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Revelations; A Helen and Nikki Fan Fic
Topic Started: Oct 2 2011, 09:28 PM (7,361 Views)
Carissa
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This is my first attempt at any fan fiction story. It is an attempt to pay forward the enjoyment I have received from others work.

Disclaimer: Shed Productions made the characters, wrote the original stories, and have full copyright to them. We are using these characters simply for non-profit, entertainment value. The same goes for any other known copyrighted character/storyline where a cross over fiction is written.

As the reader will see, the only thing harmed during the making of this story is the English language and the dignity of a virgin writer who wishes to contribute to a board that she has benefited from.

There is no doubt that the language will survive, however its further desecration could be avoided if an experienced and qualified Beta Reader would volunteer their services. This new writer would be grateful for the assistance.

I am happy to accept feedback, including constructive comment away from the board. Please contact me privately.



Revelations

Chapter 1

When Karen returned to her flat that evening she was tired and confused. When she had first bumped into Helen and Nikki holding hands in the coffee shop she was furious. It meant Fenner had been right. It also meant that Helen’s professional conduct had been reprehensible.

Looking back, the shock on their faces when they saw her was priceless.

Their expressions quickly turned to fear however, when they realized how angry she was and also the trouble she could cause for them. They stumbled over each other trying to explain to her that nothing had happened in Larkhall.

With tears in her eyes, Nikki begged Karen not to tell anyone about them, explaining that Helen had already given up her career to be with her and she didn’t want her to have to needlessly sacrifice her reputation as well.

Helen interrupted Nikki, took her arm and told her not to worry about it, everything had been worth it and she wouldn’t change a thing. Helen implored Karen to join them for a cup of coffee to talk and against her better judgment Karen agreed. In the end, Karen felt it was a good decision.

She was only in the coffee shop with them for an hour, but during that time her feelings had done a complete 180. Not only did her anger at Helen dissipate, but her feelings about women loving women changed as well. In social areas Karen thought she had always had a live and let live attitude. But in hindsight she was now realizing that she did judge people. She also realized that something about spending that short interlude with Helen and Nikki had affected her in a way she couldn’t describe.

If she were honest with herself, she had to admit that the genuine caring and affection the couple shared made her envious. Nikki’s desperation to protect Helen really touched Karen; and Helen’s willingness to take whatever the consequences were for loving Nikki showed a level of commitment rarely seen between two people.

Why had she never had anyone in her life willing to protect her from pain—or from anything for that matter? Lord knows that the choices she had made regarding the men in her life left her not only not protected—but the only two serious relationships she had ever had—left her devastatingly hurt. A little ironic given that until about an hour ago, she realized she had felt in a position to judge other people’s relationships.

When Fenner had told her about Helen and Nikki she knew for sure he was lying. If ever there was a least likely couple she could think of—gay or straight it would have been those two. When they were at Larkhall they fought like cats and dogs. Looking back though, Helen did manage to convince Nikki to enroll in University and had helped Nikki with her appeal. Out loud, she mutters, “hum, I guess in their case, contempt bread familiarity.”


CHAPTER 2

One of the unexpected things that Karen’s bumping into Helen and Nikki had done was revived Karen’s nightmares of being raped by Jim Fenner.
It had been several months since that terrible night and Karen had thought she had managed to put most of the horror behind her.

However, since bumping into Helen, she had been having recurrent dreams about the fact that had she given Helen’s report the credence it obviously deserved, that night wouldn’t have happened.

How could she have ever been so stupid as to be sucked in by that evil man? She thought she loved him and was even going to marry him. She was starting to give credence to the dumb blonde theory.

It was bad enough that she and Fenner’s paths still had to cross at work; but it was much worse knowing what he was capable of. She did her absolute best to avoid him; but when that wasn’t possible it was all she could do not to vomit.

After Fenner raped her; her first instinct was to request a transfer to another prison. But then she realized if she did that, he would once again be free to roam the wing with impunity endangering the women who were confined there.

Deep down she knew that what happened to her was her own fault. Had she believed Helen and investigated the issue appropriately at the time, what happened to her wouldn’t have happened. She didn’t use Helen’s ammunition when she had the chance and that meant that she was solely responsible for him still being here and now it was her responsibility to try to protect the inmates who were much more at his mercy than even she and Helen had been.

Because of her bad judgment in refusing to help Helen, and the fact that she was sure nobody would believe her claims since she was engaged to the sadistic bastard when he assaulted her, she felt that her hands were tied regarding getting him reassigned, or better yet out of the prison service completely.

Now he was not only ruining her days he was haunting her nights again and the lack of sleep was really starting to get to her.


CHAPTER 3

It was during a routine wing check on Fenner’s day off that Yvonne approached Karen as she was chatting up the Julies. “Ms. Betts, I hope you don’t mind me telling you, but you look like shit today. Late night at the pub?”

Wryly, “Thanks Yvonne, I appreciate your complements more than you could ever know. No, there was no pub.”

“Bloody shame, looking like you tied one on when you didn’t even get the pleasure.”

Snickering, both Julies make themselves very scares rather quickly.

“Karen, come to my cell, we need to talk.”

“Yvonne, I’m really not in the mood.”

“Well, that’s why we need to talk isn’t it?”

Realizing she was backed into a corner, “shit.”

When they were safely inside Yvonne’s cell, away from prying eyes and ears Yvonne started, “Karen, I’m getting really worried about you. You need to talk to somebody.”

“I can’t—you’re the only one who knows and I need to keep it that way.”
“Well then talk to me. Whatever you’re keeping bottled up is going to make you sick.”

“Yvonne, you’ve got enough troubles of your own—you don’t need me dumping mine on top of them. Christ, if I had done the right thing months ago, a lot of your problems wouldn’t even exist.”

“You have to stop thinking like that. You used your best judgment at the time.”

Sarcastically, “Yea, my stellar judgment. And they put me in charge of all of your welfare—I guess there are people with less of a clue than I.”

“Karen, what has brought all of this on? You were doing so much better for a while there?”

“I bumped into Helen Stewart in a coffee shop a few weeks ago and it just stirred things up.”

“Did she treat you badly?”

“No just the opposite in fact.”

“Then what gives.”

Ashamed, she looks away before responding, “I’m having nightmares again.”

Yvonne goes over and gives her a hug that Karen gratefully responds to. “Honey, I’m not sure you’re going to be able to get through this without getting some help. You’re going to make yourself sick.”

“I have you don’t I? You always make me feel better.”

Flattered, “I’m glad, but obviously I’m not enough.” Do you think Stewart might be willing to help you get Fenner?

‘I don’t know why she’d want to help me with anything after the way I treated her.”

“Well, maybe she’s having some of the same nightmares you are. Perhaps some resolution or at least working toward one would make you feel less powerless and help you.”

“Yvonne, just your support is helping me. I never would have guessed how powerful something as simple as a hug could be.”

“Karen there’s always one here when you need one.”

Pulling away, “thanks.”

“Will you do me a favor, Karen?”

“Sure, anything.”

“Think about asking Stewart for some help? You really need to do something to change the situation.”

“Ok, I’ll think about it. I had better get out of here before they start talking about us—that’s all you need—your fellow residents thinking you’re friends with a screw.”

“They know me better than that. An Atkins would never have anything to do with your kind.”

As Karen exits the cell she says loud enough for everyone around to hear, “Atkins you need to change your attitude before someone else does it for you.”

Yvonne plays along and in an angry tone shouts, “You and what army!”


CHAPTER 4

At the same time that Karen and Yvonne are having their conversation, Helen and Nikki are strolling through their neighborhood grocery looking for items for the weekend.

Excitedly Nikki returns to Helen and the carriage holding a very large piece of freshly cut white cheese that is wrapped tightly, “Helen I just found one of my favorites. I haven’t seen this at either of our usual markets before.”

Laughing, “Well judging from your enthusiasm I gather it is something you enjoy a great deal.”

Nikki gets closer with item, “my lady, feast your eyes on triple cream brie. A dairy lovely that spreads on toast points or crackers as easily as butter and tastes like heaven on earth.”

“That’s mighty high praise for a pasty white colored piece of cheese.”
Continuing excitedly, “No Helen, you don’t understand. This is not merely a piece of cheese; this delicately flavored naturally creamy delicacy is a gift from the gods.”

Laughing Helen responds, I take it you’re rather fond of this variety of cheese.”

“Not just fond my love—addicted. And you will be too once you have your first taste.”

“Really, well then, I would suggest that we pick up a few items to go with it as well as an appropriate bottle of wine and have ourselves a little wine and cheese party for dinner.”

Like a little kid, “can we?”

Always loving this childlike side of her partner, “Of course we can. Perhaps we could even dine by candle light in front of the fireplace.”

“Helen, have I told you today, how much I love you?”

“I don’t believe you have, but as always, you’ve shown me a dozen different ways.”

Getting serious Nikki replies, “Please don’t ever let me take you or what we have for granted.”

“Oh sweetheart, I don’t think either of us ever could. It took so much work to get here.”

As they are in line at the checkout, Helen could swear that she sees Jim Fenner walk out of the store.

Nikki looks over at Helen after she finishes emptying their cart and Helen’s complexion is whiter than the cheese. “Helen are you alright?”

When Helen doesn’t respond Nikki touches her arm, “Helen are you ok? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Shakily Helen responds, “I wish he were a ghost. I think I just saw Fenner walk out of the store.”

Nikki angrily responds, “Where?”

“Over there—he’s gone now.”

“Are you sure it was him?”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that rapist’s smarmy face.”

Taking her girlfriend in her arms, “No, I’m sure you wouldn’t. Let’s just go home now. We can skip the wine store—I’m sure there’s something in the house that will be fine.”

More emphatically than she intends to Helen replies, “No Nikki, I’m not going to let that man have power over me or anything I do ever again!”

“Ok honey. Let me just pay and we can grab our bundles and go.”

Later that evening Nikki and Helen are enjoying their purchases sitting on the rug in front of a roaring fire. They have just opened their second bottle of wine and Helen is lying on the floor with her head in Nikki’s lap. “Nikki, you were right, that Brie is addictive. When did you first discover it?”

“It was probably about 10 years ago. Trish and I were at a restaurant industry event and it was on a table with some fruit and crackers. After my first bite I spent the rest of the event standing next to that table eating myself in to oblivion much to Trish’s mortification.”

Laughing, “I can see how that might not have fit the image of sophisticated club owner s that Trish wanted you to convey at the event.”

Laughing with her, “Yea, it basically looked like I hadn’t seen food in weeks. Trish claimed afterward that I even got surly if anyone else tried to take some of that particular cheese.”

“Well I’m glad you have been reunited with your favorite cheeseand that you didn’t get surly when I took some.”

“Darling what’s mine is yours.”

“Except for your green cashmere jumper.”

“Helen you stretched it all out of shape.”

“I thought you liked the size of my breasts.”

“I love the size of your breasts—except when they are ruining my favorite jumper.”

“But it looked great with my eyes.”

Giving in, “Yes it did. Your knockers didn’t look too bad in it either.”

Helen reaches over and playfully punches Nikki in the arm and Nikki grabs her hand and pulls her in for a kiss.


CHAPTER 5

When Karen found her during her rounds of the wing, Yvonne was laying on her bunk with an old entertainment magazine. “Hey Yvonne.”

Sitting up, “Hey yourself. Have you given any more thought to talking with Helen Stewart?”

“Geese Yvonne, you don’t beat around the bush do you?”

“I don’t know if that’s true anymore.”

Confused, Karen asks, “What?"

“Just a joke. No I’m not going to let this one rest until I see you looking healthier.”

“I just don’t know how to approach her Yvonne. I basically accused her of lying about being raped. I was such a reprehensible bitch.”

“Would you like me to send my Lauren over to speak with her on your behalf?”

Extremely touched by the offer, “Yvonne, that’s very sweet; but no, if that avenue is going to be pursued, I need to, pardon the expression, man up, and do it myself.”

Trying to lighten the mood, “Nobody’s ever called me sweet before.”

Karen begins to blush, “I guess that means that nobody’s really gotten to know you before.” Leaving Yvonne speechless, Karen exits the cell and heads back to her office with some thinking to do.

Later in the day, Karen is rerunning her brief conversation with Yvonne in her head. Did she really call her “sweet?” Thinking back on the last few months, she could honestly say that Yvonne had been very good to her. That was one of the reasons she felt bad not telling Yvonne the whole story about Helen and Nikki being together.

But, she honestly felt that Nikki and Yvonne had been friends and if Nikki wanted Yvonne to know, she either already did, or would find out when Nikki wanted her to. It wasn’t Karen's place to out them to anyone. She had already betrayed Helen badly by not believing her rape allegation; she wasn’t going to compound the woman’s suffering.

Later that evening Karen was in her office doing some paperwork after hours when there was a drug bust on the wing that she had to attend to. It was a recent transferee who had only been there for three weeks and Karen was livid that the prisoner had been able to get the amount of drugs they had found in her cell at all, let alone acquire them so fast.

When the inmate in question had been shipped to the block and all of the other inmates locked down, Karen was heading back to her office when she decided to check in on Yvonne. Making sure none of the guards saw her, she used her keys to let herself into Yvonne’s cell.

Again Yvonne was laying on her bunk reading, this time an old paperback from the prison library.

“Sorry for barging in without knocking Yvonne, I just wanted to say goodnight; and to thank you for your encouragement with the Helen Stewart thing.”

“No problem. I just hope you can get Fenner and get some peace.”
“I know; I’m sorry. I feel like I let you down. He could have been off your back for good, had I acted differently.”

Yvonne jumps up from her bunk, “What? You let me down! No such thing. Karen, that man raped you. He deserves to be punished.”

“Well I asked for it didn’t I—by not believing Helen Stewart in the first place.”

Taking the two steps over to where Karen is standing, Yvonne takes Karen’s downturned chin in her hand, raises it, and looks Karen straight in the eyes, “I don’t want to ever hear that kind of crap out of your mouth again Karen Betts. For starters, no woman deserves to be raped. No means no. And number two, you were involved with the guy at the time Stewart made her accusation—I’m sure you never even considered that what she was saying could be true—he no doubt made up a bunch of his bullshit lies and gave you no other choice but to believe him.”

Karen begins to cry and Yvonne hugs her. “Karen it’s ok. We’ll make sure he pays one way or the other. I promise.”

A stunned Karen responds, “Yvonne, you would do that for me? I’m your jailor for Christ’s sake.”

Coldness seeps into Yvonne’s voice, “Is that how you see yourself?”
Not realizing how her words could be misinterpreted, Karen responds emphatically, “Of course not! As a matter of fact, you’re probably the best friend I’ve ever had.”

Both women are taken aback by Karen’s words. Karen not realizing that they would come out the way they did and Yvonne by their content.
Hesitating for a moment before she questions shakily “I’m the best friend you’ve ever had?

Tearfully Karen answers, “Yvonne nobody has ever given me so much and never asked for anything in return. And here you are locked up every night, by my people no less; and on top of it you’re offering to avenge my rape.”

Yvonne begins to feel a bit embarrassed by Karen’s praise. “It’s nothing; just an Atkins family tradition.”

“Nice try Yvonne. I know you like to show a hard shell—actually I’m sure you’ve had to for a lot of your life—but I’ve seen the real you—the one you’re afraid to show people. I feel privileged that you've shared that part of yourself with me. Being like you in a lot of ways, I do appreciate how hard and scary that can be. Maybe that’s why I’ve not had that many friends, ladies like you and I are hard to understand.”

Surprised, “Seems like you’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, Ms. Betts.”
“Yea, I guess I have; probably long overdue. I’ve made so many mistakes.”

“Karen, we’ve both made bad choices in men. And we’ve both been stupid enough to stick around long after it became obvious.”

“Yvonne, do you really think Charlie would have let you leave alive? And then what would have happened to your kids? You knew too much and if he’s like the rest of them, his stupid male pride never would have let it happen anyway. It would have had to be his decision—not yours.”

“Wow you’re good—and you never even met Charlie.”

“I’m just starting to believe that they’re all bastards.”

“I hope our sons aren’t.”

“Me too. Ross is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I just don’t know if I’ve been there enough for him. First I was a nurse and going to school at night; then I entered the prison service.”

“How else would he have been able to go to University?”

“I don’t know, I just feel like I should have been there more for him.”

“What mother doesn’t? I gave my kids a father like Charlie and let him expose them to things he shouldn’t have.”

“I’m sure you did the best you could to protect them.”

“And I’m sure you did the best you could with Ross.”

Suddenly, they look at each other and begin laughing.

Eventually, Karen is the first to speak, “Why is it that we’re nicer to each other than we are to ourselves?”

“I guess that’s what friends are for.”

“Guess so.”










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Carissa
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Hi Everyone,
I hope you are enjoying the story. I have two directions I am considering taking the story; any input on the board about what you like or don't like about what I've written so far will help me decide.
Thanks,
Carissa
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CHAPTER 6

At work on Monday, Nikki was reviewing the bar inventory from the weekend when Trish came in. “Hi Nik, how are things going?”

“Good Trish, how was the weekend here? If the state of this bar inventory is any indication, we’re going to be millionaires soon.”

“It was a very profitable weekend.” Sarcastically, “ You should take more of them off.”

“I wish I could Trish. But if I did, you’d have to work all of them.”

“Good point.” Good humoredly, “I withdraw my previous suggestion.”
“Thought you would.”

Continuing to measure the bar inventory so that she can compare it to register totals and prepare the order for the coming week Nikki slips on a wet spot in the corner on the floor next to the bar mat, knocks the trashcan over and curses, “Crap!”

As she is cleaning up the mess she comes across a used hypodermic needle, “What the fuck?”

She grabs a napkin from the bar, picks up the needle and heads to Trish’s office. Entering without knocking and holding the syringe up for full view, “Guess what I found another of?”

Trisha looks up, sees what Nikki is holding, “Where’d you find that? The ladies room again?”

“No worse, in the trash BEHIND the bar.”

“Behind the bar?”

“Yep.”

‘Shit, Nik we’ve got a real problem.”

“You bet. Do you have the schedule from the weekend?”

“Yea, it’s right here.” Trish reaches into the upper right hand drawer of the desk, pulls out a clipboard and hands it to Nikki.”

“Well Trish, I am going to assume it’s not yours.”

“Gee thank for the confidence.”

“You, Zandra and Monica were the only ones who worked the bar all weekend?”

“Yep; other than the busgirls who collected and replaced the glass wear.”
“Most of them are relatively new.”

“Nikki, they’re always relatively new. They either get moved up to waitress or bouncer or quit because they don’t get moved up.”

“Yea, only Shaz has been here for any period of time.” Changing her train of thought, “ When was the last time we gave her a raise?”

“It’s been a while.”

“Trish, could you take care of that? Maybe 10 percent? She’s so loyal and dependable—she sets a great example for the others.”

“Good idea. Consider it done.”

Back to the topic at hand, “Trish this is the third needle we’ve found in as many weeks. How many haven’t we found?”

“Nik I’m getting worried. We’ve never had a drug issue before—the questions are: is it a patron or patrons, or worse, is it a staff member?”

“I know. I think we should call a staff meeting—it’s been awhile anyway. Let’s lay out that we’ve found the needles and that we want everyone keeping their eyes open.”

“Good idea,” we can even tell them that we’ll keep any information anonymous so they feel safe reporting either a patron or another employee.”

“That would be the best way to do it. Trish, it makes me sick to think that it could be one of our own.”
“Me too hun. Me too.”

^^^^^

When Nikki arrived home that evening, she walked in to heavenly smells, “Hey babe, I’m home.” Drawn to the kitchen by the aroma, “Honey what have you done? It smells wonderful.”

“Hiya Nikki, I thought I would try to reciprocate one of the wonderful meals that you’ve prepared for me.”

“How early did you get home?”

“I had a meeting in the city with the City of London Police at 1:30, so I just came home afterward instead of driving back out to Scotland Yard.”
“Did your meeting go well?”

“It seemed to. Time will tell if the City people follow through however. How was your day?”

“I found another syringe.”

Surprised, “What? Where.”

“In the trash can behind the bar of all places.”

“It was behind the bar?”

“I know Helen, Trish and I are both concerned. We went through the schedule and know it wasn’t a bartender, but the question of whether it was from one of Saturday’s busgirls is still open.”

“But why would a busgirl shoot from behind the bar. Wouldn’t the kitchen area be more private?”

“Good point, Trish and I were so startled we didn’t even discuss that. We’re going to hold a staff meeting and see what we can flesh out. All we need is one person to see either a customer or fellow staff member shooting and we could put an end to this.”

“Agreed. What about the police?”

“Helen, really!”

“Sorry, just a bad reflex. You’d be hard pressed to get the City Police to go out of their way for Chix.”

“You could say that again. The old boy’s club is alive and well—despite one of their most despicable members being dead.”

“Those guys give all of us in the profession a bad name.”

“So Helen my sweet; what is in those simmering pots that smell so wonderful?”

^^^^^^

Later that evening after a delicious meal that Helen finally admitted she had taken a class to learn how to prepare, the two of them are relaxing I the living room with cognac Helen asks, “So do you or Trish have a theory about the syringes?”

“The basic theory is a patron or an employee.”

“Your staff—I thought they were exceptional.”

“For the most part they are, but we are always rotating bus people in and out like most clubs and if it were an inside thing; we figure that would be our weakest link.”

Helen ponders the subject for a moment, “Makes sense. What about someone from the outside?”

“Well where that barrel is placed someone could have tossed it in over the bar; but that would imply that they had been shooting at the bar and neither Trish nor I want to consider that someone could do that right under our noses and get away with it.”

“Understandable.”
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CHAPTER 7
A few weeks later, it is an especially busy Friday night at Chix. The music is thumping rhythmically, the liquor flowing freely and the capacity crowd is vibrating with energy.

Shouting over the noise, Nikki tells Zandra that she is going to the storage room to replenish some of the well liquor and asks her to cover for Nikki’s absence for a few minutes. While simultaneously making a row of 4 tropical drinks Zandra shouts back without missing a beat, “Sure thing boss.”

Seeing her chance to also grab a quick smoke, Nikki first slips out the back door to the alley to light one up. While she is sitting on the wooden crate that club employees use as a bench and enjoying the cooler air, Nikki hears someone speaking at the far end of the alleyway.

Curious, she peaks her head around the dumpster just in time to see one man sucker-punch another in the gut. Before the assailant struts off he says, “There’s a hell of a lot worse where that came from—so you had better meet your sodding objectives. My boss won’t take too kindly to your pathetic excuses.”

When she is sure the attacker has cleared the area, Nikki rushes over to the victim. “Are you alright?"

Attempting to stand straight, the man grunts, “Yea I’m fine. Just having a bad night.”

“Can I get you some help or a glass of water?”

Still struggling to take a deep breath the man responds, “No, I’m fine."

Who are you anyway, where’d you come from?”

“I’m Nikki, I own the club down the way there. What’s your name?”

The man starts to quickly shuffle off as if being afraid of being struck again, “I’m good, thanks; gotta go.”

Nikki watches the still partly hunched figure walk away while wondering what the scene was that she just stumbled upon.

Unfortunately, with Zandra left alone behind the main bar of the busy club, Nikki doesn’t have much time to think on the subject. She quickly stubs out the remainder of her cigarette and heads back in to get the replacement liquor she planned to get.

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Hi everyone, sorry it took so long for the update. I was hoping to find a beta reader before posting again; but with no such luck I am just going to do my best and hope everyone is ok with the result. I am not above begging someone to volunteer…


CHAPTER 8

For the second time in a month Karen found herself called to home office to discuss the drug problem at Larkhall; G Wing in particular. Home office staff was getting very impatient with the situation and Karen was growing increasingly frustrated with their criticism since they were simultaneously refusing to give her additional resource with which to address the problem.

In the past two weeks there had been two overdoses on her wing; one of them nearly fatal and despite that fact she and her staff had been unable to find a source of the drugs. She was coming close to ordering a complete lockdown of the wing in order to hopefully break the cycle that had begun.

She was also becoming increasingly concerned about the prisoner’s welfare. They had been very lucky with the overdoses that they had, in that both prisoners were going to be fine. Neither however, had been willing to utter a peep as to where or how they got the drugs.

Sensing her frustration, Yvonne had even offered her help trying to figure out where the suddenly abundant supply of drugs on the wing was coming from. As the situation progressed, Karen was more and more reluctant to use Yvonne in this way because of concerns for her safety. The drug situation appeared to be very sophisticated and professionally run. What she was beginning to wonder however was how the prisoners were able to pay for the quantity of drugs that seemed to be flowing through the institution.

Neither of the overdose cases had any financial resources on the outside that she knew of; and what they could barter with within the prison walls was fairly limited for just this reason. The situation was beginning to become as perplexing as it was frustrating.

***
Helen was very surprised to receive a call from the Chief of the City of London Police asking for her assistance with a problem; he said he didn’t want to elaborate on the issue over the phone and would prefer to meet in person.

When Chief Superintendent Thomas arrived at her office he made a striking impression with his presence. At six foot three with broad shoulders Helen thought he must have been an imposing figure when he was younger and had probably patrolled the streets.

“Assistant Commissioner Stewart, I want to thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”

“Please call me Helen.”

“Thank you Helen, please call me Pete.

“Ok. Pete, what can I do for you?”

“Helen I’m sure you’ve heard about the increase in drug traffic in my district; heroin in particular.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of the problem you’ve been having. I don’t think its spread outside of the city for the most part, but I’m sure that if it keeps up it will be inevitable and Scotland Yard will be faced with a similar problem.”

“No doubt.”

“But Pete, why did you want to meet with me? We have a special narcotics unit.”

“Yes Helen, I am aware of that and have worked with them on numerous occasions. The reason I wanted to speak with you is that we have isolated the majority of the problem to a few specific neighborhoods in London and your partner’s club, Chix happens to be located in one of them.”

“Is that an accusation?”

Concerned that he had been misinterpreted, “Oh no. Not in any way Helen. Although given the history of the department’s behavior I can understand why that would have been your first thought. My thoughts in fact are the opposite of that.”
Pensively Helen responds, “I see.”

“I know that Ms. Wade and Ms. Harris have no reason to want to help my department. My predecessor left me a legacy of very problematic relationships, and given what happened to them I’m sure my choice of words is an understatement.”

“I think that would be a very safe assumption.”

“We are currently working with a number of club owners in the city, but haven’t had any luck lining up cooperation from anyone in their neighborhood—on a long shot I was hoping that you might speak with Ms. Wade and Ms. Harris on my behalf?”

“Well Chief, I think that is quite the long shot.”

“It’s Pete, and I do realize that I am asking a great deal here. But knowing that, I am prepared to offer them something that I’ve not offered any of the other club owners in exchange.”

“And that would be?”

“I’ve done some research into their business and discovered that from a police perspective, they have the cleanest run club in the city.”

“Well since your department has had it out for them since Gossard attacked Trisha Harris, it would have to be wouldn’t it?”

“That wasn’t my department. Since I came in a year ago I have cleaned up the force considerably. Helen, have they been harassed by the police in any way in the past 6 months?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

“That’s because one of the first things I did when I came on board was made it very clear that anyone even remotely suspected of shaking down or harassing a business owner would be immediately suspended without pay and wouldn’t be reinstated until a painstakingly slow investigation was completed.”

Helen is a bit surprised by his honesty. “And I take it you’ve had great success?”

“I believe I have. It will take more than a year to know for sure if it sticks, but the culture does seem to be changing. Unfortunately for you, a few of my bad eggs have transferred to your department.”

“Gee thanks.”

“Well your department is exponentially larger than mine, so hopefully they won't cause as many problems.”

“Nonetheless, these people have no business being employed in law enforcement.”

“Agreed.”

“My understanding is that Ms. Harris and your partner have also applied for permission to open a catering company.”

“Yes, their latest venture is a catering company. It is being run by a former club chef. But they are the sole financial backers.”

“I am prepared to offer their new entity an exclusive contract to cater all department meetings and functions and the opportunity to provide jail meals if they want it.”

Surprised, “Really.”

“Really. If we come to terms on price and service I will give them a two year exclusive with a 1 year rolling renewal.”

“Wow, you really must want their cooperation.”

The man replies, “Yes I do. Actually I need it. And I also feel that the department owes them something.”

Surprised, a laughing Helen replies, “Are you sure you’re from the City of London Police Department?”

“The NEW City of London Police Department. As the American’s say, there’s a new sheriff in town.”

“I guess so.”

Earnestly he asks, “Will you speak with them for me?”

“Pete, I can’t make any promises on how they will react, but I will approach them for you.”

“Thank you Helen.”
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really enjoying this so far thanks
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thanks~ more soon plz~
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Carissa
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Thanks for the feedback ladies. I appreciate it.

CHAPTER 9

It was around four o’clock that afternoon when Helen arrived at Chix. She had called ahead and told Nikki that she would be coming by and that she had a matter that she would like to discuss with her and Trisha.

Helen was apprehensive about broaching the topic with the two women; but also realized that the offer could be beneficial to them. Not only would their new catering business get a financial boost with long-term revenue prospects, but a positive relationship with the local police department could come in handy down the road.

Additionally, Nikki and Trish’s discomfort with the drug situation at Chix had become quite worrisome for the two club owners and working with the police would assure that Nikki and Trish wouldn’t be somehow implicated in the situation.

As insurance, Helen had sent her boss an email outlining her discussion with the Commissioner Chief but did not use Nikki and Trish’s names or the name of their club to protect them if the email were ever to be viewed by the wrong people. The last thing that Helen wanted was for some crooked cop with a grudge against Nikki to turn things around and try to implicate her in the operation.

Helen may believe that Pete was cleaning up the force, but rarely was a police force ever completely clean and those Pete had managed to push out of the department surely held grudges against him. The last thing Helen wanted was for Nikki and Trish to pay for those grudges.

That was only half of the reason Helen had sent her boss the email. The other half was that after Pete had left her office, she did some investigating on her own regarding the drug situation in London. What she found was that the operation appeared to be very sophisticated in that the people involved didn’t appear to be leaving trails.

All of the dealers and users who had been apprehended to date appeared to be completely in the dark as to where the supply was coming from. Usually with an operation with this apparent volume of drugs, there was chatter around as to where the stuff was coming from or how the money was being spent or laundered and to date nobody had uttered a peep.

Even when presented with immunity offers the perpetrators seemed more clueless regarding the situation than afraid of the repercussions of ratting someone out.

Helen was concerned for Nikki and Trish’s safety. If whoever was responsible for this drug operation found out that they were working with the police things could get very dangerous for them. Intuitively, she knew Nikki would read between the lines and understand that fact given her time at Larkhall, but Helen was concerned Trish might make a decision to cooperate without fully understanding the potential ramifications. She had to make sure that didn’t happen.

There was the strong potential that neither club owner would be interested in working with the City of London police who had nearly ruined their lives.

Ruminating more on the dangers of the situation, Helen wished she hadn’t agreed to relay Pete’s offer to the two women.

Talking out loud to no one as she climbed out of the red Peugeot that she parked in the alley behind the club, “Stewart, you probably should have decided how you wanted this to end up before you called Nikki. Idiot!”

Using her key, Helen let herself in the backdoor of the club and headed to the office in search of the proprietors. When she got to the office, Trish was sitting at the desk and Nikki was in a chair across from her with her long legs stretched out and her feet propped on top of the opposite side of the desk.

Trish was the first to spot Helen, “Hi, Helen it’s nice to see you.”
“It’s nice to see you too Trish.” She then walked over to where Nikki was sitting and kisses her hello, “And, it’s especially nice to see you during a work day.”

“Yea babe, I was kind of surprised by your call.”

“What, a woman can’t call her partner and ask to come see her and her partner’s partner in the middle of the day without rousing suspicion?” She ended her facetious question with a smirk that included her customary gesture of tucking her tongue behind her upper teeth.

“My point exactly, my dear.”

“Nikki, I’ve never been able to put anything over on you.”

“That is so. After all, I even knew you were a lesbian before you did.”

“Touché’.”

Trish is the next to speak, “So Helen, to what do we owe this late-day visit? Oh, before you answer that, can I get you something?”

“No Trish, thanks, I’m good.”

“Ok. Then what would you like to talk to Nik and me about?”

“I had a visit from the Chief Commissioner of the City of London Police force this morning.”

Agitated Trish replies, “What did that asshole want?”

Looking worried Nikki asks, “And what does it have to do with us?”

“Relax ladies, it’s not bad. It’s also a new Chief.”

“I read about that in the Times a while back. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s still a London dick.” Trisha retorts.

Understanding where Trish is coming from Helen tries to ease both club owners’ senses of apprehension, “I know Trish, I felt the same way before I spoke with him.”

Knowing Helen was trying to get to something, Nikki interrupts, “Trish let’s hear Helen out. She said it wasn’t anything bad and she does care about both of us.”

Realizing that she had been pointing her anger at the wrong source Trish contritely responds, “Helen, I’m sorry I shot the messenger; please go on.”
Helen explained her visit from Pete and what he was asking and offering in return. She also laid out in detail, the potential negative ramifications of cooperating on this case to Trisha. She was surprised to see how street smart the blonde was. She then guessed that she would have to be, to successfully run a lesbian club in a city like London.

The three of them spent an hour and a half discussing the pros and cons of the situation and while both women seemed inclined to take the Chief up on his offer, Helen requested that each of them sleep on it before making any final decision. She told them that she would call them at the end of the next day to see what they had decided and that whatever decision they made she would support 100 percent.
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ali baba
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Just caught up with your updates. This promises to be an intriguing story. Looking forward to how you progress with this. Nice to see Trisha Nikki and Helen all getting on.
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Carissa
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I want to express my profuse gratitude to Julie for volunteering to serve as my beta for this story. As you will see from this next chapter she has greatly improved the quality of my work.

Any errors or inconsistencies appearing here are mine and mine alone.


CHAPTER 10

When Karen’s phone rang at 3.15am, she already knew it would be bad news. On the line was Larkhall’s third shift supervisor, informing her that there had been yet another overdose on G wing. This time, the prisoner was dead.

A 24 year-old inmate named Serena Marks, who was serving a four-year sentence for burglary and cheque fraud was found by her cellmate when the woman got up to use the toilet in their cell. The deceased woman’s arm hung limply from the bed, a used syringe discarded on the blanket.

According to the prison officer, Serena’s cellmate had no idea the drugs were in the cell and was quite traumatized by the experience. She eventually had to be sedated and sent to the infirmary to spend the night.

When Karen’s car arrived at Larkhall 35 minutes later, the glow of flashing rescue vehicle and police lights could be seen in the sky from two miles away. Locking her car, she pulled her coat tighter around her. She wasn’t sure whether the chill she felt was from the cold air or from nerves. She dreaded having to call Serena’s family to notify them; instinctively she knew that despite all her efforts to get to the bottom of the new drug flow in the prison, she was always going to feel some level of responsibility for Serena’s death.

Startled her out of her thoughts by her cell phone ringing, Karen swore under her breath as ‘Neil’ flashed on the caller ID. Neil Greyling, Larkhall’s Governing Governor, and Karen’s immediate superior, was less than happy about being contacted by the media in the middle of the night before he had heard from his own staff.

“Neil. I’ve just arrived here, and I plan on calling you with a full report once I’ve spoken with my team,” said Karen, trying to sound a lot more alert than she felt. Briefly, she wondered why crises only seemed to occur on her watch.

“Since you’re out of town at the corrections conference, I thought there was no need to disturb you at this hour until I had more information,” she added. Her answer seemed to calm him a bit and he agreed to wait for her call.

When she made her way onto the wing things were eerily quiet; especially so, considering that most of the inmates were still awake from all of the commotion in the past hour. She could hear the police moving around at the far end of the wing, but before engaging with them, she met her officers in the office to get their briefing. Stepping into the room, she closed the door firmly behind her and wasted no time getting down to business, “Ok, what happened?”

Sylvia, who had swapped shifts with another prison officer was the senior officer on the wing that night.

“Ma’am that Marks girl killed herself with a needle.”

“Killed herself? Was there a note?” questioned Karen.

“No ma’am, but it’s obvious,” sniffed Sylvia disdainfully.

“Sylvia, are you implying that this was deliberate?”

Thinking better of her choice of words, Sylvia hurriedly backtracked, “Well, not deliberate per se, but you do that type of thing enough times you’re bound to put your own lights out.”

Appalled at the officer’s attitude and choice of words Karen lost her temper, “Sylvia! I don’t want to hear that kind of talk again. Unless you have evidence that would cause a reasonable person to think otherwise, we are going to treat this as a tragic accident. And you’re going to start showing some respect toward our charges. These women are human beings, just as you and I are.”

Bodybag, as Sylvia was contemptuously known by the inmates of Larkhall, muttered under her breath.

Karen fixed her with a stony glare. “Did you say something Sylvia?”

“No ma’am.”

“What can the rest of you tell me about what went on this evening? Did Serena seem agitated or upset before lockup this evening? Or even in the last few days?”

Shirley Benson was the first to respond, “ Ma’am I saw her chatting with Yvonne Atkins a few minutes before lockup, and they were both laughing as they parted, so I would say if anything, Serena was in a good mood when she went to her cell.”

“Who was the first officer to respond?”

Max Peters, a relatively new transfer from another of Her Majesty’s prisons replied, “I was, Ma’am. I heard her cellmate Fiona screaming and I bolted to the cell. When I entered, I saw Serena’s lifeless body on the upper bunk with her arm hanging over the side and the syringe just lying there.”

“Max do you know if Fiona touched the body or the syringe?”

“She said she hadn’t.”

“Are you sure she was dead when you got there?”

“Yes. I went to check her carotid pulse. There was no pulse and her body was cold.”

“Ok. Did you take photographs of the cell before the police arrived?”

Sylvia hands Karen a memory card, “Here ma’am.”

“Ok. I’m going to talk to the police, who’s on duty by the cell?”

“It’s Dominic,” Max replied, “he insisted on staying.”

“Ok, thanks. Everyone, make sure you are available to answer any questions from the police investigators while they are here.” Looking directly at Sylvia, she added in a reprimanding tone, “And stick to the facts when you talk to them.”

**********

Karen steeled herself as she approached the only cell on the wing with an open door. Dominic was leaning against the nearby wall with a defeated posture.

“Dominic, how are you?”

“I’m ok ma’am. I just wish I could say the same for Selena.”

“You and I both, Dominic.”

“Have the police found anything of interest?”

“Not that I know. But, they only started working about 10 minutes ago.”

“Ok. Which of them is in charge?”

Dominic leant sideways and pointed to an attractive female officer on the left side of the cell.

“Thanks. Why don’t you take a break and get a cup of coffee.”

“Thanks. Can I bring you anything?”

“No, I’m good.”

"Yeah, we both are," said Dominic sarcastically.

Karen smiled sympathetically) as he walked away.

Karen entered the cell and introduced herself to the officer in charge. Extending her hand, the blonde woman spoke first, “Hello, I’m Wing Governor Karen Betts.”

“Nice to meet you Governor Betts, I’m Detective Zandra Plackett. Call me Zandra.”

“And you can call me Karen, how can I or my staff assist you in your investigation?”

“You can start by telling me what you know, and I’ll let you know what I have so far.”

“Sounds like a good place to start. Would you like to do it here, or come to my office for a cup of tea or coffee?”

“Your office sounds great. Is there also a place where I can interview your staff individually before I speak with them as a group?”

“I can certainly arrange that for you. I have a conference room next to my office you can use.”

Karen spent the better part of the next two hours with Detective Plackett, discussing each of their findings and then, since Karen had not been on the premises when the death occurred, the Detective allowed Karen to sit in on the interviews with the G wing staff.

By the time the morning shift showed up for work, they were wrapping up their business. As Karen was escorting the plain-clothed detective out, they encountered Jim Fenner, who was just arriving for work.

“So, I hear we’ve got one less druggie on the wing. Good for us.”

Karen’s visceral and angry response took Fenner back, “Jim, if I hear you make one more comment like that, I will personally see to it that you will be working the night shift and weekends for the next 10 years! Do you understand me?”

Had Karen been alone, Fenner would have made a snide remark, but given the circumstances he just grunted in response and walked away.

When Fenner was out of earshot, Zandra said, “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“You could never get on my bad side the way he has. Don’t worry about it.”

If Zandra was surprised at the bitterness in Karen’s tone, she was careful not to show it. Clearly there was something else going on between the Governor and her officer. Her years of training had taught her to mask her emotions, so she simply filed her observation away for future use. “Good to know. I still need to interview the cellmate, but from everything we’ve uncovered so far, this appears to be a simple overdose.”

“I just wish I could figure out how the drugs are getting on to the wing. It's become a real problem.”

“If there’s anything we can do, please let me know.”

“I will, thanks.”

After Zandra left, Karen called Neil back to give him the results of the police investigation so far. When she was done she made her way back to the wing to see how Yvonne was doing. Having heard about Yvonne and Serena’s conversation last evening, she wanted to check on her friend to assure she was alright. Unfortunately until now, she had been too busy with the investigation to get away.

**********

When Karen let herself in, the wing was still on lockdown which was standard procedure after an incident like this. She would lift the order to let everyone go downstairs for lunch. She had already had the Julies escorted to the kitchen to begin preparing the meal.

She looked around the wing to be sure she wasn't being watched and then knocked and then let herself into Yvonne’s cell and closed the door behind her. Yvonne was lying on her bunk staring into space. Karen stood there a minute and then with no comment coming from Yvonne she ambled over and sat down on the side of the bunk next to her friend. For several minutes both women just sat there silently with their own thoughts, until Yvonne finally spoke, “Such a waste.”

“I know and she was young. It’s so sad. You ok Yvonne?"

"I will be I guess. I don't have much choice. But you know what Karen? I know she was in here, but believe it or not, she really was a good kid.”

Karen reached over and laid her hand gently on top of Yvonne’s. "You wouldn’t have had her as a friend if she weren’t.”

Yvonne smiled, “It seems that since I’ve come here, I have accumulated an interesting collection of friends.”

“Better than making enemies.”

“It seems that I’ve just made them on the outside. ”She paused a moment and then finished quietly, “And now he’s dead too.”

“Honey, I’m sorry the last few years have been so brutal for you. You don’t deserve it.”

“Karen, you’re nice to say it, but I do deserve it. I knew a lot of what Charlie was up to, not the killing, but the other stuff, and I kept my mouth shut and benefitted financially and materially from all of it. I look at the time I’m doing in here on his behalf as really being mine,” she added sadly. “I’ve had a lot of time to think in here and I rightfully own this time I’m doing.”

Karen shook her head. “Yvonne, I think you’re remarkable. Promise me, when you get out of here, that you will accept the time you served as payment of that debt in full, and finally start forgiving yourself?”

“Perhaps. But I have a lot to make up to my kids.”

“And I’m sure you’ll do that.”

As her emotions threatened to get the better of her, Yvonne pleaded, “But how do I ever make up for them having such a screwed up childhood?”

Karen’s heart went out to her unlikely friend. “You do the best you can ‘Vonne. Because that’s all you can do. And after that you move forward and have a good life. You deserve it, she said with feeling, “Find a man worthy of you next time.”

“Oh yeah, the middle-aged, former gang moll with two angry screwed up young adult children will be one hell of a catch. They’ll be lining up at my front door asking to sign my dance card,” she added bitterly.

“Yvonne, you can’t let those things define you. They aren’t who you are.” Smirking she added, “Since we’re about the same age, I can’t deny the middle-aged part, but the others are the past and about other people. The Yvonne I know is loyal and kind and witty. And you spend so much time in the damn gym you have a body that even a much younger woman would kill for. You’re a catch, and the right guy will see that.”

Yvonne was touched by her friend’s words, “You’re a good friend.”

“So are you ‘Vonne.” The two women regarded each other quietly.

Wanting to break the moment Yvonne asked, “So what are the higher-ups going to do to you now that word of this drug problem has gotten to the outside?”

“I don’t know. Shit flows downhill, so I’m hoping that none of the higher-ups get too much of it. If they feel no heat they will be less likely to give me any. Problem is, they probably won’t give me any additional resources to fix this either, and eventually, the pressure is going to build up.”


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GG72
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You have a good story going keep it up. Thanks :clap
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Carissa
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Many thanks to my beta Julie. Any error or omission in this chapter is my own doing--I'm very capable of making mistakes without any assistance. lol

CHAPTER 11

By the time Zandra got to the station later that morning she was exhausted. She made a note to make sure she connected with the Marks girl’s cellmate within the next 24 hours, while she waited for the full forensics results to be returned, which would take a few weeks.

Everything she had seen and heard so far, led her to believe that Serena’s death had been an accidental overdose.

What she hadn’t mentioned to Karen was that the other case she was working on was the increased drug problem in the city.

She mulled over how unusual Karen Betts’ attitude was; specifically, the Wing Governor’s honesty regarding the increased flow of drugs on G wing.

Usually prison brass kept their problems to themselves, as not to invite outside scrutiny. To Zandra, it seemed like Karen was looking for help. That would certainly be the professional thing to do, but in the prison system, it would not be politic in any way.

In Zandra’s mind the timing of the Larkhall drug issue, in light of the increasing drug problem in London, was just too coincidental. She couldn’t help but wonder how the two were connected and who was involved.

Hopefully the forensics test on the syringe which she had put a rush on would confirm that the drugs they had found in the city were the same strain of heroin that killed the Marks girl. If so, they would have a concrete link between the two situations.

Because access to the prison had to be comparatively isolated versus movement about the city, this could be an important break in the case.

**********

After Helen left Nikki and Trisha at Chix, she called ahead and stopped at her and Nikki’s favorite Italian spot to pick up dinner. Despite Nikki and Trish’s full grasp of the potential dangers involved with cooperating with the police in this investigation, she was still having second thoughts about ever agreeing to mention the arrangement to them.

Something about the situation had been niggling in the back of her mind since her meeting with Pete Thomas.

Her doubts all seemed to come back to two questions. Why wouldn’t any other club owner in that neighborhood cooperate with the police? And why was that neighborhood different from the rest of the city?”

When she analyzed her own feelings she rationalized that where Nikki was involved, it was natural to have heightened concerns. But instinct was telling her that there was more to it than that.

There was also the chance that she was worrying needlessly. Nikki and Trish could decide not to cooperate, and that would be the end of it. She could cross her fingers and hope that would be the way it went; but she also knew how disturbed Nikki and Trish had been about the syringes found in their club.

**********

Nikki and Helen were nearly half way through their dinner when Helen finally broached the subject of the drug investigation. “Did you and Trish have a chance to talk after I left this afternoon?”

“Yes we did.”

“And?”

“Well, the way we see it is we’re damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.”

“How so?”

Nikki put her fork down to sip her cabernet. “If we help the police and word gets out - which as you know it usually does - it could cause us some problems.”

“That’s putting it mildly.” Helen put her hand over Nikki’s, and stroking it gently, she captured her lover’s eyes with her own green orbs as she tried to emphasize her point. “Your safety and Trish’s is more than ‘some problems’ Nikki. I really am concerned for both of you.”

“I know Helen and I love you for respecting me enough to bring the proposal to us even though it makes you uneasy. Trish and I are both aware that you could have sent the Chief Superintendent packing and never mentioned a word to us. Believe me, we take the danger very seriously. And even if we were willing to be reckless with our own lives, which we aren’t, we would never put our employees in a dangerous situation unnecessarily.”

Helen exhaled in relief. “Good. You’re not going to do it.”

“No Helen, we are going to do it.”

Helen blinked in confusion; “But Nikki you just said…”

Nikki interrupted Helen before she could finish: “I said we wouldn’t put anyone in danger unnecessarily.”

“Right,” said Helen slowly, now even more confused.

“Helen, Trish and I are afraid that if the police don’t get a handle on this problem soon our employees’ safety will be compromised just coming and going from work. Remember that beating I told you about a short while ago?”

Not really wanting to hear what Nikki had to say, Helen asked anyway, “Yeessss?”

“Yesterday when Trish was renewing our alcohol permit, she heard about two others.”

“Oh Nikki.”

“I know; it’s scary. We’re implementing a new buddy policy for any employee leaving the club after dark; either they have someone to walk with them to the Tube, or Trish and I will pay for a taxi.”

“That’s a good idea.”
They sat silently until Helen reluctantly asked: “Would you like me to set up a meeting with Pete Thomas for you and Trisha? We could do it at my office so it wouldn’t garner any local attention.”

“That would be smart. I’ll go and call Trish to see when she’s available.”

“After you do that, I’ll leave Pete a voice mail with your availability and stress the importance of confidentiality.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let me go make that call and then we can hit the sheets.”

“Oh Wade, you know I love it when you get all romantic on me.”
Nikki waggled her eyebrows suggestively, letting Helen know that she read her amorous intent correctly and headed off to find her phone.

**********

The next day, Nikki and Trish met Helen for lunch before their scheduled meeting at Scotland Yard with Chief Superintendent Thomas. Conversation was light and jovial until the end of lunch, when Helen asked: “Are you two absolutely sure you want to do this?”

Trish was the first to respond, “Helen, Nik told me about your concerns, and believe me, I’m the last one with any reason to want to help the London City Police Department, but this situation is going to get more dangerous the longer it festers.”

“Trish, I think your point has merit. I’m just worried about both of you.”
Bemused, Trish replied: “Think about it Helen, unless we get caught red-handed, Nikki and I are the absolute LAST people anyone would ever suspect of assisting Gossard’s former employer and protectors.”

Reluctantly, Helen had to admit Trish had a point.

*********

The three women were ensconced in a conference room when Chief Superintendent Thomas arrived with an attractive dark-haired woman, whom he introduced as Detective Zandra Plackett.

After the introductions were made, Pete explained that Detective Plackett had been the lead on the drug case for the previous six months and would be Nikki and Trish’s only other contact in order to minimize any potential danger to them. This was the same arrangement that had been made with the other cooperating club owners, but given Trish and Nikki’s history with the City Police, additional precautions would be taken.

“What precautions would these be?” Helen inquired.

Pete was the first to respond: Zandra and I were hoping you would agree to be the buffer between Ms. Wade and Ms. Harris and Zandra and myself, to reduce the potential exposure they could face. I assume that you and Ms. Wade speak often, so your communications wouldn’t be likely to be suspect and since you work for a police department as well, communications between you and us should also appear natural to anyone watching for such a thing.”

Impressed, Nikki exclaimed, “That’s slick.”

“I would have to get permission from my commissioner of course, but I wouldn’t expect any problems there.” Helen responded. “Scotland Yard and the City of London Police often share case work.”

Trish turned to Zandra, “Detective, what are you looking for from Nik and I?”

“Ms. Harris, please call me Zandra.”

Trish responded, “We have a bartender at Chix named Zandra.”

A little surprised the detective laughed: “I hope she’s a good employee?”

Trish winked: “Yes, she’s one of our best.”

“I’m glad to hear it; I’d hate for the family name to be tarnished.”

Nikki was the next to question the detective. “Zandra , is a family name?”

“Yes, it was my grandmother’s name. She raised seven children on her own after my grandfather died at a young age. She was amazing.”

“She sounds it,” Trish responded. Getting back to the business at hand she continued, “Call me Trish by the way, what do you need us to do?”

“Well Trish, I’ll be honest with you, at this point I’m looking for a break in the case. This operation has been very tidy to date and neither I, nor my team, have been able to sink our teeth into one loose end. The team will know nothing of your involvement—neither will the other club owners—as you will also not know who they are.”

The blonde mulled the detective’s comments for a moment. “That seems fair. But what exactly do you need from us.”

“Eyes and ears on the street. I need you and Nikki,” Zandra looked at Nikki, “May I call you Nikki?”

“Please do.”

Continuing, “I need you and Nikki to watch for anything out of the ordinary—even if it doesn’t seem suspicious—just different, it could help us. A new delivery driver, a club regular suddenly hanging out with a new crowd, an employee befriended by someone new, that type of thing.”

“We’re pretty nosey, we could actually be good at this,” Trish quipped to everyone’s laughter.

“If Nikki could report anything unusual to Helen, I can have someone discretely look into the person or the incident without implicating either of you.” Zandra continued, “Ladies, I know the way I am describing this makes it sound rather innocuous. I want to stress, however, that nothing is further from the truth. There is no doubt that this is a well-organized highly-professional operation. That means that the people involved are probably very dangerous. I can’t overestimate the danger to you or the people you care about. You need to be sure you want to participate in this.”

There was no hesitation in Nikki’s reply. “Helen has gone over this thoroughly with both of us and we are aware of the risk. During my time in prison I saw what drugs can do to a person. I want these people out of my club and out of my city.”

Surprised by the stridence in Nikki’s tone, Zandra asked: “You’ve already had trouble in the club?”

“Not ‘trouble’ per se, but we’ve found two used syringes in the past few weeks, and I saw the end of a man’s beating at the entrance to the alley behind the club.”

“Did you report it?”

“Zandra, this is the first civil conversation either Trish or myself has had with a City of London Police officer in years; what do you think?” said Nikki, with more than a hint of sarcasm.

“Sorry, that was a dumbass question. I apologize.”
Helen interrupted: “Zandra, how can we be assured that none of Gossard’s buddies who are still on the force will find out about this operation?”

“I wish I could guarantee you they wouldn’t, but since I’ve only been in this department for three of my 10 years as a police officer, I don’t even know who that bastard’s pals were. I do know that this is not the department it was when I began here, if there hadn’t been a change in leadership last year, I would be working somewhere else by now. That said; we all know it takes a long time to fully clean a house that dirty.”

“Understood.” Was Helen’s satisfied reply.

To Trish and Nikki, Zandra continued: “On a personal note, I want you to know how much I admire your willingness to work with us given everything you were put through , and the price you paid. Regardless of how this case is resolved, you have my complete respect. I don’t know that if I could be a big enough person to do what you two are agreeing to under the same circumstances.”

Changing the subject, Pete asked: “Does the club have a video security system?”

“After the Gossard attack, we had an excellent system installed with hidden cameras so it wouldn’t make our guests uncomfortable.” And for the thousandth time, Trish gave voice to the biggest regret of her life: “If I had agreed to do it before that, Nikki probably wouldn’t have ended up in jail for defending me.”

Nikki took Trish’s hand in hers and turned her ex gently towards her, “Trish, you’ve got to let that go.”

Continuing to beat herself up, Trish added sadly, “Nik, if I hadn’t been so cheap when you brought idea up a year before Gossard, you wouldn’t have lost those years of your life.”

“Trish, it’s water under the bridge. If I hadn’t jammed the bottle so hard, he might have lived.”

Zandra was very impressed by how close the two former lovers remained, and even more so with the caring and easy friendship that the three women appeared to share. It was something she’d seen all too infrequently in her job and in her personal life.

Steering the conversation gently back on track, Pete asked: “Do you have tapes from the nights when the syringes were found or an outside camera that might have caught the beating?”

“Unfortunately no,” said Nikki, “We only archive tapes for two weeks, then we rotate them and record over them. I’m sorry.”

“That’s fine, it’s a standard practice. A man can hope though can’t he?”

Nikki responded with one of her winning smiles: “Always.”
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GG72
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G2 landing
This getting good.
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zena
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I said SIT IN THAT CHAIR
Enjoying this story, thank you.
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Carissa
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Up to Basic
There's more on the way. I won't leave you hanging much longer.
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