If...


It was eternally winter on the wasteland. Chunks of shattered concrete, abandoned in careless piles, spoke of decades of indifference. Year round, a relentless wind, ripped through it, scouring the ground. Wizened bushes, dry and sere, trapped candy wrappers...paper cups and less savory debris. Yet it was home to some...rats and reptiles and strays and women of a certain kind...the unlucky kind.

A sprawl of wooden outbuildings had been left to the elements. They were surrounded by a rusting security fence, topped with accordion wire. One bore some scant evidence of refurbishment...a coat of khaki paint, a retrofitted steel door, barred windows and a stenciled sign.

The Civil Service drone, charged with renaming the derelict army base, had been having a bad day...in truth, a bad year. It had given him great pleasure to flex his puny manhood and push through his choice.

‘Pleasant View Remand Facility'

...It was a slap in the face to every woman who’d had the gall to reject his sweaty advances. The dozen or so occupants dwelt on the fringes. All were charged with capital crimes, and deemed too dangerous or too politically volatile for release on bail or own recognizance. Warehoused... handy to the law courts ...trucked like cattle.... innocent until proven... They were in Limbo. Next stop heaven or more likely hell...‘HMP Larkhall’...some other bureaucrat’s idea of wit.

A few...unbalanced or unglued, were caged on the left, in the old Military Police wing. Out of sight but not of mind... Their screams and manic energy made sleep impossible for some more fragile residents in the dormitory.... The majority were accorded a minute degree of respect and housed in the main barracks. It had been home to a platoon in its previous incarnation and dwarfed the twenty single cots arranged in two rows. Just now all but 12 thin mattresses were rolled up...Foot lockers stood sentry at the foot of each bed.

The loo...at the far end of the common room sported 2 dozen urinals, but only 6 toilets. Shower stalls were likewise in over abundance but beyond redemption. Cracked or missing tiles ...leaking taps.....mold and mildew flourished. No amount of scrubbing could purge the scum. The stench was appalling...Hot water absent...a tepid trickle...rusty at times, made cleanliness next to impossible.

A galley kitchen had been fitted in the Southwest corner.of the dorm.8 tables, 4 chairs per... Meals were starch laden...and hopefully flavour free...One could estimate the arrival date of most residents by the depth of their pallor and the girth of their waists. Overindulgence yet malnutrition, fast friends. Depression... expected and accepted. Hunger was an infrequent yet reasonable, conscious choice...

The Wheels of Justice do grind exceedingly slow. To those in the know...a guilty plea, meant a speedy transfer to Larkhall where time served increased daily and frequent flyer points accrued. Guilt or innocence of that particular offense was a non issue. The ‘Innocent’...ranted and raved...mewed and moaned by turn...month after bloody month, ‘til adjournments, postponements.... deferments...ran out and the awful truth made itself known. Guilty as charged...Their names formally erased...caged and number assigned...Caged!

Names were fluid in such places. Newbies were rechristened in short order...The shame attached to their current circumstances ...surprisingly, blessedly, blunted somehow. Donna became ‘ Stoner’...Myra was ‘Mouse.’ The monikers attached to Screws had been, not so lovingly, passed on.

‘Walker’ was just finishing her 5th lap...Her attention was drawn to the canteen...The 7 women ...pushing scrambled... God only knows what... round their plates...had all paused...attention, not so casually focused on ‘Terri’ and the screw known as ‘Groper.’... A bit of fun in the offing to brighten a dreary day... Terri...true to form... and early hour be damned...was employing sweet reason.

“But surely you can see...A daily shower is a reasonable requirement but only if soap is provided! We’ll all hold our noses and stand in the freezing wet...But we’re coming out dirtier than when we went in...A bar of soap... surely that’s not too much to ask?!!”

“...Soap is on back order...I’ve had to bring my own from home.” Groper sounded put upon... “So quit your whinging madam...and eat your...” She glanced down at Terri’s tray “apple in peace. I’ll be happy to convey yet another written request to the management...in triplicate this time...if you please.”

She smirked and Terri lost it.

“Triplcate...?What the fuck do you mean...triplicate..!?”.Her accent thickened when affronted...a fairly regular occurrence.
“ Why the hell should I have to give the Gov three chances to ignore me??”...She poked Groper with an index finger... “If you think these petty tyrannies will be forgotten...You are sadly mistaken!”

“ That’s it Miss...Assaulting an officer...!” Groper made a show of straightening her tie...smoothing her collar. “ One week...basic rations for you...See how you like that!!”She scooped up Terri’s apple and marched off.
Terri stared at her retreating back; disbelief warring with resignation.
Walker wondered how much longer she’d hold out... ‘ Go along to get along’...Not a complex concept for an intelligent woman...

***************

LOVE IT! great start, great style.. looking forward for more..

Wow, tudy...this is an incredible start! Your descriptions are wonderful, I can't wait to see where this goes.

intriguing start tudy! you’ve left me a very curious girl…

:eek Great start 2d, more soonest. please :eek

intriguing...

you've got me hook,line,and sinker!!!

Fantastic start....

:woot TUDY!!!!!!! I'm so happy to see another story from you! :popcorn

Wow - I am hooked

YAY! Can't wait for more from you!

If...

Chapter 2

Maxine was a new arrival. They’d dubbed her Max and she was grateful. Maxine had al-ways seemed a cruel joke. Nature as diverse as her snowflakes...had saddled Max with a burden and the broad back to carry it.

Six feet tall and almost as wide...She was a hulk. Her head and hands were square...features the same. She wore men’s garb from the inside out and a mid-brown, brush cut.

She kept herself, to herself, and seemed unaware of the sliding half-step...even the screws took, to avoid her personal space. It was whispered that she’d gone off, for no reason and beaten a neighbour to death. A monster... ‘Light The Torches !’

Only two on the wing had noted there was more to Max. Not surprising as her eyes were deep set and usually downcast...and...and here was the surprise...as guiless as a child...a very young child.

Five long months ago, upon her own arrival, 'Terri' had picked a bed as far away from the social whirl as one could get without actually leaving the building .Privacy of thought and person were basic instinctive needs. She’d suffered through the raised eyebrows and ‘stuck up bitch’ asides and now by dint of charisma and strength of character had won enough respect to make this choice moot...a daft quirk.

Max’s arrival had shaken this resolve...Shunned by the others at first sight... she’d claimed the neighbouring cot. After weeks of internal debate Terri could stand no more.
‘Why me...?.. said herself..
‘Because nobody else gives a shit and she’s bleeding all over the floor!!”
‘She is not! ...Repeat NOT... my responsibility! This is prison...! Oops isn’t an option!!’

******

Against her better judgment, one afternoon she found her feet reluctantly dragging her towards Max’s table for one. She could hear, behind her, a gasp and a buzz as the odds were laid, on whether she’d survive.
‘That Terri...quirky innit!

So her voice when she asked “Do you mind if I sit here.”...Well...it shook...But to her credit, her warm smile did not.

At Max’s disinterested shrug, her knees collapsed under her and she sank gracelessly into the nearest chair. Brown eyes from across the barracks widened slightly...a ghost of a smile... “You’ve got guts Terrier... I’ll grant you that...A proper Westie......”... ‘Walker’ murmured.

Nervous... Terri nattered on about inconsequential matters...The weather.. “I hope the rain eases off. We could all use a breath of fresher air.”

She was careful to avoid any topic which required more than a nod or a shrug from Max, and by meal’s end, would have been chuffed no end, by either. They carried on in this manner for several weeks. Speculation was rampant, on both sides of the bars, as to just what Terri was playing at .
‘Walker’ as usual...kept her own council.

The only clue that Max did more than tolerate her presence, was a very gradual slowing, in the speed with which she plowed through her meal
.
‘She’s definitely stringing it out...Thank you God...I’m getting through!’

That night, when the tears began...and Max’s body heaved with the strain of hiding her broken heart...Terri, for the first time in her life, didn’t stop to weigh the odds. She got out of bed...took 2 short steps to Max’s...and felt blessed when a weeping child took shelter in her arms.

At 4:00am she awoke...First light was near... ‘Walker’ stepped back.

“Pardon Ms. Stewart...Best be back in your own now.” A gentle voice suggested.

Helen could have sworn she smiled...a blindingly brilliant smile...But she must have been mistaken...muddled by sleep...

‘Walker doesn’t smile...She never smiles....Just walks and watches.’


**************

amazing! no longer just curious... completely sucked in.

i think it might be time to get to know the elusive walker.

Tudy, I've read both chapters a couple times through and I think it's safe to say that I'm definitely intrigued. You have a way with words, and your talent is focused so nicely here. Thank you for posting! :tumbup

Cheers for your comments...Heads up for those who prize canon. Respectfully I carry on...but will fall on my sword should thumbs point down....Really...

Thumbs up here!! This story is really interesting and has got me seriously intrigued. I know that time will provide clarity, and in the meanwhile I intend to sit back and enjoy reading another of your excellent stories as it unfolds.

Don't you dare fall on your sword Tudy!! I love your fics!! Could Walker be a certain tall sexy dark haired beauty. :ph43r:

Tudy this is a really unique style of narrative writing, unlike other fanfics, but not in a bad way... put simply Wow!

Really looking forward to seeing where this goes, zany and fantastic!

x

Tudy, a definite thumbs up from me also. You're style of writing draws me in every time I read one of your stories.

Thanks for the update!

2d your sword will always be there the story won't, forget about the sword continue writing this is very intriguing, I love it. :wub: :wub:

Tudy, did you catch this bit of a post I made to "Latency?"

Apply pointillism to a military venue and you’ve got Morse code … an enigma.

JC, woman! Where are we going here?! Can’t wait for more.

Oi...Not half bad...And here I was thinking adjectives... and adverbs... and dots... were interchangable.I've been ducking the punctuation police for no good reason...I have "a style"...Ain't I the one!

Thanks mate...I've been enjoying Latency...but had missed your comments.
Cheers 2D

If...
Chapter 3

Next morning, at breakfast, Max slowly raised her eyes. Unflinching... they met Helen’s. Keen intelligence, unmasked...met honest interest.

“Why are you doing this? Helping me?”

Her voice was a bit rough from disuse...but soft spoken, refined.

“You’re afraid of me.”...
It was a statement of fact.

“Everyone’s afraid of me.”
That ...oh so painful truth...so boldly stated... pierced Helen like a knife.
She flinched.

“I was afraid Maxine. I was stupid...I’m not afraid now.”

“And what about her...that one behind me?”

Helen half stood to peer around her.
Her eyes widened.

“Walker?”...She tried bemused...“How on earth would I know what she’s feeling?”

The tall guard ...hands in pockets...casually scanned the notice board.

Max spread her muscled arms.

“All this...”she gestured down... “People sometimes feel threatened...react badly.....An infant cries...a child runs. ..unpredictable...and at times it’s been.”...she hesitated... finally settled on ... “awkward...I’ve learned to read body language...a survival skill. I’ve not been cornered in years ...not since”...her eyes closed for a beat... “not for a very long time Helen..When harmless...deaf, dumb and blind fail...I do Shrek.”

“Shrek?”...Helen’s giggle startled them both. “Go on then... give me a demonstration. You know you want to.”

Maxine raised her brows... “Don’t say you didn’t ask for it!”

She stood slowly.

Helen’s head tipped back...way back, as Max loomed over her. Her mouth formed an ‘O’...astounded by the menace...the sheer potential for mayhem, Max suddenly projected.

Helen raised a casual palm..
.
‘Walker’...subsided ...hands returned to pockets...knuckles white.

“Please resume your seat Max...Point taken...” She offered dryly. “ ‘Walker’ just had a heart attack and she only saw your back.”

Max’s smile morphed from demon to cheeky little devil. “And now”...She raised a hand forestalling Helen... “now I’ll wager she’s all at ease...checking her pockets perhaps...Where are those pesky keys?”

You are so full of shite you gormless pillock ! ...She’s all at ease ...sure enough.”Helen checked again... “but kneeling...retying the laces... of her slip on shoes!”

Their laughter exploded...the first courses of friendship now set in concrete.

Like meer cats...on hind legs...necks craned...every eye sought out their table...“Terri??...quirky as hell!... Max?? she can laugh!?


“It’s been interesting...watching you and Walker...not...watching each other.”

Max was using her sleeve to dry her tears . Her voice was low. Her eyes...never still, scanned the room.

Helen looked at Max appraisingly...”What if I was to say that it’s been 6 months...and my hormones are in an uproar. I’m relatively young and healthy...barring the imminent risk of botulism...I have all my own teeth and Walker is gorgeous and half the women in here are swooning at her feet...And if ...as you say... she’s been watching me...Maybe I’m in with a chance and a tryst in the laundry room is in my future...What if I said all that?”

Max was unimpressed... “You might want to rethink disingenuous ...or your hairstyle...Your ear...the one I can see... is burning. And come to think of it...when you do that...tuck your hair behind it...Sometimes Walker’s eyes close...She’s kissing your neck ...inhaling your shampoo. I actually feel a bit pervy...Now granted...this all shouts passion...

But ‘Walker’ ...She has you tucked in safe behind her...from 30’ away...Protective does not quite do it justice.

And you Helen... very nearly suck the air from Gropers lungs, each time she oozes by Walker...Possessive? ...Just a bit.”

‘Shit!...Helen was massaging her temples...feeling a headache coming on... ‘Bugger...we are so close!!’

“Where are you going with all this Max?”

“Going? I’m going nowhere Helen...I killed a man...took his life. I’m going to prison. You and your... ‘ partner’ over there...have my support. I hope it all turns out well...Mam..."Max stressed that last word.

Helen considered that...nodded...decision made...

“Thank you Ms.Cooper. We appreciate your discretion...and Max...don’t be so pessimistic about your case. Certain people are...um...taking an interest...have been for awhile.


*****

There will be no sword...no falling...Uber no longer...Now...post series 3

Cheers

Tudy, tudy, tudy! Wonderful update. I've re-read it about six times and it just gets better and more complex each time through. I also read the first two chapters again, just so that I could follow the flow into this new chapter.

I have to say, I'm still very interested. Others have said, and I agree, your writing style is very unique (in a good way). I think you do an excellent job of setting a tone through the use of your dialog and the images you evoke are very distinct. i.e.: the deplorable conditions of the toilets and unappetizing wonderment that is the food.

There’s just one thing that I’m confused over and can't seem to figure out… is Helen a prisoner or does she work for the prison?

Great update!

Xoxo
Emms

Unbelievable! I've been wracking my brain for the right adjective that encompasses everything..style. dialogue.and scene details.etc..for some reason the one word that keeps popping into my head is...Atmospheric.I don't think I can go into a written explanation, so take it as you wish.
Emms is right , it helps to go back to get the flow(which is not a bad thing .quite like a round robbin where the next person picks up the story from the last sentence spoken) Is Helen "undercover"? Guess I'll have to wait for your reply or the next chapter which ever comes first. :clap

I am quite literally GIDDY with anticipation for this one! Doctor's Hours is one of my all-ime favorites so, of course, I'm waiting with bated breath to read this one when it's done.

You rock, Tudy!

Having pondered this for a (long) while, I have come to the (probably erroneous) conclusion that Terri (Helen) and Walker (Nikki) are working undercover in the prison, as inmates. OK maybe it is just a guess, or maybe it is some variation on that theme (waffle anyone?? ) :D
In any case, it is such a wonderful piece of (frustrating, but in a very good way) writing. Please continue soon.

I'm just going with the flow, more please. :swords :swords :swords

If...

Chapter 4

Plink...

Plink...

‘Walker’...one foot propped up against the frost fence, was hard at work...clipboard on her knee.

Plink...

“Is this where you brace me...? Your woman...my bed ?”... Max’s lips barely moved.

She’d organized a bench...a rusty coffee tin ...a handful of pea gravel.

Plink...

“ ‘My woman ‘...has an infinite capacity for love...That smile you intercepted...It was ...um...rewarding...to see you both at rest.”

Plink...

“It should have been you in my bed...”

Plonk...

“In another life...it would have been.”

Plonk...Plonk...

“...I’ll wager those were...interesting...times ?”

Plink...

“We did have our moments...Your ‘Brief’ is coming in later...She says it’s been tough sledding...Very few know you exist.”

Plink...

“Mother thought it best...We worked nights...shelving books...slept all day.”

Plink...Plink...

“Have you ever been measured?”...Walker started work on a new page.

Plink...

“I remember a discussion in the stacks...Comparative Religion...How many can dance on the head of a pin...?

Plink...Plink...

It’s still valid...critical really...Seraphim or Cherubim..? Denominations or Thrones?...I was 3.”

Plink...

Walker caught her bark of laughter in her hand...bent over... coughing instead.

Plink...

Plink...

“That’s just what Mother did...Shall I call you Walker?”

“It’s on my time card...Or Mickey or Mick ...I’ll probably turn round...This people radar...an example.”

“At your 3 o’clock...behind my left ear....Myra is coming onto the yard...with Groper...whose left hand is just now dropping to vertical. Myra is trembling...cold...or afraid?...Bastard screw!...She’s afraid!

Max moved to stand...

“Leave it Max...Please...trust me?”

Max sat... but turned and directed a hard look towards Groper...who blanched and scurried inside.

Myra directed a tremulous smile Max’s way.

“Why do they call Myra ‘Mouse? She’s not the least bit mouse like.”
...Blonde curls...blue eyes...dimples...

“...She’s strong...and... open...very.”

“A writer ...Children’s Stories...The ‘Molly Mouse’ series I believe.”

“She’s M.V. Stanley?!”

“You know her work?”

Max smiled remembering... “ A girl who lives near me...she has a young daughter...sometimes I ‘d leave her a book. You have to proof read them first, if you don’t know the author.The 'Molly Books'...They're all wonderful."

Nikki nodded...pushed off the fence...

Suddenly angry...she crumpled a note in her hand... “I’ve just insulted ‘Mother’.”

Max stood...

They were toe to toe now...

“We argue...And now I win... and stroll away .”

Max crossed her arms on her chest...raised a brow.

“Or...It’s a stalemate...and we both save face.”

“Consider yourself on report Ms. Cooper!!”...Nikki was irate “Language of a disrespectful nature!!”

She bounced a crumpled sheet off Max’s chest...and turned away.

...“Piss off ...Talker!”...

Nikki bit her cheek and kept going... whistling ‘Memories’ as she went.

****************

****************
Cheers...You may be relieved to know... the next chapter is the bridge...from Nikki’s release from Larkhall...to their current, role reversal, at Pleasant View Remand Facility. Very few ...dots...I promise.

Aye, very pleased to know that, especially since I spent no few minutes banging my head against the latest in the line of brain teasers. Happily I had come to the conclusion that turnabout was fair play with our leading ladies, a most happy circumstance to my view point. Lead on 2D...dots are simply knots to be unraveled along the path to be traveled (god, shoot me now, that was sooo bad ) :D

I caught up. I really love this story+

If...

Chapter 5

The Bridge ...Nikki...


********

Nikki Wade’s first day of freedom was every bit the nightmare she’d imagined.

The sun was too bright ...The traffic too loud.

No wall at her back...no personal space.

People had not one wit of sense!
Eyes unfocused...hands glued to their ears...Chatting away...as if they were safe...could ever be safe!!

The celebration at the club had been a test...not 2 hours out... and already a test!

She’d resurrected old friends...wit and affability.

“So happy you could be here...Yes ...it was a trial”...She confided with a wink... “But it’s over now. I’m looking forwards, not back.”

Then “ Future Denied” walked in ...bringing with her... balm.

That gut wrenching parting at Larkhall was painted over... “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Relieved...somewhere Nikki found the strength to let her go... Helen walked away... with her heart.

*****

She’d needed a moment to repair her façade...a cigarette in the office...and tucked in with them... an envelope.

When had Barker come over from the dark side?
“This came for you last week...Dom put it aside...just in case.”

It wasn’t much...just her salvation...A couple of keys and a scrawl of a note.

‘By the sound bite on BBC Global...I won’t be getting this one back unopened.
Use the bloody keys Wade...I’ve slung my hook... up on the shore...Laugh if you like...but find her I did...She’s funny Nik...and clever ...and she can tweak a balky bilge pump faster than you...and unlike you... she appreciates my more manly attributes.’

Nikki’s laugh veered out of control, tears took over... ‘ Colin...you lucky ...lucky bastard...That’s brilliant.’

‘I’m on the hard...but ‘If...’ is moored on the leeward shore...You’d be doing me a favour...Live aboard caretaker...Racing Week’s in May...We could drop trou on them all...Come if you can.

*********

That whole first week had been a blur...Colin’s flat...neat as pin...stayed that way.

Nikki slept the clock round...three days running.

Her soul needed nothing...
...quiet...fearless...clean, warm, soft...blissful unconsciousness...
...It needed everything.

When she finally surfaced, the answer machine held 3 messages ...all from Claire.

“You were dead right Nikki...She’s signed on ...mad as hell. She’s leaving it all in our hands... Call me!!”

Nikki emerged from the bath as naked as a new born...The stench and grime of Larkhall circling round the drain...

******

They’d plotted and strategized as if it were a siege...

“If we do this...do they counter with that? If they balk here... can we rein them in?”

“They’re bullies Claire...We gather enough God knows it’s out there...to nail them to the wall...They’ll be so busy pissing themselves...and trying to save face...They won’t even realize, we’ve picked their pockets.”

******

An hour before her flight...Nikki made the call.

“Helen...It’s Nikki...”

“Nikki...!? You alright...?” Helen sounded concerned.

“Yes Mum...I know how you worry...I just wanted to ease your mind.”

“So ease it Wade.”

They slid back in to familiar banter.

“The first few weeks were a bit rocky...I couldn’t seem to find my feet...To be expected I suppose...I actually did the sensible thing...went in for a check up.”

“Sensible...?” Helen chuckled... “That’s a first Nikki...”

“Oi Stewart...I’m not well woman...Hypertension...It seems I’ve got the constitution of a middle aged lay-about...and she muttered something about PTSD...It seems keeping your back to the wall isn’t as relaxing as it looks...”

“Christ Nikki...Post traumatic Stress?...That sodding bastard Fenner!!”

“Easy Helen...calm down...At least I didn’t get Stockholm syndrome”... a long pause... “Oh Fuck me...I did ...didn’t I?”

Helen felt she’d been slapped...hearing what they’d shared reduced to an ailment.

“I’ll be fine...That’s why I called really...I’m off...Doctor’s orders...A mate...transparent bastard...says he needs a hand...”

“Must be a close friend Nikki...”

“The closest...He’s the only bloke I ever spent the night with...Colin will kick my arse...Maybe I’ll make my mark yet...”

“I know you will Nikki...I’ll be watching the Herald...”

“Keep your eye on the Assize’s Report then...” Nikki teased...

“That’s not the least bit funny Wade!! ...I know I’ve no right to ask...but will you promise me one thing.”

“No one’s got more right Helen...”

“Promise me... you’ll never go back inside..!”

“That’s asking a lot...But I can promise ...I’ll be the one with the key...How’s that? I’ve got to go ...They’re announcing my flight. One last time ...Thank you Helen... and goodbye.”

That word...still in its package... settled like a rock between them..

Geez 2d, you write to the heart. Great updateI felt it all.Waiting for more. :hug2 :hug2

great update

Tudy, that was wonderful... The banter between Helen and Nikki was spot on. Great Job!

And this is my favorite line:

I can't wait for the next update...I'm giddy, even.... :clap

wow tudy what a great bit of writing from you! It had so many great lines in it, the banter was so good... it kinda felt really mad with energy, like there was so much inside your head just wanting to explode out onto the page. I hope this is the case, and we see more from you soon!

Cheers...This one writes itself... Your comments do not...Sincere thanks 2D

PTSD from bouncing around on the waves and dashing up against the dots, oh sorry, rocks. It's not safe to sail whist eyes are unfocused and hands are glued to ears. Good thing your hands are on the tiller, 2D, who else can see us through our Stockholm syndrome.

Very nice, keep up the good work, even if, as you say, you are not really doing anything ;)

If...
Chapter 6

From Barbados onwards...Air Sarrat serves the Caribbean. An ancient prop plane...battered but never abused...soothed Nikki’s sensibilities...Head tilted...a mechanic checked pitch and miss and rpms by ear...’til he coaxed a throaty roar from venerable Pratt and Whitney twins...Duly noted in its massive...dog-eared maintenance log.

A ten seater...
Nikki flying solo, it seemed ...tossed her carry on under a seat. The one ahead was facing her...She flicked a rivet with a fingernail. It rattled like a castanet. A hundred rainbow wires ran tail ward in open chases near the floor...
‘Comforting...Terrorists not a problem then...’

Her teenaged hostess...used an intercom...though only several feet away...She coached Nikki’s safety in 3 languages...ending each time with “God Bless Guyana.”
Nikki politely added her wish that She would ...and earned a blushing “Thank You.”

Sock feet up on the seat ahead...Sleep starved...She was deep in REM...before the pilot leveled off.

Massive cumulus bared their way. The fuselage rattled...bucked and crabbed sideways, as it clawed its way through.

Nikki liked her lips and tasted...not peanuts...but the North Sea.

She heard the rigging singing...taut as a bow string... ‘Luna’ was flying like a bird...sails full.

Colin...15... teeth bared...fearless...hair and brows and lashes...blonde...bleached to white.
Beautiful! ...

He held the tiller...rock solid...never giving an inch...
Nikki read his lips as much as heard him shout...
“We’re losing trim! Hang that girlie arse over the side...!!”

And she did, though she was 16...Navy born and bred the both.
He was Captain... ‘til she took the helm as they beat back towards the estuary.
‘I’ll have the cocky wharf rat slinging sails, in his sleep.’

He gave her a grin and a thumbs up as her arse smacked the white caps. Then froze and she read... “Oh Fuck...”

Impossibly...she found herself...dead in the water...Luna still under her...a whale now... diving for the bottom. Canvas enveloped her...miles of rigging...Bemused...she didn’t struggle...’Til she felt a tug on her arm...and then she kicked and fought...’til she was out from under...and sunlight above.

Nikki...! Stop ...!! I’ve got you...! Nikki wake up...! Swim Goddamn it!!

“What ?...Colin?...What the fuck...? Her head was splitting...She winced at a knot, the size of an egg, on her temple.

“A waterspout...a sodding giant...Jesus...She actually lifted off for just a sec...!! Grab onto this...”

He pushed the ice chest towards her.

Another puzzle.... Fizzy drinks and sandwiches...
‘....Tea...? He wants his tea...??...That can’t be right...’

She concentrated...Slowly gathered her wits about her...Then promptly wished she hadn’t.

They were fucked...

Swept by the minute... out towards mid channel...10 miles from shore... They’d ‘borrowed’ the gardener’s ketch...6 hours ‘til lights out and room checks found them missing.

Fucked!

‘Stow it Wade...A plan ...right now...a bloody brilliant plan’...

Colin was regressing before her eyes...younger by the minute...

“What do we do!!...Nik...What !!??” ...An inch away from panic.

Her voice was sure...an order... “Take this and cut a half dozen lengths from that mess over there...2 meters each.”

That kept him busy while she got her head on straight. The only things afloat...the two of them ...a league of rope and a green...as green as the fucking English Channel ...ice chest.

They’d tied the lid of that cooler shut...watertight...then used every sodding knot they’d ever learned to fashion a harness of sorts that lashed them to it.

“Here’s the plan Colin...We swim for it...North with the current...15 maybe 20 km...at roughly 3 knots per...By morning we’ll be in the lanes...Bob’s your uncle...a ride on the Dover Express.”

“That’s it?!!...That’s fucking it??!”

Colin was crying in earnest now...

“Your stupid fucking plan??! We swim?... All night ...in the freezing cold...hoping to get run over by a fucking ferry!!?..Jesus Nik...we’re dead...we’re dead already...Why the fuck even bother?!!”

“We swim because I say so!!”

She nipped mutiny in the bud.

“We swim... you fucking crybaby...because I’m not going to be the one to tell your Mum that you quit...You are never going to quit... on her...or on me!! Now kick you fucking baby!!”

Nikki’s hand was firmly on the tiller and Colin...Navy... snapped to.

They’d kicked all through that... freezing...Godless...endless...blackest night.
And played a game of sorts...fighting the cold and exhaustion.

If...

“If I...”

“If I don’t die today......”

“If...I don’t die today...I’m telling my father...That... every homophobic word out of his mouth...has cut me like a knife...That I am... as I was created... and I don’t need his fucking permission to claim the space I stand on...”

“He’ll kill you Nik...”

“Fuck no Colin...We’ll both be dead come morning.”

They’d laughed like maniacs.

“If...”

“If I don’t die today...I’m leaving...I am gone...Midshipman on a stink pot?? I’d rather drown right now!!”

They’d found that hilarious...

Eventually...at peace they’d drifted off...to sleep.

Nikki awoke...in a bad way...wracked with pain...muscles knotted...She was dead weight...drowning by inches...couldn’t hold her head above the chop...

“Colin...”She shook him... “ Give it me...my knife...I hear them now...I need to cut my hand loose..”

Colin...eyes shut...barely conscious... “ Fuck no... you liar...If I die today...I’m dragging you with...”and he took all the chop ...and gave her half his breath.

An hour later a deckhand...sneaking a smoke on the foredeck...got his name in the papers and a longed for promotion.

A miracle they said...Cold and currents...tides and time... Not a hope in hell that they could save themselves...

And yet...somehow... they’d found a way... to save each other.


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