immediately.

“I should let Cherry know…” Nell began, then stopped, following Robbie back into sleep.

The next time that Nell awoke it was to the sound of her bedroom door being opened quickly, she heard Hilda call out,

“Nell, Cherry has just awoken, Robbie’s not in….never mind!”

Nell looked over at her partner, still cuddling Robbie to her, his blond head clearly visible above the quilt. “Was there a problem, Hilda?”

Hilda smiled and disappeared, Nell could hear her footsteps then a low murmur as she spoke with Cherry, then she returned,

“Is he still asleep?” she said in her low voice.

Nell nodded, “Yes, he came to see me around four, upset that no one was awake to share his birthday.”

Hilda moved across and knelt beside the bed, she gently stroked the blond hair, “He knows he shouldn’t waken anyone,” she said.

“Apparently I don’t come into that category!” Nell grinned, she slowly extricated herself from Robbie’s grip and got out of bed, Robbie continued sleeping peacefully. “Seems a shame to wake him,” she commented.

“Then don’t,” her friend replied, “he has a full day scheduled, he will benefit from a little more sleep. Let’s go downstairs, I’m desperate for a cup of tea.”

A short time later the two and Cherry were all sat around the kitchen table sipping tea. Cherry nodded toward the window,

“It looks as though it’s going to be a nice day,” she said.

“I’m very pleased about that,” Hilda replied, “the thought of having seven Kindergarten children here without them being able to run off their energy outside is not a pleasant one!”

“They’d be little angels, Hilda,” Nell replied, “at least, they would be after seeing you watching them.”

Hilda smiled, “I doubt that,” she replied, “I don’t seem to have a great deal of success intimidating children of three and four!”

A noise from the door interrupted them, “Grandma you left me alone!” Robbie stood there, his hair standing up on end, dressed in his pyjamas with nothing on his feet.

Cherry got up, “Robbie! Happy Birthday darling!” She picked him up, hugged him.

Robbie’s faced changed and he sported a huge grin, “Is it my birthday Mummy? Am I four years old?”

“Yes you are, aren’t you grown up?”

“Yes Mummy, I’m nearly growed up enough to marry you.”

Cherry stared, not sure she quite heard correctly, “You’re going to do what?”

“Marry you, Mummy,” Robbie said confidently, “when I’m old enough.” His face was perfectly serious when he said this and Cherry had to turn her head to prevent him seeing her laughing. Luckily he was distracted by both Hilda and Nell coming forward to kiss him and wish him Happy Birthday.

The day went well; Ruth Derwent was covering for the School - happy to do so as Rosalind’s condition appeared stable at present - so neither Hilda nor Nell had to leave the cottage. They spent the morning giving Robbie his cards and presents before making a start on preparing the cottage for visitors. Robbie had a large parcel from Cherry, when he opened it he found himself staring at a brand new bike. The bike was a two wheel one, a ‘proper’ bike, but with little stabilisers on the side. Chunky hand grips for the handlebars and a bold red and black colour made it a perfect boys bike. When she saw just how much he loved it Cherry was repaid for all the additional cleaning she’d taken on at the School.

Robbie’s present from Hilda and Nell was a large model Pirate ship (Captain Hook’s ship) and the Disney DVD’s to go with it. Robbie had to be dragged away from watching Peter Pan so he could get ready for his party that afternoon. While Hilda took him upstairs for a bath before his guests appeared, Cherry and Nell made a start on the food, helped quite considerably when Alison, Louise and Carol appeared. As Robbie and Hilda came back downstairs again there was another knock on the door and Ian French arrived. After greeting everyone he immediately took himself and Robbie out in the back garden with the Pirate ship, so that the others could work undisturbed.

By two pm Robbie was so excited that all Ian’s efforts to keep him occupied were for nought. He wandered back inside and marvelled at the spread available on the table, seeing plates of sausages, cheesy dips, chicken nuggets, mini hamburgers and spicy chicken wings. On another part of the table were crisps and twiglets, tomatoes, mini pizzas and sausage rolls, next to paper plates and napkins. Jugs of orange juice and lemonade were placed at the back of the table, accessible only by the adults, with plastic cups beside the jugs.

“Can I have a sausage, Mummy? I is very hungry!”

“Not yet, Robbie, all your friends will be here soon, then you can all eat, OK?”

“OK Mummy,” Robbie paused then, a frown on his face, “they will leave me some, won’t they?”

“’Course they will!” Cherry hugged her son, “You’re the birthday boy!”

A knock on the door interrupted her and the first of the guests appeared.

The party was a complete success; Robbie had wanted all his Nursery classmates to come to his party and, straight away, Cherry had realised that their flat in the Domestic Staff Boarding House would not be suitable. Luckily Hilda and Nell had no problems arranging for the party in their cottage. As well as all the Nursery boys and girls, their parents had been invited too, so the numbers descending upon the cottage were significant! The children, as predicted, immediately wanted to play outside, especially once Robbie had opened his present from the girls- it was a slide! They spent the next twenty minutes putting it together ably ‘helped’ by Robbie and six other four year olds telling them to hurry up!

Also invited were a number of the Staff, Nancy and Kathie put in a short appearance, prior to going over to see Rosalind in hospital, and Ruth joined some of the adults in the kitchen. Cherry had also invited Karen and a number of the other Domestic Staff, some of whom Hilda recognised - Kath Farman, while others she did not. These Staff in particular found it somewhat difficult dealing with ‘The Headmistress’ when she was off-duty and tended to steer clear of her. At least they did until she was persuaded by Robbie to play a game with him - it was his present from Anton Montebello - a board game called Doh-nutters - the sight of the normally serious and serene Miss Annersley with a mask strapped to her face, attempting to hook the plastic doughnuts onto her elephant trunk, whilst on all fours on the floor, reduced many of them to tears!

At the end of the game there was one dissenter to the overall opinion that Robbie had won, Robbie had managed to hook almost all his doughnuts in record time. Of course, the fact that his Grandma Nell was sitting next to him and had kept threading more doughnuts onto his hook whenever anyone wasn’t watching had not gone unnoticed. Hilda Annersley was in the middle of trying to drum up support for a rematch and to expel Nell from the room when there was another knock at the door. As the closest Cherry went to answer it.

A short time later she appeared again, next to her was a tall blond man. As the entertainment around the game had finished people drifted away, either to the table or into the garden. Robbie had run off to use his slide again, leaving Hilda and Nell clearing up the game.

“I don’t know why I play these games with you, Nell, you always cheat!”

“Me? Cheat? Never,” Nell was grinning, “and anyway, you can’t talk. I can still remember when we had those car races in your Study how you knocked my car out of my hand so Robbie could win.”

“Nell that was nearly a year ago, surely you can’t still be smarting about that?”

“Er, Hilda, Nell,” Cherry’s voice was quiet and both women immediately noticed the worry behind it, they stopped wrangling and looked across, “This is Josh.”

The two friends exchanged glances and stood, swiftly tidying the last few doughnuts into the box and removing the masks they both still wore. Hilda stepped forward, her hand outstretched,

“Hello Josh,” she said with a slight smile, “I’m Hilda Annersley, this is Nell Wilson.”

“Good to meet you, ladies,” Josh shook hands with both women, his handshake firm, his palm dry. “Cherry told me that you had kindly agreed that she could have a party for Robbie here. It’s very good of you.”

Nell shrugged, “Not a problem, Cherry and Robbie have a home here at anytime.”

At that moment Robbie himself ran up, “Mummy, I went backwards down the slide! I fell off the end but it didn’t hurt. Watch me Mummy, watch me!”

Cherry swept the little boy into her arms, “OK Robbie, I will, but first I’d like you to meet someone,” she turned so Robbie could see the man, “This is Josh, he’s come to your party, say hello!”

Robbie looked across at Josh without any recognition, “Hello Josh, did you bring me a present?”

“Robbie!” The sharp remark from Cherry was full of embarrassment.

Josh smiled, “Yes I did,” he said, “here,” he passed across a large round parcel.

Robbie tore into the parcel to reveal a large football, “Wow! It’s bigger than my other ball,” he said, “fank you Josh.” He wriggled down to the ground, “Come see me on the slide!” he said, before running off, ball held in both hands.

Josh smiled slightly toward Cherry, “I didn’t know what to get him,” he said, “Knew you’d not want much money spent, I always used to love kicking a ball around.”

Cherry smiled back, “Good of you Josh, come on, let’s go and watch him on the slide.” They both walked over toward the back garden.

Hilda and Nell looked at each other, “He seems a very pleasant young man,” Nell ventured, “what do you think?”

Hilda frowned slightly, “I’m not sure,” she said, “there’s something, but it could just be that he wants to be more than just Josh, he wants to be a part of Robbie’s life, before it’s too late.”

“Hmmm, he doesn’t look too healthy,” Nell mused, “He’s got dark circles under his eyes and he’s very pale. Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.” She hooked an arm through Hilda’s and the pair walked into the kitchen.

Inside were Ruth and Ian, sitting at the table chatting, as the other two appeared Ian got up and walked across, “Wondered where you were,” he said to Nell, turning to Hilda he bowed slightly, “May I steal her from you? Anton’s father has stated that he knows of no woman who could recite the periodic table from memory, we stand to win a dinner at their restaurant if Nell can do the business!”

Hilda laughed and moved Nell’s arm across to Ian’s, “In that case, go with my blessing, Mr Montebello should know better than to say that in a house where the Chemistry Mistress lives!”

Nell grinned and allowed herself to be dragged out to the garden.

Later, after Nell had gone through the entire periodic table, including the less well known lanthanides and actinides, Toni Montebello was forced to concede defeat - to the applause of the rest of the adults present, including his wife! He graciously bowed toward Nell and said she and her guests were welcome at any time to visit his restaurant! Nell bowed back, smiling, that then turned to a yelp of amazement as Ian reached across and lifted her up, spinning her round in a hug of celebration.

“Ian, let me down you idiot!” Nell was finding it difficult to sound stern.

“Why? This seems comfortable as far as I’m concerned?” Ian grinned up at her.

Nell placed both hands on the muscles between Ian’s shoulders and neck, she started to squeeze, “Let me down Ian, or I’ll keep doing this!” she warned.

Ian started to wince slightly, then, “Oh very well. Don’t know why I’d want to hug you anyway,” his eyes were smiling while he said this and lowered her to the ground. Around them everyone else had drifted away, going to watch the children taking part in a competition that Cherry and the others were organising. Nell looked up at Ian, his eyes fully six inches above her own; her hands, no longer squeezing down on the muscles across his shoulders, instead moved up slightly, tracing fingers along his jaw line,

“Don’t you?” she asked.

Ian stared into her eyes, his hands, until then around her waist, now he reached up to cup her face, “Nope,” he said, “you’re such an infuriating woman, won’t let me look after you, protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.” Nell’s voice was quiet but definite.

“No, I think that’s part of why I find you so fascinating.”

“Just fascinating?”

“No, not just fascinating, wonderful.” Ian leant forwards slightly, ready to pull back if he saw a warning in the soft grey eyes, instead he saw only acceptance, felt her move toward him…

“Grandma Nell, Ian, you is on my team!”

Both Ian and Nell jumped slightly, moved apart and looked down,

“Sorry Robbie, what did you say?”

“You is on my team, Grandma,” Robbie replied, “we going to play Dodge Ball, come on!” He walked over to one side of the garden where a number of others were gathered.

The two looked at each other, Ian smiled, “Better do as ordered,” he said.

Nell nodded, “Yes.” They walked across together.

Near to the patio doors two other figures watched silently, Ruth Derwent was the first to speak, “It hurts to watch, doesn’t it?”

Hilda Annersley looked across, surprise showing on her face, “I,” she swallowed, “I didn’t think it showed,” she said quietly.

Ruth shook her head, “It doesn’t, it’s very rare you allow anything to show in your face, Hilda,”

“Then how?”

Ruth smiled, “I’ve been through it, remember? Less than a year ago now, I know how it feels.”

Hilda nodded, watched as Nell and Ian walked across and joined in Robbie’s game, “And now? Can you honestly say that things are as good between Rosalind and yourself?”

Ruth thought for a time, “They’re different,” she said eventually, “I’m no longer Ros’s closest friend, but other things make up for it, Geoff and I are really close, like brother and sister, I have a ‘niece’ in Kelly Stevens and, God-Willing, I’ll have a Godson at the end of the year.”

“Do these things make up for all that you have lost?”

Ruth thought for a while, “Yes,” she said eventually, “yes they do, I am even happier now than I was before Geoff came into her life.” The Senior Mistress looked across at the Head, “But Ros and I? Our friendship was never as close as that of yourself and Nell. I don’t know whether it would be possible to retain that with the addition of a third.”

Hilda gazed into the middle distance for some time, when she eventually replied it was so quietly that Ruth barely heard her, “I don’t think it will.”

Ruth looked over sharply, “Will you tell her?”

Hilda shook her head, “No, Nell must make her own decisions. As far as she is concerned I will purely be giving her my blessing. I rely on your discretion, Ruth.” The last, though framed as a request, was definitely an order.

Ruth nodded in acknowledgement, then ventured a further comment, “Even if it means you lose her?”

“Even then.”

At that moment Cherry came across to claim both women for her team in the game, Hilda smiled widely at her adopted daughter before walking across to join her.

It was late before everyone left the cottage; the children and their parents went first, most of them carrying their youngsters, completely exhausted after such a full day. Then, a little later, those Staff, teaching and domestic, decided to wander back across to the School and their own homes. Louise and the others left a little later - all three pleading that they had some work to finish, things that would be needed first thing on Monday morning.

In the garden Robbie sat on his Grandma Hilda’s lap, he was telling her all about his day. Every so often his voice would fade away and his head would droop onto her shoulder, then, quickly, he’d jerk awake once more and pretend that it hadn’t been him, he wasn’t tired! Cherry was sat nearby, next to her was Josh, the two were chatting. Every so often Josh’s head would turn to the little boy and he would give a sad little smile. Nell and Ian were quietly making a start on tidying up, at least they were emptying all the paper plates and plastic cutlery into a black bin liner, and deciding what food could be saved and what thrown away.

Josh rose, saying he had to leave, he moved across to where Hilda was sitting, looked down at the little boy with a wistful expression,

“Good night Robbie, hope you had a good birthday?”

Robbie smiled up at the pale man, “Goodbye Josh, fank you for my football. You are very good at kicking.”

Josh smiled, “My father taught me how to play football,” he said quietly, “perhaps I can teach you?”

Robbie nodded, “Yes pease, teach me and Mummy and Ian, ‘cos Ian’s very bad at kicking.”

At this Ian straightened, an injured look on his face, this was not helped when he saw that all the adults were nodding in agreement. He tutted, “I’m a Rugger man,” he said, in a fairly bad imitation of an upper class English accent, “kicking the ball is done only by peasants!”

Nell bit her lip, “Ian, I think you should know, that is the second worst attempt at an English accent that I have ever heard.”

“Oh, and what’s the worst?”

“Oh that’s easy, Dick Van Dyke’s attempt at a Cockney accent in the film Mary Poppins!”

At this Hilda giggled, nodding her agreement, she added, “I could attempt a better Cockney accent than his!”

Ian grunted, “You just don’t appreciate me!”

Josh smiled his goodbyes to everyone and left; Cherry went with him to say goodbye, on her return she found the three adults discussing plans,

“Well I don’t fancy cooking,” Nell said, “but could do with something more than just sandwiches.”

“What about fish and chips?” Ian suggested, “There’s a decent one not far from here.”

The others all nodded and Ian took orders from everyone before disappearing to his car. Cherry looked across at her son,

“Robbie Elliott it’s well past your bedtime, come on, say good night to your grandmas.”

Robbie jerked awake again, “But Mummy, I not sleepy, look!” He opened his eyes wide, “an’ it is my birthday and I am four years old now…”

“And it is nearly nine o’clock! Well past your bedtime.”

“But I wanted some fish and chips, please Mummy?”

Cherry sighed slightly, “Oh, alright, you can have a little piece of fish and some chips, but then it’s straight to bed. Come upstairs, you can get changed into your pyjamas ready for bed.” She held out her arms and Robbie slid off Hilda’s lap and ran over to her.

In the back garden, lit by the lights from the sitting room and some patio lighting, Nell Wilson sat beside her friend, “You OK, Hilda? You seemed a bit quiet today.”

Hilda smiled, “I’m fine Nell, perhaps a little tired.”

Nell moved behind Hilda’s chair, started to massage Hilda’s neck and shoulders, “You’re tense here, as always,” she said, “you need to relax more.”

“Yes Nell.”

There was silence for a time then Nell spoke again, but this time it was almost hesitantly, “Hilda? About Ian…”

Hilda reached back with one hand, clasped her friend’s hand tightly, “He’s a lovely man, Nell,” she said warmly, “he is almost worthy of you.”

Nell moved round so she could look directly into Hilda’s eyes, “You’re sure, Hilda?”

Hilda returned the stare, unblinking, “I’m sure, Nell,” she said firmly.

…

Monday saw a return to the normal routine; there were only two weeks of term to go, and only one weekend – the weekend of the Sports Day. The Staff and girls were busy preparing themselves for all the Inter-Form competitions that were planned for the day. Peggy Burnett, in conference with Emma and Hilary, had arranged a number of competitions whereby the Forms could compete within their year and then be part of a wider competition between different divisions. They had even worked out handicaps to ensure that the different ages could compete equally. In addition Peggy and her staff had arranged a number of competitions for the Staff, though these she had not publicised quite so widely, wanting to surprise the others on the day!

News came about Rosalind Moore - she was going to be allowed to leave hospital! Although the danger wasn’t over, it was felt that having her resting at home would be more conducive to a normal pregnancy. When Ruth was told the news she immediately spoke with Hilda about having one of the cottages on-site for her use. The Head was happy to give her permission especially as it had already been earmarked for the family later on in the year. Ruth, Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars spent the next few evenings cleaning up and arranging furniture. For now, at least, Geoff and Rosalind would be using the furniture provided with the cottage, later, if they decided to remain, they planned to ship over some of Geoff’s furniture, currently in storage in England.

Tuesday evening saw Nell Wilson taking advantage of the wager she had won over the weekend and visiting the Montebello family restaurant. Being a School night she had had to seek permission to be off-site for the evening, Hilda allowed herself a private chuckle at the way Nell attempted to seek permission without actually having to say the words! Eventually she took pity on her and just said ‘Yes!’ Nell immediately invited her along too but Hilda Annersley shook her head, pointing out that as Ruth, Nancy and Kathie were visiting Rosalind, she had to remain on-site as the only senior member of the Teaching Staff.

“Besides, Nell,” the Head continued, “I’d just be in the way. You enjoy yourself, give my best to Ian.”

Nell frowned, “You’d not be in the way Hilda, please don’t think that. We’re still as close as ever, aren’t we?”

“Of course, Nell,” Hilda made haste to reply, “You enjoy yourself. I’ll see you later.”

That night the meal was magnificent - Nell suspected that Mrs Montebello was responsible for that - her way of apologising for her husband’s initial remarks. Ian and Nell had spent hours chatting and laughing together, eventually, as it was getting late, they left the restaurant. Ian suggested going back to the house he was ‘house-sitting’ for a friend and drove back there. He quickly made them both coffee and sat beside Nell on the deep leather sofa.

“You’re a bit quiet this evening, Nell, anything wrong?”

Nell looked over at the man sat beside her, “Just thinking, love,” she said quickly, “about something Hilda said to me earlier today.” She took a sip from her coffee, placed it on the table, “She’s my closest friend, my partner, I don’t want her to feel she is being pushed out because of our friendship.”

“Is that what she said? Does she not like me or something?”

“No,” Nell smiled, “I think she quite approves of you, said you were almost worthy of me.”

“…‘Almost worthy’ eh?” Ian grinned, “and you are such a prize are you?”

Nell chuckled, “Well, my best friend seems to think so!”

Ian placed an arm around Nell’s shoulders, “I’m sure Hilda is fine about it,” he said, “after all, you said that you each want the other to be happy, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Nell agreed, “it’s just that this is something different, something new. And we’ve been through so much, we’re so close. The last thing I want to do is hurt her.”

Ian reached across and gently kissed Nell’s cheek, “You’re a pretty wonderful lady you know, Nell Wilson,” he said. “Tell you what, you arrange something where we three can be out together, this weekend maybe, let her see that I’m not a threat, that I’m not about to stop you having other friends or anything. Maybe she’ll even up me to completely worthy!”

Nell grinned, “Oh I doubt that, I have some standards you know!”

…

Wednesday morning saw a number of inmates in the State Prison receive visitors. Afterwards one of them made a point of searching for Butcher.

“Butcher, can I talk to you a minute?” It was Association Time and Butcher, along with a number of other women, was sat in the TV room, watching the start of a film on TV.

“What is it Brown? I’m busy.”

Brown, a woman in her late thirties, looked round then bent closer to the other inmate, “Got a message for you, Butcher, they said it was important.”

Butcher sighed and got up, followed Brown over to a secluded alcove, “It better be important,” she said, “hand it over!”

Brown swallowed, “Wasn’t written down,” she said, “Our Leanne said I was to tell you, she’d heard from Lucas, bloke you’d been asking about? He’s got his cash, hired someone, extreme.”

Butcher went cold, her mind racing, she looked at the woman again, trying to place her, suddenly realised she had a daughter of 17, said daughter was the girlfriend of Lucas. She grabbed hold of the other woman’s arm, “You sure that’s what the message said, Brown?”

Brown nodded fearfully, “Yeah, positive. Does it mean anything, Butcher?”

Butcher nodded, “Yes, it means something.” She paused, looked over at the other woman, “Get lost, Brown, you’ve done your job!”

The woman turned to go and Butcher added, “Speak to Dale, tell her you can have your pick, twenty fags or the equivalent in phone cards.”

Brown smiled, “Thanks Butcher,” she scuttled off eager to reach Dale before Butcher changed her mind.

Butcher walked out of the Association Room, thinking deeply, she was so deep in thought she didn’t see the other person until they spoke,

“Butcher? Not watching the film? Is anything wrong?” It was Miss Shaw.

Butcher shook her head, “No Miss Shaw, thanks for asking.” She moved past the Senior Officer and went over to her own cell.

Geri Shaw watched her go, frowning slightly.

…

Wednesday afternoon saw a change in routine for Robbie Elliott; normally he was attending Nursery full-time and would have lunch with the rest of the Kindergarten within the large Dining Room and the entire School. This was not without its problems on occasion. It had taken the Nursery Staff some time to instil in Robbie that he couldn’t go up to the Staff Table just because he wanted a cuddle from his Grandma, he also couldn’t wave at Cherry just because she would sometimes help serve lunch. In addition the entire Nursery had to be reminded many times that just because they were learning a new song about a train did not mean that they should sing it in the Dining Room!

The Head of the Kindergarten, Kathie Robertson, had actually consulted with Miss Annersley about this, and wondered if her classes should have a separate Dining area. The Head had negated that suggestion, saying that the antics from the Nursery and other babes were amusing and, in any case, she didn’t want them to feel any less a part of the School.

However, on this particular Wednesday, Robbie wasn’t joining the rest of the Nursery for lunch, in fact, he had finished in Nursery for the day. Cherry had obtained a half day for herself and had withdrawn Robbie for the afternoon. She had a special afternoon planned. The pair had quickly gone up to their flat and got changed, they had just got ready when there was the sound of a car horn and Cherry had quickly swept Robbie up into her arms and ran downstairs. Outside, sitting in a sleek Italian sports car, was Josh. As Cherry appeared he got out of the car and reached in to pull the seat forwards,

“I bought a car seat,” he said, by way of greetings, “for Robbie I mean.” He pointed to the small passenger seat behind the main seats, “It only just fits, it’s a good thing he’s not any older.”

“You didn’t need to do that, Josh, we could have used the one from my car.”

Josh shrugged, “No trouble,” he said, “you know my family’s rolling in it! I thought we could go for a drive along the coast a way? Stop off somewhere for something to eat, play on the beach, you know?”

Cherry smiled, “That sounds great, Josh, it’s good of you to take us…”

“I want to try and make up for what I did to both of you, Cherry,” Josh said earnestly, “before it’s too late.” He smiled slightly and Cherry returned the smile, then he looked over at Robbie, “All ready Rob? Get in the back then.”

Robbie moved into the back seat, sat in the child seat and waited patiently while Cherry fastened all the straps. “Will we be able to play football, Josh? I bought my ball.”

Josh smiled, “So I saw, yes, we’ll find some good beaches to kick the ball.” He waited until Cherry had finished strapping the little boy in and then slid into the front passenger seat. Seconds later he had gunned the engine and the car swept out of the School Grounds.

…

It was less than an hour later that Miss Shaw was interrupted by a knock on her office door. Due to her rank the Senior Officer was actually entitled to have an office in the Admin Block of the prison, however instead she chose to have one on the wing where, if necessary, she was accessible by the inmates. Shaw looked up from some paperwork as the door opened to reveal Butcher standing just outside.

“Butcher? What is it?”

Butcher looked uncharacteristically concerned, she spoke quietly, “Can I speak to you in private, Miss Shaw?”

Strictly speaking this was against regulations, should an inmate wish to speak to the Senior Officer they had to be accompanied by an officer. However Miss Shaw had no hesitation,

“Of course, come in.”

Butcher walked into the office, shut the door behind her, she looked round quickly, the last time she had been in here was just after she had tried to kill Mason, she glanced at the desk, recognised something was missing,

“Where’s the paperweight? The one shaped like a koala?”

Shaw raised an eyebrow slightly, but recognised that Butcher was finding the situation difficult, she answered the question, “It was broken, during the struggle when you were last here.”

“Oh.” Butcher paused, “Sorry.”

Shaw nodded in acknowledgement, she sat down behind her desk once more, looked up at the inmate, “What’s the matter, Butcher? Can I help?”

Butcher looked down at the floor for a time then took a breath, looked across at the woman opposite, “I need to speak to Annersley, urgently,” she said intently, “it can’t be by phone or letter. I need to see her.”

“You saw her last week during normal visiting,” Shaw said, thinking, “you will also be seeing her next Wednesday when you go to the School to give your drugs talk to the Seniors and I believe she will be visiting again Thursday of next week.”

“Yes I know, I know all that,” Butcher said quickly, “but I need to see her before that, as soon as possible, before the weekend certainly.”

Shaw took a deep breath, “Why?”

Butcher shook her head, “I can’t say, just know that it’s really important. I’d not be asking otherwise.”

That was certainly true, Shaw knew of no other occasion when Butcher had made such a request, she shook her head regretfully, “I’m sorry Butcher, you’re asking for privileges you are not entitled to. I cannot be seen to favour one above the rest of the inmates, the situation when you were in Solitary was exceptional. Unless you can give me some indication why you need to speak to her I cannot consider your request.”

The Senior Officer half expected Butcher to lose her temper at this, but instead Butcher just nodded, as though she had been expecting the response. “Understood, Miss Shaw, thanks for listening.” She turned toward the door.

“Butcher,” Shaw’s voice stopped her, “If it’s that important, I would be prepared to carry a message to her.”

Butcher’s eyes widened slightly, Shaw’s suggestion was a definite breach of prison regulations, she smiled fleetingly, “Thanks for that, but no, it’s got to be face-to-face.”

Later, in her cell, Butcher discussed options with her chief lieutenant. Sara Rees had been one of Butcher’s people for more than two years, however it was only in the last months that she’d started to look upon her as her second. Since the talk with Annersley after the siege she had considered all of her people and chosen Rees as the one most likely to remain loyal. Rees had proven her loyalty when Sullivan’s people had taken over – she had been stabbed in the stomach.

“It’s not Annersley that’s being targeted though is it? I mean you said this Wilson is a friend of hers.”

“Yeah, more than a friend, and Annersley could be caught up in it too, Lucas sent over the message that Cutter had hired someone – extreme – you know what that means.”

Rees whistled, “Target with extreme prejudice, means the gunman will kill all those close to the target first – Hell this Wilson must have really pi**ed him off!”

Butcher nodded, “I think she did, plus he’s a vindictive b*st*rd anyway. Thing is, these contracts normally get done quickly, I’d say they’ll probably be hit this weekend.”

“And it’s the School too, isn’t it? That means some of the other teachers could be collateral damage?”

Butcher nodded, “Yeah, including your Drama teacher,” she said, knowing Rees retained a soft spot for the teacher who had been caught up in the siege. “I need to warn Annersley, yet can’t trust either the phone or a note – screws are sure to censor anything that goes out and they can’t find out about this. No way the link between the prisons can be revealed.”

“What about other visits? Some of the women must be due visits today or tomorrow.”

Butcher shook her head, “None, they’d rearranged all the visits this week for the first half of the week, remember? Something about the visitors suite being painted. Are any of the women being released in the next couple of days?”

Rees thought, “Only Joelle Hughes, she’s being released tomorrow.”

Butcher swore, “She’ll be stoned and drunk before lunchtime then, probably get herself arrested again before the weekend’s over,” she sighed, “Still, if she’s all we’ve got - tell her I want to speak to her.”

“You think she’ll be reliable enough to pass on a message?”

“She’d better be, if she knows what’s good for her,” Butcher said grimly, when she saw Rees looking confused she elaborated, “We both know she’ll be back inside within the week, if I find out she didn’t pass on the message her life’s not going to be worth living.”

…
“So, how’d it go?” The person asking the question was Alison Martin, she, along with Louise and Carol were all curled up on the floor of Cherry’s flat. In the middle of them was a small fondue set and they had been attempting to melt cheese. The person being asked the question flushed slightly,

“I don’t know what you mean,” she said, somewhat half-heartedly.

“Rubbish!” Carol said decisively, dipping a piece of crusty bread into the cheese mixture, “Hmmm, this is delicious, try some,” she passed across another piece of bread to Cherry. “You know very well what we mean young Cherry,” she continued, wagging the bread at her in an admonishing way, “we mean how did the date go? Come on girl, I appreciate you didn’t want to say anything while Robbie was here, but he’s in bed asleep now, so give!”

“It wasn’t a date!” Cherry protested, “Josh isn’t interested in me, he just wants to have some input in Robbie’s life, while he can.”

Alison shook her head, “I don’t know, he seemed pretty interested in you last Saturday, and he’s not bad looking.”

“Perhaps he brings back too many sad memories?” Louise suggested quietly, “after all he left Cherry at a time when she needed him most.”

Cherry nodded gratefully toward the blond girl sat next to her, “Yes,” she confessed, “I do feel a bit like that, I’m still angry with what he did, and what I had to do.”

Alison and Carol stopped their teasing, “Sorry Cherry,” this from Alison, “hadn’t thought of it like that. So this isn’t likely to be a big romance, then?”

Cherry shook her head, “I don’t think so, Ally,” she shrugged slightly, “They always say that, once you been on the game, you can’t really find love, see all men as potential clients. Anyway, as I said, Josh isn’t interested, all he wants is to get to know Robbie a little before…” she paused, sighed, “before he goes.”

There was silence for a time, then Carol spoke hesitantly, “Does he know how long…?”

Cherry shook her head, “Not exactly,” she replied, “he said they told him at the hospital that he had about six months, that was five weeks ago, but he’s determined to beat that. He said one of the other patients when he was having the last lot of chemo was someone who had been told six months but was still going nearly a year later. That he wanted to do the same as Chas Silvester.”

Nothing more was said, instead the conversation moved on to other matters, however later, when the three girls were driving back to their own flat, they returned to the subject.






“I suppose it was silly thinking that Cherry’d ever feel anything for this Josh,” Alison began, “I mean after what he did to her I’m surprised she’ll even speak to him.”

“I think she does it for Robbie,” Carol said, “because, regardless, he is Robbie’s father. She didn’t have a Dad when she was growing up either, probably feels he’s missing something, especially as he’s a boy.”

“Yes but she didn’t have much of a Mum either,” Alison said quickly, “I mean, he mum was an addict, died when she was only six.”

“Which means she’d be even more determined that Robbie had as normal life as possible.” Louise pointed out, “I just wonder if that’ll cause more problems.”

What do you mean, Lou?”

Louise sighed deeply, she looked round quickly from her position driving the Landrover, “Well think about it,” she said, “we already know that Cherry has done things in the past we couldn’t even contemplate, for Robbie. What else will she do to help him?”

The quiet words from Louise silenced all three of the girls, later, after they had reached their flat they spoke quietly about it again, resolving to speak to Hilda or Nell in the next couple of days.

Thursday dawned bright and sunny; although barely Spring the temperature was set to remain warm and dry over the entire weekend. It could even be warm enough to contemplate including swimming as part of the Sports Day festivities on Saturday. Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson were up early for their normal run, Hilda almost fully recovered from her ankle injury now. They were sitting in their kitchen awaiting the arrival of their third. Nell had mentioned quickly that, if Hilda preferred, she could ask Ian to stop coming however Hilda had quickly negated that, so the three continued their early runs.

This morning Ian arrived a few minutes late citing a broken alarm clock as his excuse, then the three set off. They ran together, the pace reasonable for all of them and followed the same path that included running along the beach. While actually running all three needed all their breath for the activity, however they always had small rest stops along the way. On this occasion Ian addressed Hilda directly, inviting her to dinner on Saturday night.

Hilda smiled, “I’ll be happy to come, Ian, so long as I would not be ‘in the way’, I don’t want to interfere and you and Nell may wish to spend Saturday evening just the two of you.”

Ian shook his head, “Nell’s not invited,” he said, “Apparently she’s covering for the School this weekend anyway,”

“In that case why don’t you come to us then?”

“No, Hilda,” Ian said patiently, “the invitation was for you, because I’d like to get to know you.”

Hilda looked confused, looked across at Nell. Nell Wilson smiled, “I’ve tried to tell Ian just how close the two of us are,” she said gently, “he suggested that the three of us get together, but after discussing it, Ian felt that maybe if you and he had an evening together, you could get to know each other better.”

She reached out, clasped Hilda’s hand in her right, Ian’s hand with her left, her cheeks slightly red as she spoke of something that meant so much to her, “Hilda you are my dearest friend, and so much more, I want you and Ian to know each other, to know why I love you both.”

Hilda looked into her friend’s grey eyes, nodded slightly, “Of course, Nell,” she looked across at Ian and smiled, “Thank you Ian, I’ll be there.”

Over the next two days the Real Chalet School continued its normal term; the Games Staff were busy preparing the grounds for the Sports Day that Saturday, taking advantage of the good weather. In addition they moved down to the beach to set up an obstacle course that would include a small amount of swimming. Where they had chosen was an area that was generally free from the large waves that came in to land in other places. Instead, in a sheltered small bay, the water was generally flat and calm, ideal for races. It was also, incidentally, where Hilda, Nell and Ian generally stopped during their run.

The Security section were kept busy over the same two days, there had been a number of odd sightings. It appeared that a stalker was attempting to watch the girls. He had chosen a rather novel way of doing it, however, instead of trying to sneak onto the grounds, he had hired himself a motorboat and was watching through high-powered binoculars. Miss Annersley, on being informed that this man had been spotted, contacted the Police. It was thought that the man was probably a journalist or photographer; the Police liased with the Coastguard and they arranged for a number of sweeps of the area to be made, however the man seemed to have been warned off. The Head decided to postpone the swimming and obstacle course anyway, not wanting any further reporting of the RCS in the tabloids.

Saturday morning, just as they were leaving the cottage the telephone rang; when Hilda went to answer it Nell stopped her, “It’s the weekend, remember? You’re off-duty. Go on ahead, both of you,” she continued, speaking to both Hilda and Ian, “I’ll catch up.”

The other two nodded slightly and set off, “We’ll wait for you on the beach, Nell,” Hilda called back.

Nell nodded then walked back in and lifted the receiver, “Nell Wilson here,” she said crisply, wondering what on Earth was wrong before seven in the morning.

“Oh Miss Wilson it’s the Gatehouse here,” Nell recognised the voice as that of Tom Brookes.

“Hello Tom,” Nell said warmly, “good to hear you’re back again, what can I do for you?”

“Good to be back Miss Wilson,” the young security guard said quickly, “there’s a call for you, well, she asked to speak to the person in charge. Thing is though, she’s a little, well, tipsy I think.”

Nell’s eyebrows rose, “She definitely wanted to speak to me?”

“Well I think she wanted Miss Annersley to begin with, but after trying half a dozen times to pronounce her name she gave up and asked to speak to you instead.”

“Did she say what her name was?” Nell thought furiously, trying to work out who it could be.

All she would say was her name was Joelle and that it was very important – she stressed that a number of times.”

“Well put her through,” Nell sighed, “I’ll see if I can decipher what she wants.”

Seconds later there was a click on the line and a female voice was heard, “Any any anybody there? Cooee? Anybody there?”

Nell bit her lip, Tom Brookes was wrong, this woman wasn’t a little tipsy, she was completely drunk, “Hello, is that Joelle?”

”Yesh, I’m Joelle, how did you know that?” The voice was very suspicious.

“You gave your name to the Security Officer,” Nell said patiently.

“Did I do that?” The voice was full of wonder, “I can’t imagine why I’d-hic-do that.”

Neither can I,” Nell said under her breath, “Look, Joelle, why don’t you call back when you’ve slept it off? I’ll be around all day.”

“No, no, no, no, no, mustn’t do that.” The woman said very quickly, “She wouldn’t like it, I promished you see? Can’t not do it, she’ll break my leg, if I’m lucky, maybe my neck too. Got to speak to Anna, Annes, Annley, you her?”

Nell sighed, “No I’m Miss Wilson, Deputy Head, I’m covering for the weekend, if there’s something Miss Annersley needs to know tell me, otherwise get off the line!”

“There’s no need to be nashty!” Joelle’s voice took on an air of injured pride, “I’ll tell you. Butcher said for Annie to watch out, someone’s taken out a contract on her friend, William.”

“William? Who’s he?” Nell had stopped being exasperated, instead she was seriously concerned, ‘a contract? That was ridiculous, wasn’t it?’

“Wilfred, Wilkins, no Wilson, I said,”

“Wilson!”

“There’s no need to shout!” Joelle sounded quite upset, “Yesh, Wilson, but she’s OK at the mo-ooooment, first her friends, then her.”

Nell suddenly went cold, she took a few deep breaths, trying not to shout, “Butcher wanted to warn Annersley? That someone was going to try and kill her because she is a friend of Wilson‘s?”

“I just said that,” Joelle returned with dignity, “not just Annie, any friend of Wilfred. Now, excuse please, I said I’d pass on the message on Friday and I have, the hit’s going to be Saturday. I’m going to have a lie down I really don’t feel well…”

The phone went dead, Nell looked at the phone in some shook, “But it’s Saturday today,” she whispered.

…

‘Saturday morning was always good,’ Cherry thought to herself sleepily. ‘The rest of the week was always a bit of a scrum, getting herself and Robbie up in time to drop him off at Nursery and get across to start work on time. But Saturdays were good, she could wake up now,’ she opened one eye and checked the time, 07.00hrs, and know she could go back to sleep without any prob…

Her musing was suddenly cut short by the sound of the door to the box room being slammed open, then her bedroom door being opened and running feet.

“Wake up Mummy, it’s time to wake up! The clock says it’s time to wake up!” Robbie had arrived. Cherry grunted as he bounced on her stomach before crawling all the way up her body to loom over her head, “Silly Mummy, get up now!”

Cherry groaned, “Ooooh, get your knee out of my belly, Robbie Elliott, you must weigh a ton, you elephant.”

“Mummy get up, it’s morning!”

“No it’s not, it’s still sleeping time,” Cherry yawned, she grabbed hold of her son, “Come here, gimme a cuddle!”

Robbie squealed with laughter as Cherry hugged him to her then rolled over so he was caught up in the duvet, “Right, you stay there!” Cherry said, “Mummy’s going back to sleep!”

She closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep, and trying not to take any notice of the huge struggles with which Robbie extricated himself from the duvet. Suddenly he was sitting on top of her, prising her eyes open with little chubby fingers,

“Muuuuuuummmmmmyy,” he sang, “Wake up, now, it’s morning!”

“I’m asleep!”

“But you’s talking, you must be awake!”

Cherry opened her eyes, “Who taught you to be logical?” she demanded, she sighed, “OK, I’m awake, get in here for another cuddle!”

Robbie scrambled to obey and, for the next few minutes Cherry sneaked a little more dozing while snuggled up to her son, eventually though he became restless and started wriggling, “What we do today, Mummy? Can we go swimming?”

Cherry gave up on trying to sleep, “I thought it was the School Sports Day today? Aren’t you in some of the races?”

Robbie nodded, “Yes Mummy, but can we go swimming now?”

“What right now?”

Robbie nodded. Cherry sat up, pulled back the curtain and looked out, “Well it seems warm enough, tell you what, we’ll have a quick glass of milk then go along to the beach, see whether it’s warm enough to go swimming, alright?”

…

Rosalind Moore awoke and immediately smiled, she looked round, being in hospital was never as good as being in your own bed. Even though the bed in question was brand new and this was the first night she’d slept in it, it was her own, hers and Geoff’s. At the thought her smile grew wider still, this was the first bed that she could honestly say was theirs. Even after six months of married life they had not had any place that was theirs, they had her suite in the Staff Boarding House and his flat in Brisbane, but nothing that was theirs, until now. She sat up slowly, looked around the bedroom with curious eyes. When her Consultant had said last night that she could be discharged she had insisted on going right away, rather than wait until the following morning, she hadn’t had much chance to see the place. Oh Ruth and the others had kept her informed about all they were doing, but she was looking forward to making it properly theirs.

A noise at the door and Geoff stood there, wearing shorts and a tee shirt, carrying a tray with two mugs of tea,

“What are you doing up woman?” He said quickly, “You’ve got to rest, remember?” He placed the tray on the bedside table and leant down to kiss Ros, the kiss went on for some time. Eventually they both stirred,

“Well!” Ros said with feeling, “That’s woken me up!”

Geoff grinned, “You’ve been ordered to rest,” he repeated, “stay in bed, I can get anything you might need.”

“Oh no!” Ros returned, taking the mug of tea from her husband and gratefully sipping the contents, “I was told to take gentle exercise, not to just stay in bed. Besides, I’ve got to sort out the house.”

“Will you do as you’re told?” Geoff replied, “Ruth and the others will be along later, the most sorting out I expect from you is to sit on the sofa in the lounge and give orders.”

“Mmmm, that sounds good,” said Ros, “OK, I can do that, but only if we get some exercise first.”

Geoff considered, “How about a nice slow, easy walk to the beach?”

…

For scant seconds after the phone call Nell Wilson did nothing, her mind shrinking from the enormity of the information she had just heard. Then, quickly, she shook herself, looked at the phone again, thinking furiously. Neither Hilda nor Ian were carrying mobile phones, they would have no idea of the danger they may be facing. A sudden light dawned as Nell remembered the ‘stalker’ they had noticed over the last couple of days, “And Hilda said she and Ian would wait for me on the beach!” Nell said out loud, suddenly feeling sick.

She snatched up her mobile even while leaving the cottage at a run, luckily the number she wanted was on speed dial and, shortly after, the call was answered,

“Sara? Where’s John? This is urgent!” Nell didn’t really have the breath to both run as fast as she was travelling and speak, she managed it though.

John Coates came onto the line, “What’s wrong Nell, it’s ear…”

Nell cut him off, very succinctly she related the details of the phone call, “It may be a false alarm, John, but I don’t think so. For Butcher to send a warning like that…”

“Agreed,” John replied quickly, “and it would explain the sightings we’ve had over the last couple of days. I’ll alert the Security Guards and also contact the Police. They already have the Coastguard informed, maybe they can get there. In the meantime everyone is to stay away from the beach, let the School know, Nell.”

“Can’t,” Nell panted, “on my way there now,”

“What? There might be a bloody sniper there, woman!” John was, justifiably annoyed.

“Hilda and Ian are there too.” Nell replied, then, to prevent any further argument she switched off the phone, put it in her pocket and concentrated on running.

…

“Looks as though it will be a lovely day,”

The words took a little time to penetrate, when they did Hilda Annersley looked round from her contemplation of the ocean, she had not really been looking at anything in particular, just staring out at the water, allowing the gentle swell to give her a little serenity. She had noticed, without even realising that she had noticed, the appearance of a small motorboat. Had dismissed it as being unimportant. The words penetrated, she turned with a smile,

“I’m sorry, Ian, did you say something?”

Ian smiled, “I said it looks as though it will be a lovely day, today. For your Sports Day I mean.”

“Yes, it does,” Hilda replied, “I’m pleased, Peggy and the rest of the Games Department have worked hard and the girls have all been training for the last few weeks. Oh, I’m sure that we could have improvised inside, if necessary, but it’s far better out in the open.”

Ian nodded, he looked out to sea himself, squinting a lot as the morning sun reflected back off of the waves, the bay where they were waiting faced South West, therefore the morning sun, being in the North East, shone directly onto the water. The glare and reflection from the waves made it difficult to see very much, he could just make out a small boat. He looked back at the woman standing a few feet from him,

“I appreciate it, you know,” he said, “just how much the School means, both to you and to Nell.”

“That’s good to hear,” Hilda said evenly.

Ian smiled slightly, “How could I not?” he replied, “It’s caught up in Nell’s every action, same as in yours I expect.”

“Yes.” Hilda said softly.

Ian took a deep breath, continued, “But your relationship with her is more than just the School, isn’t it?”

Hilda looked across, her opinion of the tall man rising even further, she nodded, “Yes, it is far more than that.” She indicated the entire School and Grounds with a sweep of her arm, “Should we ever lose the School, and indeed we came close to doing so just before Christmas last year, it would not matter, Nell and I, our friendship, it would endure.” The words were uttered with absolute certainty.

Ian glanced over at the slim woman beside him, he coughed slightly, “And her friendship with me?”

Hilda looked across, her blue-grey eyes appearing to see directly into his soul, she thought for a moment, “You are a good man, Ian,” she said eventually, “you fulfil Nell in ways that I cannot. You are good for her, make her happy.” She smiled slightly then continued, “You are almost worthy of her.”

Ian also smiled, “I’ll try to become completely worthy, Hilda, I promise. I’ll never hurt her.”

Hilda’s gaze bore into him, although tall for a woman she was some five inches below Ian’s own 6’2”, her slim frame a contrast to his muscled one, shaped by years of rugby. Yet Ian found himself taking a half step back, Hilda spoke very quietly,

“See that you don’t, Ian,” she said, “because on the day that you do, I will become your enemy. I am not, normally, a violent person, but in this case I would gladly make an exception.”

Ian swallowed suddenly, nodded. There was silence for a time, both figures turned away slightly, lost in thought. When Ian spoke again it was in a deliberately casual manner,

“So, how’d you fancy Thai food tonight then? I’m pretty good in a kitchen, though I say it myself!”

…

Nell Wilson’s lungs were burning, she was panting, great deep lungfuls of air, trying to get enough oxygen for the effort she was making. Although a seasoned runner now, she was built for the sprint, this continual, long haul was more for people without the excess power and muscle she carried. There was no thought of stopping, however. Although she knew that John would mobilise the Security people, Police and Coastguard, none of them would get to the beach before her. And on that beach were two people…Her thoughts broke off as she reached the top of the ridge, down below was the beach, on it two figure, obviously talking, though standing some twelve feet apart. She squinted out to sea…He was there! A figure in a motorboat, moving in close to the sand, taking advantage of the calm waters in the bay, he held something in his hands as he braced himself in the bow.

‘Before that phone call,‘ Nell thought to herself, ‘I’d have thought that was a camera - a telephoto lens - but not now, now it’s obvious. He’s carrying a rifle, with a telescopic sight, and he’s ready to fire!”

As she thought this Nell began running faster than before, faster than she thought possible, toward the two on the beach who were still oblivious to the danger. “Hilda! Ian! Get down! There’s a gunman in that boat!”

Even as she called out she saw that the two had only partially heard her, they were both looking toward her, concern upon their faces. They were some feet apart, too far for her to reach both of them, as she ran Nell didn’t even consciously make a choice, she just automatically ran toward one of the figures as the sniper made his first shot.

Nell cannoned into Hilda, bowling her over onto the sand, covering her with her own body, as she did there was the sound of a high-velocity bullet ripping through the space where, an instant before, Hilda had been standing. It dug into the sand some feet behind them. Nell looked round quickly, saw that Ian had thrown himself to the ground even as a second bullet ripped through the space he had occupied until then. There were a few seconds respite, then the rifle fired again and the bullet kicked up sand just in front of Nell’s face, she tried to burrow further into the sand, the soft, undulating beach giving only very basic cover.

“What the Hell’s happening, Nell?” Ian’s voice, from where he had found a slight hillock to shelter behind, “Who is this?”

“Hired gun, apparently,” Nell replied, “That phone call I stayed behind to take? Someone with a message from Butcher - you know, Hilda’s friend inside - warning that a contract had been taken out on me.”

“On you? So why is he shooting at me then? And Hilda?”

“Because you’re friends of mine.” Both of them ducked, tried to dig themselves deeper into the sand as another shot whistled by, Ian looked across anxiously,

“We’re in trouble,” he stated.

“You noticed?” Nell was at her most sarcastic.

Ian grinned, “More trouble,” he said, “he’s realised we’ve got enough cover, he can’t get us from out there.”

“So? Sounds good to me.”

“Not really,” Ian replied, “because he’s coming in to shore. Once he’s landed that boat he can walk up and pick us off like he was shooting ducks in a fairground. We can’t get off the beach without giving him a clear shot.”

Nell looked across quickly, saw Ian was right, she swallowed rapidly, “Help is on its way,” she said, “I contacted John Coates, the Police should be here any minute.”

“Let’s hope it’s this minute,” Ian said grimly. They both watched in silence as the boat drew near to the beach, as it did Ian turned to look across at Nell once more, “OK, when he steps off the boat is when we’ve got a chance. We can throw up a load of sand, create a smokescreen, then I’m going to rush him. While I’m keeping him occupied you and Hilda make a run for it, I don’t think he’ll come off the beach.”

“I’m not letting you stay here on your own,” Nell’s response was definite.

Ian sighed, “Dammit Nell, listen! We’ve got just one chance here, if I can keep him occupied you two might just get away. Otherwise all three of us are going to die.”

“He’ll kill you!” Nell stated flatly, even as her quick brain recognised this was the only chance.

Ian flashed across a quick grin, “Maybe,” he conceded, “maybe not. You’ve not watched me play rugby, have you? When I get going even Jonah Lomu would step out of the way! I’ll flatten him.”

Nell looked over at the gunman, he had just reached the shore, was getting out of the boat. His eyes never left the area where the three were sheltering, ready to bring the rifle round should he detect any movement. “You’re really that good?”

Ian grinned, “Should’ve been playing for Oz,” he said with assertion, “If I had we’d have won the World Cup, not you Poms.”

“Hah! Expect me to believe that.” Nell smiled, though the look in her eyes showed she knew the truth.

“It’s the only chance, Nell,” Ian said gently.

Nell nodded, “I know,” she took a deep breath, “on the count of three then, ready Hilda? One…Two…Th…”

Nell’s final word was interrupted; just as she and Ian were both readying themselves for the escape attempt a noise from the ridge above caused them both to stop, the sound of engines, a number of them, was heard then, suddenly, a jeep appeared over the ridge, driven at speed it shot into the air to land with bone-rattling force on the sand. Another appeared, then another. Nell signalled to Ian to remain on the sand, grinned across at him,

“It’s John!” she called, seeing the Security Officer was driving the first jeep. They watched as the three jeeps sped across the sand, none of them actually moving too close to the gunman, just placing themselves between him and his targets. The sand kicked up by the tyres was enough to ensure that he couldn’t see them to aim. He tried to fire at the jeeps themselves, on shot ripped out a tyre but the jeep continued to move, throwing up even more dust and sand. Above the noise Nell heard the man swear, watched as he returned to the boat and dragged it back into the shallows. As he did some of the Security Guards braved the threat of the rifle to try and stop him, but he quickly switched the engine to maximum and sped away from the beach.

John Coates swore in his turn, ‘he was getting away!’ Then, swiftly, he saw another boat appear - the Coastguard had arrived. The gunman had seen it too and was obviously panicked. He tried shooting at the vessel but, with the speed both boats were moving, didn’t come close, he then tried outrunning it but the far more powerful Coastguard boat easily kept pace. Those on the beach could hear the loudspeaker ordering the gunman to surrender, warning him that the Coastguard would fire unless he stopped and gave himself up. The gunman raised the rifle once more, John thought he was going to use it on himself, then, instead, he made a quick convulsive movement and threw the weapon into the sea. He raised his hands.

Nell had watched in relieved silence as the gunman was apprehended; as the Coastguard had caught him she flashed a smile across to Ian, then turned to Hilda, lying next to her,

“Well that’s not the way I’d recommend starting the day, Hilda, how about you?”

There was no reply.

…

It was about two hours later; Nell Wilson was sat in a hospital room beside a bed. In the bed lay Hilda Annersley. Nell was watching her friend’s face intently, the doctors had assured her that she had recovered consciousness, that they had told her what had happened, but she was asleep at the moment. Her mind went back to the time she had suddenly realised that Hilda was hurt. When her question had elicited no reply her heart had almost stopped, quickly reaching across to her friend she noted blood on the sand underneath her head. Her first thought was that one of the bullets had found its mark, but she had quickly realised that, instead, Hilda had hit her head on a rock. In fact it had probably happened when Nell had first bundled he
#2:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:05 pm
    —
Talk about cliffs! Stopping right in the middle of a sentence!

Thanks for reposting, Lesley. Very Happy
#3:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 11:03 pm
    —
Whoops! Didn't realise it stopped partway - not intentional I assure you! Laughing

It was about two hours later; Nell Wilson was sat in a hospital room beside a bed. In the bed lay Hilda Annersley. Nell was watching her friend’s face intently, the doctors had assured her that she had recovered consciousness, that they had told her what had happened, but she was asleep at the moment. Her mind went back to the time she had suddenly realised that Hilda was hurt. When her question had elicited no reply her heart had almost stopped, quickly reaching across to her friend she noted blood on the sand underneath her head. Her first thought was that one of the bullets had found its mark, but she had quickly realised that, instead, Hilda had hit her head on a rock. In fact it had probably happened when Nell had first bundled her to the ground - the force she had used more than enough.

Around her the rest of the people had dealt with the Police and Coastguard, Ian giving statements, explaining everything that had happened. All that Nell had done was sit on the sand cradling her friend in her arms. When the Paramedics had arrived they had to prise Nell’s fingers apart to get her to release Hilda. After seeing her into the ambulance Nell had regained some animation, she was able to converse with the Police about all that had happened before calling an Emergency Staff meeting to pass on the information. She had also postponed the Sports Day and banned everyone from going onto the beach. The Police were not sure if the man was acting alone or if there were other assassins out there.

Finally, after everything had been arranged, Nell was able to leave Ruth in charge and travel down to the Real Hospital. She had been sitting in Hilda’s room for the past twenty minutes, waiting. As she looked across she saw Hilda’s eyes flicker slightly,

“Hilda?” Nell said softly, “Are you awake?”

Hilda’s eyes opened and she gazed across at her friend, “Hello Nell,” she said quietly, “have you been waiting a long time?”

Nell shrugged, “About twenty minutes or so, did the doctors tell you about your head?”

Hilda nodded slightly, the movement enough to allow Nell to see the jagged cut on the side of her head. The medical staff had placed ten stitches in the wound and washed off the blood as best they could, however it still looked fairly gruesome. “The wound looks bad,” she said, “but isn’t anything to worry about,” she whispered, “it will heal perfectly well, just give me a headache for a few days,” she smiled, “I’m used to headaches!”

Nell smiled slightly, “Definitely used to them,” she agreed, “did they tell you what had happened? That there was a sniper, trying to kill us?”

“Yes, though they couldn’t explain how you had known.”

Nell nodded, “Ian and I just said that I’d seen the motorboat while on the ridge, seen the man had a gun. The Police accepted that, didn’t want to take it any further.”

“But?” Hilda looked across, a knowing look in her eyes.

“But the only reason I saw anything was that phone call - it was someone passing on a message from Butcher, warning us.”

Hilda nodded slightly, “Ah, I wondered, will have to thank her when I see her next.” There was silence for a time then Hilda spoke again, “The last thing I remember is seeing you running toward me at great speed, crashing into me, then nothing until I awoke in the ambulance.”

Nell managed to look very guilty, “Yes, about that, Hilda I’m so sorry, I didn’t mea…” Hilda raised an arm, stopping Nell from saying anything further.

“Let me save you the trouble, Nell,” she said, her eyes alight with mischief. “You are going to apologise, you didn’t mean for me to get hurt, you were only trying to help, it will never happen again.” She grinned, “Am I correct so far?”

Nell nodded sheepishly.

Hilda continued, “You will say that you would never deliberately hurt me, cannot believe that it has happened. But Nell, if that is the case, why is this now the fourth time that a blow from you has caused a head injury to me, the second time you have caused me to lose consciousness?”

Nell felt herself redden, “Hilda, I didn’t mean it, honestly, I…”

“Of course it is almost a year since the last time you managed to knock me out,” Hilda continued, a wicked look in her eye, “perhaps you’ve decided to just attempt it once each year?”

Nell’s head was down, she was staring at the floor, at this outrageous suggestion though she raised her head with a jerk, startled, to be caught by a pair of laughing blue-grey eyes, she smiled, “You’re teasing?”

Hilda smiled, “Well of course.” She reached out a hand and clasped Nell’s arm, “Come closer Nell,” she said quietly. Nell rose and leant forward until Hilda could reach up enough to kiss her cheek. “You saved me, you saved Ian,” she began, “We, both of us, would have died but for your actions, you placed your own life in jeopardy to save us. ‘Greater love hath no man - or woman’ It’s a privilege to know you, Nell Wilson.”

After a final kiss on the cheek Nell Wilson left Hilda to sleep. Exiting her room she saw that Ian was sitting on one of the chairs outside, waiting. When he saw her he stood and opened his arms, Nell walked into them, appreciating the hug from him.

“Is she going to be alright?” Ian asked anxiously.

Nell nodded, “Yes, there’s no underlying problems, they think she’s got mild concussion so are keeping her in overnight for observation. She’ll be home tomorrow though.”

Ian sighed with relief, “I’m pleased, she’s a special lady.”

Nell nodded, “That she is, if anything had happened to her…” Nell stopped, swallowed sharply, “Well, you know how I feel about her,” she said gruffly.

The pair started to walk along the corridor and out into the sunshine, Ian pulled Nell over to a secluded corner, “I know now,” he stated simply, “You’d tried to tell me before, but I didn’t realise. Now, because of your actions, I know.”

Nell frowned slightly, “My actions?”

Ian nodded, “Tell me, when that sniper was about to fire? Did you know his first shot was aimed at Hilda?”

Nell shook her head, “No, how could I know?”

“Yet you automatically went to Hilda, didn’t you? To save her from the bullet?”

Nell blinked, “I didn’t think about it,” she said, “it was reflex.”

“Exactly,” Ian smiled, somewhat ruefully, “You did tell me, but I wasn’t listening, I thought there wasn’t a problem with you having a best friend, after all, I got on really well with her, knew she gave her blessing to us. I thought it would not be a problem, you and I, our relationship. I mean, I’ve got friends, didn’t see them as a threat.”

“But this is?” Nell asked quietly.

Ian swallowed a few times nervously, “I could accept a child,” he said quietly, “If you had a child from an earlier relationship, I could accept that they’d come first. I’d think less of you if that weren’t the case. But otherwise, a true relationship, a true love affair, must mean that the two involved come first with each other. Anything else just wouldn’t work. You didn’t think about who you should save, you didn’t even weigh up the pair of us, you just acted on instinct, and saved Hilda.” He shook his head, “And that’s how it will always be with you, Nell, isn’t it? I will never come first with you, will I?”

Nell walked away from the man, thinking deeply, she turned and Ian could see the apology in her eyes, “It’s not just you, Ian,” she said quickly, “You are everything I would ever want in a partner. You were willing to sacrifice yourself on that beach today, don’t think I didn’t realise that. And I could so easily fall in love with you, I could be happy living with you, a lifetime relationship.”

“But?” Ian put in quickly.

Nell nodded, “But, I’ve already got one of those, a lifetime partner. She and I, we belong together. Neither of us would be happy apart.” She clenched a fist brought it to her breast, “I can’t give my heart to another, it already belongs to her. I’m sorry Ian.”

Ian reached across and placed a finger on Nell’s lips, “Don’t apologise,” he said softly, “You tried to tell me, I had to see it for myself. At least we’ve realised it before things went any further.”

…

“May I speak to Josh please,”

“Certainly, whom shall I say is calling?” The clipped English accent threw Cherry for a moment, not because of the accent as such, she was well used to it from Hilda, Nell and indeed a number of the Staff at the RCS. No it was the underlying feeling she had that the owner of the voice viewed most people, herself included, with contempt. Something she had never found at the School.

“Er, it’s Cherry, Cherry Elliott,”

“Oh yes,” the man paused, “I remember. I shall see if he is free,”

Cherry resisted the urge to shout down the phone that the man was a butler, not King of England. A short time later another voice came onto the phone,

“Cherry? This is Josh, what is it?”

“Hi Josh, just to let you know Robbie and I won’t be coming out for dinner tonight.”

“You won’t? But why, have I upset you?”

“No, nothing like that,” Cherry said quickly, she explained about the attack by the gunman,

“Oh my God! Is Robbie hurt?”

“No, we’re fine,” Cherry hastened to reply, “we were lucky though, a few minutes later and we may well have been on the beach as we were on our way there for an early swim.”

“Well if you’re OK why can’t you come out tonight then?”

“Didn’t you hear, Josh? Hilda was hurt, we’ll be going over to the hospital later this morning and probably spend time with Nell this evening.”

“You said she wasn’t badly hurt though, she’ll be alright won’t she?”

“Maybe she will,” Cherry replied patiently, “but being there for each other is what you do, when you’re a family.”

There was a long silence, then, “You look on those two as family but not me?”

“Yes Josh, sorry, but that’s how it is.” Cherry said firmly, “Maybe next weekend, OK?”

“What about during the week?”

“No, it’s the last week of term, I don’t want Robbie missing any more of School.”

“Well next weekend then, my parents really want to met you, and Robbie,”

“I can’t think why, after all they said to me the last time we met.” Cherry was unable to prevent her voice becoming sharper.

Josh sighed, “Cherry, they realise they were wrong now, can’t you at least let them try and make it up to you? Robbie is their grandson, after all.”

“I’ll try Josh, but don’t expect me to make it easy for them.” Cherry replied, “I’ll give you a call in the week about times and things, alright?”

“Fine, speak to you then.”

Late morning saw Cherry and Robbie arrive at the Real Hospital; Cherry had tried to explain to Robbie why his Grandma Hilda was in hospital but suspected that the little boy wasn’t quite sure. They arrived at the ward and were directed to her room. Inside Hilda Annersley was sat up in bed, dozing. As the door opened however she awoke and looked across, her face brightened with a large and welcoming smile.

“Cherry, Robbie, how lovely to see you, come in, come in!”

“You’re alright Hilda?” Cherry asked quickly while moving forward to kiss her.

“I’m fine, Cherry,” Hilda smiled, “I have a mild headache but otherwise I’m fine. The only reason I’m having to stay here overnight is because everyone is fussing. For some reason they all insist on believing that I’m fragile,” she shook her head reprovingly at this, then glanced across at the doorway, concerned that Robbie was standing there and had not moved. Cherry followed her glance,

“Robbie? What’s the matter, darling? It’s Grandma Hilda, come and say hello.”

Robbie, if anything, looked even more distressed at this, “Grandma? Is you sick, Grandma?” His eyes seemed rooted to the wound on Hilda’s head, worried about the blood he could see.

Hilda frowned fleetingly, then turned her smile upon the little boy, “Of course not, I’ve just got a little bump on my head. Come here, I’ll show it to you.”

Robbie walked over, still not convinced and allowed himself to be pulled closer. Hilda put one arm around him and grasped one of his hands with her free hand.

“Now, I’ll show you the bump of my head,” she said gently. She lifted his hand up and placed the fingers softly onto her head where the line of the cut stood out from her hair. Robbie tried to pull back to start with but Hilda held his hand there, cuddling him. Then Robbie slowly fingered the stitches, running his hand along the line of stitches. Hilda winced slightly but managed to stop herself from pulling away,

“Does that hurt, Grandma?”

“A little,” Hilda admitted, “but it’s getting better now. Don’t worry about the blood, that will wash away.”

“I kiss it better, too,” Robbie said, losing his fear and worry. He leant forward and did just that.

“Thank you darling, now how about a kiss here,” Hilda pointed to her cheek, Robbie kissed it, “And here?” she pointed to the other cheek, he did the same. “Now how about a cuddle?”

Robbie chuckled and scrambled up onto the bed, flinging his arms around her.

The afternoon saw a number of other visitors going in to see the Head; Hilda was delighted when Rosalind Moore and husband Geoff appeared. She listened with some horror to Rosalind recount that they were on their way to the beach themselves when they were suddenly overtaken by John and his Staff, racing past in the School jeeps.

That evening Nell came back to spend some time with her friend; on seeing her sitting there while she had been sleeping Hilda smiled,

“Nell, why don’t you go back home? I’m going to be fine and I’m sure you can think of other things you’d rather be doing than sitting here watching me sleep!”

Nell smiled slightly, “No,” she said, “I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing, I’m quite happy here. Ruth has the duty for today, I’ll take it back tomorrow as soon as we’re sure you are coming home.”

“I hear that you postponed Sports Day?”

Nell nodded, “Yes, the Police couldn’t be certain that the gunman was working alone, I felt it was too dangerous to allow the School onto the beach.”

Hilda nodded slightly, “Agreed, what did the children do instead?”

“We arranged a number of expeditions for those that were interested. Just little things - out to the Zoo, the Aquarium and such, the older girls went into Melbourne, either shopping or to see the latest movies.” Nell smiled, “Think the Staff were as eager as the girls to get off the Grounds.”

Hilda nodded then winced slightly as her head wound made itself felt, Nell caught that and spoke once more, “Look Hilda, you could probably do with some more sleep, I’ll disappear now, see you tomorrow.”

Hilda smiled, “No problem Nell, give my best to Ian, won’t you?” There was silence and Hilda looked across at her friend’s face, “Nell?”

Nell Wilson sighed, “I was going to wait until you came home tomorrow, to tell you,” she said reluctantly.

“To tell me what?”

A pause, then, “Ian and I have decided to call off our relationship, I’ll not be seeing him anymore.”

“Oh Nell, I’m so sorry!” The genuine sorrow in her voice was not forced or false, “but why? You seemed so suited and from what you’ve told me of his actions on the beach he is probably almost as brave as you.”

Nell shook her head, “We both discovered that the relationship was doomed, Hilda,” she said gently, “regardless of how close we might have become Ian was never going to replace you.”

Hilda looked across, aghast, “It’s my fault? Oh Nell, I’m so sorry.”

Nell reached forward, clasped both of Hilda’s hands in her own, “You’ve got nothing to apologise for, you idiot!” she said half-fiercely and half-smiling. Ian and I both realised that we could never have a close enough relationship, decided to stop it straight away. You’re not to worry about it, you understand?”

The following morning, when Nell went back to the hospital to collect her friend, she realised that she might as well have saved her breath. It was very obvious that Hilda had worried about it, so much so that the Doctors were, initially, reluctant to release her from hospital. Eventually, after Nell had promised to return if Hilda didn’t get some sleep that day, she got them to reluctantly sign her discharge papers. The drive home was made in silence; once back at the cottage Nell saw that Hilda was sat on the sofa and made comfortable, she brought across a drink and sat in the chair opposite. Eventually Hilda spoke,

“So what did you do last night, Nell?”

Nell shrugged, “Cherry and Robbie came over,” she said, “Cherry cooked and we sat and watched a video. Robbie snuck into my bed about half five this morning,” she grinned.

Hilda looked worried, “You didn’t see Ian?”

“No Hilda, I told you, we’ve decided not to see each other any longer.”

“Because of me?” Hilda’s voice was very quiet, concerned.

Nell looked across, “You spent the entire night worrying about this, didn’t you? That’s why the docs didn’t want to let you out today.”

Hilda shrugged slightly, “Can you blame me, Nell? I’d hate to be the reason for your friendship with Ian breaking up. I don’t want you to discover, too late, that you have made the wrong choice.”

“I haven’t made the wrong choice,” Nell said flatly.

“How can you be sure?”

“I’m sure.” There was a pause, then Nell stood abruptly, “Wait a sec,” she said, then left the room, she returned a few minutes later clutching a book, “took me a while to find it,” she said by way of explanation, Hilda looked at the book and an eyebrow rose, recognising it as one of her own poetry anthologies. She looked over at Nell again, a question in her eyes,

Nell took a deep breath, “I’m probably never going to say anything like this again, Hilda,” she said softly, “You know me, I’m always practical, never think much of the ‘Great Works’ you and Ruth harp on about.”

Hilda bit her lip to prevent herself from smiling, recognising that Nell was finding this hard.

“You want to know if I’ve made the right choice? About Ian I mean?” Nell shook her head, “I’ve not made the right choice, I’ve made the only choice. You know a poet, name of Elizabeth Jennings?”

The change of direction stymied Hilda for a moment, she blinked, thinking furiously, “Er, yes, Twentieth Century poet,” she said, “Born 1926 died around the turn of the century.”

Nell nodded, “Died 2001, yes. Something she wrote seemed to make sense,” she threw the book across to Hilda who caught it quickly, “I’ve marked the page, don’t know if you already know the poem but, for once, it made sense to me.”

Hilda looked into Nell’s eyes for some seconds, seeing that her friend was close to tears, she looked down at the book, found the correct page and read…


FRIENDSHIP

Such love I cannot analyse;
It does not rest in lips or eyes,
Neither in kisses nor caress.
Partly, I know, it’s gentleness

And understanding in one word
Or in brief letters. It’s preserved
By trust and by respect and awe.
These are the words I’m feeling for.

Two people, yes, two lasting friends.
The giving comes, the taking ends.
There is no measure for such things.
For this all Nature slows and sings.

Hilda looked over at Nell again, her own eyes now filmy, she swallowed, “Oh Nell,” she began.

Nell knelt beside her, one arm around Hilda’s waist, the other grasping one hand, “I’ve made the right choice, Hilda, I have never been more certain of something in my life.”

…

The weekend at the State Prison had been quiet; Butcher inured to the routine of the prison, had managed to watch the TV news on a number of occasions without arousing any suspicions with the prison officers. However news, when it came, was from a somewhat unexpected source. As she was walking across to pick up her evening meal she was stopped by Miss Shaw.

“Have you seen this evening’s news yet, Butcher?”

Butcher wondered if the officer had been watching her, but Miss Shaw’s face, though grave, did not appear to suggest that the inmate was in trouble. She shook her head,

“No Miss Shaw, was going to listen to the news while eating tea.”

“Ah, you’ll not have heard yet,” the Senior Officer replied cryptically, “well, when you do don’t be concerned. I’ve contacted the School, the injury isn’t serious.” She walked away before Butcher had a chance to say anymore.

A short time later, listening to the journalists describing the attack on the School, Butcher heard for the first time that there had been an attack on the School, and that it had been unsuccessful. The journalist didn’t mention anything about a telephoned warning but Butcher was quite confident that her message had got through. She also understood Shaw’s message now - the journalist had mentioned that the Headmistress had been hurt and taken to hospital - was grateful that the woman had sought to reassure her.

Further details were obtained over the rest of the weekend; on Monday morning, as expected by almost all inmates and Prison Officers, saw the return of Joelle Hughes, her sentence - 28 days, drunk and disorderly. She was able to tell Butcher what had happened. It was therefore a surprise when, that afternoon, Butcher was informed that Lucas wanted to speak to her. A short time later, having arranged that her disappearance would not be noticed, Butcher stood waiting for the male prisoner to appear.

“You know the storm drains are nearly complete?” he said, on reaching the wire.

Butcher nodded, “Yeah, will have to arrange some other way of sending messages soon. Why did you want to talk to me?”

“Thought you’d be interested,” Lucas sniffed, “Your boy was decidedly pi**ed at his gunman missing his target.”

“I’m really upset about that,” Butcher said sarcastically.

Lucas grinned, “He don’t think it was because they were warned, just feels they were unlucky. Anyway, reason I wanted to meet - he’s hired another - this time not a single gunman, a consortium. They’ve got a damned good rep, never failed on any hit. Even if one of their number is caught or killed they just look on it as natural wastage, keep going. No good trying to offer them more to stop the hit, only way your mate’s going to survive is if she leaves the country.”

Butcher swore, she stood there, thinking, for some time, “No, there’s one other way,” she said slowly.

“Yeah? What?”

“Well,” Butcher replied, “way I hear it, they only work for a live client. Once the client is dead all action is called off.”

Lucas looked over at the woman, his eyes narrowing as he realised what Butcher was suggesting, “Thorpe won’t be pleased,” he warned, “he protects the men.”

Butcher gave a snort of derision, “Yeah right! Thorpe don’t give a damn about the men, except in what they can give him.”

Lucas grinned, “OK, but don’t spread it around, Thorpe likes that he’s viewed as protector.” He paused for a while, then continued, “It’ll cost you.”

Butcher shook her head, “It won’t, Thorpe owes me. Remind him of two years ago, when his sister-in-law was inside. I looked after her then, he owes me, I’m just calling it. Tell him to make it look like suicide.”

Lucas sniffed, “OK, if that’s what you want, I’ll pass on the message.” He turned to leave then swung back, “She’s gotta be something special, that you’d do this.”

Butcher didn’t reply until after the man had returned to his working party, then she sighed and spoke under her breath, “Yeah, she is.”

…

Hilda Annersley returned to work, as normal, first thing Monday morning. This was totally against all medical advice, it was also against all recommendations from friends and close ones. It was not, however, unexpected; Nell Wilson at least knowing full well that Hilda would go back to work regardless of anything said to her to the contrary. She did toy with the idea of physically preventing her from leaving the cottage, but had to admit that, once she had been reassured over Ian, Hilda had managed to spend most of Sunday sleeping. Monday morning she owned up to still having a mild headache but looked vastly improved on her appearance the previous morning.

This was the final week of the third term and the entire School was looking forward to the four week break. Because of the incident on Saturday morning the Sports Day had not happened. Miss Annersley referred to this during Assembly, promising that it would take place early in the next term. She also gave what details she had, about the Police case and their recommendations that, at present, the beach was completely out of bounds. None of the girls of Staff had any inclination to disobey that particular order, especially as, although perhaps not as bloody as when seen on Saturday, the wound on her head was still very obvious.

Mindful of Robbie’s initial reaction to the wound, Hilda made time on Monday morning to visit the Nursery and speak with the babies, she then had to endure further prodding and poking from the youngsters but managed to convince all of them that there was no need to be afraid.

Wednesday afternoon saw the arrival of Butcher for the second of her talks, this time with the Seniors. Her appearance caused just as much of a reaction as the first time; even those girls with sisters in the Middle School unable to fully appreciate the impact the convict would make. Especially with the armed guards close behind. The attack on the heads the previous weekend only serving to emphasise the danger. If anything Butcher was even more shocking in her talk, being far more explicit to her older audience about what women could be forced to do if they became addicted to drugs.

It wasn’t until afterwards, when everyone was having refreshments, that the Head managed to speak with Butcher. Miss Annersley looked round quickly; the ubiquitous guards were there, of course, keeping watch over their dangerous prisoner. However neither of them was within earshot. Miss Shaw was speaking with Ruth Derwent across the other side of the Hall, it was therefore safe to talk,

"Nell and I owe you our lives, Butcher," she said softly, "your messenger phoned through your warning in time for Nell to react. Thank you."

Butcher smiled, "Glad the message got to you," she replied, "though the idiot should have done it the day before, I'll be having words with her."

"Please don't, she did enough," Nell Wilson responded, "and her message allowed me to react in time."

Butcher looked across at Miss Annersley, noted the wound on her head, "Papers said you were injured during the attack, you OK?"

"I'm fine," Hilda smiled, "the injury was due to my head hitting a rock - a consequence of Nell's effort to move me from a bullet's path. It just needed some stitches."

"That's alright then," Butcher stopped as the Senior Officer walked across, saying that they had to go, Butcher and the Head walked out together, as they got to the door Rosalie Dene appeared with an urgent message, she excused herself and walked over to take the piece of paper the Office Manager carried.

Outside Miss Wilson and Miss Shaw were chatting while Butcher walked a little further away, taking in the landscape. Behind her the two guards kept watch. A short time later the Head appeared and walked over to join the convict, she looked over at Butcher,

“I’ve just received some news,” she said softly, “about Cutter, the man responsible for the drugs problem here at the School.”

“Oh yes?” Butcher said neutrally.

Hilda glanced round quickly, saw that no one else was near, “It was him, wasn’t it?” she asked, “he took out the contract, tried to have Nell and her friends killed?”

“Maybe.”

The Head smiled slightly, “There’s no need to protect him further, Butcher,” she said quickly, “he must have been very disturbed, hearing that his attempt had failed unbalanced him fully. That message was from the Police, he was found hanging in his cell this morning, he has taken his own life.”

Butcher’s expression didn’t change, “That’s the official verdict then?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes it’s…” she stopped, suddenly aware of the amusement from the other woman, “What is so funny?”

Butcher shook her head, “Nothing, just pleased something worked out, that’s all.”

Hilda Annersley looked across suspiciously, then, as an idea occurred her jaw dropped, “You! You did it!”

“That’s right Annersley, announce it to everyone,” Butcher said quickly, “Don’t know that the screws quite heard that!”

The Head looked round quickly, saw that her outburst had not been heard, “My apologies, Butcher, but it’s not true is it?”

Butcher looked down at herself, forcing Hilda to do the same, taking in the jumpsuit, handcuffs and chains, “Yeah Annersley, I managed to ditch the suit, cuffs and guards, travel all the way over to the Male State Prison and kill him without anyone noticing I’d gone.”

Miss Annersley’s eyes flashed, “You arranged it,” she said flatly.

Butcher thought for a moment then nodded, “Yeah, I arranged it. He was setting up another hit, one that you’d never have been free from.”

“You murdered him?”

Butcher shrugged, “Technically I got someone else to do it,” she said, “But yes, I killed him, did it to protect you…”

“Don’t you dare say you did it for me, Butcher,” Hilda Annersley’s voice was as low and quiet as always, but it held suppressed rage now, “You know full well that I would never condone murder.”

“Grow up Annersley,” Butcher replied, incensed, “if I’d not arranged it he would have had you killed and your friend. That what you want?”

“I do not want someone committing murder in my name, Butcher, regardless of the danger to myself.”

Butcher laughed mercilessly, “Jesus, Annersley, it’s a wonder you’ve lived as long as you have. If this is always your attitude I’m surprised someone’s not killed you long ago. Or is it that you have the high morals and let everyone else do the dirty work? People are not good and innocent, mostly they’re out for what they can get and if they have to hurt others they’ve got no problem with that. You’re just lucky you had a friend who was prepared to get her hands dirty.”

“Your behaviour does not seem to be that of a friend, Butcher, the taking of a life is abhorrent to me..”

“That’s why I did it for you. And d’you think he cared a sh*t about you or Wilson? Course not, he just wanted his petty revenge, he wouldn’t have lost a wink of sleep over your death, or Wilson’s or anyone else that was caught up in the crossfire. So you don’t agree with the taking of a life? No problem, just be glad that there are people like me about, who don’t have your high-minded ideals. And who actually prefer that someone like you lives and a piece of scum like Cutter dies.”

“I did not and have never wanted someone to kill for me, Butcher. I can’t believe that you should take this so cavalierly, that it means nothing to you.” Hilda sighed, “I don’t know you, Butcher, and after your recent actions I don’t think I want to know you.” The Head stopped, so angry that, for a moment she couldn’t speak, she took a breath, “I believe we have exhausted all conversation now Butcher.” She turned on her heel and strode back to the Main Building.

Butcher stared after her, “Dammit Annersley don’t walk away from me,” she started to follow the Headmistress, ignoring a shouted command behind her.

Suddenly someone was in front of her, blocking her way, she looked across angrily into Miss Shaw’s eyes, “Butcher,” Shaw said quietly, “You have two rifles pointed at your back, stop now.”

Butcher swallowed, “I…sorry Miss Shaw, I forgot exactly who and what I am for a second there,” her eyes were dark and somewhat haunted.

Shaw nodded, walked with Butcher back toward where the two guards were standing, as they reached the van Shaw looked across, “Butcher, the beach is out of bounds at present, but would you like a short walk around the nature park for a few minutes?”

Butcher shook her head, her expression closed in, “No, take me back to the prison, it’s where I belong.” Without even waiting for the command she walked over and stepped into the back of the prison van.

Thursday afternoon saw Butcher join the rest of the women expecting visitors; like the others she had her half of the Visitor’s Form checked, to confirm she had sent out a pass for that particular day, and her recent record checked to ensure she had not forfeited the privilege. Butcher sat at one of the tables near the back of the freshly painted room a brooding expression on her face, and waited. After about fifteen or twenty minutes, when every other prisoner had greeted their visitor, were all sat chatting, laughing, crying, Butcher rose and walked across to the Officer in charge.

“Mrs Francis? Can I go back to work? Looks like my visitor isn’t coming.”

Pat Francis looked across, frowning, “She’s not here yet, Butcher? She may have been delayed, would you like to wait a little longer?”

Butcher shook her head, “No, she’s never been late before, she’s not coming. Suppose I should have expected it really. Can I go back to work then?”

The Prison Officer looked over at the inmate closely; years of experience had taught her how to see emotion. Butcher may be showing her normal, unbothered self, but it was obvious that she was hurt. Unfortunately there was nothing the officer could do to help, visitors appeared or didn’t appear as they wished. She nodded, hoping Butcher could pick up that she sympathised, and walked across with the inmate to the door at the back. She opened it and the convict walked toward the doorway, had just passed through when she felt Mrs Francis’ hand on her shoulder,

“Butcher, look!”

Butcher looked over where the Officer was pointing, in the doorway leading to the outside Visitors’ Centre stood a figure, Hilda Annersley.

The Head looked round and saw Butcher over by the door, walked swiftly across,

“My apologies for being late,” she said, “my car had a puncture, it took a while to change the tyre. Unfortunately, knowing I was coming here, I had left my mobile phone back at the School and so couldn’t contact anyone.”

Butcher nodded, noting the tell-tale signs of grease on Hilda Annersley’s fingers, Hilda followed her gaze and reached into her bag to retrieve a tissue, wiped her hand.

Mrs Francis smiled, “Not a problem, Miss Annersley,” she said, “you can still have the full two hours, if you and Butcher would like to sit down?”

The two women walked across to the vacant table, sat opposite each other. There was silence for a time, both women just gazing at each other. Butcher was first to break the silence,

“Didn’t think you’d come, didn’t think I’d see you again.”

Hilda’s gaze dropped to the table, she took a deep breath, “I considered it.” A pause, then, “In the end I felt that I had to come.”

Butcher’s eyes flashed, “I don’t want you coming just because you feel you have to, feel it’s your duty. I don’t want charity.”

“No, I realise that,” Hilda replied quickly, “I felt I had to come because some of what I said yesterday was unjust. You didn’t deserve it.”

“Only some?”

Hilda didn’t reply immediately, only after some thought, eventually she nodded, “Yes, some. I was surprised, and shocked, hearing of your actions. I spoke without fully thinking them through.” Another breath, “I had no right to say that you were not acting as a friend. Regardless of my own opinion of your actions, what you did was purely out of friendship.” Hilda gave a wry smile, “And your actions would probably be endorsed by Nell.”

“Nell? That’s Wilson right?”

Miss Annersley nodded.

“Did you tell her last night?”

“No.”

“Why not, doesn’t bother me.”

“I think,” Hilda began, “because I knew that she would agree with your actions. Agree with your reasoning. Just over a year ago, when I was imprisoned here,” she looked round at the walls with distaste, “Nell had to take over at the School. She held a Staff meeting after I was arrested, to let them know what had happened. At the time there had been a number of attacks on pupils and staff. It was thought that the person responsible was actually a member of Staff. Ruth Derwent told me, some time later, about a warning Nell had issued then, exactly what she had said was, ‘Hilda Annersley is incapable of murder, I am not.’ It caused quite a stir within the Staff Room, apparently.”

“Not surprised, should imagine the real attacker took it as a challenge, I know I would. Did she attack Wilson after that?”

Hilda looked thoughtful, “Yes she did, although at the time we all thought it was pure coincidence and bad luck. Perhaps, though, Janet actually intended to abduct Nell, as punishment for her remarks. My point, however, is that Nell would, almost certainly, have some sympathy with your actions. I’m not saying that she, personally, would have done the same, but it is possible. She is my closest friend, my soul mate, yet we have differing opinions. It doesn’t stop us from being friends.”

Butcher nodded, she looked around, checked no one else was close, then spoke, “I do look on you as a friend, you know?”

“I know, and I had no right to throw that back in your face yesterday. I’m sorry.” Hilda paused then added, “And I look upon you as a friend too.”

Butcher was a little startled, “Really? I thought maybe you saw me as your project, a way of ‘giving back to the community’ – like all the do-gooders try.”

Hilda shook her head, “No, perhaps, to begin with I did, but not now. The reason I was so angry yesterday? Because I felt that a friend had betrayed me.”

Butcher grinned suddenly, “Never had a friend that was as straight as you before.”

“Really?” Hilda smiled slightly, “Well I could reply that I’ve never had so criminal a friend. Until now.”

There was a pause, Hilda walked across to the drinks machine on the wall, purchased two coffees, sat back down again. Butcher sipped her drink then looked across at the other woman,

“It’s no bad thing, you know, having those high-minded ideals,”

“No?”

Butcher shook her head, “No, rest of us have to know what way we’re aiming for, even if most of us don’t get there.”

Hilda nodded, “Even those high-minded ideals can sometimes slip and shatter.”

“Yeah? It happen to you?”

“Yes, the problems we had last year? A week or two after I was released from here, the woman attacking us abducted two people, a friend, Joey Maynard and Nell Wilson. She originally meant to watch them die of dehydration.”

“Nasty.”

“Yes, but instead, when her identity was discovered, decided on a plan that would attack those two and me. Gave me the option of saving Nell’s life, if I killed Joey.”

“You didn’t do it though, did you?” Butcher was intrigued.

“No, I managed to disarm Janet instead,” she stared across into Butcher’s eyes, “but had there been no other option, to save Nell, yes, I would have. The knowledge of how far she had pushed me meant that, for a time, I actually wanted to kill her. Nell stopped me.”

“Wilson did that? We’re not that alike then, I’d have been cheering you on.” Butcher smiled, “So you’re not perfect then? In a way that’s good to hear, makes you more human, less of a saint.”

“I’m no saint,” Hilda protested.

“Maybe not, but you come across as one, hearing that you’re human means that there must be some hope for me.”

There was silence for a time, eventually Hilda Annersley looked across at the prisoner opposite, “I do not and cannot condone what you did, Butcher, the taking of a life, whatever the reason, is abhorrent to me. However, I do appreciate your reason for doing it, and from that point of view I thank you.” She paused for a time then added, “It may mean nothing to you, but I will pray for you Butcher, even as I pray for Cutter’s soul.”

Butcher nodded, “Cutter’s already in Hell, Annersley, no amount of praying will change that, as for me,” she shrugged, “I accepted what I am years ago, pray for someone worthwhile.”

Hilda smiled very slightly, “It may surprise you, Butcher, but I think you are that someone.”

…

Thursday evening saw Hilda Annersley sat at the kitchen table pouring over some files and tapping into a laptop.

“You know I’m going to stop you doing that, don’t you?” Nell Wilson’s voice came from the doorway.

“Not tonight, Nell, I’ve got to get these finished before the end of term,” the Head replied distractedly.

“Hilda it’s almost ten thirty!”

“Yes and tomorrow is the last day of term.” Hilda looked across at her friend, “If I can finish these reports I’ll be left with no outstanding work for the holidays, otherwise you’ll see me doing this over the weekend and into next week.”

Nell sighed, recognising the truth in Hilda’s words, she sat herself at the table, “OK then, hand some of them over. We’ll get through these far quicker if both of us tackle them.”

Hilda smiled, “Thanks Nell, but all of these need to be signed off by the Headmistress,”

“So? I’ll write them, you sign them. Come on Hilda, I know the gist of what has to go into them, my time as Head, Co-Head and your Deputy have taught me that. If there are any queries I’ll refer back to you.”

“Well…” Nell could see her partner was wavering and added the master stroke.

“Hilda everyone does it. How do you think I managed last term when I was Head?”

Hilda looked over, somewhat confused, “What do you mean? You didn’t have any outstanding work left when I took back the Headship, I was very impressed about that…” her voice ran down as a sneaking suspicion dawned, “Nell Wilson, just how did you do that?”

Nell grinned, “Hilda, I had, in the office next to me, the best Headmistress in the world, why keep a dog and bark yourself?”

Hilda was momentarily speechless, a combination of embarrassment at Nell’s praise and indignation at being referred to as a dog! Eventually she found her voice, “You had me do those reports? I never even realised!”

“Well you were probably so used to doing them that the fact they’d come from me didn’t register,” Nell replied calmly, “but yes, Hilda, you wrote about half the reports, I just signed them off. Didn’t even bother reading them actually, though I’ll not be offended if you want to read through mine.”

The Head again seemed to have difficulty speaking, in the end she just started laughing and then passed across some of the reports.

“That’s better,” Nell said approvingly, “I’ll get you off that pedestal if it kills me!”

…

After about an hour both women sat back, Nell looked over at Hilda, “Fancy a break?”

Hilda nodded and Nell got up and walked across to switch the kettle on, a short time later and they were both sipping coffee. “Of course, this time of night,” Nell observed, “it should be warm milk, not coffee.”

“No thank you,” Hilda replied, “there’s still a lot to do and warm milk always sends me to sleep.” She smiled, then added, “Unless it’s got chocolate in it, of course.”

“True.”

A short time later, on finishing her drink Nell spoke again, “You OK now?”

Hilda looked puzzled.

“I mean, whatever upset you yesterday, has it been sorted?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, it’s been resolved,” she paused, then, “I will tell you, Nell, just not yet.”

“That’s alright,” Nell said gently, “whenever you want to talk I’ll be there.” She looked down at the work on the table, “What do you reckon, another hour tonight? We shouldn’t be too late to bed.”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, then tomorrow morning, instead of going for a run. We should have finished by breakfast.”

The two bent to their tasks once more.

The last day of term was, as always, a scene of organised chaos. There were no lessons arranged for the day; instead the time was spent packing up all belongings, stripping beds and tidying classrooms. The Housemistresses were responsible for ensuring that the girls were all packed and had small groups at a time over in the Boarding House packing their trunks and overnight bags – particularly important for those taking long-haul flights. The Seniors were trusted to pack without supervision, however the Middles did have some of the Prefects and Staff helping. The Juniors had all their own Staff and a number of others helping them to pack and showing them the correct way to load their trunks.

Those pupils who had completed their packing would then be tasked with completely stripping the beds and ensuring all dirty bed clothes were taken down to the Laundry. And, once that had been done, they were pressed into tidying classrooms, offices and hallways. Even those departments that did not have direct contact with the girls were busy.

Lunch was promptly at midday with a Final Assembly at 12.45. Miss Annersley’s final speech for the term reflected on all that had happened during the term, including the major problem with drugs. Afterwards she dismissed the School, some to waiting coaches to take them to the airport, others to parents or Guardians cars, still others to the Rail Station. She also made sure to bid farewell to all those Staff on escort duty. The afternoon was spent in a flurry of tidying and sorting, in offices and classrooms all over the School those Staff left managed to through out rubbish, rearrange furniture and generally sort out all the little items needing to be done prior to leaving. The School would be closed for the next four weeks, with only a skeleton staff of Security Officers on duty. In the fourth week Karen’s Staff would return to commence a thorough cleaning, but otherwise the School and its Boarding Houses would be empty. Only the Staff Boarding Houses and cottages would remain occupied.

As befitted their status, Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson were the last to leave the School that afternoon. The time was a little after four pm when they wandered across to their cottage. Once there they both quickly got showered and changed out of their formal attire and into more comfortable casual clothes. Once ready they flipped a coin which resulted in Hilda driving and quickly got into the car, a short drive and they were outside the Domestic Staff Boarding House. Almost immediately they saw Cherry and Robbie appear and the two got into the back, Cherry strapping Robbie into his car seat.

The reason for all of this was that the four were travelling to the girls’ flat for the evening. Alison, Louise and Carol having invited them over for a takeaway. The following Monday saw the three flying to England to spend the holidays with Andrew St John’s parents. The romance between Andrew and Louise had not diminished, despite the many miles between them and despite not seeing each other for almost nine months. If anything the time and distance serving only to intensify their feelings. Andrew’s parents had invited the three to spend the holidays with them, Andrew had just finished his third and final year as a Law student and had recently received his results. He had yet to decide what he wanted to do having obtained a First Class (Hons).

The evening was a great success, the group blending well together, all seeming to just enjoy being with those they looked on as family. While all sitting eating the India takeaway they spoke on what was happening over the weekend. Alison looked across at Hilda,

“It’s a really early start on Monday, Hilda, are you sure you don’t mind taking us to the Airport? We’ve got to be there by 4am.”

Hilda shook her head, “It’s not a problem,” she replied, “neither of us has anything planned for Monday, if necessary we can always come back and sleep.”

“We want to be there to see you off, anyway,” Nell put in. “I can’t believe it’s almost a year since we travelled to England for that holiday - where has the time gone?”

“Especially when you consider all that’s happened since,” Louise put in, “the best part being the addition of Cherry and Robbie to our family.”

Cherry smiled and the other adults all agreed with Louise, “I’m pleased that, before going away, you can come with me tomorrow,” she said, speaking directly to Louise.

Hilda and Nell looked slightly puzzled and Louise explained,

“Cherry was feeling a little pressurised by J-O-S-H,” she spelled out, mindful of little Robbie sitting there munching his way through a samosa. “Felt she could do with a little moral support. The others both felt I’d be best at that…”

“Lou’s less likely to lose her temper,” put in Carol, quickly, “she’s like you Hilda.”

Both Hilda and Nell agreed with that statement, with some concern they both turned to Cherry,

“Don’t feel you have to go, Cherry,” Nell said quickly, “if he’s making you feel uncomfortable then tell him to disappear.”

“Agreed, Cherry, if you feel this is not going to work, there’s no reason you should force yourself to accede to his requests.”

Cherry shrugged, “I know, I don’t have to do this, but I’ve agreed to give it a trial. After all, they are Robbie’s relations, maybe they do want to put it all right.”

“What are relashuns?”

Everyone turned to look at Robbie, Nell was first to reply, “People you can borrow money from,” she said with a grin.

Later, far later, saw Hilda and Nell driving home, Cherry electing to stay at the girls’ flat as Robbie was already curled up asleep in one of the beds. The journey home was made in almost complete silence; as Hilda drove in through the Gates at the RCS she looked across at her partner,

“Are you alright, Nell?” she asked, a little worried about how quiet Nell had been.

Nell roused herself with a little difficulty, “I’m fine Hilda,” she smiled, a little sheepishly, “think I had a little too much wine, the girls were certainly over-generous with the bottles.”

“Yes I noticed they were forcing you to drink it!” Hilda said quickly.

Nell shrugged, “Well you couldn’t drink could you? I had to drink for both of us.”

Hilda laughed, stopping the car outside their cottage she looked across, “Do you need a hand getting indoors?” The tone was sweet and innocent, almost.

Nell smiled lazily, “No thank you, I’m not drunk, just merry.”

To prove her point she got out of the car and walked over to the door, once there she reached into her bag for her keys and opened the door. Hilda locked up the car and followed; as she reached the door she saw something had fallen from Nell’s bag and retrieved it from the floor, put it in her pocket.

Once inside she looked across at her partner, “Go on up to bed, Nell,” she said gently, “I’ll bring you up a drink. Hot chocolate alright?”

Nell’s eyes brightened, “Wonderful, you’re an angel,” she disappeared upstairs.

A short time later Hilda appeared at Nell’s bedroom door with a tray, on the tray were a mug of hot chocolate, a few biscuits, a glass of water and a couple of aspirins. “Just so you’re prepared,” she said with a smile.

Nell sipped the hot chocolate quickly, lay back and smiled, “Have I told you recently just how glad I am we’re friends?” she asked.

“Just recently, Nell, yes.”

“Oh, that’s alright then.” Nell finished her drink and lay back in bed, switching off her bedside lamp, “Good night Hilda,” she was asleep almost immediately.

Hilda watched her friend sleep for some seconds, then she walked over and rescued the mug from where it was balanced rather precariously on the night stand. Just before leaving the room she reached into her pocket and retrieved the item Nell had dropped, it was a coin, a two-headed coin, the one Nell invariably used whenever the pair of them had to toss for something. Hilda smiled and placed the coin on the stand,

“Good night, Nell,” she whispered, she left the room quietly and shut the door behind her.

The following morning saw the Head awake quite early, she rose and went downstairs quietly, clutching a book and with her dressing gown wrapped around her. It was some hours later before her partner stirred. Nell Wilson came downstairs to find Hilda sat out on a sun lounger on their patio, the bright Spring sunshine making their North facing garden quite a sun-trap. She had a mug of tea next to her and was buried fathoms deep in her book.

“Morning.”

Hilda looked across, “Morning Nell, how are you this morning?”

“I’m fine,” Nell yawned, “did you want another tea?”

Hilda quickly finished the drink, handed her mug across, “Yes please.”

Nell returned shortly afterwards with fresh tea and some croissants. The pair sat in silence, eating. Once they’d finished Hilda looked across at her friend,

“I had a phone call earlier this morning,” she said, “from the Police.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, the man that attempted to shoot us last Saturday? He’s admitted to the Police that it was because of a contract taken out by Kevin Cutter.”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Nell said, nodding, “I suppose he finally talked on hearing that Cutter killed himself?”

“Yes,” Hilda’s tone was very non-committal, Nell continued speaking,

“Does that mean the beach is reopen again? That’s good, think all of us on the RCS site would have been disappointed had we not been able to use the beach during these holidays.”

“Mmmmm,” Hilda wasn’t really listening, Nell picked up on this,

“Hilda? What is it?”

Hilda didn’t reply immediately, when she did it was very quietly, “He didn’t kill himself, Nell.”

“What?” Nell looked across, startled, “but the Police said…if he didn’t kill himself then…”

“He was murdered.”

Nell was momentarily struck dumb, when she’d regained her powers of speech she immediately asked more, “How do you know that? How is it that you know different to the Pol…” she stopped, thinking furiously, “it was Wednesday we heard about Cutter’s death, wasn’t it? And Wednesday that you spent the entire night worrying about something but wouldn’t say what. Wednesday was when Butcher was here to give her drugs talk. Did she tell you something?”

Hilda nodded slightly, “She arranged it, arranged for Cutter to be killed. He’d hired another group to kill you and anyone associated with you. She did it as a way of protecting me.”

There was a deathly silence for some seconds, then, “Oh my word, no wonder you were upset.” Nell spoke very quietly, “and I suppose you’ve been blaming yourself ever since?”

Hilda nodded slightly, “Of course,” she confirmed, “and with reason I think, after all, if not for me that man would still be alive.”

“Hilda, if not for you, and your relationship with Butcher, you, me and Ian would all be dead. Have you thought about that?”

Hilda nodded slightly, “I told her that you would approve.”

“Butcher, you mean?” Nell questioned, “well, not quite approve, Hilda, but if there’s a choice between me dying and an enemy dying, I’ll take the enemy every time. And have you though just what Butcher herself risked? What she was prepared to do for you?”

“Yes,” Hilda turned a troubled face toward her friend, “I can be grateful from a purely selfish viewpoint, but I cannot escape the fact that, because of me another has died. Regardless of the type of person he was I should not have that sort of power over another.”

“Hilda, I cannot think of anyone more worthy to hold that type of power than you.” Nell said solemnly. She knelt beside the sun lounger, stared into her friend’s eyes, “Now I know you’ll continue to beat yourself up about this,” she said with a slight smile, “but whenever you do just think on this, as well as ourselves, any new killer could also have attacked Robbie, Cherry and the girls. Is that what you want?”

Hilda shook her head, a slight smile on her lips.

“Alright then,” Nell rose to her feet once more, stretched, she smiled down at the other woman, “have you any plans for today?”

Hilda thought, “Only to spend the day at home, we rarely just do that, after all.”

Nell’s face fell slightly, “Oh, I was hoping you’d join me surfing,” she said. “Tell you what,” her face brightened, “we’ll toss for it, heads we go surfing, tails stay here, I’ve got a coin here some…”

She stopped as Hilda held up a hand, “Don’t bother, Nell,” Hilda’s voice had a somewhat resigned tone, “we’ll go surfing.”

Saturday midday saw Louise, Cherry and Robbie arrive for the visit with Josh and his parents. The house, when they arrived, was very impressive, set back from the road, it had a tall brick wall around extensive grounds. A long driveway was headed by a pair of stout iron gates. As Louise drove up to the gates she noticed a small intercom set in the wall. She leant out and pressed the button,

“Yes?”

“Cherry Elliott and party,” Louise replied, “we are expected.”

There was no reply but, almost immediately, the gates swung back, Louise looked across at Cherry,

“Pretty impressive,” she grinned.

Cherry shook her head, “Not really,” she replied, “just goes to show what should be Robbie’s by right.”

Louise stopped the car, “No it doesn’t,” she said with certainty, “what it shows is just what they are missing - no amount of money can buy happiness, not the happiness you and Robbie have.”

Cherry smiled slightly then looked back to see Robbie. The little boy had been dressed with care that day, wearing his best clothes and with his blond hair newly washed and combed, when he had entered Louise’s car he had looked a credit to Cherry. Unfortunately, in the interim, he had managed to discover some chocolate, the resulting mess was not very inviting,

“Robbie!” Cherry shouted, “What have you done?”

Robbie looked over, “I found some chocolate, Mummy,” he beamed, “It’s very nice!”

For a moment then Cherry looked as though she were about to cry, Louise looked across worriedly, then, suddenly, Cherry’s face split into a grin, she looked at Louise,

“Why do I care what they think?” she asked.

“That’s better,” Louise replied, “and I think you can blame Alison for that - think I can remember her saying she’d lost some chocolate down the side, last time she was in the back!” She reached into her bag, pulled out some wet wipes, “Here, you might want to get the worst of the chocolate off!”

Cherry got out of the car and in the back, Robbie smiled over at her, “Hello Mummy, the chocolate was very nice, thank you.”

Cherry giggled, “You,” she said, while wiping his face and giving him a quick kiss, “are a menace, you know that?”

“Yes Mummy,” Robbie didn’t seem at all perturbed.

The Intercom suddenly sounded, “Are you coming in or not?” The voice that, previously had sounded very commanding and superior, now just sounded suspicious, Louise winked across at her friend then turned to the Intercom, summoning up her most supercilious air she spoke,

“We will be along when ready, my man.”

The silence from the other end was a clear sign that she had succeeded in intimidating the person.. A short time later, when Cherry had cleaned up her son as best she could, they moved through the gates. Driving up to the large and imposing house took some time, once they reached the house Louise parked the car and they both got out. Josh appeared just as Cherry was undoing all the straps holding Robbie in his car seat.

“Cherry?” Josh was looking across at Louise with a slightly puzzled expression, Louise herself interposed,

“Hello again Josh,” she said holding out a hand, “we met at Robbie’s party, don’t know if you remember? And before that in the Aquarium car park?”

“Oh, yes, you’re a friend of Cherry’s?”

“More than a friend,” Louise replied, “Cherry and I are almost sisters. In fact Robbie did start off calling me Auntie, but that felt far too old.”

“I see,” Josh didn’t look quite sure of himself, instead turned to Cherry, “Hello there, Cherry,” he said walking up and attempting to kiss her on the cheek.

Cherry moved away from the kiss, “Hello Josh,” she said, “Robbie, say hello to Josh,”

“Hello Josh,” Robbie said quickly, he looked up at the front of the house, “this is a very big house.”

Josh smiled, “Yes it is,” he agreed, “I’ll take you inside in a minute.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Josh?” A woman’s voice from behind him asked, Josh turned slightly,

“Of course, he stepped back slightly and the two girls saw a couple, they were perhaps in their fifties or sixties, the man now with grey-shot hair but with enough of his original colouring to see that he used to be as blond as Josh or indeed Robbie. The woman with an exquisitely made up face and slightly tight face, indicating that she had not allowed nature to take its course. Josh indicated them both, “These are my parents, Beth and Stanley, Mum, Dad, this is Louise, a friend of Cherry’s, and you’ve met Cherry before…”

“Under somewhat more strained circumstances, I believe, Cherry?” Beth stepped forward, her face wreathed in a smile that was both welcoming and sympathetic, “I’m afraid we did not treat you well, the last time we met.”

Cherry shook the hand, “No you didn’t, Beth,” she said, determined not to stand on ceremony, “and because of that you missed seeing a wonderful little boy.”

“Our Grands…” Beth began, but was cut off angrily,

“No! You don’t have that right! I mean it.” Cherry’s eyes flashed.

There were a few seconds silence then Josh spoke, “No, alright Cherry, as you feel best. But can my parents meet the lad?”

Cherry swallowed quickly, nodded, she bent down to Robbie, “This is Beth and Stanley, Robbie, they are Josh’s Mummy and Daddy, say hello.”

“Hello Missus Bef, Mister Stan,” Robbie said immediately, “can I have a ice cream?”

“Why yes..” Beth was again cut off,

“No Robbie, it’s nearly time to eat, afterwards perhaps.”

Beth looked a little taken aback but smiled, “Afterwards, Robbie, as your Mummy says.”

Louise turned to greet the man who had remained silent until now, “I’m Louise, a friend of Cherry’s, Mr…?”

“Just Stan, me dear,” the man said quickly, “so you’re a friend of Cherry’s, that’s good, how long have you known each other?”

“Nearly a year now,” Louise replied.

“I see.” Stanley looked across, “Well we cannot stand around here, lunch is waiting inside, shall we eat?”

The rest of the group nodded and moved to enter the house.

…

“Hello Hilda,”

The voice brought Hilda back from the depths of Bleak House and she looked round quickly, blinking against the sunlight, she smiled, “Rosalind! And Geoff too, wonderful to see you.”

“May we join you?” Geoff Stevens was overly formal, considering that ‘joining’ Hilda meant sitting on the sand next to her.

“Of course, of course,” Hilda looked over at the Geography Head, “is this alright with you, Rosalind? Do you need to be in out of the sun, or a chair perhaps?”

“Now don’t you start, Hilda,” Rosalind said, laughter in her voice, “I’ve already had this fusspot thinking up umpteen different reasons why I should be staying in bed.”

“Hey I resent that, here I am trying to make sure my wife and unborn son keep well and…”

“And you are fussing terribly,” Rosalind finished for him, pulling his head down so she could kiss him, “and I love you for it, but I’ll be fine, now help me sit down, I may only be twenty-four weeks gone but there’s this little bump in the way!”

Geoff handed his wife down onto the blanket next to Hilda, watching over her as though she were made of the finest cut-glass. Once she was settled, he wandered down to the water’s edge, looking out at the surfers. Rosalind watched him affectionately before turning to Hilda,

“I would have thought Nell would be here?”

“Oh she is,” Hilda pointed to one of the figures surfing, “I joined her for a while but the sea is still quite cold and, I must admit, surfing doesn’t hold that much appeal for me. How are you, any news?”

Rosalind smiled, patted her stomach contentedly, “We went to the hospital yesterday morning, had a number of scans and investigations. The Consultant says everything is going well, so far. I’m at twenty-four weeks at the moment and Jake seems to be doing very well - his heart has recovered and the op was a complete success. There is still the risk of premature labour though, hence the reason why Geoff is fussing!”

“I assume you are not coming back to work?”

“Well…”

Hilda smiled, “Come Rosalind, you have to do everything for little Jake there, this isn’t like last year when you had broken your leg, then you could choose to return early, even though it was probably against medical advice. This time I think I must insist that you take the time off and rest.”

Rosalind smiled sheepishly, “Oh, I suppose you’re right Hilda,” she said with a sigh.

“Well thanks for that, Hilda,” Geoff had returned, “I’ve been trying to get through to her for the last week.”

Rosalind stuck her tongue out at the soldier, “Yes well, Hilda has an advantage there,” she said, laughing, “You can just shout and swear at me, I can ignore that. Hilda can freeze you down to the very marrow without even raising her voice!”

Geoff grinned across at the Head, “We should conscript you!”

Hilda said nothing, just smiled, the couple settled beside her and continued chatting, sharing a flask of ice-cold juice between them. Others of the Teaching Staff were also taking advantage of the warm weather and were scattered across the beach in small groups, Hilda saw that some of the groups had invited guests to join them. Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars were sat less than fifty yards away, with them a
#4:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 11:05 pm
    —
The posts can only be so long, evidentially!

Geoff grinned across at the Head, “We should conscript you!”

Hilda said nothing, just smiled, the couple settled beside her and continued chatting, sharing a flask of ice-cold juice between them. Others of the Teaching Staff were also taking advantage of the warm weather and were scattered across the beach in small groups, Hilda saw that some of the groups had invited guests to join them. Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars were sat less than fifty yards away, with them a woman of about the same age and two men some years younger. On seeing them Ros Moore had waved across, explaining to the other two that the men were instructors from the Diving School, while the woman was another of the pupils, Karen. A little further along were another group consisting of Rosalie Dene, Grizel and Neil Sheppard and Jeanne de Lachenais, whilst in the water, joining Nell Wilson surfing, were a number of the newer Staff, those that had elected to stay in Australia for this holiday or who were Australian by birth.

The Head’s musings were cut short when more people appeared to join her, she looked up to see Alison Martin and Carol Leigh walking across the sands. They both appeared to be very concerned about something.

“You’re looking very worried, girls,” Hilda smiled, “what’s wrong?”

…

The meal was a success, a great success; it had not been expected that it would be by either of the girls. When they had first filed into the dining room Cherry’s heart had sunk; the dining room table was long, made of mahogany, and obviously an antique.
It had been laid out with the finest cutlery and there was a butler and maids ready to serve. Five places had been set and, as they entered the room a sixth was hastily being made ready,

“Sorry about that,” Stan said quickly, he smiled at Cherry, “wasn’t expecting you to bring a friend. Not that she’s not welcome, of course,” he added hastily.

Beth stepped forward, “Cherry, I thought you’d want Robbie next to you, how about here?” she indicated two chairs at one end, one of the chairs had a large cushion upon it and would be suitable for Robbie.

Cherry looked across, “Yes, that’ll be fine,” she said, she turned to Louise, “Lou, could you get my blue bag out of your car? It’s on the back seat and had all Robbie’s stuff in it.” She looked across at Beth, “His wipes, change of clothing, bib - he’s a bit of a messy eater I’m afraid.”

Beth smiled, “Just like Josh at his age.”

Louise had turned toward the door when the butler stepped up, “Please allow me, madam,” he said, holding his hand out for the keys.

“No, it’s alright…” Louise began.

“But I insist, madam” the butler returned, a slight grimace that may have been the beginnings of a smile cracking his face, “the first course is ready to be served, you don’t want to miss that, do you?”

Louise shrugged, “OK, thanks, the bag’s on the back seat.” She went across and sat on the other side of Cherry.

The meal was excellent, the family obviously having a top range chef in their kitchen, likewise the two girls couldn’t fault the service. The meal consisted of three main courses plus cheese and biscuits and then coffee afterwards. Wine was served with the meal although neither Cherry nor Louise drank more than half a glass. Robbie did rather well, he ate a fair amount of what was placed in front of him. Of course it wasn’t until he got out of the chair that anyone realised that all his carrots had been pushed under the cushion. Luckily the fact that he had pushed some of his prawns (from the starter) down the back of the chair wasn’t discovered for some weeks, by which time the chair had to be burnt!

Lunch over and the group moved out into the spacious grounds at the back of the house, a large patio area had tables and chairs as well as cool drinks for everyone. Robbie was keen to immediately play football however, to ensure he rest for a while - the meal had been rather rich - she pulled him onto her lap and read him a story from the book she’d placed in her bag. The little boy sat there, entranced, while Cherry read to him a new story about Thomas the Tank Engine. When Cherry had finished Robbie immediately asked for another story, Cherry deliberated,

“Weeeellll, alright then, one more, otherwise there won’t be any left for bed time. Did you want Louise to read it? Or maybe…” Cherry paused here, suddenly catching sight of Beth’s face, the older woman had a regretful, almost wistful expression, “how about if Beth reads to you?”

“Yes Mummy,” Robbie took the book and walked over to where Beth was sitting, “Can you read me a story please, Miz Bef?”

Beth looked startled, she glanced quickly across at Cherry as though to check it was alright. Cherry nodded slightly, still unable to completely forget or forgive the way Josh’s parents had treated her, she could still recognise that Beth obviously deeply regretted that she had lost touch with Robbie.

“Of course I’ll read to you, Robbie,” Beth said somewhat breathlessly, “did you want to sit on the grass while I read to you?”

“No fank you, Miss Bef, I sit on your lap,” while speaking Robbie was climbing up to do just that, sitting without concern or awareness that he might have broken any protocol. Beth gently placed an arm around Robbie to hold him steady and opened the book to the correct page, she began to read.

Later, after the book was finished, and before Beth could say anything more to Robbie, the little boy had slid off her lap, after checking with Cherry he had picked up his football and immediately asked both Josh and Stan to play. The two men agreed and rose. Beth seemed somewhat concerned, Cherry put that down to the fact that Robbie had run off and hastened to reassure her,

“He’ll want more stories later,” she said with a half-smile, “he just can’t sit still for too long.”

Beth returned the half-smile, nodding, but continued to watch her husband, son and grandson with the same worried look on her face. Even when both Cherry and Louise joined the game of football Beth remained there, watching.

…

A quick précis of the news they carried, basically that it involved the safety of Cherry, Louise and Robbie, was enough for Hilda to immediately rise and say they should go back to the cottage. Alison went down to the water’s edge to retrieve Nell and the four walked swiftly back to Hilda and Nell’s home. Inside Nell sat on the floor, a huge towel wrapped around her, while the other three sat on the sofa or chairs, Nell looked across at Alison,

“OK, I only got a garbled message from Alison, but it was obviously important, what’s this all about?”

“Maggie Raine dropped in to see us about an hour ago,” Alison said quickly, “we’d given her our address at the Ball, told her to drop in any time she was passing, she did, just on the off chance.”

Hilda frowned, “Maggie Raine? Oh yes, I remember, the wife of Arthur Raine, the MD of the bank, you remember, Nell?”

Nell Wilson nodded slightly, “Yes, when we last saw him, when we transferred all access back to Louise, he was the one who talked us through what we needed to do, nice man. He was very keen for us to meet his wife, just never managed to fix a date.”

“Well you’ll be meeting her very soon,” Carol put in, both the older women turned questioning looks upon her, Carol nodded, “she said she’d come here herself, tell you face-to-face what she told us.”

As if on cue the telephone rang, Hilda, being nearest, answered it,

“Yes, we are expecting Margaret Raine,” she said, “she hasn’t been here before, however, please escort her here.”

It was only a few minutes later that there was a knock on the door, Alison introduced the short woman to Hilda and Nell, while Carol brought her a drink. Maggie Raine sat on the sofa and looked round,

“Arthur said that I should meet you both, Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson, I didn’t think it would be quite like this though.”

“I’m Hilda…”

“And I’m Nell, won’t you tell us your news Maggie? Alison and Carol said the others could be in danger.”

“Of course, Nell,” Maggie began, her face grave, “basically it’s a little news that I picked up, bit of a coincidence really. You see Chas Silvester’s parents live in Melbourne, they’ve just recently become share holders and I saw them at the ‘do’ last month. Didn’t realise at the time that what they told me was at all important, until I was talking to the girls earlier.”

…

The game of football went on for quite a while; Robbie seeming to enjoy the fact that so many adults were playing the game - especially as both men were rather good. Eventually, tired and panting in the afternoon sunshine, Cherry called a halt, saying that Robbie needed a drink,

“And so do I!” she smiled.

Back with Beth they found that she had arranged for some iced drinks to be available and had even got some ice cream for Robbie. Cherry took the opportunity to put some more sun cream on the little boy and to negate firmly his idea that he could take his tea-shirt off. She then waited for him to finish having the paddy that that edict produced before pulling the tea-shirt back on. Once it was on she told him that, once he’d stopped being naughty, everyone would play with him, not before, and calmly went back to her seat. Robbie looked around for a while, hoping that someone else would take pity on him, instead they all seemed to be studiously looking at the ground. Eventually he realised that Cherry meant what she said and ran over to where she was sat, flinging his arms around her knees and declaring he was ‘Very sorry, Mummy,’ at the top of his voice. Cherry picked him up and gave him a kiss and cuddle.

“You’re very good with him,” Beth observed quietly, “surprisingly so, consid…” she stopped abruptly.

Cherry said nothing initially, instead turning to Louise and speaking, “Robbie, go with Louise, now, Stan was saying something about a pond, perhaps he’ll show you too.” She watched as Robbie went off happily with Louise and Stan, then turned to Beth,
“Considering what, Beth? Considering the fact that I was a very young mother? That I wasn’t married? Or that I was a prostitute?”

Beth’s silence and the expression on her face seemed to say that she had been thinking of all three of these, Cherry certainly seemed to think so as she continued,

“Well excuse me, Beth, but for the first two of those I didn’t act alone, your precious son had something to do with it. As for the third,” Cherry swallowed slightly, “I will do whatever it takes to look after Robbie, see I happen to believe that if you’ve been responsible for creating a life, you are also responsible for ensuring he has a good start. Something certain members of your family seem to have conveniently forgotten.”

Beth seemed to flinch slightly while Josh, seated beside his mother, leant forwards,

“Now that’s enough, Cherry…”

“Stay out of this, Josh,” Cherry was getting angrier.

“No, she’s right,” this from Beth herself, she turned to look at her son, “You, we, didn’t act well then, did we? If we had then that little boy would be calling me Grandma.” She turned back to Cherry, “I’m sorry, I had no right to say that, you have done a wonderful job of raising him.”

There were a few seconds of silence, then Cherry nodded slightly, relaxed a little, “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Beth smiled, rose, “I have to check some things inside,” she said brightly, “why don’t you two take the opportunity to talk?”

Neither Cherry nor Josh said anything for a time, eventually Josh stirred, “You want to go for a walk?”

Cherry nodded and the pair walked across the gardens, after a time Josh spoke again,

“You’ve done a really good job you know, Cherry? Mum’s right. And you did it without any help.”

“Not without any help, Josh, I’ve had help, the scr… prison officers and social workers helped out, and of course there’s Hilda and Nell and the girls. This last year or so they’ve all been magnificent.”

“But before that?”

Cherry looked across, “Before that it was just me, me and Robbie, and he needed food and clothes, toys and a decent place to live. And I had only one way of earning the money I needed for him.” She stared into his eyes and the man found himself looking away,

“I’m sorry,” he said, “sorry for abandoning you, sorry for leaving you to look after our child on your own.” He paused and gave a deep sigh, “Sorry that I’ve missed out on seeing such a lovely boy grow, I can never retrieve that.”

“No you can’t.”

They walked for a little longer, Cherry looking with some interest at the gardens, a blending of the mundane and exotic, native Australian plants side by side with some brought in from abroad. Beside her Josh cleared his throat prior to speaking again,

“Cherry? I know nothing I can do will make up for what you had to go through, but maybe I can do something to ensure that for the rest of Robbie’s life he will never be placed in a situation where he has to contemplate breaking the law to survive.”

Cherry frowned, “What do you mean. Josh?”

Josh looked across, “Marry me Cherry, wait, before you say anything, think about it. I’ve got less that six months to go, so you’ll hardly be stuck with me for life, I won’t expect you to live with me or anything like that.”

“Then why…?”

“Because it’ll legitimise Robbie,” Josh said quickly, he paused, “and it’ll mean he gets the Arnold fortune when my parents have gone. It’ll mean he’ll be set up for life, you won’t have to go cleaning any more - unless you wanted to, I mean. You’d never have to scrimp and save, never have to ….well, you know.”

There was silence, it went on for some time, eventually Josh spoke again, “Cherry? What do you say?”

…

“Bit of a coincidence really, me knowing the Silvesters,” Maggie Raine began, “though perhaps not that much, I mean they are rich and, though I say it myself, my Arthur’s bank is the best,” she grinned at this. “Anyway, I got to talking with them at the Ball, discovered that their eldest boy, Charles, or Chas, had been ill. Knew he’d been working in Cairns for a while, assumed he was being treated there.”

“And they told you something that you felt we should know?” Hilda asked quickly.

“Not quite,” Maggie replied, “His mum, Sally and I met up for a coffee yesterday, she was telling me all about her lad - seems like he may have beaten the big C. The doctors gave him just six months over a year ago, but his latest tests showed he was in full remission. She was telling me all about it - absolutely ecstatic as you can imagine. Then she just mentioned something in passing, at the time I didn’t think anything of it, was only when I was talking with Alison and Carol, found out where the other two were, that I remembered.”

Nell Wilson was visibly holding onto her temper, she leant forward, “Maggie, what did Mrs Silvester say?”

Maggie took a drink of her juice, “Oh she said that Chas was really pleased and that a fellow patient had been given the same news - full remission - probably live till they’re seventy. Name of Josh Arnold.”

On hearing the name Hilda and Nell looked at each other, “He lied to her?” Even Maggie Raine found herself shivering slightly at th ice in the Head’s voice.

Alison leant forwards, “That’s not the worst, Hilda, listen to what else Maggie told us.”

Maggie found herself gulping slightly as both older women turned their gaze upon her, ‘Arthur was right, damn him!’ she thought to herself irreverently, then quickly continued, “Yes, well, as I say I was having a coffee with Sally Silvester. After me congratulating her for the health of her son we got to chatting about other things. Then, me mentioning that I’ve got a new grandchild on the way, our first by the way, suddenly brought a little sadness back into Sally’s face…”

“I envy you Maggie.”

“I know, the feelings when you hear about it for the first time,” Maggie smiled, “Not something you can have again.”

Sally shook her head, “I didn’t mean that, I meant knowing that a new grandchild is on the way, I’ll never have that again.”

“Oh you never know,” Maggie said bracingly, “Neither of your two are past the age yet are they? Anna might want to have another - not likely after three but you never know!”

“No, she and Mark have decided no more.”

“What about Chas then? Now he’s been given the all clear he and his wife might decide to give their two boys a new brother or sister.”

“Not possible I’m afraid, Maggie,” Sally looked across sadly, “the one side effect of the treatment that’s long lasting…well, let’s just say Chas cannot have any children.”

“Oh, oh I’m so sorry,” for once Maggie was lost for words, then she rallied, “but didn’t he save some, you know? Before his treatment?”

Sally nodded, “Yes, all the patients were advised to, but there was a terrible fire in Cairns a couple of months ago, damaged a number of buildings and completely wrecked the storage facilities, all the samples were destroyed.” She smiled, “Still, I’ve got five grandchildren haven’t I? I should count my blessings - some women will never have any because of what happened.”

…

“No, Josh,” Cherry’s voice was only quiet but very firm, she turned to look at the man, “I don’t want to marry you. I doubt if I’ll ever want to marry a man in the future. Seeing the worst of men, as you do when you’re ‘on the game’ means I’d find it very difficult to trust any man, believe any man was genuine and honest.”

“But this is for Robbie’s sake…”

“And you think I’d show him that sort of example? I kept the fact that I was sleeping with strange men for money away from him, Josh, didn’t want him knowing what I did, how would I keep this from him? And it’s just as much a form of prostitution as the other.”

“You wouldn’t have to sleep with me, Cherry?”

“No? Then why call it a marriage, Josh? It’s just dishonesty. If you and your parents want Robbie to inherit their money, fine, stick it in the Will, but don’t ask me to do something like this. Neither Robbie nor I need the money, we’re fine as we are.”

“Fine as you are?” Josh’s tone was at once angry and derisory, “Tiny little attic flat? “Menial cleaning job? You call that fine?”

“Nursery he attends every day, all the food and toys he could want and far more, friends, people that don’t judge me for things I’ve done in the past, three girls I look on as sisters, and two women who are the only family we could ever want or need. Two women who would do anything for Robbie or me, and who trust and love us just as much in return.” Cherry smiled and her expression took on an almost pitying mien, “No amount of money could compensate for those, Josh. And if I spend the rest of my life in that attic flat, and with that menial cleaning job, I’ll be content.”

“And what about Robbie?” Josh back angrily, “What about when he discovers exactly what you did when he was a baby? How are you going to explain that?”

Cherry considered, “It’ll be hard, I know that, but I’ll tell him one day, won’t keep it a secret from him, once he’s old enough to know what the words and deeds mean. Sure, he’ll be upset about it, but I happen to think he’s a great kid, he’ll realise why I did it.”

“He wouldn’t have to find out if we got married,” Josh insisted, “as far as he’s concerned we’d be a proper family, he’d never want for anything.”

“He doesn’t want for anything now, Josh, and I won’t lie to him, when he’s old enough I’ll tell him.” Cherry turned back toward the house, walked on a few steps, she looked back, “I think we’ve stayed here long enough, Josh,” she said quietly, “I’ll find Louise and Robbie and we’ll be leaving now.”

…

The trip to the ‘pond’ took longer than Louise had expected; from the way that Cherry had spoken Louise had got the idea that it was only just round the corner. Instead when she followed Stan, Robbie holding her hand, he led them to an open-topped jeep. The butler was already in the drivers seat and Stan sat beside him, he smiled across at Louise,

“Get in then! The seat belts will adjust to fit Robbie.”

Louise got into the back with Robbie, her face must have shown some of her confusion though because Stan continued,

“The ‘pond’ Cherry referred to is, in fact, a lake, Jones here will take us. Would you like to see the fish in the lake, Robbie?”

Robbie smiled, “Yes please Mister Stan, are there sharks in the lake?”

“I don’t think so, son,” Stan smiled slightly, “but there’s an island on the lake with a house on it, we’ll go there if you’d like?”

Robbie turned to Louise, “Can we go there, Louise?”

Louise smiled slightly, “Why not, it’ll be fun.”

The drive took some ten minutes or so, Louise hadn’t fully appreciated just how large the ground were attached to the house. When they finally reached the lake it was impossible to see the house any longer. She walked with Robbie down to the edge of the lake, held him while he leant forwards - looking into the water to see the fish.

“Oooohhhh, look Louise, lots of fishes,” Robbie’s voice was full of awe, “some of them really big, you see!”

Louise leant over and saw a number of shadowy outlines swimming about, “Why so there are,” she said, “do you know what they are called?”

Robbie shook his head, “No, no sharks though,” he said sadly, “no crocodiles either.”

“I’m really pleased to hear that,” Louise murmured under her breath.

“Might be ranhas though,” Robbie continued.

Louise frowned, “There might be what, Robbie?”

“Ranhas,” Robbie replied patiently, “Miz Phillips tole us about them in class, little fish but wiv big, big mouths and teeth, they can sometimes eat people,” he said this with some relish.

Louise looked at him in some confusion for a while until the penny dropped, “Oh, you mean piranhas!”

“S’what I said, ranhas,” Robbie replied, “so is there ranhas in the water, Louise?”

“I don’t think so Robbie, they live in South America.”

“Oh,” Robbie seemed disappointed, then he brightened, “perhaps some got lost though, and swam here?”

…

Back near the house Josh looked angrily at Cherry’s retreating back, “Don’t do this Cherry!” he called, Cherry continued walking. Josh swore then retrieved his mobile from his pocket, he pressed a button and was immediately connected to a number,

“Dad? No go, she wouldn’t even consider it.”

There was a reply from the person on the other end of the phone, then Josh continued,

“Yes, we’ll have to go ahead with your other plan, is all in readiness?”

Another quick response, then, “Right, I’ll make sure I get her mobile, you get hold of her friend’s phone. Any problems holding them there? No? Fine, I’ll get in touch again soon.”

…

“That evil little b*st*rd, I’ll kill him!” The words were from Nell Wilson, a direct response to the information given by Maggie Raine.

“Nell, no!” This was also immediate, Hilda Annersley looked across at her partner with troubled eyes.

Nell thought for a moment, remembering the information she had learnt first thing in the morning, she smiled slightly, “Just an expression, Hilda,” she said softly, “I don’t mean it, not really.”

Hilda nodded, she looked round at the other four, “It would seem that, at the very least, Josh has lied to Cherry, in addition he would seem to have an ulterior motive in contacting her in the first place.”

“The Arnolds are very proud of their heritage,” Maggie observed, “not having an heir would be a terrible stigma. They wouldn’t be able to cope with it.”

“Yes,” Hilda thought for a few seconds then looked across at the two girls, “First thing then, have you attempted to contact Cherry or Louise?”

Alison nodded, “As soon as Maggie gave us this news, neither mobile is responding, Cherry’s is just ringing, no reply, while Louise’s comes back as not contactable.”

“What about calling the house itself?” Nell asked.

“Tried,” Carol replied, “we get through to a recorded message giving another number, when we tried that one it was engaged.”

“I see,” Hilda sat silently for some time, when she spoke again it was with a sense of purpose, “then we will have to find them ourselves, won’t we?”

Nell grinned at this and the two girls smiled confidently, Hilda looked across at Maggie Raine, “I wonder, Maggie, if you would join us? It would be useful having a ‘third party’ along with us.”

“Of course,” Maggie smiled, “wouldn’t miss this for the world! But how are you going to gain access? The Arnold place is huge and has high security, they’re not likely to let you on-site without a fight. Will you contact the police?”

“I don’t know whether, at the moment, they would be able to respond.” Hilda replied, “After all, our fears are very nebulous at the moment, I wonder if the police would feel we had grounds for complaint? The girls and Robbie have only been gone a few hours and they went of their own accord. We may find that there is nothing wrong when we finally do contact them.”

“You don’t really believe that do you Hilda?” Nell said quickly, “I mean, that’s just you giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, isn’t it? Because you don’t want to think ill of anyone?”

Hilda paused for a time, thinking, the others all waited on her words, eventually she sighed slightly, “No, I don’t think that,” she said, “there are too many coincidences, that this man should ‘just happen’ to contact Cherry now, wanting to know his son, after he abandoned both of them without a second thought.” She turned to Nell, “You remember my misgivings when we first met him? Well they would fit. I believe the only reason he contacted Cherry was because he wanted Robbie.”

“Agreed,” Nell said grimly, “and didn’t care too much about how he got the boy.”

…

The game of watching the fish in the lake lost it’s appeal after some minutes and Robbie started looking round for something else to do. For a while Louise kept him occupied playing ‘You’re IT’ then, just as he was starting to get bored of that Stan appeared again, he had just taken a phone call and seemed to make a decision whilst speaking to someone,

“Right then,” he said, smiling at the little boy, “let’s take you across to the island, shall we?”

The three and the butler Jones, all got into the small motorboat and drove across the lake, the island had one small beach and Louise, Robbie and Stan got out. Letting Robbie run on ahead, Stan seemed very keen to show her all the facilities in the small house on the island.

“It’s only a two roomed place,” he said, “we had it built for when Josh was a kid, he used to love staying overnight here. We even managed a proper bathroom and indoor plumbing. There’s plenty of food and water, shelter if you need it…”

“Stan, you sound as though you’re trying to sell it to me!” Louise laughed.

Stan smiled, “Yes, well. I have to go.” He turned abruptly and walked back to the beach, Louise followed him, somewhat puzzled at his behaviour,

“Have to go where?”

Stan got into the boat and it moved away from the beach.

“When will you be back, Stan?” Louise was suddenly worried and suspicious.

Stan looked over, his face suddenly taking on a somewhat furtive look, “Depends,” he shrugged, “depends on how long it takes that girl to make a decision.”

“Decision, what are you talking about? What are you doing?” Louise was shouting now, her shouts brought Robbie running back to the beach, she picked him up.

Stan looked over at him, “Look after my grandson, girl,” he said, “in a way it’s a good thing you were along - didn’t fancy having to spend a long time on that island with him.”

“A long time? You mean you’re leaving us here? Why?”

“Because he is my grandson, an Arnold, and he deserves to be with his family. Once that girl realises we have him shell sign over custody.”

“She’ll do nothing of the sort!” Louise was always slow to anger but that didn’t seem apparent at the moment, eyes flashing she continued, “How dare you, your arrogance is unbelievable. And if you think Robbie and I are staying on this island you’ve got another think coming!”

Stan Arnold laughed, “What, you’ll swim to shore? Well it’s under half a k, you’d probably make it, but I don’t think Robbie can swim yet, can he?”

Louise remained silent, knowing that without his water wings Robbie could swim more than a few yards, she watched the motorboat slowly move away from the island and surreptitiously felt in her back pocket. Unfortunately Stan saw the movement, he smiled,

“This what you’re looking for?” He held up a small, expensive mobile phone, it slipped from his grasp into the lake, “whoops, silly me!” He laughed and signalled to the butler to drive away.

Louise stood on the beach, Robbie in her arms, watching.

…

When she reached the house Cherry was breathing hard, she was also wondering if her decision was correct. After all, it would mean Robbie would never want for anything, wouldn’t it? She shook her head, Robbie didn’t want for anything worthwhile now, he had everything he could want. And she wasn’t going to live a lie ever again. That confirmed she looked around the patio area where she had last been sat, the drinks etc had all been cleared, as had all belongings, Cherry frowned, she was sure she had left her bag here, along with the blue bag containing Robbie’s things. She walked into the house, intent on asking someone where the bags had been placed, maybe one of the staff had moved them for some reason.

In the house Cherry looked round, where was everyone? Not only had all the staff disappeared, but Beth was nowhere to be seen. She tried calling out,

“Hello? Anyone here? Look, where have you put my stuff?”

For some seconds there was no reply then a voice sounded,

“No one’s here, Cherry.”

Cherry looked round, “Josh? What do you mean, no one’s here? We were only gone twenty minutes or so.”

“True, but as soon as I got your answer I called people, Mum and Dad, we’d made provision, you see.”

Cherry frowned, “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about our plan if you decided that you weren’t going to marry me.” Josh stepped into the room, Dad said we had to have one, just in case you were too stupid to take what was on offer. I agreed actually, you always were clever. Though perhaps not quite as clever as you should be. I mean, letting your Robbie go off with Dad like that?”

“He was with Louise, she’ll look after him,” Cherry said, suddenly scared, “what have you done?”

“Me?” Josh laughed, “I’ve done nothing, I’ve been here with you. And I wouldn’t rely on that Louise, why should she be loyal? Dad’s probably bought her off already - I mean, I expect she’ll do anything for money, won’t she? Just like you did.”

“What? You think Louise is a prostitute?” Cherry laughed, “That’s really funny, you know? And as for your Dad buying her off, he doesn’t have enough money. Now where’s Robbie?”

“Safe, for now,” Josh moved closer, “Of course, whether he remains safe is another matter.”

“That’s kidnapping.” Cherry had gone white, “bring him back, you bastard, or I swear I’ll call the police.”

Josh laughed, “Call the police? Can’t you just see it, ‘Please Mr Policeman, the richest man in the State has kidnapped my son, yes I know he’s also his grandson, yes I know I’m a convicted felon, no. I’m not out to get all I can from the Arnolds’ - I can just imagine it.”

“That’s not how it would go,” Cherry said with determination, “the police would investigate, they’d stop this.” She moved across to a nearby phone, lifted the receiver, the phone was dead.

Josh smiled, “Mum switched all the phones off, you can’t call out and your mobile is hidden away where you can’t find it.”

“Then I’ll find Robbie and Louise myself,” Cherry shot back, she ran to the front of the house, wrenched open the door, then stopped in surprise,

“If you’re looking for Louise’s car,” Josh’s voice said smugly, “you won’t find it. And anyway the gates won’t open for you.”

Cherry said nothing, just started walking in the last direction she had seen Louise and Robbie go. She hadn’t gone far when a jeep appeared, swerved round to stop in front of her. Two men got out, Stan Arnold and the butler,

“Where’s my son?”

“He’s safe, he’s my grandson too, you know.”

“Not if I’ve got anything to do with it!” Cherry made a grab for the jeep keys but the butler caught her arm. Struggling fiercely as she did, Cherry was unable to stop the man from dragging her back into the house, her arm twisted behind her back. Once inside Josh stepped forward again,

“Here’s what we’re going to do, Cherry,” he said, his voice cold, “we’re going to drive into town, to the Registrar, and we’re going to get married…”

“Never!”

“We’re going to get married and live as man and wife for about six months, then you are going to leave, having signed over all rights to Robbie to me.”

“You hear me, Josh, never!” Cherry struggled even more fiercely, kicking out.

“Don’t worry now, we’ll let you have enough to live on, what, a million dollars OK Dad?”

“Sure son, she’d never see as much in her lifetime otherwise, you can do whatever you want with it, girl.”

Cherry kicked out again, this time catching Stan just above his left knee, he swore, “I said never and I meant it, no way Robbie’s staying with you!”

Stan took a couple of deep breaths rage rising in him, he stalked across, grabbed hold of Cherry by the throat, “You think I’d let my only grandchild stay with a whore? Think about what’s being offered here, girl, because at least this way you get something out of it. If you don’t agree to this I’ll see to it that you are thrown back inside that prison for ten years. You’ll be convicted of theft, burglary and assault. It’ll be easy to arrange.”

“You wouldn’t?”

“Wouldn’t I? I’ve set up business rivals for less, for these stakes I’d do anything,” Stan spat back at her.

Cherry wrenched herself free from both men’s grasp, standing with her back against a wall she spoke with suppressed anger, “There’s a woman I know, in prison, a convicted killer, she’s probably the most dangerous person I’ve ever met, yet she’s got more honour and integrity in her little finger that both of you put together. How the Hell my Robbie came from the same source as you two I’ll never know. If you think I’d let him stay here, to grow up to be someone like you, Josh, or even worse, like your father, you’ve got another think coming.”

Josh laughed, “You’ve got no choice, Cherry, think we’d have done this if we didn’t mean to win? Let’s put it this way, either you do as you’re told now, or Dad’ll call up his helicopter, and we’ll take Robbie somewhere you’ll never find us. Australia’s a big place, Cherry, we’ve got property all over.”

“And don’t think you can get the police after us, girl, you’ll not have much sympathy, money talks the world over.”

“I can’t believe how arrogant you are,” she said quietly, “you really think you can do whatever you want, and no one will be able to protest?”

“That’s what comes of money,” Josh said quickly, “it means you can do anything. When a Police Chief or Judge suddenly finds that his mortgage has been paid, that his pension has doubled, why are they going to bother looking at the affairs of any little unimportant people?”

“And you think I’d let Robbie be brought up with that attitude? No way!” Cherry looked across at both Arnold men, aware that the butler had gone to stand by the door, ‘to prevent her escape’ she reasoned, she focused on Josh, “You really had me fooled Josh, I believed you, when you said you didn’t want to interfere, just wanted to get to know your son. What an idiot I was.” Cherry shook her head in disgust. She continued talking while, at the same time, surreptitiously moving toward the window,

“So what was it then? I know you had cancer, had some treatment, did it actually work then? You’ve been talking about bringing him up as yours, so you can’t be dying, and I actually felt sorry for you.” She moved another few inches closer to the window.

Suddenly Stan Arnold seemed to catch on to what she was planning and lunged forward, Cherry moved fast, throwing herself toward the open window and outside before the men even realised. There were shouts from inside the house, Cherry ignored them and ran toward the jeep, sliding into the front seat she frantically reached beneath the dashboard, pulled away part of the steering column to reveal a mess of wires, there didn’t seem to be enough light suddenly, Cherry risked a quick glance up at the sky even while pulling out two of the wires, the sky was dark with storm clouds, a thunderstorm was on its way, a big one.

The knowledge that there was a storm coming galvanised Cherry, she pulled out the wires even as she heard the front door open and the men run toward her. Stripping the wires free of insulation she pressed them together and was rewarded by the jeep’s engine roaring to life, precious seconds were wasted while she tried to work out the gears before throwing it into first and releasing the handbrake…

“Got you!” The words were from Josh Arnold and he reached into the jeep and grabbed hold of Cherry by the shoulders, “get out here, now, don’t be ah, arggg!” The last being a response to Cherry’s reaction, she had bitten down on one of his hands, hard enough to draw blood.

Josh released Cherry to try and staunch the blood flowing from the wound on his hand, Cherry immediately sought to make her escape, but the moment had passed. Both Stan Arnold and the butler appeared and, between them, dragged Cherry from the jeep, holding her between them.

“You savage little bitch!” Josh said through gritted teeth.

“Hurt does it, Josh?” Cherry flashed back, “Good!”

There was a sudden almighty crash of thunder and flash of lightning, drowning out anything else that might have been said. Cherry went white, struggling to prevent herself from being dragged back indoors she turned to Josh again,

“Where is he, Josh? Where’s Robbie? Is he outside? For God’s sake, Josh, he hates thunder, you can’t leave him outside.”

“He’ll be fine!” Stan growled, “Now you are going to go through with the marriage, you hear me?”

“I’m not doing anything until I see Robbie, know he’s safe,” Cherry’s concern gave her renewed strength and even with two men holding her it was a struggle.

Stan held her face, stared into her eyes, “You’ll marry my son, girl, you’ll marry him within the hour.”

“Never!”

“Yes you will, because if you don’t, you could be upsetting the little lad, I mean, if he’s scared of thunder he’ll like it even less out in the middle of a lake. The island might even flood once the rain comes, you never know.”

“You’re lying,” Cherry said faintly, “you wouldn’t put him at risk, you want him.”

“A little thunder and rain won’t hurt him, might make a man of him. He’s an Arnold, he shouldn’t be scared of anything.”

“He’s four years old and he’s an Elliott,” Cherry returned.

Stan shook his head, “Not for much longer,” he said, “we’ll just wait until you decide he’s had enough, then, once you’re married, we’ll get him.”

At this Cherry redoubled her efforts to break free, to no avail, even Josh looked uneasy,

“Dad, that’s going too far, he’s only a little boy and if Cherry says he’s frightened of thund…”

“Shut up Josh,” Stan snarled back, “just for once act like a man, this is to secure our line, you should do anything for it. The boy will be fine, he’ll have to learn to fear nothing, this’ll be a good start.” He turned back to Cherry, “Well, what’s it to be, girl?”

Cherry used all her strength to try and break free, without success, lightning was now flashing constantly and thunder peals were almost continuous, as she swallowed prior to speaking it starting raining, she gulped slightly,

“Alright,” she said, and her voice could barely be heard above the thunder, “if that’s what it takes to save Robbie, I’ll marry you, Josh.”

There was silence for some seconds after Cherry’s words, Stan and Josh flashed triumphant looks at each other while the butler remained impassive, Cherry’s expression was distraught. Then another voice sounded,

“Well I think, really, we should both be insulted at that. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I expected an invitation when the girl got married.”

The three men all turned at the sound; unheard by anyone due to the storm, the Arnolds appeared to have visitors, a flash of lightning illuminated a number of figures standing beside, or just getting out of two cars. The one that had spoken was a tall woman with red-brown hair and an athletic physique, she was addressing her question to another. The second woman, slightly taller but with a slim figure and light brown hair nodded, her eyes immediately seeking out and holding Cherry’s gaze.

“Agreed Nell, after all, we are close, family. Perhaps these gentlemen will be able to explain themselves?”

Cherry’s face relaxed into a smile as she recognised the two women. Stan Arnold however did not recognise them,

“Who are you and how the Hell did you get onto my land?”

“My name is Hilda Annersley,” Hilda replied, continuing to hold Cherry’s gaze, “my partner here is Nell Wilson, and we came in through the gates, Mr Arnold.”

“Well you can bloody well go out through the gates too,” Stan Arnold replied, “this has nothing to do with you.”

“Oh but it has,” Nell replied quickly, “because, as Hilda said, Cherry is family, and you don’t appear to be treating her very well at the moment.” Nell’s gaze switched from Stan to the girl, “You OK Cherry?”

Cherry nodded, “Yes Nell, but they’ve taken Robbie and Louise.”

Hilda’s eyes hardened, “That is a very serious error of judgement on their part,” she said softly.

“Error of judgement?” Stan replied, “You’re the ones that have made that, get off my land before I call the Police!”

“Oh there’s no need for that Mr Arnold,” Hilda replied quickly, “they are already here,” she pointed to one of the figures standing beside the second car, “that is Inspector Darrin Curtis, he is actually attached to the Drug Squad, but assures me that he still has a license to respond to any crime he sees being committed.”

“And I’m sure he can see a few,” a deeper voice continued, “the name’s Ian French, I’m a lawyer, and I can see a number of potential charges here, Assault, Unlawful Detention, Blackmail, should imagine there are a number of others. If Cherry and Louise want to press charges I’ll represent them, free of charge.”

Josh spoke for the first time, “You won’t get anywhere, French, the Police won’t arrest anyone as influential as an Arnold…”

“Don’t you believe it,” another male voice, “I’m John Coates and I know most of the senior police officers in Victoria, not one of them would countenance this and all of them are straight.”

“You’re lying!” Josh Arnold seemed very worried, his father looked across at him and grunted,

“For God’s sake, Josh show some spirit, this lot can’t do anything, Cherry has said she’ll marry you, they can’t stop it.”

“But I can, Mr Arnold,” a woman’s voice rang out, “my name is Louise Patterson, I’m a social worker. Sue Williams, who normally covers this case, is on leave so she asked me to take it. Were you aware that Ms Cherry Elliott, being under the age of twenty one, has been designated as a ward of Miss Hilda Annersley? That Miss Annersley has legal jurisdiction over both Ms Elliott and her son, Robbie Elliott. Technically Ms Elliott cannot get married without permission from her Guardian….”

“And she does not have that permission,” Hilda put in softly.

Stan Arnold’s face had been growing redder every second listening to this, “You’re lying!” he shouted.

Ms Paterson shook her head, “I have the pertinent court papers here with me,” she said, indicating a file, “the case was held last November and the judge ruled that Robbie Elliott could be returned to Ms Elliott’s custody on her release from prison, but that she must have a responsible adult prepared to take on responsibility for both of them.”

Hilda Annersley stepped forward, still speaking as softly as the growls of thunder allowed, she stared at Stan Arnold, “So release my daughter, Mr Arnold and don’t you ever touch her again.”

At her words the butler stepped away, letting Cherry go, Stan Arnold attempted to glare at the woman in front of him, a hard-headed businessman, he had fought any number of boardroom battles. This was just a mere woman, she had no authority, no right to give him orders. Hilda was now close enough that he could stare directly into those grey eyes, he started trembling, swallowing nervously. After bare seconds he found himself backing away. Cherry sank gratefully into Hilda’s arms. While this was going on Nell Wilson had moved over to stand next to Josh Arnold. In a quiet, conversational tone she spoke with him,

“Josh, I hear that a side effect of the treatment you had for cancer means that you are no longer able to have children? I believe the modern term is ‘firing blanks’?”

Josh nodded slightly, mesmerized.

Nell smiled, “Well, be warned, should you ever try anything like this again, I will ensure you not only have no ammunition, but you have no equipment. Do I make myself clear?”

Her arms around Hilda and her face into the older woman‘s shoulder, Cherry stirred, “Hilda, I don’t know where Robbie is,” Cherry’s voice was almost bereft, “they said he and Louise were safe but I don’t know where,”

Hilda looked across at Stan Arnold, “Where are they?” Her tone was, if anything, even more icy.

Stan swallowed, “They’re fine, just on a small island on the lake.” He attempted to rally, “At least that’s where the boy will be, I expect the little slut has run off, can’t see her having any loyalty unless there’s money involved, her being a ‘friend‘ of Cherry‘s.”

There was the sound of a burst of laughter, even with the thunder the laughs caused a definite relaxation in tension, “Jesus, Stan, when you get it wrong you really go to town, don’t you?”

Stan Arnold looked round, “Who th….Maggie? Maggie Raine, what are you doing here?”

“Watching you make a complete arse of yourself, Stan,” Maggie’s response was direct, “and enjoying it. That girl, the one you think is a pro? Do you know her name?”

Stan looked confused, but carried on talking to and looking at Maggie - anything to get away from those eyes… “Her name’s Louise, so?”

“So? Her name is Louise Chad, that ring any bells with you?”

Stan turned white, “C-C-Chad? Are you sure?”

Josh looked over, “Who’s Louise Chad?”

Maggie turned to him, “The richest person in the State of Victoria,”

“That’s impossible, Dad’s the rich…” Josh stopped, realising that his father hadn’t denied the claim.

Nell tapped him on the shoulder, “You know, you really should do your homework, lad, if you plan to make a habit of this.”

Hilda Annersley, her arms still round Cherry, hugging her, spoke again, “Take us to the lake and the island, Mr Arnold. For your own sake they had both better be safe and well.”

For some reason, even though the threat was delivered in the same gentle voice it was even more frightening that her partner’s earlier one. Stan didn’t even consider disobeying. A short time later, as the thunder storm was dying away, the rain easing, the entire group were stood on the shores of the lake, watching as Darrin Curtis, Cherry and Hilda accompanied Stan to the island. They were on the small island for some time before returning and when they did the rest could see that neither Robbie nor Louise was with them. As they reached the shore Cherry’s voice could be heard,

“Where are they Stan? Answer me!”

“I told you, that’s where I left them. I’ve no idea where they could be.” Stan sounded panic-stricken, the words from Inspector Curtis showed that he had good reason to be worried.

“Mr Arnold you are currently facing charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment, if you have any further information I suggest you share it.”

“But I don’t know!”

A new voice suddenly sounded, “It’s alright, everyone, we’re here.”

Everyone turned, in a clump of bushes some distance away from the shore, a figure rose, Louise Chad was normally a slim, blond and pretty young woman, just about the only thing that could be discerned at the moment was that she was slim. Her clothes and her body were soaking wet and caked in the dark brown mud from around the lake. Her hair, normally an almost white blond, was streaked with the same mud. She had an object in her arms who was just as wet and mud stained. It was Robbie.

“Robbie!” Cherry literally snatched the little boy from Louise, hugging him to her and sobbing into his back.

“Mummy, did you see? Louise and me was pirates onna island! And we had to swim across the sea. I was in a boat on the water and Louise pushed me, ‘cept it wasn’t really a boat it was a tree that floated on the water. And Louise pushed me and we swimmed across and there were no sharks or cocadiles, but I think I saw some ranhas, but they was only baby ones.” Robbie paused in his headlong rush to explain everything, “Mummy why you crying?”

Cherry sniffed, “Don’t know,” she said quietly, looking across at Louise with love and gratitude.

“Mustn’t cry, Mummy, you can play next time.”

“Oh, alright then,”

“Then we had to hide ‘cos the other pirates was chasing us, and even when it starting raining we still had to hide. Louise said you said that was OK.”

“Yes, that was fine,” Cherry smiled down at her excited son through her tears, “and what about the thunder and lightning? You weren’t scared were you?”

“It wasn’t thunder and light, Mummy, it was a pirate ship, shooting all their guns,” Robbie returned confidently, “Louise told me.”

“Ah, of course.” Cherry cuddled Robbie even tighter and, after some seconds the lad started wriggling,

“We is a bit wet now, Mummy, can we go home?”

“Yes darling, we’re going home now.”

…

Later, far later, saw all the participants other than the Arnolds and their staff back at Hilda and Nell’s cottage. Louise and Robbie had both had a bath and got changed and they were all sitting in a cosy group in the cottage’s sitting room. Robbie, none the worse for his ordeal, was having a story read to him by Hilda, the two were sat in one corner, by the window so they could look out on the garden. Although the thunder and lightning had eased it was still raining heavily. Both Hilda and Nell had expressed the hope that it wouldn’t continue for all of their four weeks leave.

“I don’t understand why you didn’t press charges, Cherry,” Alison said, “I mean there was more than enough evidence and they deserved it for what they put the three of you through.”

Cherry smiled slightly, “What would it achieve that I haven’t already? They are never going to have the opportunity to get close to either me or Robbie again, they will never have the chance to call themselves his father or grandfather. The Arnold line will die with them, I want none of it.” She smiled a little sadly then continued, “You know, if they had explained, told me that Josh couldn’t have any more kids, I might have come to some sort of compromise. Let them see Robbie, build up a relationship with him. But they just thought they could take him, I’ll not forgive that.”

“But you could have won, they might have been facing prison sentences,”

Cherry shrugged, “I’ve been there, it’s not something I’d wish on my worst enemy. It’s enough that they are leaving Victoria, are forbidden to contact either me or Robbie until Robbie is eighteen. Maybe by then they’ll be able to appreciate people, be able to realise that family means far more than just blood ties.”

The group drifted apart then, Louise Paterson, the social worker, had only remained for a quick drink before returning to her own partner, Darrin Curtis was quick to follow, citing that his family would be expecting him. Hilda and Nell thanked both of them warmly for their help. Then, as the rain seemed to be easing John Coates and Ian both rose saying they were going for a quick drink at a nearby bar. As they walked to the door they were joined by Nell, John moved away to give the two a little privacy,

“So Nell, everything alright with you?” Ian said, a little awkwardly,

“Yes, fine, you?” Nell felt no less awkward.

“Ian nodded, “I’m going back to my own place next week, my friend is back from Europe so he’ll want his house back.”

“Right.” Nell paused, then, “Thanks for coming today, helping out. I wasn’t sure whether you’d want to come, considering.”

Ian smiled, “Hey, we’re still friends, right? And I’d like to think we can remain friends, not just you, either, but Hilda, Cherry and Robbie too. So don’t forget to invite me when you have any parties, OK?”

Nell smiled, “OK, take care Ian,”

“You too, Nell,” he waved and left the cottage.

Nell turned to see Hilda standing there, watching her, she held up a hand, “Don’t you start!” she ordered, “I don’t want to hear that you feel that it’s your fault Ian and I split up. I thought I’d proved to you that I made the right decision, didn’t I?”

“Yes, Nell,”

“Well then, don’t ask me to find another poem for you Hilda, I had enough problems finding that one!”

Hilda hooked her arm through Nell’s, “An act of true love,” she agreed.

“Yes, well,” Nell said, a little mollified, “have you read all the poems in that book? Silly question, of course you have, well some of them I just couldn’t understand.”

“Any more than I can understand covalent bonding, Nell.”

The two walked back into the sitting room to find that Maggie Raine had risen and was taking her leave, she walked across to the two friends,

“I’ll be in touch about that dinner invitation, both of you,” Maggie said as she shook hands, “I can’t promise anything fancy, but I cook a pretty good spread. I know that Arthur will be very pleased to see you again.” She smiled round at all the inhabitants of the room before leaving.

The rest of the evening was spent with family; Alison, Louise and Carol had all stopped off at their flat and brought a change of clothes and sleeping bags, intending to stay the night. Once Robbie had finally gone to bed, the six fell to discussing the day’s events.

“I saw you speaking with Beth Arnold, Cherry,” Louise said, “I noticed that she wasn’t included in Inspector Curtis’ blanket ban on Josh and Stan seeing or contacting you.”

Cherry smiled, “No, I didn’t think that would be fair, after all, from what Hilda tells me, Beth’s the reason the cavalry got into the grounds.”

The others all looked across at Hilda who nodded, “It appears so, although she said nothing, but the gates were securely locked when we arrived, then, suddenly, they were opening. The only person who could have done that was Beth Arnold.”

“What did you say to her, Cherry?” Alison asked.

“I said that, if she wanted to see Robbie she should ring. Whether she’ll do it or not, I don’t know. I expect she’ll go with Stan, they have property elsewhere in Australia. He’s her husband, after all.”

“She is Robbie’s Grandmother, too,” Hilda put in softly.

Cherry looked across, “No Hilda, she’s not his Grandmother, that distinction belongs to you and to Nell. As far as I’m concerned our family is right here,” she smiled round at the group, who all returned smiles of their own. Cherry got up and walked over to the drinks cabinet, poured herself a glass of wine and then topped up all the other glasses, “There is one thing, though,” she said as she sat back on the sofa, “something I’d been meaning to ask for a while,”

“What’s that?” Nell asked for all of them.

Cherry thought for a time, seeming to have to search for the correct words, “I said you are my family, and I mean that. I was just curious though, because none of you seem to have any family yourselves, apart from Louise who has a sister, but isn’t very close to her. Why is that? And why are so many at the School without any family? Have you relatives in England?”

There was complete silence after Cherry’s questions, no one wanting to make the first move, the others all looked at each other. Cherry caught the looks and spoke again,

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked, I’ve no right knowing and…”

“You have every right, Cherry,” Hilda spoke with certainty, “your question merely caught all of us by surprise, that’s all.”

“Definitely,” this from Nell, “I think all of us had forgotten that you would know nothing of our origins.”

“Your origins?” Cherry looked confused, “But you’re all from England, aren’t you?”

“Well, we are, but not quite the England of today.” Nell replied, Hilda, seeing that Cherry was even more confused walked across plucked a book from one of the shelves on the wall, she then sat beside Cherry,

“Have a quick look at this, Cherry,” she said softly, Cherry took the book, flicked through the first few pages, without understanding why then stopped, words catching her eye, she looked across at Hilda,

“That’s you,” she whispered, “in the book, it’s you, both of you, Nell’s there too. In an old kid’s book, I don’t understand.”

“No,” Hilda sighed, “It may take a little explaining,” she said, with her customary talent for understatement.

Hilda was wrong, it look a great deal of explaining, in fact the clock was chiming three am before the entire story was told, Cherry sat there and listened without comment and the five took it in terms to explain all that had happened, the many years spent as characters in a series, the realisation that they were being used by a malevolent figure for her entertainment. The escape of Madge Russell and sudden realisation that it might be possible for all of them to reach the Real World. The struggle to do that against almost overwhelming odds. At only one point in the story did Cherry speak, when Nell detailed how all but one had managed to cross to the Real World she looked across at Hilda,

“You were left? That’s where those nightmares came from?”

Hilda nodded, her face pale. Nell placed an arm around her even as Cherry reached for her hand. They continued relating the facts, right up to the point when Hilda had been rescued then stopped, Hilda looked across at Cherry, a slight colour returning to her cheeks,

“That is everything, Cherry,” she said, “At least, about the escape to this world. As you can imagine, it is a very different one to the world we were used to, but, regardless of the trials and tribulations we have faced, it is a far, far more satisfying one.”

“You asked about relatives, Cherry,” Nell continued, “well we have had relatives, I had a sister, who had your name, incidentally, Hilda had brothers, but, once we got here, all we had, all of us, were ourselves.”

Cherry rose, she looked round at the five women, “I need to think for a minute, excuse me,” she walked across to the patio doors, walked out into the garden. Outside it was no longer raining, Cherry walked up and down for some minutes before coming back in. “That’s a fantastic story,” she said, “completely and utterly unbelievable except for one thing, that I know you wouldn’t lie to me. It does explain a few puzzling things, about your closeness - all the School I mean, about how certain things seemed to not be recognised, like the girls and sex education earlier last term, Hilda. It also agrees with something Butcher said to me, a couple of weeks after you were released from prison, that you sometimes seemed to have been born a hundred years ago - she didn’t realise just how right she was there!” Cherry smiled.

“You are still part of our family, Cherry, you know that, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” Cherry replied swiftly, “all you’ve told me this evening hasn’t changed what you, all of you, have done for me over the last year.”

She walked across and sat between Hilda and Nell, her arms around both of them,

“Whatever your origins, and coming from a book is even more of a trek than coming halfway across the world, it doesn’t matter. You are our family, Robbie and me, always will be.” Cherry grinned, “And I’d just like to add, Welcome to the Modern World!”
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