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| unfinished business; Bad Girls / Judge John Deed trilogy | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 22 2008, 10:39 AM (19,804 Views) | |
| BETTELA | Jan 25 2009, 11:53 AM Post #271 |
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BETTE
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That was the most amazing and great way to end Karen's trial, lets look forward to Fenner's one now. Thanks again for the great piece of work.
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| richard | Jan 27 2009, 09:28 PM Post #272 |
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Enhanced
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This is really great feedback here To you, Axiegirl21, I’m glad to read your feedback and yes, Nikki has somehow brought out qualities in Tony that he probably didn’t know he had. I’m pleased and interested that you didn’t se the trial as a foregone conclusion which is the way I wanted it to appear. You’ll be pleased to know that the impact on Fenner hasn’t been neglected in every respect. To you, Bettela, I’m really glad that I’ve sustained the momentum of the trial in the way you see and feel it right to the end- plenty more to come |
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| annabelle | Jan 27 2009, 10:26 PM Post #273 |
Down the Block
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just caught up with the latest. You are wonderful. I love stories with Karen in them and you have done a fine job with her (and all the others). I like how I felt like I was actually in the courthouse (American term) sitting at the edge of my seat. Keep writing! annabelle
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| kchardbody | Jan 28 2009, 04:01 AM Post #274 |
G2 landing
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Richard. Your courtroom scenes were so perfect. Thank-you for writing. I really am enjoying every chapter. I love Karen too. |
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| emtsue | Jan 29 2009, 11:24 AM Post #275 |
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
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Hiya Richard:(ch.37 & 38) Helen,Nikki,Tony,and Shirley...four uniquely different personalities , four uniquely different testimonies.Not different because of any great evidence they could set forth,but different, in how they each were to deliver this evidence,blowing the dapper and sel-absorbed Mr.Cantwell's cross examination,out of the water!! Helen: Brutally honest and contemplaitive,particularly when agreeing with Brian Cantwell's questions,which ironically showed her strength all the more.If this testimony had been given while still at Larkhall,no doubt ,she would not have allowed her true feelings to surface,as so often was the battle that was being fought within herself. Nikki: Always honest,but with her cool and casual demeanor ,as if she still had to uphold her reputation,as she did in prison.She gave her testimony much like she might have done sitting in the local pub to a group of friends,but it was no-less important and intriguing to the audience listening. Tony: Ahhh...shy,nervous,recluse, Tony,who if he didn't have to work for a living ,would probably never interact with people. Then along comes Nikki Wade ,who is somehow able to draw Tony out of his shell, as much as he has ever been drawn out.They connected.They both needed what the other had to offer at this time in their lives.It was this connection that was immediately rekindled when on a chance meeting , Tony unwittingly revealed his eyewittness account of a man in a blonde wig!! Tony is by far the most interesting of the witnesses,for he could have so easily been eaten up and spat out by BrianCatwell's cross examination.Armed with Helen's advice,Nikki's friendship,and his own simple honesty and moral ethics,nervousness and all,he came out looking like shining star!! What a beautiful sight that was!! Shirley: Shirley Chatham..private investigator...street smart...relative to the wife of London's most notorious criminal,who is now serving time at the ever popular Larkhall Prison,and she doesn't care who knows it,as long as they realize that she is on the right side of the law.Not missing a beat , or a breath ,Ms.Chatham gave every piece of evidence already covered in this trial,plus,and without any real surprise in her mind, those that the police obviously missed.She not only listed this evidence,but explained the"how's and Why's " as well. Four Unique personalities,four unique deliveries...all rendering Cantwell and Sir Ian speechless,and most probably have put them in panic mode!! Richard,what abrilliant way to bring forth these testimonies,by using each individual personality and psychological issues, to make their evidence ring true. |
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| emtsue | Jan 29 2009, 02:28 PM Post #276 |
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
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Hiya Richard: It's not been but minutes since my last reply! How I do love George and her bossy ways!! Off to the pub!! The gang together again,including new member,Tony Foster.Although George's entertaining stories were more for Karen's sake than anybody,it's Tony who stands out for me.In many ways he's so child-like,and his utter surprise at how everyone paid such attention to him and how he revelled in it,pulled at my heart strings. Who would have thought that Nikki and Tony would have connected so! Then on the other hand,maybe it's not so surprising,knowing Nikki's character. I hope you persue the "Tony" character in the next part of your series,Richard. Obviously as a reader I'm very happy at karen's outcome ,but From the opening statements to the closing statements ,the decision of the jury could have certainly gone either way.Which brings me to Sir Ian.Not too fickle ,is he? NOT!!! Pissed off because someone from Larkhall once again walked away free,he waisted no time in turning his attention to Fenner,which is not a bad thing...only I don't think he realizes it.Sir Ian Can't even blame John Deed for how this trial ended,as he was a boy scout to the end!! Now that wasn't very nice of John,was it? LOL Richard ,you know how I feel about you and your incredible story telling,thank you again. PHEW!! Can't believe I'm all caught up!!! |
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| richard | Jan 31 2009, 06:13 PM Post #277 |
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Enhanced
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I first saw this elegant and emotional piece by Emtsue and my reaction was, wow!! You pick out very clearly the emotional colouring that each of the four characters give to the trial and I’m really glad for you that the trial has worked out so well for you. You bring out Nikki’s natural chattiness which was as much her way of being assertive as Helen’s very direct approach was. I deliberately wrote into the trial drama that Karen’s strongest defence lay in Tony’s testimony and how this was such a tipping point in the trial. You show so clearly how Helen and Nikki’s vital support enabled Tony to become the person he had never thought that he could be. I’m really pleased that you picked up on the interesting fact that, John’s inquisitiveness aside, he handled the trial straight down the line and this was partly this that angered Sir Ian so much, the other part of it being his natural spitefulness. Lastly, your observations on Tony are very intriguing and I get the feeling that I wrote better than I knew and in this next scene, I’ve carried on with this motif and portrayed a really physically expressive side of Karen which seques into a standup row between Nikki and her brother which echoes earlier feedback. Karen takes a little bit of adjusting to speaking to the press. Her sense of being right boils over and spills over into the audience whom, inevitably are the prisoners in Larkhall and this is the start of payback time. Enjoy. .................................................................................................................... Scene Forty “Come on you guys, lets go and meet Karen. We’ll have to face the press and all the usual stuff,” Nikki urged forcefully. “You mean television?” queried Tony, all at sea. “I never thought.” “You bet, Tony but don’t worry. It will be Karen and George who’ll be doing the talking. All we have to do is to stand straight in the background and look supportive. That’s dead easy after you faced Cantwell in the witness stand,” Nikki said kindly. They followed Sir Ian out the back door and clattered down the curved staircase to down to the foyer. Ahead of them were the court staff and the first of the jury making their way to the exit. “I bet you Sir Ian Whatshisname will be spitting feathers,” Helen said, grinning all over. “And Fenner as well. He’s for the chop, I bet you,” replied Nikki, a feeling of grim satisfaction radiating throughout her nervous system as the implications started to sink home. Suddenly Karen came into sight, arms outstretched, her emotions visibly spilling over the top of that most restrained of personalities. Helen was the first down the staircase and seemed to rush into Karen’s arms. “Thank you, thank you,” she whispered into her ear as she held her.” I would never have survived with all your help.” “That’s all right, Karen. I mean we’re friends after all.” As Helen moved away, the blond-haired woman wiped the tears that were streaming down her face. “You told me I’d do some good in the world, Karen,” Nikki said impishly as she embraced the other woman. “And how,” Karen said in a heartfelt way. “I really didn’t know how good.” “Don’t I get a look in?” George asked coyly. “Of course you do.” Karen said with breaking emotion.” I didn’t know that it was the right thing to do to embrace a barrister.” George moved in gracefully to embrace this taller woman who had been down on her luck for so long. If only this innocent woman really knew what barristers do behind closed doors. She smiled thinking fondly of her lover. “I’ve never hugged so many people for ages. I can’t think what’s come over me,” Karen said dazedly. “Doesn’t Tony get a look in either. He’s so misleading, so much more to him than meets the eye. I think he showed terrific courage in standing up to their barrister,” Nikki said tenderly. She’s spotted how nervous he felt in this female-to-female bonding. At once, Karen smothered him in a wave of gratitude and subtle perfume. From a distance, John Deed looked on at the scenes of overflowing emotion with tenderness. If this is what female solidarity is about, then so be it. He had certainly benefited from it and the last of his still lurking feelings of disturbance at George’s relationship with Alice were at last released. He could contemplate it philosophically now and know that he could never really lose that part of George that was his to possess. He couldn’t really join the crowd and that was the only element of regret. He floated off to his chambers on a river of tranquillity. The sense of time felt as if it hung suspended. Everything had been so geared to this one moment that it was difficult to think what came next. Nikki knew that they had only so much time before they had to face the press, but Karen needed time to be prepared for it. As the conversation started to subside, Nikki started to look around her and spotted her brother, obviously commiserating with Brian Cantwell. At once, her face darkened and she stormed over to them. She had old scores to settle which went back such a long way and this was the best moment she could think of. “For all your stuck-up pompous manner, you really are such an idiot, John. You really screwed up over Fenner.” “Your side won. Isn’t that enough?” Brian Cantwell flared, his natural combativeness aroused. John Wade was tight faced with mingled rage and embarrassment at this public scene. “I’ve got nothing against you, Mr. Cantwell, you were just doing your job. This argument is personal, between me and my windbag of a brother,” Nikki fired back. The barrister promptly stepped back. He was only a hired gun with just his fee to pick up. This wasn’t his problem. “You really thought that slimy bastard Fenner was like an upright British officer,” Nikki shouted, her lip curling in scorn. “An old mate of mine, Yvonne Atkins, a working class woman from the Eastend of London saw through him in five seconds flat. You, a highly trained professional, should have known better.” John Wade flushed with anger and shame. Years ago, Nikki had always been smarter than him in childhood arguments, even though he was older than her when age differences really mattered. These ancient rivalries ran deep. He knew now what he had long denied to himself, that their father had always preferred Nikki to him. She had that sharp intelligence, that knack of command that he had lacked. His professional qualifications served to plaster over the cracks in his abilities. “ I bet you’re really glad that your side won. You know she got off by a fluke,” he finally blustered. “Believe what you like. I know that Fenner played you for a right sucker and, through you, an innocent woman might have gone down. I’m going for the victory party outside but don’t forget, I see through you. I always have.” Turning on her heel, she caught a glimpse of Brian Cantwell’s look of respect. He’d heard of John Deed waxing lyrically about her virtues and put that down to the sentimental streak in the man. He’d rapidly shifted his perspective. Like her formidable partner, Nikki had given him a good run for his money under cross-reexamination and he couldn’t help but notice how she’d wiped the floor with her brother. He just wished he could work with a solicitor with her blunt honesty and willingness to disagree with him instead of toadying to him and telling him what he wanted to know. “I hate to say it, Karen but you’ll need to face the press,” Helen said after she caught Nikki’s glance towards the front doors. “Whatever do I say?” Karen said, a note of panic in her voice. “Karen, you have the advantage that the press screwed up. I haven’t wanted to say it before but the tabloids have been baying for your blood. They’ve got to pull off some fancy footwork to get their way out of this one,” Claire advised in her soothing tones. “Half of them serve the ‘hang them and flog them’ brigade, you know the ones who say that prisons are too soft and they ought to give a ‘short sharp shock’ as a deterrent to people committing crimes. You and I know what they’re like,” Helen said in scornful tones. “Just tell them like it is.” “All right, Nikki. I will. After all, I’m a free citizen,” Karen said in determined tones. She was on towards the next reel of the movie. She opened the heavy swing door and pushed her way through the barrier, prepared for anything. ********** All at once, a small army who were equipped with cameras, sound booms and film gear confronted Karen. Can they really all be for me, she wondered? She didn’t waste any time in launching into the thoughts that came straight off her consciousness. “I’m not one for making big speeches. I’m one for rolling up my sleeves and getting the job done, whether as a nurse or prison officer. I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the jury who took time to listen, to not prejudge or label but to be fair-minded. There’s not enough of that spirit about these days. I give undying thanks to those who have stepped forward, who always believed in me and who worked untiringly for me, I mean George Channing and Claire Walker who represented me, my dear friends Nikki and Helen, that very remarkable man Tony Foster who spoke out for me and last but not least, the very talented Shirley Cheetham. Without here help, I wouldn’t be here right now…..” Karen paused and looked around her. Suddenly, the conversation she had heard of Nikki laying into her brother over Fenner came into her mind. Suddenly, feelings of anger boiled over in her in her disciplined, controlled fashion of being done down by the source of all her troubles. She didn’t think whether she was prudent to make public comment but, sod it, this was the time and the place. “I give no thanks to those who in power in Larkhall Prison where I worked who have not given me an atom of support or acknowledgement in my troubles, especially one in particular I can think of. Out of sight, out of mind sums them up. I would like to think that there are those prisoners who will be pleased at seeing justice done, as after all, during my time at Larkhall running one of the wings there, I have tried to be humane, firm, but fair. I hope they think well of me. This has been a totally shattering experience for me because I would have never thought that I would ever be accused of a serious crime, that I know that I had nothing to do with, it but for all that, that I was not believed when I should have been.” ****** On the other side of the television screen in Larkhall, Karen’s grim expression riveted Yvonne, Kris, the Julies and Denny to their seats. They had been on association, bored out of their skulls while the communal TV played its mindless background babble to no one in particular. Automatic habit made them prick up their ears to the news. It was their only lifeline to the outside world. When the name ‘Larkhall’ sounded in the air, Yvonne immediately jumped to the right conclusion. She’d agreed to keep schtum with both Lauren and Shirley as there were too many prying eyes and ears where letters and phone calls were concerned. She just had to bottle everything up and stop Colin from blabbing. She had to work on Kris to knock some sense into her head and stop her from mouthing off, and thank God the younger inmate had learnt a bit of common sense. “Hey, shut up girls, it’s about us,” Yvonne yelled. At once, the announcer faded out to reveal a crowd on the steps of the Old Bailey. It soon panned in on a grim faced Karen Betts whose blue eyes looked unflinchingly into the TV screen while her long blond hair was gently ruffled in the breeze. “Hey, it’s Miss Stewart and Nikki and all,” she yelled delightedly as two familiar figures stood modestly in the background while two other good-looking women flanked her, “…….and it’s our Shirley.” “So who did run that poor devil down?” Julie Saunders demanded accusingly of Fenner, who passed by, face like thunder. “Surely three witnesses couldn’t have got it wrong?” a young press reporter urged, thrusting a microphone aggressively into Karen’s face. Cheeky young upstart, Karen thought angrily as she stared down at him in icy contempt. “The trouble is that there are too many who only see what they want to see. I got arrested, my picture appeared in the tabloids and they jumped to the wrong conclusion. What you should be thinking about is that the real murderer is somewhere out there on the loose and he ought to be brought to justice.” ‘What are you planning to do with your life now, Miss Betts?” “What indeed?…….” Karen said vaguely, totally flummoxed by the more sympathetic question. The future hadn’t come into existence until this moment. She had a lot of thinking to do.” I need to find myself a normal life, enjoy the life of those dear to me and get a job to pay the bills …..and put back something into society. Let’s face it, I’ve urged that on a number of prisoners I’ve known in my time.” “Fenner, Fenner,” Al started to chant swiftly at Larkhall, swiftly followed by the others. This was a chant that was part jubilation, part accusation and part threat.” Fenner, Fenner,…….” “All of you, you’re on immediate lockdown if you don’t all shut it,” yelled Fenner, a shaft of fear stabbing him to the heart. He hadn’t counted on this. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. “You are not allowed to slander a senior officer in this way,” Di Barker shouted petulantly. She knew exactly what had happened. That glamorous bitch had somehow wriggled her way out even though she was as guilty as sin. “Association has finished. Go back to your jobs. All your privileges will be withdrawn if you don’t behave yourself,” she added. “Who said we’re slandering our wonderful principal officer? That sounds like a guilty conscience,” teased Yvonne as she swept past followed by the Julies. This time, stuffing envelopes sounded like fun, as she and her mates would carry on the screw baiting unless it was Miss Geeson and Colin Hedges. They knew which targets to pick, those who deserved it and those that they’d leave alone. “Shirley? She related to you?” Julie Saunders asked. She had only heard of Yvonne’s immediate family. “That’s It’s my very talented niece, Shirley Cheetham, best private eye in the world.” “Cheetham?” Al echoed in a bemused fashion.” It’s a crap name. Cheetham. Cheat them. Get it?” “It’s a family joke. She’s dead straight but still a bit of an Atkins but not the Charlie kind if you see what I mean. She and my sister hated his guts. They were dead right. I’m proud of her,” Yvonne finished, her voice breaking with emotion. “Quiet there,” the averagely harmless prison officer called out. ************ “So what do we do now?” Karen asked, suddenly feeling tired out as the press filtered off. “I know the answer. Let’s have a party to celebrate. I know the ideal place if Trisha and Sally Anne will oblige us,” George asked, a grin of satisfaction on her face. There was a ripple of reaction round is time around, she knew perfectly well what she was letting herself in for. There was a ripple of mixed reaction amongst the group, Karen looking uncertainly round her. In her tired state, she found it difficult to focus. |
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| annabelle | Jan 31 2009, 11:06 PM Post #278 |
Down the Block
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wonderful piece of writing. I wish I could have seen Fenner's face! "It wasn't supposed to happen this way" sums up his cocky behavior. Bravo on another great chapter. |
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| BETTELA | Feb 1 2009, 01:49 PM Post #279 |
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BETTE
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Great that Nikki stood up to her brother. Great to see Fenner squirm let us see how the little worm gets away this time. Yet another wonderful chapter, do so look forward to my Sunday's especially when I have this story to read.
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| Axiegirl21 | Feb 2 2009, 12:13 AM Post #280 |
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Out of Dorm
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'Fenner, Fenner, Fenner'
Hee, hee can't wait to see what Yvonnes' got up her sleeve, I'm sure she's gonna do something to wind Fenner up. Little worried that Fenner is gonna go after Nikki, Helen or Karen though It's just the way his brain works. he'll blame them if he loses his job or the police come after him.Loved the way Nikki laid into her brother though, he's finally realised that even though Nikk's been to prison she's still more respected than him, even by the man he was working for. Great update Richard, wonder what Karen is gonna do now, mabey she could help Nikki with her job the two of them together would be able to bring forward observations and experiences from both side of the bars. Can't wait for more. |
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The past is history. The future a mystery. And now is a gift thats why we call the present. Larkhall Lovelies Rule | |
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| kchardbody | Feb 4 2009, 01:03 AM Post #281 |
G2 landing
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I am happy that Nikki finally stood up herself. I hope Karen get's a good job offer. Loved the female bonding after the trial. I also love how Helen told her about the bad press and she covinced her to go out and tell them she is innocent. Fenner is a big ass and deserves the chair. The women in prisons taunting him was very funny. Your story keeps getting better and better. Thank-you Richard!!!!!!!!! |
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| richard | Feb 5 2009, 05:40 PM Post #282 |
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Enhanced
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Thanks ever so much for this feedback To you, Annabelle, thanks for picking out that phrase and giving it more prominence than I intended and where it belongs \ To you, Bettela, thanks for picking out these two key themes. To you Axiegirl, thanks for the very nice review and it is interesting to see how you see the story evolving at this point. You’ll find your answers evolving fairly quickly at this point To you, Kchardbody, there’s a feeling that Nikki had the mental space to really devote herself to squaring accounts with her brother and no other duties competing with her for her time- love all the points made. I've got a few more twists in the story yet. |
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| richard | Feb 6 2009, 06:34 PM Post #283 |
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Enhanced
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In writing this piece, I’ve introduced a ‘that was then but this is now’ theme for Karen helped out by her falling asleep at their flat. I had problems of how to accommodate, Tony Claire and Shirley so this is what I’ve come up with. Here is where Karen sees another side of life opening up in front of her. I’m sure you’ll all enjoy this. ....................................................................................................................... Scene Forty-One Scene Forty-One Claire was the first to comment on the obvious problem that needed resolving in the group. “I hate to say it, Helen but I’ll give it a miss. You know very well it’s not my thing and besides Tony is in the same boat as me.” “What do you mean?” came his puzzled reply, his naivety having a kind of innocent charm about him. “It’s a lesbian club, Tony,” Nikki said politely, followed by an exchange of worried looks. None of them wanted anyone to be left out. It would be unfair and the height of discourtesy. “I’ve got the answer. Supposing you come with me for a meal, Tony. It’s on me,” Claire intervened to Tony’s great relief. There was something calming and relaxing about her company, which promised the ideal solution of what he really wanted. “I hate to say that I’m ducking out of this one, you guys. I’ve got another job in that I must get started on. It’s rare for me to see a case out this far but I wanted to be in on the finish,” Shirley said reluctantly. Everyone silently respected her wishes. “Hmmn, this sounds interesting even if it’s all new to me,” Karen said in undecided tones. At that moment, the compass guiding her future was spinning round in circles. “Oh but you must come with us, Karen. Better this than back to your flat on your own,” urged Helen very prettily, a pleading look in her eyes. “I’m on. I could do with a bit of fun.” The words came out of Karen’s mouth without thinking, surprising herself with her prompt agreement. Everything came into sudden sharp focus as she suddenly placed in perspective the darkness of those past months. While her faculties had been frozen up inside with stress, when the only glint of hope for the future were her dear friends who were all around her. It had done her one favour in drawing a line under all the illusions of her past life. Everything was suddenly vibrant, brand new and up for grabs. She was ready for anything. A slow smile spread across her face. “Is everyone happy and fixed up then?” said George, excitedly. She had always loved organising social occasions. It meant that farewells could take place on the right note. ******** Many hours’ later, indefinable pleasurable feelings ran through Karen’s system. She felt exquisitely comfortable and entirely at peace with herself. It was only when she tried to moved, when she opened half an eyelid, did she realise she was lying on a double bed, which was incredibly restful but it wasn’t hers. Where on earth was she, she wondered as vivid warm colours and sweet perfumes invaded her senses? “Relax, Karen,” Nikki softly urged her, standing incredibly tall above her as she noticed the bewildered expression in the blond haired woman’s eyes as they flickered open,” You’ve crashed out at our flat.” “Nikki, has everything really happened as I really think it has? I must have been dreaming.” “If you mean, have you been cleared of the hit and run murder, trashed the press and are you really going to pick out your outfit to wear for coming with us to ‘Chix’ tonight, it’s a definite yes. Everything is for real.” “Chix?” Karen asked in a bewildered tone of voice. “Trisha and Sally Anne’s club. That’s where the celebration party is,” Helen said cheerfully while Nikki went to fetch a mug of black, strong coffee. “We’ll put on our glad rags in a while when you’re good and ready.” “Oh, that’s what I thought I remembered happening. That’s fine,” Karen said vaguely. She might as well go with the flow. She felt that she was drawing a line under everything that had happened in her life up until now. Her future started from today. Karen sat up just as a hot steaming mug of coffee was placed in her hands. She sipped it gently as she stared at her surroundings. It started to put some life back into her or was it the feeling of being safe? Presently, she carried it through and drifted into the lounge while the sound of running water announced that one or her other friends was taking a shower. Presently, she duly freshened herself up and slipped on her outfit that she had brought along. It was a simple long sleeved black dress ending a bit above her knee and was nicely shaped. Her pair of silver high- heeled sling backs were similarly bold and simple. She set to work on her makeup while the sounds of human company felt good and reassuring. Life flowed in a leisurely fashion, not the emptiness of detachment from life and not the deadline to be on court on the dot. She stood up as she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. “How do you think I look? Will I be suitably dressed for the party?” she asked. The two other women’s jaws dropped a mile. They never expected her to look as gorgeous as she did. They were stuck for words as, after all, Karen was a straight woman and they were totally unsure whether or not she was coming with them to get unstraightened or alternatively, just because she wanted some light and colour in her life. “Let’s put it this way, we’re not complaining,” stammered Nikki. “I mean you look fantastic.” In turn, Karen stared open eyed at the other two women. Helen looked ravishing in her midnight blue high neck halter dress with bare shoulders while Nikki was mysteriously alluring in her grey flat-front trousers and wide, ruffled neckline, ruffled-cuffs blouse that made her look sophisticated yet playful. “You both look incredible,” breathed Karen.” If this is a foretaste of the future, I think I’m going to enjoy this evening.” The other two women briefly exchanged glances. So far, so good though if they were honest with themselves, all they intended was to show Karen a good time. With a sense of anticipation, the three women slid into a taxi and Helen phoned George on her mobile to check out how they were going on. With a smile of satisfaction, Helen clicked off the phone. In the meantime, their carriage whisked them along the darkened streets. While only the occasional streetlamp illuminated the gloom, it wasn’t going to be cold and desolate where they were going as they chattered inconsequentially to each other. Karen revelled in the heightened sensibilities of being free, single and unencumbered. The night was young, she murmured to herself, and she was in safe hands as she felt a tingle of excitement inside her. She hadn’t a clue as to what was going to happen, but that was a positive attraction. Presently, she was out in the street and followed a laughing, carefree Helen and Nikki past the ‘Chix’ logo. The pulsing sounds of the nightclub was much as she knew clubs to be, but when she got into the interior, Karen’s breath was taken away. “I’m so glad you could make it for the celebrations, Karen,” that now familiar aristocratic drawl greeted her but the other woman’s appearance was spectacularly different. George was wearing a ravishingly revealing flowing yellow dress exposing her generous breasts and her bare shoulders. For the first time, Karen saw how shapely George’s legs were. She had been used to the other woman’s professional garb. “My God, George, I never knew that barristers could look as good as you do. I mean I always sort of knew but I saw you as a professional.” “Well, this is who I am off duty. I must introduce you to my lovely partner, Alice who’s the best thing that has happened to me.” Karen gaped as this tall willowy woman with long dark hair came into view and slipped her arm inside George’s and linked hands. “I would never have guessed. I mean, it’s great to meet you,” stammered Karen. Her first instinct for such a correct woman was to feel ridiculously embarrassed, but she saw all the women look kindly on her. This isn’t Larkhall, she reflected with great satisfaction as she started to make conversation. All they are asking of me is that I am real. “Drinks…you guys,” Trisha offered, Sally-Anne close behind her. “I guess you wiped the floor with the opposition. I can tell it from your manner, George.” “You mean I look smug and self satisfied?” “Karen, this is my oldest friend and one time partner, Trisha who brilliantly runs this club with Sally-Anne and still keeps the flag flying even though she would never admit it.” Nikki explained to the blond haired woman Whose face was flushed with excitement. They were making her feel so welcome and totally at her ease. “Didn’t you once run a club, Nikki?” Karen asked, catching a stray passing memory from her prison file, a long time ago. “Yeah, this one. I set it up with Trisha who I lived with but, hey, I fell for Helen and Trisha met Sally-Anne. Everything’s for the best.” Karen gaped at this revelation as she knocked back her drink. She couldn’t believe such generosity between exes, as Fenner and Mark Waddle came briefly to mind to be promptly banished. Her gaze took her to the dance floor where the party was hotting up. Underneath the pulsing lights and splashes of colour, women swayed and gyrated together with the rhythm of the music. Occasionally a couple would embrace and kiss each other. Whatever was going on here was all right by her as she was transported to another world. “So this is all new to you, Karen?” Sally Anne asked softly. “ If it helps, Trisha is my first and only female lover.” “Female lover, I like that phrase,” came Karen’s reflective reply, while the dark haired woman saw the admiring glances that were coming Karen’s way from women who floated past. She was certainly a stunner, if she only knew it. Helen passed over another tray of drinks and silently placed another glass into the blond-haired woman’s hand.” I remember flirting with Yvonne when I took her to a bar after escort duty to visit her son in hospital. I told her that I’d go lesbian if it took a pill. Well, we’d just been told Larkhall was going to be privatised and a clean sweep was going to be made of all the jobs my grade,” added Karen defiantly to Helen’s wide-open eyes. “So Karen, crossing the line isn’t quite so novel to you after all, with or without a pill?” Helen said with a challenging grin. “All right, so are we ready to rock and be out on the dance floor or are we going to be talking all night?” Nikki interjected not quite hearing the conversation between Helen and Karen. On the dance floor, George and Alice had that lovely cocooned feeling as their eyes feasted on each other and they knew that the weekend would soon be here. Helen and Nikki were moving to their shared rhythms as if they were magnetically attracted to each other, and were amazed that Karen could cut loose in this way. Behind the bar, Trisha saw with interest how a slim attractive woman, fashionably dressed with dark hair cut in a stylish chin length bob insinuated herself into the group of dancers. She was obviously attracted by the way that Karen released all the tensions and frustrations of the past few months, and the way her dancing heightened her obvious attractions. She and Sally-Anne knew that they provided a club where women like them could be themselves and affectionately watched over how romances came to blossom. “It looks as if history is repeating itself, darling,” George said loudly into her lover’s ear, while being caressed by her. There was a limit to just looking at the rounded charms of her lover, Alice reasoned, and if this isn’t a time to give way to natural pleasures, she didn’t know what was. Alice was very protective and supportive in the way that George flung herself into her work and only she knew what it took for the smaller woman to pull herself together to become the razor sharp professional that others saw. Karen was having the time of her life and idly noticed how this attractive stranger had come within her gravitational pull, but reasoned that this was quite natural, the way life could quite easily be. After all, she had always been tolerant of lesbian relationships. The way she threw her body around was expressive of herself and it pleased her that she wouldn’t be dependent on her friends and have to play gooseberry all night. She had had that experience way back in that self-conscious awkward stage in her early adolescence. Time flew naturally on until finally, both of them became hot and exhausted. Quite naturally, they gravitated to a private table for two in the recesses of the club as somehow or other, she and this woman had become paired. . |
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| Axiegirl21 | Feb 8 2009, 07:59 PM Post #284 |
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Out of Dorm
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What a great chapter, there was no tension (at least not the bad kind), no-one trying to prove you a liar, no serious thinking and absolutely no Fenner. Just our lovely ladies enjoying their victory Even Claire and Tony are letting their hair down and celebrating with dinner It's a shame Shirley couldn't join them though, I wonder if her other case has anything to do with Fenner and if Auntie 'Von has hired her Wonderful to see Karen maybe getting some happiness in the personal life department too Seems John is missing out on all the fun though, not to mention it seems all the women he knows seems to gay or at the very least heading that way :rolleyes: Well done Richard it warms my heart to see them all enjoying themselves I only hope your not leading us into a false sence of security and getting ready to smack us in the face with another plot twist Cos you know people Fenner's still out there in his own crazy little world......
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The past is history. The future a mystery. And now is a gift thats why we call the present. Larkhall Lovelies Rule | |
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| hopelessromantic | Feb 10 2009, 05:44 PM Post #285 |
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Have the lab run a CBC with differential an a chem pro plus stat
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As this well written tale winds its way down I must say Its been great to see these characters developed over the course of time... The trial was entertaining and craftly done and your knack for writing trials is bracing... KUDOS!!! Richard... Cheers HR |
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>>>>>> BGEnhanced <<<<<< One cannot expect Congeniality when one does not exhibit Courtesy, Politenes and Impartiality. Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart... Henry Clay | |
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It's just the way his brain works. he'll blame them if he loses his job or the police come after him.
Even Claire and Tony are letting their hair down and celebrating with dinner
It's a shame Shirley couldn't join them though, I wonder if her other case has anything to do with Fenner and if Auntie 'Von has hired her
Wonderful to see Karen maybe getting some happiness in the personal life department too
Seems John is missing out on all the fun though, not to mention it seems all the women he knows seems to gay or at the very least heading that way :rolleyes:
Cos you know people Fenner's still out there in his own crazy little world......

8:47 AM Jul 11