CH5.5 - All's well that ends well --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 1 Oblivious to the four occupants of the Parkers backyard mesmerised by Sophia’s cocktail dress and new hair style, Dylan, Jess and Staci deep in conversation with Sophia had no idea a small flying drone about the size of a football buzzing in high altitude above their heads... dropping down to an altitude of 120 metre’s and zooming in on the 4 with its high resolution 200mp camera, The drone’s control from an unknown base had been flown into the location at a significantly higher altitude, ensuring that it would not be noticed, and now engaging its autonomous stealth mode, the inbuilt subsonic speakers beamed out noise cancelling sound waves tuned in real time to the whining of the 4 rotors, making the small flying surveillance craft almost completely silent.. With camouflage design from above and an adaptive active colour scheme from below, the drone like an octopus was able to morph colours to make it match the sky so perfectly, a casual observer would completely overlook the small robotic drone as it recorded and transmitted its live feed back to its operator concealed miles away.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 Sophia lost in her thoughts for a moment over the possibility of Jessica’s father being the same high school senior that had changed her life so much in her junior year, only to disappear from her life after his final year, found her concentration broken when the alarm tone on her phone concealed in her handbag reminded her that she had other places to be, and other, important people to meet.. This for Sophia had been a whirlwind time from the chance meeting of the Raven haired Natasha on the way home from the beach on Sunday, and now, only 3 days later, she had become an integral part in an information gathering mission on an international criminal boss, Known only as Reignwolf.. (Sophia) (Flustered and giving a small wave) OH.. Damn, is that the time already, sorry guys, as much as I would like to stay and talk more with you all I really must go... (Meek smile).. (Dylan) Mom, are you OK?.. You look like you have seen a ghost or something.? (Sophia) No Hun.. It’s nothing... Just a lot on my mind, and now this damn function of your fathers... (Eyeroll).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 Sophia stepping forward quickly and forgetting the concealed transmitter cunningly disguised as a very large anal butt plug, suppressed a small grimace of pain as the device moved and pushed its way deeper inside her anal passage applying pressure to her colon.. (Sophia) OOhh.. Umm, Anyway, no point complaining, sooner I go the sooner I get this over and done with.. (Grin).. Come on honey, how about you walk your old mom out to the car.. They are sending a Limo apparently so I should have at least have an escort to the kerb.. (Smile).. (Dylan) Mom, say the word and I will quickly change and escort you for the full night.. (Staci) Hey!!.. Not fair little bro.. If you go who will take the photos?? (Sophia) Its ok Staci, my baby is just being chivalrous.. But as I have trained him I need my son to be good host tonight, and look after his sister and her lovely friends.. (Warm smile). (Jessica) (Sideward glance at Staci) Don’t worry about that Mrs P.. I’m sure Dylan will take great care of us all tonight.. (Sexy grin).. (Sophia) (Thinking) Shit I knew Jess reminded me of someone, but I could never think of who... Russell, Is this really your daughter??. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 Meanwhile back in Ravens Nest. Having rushed back to her own private control room and HQ known affectionally by the firm as the “Nest” Natasha quickly changed into more basic operational garb from her staged office and detective persona as Detective Alexandra who had raided the school’s pool and questioned Miranda and a very terrified Claudia Jones.. Setting up Comms for the operation Natasha established the direct encrypted lines with A.R.C. (Airial Recon Command), and readied herself in preparation for the evening OP.. (Raven)(Mumbling to herself) OK, my drone is in position, and live feed established.. Time to check in with the OP’s team before going radio silent when the Limo arrives.. God damn I hope Raptor has got over her little tantrum.. Fuck it all, now after all this I have to put up with a regiment code red.. (Eyeroll).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 Pressing a call activation button on the side of her headset, an augmented reality heads up display turned on directly in front of Natasha’s eyes giving her real time data from all the departments and resources she had available to her for the operation.. giving a quick voice command to her drone, the indication display showed the drones operation switch from manual to fully automatic face track on Sophia, and with a satisfied sigh that the surveillance was now underway, Natasha’s finger pressed a secondary button to initiate the voice command communications to the members of the Firm now in position and waiting further instructions.. (Natasha) Time to get this show on the road.. and the 1st call will be the worst I suppose... Time to see if Raptors mood has improved any??.. (Sigh).. Nest command to Raptor one, come in Raptor one. (Raptor) Raptor one receiving.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 Natasha hearing her old friends voice reply back through the radio strained to hear any traces of inflection in her voice that would possibly give away her mood, but Raptor, always on the job in operational mode kept her voice flat and to the point as SOP (Standard operational procedure) dictated... (Natasha) Copy that Raptor one, what is your 20 and sitrep (Situation report).. (Raptor) Beaming you my coordinates now NestCOm and waiting further instructions.. (Natasha) Roger that Raptor 1, Swallow has not left the cage yet, hold current position and wait further instructions... (Raptor) Copy that NestCom.. Do we have confirmation of A.R.C. support yet.. (Natasha) Roger that, A.R.C. support inbound and will advise once confirmed... (Raptor) (Breaking radio protocol) Have A.R.C. confirmed who they are sending??.. We don’t need one of their green wannabe flyboys... If things get hot, I am going to need air support fast.. (Natasha) No confirmation yet... Will advise once known.. and Raptor, keep icy out there ok... (Raptor) Copy that, Raptor one out... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 Sitting in an adjoining street to the Parkers house, Peregrine parked up waiting for the arrival of the limousine to pick up Sophia, listened in on the encrypted message on the operational channel in her highly modified pursuit vehicle... While used to the no fluff, all business attitude of Raptor, she couldn’t help but detect a tone in her voice that wasn’t usually there in communications between Raven and Raptor.. Both women having come up through the ranks together had always been tight as a unit, and at times inseparable, until lately, when since the beginning of the investigation into Reignwolf had started, and then the arrival of Ravens new CI had come on the scene, a small, but detectable change had occurred with the firms No.1 and with it, an uneasiness within Raptor that seemed to manifest in the otherwise quiet woman as deep seated distrust, or anger.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 8 A crackling over her radio breaking her concentration caused her to jump slightly as Ravens voice signalled to her the same message requesting her position and situation as she had done with Raptor only moments before.. (Peregrine) Coordinates sent, and I am prepared and ready to go.. No visual sighting of bandit vehicle yet, over... (Natasha) Hold position Peregrine... Plan remains as briefed; you are to maintain visual contact with the bandit vehicle containing Swallow till it reaches it 1st waypoint.. We still anticipate that Swallow will be transferred to another mode of transport from this point and then the tracking will need to be done via her tracking beacon... (Peregrine) Copy that, do we still have alternate vehicles on standby if the secondary transport moves to air or water.. (Natasha) Affirmative... We need to be highly vigilant at all times and be ready to change the plans at a moments notice.. If we loose Swallows beacon signal and visual, she will be on her own for the rest of the night... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 9 Meanwhile parked off road a short distance away from the Parkers covering a back road access point at the rear of Northtown’s estate, Harrier sitting quietly in readiness for the operation ahead listened intently with a growing air of concern around the uncertainty of keeping track of the target vehicle and its highly valued cargo... (Harrier) (Quietly to herself). Damn that beacon is only experimental and has never been tested in the field.. What if she is searched and it’s found.. I mean yeah, I know its unconventional in its design and how it’s been placed.. But has Swallow got the stones to be able to think on her feet and explain why she is wearing something like that to a dinner party??.. (Natasha) Harrier, come in, what’s your 20 and sitrep??. Shaken from her own thought and inner doubt as to the veracity of the planning of this operation Harrier pressing her own call button replied back to Ravens request.. (Harrier) Location sent NestCom, Harrier in position and waiting instructions... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 10 (Natasha) Copy that, Harrier.. You are only insurance if the transport vehicle heads off road and attempts to evade by using back roads or fire trails... I feel this will be highly unlikely as our target will not be wanting to spook her guests.. Harrier on confirmation that Peregrine, Raptor one and A.R.C. have visuals you are to return to base and pick up our secondary air support vehicle to provide support our ground resources... (Harrier) Copy that NestCom, I have a bird prep’ed and ready to go.. I will work with Raptor to get her to where she needs to be failing that she is unable to get there on the bike.. (Natasha) Copy that Harrier.. All Hold and good luck... Maintain radio silence unless contact is needed... This is a 128bit encrypted channel but if the bad guys are listening, I don’t want them hearing digital static that will draw attention to our presence ok, This group is serious and highly motivated, and I can guarantee they will have no end of military grade toys to cover their movements.. Treat all contacts as hostile, but you are not to engage unless absolutely necessary... This is a stealth surveillance mission, and I don’t want any of their resource’s to disappear and cause suspicion.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 11 Meanwhile skimming the skyline of the new modern buildings on the coast of San Alejo, a small agile twin turbo fan helicopter sped almost silently between the tall buildings of the city’s skyline as it startled some local inhabitants venturing out onto their balconies to enjoy the warm afternoon breeze and sun after a long day at work.. A lone figure sitting at the controls of the nimble aircraft also listening intently to Natasha’s signal, switched a comm’s button on her flight helmet activating her microphone before speaking in a gap in the transmissions... (Pilot) Nest Command This is A.R.C. stealth surveillance “Swift One” requesting permission to enter your operational airspace... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 12 Natasha hearing the female voice break into her radio transmission sprung from her seat in anger at the break in operation protocol and the impertinence of the pilot that had dared to interrupt her.. Opening her mouth to give the new voice a dressing down while acknowledging the request to enter into her operational airspace, Natasha’s words stuck in her mouth as the fog of her anger cleared and realisation of the source of the call sign name given became clear.. (Natasha) Swift One, Swift??.. Your back??.. I thought you were still away on deployment?? (Smift) NestCom that was an affirmative up to 3 days ago.. Just got back state side Sunday and was due some RNR, but when I saw my old bird Raven needed assistance on a duty roster I couldn’t resist.. (Natasha) Well girl your voice is like music to me ears, I was assuming I would have only been allocated a 20 minuter and not an ace.. (Chuckle).. Natasha hearing Swift’s laugh break back through the comms smiled to herself as the old term for the life expectancy of pilots in WW1 having been only 20minutes, had been given to a stream of new recruits that had come and gone through the regiment when Natasha and Swift had first joined.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 13 (Swift) So, am I assuming right that my other No 1 girl Raptor is attending this party as well... (Raptor) Swift, your assumption is correct.. and now your back don’t forget it’s your round ok.. (Swift) Damn girl you’re not going to let me forget that are you??.. Like its my fault that bar in Sucre was hit by the local militia... I didn’t plan the attack just to avoid paying for the next round of drinks.. (Laugh).. (Natasha) OK, Sorry but this little trip down memory lane will need to be cut short... Back to the task at hand, Swift I take it you have the brief on the op and know the targets details... (Swift) Theres the Raven I love... Always about business... Copy that on the brief, Target and your CI resource details are all locked into my flight system, and might I say... Damn girl where in hell did you recruit that CI, she’s even hotter than that one in Cyprus.. (Raptor) Don’t get me started Swift.. Will fill you in over that drink later.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 14 Natasha pressing the function button for the HUD turned off the glasses info feed and slightly agitated by the casual attitude of Raptor and Swift took charge (Natasha) OK, Again, we don’t have time for this... Swift, your inbound I take it... What is your ETA? (Swift) In this bird from the city I’m over your target in 2 min 45 seconds... (Natasha) Perfect, Ok, we don’t have a visual yet on the bandit vehicle but its arrival in imminent... Maintain visual only Swift, They are going to do their version of the Crazy Ivan mauver to see if they have a tail, we assume after a security stop at a waypoint for phones and tracking devices they will attempt a break out to avoid detection and being followed.. (Swift) Copy that NestCom, what you just described I call Tuesday... (Natasha) Yeah but today is Wednesday... Listen girl this group means business; they are cashed up better than a small country and hire the absolute best to cover their operations... It’s great to have you back on board... But this isn’t just a normal DEA walk in the park... These guys are Ex KGB and play for keeps... (Swift) I hear ya Raven... Don’t worry, I got your girl... There is more tech in this bird than a CGI movie studio... I will signal you when I am in position... Swift out... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 15 As abruptly as the nest was filled with voices and mirth from Swifts return, the seriousness of the op returning in a heartbeat all the participants back into an ops ready state of seriousness, left the room silent save only for the sound of cooling fans running keeping Natasha’s equipment at optimum temperature.. Stunned by the silence and enormity of her realisation, With the expression draining from her face, Natasha removed her comms headset and leaned forward before exulting a loud gut-wrenching scream in a release of emotion that hit her like a simultaneous gut punch and uppercut all in one.. (Natasha)(Hyperventilating) Fuck, Fuck… FFFUUUUUCCCKKKKK.. what the hell.. What have I done??.. I’m treating this like it’s a walk in the park but its anything but.. What was I thinking sending her into this meeting like its nothing.. Tatiana will see through any bullshit like its tissue paper, and Sophia is not strong enough to deceive her.. I have dropped her like fly into the centre of the web of a spider.. (Sob).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 16 Natasha overcome with the overflow of emotion that she was not in anyway used too, remained hung over gasping for breath to still her rapidly beating heart.. The young woman so normally controlled, stoic, and strong struggled to regain control of herself for long moments before she stood and raised her arms to cradle her head.. (Natasha) (Quiet tone) I have put her in extreme danger, but its not the first time I have done this to others.. I fear for her safety but at the same time freely cast her to the She-wolf like a rabbit without care until.. until this??.. I understand now why Raptor is angry with me, I have put her in between us, in between everything I have worked to build, but what is it in her that makes me so blind.. It has always been a means to an end, and as mom always said when I was growing up that when faced with a challenge, that all’s well that ends well.. But is it as simple as that, is all well with the ramifications of our.. no my choices.. I must on my mother’s life make sure Sophia comes out of this unscathed.. and as God is my witness, I swear I will make good on that oath.. or die trying.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17 6.35pm Meanwhile as Dylan and Sophia walked from the mansion’s backyard entertainment area to the front of the house, Sophia in a quiet tone took the opportunity to speak to Dylan alone out of earshot to the others.. (Sophia) (quietly) Honey, I don’t want you to be worried about me tonight ok.. This is only a dinner with dads’ boss but our friend from Sunday has warned me that I probably will have my phone confiscated for security reasons.. (Dylan) Mom, I really don’t like this, if it’s only a dinner then why can’t you have a phone with you??. (Sophia) Security hun, they are international businesspeople and I suppose they are worried about being hacked or something.. (Dylan) Sounds like they are international criminals to me and don’t want to get arrested.. (Dubious tone). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 18 Walking out onto the street Sophia and Dylan’s attention to each other broken as both saw at the same time a black limousine parked in front of their house with a driver already standing by the open back door ready for Sophia.. (Sophia) Well they are certainly punctual.. (Meek grin).. (Dylan) Punctual!!.. Yeah but look at the driver.. He looks like he just came from Central Casting’s dial a goon!!. (Sophia) Hun!!.. Keep your voice down.. Remember you are my son escorting me to the car to see me off on my night out.. All you know is that, nothing else and that is how you must act.. It’s bad, very bad if these people suspect anything ok.. (Dylan) OK.. (Sophia) (Hushed firm tone) No Hun.. I mean it ok.. Don’t give them any reason to suspect anything.. (Dylan) Sorry mom, sure, I just sort of tell bad jokes when I’m nervous.. (Sophia) It’s ok.. I think you get that from me a bit.. (Warm smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 19 (Dylan) Mom, this friend of ours.. Is there a number or something I can call her on if I need.. I mean what if you just disappear or something??.. I could call her, shit, what do I even call her.. “Our Friend”?.. (Sophia) For now refer to her as Tasha ok.. That’s all you need to know for the moment, but she has told me that after this she will be meeting with us further.. Hun there will be no need for you to call her as she has a team keeping an eye on things tonight.. If something happens she will have more idea than both of us, I have put my trust in her, I can only ask that you do the same thing ok.. Listen.. I need to go but promise me you will look after your sister for me.. (Dylan) Shit mom that sounds like you are saying goodbye for the last time!!.. But.. (Sigh) yeah mom.. As I told you earlier.. I won’t let anything happen to you or Ellie, you don’t have to worry about that.. I promise.. (Warm smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 20 Approaching the car Sophia’s heightened senses from all she had been told and taught by Natasha and Raptor, immediately noticed detail about the vehicle and its driver, that only a few days before would have been oblivious too.. With a quick subtle glance at the driver standing by the door, she noticed a small button style earpiece two-way radio in the man’s ear as he stood with a swarthy stance, his eyes not deviating from watching them both as they approached.. But it was the car sitting by the kerb that looked strangest to her, and wracking her brain she almost forehead slapped herself as she realised, that she had seen the exact same type of vehicle on the news recently reporting on the president’s visit to a summit held in the capital.. The Presidents car she remembered, called The Beast, had been a heavily armoured, bullet proof tank, and by the looks of what was parked in front of her house, Reignwolf’s car service used the same vehicles.. Flags on the cars bonnet displaying some sort of logo or crest looked to Sophia that this vehicle was no normal limousine, and instead seemed to be a diplomat’s transport that would be used by an ambassador on a diplomatic visit to a foreign county --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 21 (Driver)(Heavy accent) Ms Parker, I’m Uri, is my pleasure to be driving you this afternoon.. (Dylan)(Thinking) Shit he better not.. (Inner grin).. (Sophia) Uri, thank you, are you able to tell me where it is we are going please??, you see my husband has been neglectful in providing me our destination tonight.. I would like to tell my son here, so he isn’t concerned.. (Uri) I regret I am unable to say.. Your Husband Mr Parker is enroute as well, he not know either.. Is.. Umm Is a Surprise, my boss likes to give the surprise.. (Sophia) (Thinking) Yeah so I have heard.. Natasha you better be somewhere close watching all this.. you owe me bitch.. (Speaking) I see.. A surprise, these can be good, or it can be bad.. I’m not big on surprises you see.. (Uri) OH!!.. Is good I assure you Ms Parker.. But please we are running behind.. And I not to be late, my boss will be mad if I late.. I will cause much disrespect for you as guest and my boss if I deliver you late.. Sorry my English not good, but, I help you into the car.. (Sophia) Is fine thank you, My Son can assist me.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 22 Sophia led into the car by the Dylan gave her son a quick kiss on the cheek for appearances and brief wave with a nervous smile before the door was un-ceremonially closed and the driver quickly returned to the front starting the limo’s engine and pulled quickly away from the curb.. Dylan left with a sinking feeling of despair that he was unable to do anything more to help his mom stood and looked off after the limousine until it turned the corner at the end of the street and disappeared from his sight.. (Dylan) (muttering to himself) Shit mom.. I hope you’re right about this “Tasha”.. She sure as hell wasn’t very friendly Sunday.. Well except that pat down Sam and I got.. That reminds me.. I have other things to get back into the back yard.. That Jessica is hot as fuck, and I can still smell her perfume on me.. And Staci.. Oh shit, I hope Ellie wasn’t just teasing me about my payment for the photo’s tonight.. (Sly smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 23 Meanwhile in the backseat Sophia now with an equally uneasy feeling now that she was alone and locked inside an armoured tank disguised as a limousine, was for the first time now outside of the direct protection of the firm.. wiggling herself into the plush seat, Sophia forgetting again, grimaced as the tracking device firmly implanted in her rectum shifted slightly, reminding her with a small jab of pain of its existence deep inside of her.. (Sophia) (thinking) Damn that device.. If I ever find out that there were any alternatives as to where it could have been fitted and they did this just for a laugh there will be trouble.. (inner frown).. (Uri) (Thick accent) Ms Parker, Is ok back there??.. Please forgive my driving.. We are late and I will be in much trouble. (Sophia)(Thinking) Shit he has probably noticed me squirming around back here because of the transmitter.. (Speaking) Oh yes, thank you.. Umm sorry, Uri isn’t it?.. You say your name was Uri??.. (Uri) Ya Ms Parker.. Is Uri yes.. (Sophia) Is fine thanks Uri, Your driving isn’t an issue, It’s this dress you see, It’s new, and I need to get used to the fit.. (Uri) If I may Ms Parker your dress is perfect for you, but please excuse my impertinence in saying.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 24 Realising with a jolt of shock that she still hadn’t spoken to Ellie, Sophia scrambled for her phone knowing that she only had a limited time to call her before reaching her unknown destination.. (Sophia)(False Warm tone) Thank you Uri, A lady never tires of getting complements.. (Smile).. But I’m Sorry, I must make a call, I need to speak to my daughter for a moment, please forgive me.. Quickly tapping on Ellies contact in the phone to Sophia’s relief the phone only rung twice before it was picked up on the second ring.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 25 With the music still blasting through the 12 speaker system and one 15inch Sub-woofer hidden under Julia’s seat tickling and making her giggle as the vibrations rattled the entire car, the girl’s merriment cut short as the music abruptly paused and the ringing of Ellies phone throughout the cars entertainment system caused her to look at the system screen with a look of concern.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 26 (Ellie) Oh Shit.. Damn I forgot to call mom back.. Shit what’s the time… oh no.. 6.40pm, damn she was leaving at 6.30 and said it was important she spoke to me before leaving.. I got so side tracked by everything and I’m sure she will be mad.. Look everyone shut up ok, I’m gonna have to take this.. and I hope she’s not pissed.. (Miranda) (Quietly to herself) Well maybe after she finds out her number one daughter is bringing home an unplanned guest as a surprise for her little prince, well in light of today’s revelations, she might just rethink her mood a bit.. (Sly smirk) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 27 (Ellie) Mom!!.. Hi, look sorry I couldn’t pick up a moment ago.. We were picking up the Pizza and well..(Cutoff).. (Sophia) Hi Darling, look don’t worry about it for now.. I don’t have much time, but I have explained everything to Dylan, and he can fill you in on the details Ok.. I am in the Limo now, and I am still not sure where I am going tonight.. (Fake happy tone) But I might not have phone reception, and I just wanted to let you know in case you need to get hold of me or dad.. Sophia being careful not to say anything about what she had been told by Natasha kept her voice in a measured tone as any mother would discuss matters with her daughter.. (Ellie) (cautious tone) Right, ok, I will wait to speak to Dylan then I suppose.. So a Limo ride to the venue then.. Dad’s new employers seem to know how to throw a party then!!.. (Sophia) (Exuberate tone) Yeah, it seems they do.. Personally, I can’t see what the big secret is all about, but my driver here assures me it will be a nice surprise.. Sophia catching Uri’s eyes still watching her with brief glances into the rear vision mirror gave him a warm smile playing the part of the dutiful wife and mother.. Natasha’s wording ringing in her mind to be natural and “Herself” fought to control herself from giving the driver a frown and piece of her mind before turning her eyes away and focussed back on her phone call.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 28 (Ellie) Wow a secret venue huh??.. Sounds fancy.. I bet dad knows where you are going and he is just keeping it a surprise for you.. Ellie also conscience that people, namely Miranda who didn’t know the current situation with her father kept the conversation lite and normal as possible so not to cause any suspicion... (Sophia) (more relaxed that Ellie seemed to be playing along) Yes you are probably right, you know your dad, always the prankster and full of surprises.. Speaking of which, how is the new car?? (Ellie) (Excited) Oh mom, it’s so cool, it’s the smaller sports model of your car and it has been all blinged up.. You wait to you see it.. (Sophia) Yes, I can’t wait.. Umm, and I suppose Julia that little cutie is there with you as well.. (Cheerful).. (Julia) 100% Aunty Sophia.. (Loud yell).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 29 Sophia’s face morphing into a confused expression that she couldn’t believe her own ears as a 3rd voice rang out from her phone.. (Miranda) Hi Mrs P.. guess who I ran into at the pizza restaurant.. Sophia’s mind not immediately registering a third and new voice ringing out through the speaker in her phone struggled in a desperate flood of thoughts who the new voice belonged to until with realisation like a smack to the face she opened her mouth to speak with as much control and restraint as she could muster.. (Sophia) Miranda???.. Is that you?? (Miranda) Certainly is!!.. How about that for some perfect timing huh.. I mean What’s the odds that I would run into Ellie across town after only meeting her this morning.. Pretty Freaky huh?? (Ellie) Freaky is right.. (Grin).. Hey mom I didn’t even know Dylan had a girlfriend till today, wow that was kept pretty quiet wasn’t it?? What was the big secret, it’s not like Miranda is anything he shouldn’t be bragging about.. (Laugh) Little Bro is punching well above his weight with her (Smile at Miranda) .. but hey! just so you know Miranda is coming back to ours for pizza ok.. Dylan doesn’t even know we have 6th for dinner, I bet he is going to be surprised considering his secret girlfriend isn’t even family news yet... (Sophia)(Unsure) Umm, yeah, no more than me, that’s for sure.. (forced chuckle). Umm, it wasn’t really a secret, umm, it just sort of happened fast and I think your brother might have just wanted to tell everyone at the same time maybe.. Umm, Miranda on a side note, I believe we have a 9am meeting tomorrow morning at school??.. I have been advised that someone might have had a chat with you?? (Miranda) Yes that is right.. I did have a visit from someone that you know.. Quite the attitude on that one.. She did get a bit “pissy” with me at one stage, but we managed to square everything away ok.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 30 Sophia surprised and confused, couldn’t stop the repeating thought in her head, “what the hell is Miranda doing in Ellie’s car??” (Ellie) So what??, Are you two just going to talk shop??.. “Boring”.. (Laugh).. (Miranda) No, sorry Ellie.. Just some big changes happening at school from tomorrow morning and your mom and I need to coordinate a few things, especially with the student council.. (Grin).. But enough of that boring stuff, that’s a tomorrow thing hey Mrs P.. It’s a shame you’re going out tonight.. We could have had a good ole chin wag over Pizza.. Sophia shocked and still not understanding what Miranda was doing in Ellie’s car, quickly tried to change the subject away from school as Ellie didn’t know anything about her new appointment to acting Principle.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 31 (Sophia) So Miranda, how is it you ran into Ellie??.. I wasn’t even aware you knew each other.. (Miranda) Oh it’s a total fluke; I meet your gorgeous daughter this morning when I dropped past your house.. In truth I was hoping to catch a lift from you again to school but Ellie who answered the door said you were still running a morning training with the soccer team.. (Sophia) Oh, I see.. Well yes that makes sense, the training did go longer than I expected, but today was my day off you see and.. (cutoff).. (Miranda) Yeah I completely forgot, total blonde moment.. (Giggle).. But the real kicker was when I went over to Pizza Alighieri this afternoon and who do you think I ran into.. (Sophia) Pizza Alighieri, that’s the place with the new owner right??, Amber told me something about her and I think we are going there for lunch at some stage.. (Miranda) Yeah, Andrea is her name, she’s really cool and she gives me some work from time to time, and wait for this to just to blow your mind further, as it happens her daughter Nathalie I think you also know, as she has been doing some house cleaning for you?? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 32 Sophia face becoming more concerned struggled to keep her voice calm as she continued to speak.. (Sophia) Wait!, Nathalie is this Andrea’s daughter??.. (Ellie) Yeah mom what’s the odds of that huh.. (Miranda) But wait and here is the final kicker Mrs P, I do work with Nathalie as well, and she has asked me to take over care of your place while she expands her business.. So, it looks like we may be seeing a lot more of each other.. Isn’t that the bomb!!!.. Sophia’s stomach churning from all the information dropped on her in the last few minutes sat stunned in the limo while her head echoed with the thought as to why the name Andrea had so much relevance to her.. (Sophia) Wow, Bomb, Umm yeah.. Hey, you live across town don’t you.. Do you have a lift later to get home, Umm, I wouldn’t want you travelling on the buses at night alone.. (Ellie) Don’t sweat that mom, I invited Miranda over, I can run her home later in my car, or if you are both heading to school in the morning Miranda could just crash at our place if she wanted and you could take her and lover boy Dylan with you in the morning.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 33 6.50pm Sophia feeling she was rapidly losing control over the situation scrambled for an excuse, any excuse to get Miranda out of her house as early as possible.. (Sophia) Oh, I don’t know Ellie, I mean nothing has been arranged with her parents and they might not like.. (cutoff).. (Miranda) (Laugh) My Mom.. damn the day she even remembers my name it will be a miracle.. (Overly sincere tone) But, hey, I don’t want to overstep my welcome, Ellie has been kind enough to invite me over for dinner.. and I don’t want to impose at all, it’s cool, I can find my way home after Pizza.. It's ok.. (Ellie) Hey no way, I invited you girl, and If I say you’re staying over then that’s what’s happening.. Mom you left Dylan and I in charge tonight right, and after our conversation last night (Confident knowing smile), then that will be ok right??.. I mean our house is stupid big, and we have rooms we don’t even use.. Mom your cool with it aren’t you?? I mean I will be there with the girls to chaperone if that is what you are worried about.. (Inner grin).. (Sophia) (concentrating to try and formulate her thoughts) Well, Look I’m not there, and I did leave you and Dylan to look after the place, (sigh) and I suppose it does mean you’re not driving around too much after dark as I’m not all that happy about that as well when I’m not home, Listen, I trust you and will just leave it to you guys to organise, just make sure the house is still standing when I get home ok.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 34 Miranda catching Ellie’s eye in the rear vision mirror and giving her a silent thumbs up and wink brought a smile to Ellies face as she reached out to hold Julia’s hand before replying.. (Ellie) Got it mom.. You just have a great night, and we will see you later on ok.. Hey, I’m just pulling into our street.. What time are you coming home anyway.. (Sophia) Not sure honey, Dad mentioned midnight, but I don’t think he was sure either.. Look I will let you go ok; Oh I forgot Staci and Jessica have already arrived and Dylan is keeping them entertained.. (Ellie) (Mumble) I’m sure he is.. (Sophia) Sorry Hun couldn’t hear you then.. (Ellie) No, nothing mom, its ok.. just some bad reception maybe.. (Thinking) That little perv will be all over Jess and Staci like white on rice, I so can’t wait to see his face when he sees who I brought home.. (Inner grin).. How the hell that little shit landed her is beyond me.. Miranda looks like she should be dating the High school quarter back.. Not the waterboy.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 35 (Sophia) Ok Hun look you all have a good time ok and be good.. (Miranda) Don’t worry Mrs P, you have the student body president of Northtown high supervising your house tonight.. (Giggle).. I will keep an eye on them all.. (Sophia)(dubious tone) Yes, Thank you Miranda.. That is reassuring.. I trust I don’t need to tell you to be good as well, do I??.. (Stern tone).. (Miranda) (Jovial tone) Mrs P I’m nothing but good, you know that.. Its only principal Johnston that would say that when I’m bad I’m better... (giggle).. Poor old Johnston huh, the king is dead, long live the queen.. You have a wonderful time with your night out.. School can wait till tomorrow.. I’ll help Ellie keep Dylan in check, just like what we spoke about.. Don’t you worry about anything.. (Sophia) Yes.. Umm.. Ok girls, Ellie, Julia, love you both, Miranda, well.. this does seem to be the start of something now doesn’t it.. Umm, OK, I better sign off.. Enjoy your evening.. Bye girls.. Ellie and Julia looking at each other in slight confusion around Miranda’s comment both shrugged their shoulders dismissing what they assumed must have been a Northtown school joke, as Ellie engaged the indicator to turn in the Parker’s driveway.. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------