A Surfeit of Rach(a)els.
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The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1501:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:18 pm

Xanthe wrote:
Even the ones who were on camp???


If the call could have been taped and sent on a timer, why not?

 

#1502:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 10:08 pm

Now this doesn't really advance the plot - it's just a little response to the numerous requests from Rachael that she visit Shane! Twisted Evil

In the Real Hospital, both patient from the School were doing well, Kelly Stevens had, finally been allowed out of Intensive Care, and was in a single room on the Adolescent ward. She continued to have regular visitors from the School - Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson continued to visit, combining their visit to her with one to look in on Shane. In addition Kelly saw a number of her class mates and others of the Staff. Major Stevens was still on compassionate leave from his regiment.

In the Adult ward, Shane Coates was enjoying his new found status as a genuine hero! Once the current affairs programme had aired Miss Annersley had allowed both Evvy and Janetta to speak of their ordeal, with the result that the entire School wanted to visit Shane in hospital to congratulate him! Eventually, Dr Venables had had to restrict visitors to only family or those on official business.

One afternoon, Shane had an official visitor, the sister in charge had ascertained that the visit was work related and allowed the woman into the room.

Shane, sitting up in bed, wore only a small pair of shorts, he did not have a top on and the bandaging around his right shoulder was apparent. He looked across at the visitor without recognition. The woman was in her early thirties, tall and slim, with dark, wavy hair. She carried a small brief case.

“Good afternoon Shane,” she smiled, “I don’t think we’ve met before, my name is Rachael Pelter, I am the Human Resources Manager,”

“Oh, right, good afternoon, ma’am,” Shane held out a hand and Rachael shook it quickly, “is there a problem with my being off work?” Shane’s expression was concerned.

“No, no, nothing like that,” Rachael smiled, “I just wanted to let you know, personally, that there was no problem with your pay while you are off-sick. I appreciate that your father is your manager, but Miss Annersley herself has confirmed you are to receive full pay during your convalescence,”

“Oh, well that’s good to hear, ma’am…” Shane’s response was cut short,

“Now Shane, you are making me feel positively middle aged! My name is Rachael!” She smiled.

“Er, yes ma’am, I mean Rachael, only..”

“Only?”

“Well I play rugby with your husband! Wouldn’t want to upset him!”

 

#1503:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 10:16 pm

Totally incapable of coherence after that! RACHAEL!!!

 

#1504:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:22 pm

Lesley, I am absolutely disgusted by your last post. Rachael is a married woman . . .




















. . . I on the other hand am single, desperate and quite willing to soothe Shane's fevered brow.

Last edited by Rachel on Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1505:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:22 pm

Lesley LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Your usual skill with ending one liners showing here.

 

#1506:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:30 am

*awaits Rachael's reaction

 

#1507:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:45 am

Oh what a pity! I was hoping to get a reaction from Rachael before posting the next bit - never mind!

The next week or so passed normally as far as the Real Chalet School was concerned. The new protocol devised by Miss Burnett was distributed to all Staff - it would not now be possible for anyone to make an error with regard to ascertaining a person’s identity when speaking on the telephone. John Coates returned to work after his week off to be with his son; he quickly re-established his links with Chief Inspector Taylor and was able to give the Head some idea of how the investigation was progressing. So far the investigation had not thrown up any awkward gaps and both Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson hoped this would continue, even while also hoping that a culprit was identified soon!

One afternoon, two weeks after Half Term there was a knock on the Study door, Miss Annersley called out ‘enter’ and looked up to see three visitors, the Security Chief, John Coates, and two uniformed policemen.

“Hello John, what can I do for you?” the Head smiled,

Mr Coates smiled back, “I thought this should come directly to you,” he began, “This is Sergeant Horton and Constable Jackson, they are from the Australian Federal Police - that’s like your Scotland Yard or the Yanks’ FBI, they need to speak to you about a fairly delicate matter.” He turned to the two policemen saying “this is the Headmistress, she’s the senior authority on-site.”

Miss Annersley shook hands with both policemen and asked them all to sit down, “How may I help you, gentlemen?” she asked.

The big sergeant cleared his throat, “Well ma’am we’ve recently received information from Interpol, about a fugitive. This person is wanted in Europe and was thought to have travelled to Australia. There have been fairly extensive enquiries made but nothing came up until recently.”

“What has happened?”

“Well I understand that your Staff all had their fingerprints taken, as part of an on-going investigation?”

“That is correct, sergeant,”

“Well one set of fingerprints matched those of this fugitive,”

Miss Annersley raised an eyebrow; “I assure you I am unaware of any fugitive working here.”

“No ma’am, we don’t have a problem with the School – this woman would have had impeccable references and qualifications.”

“She is a member of my Teaching Staff?” The Head looked shocked.

The sergeant nodded, “Yes ma’am.

“I see.” Miss Annersley looked troubled.

“I appreciate this is an unpleasant thing to ask, ma’am, but Mr Coates thought if you could ask whoever it is to come to your Study, then the arrest could be achieved with the least fuss.” Sergeant Horton smiled apologetically.

John Coates intervened, “the arrest will be made regardless, it seems that this way as few people as possible will need to see it.”

“Of course, I understand,” Miss Annersley nodded, “as you say, not pleasant, however it must be done. What’s the name of this person, John?”

The Security Chief shook his head, “I’m afraid I don’t know, but these gentleman have the warrant for her arrest.”

The Head turned to the sergeant, “I have the documentation here,” he said, reaching into his pocket, “ she’s wanted for murder, by the Swiss police,” he handed some papers across to Miss Annersley.

“I see,” the Head read through the official document and her eyes widened, she pressed the intercom, “Rosalie, could you please locate Miss Wilson and ask her to come to my office immediately,” Miss Annersley’s voice was quite sharp.

“Er, she’s teaching at the mo….”

“It is extremely urgent, Miss Dene,”

 

#1508:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:49 am

No, No, No! bawling

 

#1509:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:51 am

Watch as I sail blithely from the summit of yet another cliff in this long line of cliffs!

Lesley, I am beginning to hope the TEM really is Hilda just to see you get your just desserts somewhere!

However, I am not above chanting for yet more of this - you have us all well and truly in your pocket - curse you! May your pockets be filed with decaying slugs. That's about adequate for a person of your calibre.

 

#1510:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:51 am

This does NOT look very good. Please let us have the part where Nell is proven entirely innocent, soon.

 

#1511:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:30 am

But, but, how? Why? ???????????????????????????????????????????????

I didn't expect them to catch the real culprit that easily, but hoe come poor Bill's in the frame again?

PS Shane doesn't play rugby with my husband.

 

#1512:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:04 am

I have to admit, my immediate reaction was to assume the cuplrit is one of the Rach(a)els on the Staff (that's assuming they've been able to drag their collective minds from the gutter where poor Shane is concerned. Toy boys aren't in it with you lot!) and that Hilda wanted Nell on principle- they *are* both head of the SMT and Nell would need to be informed but now....

*chewing finger stubs*
*waiting to see Rachael's reaction to the earlier post Laughing Laughing *

 

#1513:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:56 am

I refuse to believe it. Lisa's right, Hilda just wants to talk to Nell and have her there... Confused it couldn't be Nell! Evil or Very Mad

You know if Shane's worried about Rachael's husband then there are plenty of us singletons out here who'd be happy to go and cheer him up in hospital... I'd even talk about Rugby with him if I had to!

 

#1514:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:47 am

NO. NO. NO. Not Nell again. Hope Hilda does just want to discuss things with her.

We need an answer soon.

 

#1515:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 4:13 am

What?!!! *splutters*

Unless Bill is merely being called in to witness this arrest? *hopeful*.

SHE'S INNOCENT!

And so is Hilda.
Thought I'd add that just in case Nell's being called in to take over while Hilda's under arrest. (I notice she is only introduced as "the headmistress" in the above, and wouldn't put it past a certain person with a propensity for torturing her favorite character.)

 

#1516:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:17 am

Very, very interesting! And thank you, Lesley. You are no longer predictable.

 

#1517:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:33 am

Terribly sorry everyone - it appears that I omitted the last few lines of the last post - can't imagine how that happened.

Sergeant Horton frowned, “the name on that warrant isn’t Wilson,” he began.

Miss Annersley looked across at him, “No sergeant, the name on the warrant is Hilda Annersley,” she paused, taking in the shock on John Coates’ face, “and I think that my Deputy needs to be here if you intend to arrest me!”

 

#1518:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:40 am

Again No, No, No bawling







Cruelty to CBBers

 

#1519:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:07 am

*proposes we reinvestigate all those torture devices we planned when Hilda was left behing with EBD* Twisted Evil

 

#1520:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:57 am

Lesley, how can you do this to us again?! Anyone would think you disliked Hilda, the amount of trials you put her through! Please, please, don't let anything happen to her! Meanie! Evil or Very Mad

 

#1521:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:34 pm

*wails*

Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!
you -argh - grr - how? - why?

 

#1522:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:04 pm

NooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!!!!!!!!



Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad Shocked Evil or Very Mad

 

#1523:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:10 pm

Lesley Green, you are a wicked, unprincipled horror!! Get back here and put us out of our misery!

 

#1524:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:22 pm

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh!

*falls straight over the end of the cliff*

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey that's so mean!

 

#1525:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:37 pm

Who is Hilda supposed to have murdered?

 

#1526:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:41 pm

LESLEY!! You meanie!! (in both respects!) Mad

To raise my hopes Wink and then dash them so cruelly!! Sad
Embarassed Crying or Very sad Embarassed Crying or Very sad Embarassed
OK - so maybe I deserved it re Shane Rolling Eyes
But how was I to know hubby had transferred to Oz with me in a drabble!!
*sigh*

Like your latest cliff though - if very cruel to "forget" the last couple of lines to that post though!!

 

#1527:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:05 pm

What - you don't think it was a genuine mistake? Twisted Evil

Oh and sorry - no new post till tonight - mum and dad coming over (Mother's Day) and I'm busy trying to make place look presentable!

*Thinking of hiring a JCB!*

 

#1528:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:54 pm

Lesley, tell your mum that the mess is a project for your EarthSciences degree. That will give you more time to write.

It can't be Hilda, please put us out of our misery.

 

#1529:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:07 pm

LESLEY!

I don';t belive that i've only just read from about 4 pages back and am speechless!

 

#1530:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:10 pm

Well we all know Hilda is innocent...and Lesley's stories always work out...AND THIS HAD BETTER BE NO DIFFERENT!!!!!!!

Begins a Hilda is Innocent campaign.

 

#1531:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:11 pm

Lesley! That was sooooo sneaky.
But the same questions still apply, How? Why? What? And when is Hilda going to be cleared?

 

#1532:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:13 pm

Making 'Hilda is Innocent' placards. Please take one if you want to join in the protest.

 

#1533:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:20 pm

*accepts placard and begins protesting*

"Hilda is innocent
Free the Chalet School One!
Hilda is innocent
Free the Chalet School one!"

Come on everyone - join in!!

 

#1534:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:24 pm

*accepts a 'Hilda is Innocent' placcard from Jennie*

Hopes Lesley's Mum and Dad appreciate her efforts Smile

 

#1535:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:25 pm

*takes a placard*

*chants loudly!*

HILDA IS INNOCENT!!!

 

#1536:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:39 pm

*joins the chanting

 

#1537:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:45 pm

*takes placard and starts chanting*

Hilda is innnocent!!!
Razz Razz to Lesley. You know, I think she enjoys this- Lesley, I mean.

 

#1538:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:49 pm

I think you could be right Lisa!! Very Happy

And I won;t be getting any more 'til Tues night or even Wed now! Shocked

 

#1539:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 7:18 pm

*refuses to rise*
She'll be alright, this is Hilda we're talking about. She won't really go to prison..

*starts making placards just in case*

 

#1540:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:19 pm

Actually, I'd quite like to see Hilda in prison, not permantly of course, but it would be interesting to view her experiences before she's proven innocent.

 

#1541:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:00 pm

Ellie, don't don't don't suggest that, please.

 

#1542:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:03 pm

Well, parents have now left, house is shiny as a new pin, and I've written a bit more! Very Happy

Inside the Study there was a shocked silence, then John Coates, shaking his head in disbelief, spoke, “My God, Hilda, I had no idea. If I’d known I’d never have..”

He was interrupted, Sergeant Horton, himself somewhat pale, rose to stand next to the Head’s chair, “You are Hilda Annersley?” he asked hoarsely.

Miss Annersley nodded, “I am.”

“Then I have here a warrant for your arrest, on suspicion of murder. The warrant has been issued by the Swiss Police and passed to our jurisdiction via Interpol. You have the right to remain silent. I must warn you that you do not have to say anything but…”

The well known phrases swept out, into the Study, neither Miss Annersley nor John Coates appearing to hear them. As the sergeant finished speaking Miss Wilson appeared,

“Hilda, I’ve just had to grab one of the Prefects to sit with the Thirds,” the Deputy Head sounded rather annoyed, “What on Earth couldn’t wait…” her voice suddenly trailed off as she caught the final words of the sergeant and saw the shocked faces of both her friend and the Security Chief.

“You will need to come with us, Miss Annersley,” the sergeant said.

Miss Wilson looked across at her friend, “Hilda, what is this? What’s happening?”

Miss Annersley raised her head, “It appears, Nell, that these gentlemen have a warrant for my arrest, for murder!” Her tones were as soft as always, only Miss Wilson could detect the slightest of tremors.

“What?” Nell Wilson glared at the big sergeant, “Don’t be so bloody ridiculous! She won’t even kill spiders!”

“There’s a warrant, Nell,” John Coates passed the document across.

Miss Wilson scanned the papers, “In Switzerland? Who’s she supposed to have murdered?”

“That information will be made known to Miss Annersley during questioning,” Jackson had remained silent until now, he continued, “the questioning will take place at the State Prison,”

At these words there were twin exclamations as both John Coates and Nell Wilson shouted out, “You can’t!” “Prison, but why?”

Sergeant Horton answered John Coates’ question, “Procedure, sir, the suspect has been accused of murder in a foreign country, until formal extradition occurs she must be kept in prison, any questioning will occur there.”

Nell Wilson stalked over to stand facing the sergeant, “you’ve got the wrong person, this is a mistake. You cannot take her to prison.” She stood with clenched fists.

“Miss Wilson, I appreciate that you are upset,” the sergeant returned quietly, “But you are very close to being arrested yourself. I would suggest you back away.”

John Coates was beside Nell, pulling her back, it was no easy matter.

Suddenly the Head spoke, “Nell, calm down, I need you here at the School, not in the cell next to mine!” She stood and placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder, “Get in touch with our legal people and speak to Madge. I leave the School to you.”

Miss Wilson swallowed slightly and relaxed, stepping back, away from the sergeant, “Alright Hilda,” she said softly, “We’ll get this sorted as quickly as possible,”

Miss Annersley turned to the sergeant, “I’m ready, sergeant,” she said.

The sergeant stepped back slightly to allow the Head to precede him, Constable Jackson also rose, removing a set of handcuffs from his back pocket.

On seeing them John protested, “That’s not necessary, surely!”

"Procedure, Sir.” Jackson’s reply was made with little emotion. He stepped up to Miss Annersley and placed one of the cuffs around her right wrist, the other cuff he placed on his left wrist.

Miss Annersley took a deep breath, “Might I suggest we move swiftly, gentlemen?” her tones still composed, “It will be Break soon and I have no wish for any of my pupils to see this!”

The sergeant nodded and all three prepared to move off, just before they did, Miss Annersley turned slightly to reach out and grasp Nell’s hand. Neither of the friends said anything, just held that tableau for some seconds. The Head then turned to the front and walked out, flanked by the two policemen.

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:42 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#1543:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:08 pm

Joins in the chant:

Hilda is Guilty
Jail the Chalet School one!
Hilda is Guilty
Jail the Chalet School one!

Felt I had to register my support for Lesley's fine and well written drabble - when is the next installment due Lesley?

 

#1544:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:10 pm

I really can't believe you're doing this to us, Lesley. Please get this resolved quickly. bawling



Rachel, must you encourage her? Rolling Eyes


On second thoughts, don't answer that! I know the answer already!

 

#1545:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 9:23 pm

I must admit I was expecting it from the time the possibility was raised.

Come on Lesley...you are so familiar with our reaction, put us out of our misery and make it all right again.

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#1546:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:55 pm

I hoped there would be more of this drabble and there was. I almost wish there wasn't!

*falls helplessly over cliff, misses trampline and lies still, grey etc. Don't bother to sing the Red Sarafan, only Hilda's clearance will revive me. bawling *

 

#1547:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:07 pm

bawling Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! bawling

(oh, and poke Rachel)

 

#1548:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:08 pm

Oh, thank you Lesley, I know that Hilda isn't really guilty f course, but I'm strangely looking forward to this next bit.....I really think I must be getting infected by your urge to make Hilda suffer

 

#1549:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:13 pm

Is shocked and dismayed at Rachel!

*joins in the poke ing

 

#1550:  Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:24 pm

Oh my! This is wonderful Lesley!

Well obviously whoever it is who is calling herself 'Rachel' has at some point been in Switzerland, stolen Hilda's identity and committed murder, leaving enough clues to implicate Miss Annersley. She's very wiley, this woman (do we have incontravertible proof it's a woman?). And I haven't forgotten the strange woman climbing Everest with...who was it? Ah, that bit I have forgotten. Quite a few of us were suspicious of her at the time. But I suppose she'd have the perfect alibi.

 

#1551:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:22 am

*wails*
LESLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!
How could you do that to us???
Please post more soon!!!

 

#1552:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:45 am

Sophie wrote:
Oh my! This is wonderful Lesley!

Well obviously whoever it is who is calling herself 'Rachel' has at some point been in Switzerland, stolen Hilda's identity and committed murder, leaving enough clues to implicate Miss Annersley. She's very wiley, this woman (do we have incontravertible proof it's a woman?). And I haven't forgotten the strange woman climbing Everest with...who was it? Ah, that bit I have forgotten. Quite a few of us were suspicious of her at the time. But I suppose she'd have the perfect alibi.


Do we know who was in charge of creating the chalet school people's backgrounds and identies when they transferred to the real world?

Could Matey have escaped?? She's the only one that I can think of who killed a man in switzerland.

*unashamedly begging Lesley for more*

 

#1553:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:18 am

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, more, more, more, more, more, more pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

*not ashamed to chant either*

*goes off to make placards*

 

#1554:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:52 am

:O:O:O Ohhhhhhhhhhh
Wheres the rest!! ????????
Lesley Green get on here and post some more!
I've just read 4 pages ....... poor Hilda ..... I thought u were spposed to be a Hilda Fan!!

 

#1555:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:22 am

I'm wondering if it was actually EBD who is the murdered person...

 

#1556:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:44 am

*waving a placard vigorously*

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey....

 

#1557:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:45 am

Oh, Xan, you're here! Does that mean there's more of your story?

 

#1558:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:02 pm

I was also wobdering if this has anything to do with Elinor.

 

#1559:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 4:11 pm

Lesley wrote:

“What?” Nell Wilson glared at the big sergeant, “Don’t be so bloody ridiculous! She won’t even kill spiders!”


I have to admit that bit did kind of amuse me Laughing

But Lesley, if you don't save Hilda soon my parents may be suing you for loss of their daughter's mental health!

 

#1560:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:40 pm

*shudders at the mention of spiders*

*wonders whether hilda picks them up and carries them out or just turns a blind eye*

*hopes it's the latter as can't imagine favourite headmistress holding horrid eight-legged creatures*

 

#1561:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:42 pm

*contemplating singing Incy Wincy Spider...*

Personally I think spiders are rather cute!

 

#1562:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:42 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked Spiders cute???????????

*shudders in horror*

 

#1563:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:43 pm

spiders are cute - especially the nice furry ones!

 

#1564:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:45 pm

They're NOT!! They're black and they have horrible legs and they sit there and gnash their teeth at you and bite you when you're not looking.

 

#1565:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:47 pm

And sometimes they jump across the table towards you in the middle of a work meeting! HelpMe

 

#1566:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:48 pm

No they don't!
And the ones you find in the bath are perfectly harmless. And so are most of the cute furry ones!

*wondering what Lesley will think when she comes back and finds her drabble hijacked by a discussion about spiders!*

 

#1567:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:52 pm

Well I think spiders are rather cute too... Up to a point. Then I have a hissy fit and run away!!

 

#1568:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:56 pm

She should have known better than to say the "spider" word in her drabble if she didn't want it to be hijacked!

And C_Rachel, what are you saying "they don't" to, exactly? Shocked

 

#1569:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:58 pm

I think I was replying to Abi's post at that point but you posted between us.

Did the spider you came across really jump?

And aren't spiders' webs beautiful when they have dew on them!

 

#1570:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:02 pm

There's nothing wrong with spiders - not the British variety anyway. Admidetly you might have good reason to worry about them in some parts of the world.
In our house, any spider which makes it's presence known gets fed.

 

#1571:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:08 pm

Lesley, I do hope that you are going to post some more of this this evening.

FREE THE CHALET SCHOOL 1

 

#1572:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:28 pm

*hysterical due to the combination of Lesley induced shock horror (again?! Aren't our reactions getting a little monotonous, Lesley?) and the conversation about spiders* Tho the line about spiders made me laugh too.

The only trouble with it being the murdered Elinor is that all the RCS staff would probably cheer with delight- thus creating even more suspects! Laughing

*wishing the Rach(a)el responsible would show her/his/itself*

 

#1573:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:29 pm

I lived in a fairly spidery infested house in my 2nd year of uni. I was watching the tv one evening and I heard a thud and I looked down and there was a spider sat next to me. Can I just reiterate that it was so massive it made a thud when it landed? I managed to put a pint glass over it (which it filled the bottom of), but then I had to leave the room until someone else came in and took it away.

I digress.

Hilda is innocent!

And Lesley is probably back at work this week. Dammit!

 

#1574:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:25 pm

Yes, afraid so Alex - so this is the earliest you'll see me! Next bit!

There was silence in the Head’s study, neither Nell Wilson nor John Coates saying anything. Eventually Miss Wilson moved to the Head’s desk, there, in the centre of the desk, were Miss Annersley’s Master Pass, computer card and keys. Miss Wilson picked them up. A sudden noise at the door caused both inhabitants to look round sharply, Rosalie Dene stood in the doorway,

“What’s going on? I’ve just seen Hilda being led away handcuffed to that policeman!” Miss Dene sounded as though she could not believe her own eyes.

“Did anyone else see it, Rosalie?”

“No, Gill is in the Stationary cupboard, sorting out some new deliveries and Clare is taking round the post. No one else was around. Bill, what’s happened?”

“They’ve arrested Hilda for murder!” Miss Wilson’s tones were flat.

Rosalie looked across, dumbfounded, “What? But who?”

“They didn’t say,” John Coates replied, “Only that she was wanted by the Swiss police, and that her fingerprints must obviously have been at the scene.” The Security Chief turned to Miss Wilson, “Nell, I can’t promise anything, I haven’t too many contacts in the Federal Police, but I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Thanks John, I don’t think Madge realised how useful it was going to be, hiring as a Security Chief, a retired Chief Inspector!”

John Coates stopped at the door, “Well, I must admit, when I took on this post, I didn’t realise how much my connections might be used. I’ll let you know as soon as I find out anything Nell. And don’t worry about Hilda, she’s a strong lady.”

There was silence for a short time in the Study after John Coates had left, then Miss Wilson spoke, “a strong lady, maybe, but exactly a year ago she was being subjected to extreme pressures.” The Deputy Head’s voice was bleak.

Miss Dene swallowed, “You think this could remind her of that?”

“Almost certainly!” Miss Wilson paced the floor for a minutes or so, “Rosalie, contact the SMT, I’ll need to brief them as soon as possible.”

“I’ll do it now, do you want the meeting in here?”

Miss Wilson looked round, “No, in my Study, close this room up until Hilda gets back.” A slight smile, “I suppose that means I’ve got to tidy up! Oh and arrange a Full Staff Meeting for this afternoon, please, I’ll need to let everyone know what’s happened. I’ll get in touch with Madge and our legal branch.”

 

#1575:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:27 pm

Can you please remind me what the SMT is? Senior Management Team?

 

#1576:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:32 pm

I can'r remember SMT either, sorry, although Chelsea's suggestion sounds feasible.
Do you really have to go to work Lesley, really, really? Isn't finding the real culprit more important?

 

#1577:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:36 pm

Yep! Consists of Head, Deputy Head, Senior Mistress, Senior Housemistress and Bursar.

 

#1578:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:38 pm

More please, Lesley!

 

#1579:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:26 pm

LESLEY don't leave it there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We want more!

 

#1580:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:54 pm

Thinks that maybe Lesley won't want to write any more after going back to work today, but just to let her know that I would very much like another episode.

 

#1581:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:09 pm

Actually Jennie I'm inspired at the mo - 'nother little bit - and you may get some more later!

That afternoon, Nell Wilson informed the rest of the Staff about what had happened to the Head, there were, predictably, cries of outrage and disbelief. More than one person asked what they could do to help.

“At the moment, nothing,” Miss Wilson replied, “other than the obvious, ensure that the School runs well. Once we know where she’s been taken I’m sure she’ll appreciate your letters.”

“What about a lawyer?” Rosalind Moore asked the question,

“I’ve been in touch with Kate Mason, the RCS legal representative,” Miss Wilson said, “she’s taking it on, as soon as she’s got an idea of the charges etc. she’ll be able to say more - if necessary we’ll hire someone,”

Miss Wilson stood up and the room fell silent, “I thank all of you for your support,” she said quietly, “It means a lot to me, and I know Hilda will appreciate it. There’s one other thing though,” she stopped pacing and leant forwards over the table, “Current thinking among the local police, is that all our problems this term are connected. It’s reasonable to think this is more of the same. The police suspect that it’s an inside job, that a member of Staff, someone in this very room is responsible. Responsible for nearly killing Kelly Stevens, for framing me, for almost killing Janetta, Evvy and Shane Coates. And now they appear to have arranged for Hilda Annersley to be accused of murder.”

She took a deep breath before continuing, “So I’m now issuing a warning to that person, do not allow me to discover your identity. Hilda Annersley is incapable of murder, I am not!” She turned and left the room.

 

#1582:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:13 pm

Way to go, Nell! that's the spirit Exclamation

Sorry Lesley, got carried away there. Forgot that this Nell is a figment of your imagination and should have given you the credit, not your character Embarassed

It's d****d good!

 

#1583:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:16 pm

Wow, Lesley. That's real fighting talk from Nell. She'll find the culprit. Mind you, I think we should interrogate all the Racha(e)ls on the Board.

 

#1584:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:17 pm

Oooooooooh Nell! I'm very impressed!

And Lesley, I am rather impressed with you too - a little more would impress me still further Very Happy

 

#1585:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:28 pm

Lesley wrote:
She took a deep breath before continuing, “So I’m now issuing a warning to that person, do not allow me to discover your identity. Hilda Annersley is incapable of murder, I am not!” She turned and left the room.


*sincerely hopes the police are not bugging the staffroom* Shocked

But go Nell!

BTW, they've all been trying to work out who it could be based on the victims, which has been confusing them as Kelly and Shane were involved. But for one, Kelly wasn't the intended victim (in terms of damage to the Chalet School), Nell was. Maybe Kelly was just 'useful' in aiding this. then you've got Shane who was chosen by Peggy to look after the girls, so whoever was plotting wasn't trying to harm him in partic. Which defintely leaves us with victims connected to the early chalet school - Evvy (Cornelia), Janetta (Con), Nell, Hilda.... have I missed anyone out?

 

#1586:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:44 pm

That was a wonderful characterisation of Nell.

Great stuff!!!

 

#1587:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:56 pm

Love Nell! I hope she does discover the culprit - that would cause some fireworks.

 

#1588:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:57 pm

I wouldn't like to be the culprit and have to face Nell in that mood.

 

#1589:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:06 pm

*echoes smaller sib's sentiments*

 

#1590:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:02 pm

Thanks Lesley, Nell is on the warpath now!

*keeps fingers tightly crossed for Hilda*
I hadn't thought that it might bring back memories Confused

 

#1591:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:20 pm

*Sincerely hopes that Nell does find out who it is, commits murder, and gets away with it!*

Lesley - MORE!

ETA: *laughing so much at Alex's story of the thudding spider that she can't breathe properly* Alex, how on earth did you have the courage to put a glass on it? I'd have been out the door screaming in two seconds flat!

 

#1592:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:45 pm

If they were bugging the staff room, they wouldn't be able to use it anyway.

And I can't imagine Lesley being bored of our reactions - every author loves feedback!

 

#1593:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:12 am

Maybe if the murder took place in Switzerland ........is it Matey ?

Wishes Lesley would write the next bit QUICK

 

#1594:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:27 am

next bit!

In the police car there was silence for some minutes; in the front the sergeant was driving while in the back Miss Annersley and Constable Jackson sat together. At length Miss Annersley looked across at the policeman sat beside her, “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“Initially to the Federal Police station, Miss Annersley,” Jackson replied, “Once you’ve been processed we’ll drop you off at the State Prison,”

“Processed?”

“Your arrest must be logged, then we’ve got to get some more fingerprints and some mug shots,” he saw the woman’s face change and hurriedly explained, “Photos, to go in your file. So you can be identified.”

“I see, and when do I discover exactly who it is that I am supposed to have killed?”

The sergeant called back, “Show her, Dave,”

The policeman reached into his jacket and pulled out some papers, “these are the original papers from Switzerland,” he explained, “the information is on them, I’m afraid it’s all in German…”

“I speak German,” Miss Annersley took the papers and read silently for a time, “interesting,” she said. “Thank you, Mr Jackson.”

The next few hours seemed to pass in a blur for Hilda Annersley, she had innumerable photographs taken, prints, not only of her fingers but her entire hands, and had to have every item of clothing and other personal effect noted down in a log book, it would go with her to the prison. In between times she sat in a grey, windowless interview room, with a young police officer, scarcely old enough to shave, guarding the door. He did not appear to even register her existence, instead staring into the middle distance.

Finally, as the clock moved toward six pm, Sergeant Horton appeared, “a van will be here in about 20 minutes,” he said, “To take you to the prison. It’s likely that you’ll be there too late to get anything to eat, so would you like coffee and a sandwich? Best I can do I’m afraid.”

“Thank you, sergeant,” Miss Annersley replied, “I’d appreciate that.”

The sergeant nodded to the young police officer who suddenly sprang to life and went in search of the items. “I’ll also take you to the facilities,” Horton said softly, opening the door and leading Miss Annersley to a washroom. On her return a mug of coffee and a large sandwich sat on the table.

“I’ve got to go now, Miss Annersley,” the sergeant said, he looked down at the floor for a time then continued, “I hope everything gets sorted out for you, ma’am,”

“Thank you sergeant,”

A short time later she was escorted to a prison van, once seated in the back the doors were locked shut and the van sped along the rapidly darkening road to the women’s prison. A further set of identity checks and issuing of some prison equipment. Then she was standing in front of a senior officer, listening to the rules and regulations.

“My name is Miss Shaw, I am one of the prison officers assigned to your wing. You will address me as Miss Shaw, do you understand?”

“Yes Miss Shaw,” Hilda’s voice was very quiet,

“Good, now, you have not, yet, been convicted of any crime, so you are a remand prisoner. That means you do not have to work, you have far more privileges and you may wear your own clothes, not prison uniform. However, like all prisoners you will be known by your surname, expected to keep to the rules and obey all lawful orders. Do you understand?”

“Known by my surname, keep the rules and obey all,” a short pause, “lawful orders,” Hilda Annersley finished, “Yes Miss Shaw,”

The prison officer smiled slightly at the woman in front of her, noting the pause, “A word of advice, Annersley, you’re English and you’ve got a distinct accent, be careful, there are some inmates who may take exception to the way you speak.”

“Thank you, Miss Shaw,” Miss Annersley was pleasantly surprised at the attempt to help.

“Now unfortunately, we don’t have any single rooms, you’ll have to share, but the girl you’re sharing with will look after you. She’s only a kid herself, barely nineteen, I hope you can get along with youngsters?”

“I think, Miss Shaw, the answer to that is a definite yes!”

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:22 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1595:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:30 am

Yay! More story!

but who is Hilda supposed to have killed?! and who really did it? and who's framing the Rach(a)els?

 

#1596:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:41 am

What a strange reaction to finding out who she murdered..."interesting" now I'm more curious than ever.

I'm very worried about Hilda in prison although I should think she will be very good with the poor 19 year old. Thanks for that bit Lesley even if it didn't stop me wibbling. Confused

 

#1597:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:41 am

*holding her breath*

and do we know the mystery 19 year old?

 

#1598:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 1:59 am

more intrigued than ever now ...... is this 19yr old .....a Rachael maybe ??

 

#1599:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:26 am

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if it was either a Rach(a)el or an ex-CS girl!

 

#1600:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 4:36 am

More soon pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease, Lesley!!!!

 

#1601:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 5:04 am

*joins in Vikki's chant*

 

#1602:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:29 am

You can't keep us on tenterhooks for too long!!

*readying the trampoline*

 

#1603:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:05 am

Make sure it's the extra large one, Kathryn. I think there are a lot of us coming!

 

#1604:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:20 am

Lesley, I still can't believe you're doing this to Hilda! You are so unspeakably cruel! Crying or Very sad

I know that Hilda has managed to civilise almost all the rough characters she's come into contact with so far, but I must admit I'm very apprehensive on her behalf about prison - surely there's only so far prison officers can unbend even for such a lady Confused

*Very, very worried!!*

 

#1605:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:01 am

Hopes Hilda will turn her cell-mate into a true Chalet Girl, obtain sufficient insider information while behind bars to provide at least one vital clue, and, with superlative help from Nell et al., bring the true culprit(s) to justice ASAP.

(Hopes that's not too optimistic Confused .)
(Worries things might get worse before they get better.)

 

#1606:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:06 am

Love your wicked twists and turns, Lesley!! Twisted Evil

 

#1607:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:50 am

Somehow I don't think Lesley would give Hilda something as nice as that to do...

*imagines someone constantly using bad English and mixing up can and may*

 

#1608:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:03 pm

I'm intrigued to find out how Hilda copes in prison.

 

#1609:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:11 pm

ooooh! I can't believe how much I've missed. I agree with the others- fighting talk from Nell and Hilda so far bearing up as only she can.

*love the crack about can and may, KB..*

MORE LESLEY!

 

#1610:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:36 pm

Lesley, this gets better every day! Looking forward to this evening when I can realistically hope for some more! And just to put my pedantic hat back on (it had a little airing last night and liked it)
KB wrote:
And I can't imagine Lesley being bored of our reactions - every author loves feedback!


technically Lesley isn't an "author" yet. You can't be an author until you are published. But as a WRITER, Lesley is a fabulous person and I sincerely hope she does soon become and author too!

 

#1611:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:37 pm

Oooh, that makes me an author then - with stories published in FOCS and NCC journal!!!!

 

#1612:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:50 pm

Wow!! HAve just read this from page 74 so the whole of the arrest bit...intrigued as to who Hilda's is supposed to have killed especially after her reaction...thinking that Matey and EBD may have something to do with it...or then again maybe not. Exhausted now anyway...thanks Lesley look forward to more!!

 

#1613:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:24 pm

Lelsey this is suberb...and since anything you have in the archive has been published online accoring to blogger then no matter how Rachel wants to view it you are an author!!!

And boy did she enjoy airing her pedantic hat last night...I caught the full effect somewhat and it wasn't a pleasant experience.

 

#1614: PUBLIC APOLOGY Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:28 pm

To Carolyn:

I am very sorry I was so pedantic last night. You caught the tail end of a very bad day which had really pi**ed me off, and put me into one of my worst/best nit-pickingest moods. As however I got a drabble out of it, and you got a starring role, it wasn't a complete waste of time, but since you are still commenting today about how hard I was on you last night, I apologise.



















(And publishing online isn't the same and you know it Razz )

 

#1615:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:30 pm

*joins the chant*

more soon i hope Lesley!

 

#1616:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 4:15 pm

Hmmm, I seem to remember being here before with this author/writer business and I'm not saying a on the subject word this time.

Thanks for that Lesley, this is amazing. I want to know if the nineteen yo is anyone we know, and what Bill is going to do to find the culprit, and how Hilda isd going to get on in the prison, and - well I'm sure you get the picture.

 

#1617:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 5:14 pm

Lesley, this is really filled with tension. Please hurry and put us out of our misery, we need to know whom Hilda is supposed to have murdered.

 

#1618:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 5:37 pm

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeey, more more more more more more more please. *bursting with curiosity*

 

#1619:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:23 pm

No more yet? Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#1620:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:23 pm

Wow! I've just caught up on the last 22 pages of this (I blame RL and being out in the sticks) and I'm almost glad I didn't have to hang on some of the cliffs.

But that doesn't excuse this one!!!

 

#1621:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:33 pm

I seem to remember, Catherine, that the glass was located in the next room from when I had used it to catch said spiders younger sibling. It was the holidays and I was the only person who stayed in the house, except for a random bloke one of my housemates knew who needed somewhere to stay. It was he who removed the spider. When he came in.

Lesley, have you got any more holiday you need to use up?

 

#1622:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:19 pm

LESLEY - PLEASE POST MORE!!!

I'm fretting so much, can't stand the suspense, need to know how Hilda is doing and how Nell is coping and who was murdered and WHO IS BEHIND ALL THIS!

PLEASE!!!

 

#1623:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:36 pm

Catherine, she's not going to answer all that yet!!!

 

#1624:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:45 pm

I know but even a tiny bit of progress towards some answers would satisfy me - very very temporarily!

 

#1625:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:52 pm

She really enjoys tantalising everybody! Totally wicked and unprincipled! And we rise every time! Laughing

 

#1626:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:44 pm

Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil Laughing Twisted Evil

A prison officer led Miss Annersley along a maze of corridors and locked doors; eventually they reached a door – identical to the others in the wing. The officer unlocked the door, “Elliott? Got a roommate for you. Show her the ropes, she’s a newbie.”

There was sound of someone scrambling to their feet and a voice from inside, “Yes, Mr Wood,”

The prison officer turned to Miss Annersley, “In here, Annersley,” he said, “any questions, ask Elliott, she’s been here long enough to know.”

“Thank you, Mr Wood,” Miss Annersley moved into the room, behind her there was the sound of the heavy metal door being closed and locked. She looked around the room. A fairly small, square room, it had narrow cots along two of the walls and a tiny window high up on the wall opposite. There was an alcove to her left that, she presumed, led to toilet facilities. Standing next to the cot on the right was a young girl; she looked younger than her nineteen years. Almost as tall as Miss Annersley herself, she had curly brown hair and green eyes. The girl smiled across at the older woman.

“Dump your stuff on the bed then, it’s already made up – don’t worry, they used clean sheets and pillowcases, I saw them!”

Miss Annersley did so then turned to face the girl, “The officer said your name was Elliott?” she asked.

“Yeah, but only to them, friends call me Cherry,”

“Cherry?” Miss Annersley smiled,

The girl laughed, “Go on, say it, you’ve never heard of anyone called Cherry before!”

“On the contrary, I taught a girl with that name, some years ago, and my closest friend had a sister of the same name. It seems unusual to hear it today!”

“Yeah well, me mum had some idea about naming us all after trees, I’ve got a brother Rowan and a sister Willow! Suppose I should be glad she’d not heard of horse chestnut or sycamore! What’s your name?”

“Hilda, Hilda Annersley,”

“OK, Hilda, Woodie said you were a newbie, you’ve never been in prison before?”

“No,”

“Well I’ll try to fill you in on the do’s and don’ts. First though, d’you fancy a coffee? Though I suppose being English you’d prefer tea?” This last said doubtfully.

Hilda Annersley smiled, “Coffee will be fine, thank you.”

The girl smiled and turned to a small kettle on the table near her bed. “It’s a privilege having a kettle in your room,” she began, “But one I always try to keep hold of – otherwise you don’t get another hot drink till the early morning cuppa at seven – and that always tastes like sh*t!”

A short time later the two women sat facing each other on their respective beds, both sipping mugs of coffee.

“So if this is your first time, what have you done?” Cherry seemed genuinely interested.

“I have been arrested on suspicion of murder,” Hilda returned.

“Husband?”

“No, I’m not married. I’m accused of killing someone last May in Switzerland. A woman called Gwynneth Lloyd.”

“Oh, did you?”

Miss Annersley shook her head; “The last time I saw Gwynneth was the middle of March. She was alive and healthy then, in fact she was the one vowing vengeance upon me!”

“Not a friend of yours then?”

“She was once,” Hilda’s eyes darkened somewhat, “Or at least I thought so, but no, not a friend. I must admit I’m not particularly sorry that she is dead. But I certainly didn’t kill her!”

“Well I hope you’ve got a good brief.” Cherry returned, “My one was rubbish, it’s why I got nine months,” she laughed slightly, “there again though, I was guilty!”

“What was your crime?”

“Living off immoral earnings, soliciting,” the girl looked across at her companion, Hilda looked puzzled, “prostitution,” Cherry said bluntly.

“I see,”

“Now you’re shocked, aren’t you?”

Hilda considered, “No,” she said eventually, “saddened. You don’t appear to be unintelligent, I wonder why you felt you had to try and earn money that way.”

Cherry laughed somewhat bitterly, “ I’m not that intelligent, I got pregnant at 15 and the man didn’t want to know. Had to leave school, no qualifications, it was the only way I could earn enough money for my boy and myself.”

“You have a son?”

“Yes, Robbie, I’ve got a picture of him,” she searched through items on her locker and passed over a small photo, the little boy was on a swing in a garden. He had blond hair and the same green eyes as his mother.

“He looks a lovely boy,” Hilda smiled, the boy looked well cared for and happy.

“I took that only the week before I got arrested, it’s the latest one I have of him. Though the people he’s being fostered with at the moment have promised to send me some of his birthday party – he was three last week.”

“Can you not see him?”

“Yes, but only once a fortnight, I’ll see him day after tomorrow,”

“How much longer have you in prison?” Miss Annersley asked gently.

“With good behaviour, just over three months, hopefully by then the social will have found me a job.” Her companion looked puzzled and Cherry continued, “I’ve got to have a proper job and somewhere to live before they’ll let me have Robbie back.” She paused for a time, her face dark, then shook herself and smiled across at Hilda, “Anyway, this isn’t giving you the rules for surviving inside…” She stopped as the overhead lights flickered off, “Damn! Ten o’clock already. Wait a minute,”

There was the sound of scrabbling around on the table before a small table lamp was switched on, “another privilege,” she smiled, “OK, some info you’ll need…”

 

#1627:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:50 pm

You're not leaving it there are you? There's no cliff!!!

 

#1628:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:55 pm

Are you complaining, Pat?

 

#1629:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:56 pm

I'm so glad Hilda has found a savvy and helpful cellmate. Was slightly afraid Lesley would put her in with an unsympathetic, hardened criminal.

Good heavens! They think she killed Matey! Shocked

 

#1630:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:56 pm

Who me? Twisted Evil Rolling Eyes

 

#1631:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:07 pm

Shocked *pulls up the beanbag and gets comfy waiting for the next bit*

 

#1632:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:29 pm

*wonders whether Hilda will arrange to get Cherry a job at the RCS so she can have her son with her!*

 

#1633:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:37 pm

Catherine_B wrote:
*wonders whether Hilda will arrange to get Cherry a job at the RCS so she can have her son with her!*


I wondered that too. I thought Matey was behind all of this and now I'm sure of it. I'm sure she's diabolical enough to fake her own death and then frame Hilda.

Please write some more Lesley -- I'm teetering at the edge of the cliff ...

 

#1634:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:45 pm

Yay!! Missed this!!

Please, please, pretty please, let Nell find out who did and mete out justice!!

Anyone else thinking Prisoner Cell Block H??? Shocked

 

#1635:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:08 pm

*throws hands up in air*

So, Matey's dead. Well now I have no idea at all.

Lesley, please continue...

 

#1636:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:11 pm

Please don't leave it too much longer, Lesley! Finding it very difficult to cope with the idea of Hilda being in prison!

 

#1637:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:17 pm

Rachel:

I am sorry, this was not the place to say what I did.

I was in a bad patch and let off steam when I shouldn't.

I am sorry for doing so publically.

 

#1638:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:24 pm

*incidentally very glad that Matey seems to have come to a sticky end!*

 

#1639:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:33 pm

Is matey dead or is this all part of the plot?

Way to go Lesley

 

#1640:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:39 pm

*tempted to be standoffish and oh so blase just to wind Lesley up*

*decides (a) it's a bad idea and (b) it wouldn't work anyway.* Thus, option c.
MOOOREEE!!!!!!!!

 

#1641:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:48 pm

Pat wanted a cliff hanger - so here it is! Twisted Evil

Nell Wilson spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in almost total isolation. Her words at the Staff Meeting had been said with such vehemence that all the Staff, even those considered to be close friends, though it was best if she not be disturbed. She did however, have one visitor, halfway through the afternoon. A knock on the door heralded the arrival of Alison Martin, the Head Girl.

“You left a message that you wanted to see me, Miss Wilson?” Alison was slightly puzzled.

“Yes Alison,” Miss Wilson smiled, “I have some information for you, you can pass it on to the rest of the Prefects, but no one else.” She proceeded to inform the girl of Miss Annersley’s arrest. Alison sat, shocked, listening to the Deputy Head.

“Miss Wilson, this is stupid, how could anyone think that Miss Annersley would kill someone?”

“I know Alison, but until this term, how many people would have considered it possible that I could be suspected of setting off a bomb in my own lab?”

“You think it’s all linked then?”

“Yes, and so far the evidence points to someone either on the Staff or a close associate.”

The Head Girl sat, looking down at the floor for sometime, then she lifted her head, “What do you want the Prefects to do, Miss Wilson?” she asked softly…

Late evening, Miss Wilson finally made her way across to the cottage, a phone call brought John Coates over,

“Anything yet, John?”

“Not much, Nell,” the Security Chief said apologetically, “But I’ve managed to find out who she’s supposed to have killed, Gywnneth Lloyd.”

“Ah, of course,” Nell Wilson nodded, “Should have guessed as soon as Switzerland was mentioned.”

“You know her?”

“Yes, she used to work at the School when we were in Switzerland. We parted on very bad terms.”

John Coates walked over to stand next to the Deputy Head, “Can we start investigating for ourselves?” he asked, “I know a few people with contacts in Interpol, they could get through to the Swiss Authorities and I‘m sure you must know people from the time you spent in the country.”

Miss Wilson shook her head, “It’s more complicated than that, John, I can’t explain, just take my word that it’s not possible.”

“I may know more than you think, Nell,” John Coates’ voice was very quiet, he removed an item from his jacket pocket and handed it across to Nell, “this is Sara’s, I think it explains things rather well.”

Miss Wilson looked, with some shock, at the item, it was a hard backed book, with original cover. The title of the book was The Chalet School in Exile.

 

#1642:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:52 pm

Did I say I wanted a cliff hanger? No! did I taunt lesley for herlack of one? Yes! There is a difference! Rolling Eyes

 

#1643:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:58 pm

!! I'm completely baffled!

 

#1644:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:59 pm

Eek! Eep! And Eebles! Crumbs! Oh whatever next? *flops down on to the beanbag again and gets as comfy as possible*

 

#1645:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:00 am

Whoo. Wasn't expecting that!

As Prudence would say (sort of, well paraphrased)
Ta for the story but not ta for the cliff hanger.

 

#1646:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:00 am

Drops off edge of cliff screaming!

 

#1647:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:04 am

*brain starts working again*

So John knows that Hilda & Nell have managed not to age 50 years since Exile? ie that something seriously weird is going on?

 

#1648:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:22 am

Runs impatiently through latest part and plummets off cliff top, screaming.

I hope there's a trampoline at the bottom of this thing!

 

#1649:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 1:01 am

Another Chalet School fan... I hadn't thought of people reading the books and working it out!
Thanks Lesley.

 

#1650:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:48 am

*stands on the edge of the cliff, windmilling arms and trying not to fall!!!*

You know, I hold Pat at least partly responsible for this! She should know better than to taunt Lesley by now!!!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

 

#1651:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:59 am

ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh cliffffffffffffffffffffffff

*crash* falls over cliff hitting head on bookshelf as she lands! ( hehe ...... won't be doing that again!!)

More please Lesley Smile

 

#1652:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 3:06 am

*summons Matey to administer to Sugar!!!*
*remembers which thread this is, and wonders if that was such a good idea......*

 

#1653:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:17 am

*is sure it wasn't and hides from Matey*

Well, that's just thrown everything wide open, hasn't it? How will Nell explain this? Will John believe her? Oh, the questions!!!

 

#1654:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:52 am

Lesley, I do not merely WANT more story, I actively NEED more story *grovelling shamelessly* PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEE!

 

#1655:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:08 am

I wonder if the police could read the books and take them as explaining things.

 

#1656:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:45 am

Perhaps Lesley could send them a copy of her story...

 

#1657:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:22 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked
How clever is this?! What a twist!!

Love it - please can we have some more soon Lesley?

Certainly did not see that one coming!!

*congratulating Lesley on her continued inventiveness, originality and ability to keep us on tenterhooks, in suspense and generally gagging for MORE!!*

 

#1658:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:33 pm

Was that the sort of response you were after, Lesley? Laughing

 

#1659:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 3:00 pm

*falls spectaculalry over cliff having totally missed seeing it*

Wow, thank Lesley...but can we have some more to see Nell's reaction to John and more about Hilda in jail, and whether Matey really is dead or not....etc.etc.

 

#1660:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 4:04 pm

And not forgetting more Shane ............................................. Wink



Embarassed Embarassed Embarassed

 

#1661:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 4:16 pm

Of course - people must have still being reading the books, they didn't disappear off the face of the earth when the CS became real did they? But I'd never thought of it.
Wondering what new twists are avout to be forthcoming now.

 

#1662:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 5:30 pm

I never thought about the books at all. That was a novel twist Lesley, thanks.

Now lets have some more please.

 

#1663:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:13 pm

Lesssssssssssssssssssssssssley!

That's a mena cliff hanger!

 

#1664:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:15 pm

what a twist. I never even gave a thought to modern day non cs/cbb people reading the books.

Please Lesley, you can't just leave it there. Please add more, and soon. before I expire.

 

#1665:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:33 pm

“She’s a fan, Sara, has been since she was a kid. Always scouting second hand book shops for the thing.”

“How long?” Miss Wilson’s voice was a bare whisper,

“How long have I know? Almost from the start really.” John Coates said, smiling, “You know I started here in September, just after a large influx of people?”

Nell nodded.

“Well, to begin with it was nothing, I mean Sara pointed out a few amusing similarities to the books , but we both thought they were coincidences. I mean none of the names of the senior people were at all uncommon, Russell, Wilson, Maynard, even Venables all names that we’ve heard before, all with thousands of entries in the phone book. Then, late October, another name joined you, and this one was significantly less common.”

“Annersley, When Hilda was rescued,” Nell said quietly,

“Yes, and with that name joining you, it suddenly wasn’t just coincidence, because I could see, in the little snippets that Sara would read out to me, that the descriptions were of all of you. So I did a little snooping, after all, I was a copper.”

“You’ve been investigating us?”

“Yes, just enough to satisfy my curiosity. I discovered that you were indeed once characters in a series of books and that you had a terrible fight to escape. I also found out why Hilda was late arriving, and a little of what happened to her. And I’ve known from the start that the police investigations have worried both you and Hilda, because you were afraid that all this would be discovered.”

“And now it has!” Nell Wilson’s tone was bitter, she glared across at John Coates and was surprised to see him smiling,

“Nell, I’ve discovered the truth about your origins, yes, but I already knew the type of people you were. Just because you started out as characters in a book doesn’t make you any less of a real person now. And I know that the two people who run this school have the perfect partnership, without either of them losing their own identity.” John smiled at Miss Wilson, who returned the smile a little uncertainly.

“I have always been worried about outsiders discovering the truth,” she admitted.

“I’m not an outsider!” John returned, “I’m a member of Staff! Now Nell, in the absence of Hilda, you’re the boss, I just felt you should know that you could tell me everything. Because I’ll need as much detail as possible if I’m going to be able to help discover who really killed this Lloyd woman.”

 

#1666:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:37 pm

Wow Lesley!

I'm impressed with how calmly John came to understand all of this. If it was me I'd start thinking I'd gone loopy.

I'm glad Nell's got his real support now, but I'm worried about Hilda. Please take us back to the prison!

 

#1667:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:10 pm

John's brilliant! What a flexible imagination. May we make him an honorary CBB member?

Smile

 

#1668:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:44 pm

Why is he calling her "this Lloyd woman"? How come he doesn't say Matey?

Loving this Lesley, can we have some more please?

 

#1669:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:50 pm

Thank you Lesley Mr. Green

 

#1670:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:14 pm

Yay i like John he's a nice man!

Thanks Lesley! Smile

 

#1671:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:17 pm

Just had a moment of doubt. We can trust him can't we?

 

#1672:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:19 pm

Wow lesley...this is great stuff, I would never have thiought about him having already guessed. Wonderbra!

 

#1673:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:25 pm

I'm glad he knows - it should make things a lot easier for Bill. I do hope he can use this knowledge to find the culprit. (But not too soon)

 

#1674:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:27 pm

Ellie! You just want Hilda to suffer in prison don't you!!

 

#1675:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:31 pm

Noooooo. OK, maybe prison will bring back memories (which is something I hadn't thought about) but compared to what EBD put her through, it shouldn't be too bad.
The only reason I want the culprit to remain undiscovered is because I want this story to carry on, and on, and on,

 

#1676:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:35 pm

ok then. Hilda seems ok in prison so far doesn't she. I hope it doesn't start to affect her. But then if it does the story will be more tense. oooh, I don't know what I want. No doubt Lesley's got it all planned out anyway!

I want the story to go on forever as well! (Here that Lesley?!) Wink

 

#1677:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:41 pm

Yes Lesley, you are certainly having fun tormenting everyone! I give in. I want to see how Hilda is coping in prison, who her young friend is going to turn out to be (because I am POSITIVE you haven't introduced her just to let her walk out of prison and out of the story!) I want to see more of how John Coates deals with the investigation into all the CS background, I wan, I want, I want everything! Write some more pleeeeeeeeeeeeease?!?!?

 

#1678:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:45 pm

*joins the desperate pleas*

Fabaroony!!
Like father, like son! Wink

MORE PLEASE!! GET BACK HERE AND POST!!

 

#1679:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:18 pm

Alex wrote:
Why is he calling her "this Lloyd woman"? How come he doesn't say Matey?


'Cos he's never met her in real life, so to speak, and only knows her as 'this Lloyd woman' who is intent on destroying the Real CS from beyond the grave...with a little help from a Rache(a)l maybe Confused

 

#1680:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:29 pm

More please, Lesley! Stop tormenting us!

 

#1681:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:33 pm

Maybe it's Rachael. She's so desperate to get it together with Shane that she organises this litte distraction while she goes off snooping to Shane behind our (and Lesley's) back! Wink

Aw come on, Lesley. I wanna read more!!!!
*tempted to emulate Xan's tactics from a few pages ago*
*feeling sick from eating uh, 5 Ferrero Rochers in one go*
tongue

 

#1682:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:22 am

Sorry for the delay everyone - this was rather difficult to write!

A bell ringing insistently, eventually forced Hilda Annersley to open her eyes, she had barely slept the night before. Talking with the girl until after midnight, then once Cherry had settled for the night, Hilda had spent most of the night lying, staring up at the ceiling. She estimated that she had eventually dropped off to sleep a little after four am.

Using the small shower unit refreshed her a little and, once she returned to the main room, it was to find that Cherry had made a drink.

“They’ll open the door in about 20 minutes,” she said, “We go down and collect breakfast,”

“Is there a dining room?”

Cherry laughed, “No such luxury, we bring it back here! Stick with me, when we go down, I’ll show you what you have to do,”

In the queue for breakfast, Miss Annersley found herself the object of a great deal of attention. Her age, bearing and, most particularly, her accent, singled her out and there were innumerable questions about what she did, why she was in prison and even why she was in Australia at all. For the most part the curiosity was not malicious, although a few were unable to quite conceal their delight that someone like her was in their midst.

After breakfast - Hilda didn’t eat a great deal - most of the inmates had to go to work. Those on remand could either return to their room or go to the library. Hilda went to the library, reading for much of the morning. At about eleven a prison officer appeared and told her she had a visitor. In a small room marked Official Visitors, Miss Annersley met with Katazyna Mason, the RCS legal representative. There was not a great deal of information, however Kate had been able to discover that official proceeding for formal extradition to Switzerland had commenced. Also that two Swiss Inspectors were flying out to Australia to question her.

“What about bail?” Miss Annersley asked.

Kate shook her head, “the Judge won’t even consider it, you are thought to be too great a flight risk. Nothing I said made any difference. I’ll keep trying but don’t hold out too much hope.”

“I see, am I allowed to have visitors?”

“Yes, as a remand prisoner you can have visitors every other day. Plus official visitors - myself - whenever I appear. Nell told me to tell you she will be along to see you first thing tomorrow, she couldn‘t come before because they always have a 24 hour isolation policy before any visitors other than legal.”

Miss Annersley nodded, a short time later she was taken back to her room.

That afternoon there was some trouble. It started innocuously enough, the post arrived just after lunch, before everyone was taken back to work. Miss Annersley was sat in one corner of the large association room with a library book when Cherry came up to her,

“Hilda? Could you help one of the girls?”

Miss Annersley looked puzzled and Cherry continued, “She’s had a letter from her lawyer and can’t understand it,”

“I’ve no legal training, Cherry,”

“No but you can read English, even the really complicated stuff.” Cherry returned, “It might help,”

Miss Annersley nodded and followed her roommate across to where another woman, only a few years older than Cherry, was sat holding an official letter. She had a look of some despair on her face. Hilda quickly read through the letter,

“Your solicitor is writing to say that, as he has not received any more funds from you, he has terminated his contract with you, that is he will no longer represent you in your coming appeal,” Miss Annersley said gently,

“But he should have got money from the legal aid people,” the woman, Jane, was really upset, “They told me that it would be OK!”

“Have you a copy of the letter from them?”

“No, I didn’t write, spoke to someone on the phone, they promised to sort it! If I ain’t got a lawyer my appeal will fail!”

“You will have to write, businesses take far more notice of the written word than a telephone conversation.” Miss Annersley smiled slightly, “It is far too easy to forget about a call, a letter had substance, especially if you keep a copy.”

Jane looked across at Hilda, hope flaring in her eyes, “Can you write it, Hilda, you’ll know what to say, you can put in all the fancy bits, blind them with science sort of thing!”

“It should be written by you, Jane, as you are unable to type it, a handwritten letter from you will have more impact than from a complete stranger. However I can help you to write it.”

For the next 20 minutes or so, Hilda sat next to the Jane, dictating a formal letter to the Legal Aid Board asking why funds promised had not been made available. The letter listed a number of complaints and was even able to give exact dates for telephone calls. The tone of the letter was not conciliatory, rather was assertive and demanding a satisfactory conclusion.

Cherry, listening to the pertinent phrases, laughed, “If I didn’t know better, Hilda, I’d say you’ve done that before!”

Hilda smiled very slightly, “It’s the same writing to any business that has failed to deliver, you just need to write to the senior person and quote exactly where their company has failed. You then give them a slight chance at redemption.”

What if they take no notice?” another of the women asked.

“Then that’s when you get really tough!” Hilda’s eyes smiled.

A shadow fell across the small group, Hilda Annersley looked up to see three women stood there. Although she had not spoken to any of them, she recognised the woman in the middle, from Cherry’s description the night before, as Ann Butcher. Butcher was acknowledged by all as the woman in charge of all other inmates.

“Don’t think we’ve met, Annersley, what the Hell do you think you’re doing?” Butcher was of average height and build, but she wore an air of menace.

Cherry spoke quickly, “Hilda was just helping someone write a letter,”

The woman to the left of Butcher pushed Cherry away, “You weren’t asked, whore, get lost!”

Hilda Annersley slowly rose, “I was helping someone write a letter.” she said quietly, “Jane may lose her appeal if her solicitor is not paid. I was only trying to help.”

Butcher stared at the woman in front of her in silence for some seconds, then, “They want help, I’ll give it, they don’t need your interference. You keep away from the rest of the women, Annersley, stick to reading library books. Understand?”

Miss Annersley straightened, her eyes grey, “You have no authority over me,” she said, and her voice was cold, “I will give help if someone requests it.”

Butcher looked slightly surprised as the response but acted swiftly, her right fist held across her chest she twisted slightly and threw the hand out, the back of the fist hit Miss Annersley on the right eye, knocking her to the ground.

“That was a warning, Annersley,” she said softly, “Next time, my two friends here will use you as a punch bag!”

 

#1683:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:37 am

OMG Lesley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




** Changing my chant to

FREE HILDA!!!!!!!!!

SHE'S INNOCENT! INNOCENT I TELL YOU!!!!!!!!


Please don't tell me there is no more of this until tomorrow Lesley? Please have a little mercy and write just a NICE little bit more!

 

#1684:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:43 am

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey, oh that's so mean!!!! *clings on to cliff edge with fingernails, reminding Lesley that she will be clinging here for a fortnight*

 

#1685:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:45 am

Lesley..*Gulp*

I suppose it had to happen...but still *gulp*

 

#1686:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:54 am

Oh no Lesley, please don't leave it there. Can we get together and break Hilda out? We could do it the way Wallace broke Gromit out, right?

Wanders off to round up some sheep ...

 

#1687:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:06 am

*g* Remember RTW and her SAS gear? *g*
*distinct sense of deja vu*
Come on Lesley! *wails*

 

#1688:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:11 am

*falling straight off the cliff*

Lesleeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!!!!!!! How could you leave it there?! Is Hilda OK?

*contemplating forming a rescue party!*

 

#1689:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:21 am

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

WHY DID I LOG ON AGAIN

NOW I WON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS FOR A WHOLE WEEK

Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad

 

#1690:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:42 am

LESLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!
That is such a mean thing to do to Hilda!!!!! Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

 

#1691:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:03 am

Lesley - what did Hilda ever do to you?

Please may we have some more - some where Hilda's gets her revenge?

 

#1692:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 7:01 am

Difficult to write? Difficult to read! Poor Hilda!

*Hopes John, Nell & Kate move quickly*

 

#1693:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:37 am

Volunteers for the rescue. Lesley, I do hope you know how you are going to get her out of there.

 

#1694:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 9:37 am

*squeaking*

Lesley! PLEASE come back and write some more! Pretty, pretty, please (why is there no grovelling smilie???)

 

#1695:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:15 am

Lesley knows exactly what she is doing - as always!
Nice cliff, Lesley!

 

#1696:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:22 am

Ok, girls. I have a pick axe, cam make-up on, a stout rope wound round my waist, a box of fireworks, a leather belt, Brian (natch) and a ladder. I'm off to mount a one woman rescue attempt. If I'm not back in three days, phone my solicitor!














And could someone feed the rest of my menagerie while I'm away? Cheers!
























Oh, and the kids!

 

#1697:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:24 am

Virtual feeding OK Rachel?

 

#1698:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:28 am

Definitely Pat - it's more than they normally get Wink

 

#1699:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:13 am

What a posting!! Very Happy Rolling Eyes Do you think Hilda will be incarcerated long enough to reform this Butcher woman?
Actually, this is The Real CS Hilda - so do you think Hilda will be incarcerated long enough to wreak revenge on this Butcher woman and her cronies?

And as for you, Lisa_T!! Shocked
That's libel!! "Snooping round" Me?!! Wink

 

#1700:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:17 pm

Poor Hilda. Crying or Very sad

 

#1701:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:05 pm

Let's hope that Butcher woman comes to a sticky end.

 

#1702:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:06 pm

*g* Yes, Rachael, you. After all, apart from that last post of yours, nearly all your responses lately have included the word 'Shane' in one way or another...
ROFL

 

#1703:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:11 pm

Don't you fancy him, Lisa? Or have you ordered a fireman from Rachel TW?

 

#1704:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:54 pm

*looking mortified*

I don't know what you mean, Lisa!

Why ever would I need to mention Shane in almost every post?
Heart Kiss Heart Kiss Heart



Wink

 

#1705:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:01 pm

Well, why not?

 

#1706:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 6:59 pm

Lesley i don't believe you left it there!

*very intresting possibilties for the next bit*

 

#1707:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:35 pm

There was a charged silence in the room as Butcher and the other two women turned away. Into that silence, the senior officer, Miss Shaw appeared.

“What’s been happening here?” she demanded, taking in the positions of many of the women. Her gaze dropped to the floor, “Annersley, what happened to you? Did someone assault you?”

Miss Annersley stood up, her right hand held to her face, she looked across at the prison officer, “I walked into a door, Miss Shaw,” she said clearly, she did not look around the room.

Miss Shaw sighed, “You are in a part of the room farthest from any door, Annersley, would you like to try again?”

“No, Miss Shaw, that’s what happened.” Miss Annersley’s reply was firm.

The senior officer glanced around at the other women in the room, noting particularly the presence of Butcher and her colleagues. “Right, I really believe that.” She stared at Hilda Annersley for a few seconds then, “Outside, Annersley,” she ordered, “ I want to speak to you in private.”

Miss Annersley followed the prison officer out into the corridor, once the door was closed Miss Shaw turned to her, “I’m not stupid, Annersley, it’s pretty obvious that you’ve had an encounter with Butcher.”

Miss Annersley remained silent.

“Look, if you want to make out a complaint, I’ll see you’re protected.”

“My thanks, Miss Shaw, but I was not assaulted, I walked into a door.” Miss Annersley replied quietly.

The prison officer stared at her for a time, “Fine, but I hope you know what you’re doing, Annersley. That particular door will continue to hit until someone gives way.”

“I’m very stubborn, Miss Shaw,” there was a hint of amusement in the eye Hilda Annersley was not covering.

Miss Shaw’s lips twitched slightly, “OK, have it your way. I’ll take you to the Health Department, let them check out that eye.”

At that moment the other women all streamed out to go back to work, Butcher stopped, “Going into protective custody, Annersley?” she asked.

“For walking into a door, Butcher? Hardly.” Miss Shaw replied.

“Don’t worry, Butcher,” Miss Annersley’s voice was icy, “I’m not going anywhere!”

 

#1708:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:38 pm

Go, Hilda! What's the betting she'll have them all studying Shakespeare within days?

Nice one Lesley!

 

#1709:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:39 pm

Yay go Miss A!

Thanks Lesley as good as ever!

 

#1710:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 9:18 pm

What a woman.

Way to go Hilda.

Thanks for that Lesley. Good to see Hilda is remaining strong.

 

#1711:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:32 pm

Yay - good for Hilda - I doubt if this Butcher woman knew what she would be up against!
More please Lesley, this just keeps getting better.

 

#1712:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:43 pm

Yay! I wonder why I see Pat Butcher from Eastenders in my head!!??!

More story please Lesley!

 

#1713:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:58 pm

Good for Hilda!! Ooops, that's too familiar, I must remember!

 

#1714:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:30 pm

Next bit!

After having her eye bathed, Hilda was taken back to her room, Miss Shaw herself escorting her. Before leaving her, Miss Shaw spoke, “of course it’s unlikely to be of any interest to you, Annersley,” she began, “but I happen to know that Butcher will not be in the wing for the rest of the day. If you have any business with her it will have to wait until tomorrow.” She moved to the door.

A quiet voice followed her, “Thank you, Miss Shaw.”

The afternoon and evening passed slowly. A parcel arrived during the afternoon with personal effects and clothes for Miss Annersley, it also contained a number of books, including a Bible. There was also a short note from Nell Wilson.

“Hilda
Just to let you know we are all thinking of you, the place is far too quiet. School is fine - Staff know but the girls do not -except the Prefects - I told them then had to forcibly restrain them from mounting a rescue bid! - Must admit it was tempting!

I’ll be in to see you in the morning - I’ll tell you all the news then.

Stay strong

Love Nell”

Miss Annersley smiled at the note, Cherry had returned to their room by then and seeing her smiling, looked across puzzled.

“My friend’s note,” Miss Annersley explained about the Prefects’ rescue bid. Cherry smiled,

“Is that the friend you share a house with?” she asked,

“It is,” Hilda replied, she looked across at the girl, “and before you ask, no we are not!”

“How do you know what I was going to ask?” Cherry said quickly.

“Because people almost invariably do,” Hilda returned, “Nell Wilson is family!”

…

“Hello Hilda,” the silky voice suddenly spoke from the doorway to the kitchens. Hilda Annersley turned quickly, her already pale complexion turning white, she started to breath faster, even while her shoulders hunched up in an instinctive move to try to protect the body. “Please, Elinor, no more, I’m begging you.” Hilda’s voice was quiet, her eyes downcast, “I haven’t eaten for three days, please at least give me some time to recover,” “Are you appealing to my better nature, Hilda? After nearly six weeks together you should know I don’t have one,” Elinor smiled across at the woman in front of her, “Now, on your knees!” Hilda hesitated only a split second before falling to her knees in front of Elinor, her head bowed down. “That’s better,” Elinor said, “Now, we will begin,” A slight gesture and the kneeling woman suddenly cried out, curling up into a near foetal position. Elinor smiled…

With a cry Hilda Annersley suddenly sat bolt upright in bed, trembling, Cherry, awoken by the cry moved across to her roommate’s bed and shook Hilda sharply. The shake worked and Hilda opened her eyes. For a second she glanced around her in confusion then, seeing the small prison cell, narrow cots and the young woman kneeling beside her bed, she remembered where she was.

There was silence for a short time, while Hilda recovered her breath, then, “Cherry, what happened?”

The girl smiled slightly, “You seemed to be having a nightmare, you cried out, so I woke you. Can you remember what it was?”

Hilda nodded, still shaking, “I remember,” she said softly, “could you hear what I was saying?”

Cherry shrugged, “Most of it I couldn’t tell,” she began, “But at one point you were begging someone to stop hurting you, promising them anything if they’d only stop the pain.”

Hilda swallowed convulsively, “I see,” she said. She sat up in bed, slowly regaining her normal calm demeanour. After a short time Cherry handed her a fresh mug of coffee and she sat sipping it slowly.

“Tell me to butt out if you like, Hilda,” Cherry continued, “But that sounded like it was real, that it happened.”

The older woman stared into space for a while before replying, “Yes, it happened,” she whispered, “I had thought I was over the nightmares, being in here has obviously triggered them again.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1715:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:42 pm

You were probably influenced by the drabbles, Pat. I'm expecting to be pulled up for the Hilda-Bill relationship. Guess who influenced that one?! Wink

*huggles for Pat*
more please, Lesley. We need sopmething to cheer us up and get us laughinh again. Ooops. Wrong drabble! Shocked

 

#1716:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:45 pm

** all choked up and wanting to go get Hilda out! **


Lesley, I . . . you . . . why . . .I . . . you . . .






** Wails and sobs like an eejit all over the thread **

 

#1717:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:46 pm

Poor Hilda!

*wishing the prefects had launched and succeeded in a rescue mission*

 

#1718:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 11:49 pm

Rachel wrote:
**

** Wails and sobs like an eejit all over the thread **


No comment, Rachel!! Laughing Wink

 

#1719:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:25 am

ROFL @ Pat & RTW!!!
Lesley!!!!!
*bereft of breath*
*turning blue*
pleeeeeaassssse?

 

#1720:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:30 am

ooooooh poor Hilda ..... what an awful thing to relive in a nightmare.
More plz

 

#1721:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:56 am

*speechless*

Ladies and gentlemen, shall we review the evidence?

If someone was your favourite character, would you:

- subject her repeatedly to extreme physical pain
- leave her in solitary confinement for several weeks
- leave her with a psychopathically evil tormenter for even longer
- render her so helpless she tries to kill herself
- give her terrifying nightmares which take ages to go away
- finally allow her into the real world but swiftly get her kidnapped by madmen
- have her almost killed again by a knife-wielding maniac
- torment her even in her peaceful existence with assaults from friends, early morning struggles to learn to surf in icy water
- have her accused of murder
- send her to prison to be beaten up by thugs
Question

Of course not.

























And that's why we love OOAO Lesley! Exclamation

 

#1722:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:55 am

ROFL ROFL ROFL
Nicely put Catherine!!

Clever flashback, Lesley - it certainly reminded me of the full horrors that Hilda went through in Real CS Sad
Can't believe (well, alright yes I can Rolling Eyes ) that you're putting her through this again!!

However - suggest you get her through this safely or I may feel the urge to have Elinor paying you another visit - she never did quite get round to you did she? Twisted Evil

 

#1723:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:17 am

Pleasemaywehavemoredrabblepleasemaywehavemoredrabble - pleasemaywehavemoredrabble... ???

*needs a happy ending and fast(ish)*

 

#1724:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:05 pm

terrific, Lesley. I long to see Hilda getting her own back at the dastardly Butcher.

 

#1725:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:12 pm

When will there be more Lesley?

 

#1726:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:27 pm

I guess when she's home from work at around 6.30 so after i've gone home for the weekend....arrrggghhh a whole weekend of not knowing whats going to happen....

Lesley this is still fantastic you keep the tension up so well, thought Hilda's nightmares might come back in prison, glad Cherry seems so lovely though!

Please give us some more....

 

#1727:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:32 pm

poor Hilda - I expect that was that Butcher womans fault! If she ever comes round here I'll have to shoot her.

 

#1728:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:36 pm

Who? Lesley? Twisted Evil

 

#1729:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 5:16 pm

No can't shoot Lesley or hilda will be stuck in prison froever!

 

#1730:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 5:56 pm

We don't want Hilda just to get out of prison we want to see her enemies defeated.

 

#1731:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 6:42 pm

Looking forwards to lots on Sunday evening when I get back from the joy that is taking 30 14-16 yr olds on a retreat. Hoping it will be something nice and calming (like Hilda being cleared) in order to restore my blood pressure to its usual low level. Much obliged, Lesley.

 

#1732:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:11 pm

Shoot Lesley? Me? What do you think I am, a gun wielding homocidal maniac or something?

 

#1733:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:20 pm

So where is Lesley? It's long past time for our next installment of cliffs to tumble down!

I was sure she would have posted by now Sad

 

#1734:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:31 pm

Sorry it's late - RL intervened!

Miss Annersley did not get any more sleep during the night, instead staying up and talking with her roommate for a time, then, once Cherry fell asleep, reading her Bible. There was no trouble during breakfast and the rest of the women were taken off to work. Hilda remained in her room, reading. Later that morning, one of the prison guards came to inform Hilda that she had a visitor – she was escorted to the visitors’ room. A large room with a number of tables set up. At one end the visitors entered after being vetted by officers outside. A door opposite led to the main prison. As Miss Annersley entered she saw that, apart from the guards, there was only one occupant, Nell Wilson.

As soon as Nell saw Hilda her face lit up and she hurried across to quickly hug her. Miss Annersley returned the embrace, unembarrassed at the strength of emotion she felt. After a short time one of the prison guards indicated that the two should sit and they chose a table farthest away from the other occupants of the room. The two friends faced each other across a table,

“How are you managing?” Nell Wilson asked quietly.

A shrug, “As well as can be expected,” Hilda Annersley’s eyes twinkled.

“We’re doing all we can to get you out, Hilda, I swear. Kate Mason has been working non-stop on this,”

“When will she be coming to see me again?”

“Probably tomorrow.” A pause, then, “What happened to your eye?”

Miss Annersley reached up to her right eye, “I walked into a door,” she said softly.

“That’s not even a good lie!”

“Perhaps not, but it will suffice!” Hilda smiled slightly.

“You look tired, are you sleeping?”

Miss Annersley looked down at the ground for a time, “No,” she said eventually,

Nell Wilson’s face darkened, “They’ve come back, haven’t they? The nightmares I mean.”

Miss Annersley nodded slightly, “One, last night, although in comparison to some that I had during last December and January, it was rather mild,” her eyes had lost their blue tinge.

Miss Wilson sighed, “Oh God, Hilda, I’m sorry!”

“Not your fault, Nell, it’s the situation,”

“Yes, but I’m not there for you am I? You’ve got to deal with it on your own.”

“I have a roommate, Nell. She’s only young, barely a child really, but she is very kind. She awoke me from the nightmare, spoke to me afterwards.” Hilda smiled slightly, “Her name is Cherry,”

Nell Wilson smiled, “Really? Must be an omen then,”

The friends continued to talk for the next 40 minutes or so, only stopping when a prison officer approached Nell, “Time’s up, Miss Wilson,”

Nell Wilson stood up slowly, “Remember Hilda,” she said intently; “You’ve survived worse than this!”

Hilda nodded, “I know, Nell. Look after the School won’t you?”

Nell Wilson nodded abruptly before turning to walk out, at the door to the visitors’ room she turned to the Prison Officer and spoke; a small package exchanged hands. Miss Annersley sat staring into space for some time.

Footsteps behind her then a gruff, but not unsympathetic voice, “Annersley, you’ve got to go back to your room now.”

The pale woman looked round, “Of course, Mrs Francis,” she got up and followed the guard back to the wing. As they got to her room the officer stopped Miss Annersley,

“Tell your friend, next time you see her, that it’s not allowed to use prison officers to pass on gifts to inmates,” she said,

Miss Annersley looked at her in some confusion until the guard handed her a small package, “Oh, thank you,”

Inside the room, Hilda opened the package, inside were two A4 size colour photographs, Cherry, newly returned from the morning's work, looked at them

“Is that all she gave you?” Cherry’s voice was disappointed, “A couple of tiny pictures?”

Miss Annersley sat staring at the pictures for some time, “Thank you, Nell,” she whispered, she then turned to Cherry, “They’re not small, Cherry, this one is the Himalayas – largest mountain range on land, while this one is the Pacific Ocean.”

 

#1735:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:47 pm

Better late than never Lesley - and that last bit was wonderful!


Why do I have a horrible feeling there will be another post later on which doesn't leave *quite* such a pleasant taste in the mouth??

 

#1736:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:23 pm

Experience, I would guess! You're probably quite right too, Rachel!!

 

#1737:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:28 pm

Thank you Lesley. Looking forward to more but at the same time dreading what might happen next Rolling Eyes

 

#1738:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:38 pm

I love the way that Hilda & Bill aways seem to be able to the right thing to help one another - they never get it wrong do they?
More please Lesley

 

#1739:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:59 pm

Love the last bit with the pictures Lesley. How thoughtful of Nell.

*Wonders if Ellie's seen enough of Hilda in prison now*

Please please, write more soon Lesley, happy ending or not. I need my RCS fix. Now! Sad

 

#1740:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:02 am

*chanting loudly at Lesley*

 

#1741:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:09 am

That was a lovely scene. I'm going to bed now on a happy note and will face the next cliff tomorrow ...... I expect.

 

#1742:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:17 am

That was lovely Lesley...they know exactly what each other needs don't they.

 

#1743:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:33 am

PatMac wrote:
That was a lovely scene. I'm going to bed now on a happy note and will face the next cliff tomorrow ...... I expect.


Patmac, I hope you're going to bed because you have to, and not because you're too chicken ahem, too much of a spineless jellyfish (!) to face another of Lesley's cliff-hangers! Wink

 

#1744:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:15 am

*g at Nicci* What a mind you have, Nicci.
But almost certainly justified.
*eyes Lesley warily and hopes all lifesaving and SAS equipment is handy*

 

#1745:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:27 am

Lesley, have just caught up with pages and pages of this absolutley brilliant story.

Hoping everything is working out for Hilda. Glad to see Nell understanding her so well. Hope John uncovers something good soon!

 

#1746:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:24 am

*thanks Lesley for respite*

*getting to like Mrs. Francis*

 

#1747:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:21 am

Nicci wrote:
Patmac, I hope you're going to bed because you have to, and not because you're too chicken ahem, too much of a spineless jellyfish (!) to face another of Lesley's cliff-hangers! Wink


I really had to and was in no state to face another cliffhanger, besides which, my fingernails are getting ruined. Shocked

*adds cliff hanging gloves to shopping list*

 

#1748:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:33 am

Thank you for that lovely last bit Lesley Mr. Green

*looking round for her drabble-harness in anticipation of the next installation*

 

#1749:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:34 am

Are we going to get some more of this today, Lesley? (in other words, should I do deep-breathing exercises and meditation to prepare myself for the nasty shock that is sure to ensue!?)

 

#1750:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:55 am

More later today Catherine - probably this afternoon onwards!

Oh BTW loved your summing up to the jury! Laughing Does seem really terrible all I've put Hilda through! The only thing I can say in my defence is that firstly Nell has got just as much, and secondly I can only write about characters I care about - and they keep wanting to have all these adventures!

I'd be perfectly happy to write safe, sanitised versions of the chalet school, really i would! Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 

#1751:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 11:02 am

Lesley wrote:


I'd be perfectly happy to write safe, sanitised versions of the chalet school, really i would! Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil


Prove it!! Mind you it wouldn't be RCS then would it?!!

 

#1752:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 11:14 am

*Happy that there isn't a nasty cliff to spend the day hanging off when I won't be able to check the CBB because I'm off home!*

But some more to read when I get back home would be lovely, Lesley!

 

#1753:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 1:05 pm

Poor Hilda for having the nightmares but nice idea the pictures!

 

#1754:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 1:19 pm

Loving this, Lesley, and looking forward to more of it today.

 

#1755:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:12 pm

*pointing out that it's afternoon now*

Where are you, Lesley?
We need more - or at least, I think we do ..................................... Confused

 

#1756:  Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:51 pm

Catch up time with my favourite drabble! Very Happy

Great writing, Lesley - would cry for more but not sure whether that would lead to torture or respite for Hilda

Wish I could contribute to more theories regarding the Rach(a)els but you have me stumped!

 

#1757:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:02 pm

Most of the fun lies in not knowing.

 

#1758:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:27 pm

Just when you think you've second-guessed her, Lesley proves that there is no way anyone ever can!
May we have the next installment soon please?

 

#1759:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:17 pm

*wonders what constitutes "afternoon onwards" Wink*

 

#1760:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:48 pm

Erm now really! Embarassed Ever so sorry people but I'd come up against a total block and it took me ages to get the next bit written - now I look at it I can't even see why! More later!

Back at the Real Chalet School, Miss Wilson had returned from visiting Miss Annersley, she managed to convey to all the Staff that the Head was coping well, not mentioning anything about the return of the nightmares. After lunch she spoke to Kate Mason on the telephone getting information from her, she then contacted a number of people. Just after 3pm she looked around at the others in her study,

“We’re waiting for John Coates,” she said, “but before he gets here you should all know that he is fully aware of our history.”

“You mean he knows about the chalet school, Nell?” Madge Russell asked,

Nell nodded, “he does, he guessed some time ago. Basically, what that means is that we don’t need to keep anything from him.”

There was a knock at the door and John Coates arrived, “Nell, I’ve brought someone with me,” he said, drawing to one side slightly he made room for Major Stevens. “He also knows everything, Nell,“ John Coates continued, “I think his input may be useful,”

“You told him, John?” Nell Wilson sounded rather angry,

Major Stevens walked into the room, “He did,” he said bluntly, “and I laughed in his face, at least I did until I’d read a couple of paragraphs in the books!” He looked across at the Deputy Head, “You are described rather well,” he said, “as is Mrs Russell, or should I say Lady Russell?”

Madge smiled, “Mrs Russell or Madge will be sufficient,” she said softly, “Both Jem and I dropped the title once Jem decided he would no longer be practicing medicine.”

“You seem to be very accepting, Major Stevens,” Nancy Wilmot said, disbelievingly, “I’m not sure I would be were our positions reversed.”

Stevens smiled, “Perhaps my taste in fiction helps,” he said, “Once you read science fiction and fantasy anything becomes possible!”

Nell Wilson nodded slightly, “Alright, John, you’ve told him, but why?”

“I think John felt that I’d like to help as I’m in the same situation as him,” Major Stevens himself answered, “ both of us have had children attacked this term. If all of this in connected, helping to discover the real murderer of the woman in Switzerland may also help in finding the person responsible for injuring Kelly.”

The women seated around the table all nodded and the two men were welcomed.

“First things first,” Nell Wilson began, “As I think most of you know, Hilda is accused of murdering Gywnneth Lloyd,” she turned to the two men, “Known by all of us as Matey, until we found out she was working for Elinor.”

“Gywnneth had been judged insane after killing a Swiss policeman,” Madge continued, “she was held in a secure mental home in Interlaken,”

“The facts are that on Saturday May 22nd there were two visitors to see Gywnneth, they gave their names as Hilda Annersley and Madge Russell. The Medical Director was not on duty that day, unfortunately for us, as he would have been able to recognise both those names and had seen both people before.” Miss Wilson grimaced at this before continuing, “The two women were shown in to Gwynneth’s room and remained there for some 40 minutes before leaving. About an hour later, one of the orderlies went into the room to remind Gywnneth it was tea time, he discovered her dead, lying on her front, with a large knife in her back. The fingerprints on the knife match Hilda’s apparently.”

Major Stevens shook his head, “Surely May 22nd was in the middle of the School’s last term? I’m sure I can remember that from the prospectus Kelly and I looked through,”

Madge nodded, “Yes it was, but it doesn’t put Hilda totally in the clear!”

Nancy agreed, “Hilda, Rachael Pelter and I travelled over to England during May, to perform interviews for Maths Staff, we arrived in England on the 20th and had the interviews on the 21st, our flight back was on the Sunday, the 23rd.”

“So Hilda was in England then,” Ruth Derwent spoke for the first time, “But not in Europe!”

“That depends,” John replied, “Nancy, the interviews were on the 21st, so what did you do for the rest of the time?”

Nancy considered, “Rachael went to visit family and also to arrange the Enhanced Disclosure for all the new Staff,” she saw Major Stevens looking confused and explained, “it’s basically a police check, very thorough as teachers have contact with those deemed vulnerable,”

“What about you and Hilda, Nancy?” Nell Wilson asked,

Nancy sighed, “I’d love to say we stayed together, Nell, it would solve so many problems, but we didn’t. I went to York, Ida Reaveley, as was, is a grandmother and living there. She came up on Robin’s searches for Old Girls, she transferred over some years back and settled down there,”

“What about Hilda?” This from Madge,

“She was going to Southwark, in London, she had managed to get a ticket for the restored Globe Theatre - they were showing Merchant of Venice.”

“So you didn’t see each other after the interviews?” this from the Major,

“Not until we met up at Heathrow, Sunday morning,” Nancy returned, “We also met up with Rachel Macdonald at the time, she’d been over interviewing people wishing to adopt.”

“Just out of interest, Nancy, who were you interviewing?” John was frowning slightly as he said this,

“I told you,” Nancy laughed, “Maths staff! I’d had to make do with just me full time and help from Kathie, KB and a couple of the others. We interviewed and appointed Catherine Barber, Janet McRae and Rachel Gray,”

 

#1761:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:03 pm

That was lovely Lesley. Isn't it silly that sometimes you can hit a wall writing, but when you get going again, you can't see why there was a porblem!!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

 

#1762:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:44 pm

Nasty enhanced disclosure people! Aren't they known as the CCB? Couldn't that get confusing? *g*

*memories of weeks and WEEKS waiting on them to get back to me before finally being informed that as I was from NI, I couldn't get disclosure from them and had to contact local PSNI station*

More Lesley! Be nice!

 

#1763:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:45 pm

Thank you Lesley!!
*settles down to wait!*

 

#1764:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:07 pm

*curls up in a convenient corner to wait for some more of this*

 

#1765:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:15 pm

Decides that waiting would be a good idea. Non dairy choc for you, Xan?

 

#1766:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 11:21 pm

It wasn't my knife.




Lesleyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy - do we get more this evening? After a horrible day I am in the mood to curl up with a good book - but I want more of this!

 

#1767:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:05 am

Little more to be going on with!

After explaining the significance of the pictures to Cherry, Hilda Annersley questioned her young roommate about Butcher. Cherry was quite adamant,

“Hilda, she’s bad news, in the three months I’ve been here I’ve seen her attack three or four people that tried to muscle in on her territory. She’s strong herself and has those other two women as bodyguards.“

“But I was not challenging her, Cherry, all I was doing was helping Jane write a letter,” Hilda returned, “Why should she attack me?“

Cherry thought for a while, “It was probably two things,“ she said eventually, “You were daring to help us, and she considers that’s her role, and you’re English.”

Hilda’s eyebrow rose at this and she winced with the pain from her black eye, “Does she have a problem with all English women then?”

“The reason she’s in here is because of an English woman, they were partners in some con or other, it went wrong and the mark ended up dead. Butcher says the English woman killed him then skipped back to Britain, leaving her to carry the can,”

“I see, but surely she cannot blame me for that!”

“I think it’s just hearing the accent, it flicks a switch in her that says enemy!” Cherry looked across at her roommate, on first appearance Hilda Annersley appeared somewhat fragile, certainly, although fairly fit, she did not have a great deal of power. Yet Cherry could see a great inner strength, and a fierce determination.

After the midday meal the women were all in the association room once more. Hilda Annersley arrived a few minutes after the rest of the women and, prior to entering the room, stopped at the office and asked to speak to Miss Shaw,

“What is it, Annersley?” Miss Shaw was curious, the woman in front of her appeared very resolute.

“A request, Miss Shaw,” Miss Annersley said quietly, “in a very short time I will be entering the association room, it is possible that there could be a disturbance. Could you please not intervene?”

“Do you have any idea what you’re asking, Annersley?” the Senior Officer was shocked, “wanting my officers to stand back and allow a disturbance, give me one good reason why I should agree to that.”

“I believe that a certain person may be shown the error of her ways, if I’m correct, then the disturbance will cease fairly quickly, and there should be fewer disturbances in the future.”

“And if you are not correct?” Miss Shaw said quietly,

Miss Annersley smiled slightly, “Then I’m afraid my next visit to the Health Department will be for a longer period.”

“That door again?”

“Yes,”

Miss Shaw stood looking at the woman in front of her, tall and slim, with a definite air of command and determination. “Five minutes, Annersley,” she said, “I’ll give it five minutes before I send my people in, any longer and you may not make it to the Health Department.”

“Thank you Miss Shaw,”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:54 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#1768:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:16 am

Argh! Good on Hilda - but you ARE going to give us more tonight, aren't you, Lesley?? Question

 

#1769:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:19 am

*Has complete faith in Hilda's ability to deal with this*

*just in case, crosses fingers toes etc.*

Thanks, Lesley, I'm glad the writer's block has gone!

 

#1770:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:26 am

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

What is she DOING?!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!

That's it - I'm getting out my "Nasty Person Bashing Stick" and I'm going after Butcher myself!

 

#1771:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:26 am

She better!"
Come on, Lesley, you can't leave us there?
*wondering if they're gonna be treated to The Look and Icy Voice*

 

#1772:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:29 am

*screeches* Lesley!!!!!!!

*muttering rapidly* Hildawillbefineanditwillallbeokay...

 

#1773:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:37 am

*wails loudly*
LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!! How could you do that to us???
And to Hilda!!!!!

 

#1774:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:45 am

Admires Hilda's courage, and is certain (almost) that she will prevail - but thinks that's a nasty place for Lesley to leave it.

 

#1775:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 2:46 am

Very much admires Lesley's mind! Brilliant, twisted, and the all-time expert on cliff hangers!!!
The shrieks and squalls must be music to her ears! Laughing

 

#1776:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 3:58 am

Shes going to get herself bashed on purpose ???
I'm really struggling to understand where Lesley's affection for Hilda lies ?????

don't let her get hurt too badly Lesley !

 

#1777:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 4:07 am

*impressed by Hilda's ability to elicit cooperation from prison staff*
(hopes it's not a mistake this time.... :worried smiley:)

*mightily curious about who did what on the the 22nd.*
Two of them, yet!
And this is the wrong drabble for Matey clones, so what suspects? Do we know for sure Evil Elinor is safely kaput? She'd have the best opportunity to manufacture fake fingerprints, yes?

*feeling unsettled*

 

#1778:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 8:57 am

What in earth????? How will Butcher (guessing that's who it'll be) be shpwn the error of her ways?

Lesley we want more please! Very Happy

 

#1779:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:45 am

Lesley! This is not a day for a lie in Shocked

*shouts down the modem, MORE

 

#1780:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:51 am

Hmm......

Why hasn't Madge also been arrested?

 

#1781:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 10:30 am

Actually PatMac - considering the clocks jumped forward last night - this is the perfect day for a lie in! Now I'm going out soon - back this afternoon, but I have done a little more.

Inside the Association Room the women fell silent as Miss Annersley entered, Cherry, with an inkling of exactly what action Hilda proposed, swallowed nervously and stayed in her position by the door.

Hilda walked over to where the woman Jane sat, “Jane,” she said softly, although her voice carried throughout the silent room, “Would you like me to finish helping you with that letter?”

The woman Jane looked at her with somewhat terrified eyes, not wanting to refuse, yet scared of her fate should she accept, she was saved the trouble of doing either when a voice was heard behind Hilda,

“For someone supposed to be clever, you’re pretty dumb, Annersley,”

Miss Annersley turned to face Butcher and her two colleagues, “I told you, Butcher, I do not recognise your authority, and I will help any of the women in here, should they request my help.”

“And I told you what would happen if you continued to interfere, Annersley,” Butcher’s face was red with anger,

Hilda nodded, “I believe you said that your two friends would use me as a punch bag,” she said softly, “Tell me, Butcher, do you always use others to fight your battles?”

 

#1782:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 10:43 am

*awed*

You have posted more, yet strangely, we are STILL on a cliff!!!!!!!

 

#1783:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 10:43 am

OMG Hilda is REALLY pushing her luck here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#1784:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:04 am

You notice lesley said she had done a little more! So she left it here deliberately!! Rotten s...e! Twisted Evil

 

#1785:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:21 am

I hereby appoint Lesley 'Master of Cliffs'!

 

#1786:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:09 pm

Too much to hope that this particular plotline would be concluded quickly,
you don't have to keep leaving these cliffs Lesley, we would still want more anyway.

 

#1787:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 1:29 pm

Oh but I enjoy it Ellie! Actually I really had only written that part when I posted it - I have written more now!

There was a concerted gasp from the women in the room, Hilda’s voice had been heard by all, Butcher looked around fiercely and the women suddenly found business elsewhere. Hilda noticed, however, that all of them were still watching the scenes being played out in her corner of the room.

Butcher nodded to the other two women, “Hold her!“ she ordered, they stepped forward, grabbing hold of the woman in front of them. They forced her back until they reached the far wall, holding her easily.

“Really stupid, Annersley, I think I’ll enjoy this myself!”

Hilda Annersley didn’t attempt to struggle, instead staring at Butcher with a look of almost pity in her eyes, “I feel sorry for you, Butcher,” she said, her voice carrying to all parts of the room, “your entire command is built on physical strength. What will you do when that fails?”

Butcher looked at her, puzzled, the woman was not reacting as previous victims, Annersley seemed to genuinely feel sorry for her, “I’m not about to fail,” she snarled.

“No?” Hilda Annersley attempted to move and was slammed back against the wall, she winced, “suppose that, tomorrow morning, first thing, they admitted a new inmate. She’s killed three times, has a lifetime in prison to look forward to.” Hilda lowered her voice very slightly and Butcher found herself moving closer, “she’s younger than you, stronger, and more ruthless.” She looked around at the two women holding her, “And she has the money to be able to buy off your two lieutenants here.”

Hilda took a deep breath then continued, “Tell me, Butcher, how many of the women in here would fight for you? Or would they all move to the stronger person?”

Butcher glared round the room before turning back to Annersley, “That’s the price for being the best,” she said, a little uncertainly, “To be on top, the leader, you’ve got to be the strongest.”

Miss Annersley shook her head, “No, to be a true leader, you have to have the respect of your followers, and you have to earn that respect. Otherwise all you are is just a bully, a tormentor, a tyrant. Someone the people fear but not a true leader.”

“Why are you saying this?”

“Because I felt there was more to you than that,” Hilda said softly, “I’m not infallible, but I am a pretty good judge of character. You do care about the women in here, you do want to help them. But at the moment you are so obsessed with showing no weakness that you have not allowed the women to see that you care.”

Butcher stood there, a little uncertainly, “I could just go ahead and beat you!” she said belligerently.

Miss Annersley nodded, “Yes you could, I am not that strong physically and your two colleagues have me trapped. I am unable to do anything to defend myself, you could hurt me very badly,” She swallowed slightly then continued, “How much respect do you think that will earn you?”

There was silence for quite some time, Hilda Annersley glanced around all the women in the room, they all seemed to be waiting for Butcher to decide. Butcher herself did not seem sure of her next move, she glared with anger at the woman in front of her then also looked around at the rest of the women. Those few who could meet her eye swiftly looked away in fear. Only that morning that response would have pleased her, but now? She looked back at the woman.

“How do you know what makes a good leader?”

Miss Annersley smiled, “Because I was designed to be one!” The sentence was said with some amusement, “and because I can see some of the same qualities in you!”

There was another silence, then, “release her!” the order was snapped to the two women holding Hilda against the wall, the two looked surprised but obeyed.

“We need to talk, Annersley,” Butcher looked around, “but not here,” she pointed to an alcove, “in there!”

Miss Annersley didn’t move, simply staring at Butcher firmly.

Butcher returned the stare for a few seconds then, “please,” she said quietly.

Hilda nodded and moved over to the alcove with Butcher; away from the prying eyes of the rest of the women. Once in there Butcher turned to Annersley, “I do care about the women, you’re right, but if I show weakness, I’ll not remain leader.”

“It’s not weakness to preface orders with ‘please’ or to thank someone once the order has been obeyed.” Hilda returned softly, “It will show that you appreciate the others. It’s also not weakness to insist that your lieutenants are polite,”

“You want me to stop using violence? That may work on the outside, but not in here!”

Miss Annersley shook her head, “No, you will still need to be able to enforce your orders, just ensure that the punishment fit’s the crime. A severe beating for a first offence is not just!”

“Will you obey my orders?”

Miss Annersley thought for a moment, “Yes, as long as they are reasonable, and it is in your own interests to see that all your orders are reasonable.”

Butcher nodded, “In that case, we are finished here,” she made to move out of the alcove, Hilda’s voice stopped her.

“There is still one matter to be resolved,” she said softly,

Butcher turned back to look at the other woman, as she did Hilda brought her elbow up and round, impacting on the side of Butcher’s jaw. The blow knocked Butcher against the wall, although she didn’t, quite, fall over.

“I learnt that from a friend of mine,“ Hilda remarked, “It is rather painful, but the bruising fades after a few days. That’s repayment for the blow yesterday - I do not appreciate being hit when trying to help someone!“

Butcher raised her left hand to the side of her jaw, eyes darkening in anger she moved toward Hilda, holding her around the throat with one hand, while the other was raised to strike. Miss Annersley made no attempt to dodge the blow, simply staring at her, her blue-grey eyes glistening. Butcher stopped and released the other woman,

“OK, maybe I deserved that, Annersley,” she said softly, “But don’t ever try that again!”

“Only if it is justified, Butcher,” Hilda returned smoothly.

Butcher stared at her for a few seconds then laughed softly, “Tell me, Annersley, how long will you be in here?” she asked.

“Not long,” Hilda answered, “either evidence will prove my innocence and I will be released, or I will be extradited to Switzerland. Why do you ask?”

“Only checking, I’d hate to think you’d be here for long!”

 

#1788:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 1:42 pm

Way to go! Well worth waiting for. I still don't know how you write such varied storylines, Lesley!






But I'm glad you do Razz

 

#1789:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 1:53 pm

That

Was


FANTASTIC!!!!!!!


Go Hilda!!!!!!!!

 

#1790:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 2:14 pm

Lesley, do you realise that I was holding my breath for the ntire time it took to read your last four posts and the comments in between? Now fading from purple to a delicate shade of lavender.

 

#1791:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 2:18 pm

Awesome!

Rah rah rah!! Hilda Hilda Hilda!!

hammer hammer hammer hammer hammer hammer

 

#1792:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 2:25 pm

*leaping about cheering for Hilda*

*intersperses a few cheers for Lesley as well* Mr. Green

 

#1793:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 4:01 pm

*points out that it is three and a half hours since the last post*

(or possibly two and a half? the board doesn't seem to have noticed BST)

ETA: I love Hilda's line about being designed to be a leader - at first read it struck me as uncharacteristically self-promoting, then I realised it was no more than the literal truth - EBD did exactly design her for that purpose!

 

#1794:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 6:18 pm

Catherine - re your comment - that's why Hilda's amused when making the comment!

Back in the Real Chalet School the meeting continued…

“Have you noticed?” John said, “Three Rach(a)els? Almost as though planned.”

“Do you think it could have been one of them, John?” this from Nell Wilson, “But why?”

“If we knew that, Nell, we’d know everything,” Ruth put in, “If there is one reason that explains all of the incidents this term, discovering it will surely then lead us to who is doing it. What I’m not sure about though is why, if Hilda has been arrested, Madge has not!” She smiled across at Madge, “sorry Madge, didn’t mean that to sound as though that’s what I wanted!”

Madge smiled, “I know that, Ruth, and I must admit to being a little disconcerted at finding my name in the frame,”

Nancy shook her head, “Madge has witnesses to place her here on the day in question,” she said, “It’s Hilda’s fingerprints that place her at the scene.”

Geoff Stevens sighed, “I trust no one thinks Miss Annersley actually did it?” he said, that was a minutes shocked silence before he spoke again, “OK, bad joke, it’s just that those fingerprints are pretty damning.”

“No they’re not, Geoff,” John Coates said with authority, “Look, I’ll show you,” He retrieved a glove from his jacket pocket and placed it on his right hand, he then reached across and picked up the glass of water that sat in front of Nell Wilson.

“Now, Nell has been using this glass, right?” The others nodded, “OK, then her prints are on the glass, has anyone got any clear tape?”

“In the drawer over there,” Nell nodded, Ruth, the nearest, retrieved a roll and handed it to John.

Carefully the Security Chief stuck the tape around the glass in exactly the position Nell’s hand had held it. A short time later he pealed the tape off,

“Nell’s prints are now on the tape,” he said, “now suppose someone placed poison in one of our glasses? Let’s say my glass. I drink the water and die a terrible death. All the glasses are checked for prints and everyone has only one set of prints on it - that of the person drinking. But suppose I do this?” He pulled forward his own glass and placed the tape around the glass, pressing carefully, after a few seconds he removed the tape, “Now my glass has Nell’s prints on it - voila your poisoner!”

“My God, is it really that easy?” Geoff Stevens looked shocked, the women were showing the same emotion,

John shrugged, “That was obviously a very simplified procedure, but in essence that’s it. There are two things necessary though, firstly, to get it right, it has to be done at the time of the murder, and will take time - did you notice that the two women remained in Lloyd’s room for more than 40 minutes? In my experience most criminals try to put as much time and distance between themselves and a murder. The other thing is that the trick works best if the surface that the prints are being placed upon is very shiny. I’m willing to bet my police pension that the handle of the murder weapon was as shiny as glass!”

 

#1795:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 6:45 pm

Oooh!! thank you Lesley! And GO HILDA!!!!!

 

#1796:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 7:34 pm

Thanks Lesley! Go Hilda, loved the way she dealt with Butcher!! Hoping that somehow the evidence against Hilda being Matey's murderer can be proved false...thinking there might be a way to go yet though!!

 

#1797:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 7:41 pm

Surely the fact that one of the women was named as Madge Russell, yet Madge has an alibi, throws doubt on whether the other woman was really Hilda?

(Rather wobbly grammar in that sentence but you know what I mean!)

 

#1798:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 8:03 pm

Thank you Lesley. Go Hilda, a nice little move! More please

 

#1799:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:54 pm

Marvellous! I'm sorry, but it is!!!!!
When may we have more? Laughing

 

#1800:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:11 pm

Lesley, not only is the story gripping, but your timing is superb! A nice little bit before I go to bed!

I'm glad we've got John Coates on our side (and hoping against hope that isn't more of Lesley's deviousness) and that we have a possible defense against the supposed evidence!

 

#1801:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:23 pm

PatMac, how could there not be evidence in our defence - did you think Hilda was guilty?! Shocked Wink

 

#1802:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:13 am

*turns big weird-combination-of-bluey-grey eyes on Auntie Lesley, in the hope of more drabble.....*

 

#1803:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:02 am

Wow, thank you Lesley, I knew that Hilda could gett he better of that Butcher woman, I'll admit though, I didn't expect her to elbow her, but I'm so glad she did.
As for the next part, I'm glad that John Coates is working with the CS (he is isn't he?) and not against them.
It's a pity Matey wasn't (apparently) done to death in January - accoring to the Soco who came to examine my stolen (and regrettably recovered) car, people don't leave finger prints when it's cold.

 

#1804:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 3:39 am

Catherine_B wrote:
PatMac, how could there not be evidence in our defence - did you think Hilda was guilty?! Shocked Wink


Slight lack of faith in the judicial system - especially when you think that Lesley is writing the Lawyers parts Wink

 

#1805:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:38 am

Sorry all no new post - just advance warning - I will be away from now until Wednesday afternoon/evening so no more until then - am taking lap top so hopfully there will be a lot then!

 

#1806:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:50 am

Fair enough! Thanks for the warning and we'll refrain from sending search parties Wink

 

#1807:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:42 am

Thanks for the warning. In that case I had better stop holding my breathe.

Have a good/interesting/profitable (delete as appropriate) time.

 

#1808:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:36 am

Absolutely brilliant, no awesome as usual!

Love the way Hilda dealt with Butcher! Very Happy

 

#1809:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:43 am

At least we can be grateful that Lesley hasn't left us plummeting of a cliff while she is away!

 

#1810:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:48 am

Hurray for small mercies. Smile

 

#1811:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:48 am

*settles down comfortably to wait for Wednesday*

 

#1812:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:19 pm

Thanks for the warning, Lesley, we won't start chanting.

 

#1813:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:15 pm

Thank you for warning us Lesley
*sets up chart to count down the minutes!!!*

 

#1814:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 6:50 pm

Gosh, it's a long time till Wednesday isn't it? Thanks for the warning anyway Lesley, and I'm looking forward to seeing lots more when I get home from work on Weednesday night.

 

#1815:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:46 pm

Was that a big hint, Ellie?

 

#1816:  Author: Lisa T,  PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 9:03 pm

*also grateful for warning but would be even gratefuller if this stupid uni pc would let me in!!*

 

#1817:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 9:33 pm

Dear Lesley

please write lots more. My mental health is at stake. I dreamed about the CBB and A Surfeit of Rachels in particular last night. Unfortunately I woke up not remembering how it ended!!!

 

#1818:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 10:40 pm

Lesley, thanks very much for sending me Real Chalet School, Santa in July and A Surfeit of Rach(a)els. I really enjoyed all of them - you have a great talent.

I've now caught up and am on tenderhooks along with everyone else.

 

#1819:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:58 pm

Is it Wednesday yet?

Lesley, I thought I could do the whole pateince thing but I have now changed my mind!

MMMMMMOOOOORRRRRRREEEEEEEEE

it may not get me any more drabble, but it does relieve the feelings! Wink

 

#1820:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 10:37 am

Aaaaargh! My mum has decided the computer needs to go to the computer mending shop this week. What am I going to do?!

 

#1821:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 10:46 am

Wave it a fond farewell?

 

#1822:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 12:24 pm

Mend it yourself?

 

#1823:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:19 pm

and its still not wednesday!

 

#1824:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 3:35 pm

No, but it is Tuesday, so just over twenty-four hours to go.

 

#1825:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 3:41 pm

That's assuming Lesley is back fairly early tomorrow!

 

#1826:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 7:20 pm

But look on the b right side. There'll be lots an' lots. Unless, Lesley decides to be sneaky (which is more than likely) and ration it out in dribs and drabs!
*starting to feel that patience will kill me!*

 

#1827:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 8:10 pm

*settles down to await Lesley's return*

 

#1828:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 11:20 pm

Of course Lesley will ration it! You know she will!!

 

#1829:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 1:57 am

It's Wednesday! (And I've just noticed the time - oops!)

Where are you Lesley?

 

#1830:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:28 am

I don't think she's actually back until today and taking work into consideration I wouldn't expect too much before this evening

We must possess our souls with patience Wink

 

#1831:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:34 am

Have just caught up (again) on lots of this. Thank you Lesley as superb as ever. Glad to see Hilda ascerting herself over the Butcher woman.


Did anyone else picture Pat from Eastenders?

 

#1832:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:45 am

Rebecca wrote:
It's Wednesday! (And I've just noticed the time - oops!)

Where are you Lesley?


*Wonders why Rebecca could possibly be up that late when she's at home!*

*trying to wait patiently for this evening...*

 

#1833:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:59 am

*failling to wait patiently til this evening.....*

LESLEY!!

Please come and post soon!!!

 

#1834:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:05 pm


IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!

IT'S WEDNESDAY!



Dear sweet kind loveable Lesley - POST MORE PLEASE!!!!!!!!

 

#1835:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:23 pm

*settles down comfortably on a pile of soft squishy hugs borrowed from the hug box to await Lesley's return*


Very amused by Rachel's chanting, it's not every thread that get's it's own cheerleaders!

 

#1836:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:45 pm

Joins Kate on the hugs....produces coffee or tea and biscuits and basks in the sunshine! Well chosen spot Kate!

ETA: She's back!!!

 

#1837:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:02 pm

I know!!

Get posting in here Lesley!! Very Happy



ETA
*gobsmacked*

But not speechless - she came, she posted, she went .... Shocked
But not on here!! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

LESLEY
GET BACK HERE AND GET POSTING!!

fume swear devil fume swear devil fume swear devil

 

#1838:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:17 pm

She was here.....LESLEY!!! get your butt in here and post!!!!


Pretty please with sprinkles on top. Laughing

 

#1839:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 5:18 pm

agrees with Rachael, though i may end up waiting til tomorrow anyway....

ETA: and now shes gone again...and i am too!

 

#1840:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 6:57 pm

While I was away I did write a lot - however it was all the final scene - I didn't think you'd want me to post that just yet - so I've been writing!

Back in the prison, the two women returned to the main room, Butcher turned to Hilda and, for the benefit of the rest of the women, addressed her,

“Annersley, I’ve thought about it, if you can help Jane here then go ahead. Another time check with me that your help is necessary, OK?”

Hilda Annersley nodded her agreement and sought out Jane, before the end of association she had finished dictating the letter and Jane was able to seal the envelope and place it for posting. A short time later the women all filed out to go back to work. Miss Annersley was left alone, reading, in one corner. After a few minutes she became aware of a figure in front of her and looked up to see the Senior Officer, Miss Shaw.

"Congratulations, Annersley," she said, "I wouldn't have thought it possible, but you succeeded in influencing one of the most dangerous inmates in the prison!"

Hilda Annersley shook her head slightly, "I've no idea what you mean, Miss Shaw!" she said, amusement in her eyes.

"No, of course not," returned the senior officer, "I should just like to say that I'm also glad that you're not staying here for long, Annersley. It's not often that I find myself in agreement with Butcher, but in this we are perfectly in accord."

Miss Annersley looked over in surprise, "How did you know what Butcher had said?" she asked quickly.

Miss Shaw smiled and left without saying anything.

Later that afternoon, back in her room, she was writing a letter when Cherry returned from her visit with her son. She was brought back by Mrs Francis and immediately went and lay on her bed, facing the wall, she was obviously upset. The prison officer beckoned Miss Annersley out of the room.

“What is it, Mrs Francis?” Hilda looked worried for Cherry, “Did they not bring her son to visit?”

“Yes they did, Annersley, that’s the problem,” Mrs Francis looked sympathetic, “Cherry has spent the last two hours with him, and then had to hand him back to his foster parents. Both she and Robbie were crying. Talk to her Annersley, the mood she’s in she might try and do something stupid. She’ll not listen to any of us!”

Miss Annersley nodded and walked back into the room, she didn’t say anything at first, merely filling the kettle and switching it on. As Cherry lay, unmoving, she drew a blanket over her; once the kettle boiled she made two mugs of coffee and sat beside Cherry’s bed, waiting.

Eventually Cherry stirred, she turned over and reached out for the coffee, taking small sips; her eyes were hard and her face expressionless. She looked across at her roommate, “I saw Robbie,” she said flatly.

“So I gathered,” Hilda’s reply was soft, “Was he pleased to see you?”

Cherry nodded, her eyes softening, “as soon as he saw me he wriggled out of his foster mum’s arms and came running over to me. He was laughing so much he couldn’t speak.”

“That must have felt wonderful,”

Cherry nodded slightly, “It did feel wonderful,” she said quietly, “I’ve been so worried that he would forget me. I mean, once every two weeks isn’t a lot when you’re only three,”

“How could he forget you, you are his mother.” Miss Annersley’s voice was encouraging.

Cherry’s green eyes darkened, “Fine mother I am, stuck in prison for soliciting, what sort of example is that? If my old headmistress ever found out she’d be pleased - just confirm her opinion of me.”

“What do you mean?” Hilda had not heard Cherry speak of her schoolteachers before and there was real bitterness in her tone.

“My mum died when I was only six,” she began, “drug overdose I think. We were all in care from then on. My brother and sister went to the same school as me, got into trouble early and left. I’ve not seen either of them for years. When I went to school the Head couldn’t wait for me to make a mistake, she would pounce on anything - to prove I was as bad as Rowan and Willow. Even when I looked like getting good results for my exams it wasn’t enough. Then I got pregnant, stupid cow that I was, age 15 and the boy disappeared. As soon as she found out the Head expelled me.”

“She did what?” Hilda Annersley was shocked and, for once, her tones were angry.

Cherry nodded, “Couldn’t wait to get me out the door,” she said bleakly, she looked across at her companion, “’course you’re a Headmistress aren’t you? Is that what you would’ve done?”

“Most definitely not!” Hilda had never sounded so certain, “That woman does not belong in the profession. At the very time you needed help and support, to throw you from the school - that is appalling, Cherry, I’m so sorry.”

Cherry smiled slightly, “Wish I’d gone to your school,” she said softly. She took another drink, “Well, as soon as I turned sixteen I was also out of the Children’s Home. I tried any number of jobs but, without any qualifications or references there wasn’t much around. One night, I was staying at a Shelter, Robbie was about four months old, and I’d run out of money, couldn’t afford to buy any food. Well, you can guess how I managed.” She looked across at Hilda once more, this time with an ashamed look on her face.

Hilda moved across to sit beside Cherry, she placed her arm around her, “Cherry, I cannot condone what you did, but I can understand why you did it. You say that you are not a good mother?” She picked up the photo of Robbie from the locker and held it in front of the girl, “I see a healthy, happy little boy. One who was so excited to see his mother that he wriggled out of the arms of the person looking after him and rushed over to her. A little boy so excited to see his mother he was laughing too hard to speak. And a little boy who cried when he had to leave her.”

Miss Annersley looked into the green eyes, “You should be very proud of yourself, Cherry, for raising such a wonderful little boy. You say you have only another three months to go? Well then, the time will go quickly, and then you will be reunited. I’m sure the authorities will be able to find you a job - they will be able to see how well you’ve looked after your son.”

Cherry smiled slightly and took the photo from Hilda, “I’ve got some others here, new ones,” she said quietly, “Would you like to see?”

Miss Annersley looked across at the girl, her eyes were soft and she no longer had an expressionless face, “I’d like that,” she said gently.

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1841:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:35 pm

Lovely, Lesley! More please! When is Hilda going to be released?!

 

#1842:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:43 pm

Oh I don't know - think they have the death penalty for murder in Switzerland..... Twisted Evil

 

#1843:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:53 pm

Lesley they do not have the death penalty....repeat that till you believe it!!!!! Evil or Very Mad

 

#1844:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:03 pm

There'll be murder committed here if you leave her where she is for the rest of her life! Evil or Very Mad

 

#1845:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:34 pm

Great post and nice to see you back as well as this excellent drabble, Lesley!

 

#1846:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:09 pm

*needs a grovelling smilie*

PLEASE may we have some more - soon!

 

#1847:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:52 pm

It's lovely to have you back, Lesley, and to have more of this story - but you will tell us soon about what's happening with Hilda's case, won't you?

Oh, and why wouldn't Miss Shaw want Hilda around for long? Given that one of the ways she might be got rid of is to a nasty Swiss jail? Confused

 

#1848:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:21 pm

The Swiss jails might not be nasty at all, they might be nicerthan Australian jails, although I have no intention of putting this theory to the test.
I'm glad thatHilda is helping Cherry, though one wouldn't expect anything else. Thanks for showing us Hilda coping with prison life.
Now, is there any chance of seeing how the school's investigation is proceeding?

 

#1849:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:53 pm

Dear Auntie Lesley
Thank you very much for the lovely story, it was very wonderful and marvellous, but pretty please may we have the next piece very very soon? Thank you very much,
Lots of love
Vikki




























(well, I figured trying the polite, begging route was worth a shot...........) Wink

 

#1850:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:00 am

Early the next morning, just after the women had all gone off to work, Miss Shaw spoke to Miss Annersley, “Your lawyer is here, Annersley, come with me.”

Miss Annersley followed the senior prison officer over to the Official Visitors Room. Once alone inside she turned to Kate Mason, “Have you any more news, Kate?”

“There are two Swiss Inspectors here, they touched down in Melbourne late last night. They’ll be along this morning to question you. They are also having to put evidence before the Judge for him to decide if there are sufficient grounds to extradite.”

“I see,” Hilda said softly, “In your opinion, are there sufficient grounds?”

Kate nodded, “Yes, Hilda, I’m sorry but there are, unless we can convince these two policemen of your innocence they will be taking you back with them.”

The lawyer quickly informed Hilda of the theories discussed by Nell Wilson and the others, including the fingerprint theory, Hilda remarked upon that, “it seems then that this is related to the rest of the trouble we have had this term.” she said thoughtfully, “And just emphasises that it must be a member of Staff or close associate.”

“Someone that was able to retrieve your fingerprints from somewhere,” agreed Kate, “With the timing of the Swiss murder, are there any people that can be exonerated? After all, it was term time - the vast majority of Staff would have been at the School.”

“True,” mused Hilda, “But it doesn’t necessarily follow that the person responsible for planning everything was actually there. The two visitors to the hospital may have been hired killers - like the two that attacked Shane, Evvy and Janetta.”

The two women spoke for some time before an officer knocked on the door to announce that the two Swiss Inspectors had arrived. The officer took the prisoner and lawyer to the Interview Room, inside were three men, the two Swiss Inspectors and Sergeant Horton!

The sergeant nodded to Miss Annersley, “How are you, Miss Annersley,” he asked softly,

“Well, sergeant,” Hilda smiled, “I understand that these two gentlemen are anxious to speak to me?”

“Yes ma’am,” the sergeant made introductions and everyone sat around the table, before anyone spoke the sergeant indicated some recording equipment and said it was to be used to keep a record of the interview. Kate Mason nodded consent.

The two Swiss policemen were not alike to look at, the older of the two, Herr Grune, was the senior, while his colleague, some 15 years younger, was Herr Jakob. They were both punctiliously correct in their English and were happy to go along with the sergeant’s request that the interview be performed in English.

“Fraulein Annersley, you are aware of the charges against you?” Herr Jakob began,

“I have been accused of murder, Herr Jakob, the murder of Gwynneth Lloyd, an inmate of a psychiatric hospital in Interlaken.” Hilda returned softly.

“For the record, Annersley,” Herr Grune began sharply, “What is your plea?”

Kate Mason interjected here, “Hilda, you are not obliged to answer that or any questions.”

Hilda Annersley smiled, “That’s alright Kate, I am more than happy to answer. For the record Grune, I beg your pardon, Herr Grune, I did not murder Gwynneth Lloyd. I have never murdered anyone. The last time I saw Gwynneth was mid-March. She was alive and well when I left.”

The younger man, noting the supposed slip with Grune’s name, stifled a smile, “Fraulein Annersley, how do you explain the fact that your fingerprints were on the murder weapon?” he asked quietly.

Hilda frowned, “I cannot explain it,” she said eventually, “there seems to be no reason for them to be there, other than to implicate me in the murder.”

Herr Grune snorted, “So your defence is that you have been framed? Hardly original Fraulein Annersley, why should someone wish to implicate you?”

“I don’t know, Herr Grune, but I suggest that you speak to my colleagues Miss Nell Wilson and Mr John Coates at the Real Chalet School, and also Chief Inspector Chris Taylor of the local police. They will be able to give you far more detail about a number of problems that Staff and pupils have been beset with over the last few weeks.”

The interview continued for a time, Miss Annersley was asked to account for her movements from late afternoon 21st May to lunchtime 23rd May.

“I travelled into London from Heathrow via the Heathrow Express,” Hilda began, “I then travelled across to Eastern London and booked into a hotel,” she gave a name, “I had a ticket for a performance at the restored Globe Theatre in Southwark that evening. The following day I spent visiting tourist attractions in London - it had been a very long time since I was last in London.” She smiled slightly, Kate Mason also smiled.

“I see,” Herr Grune still seemed extremely hostile, “Would it surprise you to discover that no one in that hotel can remember seeing you after your initial check-in? That your bed did not appear slept in, your room unused? We made enquiries, you see, as soon as our Australian colleagues informed us of your capture.”

Miss Annersley raised an eyebrow, “It would not surprise me, Herr Grune, I spent very little time in the hotel, arriving back there to sleep fairly late at night on both the Friday and Saturday. And I have always been trained to tidy up after myself.”

“Did you have any meals at the hotel, Miss Annersley?” Herr Jakob asked,

“I had breakfast on the Saturday morning, Herr Jakob, it was rather early, there were only a few people about, however I’m sure the hotel waiter will be able to identify me.”

“Yes ma’am, but that does not clear you, using either air travel or the high speed train link, you could be in Switzerland easily by early afternoon.”

Miss Annersley shook her head, “I can only repeat, I did not kill anyone.” She took a deep breath then continued, “Gentlemen, if I were to ever consider such an act, I would not use my own name. And I would wear gloves, the possibility of fingerprints has been know for a number of years and I am not unintelligent!”

Outside the room, awaiting an escort back to the wing, Miss Annersley spoke softly with the lawyer, “Kate, was it just my imagination, or did Herr Grune seem somewhat hostile?”

Kate shook her head, “Not somewhat hostile, Hilda, he seemed to have already convicted you!”

Sergeant Horton appeared in time to hear this speech and agreed, “I’ve been with these two for the last few hours,” he said, “Jakob seems fine, but Grune has already judged you as guilty, if he were one of my detectives I’d have pulled him from the case! Unfortunately he seems to be the senior one.”

Hilda thought quickly, “Kate, let Nell know this, ask her to consider how Connor behaved, it’s possible that this Grune is not just being over-zealous.”

Kate nodded and Hilda turned to the sergeant, “Sergeant Horton, might I ask that you also speak with my friend Nell Wilson?”

The sergeant smiled slightly, “You’re asking a lot, ma’am, she’s the one I nearly had to arrest in your office!”

Miss Annersley smiled, “I’m sure, if you go with Kate, that Nell will restrain herself!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 02, 2004 7:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1851:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:06 am

Ooooh the plot thickens!

Any more tonight dear sweet kind loveable Lesley?

 

#1852:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:06 am

OOOH! It worked!!!
Thank you Auntie Lesley, when do we get the next bit?

 

#1853:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:45 am

Oh, thank you Lesley, ever so ever so much. I suppose it's too late at night to expect any more......isn't it?
(Hopes Lesley says it isn't)

 

#1854:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:49 am

Yes it is! I've got to be up in less than 5 hours!!!! Shocked

 

#1855:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:53 am

In that case, sleep well, and have fruitful dreams. ZZZZ

 

#1856:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:47 am

Hardly seems worth while Lesley going to bed for five hours.

She should have just stuck around and killed time instead.

I wonder what she could have done to fill her time . . .

 

#1857:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:32 am

*happy sigh*

Lots of posting and catch-up - thank you, Lesley!! Very Happy

Loved the scene between Hilda and Cherry and hope something nasty happens to Grune (who is not worthy of a Herr!!)

Ready for some more now!
*eager*

 

#1858:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:39 am

Thank you Lesley! Lots of posting, satisfied....for now!!

Liked the way Hilda's influence is already being felt in the prison. Hopes that Herr Grune gets pulled off the case or something is found out about him!

 

#1859:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:49 am

Seems that Grune chap is a bit dodgy. Or maybe Lesley is bluffing, and actually it's his younger colleague we should be looking out for.

 

#1860:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:00 pm

*desparate for some MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE* (please)

 

#1861:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:00 pm

Great posts, Lesley, more please, very soon.

 

#1862:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 4:42 pm

Wonderful as ever Lesley more soon i hope!

 

#1863:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 5:11 pm

Rather worried that Hilda seems to be getting deeper into the mire Shocked

Hoping desparately that she will be released soon.


BUT we want to know who dunnit!

 

#1864:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:15 pm

Wow, this is getting better and better.

*right on the edge of my chair*

Any chance of another post this evening, dear nice Lesley?

 

#1865:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:32 pm

Rather worried about all the requests to 'dear kind Lesley' - this isn't normal!!!

That afternoon, at the Real Chalet School, Miss Wilson was working in her Study; ever since her partner’s arrest she had taken on the roles of both Head and Deputy. The rest of the Staff had helped as much as possible but for all actions requiring a command decision, Miss Wilson had to manage. She had spent perhaps an hour after lunch working when there was a knock at the door, after calling out ‘enter’ she looked up to see three visitors, John Coates, Kate Mason and Sergeant Horton! At first view of the police sergeant, Miss Wilson’s face darkened dramatically and she stood up,

“Have you come to arrest another innocent person, sergeant?” she said somewhat caustically, “deprive this School of it’s Deputy Head, as well as its Headmistress?”

John stepped forward, “Nell, he’s come to help.” he said quickly,

“He’s already helped enough, John,” Miss Wilson replied, “I suggest you leave, sergeant,” she turned as Kate Mason stepped forward, “whatever you’re going to say, Kate, I’m not interested.” she said flatly.

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Kate said quietly, “I was just going to give you this,” she proffered a note, “It’s from Hilda,”

Miss Wilson looked somewhat startled then took the note from the lawyer, she opened it and read,

Nell

Calm down! Sergeant Horton was only doing his job. I believe he wants to see justice done and can help. DON’T CHASE HIM AWAY!!! I’m sure you have any number of things you want to tell him, but he’ll work better with his skin intact!

Thank you for the pictures.

Love Hilda

Miss Wilson re read the note a few times, a slight smile tugging at her lips, she took a deep breath, “It seems that even being in prison cannot stop Hilda nagging!” she said softly. She turned to Horton, “It appears I owe you an apology, sergeant, Hilda Annersley seems to think you do want to clear her.”

“I want to see justice done, Miss Wilson, in this case that may well mean proving that Miss Annersley did not commit this murder.”

Nell nodded, “Very well, then, won’t you all sit down? We can discuss things.” she indicated the round table.

Sergeant Horton was quickly apprised of the case earlier in the term involving Miss Wilson and the Fire Investigation Officer, Connor. He seemed very interested in a possible link to the way Grune was behaving. After some discussion he decided to speak to his superiors about the possibility that Grune had been compromised. At the same time, John Coates was planning to speak to an acquaintance of his within Interpol - he felt this person may have the seniority to look more closely into Grune’s background.

With that discussion finished, Sergeant Horton stood up to leave, “Oh before I forget,” he said, he removed a large envelope from his jacket pocket, “this is a copy of the post mortem on Gwynneth Lloyd,” he began, “Jakob told me to pass it on to Miss Annersley’s lawyer. It makes fairly gruesome reading in part, but I thought you might need to know the details.” He left the report on the table and, accompanied by John Coates, left the room.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 02, 2004 7:40 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#1866:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:35 pm

I wanna see the PM report too please!



This is great Lesley, but you know what's coming . . .

 

#1867:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:39 pm

*agrees with Rachel the Witch!!!!*

(now there's something scary.......)

 

#1868:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:40 pm

Great, Lesley. Will Nell have an insight the pathologist missed? *apologies to any pathologists on the board - I'm sure you never miss anything but it does make for good stories*

 

#1869:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:42 pm

Oooh goody goody gumdrops, such an early posting, does this mean we can expect another one later this evening - dear, nice, lovely, kind Lesley?































Twisted Evil

 

#1870:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:03 pm

Feeling seriously spooked now by all the niceness - I expect insults, threats, torture and, if all else fails, a complete shutdown of the board for one night! Twisted Evil

More later - going to have something to eat now!

 

#1871:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:08 pm

dearest loveliest Lesley whom we adore....... PLEASE write more soon! (and post it sooner!)

 

#1872:  Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:15 pm

AARRGH!!
I'm new to this, and started reading from the beginning this evening. I have got to page 30 and my eyes are going funny, I haven't had any tea, and have forgotten to put the heating on! I think this could be called addiction.

Lesley, RCS is fantastic! How do you do it? Very Happy
Love it so far and will have marathon read to catch up with everything I've been missing! Lots of reading to do....!

 

#1873:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:55 pm

So Rachel wants to see the post mortem results. Now why doesn't that surprise me? Wink

 

#1874:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:04 pm

Thank you, Lesley! Please could you continue to be lovely and kind and post some more? Thank you!

 

#1875:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:47 pm

A short time later, Kate Mason left too, she had to get some information to the presiding judge. She left the report with Miss Wilson, promising to return later to hear all the details. Miss Wilson worked steadily for the next 90 minutes or so before taking a break. Seated at the table, sipping a mug of coffee, she decided to flick through the report.

POST MORTEM REPORT

Name - Gwynneth Lloyd
DOB - Unknown
Address - was a long term (nine months) patient in the Frederiks Psychiatric Hospital, Interlaken.


Physical Appearance

Subject appeared to be aged between 48 and 55 years old, a slim but strong frame - certainly underlying musculature seems to show that it is likely this woman was strong when alive. Height approximately 1.65m, weight 55-60 kg. Hair, dark but shot with grey - worn fairly short - possibly only since an inmate of the hospital.

Time of Death

According to Staff in hospital, subject last seen alive just after 14.30 hours, Saturday 23rd May 2004, death discovered 16.05 hrs same date. Post mortem carried out 21.15 hours 23rd May 2004. Would estimate that subject had been dead between 5 - 8 hours - this would tally with evidence of Staff.

Cause of Death

Immediate and obvious cause appears to be a deep and penetrating wound to the back. Weapon entering the back just below the right scapula, to the side of the thoracic spine, sliding between the ribs and on through part of the right lung and windpipe before impacting with the right ventricle of the heart. Death would have been due to a combination of Shock and blood loss, and could have occurred within seconds. Unlikely the victim even had time to cry out.

Miss Wilson stopped reading for a moment, surprising herself with the strength of her emotions. She did not consider herself a vindictive person, generally, yet wasn’t able to prevent a tiny measure of satisfaction at the manner of death. She continued reading.

Weapon most likely used to cause these injuries, a long handled knife - similar to a carving knife. Very sharp. The knife found in the wound matches this configuration exactly and is almost certainly the murder weapon. Two points, firstly the knife thrust was made slightly upwards, this could suggest the murderer was shorter than the victim or that the murderer had knowledge of anatomy such that an upward thrust would be more likely to impact the heart. Secondly, the knife had been removed and then pushed back into the same wound. This was shown because the second time, with the subject obviously dead, organs had been displaced and were cut in slightly different places.

One other point to note, after death the body had been slashed with another weapon, possibly a Stanley knife or similar. There were a large number of cuts on the face, arms and upper torso.

Miss Wilson stopped reading, suddenly feeling rather sick, perhaps she wasn’t quite so vindictive after all. She got up to return to her desk and the work then suddenly stopped and quickly read through the report again.

“How strange!” she thought.

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1876:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:53 pm

*sniggering*

a carving knife....

 

#1877:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:00 pm

OOOH!!! Is it Robin????


shorter than Matey, has a carving knife......... Wink

 

#1878:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:00 pm

Glad to see the carving knife making an appearance!
You did promise more later didn't you nice, kind Lesley?

 

#1879:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:02 pm

WHAT was strange? Come back, Lesley, and tell us!! Laughing

 

#1880:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:05 pm

You're reading the same as Nell - you tell me what was strange! Twisted Evil

No more tonight - off to bed - but have a day off tomorrow - so you may get more through the day! Laughing

 

#1881:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:06 pm

The fact that Matey was stabbed twice in exactly the same place? Why would anyone do that? But then, how would that help exonerate Hilda?

Have a nice day off, Lesley! Kiss

 

#1882:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:10 pm

Isn't Miss Annersley tall(ish)? So if the assailant was shorter than Matey?

 

#1883:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:16 pm

Oh yes - either the assailant was shorter than Matey (not Hilda) or had good knowledge of anatomy (but Hilda wasn't sciencey until her recent cramming session) - ?

 

#1884:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:37 pm

eeek what a yucky death ....... sppose murder isn't usually nice and civil though Rolling Eyes

we need a list of suspects ............ not Hilda not Nell not Madge nor Jo ...ok now I'm stumped

 

#1885:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:44 pm

Since I am eight foot nine, I guess I am off the hook Wink

 

#1886:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:49 pm

Rachel, honey, remember that we've met you now.......

 

#1887:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:52 am

Deeper and deeper in mystery! More soon please! Smile

 

#1888:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:58 am

Hmmm, I wondered if it was two people, one doing the stabbing and one being more vindictive or brutal and doing the slashing...and possible at separate times which may account for the knife being moved.

Lovely touch with the carving knife, our old familiar friend.

 

#1889:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:02 am

Next little bit!

The Deputy Head thought for a moment, then, picking up the report, walked out of her Study and along to the Staff Room, inside she quickly glanced around and her face lit up as she saw the Head of Maths.

“Nancy, have you got a minute?” she asked.

“Of course, Nell,” the tall woman walked across to join Miss Wilson, “What’s the problem?”

Miss Wilson shook her head slightly, “Not sure,” she began, “It may be nothing, but I was reading through this report - the post mortem, and noted something strange. I know SI units, of course, as a scientist I have to, but for some measurements I still work in Imperial. What does 1.65m translate to? In feet and inches, I mean?”

Nancy Wilmot smiled, “that’s easy,” she said, “I was teaching the Lower Fourths this morning and in one of the questions they had to translate everything to metric, that particular measurement came up. 1.65m or 165cm is 5’5”. Does that solve your problem?”

Miss Wilson now looked even more perplexed, “In a way it just throws up another problem,” she confessed, she looked around the Staff Room, “Is Kathie about?”

Nancy also looked, “Yes, I think she’s making coffee,”

The two mistresses walked over to the small kitchenette, Kathie Ferrars was there, waiting for the kettle to boil.

“Kathie,” Nell Wilson began, “how tall are you?”

Kathie Ferrars looked surprised at the question, “I’m 5’3” Nell,” she said, “one of the smallest in the Staffroom, at least I was when we were still in the fictional world.”

“That’s what I thought,” Miss Wilson replied, “tell me, were any of the other Staff the same height?”

Kathie thought for a moment, “Well Robin was smaller - that was quite nice, the short time she was Staff. Otherwise, no, EBD always seemed to want taller women. Oh except Matron Lloyd of course. She and I were exactly the same height!”

 

#1890:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:06 am

Thank you Lesley, of course this means that if none of the 'old' staff were smaller then Matey, then they couldn't have done it, unless they knew about anatomy of course, so.....

 

#1891:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:12 am

No Ellie, it means something completely different!

 

#1892:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:24 am

Then dear, sweet, FLUFFY Lesley, please explain to us what is does mean!

 

#1893:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:26 am

So it wasn't Matey???!!!!!

What is going on?????

 

#1894:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:34 am

*Sigh* I thought it was fairly obvious really, but I suppose Nell will have to spell it out to those who haven't got it (Congrats Carolyn!)

Nell Wilson looked around at her two colleagues, "This is the post mortem report on Gwynneth Lloyd," she began, indicating the papers she held in her hand, "The reason I came over here was to check something. In the report, the person being examined is described as 1.65m tall, that is 5'5"."

"But that means..." Kathie began, Nancy nodding agreement, Nell continued,

"Yes! It means that the person killed wasn't Gwynneth Lloyd!"

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 02, 2004 7:43 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#1895:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:44 am

Of course! Because Matey was small and wiry - and 5'5" isn't exactly small.

And that could be why the murdered slashed the face - to disguise the victim's identity!

But how will they prove Matey's real height? Given that she was only a character in a book when they knew her!

 

#1896:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:46 am

*chuckling*

The plot thickens! Wink

BTW - loved Hilda's note to Nell! Very Happy


ETA - when I first realised there was a height differential I wondered whether Matey had been stretched (Spanish Inquisition etc!! Shocked )

 

#1897:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:00 pm

Interesting...so who is it? And wheres MAtey?

Also loved Hilda's note to Nell...had worked out the height thing but read this too late to show off!

 

#1898:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 1:34 pm

ah ha!!! so is it possible, darling Lesley (may as well keep this tactic going as it seems to be effective) that Matey herself was the murderer who was exacting revenge on Hilda for refusing to get her out of the hospital? Although that still leaves the issue of the fingerprints. Maybe it was Robin after all. Did we ever see her again after she transferred?

 

#1899:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 2:22 pm

So, the body almost certainly wasn't matey. Matey murdered someone else to get free and put the blame on Hilda - but how did she have Hilda's fingerprints - oh yes, when Hilda visited her!

So is Matey lurking round the RCS and if so, WHERE?

Would some pipe smoking violinist like to say 'elementary my dear Watson' at this point.

*realises this is being written by Lesley the Devious so it could all be a red herring*

 

#1900:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 4:03 pm

Lesley, please put me out of my misery and write lots more of this, oh and yes, post it too. Thank you.

 

#1901:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 4:09 pm

Only written a little more Jennie - but I'll post that for you!
Oh and Lisa? This new idea of everyones of 'niceness' is actually rather worrying - makes me have to go off and think about what was said in RCS so I can get back into the right mood to write!

There was a perfect babble of noise from the other two, so much so that some of the other members of Staff looked across at the kitchenettes wondering what on Earth had caused the noise. Miss Wilson instantly silenced them, “Come along with me, both of you,” she said quickly, “We need to talk about this, and I’d rather it was away from other ears!”

In the Deputy Head’s Study Nell Wilson looked across at Nancy and Kathie, “I’ll tell you this now, in confidence,” she began, “When I went and saw Hilda yesterday we discussed who we thought could be causing all of the troubles we’ve had this term. We came to the conclusion that, if it had to be someone known to us, it was not anyone from the original Chalet School.”

“You mean you think it’s one of the CBBers, Nell?” this from Nancy Wilmot,

Nell nodded,

“But why?” this from Kathie,

“If we knew that we’d probably know who it was, too, Kathie!” Nell looked around at the other two, “Look, this news is important, because it raises the possibility that an original member of the chalet school could be involved, after all!”

“Matey!” breathed both women.

“Yes,” Nell shrugged slightly, “And this news doesn’t really help Hilda much.”

Kathie frowned, “But surely they can’t now accuse her of killing Gwynneth Lloyd!” she said indignantly,

Nancy replied, “No, but they can accuse her of killing whoever this person is, instead! That’s what you mean, isn’t it, Nell?”

“Partly,” Miss Wilson agreed, “But chiefly because we’ve no proof of Gwynneth Lloyd’s actual height, they’ll not take our word for it!”

She contacted Sergeant Horton, using the mobile number he had left for the purpose, to inform him of her discovery, when she came off the phone she was smiling,

“Perhaps Hilda was right to say trust that man,” she smiled, “I told him of our suspicions and he said he’d check it out. Gwynneth Lloyd was arrested by the Swiss Police before being sectioned., her details will all be on file, including her height.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 02, 2004 7:44 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#1902:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 4:17 pm

*on the edge of her seat and anxiously waiting for more*

 

#1903:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 4:40 pm

*looks throughly confused and therefore panicky - I don't like being confused!* But have the Swiss police got her details right....?

 

#1904:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 5:00 pm

Lesley, if you're going to blame me, I want some advance notice so I can go and hide.

 

#1905:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 6:49 pm

Lesley wrote:
Oh and Lisa? This new idea of everyones of 'niceness' is actually rather worrying - makes me have to go off and think about what was said in RCS so I can get back into the right mood to write!


Wouldn't want you to be upset by our niceness so come on you rubber necked four flusher and post the next bit Evil or Very Mad






































Please

 

#1906:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 7:52 pm

Why, because you asked so nicely PatMac!!! - Oh and ask Lisa_T, KB, Ellie, Vikki and Catherine_B to explain things to you! Twisted Evil

The following day, a Saturday, saw Nell Wilson again visiting the prison, this time, when she saw Hilda she was pleased to see her partner looked a lot healthier. After greeting each other they sat at one of the tables in the visitor’s room. Although not empty, there were not many other visitors and they were able to find one in a corner.

“You’re looking better, Hilda, are you sleeping?”

Miss Annersley smiled, “A little, Nell, thanks, I think, to your gift. You spoke to Kate and Sergeant Horton?”

“Yes, after reading your note! Actually I don’t think he’s so bad!” Miss Wilson grinned, she then told her friend of her discovery. Predictably Hilda was calm about it,

“So Gwynneth lives then? And has been free since late May?” Miss Annersley thought for a while, “Well she probably has at least some part in the problems we’ve had this term, but she cannot be the only one.”

“Agreed,” Miss Wilson nodded, “She has most definitely not been at the School - John Coates was adamant about that - it still means it’s someone attached to, or associated with the School.”

“It also means that the poor woman who was murdered back in May, was deliberately taken to the hospital to be killed.” Hilda said soberly, “I wonder if she was aware of the fact?”

Nell Wilson looked across sharply, Hilda had paled slightly, “The post mortem said that death was almost instantaneous,” she said quickly, “she’d not have known, Thank God!”

“Thank God indeed!” Hilda bowed her head slightly, when she looked up at her friend once more she had a determined expression on her face, “Nell, for that woman alone, we have to find out why these attacks have occurred.”

“And to get you out, Hilda!” replied Nell,

Hilda Annersley dismissed that thought impatiently, “Somewhere, there is a family mourning the loss of that woman, and they have no idea as to her fate. She is an innocent victim. What have John and Sergeant Horton been able to discover?”

Nell shook her head, “Not much, yet, though Sergeant Horton said he’d be contacting the Swiss police about Gwynneth’s arrest sheet - it’ll have her height recorded and prove the dead woman is not her!”

“I wonder, if they are able to identify her, whether she will have some connection to the school?” Hilda spoke quietly.

“Do you think she will?”

Hilda shook her head, “I don’t know, Nell, there has to be some reason why we have been targeted, if we could only discover it!

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1907:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 8:14 pm

*g* Lesley, you astonish me! Are you really saying you'd rather be tortured? Strange.
Oh well. Anything to please you and keep you writing! *goes off to dig out Lesley's Adventures and the rest of the Lesley storylines from first time round*

 

#1908:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 8:17 pm

Typical Hilda to be more concerned about someone else when she's in such a sticky situation herself.

Thanks Lesley!

*looks round with some suspicion at the CBBers. At least it's not me, I didn't make it to Australia!*

 

#1909:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 8:20 pm

*Sheds a tear for Very Courageous Hilda*

 

#1910:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 8:21 pm

Lesley you mean horrible stinky person!

You are so mean, and I am so . . .


Write some more would you petal? Wink

 

#1911:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 8:34 pm

Now if that doesn't terrify you into writing more, I don't know what could!
*backing rapidly away from RTW, who's even more dangerous when she's (pretending) to be nice..*

 

#1912:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:10 pm

Thank you, Lesley! Please could we have some more?

 

#1913:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:23 pm

Feeling slightly better - too much niceness really worried me!

Later that afternoon, back in her room, Hilda was reading through her post, she had received a number of letters that day, including three or four from various of the Prefects. Cherry had also received a letter from her son’s foster parents, along with a drawing from him, however she had finished reading long before her roommate and had gone out to watch a film on TV. Saturday afternoon was always a far more relaxed time even in the regimented atmosphere of a prison.

Halfway through the afternoon there was a knock at the door and Butcher stood there with another inmate, Cherry had pointed her out as Kelly Evans. Butcher asked if Annersley would please help Evans, then left abruptly. Miss Annersley turned to the young girl, noting that, if anything, she was even younger than Cherry.

“You want my help, Kelly?” Hilda asked gently, the girl had looked terrified being with Butcher.

“Yes please, mum,” Evans’ voice was very quiet, and she stayed looking down and holding onto the door frame, Hilda smiled,

“I’m Hilda,” she said softly, “why don’t you come in and tell me what I can do to help,”

Over the next hour, Hilda had gently teased out of the terrified Kelly Evans that she needed help writing a letter to the Parole Board. She also needed some help with her actual written work. Hilda had gradually helped with both of these problems all the while slowly putting the girl at her ease. By the time they were finished Kelly Evans had lost her shyness and was almost chatty.

“Where are you from in England, Miss?” Kelly could not seem to call Hilda by her first name, “Is it from Yorkshire?”

Hilda smiled and shook her head, “No, Kelly, I believe my father’s family was supposed to have come from Northern England originally, but I have always considered somewhere in the Home Counties as my birth place.”

“Oh, pity, my mum’s family were from Yorkshire, to begin with, City of York itself. Do you know it?”

“I’ve heard of it, but not visited myself,” Hilda replied, “One of my colleagues visited York when we were in England in May. She was visiting someone she had known a long time ago.”

“Oh, she might have seen some relatives of mine, then!” Kelly looked pleased, “my gran or great-gran were from there!”

Hilda had laughed and gently tried to explain exactly how large the city of York was, Kelly remained enthusiastic, “Still, she might ‘ave done,” she said, brightly, “You never know, did the person your friend was visiting come from there?”

“Not originally, but she settled there and went on to have a family and grandchildren,”

“Oh, well she might have know my relations without even realising it, she may even be a relation herself, after all she’s been there long enough!” Kelly Evans had grinned at that then, taking her completed letter, had thanked Hilda and disappeared.

Hilda had returned to her letters, she had reached one from Con Mackenzie and was re reading it prior to replying. She stretched out on her bed to finish reading the letter, however, the quiet and the fact that she had been sleeping badly, caught up with her. When Cherry returned from watching the film it was to find her asleep. Cherry pulled a blanket over her and left the room, drawing the door to, behind her.

Perhaps an hour later, Hilda awoke, feeling refreshed by her sleep. She seemed to have had some rather odd dreams, all the troubles during the term were mixed up in them, and her most recent conversation with Kelly Evans. She shrugged and looked again at Con’s letter,

Hilda, Jock and I were discussing only the other night about the problems you’ve had this term. Obviously we were worried about Janetta, and we tried to think of anyone that would want to harm her - the only thing we could think of was someone from ‘our past’

Miss Annersley immediately understood the reference to the original chalet school,

Of course we cannot see how that explains the young girl injured in the blast in the Chemistry Lab, but perhaps she was just randomly selected.

‘Was she randomly selected?’ Hilda thought to herself, she could remember Kelly Stevens saying that this Rach(a)el had contacted her while in England, was that before, or after, she had been entered for the Real Chalet School?’

Cherry looked in and, seeing that her roommate was awake, told her it was time for tea. Hilda told herself to stop worrying about it. For now all she had to do was continue to survive prison, she had every confidence that Nell and the others would get her out soon. She could think on this again once she was free.

 

#1914:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:28 pm

Little clues! I'm sure if we were clever enough, we would have a blinding revelation - but I'm still confuzzled as to who is working for Matey - if anyone is, of course.

I think we need more clues, please Lesley.

 

#1915:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:34 pm

Lesley - I've just caught up on all of this- since Hilda was hit by Butcher. Fantastic stuff still.

Fab twist btw, with it not being Matey. Please write more.

 

#1916:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:44 pm

I'm not nearly clever enough to piece together these clues, so will just sit patiently and wait for revelation.



















Which I hope will be soon!

 

#1917:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:53 pm

Thank you Lesley Mr. Green

 

#1918:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:12 pm

Thank you Lesley!!
one word......




MORE!!!!!!!!!

 

#1919:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:18 pm

aarrgghh - he discrepancy between the heights of the murdered woman and Matey are so obvious - now you come to mention it - but this story is so good you tend to devour it whole and miss the little tiny details.
Fantastic plotting Lesley, I'm really looking forward to seeing where you take us next. And I'm not even going to try and guess.

 

#1920:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:26 pm

Thanks Lesley, those were great bits.

*wonders if Kelly Evans is related to any CS people?*

 

#1921:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:53 pm

Yay!!! Lots more bits! Thank you Lesley. Even my husband wants you to write some more. The computer is in our bedroom now and he was woken up early this morning by my drabble dance, which got quite frustrated when your last bit came to an end. He said "well ask Lesley to write some more so I can get some sleep!"

 

#1922:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:00 am

*ROTFL at Cathy's story*

Cathy, you obviously need to start him reading RCS - then he'll be asking for his own sake! Laughing

 

#1923:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:06 am

Catherine_B wrote:
*ROTFL at Cathy's story*

Cathy, you obviously need to start him reading RCS - then he'll be asking for his own sake! Laughing

Yes but he has to read all the other Chalets first, otherwise it doesn't make sense and he has to finish Harry Potter first!!!

 

#1924:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 6:59 am

Hope body isn't Corney Van Alden, as she's the only one we know is missing just now (please, no! Shocked)

Don't suppose anyone has a few hair roots or other samples from Matey & corpse? Could run a few comparative PCRs if you'd like. (Of course judiciary might not consider me sufficiently unbiased Confused .)

 

#1925:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 9:29 am

Kathy! Don't suggest such awful things! Shocked

 

#1926:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:14 am

Ooooh, was hoping for some more...now who was living in York?

 

#1927:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:07 pm

I've just had a marathon read-through of this. All I can say is WOW! Lesley, this is fantastic. More, please.

 

#1928:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:21 pm

Lesley Lesley Lesley! More more more!

Come on - it's 14 hours since your last post - surely you don't have anything better to do than satisfy our extreme curiosity? ROFL

Kiss

 

#1929:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:31 pm

Laughing No nothing at all, Catherine! Wink

Later that night, sometime after midnight, the telephone ringing awoke Sara Coates, sighing, she stretched over to answer it. After listening to the person on the other end she rolled over and poked John in the back.

“Phone for you, John,” she said indistinctly, “Says it’s a Sergeant Horton, he’s got news from Switzerland,”

John grunted and reached for the receiver. “Coates here,”

“Ken Horton here, sorry to call so late, but I thought you’d want to know as soon as possible. I spoke to Inspector Jakob about the height anomaly. He was initially very sceptical but agreed to contact his people about Lloyd’s original arrest details. They confirm what Nell Wilson said, namely that Lloyd was 160cm tall - 5’3”, and therefore the murdered woman is not Lloyd!”

“Well that’s something, I suppose,” John Coates replied, “What was Jakob’s reaction?”

“He was very embarrassed and apologetic, he even said, off the record, that he’d be contacting his superiors in Switzerland - apparently confirming the identity was something Grune was responsible for.”

“Are there any ideas about who the woman could be?”

“Police forensic people are looking into it now, they’ll have DNA results soon and already have fingerprints on file. Of course whoever it is has been missing for three months now - and there are any number of missing persons. One thing though, Jakob had the original transcripts of the police interviews of the Staff with him. Most of the Staff were only able to say that both the woman arriving to visit Lloyd spoke good German but that they were obviously foreigners. One though insisted he could tell where they were from.”

“Where?”

“Well one, the one who put herself down as Annersley was English, while the one who said she was Madge Russell, the one we now know was murdered, was a Frenchwoman.”

“French? Is he sure?”

“Jakob said that he was adamant in the interviews, but that Grune didn’t follow up on it, instead focusing on the one calling herself Annersley.”

“Does he feel Grune has been compromised in some way? You heard Nell tell you of our run in with Connor earlier this term.”

“Well, he didn’t think Grune had any debts or suddenly become extravagant with money,” Horton’s voice was placid, “But there was one strange thing. Grune has an elderly mother, she was dying due to inoperable cancer until a few months ago. Now she’s in New York having an experimental treatment that seems to be working. Grune had known about this treatment for months but, because it was so expensive, had not been able to afford it. Then about two months ago, an English relative got in touch and said they’d pay for the treatment, and his mother was shipped off to the States. It was at about the same time as he requested transfer to the Lloyd case.”

“Hmmm, seems to be a little suspicious,” Coates replied, “Thanks for the info Ken, I’ll let Nell know,”

“Well good luck getting through to her,” Horton laughed, “I tried both her land line and mobile and got no answer, that’s why the Gatehouse put me through to you!” He rang off.

John Coates stared at the receiver for a while, then suddenly got up and started to dress,

“John it’s after one in the morning,” Sara’s voice was a little sharp, “Can’t it wait?”

John Coates bent to kiss his wife, “Sorry Sara, this is important, I must speak to Nell, it’s something that could help get Hilda out of prison!”

“Well in that case, OK!” Sara smiled slightly, “I know Nell is worried about her,”

…

In the cottage owned by Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson, Miss Wilson was not sleeping. Although pleased that Hilda had appeared to be coping well in prison, Nell was still worried about her. This worry and the associated problems that had affected the School over the last term combined to ensure that, even when she had eventually retired for the night, sleep was far from achievable. After spending at least an hour staring up at the ceiling, she eventually gave up on attempting to sleep and got up again. After getting dressed she quickly slipped out of the cottage.

Outside it was a fairly warm night, the night sky was clear and the moon and stars evident. Nell looked up and was pleased to be able to recognise the Southern Cross, she followed the direction of the cross and found herself on the ridge over looking the sea. Settling down with her back against some rocks, she quietly watched the rise and fall of the ocean, allowing the sight to give her comfort once more. She remained there for some time, drinking in the serenity from the waves.

A noise behind her suddenly alerted her to the fact that she was not alone, she stood up quickly, turning to see the shadow of a man, he spoke,

“Well I wondered where you were, I’ve been looking for you.”

 

#1930:  Author: Nicci forgot to log in,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:34 pm

I hope to goodness that's John Coates not crazy carving knife person. Shocked

Frenchwoman.... Robin?

 

#1931:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:35 pm

*falls straight off edge of cliff*

Please, please let this be John Coates and not a villain.

ETA: Frenchwoman could be Jeanne de Lachenais (sp?), last seen many pages back, allegedly climbing a mountain.

Last edited by caz on Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1932:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:37 pm

Urk!!! *makes incoherent spluttering noise*

Lesley, please tell us that it's a friend and not someone about to attack Nell!!!!

(Thank you for the latest post, btw Kiss)

 

#1933:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:41 pm

Thank you Lesley, but please post some more so I can stop holding my breath.

 

#1934:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:44 pm

*watches Jennie slowly turn a shade of purple*

Please post more Lesley, before she turns still grey etc!

 

#1935:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:59 pm

OooooooooooooOooooooooooooOooooooooOooo
OooooooOOOooooooOOOooooooOooooOOOooo
OooooooooooOOOOOoooooooooh!

I need more of this, please wonderful, beautiful, clever, amazing Lesley.

 

#1936:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 1:00 pm

Yay thank you Lesley i just caught up!

 

#1937:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:04 pm

Little bit more for now - more later!

Miss Wilson grinned, “Hello John, why on Earth are you looking for me at,” she squinted at her watch, “a quarter past two in the morning?”

John Coates grinned back, “Because I needed to speak to you, of course!” He threw a small object across, Nell caught it, it was her mobile phone,

“That’s the reason you have those things, Nell, I’ve just been into your cottage wondering where the Hell you were!”

Nell Wilson looked at the mobile with almost active dislike, “You know we did manage before these things were invented,” she said, smiling slightly, “and anyway, I am in charge here, I can do without all this nagging!”

“Oh and you never nagged Hilda, of course,” John returned innocently,

Nell Wilson looked across at the Security Chief, “Hmmm,” she mused, “If I didn’t know better I’d swear Hilda had told you to give me a hard time!” She grinned, “OK, you win, I should have taken the phone with me. Now, what was so urgent?”

As they walked back to the cottage, John relayed all the information given to him by the Sergeant. Nell was particularly interested in the nationality of the murdered woman,

“Well the only French member of Staff not at the Real Chalet School is Jeanne de Lachenais, and she’s halfway up a mountain in the Himalayas. We had a letter from her a couple of weeks ago and she sent some pictures via her laptop only last week.”

She thought for a moment, “I’ll speak to Joey and Robin in the morning,” she said eventually, “If this person is related to the original chalet school they may be able to help, Robin’s got extensive files on those people we have and haven’t contacted yet, and Joey may be able to get more news from her friend Simone de Bersac.”

They had reached the cottage by this time, “Did you want a drink, John?”

John Coates shook his head, “No, I’ve got to get back home, before Sara files for divorce on the grounds of desertion! See you later today!”

 

#1938:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:21 pm

Oh thank goodness!

I can go out now this afternoon with a light heart!

 

#1939:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:41 pm

I'm not usually glad when I miss a post but missing the last but one did save me going an interesting shade of purple to match Jennie!

It does keep coming back to that trip to the himalayas, doesn't it. More please, Lesley - there isn't anything in the world more important than posting more Twisted Evil

 

#1940:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:38 pm

Thank you, Lesley. Now returning to normal colour!

 

#1941:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:41 pm

Didn't Jeanne take the place of someone else who dropped out at the last minute? *wonders if that is important*

The trouble is that you get so caught up in what is happening that you forget the tiny details, just as you would in real life.

 

#1942:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 5:33 pm

*wails*
Lesley!!! Please!!!!!!

 

#1943:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 5:35 pm

I know Lesley was on the Board a few minutes ago, I've been hanging around hoping for more. Did you hear that, Lesley?

 

#1944:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 6:23 pm

Thanks Lesley, hey, I've just realised, you've actually killed someone, the question is, is it someone we know!
Hope that there will be more later.

 

#1945:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:11 pm

Yay, thank you Lesley.

 

#1946:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:35 pm

Next bit!

Somewhat later that morning, Nell Wilson contacted both Robin and Joey Maynard, and arranged a meeting in her cottage. Also present were John Coates, Nancy, Kathie, Ruth and Rosalind. After seeing that everyone was supplied with drinks Nell started, she first brought everyone up to date on what was happening with Hilda and on what had been discovered so far. Then John repeated his conversation with Sergeant Horton from the night before.

“What we need to do now,” Nell said once John had finished, “Is find out if it could be possible that this poor Frenchwoman has any connection with the original chalet school. Robin, you’re the one that’s been charged with finding all our lost people, is there anyone that comes to mind?”

Robin Humphries, her long, curly hair shining in the sunlight, shook her head slightly, “Nell, there’s no one that I can think of straight away.” she said softly, “we’ve had some luck finding people, one of the earliest was Simone and her family, luckily she had only transferred over a few years ago. Simone has been helping me out.” She consulted a list, “we recently tracked down Odette Mercier, she apparently transferred over in the 1980’s, we also thought we’d managed to track down Renee Lecoutier, Simone was very excited, had a telegram from someone back in April or May, answering the questions correctly, but have heard nothing since.”

“Simone was rather upset about that,” Joey put in, “I mean, she’d not had much contact with her sister since just after the war but still.”

Nell nodded sympathetically, “Did you get an address, Robin? Perhaps someone could go over there sometime?”

“Already tried that, Nell,” Robin replied, “If it is Renee then she’s away on a ‘Round the World’ Trip. A neighbour has a card from her requesting she place her belongings in storage, she’s not expecting to be back for a year and will be unobtainable. I think the card was from Kathmandu.” Robin consulted her notes again and smiled, “From what this neighbour says this Renee is aged about 50, so she’ll be an older sister to Simone rather than a younger one!”

“Well that’s happened a lot to all of us,” Nancy smiled, “after all, I saw Ida Reaveley in May, she and I were at School together, I was a few months older than her. Now she estimates her age at 55 years, while I’m about 20 years younger!”

The rest of the group laughed, Nell turned to John, “Did you say you were going to look into the London end? After all if we can discover something showing Hilda was in London that would place reasonable doubt on her being in Interlaken killing that poor woman.”

John nodded, I’ve got a few friends at Scotland Yard,” he said, “They’ve done a little digging but can’t find anything. After all, Hilda was just doing the tourist bit, along with thousands of others in London. She couldn’t have picked a busier weekend if she’d tried and apparently went to all the most popular places, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussaud’s, the lot. Besides there were a number of security alerts in London that day, the Met were frantically busy. I’ve asked them to keep looking but I don’t hold out a great deal of hope.”

…

At the same time, in the prison, Miss Annersley was returning from attending church. After stopping off in her room to replace her Bible and pick up a book, she walked over to the exercise grounds. A small courtyard in the centre of the prison, this area was out in the open and allowed the women to get some exercise and see the outside. Hilda found a spot under a tree and sat at one of the wooden benches to read.

The majority of the women were either indoors watching a film on TV, or were watching two wings play a game of baseball. There were only a few close to Hilda, she recognised some of them, but one or two seemed to be new arrivals. Apart from the prison officer at the gate, there were no other officers around either, they were also watching the match.

Miss Annersley’s peace was suddenly disturbed when a shadow fell across her, she looked up, the woman in front of her, in her mid twenties, was a tall, muscular woman. There was a long scar down her right cheek and she had Love and Hate tattooed across her knuckles. Hilda didn’t recognise her and thought she must be a new inmate. The woman spoke,

“Are you Annersley?”

Miss Annersley’s eyebrow rose but she answered calmly, “I am, did you want my help for something?”

The woman laughed slightly, “Not exactly, but I do want to talk to you,” she glanced around, “It’s too public here, come inside. I need it to be a bit more private.”

“I think not,” Miss Annersley’s voice was firm, “whatever your business, declare it here, I see no good reason to move elsewhere.”

The woman looked over at her, then reached into her jacket and grasped something, “You’ll do as you’re told, Annersley,” she said viciously.

Hilda looked at the object held in the woman’s hand, it was a Stanley knife, she swallowed, “I see,” she said softly, standing as she spoke, “Now I have good reason.”

 

#1947:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:38 pm

Eek! Eek! Eek!

*rendered incoherent yet again by Lesley's ability to conjur cliffs from nowhere!*

 

#1948:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:42 pm

*lies at the bottom of the cliff groaning weakly!*

 

#1949:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 9:30 pm

lands on top of Vikki and rolls off....quick, please post some more and help us.

 

#1950:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 9:32 pm

Ouch!!!

 

#1951:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 9:35 pm

*gulp* Lesley!!!!

I have a horrible feeling that this is all working up to sommat very nasty for next weekend- why let Easter weekend pass, after all(?)

More ASAP!!! Very ASAP too.

 

#1952:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 9:43 pm

Interesting point to ponder - Rachels Little Helper comes from York . . .

 

#1953:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 10:37 pm

Eeeek - now I am worried about Hilda! Ok I know I wanted to see her in prison, but she's had enough now - it's time to get her out of there, somehow, please!

 

#1954:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 10:54 pm

Totally agree, Ellie! But let her be unharmed!!


*wonders if we should start a protest or a chant to free Hilda*

*wonders if it would make any difference to Lesley?* No, probably not! Wink

 

#1955:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:00 pm

But it would relieve our feelings while we wait for the next post.

*begins to chant*

 

#1956:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:03 pm

Just a little extra for now - more tomorrow!

Nancy looked up at John’s words, “Do you know, I remember those security alerts,” she said, I was staying with Ida and her grandchildren were watching some film or other on TV. The BBC interrupted with a special bulletin.”

The others sat in the lounge looked mildly interested, Kathie spoke, “It was all just a false alarm though wasn’t it? I mean there were no bombs or anything.”

“Oh no, there were no bombs,” Nancy returned, “The only excitement was from a BBC outside broadcast unit, showing how everyone from the Jewel House of the Tower of London were evacuated.” Nancy’s voice trailed off as she realised what she had just said, she looked around the room to see that all the others had seen it at the same time.

John Coates spoke, “Nancy, what time was it?”

Nancy thought for a moment, “Just after 1pm,” she said, “Do you think there could be footage?”

“Sure to be,” this from Nell, “We’ve just got to hope it’s the right footage. John, get in touch with your contacts in Scotland Yard, see if they have any sway with the BBC. Let’s just pray that the film hasn’t been wiped!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1957:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:06 pm

OOOOH!!
*crosses fingers and dares to hope*

 

#1958:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:06 pm

Early tomorrow? Please?

 

#1959:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:06 pm

Leaving Hilda at knife point until tomorrow??!!

 

#1960:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:07 pm

Oh, please don't et the film be wiped - please, and please get Hilda out in time.
Incidentally, it will be tomorrow in 53 minutes

 

#1961:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:15 pm

Kathy, you say that like it's a bad thing!

Repeat after me:

"Knives are good things.
Knives are shiny.
Be one with the knife."

 

#1962:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:20 pm

*g* But that's the poiint, isn 't it, Rachel? It's fun being the one with the knife...not so much fun for your unfortunate victim. (That includes teddy bears! Twisted Evil )

 

#1963:  Author: Honeycomb,  PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:22 pm

*wibble*

 

#1964:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 11:30 pm

Overcome by the developments. Most worried about the immediate threat to Hilda but also wondering if Renée is either the Frenchwoman or if she is a bit farther over from Katmandu and in the Himalayas.

Lesley, I hope you get up early on Sundays!

 

#1965:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:56 am

*Worried by Jeanne's absence, it's not impossible to fake digital photos.... Confused *

 

#1966:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:14 pm

Hilda Annersley walked slowly back into the prison, mindful of the presence of the other woman only a few feet behind her. She said nothing, just followed the softly whispered orders of her captor. Inside the prison she was directed along an empty corridor, there was no one else around. Finally she was ordered to enter one of the storerooms, the woman followed her inside and shut the door behind her.

Inside, the room was lined with shelves on which were sheets, pillowcases, towels and other laundry items. Miss Annersley stood with her back to some shelves, the other woman stood in front of her, the knife now held openly in her right hand.

“You said that you wanted to talk to me?” even now, Hilda’s voice remained calm, she gazed across at the other woman.

“Not exactly, Annersley,” the woman smiled, “I just needed you somewhere away from prying eyes.” She moved closer and held the knife up, level with Hilda’s eyes. The blade reflected light from the small electric light bulb in the ceiling. “You see, you’ve really upset someone on the outside, someone prepared to pay me enough to get sent to prison so I can dispose of you.”

“You’re being paid to kill me?” The question was asked softly,

“That’s right, and don’t bother trying to offer me more money, I always complete my contracts.” The woman smiled again, then rested the blade of the knife on Miss Annersley’s neck, “Now, on your knees!”

Miss Annersley stiffened slightly, her eyes piercing, she looked across at the woman, “No,” she said, quietly.

“Do it!” the order rang out menacingly.

Miss Annersley swallowed slightly before speaking, “Or you will do what?” she asked softly, “You’ve already said that you are going to kill me, there is nothing else with which you can threaten me. And I vowed last December that I would never again kneel to anyone, except my God.”

“Well don’t worry, you’ll be meeting Him soon!” As she spoke the woman drew back her arm slightly prior to delivering the killing stroke…

...

At the Real Chalet School, the women waited while John Coates called friends of his in London. In England it was Saturday night and John had a little difficulty tracking them down to begin with. Finally, after more than an hour speaking on the phone he turned to Nell,

“We’re in luck, not only was it not wiped but the Anti-Terrorist branch has the copy - they checked it out in case any of those making the hoax calls were at the scene. It was sat, gathering dust, on a shelf.”

“Can they send it to us?” Nell asked.

John nodded, “they’ll stick it on a plane today, better still though, they’ve got a copy on disc and can email it to us,”

“Excellent, give them the address of the main IT lab in the School, we’ll all go over there to view the film, let’s just hope Hilda’s on it!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:19 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#1967:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:20 pm

*wibbles, eebles incoherently* Lesley, please don't kill Hilda!

 

#1968:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:50 pm

*joins the ever increasing number of wibblers*
You can't kill Hilda!!!! Shocked

Last edited by Kathryn on Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1969:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:56 pm

Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhh!!!! Noooooooo! You can't kill Hilda!!!

 

#1970:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 1:07 pm

LESLEY ANN GREEN!

Get back here RIGHT NOW and save Hilda!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#1971:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:09 pm

Seems some people were anxious for another bit of this - so here it is!

“What’s going on in here?” A voice suddenly spoke from the door, the two women inside looked across to see Butcher and her two bodyguards enter the room. It was Butcher who had asked the question.

The woman turned, still holding the knife to Hilda’s throat, she smiled at Butcher,

“You’re Butcher, right? I left a message for you, Ten percent of my fee so you’ll look the other way.”

Butcher nodded, “I got your message,” she said, she did not look at Hilda, “you’re Viv Thomas aren’t you? I may want to renegotiate the fee.”

The scarred woman nodded, “Yeah, I’m Thomas,” she considered, “OK, I can go to 25 percent, but for that you give me an alibi. So I’m not convicted of her murder.”

Butcher thought for a moment, glancing over for the first time at Hilda Annersley, she smiled, “I think we might be able to deal,” she said softly. She turned to her two companions, “Outside both of you, watch out for the screws,” The two women went back into the corridor, guarding the door. Butcher turned back to Thomas, “Mind if I watch?” she asked, “This one has caused me a number of problems, I’ll enjoy seeing you work!”

Thomas shrugged, “No worries, in fact, if you like, do it yourself! I’ll still only pay 25 percent mind, but I’ve no problem with you killing her instead of me.” She offered the knife to Butcher.

Butcher stood thinking for a few seconds then her face split into a grin, “Why not?” she said softly, taking the knife from Thomas. She walked over to stand in front of Hilda, glancing up slightly to meet her eyes, she whispered, “I’ll enjoy this, Annersley, what does your character reading say about this?”

Miss Annersley stared back at her, her face impassive, “I did say that I was not infallible.” she replied, watching as Butcher brought the knife up to her neck…

 

#1972:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:12 pm

*holds breath*

*hopes Lesley will post more very soon*

 

#1973:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:15 pm

Come back Lesley!!!

 

#1974:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:19 pm

Cliff after cliff after cliff! Lesley you are don't want to be responsible for a mass nervous breakdown do you - who will be left to read it once we're all gibbering!

 

#1975:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:24 pm

Well if there are bodyguards outside stopping people from getting in, the only way that Hilda is going to get out of this is if Butcher is seriously bluffing, so what she's going to enjoy is ripping Viv Thomas apart.

Or this is all just someone's bad dream.

Or Lesley is really going to kill her favourite character... Shocked

ETA: What I really meant to say on this post was -
aaaaarrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhwwwwwaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!

 

#1976:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 3:14 pm

Lesley, if you're going to kill or maim Hilda in some way, do you think you could hurry up and do it? The suspense is killing me!

 

#1977:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:20 pm

Catherine_B wrote:
LESLEY ANN GREEN!

Get back here RIGHT NOW and save Hilda!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Catherine took the words right out of my mouth!!! (okay, so she was reffering to an earlier cliff, but it fits here just as well!!!)
Lesley, get your backside back in here right now young lady and post the next bit!!! (you know, the bit where Hilda DOESN'T get killed!!!!)

 

#1978:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:43 pm

Oh, sorry! (Looks all round her in distraction) don't seem to have that bit! Twisted Evil

The hour or so that the Staff from the Real Chalet School had to wait, while, far away in England the appropriate people were found and permission sought, seemed to stretch into eternity. Finally, John Coates had a call to say everything had been cleared, the film itself was placed onto a cargo plane leaving for Australia within the hour, and the email attachment arrived on the PC in the IT lab. All eight avidly watched the newscast; after only a few minutes Miss Wilson turned in triumph,

“She’s there!” she said, she paused the tape and everyone else looked at the figure she was pointing to. Somewhat indistinct and certainly out of focus, the woman Nell was pointing to could have been anyone. The others all looked at it dubiously.

“What’s the matter with you?” Nell Wilson said impatiently, “That’s Hilda, I’d stake my life on it!”

Ruth cleared her throat, “Nell, we’re not doubting you, but after knowing her so long it’s likely that you’d be able to recognise her, only, the one that’s got to recognise her is an Australian judge who’s never clapped eyes on her before!”

Nell Wilson glared for a second then nodded, she reached over and started the tape again. The eight continued looking, John keeping an anxious eye on the time counter, his friends had said that the tape was about 17 minutes long, they’d already seen 15 minutes…

“There!” “I see her!” “Got it!”

The calls came from the Staff almost simultaneously, the tape was paused once more. There, in the centre of the picture, just behind and to the right of the reporter, and perfectly in focus, stood Hilda Annersley. Nell looked at the time on the film,

“That film was taken at 1.31 pm British Summer Time,” she said triumphantly, “That’s an hour behind the Central European Time that Switzerland runs on. Therefore at almost exactly that time - 14.30 hrs in Switzerland, the two women had just arrived at the hospital in Interlaken.” She paused to grin to everyone, “We can prove it wasn’t Hilda,” she said, “We can get her out of that prison!”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Apr 05, 2004 7:23 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#1979:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:45 pm

YES! Thanks Lesley!

 

#1980:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:46 pm

*dashes into thread panting and breathless*
*fails to see cliff in the hurry*
*lands at the bottom of the cliff in a crumpled heap*
*moans weakly "where's the rest Lesley?".......*





ETA: Yay! we have our first hundred page thread!!! (who could have guessed that it might be this one....... Rolling Eyes)

popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake popper birthday cake

Last edited by Vikki on Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#1981:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:47 pm

Oh poor Vikki!

This thread is noww 100 pages long!

 

#1982:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:49 pm

Well it's all very well being able to get her out of prison but it's not going to make the slightest bit of difference if they kill her is it?


LESLEY GET BACK HERE AND POST THE REST NOW!!

 

#1983:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:53 pm

Dot wrote:
Oh poor Vikki!

This thread is noww 100 pages long!



Thanks Dot! Have you seen any sexy young docs, who might be able to heal my injuries? Wink

 

#1984:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:57 pm

But they can only get her out of prison if she is alive to be gotten out!!

*please let the Butcher be bluffing and really going to hurt/kill the bad lady.

 

#1985:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 5:16 pm

Lesley - we're still moaning weakly at the bottom of a VERY big cliff.

*thinks this thread needs a warning for people of a nervous disposition*

 

#1986:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:05 pm

Butcher smiled slightly, drew the knife to one side, then sliced down sharply, there was a scream…

 

#1987:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:11 pm

*points out to Lesley that that will be nothing to HER scream if we don't get more of this SOON!!*

 

#1988:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:12 pm

I'm sure there'll be another post in a couple of mins. As long as Hilda survives, it seems to be going better for her.

 

#1989:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:13 pm

Lesley there will be grave consequences if you don't
a) save Hilda
b) post more


Evil or Very Mad Mad

 

#1990:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:26 pm

WHAT?? NO MORE??

LESLEY!!!

 

#1991:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:59 pm

Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

Miss Annersley looked over toward Thomas, she was screaming, Butcher had thrown the knife and it has sliced down her left cheek. Almost in the same move Butcher had moved across, she punched Thomas viciously in the stomach and, as she doubled over, brought her knee up to slam into Thomas’ left temple. Thomas crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

There was silence in the storeroom, the door opened and one of the two women looked in, Butcher signalled for her to remain, guarding Thomas. She looked over at Miss Annersley.

Hilda Annersley took a couple of deep breaths to steady herself, when she spoke her voice had a very fine tremor to it, “It seems I was correct about your character then, Butcher,” she said.

Butcher smiled, “No one, but no one hurts my people, Annersley, except me!” She looked down at Thomas, she was weakly stirring, “What the Hell do I need money for?” she said softly, “I’ve got responsibilities,”

Miss Annersley nodded, her eyes glistening, “Thank you, Butcher,” she said softly, “I owe you my life,”

Butcher shrugged, “Just doing my job,” she said nonchalantly, she glanced down at the moaning figure on the floor, there was a pool of blood beneath her left cheek, “Now I’ve just got to finish this!” She looked across at Miss Annersley then called in the second woman on guard, “Get her out of here, far away, she’s to have nothing to do with this!” Butcher snapped the command to the women who immediately nodded and grabbed hold of Hilda’s arm, dragging her to the door, she resisted the pull,

“Butcher,” her voice, somewhat shaky but still strong, called out,

The woman looked across,

“Butcher, please, don’t kill her!” the request was made softly,

Ann Butcher looked across, “Are you crazy?” she said unbelievingly, “she’s a contract killer, you were seconds away from being her latest victim.”

Miss Annersley nodded, “Yes, I know that,” she took a breath, “But I do not want to be the reason another has died. And I do not want to think that you have committed cold blooded murder. Please, isn’t there another way?”

There was silence in the small storeroom for some minutes, Butcher glaring across at Miss Annersley, eventually Butcher sighed, “I hope to God you’re released from here soon, Annersley, you’re a bloody terrible influence! OK, I won’t kill her, I’ll think of something else.”

“Thank you,” Miss Annersley allowed herself to be dragged from the storeroom. The woman took Miss Annersley back to her room, enjoining her to stay in there until lunch time. She disappeared only to return a few minutes later with the book that Hilda had left outside. Once the woman had gone Hilda knelt in prayer, thanking God. She then attempted to return to her book for the next two hours. By the time Cherry popped her head in to tell her roommate it was time to eat, Hilda had succeeded in regaining her composure.

“You ready, Hilda?” Cherry smiled, “Have you had a good morning?”

Hilda nodded, “I’ve spent most of the time reading,” she said, truthfully.

“Oh, you missed all the excitement then,” returned Cherry,

“Excitement?”

“Yeah, one of the new inmates, only admitted this morning, threw herself off the roof!”

Hilda turned white, “Is she dead?” she asked quickly,

“Eh? Oh no, it wasn’t the top, she fell about three floors,” Cherry replied, “Bad enough though, they say she broke both her arms and both her legs, as well as badly cutting her face. She’ll survive though, just be in a Hell of a lot of pain for a while.”

Cherry looked across at her roommate, “Miss Shaw seemed to think that she’d not fallen at all, that she’d been beaten up, but the woman insisted she’d fallen.”

 

#1992:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:05 pm

THANK YOU FOR NOT KILLING HILDA, LESLEY!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#1993:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:05 pm

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, LESLEY


now, what about getting 'Annersley' out of there eh? Wink

 

#1994:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:08 pm

Thank you for not killing Hilda.

And yay Hilda for still having feelings for her, even if she is a baddie!

 

#1995:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:09 pm

oh my god!

speechless again, this time with relief!

 

#1996:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:17 pm

OK who has added 'BEWARE OF CLIFFS' to the description of this drabble?


*Lesley looks around accusingly!*

 

#1997:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:20 pm

Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


*for once is completely innocent*


But you must admit its a necessary warning Lesley! Wink

 

#1998:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:20 pm

*points Lesley in the direction of mods

*hopes that only mods can do it as it provides a good alibi for me

 

#1999:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:21 pm

Good alibi Chelsea.

*adopts Chelsea's alibi*

*sits around and waits for the mod in question to face the wrath of Lesley*

 

#2000:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:25 pm

*chuckles*

For once, Lesley, I know something you don't! And I'm not a mod so it wasn't me!!

Thank you so much for not killing Hilda! Please could you get her out of there now!

 

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