Trust
The CBB -> Starting again at Sarres...

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#1: Trust Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:44 pm

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OK, like Pat I think re-posting the lot is easier than just starting from where I left off. I am seriously p*ssed with the hackers and want to attack their privates with a chain saw!

‘The holidays had gone very quickly,’ Hilda Annersley mused, gazing out of the window of her hotel room. It was Friday, the seventh of October, near the end of the third week of the holidays. She, Nell, Cherry and Robbie had spent the last ten days in Sydney on holiday. Staying in a hotel not too far from the centre of town. They had seen Alison, Louise and Carol off on their holiday in England the week before flying to Sydney and had spent the last ten days sight-seeing, relaxing and enjoying themselves. None of the four had ever been to Sydney previously and had all enjoyed discovering pastures new. The only slight drawback had been the weather - the temperature had soared to well above thirty degrees and had been very tiring whenever they had to venture out of air conditioned premises.

A knock on her door and Nell Wilson appeared, Hilda frowned slightly, “Are you alright, Nell? You’re looking a little heavy eyed.”

Nell nodded gingerly, “I’ve got a bit of a thick head,” she admitted, “think it’s the heat, wondered if you had any paracetemol?”

Hilda shook her head, “Sorry Nell, I used up the last of mine this morning,”

Nell frowned, “Your head still hurting?” she demanded her tone betraying concern.

Hilda ran her hand up to where the healed scar was almost hidden by her hair, knowing that Nell would be worried about it, she smiled, “Not really, just the weather, I expect, this heat certainly beats anything Switzerland or even the Tyrol could manage! Look, it’s healed perfectly.”

Nell nodded, “Good, wouldn’t want to think I’d caused anything worse. Are you going to join Cherry and Robbie for lunch?”

“Yes, coming?”

Nell shook her head, “Not yet,” she replied, “I’m going for a quick walk, see if I can find a chemist, walk off this head…” she paused then quickly held up a hand, “and I know how silly that sentence sounded, Hilda,”

“Good, that means I’m spared having to make the normal lecture then.” Hilda grinned, “don’t be too long, will you, Robbie wants us all to watch him swimming in the pool later.”

“I’ll be back for that.” She waved at her friend and left.

Lost in thought Nell Wilson walked along the road; a quick chat with the concierge had given her directions to a Drug Store and she felt a quick walk would also help clear her head. The problem was, she had managed to get lost! She sighed, not recognising anything around her. The afternoon was still bright but Nell felt the heat somewhat oppressive. She tried retracing her steps but found herself in a maze of small streets and side alleys, unable to work out how to get back onto the main streets. She was just about to reach into her bag for her mobile phone when a voice sounded behind her,

“You look lost, love, need a hand?”

Nell Wilson turned to view the speaker, an Australian, he was about her height, thin, aged about sixteen she estimated. Unlike most Australian youths she had seen in the past, he was not tanned, but was a pasty, almost unhealthy white colour. He didn’t seem ill though. He was smiling at her but there was something about his expression…

“I’d appreciate directions back to the Collingwood Hotel,” she said firmly.

“Collingwood? That’s easy, down that alleyway, turn left then right you’re on the main street, keep going south for about fifty yards. You do know which way’s south, don’t you?”

“Yes I know,” Nell replied, “Thank you.”

The youth grinned, “No need to thank me, love, you ain’t heard my fee yet.”

“Your fee?” Nell blinked slightly, wishing her head would stop thumping, “for giving me directions? I don’t think so.” Her voice was rather sharp.

“What, you don’t think I deserve it? You could’ve been wandering round these alleyways for hours. Nasty things happen to people in here, ‘specially tourists.” The youth moved closer.

“Tourist, is that what you think I am?” Nell laughed, drawing herself up, she was actually an inch or so taller than him, “think again boy. I’ve lived in this country more than two years now.” She dug into her bag, brought out a dollar, “Here, for the directions, and count yourself lucky I’m feeling generous today.”

She threw the coin toward him, he snatched it out of the air quickly, looked at it. “Thanks darling,” he said, “but you’ll need it, to call your friends,” he moved closer, “’cos I’m taking this!”

In one fluid movement he reached her side, spinning the coin into her face at the same time, Nell drew back sharply from the coin and, in that instant, the boy grabbed her bag and twisted it out of her arms. Before Nell could react he had shouldered her to the ground and was running away, a mocking, “Thanks love,” in his wake.

Nell pushed herself to her feet, her eyes blazing, “Oh no you don’t, you little s**t!” she muttered under her breath, and set off in pursuit.

The boy had quite a head start and was a lot younger, he seemed to be almost flying, dodging this way and that, into first one dark alley then another, doubling back on himself and scaling fences and walls. His initial scorn that his victim was chasing after him turned to concern when he saw that, whatever he did, Nell continued following him. The distance between them didn’t decrease, but neither did it increase. Instead Nell was doggedly following, determined that he wasn’t going to get away. Eventually the youth made an error and turned into a blind alley. At the end of the alley was a high brick wall, there were no doors or fire escapes conveniently near. He turned, his back to the wall, Nell caught up with him. Both were breathing heavily, but, the boy noted, the woman wasn’t so out of breath that she couldn’t act.

“Give it back, son,” Nell said coldly, “give the bag back and I’ll let you go.”

The boy swallowed, “Yeah? Make me!” as he said that the boy reached inside his jeans pocket, pulled out a knife. “Don’t come near me old woman, I’ll gut you.”

Nell stopped, her eyes never leaving the boy’s face, “Is that supposed to be an insult, boy? It’s not, I’m ninety-nine years old, you think I’ve not come across scum like you before?”

“Yeah, you look it,” the boy countered, his eyes wide with fear and bravado.

Nell nodded, “Alright,” she said reluctantly, “you can have the bag,” she stepped back slightly, indicating that he could pass. The boy grinned, his stance taking on a swagger as he walked past her, turning his back.

“Yeah, that’s right, woman,” he taunted, “you step back from me, see I’m clever, I’m…”

His chant was interrupted as he moved too close to Nell, she reached across and grabbed hold of his wrist, twisted, the knife dropped to the ground. Nell propelled the boy back to the wall, slammed him against it and held him there.

“Don’t threaten me, boy,” she said quietly, “and don’t ever turn your back. Now, my bag, then you can guide me back to my hotel.”

There was a split second’s silence then, “This woman too much for you then Rat?”

Nell looked up, startled, unseen by either herself or the boy, they had been joined by others, three or four figures sat on the wall above them, while another two had just entered the alleyway. They were all youths, a little older than the boy she held. Nell released her hold, reached for her bag, intending to find her phone. One of the figures on top of the wall jumped down and pushed her over to one corner, away from the younger boy and her bag. He spoke again,

“So, Rat, can’t even manage to snatch a bag? What are you, weak?”

The boy swallowed, “No, she just wouldn’t give up. And she’s bloody strong too!”

“Yeah?” the older youth looked with disdain at the boy, then across at the woman seeing that, rather than hiding in the corner, Nell Wilson was poised, ready to attack or run. He looked into the coldest pair of grey eyes that he had ever seen, “You some sort of superwoman then?”

“I won’t be forced, boy,” Nell’s voice was low and steady, “get out of my way.”

The youth smiled slowly, “Or what? You gonna fight all of us?” As he spoke two more of the youths dropped down from the wall and stood on either side of him.

“If I have to,” Nell replied evenly.

The even tone and lack of fear shown seemed to confuse the youth for some seconds, he seemed the oldest, maybe nineteen, tall and wiry, he had brown eyes and a dark complexion, then he rallied, “Think you’ll get far, old woman? There’s six of us, seven if you count the Rat there,” his expression showed that he didn’t, “we’re easily more than a match for you. We can do anything to you.”

“You can try,” Nell said, nodding, “but I guarantee that some of you will get hurt. Are you volunteering?”

One of the others snorted, “You’re too old, lady, you can’t do anything.”

The grey eyes flashed; took on the aspect of burnished steel, “Care to prove that, boy?”

The youth moved forward, urged on both by the challenge in Nell’s voice and the wish to not lose face in front of his friends. He reached out to grab hold of Nell’s arm, a sneer on his face. Nell Wilson watched intently, as the boy reached forward arrogantly with his left arm she suddenly acted. Grabbing his arm at the wrist and pulling him off balance then, using his own momentum she reached up with her other hand and placed it on the back of his head and swung him, face first, into the wall. There was a crunch as his face hit the wall.

“My nose! She broke my bloody nose!” The youth seemed so shocked that, for a second, Nell was tempted to laugh. Blood was streaming from his nose and Nell thought he was probably right. The boy raised his head back, trying to stem the crimson flood.

“You’d do better leaning forwards,” Nell observed with a detached voice, ”otherwise you could drown in your own blood.”

It may have been wiser to have said nothing, the boy’s face suddenly darkened, “You bitch, I’ll get you.”

Before Nell could react he leapt forward; too quickly for her to defend herself he punched her in the stomach. Nell doubled up with the force of the blow, angrily pushed the boy away. She tried to step forward to attack the boy again but found her legs unaccountably giving way. She fell against the wall, one hand holding her up while the other reached to hold her stomach…

“Jesus Mac, what’ve you done?” It was the first youth, Nell thought him to be the leader.

The one with a bloody nose spoke triumphantly, “No one breaks my nose and gets away with it,” he spat.

Nell pushed herself upright, tried to take a step but found herself falling back against the wall once more. There was a buzzing in her ears and her headache suddenly increased. As though in a daze she lifted up the hand that had been cradling her stomach, it was covered in blood.

"Stabbed, I've been stabbed," she said to herself, unable to quite believe it.

“You stupid bastard, you’ve killed her!” At the words the youths all started to back out of the alley.

Nell slowly found herself sliding down the wall, unable to find any strength, she could feel herself losing consciousness, was aware of blackness attacking her from all sides, with a supreme effort she opened her eyes. The youths were all gone, run off when they’d seen the injury the boy had caused. Close by though was her bag. She focused on it, knowing she had to call for help, dragged herself a little closer…

A shadow above her and she turned her head slightly, it was the first boy, the one that had originally snatched her bag. He was reaching down,

“Please, help me,” Nell forced the words out, overriding her anger, knowing that she needed help quickly. She was shocked at just how weak she sounded, looked down again at her stomach, at the amount of blood she’d lost.

The boy picked up the bag, walked away.

“Stop, you can’t just leave,” Nell’s eyes were trying to close as unconsciousness claimed her, “at least leave the phone for me,”

“And lose fifty dollars resale? Don’t think so,” the boy said quickly over his shoulder, “thanks for the bag, love, see ya.” He walked out of the alleyway.

Nell tried to move, in her mind’s eye she was giving chase, but in reality her eyes closed and darkness set in.

…

She was trapped, unable to move; she tried moving but her arms and legs were held down and there was pain, sharp, excruciating pain. In her stomach, her back, it seemed to be everywhere. She tried to open her eyes but they were taped shut, in desperation she tried calling out only to find that she had no voice, there was something stopping her from calling out, something actually in her mouth. She could feel it, all the way down her throat. Panicked she struggled harder, found that she was able to break the restraints on her right arm…

“Dammit nurse, hold her down, will you? She’s just managed to dislodge the Venflon before I could give the sedation,”

“I’m sorry Doctor, but she is strong, it’s a little difficult,” the voice was probably even more annoyed than the first.

“Well get some help in here, would you? I’ll have to get another vial now,” the sound of footsteps fading.

“Idiot,” the Australian nurse said under her breath, “hey, give me a hand will you?”

Another joined the first person in attempting to restrain the patient on the bed, then a third, the patient was weakening, though her fear was increasing, one of the monitors told its own story as her heart rate rose and rose.

“Stop trying to restrain her!” The voice came from far away, it was low and calm but it exuded authority, it seemed to calm everyone, it was a known voice.

One of the others replied, “We have to, she won’t stay still, she could dislodge the tube,”

“I’ll keep her still, all you are doing is frightening her,” the voice held some anger in it, but strictly controlled.

“You shouldn’t be in here at all, you’ll have to leave,” this voice was another with authority, expected to be obeyed.

“I will not leave, Sister,” the authority from the Sister’s voice faded to nothing in comparison to this one, “I will remain with her. Now stop trying to hold her down and let me through.”

There was a moment’s silence before she felt those holding her arms and legs slowly relax their hold. Then, the known voice was back, “Alright Nell, it’s Hilda, calm down,” she felt a hand grasp her own, “everything’s going to be fine, understand?”

The monitor suddenly showed the heart rate starting to slow, then another machine beeped and she felt air being forced into her lungs, she thrashed her head from side-to-side, hearing the cries of concern. Then, the owner of the known voice reached up, removed something from her eyes, something that had been holding then shut. She opened her eyes.

She was in a hospital room, on a bed surrounded by machinery, the lighting was bright, clinical. There was a tube in her mouth, tied in place by tapes around her head, it was connected to another tube, a long, wide one. She reached up with a hand…

“Don’t touch it, Nell, it’s helping you to breath. You need to keep your head still,”

Nell turned her head to the right; Hilda Annersley was sitting beside her, clasping her right hand, Hilda’s face was full of concern and worry, she looked as though she hadn’t slept for a week. Nell felt her right hand grasped, squeezed, she squeezed back, felt herself relax slightly.

“Alright Nell,” and Hilda’s voice was soothing, “you’re in hospital in Sydney, in ITU. You’ve been here for four days,”

Nell’s eyes widened, she tried to move and then winced as pain from her abdomen flooded through her. She squeezed harder on Hilda’s hand, saw her wince slightly…

“Well you’ve not lost your strength, Nell,” Hilda said with a smile, and Nell was sure she could see a tear in her friend’s eyes. “Would you like to know what happened?”

Nell nodded slightly then, as she felt the machine again pumping air into her lungs, stiffened,

“Relax Nell, it’s the ventilator, it’s breathing for you at the moment, to ensure that you use as little of your strength as possible. Relax now.”

Nell stopped fighting against the machine, though it was difficult, allowed the air to fill her lungs then, when it stopped pumping air allowed the air to flow back out of her lungs.

“That’s good, now, you were found in an alleyway about half a mile from the hotel, the police think it was a mugging that went wrong, your bag had been stolen. You had lost a lot of blood, needed emergency surgery and four pints of blood. Until today you’ve been sedated while the medical team and your own body have worked on healing you…”

There was an interruption as a doctor appeared carrying a tray, he looked across and spoke to Hilda,

“You’ll have to leave now, Miss Annersley, she needs to be sedated once more.”

Even before Nell’s convulsive squeeze to her hand Hilda was standing, shaking her head, “No doctor, no sedation.”

The doctor looked across, “I’m afraid this is not your decision to make, Miss Annersley,” he began.

Hilda’s eyebrow rose, “No?” she said, “I think you will find that, as Nell’s next-of-kin, it is my decision, that is if you don’t ask Nell herself.”

“Ask her? She’s hardly in a position to know the correct medical treatment.”

“Perhaps not,” Hilda responded, “but she does know her own mind and sedation is not required. Regardless, if you will not accept her own opinion you will accept mine, no sedation.”

There was silence for a time then the doctor replied once more, “Why not?”

“Had you ever been placed in a situation where you were physically restrained, where you were unable to see or call for help, doctor, you would not have to ask that question.”

Hilda sat back at Nell’s side, her back to the doctor; he remained there for some seconds before turning and leaving the room.

Nell tried to talk, then, raising her eyebrows, she released Hilda’s hand and mimicked holding a pen. Hilda and the nurse swiftly hunted round, found a small notepad and a pencil. Hilda held the notepad and placed the pencil in Nell’s hand.

*Thanks* Nell wrote, *what damage*

“Your injuries?” Hilda asked, Nell nodded, “Well the knife cut some major blood vessels, though not the main arteries, thankfully, it also entered parts of your bowel and into the liver. They’ve repaired the damage and given you lots of antibiotics to try and prevent infection.”

Nell nodded then, wincing, wrote again, *Pain*

“You want something for it?”

Nell nodded again and Hilda called over the nurse, showed her the notepad. A short time later the nurse returned with an injection. The two women sat and waited as the pain-killer took effect. Just as Hilda felt Nell was asleep she suddenly opened her eyes, gestured for the pad,

*Stay*

Hilda read the word and smiled, “I’m not going anywhere, Nell,” she said softly.

Nell smiled around the tube and slept.

Hilda remained by Nell’s side, holding her hand. The nurse on duty came up to her side, spoke to her,

“That doctor? Doctor Storrie? He’s a bit green but he knows his stuff.”

Hilda smiled slightly, “I’m sure that he does, nurse,” she said, “however I know Nell.”

The nurse nodded, “What did you mean, when you said Miss Wilson had been restrained? Were you referring to just now when she woke?”

Hilda shook her head, “No, just over a year ago Nell was abducted by a woman, the woman was mentally ill, Nell was restrained then. Waking up as she did she would immediately start to panic.”

“I think I read about the case, God, no wonder you didn’t want us holding her, we just made it worse.”

The nurse moved away, checked a few of the machines and made some notes on the clip board at the foot of the bed. Hilda continued to sit by Nell’s side. A movement beside her then a voice,

“Hilda?”

Hilda turned, Cherry Elliott was beside her, she smiled wearily, “Hello Cherry, Nell has awoken,”

“I heard, lucky you were here, wasn’t it?” Cherry smiled, to her surprise Hilda shook her head, “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I had left the room, Cherry,” Hilda said bleakly, “I wasn’t here for her, when she awoke. She was so frightened, understandably so, and I wasn’t there for her.”

Cherry pulled up a chair and sat next to the older woman, placed an arm around her shoulders, “Way I heard it, you were there for her, you calmed her down, told off the doc, everything. Don’t beat yourself up just ‘cos you had to answer a call of nature, we’ve all gotta go, you know?”

Hilda smiled slightly, rested her head on Cherry’s shoulder for a few seconds. “Where’s Robbie?”

“With the girls,” Cherry replied, “they said they’ve got over their jet lag now.”

“Their flight back was awkward.”

“Yes, Ally said it was the earliest one they could get back, even though it meant changing in both Dubai and Singapore. Will Nell be able to see them?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, I’m sure she can, I think she’s going to recover now.”

“I’m sure she is,” Cherry said firmly, she hesitated then, “Hilda? Why don’t you try and get your head down for a few hours? You’ve hardly slept since this happened. I’ll stay with Nell, let you know immediately she wakes up.”

Hilda shook her head, “No, I promised her I would stay. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine, Nell is the one with the injuries here, not me.”

“Look, the nurses here have all mentioned it to me, that you’re here all the time, you need to rest.”

“Once Nell is well, Cherry, not before.”

Cherry sighed, recognising the immovable object that was Hilda, “Okay, I’ll get you something to drink then.” She slipped out of the ITU, walked over to where the hospital had a café, purchased two coffees. When she returned the nurse ‘specialing’ Nell stopped her at the door.

“You might want to hold off on that just now,” the nurse said quietly.

Cherry looked confused and the nurse pointed to Nell’s bed, Nell herself was asleep, even with all the machinery and the ventilator it was obvious that it was a natural sleep rather than the paralysis of the previous three days, she moved slightly in her sleep, her arms and legs changed position. Then Cherry saw what the nurse was actually pointing at. Beside Nell’s bed, her head resting on the bed itself, Hilda Annersley slept.

“Can she stay there?” Cherry asked.

“For a little while,” the nurse replied, “Nell doesn’t need to be moved for a while, especially as she’s moving herself a little. I don’t need to check the equipment for a while either.

“Good, she needs the rest.”

It was perhaps ninety minutes later that Nell herself awoke, she didn’t immediately remember where she was and jerked awake, memory returned as she swiftly glanced round. She looked over to see Cherry sat beside a still sleeping Hilda, she raised a hand and Cherry grasped it.

“Good to see you, Nell,” Cherry said quietly, standing and leaning across to kiss Nell’s cheek.

Nell smiled, the smile reflected best in her eyes, she pointed to Hilda with a raised eyebrow,

“She hasn’t slept since you were injured,” Cherry explained.

Nell nodded, then reached out and tapped on Hilda’s head, Hilda awoke abruptly, looked round in some concern. Nell reached for the pencil Cherry held out to her, wrote on the pad.

*Go to bed*

Hilda looked, “No, that’s alright, Nell, I’ll stay with…”

Nell wrote again, *Cherry here. Go to bed* She underlined the phrase.

Hilda smiled, “Alright Nell,” she said softly, she rose and kissed her friend before leaving the room.

…

The next few days saw Nell’s recovery continue, the day after she had first awoken the Consultant Anaesthetist decided to change the ventilator settings. Nell was allowed to attempt breathing on her own with the ventilator purely assisting. To begin with this was too tiring and Nell was unable to breath alone. However, after carefully reducing the number of breaths per minute from the ventilator and allowing the option of Nell breathing unassisted the number of breaths from the ventilator was slowly reduced. The intubation tube remained in place, though, meaning that Nell had to communicate via the notepad and pen.

Hilda appeared one morning to find two policemen sitting beside her friend, conducting an interview. At the sight of her Nell’s eyes brightened however one of the two men rose and walked across,

“This is a private interview, ma’am, if you could please wait outside?”

Hilda looked across at her friend, Nell was shaking her head, a frown on her face at her inability to say what she wanted. Hilda smiled, “I will remain, thank you officer. As Miss Wilson’s next of kin I have that right, and I may be able to help decipher Nell’s writing!”

She sat on Nell’s left, delighting in the look of injured outrage on her friend’s face, even while Nell’s hand sought her own and squeezed. The policemen looked at each other quickly before accepting the situation.

“Right, then, Miss Wilson,” the older of the two said, “You say there were seven altogether?”

Nell nodded, wrote on the pad, *First one younger chased him others appeared later*

“Any names or descriptions?”

Nell shrugged, *1st called Rat by others, age 15/16 others bit older 19*

“And the one who stabbed you?”

*Name Mac* She smiled slightly behind the tube, *has broken nose - his blood on wall*

“You mean he bled onto the wall?”

Nell nodded, *Head height*

One of the policeman was giving orders to the other - “Get in touch with SOC, check they’ve taken blood samples from blood stains high up on wall - we may be able to get a DNA sample.”

The other policemen nodded and swiftly left ITU, the first policeman smiled, “that might give us a break, Miss Wilson, might be able to catch the one who stabbed you.”

Nell’s face darkened, she wrote again, *Want Rat more left me dying and took bag, not leave phone even*

“The evil bastard,” the policeman muttered, “Oh, sorry ladies,”

Nell wrote again, *my thoughts too*

Hilda leant forward, “How was Nell found, Officer?”

The police officer consulted his notebook, “An anonymous call to the emergency services, from a public phone box. Operator said caller was young man, wouldn’t give any details other than where Miss Wilson was.” He read through some further details, “Not the person that stole your bag, he used your cash card at almost the same time three streets away.”

*Who?*

The policeman shook his head, “We don’t know, Miss Wilson, we’re still looking into it.” He rose, “Thanks for your cooperation, Miss Wilson, if we have any more queries we’ll be in touch.”

“Are you aware that, from tomorrow, Officer, Nell will have transferred to another hospital?”

“No, where’s she being moved to?”

“The Real Hospital, Point Nepean, Melbourne,” Hilda replied, “the team are flying in tomorrow morning to take her to ITU there.”

“Well if we need any more information or have any news, we’ll send word to there, thanks you.” He shook hands with both women and left.

Nell looked over at the small clock on the side, Hilda had bought it for her two days ago when Nell had mentioned she had no idea what day or date it was. The time, day and date were clearly displayed 10.30AM FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER. Nell frowned and reached for her pad.

*Why you not at School*

Hilda read the note, “Because I’m here, Nell,” she said patiently.

*School opens Monday?*

“Yes, I’ve been in touch with Ruth, she came back early herself, has made a start on everything that needs to be done. I’ll go in over the weekend, once you are settled at the Real Hospital.”

*I’ve let you down*

“Don’t be ridiculous, you didn’t ask for someone to steal your bag or stab you.”

*Could have let them do it*

“No you couldn’t, not and be true to yourself.” Hilda paused, moved closer, “What is it, Nell, what’s wrong?”

Nell lay back staring at the ceiling for so long that Hilda wondered if she was going to answer, finally she wrote, *Feel so helpless, Hilda, be like this forever*

Hilda read the scrawled words and took a deep breath, blinking back the tears, “You will not be like this forever, Nell Wilson, I won’t allow it.” She smiled and Nell found herself returning the smile, “We’ll get you back to Melbourne first, I’ve spoken with Daisy, she coming over tomorrow with the ITU people. She seems to think that, a couple of days for you to settle after the flight, then they’ll get you breathing on your own, get that tube out of your throat.” Hilda paused and her eyes twinkled before she continued, “Of course I did say that actually she could take her time about that as it was a blessing, not having you talking all the time and…Ow!”

Hilda’s conversation came to an abrupt end as Nell punched her on the shoulder, she was smiling broadly and her eyes were sparkling. She reached for the pencil again,

*Thank you*

…

The trip back to Melbourne the next day went well; Nell was taken, via helicopter, to Sydney airport and then on a special flight to Melbourne before being taken, via ambulance, to the Real Hospital. Daisy Venables had discussed the journey with Nell beforehand and recommended that she have a sedative before it began, Nell had reluctantly agreed, provided that Hilda could travel with her. This was agreed immediately, Daisy knowing that Hilda would be doing that regardless! The sedative wasn’t one designed to cause unconsciousness, simply to keep Nell calm for the flight. Once in ITU at the Real Hospital, and with the sedation gradually wearing off, Nell was able to check her new surroundings.

The Consultant Anaesthetist spoke with her, patiently waiting for her to write out her questions, he felt that they could look at removing the intubation tube the following day and possibly allow Nell to start drinking the same day.

*Good Would kill for coffee*

“Ah, perhaps not quite so soon, Miss Wilson,” Dr Griffin smiled, “just small sips of water to begin with, we want to make sure your insides are working properly - they had quite a shock you know.”

*So did I! Name’s Nell*

“Alright Nell, I’m Anthony. And you’ll have to be patient, it’s going to take you some time to recover from this.”

“Not patient person*

“Well then you’ll have to borrow some from elsewhere, Nell, fretting isn’t going to help.” The doctor smiled sympathetically at the woman in the bed.

*Tube out tomorrow?*

“Hopefully, we’ll see how you are overnight. Now, truthfully, how do you feel at the moment?”

Nell hesitated then sighed, *Tired, very tired*

“Hmmm, your haemoglobin is down a bit, I think you could do with another two units of whole blood - you may be anaemic. We’ll transfuse it overnight - should make you feel better by the morning.”

*Thanks*

“Your wound seems to be healing well, though we’ll have to get the General Surgeon to take a look at that to be sure. Once you’re out of ITU you’ll be her patient.”

*When?*

“A few days yet, we’ll try and get rid of a few of these tubes first. Now try and get some sleep, I’ll be in to see you tomorrow.”

…

“Ruth? How are things, do you need some help?” The voice from the entrance to the Head’s study roused Ruth Derwent from the slight dream she had fallen into, she awoke with a start and looked across,

“Rosalind? What are you doing here, you’re supposed to be resting.”

Rosalind walked into the Study and sat herself at one of the chairs on the opposite side of the desk. She sighed, “I have spent the last four weeks just resting,” she said with determination, “I could rest for England and I’m thoroughly sick of it.”

“But the baby…” Ruth began, before she was interrupted,

“Ruth, I’m being careful, honestly, between them Geoff and Kelly won’t let me do anything. But coming across here and helping you out with a few letters isn’t going to strain me, now is it?”

Ruth smiled, “I suppose not. OK, have a look at these,” she passed across about half the pile of letters in front of her, “Rosalie has already checked them, says they all need to be seen by the Head. Hilda’s given me full powers to respond to all as I see fit.”

“Well she be over today?”

Ruth shook her head, “Not sure, if not today definitely tomorrow. Had a call from her half hour ago. Nell’s reached the Real Hospital, they’re settling her now. The doctors think she will make a full recovery now, just take time.”

“Well that’s a blessing, anyway. Can we go and see her yet?” Ruth smiled and Rosalind blushed slightly, “Oh MAY we, then, you’re getting as bad as Hilda!”

“Only because both of us know how much it winds everyone else up,” Ruth replied with a grin, “as to visiting, not yet. Rules in ITU are next of kin or family only. Think Hilda had to have a few words before the hospital in Sydney agreed that Cherry and the girls counted as family.”

“Knowing Hilda though it was only a few words,” Rosalind replied with a wry look. She bent to answering the letters, after a few minutes she spoke again, “Nancy and Kathie have welcomed the new members of Staff.”

“Yes,” Ruth replied, “normally Nell would have done that, especially as one of them is her new Chemistry mistress, but as another’s speciality is Maths and a third Geography it seemed reasonable. Apparently they all seem very pleasant, I’ve only met one of them before - Kirstie McEleavey will make a good addition to the English Department.”

“Considering what’s happened to Nell and the fact that I‘ll not be around this term,” Ros continued, “having four new members of Staff is a blessing. Although it will be strange to have new teaching staff that don’t know our history.”

“Well Hilda has said that we’ll wait and see whether we tell them, they may accept it but we don’t want to tell someone and have them leave because the rest of us are crazy!”

“That’s sensible,” Rosalind agreed, “after all, it’s a pretty big thing to have to accept. Geoff says he found it difficult to accept at first.”

“That reminds me, when does he have to go back to Brisbane?”

Rosalind sighed, “Tomorrow, he’s got a late flight back. Must admit though, now Jake’s on his way, we are considering whether this can continue.”

“But isn’t his year up come half term?”

“Yes, but that’ll mean he rejoins the Army proper. He’ll be away even longer.” Rosalind smiled slightly, “Neither of us realised how much we’d miss each other.”

“How long has he done in the Army?”

“More than twenty-five years, he could retire. We’re still having to think about it, about what he would do if he came out. He’ll be taking a lot of leave when this chap appears,” she patted her stomach, “maybe we can make a decision then.”

Saturday evening saw Hilda Annersley return to the cottage jointly owned by Nell and herself on the RCS grounds. She had with her two suitcases, her own and Nell’s. The last eight days had been very stressful; to begin with, the fact that Nell had not joined them for lunch hadn’t bothered her. She thought, perhaps, that Nell had gone back to her room to fight off the headache. Afterwards, when she had gone to see if Nell were alright she had found the room was empty. It was only a short time later that she had heard the ambulance and police sirens. With a feeling of dread, even though she didn’t know why, she had gone outside, spoken to the policeman there. He had told her that a woman had been found stabbed.

The wait at the hospital had been in silence, Hilda had been allowed a very quick look at her friend, just for identification, before being ushered outside to wait. Normally she would have protested, but seeing Nell lying there in the crash bay of the A & E department, she realised that all she could do was wait. Wait while they worked on her in Casualty, then whisked her off for emergency surgery. Then wait while, in ITU, they tried to ensure that she continued to live…

Hilda’s revere was interrupted by the door bell. She went to answer it and found Cherry and Robbie standing there.

“We’s come to stay with you, Grandma,” Robbie announced before running into the lounge, Hilda could hear the sound of the TV being switched on.

“Cherry?” Hilda asked.

Cherry smiled, “I knew you’d be brooding here, Hilda, thought I’d invite the pair of us over. You haven’t eaten, have you?”

Hilda shook her head, “I’m not really hungry, Cherry.”

“Doesn’t matter, you need to eat, Nell needs you to be strong. Ally and the others will be here in a while, they said they would just nip home and pick up a change of clothes, they’ll bring a takeaway with them.”

“You’re all staying the night?”

“We are. Think we’d leave you on your own?”

“I see.” Hilda smiled slightly, “I’m to have no say in the matter?”

“None,” Cherry said firmly, “now go and sit down, I think you could do with a drink.”

Hilda allowed herself to be escorted back to the lounge and installed in one of the armchairs. A short time later, while Cherry was out fixing a drink, Robbie climbed up to sit on her lap, “Mummy says you is sad, Grandma,” he said.

“I am, just a little,” Hilda said quietly while hugging the little boy.

“…’cos of Grandma Nell, in the hopital?”

“Yes darling, she has been very sick.”

“But she better now, Mummy told me.”

“I know, but she still has a long way to go, she’s still very sick.”

Cherry appeared with a tray of drinks, she handed one to Hilda with the command, “Drink that!”

Hilda complied, smiling inwardly at how much Cherry automatically acted like a Mother. A short time later, after finishing his milk shake Robbie spoke again,

“Grandma? When can I see Grandma Nell? It’s a long time since I saw her, days and days and days.”

Cherry looked over, “I’ve tried to explain,” she said quickly, “but I don’t think he understands that children aren’t allowed into Intensive Care.”

“Nell would probably love to see him,” Hilda replied, “I’ll speak to them tomorrow, I’m sure we can arrange something. After all, both Nell and I are Directors on the Hospital Board!”

A knock on the door and Cherry went to open it, Alison, Louise and Carol appeared, bringing with them a Chinese takeaway. They proceeded to set everything out on the dining room table before asking Hilda to join them and eat. Recognising the love and concern from all four girls and their worry for her, Hilda did just that. To her surprise, after forcing down the first few mouthfuls, she discovered that she was actually very hungry and made a good meal. Afterwards the five sat in the lounge with Robbie moving from one to another having stories read to him or games played. When the time came for him to go to bed Cherry found he was already asleep, curled up in Hilda’s arms. Even more surprisingly, Hilda herself was asleep too, lying back in the armchair, her head against the side.

Cherry placed a cushion under Hilda’s head while Louise opened out one of the sleeping bags as a quilt and covered both Hilda and Robbie. The four adjourned to the kitchen.

“They look as though they’ll be there all night,” Carol remarked.

Cherry considered, “It’s possible, Robbie is normally good at sleeping through,”

“And Hilda needs the sleep,” Alison put in, “she’s not been sleeping very much since Nell got hurt,”

“Oh well,” Louise produced a board game, “Anyone for Monopoly?”

…

Dr Griffin appeared Sunday morning in ITU just as Nell Wilson was being attended by the RC chaplain attached to the hospital. He waited outside until the priest had finished before entering. Going first to say ‘Good Morning’ to his patient he then spent some time going through the charts and speaking with the nurses about Nell’s condition. Then he went over and sat beside Nell,

“Didn’t mean to interrupt, earlier,”

*Didn’t Father Welch almost finished*

“Good, well I’ve been checking through your charts and things, the two units transfused in well overnight. Do you feel any better?”

*Not so tired. Tube out?*

“I think so, yes,” the Anaesthetist rose and beckoned over the Sister, she immediately nodded and began to arrange equipment, including a new intubation kit, Nell looked at it with some alarm, “it’s a precaution, Nell,” Griffin said quickly, “when we take these tubes out there’s always the slight possibility that you won’t be able to manage. If that’s the case we’ll have to put a new one in.”

*I’ll manage*

“Let’s hope so,” Griffin retrieved a few items himself then carefully disconnected the ventilator. One of the nurses switched it off but stayed beside it just in case it was needed.

There was silence for a time, “Breathe, Nell, you’ve got to prove to us first that you can cope,”

Nell Wilson nodded slightly then drew in her first, non-assisted breath for almost nine days. She managed without any problems, air whistling into and out of her chest via the tube, she reached for her pad, *Take it out*

Dr Griffin shook his head, “Not yet, Nell, first we wait, see if you’ll be alright - I don’t want to have to re-intubate you if I can help it.”

Nell rolled her eyes in frustration but had to wait, finally, after more than twenty minutes the doctor smiled, “OK then, now just let me cut these,” he cut the tapes holding the tube in position, while the Sister used a syringe to release the small air sacs, “now, when I say so, Nell, I want you to take a deep breath and then hold it, alright? And no biting the tube or we’ll both be in trouble!”

Nell grinned as much as she was able and nodded, she waited for the command then,

“Now, hold it, hold it, right, breathe normally,”

This was said as the doctor quickly pulled the tube out, accompanied by a great deal of coughing and spluttering from Nell and a significant amount of pain as the coughing caused her abdominal wound to hurt. The Anaesthetist waited while the nurses attended their patient, finally, after settling her back on her pillows he smiled,

“How does it feel?”

Nell took a few deep breaths and swallowed, when she spoke her voice was so hoarse as to be almost non-existent, “You are not putting that tube down my throat again,”

Dr Griffin smiled, “You keep on with that attitude and I’ll not have to! Now, seriously, how does it feel?”

Nell breathed a few more times, then replied, “Hard work, tiring, never realised how much effort there was in breathing.”

“People don’t, until something happens to stop them. Don’t be concerned though, it should wear off, your body just need to get used to the fact once more. Plus, although your injury was to the abdomen Ms Hedges tells me that the knife wound may have nicked the diaphragm, so that needs to heal. Now excuse me while I just give the staff some instructions,” he turned to speak with the nurses on duty.

Nell lay back, staring up at the ceiling, the feeling of being without the tube was almost indescribable, she could hear the doctor, he was talking about hourly blood gases, quarter hourly observations, she breathed in deeply, revelling in being able to do it, then winced as the breath caused her abdominal wound to hurt more. She looked down at herself, she could see another three tubes in her, knew of another three under the bed clothes, she spoke to herself, her voice so hoarse that no one else could hear it,

“One at a time, Nell, one at a time.”

It was an hour or so later that a visitor appeared for Nell; when the door opened she glanced across and, on seeing the person her face relaxed into a grin,

“Hilda!”

Hilda Annersley, looking remarkably refreshed considering she had spent the night asleep in a chair, started then smiled widely, “The tube, it’s out,” she said quickly, reaching Nell’s bedside and bending to kiss her friend’s cheek.

“First thing this morning,” Nell said hoarsely.

“How does it feel?”

“Wonderful, but taking a bit of getting used to,” Nell said ruefully, “be glad you were unconscious all the time you had your tube in,”

Hilda looked puzzled and Nell continued, “When you were first rescued from Elinor, you had a tube down your throat for the first couple of weeks, until they were sure you had recovered enough.”

“Ah, I understand,” Hilda nodded, “Yes, I am glad I was unconscious for that, how do you feel otherwise?”

“As I said, tired,” Nell replied, “but very pleased that I can now speak.” She paused and her eyes sparkled, “And I remember ever single insult about both my handwriting and my speaking.”

“Good,” Hilda was unperturbed, “I wouldn’t like to think that your mind had been affected.”

Nell’s eyes narrowed, “I will make you sorry for those comments, you know,”

“Perhaps, Nell,” Hilda smiled, “but it won’t be for some time yet, will it? You are still in that bed, aren’t you?”

Nell attempted to reach forward, then sank back in the bed, defeated, she looked across at her friend, “You’ll keep,” she warned.

Watching this by-play the nurse ‘specialing’ Nell saw that, regardless of the words spoken, the two women reached out and clasped hands, sat like that for some minutes. Eventually Hilda spoke again,

“Oh, by the way, I’ve spoken to your Dr Griffin, asked him if you could have a rather special visitor. He wasn’t too keen at first but I managed to persuade him.”

“Special visitor?”

“Yes,” Hilda rose, “excuse me a moment, I think I hear him coming.”

She walked across to the door and went outside, Nell lay with totally unconcealed impatience, waiting. Suddenly the door was flung open again and a small powerhouse that Nell recognised as Robbie came running in, “Grandma!”

Swiftly Hilda caught up with him and lifted him off his feet before he could reach the bed even as Nell was wincing and shrinking back from the projected impact, “No, Robbie, you must be gentle here,” she said softly.

“But I want to cuddle Grandma Nell,” Robbie said sadly,

“I know, but Grandma Nell isn’t very well, you must be careful, you don’t want to hurt her, do you?”

“No Grandma,” Robbie said, very subdued. Hilda put him back down onto his feet and he quietly crept over to stand beside Nell, looking wide-eyed and worried.

Nell smiled at the little boy, aware that her appearance probably scared him, she was thankful that he hadn’t visited prior to her having the intubation tube removed and realised that Hilda had thought to check before confirming he could visit, “Hello Robbie,” she whispered.

“..’Lo Grandma,” Robbie replied, also whispering, “is you still sick?”

“I am,” Nell replied simply, “though I’m getting better.” She watched as the lad looked round at all the machinery and equipment, saw him looking at the tubes that were still attached to Nell.

“What this do, Grandma?” Robbie said, his voice still just a whisper.

Nell smiled, “It’s called a Central Line, it’s giving me fluid,” she paused then rephrased, “giving me water, because I can’t drink.”

“I get you a drink, Grandma?”

“No darling, my insides aren’t working yet, I mustn’t drink yet.”

“What about this?” he pointed to a tube going into Nell’s left wrist, the Nurse answered,

“That’s an arterial line, Robbie, so we can measure your Grandma’s oxygen levels, make sure she’s breathing properly, and this is a Venflon, a tube into her vein, last night she had a blood transfusion through it, and all her drugs go there.”

Robbie nodded then seemed to lose interest, “Grandma, can I have a cuddle? Pease Grandma?”

Nell looked over at Hilda, wanting to say yes, Hilda and the Nurse conferred, then,

“Wait a minute, Robbie, move away for a minute,” Hilda moved Robbie back and helped the Nurse sit Nell a little more upright and slightly over to one side of her bed. They waited while Nell recovered from the lift then, once she had nodded, Hilda lifted Robbie up and sat him on the bed, beside Nell,

“Don’t touch the tube, Robbie,” the Nurse said, supporting the central line away from the little boy.

Robbie reached out and kissed Nell’s cheek, placing his arms around her and, very gently, hugging her. Nell was able to place one arm partway round the little boy and hug him back.

“That’s enough,” the Nurse said softly, “before you tire yourself too much.”

Hilda lifted Robbie into her arms, seeing that the effort had been a great strain for her friend, “Wave goodbye for now, Robbie,” she said softly, “Grandma Nell is tired now, you can come back another day.”

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:00 pm; edited 24 times in total

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#2:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:51 pm

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Don't you think a chaisaw a little quick Lesley? Now I favour a method of castration I read about in a book many years ago. Tightly tying off the offending articles to cut the blood supply and then just leaving them! Much slower and more satisfying!

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#3:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:54 pm

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Pat wrote:

Don't you think a chaisaw a little quick Lesley? Now I favour a method of castration I read about in a book many years ago. Tightly tying off the offending articles to cut the blood supply and then just leaving them! Much slower and more satisfying!

Not the way I'd do it!

Second of three.


…

Miss Shaw didn’t often work the weekends; instead working Monday to Friday as befit her management status. However, every so often she would work the weekend, in the same way as, every so often she would work a night shift. It meant she managed to keep a far closer eye on both the inmates and the Prison Staff, and was able to pick up any potential problems long before anyone else had even noticed there was a problem developing. This particular weekend, however, had been very quiet, without any difficulties or problems and she was taking the opportunity of a quiet Sunday morning to catch up on some of her paperwork. With a new Governor starting before the end of the year she wanted to ensure everything was up-to-date. She was therefore surprised when a knock on her office door was followed by one of the Officers saying that an inmate wanted to speak to her, in private.

Miss Shaw raised her eyebrows at this but indicated that the officer should allow the inmate in. Geri Shaw looked across at the woman, indicating, with a movement of her head that the officer could leave. In front of her stood Richards, clutching a sheaf of papers to her chest.

“You wanted to see me, Richards?” Miss Shaw’s voice was gentle, recognising that the inmate was frightened.

Richards nodded, “Yes Miss Shaw,” she said quickly.

“Why did you want to see me?” Miss Shaw prompted, when the silence from the inmate didn’t look like being broken.

Richards swallowed, “Well Miss Ferrars said last time she was here that I should try out for the job so I sent away for the stuff I didn’t expect to hear anything back I mean I was honest told them where I was and everything then Friday I got all this paperwork back and I’ve spent all the time since then trying to fill it all in and it’s got to be back there by Tuesday and Miss Ferrars won’t be back until Wednesday and…” Richards stopped as she had run out of breath.

Miss Shaw went through the entire speech of Richards’, mentally placing commas and full stops as required, “You want me to check through your application form, Richards?” she asked quickly.

“Yes Ma’am,” Richards replied, “and,” she flushed a little, “ and please, could you write a reference for me?”

Geri Shaw raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure, Richards? Wouldn’t one from a family doctor or teacher be better?”

“Don’t have a doctor, Miss Shaw,” Richards replied, “all the teachers at my old school thought I was stupid, none of them ever thought I’d be able to read and write. I put Miss Ferrars down as one, but they wanted someone from my last job, too. I never had a job before.”

“Does the HR section know where you are now, Richards?”

“Yes Miss Shaw, I told them everything. They said they might be able to give me a chance. I told them I wasn’t due for release until February, with all my remission, I mean, but they said that was alright.”

“I see,” Miss Shaw looked down at the papers then across at the inmate, “sit down Richards, I’ll look through these forms for you now.”

…

After taking Robbie out of ITU, Hilda remained with him while Cherry went in to say a quick hello. She didn’t stay long though, re-appearing after only a few minutes. Hilda returned to Nell’s room to find her friend almost asleep, she wearily opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Hilda.

“I’ll not stay long, Nell,” Hilda said gently, “you need your rest and won’t be able to do so if you have visitors. I’ll be across to see you this evening.”

Nell reached out and clasped Hilda’s hand, “Love seeing you, you know that,” she whispered.

“Of course I do, but I can see that we’ve tired you, you need all your strength. You don’t want them to have to put that tube down again?”

“Just let them try!” Nell said fiercely, the light of battle in her eyes for a split second. Then she collapsed back on the bed, her eyes closed, limp. Hilda looked over with some alarm at the nurse but she didn’t seem concerned, indicating the heart monitor that was showing a perfectly normal rhythm.

“She’s more tired than she thinks,” the Nurse said softly, “trying to do too much. Luckily her body has more sense than she does, she'll sleep for some time now.”

Hilda smiled, she bent down to kiss her sleeping friend’s cheek, “When she awakes give her my love,” she said to the nurse, before slipping quietly out of the room.

…

A short time later, back at the Real Chalet School, the Head walked over to her Study; she found Ruth Derwent and Rosalind Moore in there, attempting to clear some more of the work. They both rose with a start when Miss Annersley entered the room.

“Please, both of you, remain seated,” Hilda said quickly, “I’d just like to thank both of you for helping out in this way, especially you Rosalind, you are not supposed to be working at all.”

“Answering a few letters is not a problem,” Rosalind replied, “but if you’re going to discuss the forthcoming term I’ll make myself scarce. Why don’t you both come over for lunch today, expect you about one?”

The other two nodded and Rosalind waved and left the Study. Hilda smiled across at Ruth, “I cannot see Nell being fit to return for some weeks, Ruth,” she began, “Therefore, until she is able to return I would like you to fill in as Deputy Head,”

“Of course, Hilda,” Ruth smiled, “you won’t want me to move into Nell’s Study though, will you?” While asking this she rose and walked round to the front of the desk, sat in one of the chairs there.

The Head sat in her normal chair, she thought for a moment, “Yes,” she said eventually, “I think it would be best if you do just that. The pupils, and the Staff need stability, a sense that it’s business as usual. This isn’t the same as other times Nell or I have been unable to fill our roles, on this occasion it is likely that Nell will be away most of the term, certainly well past half term.”

“She is getting better though, isn’t she?” Ruth asked a little hesitantly.

Hilda smiled, “Yes, she’s getting better.” She took a breath then, “Now, to business, we will need someone to temporarily fill the post of Senior Mistress and someone as acting Department Head for the Science Department. Your thoughts?”

Ruth considered, “Nancy Wilmot for Senior Mistress and Davida Armitage for Department Head. Nancy has more than enough experience, has deputised for you in the past and has the respect of the Staff Room. Vida covered the term before last when Nell was Head without any difficulties and will have another member of Staff to cover Nell’s subject.”

“Excellent, my thoughts also. Now, what of our new Staff Members?”

"Nancy and Kathie have been looking after them,” Ruth replied, “They’ve seen them settled into their rooms in the Staff House, shown them round the School and taken them into Melbourne. Of course it helps that two of them are for the Maths and Geography Department’s respectively.”

“Have you met your own new member of Staff?”

“Not yet,” Ruth replied, “Oh I saw her at interview and I told her then that she had the post, but I’ve not had a chance to see her since she arrived here…”

“No, you’ve been too busy covering for me,” the Head smiled her thanks.

Ruth shrugged slightly, “Well, you had rather more important things on your mind, didn’t you?”

“I did,” Hilda nodded, “however I think Nell is on the road to recovery now, and we have a School to run. Has anyone been able to greet the new Chemistry Mistress? Miss Hendry?”

“Well Vida’s over in England, of course,” Ruth began, “or rather,” she checked her watch, “Singapore about now! But both Lesley and Rachel are here, they’ve introduced themselves and shown her round the Chemistry lab.”

“Good, we are extremely lucky that we have these four starting now, as we’ve effectively lost two senior members of Staff. But especially, I think, we are lucky to have Pauline Hendry. Nell mentioned to me at the beginning of the holidays how impressed she was with her qualifications, teaching skills and general demeanour.”

“Yes, although we’d all rather Nell was fit and well, at least the pupils won’t suffer from her absence.”

“True,” Hilda paused for a moment, then, “as all Staff will be back by this evening, except those on escort duty of course, we’ll have a short Staff Meeting. Just to let everyone know the arrangements for this term. I’ll ask Rosalie to arrange it for eight, now, perhaps we can spend the next,” she glanced quickly at her watch, “fifty minutes, before joining Rosalind and family for lunch, going through some of the work that still needs to be done before we are invaded tomorrow afternoon.”

The two women bent to their task.

Monday morning dawned hot and sunny; the Real Chalet School was opening for a new term - the Christmas Term. At breakfast that morning were mainly Staff with a small number of girls - those that had returned early due to flights or convenience. The Dining Hall was still in its casual weekend configuration and the girls sat with any friends or with Staff as they pleased.

Miss Annersley had managed to speak with and welcome all four new members of Staff, seeing them in her Study early on Sunday evening prior to her travelling across to see Nell once more. She had been pleased with her first impressions of all of them. The youngest was the new addition to the English Department - Kirstie McEleavey, an Australian, was in her late twenties. Hilda was sure she would well liked by her pupils, her friendly nature threatening to bubble over on more than one occasion. Fran Thomas and Stephanie Wheeler were, respectively, the new Geography and Maths Mistresses. Miss Thomas was a Scot while Mrs Wheeler another Australian. They were both in their mid thirties, Fran Thomas wanting to move to Australia to join her Australian boyfriend, while Stephanie Wheeler was a mother to two. She had applied for her younger son to join the Kindergarten.

The Head was most impressed though by the fourth woman; Pauline Hendry was another Australian, she had an MSc in Chemistry and had spent some years lecturing in Melbourne University. In her mid-forties she had admitted frankly at interview that she had become bored of university life and wanted instead to go back to teaching younger students. Nell Wilson had been extremely impressed by her at interview and, on speaking with her, Hilda could see why. She had an easy manner that invited comradeship yet, Hilda could tell, was more than capable of keeping discipline. The Head felt happy that all four Mistresses would be an asset to the Real Chalet School.

…

In the ITU a second Consultant had been introduced as Ms Hedges, the General Surgeon.

“Come to check me out, Doc?” Nell smiled slightly, her voice still very hoarse.

The surgeon smiled, “I have, Miss Wilson, Dr Griffin here considers that you might be fit enough to discharge into my care soon.”

Nell’s face darkened slightly, “Can’t say I feel particularly fit at the moment Doctor, I spent most of yesterday and last night asleep and still feel shattered.”

“That’s not surprising,” Anthony Griffin put in, “it’ll take you a while to get used to breathing for yourself, don’t worry, your blood gases are fine and, by the end of today I fully expect you to have regained some of your strength.”

Nell nodded, though the two hospital doctors both noticed that she didn’t seem particularly convinced. The General Surgeon flicked through some of the notes at the end of Nell’s bed and looked at the records of observations and blood tests. She then opened up the Medical Record file she had under her arm.

“I’ve been reading through your notes from Sydney, Miss Wilson,” she began, “do you realise just how lucky you were?”

Nell raised an eyebrow, “From my perspective I can’t say I feel lucky,” she whispered.

Hedges smiled, “No, I expect not, however it is true. The surgeon in Sydney says that the damage from the knife wound was extensive, he felt it was likely to be a knife with a six inch blade. Had it been a knife with a seven inch blade, or even six and a half, the blade might have pierced the main blood vessels running just in front of the spine, the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava, the largest artery and vein in the abdomen. Had the knife pierced them we could not have saved you.”

“Rather pleased the b*stard didn’t have a bigger knife then,” Nell remarked dryly.

Both doctors and the nurse in the room all smiled. They then proceeded to look at the wound itself. The original dressing following surgery had been replaced when it became too soiled, however otherwise the wound had been left. Nell tensed when the adhesive dressing was removed but said nothing.

“Well the wound is healing well, Miss Wilson,” the surgeon said quickly, “and I think at least one of those drains can be removed.”

“Only one?”

Hedges smiled, “One for now, I’ll look at it again tomorrow or Wednesday. This one may be removed, Nurse,” she pointed. Turning to look across at Nell once more she spoke again, “Have you any queries, Miss Wilson?”

Nell nodded, “Can you tell me a bit more about the damage? I know I’ve been told what happened but I don’t understand why it’s taking so long. A friend of mine had to have her spleen removed earlier this year, she was able to be up in only a week, just to a wheelchair but even so. I feel so weak yet I’m supposed to be strong.”

Hedges nodded understandingly, “This friend of yours, was the surgery done because of a wound?”

Nell shook her head, “No, she’d been punched in the stomach, she had a ruptured spleen, I think it was called.”

“Ah, I understand. Well your injury has been far more traumatic than that. Basically you have suffered two knife wounds, one when the knife entered your body and a second when it exited. From a surgeon’s point of view you would have done better to keep the knife in you.”

“I didn’t actually have a great deal of say in that, Doctor,“ Nell replied deadpan.

Hedges smiled, “No, and I doubt that you had much influence on how sharp the knife was, either,”

“No, if I had, I’d have made sure it was a lot blunter.”

To her surprise Hedges shook her head, “No, you should have made sure it was sharper!” At Nell’s expression of surprise she continued, “Although the point was sharp the edges of the knife were not. Instead of slicing through flesh and internal organs they tore through them causing far more damage than a simple incision. The damage done to your insides is far, far greater than any simple splenectomy.” Hedges smiled sympathetically, “I know it seems that everything is taking a long time, Miss Wilson, but please understand you were very seriously injured, the surgeons at Sydney were lucky to save you. It’s going to take a long time for you to recover from this, however you should know that I expect a full recovery in time. You just need to have patience.”

Nell nodded, “That word again,” she sighed hoarsely, “So I suppose asking about these other tubes is a waste of time?”

Anthony Griffin smiled, “One of the drains is coming out today and we should be able to start you on fluids,” he turned enquiringly to his colleague, Hedges nodded,

“Yes, she has bowel sounds, should be able to start drinking. If that continues and you can increase your oral fluid intake then the central line can come out next. Not for a couple of days though. Before you are moved to the ward the arterial line can be removed, but the Venflon, second drain and catheter must remain.”

Nell nodded, “Well at least that’s three out of the six,” she said somewhat mournfully.

The surgeon smiled, “Now, Miss Wilson, you don’t want us taking the tubes out too soon. It would be very traumatic to have to replace them,” she shot a pointed look across at the man beside her.

Dr Griffin erupted, “You just can’t let that go, Emma, can you? It was sixteen years ago. I was a very young Registrar, for the previous month all the patients in ITU had been Cardiac patients, it wasn’t my fault you’d slipped in an Abdominal.”

“You removed the nasogastric tube, catheter and both drains, against the advice of the ITU Sister, I should add, Anthony. Luckily one of the nurses on my ward was able to replace the first two, but it could have been very traumatic for my patient.”

“Well you had your revenge, didn’t you? Didn’t place one of your patients on ITU for six months after that, instead having them ‘specialed’ on the wards.”

Nell looked from one to the other, certain aspects of the relationship between the two falling into place, “You two have got to be married,” she said eventually, a smile on her face.

Both Consultants grinned, “How did you guess?” Hedges asked.

“Oh, just a suspicion,” Nell replied, smiling.

…

The Real Chalet School’s first day of term had gone remarkably smoothly, almost unusually so. The girls had started arriving from lunchtime onwards and the Security Staff had been busy checking all the private cars in and out of the grounds. Rosalie Dene had a ‘Master List’ of when pupils required escorts from the station or airport and was kept busy ensuring that both security guards and mistresses were available with school cars or minibuses. The main flight, bringing those from the UK and Europe, arrived on time without any difficulties and the coaches to meet them were waiting when the girls and escort staff had managed to get through customs.

It was, therefore, a full School, with most people already unpacked, that sat down for their evening meal that evening. As always Miss Annersley rose to address the School before the meal began.

“Welcome back to the Real Chalet School, everyone,” she smiled, “I hope you all had a good break and have returned eager to participate fully in all the School activities? This is, I remind you, the Christmas Term. For those in the Upper Fifth and Upper Sixth there will be external examinations after Half Term and, for some of you, this will be your last term here at the Real Chalet School. There will also be any number of activities for you to enjoy however. The Staff will, again, be producing and starring in a Pantomime and the Kindergarten will be giving us their Nativity Play. In addition there will be a Carol Concert and I know that a number of new carols will be taught.

Next term we will be introducing a new enterprise- although those of you who were with the school when it was in Switzerland may recognise it - that of expecting different years to provide the Entertainment for the rest of the School for an Evening. These Evenings will be Sundays, when everyone has returned from their weekends away and the designated year will have to keep the rest of the School entertained for two hours. This will only be for the Middles and Seniors,” Miss Annersley looked across at the Juniors and smiled, “You will have to wait until you join the Middle School.”

She stopped there as one of the Seniors raised her hand, “Yes Evvy?”

“Will the Staff also provide one Evening, Miss Annersley?”

The Head smiled, “Oh I think we will be able to do that,” she said. She took a deep breath before continuing, “Now, speaking of Staff, there are some changes for this term. Some of you may have noticed that the Deputy Head, Miss Wilson is missing?”

There was a murmur of agreement here, many of the girls having noted that Miss Wilson had not been seen.

Miss Annersley nodded, “Well, I’m sorry to tell you that Miss Wilson is currently a patient in the Intensive Care Ward at the Real Hospital. While in Sydney on holiday she was attacked by young man wanting to steal her bag. She was stabbed.”

She waited as the School erupted with expressions of shock and outrage, she let them continue for some seconds before raising a hand, the School instantly quietened. “Miss Wilson was very seriously injured, for some time,” she paused and here those closest to the Staff Table noted that Miss Annersley’s eyes darkened, “for some time there was reason to fear for her life. Happily, however, I can relate that she appears to be responding well and will, in time, recover fully. She will not, though, be returning to us for some time.” A small smile played around her lips as she continued, “I would saw that she will not be fit enough to return until next term….but I know Nell Wilson far too well. Instead I will say that she will not return until later this term.” There was a ripple of laughter at the Head’s words.

Miss Annersley continued, “Now, while Miss Wilson is away, the School must continue, therefore until she returns Miss Derwent will be filling the post of Deputy Head and Miss Wilmot that of Senior Mistress. In addition the Head of the Science Department will be Miss Armitage. As you are aware, we will also have to cope without Ms Moore and Miss Ferrars is covering as Head of Geography.” Miss Annersley smiled at the three named, “Please ensure you give them all your support. Yes Amanda?”

“Please, Miss Annersley,” the Head Girl was standing, “can, may we visit Miss Wilson?”

Miss Annersley shook her head, “I’m afraid not, Amanda, at present visiting is restricted to family only, however if any of you wish to sent a message or card please bring them to me. Thank you for the thought.

Now, on to better news, we have four new members of Staff, will the four of you please stand?”

The four new Staff members rose to their feet, a little daunted.

“Let me introduce Miss McEleavey, Miss Thomas, Mrs Wheeler and Miss Hendry. They will be teaching respectively, English, Geography, Mathematics and Chemistry. I should like, once more, to welcome all four of them to the School. In particular I think, as we have lost both the Geography Head and Chemistry Mistress. Now, I’ll keep you no longer as I’m sure you must all be hungry. May I remind you that, as always, bedtimes are one hour earlier tonight to help you recover from your journeys. That is all.”

…

“You do know that I am obliged to stop you doing that?” Ruth Derwent’s voice was somewhat shaky but very determined.

The start of the new term had gone very well, surprising well considering what had happened during the holidays. The School had settled back into their normal work very quickly and all the new Mistresses appeared to be managing well. The Tuesday had, as always, started an hour later than normal, in an effort to reduce the chance of jet-lag as far as possible. However Wednesday morning the full timetable was brought into play. The Head had been busy with all the normal meetings including a full Staff Meeting on Tuesday evening, a meeting of the SMT, a Department Heads meeting and attendance at the Housekeeping and Domestic Staff meetings. She had also taken the opportunity to have a talk with Davida Armitage about the Science Department and ask her first impressions of her new member of Staff. Vida Armitage had been very enthusiastic about Pauline Hendry saying she seemed to fit in well with the other Science Mistresses. Miss Annersley had also checked that the other three newcomers were settling well. And had taken the time to speak with Ruth, Nancy and Kathie, to ensure all three were happy in their new roles.

The only thing that Hilda Annersley had not been able to do was visit the patient in the Real Hospital. She had, instead, managed to speak to Nell very quickly on Wednesday morning, to discover that Nell’s condition was, slowly, very slowly, improving. She had also spoken with Cherry at length after she and Robbie had been across to see Nell. Wednesday evening, therefore, found Miss Annersley, again, sitting at her desk in her Study, attempting to work. But finding it somewhat difficult as she remained very concerned about her partner. The quick tap on her door from the Deputy Head had been a welcome distraction. She looked across at Miss Derwent with a slightly puzzled expression.

“I’m sorry, Ruth, I don’t understand?”

Ruth smiled slightly, “I said that I’m obliged to stop you,” she repeated, “stop you working, I mean.”

“Do you think that possible?” Hilda was amused.

“Well,” Ruth began, “normally, no, but at the moment I’ve got the rank to back me up.”

“You have?” Even though she didn’t say it, the Head was comparing Ruth’s rank with her own.

“Oh yes, Nell impressed it upon me many times, it’s an important part of the job. Stopping the Head from over-working.”

Hilda smiled, “Ah, I see. Yet the work needs to be done, Ruth.”

“Yes, but not now.” Ruth walked in, sat opposite her chief, “Hilda it’s half eight now, you were working until after eleven last night. And you haven’t seen Nell since Sunday. Go to her, now, I can cover here. No work is worth not seeing your friends when they need you.”

Hilda looked down at her desk for some time, eventually she spoke, her words so quiet that Ruth could barely hear them, “I don’t want to be seen as using the fact that I’m Head to obtain privileges for myself,” she said, looking up to meet her Deputy’s eyes.

Ruth smiled, “No one, and I do mean no one, would think that, Hilda,” she said firmly, “You would allow anyone time to see relatives and friends in hospital, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes, but when the School is open my place is here.”

“No it’s not,” Ruth returned, “that type of thinking belongs back in Switzerland. You are allowed a life outside of the School.” Ruth smiled slightly, “And you are allowed to leave the School grounds. I promise I’ll look after the place, do my best to make sure the School’s still standing when you return.”

Hilda smiled slightly, “You can guarantee that, can you?”

Ruth considered, “Well, not entirely,” she replied, “after all, you know what our Middles are like!” She grinned and continued, “Now go! See Nell and give her my love.”

Hilda smiled, “Yes Ruth.”

It was almost nine when Hilda Annersley arrived at the Real Hospital; although she had received regular updates from Cherry and the girls about Nell’s progress, and had even spoken to her on one occasion, she had not seen Nell for more than three days. She was feeling very guilty about that and wondering how she was going to explain herself to Nell as she walked into ITU. She need not have worried; Nell had visitors, Alison Martin, Louise Chad and Carol Leigh, but when she saw the figure at the door her face relaxed into a wide smile of welcome.

“Hilda, I wasn’t expecting you until Friday.” Nell’s voice was far stronger, only a hint of hoarseness in the tones now.

The other three spun round, “Hilda! Wonderful to see you,” Alison was closest and quickly hugged the older woman before making way for her two companions to greet her.

Hilda smiled round at all three girls, “I didn’t realise you would be here,” she began.

“Not a problem,” Carol replied, “we’ll be disappearing now, you’ll want to chat,”

“You don’t need to leave,”

“Yes we do,” Louise said quickly, “you two need some time together, we’ll be back tomorrow. Oh and I’ve got some news for you, some wonderful news.”

With that she disappeared out of the door, the other two hot on her heels.

Hilda looked across at her friend, Nell was sitting up in bed, a lot straighter than when she had last visited. There was a little more colour in her cheeks and she appeared a little more alert. The tube into her neck had been removed, however there was a drip in her left arm with saline feeding in. Above her bed was a sign saying 30ml FLUID HOURLY. Hilda moved across and sat next to the bed,

“Nell, I’m so sorry I haven’t been here,” she said, leaning forward to kiss her friend.

“No need to apologise,” Nell said quickly, “I knew where you were. I have my sources, you know!”

“The girls, including Cherry, I suppose?”

“Yes, they’ve all been in every day, even Robbie. He’s been very good, hasn’t attempted to get onto the bed or anything.”

“How much longer will you be in ITU?”

“I’m moving tomorrow,” Nell smiled, “onto the General Surgical ward. I’ll need to be fairly close to the Nurses’ Station, but won’t need ‘specialing’ any more.”

“Yes, I noticed that you no longer have a nurse here,”

“Not necessary, I’m thought to be getting better,” Nell sighed, “though it’s taking so long,”

“It will,” Hilda replied quickly, “but you can see that you’re progressing, can’t you?”

“Perhaps,” Nell said grudgingly, “but everything is so hard. I had the Physios here today, got me out of bed for the first time - before they’ve just made sure I did all my leg exercises and, when I couldn’t, did them for me.”

“You sat out? That’s wonderful.”

Nell shook her head, “Not really, “I was helped out of bed by two strapping physiotherapists, could barely move on my own. I took three steps to the chair then collapsed into it, after less than 30 minutes I was helped, almost lifted back into bed and proceeded to sleep for the next four hours. Complete waste of time as far as I’m concerned.”

“No it’s not, Nell,” Hilda replied, reaching out to smooth Nell’s hair back from her face, “it’s progress, tomorrow when they come you’ll be able to do more, then the next day more still. You’ve got to look on every day as minor victories. You’ll get there, I promise.”

There was an interruption as a nurse appeared; he quickly checked Nell’s temperature pulse and blood pressure, checked the readings on the heart monitor and made some notes. He then carefully measured out a small quantity of water into a glass.

“Here Nell, this hour’s delicacy,” he smiled.

Nell reached up with one hand to take the glass but her hand shook too much, instead the nurse supported her and held the glass to her lips, two swallows and the water had gone, she smiled ruefully at the nurse, “See you haven’t managed to find any coffee yet Dave,”

“Not yet, I’m afraid, Nell, water only,” the nurse smiled and left the room.

Nell relaxed back, “Can’t even hold a glass,” she said quietly.

“But you are drinking, Nell,” Hilda replied softly, “an improvement on when I saw you last.”

“I suppose,” Nell didn’t sound too convinced. “Just feel so helpless all the time.”

There was silence for a while, Hilda clasping Nell’s hand and squeezing gently, trying to give her friend support. After a time Nell smiled across, “Thanks, Hilda, I’ve missed you, you know?”

“I know Nell, I’m so sorry I’ve not been here. I didn’t want to let down the School and find, instead, that I’ve let you down instead.”

“You haven’t let me down, woman,” Nell’s voice was quite forceful, “I knew why you hadn’t come, the start of term is always busy. I didn’t expect you until Friday, having you here two days early is a bonus.”

“Ah well, that’s Ruth’s fault,” Hilda began, she explained how Ruth had forced her to stop work, “she’s inherited your mantle there, Nell,”

“Good for Ruth, glad to see she’s got the main part of her duties sorted. So will you be coming more often?”

Hilda nodded, “I will, I’ll try and be here every evening.”

“Good,” Nell smiled, her expression darkened slightly, “I’ll not be asleep so you won’t disturb me.”

“Are you having problems sleeping?”

“Some,” Nell sighed, “can’t stop my mind racing, only time I can sleep is when I’m physically exhausted, like after the physio session, or when they give me a jab.”

Hilda frowned slightly, “That’s not like you, Nell,” she began, “you have always been able to still your thoughts and relax,”

“Yes, but that’s because I’d read, only for half an hour or so, but it was enough to get me ready to sleep.” Nell laughed slightly, the laugh had little humour in it, “but I can’t hold a glass, let alone a book, so no joy there.”

Hilda thought for a moment, “I’d brought some books across, Nell, was going to give them to you so you would be less bored,”

“Thanks for the thought, Hilda, maybe in a week or so I’ll be able to read them.”

“Yes Nell,” Hilda said absently, “but, for now, would you like me to read to you? Just to allow you to sleep?”

At the suggestion Nell’s expression brightened, however she then frowned slightly and she looked across at her friend with some suspicion, “It sounds like a good idea, but it depends on the book,” she said. “If you’ve got Northanger Abbey or something then it won’t work.”

“No Nell, I got the books from your shelves, not mine, I think you’ll approve.” Hilda reached into the bag by her feet and selected a book. “I’ll read the first few sentences and you can tell me…” she opened the book to the beginning of the first chapter and began to read…

“….In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort….”

Hilda stopped, “Well? Do you recognise it?”

Nell smiled, “Of course, The Hobbit by Tolkien, a lovely book. What made you choose that one?”

“I remembered that you said it was a good comfort read and that it was the one to read before Lord of the Rings. Having read neither I thought it would be a good one to start.”

“That it would, though I hope you’re not expecting to read the lot to me tonight?”

Hilda smiled slightly, “No Nell, just until you fall asleep, then, when I’m here next you can tell me how much you can remember, so I know where to start from.”

“Sounds good to me,” Nell said with a smile, she settled herself down on her pillows and waited as her friend continued to read to her…

…

Kathie Ferrars smiled to herself; had anyone told her that she would have enjoyed being where she was at present, she would have laughed in their face. She looked round quickly, she was in the Education Block of the State prison, having just finished giving her regular teaching session. After all that had happened back in May, when she and three others had been held hostage by the inmates, she didn’t think she would ever again enjoy being here. At the beginning of last term, when the Head had asked her if she was happy to return she really wanted to scream ‘NO’ but something stopped her, instead she had said that ‘yes, she was happy to return.’ She thought that probably Hilda Annersley knew she was lying, but had not tried to change her mind.

The first visit they made had been very traumatic, all four of the Mistresses had felt it. There were a number of subtle and some not so subtle differences. Like the fact that there were far more Officers on duty, they had counted eight before they even got to the main classroom. That all inmates were searched and metal detection equipment was used on all before they were allowed into the building. That the numbers were reduced by about half.

None of the four had thought that the visits would continue to be successful, however they had done their best. And, by the third or fourth visit, they found that both they and the inmates were enjoying the classes once more. That, although some of the trust between them may have gone, they were able to forge new relationships. And most importantly, that they could see that their work was having an effect, that the inmates were gaining, not only in qualifications, but in self respect and self worth.

A prime example of this sat opposite Kathie now. Mel Richards had taken the opportunity, once the main class was finished, of speaking with the teacher. She was waiting now for her verdict.

“Well, Mel, I think the application form is fine, you sent this off on Monday?”

“Yes Miss Ferrars, Miss Shaw checked it for me, she said there was some spelling mistakes, but not many - she changed them. And she photocopied it so I could show you too.”

“And Miss Shaw has agreed to write a reference?”

“Yes, I asked her, like you said. So it wasn’t a shock. And I put you down for the other reference.”

“Excellent,” Kathie smiled, “now all we have to do is wait.”

Richards smiled slightly, “I’ve never applied for a job before, it feels really weird. Waiting to get a letter back, wondering if you’ve got the job.”

Kathie’s smile grew wider, remembering, many years before, waiting in exactly the same way, she nodded, “Yes,” she said, “it certainly does.”

…

Thursday went quickly and it seemed no time at all until Hilda was, again visiting the hospital. This time, however, she had to seek directions to the General Surgical ward. Once there she spoke with one of the nurses who showed her to a single room near the Nurse’s Station. Inside the room, sitting up in bed, Nell Wilson was watching TV, however as the door opened she looked across with a wide smile and reached out with a remote control to turn the programme off.

“Were you watching that?” Hilda asked as she bent to kiss her friend before sitting on a chair near the bed.

“Not really, just had it on as background.”

“How are you today?” Hilda thought Nell looked under far more strain than yesterday.

“Oh, I’m alright, I suppose.” Nell smiled again, “Must be getting better, everyone tells me I am.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, you know me, Hilda, nothing worries me for long.” Even to herself Nell’s words sounded false, she hoped they had been more convincing to the woman sat opposite. Faint hope!

There was a pause in which Hilda gazed silently at her friend, waiting, eventually Nell sighed, “No, I’m not really. I mean I thought coming to the ward would be a big step, but it’s not so different from ITU. And this morning, when they tried to up my fluid intake I was sick.” She smiled slightly across at her friend, “Sorry, you didn’t come here to hear me complain.”

Hilda rose from where she had been sitting and sat herself on the bed, placing an arm around Nell. Nell rested her head on her friend’s shoulder.

“Sorry Hilda, you don’t need this, you’ve got enough to do with the School…”

“Now you stop right there, Helena Wilson,” Hilda said softly, “the day I’ll not be there for you is the day I no longer have breath in my body. Of course I need to hear this, I should imagine there is no one else that you can tell, is there?”

“No,” Nell’s voice was muffled.

“And I also imagine that you have been proving to everyone in the hospital just how well you are coping, how eager you are to get better?”

“Yes,”

“And no one has thought to ask how you really feel?”

“No,”

Hilda smiled at the monosyllabic replies, she raised Nell’s head, looked her in the eye, “I’m asking,” she said.

Nell paused for some time, then, quietly, she replied, “Frightened, that I won’t get better, not completely I mean. Frustrated at how long it’s taking, I can see me being here until Christmas. Annoyed at everyone saying I’m making progress - maybe, but it’s still slow and I don’t feel any better. The pain is still bad, Hilda, bad enough that I need injections a couple of times each day. And I feel so weak, I’ve lost a lot of weight, might even get to that size ten you’re always so smug about.”

“On you it wouldn’t look right, Nell,” Hilda said, smiling.

“No? Well I’m not going to be eating anytime soon, am I? The surgeon, Ms Hedges, said that they might have to reconnect this,” she pointed to the tube in her neck, Hilda hadn’t seen it the day before, assuming that as she couldn’t see a line it meant the tube had been removed. She said as much.

Nell shook her head, “No, they’ve not taken it out, just capped it, they push something into it a few times a day to keep it open. They might have to feed me through this if my insides don’t start working soon.”

Hilda thought for a minute then, “Well, if that’s what it takes, so be it,” at Nell’s sharp look she continued, “I mean it, Nell, anything necessary to ensure that you fully recover. I know it’s frustrating, I know you’re scared, but you’ve just got to keep telling yourself that you will beat this. You will not allow the person responsible for your injury to win.” She paused for a few seconds, hugged her friend tighter then continued, “You will get better, Nell, your own personality will not allow anything less. I have complete confidence in you.”

Nell remained resting on Hilda’s shoulder for some time; when, eventually she pushed herself upright again it was with eyes that had obviously shed a few tears, she swallowed a few times, “Thanks Hilda,” she said, “somehow I knew you’d help.”

“Anytime Nell, you know that.” Hilda sat back in the chair once more.

There was silence for a time as Nell lay back on her pillows, composed herself once more, after a time she smiled across at her friend, “One thing,” she said, and Hilda was pleased to see the light of mischief back in Nell’s eyes.”

“Anything, Nell,”

“Well, next time, don’t run out of paracetemol, will you?”

Hilda smiled, “I promise.”

…

The two chatted about different things for a few minutes before being interrupted by a knock on the door, Louise’s head appeared round the door,

“Are we OK to come in?” she smiled.

“Of course,” Nell replied.

The door opened and Louise, Alison and Carol came in, they were followed by another two figures - Cherry and Robbie! Robbie ran over to clamber up on Hilda’s lap, talking excitedly,

“Grandma Mummy said I could come see Grandma Nell even though it’s really really late and past my bedtime but I not tired look!” He opened his eyes wide to prove this to Hilda.

Hilda laughed and kissed the excited little boy, then rose with him in her arms and leant over toward Nell. Robbie gave Nell a kiss and a quick cuddle. The four girls also all greeted the two older women. Nell looked round as they all quickly found seats,

“Not that I’m complaining,” she said, “but is there some reason why you are all here? It’s not like you, Cherry, to keep Robbie up late on a School night.”

Cherry smiled, “I wanted both of us to be here when you heard the news,” she said quickly.

Hilda and Nell looked at each other with some puzzlement, Hilda spoke, “What news?”

The girls all looked at each other then, rather shyly, Louise spoke, “My news,” she said. “I’d have told you straight away, I meant to as soon as we returned. But then came your call Hilda, about Nell having been stabbed. Then we had a frantic few hours sorting out the quickest flight back to Australia - and I should say we’d never have got back so quickly if Andrew’s Dad hadn’t been able to get us upgrades to First Class. Once we were here well,” Louise looked across at Nell, not quite sure how to continue.

“It wasn’t the time to tell any news then, not until we knew for certain that you were going to recover, Nell.” Alison put in, “Lou didn’t want us telling either of you, we told Cherry but no-one else.”

“But now you’re out of ITU,” Carol continued, “Louise can finally tell you her news.”

Both women looked across at Louise, Hilda spoke first, “Louise? What is this news?”

Louise gulped slightly, then replied, “It’s this,” she said, at the same time thrusting forward her left hand.

Both Hilda and Nell, initially, missed the significance, then, twin gasps from both of them as they realised what Louise was telling them. On the third finger of her left hand was a ring, a gold band with a large solitaire diamond upon it. Nell recovered first,

“Is that what we think it is?”

Louise smiled slightly, “If you think it’s an engagement ring, then yes! Andrew asked me to marry him, I said yes.”

There was a split-second of silence then Hilda rose and hugged Louise to her, “Congratulations!” she said, kissing her cheek, “Wonderful news.”

Nell was smiling, “You’ll have to come over here, Louise,” she said, “Hilda’s beaten me too it!” After hugging Hilda once more Louise then went across to gently hug Nell, hearing her murmurs of congratulations as well.

Alison laughed, “You see?” she spoke to Louise, “We said they’d be pleased, you were so worried.”

Worried?” Hilda asked, “Why were you worried?”

Louise flushed slightly, “I thought you’d say we were too young, that we’d hardly been together.”

Both Hilda and Nell smiled, “Yes you are young,” Hilda admitted, “but that is something that will rectify itself, as for the rest…”

“You are obviously in love,” Nell put in quietly, “and if a relationship can survive being on opposite sides of the world it’s got a good chance of lasting.”

“The only thing that saddens me,” Hilda continued, “is that you will be moving to England, at least, I assume that you will?”

Louise smiled slightly, “We’re not sure yet, Andrew is looking into options now he’s got his Law degree. He doesn’t want to work his way up the system and become a Judge - unlike Oliver, but he’s not quite sure what he wants yet.”

“Tell them the rest, Lou,” Carol put in.

“The rest?” Nell smiled, “I’m still not well girls, not sure I can manage too many more shocks!”

“Well this is a nice one,” Louise said, “We don’t want a long engagement, we want to get married at Christmas, here in Australia. I asked these three - they are going to be my bridesmaids, Robbie’s going to be a page boy. And you’ve got to make sure you’re well, Nell. Because I want both of you to give me away.”

There was silence for a time, Hilda and Nell looked at each other, “But that’s a job for the father of the bride, or at least for a close male member of the family,” Hilda was the first to voice her objection.

Louise shook her head, “I don’t have any male family member,” she said, “and I can’t really call Rose a close family member, we’ve not kept in touch at all,” she was referring to her sister Rose. “Family are those close to you, and I’ve heard of others that had their mothers walk down the aisle with them, there’s precedent. I want both of you, you’re the only parents I can ever remember having, or ever wanted.”

Nell reached out and placed a hand on Hilda’s arm, they looked at each other in silence for a time then both turned to face Louise. Hilda spoke for them both,

“We’d be honoured,” she said.

---

#4:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:56 pm

---

Third of three.

…

It was some time later that Hilda finally found herself heading back to the Real Chalet School; once they had accepted the role Louise wanted them to play in her marriage the girls wanted a quick celebration. They had smuggled a tiny bottle of champagne into the ward and proceeded to pour out tiny sips for everyone. Nell took just enough to wet her lips, not really wanting to swallow the bubbly mixture just yet. Afterwards they had all quickly hugged both women before leaving as Nell was obviously tiring. Hilda had sat with Nell for another hour, chatting, before reading another instalment of the book, Nell was asleep when Hilda left the hospital ward.

Hilda reached the Gatehouse and was waved through onto RCS grounds by one of the Security Guards as soon as he had recognised the car driver. Hilda drove on toward her cottage but was stopped by a figure coming from one of the other cottages and calling out to her. She stopped the car and waited; John Coates appeared at her window.

Hilda pressed a button and the window opened, “John, I didn’t think you were on duty this evening?”

John Coates shook his head, “I’m not, but something has come up, something important, personal. I need to speak with you urgently.”

The Head looked across at the Security Chief, she saw that there was a great deal of strain in his posture, that he suddenly appeared to have a great many more lines on his face, that he was pale. Technically Hilda could have asked that this be postponed until the morning, after all it was almost eleven pm. However she didn’t hesitate,

“I’ll meet you in my Study in five minutes,” she said softly.

It had taken Hilda only a few minutes to park the car and walk swiftly across to the School. Although John had stressed that the problem was a personal one, she had felt instinctively that it would impact officially. Inside the Admin block she caught up with John waiting outside the Study.

“Come in, John, do,” she said quickly, “take a seat. Would you like a drink? I’m going to have some juice.”

John sat mechanically, nodded his head in reply to the question. Hilda disappeared out to the Admin block kitchen and poured out two glasses of apple juice. She went back into the Study and placed one of the glasses in front of the worried Security Chief before sitting opposite him.

“You wanted to speak with me, John?” she prompted.

Coates took a quick swallow of his juice then nodded, “I did, Hilda,” he replied, “I’ve had some very disturbing news and I have a request.”

“What news,” Hilda asked gently.

John bit his lip slightly, ordering his thoughts, “You know how Shane has been getting on?”

If the Head was surprised at the direction the conversation had taken she didn’t show it, “Of course,” she replied, “You’ve been keeping us informed. He’s well into his first probationary year after passing his basic training at the beginning of the year. You’ve been proud of him.”

John nodded, “Yes, from his letters and the reports he’s received he was well on his way to being a good cop. I could understand why he felt he had to go to Perth, make sure that he made it on his own, even though Sara and I have really missed him.”

“But there has been problems?”

“On the contrary, only a month ago he was with his partner - the one all probationers have when they first start. They were on a routine patrol around the town in a squad car. By chance they happened to be passing an alleyway and saw what they thought was an assault. They intervened, it turned out to be two men attempting to kill a third. They gave chase and caught the two men, though, unfortunately, their victim later died in hospital.”

“That sounds like excellent police work, John. Did something go wrong?”

“To begin with everything went well, both Shane and the other officer were commended for their actions and the two men were convicted of murder. Everything was going extremely well for both him and his partner.” John paused there for a time, swallowed hard, “Unfortunately, they didn’t continue going well. Firstly, his partner was badly injured in a hit and run incident - he’s still in hospital, they don’t know if he’ll recover. Then, this week…”

John got up and began to pace the floor, obviously very upset, Hilda watched silently, waiting for him to continue, eventually he did, “Shane’s 23 years old, he’s the same as any young man of that age. He met a girl, got friendly, went back to her place for the night. Three days later that girl was found murdered in her flat. Forensics showed she’d been raped and beaten to death, they also showed that the girl was 14 years old, and that it was Shane.” John looked across at the woman behind the desk, “He’s been arrested, is now bailed, pending investigation, suspended…Hilda I know my boy, he didn’t do this, I swear.”

“I know, John, I know,” Hilda said quickly, “now, do you want to go to him? That’s not a …”

“No!” John said abruptly, “Not go to him, bring him here. He’s checked, even though he’s under investigation the authorities have no problem with him coming to me, because of who I am, but…”

“But you would be bringing someone accused of rape and murder into the grounds of a Girls Boarding School?” Hilda said quietly.

John nodded, “I appreciate it’s difficult for you,” he said quickly, “I just wondered if it were possible?”

There was silence for some time, eventually John flushed slightly, spoke once more, “I’m sorry Hilda, I have no right asking this of you. We’ll go to a motel, have Shane with us there or something,” he laughed slightly, “You’ve had enough bad press from certain aspects of the media, they’d go to town about something like this if it got out.” He turned to leave…

“Wait!” Hilda’s command stopped the man, he turned back to look at her. Hilda smiled slightly, “As to the media attention, John,” she said with amusement, “after a time you tend to miss it, if it’s no longer there. And at least if they are attacking me they are leaving some other poor person alone.”

“You mean…?”

“I mean,” Hilda put in, “that Shane saved the lives of two of my pupils last year, at certain risk to his own, I might add. He cannot possibly have done this deed. Bring him home John, he’ll need the support of his parents and friends.”

The Head did stipulate a few rules; namely that Shane was to have only a Visitor’s Pass which would not allow him access to any of the School buildings, and that he was not to enter the nature park or go onto the School beach. However these were things John was more than happy with, recognising that it was as much for Shane’s own protection as the School’s. He left the Study with a slight smile of his face and an easing of the tension in both his face and posture. Once back in his own cottage he immediately let Sara know and contacted his son via the phone. He then booked a seat on the Qantas flight from Perth to Melbourne that left early the following morning, arriving back in Melbourne around lunchtime.

Once John had left Hilda quickly rinsed out the two glasses before heading back to her own cottage and settling for a rather interrupted night’s sleep. The following morning she was over in her Study before breakfast. Ruth appeared a short time later and the Head told her of the conversation with John and her decision about Shane. Ruth nodded in agreement with her chief’s decision, she sipped on the cup of coffee that Hilda had poured out in readiness for her appearance.

“I can’t see a problem with that, Hilda,” she said eventually.

“You don’t feel that the media may object?” Hilda smiled.

“Oh no, I’m sure they will, but we know he can’t have done that. The only difficulty will be if someone here at the School, or a parent, objects,”

“Well we’ll cross that bridge when, and only when we come to it,” Hilda said quickly. The pair bent to the tasks at hand for the day.

That evening, after the first week of Term Four was over, Ruth was visiting Nancy and Kathie, Ros Moore was there too; her husband, Geoff, was in Brisbane, completing some urgent work on a project for a Defence War Games operation scheduled for the South Pacific in December. Ros looked across at her friend,

“Well? How’s it going then?”

Ruth frowned, “What?”

Ros sighed, “What? Your first week as Deputy Head of course, what else?”

“Yes, tell us!” This from Kathie. The four were all sat outside in the garden taking advantage of the slight breeze that was coming in from the coast.

“What does Ruth have to tell us?” Nancy came out through the patio doors with a tray of drinks and proceeded to hand them round to everyone, “Non alcoholic one for you Ros,” she turned to Kathie, “what does Ruth have to tell us?”

“They were asking about my week covering as Deputy Head,” Ruth herself put in, she sipped her drink, “it’s been a little different. I must admit I didn’t think it would be, but I’m surprised at the amount of work Nell must put into being Deputy Head. Everything she says about how hard Hilda works can also apply to her.”

“Oh I think those two are more alike than any of us credit,” Nancy replied, “But you’ve been doing well as far as I’ve been able to see, Ruth. And the post of Senior Mistress has a fair amount of work attached, you know!”

Rosalind sighed causing Kathie to look across sharply, “What’s wrong, Ros, not something to do with the baby…?”

Rosalind shook her head, “No, I’m fine,” she said quickly, “It’s just, I’m sitting here with three of the Senior mistresses of the School, Deputy Head, Senior Mistress and Head of a Department. You’ve all got these important roles and then there’s me, mother in waiting.” She smiled slightly, “I’m just feeling a bit left out, that’s all,”

Ruth laughed, “Rubbish,” she said quickly, “your role is the most important of all.”

“Hah!”

“I mean it,” Ruth walked across to sit beside her friend, “Think about it, if there were no Deputy Heads, no Senior Mistresses, no Department Heads, would the world survive? Yes it would. If there were no mothers though? Well you’re the Geography expert, how long would the world continue? Eighty years maybe? Allowing for those that are babies now to grow old.”

Ros smiled, “Probably far less,” she acknowledged, “as, when the population grew older it would be unable to sustain any type of agriculture, wouldn’t be able to feed itself.”

“Well then, your role might be different to ours but it’s important and…what’s wrong?” She’d stopped as suddenly, Rosalind had tensed, grimaced slightly in pain.

“It’s OK,” she said, looking round quickly and seeing the worried looks on the faces of all three of her friends, “it’s a contraction…wait!” She spoke quickly as all three of the others had reacted in horror, “it’s a Braxton Hicks contraction, not the real thing, means his Highness is probably moving about a bit…oh yes, there he goes!”

She reached down and pulled her shirt up slightly, the other three looked as, across Rosalind’s abdomen, there was a rippling effect, then, in one corner, the imprint of a tiny fist showed itself. She grinned at the other three, “I think Jake agrees with you, Ruth,” she said quietly.

…

In the Staff Boarding House on the Saturday evening, there was a knock at the door of one of the rooms, on opening the room Vida Armitage looked out to see Peggy Burnett standing there, grinning.

“Peggy! Did you have a good time at your conference?” she opened the door and ushered her friend inside.

“I did, and got some excellent ideas for new games once the pool is up and running,” Peggy had been away for the last few days at a conference for Games Mistresses and Physical Training Instructors, “Now I’ve just got to see if Hilda will advance me the funds.”

“I’m sure she will, you’ll just need to put forward a good case.”

“Yes, will have to work on that in the next week,” Peggy agreed, she looked over at Vida and smiled slightly, “Well? Are you coming then, or not?”

“Coming, coming where?” Vida looked puzzled and frowned across at her friend.

Peggy sighed, “I knew you wouldn’t have checked your emails, Davida Armitage you are quite possibly the most unscientific person I know. How on Earth you came to be a Biology mistress, let alone Head of Science I’ll never know.”

Vida looked insulted, “I did check my emails,” she began.

“Bet you didn’t connect to the Net then,” Peggy replied.

“Yes I did, I’m not a total idiot,” Vida held up her hand, “and yes, I know I managed to go an entire week not connecting, but that was only a month or so after we’d transferred to here, after all.”

“Well perhaps the message got lost then,” Peggy said quickly, “never mind, have you any plans for this evening? No of course you haven’t, you’re on duty. Well come with me then, we thought we should welcome our newbies properly so some of the girls have gone for a Chinese and we’re eating in the Common Room downstairs.” Peggy was referring to the fact that the Staff Boarding House had its own Common Room, just like the pupils Boarding Houses.

“You’re not going across to the Dining Room?”

Peggy shook her head, “No, Joan is going so there’s a Staff Presence, but she’ll be back as soon as the meal is done, said for us to save her some. Well, are you coming?”

Vida moved across to switch off her CD player and ran a comb through her hair, “Of course I’m coming,” she said, “I love Chinese food.”

…

‘The weekend has gone really quickly,’ Cherry thought to herself. It was late Sunday afternoon and she was taking advantage of the slight reduction in the temperature to go out for a walk with Robbie. Their weekend had been spent visiting Nell in the hospital, staying the night with Hilda on Saturday, and attempting, in between times, to catch up on all those jobs that, when working all week, get neglected. However, this afternoon, she had decided that both she and Robbie needed to get outside. She’d waited as long as possible for the temperature to ease and, finally, set of with Robbie for a walk along the beach.

Robbie, dressed in just his swimming trunks and jellies and smothered in sun block, was busy digging out a moat for his sandcastle. Cherry had helped him with the castle but he wanted to dig the moat himself. Cherry sat down on a small hillock of grass watching him. She felt a great deal better about Nell’s health this weekend, she seemed to be making progress, especially the fact that she was out of ITU. She still got very tired, especially when having to speak with visitors, however. Cherry had noticed that a patient in a nearby ward was always surrounded by visitors and wondered if it could be preventing her from healing as quickly, the other woman certainly looked exhausted all the time and didn’t even have the strength to hide the relief she felt when her visitors left.

Now that she was in an ordinary ward visiting was far less restricted, however Hilda had insisted that any visitors for Nell were only there for ten minutes at a time. Cherry noticed that Nell had grimaced at the restriction but had, in fact, been glad of the time limit. Of course there was no time limit for Hilda herself but, unlike just about anyone else, Hilda didn’t expect Nell to do anything or say anything. In fact, when Cherry and Robbie had visited Nell that morning, it was to find Hilda in one corner of the room with her laptop and books from her University course. She was working on her latest essay and reading through her course work and text books. Nell had been asleep.

Cherry was roused from her thoughts by a figure walking past, she looked over, seeing only that it was a man, she checked Robbie who was, with extreme concentration, attempting to build a drawbridge in the sand. She smiled, loving that she could just watch him. She glanced up at the figure a short distance away on a ridge looking out to sea and suddenly recognised him.

“Shane? Hey Shane, when did you get back here?” Cherry smiled at the man, Shane Coates had helped her in the first few weeks that she’d been at the Real Chalet School. As a Security Officer he’d been able to direct her all over the site and tell her where people could be found. He was also a great favourite with Robbie.

The man looked across in some shock, although tanned he actually appeared pale and listless and his face was drawn, his eyes sunken. “Cherry? Is that you?”

“Yes, come over, Robbie’ll be pleased to see you. How’s it going in Perth?”

The man suddenly seemed to awaken to the fact that he was there with a young woman and child, he backed away, “No, no, I can’t, I’ve got to go…” He turned and ran in the opposite direction, leaving Cherry staring after him.

…

‘The meeting was not going well,’ Hilda Annersley thought to herself for possibly the fourth time in less than twenty minutes. The first lesson after break on Monday morning there was always a meeting of the Department Heads, the timetable was arranged so that all HOD’s could attend, however, due to an urgent meeting with the new Education Secretary, the Head had to reschedule the meeting at rather short notice to the lesson before break. She had thought there wouldn’t be a problem; after all Rosalie had sent round an urgent email to everyone and, after breakfast that morning, Hilda had quickly spoken to all at the Staff Table, telling them of the change in plan.

These preparations did not seem sufficient, however as no less than three people had arrived late. Neither Vida Armitage nor Julie Berne had seen the email; they arrived five minutes and ten minutes late respectively having been found when Hilda had asked Rosalie to send out a search party. The third person hadn’t checked her emails or been at breakfast and so probably had a good excuse, but when Dorothy Lawrence finally appeared, fifteen minutes late, causing Miss Annersley to have to recap everything for the third time, it was probably just as well that the Head was famed for her patience.

Surprisingly, considering how badly the meeting had started, by the end of the meeting everything had been discussed and some decisions made. Finally, after the final items on the Agenda - AOB - had been reached and everyone around the table given the opportunity to voice any concerns or other business, the meeting drew to a close.

The Head looked round the table, seeing that no one had anything to add, “Well if that’s everything then I think we can finish…what is it Ruth?” for Ruth Derwent had suddenly raised an arm.

“Only that I wondered if you could give us an update on how Nell’s doing?” There was a murmur of agreement from everyone else round the table and they all looked across at Hilda expectantly,

Hilda smiled, “She’s coping well,” she said softly, “she certainly appears to be returning to her normal self. At least she lost her temper with me on Saturday morning which I took to be a good sign!” There were giggles around the table. “Also she’s managing more fluids, yesterday afternoon they raised her limit to half a glass an hour and she managed without difficulty. She has been promised some soup and perhaps half a cup of coffee today or tomorrow so long as her improvement continues. For their sakes I hope they keep their promises, the strength of Nell’s tongue doesn‘t appear to have diminished.” The Head’s blue-grey eyes danced as she added this last sentence.

There was a second of silence before everyone burst out laughing. Hilda laughed too, when the noise had died down she turned to Rosalie with a quick smile, “You don’t need to include that last section in the minutes, Rosalie,”

“Oh I disagree,” Ruth said quickly, “Nell is as much a part of this meeting as the rest of us, she should be in the minutes.” There was a murmur of agreement from everywhere then a clear voice said,

“It’ll certainly make them far more interesting to read!”

The room fell silent immediately, everyone turned to look at the speaker. Kathie Ferrars was sat, her hand over her mouth, rapidly turning red. “Did I really say that out loud?” she asked plaintively.

Nancy Wilmot nodded slightly.

“Oh God,” Kathie turned to the Head, “Sorry Hilda,”

“Quite alright, Kathie,” Hilda replied gravely, “Don’t worry, I’ll remember your opinion.”

Kathie gulped and went rather pale before seeing the smile in Hilda’s eyes as she teased her Geography Head.


…

“Nell, wake up Nell,” the woman in the chair opened her eyes, looked over at the nurse, “how long have you been sat out?”

Nell thought for a time, glanced quickly across at the clock on her locker, she swallowed, “About forty-five minutes, I think,” she said eventually, “maybe an hour.”

“And have you walked at all?”

“From the bed to the chair,”

“Hmmm, well you need to walk further,” the nurse said determinedly, “come on, I’ll help you, partway down the corridor and back.”

Nell slowly closed her eyes then opened them again, “Perhaps later this afternoon, Emma,” she said, “I’m too tired now.”

“Now, Nell,”

Fierce grey eyes looked over at the nurse, “I said I’m too tired now,” she said forcefully, “maybe later.”

The nurse knelt beside the chair, “I know you are tired, Nell,” she said quietly, “I also know that it’s painful, but unfortunately that doesn’t matter, you have to keep pushing this, fighting it.”

“In ITU they kept telling me I was doing too much,”

“That was then, now you’re not doing enough. If you don’t start moving more then you’re going to find it worse and worse. You want to be out of here before Christmas, don’t you?”

“Yes but...”

“Well you’ve got less than nine weeks to go. You’re going to have to work at it.”

Silence for a time then, “I don’t just want to be out of here before Christmas,” Nell said with determination, “I want to be home before the end of term, that gives me seven weeks and four days.”

The nurse nodded, “Even more important that you start pushing yourself, just a little, that you start walking now.”

There was silence for a time, Nell considering, eventually she spoke again, “Can I have a cup of coffee first?”

The nurse thought for a minute, checked Nell’s fluid chart, “Half a cup,” she countered, “after you’ve taken the walk.”

Nell nodded and braced herself, “Alright,” she said, “I’ll walk.”

The nurse immediately moved the small footstool away and removed the blanket that had been covering Nell’s knees. Before helping Nell to rise the nurse called in a colleague and the two each placed a hand beneath one of Nell’s arms. They waited until Nell nodded that she was ready then swiftly lifted up. Nell rose to her feet, wincing at the pain in her abdomen. Once upright the two nurses waited for Nell to catch her breath and straighten.

“Shoulders back, Nell,” one of them said quickly, “you need to get into as upright a position as possible, even though it’s going to be pulling on your suture line.”

Nell nodded slowly, her face bathed in perspiration, “Hurts like Hell,” she murmured.

“Well that’s to be expected, isn’t it? You’ve had two serious knife wounds there. They’ve cut across all your abdominal muscles. You’re luckier than many though, you were fit before the attack. You exercised regularly, didn’t you?”

“Running most days, about half an hour or more each time,”

“Well then this will be far easier for you than for someone that doesn’t exercise,” the first nurse said, adding quickly, “even though you don’t feel like it at the moment!”

Nell smiled slightly, “Can’t imagine this being worse,” she said, “how would they cope?”

“Well they’d be in a lot longer, now are you ready to move?”

Nell took a deep breath, tried to straighten slightly and nodded, she glanced down at the bag by the side of her chair with real distaste, “Don’t forget my handbag,” she said with a wry smile.

The nurse reached down and picked up the catheter bag, making sure that the tubing wasn’t caught up, “No, I’ve got it, now walk.”

The walk out of Nell’s room and along the corridor was certainly painful; however Nell was surprised that she was able to do so much, expecting that she would be far too weak. She said as much to the nurses.

“It’s not surprising, Nell,” Emma replied, “You’re making a very good recovery.”

“I was sick last week,”

“Yes but only the once,” the nurse countered, “and since then you’ve been able to slowly increase your fluids.”

“Enough for that thing to be taken out?” Nell indicated the catheter.

“Soon, tomorrow or the next day.”

By the time the three were back in Nell’s room she was breathing quickly and dragging quite heavily on her two helpers. They swiftly lifted her into bed and allowed her to sink back on the pillows arranged to hold someone in a fairly upright position. Emma looked down at her patient,

“You did well, Nell,” she smiled, “now, would you like something for the pain?”

Nell nodded quickly, her face drawn, “And that coffee,” she said quickly.

The nurse smiled, “Alright, the coffee too,”

About twenty minutes later Nell was feeling a little better as the painkilling injection was starting to work, she smiled as a nurse brought in a cup of coffee and placed it on the bedside table in front of her,

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this,” Nell whispered, she reached for the cup but her hands were still too shaky. The nurse held the cup for her to drink and Nell took a large sip and swallowed, “even better than I’d imagined,” she said grinning. The rest of the half cup of coffee disappeared swiftly and Nell sank back on her pillows once more, “Thanks Emma,”

“No problem, Nell,” the nurse replied, “now, do you need anything else at the moment? If not I’ll have a look at some of my other patients, be back to check on you later.”

Nell shook her head, “No, think I’ll get back to that sleep you interrupt...Oh, one thing?”

The nurse looked over from where she was already halfway out of the room,

“You said two serious knife wounds; did you mean that the knife cut on the way in and on the way out?”

“No, Nell, I meant the initial injury, caused by the stabbing, and then the surgical wound when they had to open you up and check inside. If anything the scalpel wound, the one you gave consent for, cut more of your abdominal muscles than the initial stabbing. Even though that one was definitely without your consent!”

“I didn’t give permission for either wound,” Nell said sleepily.

Emma smiled, “No, I imagine you were too unwell, it would have been your next-of-kin then that gave consent.”

Nell’s eyes sparkled, “Ah, this is all Hilda’s fault then? Must remember to tell her that next time she visits,” she closed her eyes and slept.

…

That evening, during Association Hour, another meeting was held, this time though Butcher held it. The room where she and her companions were gathered was called the Games Room; it had a variety of board games available as well as well as an old style Space Invaders computer game and a pool table. Most evenings there were a number of prisoners in there using the facilities. On this occasion, however, there were only Butcher and her team; when she had first entered there had been a couple of inmates halfway through a game of Space Invaders, but a quick command from Butcher had seen them both scuttle out. Now the woman in charge of the rest of the inmates had the place to herself.

She had quickly placed a few women on sentry and organised the room in case any of the prison officers took it upon themselves to visit. Once that was done the meeting itself could begin. Butcher received reports from various others of her people about different schemes that were being run within the prison and about requests from people for gambling, alcohol and drug concessions.

“There’s request from Wade, Butcher,” Rees put in quickly, “you remember her?”

Butcher nodded, “I remember, surprised she’s got the nerve.”

“So I’ll tell her ‘no’ then, shall I?”

Butcher thought for a minute, “No, tell her she’s got permission, but for her my cut is fifty percent of the profit, not thirty. Just a little reminder to her, I don’t like anyone hurting my people. Oh and make sure she knows not to raise her prices.”

“Right.”

Another of the women, Dale, looked over, “How’s she getting the stuff in, anyway?”

“One of her visitors brings it in,” Butcher replied, “has it in a rubber she’s swallowed. During the visit they wait till the screws are looking elsewhere then the visitor seems to sneeze into a tissue - really bringing up the stuff, tissue’s picked up by Wade.”

“She tell you?”

“No, saw her do it last time I had a visitor.”

“Ain’t that dangerous?”

“Could be, if the rubber bursts visitor could OD on the stuff.”

“If they’re caught the visitor will become her cellmate,” Rees said.

“Her problem,” Butcher shrugged, “now you mentioned something about phone cards, Dale?”

“Only that we’re running a bit low, need another deliver…” Dale’s response was cut off as one of the women outside suddenly darted in hissing, “Screw!”

The women within moved fast, bare seconds later when the door was opened again two women were sat playing cards, another was partway through a computer game, while the rest were all grouped around the pool table watching as Butcher lined up for a shot. A prison officer looked inside, his eyes passing over all of the women in turn. Many of the women looked away when his gaze met theirs, Butcher did not, instead locking gazes, refusing to back away. In the end the man looked away first, left the room. The women waited until they got the ‘All Clear’ from the one outside.

“He doesn’t like you, Butcher,” Rees observed.

“No?” Butcher smiled, “That’s his problem. You heard anything about him?” She looked round at the others.

“Got a mate that came for a visit couple of weeks ago,” a new member of Butcher’s team, name of Grant, volunteered, “said he recognised him from when he was inside across State. He said Taylor was trouble.”

“Bent?”

“No, a fanatic, crusader,”

“Ah, one of them, thinks we’re scum of the Earth, does he?” Butcher smiled slightly.

“Don’t they all?” this from Grant with a sardonic smile.

Butcher and a few of the others all shook their heads, “No, most of them are OK, Shaw’s decent enough and she sets the standard for the rest. Can’t see her putting up with much from a fanatic for long. He’ll not last.” Butcher looked round at her people, “But keep your eyes and ears open, encourage the mice to report to me if he tries anything.”

There was a murmur of agreement then Butcher looked over at Dale, “You said about cards?”

“Yeah, we’re running a bit low, need some people to bring some more in. We lost a big shipment when the screws caught on to the packages coming in with the catering supplies.”

Butcher sighed, “Might have to look at different methods,” she said quickly, “any ideas?”

There was silence for a time then, another newer member, name of Chapman, looked across, “What about the Education Block? Those teachers? Could they be asked?”

“No!” The word from Butcher was immediate and fierce, the other women looked across with some anxiety, Butcher stared at Chapman, “You don’t try and involve them in anything, you understand? You do and I’ll not wait for the screws to find out, I’ll break your neck.”

Chapman went pale, nodded quickly, “OK Butcher, no problem,”

Butcher nodded, appeased, “well, until we can set up a regular supply run we’ll have to get some in through the normal methods. See how many want some extra cash to get their visitors to bring some in, you can go through normal ways of hiding them, Dale.”

“What about that kid Richards,” Rees said quickly, “she’s having a lot of stuff sent to her at the moment, applying for jobs, should be easy to rig a package that’ll get past the screws yet hold a couple of hundred cards?”

Butcher shook her head, “Not Richards, she’s up for parole in the New Year, if she’s caught, anything like that could lose her remission, try some of the serial offenders, the ones we know will be back in within a week. Now, got some money for all of you…”

…

“Why are you avoiding me, Shane?”

It was Wednesday afternoon; the School had all returned to lessons nearly an hour before. Cherry Elliott had helped with serving the meals for the School then, along with the rest of the Domestic Staff, sat down to her own lunch. One of the things the people working for the Real Chalet School considered to be a major perk of their jobs was that they were entitled to a meal. Of course, those that were residential were entitled to all their meals, but even those that did not live on site were entitled to one meal each shift. As the meals were exactly the same as that served to the School itself, the non-residential Staff rarely brought in sandwiches or rolls, preferring instead to take advantage of the excellent cooking.

Even the Security Staff and Groundsmen were entitled, and lunch in particular was normally very popular. Cherry had decided, before starting her afternoon work, that she needed a quick walk as she had probably eaten too much! She had walked along the beach, away from the area used by the School, and come across Shane Coates sat at the top of a large sand dune, brooding.

The man looked across at Cherry, he looked worried to see her, “I’m not avoiding you,” he said, standing quickly and trying to back away.

“Yes you are, you’re doing it now,” Cherry pointed out, somewhat reasonably, “I thought we were friends? Don’t you want to know me any longer, is that it?”

“No! Why would you think that?”

Cherry shrugged, “I don’t know, your new job, a copper, might not want to associate with me any more. Might embarrass you in front of all your new friends in Perth.”

Shane laughed very ironically, “My new friends?” he repeated. “That would be really funny if it weren’t so sad. I don’t think I’ve got any friends in Perth. Not now.”

Cherry frowned, “Why’d you say that? What’s happened to you?”

Shane looked over, a light of hope dawning in his eyes, then it was as swiftly snuffed out once more, “Nothing, nothing’s happened. I’m fine.” He tried again to walk away but Cherry caught his arm,

“Shane, please, tell me.”

There was silence for some time, then a different, deeper voice, spoke, “Yes, tell her, son,”

Shane and Cherry both looked round in some shock to see John Coates standing there, John nodded gravely toward Cherry, “He needs to tell someone,” he said before turning on his heel and walking away.

Cherry looked back at Shane, he shrugged, “Seems I’ve been given my orders,” he said with a half smile.

Cherry smiled back, “Looks like it,” she said, “so, shall we sit down?”

“Sure,” the two sat down in the shade of a large tree, Shane looked across, “Where do I start?”

“Well you can start by telling me when everything suddenly went wrong,” Cherry said after a moment’s thought, “last time you were here was, what, June or July?”

“July,”

“Well then everything was going well. You’d passed your basic training, started as a probationer on the beat. You said your partner and mentor was a really nice bloke?”

“Yes, he was, a real diamond.” Shane stared out to sea for a moment, “Rick Dawson, he was a veteran, been a cop more than fifteen years, what he didn’t know about police work wasn’t worth knowing.”

“You got on well?”

“Brilliant, he took me home to meet his family - he’s got two little girls, his wife mothered me, especially when she found out my family were so far away.”

“I heard you won a medal?”

Shane smiled, “Yes, we both did, that was Rick really, we were doing a routine patrol, passed an alleyway and saw what looked like a couple of blokes having a play fight, if it had been just me I’d have ignored it, but Rick said we should check. We couldn’t save the poor guy, but at least we caught the heartless buggers who’d beaten him to death.”

“But something went wrong?”

“You could say that. Rick was knocked down by a car, hit and run, when on his way into work one morning. He’s in a coma, they don’t know if he’ll ever recover.” He sat there for some time before continuing. Cherry waited.

“That must have been really hard for you,” she said eventually.

Shane nodded, “Yeah, especially seeing his wife and kids, it was as if their entire lives had shattered.” He swallowed rapidly then continued, “So, there I was, a loose cog, rattling around. They gave me filing and junk at the station, until they knew for sure if Rick was going to recover or if I would need a new mentor. Don’t know what state the files must be in. Then, one night, I got back from visiting Rick in the hospital and went across to the local bar for a drink. It was one used by a lot of police. Found an empty table and sat there staring at the wall.”

“Then what happened?”

Shane shrugged, “This young woman came in, pretty, sat at the next table to mine. She told me she was waiting for her fella. We chatted for a time, nothing in it, just talk. Then she got a text, started crying, turned out he dumped her, by text. Cowardly piece of…”

“It happens,”

“Yeah, anyway, I bought her a drink, then another. We ended up going back to her place,” Shane looked across at the girl sat next to him, “You don’t seem shocked,” he said.

Cherry raised an eyebrow, “Remember who you’re talking to here, Shane,” she said, amusement in her tones.

Shane flushed red, looked away quickly, “Oh right, yes,” he said quickly. He swallowed hard a couple of times then continued, “Well, one thing led to another, I spent the night with her…..There wasn’t anything in it, I mean neither of us wanted a relationship or anything. Just wanted some comfort for the night I think.”

Cherry nodded, said nothing.

“Next morning we parted without any problems, didn’t fix up to meet again, I think we both were happy with a one night stand. At least, that was my impression.”

“It wasn’t hers?” Cherry frowned, ‘was the problem simply a woman?’ Shane’s next words negated that thought.

“I don’t know her thoughts,” he said, “and I’ve no way of finding out,” he looked straight into Cherry’s eyes, “she’d dead, murdered. Three nights later I’m awoken by a police squad crashing into my flat, arresting me. The woman had been found dead in her place, raped and murdered. Last time anyone saw her was when she left the bar with me.”

“Oh my God, and they suspect you?” Cherry sounded shocked, she looked over toward Shane with sympathy.

Shane nodded, “There’s worse,” he said quietly, “turns out she’s not some innocent woman that came in for a drink and got dumped by her boyfriend. She’s a prostitute, a well-known one, though obviously not well-known to me. And she was only fourteen.”

Cherry bit her lip and sighed, then, moving a little closer, she placed an arm around the man’s broad shoulders, “You couldn’t know, Shane, we don’t have it stapled to our heads you know?” She smiled very slightly and was pleased to see the man smile slightly back, “and girls can look far, far older than they really are. You say this girl was well known? So she’d been on the game for a while then. Did she ask you for money?”

Shane shook his head, “No, all she got from me was a couple of drinks, no more,”

“Well maybe that’s all she wanted from you,” Cherry said soothingly, “maybe she wasn’t trying to drum up business, just wanted a good time. It can happen you know.”

“So why was she killed then?”

Cherry shrugged, “Who knows, it might have been pure coincidence, it could have been there was a boyfriend and he reappeared, it might have been a punter. The only thing I know for sure is it wasn’t you.”

“You mean that?”

“Of course I do!” Cherry sounded almost angry, “No way you could do anything like that, you’re a cop, you got a medal a while back because you tried to stop things like that happening.” Cherry paused, reached out and held Shane’s head, turned so she was looking directly into his eyes, “You’re a good man, Shane, you didn’t do anything wrong. They’ll find the real killers, just you wait.”

Shane looked into Cherry’s green eyes for some time, then seemed to relax slightly, he rested his head on her shoulder for a few seconds, “Thanks Cherry,” he whispered.

Thursday evening saw Hilda working in her Study. Although only the second week of term she already had somewhat of a backlog when it came to correspondence and reports. Part of the reason, of course, was the absence of Nell Wilson. While Ruth Derwent had made an exceptionally good start at filling the role of Deputy Head, she was not able to fill the role with the ease and aplomb with which Nell managed it. Ruth had not worked so closely with the Head, had not built up such a perfect working rapport that, at least half the time, she could anticipate what Hilda would require and when. Hilda Annersley now found that she missed that, and, because the work wasn’t being done quite so smoothly, it meant more tasks for the Head to have to pick up. More items that she had to correct or finish when, had Nell been there, they would never have needed to be passed on to the Head’s desk.

‘Of course,” Hilda mused while wrestling with a report that had to be completed and sent off before the end of the day, ’ I’m not going to tell her that she is badly missed, I know Nell. If she thinks she’s needed she will push herself too hard. But oh I do miss her! If she were here I’d have finished this report this morning, when I’d set aside time to complete it. Because she would have made it her business to check that the rest of the HOD’s had done their reports and passed them on to me on time. Now, because two of the reports were late, I’ll probably be here until very late.’

She rose and stretched, looked at the clock, it was just after nine pm; looking at the work still outstanding she estimated that she had another three hours before the report would be finished. Moving across to the kettle she switched it on to make a drink.

“Of course, if Nell were here she’d be stopping me from working,” she said out loud, “so, in a way I could look on it as a blessing that she’s in hospital,” she stopped and laughed, knowing full well that she didn’t mean a word of it, she wanted her back!

After making herself a cup of coffee she walked out to the Admin Block, Rosalie Dene was just packing up, she smiled across at the Office manager,

“All finished for the night, Rosalie?”

Rosalie nodded, “I am, just had a little extra to finish before calling it a day. I don’t suppose you’re about to do the same?”

Hilda shook her head, “I cannot, I’m afraid, the report and figures need to be at the Education Department first thing tomorrow. It will take some time to finish it.”

“Time that you had placed to one side this morning, so I understand,” Rosalie said, a rare glimpse of annoyance in her voice, “if Vida and Kathie had handed in their reports on time…”

Hilda held up a hand, “They, both of them, are new in the post,” she said with a smile, “I don’t think they appreciated that the time was so important.”

“Well it’s there business to know,” Rosalie replied hotly, “and I’m surprised at both of them, I’m sure Vida said something about having finished it yesterday. She obviously hadn’t though. You might want to say something to them.”

“No,” Hilda shook her head, “It would be taken as a reprimand and I don’t want that. In a week or so I’ll get you to send out a notice to all HOD’s, reminding them of the need to get their reports in on time.”

“Well, I suppose that will do,” Rosalie said grudgingly, “but it would be far more effective to just bring them down here at midnight and see you still working.”

Hilda smiled, “We’ll do it my way, Rosalie,” she said quietly.

“Oh alright,” Rosalie leant across and hugged Hilda quickly, “You take care, I’ll see you in the morning. And don’t work too hard or I’ll tell Nell!”

Hilda smiled, “You know that’s really unfair,” she said mildly, she waved as Rosalie left the Admin Block.

…

“Hilda? Have you got a minute?”

The interruption was welcome; it was now almost eleven pm and the majority of the report was finished. However Hilda had, in the last ten minutes, made a number of silly mistakes and knew it was because she was tired. She was pleased to give herself a break. She looked across quickly,

“Of course, Cherry, what can I do for you?” her smile suddenly vanished, “It’s not Robbie is it?”

“No, no,” Cherry made haste to reassure the Head, “He’s fine, fast asleep in bed, Karen said she’d watch him while I found you. Took me longer than I’d expected because I didn’t realise you were still working. I can come back tomorrow?”

Hilda shook her head, “No, that’s fine, I could do with the break. Come in, sit down. Now, tell me what I can do to help.”

Cherry quickly sat down but seemed in no hurry to say anything. Eventually she took a deep breath and looked across at the older woman, “Hilda, could you look after Robbie for me this weekend?”

Hilda looked surprised, “Of course, it’ll be wonderful to have him. Are you going away with the girls?”

Cherry shook her head, “No, not with them, but I am going away for a couple of days. I should be back Sunday night, maybe earlier.”

“Oh, I see,” Hilda looked closely at her, Cherry expression was worried but resolute, “this is rather sudden,” she remarked.

Cherry nodded, “Yes, something’s come up, something I’ve got to deal with.”

There was silence for a time, then Hilda asked hesitantly, “Are you in trouble, Cherry?”

Cherry looked across, shaking her head, “No, no I swear, it’s nothing like that, just something I have to deal with, and deal with alone. Please don’t ask, Hilda.”

The Head gazed across at the girl for some seconds, her blue-grey eyes piercing, eventually she nodded, “Very well Cherry, I’ll not ask. I trust your judgement.”

“Thank you,” Cherry rose, intending to get back to her son, a quiet voice stopped her,

“Do you need money, Cherry?”

Cherry spun round, “I wasn’t going back to it, I swear I wasn’t, please don’t think that. I wouldn’t let you down, honestly.”

Hilda rose and crossed the gap between them quickly, she drew the girl into a hug, “I don’t, I don’t think you would go back to that, child. As I said, I trust you. My question was because you have obviously got a problem. Money cannot solve all problems, but it may help.”

Cherry stood with her head resting on Hilda’s shoulder, after some seconds she nodded slightly, “It might help,” she admitted.

Hilda crossed over to the small safe at the back of her Study, opened it and withdrew a roll of notes, “There is two thousand dollars here, Cherry, it’s the float that’s kept at the School in the case of emergency. I’ll speak with Mollie Mackenzie tomorrow, replace the amount once I’ve managed to get to the bank in the morning. Here.” She passed the money over to the girl.

Cherry looked down at the money then leant across and kissed Hilda, “Thank you,” she said quietly, “I’ll pay you back…”

Hilda shook her head, “It’s a gift. Take care Cherry. I’ll see you Sunday evening.”

Cherry nodded, “I promise,” she said, she then turned and left the room.

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#5:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:18 pm

---

New bit!

“So after School today,” Cherry said very solemnly to her son, “Grandma Hilda will collect you, and you will spend the weekend with her, alright?”

“Yes Mummy,” Robbie said then he frowned and continued, “Mummy you not going away for long time?”

Cherry hugged him, “No darling, just for a couple of days, I’ll see you again on Sunday. Now you’ll be a good boy for Grandma, won’t you?”

“Yes Mummy, I try, but sometimes I is naughty but didn’t mean it.”

Cherry suppressed a grin at this, “Well you be careful, I don’t think that will be a good enough reason as far as Grandma Hilda is concerned. Now, I’ll pack a bag for you but if you need anything else you can come back here to collect it. We’d better hurry now, it’s time for School.”

She quickly ran a comb through Robbie’s hair and the pair of them swiftly left their flat to run across to the Nursery.

...

In the hospital that Friday morning Nell had a visitor; she had been out for a walk with the physiotherapists along the corridor. Although slow she was certainly progressing as she was able to manage almost to the Nurses’ Station and back. As one of the Physios opened the door to her room Nell saw a figure inside sitting in one of the spare chairs. It was Geri Shaw.

Geri waited until the Physios had helped Nell to sit down and brought over a blanket and her bedside table, after they left she smiled across at the other woman,

“I’m not interrupting, am I?”

Nell smiled although there was obvious pain in her expression, “No, they gave me something for the pain, it should ease in a minute. Good to see you.”

Geri passed across a small potted plant, “Thought you might like this,” she said, “though, looking round, I wonder where you are going to put it!” She was referring to the fact that almost every flat surface and window sill held vases of flowers and plants.

Nell looked round as well, “It is a little crowded, isn’t it?” she remarked, “It’s a good thing I don’t get hay fever! What with all the flowers and the cards on that wall,” she pointed to the far wall where what appeared to be hundreds of cards were all stuck on the wall. “the nurses say they’ll not recognise the room when I finally leave.”

“Must be nice to see though,” Geri said as she sat down again, “to know that people are thinking of you. I know I felt like that in May and June when I was in hospital.”

Nell nodded, “Yes, it’s good to see when you wake up, especially when you don’t feel anything is improving. It gives you a little lift.”

“Well you can’t say you’re not improving now,” Geri Shaw smiled, “you’re out in a normal ward, walking, drinking…”

“And finally got rid of all my tubes,” Nell put in, “the last one being taken out only yesterday, oh, apart from this,” she waved an arm and Geri could see a Venflon in the back of her wrist, “but that’s only to give me drugs, antibiotics and such.”

“So it’s, what, three weeks since the attack?” Geri asked, “Any idea how long until you are discharged?”

Nell shook her head, “Nothing yet,” she replied, “my Consultant has said she doesn’t want to discharge me until I’m back to full meals and the Physios are happy,” Nell grinned slightly, “plus there is one other reason.”

Geri looked puzzled and Nell elaborated.

“Well the fact that I’m one of the Directors on their hospital board means they’ll probably be extra cautious.”

“Yes, I expect so,” Geri smiled, “does everyone here know that?”

Nell shook her head, “No, I’ve not told any of the nurses, its not fair on them.” She pushed herself more upright in the chair, wincing as she did so,

“Are you alright?”

Nell swallowed quickly, “I will be, in a minute,” she took a couple of quick, shallow breaths, “it just catches me every so often.”

Geri nodded, “It used to do that to me, too,” she said understandingly, “it will get better, Nell.”

Nell nodded then, after a short time, was able to relax somewhat, “Glad to hear you say that, Geri,” she said with feeling, “knowing someone that’s been through this makes it a little easier to bear.”

“I think your injury was far worse than mine though Nell,” Geri put in.

“Perhaps,” Nell agreed, “but you had other injuries to deal with too.” There was a pause for sometime then Nell added something, almost diffidently, “Mind if I ask you something, Geri?”

“No, of course not,”

“How did you feel? Going back to the prison, I mean, facing the people that had done that to you?”

Geri Shaw looked across, held Nell’s gaze, “My honest answer?” she said, “Terrified, on my first day back I sat in my car in the Prison car park for twenty minutes before I could force myself to go in.” She laughed slightly, “And you are the only person I’ve told that to.”

“Perhaps because I can understand it, to a certain degree,” Nell said rather gently, “I must admit to feeling something similar, wondering if I’d be able to take the same action again. Be able to face that gang, if I ever had to.”

“You would,” Geri said quietly, “you’d be the same as me, you’d face your fears,”

“I hope so,”

“Not only that,” Geri continued, “You’d face down the one that stabbed you, you’d not let him get away with it.”

Nell smiled, “You may be right there,” she admitted, “I certainly want to meet up with one of them in particular - but surprisingly it’s not the one that stabbed me.”

“It’s not?”

Nell shook her head, “No, although I want him caught, of course I do, I can feel a little empathy with him. Oh not that he used a knife, there’s no excuse there, I think anyone that carries a knife is committing a serious crime - why carry one if you don’t intend to use it?”

“Then what?”

“Well I can understand why he reacted as he did, he lost his temper. I made him look small in front of his friends, I broke his nose, he lashed out. If he hadn’t had a knife I’d probably have got no more than a black eye, but he did have one. I can empathise with him because I also tend to react first.”

“I hope you don’t intend to use that as an excuse not to press charges?” Geri Shaw was most definitely speaking as a member of the Prison Service here.

“Hell no,” Nell replied, “I want him caught and punished, it’s just, there is one that I want caught even more. The one that stole my bag and calmly walked away, leaving me dying on the ground behind him. Now he’s the one I really want.”

“Well I can understand that."

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#6:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:45 pm

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Woohoo! Thanks Lesley!

So glad to see Geri being able to talk honestly about her fears; means Nell can see there's nothing wrong with being afraid or anything else.

Hope Cherry can help Shane, and that Robbie doesn't get up to too much trouble with Hilda!

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#7:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 6:52 pm

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I suspect that Robbie will lead Hilda a merry dance!

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#8:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:09 pm

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Yes, Nell, you do face your fears - being strong and courageous, if more than a little foolhardy, reacting first, and thinking afterwards, as you told Geri. Will this change you? I very much doubt it.....

Thanks, Lesley.

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#9:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:58 pm

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Thank you Lesley!!!!

I hope the swine that left Nell to die WILL get his comuppance!

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#10:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:20 pm

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Thanks, Lesley.

Pat wrote:

Now I favour a method of castration I read about in a book many years ago.

I think someone needs to censor your reading matter, Pat.

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#11:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:25 pm

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Thank you Lesley. I was a bit behind so I'm glad you did a re-post.

May I have a little wibble about Cherry? I'm going to anyway!

Lovely that Nell has Geri to talk to. There's nothing like talking to someone who's been there, done that and come through!

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#12:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:39 pm

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Thanks Lesley. Glad Nell has Geri to talk to, hopefully it will help her.

Looking forward to hearing about Hilda's weekend with Robbie.

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#13:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 10:54 pm

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There's an awful lot there

Thanks Lesley!

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#14:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:44 pm

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Thank you Lesley - good to see Nell revealing how she felt, and yes, I can understand her point of view on the person who left her there to die.

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#15:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 11:49 pm

---

Cherry had left the Real Chalet School early in the afternoon, Karen telling her to go at about three when it was obvious that her mind was not fully on her job. As a matter of fact Miss Annersley had spoken to the Domestic Manager at lunchtime that day so Karen’s actions were not really surprising. Cherry took with her a small case with a couple of changes of clothes and toiletries and left in a cab. She first checked into a small but pleasant hotel, intending to stay one or two nights. She unpacked her case and placed the money Hilda had given her into the safe. After a quick meal at the restaurant she asked for another cab and told him where she wanted to go. The cab took her toward a somewhat unsavoury side of Melbourne, so much so that the cab driver was more than a little worried about leaving her there. But Cherry managed to persuade him to go. Once the car had left she looked round.

The sight that met her eyes was not very pleasant, the area was fairly near the harbour and the smell of rotting seaweed pervaded the air. A little further along the road were a number of harbour side bars and clubs, mainly quiet now, with only the odd tourist in there. They generally saw more action far later. Cherry wasn’t heading toward the bars however, she was moving toward the side streets. She walked up and down two or three before she found the right one. The streets were fairly busy, cars driving up and down them continually. In front of Cherry was a young girl, Cherry estimated her to be about fifteen, she had a short skirt and crop top on, her face heavily made up. As Cherry watched a car stopped and a man leant out, asked her something. The girl nodded and the passenger door was opened. The girl got in and the car drove off. Cherry sighed, continued walking.

A little further on she stopped by a small shop; the sign outside said that the shop was a herbalist, offered aromatherapy and acupuncture. A small sign in one corner also advertised a professional massage service. She walked into the shop. Behind the counter was an old Chinese man, he looked across at her.

“Would you like an aromatherapy session?”

Cherry shook her head, “No, my business is upstairs, is Pru around?”

The old man’s eyes widened and he turned and called out for someone from the back. A few minutes later a young man appeared. He was aged about thirty, had long dark hair and a pale skin. He looked over at Cherry,

“What do you want? A massage?” He shook his head, “Not here love, Pru’s girls are strictly straight, I’ll give you the address of another place.”

“Pru’s girls do whatever Pru tells ‘em,” Cherry countered, “but I’m not here as a customer.”

“You want work, then?”

Cherry shook her head, “No, just tell Pru that I’d like to see her. My name’s Cherry, Cherry Elliott, she’ll see me.”

The man looked at her in silence for a time, his gaze travelling up and down her body, “Well after you’ve seen her, how about seeing me? I could show you a good time?”

Cherry returned his gaze, her own travelling down his body until it came to a stop at groin level, she stared for a few seconds then laughed, “I doubt it,” she said, “Now, tell Pru, would you?”

The man flushed slightly and disappeared out the back. A short time later he re-appeared and indicated that she was to follow him. The pair walked up two flights of stairs and along a corridor, at the end of a corridor was a single door, the man opened the door and indicated that Cherry should follow him. Inside the room was large, it had a formal desk and some chairs in the centre as well as a small bar and some sofas. There were a number of doors leading off of it. Seated behind the desk was a large woman of about forty. She looked over as the door opened,

“Cherry Elliott, I never expected to see you again.”

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#16:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 11:55 pm

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Thank you Lesley.

Good for Cherry, hope she gets the information she is looking for.

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#17:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 12:44 am

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Be careful Cherry!

Thanks Lesley.

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#18:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:18 am

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Go Cherry! But be careful.

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#19:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 2:26 pm

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Cherry has learned such a lot from Hilda and Nell - surely she can put it all to good use now and learn what she needs to help Shane. Here's hoping anyway....

Thanks, Lesley.

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#20:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:10 pm

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I hope Pru is kind to Cherry!

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#21:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:46 pm

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With acknowlegements to Tolkein...

Only one of the two visitors that appeared to see Nell Wilson around 6.30 that evening looked as though they wanted to be there. Nell was back in bed, dozing, a half drunk glass of what looked like a strawberry milkshake on her bedside table. The TV was on but the sound had been switched off. At the sound of the door being open Nell roused and smiled.

“Hello Hilda, hello Robbie,”

“..Lo Grandma,” a very grumpy voice said quickly, the owner of it not moving from his position next to Hilda.

Nell raised her eyebrows in silent question as Hilda moved to the bed and bent to kiss her friend, “Have I upset him?” she asked.

Hilda smiled, “No Nell, I have,” she said gently, she looked over at the sulking little boy and spoke to him, “Come and say hello to Grandma Nell properly, Robbie,”

Robbie did so, though with a great deal of reluctance and dragging of feet, once he’d reached Nell he did, however, lift his face to kiss Nell and submitted to a quick hug. He then quickly went across to one of the chairs in the room and curled up on that, his back most definitely toward Hilda.

Nell bit her lip slightly, stopping herself from laughing, she looked across at Hilda, “What did you do?” she asked.

“Let me see,” Hilda began, a twinkle in her eye, “stopped him playing outside because it was too hot, made him eat his peas when he had tried to hide them all under his mat, stopped him watching his DVD of Peter Pan when I discovered that he’d deliberately broken the case and taken his metal plane away from him after he’d thrown it across the room. Had we not been coming to see you he would have gone to bed already.”

“A regular little demon, then?” Nell said with a grin.

“Definitely,” Hilda replied, “and I’m really not liked at the moment!”

“That won’t last,” Nell said encouragingly, “where’s Cherry?”

“Away for the weekend,” Hilda replied, “I’m not sure whether this behaviour is because he’s missing her or just general naughtiness. I think it’s probably the latter. How are you getting on?”

“Slowly, as ever,” Nell said with a wry smile, “finally allowed to drink something other than just teas and coffees, they’ve started me on this stuff to try and get some calories in me,” she pointed to the milkshake, “but it’s a bit rich, takes me a while to drink it.”

“Hopefully it’ll stop you losing any more weight though,” Hilda observed, “have they said when you can start eating properly?”

Nell shook her head, “No, not for a while yet, they seem to think it could be another week, maybe more. I did manage to get to the Nurses’ Station and back today, though I was completely knackered by the time I got back he…”

“Grandma? What is knackered?” Robbie’s voice interrupted.

Hilda leant forward, “I was about to ask the same question,” she said, a knowing look on her face.

Nell flushed very slightly, “Er, well it means very tired, Robbie,” she said, somewhat lamely.

Robbie thought for a moment, then, “Knackered, knackered, knackered. It’s a good word, Grandma, it sounds funny, knackered, knackered, knackered.”

“That’s enough, Robbie, it’s not a word that you should use,”

“But Grandma Nell said it first, Grandma, why can‘t I say it?” Robbie said with some logic, under his breath he continued speaking, “knackered, knackered, knackered,”

“Because Grandma Nell is a Grown-Up and you are a little boy,” Hilda said quickly, even as she said it she knew that was a mistake…

“I not a little boy, Grandma, I a big boy.” Robbie said quickly, “you said so today.”

“Yes, but that is different, I don’t want you saying the word,”

“Why not?”

There was silence for a time; Nell leant across slightly, wincing a little but with a big grin on her face, “Get out of that one, Annersley!”

Hilda looked across with frustration tinged with amusement, she went to reply and then stopped, smiled, she looked over at little Robbie, “Well Robbie,” she began, “I would answer, but, even though I am considered an expert as far as the English language is concerned, when it comes to slang terms and even, dare I say it, profanity, the person to ask is your Grandma Nell.”

Nell, in the process of taking a drink of her milkshake, choked slightly then glared at Hilda. Hilda just smiled. Robbie noticed none of this, instead looking over at the woman in the bed he asked,

“Grandma Nell, why can’t I say knackered?”

Nell gulped slightly, cast around vainly for a reason that he would accept, “You’re not allowed to say it until you are ten years old,” she said finally, hoping he wouldn’t ask why.

“Alright Grandma,” Robbie seemed quite happy with that explanation.

Hilda leant forward, “You do know he will remember that, don’t you?”

Nell grinned, “In six years he’ll have learnt far worse,” she replied.

Robbie seemed to have shaken off his sulks now and moved across to stand by Nell’s bed, “Can I sit on your bed, Grandma?”

Nell smiled, “I think that’ll be OK, wait a minute,” She tried to move across the bed slightly then waited until Hilda had risen and given her a hand. Once settled Hilda lifted the little boy up so that he could sit next to Nell, leaning back on the pillows just like his Grandma. Nell smiled, “This is nice,” she said, “so are you staying with Grandma Hilda this weekend, Robbie?”

“Yes,” Robbie didn’t seem too enamoured of the fact.

“And have you been a good boy for her?”

“Yes Grandma,” Robbie said quickly.

Nell raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure?”

Robbie said nothing for some time, frowning, then, “No Grandma, I broke the Peter Pan box, and I frew my plane across the room.” There was silence for a few seconds then, “But Grandma Hilda wouldn’t let me play in the garden and she made me eat all my peas!” He said this with some outrage in his voice.

Nell cuddled the little boy, “But it was too hot outside to play, Robbie,” she said quickly, “and you know you must eat all your dinner.”

Robbie sat in silence for a while then, almost under his breath, “was only a little bit naughty,” he said.

Hilda smiled, “What do you say when you are naughty, Robbie?”

Robbie looked across, “I say sorry, Grandma,” he replied, he held his arms out to her and Hilda lifted him up to give him a cuddle.

After a while she sat him back next to Nell who placed a arm around him once more. Hilda then looked at them both, “Would you like me to read more of your book, Nell?”

Nell smiled, “I could say it’s not necessary any more,” she replied, “With the table here and the fact I’ve become a little stronger, I could probably manage. But I love hearing you read.”

“Is it a story, Grandma?”

“It is, and we’d just got to the part where Bilbo and the others were being caught by giant spiders,” Hilda said gently, “would you like to hear more?”

“Yes please, Grandma,” Robbie said, even as he moved closer to Nell for protection.

Hilda smiled and took the book out of Nell’s locker and began to read. The attack of the spiders kept them enthralled, as did the fight by the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins to draw them away from the dwarves. When she reached the part where Bilbo starting singing mocking words to annoy the spiders both Nell and Robbie insisted that Hilda had to sing them too. Hilda had sighed slightly before softly singing the verses,

Old fat spider, spinning in a tree!
Old fat spider can’t see me!
Attercop! Attercop!
Won’t you stop,
Stop your spinning and look for me?


By the time she had finished the chapter Robbie was almost asleep; after kissing him gently Nell relinquished him to her friend.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Hilda nodded, Robbie in her arms, “We’ll be over in the afternoon, take care,” she leant over and kissed her friend goodnight.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#22:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:02 pm

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Ah! Robbie is so real.

Thanks Lesley.

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#23:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:22 pm

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I see Nell and Hilda haven't lost the art of gentle, teasing conversation. Each putting the other on the spot.

Glad to find also that Hilda can cope as well with a youngster, even one as appealing as Robbie, as she can with the most outrageous of Middles. Although of course the Middles wouldn't be allowed to sulk, now, would they?

Thanks, Lesley.

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#24:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:00 pm

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*giggles*

Robbie is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute! Thanks Lesley!

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#25:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:20 pm

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Oh Robbie!! And of course he would seize on that word! I loved the way Nell got out of it, and she's so right too!

That was very gentle and friendly, especially the reading.
Thank you Lesley.

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#26:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:11 am

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Thank you, Lesley.
Nice, homey post.

*hopes Cherry isn't putting herself in too much danger*

Oh-- and is Hilda's attempt to clean up Robbie's language just slang patrol, or does the word have connotations I wouldn't know? (I thought it just meant, "dead tired," despite using a version of "dead" derived from what happens to unfortunate horses.)

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#27:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:15 pm

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Knackered - a lack of testicles!! There's a good reason why Hilda doesn't want Robbie to use it

Thanks Lesley, excellent update

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#28:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:30 pm

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“Hello Pru,” Cherry smiled slightly.

The woman raised an eyebrow, “Didn’t expect to see you again, Cherry, thought you’d gone straight? What? You want your old job back, do you?”

“No, I have gone straight, I’m never returning to this,” Cherry swallowed, “but I wanted to ask you something, it could be important.”

“Nothing for nothing, girl, you know that,” Pru replied, “What’s in it for me?”

Cherry took a deep breath, “Finding the killer of one of the girls,”

Pru frowned, “None of the girls has been reported missing, who is it?”

“It’s no one here in Melbourne; it’s a girl in Perth...”

“Perth? We’re closer to New Zealand than Perth, why should I be bothered about Perth?”

“Because I think she was taught by you, or by someone you taught,” Cherry replied, “at least, she picked up a friend of mine using the ‘boyfriend dumped me’ routine.”

Pru slowly smiled, “By text? Hell, that’s been one of my more successful ideas, the number of punters it brings in. So how much did your mate get stung for then?”

“He didn’t,” Cherry countered, “she didn’t ask him for any money; they just went back to her place for the night, no more. But after my friend left she was murdered and my friend was framed.”

Pru looked over at the girl in front of her then seemed to make a decision; she opened one of the doors and shouted, “Lily? Get your arse out here, cover the desk. I’m going to be busy for a while.”

A tall young woman wearing very little slouched out to sit at the desk; she had a bored expression on her face. Pru looked at her and swore, “Dammit Lily, you’re trying to sell the punters sex, a good time, they’re not going to stick around if they see you looking like a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery – smile girl!”

The girl Lily made an effort and a small grimace appeared on her face. Pru grunted and pointed Cherry to another door. Inside was a small room with an examination couch and two chairs in it, “This is the room we bring ‘em too if they really do want a massage,” Pru said by way of explanation, “Doesn’t happen that often though, so we shouldn’t be disturbed in here. OK, tell me the full story.”

The woman listened without comment as Cherry passed on all the information she had, everything that Shane Coates had related. When she had finished Cherry looked across,

“Well?”

Pru sighed, “Not well at all,” she said shaking her head, “You sure about your friend? That he couldn’t have done it?”

“No way, he’s a copper, a bloody good copper.”

Pru nodded, “Well, if you’re right, then someone’s trying to set him up. If the girl was still alive I’d say they were trying to blackmail him or something, but as she’s dead...dunno, seems very suspicious.” Pru thought for a time then scribbled a name and address on a piece of paper. “Don’t know all the brothels in Australia; certainly don’t know all in Perth. But know this one. The Madam used to be one of my girls, tell her I sent you, she may be able to help.”

“Thanks Pru,” Cherry rose, meaning to leave, a signal from the other woman stopped her,

“This copper, Coates, you say he’s a friend?”

“Yes, a good friend.”

“Nothing more?”

Cherry laughed, “No, nothing more. I just want to help a friend, that’s all.”

Pru nodded, “So you don’t think you’ll return? I’ve a space for you, anytime; you could fit it in with your other commitments. I’ve still got punters asking after you, you could earn yourself a fortune.”

Cherry shook her head, “No thanks Pru, not interested. I like my life now.”

“Yeah I heard you’d fallen on your feet. How’d you manage that?”

“Easy really, I met someone that trusted me. And I’ll not betray her trust.”

“Oh well, can’t blame me for trying. If ever you change your mind let me know.”

Cherry smiled and left the room, she had just reached the door at the end when Pru spoke again, “Cherry? You be careful.”

“I will Pru, thanks.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#29:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:42 pm

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I do like the way you make your (conventionally speaking) 'bad' characters so human, Lesley. First Butcher a murderer and now Prue, a Madam in a brothel. It makes them so real.

*Echoes the warning to be careful*

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#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:32 pm

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*echoes patmac*

That's exactly what I thought - Pru is so nice and so normal....

Thank you Lesley

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#31:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:56 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Easy really, I met someone that trusted me. And I’ll not betray her trust.”

And that's all we need, isn't it, someone who believes in us so unconditionally that we have to be the best we can to honour that trust. What a tribute to Hilda! Good girl, Cherry.

And good luck with the next phase of the search....

Thanks, Lesley.

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#32:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:28 pm

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Mamoth catch up session. Hope Cherry's plan works out okk and she doesn't end up in trouble.

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#33:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 10:19 pm

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Thank you Lesley!

I really hope Cherry can help clear Shane's name!

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#34:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 10:53 pm

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Quote:

“Easy really, I met someone that trusted me. And I’ll not betray her trust.”

Says it all really.

Thanks Lesley

Last edited by Cath V-P on Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:26 am; edited 1 time in total

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#35:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 7:07 am

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This is riveting, Lesley !
Thank you !

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#36:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 2:27 pm

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I love the way Prue thinks of it as just a job to be done.

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#37:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:12 pm

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Sharlie Andrews, along with a large group of the other Mistresses, had been out on the town. This wasn’t a serious problem, unlike when the School had been in Switzerland, after all, it was the weekend, she was off-duty this weekend and therefore could please herself. The only stipulation for any Member of Staff was that Security knew whether you were on-site or not. Some people may have felt this an invasion of their privacy but, after seeing the Head herself signing in and out, all the Staff appreciated it was an acceptable security measure. It was almost 3am and, along with about eight or nine others, she couldn’t remember exactly how many, Sharlie had been out sampling Melbourne’s night life. And now, on her way to bed, she had the idea that she may have sampled a little too much.

“A hot drink will help,” she thought to herself, “or maybe even a drink of hot milk!” She giggled to herself but, the more she thought about it, the better it sounded. Taking her mug with her she crept down to the kitchen, intending to use the stove to warm up some milk.

Inside the kitchen was another person, Sharlie looked across at the woman, it was Davida Armitage, she was sitting at the small table in the kitchen, looking through some information on a laptop.

“Vida? What are you doing here, don’t you know what time it is?” Sharlie grinned across at the other woman, she was somewhat surprised not to receive a smile back.

“Sorry, Sharlie, didn’t mean to disturb you,” Vida quickly glanced across at the other woman before turning her attention back to the laptop.

Sharlie poured some milk into a saucepan and switched on the hob, she looked over, “You didn’t disturb me,” she smiled, “we’ve only just got in and I needed a drink of hot milk, would you believe?”

There was no answering smile from the other woman, instead she seemed hardly to be listening. Sharlie frowned, she added some more milk to the pan and, when it was ready, poured it into two mugs. Sitting herself at the kitchen table she passed one of the mugs over to Vida. She spoke softly,

“Vida, it’s after three in the morning, I know you’re on duty this weekend, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to be working all night. I‘m worried about you.”

Vida looked across at the other woman and her face relaxed slightly into a smile, “Thanks Sharlie, but there’s no need, I’m OK.”

“You don’t seem OK,” Sharlie returned bluntly, “We hardly see you any more, you’re forever working.”

Vida smiled ruefully, “’fraid that’s the job, I never realised before just how much work Nell puts in to being Science Head, and on top of being Deputy Head as well.”

Sharlie shook her head, aware that she wasn’t totally sober, “But Nell never put in these hours,”

“No, because she was far more experienced.”

“It’s not that,” Sharlie replied, “Ruth was with us tonight, she’s got the Deputy Head post as well as English Head, but she doesn’t put in all this extra time. And what about Nancy? She’s Senior Mistress now but doesn’t work until three in the morning - at least, I can’t see Kathie allowing her to…”

“…well then maybe it’s just me!” Vida’s response was swift, almost shouted, she looked away from Sharlie but not before the English Mistress saw the tears in her eyes.

Sharlie got up and walked round to stand next to Vida, placed an arm awkwardly around the other woman’s shoulders. “Vida, what’s wrong? When you were covering for Nell before you managed fine.”

“Maybe then Nell did more than I’d realised,” Vida replied in a muffled voice, “I mean, she was there then, wasn’t she? Maybe she took on some of it without me noticing. The term’s only two weeks old and already I’ve got behind, handing in reports late, not arriving for meetings.”

“I thought you’d done that report on time?”

“So did I, but when I came to check it before sending it to the Head I noticed I’d missed a huge chunk out. Handed it in late then had Rosalie on my case; apparently because of mine and Kathie’s reports being late the Head was working ‘til midnight. Great impression to make! Especially after the fiasco of the Department Head’s meeting on Monday.”

Sharlie smiled, “Ruth told me about that,” she said quickly, “and about Kathie’s faux pas, I’d have thought Kathie should be the one worried about how’s she’s coping not you.”

“Kathie didn’t arrive late,”

“No, but you weren’t the only one, two others were late - I don’t see either of them working all hours.”

“You don’t think the Head will think I can’t cope?”

Sharlie shook her head, “No way, Hilda’s not like that, you know that. The only reason she’d feel you can’t cope is if she knew you were up all night.”

Vida smiled slightly, “Maybe,” she conceded, “but there’s so much to do,”

“Well why don’t you talk to her? She’ll listen, she won’t judge yo…”

“I can’t do that,” Vida’s voice was adamant, “I don’t want to worry her, you know she’s got enough on her plate with Nell being hurt,”

Sharlie shrugged slightly, appreciating the truth of Vida’s words, “OK, well why not speak with Ruth? Or better still, if you don’t want it to go as far as the Heads, talk to Nancy, I’m sure she can help and she’ll have more of an idea - she’s only recently been made Senior Mistress. She’s on duty this weekend so you should be able to find her.”

Vida nodded, “Maybe I will speak to Nancy,” she said slowly, “ask her advice, at least.”

“That’s better,” Sharlie said encouragingly, she leant forward and firmly closed the laptop, “Now, time for bed, no more work tonight.”

The pair quickly rinsed out their empty mugs and walked up the stairs.

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#38:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:27 pm

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Ah, a wonderful post of the veryday life of the school. Thanks, Lesley.

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#39:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:36 pm

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Nice scence - my very suspicious mind thought that Vida was googling for new jobs (not sure why I thought that though). Sharlie was lovely to her. I"d never thought of hot milk as a drunk cure

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#40:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:18 pm

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Is Vida being undermined by someone? When she thought she had done that stuff and now it's not there, when she misses an all-important meeting due to not seeing an email. Was it there for her to see?.... Sorry, sounds silly - after all, how could someone else interfere with her laptop?

Talk to Nancy, Vida, at least.

Thank you, Lesley.

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#41:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:23 pm

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MaryR wrote:

Is Vida being undermined by someone? When she thought she had done that stuff and now it's not there, when she misses an all-important meeting due to not seeing an email. Was it there for her to see?.... Sorry, sounds silly - after all, how could someone else interfere with her laptop? Talk to Nancy, Vida, at least. Thank you, Lesley.

Doesn't sound silly at all Mary. Remember who's drabble we're reading!
*hides*

Last edited by Liane on Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:51 am; edited 1 time in total

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#42:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 9:23 pm

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Thanks Lesley!


Poor Vida. I'm glad Sharlie was there and I hope her pep talk will help.

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#43:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 11:29 pm

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Interfering with the laptop would be very easy, if someone has seen Vida type in her password and remembered it.

Of course, this may all be a red herring...no Lesley wouldn't do that to us, would she?!

Last edited by Cath V-P on Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:00 am; edited 1 time in total

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#44:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:09 am

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Poor Vida hope the talk with Sharlie helps.

I think she's being undermined too.

Thank you Lesley.

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#45:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:09 pm

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We do well to be suspicious, knowing how Lesley writes her drabbles.

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#46:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:33 pm

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Thank you Lesley - just caught up with loads!

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#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:26 pm

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Cherry went back to her hotel and immediately contacted Melbourne Airport; she was able to book a ticket to Perth the following morning, although, unfortunately, all the very cheapest seats had already been taken. She would have to pay for the ticket when she collected it. She then booked an early alarm call and breakfast for the following morning before trying to sleep. The next morning she was at the airport in plenty of time and had collected her ticket and checked in. The flight to Perth was four hours although she would regain two of them due to the time difference. By lunchtime on Saturday she had arrived in Perth and checked into the nearby Airport hotel for the night. She then got into a cab and gave the driver the address that Pru had written down for her the night before.

The building was situated in a back road off of the main street in the Northridge section of Perth. When Cherry arrived, early in the afternoon, it seemed to be completely deserted, however, after banging on the door for a while she eventually got someone to answer. After mentioning that Pru had sent her Cherry was shown into a small office. A few minutes later a woman appeared dressed in a silk kimono. She was in her mid thirties, of average height and slim. She had obviously only just awoken but her eyes were shrewd.

“You say Pru sent you?” She said quickly, pouring herself a glass of fruit juice, “You want a job?”

Cherry shook her head, “No, just to talk about your girls,”

The woman looked suspicious, “You’re not a cop, are you?”

“No, here, read this, Pru said you’d help,” she passed across the short note that Pru had handed over with the name and address. The woman swiftly read through it, after a few seconds she relaxed,

“OK, so you used to be one of Pru’s girls, and you went inside but didn’t give her away. In that case I’ll talk to you. Want some juice?”

Cherry took a glass of juice and explained the reason for her visit. Afterwards the other woman sat back,

“I’d heard of the case, of course I did. Thought the copper had done it, but you say not?”

Cherry nodded, “I know him, no way he’d do anything like that.”

“And the girl used the boyfriend line by text?”

“That’s what Shane says,”

“Don’t understand it, that seems like a classic case for blackmail, like that was the girl’s plan, but something went wrong.”

“Is that a regular thing for the girls to try?”

“Definitely not my girls, too dangerous, but I’ve known some of them try it.” The woman frowned, “Leave it with me, I’ll make a few calls, find out who she was working for. I’ve got a contact in the police force, if the girl was known she’d have had a record.”

“She wouldn’t have been working for herself?”

“No way, any that try it are soon persuaded otherwise - we run a ‘closed shop’ here you know. Let me make a couple of calls, come back tonight, about ten.”

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#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:05 pm

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Ooer, this is getting dangerous.

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#49:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:21 pm

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Lesley wrote:

. Let me make a couple of calls, come back tonight, about ten.”

I don't think I like the sound of that! Take care, Cherry.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#50:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:32 pm

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This is getting very interesting! Be careful, Cherry.

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#51:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:47 am

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I hope there's some helpful news at ten.

Thanks, Lesley

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#52:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:45 am

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Hmm intersting...take care Cherry.

Thank you Lesley.

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#53:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:29 pm

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Hmmm!

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#54:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:43 pm

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Yikes!

Hope there will be some news at 10, and that all continues to go smoothly.

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#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:58 pm

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That same Saturday, early in the morning, the Headmistress of the Real Chalet School awoke to discover an intruder. It wasn’t a dangerous intruder, but it was one that had crept, unnoticed, into her cottage, her life and her heart. She awoke to the sensation of a warm little body snuggled up beside her in her bed. It was Robbie. Hilda looked down at the sleeping little boy; she had no idea how long he had been there. It had to be some time for him to be so settled - he had one arm over her, hugging her, and was curled up in a ball, his head resting just below her own. Hilda looked across at her alarm clock and saw that it was only just after five am; she knew what she had to do. Robbie was supposed to stay in his own bed, at least until a reasonable hour. He was not allowed to climb into other people’s beds without their express permission. If it happened then the person involved was to carry him back to his own bed. So that he wouldn’t get into the habit of leaving his bed at night.

Hilda knew all this, however, rather than place him back into his own bed all Hilda did was cuddle the little boy to her and go back to sleep…

Much later that morning, after they had both been up some time, had bathed, dressed and had breakfast. They had visitors. Louise, Alison and Carol arrived and they sat out in the garden chatting. The conversation moved on to Louise’s wedding and Louise was able to confirm that the date had been set for the Thursday before Christmas, the 22nd. At the date Hilda looked across sharply, Louise moved over to sit next to her, speaking softly so as not to alert Robbie, Louise spoke directly to Hilda,

“I set the date deliberately, Hilda,” she said quickly, “it’s the date that friend of yours died last year, isn’t it?”

Hilda nodded slightly, “Yes it is,”

“Well I thought that you’d like a happy event to take place on that date, rather than just having that sad one just before Christmas. We can change it though, if you’d rather?”

Hilda leant across and hugged Louise, “It’s a wonderful thought, Louise, I appreciate it and I’m sure that Nell will too. When will Andrew and his parents be here?”

“His parents will be over the weekend before,” Louise replied, “but Andrew will be over at the beginning of December,” she paused and smiled, “you see, we’ve decided that we want to stay here in Melbourne, he’s going to start looking for a job.”

“Oh wonderful,” Hilda’s face split into a wide smile, “I am so glad, but, what of his parents, Oliver and Hannah? Won’t they be disappointed?”

“Perhaps, a little,” Louise admitted, “but not for long. When we were over there last holiday Oliver said he was retiring next June, he’ll be fifty-five then, they were talking about moving to Sydney. Andrew’s an only child and they didn’t want him on the other side of the world.”

“Andrew mended my car,” Robbie had suddenly appeared, “he mended my car I got at Christmas.”

“That’s right,” Louise smiled, “he and I are going to get married just before Christmas this year, and you’re going to be our Page Boy.”

“Andrew is a nice man,” Robbie said with some certainty.

Louise smiled, “I think so.”

…

In the hospital Nell Wilson had just attempted to finish her latest glass of ‘milkshake’ - the fortified drinks she was having in an attempt to build her up. She wasn’t managing too well. The night before had been a very unsettled one, Nell was unable to get comfortable, even after being given an injection for pain. In addition she had been running a slight temperature for a few days and the medical staff had been unable to discover the cause. Swabs had all returned negative and yet, for the last three days her temperature had persisted, even rising slightly. As a precaution she had been started on some new, broad spectrum antibiotic but still her temperature rose. Just before lunch she had a visitor, Daisy Venables, the Hospital Director, stopped by to say hello.

“You not feeling too good at the moment, Nell?” Daisy asked, her eyes flicking over the charts at the end of the bed.

Nell shook her head, “Feeling a bit ‘fluey’ at the moment,” she admitted, “and rather tired. Plus the stomach pain is worse.”

“All your results have come back negative so far,” Daisy said worriedly, there’s something there but we can’t find it.”

Nell nodded tiredly, she tried to take another mouthful of her drink but it went down the wrong way and she coughed. Daisy moved to help her sit up properly, enjoining her to place a hand across her abdomen to support her wound. After a time Nell stopped coughing and lay back on her pillows,

“Thanks,” she whispered, she took a few deep breaths then, in some puzzlement looked down at the hand that had supported her stomach, she frowned, “I-I’m bleeding!”

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#56:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 6:58 pm

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Yikes!!

Lesley, PLEASE don't do anything nasty to Cherry!!!!


ETA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!! Lesley, that was NOT a nice thing to do!!!!

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#57:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:04 pm

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Oh, so you have read the latest post then?

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#58:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:06 pm

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Oh Lesley, did you have to spoil that lovely tender post by making us worry about Nell? Of course you did..... *sighs*

Thank you.

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#59:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:57 pm

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Lesley wrote:

“I-I’m bleeding!”

*gets a plaster and gives it Nell*

That's all that's needed, right?

Thanks, Lesley

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#60:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 8:08 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Oh, so you have read the latest post then?

's Lesley!

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#61:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:49 pm

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At the words Daisy stepped forward, “Let me see, Nell,” she said with authority. She pulled back the sheet and waited as Nell raised her night shirt. She looked at the abdominal wound. Two days previously, when she had last seen it, the wound had been healing well. The sutures had been removed and the dressing was dry. That was not the case now, the wound appeared to have split along a three inch section, and a small amount of blood was seeping out. Rather more importantly, as far as the doctor was concerned, was the evidence of underlying structures. At the sight of this the Doctor swore under her breath and, ordering Nell not to move, went to the door and called in one of the nurses.

“Contact Ms Hedges and Dr Griffin at home,” she said quickly, “Tell them they have a burst abdomen to fix. I know they are not on duty this weekend, but they‘ll want to do this case.”

The nurse nodded and disappeared, seconds later one of the ward sisters appeared,

“You’ll want these, Doctor,” she said, she passed over some packs of sterile gauze and some Normal Saline. “I’ll help you to lie Nell flat.”

After the Sister had left Daisy placed some gauze over the wound and dribbled some saline onto the gauze, keeping the area moist. Nell looked over at her ex-pupil,

“So, burst abdomen,” Nell began, her voice quite composed, “Should I be concerned?”

Daisy smiled, “It can be serious,” she admitted, “basically the abdominal wound has opened up, exposing the insides to the atmosphere. It’s unusual for it to happen so long after the surgery - more than three weeks now - but I suspect you’ve been brewing an infection under the wound. It would explain the temperature. Then today, you coughing raised the pressure enough that…”

“…that I unzipped?”

“Good way of putting it, yes. You’re going to need further surgery, Nell, this morning. It is serious, a surgical emergency - and there’s a significant risk of further infection.”

Nell nodded, “Fine. Did I hear you ask the nurse to contact Emma and Anthony at home?”

You did, you’ll be interrupting their weekend off, I hope you’re suitably ashamed?”

Nell smiled and then started laughing…

“And you can stop that, too, you’ll make this worse,”

“I didn’t do it deliberately, you know!”

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#62:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:56 pm

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Not a cliff my foot!

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#63:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:56 pm

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At least we know Nell is in good hands.

Thanks, Lesley

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#64:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:57 pm

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Lesley wrote:

“I didn’t do it deliberately, you know!”

No Nell, we know that!

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#65:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:17 pm

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Lesley!!!
a) I am worried
b) I am squeamish

This is not a good combination!!

And Hilda's reaction to the "intruder" was lovely - sometimes you just need something small to cuddle.

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#66:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 11:45 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I have just managed to catch up and I am wibbling about Nell. I hope everthing goes ok for Cherry.

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#67:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 6:18 am

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Lesley !
Please come back and put us out of our misery !!!!
First Cherry and now Nell have left us on cliffs....................

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#68:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:44 am

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Poor Nell - I bet she's wondering if she'll ever get out of there....

And how is Hilda going to feel at this latest development?

Thanks, Lesley.

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#69:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 4:38 pm

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Cath V-P wrote:

Lesley!!! a) I am worried b) I am squeamish This is not a good combination!!

Ditto - especially the latter!

Might have guessed I'd catch up on the lot and end up on a cliff!!

Thanks Lesley - I enjoyed catching up.

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#70:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:07 pm

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I like the bits that make other people squeamish! May we have a post about the op please Lesley?!

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#71:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:23 pm

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Everything seemed to happen very quickly; in no time at all both the Consultant Anaesthetist and the General Surgeon were at Nell’s bedside, examining her wound.

“If this goes on,” Nell remarked calmly, “I’m going to charge admission. I’ve already had all the staff on this ward and half the hospital in here.”

“Well a burst abdomen isn’t something that is very common, you know,” this from Emma Hedges, the Surgeon, “and this is a Teaching Hospital, we have to be seen to educate our Staff,” she smiled at the woman in the bed. “Now, how do you feel?”

“A little strange,” Nell admitted, “as I told Daisy earlier I feel a bit ‘fluey’ and my stomach’s hurting a little – though not as much as I’d expect considering the fact that I can see part of my intestines. Will you have to operate?”

“Definitely,” the Surgeon replied, “as soon as possible, Anthony?”

The Anaesthetist looked across at Nell, “How much have you had to drink this morning, Nell?”

Nell thought for a minute, “Not a lot,” she confessed, “I tried drinking that stuff,” she pointed to the milkshake on her locker, “but just couldn’t face it. I had a glass of water a little after midnight and a cup of tea first thing, about 6.30 I think, since then, nothing. Sorry.”

“Don’t be, you not drinking means we can operate sooner,” he looked at his watch, “I’ll contact Theatres,” he said, turning to Ms Hedges, “schedule the surgery for one this afternoon, can you sort out the consent?”

“No problem,”

Dr Griffin turned to go but, before he had left the room Nell spoke again, “I understand that you both had to come in on your weekend off,” she said quickly, “sorry about that.”

Anthony Griffin turned, a smile on his face, “I'm not, she was going to have me mowing the lawn, any excuse not to do that!”

“It’ll still be there waiting for you, Anthony Griffin,” his wife said with a grin, “it’s only postponed.”

The man grimaced at his wife before leaving to go across to the Theatre suite. The Surgeon sat beside Nell’s bed,

“Do you understand what we plan to do?”

Nell nodded, “Push my insides back in where they belong and sew me up again?”

“That’s it in a nutshell,” the surgeon said with a smile, “and I promise to use a stronger stitch this time! Now, quick questions, any allergies that you’re aware of?”

Nell shook her head.

“Any adverse reactions to anaesthetics or antibiotics in the past?”

“No, the only time I’ve ever had either has been because of this admission to hospital,” Nell replied, “I’ve never had any surgery before, nor taken antibiotics,”

Emma Hedges looked surprised, “You’ve never been in hospital or taken even oral antibiotics?”

“Well I’ve been in hospital,” she said, “last year when I burnt myself, but I don’t think they gave me any antibiotics, otherwise, I was in a hospital in Austria years ago after injuring my foot but they definitely didn’t give me antibiotics then.”

“That’s very unusual,” the surgeon commented, “most people have had at least some antibiotics, oh well,” she removed a form from her briefcase and filled in a few items on it, showed it to Nell.

“Laparotomy?”

“Medical term for opening you up and having a look inside, make sure there are no other surprises in there,” Emma Hedges replied, “I think you may have an infection in there, possibly abscess, so we’ll sort that out,”

“And then?”

“Repair the damage, stuff everything back in and sew you back up,” the surgeon replied, “probably place a mesh in against your abdominal muscles to give extra support.”

“OK, I’ll sign it then,” she did just that.

“Right, I’ll write up a pre-med for you,” Emma Hedges continued, “and let the nurses prepare you for surgery. The pre-med will also help with the pain. See you later.”

Nell smiled wearily. After the surgeon had disappeared she looked across at the Medical Director, “Daisy, could you contact Hilda for me? Tell her what’s happening. She’ll be over for a visit this afternoon; I don’t want it to be a shock for her, especially as she’ll be bringing Robbie.”

“No problem, Nell, I’ll contact her now.”

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#72:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:30 pm

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Hope it all goes ok!

*envious of the staff though - I like ops!*

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#73:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:26 pm

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Typical Nell - wanting to charge admission!

I sincerely hope this time they will do a proper job and let her get better!

Are you listening, Lesley?

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#74:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:20 pm

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*wibble*

Okay, I have everything crossed that Nell's op will go well. At least she's being positive and even joking about it.

Thanks Lesley!

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#75:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:52 pm

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Hope Cherry is OK in Perth. The News at 10 is never very good.

Poor Nell she is having a tough time.

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#76:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:22 pm

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Poor Nell - I hope everything goes well.

Thanks Lesley.....still worried, still squeamish!

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#77:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 8:14 am

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*sits under desk muttering "Lesley will make it okay"*

Although I nearly had a freak out over the name Anthony Griffin before remembering that the anaethetist here is called Russell Griffin

Thank you, Lesley.

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#78:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:57 am

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Eek, two cliffs to wibble over.

The drabble harnesses are all safe and in good order, and I've re-stocked the sitting rooms.

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#79:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:15 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I love the fact that Anthony was happy to get out of mowing the lawn!

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#80:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 9:55 pm

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I come back after nearly a month, and what do I find???!!! Nell with her intestines hanging out!! Heeeeelp. Can't I take my eye off you for two seconds, Lesley? I have to say Nell's being remarkably insouciant about it all (if I had a glimpse of what should be inside being outside, I'd pass straight out!). Too insouciant? I have a horrible feeling something nasty is about to happen - nastier than what already has, I mean.
Also wibbling about Cherry, but she has to take second place, I'm afraid. Hope she takes care, though, she's in with some dodgy folk.
Loved Hilda and Robbie, as always.

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#81:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 1:02 pm

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“Nancy, do you have a minute?”

Nancy Wilmot, sat at the Head’s desk, looked up and smiled, “Vida, it’s good to see you, come on in, what can I do for you? One of the kids causing problems?”

Vida Armitage shook her head as she walked in to sit at the small oval table, “No, nothing like that,” she said, “but I could do with some advice.”

“Well I don’t know if it’s of any use but I’ll do my best,” Nancy rose, “fancy a cold drink? It’s rather hot outside,”

Vida nodded and Nancy walked out to the small Admin kitchen and poured out two drinks, she walked back and sat opposite Vida, passed across a drink,

“This heat can certainly beat anything Switzerland or even the Tyrol ever threw at us,” she smiled.

Vida nodded, “I’ll agree with you on Switzerland,” she replied, “I was never in Tyrol so can’t say,” She sighed slightly, “I do wonder though, if part of the problem is my origins. Whether that’s why I’m having problems.”

“Well if so then I should be having the same problems,” Nancy returned, “what’s wrong?”

Vida remained silent for a time then took a deep breath, “I’m starting to think that I’m not suitable as Science Head in Nell’s absence,” her voice was very quiet, almost as though she didn’t really want Nancy to hear her.

The Senior Mistress frowned, “Why do you say that, Vida? I’m sure you’re doing a great job.”

“Are you? Tell me honestly, Nancy, are any of the other Department Head’s having as many problems?”

“What problems?” Nancy asked reasonably, “All I can remember is that you were late for a meeting, you weren’t the only one, and that you were one of two that handed in a report late. Nothing to be really concerned about.”

Vida shook hr head, “That’s just the tip of the iceberg,” she said softly. She paused for some seconds before continuing, “I’m forgetting things, like where I’m timetabled to be on any day. I’ve managed to forget my password for the computer system three times so far this term – Ray Trent has bailed me out each time but even she must be getting suspicious. I mean, how many times in one term should a normal person forget something they use every day? I’m also ordering supplies I don’t need, not just for me but for the other Science Staff – Lesley came to me three days ago to say she’d had a double load of textbooks arrive, that she didn’t need half of them and wanted to send them back…”

“But surely that’s Lesley’s mistake? She must have ordered them?”

“That’s what I thought,” Vida confessed, “but when I checked through the requisition she’d ordered the right number, I’d doubled the order – can’t even remember doing it, yet it’s my handwriting on the form. I did something similar on an order Pauline made for some safety glasses, except this time the wrong type had been ordered. Pauline was very apologetic, saying she had made a mistake, put in the wrong catalogue number, but when I checked she’d put in the right number, I’d changed it – and I can’t remember doing it and don’t even know why I’d have done it.”

Nancy sat in silence for a time, somewhat concerned about the tale that Vida was relating. Eventually she spoke again, “Has this happened before, Vida?”

“Never, I’ve always had a good memory, never had any problems like this. That’s why I think it’s got to be the job, that’s the only thing that’s different.”

“But you had the job for half a term in the second term this year,” Nancy objected, “when Nell was Head. You didn’t have any problems then, did you?”

“No but, as I said to Sharlie last night, Nell was available then, wasn’t she? I’ve no idea how much she still did without me realising. And I’ve noticed other problems,” Vida said reluctantly.

Nancy looked across questioningly and Vida continued,

“Oh, problems sleeping, irritability, even occasionally,” she stopped looked across with some concern at the other woman,

“Occasionally what, Vida?” Nancy said gently, “come on, you can tell me, I promise it won’t go any further.”

Vida thought for a moment, “Occasionally problems keeping order, when teaching,” she said very quietly. “Nothing much, not serious breaches of discipline, just little episodes when I just know that I’ve not got the class.”

“I see,” Nancy thought for a moment, in somewhat of a dilemma, in her role as Senior Mistress she knew that she should, perhaps, take official notice of what the Science Head had just told her. But Vida was obviously confiding in her, and didn’t want it taken any further, or at least that’s what she thought… “Perhaps you should be talking with Hilda about this?” she said diffidently.

Vida shook her head, “No, I don’t want it to go that far, don’t want either her or Ruth to know, please Nancy don’t tell them, not yet.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know,” Vida confessed, “I was hoping you’d have some ideas,” she smiled rather apologetically.

Nancy thought for a moment, “The only thing I can think about is, maybe, have a word with Nancy Chester? She’s spoken about stress in the past, maybe that’s what you’ve got?”

“I’m not that bad,” Vida protested, “stress is for people that can’t cope, isn’t it?”

“No, from what she’s said it’s something everyone has, just that sometimes people need a little help learning how to manage it. It’s worth a try, isn’t it? I mean the alternative has got to be, eventually, that you have to say you can’t do the job, you don’t want that, do you?”

“I suppose not,” Vida said thoughtfully, “OK, I’ll speak to Nancy Chester. Don’t say anything to Ruth or Hilda, will you.”

“I won’t, at least not yet. Especially not Hilda, she’s got enough on at the moment.” Nancy thought for a minute then continued, “But I can’t promise for the future, Vida, you know that.”

“I know, but, if anyone’s going to tell the Head I can’t cope I’d rather it were me.”

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#82:  Author: Becky, Location: Newport, South Wales, UK Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 1:22 pm

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So much wibbling... so little time

But it's very enjoyable, thanks Lesley

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#83:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 1:57 pm

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Someone is definit3ly undermining Vida. Thanks, Lesley, so many complications.

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#84:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:12 pm

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Hmm...I wonder if some sort of senility or Alzhteimers (I cannot spell that) is setting in? Rather than an underminer. Very interesting Lesley.

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#85:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 5:03 pm

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Vida's got nothing to worry about from me. I'm very used to people - even otherwise inteligent people! - forgetting their passwords. You'd be surprised how often it happens...

Ray *passworded*

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#86:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 7:02 pm

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Hmmmmm.
I smell a rather large rat! Poor Vida!

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#87:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 7:46 pm

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Vikki wrote:

Hmmmmm. I smell a rather large rat! Poor Vida!

A very large rat! Who's got it in for Vida?

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#88:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 7:59 pm

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When Nell Wilson awoke it took her some seconds to re-orientate herself; she was sat upright in bed, well supported by pillows. She stared across at the wall opposite, thinking hard. She could feel a significant amount of pain in her abdomen, and that she had suddenly acquired a larger, far larger and bulkier dressing over the wound. She could also feel the pull of tubes and thought she probably had a wound drain and catheter back in situ. A quick glance above her head took in the Nil By Mouth sign and that she had a drip running into her left arm. Finally, as she also realised that she had oxygen tubing forcing oxygen into her nose she groaned slightly, remembering the surgical emergency.

“Nell? Are you awake, Nell?”

Nell turned her head, Hilda Annersley was sitting beside her bed, a half-read book, face down on the bed, testament to her occupation until Nell had awoken. Nell reached across and grasped her friend’s hand.

“Hello you,” she said, her voice raw and thick, a reaction to the anaesthetic procedure.

“Hello yourself,” Hilda smiled, “how do you feel?”

“As though someone has taken a large knife, cut into my stomach and then sewn me back up again.” Nell replied drily.

“Oh that’s alright then!” Hilda’s smile widened. “I spoke with your Consultant, she said that there was an abscess beneath the suture line, that it had probably been brewing from the time you were stabbed. Because it was there the wound never had a chance to heal properly. She thought it was likely that the original knife used to attack you had introduced the infection.”

“Terrible,” Nell said slowly, “it should be a law that everyone sterilise their knives before going to stab people.”

“Agreed,” Hilda said solemnly.

After a few seconds silence Nell’s gaze travelled up to the notice above her bed once more, then across to the drip, she sighed, “back to no drinking,” she said ruefully, “just as I was making progress.”

Hilda nodded sympathetically, “The Sister said that you’ll have to stay Nil by Mouth for a few days and only re-start drinking once bowel sounds have returned.”

“When will that be?”

“She couldn’t say. Just that, because of the type of operation and that your insides would have been handled a lot, it could take a while.”

“Knocked back at least two weeks then,” Nell said in disappointment, she closed her eyes, focusing hard on controlling that disappointment, on not allowing it to show. She wasn’t totally successful, however. A faint noise beside her then, suddenly, Hilda was sitting on the edge of the bed, her arm around Nell’s shoulders,

“Nell, listen to me,” she said softly, “it doesn’t matter that it’s going to take longer for you to recover, the important thing is that you will recover.”

Nell leant against Hilda’s shoulder, “Even if I’m not home for Christmas?”

“You will be home for Christmas,” Hilda returned, “it’s not possible that you’ll not be well by then,”

“But suppose I’m not,” Nell persisted, “suppose I have another set back? I might not be fit for Louise’s wedding either…”

“Yes you will, before I left to come here Louise told me that, if necessary, she would postpone her wedding until you are fit. You’ll not miss anything.”

“She said that?”

Hilda smiled, “She did, her exact words were that she ‘wouldn’t get married until the two of us were able to walk her down the aisle’ - she’s a rather determined young lady, I think she meant it.”

Nell smiled slightly, “That’s nice.” There was silence for a while then, “but what about you, Hilda? You’re having to cope at the School, I feel really guilty about…”

“That’s enough, Nell,” although soft, Hilda’s voice was firm, “Do you think that matters? Of course not. All that matters is that you get better. However long it takes.”

“Even if it’s after Christmas?”

“Yes, even if it’s after Christmas.” Hilda smiled down at her friend, “Though I should warn you that, should you still be in here at Christmas it’s likely you’ll have some guests staying overnight Christmas Eve, and as one of them will only be four years old I doubt you’ll get very much sleep!”

Nell smiled sleepily, her body still under the influence of the anaesthetic, “Ah well, maybe I’ll try and be out by then,” she said.

“Try, Nell, but don’t worry if it takes longer. The important thing is that you will, eventually, recover, that’s all that matters.”

“OK Hilda,” Nell murmured.

Less than a minute later Hilda looked down, Nell was asleep. She smiled and attempted to extricate herself to allow Nell to rest on her pillows, however as soon as she moved it disturbed her friend. She sighed slightly, made herself a little more comfortable on the bed and reached out toward her book. With Nell sleeping peacefully on her shoulder and with one arm around her friend to give her support, Hilda returned to her book. A short time later the door opened and one of the nurses came in to check her patient.

“You didn’t want me to move, did you?” Hilda asked softly.

The nurse smiled, “I don’t think so,” she said, “Nell probably needs you more than she needs an empty bed. Don’t think this is normal procedure though Miss Annersley!”

“No Nurse.”

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#89:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 8:11 pm

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Awwwww!!! thank you Lesley!!
How lovely!

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#90:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 9:20 pm

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Thank you, Lesley - I've just caught up on several episodes and am enjoying it hugely! Wonder what's going on with Vida?

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#91:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 9:28 pm

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Thanks Lesley... I'm clueless as ever, but enjoying this

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#92:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:11 pm

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Oh, the relief! I was imagining Nell at death's door, so it's good to see her able to joke with Hilda, despite her pain and disappointment - and what a lovely, tender end to the scene.

But something nasty is certainly going on with Vida, the poor woman's really wobbly. What? Who? How? Time and Lesley will tell, no doubt.

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#93:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:23 pm

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This is all terribly interesting, but what's happening to Cherry?

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#94:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:13 am

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Thank you, Lesley!

*goes off counting cliffs*

I know Nell seems stable at the moment, but those comments on antibiotic allergies are a tad worrying.... Nice post to end the evening on, though! Also admiring Louise's thoughtfulness. And Robbie is, of course, as cute as ever.

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#95:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 7:26 am

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Nancy, listen really hard to what Vida is saying to you - she is scared, and no wonder. This is all very strange.

And Nell, you don't need to hide your disappointment from anyone, least of all Hilda.

Thanks Lesley.

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#96:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:49 am

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Thanks, Lesley. I can smell a large rat as well. That was a lovely scene between Hilda and Nell.

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#97:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 12:51 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. While Nell still has her sense of humour, she's going to be all right.

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#98:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:01 pm

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Poor Vida - something definitely rotten in the state of Denmark!

And hopefully this is the start of real recovery for Nell - you certainly have put her, and indeed Hilda, through the wringer here.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#99:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:10 pm

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The time until 10 pm that night, Cherry spent in a kind of limbo. Not familiar with the city of Perth and not really feeling up to seeing tourist sights, she instead returned to her hotel and spent some time just watching the TV. That afternoon she phoned Melbourne and was able to speak to Robbie. She also spoke with Alison who told her what was happening with Nell and that Hilda was at the hospital. She sent her love to both women and got Alison to promise to call her if there was any news. When Alison tried to ask where she was she quietly just said that it wasn’t possible to say. After a light meal in the evening she booked a cab to take her back to the same address that she had visited earlier.

This time when she arrived, the place was far busier, customers, mainly men, but with a few women, were going in and out of the building. Women were trawling the nearby streets and bringing back more customers, while men watched proceedings, ensuring that no one tried to hurt the girls. When Cherry went into the building she was recognised and taken to the same office where she had spoken with the woman earlier. This time, however, the office was rather more crowded. As well as the original woman - Cherry remembered her name was Sally - there were another three women and two men.

Sally spoke, “This is Cherry Elliott,” she began, “she used to be one of Pru’s girls, back in Melbourne.”

One of the other women leant forward, “Most of us know or have heard of Pru,” she said, “I’m Judy, Pru taught me too.”

“Sally’s told us why you’re here, Cherry,” one of the men said gruffly, he was aged about thirty, with dark hair and hard grey eyes, “I was interested in why? I mean what’s a copper more or less?”

“He’s a friend,” Cherry replied, “and anyway, aren’t you interested in getting the person that really killed the girl?”

The man shrugged, “Don’t bother me…” he began,

“…well it bloody well should!” Another of the woman broke in, she looked across at Cherry, “I’ve never met Pru, but a number of my girls have,” she turned to the man, “and they all expect me to have some loyalty toward them. How the Hell can you hope to keep any of them Jason, when you don’t care what happens to them?”

The man Jason scowled, “Hey I thought the silly little tramp had tried her schemes on one too many people,” he shot back. “How was I to know that the bloke hadn’t done it? If she’d tried that on me I’d have definitely slapped her one, might even have gone further. I just thought the cop had done it.”

“Well now you know he didn’t,” the other man, an older man with a round face, turned to Cherry again, “you sure about that?”

Cherry nodded, her eyes still on the man, “Definitely, all he did was pick up a girl for a one-night stand. The girl didn’t even ask for any money. He left the following morning and she was alive and well.”

One of the other women there shook her head, “That doesn’t make sense,” she said, she looked over at Cherry, “I knew that girl, she’d been on the street since she was eleven, didn’t have a sentimental bone in her body, all she was out for was money. If she picked up your friend then it wasn’t because she liked the look of him. It was because there was something in it for her.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that she was either expecting something from Cherry’s mate, or she’d already been paid,”

“Then why was she killed afterwards?”

The silence showed that no one knew the answer to that question, finally Sally spoke again, “I take it no one here knows anything about this?” When all had shaken their heads she continued, “Tell us all the details you can remember, Cherry, if we don’t know we can talk with our girls tonight, see if there’s anyone that can remember anything, perhaps this girl…what was her name anyway, Lyll?”

The hard eyed man looked across, “Raquel, Raquel Maitland,”

“Perhaps one of the other girls spoke with this Raquel, mentioned something.”

“Be worth talking with some of the punters too,” the older man suggested, “the punters in your patch that is, Jason.”

The man Jason grunted, “So long as you don’t disturb my girls too much,” he said quickly with a frown.

“Jesus, man, we’re trying to find out who killed one of your girls,” Sally said impatiently, “show a bit more enthusiasm.”

“So you say,” Jason returned, “all we have to go on is what she’s said.” He pointed to Cherry. “We don’t know her, how do we know she’s not some plant, to get inside our organisation. That cop might have killed Raquel just to set this up. She’s probably wired.”

Cherry shook her head, “I’m not wired,” she said, “and I’m not interested in your organisation, all I’m interested in is finding out the truth.”

“Yeah? Well prove it!”

Cherry stood, “Not in front of you,” she said quickly, she turned to Sally, “you got a room spare we could go to, so I can show you I’m not wired?”

“You don’t have to…”

“Yes I do,” Cherry replied, “otherwise you’ll all wonder. Maybe a couple of you?”

The others all looked at each other for a few seconds then Sally and one of the other women rose, “This way Cherry,” Sally said, pointing. The rest of the people stayed silent, waiting, after a few minutes all three returned, Sally looked across at the man Jason, “She’s clean, no wires. She’s got a phone but it’s switched off, nothing else. Satisfied?”

Jason nodded, “For now,” he said quickly, “OK, so we ask the girls, what’s in it for them, you know none of them will just give out information, they’ll want something in return.”

“If the info’s enough to prove Shane didn’t do it,” Cherry put in, “I can pay them.”

“How much?” Sally asked.

“A thousand dollars?” Cherry replied, “but only if the info is good enough.”

One of the other women pursed her lips, “It might be enough,” she said, “you got it with you?”

Cherry laughed, “What, in this neighbourhood? I’m not stupid. It’s back at my hotel. I should say, though, I’ve got to go back to Melbourne tomorrow, I can’t stay. Will you be able to find out anything by then?”

“We’ll have a go,” Sally said quickly, she looked at her watch, “it’s midnight now, the girls will mainly be working for the next five or six hours, we’ll pass the word. You come back tomorrow morning, OK?”

“It’ll have to be before ten,” Cherry replied, “my flight leaves Perth at 11.20hrs.”

“Hopefully we should have some information for you by then, “Sally said confidently.

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#100:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:37 pm

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You're a brave girl, Cherry, but was Shane set up BEFORE the murder? If this girl would normally have asked for money, one has to ask why she didn't.

As for this man Jason..... his attitude is very different from the others, isn't it? Hmmm!

More conundrums, Lesley?

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#101:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:42 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. This is all very intriguing. I wonder why Jason is being so hostile. I hope that the others will be able to provide Cherry with some information.

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#102:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 9:20 pm

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Maybe the girl was paid to set him up (told that they wanted him arrested/discredited for being with an underage girl) and then killed to keep her quiet (or maybe because she changed her mind and didn't want to go along anymore).

Or maybe the mean guy is wrong and she did have at least one sentimental bone in her body and it was all just a coincidence.

Or maybe I should stop trying to guess and let Lesley tell the story

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#103:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 9:50 pm

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Quote:

Or maybe I should stop trying to guess and let Lesley tell the story

Well put, Chelsea! I'm always wrong when I try to second guess RCS storylines.

Thanks, Lesley. Lots has happened while I've been away and the Vida strand is disturbing!

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#104:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:00 pm

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Thanks Lesley - very intriguing!

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#105:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 10:01 pm

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I think the girl was paid to set him up, too, but I haven't a clue why it was all necessary. Take care, Cherry, there's a lot of night to get through, and I don't trust Jason an inch - and they now know you've got money ...

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#106:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:30 pm

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Cherry left to return to her hotel; she had barely walked more than fifty yards before a call from behind stopped her. Worried she turned quickly to see the older man moving to catch up, he smiled, his round face relaxed and open,

“Thought you’d like an escort back,” he explained, “at least to the main road, you can get a cab from there. I’m Greg, by the way, and I know you’re Cherry.”

“Thanks Greg, good of you,” Cherry smiled, “I don’t know this area at all, it could be very easy to get lost around here.”

“What hotel are you staying at, the Airport one? That’s easy then, the cabs all know where that is.”

The two walked together for a while, Greg looked across, “So, what’s the deal with you and this copper then? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Cherry smiled, “No, I don’t mind,” she replied, “I’ve only known him about a year, but he’s been really good to me and to Robbie - that’s my little boy, he‘s four.”

“Yeah, you got a son? Me too, my Sam is six, got a little girl as well, Gemma, she’s two.”

“That’s nice.”

“I think so, so did you get out of the business because of your boy then?”

“In a way, I was convicted, spent six months inside, when I came out the social said I could only have him back if I had a proper job.”

“Must have been difficult,”

“Not really, I never wanted to do it anyway, was the only way I could earn any money.”

Greg nodded, “Yes, number of the girls are in the same boat.”

“What about you, Greg? Why’d you go into it?”

“Me? I’m a businessman, I was a punter, got friendly with one of the girls, we decided to set up for ourselves. She’s my wife now.”

“So it’s a family business for you then?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Greg smiled. He pointed down an unlit alley, “Down here, Cherry, it’s a short cut, will take us onto the main street.”

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#107:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:08 am

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EEP - May I recommend that you do NOT go down an unlit alley with a strange man in a sketchy section of town

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#108:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:39 am

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Watch your back Cherry - don't trust the smiling ones, and don't go down that alley. Jason is at least saying what he thinks - he trusts nobody.

Thanks Lesley....wibbling hugely!

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#109:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:34 am

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Thanks, Lesley. I am wibbling about Greg, as well.

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#110:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:51 am

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Oh dear - do we wibble or relax? Would a man with two young children risk losing it all?? Of course he would - if there was something he wanted.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#111:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:13 am

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Eeep! Cherry don't go down there, you know better than that!

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#112:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:14 am

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Cherry, do not go down that unlit alley with a man you don't know. Think of Robbie.

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#113:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:07 pm

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Cherry nodded and followed Greg into the alley, as they reached the end they come to a brick wall,

“Did you take a wrong turn, Greg?” she grinned.

Greg turned, and suddenly his round face didn’t seem too friendly, “Wrong turn? I don’t think so. How long you been away from the street Cherry? Long enough to have lost all your instincts, isn’t it?”

Cherry frowned, “Don’t know what you’re talking about, Greg,” she said, “now excuse me, I’m tired.” She went to push past the man, to return to the main street.

“You’re not going anywhere!” With a snarl the man grabbed hold of Cherry’s arm, pulled her back and threw her against the wall.

“What the…get off of me, you creep!” Cherry yelled in anger.

The man didn’t reply, instead, with a negligence that, in itself was frightening, he raised a fist and punched her in the face, Cherry fell back against the wall once more, breathing fast. The man moved closer,

“Now you know the situation, slut,” he spat, “no one else is around and you’re going to do as you’re told.”

Cherry raised a hand to her lip, it was bleeding, before she could do or say anything more Greg struck again, punching her with all his strength, Cherry fell to the floor. The man walked over to stand above her, lifted a foot to kick her and then, abruptly, grunted as Cherry kicked upwards, impacting between his legs, his face paled considerably and he almost fell to his knees. Cherry scrambled to her feet, attempted to escape, but the man reached across and punched her in the stomach, she sank to her knees, trying hard not to vomit.

Greg straightened, grabbed hold of Cherry and slammed her against the wall. He then twisted her arm up behind her back, ignoring her groans of pain, “Answer these questions girl, now,” he hissed, “who you working for? The pigs? It was all sorted, I was told no questions would be asked, why are you here?”

“I-I told you, Shane’s a friend,” Cherry gasped, “I just want to find out the truth, arrrgh!” this last as the man cruelly twisted the arm further up her back. Cherry could actually hear and feel ligaments snap.

“Yeah? Well it’s going to cost you love,” Greg snarled, “your little boy’s going to grow up without a mummy now. It was all sorted, all done. The bitch was dead, they knew who’d done it, and I had a bundle of cash. Then you had to appear, with your contacts, your questions and with that money, money that’ll cause any number of the girls to suddenly remember things, things that would best be kept secret. You should never have come here girl.”

As he was speaking he’d pulled Cherry from the wall and was frogmarching her out of the alleyway, “Now you’re going to have to disappear, permanently. Don’t think you’ll be able to call for help, love,” he said quickly, “This time of night, this neighbourhood? Everyone’ll just think I’ve paid you a little extra so’s I can rough you up.”

“They’ll remember if there’s a murder enquiry,” Cherry forced out, fighting against the red-hot pain in her shoulder, struggling against the man that held her in a vice-like grip.

“Won’t be no murder enquiry,” the man shot back, dragging her onto the street, those people around taking no notice of her appearance, “far as they’ll know, you just bottled out, returned to Melbourne. There’ll be evidence that you checked out, caught your flight. I’ll even leave a little note, saying that you’d changed your mind. None of ‘em will care that you’ve gone, they won’t be bothered about you or that little tramp.”

There was a second’s silence then another voice sounded, “I’m bothered.”

Greg spun round, the voice was coming from a doorway, he wasn’t quick enough though, a leather clad arm holding half a brick suddenly appeared, aimed directly at Greg’s head. Greg fell to the ground, unconscious. Cherry looked across, half fainting from the pain in her shoulder; a figure stepped out from the shadows, it was the other man, Jason.

Jason looked directly at Cherry, nodded slightly, “Didn’t trust you,” he said by way of explanation, “thought I’d follow you, see if you really were genuine. Seems you were.” It wasn’t much of an apology but Cherry was more than grateful.

“Thanks,” she said faintly.

Jason nodded, “Can you manage to get back to Sal’s place?” he asked, Cherry nodded, “Right, well I think we’ve got some questions to ask Greg here,” he leant down and with an ease that bespoke great strength, lifted the unconscious man up onto his shoulder. “Must admit, I’m real curious about his answers,” He walked back to the brothel, Cherry beside him.

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#114:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:21 pm

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YAY for Jason.

But, honestly Cherry how could you be so stupid? It's like those people in horror movies - if you are home alone at night and you hear a noise in the basement do not go down, in the dark, to see what it is!!

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#115:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:13 pm

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Thanks for putting us out of our misery so quickly, Lesley!

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#116:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:58 pm

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Yikes!!!

Cherry, that was an amazingly daft ting to do!!! Thank god Jason was there, and that he was moved to help!!!

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#117:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:07 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I was so scared for Cherry, all the way throught that last update. I'm still recovering now!

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#118:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:36 pm

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Well, at least Cherry's got someone on her side.

ETA: loved the half brick.

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#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:27 pm

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The reappearance of the three caused some surprise; Sally, when swiftly summoned, led them into the back rooms. Jason deposited his burden, now gently squirming, into a small room and locked the door, he returned to the others to find Cherry the centre of attention. Some of the women bathed Cherry’s face, removing the dried blood from her split lip and easing the pain from her black eye. Sally herself found a sling in the first aid box and managed to work out how it was applied so that Cherry had some relief from the pain her shoulder was causing.

Between the two of them Cherry and Jason managed to explain what had happened, Cherry looked round at all the faces watching her, seeing some that were almost accusing,

“I know what you’re thinking,” she said quietly, “you’re thinking I was stupid to go along with him, to follow him into an alleyway in the first place. Am I right? Well all he did was say he’d show me where I could get a cab, as far as I knew that could have been a short cut. I’d got no reason to be suspicious of him,” she laughed, “fact is, the one I was suspicious of was Jason here. None of you’d have done any different.”

She’s right,” Sally said with authority, “I’ve known Greg for nine years, ever since I started here, he’s never been known for anything like this.”

“That’s why I want to know what the Hell’s been going on,” Jason’s deep voice rumbled, “looks as though your cop friend is the innocent party in this,” he continued, nodding toward Cherry, “never thought I’d say something like that.”

“I think Greg owes us some answers,” Sally said decisively, she turned to the girl sat on the couch, “You probably need to go to Casualty about that shoulder, Cherry…”

“Not yet,” Cherry said quickly, “I want to know too.”

A short time later there was a delegation in front of the room where Greg had been imprisoned. Sally had prudently recruited two of her bouncers and they, along with Jason, were the first to enter the room. Their vigilance was unnecessary, however; when the door was opened Greg was huddled up in one corner of the room, there was blood dripping from his broken nose and a gash above one eye. When he saw Jason he gave a little sob,

“Don’t hurt me!”

Jason shrugged, “Depends on you, Greg, we want some answers.”

“Why? She was only a whore, she was nothing.”

“She was one of mine,” Jason returned angrily, “they pay me for protection, you owe me.”

Greg shrank back away from the grey eyed man’s rage, “I didn’t kill her,” he said quickly.

“No? But you know who did, don’t you? And you’ll tell us or …” Jason left the threat unsaid, he and all the others gathered chairs and sat down to listen to the man.

Greg looked round at everyone, seeking some form of escape, when he realised there was none he seemed to make a decision, he looked directly at Cherry, “Your boy upset some people,” he said quickly, “they came to me, told me what they wanted. They wanted him set up for something serious.”

His words caused everyone there to start asking questions, unable to make out the words Sally stood, “Quiet! One at a time! Cherry, you first,”

Cherry nodded, “Who did he upset so much that they wanted his life ruined? He was just an ordinary cop.”

“Yeah, but an ordinary cop who won a medal a few months back,” Greg returned, “the two men he helped put away? They’ve got an older brother, he was none too pleased about what happened, took steps to punish those involved. The scheme with your mate wasn’t the first, who d’ya think organised the ‘hit and run’ on his partner?”

“That was deliberate?” Cherry went pale,

“Next question from me,” Sally said grimly, “Why’d you get involved, Greg?”

“For the money of course,” Greg spat back, “He offered a fortune, enough that, in a couple of months I could have retired, we’d be out of the business, set up in a different part of the country.”

“What about Raquel, what did you tell her?” this from Jason.

Greg shrugged, “Told her I had a punter wanted a cop caught in a compromising situation, she was to pick him up, take him back to her place. I told her that a hidden camera had been set up so we could blackmail the cop later, she believed it. She had more than enough money that she’d have performed in front of a live audience if asked.”

“And then, after the cop left, you killed her?” it was another of the women, the one that, along with Sally, had checked Cherry wasn’t carrying a wire.

Greg shook his head, “I didn’t touch her, I don’t know who did it, probably someone else hired by the boss man.”

“But you knew it was going to happen?” Cherry put in quietly.

There was silence for some time then Greg slowly nodded.

“You b*st*rd.”

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#120:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:38 pm

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*slaps Greg with the nearest table*
What a scuzbucket!
Thanks Lesley!

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#121:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:50 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I hope Greg gets what he deserves.

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#122:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:51 pm

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Wow!

I really mustn't go away for a few days when you're writing an RCS, Lesley - there's far too much in there to take in!

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#123:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:54 pm

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Cherry certainly found more than she bargained for! Hilda and Nell would have a fit!!

What a tale of violence and downright evil. And presumably, but for Cherry, they would all have got away with it.

Am now left wondering just what they intend to do about it all.

Thank you, Lesley.

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#124:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:10 pm

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Wow...I've finally caught up with all this Lesley. It's taken me over a week to read the whole lot! It's great!!!

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#125:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:18 pm

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Well, Shane can be exonerated, anyway - if Greg and co. are willing to have any contact with the law. Wonder who did the actual killing?
I was totally fooled by Jason and Greg, had them quite the wrong way round!
Interested in how we're all now sympathetic to Jason, who's involved in a pretty nasty business. You're very good at making your villains human, Lesley - I can't believe I'm feeling kindly towards a pimp!

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#126:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:55 pm

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Jason carries on a distasteful business, but in an oddly moral way, at least at the level of honouring the bargains that he makes. He has been paid for protection by 'his' girls, so he protects them. Greg, well, Greg regards them as "nothing", or as his attitude to Cherry shows, inconveniences to be disposed of.

Thank you Lesley. Very interesting.

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#127:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:01 am

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*Stabs Greg with the rusty scissors left over from the Hackers!!*

B*st*rd doesn't even come close!

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#128:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:57 am

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Ruth B wrote:

*Stabs Greg with the rusty scissors left over from the Hackers!!*

Only if they are *really* blunt scissors having been dipped in a septic tank first...........................
Greg truly is a seriously vile specimen of humanity.
I just hope they let Jason loose on him afterwards.

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#129:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:04 pm

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The sad thing is, all this really does happen

Thanks Lesley, brilliant writing.

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#130:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:10 pm

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Brilliant, Lesley. Offers two whole housebricks for dealing with Greg. Then the rusty nail scissors.

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#131:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:40 pm

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Very glad Jason was there!

Thanks, Lesley

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#132:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:25 pm

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urgh - what a worm!

Thanks Lesley.

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#133:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:22 pm

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Loads to catch up on.

Thank you Lesley!

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#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:30 pm

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Sunday had been a quiet day for Hilda and Robbie; Hilda had taken the little boy in to see Nell for a quick visit in the morning but had not stayed long. Later Alison had come over and taken Robbie out to the beach in the early afternoon and Hilda had returned to spend a couple of hours with Nell. Although still very groggy from the anaesthetic, Nell appeared to be recovering well. She was also a little happier as Emma Hedges had been to visit and had professed herself fully satisfied with the surgery. The Surgeon also expected Nell to make a full and swift recovery.

After Alison had left Hilda and Robbie returned to the cottage. Before she left, Alison had passed on the news that Cherry had texted her with the news that she was in Perth and would be leaving at 11.20 Perth time. She had also given details of where she was staying. Robbie was waiting eagerly for Cherry to return. So eagerly that Hilda felt that Alison had probably made an error telling Robbie exactly when Cherry’s plane would be arriving in Melbourne. Although not quite sure how to tell the time, Robbie did know that as the little hand got closer to five the time was getting near, this being the time that Cherry had said she would be arriving. Hilda contacted the airport to discover that the flight leaving Perth at 11.20, touched down at 16.45, and she and Robbie drove to the airport to meet Cherry.

The flight arrived on time and all the passengers disembarked; unfortunately Cherry was not among them. Seeing Robbie’s disappointed face Hilda made some enquiries and was told that a seat had been booked in the name of Cherry Elliott, but that she had not arrived. Hilda then tried to contact the hotel where Cherry had been staying in Perth, only to be told that Cherry had checked out that morning. Cherry wasn’t answering her mobile so, unfortunately, all Hilda could do was take a deeply disappointed Robbie back to the cottage.

The rest of that afternoon and evening were not so good, Robbie convincing himself that Cherry had, in his own words, ‘Gone ‘way ‘gin!’ It had taken all of Hilda’s patience and experience to halfway convince the little boy that she would be back that night. After she had finally managed to get Robbie to sleep, Hilda stood in the silent cottage, staring, with unseeing eyes, into the dark garden. Discovering where Cherry had gone had given Hilda an idea as to what she was doing, especially as, earlier in the day, she had spoken quickly with John Coates and heard from him that Shane had managed to confide in Cherry on Thursday. She realised that Cherry had gone to Perth in an attempt to help Shane. She only prayed that she had not found herself in too much trouble…

The sound of the door bell suddenly cut across Hilda’s musing and she jumped. Composing herself she turned, glancing at her watch as she did so, it was after ten pm. She walked over and opened the door, on the doorstep was a figure,

“Hello Hilda,” Cherry whispered.

Hilda looked across, Cherry’s face bore the ravages of blows, a dark, angry looking bruise covered over two thirds of her cheeks and forehead. In addition her lips were swollen and the top one split. Hilda’s gaze travelled further down and she saw that Cherry’s right arm was in a sling.

“Cherry,” Hilda returned, then, “You told Alison your flight arrived in Melbourne at a quarter to five,”

“Yes, I know, I missed the flight, had to go to hospital, I’m sorry. Is Robbie OK?”

“He was very upset that you hadn’t returned,” Hilda replied, “it took some time before he settled. He thought you were not coming back.”

“And you? What did you think?” For some reason Cherry felt this was very important.

Hilda’s gaze softened, “I knew you’d be back,” she said quietly, “this is where you belong.” She opened her arms wide, “Welcome home, Cherry,”

Cherry moved forward quickly, eager to feel the arms around her.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#135:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:46 pm

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Home is where you belong.

That was lovely Lesley.

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#136:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:57 pm

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Poor Cherry! Thank goodness she's home safely now!

Thank you Lesley!

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#137:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:00 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Cherry got home, even if she was late.

ETA: I'm losing the plot! I called Lesley, Cherry by mistake. Sorry, Lesley!

Last edited by Chair on Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:23 pm; edited 2 times in total

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#138:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:08 pm

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Thanks Lesley. I really didn't want to go to bed and leave Cherry stranded.

What a lovely Hilda that she didn't burst into questions immediately. Mind you she should be used to adventures by now!

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#139:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:32 pm

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Poor Cherry - she really needed to be reassured that Hilda's faith in her was still intact, and Hilda's immediate loving response should have done that. Robbie might make her suffer a bit, though!
Glad everything is going so smoothly for Nell.

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#140:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:00 am

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Hilda's patience and love and trust rewarded - she knows what a daughter she has in Cherry, and Cherry herself knows just how lucky she is to be loved by such a woman.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#141:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:44 am

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Poor Cherry! Of course she needed the reassurance that Hilda still trusted her. ((((hugs))))

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#142:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:31 am

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Phew. Thank you Lesley!

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#143:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:10 am

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I am SO relieved that Cherry is back. Poor Robbie thinking that Cherry had gone away and left him again.

Thanks Lesley

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#144:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:36 am

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Poor Robbie - he must have been so disappointed - but then given what Cherry looks like at the moment maybe it's just as well - hope some of the swelling has gone down by the time he wakes up.

Thanks, Lesley

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#145:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:36 am

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Thanks for getting Cherry home, Lesley.

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#146:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:04 pm

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Cherry is home, with her family, where she belongs.

Thanks Lesley.

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#147:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 6:41 pm

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After a while, Hilda guided Cherry into the lounge and sat her on the sofa; she also brought in Cherry’s luggage. Moving to the kitchen she quickly made a drink for them both and pressed one of the mugs of coffee into Cherry’s left hand.

“Drink up, Cherry,” Hilda said with a smile, “I’ll be back in a minute, I think there’s someone that wants to see you,”

She left the room and moved upstairs, her ears hearing the sound of movement. Opening the door to the third bedroom she looked inside, Robbie was sat up in bed, looking over at her,

“There’s someone downstairs that wants to see you, Robbie,” Hilda said, she was rewarded by a huge grin from the little boy. She was only barely able to restrain Robbie long enough for his slippers to be put onto his feet, as soon as he was able he ran down the stairs, Hilda, descending rather more sedately, could hear the cries from both Cherry and Robbie as they met once more. When Hilda reached the lounge she saw that Robbie was sitting on Cherry’s lap, Cherry’s left arm round him, cuddling him. Robbie, his whole face a gigantic grin, was snuggled up, one hand gently touching his Mummy’s face.

“Does it hurt, Mummy?”

“Yes, a little, but it’s getting better,” Cherry replied, trying not to flinch as Robbie’s little hand swept across the livid bruises.

“And you got a poorly arm, too? Why?”

“A mistake, but it doesn’t matter, I’m home now. Alright?”

“Alright Mummy.” A pause then, “I fort you’d gone away Mummy, Granma Hilda said you’d come back but I was frightened.”

“Never, I’m never going away again, Robbie,” Cherry replied fiercely, “I promise. This is our home now, you understand? We’ll stay here until you are all grown up.”

“Yes Mummy, with Grandma Hilda and Grandma Nell,” Robbie said sleepily; he snuggled further into Cherry’s lap and then fell asleep.

Cherry grinned, “Looks as though he’s caught me,” she said to Hilda, “What with holding him and having my other arm in a sling I can’t move.”

“I’ll lift him from you if you wish?” Hilda offered knowingly.

Cherry shook her head, “No; thanks anyway but I rather like this type of captivity.”

Hilda nodded, sat opposite Cherry and finished her coffee, as she placed the mug back on the table she looked across, “You sent a text to Alison telling her where you were, where you were staying,” she began, “when you spoke to her yesterday you refused. What changed?”

Cherry swallowed slightly, “I texted her about one am, by then everything was over so it didn’t matter if people knew where I was. I didn’t realise I would miss my flight, by the time I did my battery had died.”

Hilda nodded again, “No matter,” she said quietly, “you’re here now.” There was a pause then, “What happened, Cherry?”

Later, after Cherry had related everything up to the point of Greg confessing, she paused. Hilda looked over at the girl, “You were exceptionally lucky,” she said.

Cherry nodded, “I know, you think I’ve not kicked myself for being so stupid?”

The Head smiled, “Probably somewhat excessive, Cherry, when you already have so many injuries. What happened next?”

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#148:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:27 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. It is so lovely and wonderful that Cherry and Robbie have been reunited.

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#149:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 7:50 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Cherry nodded, “I know, you think I’ve not kicked myself for being so stupid?” The Head smiled, “Probably somewhat excessive, Cherry, when you already have so many injuries. What happened next?”

That made me laugh!

It was lovely to see Robbie and Cherry reunited. Thank you Lesley

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#150:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:29 pm

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*But I rather like this kind of captivity.*

Who wouldn't, Cherry? Especially after what you have been through. Innocence like Robbie's will renew and re-charge you, as will Hilda's trust and love - and ironic comments.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#151:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:04 pm

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Oh, nice.
Thanks, Lesley - glad Cherry's back OK. Robbie's so sweet!

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#152:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:38 pm

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Lovely to see Robbie and Cherry reunited and inseparable. Hilda must be horrified, but is hiding it very well - Cherry certainly doesn't need recriminations at the moment.

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#153:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:01 am

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Cherry needs to talk and Hilda is the perfect person to tell. Of course if Nell were there she'd be volunteering to break Greg's nose, so it's possibly useful that she's not!

Poor Robbie, so scared that Mummy might have left him, but so thrilled that she's back - and I loved this:

Quote:

This is our home now, you understand? We’ll stay here until you are all grown up.” “Yes Mummy, with Grandma Hilda and Grandma Nell."

Thanks Lesley.

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#154:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:13 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I love the way Cherry feels that she can tell Hilda everything.

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#155:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:01 pm

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Thanks Lesley. Very glad they're back together again.

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#156:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:55 pm

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Apologies for the time taken to update - I've hurt my eye and have found it very difficult to read, look at computer or write on computer. Seems to be easing now.

“You b*st*rd.”

After the comment there was silence for a few seconds, then Jason shouldered his way forward,

“Right, I’ve heard enough,” he said, he looked across at the two bouncers, “give me a hand, you two, we can dump him in the sea, I know the perfect place…”

“No! You can’t, I’ve got kids,” Greg’s anguished cry swept out.

Jason shrugged, “So what? Not my problem.”

“No, Jason,” it was the woman Sally, “I don’t think we can kill him,” she looked over at Cherry, “apart from anything else, that won’t clear Cherry’s friend, will it?”

Jason’s brow darkened, “I don’t give a damn about some bloody copper…” he began.

“What about justice then, Jason?” It was Cherry herself that spoke here, “you kill Greg now and Raquel’s real murderer gets away with it. More importantly, so does the one who ordered her death. He didn’t even consider her, Jason, just used her, no better than the punters who used her for most of her life.”

“We all know you want your mate cleared,” Jason began,

“Yes,” Cherry nodded, “but I also want the ones responsible for that girl’s death caught.” She looked round at the women there, “Come on, all of you, we’ve all been where that girl was, how many of us would have done the same, taken a load of money for what seemed a simple job? It could have been any of us, it could have been any of your girls. Would you want your death to have no meaning?”

“She’s right,” Sally said abruptly, “if we don’t ensure the person responsible’s caught, who else is going to? No one will give a damn about Raquel, because of what she was, we should.”

Cherry finished relating what happened next and smiled slightly over at Hilda,

“After Sal’s speech the rest of them came round, even Jason,” Cherry laughed slightly, “though I did see him kick Greg a couple of times. Anyway, Greg agreed he was going to tell the police what happened…”

“I’m surprised that he should decide that,” Hilda commented quietly.

“I think that Jason threatening to kill him changed his mind,” Cherry replied, “that and that they decided to look after his wife and kids, spirit them out of Perth so they’d not be in danger. I left it there, one of the women drove me to the hospital and they fixed my shoulder and everything.”

“And now, I think, it’s time you went to bed,” Hilda said firmly.

Cherry looked over at the Head, her eyes shining, “Yes Mum,” she murmured.

Hilda rose and walked across to lift Robbie from his mother, she draped the sleeping little boy over her shoulder, “Don’t be cheeky to the Headmistress, Miss Elliott,” she said, a smile on her lips, “or she may decide that these injuries are self-inflicted and stop your sick pay!”

“You wouldn’t do that,” Cherry said firmly, she reached across and kissed Hilda’s cheek, “You’d never do something that nasty.”

“Then this could be the exception,” Hilda returned, “now, bed! Use Nell’s room, Cherry, Robbie’s camp bed isn’t set up.”

“Will Robbie know where I am in the morning?”

“Well if he doesn’t I’m sure he will discover your location very quickly!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:51 am; edited 1 time in total

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#157:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:08 pm

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Oh goody, an update! Thank goodness Jason was persuaded to go along with clearing Shane rather then simply killing Greg - though I don't give much for the latter's chances.

I loved the exchange between Cherry and Hilda - a little banter to lighten the tension, but still demonstrate the affection between them

Thanks Lesley - hope the eye is better soon.

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#158:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:35 am

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Hope your eye's better. Thanks Lesley. Love the relationship between Hilda and Cherry!

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#159:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:39 am

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Ouch! That sounds painful Lesley - I hope your eye is completely better soon.

Glad to see the honour among thieves continues to prevail

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#160:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:12 pm

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Lesley, is your eye better? What happened? Never mind the drabble, much though I love it, your sight matters more.

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#161:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:10 pm

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Hi Jennie and everyone else, thanks, eye is much better today - no idea what the problem was although I suspect that computer use was partially to blame. Left eye suddenly extremely irritating, felt as though it had been poked with sharp stick! (None of you did that while I was asleep did you? ) Had to take lenses out but even that didn't stop it. Eye streaming most of yesterday and clamped shut most of time - also wanted company and right eye kept closing in sympathy!

Today, far less painful though residual ache still there, far less bloodshot and able to keep it open most of time. Have kept lenses out and probably will for rest of week. Now able to write etc.

Lesley
x

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#162:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:11 pm

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Thank goodness for that. I was getting worried.

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#163:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:36 pm

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Sorry about the eye, Lesley, but thank you for the update. I'm pleased that Greg has seen sense, even if he did need a *helping hand*.

And nice to see Cheery home with *Mum*.

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#164:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:40 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I hope that your eye will continue to improve. I'm glad that everyone agreed that it was better to see that justice needed to be done.

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#165:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:30 pm

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After the eventful beginning to the Christmas Term, the next two weeks or so, leading up to the Half Term holiday, seemed to pass very quickly. In hospital Nell was slowly but surely on the road to recovery, her second bout of surgery actually seeming to have been a blessing as, once she had recovered from the anaesthetic, she improved dramatically. Back at the Real Chalet School, Cherry and Robbie remained with Hilda while Cherry was off sick. She had badly strained her shoulder when being attacked by Greg and it took some weeks for the pain, swelling and discomfort to ease enough for her to contemplate returning to work.

Events in Perth had moved forwards; just over a week after Cherry’s visit to the city there was news that the Police had arrested two men in connection with the murder of the prostitute, Raquel Maitland. One of these men was a man known to the police as someone for hire. He was charged with the actual murder. The other man however, was someone with a totally clean reputation, a businessman. He was charged with hiring someone to commit murder. In the small print there were also details about a third man charged with conspiracy before and after the fact. This man was unlikely to receive a long sentence however, as he had turned Queen’s Evidence and his testimony was being used to convict the other two men. On the same day that this story appeared in the press, Cherry was out for a walk in the grounds when she heard a call from behind,

“Cherry, hey Cherry! Wait up!” Cherry looked round, it was Shane, but a Shane totally transformed from the one she had last seen some eleven days previously. This man was smiling and he walked as though he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Shane? What’s the matter?”

“Have you seen the papers? No, of course you’ve not, it’s only in the Perth ones, not any local ones.”

“What is?”

“The murderer, they’ve caught him,” Shane grinned.

There was a split second’s silence then Cherry returned the grin, “They have? That’s wonderful. You’re cleared then?”

Shane nodded, “As I was reading the papers on-line there was a phone call, from my boss, the charges against me have been dropped, I’m in the clear,” As he spoke he reached over and hugged Cherry to him, completely forgetting about her injured shoulder.

“Ah, Shane, no, let go you idiot!”

“Oh, sorry Cherry, I forgot,” Shane looked really guilty, “How’d you do that anyway? Fall down stairs?”

“Yeah,” Cherry said while biting her lip, “something like that.”

“Oh damn, I’m really sorry, look, come back to my parents place, why don’t you? I’ll get both of us a drink, to celebrate.”

A short time later the two were ensconced in the kitchen of the Coates’ cottage, Shane opened a bottle of wine, “Mum and dad are away for a couple of days, visiting an aunt of mine in Sydney,” he said, “I’ve phoned them, told them the news, but needed to speak to someone face to face.”

Cherry nodded, the pain from her shoulder almost gone, “I can understand that,” she said with a smile, she sipped her wine, “So did your boss say you could go back to work then?”

Shane nodded, “Yeah, he gave me a couple of weeks leave first, said I’d earned it. Wants me back there two weeks today - the twenty-first.”

“Will your partner be fit by then?”

Shane’s face darkened, he shook his head, “I doubt it, I rang Gina, Rick’s wife, to tell her the good news. Rick’s still in a coma, he’s not improved any. She said the doctors are trying something new but, as yet, nothing’s worked.”

“I’m really sorry, Shane,” Cherry said quietly.

Shane nodded, “Yeah,” he paused for some time then shook himself slightly, “my boss told me something really interesting, about the ones they’ve charged. Seems it was all a revenge thing, for those two Rick and I caught a few months back. He said that they’d also been responsible for running Rick down. This bloke they’ve got spilling the beans has told them everything.”

“I’m really glad, Shane, at least it means the right people have been caught.”

Shane finished his wine and poured out another glass for each of them, “Yeah, seems this bloke was very eager to tell all, he’s a businessman, supposedly legit though there have been rumours about him being involved in the vice racket. Elton, his name, Graham Elton, or Grant Elton…”

“Greg,” Cherry said unthinkingly,

“Yeah that’s right, Greg,” Shane paused, looked across at Cherry, “how did you know?”

Cherry swallowed quickly, “Er, well, must have been in the paper or…”

“No it’s not, his identity’s been kept secret,” Shane returned quickly, “how did you…” he stopped, thinking furiously, “He’s been in custody about a week now,” he said slowly, “and it was just over a week ago that you were away for the weekend, wasn’t it?” In the small community that was the Real Chalet School it was not possible to stop others knowing what was happening.

“Yes, but…”

“But nothing, this Greg, did you know him? They said there were possible links to the vice game, did you go visit him? Is that how you hurt your shoulder and face?”

Cherry sighed, cursing her slip of the tongue, “I spoke to a friend of mine here in Melbourne,” she admitted, “then went to Perth and chatted to a few people,”

“Who?”

Cherry shook her head, “You’re still a cop, Shane, I can’t tell you that,”

“But you went to Perth, risked your life? Why?”

“Because you’re a friend,” Cherry said simply.”

Shane reached forward and gently ran his hand down the bruises on Cherry’s face, even after more than a week she still winced, “A friend? You might have got killed, Cherry, and you risked your life for me, why?”

Cherry thought for a time, “You looked after Robbie,” she replied, “You and your family have all been good to me, none of you even considering throwing my former life back in my face.”

“Well of course not…”

“Do you know how much I appreciate that, Shane?” Cherry gave a half smile, “You’re a good man, and a good policeman, you didn’t deserve to be framed like that.”

Shane shook his head in wonder, “When Dad finds out about…” he began,

“No! Don’t tell your Dad,” Cherry said quickly, “You weren’t supposed to know either, the fewer people that know the better,”

Shane nodded slightly, “OK, if that’s what you want,” he said at last, “But I owe you, Cherry, anything you want of me in the future, it’s yours, I promise.”

Cherry grinned, “Hmmm, now that’s a big promise,”

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#166:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:48 pm

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Even though Cherry didn't want anyone knowing I'm so pleased that Shane knows. What a good friend she is to those she loves or to those who have been good to her. And Shane is beginning to appreciate that.

That's still a mighty big promise though, Shane.

Thank you, Lesley.

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#167:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:13 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I think that it's good that Shane knows the truth about what Cherry did.

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#168:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:56 pm

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Missed yesterday's update, 'cos I was on earlier than usual, and also missed hearing about your eye. How horrid! Glad it's a bit better, but take care, too many hours gazing at computer screens won't please it.
(((Lesley)))

Enjoyed the relationship betwen Hilda and Cherry, and the image of Hilda with Robbie slung over her shoulder! Aww
Yes, it's really good that Shane knows what Cherry was prepared to do for him, even if she didn't intend him to. I'm sure he's going to get a chance to redeem that promise ...

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#169:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:57 pm

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Just caught up on a couple of pages - exciting stuff!

Very glad that Shane does know what Cherry did for him, all shiny and happy, yay!

Thanks Lesley Hope the eye is better soon - can't have you out of action now, can we?

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#170:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:57 pm

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How good that Shane knows and appreciates what Cherry has done - and how much she appreciates him and his family too.

Thanks Lesley.

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#171:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:05 am

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Yay!

Thanks Lesley - hope the eye continues to recover - don't overdo things looking at screens etc

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#172:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:18 am

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Thank you Lesley - hope Shane finds a chance to fulfill his promise!

Glad the eye is improving too!

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#173:  Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:14 pm

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Heh heh heh - maybe Lesley is channeling and developing Cherry's injuries spontaneously?

Still no deaths, alas and alack etc.

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#174:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:23 pm

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Thanks, Lesley, it was good to see Shane so happy.

Hmm, puts on matchmaker's hat, Shane and Cherry.

I hope your eye continues to improve.

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#175:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:55 pm

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*agrees with Jennie*


Any chance of a romance between Cherry and Shane, Lesley?

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#176:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:26 pm

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Hope your eye is much better Lesley!

Cherry's getting careless in her old age, letting on about Greg's name.

Thanks for the update.

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#177:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:34 pm

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Mel Richards had sent in a number of application forms for different jobs; the jobs themselves were all fairly standard, junior posts, mainly as a clerical assistant or similar position. In all of the applications she had been scrupulously honest about her previous history and current position. In almost all the cases a letter had come back saying that she had not been selected. Richards had almost got to the point of deciding to forget about trying any longer when she received a letter from the company to whom she had sent the very first application, they were interested. They wanted her to attend an interview.

She had almost despaired at that point but, after speaking with Miss Ferrars, she found herself being summoned to see the Senior Officer. Miss Shaw had questioned her about her letter and then read the letter for herself. She’d told Richards to leave it with her. Two days later she spoke to Richards again. The HR officer was prepared to come to the prison to conduct an interview.

In the days following this Richards alternated between feeling absolute euphoria and complete dejection. She was unaware that this was a perfectly normal reaction to a job interview. Miss Shaw had informed her staff of the forthcoming interview and Richards was treated with a degree of leniency that, at another time, would have been astounding.

Although many of the other inmates were pleased for Richards, there were some, however, that reacted less well…

On her way back to her cell after lunch Butcher had to pass a number of other cells, as she went past the open door of one she could plainly hear the conversation inside,

“Dunno why you’re bothering,” the voice, Butcher recognised it as one of the more junior members of her firm, was mocking, nasty, “who the Hell’s going to give a jailbird like you a job? They’ll take one look at the application and just bin it.”

“They won’t,” the second voice was angry, but also defensive, “I told you, they’re coming to interview me, Miss Shaw has set it up. They knew about my record, but said they’d interview me anyway. They were interested, seemed to be impressed that I’d learnt to read and write while inside.”

“They’re not interested I tell you, only doing this so it’ll look good on their annual report. They’ll interview you then say you’re not suitable. That way all the Shareholders will be happy and they’ll have done their good deed. Why’d they want you anyway, you’re nothing but a small time burglar. You must be really dumb to believe that you’ll ever be anything else, Richards.”

“Don’t call me dumb!” There was the sound of a struggle and Butcher entered the cell to see Mel Richards and Grant fighting; even as she watched the more experienced and stronger Grant had contemptuously swept aside Richards’ first blow and punched her in the face, Richards fell back onto the narrow cot with a cry Grant followed her, raining punches down onto the younger woman.

At this Butcher acted, pulling Grant up, away from her victim, she propelled her across to the wall, holding her there even while Grant struggled helplessly,

“This ends now, Grant, you understand?”

“What is going on here?” The voice was a different one and all three women looked round in some shock to see that the Senior Officer, Miss Shaw, stood at the cell door, there was silence after her question, all three suddenly struck dumb.

“I said, what is happening here?”

Butcher released her hold on Grant though she continued to remain close to her, “Sorry, Miss Shaw,” she responded quickly, her eyes not leaving Grant’s face, “Grant and I were having a bit of a disagreement, weren’t we Grant?” The last said with some menace.

Grant swallowed sharply, “Yes, just a difference of opinion, Miss Shaw,” she said.

The Senior Officer’s eyes travelled from Grant and Butcher over to where Richards lay on the cot, her hand to her face,

“And what about you, Richards?” Miss Shaw asked, “Were you a part of this disagreement, is that how you hurt your eye?”

Richards looked over quickly, “I er…”

“She walked into a door, Miss Shaw,” Butcher put in quickly, “that’s how she hurt herself, nothing to do with us,” Butcher was now glaring as hard at Richards.

“Is that what happened, Richards?”

“Y-yes Miss Shaw.”

“I see,” Miss Shaw paused, “very well, get yourself down to the Health Department, have then check out your injury.”

“Yes Miss Shaw,” Richards quickly ducked out of the cell.

“And Richards?” Miss Shaw turned to look over at the inmate, “Ask them to check your eyesight while you are there.”

“Yes Miss Shaw.”

Richards disappeared and the Senior Officer turned back to the other two inmates, she drew in a deep breath, “Which of you started this 'disagreement’?”

Butcher spoke quickly, “I did, Miss Shaw,”

Geri Shaw nodded, “Very well, you have both been inmates for long enough to know the rules, two days solitary for each of you, and Butcher? An additional two days for starting the fight.” She looked over her shoulder at the officer outside, “Take them down to Solitary, Mr Woods.”

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#178:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:43 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I sense trouble for Grant after Butcher has taken the rap for her.

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#179:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:09 pm

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I wonder why Grant was being so negative. Perhaps it's jealousy.

I'm glad there's better news about your eye, Lesley.

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#180:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:17 pm

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Grant is a nasty piece of work - deserves whatever Butcher decides should go to her!

Hope the interview goes well - although a black eye might not go down so well with the interviewer Hope they're allowed concealer inside!

Thanks Lesley!

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#181:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:36 pm

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Poor Butcher - trying to help and getting into trouble. But maybe there was a better way, Butcher.... Hasn't listening to Hilda taught you anything?

Keeping fingers crossed for Richards - so much piled against her without Grant taking away any confidence she might have.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#182:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:27 pm

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Agree with Kat that a black eye won't help her chances! I've got a good feeling about this job - which probably means it's all going to go horribly wrong!
Butcher might be a thug, but she's our thug and, as always, she acts in accordance with her own rules of morality, which are very clear, if individual!

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#183:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:29 am

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Have just caught up with lots of this due to my wandering up and down the country over the last few days.

Thanks Lesley - glad to be right about Shane and hope life goes better for him now.

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#184:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:38 am

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Thanks Lesley; I think Grant may well regret that behaviour. Butcher will not be too pleased by this.

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#185:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:10 pm

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Thank you Lesley!!!

I'm so glad that Shane has been cleared. Hope Butcher won't get into too much trouble, and that things will go well for Richards.

How's the eye now Lesley?

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#186:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:29 pm

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Later that day one of the Solitary cells was unlocked and Miss Shaw walked in, Butcher looked across from where she was lain on her bed,

“Miss Shaw?”

The Senior Officer waited until Butcher had sat up before sitting on the end of the bed, “Why did you do it, Butcher?” she asked quickly.

Butcher looked across, she shrugged, “It was just a disagreement, nothing much…”

Miss Shaw shook her head, “I didn’t mean that, I meant why did you shield Richards?”

There was a stunned silence then Butcher attempted to deny everything,

Miss Shaw’s voice cut across, “I’m not stupid, Butcher, I could see what had happened, now, off the record, why did you do it,”

Butcher remained silent for a time then, “Off the record?”

Geri Shaw nodded.

Butcher sighed, “OK, Grant was winding Richards up about her interview, Richards got upset, went for Grant,” Butcher laughed slightly, “big mistake, when I got there Grant was about to murder her..” Butcher stopped, glanced over at the Prison Officer quickly, “not literally, you know what I mean?”

Shaw nodded, “I know, but why did you intervene? I wasn’t that far behind, I would have stopped it.”

Butcher shook her head, “Because Richards would have ended up in here, four days solitary. That would have looked really good on her record, wouldn’t it? I’m sure the people coming to interview her would have been really impressed to discover she was in Solitary. She might even have lost remission because of it.” Butcher smiled slightly, “I don’t have any remission to lose, do I?”

The Senior Officer also smiled slightly, “No, that is true. However I cannot allow you to take the blame for another’s behaviour…”

“You said ‘off the record,’ Shaw,” Butcher said swiftly.

There was silence for some seconds, then Shaw nodded slightly, “I did. Very well, this time. But I’ll not allow it again, Butcher, I’d advise that you make sure Richards knows that,”

“Don’t worry, I will,”

“Without any further violence, Butcher.”

“Of course, Miss Shaw,” Butcher grinned.

Miss Shaw smiled slightly and walked across to the door, knocked on it so that the officer outside could unlock the door, as it was opened she turned back, “Oh, by the way, Butcher, isn’t this Thursday the day Miss Annersley is coming to visit?”

Butcher sighed, “Yeah it is,” she replied, “Could you tell her not to bother, Miss Shaw? Not worth her making the journey for nothing.”

Shaw nodded, “I’ll tell her,” she said, she paused then, “I’ll change the date of the Visitor’s Pass to Friday. Your time in Solitary will be finished by then.”

“Thanks Miss Shaw.”

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#187:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:51 pm

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Thank you Lesley!

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#188:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:25 pm

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Thank you Lesley.

I always like it when you update during the day!

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#189:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:35 pm

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Me too!

Thanks Lesley - good to see Geri being so understand yet again!

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#190:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:15 pm

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Hope the interview goes well for Mel now Butcher's made that sacrifce for her!

Thanks, Lesley

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#191:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:03 pm

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Miss Shaw is so nice and understanding. There can't be many people who would care enough to find that out AND change the date of the Visitors Pass.

Thanks Lesley

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#192:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:27 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Geri was able to work out what was going on.

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#193:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:06 pm

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Good for Geri, thanks Lesley.

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#194:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:37 pm

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Geri is nice - not to mention being very on the spot. Glad she realised exactly what was happening, and gladder that she's prepared to adjust things so that Butcher can see Hilda.

I, too hope the interview goes well for Richards after all this.

Thanks, Lesley. Hope the eye is OK.

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#195:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:13 am

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That was very bright and compassionate of Geri Shaw. Hope all goes well for that interview.

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#196:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:43 am

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Thank you, Lesley.

As usual, it's enlightening to see Butcher's ethics and Geri's balance of rules and understanding. I'm a bit worried about what will happen when Miss Shaw retires, though....

Nice to see Cherry's actions properly appreciated -- and Greg's affiliates brought to some sort of justice.

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#197:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:47 pm

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Thursday afternoon saw Hilda Annersley visiting the Real Hospital; when she arrived on the ward she went immediately to Nell’s room only to find it empty. Looking round in the corridor outside she was suddenly called,

“Hilda? I didn’t think you’d be here until tonight. Aren’t you supposed to be visiting Butcher?”

The voice asking the question was stronger than Hilda had heard for almost five weeks, since before Nell had left for her ill-fated expedition to buy some tablets for a headache. She turned, along the corridor, supported by just one physiotherapist, walked Nell Wilson. Nell’s walking speed was very slow and she was still relying on the strength of the woman beside her, but the improvement was palpable. Nell was upright, walking with some discomfort, but without the severe and debilitating pain she had been experiencing previously. Although she still had some way to go it was obvious that her eventual discharge and return were only a matter of time.

Hilda smiled, “The day has been changed,” she replied, “I’m going there tomorrow instead. As I had the time spare I thought I’d come along to see you.” She looked over to the woman supporting Nell, “I’ll see Nell back to her room Judy, if you have other patients to see?”

The physio smiled, “Thanks Hilda, if you want to support her here,”

There was a short period of changeover and the physio smiled her thanks and left, Hilda looked across at her friend, “OK Nell? We’ll take it slowly; let me know if you need to rest.”

“I’ll be fine, Hilda, stop fussing!” Nell attempted to stride out without resting on her friend’s arm only to stumble slightly. Hilda was there quickly, one arm around Nell’s back, the other holding Nell’s upper arm.

“Stop being so stubborn Nell,” Hilda ordered, “and let me help you.”

Nell paused, leaning quite heavily on her friend, after some seconds she nodded, “OK, you’ll not let me be otherwise, will you?”

“No,” Hilda smiled, “I fully intend to force you to allow me to help.”

“Bully!”

“And enjoying it,” Hilda returned, “now, do you feel able to continue?”

Nell nodded and for the next few minutes both women concentrated on reaching Nell’s hospital room. Once inside Nell sat in her chair with an air of relief tinged with satisfaction. She smiled across at her partner,

“Thanks Hilda,” she said eventually, “I know I still need help – it’s just so difficult to accept it though. Especially as I’m supposed to be strong.”

“You are strong, Nell,” Hilda smiled, “that’s why your surgeon will be able to discharge you soon.”

Nell’s eyes brightened, “She said so?”

“Well, not in so many words,” Hilda admitted, “but when I saw her on the way in today she said she’d be along in an hour or so with some very welcome news. It’s the only thing I can think of.”

Nell smiled, “Well it’s about time,” she said, “do you realise it’s been almost five weeks I’ve been in hospital?” She paused before continuing, “At least it’ll mean I can get back to work before the end of term…”

”No it doesn’t.” Hilda said firmly, “I mean it, Nell, you are not returning to work before next term.”

“Next term? But that’s not for another two months,” Nell replied quickly, “I can’t wait that long.”

“Well you’ll have to,” Hilda returned, “because I don’t want you injuring yourself trying to return too soon.”

“Quite correct,” another voice agreed, both Hilda and Nell looked across at the doorway, the Consultant Surgeon, Emma Hedges, was standing there. She walked in and sat on a spare chair, “Nell, I don’t want you going back to work until after Christmas,” she said quickly.

Nell looked disappointed, “I’ve got a mainly sedentary job, Emma,” she began, “Surely sitting at a desk isn’t going to hurt?”

“You’d be surprised,” the Surgeon replied, “any number of people are astounded at the difference returning to work makes, how much more tiring it is than just sitting at home. Now I am ready to discharge you home in a weeks time, but only to home, you’re not fit for work yet.”

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#198:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:01 pm

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Thanks, Lesley, two lovely updates. It's good to see Nell on the way to getting better.

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#199:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:07 pm

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I'm glad Nell's getting on well enough for them to be able to discharge her. I'm sure she can get into plenty of mischief at home though!

Thanks Lesley

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#200:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:21 pm

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Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Nell is back on her feet and she will be returning home soon.

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#201:  Author: Kat,  Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:42 pm

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Huzzah for Nell going home next week! (but it means tomorrow for us, right Lesley? )

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#202:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:16 pm

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Yay for Nell getting discharged!
Thanks Lesley!

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#203:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:32 pm

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A most satisfactory series of posts! I still see Butcher as Hida's alter ego. She's had a very different background and experience but she'll look out for 'her' people even to her own detriment.

Nell, chomping at the bit to return to work is so typical!

Thank you Lesley. It was great as always,


*starts searching round for other loose strands - finds a few and wibbles"

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#204:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:40 pm

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Good to see Nell on her feet but how annoyed she is at being the physically weak one here. But good for you, Hilda - I know you won't stand any nonsense, despite any blandishments or *bullying* she might try. You can always threaten to send her back to hospital if she won't behave!

Thanks, Lesley.

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#205:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:48 pm

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Hurray for Nell being discharged soon! And hurray for Hilda for keeping her firmly in check. But what's this 'sedentary job' she's got?? I don't seem to remember my bottom ever hitting a chair!

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#206:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:58 pm

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Well done on the ecovery Nell.

Can see life being fun with Nell being at home and not able to work.

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#207:  Author: Guest,  Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:08 am

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Lovely to see that Nell's making real progress now - and of course she wants to double the speed of her recovery!
Thanks Lesley.

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#208:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:01 am

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Oops, sorry, Guest was me....

 

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