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.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 36 Ending the call and placing her phone back into her handbag Sophia let her head drop back onto the head rest of the seat as she exhaled a long-controlled breath.. (Sophia)(Speaking quietly to herself) Miranda, what the hell are you up too??.. A chance meeting at Pizza Alighieri and an invite from Ellie back to our house??.. That can’t be coincidence can it??.. But how could she plan that, and how would she know that Ellie would be there??.. It doesn’t make sense.. (Thinking) Natasha will have scared her off from doing something surely, what did Miranda say, she got pissy with her.. what did she mean by that comment.. Pissed off with her??.. Probably but, well who can be sure with Natasha.. (sigh).. Maybe I should call Dylan and let him know about Miranda coming with Ellie, shit, no its too late isn’t it, Ellie said she was in our street.. She will be in the driveway now and Dylan will know anyway.. (Sigh).. Natasha told me to watch her, and I suppose if she in my house then what better way to do that.. Nothing I can do about it now I suppose.. I feel like red riding hood on her way to grandma’s, but it’s actually the wolfs lair.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 37 Sophia looking out the window and into the sky for any sign of aircraft, discreetly and nonchalantly as if she was just enjoying her limo ride looked from side to side at other car’s hoping to see a familiar face behind the wheel.. But with disappointment knew Ravens little birds were too professional to be observing that close.. (Thinking) I know you are out there somewhere Raven.. and I hope you are as good as I believe you are.. This has just got real now, I’m truly alone, its all up to me now.. (Sigh) Remember girl what Raptor told you (*) Do nothing that draws attention, don’t embellish on what you say and don’t lie.. Speak truth even if its someone else’s narrative and not your own.. Don’t get trapped in a lie.. But if you need to lie above all believe it to be true and relatable.. (Sigh) I wish I had more time to learn this crap better but what was it Raptor called it??.. Field craft?? God I hope I haven’t caused issues between Natasha and Raptor.. Shit.. How that hell am I even here, Liam you weak fool of a man.. If it were only the butterflies that were in overdrive in my stomach.. that would be one thing.. But, I just want tonight to be over.. I just want to see her later and to hear it all went well.. That all the tests and planning had worked out.. And then.. (Sigh).. And then I want to be in her arms.. My Raven-haired protector needs to be thanked for the care she has given me and my children.. and next time, without any interruption.. (*) Ch4.5.1 Pg049 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 38 High above the limousine circling at 3280 feet, invisible to the naked eye, a lone Mq-1 Predator drone on loan from Natasha’s contacts at creech Airforce base, aimed and held its under body powerful surveillance camera on the limousine tracking its movements and reporting in real time back to the Nest Command centre at Natasha’s residence.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 39 Natasha having composed herself and returning to an operational mindset from what she now scolded herself over as a self-indulgent moment of weakness, sat once again in front of the multi-screen surveillance feeds instructing and directing the firms team on movements of their target and primary resource, with the precision of a philharmonic conductor overseeing a symphony orchestra.. (Natasha) Swift one, feed coordinates transmitted, hold your altitude and maintain distance to bandit at 1000 metres, do not approach.. Copy. (Swift) Copy that Nestcom, Altitude hold at 150m, with distance to bandit at 1000m.. Over.. (Natasha) Harrier confirmed bandit is heading into the city and away from your 20, Return to base and swap to Helo for ground support, transmitted coordinates for your new FOB, Charlie1 (Forward operation base) incoming, Copy. (Harrier) Copy that NestCom.. Over.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 40 (Natasha) Raptor One bandit is heading for the coast, live trace transmitted to you now, Move to Ground FOB Charlie1.. (Raptor) FOB Charlie1 NestCom, Copy.. (Natasha) Peregrine, maintain tale and watch out for crazy Ivan.. If they check for a vehicle tail they may turn sharp straight back at you to expose surveillance.. Use live feed to follow but do not, I repeat Do not follow constantly or close.. They are too good for close quarters tailing and may even have eyes in the sky looking to see if they are being followed.. (Peregrine) Roger that NestCom.. I will keep my distance and maintain non- constant tail using the feed data only on bandit, Out.. Natasha’s eyes returning to the drones high level live feed of the Limousine, as it sped through the outskirts of the city enroute to the coast, wished in ernest that the camera had x-ray ability to be able to penetrate the metal and see inside the rear passenger space.. (Natasha) (Mumbling to herself) How are you going in there Mrs Parker??.. I really hope you get the chance to activate that transmitter, and remember how to use it or we are cooked.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 41 Natasha following the live feed of the limo’s progress with great interest as her mind raced to plot the steps ahead of her sister in planning she knew she would need, if she was to be able to effectively track and protect Sophia for the rest of the evening.. (Natasha) (Thinking out loud) Where are you taking her Tanya?.. Where would you take her??.. You know your presence here will draw a lot of interest from both criminal organisations and law enforcement.. Your visit here will be secret, and you don’t poke your head out from your fortress unless it’s really necessary.. So. (Musing).. Natasha’s mind awash with thoughts of her sister from happier times they shared when they were children, had not even noticed that she had inadvertently used the shortened version of her name that her father had called her.. To him his two daughters, his pride and joy were always Tasha and Tanya.. His “Malishka” (Baby girls), that was, until Tatiana reached her teens, and his world had crumbled down around him.. Noticing the time, Natasha hit the broadcast all button on her headset before checking the operational time on her command system.. (Natasha) Nestcom to all operatives, setting standard operational time on my mark, in 5,4,3,2,1.. mark.. one, nine, zero, zero hours.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 42 Natasha’s eyes being drawn back to the drone feed as the Limo turned a corner and made a course change, caused a sudden flash of a memory in her mind with and, and with urgent excitement from the realisation, she reached back to the com’s button to transmit on a single secure line.. (Natasha) Raptor, this is Nestcom do you copy. (Raptor) Nestcom copy, what is your message.. Natasha hearing the flat and all business tone in Raptors voice, struggled to hear if there were any hints of clues as to her oldest friend’s mood, but quickly removing the thought from her mind reminded herself that Raptor whilst on an operation was always about the job at hand, and always kept to strict protocols.. (Natasha) Raptor, the bandit has made a course correction that will take it close to FOB Bravo.. I think they are heading to that old dock warehouse at the harbour.. You know the one from 3 years ago we couldn’t get authorisation to raid due to its owner’s diplomatic immunity.. (Raptor) Roger that Nestcom, hey that warehouse has helo pads and hangers attached doesn’t it?? (Natasha) Roger that, I think they plan to take this party skyward.. (Raptor) Copy that Nestcom, have harrier pickup my wet gear pack and meet me at FOB Bravo A-sap, if you’re thinking what I’m thinking we are going to need more air support, and it looks like I will be going for a swim, Raptor out.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 43 With a raucous sound of excitement mixed with the laughter and giggles always associated with a group of teen girls in party mode, the side gate to the Parker residence was pulled opened wide as Ellie clearing the way for Julia turned to address her friend holding the Pizza boxes.. (Ellie) I don’t know why you won’t let me help you with those cutie.. (Julia) Its cool babes, I got it.. But.. Ohh. (cut off) The muffled ringing sound of her phone in her pocket distracting her attention, Julia looking down to make sure nothing was in her way quickly moved forward as she spoke to Ellie.. (Julia) Shit, that’s probably my mom now checking in on me, I was meant to call her before.. I really must get this.. Ellie looking past Julia as she moved off noticed a delicious smell of sweet berries while at the same time seeing a plume of white smoke spilling from Miranda’s pouty lips.. (Ellie)(Thinking) Shit, is she smoking??.. That vape smells fantastic, I wonder if the taste is as good as the fragrance.. I have always wondered about those things.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 44 Julia with her head now down watching past the boxes for anything she might trip on hurried past Ellie as she turned to speak.. (Ellie) Cutie, just put the boxes down, I will get them.. (Julia) No, no its cool, Ill put them out the back on the table and call mom back if I miss her.. (Ellie) Ok babes, you know best.. say hi for me ok and make sure she knows you are staying over here tonight with us ok. (Julia) Yeah yeah, no probs, I won’t be long.. Miranda standing back unmoving and remaining quiet, observed the two friends with a devious smirk.. (Miranda) (thinking) Well I can see why Andrea likes this little blondie.. She is the carbon copy of Evelina that little bitch.. Andrea hasn’t been the same since she went back to her family in Europe.. (Sigh), So if blondie here is going to get in my way with Andrea, then I need to make sure I get in the way with her and Miss Elizabth Parker.. What better way to ingratiate myself with the mother, than to become central in both of her children’s lives.. (Devious grin).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 45 With Julia now gone, disappearing into the back yard to take her call, Ellie walking back towards Miranda passed and smiled at her as she reached out to close the gate.. (Miranda) Hey Ellie, again girl I can’t thank you enough for inviting me over.. I mean you don’t really even know me and.. (Ellie) (Eyeing the Vape pen) Hey, think nothing of it.. Mom knows you and your Dylan’s girlfriend and everything, though I still don’t know how he bagged you.. My brother doesn’t have compromising video of you or something.. (Giggle).. You say the word and I will go beat it out of him ok.. (Laugh).. Miranda noticing Ellies eyes flicking between her own and the Vape she held in her hand mustered an innocent expression before replying in her most sincere tone.. (Miranda) No, it’s nothing like that.. Look we have only started seeing each other since yesterday, so it’s not really all that serious.. Dylan’s pretty cool.. I like him, umm we will just see how it goes I suppose.. Umm.. I have noticed you haven’t stopped staring at my vape, it’s cool isn’t it?, sorry I should have asked you if it was ok to use it.. I didn’t have any in your car.. (Ellie) Oh.. No, its fine, it actually smells really nice, does it taste the same, I have never tried, but.. (Cutoff) (Miranda) Do you want to??.. I mean its fine if you do.. (Smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 46 Ellie looking again at the vape pen with a curious expression, began to nod her head in agreement as her lips parted to reply.. (Ellie) Umm, Sure, yeah.. I always wondered what it was like.. Umm, what’s in it??.. I mean.. is it like, illegal or something.. Miranda moving forward with a small glint in her eyes, stood close enough to Ellie that both girls nipples nearly touched each other’s through the thin material of their tops.. Holding up the vape close to Ellie’s mouth, Miranda spoke, but this time with less innocence in her tone.. (Miranda) Oh it’s legal if you want it to be.. Or.. It’s illegal if I push this tiny little button.. (Sly smile).. (Ellie) (Flushed with excitement) Oh.. and what does your little button do that’s so bad.. (Sultry tone).. (Miranda) Oh that’s the cocktail button.. It’s for party time.. (Smirk).. If you don’t hit that then it’s just like smoking a cigarette, but if your game.. Pushing my little button will make you feel better than you can even imagine.... (Ellie) Umm.. So, what do I have to do??.. You know to make it work?.. (Miranda) I will help you with that Ellie.. How bout I hold it.. And you just suck the tip.. (Suggestive tone).. (Wink).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 47 Ellie looking again at Miranda felt herself flush with a flutter of excitement as her body involuntarily responded to the teens inuendo laden statement.. (Ellie) I can really see why my brother likes you.. (Grin).. Umm.. As this is my first time, I think you will need to be gentle with me ok.. (Sexy smile), so, let’s just go with a taste for the moment.. (Miranda)(Pout) Oh, so you’re not going to give my button a tickle.. (Girlish tone).. (Ellie) Umm.. I’m going to have to keep my eye on you huh.. (Grin).. just the tip right??.. (Miranda) Yep, just the tip, if you’re going to be a big scaredy cat.. (Coy smile).. Ellie with a small sideways smile leaned forward and pressed her lips to the vapes mouthpiece and sucked back timidly as Miranda had instructed.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 48 With an explosion of sweet and intense flavour flooding her mouth, Ellie having very little experience with smoking anything except for the usual high school experimentation at school, felt the coolness of the vapour in her mouth and breathing in, inhaled the mist into her lungs causing an immediate coughing fit to Miranda’s amusement.. (Miranda) Hey, hey, I said a little suck.. (Smile).. Oh, you really are a virgin aren’t you.. (Giggle).. (Ellie) Cough, Cough.. Well.. Cough, that was different.. cough (Miranda) Maybe a bit too much to quick.. I have an idea.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 49 Miranda moving closer still to Ellie pressed herself against her chest pushing her back against the gate.. Miranda’s breasts now directly pressing against Ellie’s, she could feel the older teens firm body against her combining the heat from both of their bodies, and bought the vape back up to her own mouth without breaking eye contact.. (Miranda) Let me help you.. But you’re going to have to trust me ok.. (Ellie) (Aroused) Trust you how.. (Miranda) Ever heard of shot gunning??.. Ellie’s face breaking into a small frown shook her head slowly as her body now betraying her trembled in response to Miranda’s close proximity.. (Miranda) It’s a lot easier to demonstrate than to explain.. all you need to do is open your mouth and slowly breath in.. (Ellie) OK.. and then what??.. (Miranda) And then.. This.. (sultry tone).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 50 Miranda bringing the vape to her own lips placed the mouthpiece between her lips, and with a discrete press of the “Cocktail” button on the body of the vape, breathed in a large lung full of the vapor, feeling the effect of the liquids mixture of party drugs being absorbed into her blood stream.. Lowering the vape and looking at Ellie with a sexy twisted smile, Miranda opened her mouth and slowly exhaled, the smoke vapor forming a wispy bridge between the teens as Ellie now fully understanding the term “Shotgun” inhaled the 2nd hand smoke into her own lungs, that this time having been warmed by Miranda to her relief, didn’t cause a coughing fit.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 51 Miranda staring into Ellie’s eyes could see the effect of the drugs take effect on Ellie as her eyes relaxed into the normal heavy lidded relaxed feeling she knew that she would be experiencing.. As the smoke dissipated and her lungs emptied, Miranda testing her resolve pushed her head closer still to Ellie bringing her lips close enough to graze over the other teens pouty and inviting ones.. Miranda hovering just above Ellies lips contacting in the smallest of touches, felt after a few moments of teasing, Ellies tongue poke from her mouth to trace a line around her lips and with the relief of permission being given by the act of her tongue seeking her own, Miranda pressed firmly against Ellie, her own tongue now pushing deep into Ellies mouth, the two teens oral appendages lashed and danced together in the mouths of their opposites.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 52 Meanwhile in the backyard, Julia finding a suitable place to put the pizzas down, fumbled for her phone as she hurriedly retrieved it from her pocket before looking at the screen confirming it was her mother calling her.. With a quick swipe of her finger to answer the call Julia checking the call had been picked up in time placed it to her ear.. (Julia)(Chirpy) Hi Mom!!, what’s up..?? (Amber) (Neutral Tone).. Hello!, well it’s nice to hear your still alive.. Is there some reason you can’t let your mom know with the odd message to let me know you’re alright?? Julia rolling her eyes at Ambers comment while used to hearing the same sort of comments from her overprotective father, took a breath and composed herself before replying back.. (Julia) (Apologetic tone) Sorry mom.. Time got away from me, it’s been such a busy one since Ellie and I went over to Uncle Liam’s office, then over to pick up her car, Oh and the pizza’s for dinner.. (Deep breath) wow, it’s just been a busy one.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 53 Amber now the one rolling her eyes in response to the list of reasons her daughter couldn’t spend the 30 seconds it would have taken her to send a message, drew in her own breath to settle herself not wanting to escalate the situation any further.. (Amber)(Thinking) Calm yourself girl, Niel gives Jules a hard enough time as it is with the whole overprotective helicopter parenting thing.. Let’s not let this sour the mood.. especially for what I am about to tell her.. (Speaking) (Changing subject) Wow babes, you have had quite the afternoon.. Hey, how is that new beach house anyway.. (Juilia) (Beaming) Oh mom, you should see it, the whole estate is amazing and the beaches there are private, secluded and nu.. (Cut off).. Julia stopping herself from telling her mother that the beaches were nude only to prevent further awkward questions froze waiting to see if she had said too much.. (Amber) (Confused) Really?.. Private beaches that sound’s great, sorry though what was the last thing you said.. sounded like “New” or something?? (Julia) (Relieved) Yeah.. Sorry they are “new”, well the work there is all new, like fixing up all the tracks to the water and stuff.. It’s really cool.. (Smirk).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 54 Amber glancing at the time caused her voice to change as a sense of urgency caused her tone to reflect that time was of the essence.. (Amber) Hey, listen babes, the other reason for the call, that thing you wanted that we spoke about last night.. (Julia) (Confused) UMmm.. Thing??.. What thing?? (Amber) The thing you suggested and insisted that I am to be called “Princess” (*) (Chapter 4.1 Pg40) Immediate recollection of the conversation that she had with her mother the evening before after her teasing incident with her dad in the car caused Julia an involuntarily exclamation in surprise as realisation of what now her mom was talking about flooded her mind.. (Julia) (Excited) OOhh, That.. Yes “Princess” I remember exactly what you’re talking about, why is that??.. (Amber) Well baby, your brother is out with Zac somewhere and then has band practise after, your father will be home in about 10 minutes or so.. He thinks you’re out over at the Parkers so the house will be empty.. And, well when the kids are away momma wants to play.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 55 Julia’s mind awash with thoughts left her struck dumb for a second as she knew that it had been her idea, and her plan that was to be payback for the previous afternoon.. In the heat of the moment when this had been stated she had been so horny from teasing her father, but now, was this what she really wanted??.. (Julia) 10 minutes!!.. That’s not long, Umm.. I’m next door, Errr.. I could come.. Umm.. (Amber) Look baby this is what you wanted, I’m just letting you know that Mom and Dad will be enjoying a bit of together time, it’s up to you, but it's the perfect time with your brother out of the house as well.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 56 Julia feeling an excited anxious feeling in her stomach at the idea that in the heat of the moment from the previous night that she had proposed an idea to her mother, was now very real, and something that if she choose could be happening withing the next half hour, fell silent as her mind raced with the possibilities and also the nagging thoughts of.. Is this really want I want.. (Julia) Umm, Mom, this has just come around quicker than I thought really.. Umm. (Amber) No pressure babes.. I’m only calling to let you know as you said it was something that you wanted and that I owed you after my.. well, little loss of self-control with you and Ellie.. I just got caught up in the moment like I said last night and should have not.. (Cut off) (Julia) No mom.. Look, yeah your right, I wouldn’t have said it if I had not meant it.. I’m going to need to tell Ellie that I’m leaving but I will be there soon.. (Amber) Cool.. Look make it real soon ok.. Just go straight to my bedroom and hide in the walk-in robe, I will make sure your father doesn’t go in there.. (Julia) OK, I’m coming now.. (Stern) Oh, and mom.. Remember.. Tonight, you’re not Ellie in roleplay.. You are princess.. (Smile) (Amber) Ok, if you’re sure.. But I really don’t see your father going with that.. I mean it’s one thing with Ellie as a thing but.. (Cutoff).. (Julia) Then it’s your job mom to make him.. (smirk).. I will see you soon.. (Amber) OK, just make sure we can’t see you though.. Love you babe.. (Julia) Love you too mom.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 57 Hanging up the phone and inhaling deeply and exhaling hard to try and lower her heart rate, that felt like it had raced up to 200 beats per minute at the prospect and excitement of what she had just agreed to do, rushed back to the side of the house, and rounding the corner as she was just about to call out to Ellie, a sight before her struck her with a rush of mixed feelings that she struggled to contain.. Ducking back out of sight Julia edged herself to the corner of the house and peaked around the edge to confirm what she had just seen was actually real.. (Julia) (Mumbling to herself) What the fuck!!!.. Well she doesn’t waste any time!!.. How did this even happen??.. I thought there was something about Miranda that didn’t seem 100% right.. But I couldn’t put my finger on what it was.. Shit, I thought she was Dylan’s girlfriend??.. Ellie knows what she is doing I suppose.. but.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 58 Disappearing back out of sight around the corner of the house, Julia leaning back against the wall closed her eyes briefly and drew a deep breath, before resting her head against the wall to quietly contemplate her situation.. (Julia)(Quietly mumbling) Well I can’t really blame her can I, am I any better??.. Look at today, Tylar on the beach, and then Andrea at Pizza Alighieri while Ellie waited outside for me to get the pizza’s.. (Sigh).. This is all so confusing, things are happening so fast, 2 days ago I was sure of everything, and now.. (Sigh).. Now I’m not sure of anything.. Peeking back around the corner Julia frowned as she watched and noticed a plume of white vapor cloud around Ellie and Miranda as both still looking like they were kissing caused Julia to be more confused.. (Julia) It’s that vape pen for sure.. Ellie has wanted to try one of those for ages.. Am I reading too much into this.. Shit I’m wasting time, mom said come straight away if I doing this!!.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 59 Julia staying behind the wall so not to let on that she had seen Ellie and Miranda in their embrace, cupped her hand to her mouth to direct her voice and called out.. (Julia)(Loud) Ellie!, Ellie!!.. Hey, listen, mom needs me to do something.. I need to go home quick ok; I will leave the Pizza’s on the kitchen table and text you to let you know what’s going on.. Hearing the scrambling of feet as her voice rang out in response, Julia remaining hidden so not to let on she had seen them waited for a response. (Ellie) (attempting to cover her breast) Ahh.. Ok Babes.. Umm, Is everything ok?? (Julia) Yeah, no probs, look I gotta fly ok.. Keep your phone on you.. Bye.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 60 Ellie staggering forward a few paces felt her head spin from the combined effect of the drug and vape nicotine.. Not used to the effect of either Ellie’s head cloudy and spinning from the effect she was left with only a feeling of confusion and a warm relaxing glow within her, as she looked to were the voice had come from.. (Miranda) Ellie, try not to move too much for a moment ok, you’re not used to the effect but the dizzy effect will wear off fast.. (Ellie) Shit Miranda, do you think she saw.. you know us.. Shit I just got caught up in the moment there and.. Shit.. I kissed you.. Sorry.. I’m so embarrassed.. (Miranda)(Sultry tone) Hey, don’t be.. Nothing to be embarrassed about.. It happens, it’s what the vape does, it free’s your inhibitions and lets your body do what it wants to feel good, without getting all up in your head over it.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 61 Ellie slowly feeling the dizziness pass but still feeling a bit shaky on her legs, moved over to the dwarf wall of the basement stairs and sat down straddling her legs over each side of the masonry structure.. With a comforting smile accentuated to put Ellie at ease, Miranda moved to stand in front of her as she spoke in a low reassuring tone.. (Miranda) So how are you feeling now?, I’m guessing the dizziness has passed.. (Ellie) (Quiet) Yeah.. Wow, what a ride.. Umm.. how do you do it, I mean you don’t look like it’s even affected you??. (Miranda) I’m just more used to the feeling.. Umm, to explain, the same drug you can get in a pill and take one of those and your off to the moon.. (Smirk).. This vape version isn’t as strong, so it takes about 5 goes on the vape to get the same effect as 1 pill.. (Ellie) OOhh.. So, what I’m feeling isn’t the full effect then.. (Miranda) Nah, not even close.. You only 2nd handed off me as well so what you have experienced is only a little taste.. (Grin).. (Ellie) Wow.. And I feel so.. Like relaxed and not caring about stuff as much as I was.. (Miranda) Like with Julia for instance??.. (Sly Smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 62 Ellie’s face changing for a moment at the mention of Julia’s name, thoughtfully stared back at Miranda as the teen closed the distance between them bring her body back into contact with Ellie’s.. (Ellie) Jules is a big girl.. We, well we aren’t really an item or anything, I mean I’m not gay, and neither is Jules, well not anymore at least.. (Miranda) Anymore??.. I don’t follow.. (Ellie) It’s a long story, let’s just say we are besties, besties with benefits.. (Sexy smile).. (Miranda) I like the sound of that arrangement.. (coy smile).. what’s a girl gotta do to get in on that??.. (Ellie) I thought you were my brother’s girlfriend?.. (Miranda) I am!.. But that doesn’t mean we girls can’t play as well maybe.. (Sexy smile).. Ellie not breaking her gaze with Miranda raised her hand and lightly cupped the side of her breast as she opened her mouth to speak with the small side smile that had become Liam’s kryptonite with her.. (Miranda) After all, it can be our little secret, and if you wanted to try some more of my vape.. Well tonight you have already organised me to stay over.. (Ellie) Yes, I suppose I did do that didn’t I.. Umm.. I think we should go downstairs to see the others, Umm, they will be wondering where we are, and I’m sure Dylan will be making a nuisance of himself with my friends Jess and Staci.. (Miranda) Ok.. Let’s go find them, we can talk later maybe.. and if Dylan is being a pain.. Well maybe we can punish him if you think he needs it.. (Smirk).. (Ellie) Yes, later.. we will talk later.. I like the way you think (smile).. Dylan has some punishment due I’m sure.. (Grin).. (Miranda)(Thinking) I truly wonder how far the Apple does fall from the tree in this family.. Like mother, Like daughter??.. I look forward to finding out.. (Inner grin).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 63 Miranda stepping back and taking Ellie’s hand pulling her to her feet, waited a moment to make sure she was stable and indicated with a nod of her head in an enquiring gesture if these were the stairs Ellie had spoken about.. (Ellie) Oh yes, this is the outside access to the basement.. Dad had been making it into a games room, well more a man cave for himself I think but it’s become Dylan’s studio space.. Odds on the little pervert has lured Jess and Staci straight down there to show off.. (Eyeroll).. The girls stepping down the stairs to a doorway left ajar could faintly hear the sound of someone speaking mixed with girlish giggles and laughter.. Reaching the bottom landing Ellie pushed fully open the door leading into the basement area, until with surprise she froze seeing for the first time the Studio setup her father had installed for Dylan, as compensation for the car he had organised for her.. (Ellie) Woah.. This has changed a bit since I was last down here.. (Thinking) Tuesday night.. Shit mom played us both good that night.. (Inner smirk).. (Miranda) Holy shit this is just like a professional studio, I had no idea Dylan was that good at photography.. (Ellie) Well to be fair, neither did I.. Oh, yep right on schedule.. Look over there, what did I tell you.. Do I know my brother or what.. (Grin).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 64 Walking in with Miranda close behind, both teens not drawing any attention to themselves before getting closer to the rest, called out in an excited voice declaring their arrival.. (Ellie) Who says were weren’t coming.. (Grin) .. Staci put him down (referring to Dylan) You don’t know where he has been, (Giggle).. Dylan turning sharply away in shock from adjusting Staci’s top turned in surprise to see Ellie walking towards him, but in greater surprise, Miranda following her closely behind.. (Dylan) Shit, Ellie, we were just about to send out the search.. (Cut off) Miranda?? What?? (Ellie) Look who I found at the Pizza Shop.. (Smile).. (Mock annoyance).. Well, if you are just going to stand there looking like a deer in the headlights I will do the introductions I suppose.. Miranda, this is everybody, sitting there is Jessica, and here, this our own cherry girl Staci.. Everybody, allow me to introduce Dylan’s secret girlfriend none of us knew about, Miranda.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 65 Ellie detecting a change within herself that she couldn’t quite identify, smiled broadly at her brother as she stepped straight up to him as he recoiled in fear of being hit, and out of her normal bitchy persona, leaned in and kissed him on the lips that paused for a beat or two to long, that the others in the room noticed that it wasn’t a normal sibling greeting.. Pulling back but leaving her face close to Dylan’s, Ellie with a curled devious smile opening her mouth to speak to her brother. (Ellie) (Whisper) Surprise baby bro.. I brought you a present.. You can thank me later.. (Grin).. (Dylan)(Hissing quiet tone) Ellie, what the hell??.. Why is Miranda here?? (Ellie) Because I invited her of course.. Oh, I have already squared it away with mom, but she is staying over tonight as well, and Mom will take both of you to school in the morning.. Ellie with a smirk pushed past Dylan and proceeded to move over to Staci giving her as well a huge hug and kiss.. Miranda, remaining silent up till now and only meekly waving to the others from Ellies introduction, stepped up to a very stunned Dylan giving him a peek on the lips that Jessica noted would have been more like the kiss she would have expected Ellie to great her brother with.. (Miranda) Hi Sporto, Surprise.. (Sexy smile).. (Dylan) Mir, umm.. Miranda, ahh, yeah surprise.. Wow.. Umm, you’re here, and your really staying over??, I can’t believe mom said it was ok???.. (Miranda)(Devious tone) Oh I think me and acting principal Parker have developed a level of trust seeing we will be working so close together.. Funny how things just seem to work out Sporto.. Looks like we have a long night ahead of us.. What have you got to drink.. I think you are going to need one.. (Smirk).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 66 7.15pm With the roar from the performance v12 engine screaming in protest from being geared down as its driver rounded the cliff corner, The security gatehouse of Shearwater cove estate came into view to Cindy as its long stone walls and huge timber gates blocked the road and preventing access to anyone without permission to enter.. (Cindy) Woah.. Is this an estate or a castle??.. Damn, I had heard the community was gated but this is next level.. No wonder this is the top location on the entire coast.. Dropping the engine skilfully back through the gears, Cindy eyeing her surrounding’s with an envious gleam in her eye, rolled her sports car up to the heavy main gates while her eyes surveyed the exterior seeing concealed camera’s observing her every move.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 67 7.16pm Rolling to a stop in front of the gates Cindy sitting patiently watched and listened to the electric hum of motors from within the structure, swing the massive timber gates open.. Left wondering to herself if she was just to proceed once the gate was fully opened, a uniformed figure stepping from a concealed door on her left, and approaching her car answered the question for her, as she placed the car into neutral and applied the handbrake waiting for the guard to let her through.. (Guard) Good evening Miss Gianelli, I trust you had a nice scenic drive up our coast cliff road..?.. You certainly have the perfect car for doing the drive if I may be so bold to say.. (Cindy) Thank you, yes, it was very pleasant.. I haven’t been back to the city for some time, and I must admit that I had never visited here until now.. Umm.. My turn to be bold in asking, but how do you know my name??.. (Guard) You are expected Ms Gianelli, and your vehicle was tracked up to where you have just stopped now since you left the coast expressway.. Now please, and this is only a formality as the face recognition system has confirmed your Identity, but may I see your driver’s licence please.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 68 Cindy passing over the small business card sized photo licence to the guard who took it from her, giving a warm smile to Cindy as his eyes skimmed the details dutifully handed the card back to her.. (Guard) You are a long way from home Ms Gianelli, Palm Bay I hear is a very picturesque little town.. (Cindy) (making small talk) That it is, I have lived there now for about 3 years and is my base when I’m not travelling.. It’s a long way from Old town San Alejo where I grew up that’s for sure.. (Guard) Ohh you are a local then.. (Smile).. (Cindy) Born and breed.. (Smirk).. Umm sorry.. (Looking at the guards name badge), Michael.. I’m due for an appointment very soon and I cannot be late, wouldn’t look good, you understand.. (Guard) Ohh, my mistake, forgive me.. Yes, you are expected.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 69 The guard looking a little crest fallen as he had obviously been enjoying making small talk with Cindy, raised his hand to point down the street, as he tried to compose his face into a stoic professional expression.. (Guard) Again, my apologies.. Please, follow the road ahead straight down to the end and you destination is the last house on the right-hand side.. I hope your visit to Shearwater cove is a pleasant one.. (Cindy) (Sultry tone) Well if all the people here are as friendly and good looking as you, I am sure I will, Thanks Michael.. bye for now.. (Sexy smile).. (Quietly to herself) Like bee’s to honey.. (Smirk).. Cindy making a mental note of the Guards name for possible future refence smiled at her own ability of being able to reduce any man to her will.. Having been a game between Alyssa and herself, the two best friends had always prided themselves of their ability to talk their way past any man, and on occasion woman in authority using nothing but an alluring look, or sultry inflection in the tone of their voice.. Smiling to herself remembering the games and challenges the pair had played when they partied together to get free drinks, access to VIP areas, and even into green rooms that where exclusively for the international artists at large events, Cindy still employed her skills daily and added men in positions of authority to her collection, knowing that one day, she may need to call upon this person for a favour, or, to get her out of a sticky situation.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 70 Cindy engaging 1st gear touched the throttle gently giving the car a few small revs before slowly releasing the clutch and rolling the supercar through the gate, Looking back through her rear vision mirror, she noticed the guard looking back after her as the huge heavy gates closed, and with a wave of her hand out the of the cars convertible roof, she slowly moved the car down the main street looking with keen interest at the assortment of houses and what seemed to be topical styled A framed bungalows that occupied the blocks.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 71 7.25pm Reaching the end of the street and without her needing to do anything, the driveway gate to a large modern house opened by itself as she approached, and seeing no other options, Cindy assuming from the directions given that this was to be her meeting venue with the mysterious “Kym” that she had spoken to on the phone, turned her car into the driveway and parked.. Turning off the engine, she noticed two figures looking like teenagers Come out to greet her.. (Cindy) Well hello, I hope you guys can help me, I am looking for Kym, I really hope I am in the right place.. I have a 7.30pm appointment with her.. (Tylar) Hi, yep, Kym is our mom, she sent us out to meet you.. Oh, I’m Tylar, this is my brother Austin.. (Grin).. (Austin)(Small wave) Hi.. How are you.. Umm mom is up stairs in the hot tub.. Please come with us and we will show you through to where you can change.. (Cindy) OOhh.. Umm.. No, I think we might have our wires crossed here.. I’m Cindy, Cindy Gianelli, I have an appointment to speak to your mom about event planning.. Umm I’m not here for, Umm.. well, the Hot tub.. (Tylar) Its ok Ms Gianelli, Mom holds all her meetings here at the house in the Hot tub, she says its more relaxed and people are more at ease.. Its ok, there is a change room for you and towels and stuff.. We will show you and will leave you and mom to talk in private.. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 72 The boys both turning back to the house gestured with their hands for Cindy to follow as they lead her through the lavishly appointed house, upstairs and to a door before turning back to her.. (Austin) Ok, right though there is the change room, you will find everything you need.. (Cindy) UUmm yeah, but I didn’t bring anything to wear??.. I wasn’t told that I was to bring swimwear or.. (Cutoff).. (Tylar) Is Ok Ms Gianelli, you won’t need any.. Mom has a no costume rule in the Tub anyway, and you are in a secluded private area, its mom’s little sanctuary.. (Smile).. There is another door in the room, that will lead you out to where mom is.. We will leave you too it.. Nice meeting you Ms Gianelli.. (Cindy)(Confused) Ohh, yeah, thanks, nice meeting you both as well.. Oh, and please, call me Cindy ok.. (Smile).. (Tylar) Sure.. Cindy.. That’s a nice name.. OK, we best get back to our studies or moms going flog our asses, and not in the good way.. (Grin).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 73 Both teens turning and disappearing back up the corridor leaving Cindy in a bemused and ever more confused state, shrugged her shoulders as she turned muttering to herself as she open the door.. (Cindy) What the hell are they talking about???.. Ass flogging, but not in the good way??.. and meetings held naked in a Hot tub??.. Well, it’s not going to be the first time is it.. (Grin).. Those 5 music exec’s last month drove a hard bargain until the vodka redbull started flowing and the hot tub was powered up.. (Sexy smile).. Those fools didn’t stand a chance.. (Devious smile).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 74 Cindy quickly stripping off her clothing and hanging them up, took one of the large plush towels from a pile left for obviously this purpose and wrapped it around her body covering her modesty before opening the second door in the bathroom that led out into a living room and out to the spa on an external deck.. The sound of the pump, and hissing bubbles of water being forced through jets into the main bath filled her ears with the loud noise as she wondered in Ernest how she would be even able to hear herself think, let alone deliver a business pitch for the management of dance party events she was there to discuss.. Cindy’s eyes adjusting to the late afternoon sun were drawn to a figure lounging in the tub, her long jet-black hair hanging down the side as she supported herself with her arms overhanging the side.. (Cindy)(Quietly to herself) So, you must be the mysterious Kym, Oh well.. here goes nothing I suppose.. (Smirk).. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 75 Boldly stepping out onto the decking with an air of confidence she reserved for just these types of occasions, Cindy focussing on the motionless form in the tub, her eyes closed and head lolling back, opened her mouth to speak but found her words immediately cut off as the figure in the tub abruptly spoke.. (Kym) Ms Gianelli, hello, I trust you had no issues finding my little oasis??.. (Cindy)(cleansing deep breath) Hello, no, thank you, the guard at the gate house was very helpful, oh, and please, as we discussed on the phone, please call me Cindy.. (Kym) Yes, of course, and you will call me Kym.. So, Cindy, what are your impressions of the cove, well at least what you have seen of it?? (Cindy) Very impressive I must say.. Its mixture of architectural styles makes it very unique.. (Kym) Yes, the mixture of old and new dates back to the 1850’s, and the gatehouse is the only remaining part of the old mansion that once stood on this very spot.. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------