Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Nikki And Helen. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
unfinished business; Bad Girls / Judge John Deed trilogy
Topic Started: Jun 22 2008, 10:39 AM (19,816 Views)
emtsue
No Avatar
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
Richard, I found this update quite complicated and interesting to absorb,due to the fact that you soley relied on all the characters emotional state to progress through this patricular chapter.
Karen who is desparately trying to push away what the future may hold , has already become a prisoner, of her own mind.Her strong will quickly eroding.By herself, she certainly won't fair well, but with the support of Helen,Nikki , Claire,Yvonne and the yet to be heard from private investigator niece, she has a force to be reckoned with behind her.
The whole chapter brings to mind the scene in series one when Helen goes to see Nikki on the block, saying that the only way things will change is if everyone on both sides of the bars will work with each other.For once again they're not only fighting the prison system,but the"old boys network"in and out of the prison. All having experienced this in one form or another, will hopefully give them an edge.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Axiegirl21
Member Avatar
Out of Dorm
:o Wow it really seems as Karen has a hard long road ahead of her doesn't it but at least she has Claire as her solicitor, not to mention Helen and Nikki in the backgroung (Charlie's Angels perhaps, okay I'm reaching for this one) :lol: Gotta say I loved the way Nikki took Dr No-No down a peg or two, I got confused for a minute when I read that but then remembered they brought him back after Thomas left.Glad that nikki knows about Kris anad Selena at least they got her looking out for them but they still need to be careful with Fenner on the prowl. Thankyou for another two wonderful updates Richard and thanks for the picture challenge 'Portrait of Love' that was awesome :D
The past is history.
The future a mystery.
And now is a gift thats why we call the present.



Larkhall Lovelies Rule
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
hopelessromantic
Member Avatar
Have the lab run a CBC with differential an a chem pro plus stat
Richard you know how I feel about your writing ... it's absolutely unique, your writing educes such compassion and gentle feelings.

I can say I'm always excited having primary interest ...knowing that this is truly a great piece and it only gets better...

Great narration as always.


Now... I'll totally agree with Axiegirl21 ... Portrait Of Love was a nice piece and a Sequel is hopefully in the progress :)

Happy Writing


HR
>>>>>> 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
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
richard
Member Avatar
Enhanced
I simply have to reply to this very thoughtful feedback which has added another dimension to this fic.

To you, Andliv2laf, one element of this part of the fic was to parallel or criss cross round late Series 5 Bad Girls but I hadn’t thought how this will come over to a reader that hasn’t seen this series. You have this interesting knack in being accurate in your intuitive guess.

To you, Emtsue, you have lighted on the very interesting point that I hadn’t noticed till now that I tend to use dialogue to move a scene forwards whereas this is heavily slanted towards ‘internal dialogue’ – this was totally unintentional but intriguing. You also make the very valid point that I’ve conceived of people imprisoned in society and alliances can take place on that level- the parallel with early Bad Girls is very apt.

To you, Axiegirl21 and HR, I love the way you have generously responded to the themes in the fic and your urging to follow up ‘Portrait of Love.’ I’m at the mulling over of ideas stage but it is certain that I’ll write it. It’s just that I’m also stuck into the sequel to this fic as well. :)



Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
richard
Member Avatar
Enhanced
This next part is woven around it being OK for Nikki and Helen to party even while they are helping out Karen so much. It is woven around George doing a mental retrospective of how far she's come. Enjoy.



........................................................................................................................


Scene Fourteen


“Whatever goes on in our lives in working our arses off in our jobs and helping out our friends, Friday night is somehow special in letting our hair down, right,” Nikki observed as they drove home from work with the whole weekend to look forward to. The nights were starting to draw in a bit and leaves on the trees were turning brown but the weather was still sunny and warm.
“You mean, we need time for ourselves? Fancy going out to Chix?” Helen asked.
“That’s the general idea. We’ve not been there lately.”

On Friday evenings, they always flopped down on the living room sofa and cuddled up against each other to relax from the tiredness of the week’s work. Though the best part of the evening, as always, was showering, this washed the harshness of the week’s work through their systems and provided that erotic spicing of the pleasures of life which both women loved so much. Getting made up and dressed up gave them the chance to be whoever they wanted to be, especially as they passed through the emotional front door of ‘Chix.’ They always mentally stretched their limbs as they came to feel themselves as wholly real. It was as if the rest of the time, they felt that they had to be on their best behaviour as if for invisible parents. Of course, they were nicely settled into their jobs and felt comfortable but there was always something just that bit constrained in how they behaved. It wasn’t as if they wanted to get drunk and become loud and boorish. All they wanted was that their skin fitted normally on them.

******

Trisha and Sally Anne greeted them in their own effusive fashion just at the point when the club was starting to fill up. Both women felt as if life was pulsing through them in time with the music, and that they were renewed.

“You look as if you’d always been here, Sally,” Nikki generously praised her.
“I feel more confident than I ever thought I’d be. Trisha is good to work with if you don’t mind me saying.”
“Of course you can. You’ve every right to say so. You and Trisha look good together.”
Nikki’s knack of emotional honesty in words as clear as a mountain stream was very endearing to Sally-Anne. Nikki did feel that nostalgia for the times when she and Trisha were building up the club together from those first regulars who gave them some measure of loyalty and friendship. That belonged to another era to a person who was somehow other than the one who stood in her shoes. She wasn’t one to consider that the grass was greener on the other side of the hill or the hill she had once stood on.
“I feel so much better. There’s nothing like the love of a good woman.”
“You’re talking about me, naturally,” Helen put in, mischievously pretending to be the center of attention. Her eyes were gleaming and her manner was excited and ready to party.
“You, sweetheart and every other woman who’s been truly loved,” Nikki said in a deeply affectionate tone of voice, gesturing to the dance floor, which was starting to fill up.
“So long you’re not holding up the drinks, babes,” came the pert reply, the soulful glance and the hand on Nikki’s arm.
“I suppose you mean that I’m driving us home tonight? Well, I don’t mind. I can party and still be stone cold sober,” Nikki smiled affectionately, her hand sliding round Helen’s waist. This was still the one place where the two women could feel free to be physically affectionate with each other. This was the fruit of her earlier labours, not only for Helen and herself but every like-minded woman. Trisha grinned in reply, nostalgic memories in her eyes and promptly served Helen a generous measure of vodka and lemonade and an orange for Nikki.
“Hey, that’s just the way I like it, Trisha. Nikki always pours small measures at home.”
“You two get out and enjoy yourselves, babes,” called out Trisha.

The two women chattered away to each other while the sounds of the party music infused their moods and the flashing lights made each woman glow through the eyes of the other. Nikki’s large brown soulful eyes exchanged images with Helen’s sparkling green eyes. They treated themselves to the way that dark shadows sculptured out the contours of each other’s faces, the lock of hair flicked over Helen’s ear and Nikki’s slightly boyish sideways parted fringe trailing over her forehead.

“Helen, Nikki. How lovely it is to see you both,” called out a familiar elegant voice from behind them.
They turned round to see George and Alice approach them, hands linked in each other’s. Both women opened their eyes wide in astonishment. Alice looked as good to the eye as she always had but George was a revelation. They had been used to seeing the blond haired woman in her courtroom attire of formal suits and white shirt. This time, she was wearing a glamorous low cut purple dress that flowed round her contours to her best advantage.
“Didn’t know that female barristers could look as good as you’re looking right now,” joked Nikki.
“Thereby hangs a story, Nikki. I bought it just before I split up with my ex and he hadn’t the slightest idea of how I looked in it. I got to realize before I met Alice that I was dressing up for me. Now that I’ve met my lover, I don’t have to be narcissistic, well not as much,” laughed George as she kissed the cheek of the taller woman affectionately. Alice was glowing and transcendent.
“George, you didn’t waste any time in picking up one really good woman who deserves to be looked after and loved as she should be,” Helen added softly. She could relate to George’s situation so easily and the sheer joy that flowed between her and Alice.
“I don’t know but some guardian angel pointed my feet in George’s direction. As you might guess, we are an item, aren’t we not, babes.”
“Definitely, darling,” drawled George.

The four women drifted out on the dance floor and celebrated their mutual existence. They felt on top of the world and felt at one with the music pumping out from the speakers in synch with the flickering lights. They danced away in an undulating wave of sensations and delighting on the little bodily twists and turns of their partners. On the dance floor, they could drink in the female beauty of their partners just as the other couples did.

*******

“So, you and Alice look as if you’re having a whale of a time. I’m really glad for both of you,” Helen said kindly to George as they took a rest.
“I can’t believe how good this last month has felt. It’s turned my life completely around. I mean, when I first came to this club, I didn’t plan on seducing this extremely gorgeous woman who I clapped eyes upon. It was something that happened to me….and I’m so glad it did. The sex is just fantastic for a start,” George replied in a breathless stream of words. Her skin positively glowed
“I couldn’t disagree with that one,” commented Helen with dry wit. “All the same, you’re pretty remarkable in changing your course in life so drastically. From what I’ve heard from talking to other women, they go through a lot of soul searching, like I did. It’s not like absorbing an intellectual proposition or trying on a different dress.”
“I know what you’re saying. Let’s just say I hadn’t got any ties at that time or anything to hold me back. I became receptive to the idea in seeing Trisha and Sally-Anne together when I was representing them. The time was right. The only fly in the ointment is in broach this with my daughter Charlie.”
“That’s something that’s beyond my experience, George,” Helen laughed. “Tell me more.”
“She’s at university, thinking she’s terribly radical in getting involved with animal rights protests and I’m the ultra conservative power mad, money mad barrister. She’s going to have a shock when she finds out what her mother has been doing behind her back.”
“You mean she always thought you’re stuck in your ways and you couldn’t possibly understand her,” laughed Helen understandingly. “Try telling her that she can’t be oh so radical in one area of thinking and hidebound reactionary in another.”
“It’s a nice idea but you might be making the mistake of thinking logically. She’s that age of morally having her cake and eating it.”
“What about John’s guiding parental hand?” Helen inquired.
“He doesn’t know either.”
“How does Alice feel about the situation?”
“She’s been absolutely marvellous. She’s offered to talk to both of them or stay in the background of any discussions. She’s said that there’s no need for them to be threatened. Neither of them would be losing me. Alice is one in a million. I’ll tell you Helen, that if I had met a woman like her years ago, I would have become a lesbian then. Of course, making love with Alice is just out of this world,” George said dreamily, the light of pure love in her eyes.

As she propped her hand in her chin and gazed upwards at the lights, she let them splash their multicoloured patterns into her eyes. She lazily thought that if her ex’s political cronies heard her talking right then, they couldn’t begin to frame the thoughts to describe her. She heard a crotchety, intolerant voice sounding rather like hers exclaim‘I wish in hell that, that troublemaking lesbian was still stuck in prison. We could all sleep easier in bed’she realized the voice was her own. She smiled to herself at that persona who was a million miles away from herself and let it pass.

“A penny for your thoughts, George.”
“You can have them for free. I’ve been thinking that I’ve come a long way from the fearful woman who once sounded off about Nikki as a ‘troublemaking lesbian.’ The only good that came of it was that she put me very much in my place and it led me to where I am now, totally and romantically in love with Alice. So I’m now another ‘troublemaking lesbian’. That feels really good.”
“You’re in the best possible company,” Helen’s voice told her warmly.

Suddenly, slim fingers softly caressed George’s arm and passed onto her shoulders. A well-remembered kiss was softly planted on her cheek. It could be only one woman and it drew a blissful smile from George.
“Alice darling, Helen has been kindly reminding me why the best thing that happened to us was for you to move in. After all, there’s little point in playacting and playing it cool.”

“Hey, that’s fantastic news,” broke in Sally Anne enthusiastically from behind her.” It only right that you share your lives.”

George had that curious long ago feeling of when she was a little girl and wearing her birthday dress and being the center of attention at a party that was laid on for her. Everyone wished her well, including her proud parents and she was basking in the attention everyone was giving her. She clutched her presents to her and she had that same golden feeling within her. Here she was with those most priceless gifts of public approval. Nikki looked on approvingly while Trisha grinned with that sense of understanding. All these women were sensitive and intelligent and their approval of her meant the world to George. Alice placed herself on her lover’s lap and wound herself round her. She placed George’s face between her hands and kissed the blond woman whose hand lovingly caressed the dark haired woman’s hip. This moment was sheer paradise.

******

Helen and Nikki looked on and were happy to immerse themselves in this communal celebration. They felt good about themselves to savour every passing pleasurable moment while their concern over Karen’s misfortunes was put on the back burner. Tonight was the night to enjoy themselves and they didn’t have to lay a guilt trip on themselves. Nikki knew for one that Yvonne would have told her not to be such a stupid cow in being miserable in solidarity action with them. They bloody deserved to enjoy themselves on the outside, as they’d deserved it. The time would come for the hard work and toil to start up again. Just as they felt the presence of these women smiling approval on them, they in turn blessed George and Alice’s radiant happiness.


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
emtsue
No Avatar
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
Hiya Richard,
Strange,Until reading this last piece I hadn't really thought about the significance of the title, "unfinished business" and how apt it truely is.
At first glance it's a calm and soothing chapter. Having a night out with friends(and what an interesting group of friends it is), a drink, a dance, and some good conversation to relieve the angst and stress of their other world ,which is no less real. But I also found it to be immencely soul searching for all involved. Nikki and Helen,Trish and SallyAnne,George and Alice all have their own "unfinished business" that they have had to contend with away from the "system" but still connected somehow.
The image of Helen and nikki mentally stretching their legs before entering Chix was vivid in my mind.After all this is where it all started for those two isn't it? No wonder they find it emotional. Nikki's thoughts of how Yvonne would not want her to give up her life on the outside even though she is still inside, shows just how much Nikki's thinking and emotional state has changed.This was a big bone of contention when in Larkhall, Helen having a life on the outside without her.As far as feeling constrained in their work world,I think it's called be a grown- up!They now seem to have a nice balance to life and the world around them.
I have not even gotten to John and Charlie's "unfinished business" but alsas, I'm off to work so I'll leave it til a later time.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Andliv2laf
No Avatar
G2 landing
Very well said Emtsue! And if you didn't know, Richard does not have the word accident in his vocabulary! Richard, this is brillant as always! It is nice to see the ladies enjoying their evening! I am with Emtsue, I can only ponder where you might be taking us...so many characters...so many options!! Anyway, I won't comment on what I think...because you are a fantastic writer and I trust your judgement...but know that I have ideas!! I'm not sharing them, but I have them!! Thanks for a wonderful story...you know I love your writing!! Cheers Richard! :girlygiggle :girlygiggle
AND
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
BETTELA
Member Avatar
BETTE
There isn't anything more I can add to what people have said about this story but bravo, it is good and so wonderful to read, Thanks Richard. :girlygiggle :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug2 :kiss1
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
DoubleD
No Avatar
Down the Block
Richard, all I can say is you're brilliant...plain and simple! Kuddos!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
win211
No Avatar
Out of Dorm
great story thanks
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Axiegirl21
Member Avatar
Out of Dorm
:D Loved it Richard. The letting down of hair and just relaxing for one night is certainly what all these ladies need especially when the weeks ahead are going to be so serious what with the Karen situation :prisonbars However with this team of capable women behind her Karen shouldn't worry too much, yes Helen and Nikki may be called by the prosecution to testify about what they saw :cry2 but George will certainly know the right questions to ask to let the jury know exactly how it was and not what the police what them to know :superman
The past is history.
The future a mystery.
And now is a gift thats why we call the present.



Larkhall Lovelies Rule
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
richard
Member Avatar
Enhanced
What an incredible series of posts to which I have given a lot of thought to.

To you, Emtsue and Andliv2laf, I had written Helen and Nikki that, no matter how they have got a measure of adjustment to the world as a whole, there is still that element where they are out of sync to some extent or otherwise Chix wouldn’t have that resonance. This applies by implication or explicitly to the other women and to that extent, there is ‘unfinished business.’To be honest, I hadn’t totally picked up this line of thinking and to find this is highly intriguing and rewarding to read. Without giving too much away, there is unfinished business in the form of Fenner as you will see. You have got it precisely right about Nikki having worked through her sense of guilt of leaving behind her old friends on the inside

To you, Bettela, and Double D, I’m really glad that you are enjoying the fic so much.

To you, Axiegirl21, you have picked up perfectly on the need to relax, for them all to pace themselves out in the gruelling task before them.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Andliv2laf
No Avatar
G2 landing
Hey Richard... :girlygiggle
AND
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
richard
Member Avatar
Enhanced
This next episode gives a further spin to the 'unfinished business' motif which there has been fascinating discussion on. In the group discussions, you see the introduction of an original character who I hope you'll like. Enjoy.

.....................................................................................................................

Scene Fifteen


“We weren’t really sure just how useful we are in the proceedings,” Nikki apologetically explained as she and Helen stood awkwardly in the functional comfort of Claire’s office. Both she and Helen felt perfectly natural in socializing with solicitors and working out plans of action but they didn’t want to be excess baggage. They had come along to Claire’s office at her polite urging. They had soberly dedicated themselves to this Monday morning off work right after the delights of going out to ‘Chix.’ ”I mean, if you wanted to clue us in to on what you’re going to do after the meeting, we’d be happy if that’s what you want.”

“Don’t be modest, the pair of you. I know you too well by now. Both of you know Larkhall and that’s what matters. In any case, I’m only too grateful that you’re sparing me your time and attention,” Karen said in flat businesslike tones. Inwardly, her emotions welled up in tearful gratitude but were blocked expression thanks to that spasm of her habitual devotion to duty.

The two women looked at Karen, sitting inconspicuously in the corner. She had obviously fished out her work suit and gone to town on her makeup to prop up her shaky self-belief. She had placed her head between her hands and was obviously under strain. Centre stage was held by Claire whose calm efficiency was designed to settle frayed nerves. They drew up chairs and joined the circle. The woman who was new to all of them and drew attention was seated in a relaxed fashion in the corner and must be Shirley Cheetham. Claire led off the discussion in her incisive way.

“The problem as I see it is that we’re dependent on the police investigation. My feelings are that they’ve made their mind up and are looking for the evidence to fit around it. They haven’t really dealt with the possibility that Karen is innocent and that the real murderer is on the loose. Our problem is that Karen’s car is held in the police pound and we’re dependent on their forensic investigation. I don’t want that and we need someone to be able to parallel their investigation and draw the proper conclusions. It might be late in the day but Karen’s flat needs to be properly checked over. To my way of thinking, someone must have broken into your flat and got hold of your keys. Failing that, the only alternative is that somehow, your keys were copied through work.”
“But I keep saying that’s impossible,” protested Karen.” I was in all bloody evening.”
“Were you in your living room all the time?” questioned Helen.
“I had a shower and fixed myself a coffee and a bit to eat. That is literally the sum total. It’s a bloody remarkable coincidence that whoever it was who broke into my flat, did it at that particular moment?”
“Could he have peeped in and seen that you weren’t there? I take it your lights were on and it was obvious you were in. Would a guy hanging round on those quiet streets have been that inconspicuous?”

“I’ve already cased out your flat and the scene of the accident,” the stranger said in a moderately educated voice,” and I wouldn’t say it was impossible.”
The four women turned to look at this elegantly dressed woman. She had long mid brown flowing hair, strongly defined features, sharp brown eyes that missed nothing and expressive hand movements. Nikki found her manner of speaking instantly familiar and appealing.

“If I’m going to be your private eye, I’m not going to be a lazy arse and play guessing games from my office. If I’m going to investigate, I don’t believe in pissing about but to get out there and get my hands dirty.”
“You’re Yvonne Atkins’ niece aren’t you,” Nikki asked, fascinated and buoyed up by this woman’s frank manner.
“Don’t let that put you off. My mum and Yvonne grew up dead close as sisters but Yvonne made the mistake of taking up with that criminal waste of space called Charlie Atkins. Now me, I made a point of staying legit and being on the right side of the law but I couldn’t stand sticking in the police force for more than it took me to learn my trade. That’s why I set up as a private investigator. Some of those coppers are as bent as Charlie was and I didn’t want to get dragged down to their level. I was tough enough not to end up a victim like Sally-Anne Howe, poor cow. They wouldn’t have even thought twice about trying it on with me.”
“We’re not put off by the family connection in the least, quite the opposite,” Helen grinned.
“Just look upon Atkins values as the dark angel. I’m the good angel,” said Shirley pertly.
“Yvonne’s daughter was called Lauren and you’re Shirley.”
“Lauren after Lauren Bacall and Shirley after Shirley McLaine. Both mum and aunt Yvonne were fond of Hollywood stars. We have that in common but I keep my distance from Lauren as she’s still running the criminal side of the Atkins business. I’d be a fool not to. Sentiment doesn’t come into this.”
“That figures,” Karen said in a more even relaxed tone of voice than had been heard from her.” Obviously, I’d defer to Claire’s experience of working with you, Shirley, but I for one feel totally relaxed about you working for Claire.”
“Right, that’s settled. The real problem is finding out what went on in Larkhall prison and what worries me is what we don’t know. The fact that you were sending in a dossier to area seems way, way too much of a coincidence especially when you’d already handed in your resignation from the prison service. These two events must be inextricably linked just on timing alone…..“
“I agree Claire,” interjected Shirley.
“…….what I need to know is just who you told about the dossier.”

Karen sat back in her chair trying to reconstruct the feverish rush of her final days at Larkhall. She had been fired by a mixture of adrenaline and desperation. Finally, the mists of her memory cleared and she related her story in short unsteady bursts of conversation.
“First of all, I persuaded Tina O’Kane to sign a statement that she’d been sexually assaulted by Fenner…..she was scared to death to drop him in it,….. even had this idea that she was somehow responsible……………I kept telling her that he should never have put himself in that position….I got her a weekend pass to keep her out of harms way….Then there’s Colin Hedges…..he made a statement and we both saw Grayling together…..Colin’s all right…..he took a lot of stick from Grayling for his part with Fenner in Shell Dockley being shipped out….. I told Grayling that I had compiled a dossier ready to go to area…… He was shifty about the whole matter…..he said I couldn’t send in a pile of papers willy nilly …..he asked me to hang fire……. Later, I told Yvonne that I’d planned to send in the file straightaway …..Finally, Fenner got wind of the whole thing, how I don’t know, and really went berserk ……he wouldn’t leave my office……. I gave him chapter and verse that there were photos, statements, the lot going off to area,……even that wanker Grayling was on side and that ……….I told him I’d be working that afternoon at home and I’d celebrate ……….with a victory drink…. The rest, you know by now...”
Karen’s halting story finished with the sense of bitter defeat with all the awareness of what could have been. Helen’s face was contorted with sympathy and she winced at Karen’s fatal temptation to signal in advance the blow she was about to inflict on Fenner. Helen knew only too well that she had made that fractional fatal slip in giving Fenner a time extension to explain to the very same Karen Betts about his involvement in Virginia O’Kane’s brothel empire. Her heart went out to Karen’s premature proclamation of triumph and her present defeat and it reignited the long buried rage at her time at Larkhall.

“The next time Fenner crosses our path and we have the chance to drive to finally drive a stake through his heart, if he has one, we sneak up behind him giving him absolutely no warning and we do him.”

Helen’s passionate ringing tones took everyone aback, Nikki especially. None of the other women were quite sure whether or not Helen was speaking metaphorically. Claire was the first to speak in easy joking tones.
“You don’t mean literally, Helen? After all my years of experience of the super correct, stick by the rules Helen Stewart, and recently good friend of the judiciary?”
“I wouldn’t put it past John to take extreme action if push came to shove but, yeah, let’s keep it legal. That way we can get to visit him and make faces at him through the prison bars.”

All the other women laughed heartily at Nikki’s witticism. It seemed the most perfect justice and deflated the build up of tension. Claire was about to summarise the situation when Shirley intervened.

“One moment, Karen. Just what sort of things were you and Fenner saying to each other?”
“Oh,” Karen reflected as she pulled out a cigarette and lit up. She paused as it took her time to dig this out of her memory back and went on to talk in a tired tone of voice. ”Stuff like ‘What are you up to, you conniving bitch?’ and told me not to ‘prick me about.’ When I told him chapter and verse, and accused him of ‘years of lying, abuse and rape’, he threatened to kill me. What hit home was that were once in a relationship, more fool me and he did that to me. I told him that ‘his balls were going up on my fireplace’ and ‘I’d send a big fat file to Area.’ He grabbed hold of me once and I told him twice to get out of my office. I think that’s the gist of it. He wasn’t kidding. He meant every word he said and come to think of it, so did I.”

“Whew,” Helen exclaimed while Nikki looked on, wide-eyed with horror. Shirley sat back, stone faced, registering everything. Finally, Claire let things settle down before resuming her summary of the situation.

“This actually simplifies things, you guys. Jim Fenner has the strongest possible motive for stitching you up – let’s call it by its proper name. What I’ve heard tells me much more. He knew exactly what you intended to do, where you were going to be and that very same night, your car disappears and kills an innocent pedestrian. Nikki’s visit is particularly important. It confirms to me without doubt that Yvonne, Colin Hedges and Tina are definitely on side. Of those who could have driven the car, we’re left with Fenner, Grayling and at a stretch Di Barker. From what I’ve heard, Grayling wouldn’t risk getting his hands dirty. From all accounts, Di Barker is spiteful but has no compelling motive. We know that Karen’s file was put through the shredder, which may be Grayling’s handiwork. By sheer process of elimination and character, I can only envisage Fenner driving the car.”
“You’re forgetting one thing, Claire. I can’t get my head round Fenner dressing up in a blond wig and generally tarting himself up,” Nikki put in.
“To be totally objective, I’d never known Fenner capable of this level of criminality either. This is way beyond assaulting you, Helen, beating up Shell Dockley, running O’Kane’s knocking shops,” Karen answered soberly. This friendly debate had drawn her into this circle of women and for once since her arrest, she didn’t seem like some kind of a freak. For once, she felt normal again.
“I’ve seen Fenner before with his back against the wall, Karen. When he gets desperate, there isn’t much he wouldn’t do to save his skin. The bigger the jam, the more extreme the reaction. Besides, we don’t know if he did the full lipstick and makeup routine. The wig and a coat might be enough. It’s not impossible and can’t be discarded. Besides, as Sherlock Homes said, once you eliminate the impossible, what’s left however improbable must be the truth,” Helen said slowly and deliberately, piecing her thoughts together.

“Ah the great detective, eh,” Shirley Cheetham said lightheartedly.” I’ve been keeping out of this debate as you guys know the people concerned and I don’t. Respect to the guy…I’ll go down on my hands and knees, watching out for stray cigarette ends and footprints, talking to witnesses and chatting up friendly coppers. There’s always the outside possibility that there was a handy CCTV camera, which might have caught something on camera. You never know still you start looking.”

“There’s one thing I ought to make clear, Shirley.” Karen said, looking extremely embarrassed.” My biggest fault is in falling for smooth talking bastards, don’t know why but I lived with him once and we were engaged to be married….until I saw the light.”
To Karen’s intense relief, Shirley took this in her stride. She felt incredibly foolish in comparison with this sharp talking woman.
“That could be an advantage, Karen. You might have a photograph or spare negative of the guy.”
“I’m sure I have one. I’ll dig it out for you.”
“Have you heard enough from us to start off your investigation, Shirley?” Helen asked.
“I’ve heard enough from you guys that everything’s as clear as crystal. That’s good as not every client makes that so easy for me. Getting to the bottom of this one to make it stick, that’s the hard one. The worry I have is in not being to tap into Larkhall prison itself, don’t ask me why. Everything else, I have ways of finding out. First thing I need to do is to go through your flat from top to bottom, Karen. I’ll come and see you next Tuesday as I’ve got a case I’m just wrapping up and I want to go away and think about the case.”

“That’s fine by me. I’ve nothing to hide,” Karen said in relieved tones. She was starting to recover her nerve and figured out that she could cope with kicking her heels for a week. At least she was given hope.


There was a pleasant sense of resolution and purposefulness amongst the four women as they broke off for a welcome cup of tea. The intense effort of concentration and the detailed conversation had tired Karen out. The other women made an effort to be kind and sympathetic towards her. Inevitably, there came the time when they all had to go their separate ways for now. What struck a poignant note was that Nikki and Helen were headed off to their work, Claire was ready to pick up her next file, Shirley was due to head on elsewhere on another investigation while all Karen had to look forward to was the bare emptiness of her own flat.


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
emtsue
No Avatar
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
Hiya Richard, I found this particular installment subtle and low key,and yet at the same time out there and right in your face(does that make any sense?).You let us see Karen's emotional state run the gammit. From the slow re-building of her confidence,strength, and not feeling so alone, to the still present embarrassment and back to feeling all alone again when everyone else is off to their jobs. It all felt quite palpable and plausible,not an easy task to pull off.but you did.
You have shown Helen and Nikki in several different lights through out this story and in this chapter their humility and humbleness are brought forth. The fact that they are in essence asking Claires(and Karen's) permission to continue to help says alot since they are the two with the most experience concerning Larkhall , Fenner,and the "system".
And last but not least, you once again put a smile on my face by having all our ladies quite comfortable and all the more relieved to have the Atkins/Cheetham family on their side.Even though Shirley seemed to press the point that she's on the right side of the bars,I don't think our ladies mind one bit that Yvonne is on the inside giving her own support.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Join the millions that use us for their forum communities. Create your own forum today.
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · R / 18 rated On Going Stories · Next Topic »
Add Reply