The CBB :: View topic - You Both Need A Break!

#1201: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 6:47 pm

*bounces merrily on the trampoline*
*eyes Lesley hopefully, and crosses fingers that she may bring a little pressie to the Hants Gather tomorrow.......*
(sorry, was my hint a bit unsubtle? Wink

)

#1202: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 7:45 pm

*thinks that Vikki needs a few lessons in the meaning of the word subtle before she starts the ones on being subtle.*

#1203: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:14 pm

*amazed Auntie Pat can cast nasturtiums like that when she is being mercilessly tickled to death..............*

#1204: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:18 pm

Virtual tickling has no effect.

#1205: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:25 pm

Just you wait til the gathering then........... Twisted Evil

#1206: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:34 pm

No idea what you mean Vikki! Laughing

The following morning, at breakfast, the two informed Nancy and Kathie about the occurrences during the night.

“Well, Ros, you could have let us know about it,” Kathie complained, “Some real excitement and we sleep right through it!”

“It didn’t even occur to me to come along and bang on your door,” Rosalind smiled, “I was still in shock, I mean, it was hardly expected!”

“Can’t get over how little the police seemed interested in it,” mused Nancy, “Though I suppose it did seem strange, only wanting that wallet. P’raps it was just some initiation as the policeman said.”

Rosalind shook her head, “I don’t think so,” she said slowly, “I was very close to the man when he answered that question, I’d swear he was telling the truth.”

“Maybe the Coastguard officer will be able to let us know a bit more,” Ruth said, “I know that Mark is hoping that we will be able to dive there again, although it’s unlikely that it’ll be today.”

Shortly after breakfast the white minibus arrived with the four instructors in it, the group all travelled down to the shore where Pat’s boat was moored. They decided to head out toward the wreck again, just to see if any more had been discovered.

“After that we’ll go a little further along the coast to another place we can dive,” Mark smiled, “Another wreck, though less exciting because so many people have seen it. Still, it’ll be more experience for all of you, you will be able to complete another page in your diver’s logbook.”

It didn’t take long to reach the location of the wreck and they saw that a coastguard vessel was close by. Before they had decided whether it was going to be worth getting changed, the coastguard boat suddenly roared up beside them. A voice using a loudspeaker was heard.

“This is a restricted area, no admission. You are ordered to move away from this area immediately!”

Everyone looked astonished and Pat, at the wheel, grabbed his own loudspeaker, intending to ask questions. At that moment however there was the dull thud of a large explosion beneath the waves, and bare seconds later the sea directly above the spot where the wreck lay, erupted, shooting fountains of seawater high into the air!

#1207: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:40 pm

Oo...er!

Someone is trying to hide somehting, and someone with some pull as well.

This is so interesting, two intreguing storylines running parallel to each other, is there a connection or not I wonder?

#1208: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:50 pm

Lesley wrote:

No idea what you mean Vikki! Laughing

Damn!!! Knew I was being too subtle!!! Wink

#1209: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:27 pm

*wibbling*

I'm sure it must be detrimental to one's health to be kept in suspense like this...

#1210: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:46 pm

Couldn't agree more Xanthe!!!

Lesley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come back here!

#1211: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:58 pm

ooooooooooh the mystery deepens

wonders when the mystery might be unravelled.

#1212: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:55 am

I'm wonderfully horribly marvellously confused. But then, that's normal with these. Might also have to do with sleep deprivation. I think I'm gonna have to re-read this tomorrow (ie, later) when my brain is in gear...

*departs trying to sort of corrupt police, Vikki
's insinuations (can't even remember what they were, now!) and sommat to do with Ros....*
Tell you what. I'm getting suspicious of Kelly's dad, but maybe I just have an evil mind...*yawn*

#1213: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 7:04 am

Lisa_T wrote:

Tell you what. I'm getting suspicious of Kelly's dad, but maybe I just have an evil mind...

I don't think you have Lisa!

*Wanders round scowling at the myriad of suspects*

#1214: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:09 pm

That's the problem with Lesley's drabbles, we are given too many suspects to choose from. I still think that it's the man's daughter.

#1215: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 1:09 pm

Nooooo!!! It can't be him! He and Ros are so cute!!! Crying or Very sad

Lesley!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*thinks will end up breaking exclamation point key at some point during this drabble*

#1216: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:13 pm

As Lesley is going to the Hampshire Gather today, I bet we have to wait until tomorrow for the next episode. I also think that what that ship has done, detonating a charge whilst another ship is nearby, is illegal. I suspect corruption in high places!

#1217: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:14 pm

Well, Lesley was very shiny, and has told us all sorts of tidbits about what will happen in this in the near future! Can't wait to read it in full! And there are lots of cliffs to come! Wink

#1218: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:27 pm

Vikki it is really not very nice of you to tease the ppor things about that... I mean, just cos we spent hours discussing RCS in the tea-shop...

#1219: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:30 pm

Jennie wrote:

I also think that what that ship has done, detonating a charge whilst another ship is nearby, is illegal. I suspect corruption in high places!

I agree, Jennie! I also think it will be international corruption in high places - probably global!

Lesley probably has a cunning plan to tie the Scottish mystery in with the Oz end!

Bu the way, I wonder how the girls are doing?

#1220: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:09 pm

*glaring at smug Vikki and Xan* How did you manage that? Then again, I'm not too bothered. I trust Lesley's de vious mind!!!!

#1221: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:15 pm

The were all that the G today Lisa. I trust Lesley too.

#1222: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 1:03 pm

Scotland

The day wore on slowly in the cell within the mine; Hilda had awoken again just before the guards had brought lunch for both of them. After they had eaten the two friends had sat chatting, sometimes even forgetting their predicament enough to laugh, enjoying each other’s company. It was while they were discussing changes they intended making to the School’s curriculum, that there was the sound of the door being unlocked once more. Both women fell silent, watching to see who was there. One of the guards appeared first, motioning that they stand over by the far wall, as they did, another man appeared.

As he walked in, Hilda watched her friend’s grey eyes harden and her fists clench,

“What is it, Ne..?” she began urgently, she was not allowed to finish.

“Silence, you do not have my permission to speak, woman!” The man’s voice held a barely repressed menace, Hilda Annersley turned to look at him more closely. The man was dressed in the same combat fatigues as the other guards, although it appeared that his had been tailored for him specially. Although not tall, he barely reached Hilda’s own height, he was very powerful, with a physique that owed much to weight training and gym work. His face was fairly handsome but with dark eyes that had no emotion within them. He did not have a recognisable accent.

The guard walked up to stand directly in front of Hilda, she saw that his colleague had positioned himself in front of Nell, forcing her to remain in place.

“Well, well, another interfering woman, can’t think why Holland goes to the trouble of keeping you alive.” His voice was sneering, almost daring the woman to respond. Hilda, warned by Nell’s quick shake of the head, said nothing.

“What, struck dumb?” The man smiled, “Best way for women to be in my opinion,” He lifted his hand up to stroke down the side of Hilda’s face, Hilda shivered slightly but otherwise didn’t respond. From the corner of her eye she saw Nell tense up and go to move, the other guard placed the barrel of his SMG into her stomach, Nell froze.

“Your ‘friend’ can’t help you, darling,” the man continued, “I’m the one you have to deal with!” His hand traced its way down to her shirt and unbuttoned the top two fastenings.

Hilda swallowed slightly, her eyes changing colour once more, “Is this the only way you can deal with a woman?” she asked, conversationally, she saw Nell look across sharply and then, suddenly, smile.

“You know, Hilda, I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s probably the truth,” she replied, seemingly oblivious to the guard in front of her. “No self-respecting woman would look twice at him, so he has to force them. Pathetic!”

The man in front of Hilda tensed and grabbed hold of Hilda’s hair, twisting so that she was forced down almost to her knees, “Not very clever, love,” he hissed, “not when I can send you to your own private Hell!”

“I doubt that, I’ve already been there,” Hilda responded somewhat breathlessly, “You do not even come close!”

Nell looked at the guard in front of her, “Does this make you proud, too?” she asked, the man, receiving conversation rather than just oaths from the woman looked at her, puzzled, “I mean, being the side kick to a person somewhat less advanced along the evolutionary scale than stromatolites?”

“Stroma… what are they?”

Nell smiled, “An earlier form of life, thought to be more primitive than even one-celled bacteria. Or maybe you have a symbiotic relationship? You get pleasure watching him perform?”

“He’s senior,” the man responded, a little confused, “I just obey orders.”

“The reply that the men responsible for killing millions in Nazi Germany and since have used.” Nell’s voice was cold, “It’s used by those that cannot think for themselves, or by those too scared of retaliations on themselves or their families. I can’t see your family around, so that’s not a good enough reason. Or perhaps you’d rather be classed with him?” She indicated the barrel of the SMG, still pointed toward her abdomen, “Perhaps you’re just waiting your turn?”

She looked across at the man with a questioning look and was rather surprised to see that she appeared to have got through, the man flushed slightly. Stepping back a little he looked across at the other guard. The man had forced Hilda to her knees, holding her head back, he was again reaching for her shirt…

“Gilmour, that’s enough!” Nell’s guard said, a little shakily, the other man looked across, “I’m busy!” he said shortly.

“No, this is not part of our duties,” the man’s voice grew stronger, “We’re being paid to guard this place and the prisoners, nothing more. This stops now!” He moved the barrel of the SMG away from Nell, it was almost pointing toward Gilmour.

The older man saw this, “Don’t even think about threatening me, kid!” he said, his voice charged with menace, “Or I’ll..”

“Or you will what, Gilmour?” A voice from the doorway, it was Holland, “What the Hell do you think you are doing?”

Gilmour stood up, sulkily, “Searching the prisoner, as ordered,” he replied.

Holland looked across at both women and the other guard before returning his attention to Gilmour, “I don’t think so,” he said quickly, “Get out of here, Gilmour, report to the kitchen, cleaning up the rubbish.”

What? No way…”

“The alternative is that I dispose of your services completely, Gilmour,” returned Holland, “And that will mean killing you, your choice!”

There was silence for a time, then Gilmour spun round and stalked out of the cell. The other guard also left. Holland looked across at the two women, “My apologies, ladies,” he said quickly, “It won’t happen again.” He turned and left, the door was closed behind him and locked.

Nell moved across to help her friend up, “Are you alright, Hilda?”

Hilda nodded, “Fine, Nell,” she smiled, “So is it always this eventful then?”

Nell smiled, shaking her head she replied, “No Hilda, you must be a bad influence!”

“Ah, always wanted to be one!”

#1223: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 1:06 pm

Damn. Here was me thinking we had *two* lovely long posts...

But brilliant as ever, Lesley.

#1224: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 1:09 pm

angel wrote:

Damn. Here was me thinking we had *two* lovely long posts...

But brilliant as ever, Lesley.

Had enough problems getting that one to post! Still problems - none of the posts show up on the Forum Index!

#1225: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 1:21 pm

Lesley wrote:

angel wrote:

Damn. Here was me thinking we had *two* lovely long posts...

But brilliant as ever, Lesley.

Had enough problems getting that one to post! Still problems - none of the posts show up on the Forum Index!

Not getting notifications either.

#1226: Author: Guest,

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:41 pm

Ooooh. That was a lucky escape! Well, seeing as one has posted.....?

#1227: Author: Lisa T,

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:53 pm

This is the third time i've tried to post to say that the above was me!

#1228: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:59 pm

Nice Lesley. Glad to see that Hilda hasn't lost her cool.

#1229: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 6:15 pm

Won't let me post in Alt Challenge either! Loved this update Lesley Very Happy

#1230: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 8:16 pm

Uh, Lesley, I am always awed by your ability to take Hilda and Nell to the wire, and admittedly that wasn't as close as you've sometimes been, but it was still kind of distressing - please keep them safe Shocked

#1231: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 8:42 pm

Love Hilda's comment

Quote:

“Ah, always wanted to be one!”

at the bad influence!

#1232: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:05 pm

Cathy - Trust me! Wink

Both women went and sat back on the beds, Nell looked across at her friend, “Perhaps we’ve misjudged Holland a little Hilda,” she began, “I mean he did stop that, even apologised.”

Hilda looked across at her friend, and even Nell shrank back a little from the look in her eyes, “He allowed me to think that you were dead, Nell,” she said bleakly, “He forced me to go through the agony of switching off your ventilator. If his next act leads to the establishment of Peace on Earth, I will still want revenge!” She stopped for a moment and laughed very slightly, “I’m sorry, Nell, that’s not a very Christian attitude, but it feels right for me.”

Nell nodded, “OK Hilda, judging by how I’d feel if our positions were reversed, it’s understandable. But you will also let me have my revenge on Gilmour as well, won’t you?”

“Of course Nell, anything to keep you happy!” Hilda’s eyes twinkled.

Later they fell to discussing all that was known of the mine outside of their cell,

“One of the things Holland said,” Hilda said thoughtfully, “Was that I be taken to cell two, that presupposes a cell one. It would make sense if the other prisoner was in that one.”

“Agreed, Hilda, but where is it? Don’t know how much you saw of directly outside of here, but it’s a small dead end corridor with just one room off it - this one. Wherever the other cell is, it’s not close.”

No,” Hilda looked round, “But this can’t have originally been designed as a cell, surely? I mean the mine has been here for long enough that they must have just adapted old rooms. If we can work out what this room was originally, we may be able to find another, similar room, that’s now known as cell one.”

Nell stood up and went across to stand in front of the door, “OK Hilda, now’s as good a time as any, I doubt if any of the guards will disturb us for a while after what has just happened. Let’s have a look!”

Hilda nodded solemnly, then reached down to unlace her right boot. When Holland and the two guards had first captured her they had performed a perfunctory search while on top of the hill. Once in Holland’s office the search had been far more thorough, removing not only the obvious items, like her mobile phone and Swiss Army knife, but things like all her papers, money and cards, keys, first aid equipment, matches and small Ordinance Survey Map. They had also checked out all her clothing, looking for any hidden weaponry or equipment. However it had not occurred to them that Hilda would have been expecting all of that. The location of the important, indeed essential equipment that she carried was not even considered, probably because Hilda was standing on it!

Hilda removed her boot and reached inside, she pushed hard and Nell suddenly saw that the entire bottom of the boot had a slit along it’s side, instead of the sole and heel being more than 3cm thick and waterproof to give protection, it was hollow! Hilda retrieved a small, well folded and thin piece of paper. She sealed the boot and replaced it before walking across to sit next to Nell on the floor beside the door. Both women kept a keen ear out for the return of the guards.

“This is a plan of the mine,” Hilda began, unfolding the piece of paper, “There are a number of different levels and some very weird symbols on it.” She smiled, “At least, they are weird to me, but the man that gave this to me said any scientist could understand them!”

Nell grinned, “Well let’s hope I qualify then!” she said, taking the map and starting to study it.

#1233: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:07 pm

Go Hilda!!

Brilliant.

And Lesley - you saying that is *not* a recommendation...

#1234: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 10:49 pm

Of course we can trust Lesley. We can trust her to take us to the edges of some brilliant cliffs and invite us to fall over them!

#1235: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 12:43 am

*hopes Gilmour doesn't go for revenge, or that, if he does, Hilda & Nell quickly turn the tables Shocked

*

*thinks stromatolite is a lovely insult for someone with rocks in his head, but worried that Nell is still suffering from oxygen deprivation*

(signed: Committee to Support Advanced Bacterial Status for Filamentous Cyanobacteria)

#1236: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 1:08 am

Way to go, Hilda! We might have known she had a trick up her sleeve (metaphorically speaking in this case).

Kathy. As someone with no formal science background to understand you, are we talking about the same critters who cause algal growth on ponds? You never know where this board will take you, do you Shocked

#1237: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 2:02 am

Yep, a lot of pond scum species are indeed cyanobacteria, as are some of the algae in hot sulfur springs, glaciers, the ocean, and lichens. Stromatolite cyanobacteria grow in dense mats that deposit calcium carbonate rock, building up reef-like structures layer by layer. The Australian coast is pretty famous for the modern type, and some of the fossil specimens have been dated as 2.7 to 3.5 billion years old. But cyanobacteria still have more complex structures in their cells than most other bacteria, even if most of the structures are used for photosynthesis.

*would probably find "pond scum" an easier epithet to remember under stress* Laughing

#1238: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 3:44 am

*wibble*

I'm now trying to work out if poor Nell had been raped by that rotten Gilmour man, or if he'd just been, shall we say, a little over familiar? Confused

#1239: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:22 am

Kathy, the thing to remember is that Nell is a Chemist, and I'm an Earth Scientist!!!

Suppose primative relates more to time first appeared in Eath's History rather than physical structure!! (And stromatolite is such a lovely word!)

Vikki - over familiar is the closest Gilmour got - no further than with Hilda - but the potential was there. I think her reasons for wanted to attack him are as much because he attacked Hilda!

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 13, 2004 4:59 am; edited 1 time in total

#1240: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:52 am

Ooh - how exciting!!

Gilmour is indeed pond scum ... though I'm sure he'll pay for it! Twisted Evil

Totally thrilling - can't decide whether I want to find out more about the explosion or stay with H&N ...

How about covering both in your next post Lesley?

#1241: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 11:31 am

And what about the girls, left alone in Nottinghamshire, with no phone calls from Hilda and Nell? What are they going to do?

#1242: Author: Lisa T,

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 12:44 pm

*g* I love the heel touch. I can't work out whether it comes from Scarlet Pimpernel, James Bond, the Amelia books or all three, but I do love it! Or maybe it's inspector gadget...

And please, Miss, personally I'd like to stick to Hilda and Nell. Unless they're gonna carry on strombywhatchacallit sciencey stuff...*struggling to even pronounce that collection of words both Lesley and Kathy have spewed out let alone understand them*

#1243: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 1:59 pm

Lesley wrote:

Kathy, the thing to remember is that Nell is a Chemist, and I'm an Earth Scientist!!!

Suppose primative relates more to time first appeared in Eath's History rather than physical structure!! (And stromalolite is such a lovely word!)

Vikki - over familiar is the closest Gilmour got - no further than with Hilda - but the potential was there. I think her reasons for wanted to attack him are as much because he attacked Hilda!

Thanks Lesley! I didn't think you'd do that to Nell! (and I'm VERY glad you didn't!!!)

*heaves sigh of relief!*

#1244: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 4:19 pm

What if Hilda and Nell had told them how old they really were!

#1245: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:56 pm

For you Vikki!

Nell sat looking through the small map, concentrating hard, “From what I can remember of the layout,” she said slowly, “I think this room was originally designed as a room for a shift supervisor to bunk down, when covering the night shift.”

“That explains the en-suite facilities,” Hilda replied, “Does it explain the heavy locked door?”

“Perhaps some of the shift supervisors were very unpopular!” Nell grinned, she looked through the map again, “No idea why, but whoever drew this map managed to use chemical and other scientific notation for more than half the writing – makes it difficult to read. Look at this, symbol for pi to indicate the kitchen – still, worthwhile knowing where Gilmour will be.”

Hilda looked across, somewhat disturbed, “Nell, did he…?”

Nell looked up; she smiled slightly, “No more than he did to you, Hilda,” she said quietly, “But it could have been far worse. He was on duty the night after they’d drugged me, I was still in a half-drugged sleep. I awoke to discover him next to me, starting to run his hands down my front. I yelled so loudly it brought in the other guard. Gilmour said I must have had a nightmare, and I was too drugged at the time to say any different. But when I awoke later, I remembered.”

“Was that when the nurse appeared?”

“Yes, she was just unlucky really, the next time I awoke I was able to do more than just yell!”

“She deserved it, Nell!” Hilda’s tone was definite, “She had to have been aware that you were a prisoner and had been drugged against your wishes. It’s a pity you didn’t manage more than her arm!”

Nell grinned, “Why Hilda Annersley, if you’re not careful you’ll be seen as as blood-thirsty as me!” She looked across at her friend, expecting her to rise.

Hilda returned her look, “I don’t think so, Nell,” she said with a smile, “I could never manage to murder the English language so comprehensively!”

#1246: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:58 pm

I love your last lines Lesley - I always spend the next half hour giggling wildly at them!!!

#1247: Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:00 pm

*splutter* What a gorgeous characterisitc put down! *g*

Thanks, Lesley. How in the world are you managing to post under your own name?

Lisa T.

#1248: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:01 pm

Whose name should I post under? Wink

#1249: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:02 pm

This is great, Lesley. I shan't ask for more tonight, given the posting difficulties.

#1250: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:11 pm

Great, as ever, Lesley.

#1251: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:55 pm

Ohhhh this is so griping
Wondering about the explosion though and whats going on in Melbourne and wondering what the girls are getting up to while H & N are locked up.

#1252: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 10:23 pm

Of course, as soon as Lesley switches to Melbourne we'll be begging her to return to Scotland.
I'm not too bothered about the girls - after all they know nothing of this, they'll just be happy that the heads are having a peaceful break Unless of course, they are having adventures of their own.

#1253: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 1:57 am

*beams happily*
Thank you Lesley!! Just wonderful as usual!!!!

#1254: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:16 am

*cheers the pair of them!!!*
(also Lesley)

#1255: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:48 am

Yep - Hilda's last line is a cracker!! Laughing

#1256: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:49 pm

It is indeed and so Hilda!!!

Thanks Lesley! Wonderful as ever and looking forward to more as and when the board I'll let you post!

#1257: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:50 pm

Are you sure Gilmour is pond scum? I remember hearing about something called a slime mould, or is that too advanced for him?

#1258: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 4:14 pm

He doesn't even merit a description, Jennie!!! Very Happy

He's just an... an... he's an it! Pah. Horrible it.

#1259: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:55 pm

They both returned to the map, after some study they felt there were probably three rooms that looked promising, and decided they would have to check out all three.

“The next thing id to decide when we should make the attempt,” Hilda said quietly, after the map had been refolded and placed back in its hiding place. “What do you know of the guards’ schedule?”

Nell shook her head, “Not a lot, I’ve been handicapped because, apart from the first day, I haven’t had a watch, so have not been able to judge the time too accurately. I do know that during the night they don’t stay in the corridor outside, it’s very easy to hear them come along there when you’re trying to sleep.”

“Well there was no one in the corridor this morning either,” Hilda replied, “Which suggests that they only come down every few hours. If they tend to leave you alone when asleep we might get away with it!”

The rest of the day dragged by slowly, both women preparing themselves, by about midnight they decided that they could begin the search for the other prisoner. Nell once more stood by the door while Hilda pulled off both boots, this time she retrieved more than just the map! She had a small, but very sharp flick knife, a metal lock pick and a tiny mirror with a collapsible long handle. Nell looked across at the items on the bed,

“Just out of curiosity, what would we have done if the door was bolted?”

“Sworn a lot!” Hilda replied, “But the plans seemed to show that there were no bolts, we just hoped for the best!” Hilda was pulling her boots back on while she said this, she picked up the items then, after a moment’s thought handed the knife over to Nell, “You’re more likely to be able to use this, Nell.” she said softly.

Nell moved away from the door and watched as Hilda knelt in front of the lock, the pick in her hand. “How did you come to learn this, Hilda?” she asked quietly.

Hilda, concentrating hard, didn’t answer immediately, instead listening as the pick entered the keyhole. “A child called Kelly Evans,” she said absently, “I helped her with some letter or other, she wanted to repay me. I didn’t have the heart to refuse.” She twisted the pick slightly, listening again, there was an audible click. She turned to her partner, smiling.

Nell immediately switched off the light, using a towel to remove the bulb. They had already arranged fairly life-like dummies in their beds. She nodded to Hilda. The door was opened very slowly and they both looked out. The corridor was empty, lit by a couple of fluorescent strips, but at only half power. Both women moved out of the cell and Hilda closed the door and used the pick to re lock it.

Nell was looking at the map, “We’ll need to move one level down,” she said softly, “Past the kitchens and mess room, two of the three possible rooms are in one corridor.”

Hilda nodded and the two moved silently along the corridor, hugging the walls in an attempt to reduce their visibility. When they reached the end of the corridor they both stopped, removing the mirror from her pocket, Hilda lay full length and slowly pushed the mirror out into the corridor, so it reflected back to the two women. The corridor was empty. They continued through the mine, there were very few men about, it seemed that only those needing to guard the prisoners and the entrances were awake. They passed a room obviously being used as a guard room, and were able to hear the men inside discuss when they would next be checking their cell. It was with some relief that they heard that the next check wasn’t scheduled for another two hours.

It was as they reached the next level down, walking silently past the kitchens, that disaster struck.

#1260: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:58 pm

Ooh good, cliff. We know we're safe now, because Lesley always rescues H&N...

Excellent post, as ever Lesley. Thank you.

#1261: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:01 pm

*Wibbles frantically* I mean we knew it wouldn't go completely smoothly but "disaster struck" sounds serious.

BTW. I just love how Hilda has learnt so much - I doubt if I could pick a lock!

#1262: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:09 pm

You obviously didn't get the right experiences in life Pat!!!
I love Lesley's cliffs - you always get vertigo teetering at the top!!!

#1263: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:11 pm

*wibble*

I think they'll be OK, but that sounds ominous.

#1264: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:01 pm

Oof! I walked straight over the edge of that one! Surprised

However, they've been in lots of disaster-type situations before... they will be OK, won't they, Lesley..? Shocked

Very ingenious

Until that happened, I'd just been cogitating on how uncomfortable Hilda's boots must be to walk in, with all the things she was concealing in them!
I seem to have a frivolous mind! Rolling Eyes

#1265: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:17 pm

Ella, if you have any hiking boots - have a look at how much padding they have - she wouldn't have felt them! Laughing

Sorry, no more tonight - my eyes are really hurting and I've had to take my lenses out - hopefully a good/long night's sleep will help!

#1266: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:18 pm

I love how criminally minded they've both become Laughing

Thank you very much, Lesley, and I hope you get a good rest tonight.

Kiss

#1267: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 10:48 pm

Love the way Hilda is able to apply everything she learns.

Sleep well lesley.

#1268: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:00 pm

*g* She';s obviously as good a student as she is a teacher...

Lesley, hope you feel better tmw!

#1269: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:43 pm

Thank you Lesley! Hope the sleep works!

#1270: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 3:15 am

Disaster? What kind of disaster?

*fears pre-Cambrian pond scum type of disaster*

*goes off worrying, and hopes Lesley recovers very, very rapidly*

#1271: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:18 am

Clever Kathy! Kitchens were the clue. Eyes a little better - but still sore so wearing glasses today. More of this later - have day off!

Rather than move along the corridors together the two walked, single file, some twenty feet or so apart. At this time Hilda was in the lead, moving silently along the corridor toward the place on the map where, hopefully, they would find the other prisoner. Hilda looked at her watch, seeing, to her surprise, that it was after one. This was taking far longer than expected owing to them having to check so diligently before moving into each corridor. She could only hope that the men supposedly guarding Nell and herself would content themselves with purely checking the door. Otherwise their current status would be discovered within a very short time, and long before the 4am deadline the friends were working to.

Nell, walking along behind Hilda, watched from a distance as her friend checked out each corner. She was also fretting at the time this was taking, aware of the deadline. As she walked past the open doorway leading to the kitchens, therefore, she failed to notice that one of the shadows appeared to be moving slightly.

The first that Nell knew of any problem was when she suddenly felt two very strong arms around her. One of the arms encircled her torso, trapping both of her arms to the sides of her body, the other was around her neck, cutting off her air supply. Nell Wilson was no weakling, she was a very strong woman, yet her struggles and attempts to free herself made no impression upon her attacker. She was dragged, unwittingly, back into the kitchen, unable to even make a sound that would warn her friend. Inside the kitchen, lit only by the dull, infra-red reflection from some of the switches on the industrial ovens, and the blue ‘bug-zappers’, Nell was pulled. As her attacker reached the middle of the kitchen floor he pulled Nell to the ground. Keeping a tight hold on her neck and not allowing her to breath, he moved so that he sat astride her, his knees on her arms. Nell looked up into his face. It was Gilmour.

“Well, well, well,” Gilmour’s face was exultant, and his strength easily kept Nell in place, despite her struggles, “What have we here? I just knew you women were trouble!” With his free hand he gently stroked down her face; even while frantically trying to fight him, to breath, Nell shuddered slightly. Gilmour saw it and smiled, “Now I should tell the Boss-man that you are here,” the man said conversationally, ignoring the fact that Nell was slowly suffocating, “but I think I’ll do that afterwards.”

His free hand slid down to her shirt and roughly started to undo the buttons; for the first time in her life, Nell realised that her strength was not enough, she could do nothing to stop him. Plus, the hand around her neck meant that she was seeing dark spots before her eyes, slowly losing consciousness…

There was the sound of a heavy metal object impacting against something, Nell barely registered it, however she was immediately aware of its effect. The man on top of her suddenly slumped, his entire body relaxing and the hand around Nell’s neck no longer squeezing her windpipe shut. A shadow standing above her came into focus, holding a heavy saucepan in one hand. It was Hilda.

“Nell? Nell are you alright?” Hilda’s voice remained quiet but was full of concern.

Nell slowly sat up, pushing the inert body of Gilmour away from her. She sat taking in deep lungs full of air for a minute or so. Reaching up she grasped her partner’s hand,

“Thanks,” she whispered.

Hilda knelt beside her, “Are you hurt?” she demanded quickly.

“Only my pride,” Nell replied, her voice even more croaky now, “You came back just in time!” She looked over at Gilmour, “Is he dead?”

Hilda moved to check the pulse, “No, just unconscious, I hit him fairly hard!” she said with some understatement. She moved back to her friend and helped her to stand, “Will you be able to continue?”

Nell nodded, still breathing in huge quantities of air, “Give me a minute or two,” she said, swallowing. She searched in her pocket and brought out the flick knife, opened it.

“What are you doing?” Hilda asked neutrally.

Nell pointed to Gilmour, “Ridding mankind of a parasite,” she said abruptly, she looked over at her friend, “Do you object?”

Hilda looked deep into Nell’s grey eyes, “Your decision, Nell,” she said softly.

Nell walked over and knelt beside the unconscious form of her attacker. She pulled his head up by the hair and placed the sharp edge of the knife against his throat. She remained motionless for some seconds. Then with an oath she removed the knife and released his head. She looked across at Hilda, “I can’t do it!” she confessed quietly, “Not when he’s helpless, even though he deserves it and the world would be a better place. I can’t do it.”

Hilda moved across to kneel beside her friend and placed an arm around her, Nell rested her head on Hilda’s shoulder, “You hit him too hard, Hilda,” Nell said, “If he were coming round I could do it, but not now!”

“Sorry Nell,” Hilda smiled, they stayed motionless for some seconds, then Nell lifted her head,

“We’d better hide him somewhere,” she said, her voice still very hoarse, “Make sure he can’t give the alarm.”

Searching his pockets revealed a small revolver and a pair of handcuffs, Nell passed the gun to Hilda. They then dragged the still unconscious man over to the huge, walk-in chiller, and handcuffed him to one of the support struts inside.

“Even when he wakes, no one will hear him in there,” Hilda said with triumph, “and at least the low temperature will serve to cool his ardour!”

#1272: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:41 am

Yay! Good for Hilda. The thought of her with hitting the scumbag with a saucepan has cheered up a rainy morning.

Hope your eyes soon stop feeling so sore Lesley

#1273: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:58 am

*sympathising with the lenses*

Eek - poor Nell ... Shocked

Hurray for Hilda whacking him on the head with a saucepan!!
Hurray for Nell for not killing him in cold(ish) blood - I was starting to worry there ...
But why couldn't they have popped him into a walk-in freezer instead of chiller? Twisted Evil

(shades of Coronation St!!)

And a double hurray for Lesley's day off!
*looking forward to more*

#1274: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:11 am

*breathes sigh of relief!*

*very glad I missed the cliff last night!*

*eagerly awaiting the next installment*

#1275: Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:14 am

Yay for Nell and Hilda!

Nell's a better person than I am - I would've killed Gilmour

#1276: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:37 am

Rachael wrote:

Hurray for Nell for not killing him in cold(ish) blood - I was starting to worry there ...

Me too! Not sure it would count as self defence if he was unconscious at the time Wink

#1277: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:50 am

Nell, pass me the knife and I will solve all your problems!

Don't they realise they are setting themselves up for capture, torture and other evil things . . .

on the other hand, good move Nell.

#1278: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:57 am

Also glad i missed last night's cliff!

Also glad (mostly) that Nell restrained herself...though he is the worst form of pond-scum...

But most glad that lesley has the day off!!!! Wink

#1279: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:05 am

Eek. Somehow this is a side of Nell I never expected!

Glad about day off! Very Happy

ETA: Oh my gosh. It just said, thank you for posting your message or whatever it normally says - nothing about bugs! At all! Wow!

#1280: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:11 pm

Glad that Nell managed to restrain herself- not that I care if he does die, but Nell doesn't need to suffer any guilt, which she almost certainly would if she had killed him.

But why do I get the feeling that her compassion is going to come back to haunt them? *wibbles*

#1281: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:20 pm

'Will he freeze to death?' asks Jennie eagerly.

#1282: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:23 pm

Sadly, that's very unlikely in a chiller - which is why I was clamouring for a freezer!! Laughing

ETA - Mind you, if he's unconscious for too long ....... Twisted Evil

#1283: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:24 pm

We can only hope!

#1284: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:40 pm

I know, Rachel. Aren't most of us (you included) on the Staff of RCS? Maybe you could accidentally-done-a-purpose be there and do the freezer job yourself. You can even take a nice shiny carving knife!!

How's that for a solution, Lesley and Rachael? No guilt for either Hilda or Nell, and RTW can satisfy her blood-thirsty desires..

*contemplating writing a spin off drabble..*

#1285: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:02 pm

Wow.

*waits for the next cliff*

#1286: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:06 pm

Just realised i got the wrong Rach(a)el.... Embarassed

poor RTW!

#1287: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:26 pm

Lisa_T wrote:

Sadly, Lesley gave me the compassionate position of finsing foster homes for all those CS girls who crossed over without any family.

Why on earth I got this job I will never understand, unless Lesley is planning for somthing terrible to happen to all these girls when their foster homes turn out to be brothels and sweatshops.

#1288: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:28 pm

Because I think you are not as nasty as you think you are, Rachel! Wink

#1289: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:34 pm

Or not as nasty as I aspire to be, which is a completely different thing Wink

#1290: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:52 pm

*g*

(Having started reading Jasper Fforde I am drawing strong comparisons between you and Acheron Hades, RTW!!)

Quote:

Just realised i got the wrong Rach(a)el.... poor RTW!

What d'ya mean, "poor RTW"??!!
She should be honoured to be confused with me!! ROFL

And sadly, I expect I am doing some HR-type duties back in Oz, otherwise I would love to assist with the disposal of Gilmour (worked in a piza factory for a couple of years so can think of many grisly ways to remove undesirables in an industrial kitchen location!!)

Oi!! Lesley!
Get back here and post ......................................................... please ...[/quote]

#1291: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:57 pm

Sigh - see, I'm just waiting for your order, Rachael! Wink

Outside the kitchen the two women looked at each other again,

“Remind me Hilda,” Nell said, amusement in her eyes, “Why did Ruth and the others order us on holiday? So we could relax wasn’t it?”

Hilda smiled and then forced her face to assume a puzzled look, “Why? Don’t you think this is relaxing then, Nell?”

The pair grinned before setting off once more. The next fifteen minutes were spent cautiously moving toward the rooms they wanted to check out. The first one was empty and the second, in the same corridor, held a couple of sleeping guards. The two women checked the map again,

“Just this third one then,” Hilda said to Nell, rather disappointedly.

“Yes,” Nell replied, “But, of the three, it’s the one that most resembles our cell, perhaps we’ll be lucky!”

They moved across toward the third room. It lay at the end of a small, dead end corridor, similar to the set up for their own cell, as they reached the corridor they both stopped dead, there was a guard standing at the entrance to the corridor. As they watched another guard walked down from the room, the first guard turned to him,

“All OK?”

The second guard nodded, “She’s not gone anywhere,” he said confidently, “And she’s getting really pi**ed at the hourly checks! And at us walking up and down that corridor so frequently in between checks!”

“Tough, those are the orders, Holland’s getting really spooked at the moment. Even wanted to run off a group of kids that were camping over the other side of the hill. Decided not to when it was pointed out that they’d planned it months before.”

“Yeah well, sooner this is over the sooner I can start spending some of my cut. Fancy a drink?”

“Coffee you mean?”

“Nope, finest Scotch Whisky, she had it on her, seems a pity to waste it.”

“Just the one then, don’t want to lose the edge. I tell you, if anything does happen I‘ll take great pleasure shooting her, some of the things she’s said!”

“You’re just too sensitive, let it all wash over you, that’s how I do it!”

The pair walked over to another office and pulled the door to. Hilda and Nell looked at each other,

“We’ll have to be quick, Hilda,” Nell said, “No telling how long they’ll be having their drink.”

Hilda nodded and the two moved silently into the corridor, near the end was one door and Hilda knelt in front of it, lock pick in her hand. From inside there was the sound of a woman’s voice, shouting,

“For God’s sake! How many more times are you going to wake me? I’m not bloody well going anywhere!”

“Shut her up, Nell!” Hilda said urgently, “She shouts too loud in this corridor and the echoes could reach the guards!”

Nell nodded and, placing her face close to the door, hissed a terse command to stay silent. The voice stopped, seemingly out of surprise. Hilda continued working at the door, both women aware of the passage of time, a sudden click announced that the lock had turned. Hilda slowly opened the door, and the two friends looked in. A woman inside looked across angrily,

“Who the Hell are you?” she said rudely.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Jul 15, 2004 5:17 am; edited 2 times in total

#1292: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:57 pm

Rachael wrote:

(Having started reading Jasper Fforde I am drawing strong comparisons between you and Acheron Hades, RTW!!)

I taught him everything he knows Wink

And Lesley, hurry up and post the next bit, would you sausage?

#1293: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:59 pm

Rachael wrote:

I would love to assist with the disposal of Gilmour (worked in a piza factory for a couple of years so can think of many grisly ways to remove undesirables in an industrial kitchen location!!)

Indeed...Nell could have put that knife to better uses than his throat... Twisted Evil

well, it's what I'd do given half a chance to that nasty, evil, *goes off muttering to recover from Nell's ordeal*

#1294: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:02 pm

Wonderful...who on earth is the woman in the cell???

#1295: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:07 pm

Well ... I could tell you, Carolyn ... but I'd have to kill you (and then myself) ... Wink

Thanks, Lesley!
*impressed by own power*

#1296: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:16 pm

Carolyn P wrote:

Wonderful...who on earth is the woman in the cell???

Also wondering that Carolyn! Hoping they manage to convince her before the guards come back!

#1297: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:29 pm

Rachael wrote:

Well ... I could tell you, Carolyn ... but I'd have to kill you (and then myself) ... Wink

Thanks, Lesley!
*impressed by own power*

I guessed at the Hampshire G, and Lesley was king enough to tell me what I had guessed correctly....... Wink

#1298: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:35 pm

Well done! Very Happy

#1299: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:45 pm

I think I know who is in the cell.........

#1300: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:21 pm

LESLEY!!!

I can see you! Get posting! Very Happy

#1301: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:23 pm

Rachael wrote:

LESLEY!!!

I can see you! Get posting! Very Happy

My thoughts exactely... Twisted Evil

#1302: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:24 pm

Rachael wrote:

LESLEY!!!

I can see you! Get posting! Very Happy

Impatient arn't we ???? Mr. Green

#1303: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:31 pm

Vikki - you do?? I have NO idea!

*thinks hard, but not too hard or brain will explode*

Nope, not happening.

Lesley? Where are you?

*starts chanting*

#1304: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:34 pm

And now she's gone again and I'm going home (or rather to the belgian beer bar) in half an hour....

#1305: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:40 pm

I'm so kind to you! Twisted Evil

Australia

It was some hours after the explosion, the group from the Real Chalet School and the diving instructors had been comprehensively warned off from going anywhere near the site of the wreck. They all agreed however, that the force of the explosion was such that there would be very little left to explore. More than that, though, was the knowledge that a potential crime scene had been deliberately destroyed; combining that with the robbery the night before, all of the group felt that there was something strange happening. The coastguard boat that had attempted to warn off Pat’s boat just prior to the explosion, had then forcibly caused him to return to harbour. Once there he was arrested by the coastguard and taken to their offices in town, his girlfriend Sandy and his brother-in-law Stu, went with him.

The rest of the party went to a nearby bar, waiting. While there Ruth and Rosalind decided to make some enquiries of their own. Retrieving a laptop from the minibus they started searching for information. Kathie and Nancy, returning from the bar where they were getting everyone drinks, sat nearby, discussing what had happened.

In Melbourne, Madge Russell was in the middle of preparing Sunday lunch; she had invited Joey and Jack over for lunch, when the telephone rang.

“Madge? It’s for you!” Jem called out, he went into the kitchen when it became obvious that she had not heard him. Madge was in the process of trying to do three things at once, she looked relieved as Jem walked in,

“Oh Jem, would you take over preparing the gravy? I’ve got to sort out the Yorkshires and turn the potatoes, the roast will need carving in a minute too!”

Jem walked over to take the wooden spoon from Madge’s hand and started stirring the gravy, “There’s a phone call for you,” he said quickly, “Someone needing to speak to the owner of the Real Chalet School,”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Madge demanded, rather unfairly Jem felt, “Look after this lot then!” she draped a tea-towel over Jem’s shoulder and handed him an oven glove and knife.

Jem was left stuttering, “B-b-but…” while Madge swept out. He looked around the kitchen in some confusion, not quite knowing where to start! Making a real effort he managed to make the gravy and turn the potatoes, making Yorkshire puddings however defeated him! A noise at the door and he turned to see Joey.

“Want a hand, Jem?” Joey’s eyes were laughing as she saw the utter relief in her brother-in-law’s eyes.

“Joey, thank you,” Jem thought about his pride and dignity and decided to throw both of them out of the window! “Look, Madge was preparing Yorkshire pudding, any idea?”

Joey smiled and wandered over to the freezer, she pulled out a package and Jem saw they were frozen Yorkshire puddings. “Just put them in the oven for a couple of minutes,” Joey said, “They’ll rise beautifully!”

“But that’s cheating!” Jem couldn’t stop himself, he was aghast that Madge would not have made her own.

Joey’s eyebrow rose, “Well, of course, if you want to make them yourself…” she began.

“No, no, no that’s alright Joey!” Jem said quickly, panic on his face at being asked to do that. “I just didn’t think, had nothing to do with cooking until moving here. It’s a bit of a shock!”

Joey looked across at Jem, he had hastily pulled an apron over his clothes and now stood stirring the gravy and checking all the veg, She walked over and kissed him on the cheek, “You’ll do, Jem,“ she said softly.

At the telephone, Madge was receiving a rather disturbing call,

“This is Madge Russell speaking,”

“Are you the owner of the Real Chalet School?” A soft voice with an Australian accent asked.

“I am, to whom am I speaking?” Madge asked quickly.

“A friend, with a warning. Tell your Staff to look elsewhere for their dives, if they keep getting nosy something nasty could happen to them, or to you!”

The line went dead.

#1306: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:44 pm

Thank you Lesley...I think!

Might have guessed you wouldn't let us know the answer to the prisoner's ID quite yet. Am wondering quite what the other have uncovered with their dive though and what will happen to them next...

#1307: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:46 pm

Well!!! If you call that being kind!! Oh you were kind to post, but then to leave us with one of your cliffs!!!! That was not kind!
And no, I haven't fallen off it! I'm enjoying the story too much to do anything so potentially dangerous. Twisted Evil

#1308: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 5:11 pm

But wouldn't we be disappointed without a cliff?!! Rolling Eyes

I love the scene with Jem having to take over the Sunday roast and finding out that Madge doesn't make her own Yorkshires!!
And that little exchange with Joey is so sweet ...

However that sinister message is not nice and I think we need to find out exactly what is going on with that blasted yacht!!

*hoping there's enough guardian angels to look after Hilda, Nell, Nancy, kathie, Ruth, Rosalind et al until Lesley sees fit to extricate them from their various predicaments!!*

#1309: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 5:14 pm

Thanks for that post.

BUT Who's in the cell?!? More very soon please!!!!

#1310: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 5:18 pm

Hee hee! Love Jem in the kitchen!!!!!

But wibble over the phone call!!!!

#1311: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 6:01 pm

Hmmm...

Not sure about the word "kind", Lesley!!! Loved the extra update, but we're still no closer to finding out the woman's identity, and now we have to worry about the mistresses as well!!!!

Lovin' it! Very Happy

#1312: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 6:22 pm

I misparsed one line as 'Who the Nell are you?"

And loving this, thanks Lesley

#1313: Author: Dot, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:00 pm

Lesley wrote:

I'm so kind to you! Twisted Evil

Not kind enough, Lesley!

#1314: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:08 pm

Whew, just caught up on the last 7 pages of this! Thank you Lesley... I'm torn right between wibbling and laughing at Jem in the kitchen!

#1315: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:09 pm

If this is Lesley's idea of kindness, I wonder what her definition of meanness is? Rolling Eyes

But I suppose she just had to live up to her sig..*sigh*
* poke

for more*

#1316: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:13 pm

Oh, poor Jem. I'm with Madge on the frozen Yorkshire puddings, though I'm sure my mother is spinning madly in her grave at the thought.

This is getting serious. At both ends, we appear to have the authorities involved in nefarious activities.

*has a quiet wibble*

ETA I forgot my manners in my wibbling! thank you Lesley.

#1317: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:24 pm

*Joining the wibblers*
Please may we have the next installment, Lesley? I'm running out of fingernails to chew! Shocked

Loved the scene with Madge, Jem & Jo - glad to see Jem now knows where the kitchen is! Smile

Thank you, this is so good!

(Will take your word for it about the boots! Have left mine in Scotland so no immediate chance to investigate size of soles!)

#1318: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:28 pm

I'm too good to you!

Both Hilda and Nell gulped slightly, Hilda recovered first, “My name is Hilda Annersley, ma’am, this is Nell Wilson. We’ve come to rescue you.”

The woman stared for a good thirty seconds before reacting, “Have you, by God, well it’s about time I suppose, just the two of you to take on that army of killers?”

Nell Wilson, still recovering from the earlier attack, bristled slightly at the mocking tone, “Well, Your Highness, we could always just close the door up and walk away. If you don’t think we’re good enough!”

Her Royal Highness, Anne, the Princess Royal, second child of the Queen, looked somewhat taken aback at the rebuke, “I meant no offence, my good woman,” she said, a little less mockingly, “but I hardly think that the two of you will have the firepower to fight off all of these men.”

Hilda Annersley stepped forward, glancing reprovingly at her friend, she then turned to the Princess, “We will not need to fight them,” she began, “Only get to a safe place, to hide out. There is an attack scheduled on this mine at 4am. Please follow me.” She turned and left the room, expecting both Nell and the Princess to follow.

Nell continued, “Now we’ve got to get you to this place of safety, so just follow us and follow orders!” Nell could perhaps be forgiven for her tone, considering the earlier attack and her three days captivity. However the Princess immediately took offence.

“Allow me to decide exactly what measures I should take, Miss Wilson,” she said sharply, “And do not presume to give me orders!”

The two women, both with very similar personalities, glared at each other, Nell Wilson was not about to allow someone she could remember as a child start to give her orders, and commented fiercely that the Princess should please not interfere.

For her part, the Princess Royal, accustomed to giving orders, and to receiving obedience from those around her, grew incensed that this woman refused to give her the deference she expected. Therefore, instead of following Hilda out of the cell, the two began arguing, this went on for sometime, and only stopped when Hilda Annersley returned.

“Ladies!” The word reverberated around the cell and both women involuntarily shivered, they turned to look at the figure in the doorway of the cell. When certain that she had their attention, Hilda continued, “Your Highness, Miss Wilson, do you think you could postpone your debate on which of you is more suited to giving orders until a more appropriate time? While I’m sure the result of this debate will be extremely interesting, it is perhaps rather more important that we manage to get away from here first!

“It may have escaped your notice, but there are a large number of men walking around carrying sub-machine guns, none of whom can be counted on as even remotely considering any of us as a friend! The danger is only exacerbated by the two of you indulging in a childish game to discover which is the stronger and therefore more competent at leading our group!”

There was silence for at least a minute, both women managed to look somewhat shame-faced, Nell spoke, “Sorry Hilda,” she said quietly.

The Princess nodded, “My apologies, Miss Annersley,” she said quickly.

Hilda smiled, “Good, now come on, both of you, there will be time to work out who should be in charge later.”

“Oh, that’s alright, Hilda,” Nell said quickly, “I think that’s already been decided!”

The Princess nodded her agreement!

So apart from Rachael (who knew) and Kathye (who guessed- sort of) who else guessed right?

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

#1319: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:41 pm

nope! I was way out in my guess!
Love Nell's "I think that has already been decided"

More soon please Lesley!

#1320: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:50 pm

I have to confess that i had no idea! So you *can* still fool me Lesley!

#1321: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:52 pm

Thank you lesley! Although it's taken me a long time to catch up, I'm rather glad this is the first time I've been on the CBB since Friday, as I missed all the problems and I came back to all this lovely RCS (even if I did miss Lesley's hints at the Hampshire Gathering!) Smile

oh, and I had no idea who the prisoner was either!

#1322: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:56 pm

Lovely, and you will not be suprised to hear that I had no idea at all!

So, when will we see the girls in danger as well???

#1323: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:03 pm

Lesley, I've loved these last few posts. I think Madge should arrange for Jem to take a cookery course, and someone should tell HRH not to look a gift horse in the mouth. We all know that Hilda really rules!

I do think those people in australia are very foolish to start threatening Madge and the CS. Don't they know that the prefects will stop at nothing, not to mention the staff.

#1324: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:05 pm

totally surprised at the prisoner - I was thinking along a completely different track.

Still wondering what the girls are getting up to though

#1325: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:12 pm

What a wonderful twist.

Thanks Lesley

#1326: Author: Cathy, Location: Australia

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:44 pm

I honestly had no idea who the prisoner was. Why would anyone want to capture Princess Anne anyhow? Is there something I'm missing here? I'm only a colonial, after all!!! Wink

Cathy

#1327: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:52 pm

All will be revealed - some time! Wink

*Good night all! YAWN!!!!*

#1328: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:53 pm

I'm really enjoying this, and just about managing to hobble back up the next cliff after dropping like a stone down one after another.

I had absolutely no idea who the prisoner was...am very intrigued as to how Kathye managed to guess? Am very impressed by Kathye's powers of guesswork, or possibly clairvoyance. Very Happy

I'm rather concerned about the party of children who are camped out on the mountain nearby...this was such a throwaway comment, that my cliff-spotting antennae are working overtime. I wouldn't put it past the prefects to have sniffed out what's going on and have come riding to the rescue, heavily disguised as a party of kids. They're capable of anything, those girls. Or perhaps Miss A. phoned them before she got herself caught and set it up?

Thanks for the nice lots you've posted today, Lesley. I hope your eyes are feeling rested and less sore now. Sleep well.

Last edited by Sophie on Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:58 pm; edited 2 times in total

#1329: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:54 pm

Along with the raid timed for 4.00 am!!

#1330: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:10 pm

*puzzled as to just why anyone has imprisoned Princess Anne and as to what her connection to the RCS is*

Thanks for lots of lovely posts today Lesley! Looking forward to more tomorrow Very Happy

#1331: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:24 pm

So, Vikki, were you right in your guess?

I didn't even have a guess, I have no idea!

*feeling utterly confused*

*decides that the only way to find solution is to have another glass of Archers*

Thank you, Lesley! Very Happy

#1332: Author: Guest,

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:38 pm

I guessed that the prisoner was a member of the Royal Family as Lesley had dropped a comment in a while ago about them being near Balmoral.....

But still not clear on what the men are going to do that they require her !
Am still trying to deduct that one, and I am also sure that the kids camping nearby are in fact the Prefects, as Lesley would not have mentioned it otherwise.

#1333: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:40 pm

ahh that was me, Darren had logged me out and I hadnt noticed Embarassed

#1334: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 12:32 am

I hadn't a clue. If it was a royal, I'd have thought Elisaveta- certainly not Anne! But Lesley, puh-lease, you have to use Anne's equestrian talents. I just love the idea of the three of them galloping away. Actually, I can see Nell being good at it- but Hilda? Could be the hockey and the surfing all over again! *snigger*

#1335: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 7:19 am

Nope, not a sausage!

*Thinks Lesley should have more days off for drabble-writing*

( Laughing

Lisa's horseback scenario)

#1336: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 7:36 am

I had no idea either! I'd thought of crazy scientists, military leaders .... almost anything else but not a Royal - despite the mention of Balmoral. Has Anne stumbled across something or is it ransom?

I love Hilda's put downs Laughing

I think you may be right about the 'children' camping. Perhaps the girls thought Hilda and Nell were bound to get into trouble and followed them?

Now how does this tie in with Australia? Who is mounting an 'armed attack'?

I guess we have to await Lesley's pleasure!

#1337: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:34 am

Perhaps Prince Philip will arrive wielding a polo mallet!

#1338: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:45 am

Nah, there's no one around who isn't British so he wouldn't be able to make any inappropriate comments! Wink

Love that scene, Lesley! Can just picture the exchange between Nell and Anne and then Hilda quelling them!! Laughing

#1339: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:34 am

#1340: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:37 am

I had no idea...nut then I've decided the best way to read RCS is go witht the flow and assume Lesley will sort it all out in the end! Laughing

Love Nell and HRH arguing and then Hilda quelling them both so easily!

#1341: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:47 am

It is the only way with one of Lesley's RCS series, Nell. In one way, I wouldn't want to know what is going to happen - I wouldn't miss the heart-stopping bits for anything.

#1342: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:59 am

Exactely...that was partly why I failed to come up with anything to ask Lesley about RCS at the hampshire gather - I didn't want to spoil it as it was written!

#1343: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:16 pm

Thank you, Lesley!

The language was rather mild from the Princess, Royal, wasn't it? Wink

*Also picked up on the kids on the hillside, but nowhere near on the Royal stakes*
*Awaits dawn raid/attack with interest and a small amount of wibbling*

#1344: Author: Robin, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:51 pm

doesn't princess anne have killer dogs that could have eaten nasty men?!? Or are they still to come into it?

totally wasn't expecting her (but then, had no idea who it was at all)

next bit please Lesley

#1345: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 4:11 pm

They bite only Royal corgis and housemaids, they are probably useless in a fight.

#1346: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:29 pm

Some people would argue the corgis deserved it! ROFL

Though bto be serious, i was rather horrified by that story. Also on being told by a friend that her aunt's yorkie was killed by a golden retriever!!!! I'd always thought retrievers were the epitome of the gentle family dog, but apparently they can be vicious towards little dogs
*makes note to keep CKCS well away from them*

#1347: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:58 pm

*wonders where Lesley has got to tonight* Crying or Very sad

#1348: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September)

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:58 pm

*joins Vikki in wondering*

#1349: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:00 pm

Maybe this is going to be one of the late night posting days.

#1350: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:03 pm

Well, she's on the board now..........

#1351: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:05 pm

Lisa_T wrote:

Also on being told by a friend that her aunt's yorkie was killed by a golden retriever!!!! I'd always thought retrievers were the epitome of the gentle family dog, but apparently they can be vicious towards little dogs

to go completely OT for a moment, Retrievers are lovely family dogs - wouldn't go as far as saying gentle though!

*remembers beloved t-shirt being ripped by dog*

*t-shirt memory surpassed by the one of the dog running at my mum when she was clearing the garden, and knocking her over - and I'm sure you can work out what she was clearing it of, and what she fell into* Laughing

#1352: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:10 pm

I caan't see my Cogi cross attacking another dog - she's too scared of them. Double glazing salesmen are a different matter though.

Thanks Lesley - I hadn't the foggiest idea who the other prisoner was, I thought it may have been a scientist, or maybe a politician, although if that had been the case I would have been tempted to leave them there.

Will there be more soon please?

#1353: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:03 pm

Sorry it's so late - was at nephew's 7th birthday party! Hope length of post makes up for the wait!

Australia

In the bar, the four from the Real Chalet School were interrupted by Ruth’s mobile ringing. On answering it she mouthed to the others that it was Madge Russell. The others then watched and listened to Ruth’s half of the conversation as she told Madge all about the dive, the robbery in the night, and the morning’s events. Just as she finished Pat and the others appeared in the bar, they all quickly gathered round.

“We’ve been warned off,” Pat said shortly, “Basically I was told that if I even attempt to go near the site again I’ll have my boat and entire business confiscated.”

“What about the rest of us?” Mark said worriedly,

“The same,” Pat replied, “They said they would revoke your license to teach and shut down the diving school permanently. Whatever this is, someone has a lot of influence and power. That coastguard officer? The one we saw last night that was so nice? He’s been given the sack. And the rest of them are all scared sh*tless!”

There was a long pause then Pat spoke again, “I’m sorry Mark, I’d love to see this through, but Sandy and I are hoping to get married end of the year. We can’t do that if I don’t have a livelihood.”

“That’s OK Pat, we understand,” Mark said quietly. The rest of the group sat in silence as Pat, Sandy and Stu all left the bar. Mark looked around those left, “What about everyone else?” he asked quickly.

Ruth replied, “I’ve just heard from the owner of the School where we all teach,” she said quickly, “Someone has been in contact with her, telling her that if we don’t stop being nosy both we and she will get hurt!”

“So you're pulling out?” this was Col, “I can understand that…” he stopped as all four Real Chalet School mistresses shook their heads.

Ruth grinned, “The others don’t even know what Madge said,” she said quietly,

“We can guess, Ruth!” this from Nancy, “She said to go for it!”

“Not quite,” Ruth said, surprising the others, “What she actually said was that the entire facilities of Real Chalet School Industries are at our disposal. And that she refused to be threatened in this world!”

Scotland

The three women quickly but quietly made their way back along the corridor and out past the guard room, turning into another corridor they conferred quickly,

“It’s not going to take them long to discover that you’re missing, Your Highness,” Miss Annersley said quickly, “We’ve probably got less than 30 minutes free, before they’ll be searching for us!”

“Can we get away from the mine?” The Princess asked,

Nell Wilson shook her head, “Unlikely, the only two entrances to the mine, top and bottom, will be very heavily guarded, we’ll never get past them.” She looked at Hilda, “I don’t think the idea of going back to our cell will work either, it’s likely they’ll be checking upon us soon, and will discover we’re missing!”

“Did you have anywhere else planned?”

Both women looked across at the Princess, “We thought of one other place,” Hilda Annersley said reluctantly, “It’s rather risky to get there but, if we manage it will be almost perfect.”

The women moved through the mine, heading further up, nearer to the hidden stairs leading to the top of the hill, a short way before coming to the guarded exit they turned off along a wide corridor, part way down there was a locked door. After a short time, Hilda managed to open the door and the three walked in, and locked the door behind them. The room was an office, it had only a desk and chair in it, however it also had a second room attached, in which there was a single cot and toilet facilities.

Inside the Princess looked over at her rescuers, “What is this place? Why do you feel it is safe?”

Hilda and Nell smiled at each other, “This is the office used by Inspector Holland,” Hilda replied softly, “He brought both of us here prior to imprisoning us. It’s likely that the guards themselves will not consider looking in here!”

“And should Holland himself appear I should imagine you’ll find plenty to talk to him about!” Nell grinned at the Princess, who found herself responding with an evil grin of her own.

“You might say that, Miss Wilson,” she replied, “Considering that he is not only the one responsible for my being imprisoned for the last eight days, but is supposed to be my bloody bodyguard!”

“You just can’t get the staff, ma’am!” Nell said deadpan.

Hilda smiled, “I knew he had to have some significant connection,” she said softly, she turned to the Princess, “Nell has been here since Wednesday, she went missing while we were hiking. Holland staged a rather elaborate charade that almost succeeded in convincing me that she was dead. When I realised it was false, I knew that Holland had to have some way of convincing all the others in the hospital to deliberately falsify a death.”

“If they knew him as a member of your bodyguard, they probably thought they were helping you. I would imagine they are all very loyal servants to the crown.” Nell continued.

Princess Anne nodded, “Yes, it’s quite possible that he could convince them, he is very plausible. He even allowed me to believe that visiting this mine was part of my normal itinerary. It was only once the outer doors were closed that I realised everyone else was carrying a weapon, and they were all pointed toward me!”

“May I ask, ma’am,” Hilda said quickly, “Why has he been holding you? Has he some terrorist agenda?”

“Not as far as I’m aware, his only love seems to be for money, and he very quickly realised that he was working for the daughter of the richest woman in the world! The last eight days have been spent extracting a rather large ransom from my mother. I’ve had a number of photographs and video shots taken with a copy of an up to date newspaper. To prove that I was still alive, for now!” The Princess was very matter-of-fact about her ordeal.

Nell went to say something when footsteps outside alerted them to possible danger. All three immediately fell silent, switching off the light and moving into the second room. A short time later the footsteps grew louder and there was the sound of a key opening the door. The three waited as Holland himself walked in, accompanied by two senior guards.

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:05 am; edited 1 time in total

#1354: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:09 pm

Eminem, Bill Gates, Princess Anne...

The Roll Call gets better and better

Brilliant, thank you Lesley.

#1355: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:11 pm

Lesley wrote:

Sorry it's so late - was at nephew's 7th birthday party! Hope length of post makes up for the wait!

Wow!!! Some 7th b'day party!! Going on til 11 o'clock! Wink

*ducks*

Seriously though, thank you Lesley! When do we get the next bit?

#1356: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:11 pm

Madge has certainly recovered the spark from her younger days, hasn't she!

*Wonders how near to 4.00 am it is in Scotland?*

#1357: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:15 pm

Yar boo sucks to Vikki - I was back at nine and have been writing 1100 words from then to now! tongue

#1358: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:19 pm

...... and you rose bee-yew-ti-fully!!!! Laughing

#1359: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:21 pm

Terrible isn't it Lesley. She's got no patience, has she, our Vikki!
ROFL

Does this mean that Hilda and Nell are gonna be carted to Balmoral, introduced to HM (i wonder who will squash who- I believe the Queen is rather talented in the gentle irony line herself) and probably end up being sent back to Oz with a handful of gongs (not the PC version, please) and a couple of dorgi pups? Laughing

#1360: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:25 pm

Well I for one did not see royalty coming at all. Perfect turn though and I loved Nell and Anne's little disagreement and Hilda being able to squash both of them Laughing

#1361: Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: near High Wycombe

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:29 pm

What a lovely long post to go to bed on Very Happy

Thanks Lesley!

*worrying that Inspector Holland will discover Hilda, Nell and Anne*

*worrying about what the Australian side are letting themselves into*

*wondering just what the prefects are getting up to at the moment*

Only one solution to my ponderings - Lesley to write more! Very Happy

*very much looking forard to the next installment*

#1362: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:54 am

*hopes this is an opportunity for Hilda et al. to flatten the opposition, and not vice versa*

*and good for Madge and the quartet!*

Thank you, Lesley!

#1363: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:54 am

*chanting unashamedly*

(well I'm away for a week from Sunday...)

#1364: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:34 am

Oh, I love Madge in this - fantastic reaction! I can just imagine being all crisp and snappy cos she's livid anyone has dared threatening her and her school!
Specially liked the line that she refused to be threatened in this world

And Nell's deadpan line is a corker “You just can’t get the staff, ma’am!” Very Happy

And Lisa, I love the idea of gongs (non-PC of course!!)
Hilda and Nell, Dames of the British Empire - I like it!! Laughing

#1365: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:02 am

Terrific, Lesley. Let's hope that Holland walks into what's coming to him!

#1366: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:39 am

“Well I’ve just received confirmation,” Holland said as he walked round to sit in his chair, “The money has arrived in the off-shore account. My man there has sent word. We are rich, gentlemen!”

The two guard commanders looked at each other, smiling, one of them spoke, “Excellent, so what’s the plan?”

“There is a private jet chartered at Edinburgh Airport,” Holland replied, “Scheduled to leave at 2pm today. Everyone will be on it, before midnight we’ll have reached the Bahamas, divided up the money and be free and clear for the rest of our lives. Not bad for eight days work!”

The other guard nodded, “What about the prisoners? Are we going to free them?”

“Hell no,” Holland replied immediately, “Remember what I said at the beginning of this, no witnesses. That includes Anne. I’ve taken enough insults from that b*tch!”

Inside the second room, listening to the conversation, Nell was quick enough to pull the Princess back when she started forward, almost involuntarily at Holland’s words. Luckily no one in the next room heard.

The other two men nodded, satisfied, one of them looked a little puzzled, “But why all that fuss keeping those other two alive?”

Holland sighed, “Because they had already contacted the Police,” he said quickly, “And besides, if anything had gone wrong, I then had two perfect scapegoats. They don’t even live in the UK, it would have been easy to make it seem they were the ones responsible for the Princess’ capture and death.”

Both Hilda and Nell stiffened at this, but remained silent.

Holland was continuing to speak, “But they are no longer needed and we should have no loose ends.” He looked at his watch, “It’s almost two now, transport for everyone is arranged for six, so leave everything in place for now but have your men up by five, we’ll kill our three guests then!”

“Just kill them? Couldn‘t we…entertain ourselves first? I‘ve always wondered if it would be different…with a Royal!” One of the commanders said, a certain light in his eyes.

Holland looked over at him, “If you must,” he sighed, “I know there are at least some of the men that would enjoy the sport.” He smiled, “I’m going to take a walk over to that camp set up by those kids,” he said, “Check that they really are innocent, it might be that we’ll need to dispose of them too.”

“Do you need any help?”

“Not at the moment,” Holland replied, “Go spread the good news to the men, tell them about the arrangements for travel, and about the entertainment before we go.”

The other two men nodded and swiftly left the room. Holland removed some papers from the desk drawer and placed them in an ashtray, he lit the papers with a match and watched them slowly burn, “No loose ends,” he said to himself, smiling. A slight noise from the second room disturbed him, frowning he looked up, then got to his feet and walked over to the other room.

#1367: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:41 am

Uh-oh! Now what...there are still two hours before four am!!!

#1368: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:55 am

*fingers crossed that the noise isn't what I think it is*

At least they've overheard the plans so that should help them plan an escape - my money's on Hilda et al being on that private flight ...

*impressed by Nell's restraint*
*looking forward to Anne's reaction*

#1369: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:59 am

What do you think the noise is then, Rachael?

#1370: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:15 pm

Stop teasing us and tell us, Lesley. My money's on it's being Hilda and Nell having to restrain HRH from trying to leap on Holland and strangle him.

#1371: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:37 pm

I think the noise was deliberate! They stayed quiet up till then - Anne had had to be restrained remember!! I don't think any sound would have come from that room then that wasn't meant to!

#1372: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:04 pm

*g*

I love Jennie's idea and I like Pat's as being feasible except for the fact that I'm not sure they'd be able to overpower that many guards at once ...

I was hoping that the noise wasn't them as I'm not emotionally ready for them to get caught .............. again!!

Although if they are, by the time I get back to this on Monday, they'll probably be in a completely different predicament! Rolling Eyes

#1373: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:05 pm

This is completely not fair! I'm not going to be able to see the board again until Monday!!

Grr!

#1374: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:37 pm

Will there be another lovely long post for me to read tomorrow?

Since Inspector Holland has no idea that Hilda can call on the power of Microsoft and all its minions, Holland won't realise that they'll be able to get the money backout of hisoffshore account! I'd love to see his face when he realises that it's gone.

LOL at Madge and the CS4 in Australia! Go Madge!

#1375: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:52 pm

Cool.

No predictions whatsoever, just looking forward to the next bit

#1376: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:05 pm

I reckon Pat is right. the other 2 guards have gone and Holland seems to be the one with a few brain cells. If they neutralise him, the others will have no leadership.

*Wibbling slightly that the 'kids camp' is being checked and hoping that if it is our girls, they will be ready for trouble*

Great as usual Lesley. Very Happy

#1377: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:54 pm

Erk, erk, erk and oh no. *wibbles*

#1378: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:33 pm

*starts a chant!*

#1379: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:46 pm

Icks out at the neanderthalistic - no, pre-Cambrian scum- instincts of the minions

Weebles at the noise made in the inner room and Holland left to his own devices!

Weebling slightly at kids being checked out, but they'll be up for it, I'd have thought...c'mon Lesley, let's see them kick some @$$! Nell, PR & HIlda too Laughing

Thank you, Auntie Lesley!!! More pwease...will check before I go to bed Very Happy

#1380: Author: Sophie, Location: Cambridegeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:24 pm

Vintage RCS! Thank you so much, Lesley. Hoping the women deal with Holland as he deserves, and also hoping the kids on the mountain manage to deal with him too (what's left of him, that is).

#1381: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:54 pm

*getting worried about the kids* unless they're the prees- they have enough criminal tendencies to scotch anything else in that line!
*trying not to worry about H, N and PR*
*wondering if HM is a closet CS fan and whether she is reading this and what her opinion would be...* ROFL

#1382: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:45 pm

Get on with it Lesley! I want to go to bed with the laptop, but I have no internet upstairs!

#1383: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:10 am

Sorry all, no more posts tonight, I've been trying for the past hour or so to write the next bit and it's not working. More tomorrow - perhaps it'll come out right after some sleep!

#1384: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:51 am

Glad I went to bed without waiting any longer now!

Hope the writing goes better today Lesley. Very Happy

#1385: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:00 am

See what you think, Rachel! Laughing

As he entered the room his hand reached up to the light switch, however before he could reach it there was a sharp movement to his right, he turned to see, and felt something impact with his left temple. The world turned black…

A short time later Holland awoke, he lay on the cot in the same room, but the light was now on, and he could clearly see his attackers. The Princess Royal, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson were all looking at him. He struggled to sit up, and discovered that his hands were fixed behind him.

“Handcuffs, Mr Holland,” Hilda said quickly, “discovered in your desk drawer, we hold the keys.”

“I see,” Holland swung his legs round to the floor and looked over at the three women, “My congratulations, ladies, I didn’t think it was possible for our prisoners to escape, I must have missed something. But you realise that this is as far as you will get, don’t you? You will never manage to bypass the guards at either exit.”

Nell Wilson moved closer, and despite himself Holland flinched away from the anger in her eyes. “Seeing as we have just listened intently, while you have detailed exactly what you had planned for us, Holland, I think you’d do better worrying about your own fate, rather than ours!”

The Princess spoke next, “Indeed, Inspector, I find myself unconcerned about my fate, so long as I have a hand in yours!”

Holland swallowed, he looked round at the three women and fixed upon the gentlest, “Miss Annersley, you cannot approve of this? I am helpless, unable to fight you, or hurt you.”

Hilda Annersley smiled, “No Mr Holland, I do not approve, I do not approve of someone that, when they find themselves in a position of power, uses that power to further their own ambitions.” Her voice became icy, “And I especially do not approve of anyone who would drug a very dear friend and stage her death, just to try and ensure that their plans proceeded.”

Holland had gone a little pale at this speech, “I could have killed both of you!” He said quickly, “Some of the others wanted it, I refused.”

“Yes, but not for humanitarian reasons, Holland,” Nell’s voice was still hoarse from her earlier ordeal, “Only because you wanted to use us later.”

“And we have just heard that we, all of us, have now outlived our usefulness.” The Princess put in, “We have just heard your orders to your men, five am wasn’t it? The time when we would have been ‘entertaining’ the troops prior to our murder!”

“You still can’t get out!” Holland said quickly, “And they’ll discover that you have escaped soon, they’ll find you anywhere you try to hide!” He slowly stood up, watching as Miss Annersley pointed a revolver at him, he smiled, “I don’t think so, Miss Annersley, you’ll not shoot, not you. I’m not threatening you or the Princess and I’m especially not threatening Miss Wilson. If I were, then you’d shoot, but I’m threatening no one, I’m merely walking to the door. You’ll not shoot me for that!”

Hilda looked thoughtfully down at the revolver in her hand and then back at the man, “Do you know? I believe you are correct, Mr Holland,” she said softly. “I would find it very difficult to shoot, I have it on very good authority that I am incapable of murder.”

Holland smiled and took a few steps toward the door, Miss Annersley’s next words stopped him, instantly.

“Nell? I wonder if you would take over?”

Nell Wilson stepped forward slightly, she smiled at her friend, “No problem, Hilda,“ she said. She was holding a gun Holland recognised as his own, pointing it at the man. “Please continue your journey to the door, Inspector,” her voice was as cold as ice, “I’d like to prove to you that we do not all suffer from the same handicap as Hilda!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:23 am; edited 2 times in total

#1386: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:14 am

Hurrah for Hilda and Nell and Lesley!

#1387: Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:15 am

BRILLIANT!

I'm sitting here in awed typelessness at your story Lesley! Somehow it is very hard to convey in a post just how fantastic this all is!

A little more wouldn't go amiss though Wink

#1388: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:51 am

Wonderful! Hilda and Nell in this amaze me every time.

That was well worth waiting for Lesley!

#1389: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:22 pm

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! you get the message.

#1390: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:28 pm

I jsut love the way Hilda and Nell work together! The PR is as collected and competent as I've always imagined her, too.

#1391: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:45 pm

*g* I'm sure she'll join in with any violence Nell may have planned...
*worried about our tendency to make Nell violent*
*or to murder her!!!!!*

#1392: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:08 pm

Holland looked across at Miss Wilson, then very slowly he moved back to the bed and sat down.

“Pity!” Nell said feelingly.

At that moment there was the sound, outside in the corridor, of two sets of running feet, then someone trying the door,

“Holland, you there?” It was one of the guard commanders, he sounded a little panicky, “They’ve escaped, the prisoners, all three of them!”

“Is he there?” a second voice.

“No, must have already gone to look at that camp, dammit!”

Inside the room Holland smiled across at Nell Wilson, “You cannot shoot me now,” he said, “They’ll hear!” He made to stand and was promptly pushed back down by Nell. He opened his mouth to call out and the Princess suddenly moved forwards, punching him just below the ribs on his left, Holland collapsed to one side, wheezing, unable to make a sound. Before he could recover, Nell had retrieved a towel and used it as a makeshift gag. She looked across at the Princess,

“Very impressive, ma’am, where on Earth did you learn that? It wasn’t Roedean!”

Princess Anne smiled, “You’ve obviously never had to deal with a recalcitrant horse, Miss Wilson.” she said very quietly, so as not to alert the people outside, “When one tries to inflate itself to prevent a girth being tightened properly, that action always stops them The principle’s the same!”

Holland silenced, the three listened to the guards outside, “Well send someone after him, then! We need to let him know what’s happened. And double the guards on the exits, they must not escape the mine.”

The footsteps started to recede along the corridor, the Inspector made a final, desperate attempt to attract attention from the guards outside. Shaking off the combined assaults of both Nell Wilson and the Princess, he stood up and ran toward the door, intending to make enough noise that the guards would have to investigate. Long before he could reach the door, however, he was stopped when Hilda Annersley kicked out, catching him on the knee, he sank to the floor and, before he could recover, she had kicked him in the face.

“I’m actually quite pleased he made the attempt to escape,” she said quietly, even while the other two completely immobilised the man, both women looked up, incredulous.

“Well I am,” Hilda said defensively, “I’d have felt bad, attacking him when he was already down. It wouldn’t have felt right!”

The Princess looked across at Nell, “Is she serious?” she asked, even while kicking the Inspector in the groin, the Inspector groaned feebly.

Nell concentrated, as the man relaxed slightly, recovering from the Princess’ kick she aimed a stamp on the same area of his anatomy. The Inspector’s eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fainted. “I’m afraid so,” she replied, “It’s this whole ‘Justice with Mercy’ deal, it’s ingrained in her.”

The Princess nodded sadly, “She’s as bad as my mother!” she observed.

#1393: Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:11 pm

I knew there was a reason I'm a royalist...

Thank you Lesley Mr. Green

#1394: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:24 pm

Great stuff, Lesley.

Psst. The PR actually went to Benenden.

#1395: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:30 pm

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!

Thanks Lesley!!! Extreme shinyness!!! Can they kick him a bit more please? Twisted Evil