The Guilded Lily Ch. 10: Crystal Clear

Episode 10.

Crystal Clear.

* * *

Crystal Blake.

I walked past the Sea Life Centre and up the towpath of the canal from Gas Street Basin. There was a small rucksack on my shoulder, my sleeping bag in one hand, and a large cardboard box in the other.

There was the building I wanted. A huge red brick warehouse, long abandoned, half the roof caved in. I climbed over a jumble of bricks to a boarded-up window; pulling aside the rotting plywood, I squeezed in through the gap.

To my right, the collapsed section lay open to the elements, to my left a dry area and, at the back corner, some kind of office or storeroom. I picked my way across the rubble-strewn floor. This place used to be my safe haven. The brick and slate guaranteed that no-one could get to the back corner without being heard.

I reached the smaller inner room and pushed open the door on its creaking hinges. There was an old table, the remains of a wooden chair, and a broken, rusted filing cabinet.

I turned the table, legs up, exposing the smooth underside, then placed the insulating cardboard on top. I unrolled my sleeping bag, dry cleaned before it was stored, and set it on top. Sitting down on my makeshift bed, I opened my rucksack, taking out a sandwich, a packet of biscuits, and a bottle of water.

I ate, staring through the broken doorway. How could this have happened? I remembered taking the little white plastic stick and staring at the window on the front.

Pregnant!

Jimmy didn't want more children. God, his first grandchild was living with him, and I didn't want children. How could I be a mother? A parent? What were my role models? A father who raped me at thirteen and a mother who knew about it and did nothing.

I'd considered a termination, but this was a life whether I wanted it to be, or not. I couldn't take it away. Kill it.

Mandy and Jimmy loved the twins, but I couldn't drag the two of them back to nappies and broken sleep.

I could access what was left of my inheritance through my lawyer, but they say you come back to what you know. This was the way I knew how to be independent; me against the world.

I lay back on my sleeping bag and stared at the mould-stained ceiling of the little office -- a few days, perhaps a week. I'd get my head around this, decide, and then move on.

* * *

The movement woke me. I froze and listened to the sound. Rustling, not a person, I'd have heard them coming. The noise drew closer. I reached for my bag and pulled out a small torch. Switching it on revealed the source of the sound. An enormous rat was helping itself to the last of my biscuits. The light startled it, and it scurried off through a rough hole in the wall.

My fault. I'd fallen asleep without putting the food away. The rats would smell it from a mile away. I picked up the biscuits and threw them out of the door, into the warehouse. Mister rat could finish them.

* * *

Jimmy Blake.

Three days now, and still no word from Crystal. I'd juggled staff at work and kept both restaurants open. Andy was not busy at the moment, Shelly took unpaid leave at work, leaving Alice in charge of the City Farm.

Mandy too took time off, scouring the streets of Birmingham with us. Diane stayed at home with the baby and cared for the twins, in case Crystal came home or phoned.

We'd had photos printed and showed them to anyone who looked local, especially homeless people. We bought a lot of coffees for street people over the few days we'd been looking.

The police had been less than helpful, saying she wasn't missing 'yet' and that as an adult, they could do nothing even if they found her.

Each day we went to the homeless shelters at dusk to see if we could find her, asking all the people in the line at the door. No-one had seen her.

Mandy called me into our en-suite bathroom when we got home the third night. "Jimmy, I know why she left. Look."

She held up a white plastic stick with a little window on the top. "What is it?" I asked.

"It's a pregnancy test kit. It was in the bin. Crystal's pregnant."

* * *

Crystal Blake.

I ventured out of my retreat at night, walking to local shops and supermarkets for a meal. I'd taken three £20 notes with me -- one in each sock, and one in my pocket. Enough to see me through until I'd decided what to do.

I slept a lot, a kind of nervous exhaustion. I was nauseous every day, the sign that had made me buy the testing kit. I considered my options. Tell Jimmy and accept his anger, probably leave? Leave town and find somewhere to lie up until the birth? Then what? Give the baby up for adoption, give the baby to Shelly? I knew she and Andy wanted a family.

I went round and round in circles.

I had everything. I was happy until this small stupid twist of fate.

I ate a soggy meat pie and a packet of crisps, drank a bottle of water, and slept again.

* * *

Slim Blake.

I'd been walking the streets for a week now. Hope was fast running out that Crystal was still in Birmingham, but we had to hope. The only other place she knew well was London. We'd never find her there.

I walked down by the canal, near Gas Street Basin. Three old men sat on a wall, smoking and drinking cans of cheap cider. As I approached, two of them got up and walked off. I spoke to the third man. Bearded and grubby, his clothes were torn, his hair matted. He smelled of cider and piss. "Excuse me, I wonder if you've seen this woman," I said, for the fiftieth time that day.

He peered short-sightedly at the photo I offered. "Aye, maybe," he slurred in a Scottish accent.

"Where did you see her," I asked, hopeful for the first time in a week.

"Buy me a bottle of Buckfast, and I'll tell ye."

"Nope, no drink. Come on, I'll get you some lunch."

He grimaced and stood, deciding whether to follow me.

"Burger and Chips?" I asked.

We walked up to the pedestrian area and found a street vendor. I ordered two burger and chip combos with a soft drink.

We sat on a bench, getting stares from passers-by. "Where did you see her?" I asked.

"Aroon' the toon. What wis her name? Joan? Jane?... Jean, that's her, Jean."

"When? Yesterday? Today?"

"Fuck naw, ten fuckin' years ago! She wis a goth girl, bright red hair. Holes in her nose and lip. Nice lassie, though. Disappeared, never saw her again."

Fuck, no help at all.

"She didn't always go to the hostel, had a hidey-hole by the canal. Took me there once, when it was snowin', and we couldnae get in a hostel. She lent me her blanket too. Nice lassie."

"I need to find her," I said, "Could you show me this hidey-hole?"

"Whit's she tae you?"

"She married my dad, that's why she disappeared off the streets. They've been married for nine years now."

"So why'd she run away then?" he asked, cramming the last of the burger into his mouth.

"Because she's pregnant. She was abused as a child, that's why she was on the streets. She never wanted children of her own. She thought dad didn't either, so now she's run away."

"Does he love her?"

"More than life. He's out searching too, along with most of our friends."

"Silly lassie! I'll take you to where she might be, but if we find her, I want to speak to her first. Make sure you're telling the truth."

I agreed, following him along the canal towpath. There were gorse and buddleia everywhere, sometimes making the path almost impassable. "It's one of these warehouses here. Fuck, ah've no been here since, ma memory's no whit it was."

We walked on a bit until he paused. "Aye, this one."

He climbed over some rubble to a window, pulling aside a loose piece of wood. He slipped through the gap, and I followed him.

"Quiet," he whispered, "It's that wee room at the back. You stay here, and I'll go over. She's likely heard us already if she's here."

He stepped forward, the brick and slate crunching under his worn boots.

"Jean. Are you there? It's Jock. Remember me?"

There was a faint sound from the corner.

"Jean. There's someone here to see you."

"If it's Jimmy, I can't talk to him," came Crystal's voice from the room.

"I'm Andy," I whispered.

"It's not Jimmy, it's Andy. Come and talk to the boy, he's worried sick about ye."

A sad figure appeared in the doorway. "What do you want, Andy? I'm not coming back. I can't."

"Because you're pregnant?" I asked, "We know Crystal, we found the test in the bin. Dad's worried sick about you, we all are. He's not angry that you're going to have his baby, he's delighted, he just wants you back."

She stepped out of the room and came towards Jock. "Why did you bring him here?" she asked.

"Jean... is that not your name?.. anyway, you've got people that love you and want you home, what the fuck are you doing in this shit hole with family waiting for you?"

"He doesn't want more children, Jock, he told me when we got married."

"Crystal, you know how laid back dad is," I said, "He'd be happy to have a baby to play with his grandson. He loves all the children. Becky, Roz, Maja, and Charlie, he'll love the baby you have together, too."

"What about Mandy?"

I smiled, "She's so excited for you. She'll get another little one to mother, too."

"I can't be a mother," she cried, "Look at the role models I had. A father that raped me and a mother that didn't care!"

"They're not your only role models," I said, "What about Mandy, or Milla, or Diane, aren't they brilliant role models as mothers?"

She nodded.

"You won't have to raise the baby on your own anyway, we'll all be there to help you."

She walked over to me then and hugged me. "You're sure he's not mad at me?"

I laughed. "He's mad at you for running off without talking to him, without telling him you're having his baby."

Crystal smiled. "Take me home, Andy."

We made our way to the window we'd come in by, Jock climbing out first.

"Are you still on the streets, Jock?" asked Crystal.

"Aye, fifteen years now. It's a wonder I'm still alive."

"Do you want to get out? Get a job, a home?"

"Fuck, aye! But who will take on a filthy wino?"

"Let me speak to my husband and my family. Do you have any job skills?"

"I used to be a carpenter, a cabinet maker. There's no much call for that now."

"I'll come and find you soon, Jock, I promise," she said, "You'll be around Gas Street?"

"Aye, you'll find me if you look."

I shook him by the hand. He had a powerful grip. I thanked him for his help, and he thanked me for lunch. We left him ambling down the towpath as we headed for home.

* * *

Mandy Jacobs.

I'd been out searching all day and had not long got home. Diane was in, sitting with Charlie as he played on the floor. My two girls were upstairs doing something important with Barbie dolls.

I'd just gone to the kitchen to make tea when I heard the front door open.

"Is that you, Jim?"

"It's Andy, and I've got someone with me."

The teacup slipped out of my hand, smashing on the hard tiled floor. "Red?"

Crystal came running into the kitchen. "I'm so sorry Girlie, I thought you'd all hate me. I didn't think you'd want another baby, and I can't be a proper mother."

I hugged her close, then stepped back, holding her at arm's length. "NEVER do that again! In this family, we talk about problems. You, of all people, should know that. We were all scared to death, wondering where you were."

"I'm sorry Mandy, I was so scared, I didn't know what to do."

Just then, the front door opened again, and Shelly walked into the kitchen. "Sis! Oh, my God, you're safe."

Shelly threw her arms around her sister, tears streaming down her cheeks. Crystal was crying too as she kissed Shelly's face.

"Did you let your dad know," I asked.

"Couldn't get him," said Andy, "His phone's probably dead again."

"He'll be home soon. I expect," I said, "Get showered Red, find some clean clothes."

She went off to the bedroom to shower and change.

* * *

Jimmy Blake.

It had been a long day. I'd been in the City Centre most of the day, asking people to look at the photo, asking if they'd seen her. No one had. It had been a week now, and I wondered if she'd left Birmingham.

I walked up the path to the front door, slotting the key into the lock and letting myself in. I heard talking from the kitchen. Andy, Diane, Mandy, it sounded like they were all home. I walked in to see them.

"Dad! Guess who I found today?" said Andy.

My heart leapt. "Where is she?" I gasped.

"Upstairs having a shower," he replied.

I ran up the stairs to our bedroom. Crystal walked out of the bathroom, naked and wet, and I flung my arms around her.

"My beautiful Crystal! Oh thank you, thank you for coming home. I thought I'd lost you. I didn't know what to do without you."

She sobbed into my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Jimmy. I was so frightened you'd be angry about the baby. I don't think I can be a good parent, Jimmy. I'm scared I'll be like Maura."

Just then a stampede of feet ran into the room, Becky and Roz flung themselves at us, hugging tightly.

"Mama! You're home..."

"We missed you so much..."

"and we wanted to come out..."

"and look for you but..."

"Daddy said we're too young."

Crystal grinned at their alternating speech. I'd never stopped marvelling at how they knew what the other was about to say and finished the sentence for them.

"Ask these two if you're a good parent," I smiled, "They'll tell you."

Crystal crouched down to the twins level. "Do you know I'm going to have a baby?"

"Really?" said Roz, "Will it be a girl, 'cos Charlie's a boy, so we need another girl."

"I think it will be a girl," said Becky.

"Come on, you two," I said, "Mama and I need a bit of time alone."

Becky took Roz's hand, and they turned to go out of the bedroom.

"Are you going to do 'icky sex stuff'," said Roz.

"No, they don't do 'sex stuff' 'til we're in bed, silly," said Becky leading her away.

"And they're eight years old?" said Crystal.

"Almost nine," shouted a voice from the landing.

"Do you want to do 'icky sex stuff' with me," I asked, smiling.

"No," she said, "I'll wait until the 'nearly nine-year-olds' are in bed, then do 'icky sex stuff' with you and Girlie."

* * *

Mandy Jacobs.

I came out of the bathroom to find Jim and Red kissing on our bed. "Mind if I join you?" I asked.

"Not at all," said Jim.

"In fact, we insist!" said Crystal.

I crawled onto the bed and slid my way up her legs, licking and nipping the skin as I went. Crystal moaned as I reached the juncture of her thighs and pried her pussy lips apart with my tongue.

She squeaked into Jim's kiss as I flicked her clit, then sank my mouth over her mound, lashing my tongue through her trimmed red fur.

I delved into her depths, tasting, lapping, probing. I drew my tongue out and licked from her little pink star to her clit as she writhed on the bed, thrusting her hips up at my face. I smiled and sucked her labia into my mouth, pulling on each one before releasing it.

I clamped my mouth over her throbbing nub and sucked it into my mouth, flicking my tongue over it repeatedly as a moan started in her throat. I looked up to find Jim now latched on to her left nipple, his fingers squeezing and pinching the right one.

"Nnnnnnuh!" she groaned.

I sank two fingers into her dripping kitty, sensing her urgency. She bucked under my hand, and a gentle nibble of her clit sent her screaming into ecstasy.

"Oh, Fuck! Gggaaaah!" she squealed, her hips dancing off the bed, almost dislodging me.

I backed off, pulling my soggy fingers from her hole. She moaned in disappointment as I took them and sucked them dry.

"Jimmy, fill me," she cried.

Jim rolled between her spread thighs, aiming his rigid cock at her slit, and slipping into her in one firm stroke. "Aaaaaah!" she sighed, "So full, so fucking full!"

I climbed up to lie beside her, kissing her gasping mouth. She pulled my head to her, licking her juices from my face, sucking my tongue between her panting lips.

"I love you, Girlie! I'll never doubt you and Jimmy again." she cried as she released me.

Jim speeded up his rhythmic thrusting into her puss, his breath coming hard now as he pounded into her. I pulled a stiff nipple into my mouth, nibbling, sucking, as my fingers tortured its opposite number. I pinched and twisted her nipple as she tensed and shuddered under Jim's hard cock. Jim groaned, "Cumming!" he cried, as Crystal spasmed, her eyes rolling back in her head.

Jim thrust into her as she chanted, "Fill me, fill me, fill me."

He collapsed on top of her. Spent.

"That's how much I love you, Red," he wheezed, "never forget it!"

Crystal gave a weak smile as her shaking subsided, "I forgot to trust you, Jimmy, I'll never do it again."

Jim rolled off her then, and I hugged her tight. I slid down her body, a wicked grin on my face, as I dropped my face into her crotch and lapped the cum from her leaking kitty.

"Icky sex stuff," she muttered, and we all giggled.

* * *

Diane Clark.

I climbed the stairs to Andy and Shelly's room. I wore a black basque with stockings and high-heeled shoes. I'd pulled my hair back in a ponytail.

Around my neck was a black velvet choker with a small metal tag attached. The choker was my collar, and they'd engraved the tag with the word 'Pet'. Shelly had brought it to me earlier. She and Andy were indulging my fledgeling need to be dominated, and tonight was our first night of play.

I knocked on the door, then opened it with shaking hands. I stepped into the room. Shelly was on the bed, legs spread, while Andy lapped at her pussy.

"You have interrupted us, Pet. Must I punish you already?" said Andy.

"You must do as you see fit, Master," I said with a quavering voice.

"Come here and take my place," he commanded, "Lick your mistress until she comes twice. Stop before that, and I will punish you further."

I crawled onto the bed and pushed my tongue into Shelly's already slippery pussy, lapping contentedly. This was what I wanted, to give pleasure to my master and mistress and be their toy. If I served them well, perhaps they would allow me some pleasure too.

"Push your tongue in deep, slut," groaned Shelly, "Make me cum."

Shelly had shown me their new toys earlier, so as not to frighten me, and I recognised the wooden paddle in Andy's hand just before he swung it at my raised backside. It contacted with a loud slap, and I squealed as tears squeezed from my eyes. He drew back and made contact again, and I felt the blow, the sting, the pain, then the pleasure as my pussy twitched. I expected the next blow and was rewarded a split second later. I gasped as my slit leaked from the unexpected spanking.

"That will be enough for now, Pet," he said.

"Thank you for punishing me, Master," I whispered between licks at Shelly's dripping hole.

I moved my attention to Shelly's clit, flicking and sucking her as she thrashed under me. She thrust her hips up into my face as her pleasure mounted. She moaned and shuddered, gripping my hair, pulling me tight into her sex. "Cumming!" she screamed as I felt a hot gush of fluid on my face. I lapped at her juices, determined to bring her off again. I heard a faint buzzing sound as something hard invaded my hot tunnel from behind. The vibrating plastic cock drove into me, and I gasped as my master fucked me with it. I tried to concentrate on my mistress' pleasure, pushing my tongue into her again and again. I felt my tummy flutter as I sought my pleasure... then it was gone. My gaping pussy felt so empty. I redoubled my efforts on Shelly's slit, hoping against hope that I'd be allowed to cum later.

Being so wound up, Shelly soon scaled her peak again and cried out as her abdominal muscles tightened. A strangled cry came from her as I drove my tongue into her, then clamped my mouth on her clit, sucking hard.

"Yes! Yes, slut. Make me cum!"

She bucked so violently that I was thrown off as she grappled with the sheets on the bed, clawing and clamping her fists.

I sat back and bowed my head, waiting for Shelly to calm, waiting to see if master and mistress wanted more from me.

"You have done well, Pet. Your mistress is pleased with you," said Andy.

I bowed my head, "Thank you, Master."

Just at that moment, a plaintive cry came from the baby monitor we'd put in the room earlier.

"I'll go to him, my Pet," said Shelly, "I'll bring him if I can't settle him."

I looked up and smiled at her, "Thank you, Mistress."

"You may lie on the bed, Pet," said Andy.

I lay down, and he took my hands, one at a time, and handcuffed them to the head of the bed. He picked up my feet and tied them with soft rope to the foot of the bed, spread-eagling me on the mattress.

I smiled at the situation. Here I was, tied to a bed, while I could hear Shelly through the baby monitor cooing and singing to my son, making sure he was safe and happy.

I jumped at the rough face between my legs. Andy slid his mouth to my pussy, spreading the folds with his fingers, then delving into me with his tongue. I moaned as my pleasure returned.

"How many orgasms shall I give you, Pet?" he asked.

"As many as you wish, Master," I replied.

He laughed, "Twenty?"

"No, Master, I would die!"

"You said as many as I wish."

I closed my eyes, realising my foolish statement, "Yes, Master."

He lapped at me as he drilled a slim finger into my tunnel; pumping the digit as he sucked hard on my clit, flicking, nibbling.

I squealed as a second finger entered me, and his mouth clamped on me, sucking. I saw stars as I struggled to escape from the overwhelming pleasure between my thighs, bucking and dancing off the bed. Just as I thought I'd explode, I felt something touch my ass. His other hand had come round and slid up my crack, teasing my pucker. He pushed on the digit, and it slipped into my ass, driving me to crash over the peak and shriek out my delight. He backed off, licking me now with broad strokes, soothing my throbbing slit as I regained my breath and slumped on the mattress whimpering.

Shelly returned to the bedroom, smiling. "He's settled, my Pet, now for your pleasure... and mine."

She crawled onto the bed, lowering her mouth to my already tortured kitty and licked me. I squealed and jumped.

"Has your master already made you cum, my Pet?"

"Yes, Mistress, thank you, Mistress."

I looked up to see Andy kneel behind her and guide his cock into her from behind. She closed her eyes and moaned as she was thrust forwards into my pussy, her tongue delving.

Andy stroked in and out of her, drawing soft groans from her as he bottomed out on each thrust.

I whimpered as I felt my juices flowing once again. Shelly lapped eagerly at me, and I knew I would not last long. I shuddered as she slid her finger into my hot tunnel and sucked on me hard, flicking me mercilessly. Andy speeded up his thrusts and Shelly's tongue rammed me in the same tempo. I wailed as I came hard for the second time in less than ten minutes, twitching and thrashing.

Shelly licked me a couple of more times before I felt her stop and stiffen, convulsing as her orgasm wrenched a scream from her throat. "Gaaaahh!"

Andy hammered into her as he let go, driving his cock into her as he came.

Once we had all recovered, Andy released me from my restraints. I thanked them both for my pleasure.

"You're not done yet, my Pet," said Shelly, laying on the bed, "First you have to clean up my pussy, then clean your Master's cock."

I set to, lapping at her swollen lips, sucking Andy's sweet cum from her. She tensed and had another small orgasm, shoving my head away. "Enough, Pet, enough."

I turned to Andy, drawing his softening penis into my mouth and cleaning their combined juices from him.

I knelt back, bowing my head, "Thank you, Mistress, thank you, Master."

"You have done well for your first time, Pet," said Andy, "You may take off your collar."

They pulled me to the centre of the bed, both cuddling up to me. "How was it, Diane, did we do things right for you?" said Shelly.

I experienced a momentary shock as I realised that they were now just my friends and lovers, not my master and mistress.

"It was wonderful," I smiled, "I loved you taking control, making me do stuff. I was so turned on. Next time, I'd like more spanking, please, that's a real turn on for me."

"Good to know," said Andy, "I was wary the first time, but I enjoyed doing it to you. Is that sick?"

"No," I giggled, "this is what I want. Not all the time, not every day, but often."

"Will you sleep with us?" asked Shelly, "I can get Charlie and bring him up here to sleep."

"I'd like that. Let me get these clothes off, I like to sleep naked."

Shelly brought a sleeping Charlie up to their room and settled him. We piled into bed, me in the middle, Shelly to my front, my hand on her breasts, Andy behind, his cock wedged in the crack of my ass.

"Goodnight lovers," I whispered.

"Goodnight," they replied.

* * *

Jim Blake.

Crystal had been to the doctor and had her pregnancy confirmed. The baby was due around the twenty-eighth of February 2006. She had got pregnant at about the same time as Milla, as she had the same due date. Maybe even that same night.

We had called a 'family' meeting. Crystal said she had some things to discuss with us all, and as some of our lives seemed to be changing, she wanted to check in with all our close friends and family.

Mandy called it the inaugural meeting of the Blake Clan.

We got everyone together at the house in Moseley for Sunday lunch. Crystal, Mandy and I were there along with Shelly, Andy and Diane. Corrine and Milla came over, and Kim came home from Wolverhampton. There were Becky, Roz, Maja and little Charlie too.

After a lovely lunch, which we'd all contributed to, we sat around the table and Crystal started things off.

"First, I think of you all as family, and that's why you're here with us to decide some things."

"We're not family," said Corrine, "Just best friends."

"Have you both been in bed with my husband? Are you having his baby, Milla?" said Crystal.

"Ummm, yes," smiled Milla.

"As I said, you're all family. Now I need to say a few things. I'm sorry I ran away, I had problems accepting my pregnancy and thought Jimmy and Mandy would too. I was wrong.

"Being alone allowed me to think, though. I have enjoyed working in our restaurants over the last nine years, but I want, now, to do something important to me. I met a man when Andy found me, who's been on the streets for fifteen years. No-one has done anything to help him, so I want to. That made me think I could help others like him too.

"I would like to use some of my money to set up a foundation to help, and train, disadvantaged people. I'd like you all to be part of this by becoming trustees of what I intend to call The Blake Foundation. There will be no payment for being trustees, but there will be some jobs to fill for those that want or need them."

"Where will you be based," asked Shelly.

"Here, initially, but we'll need premises soon, so we need to look."

"Will you be in charge of the Foundation?" said Mandy.

"Day-to-day, probably, though I'll need help. Major decisions will be made by a group of trustees."

"I've been planning to give up working at the accountancy firm for a while now. I'd like to spend more time with these two," Mandy said, nodding to Becky and Roz, "But I'd be happy to take on bookkeeping and set-up the trust."

"That would be great," said Crystal, "I was hoping to persuade you to do that, anyway. Let's all think of our ideas and contributions and have another meeting in two weeks."

"I'd like to be involved in the Foundation too," I said, "I've considered stepping back and putting a Head Chef in the Perfumed Violet. I'd oversee both as Executive Chef."

"Great," said Crystal, "I agree you need to do less and enjoy life more."

Shelly smiled at us all, "I'm thrilled doing my job at the City Farm, but I'll be honoured to be on the board of trustees. I'd also put money from my trust into the foundation."

"I'm happy at the Lily," said Corrine, "But I'd suggest my Sous Chef Sarah for the job at The Violet."

"Noted," I said, "What about you, Kim?" My daughter had finished a mechanical engineering course but was struggling to find a job.

"I'm still hoping to find something I'm qualified for, but, if the new foundation premises have room, I'd like to indulge my hobby and start a gym."

"Excellent idea," said Crystal, "We need to look at large premises with room for starter businesses."

"My career is stable at the moment, but I'll help when I'm not busy, " said Andy, "Shelly and I would also like to stay here with you guys, too."

"Milla, what about you?" I asked.

"I'd like to have my own business one day, Jimmy, but let's get baby number two born first."

"Milla," said Mandy, "Would you be interested in the sandwich business?"

"Yes, but how would I afford to buy it from you?"

"We'll talk about it after," she said.

"Diane, we have a proposal for you too," I smiled. She looked confused. "You kept everything going while we searched for Crystal. Would you consider a paid job as out housekeeper here? You'd get a good wage, take care of Charlie and keep the house running for us. You'd be at home, but still providing for your son."

"Jimmy, that would be wonderful. I could take care of the twins if needed and help with Maja and the new babies too."

"That sounds like it's all settled," I said, "Any other business?"

Becky and Roz were sitting holding hands. They each raised their free hand as if asking a question at school.

"Yes, girls," I smiled.

"We want to be Blake girls," said Roz.

"Andy and Kim are Blakes, Milla's new little boy will be a Blake, Mama's new baby girl will be a Blake, Charlie is a Blake, Mama and Daddy are Blakes. Can we be Blakes too?" said Becky.

"And Mummy, if she wants to be," added Roz.

"I don't know if that's possible, but I'll find out," said Mandy, "I'd like to be family too."

"We don't know what Crystal's baby will be yet," said Milla, "or ours."

"Yours will be a boy," said Roz.

"And yours will be a girl," said Becky, to Crystal.

"And Shelly's will be a boy," said Roz.

"And Diane's will be a girl," grinned Becky.

"You know this how?" said Crystal, "Are you saying Shelly and Diane are having babies, too?"

"Not yet, Mama, but when they do, we know what they'll be," said Roz.

We all sat there, stunned. No-one wanted to say they were wrong, but how could they know?

"Let's wait and see," I smiled.

"Well, I'm not betting against them," said Andy.

The twins ran to him and hugged him, "We knew you'd understand, Andy," they chorused.

"I don't understand," he said, "But I believe you. Do you know when Shelly will have a baby?"

They spoke to each other in their own language for a few seconds. "Couple of years," said Roz.

"Diane too. They'll be best friends."

Do you 'know' this, or can you 'see' it?" asked Diane.

More twin speak. "See it," said Becky.

"One more thing," said Becky, "I'd like to be called Bex, B-E-X, Bex."

"Why," asked Mandy.

"I like it, so does Roz."

Roz nodded.

"You must remind us sometimes, Bex," I grinned, "Is that everything?"

Everyone agreed we'd covered enough for our first meeting, and we went off to chat in groups about our changes.

* * *

Mandy Blake.

It was simple to change our names. I wanted to change mine too, partly to be closer to Jim and Crystal, and also to support my girls. I submitted the forms within a week, and the entire process only took a few weeks to complete.

Jim was so touched by their request that he was in tears at one point. Andy gave them both his support too. They'd always been fond of him, but now christened him 'big brother' and were delighted he believed their prediction of the baby's sexes. I was not so sure.

I quit my job at JMP Accounting and became a stay at home mum. I began setting up the Blake Foundation as a legal entity and a charity. At the same time, Jim and Crystal started looking for premises.

Diane and I found ourselves at home together more often, and became best friends, sharing our childcare. Diane loved being our official housekeeper. She really thrived on domestic tasks and childcare and seemed happy to have her day laid out for her in advance. She appeared much closer to Shelly and Andy over the past two weeks too.

I'd spoken to Milla about the sandwich business. We decided that I'd dispense with my manager after Milla's baby was old enough for her to cope with working 'from home' at the Lily. Instead of buying me out, I'd sign over the business to her in exchange for 10% of the profits for the next ten years. She was delighted to have the prospect of her own business, and I was glad to be passing it on to someone I trusted to take it forward.

In a strange twist of fate, Jim and Crystal went to look at a canal-side property listed for sale by auction after its owner had died. It turned out to be the very warehouse where Crystal had sheltered during her absence from home. Jim had it surveyed for structural stability and found it to be worth salvaging, needing a new roof but having sound walls and foundations. The oddest thing was when we saw the original name of the warehouse. It had been called Blake's Wharf!

By the end of July, we'd bought the warehouse and had contractors on site.

* * *

Crystal.

After our meeting, I spoke to Jimmy about Jock, the old Scots homeless man that led Andy to me. We had still not done anything with the flat above The Perfumed Violet. I suggested that we got Jock to Alcoholics Anonymous, then moved him into the flat. He would use his skills to turn it into self-contained rooms for people whom we were helping. Jimmy agreed, and we asked Andy to find Jock, get him cleaned up, and take him to AA meetings with him.

Jock cleaned up well, and with Jimmy insisting on feeding him each day, until he got on his feet, he even put on a little weight. He soon completed the work we wanted doing at the flat. Jimmy suggested we set him up in business as a carpenter and gave him all the finishing work at our new headquarters at Blake's Wharf. He'd have his own workshop there, but in the meantime, we set him up in a shipping container on site. He insisted on painting 'John Bain Carpentry' on the side of it.

Jimmy brought Sarah from the Lily as his Sous Chef, allowing me to start work on the Blake Foundation. He intended to promote her after a time to Head Chef, taking a supervisory role himself over the two restaurants. Corrine promoted one of her protégé's at the Lily, and things settled down for a while.

* * *

Kim Blake.

I was glad they had included me in Dad and Crystal's plans for the Blake Foundation. Since I'd finished my course, I'd been unable to find an engineering job. I was sure it was gender discrimination, but could not prove it.

I'd ended up flipping burgers for a living, and it was driving me crazy.

I'd kind of been having an on/off relationship with Simon, the blacksmith I'd met at the Black Country Museum. I was keen on him, but he seemed to blow hot and cold. He'd get in touch, we'd go out for a meal or a drink, then go back to my place and fuck. He'd always spend the night, and sometimes we'd see each other for a week, then he'd disappear. Simon was attractive and a brilliant lover, and told me he'd been injured in Iran. Still, it wasn't until our first time in bed that I found out he'd lost his left foot above the ankle in an explosion. Apart from a noticeable limp, it seemed made no difference to his life.

I didn't mind the fuck buddy relationship, let's face it that was all the sex I was getting, but it kind of played on my own self-image concerns.

I don't think I'm attractive, you see. I'm five foot two tall and have blonde wavy hair. I've done Taekwondo since I was eleven, and lift weights to stay in shape. My breasts are large, and my hips wide. I guess the nicest thing I find to say about myself is that I'm stocky.

* * *

It was Friday night and, for once, I had the weekend off. I'd just got back from my martial arts practice, and showered when my phone rang.

"Hi Kimmie, it's Simon."

"Hi Simon, is it time for a fuck again," I grumped down the phone.

"Wha... what do you mean? I wanted to ask you out for dinner."

"Dinner, and then a fuck?" I asked.

"Kim, it sounds like we need to talk. I'm not trying to take advantage of you here, I like you."

I softened a bit. "What do we have to talk about?"

"You and me?"

"Is there a 'you and me', Simon?"

"Please Kimmie, don't be like that, at least meet me. No sex, if that's what you want."

"Okay, I'll bite, what time and where, Simon?"

"Can you be ready at seven?"

"Yes."

"I'll pick you up."

He rang off, and I made a half-hearted attempt to pretty myself up.

* * *

At just before seven, my doorbell rang. I'd put on a mini-skirt. My legs were, I thought, one of my better features. Even though they were short, they were well-muscled from my frequent exercise.

I'd worn a loose top so as not to emphasise my too-large breasts.

I opened the door. "Hello Simon, come in a minute."

He came in and held my shoulders, kissing me on the cheek. "Hello, Kimmie."

I got my coat and slipped it on, stepping into high heels and fastening them. "Ready when you are," I said.

Simon opened the door and let me out, then ran ahead to the car and opened that door for me. He was not trying to impress, he always did things like that. It just made it even more annoying when he then disappeared for weeks.

He got in the car and started the engine. "New car?" I said.

He blushed a little, "I borrowed it," he said, "Mine's broken down."

"Can it be fixed," I asked.

"Maybe," he said, frowning, "If I can afford it."

I let that comment go. I'd not considered how much money Simon made. He once said he lived on a farm, and I'd assumed his parents were well off. We'd never gone to his place, and I'd never met his parents.

The restaurant was a little French place we liked that was not too expensive. We got a table by the window and ordered a bottle of red wine while we looked at the menu.

After a few minutes, the waiter came back and took our order. Simon looked at me with a sad look on his face. "Do you want to stop seeing me, Kim?" he asked.

"That's the wrong question, Simon. First, what are we to each other? Friends? Fuck buddies? We're not boyfriend and girlfriend, 'cos I go for weeks without seeing you sometimes." I was close to tears, and I'm sure he could see it.

"I want so much to be your boyfriend, Kim, but I'm poor, and I'm not a whole man anymore. Why would you want me?"

"Woah! Let's talk about that, poor means a lot of things. You said you lived on a farm, I thought your family must have some money."

"I do live on a farm, but not with my family. I try to avoid my family. I live in a caravan on a friend's farm. He doesn't charge me rent if I help around the place a few hours a week.

The only income I have is from the museum, and that's only a few hours a week. Kim, sometimes I take two or three weeks to save up to take you out like this."

I felt like shit. I'd offered to split the bill, but he'd always refused. "Why did you leave it this long to tell me? I thought you just weren't that into me."

"Oh Kimmie, I would spend all day every day with you, but I can't even keep my crappy car working. I'm ashamed that I can't treat you well, take you out, buy you things."

"Simon, I'm not about 'things', I like you, not what you buy me."

"Even so, I'm still a cripple. You need a whole man, one who can look after you."

"Bullshit," I said, and half the restaurant turned to stare at me. "What can't you do that anyone else can? You can walk, I've seen you run, you're great in bed, you drive, you do amazing work as a blacksmith. Come on, tell me, what can't you do?"

"I'm just not whole, Kim, I got my foot blown off."

"Yeah? I didn't even know until you told me, I thought you just had a bit of a limp."

"But you're beautiful, Kim, you deserve so much better than me."

"Yeah," I said, "I'm natural supermodel material. Short, stocky, with big tits and an enormous ass."

"Is that really what you see?"

"It's what I am," I said, "I can't change it."

"I wouldn't want you to change anything, Kim. I think you're gorgeous as you are."

"Well," I said, "Until we each see what the other sees, we have an impasse."

The food arrived then, and we ate in silence for a while. Once the starters had been cleared, I spoke again. "I have a job, so I intend to pay for half our date tonight." He objected. "No. You said you liked to see me. Prove it. If I pay half, you'll see me twice as often."

"Will it make you happy?"

"Seeing you makes me happy, as long as you do want to see me."

"Yes, I do. I'll let you pay half."

"Tomorrow, if you want to see me, we'll have a night in. We'll watch a movie and drink a bottle of wine from my cupboard. You don't have to take me out every time we meet."

Simon looked at the table, decided something. "You're a special person Kim. I wanted to impress you, but I can see that that's not important to you. I would like to spend more time with you if you let me."

"I'm going to dad's next week for a few days," I said, "Come with me."

"Will your family be okay with me coming along?"

"One big happy family," I smiled, "I think dad likes you, too."

Our main courses arrived, and we ate them chatting about the new Foundation that Crystal had started.

* * *

We got back to my flat late, having gone for a drink after our meal. "Will you stay the night?" I asked.

"I don't want you to think I take advantage of you, Kim."

"Tell you what," I giggled, "Stay, and I'll take advantage of you instead."

"I think that can be arranged," he smiled.

I led him through to my bedroom and undressed him, removing his shirt and tee-shirt. I took off his shoes and undid his jeans. I slid them down his legs, slipping them off as he raised one leg at a time. I reached for the fastening on his artificial foot. "I'll get that," he said.

"No. If you're going to be my boyfriend, I want to know how it works."

He showed me how to remove it as he sat on the bed, blushing.

I stripped off my blouse and skirt, then unfastened my bra, letting my massive tits free. He smiled at me. "You don't really think they're too big, do you?"

"Yes, they're massive on a small person like me."

"They're beautiful, and they fit the rest of you perfectly," he grinned, reaching for them and cupping them in his hands. His fingers reached for my nipples and tweaked them. I groaned.

He slipped his hands to my waist, hooking my panties and pulling them over my hips and down my legs. He smiled at my naked body.

"Never try to tell me you're stocky again," he whispered, "I love every bit of you. You're fit, muscular, toned, and have perfect breasts and hips. You're you, and I love what you are."

I pushed him back on the bed and stripped his boxer shorts off. I gripped his stiff cock in my hand and straddled him. "Don't you ever tell me you're any less than any other man," I smiled, "This cock is the best I've had, and the rest of you is pretty hot too. You'll be man enough for me, Simon, never doubt it."

I leant forwards, mashing my tits into his chest, as I snaked my tongue into his mouth. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in tight, crushing the breath out of me. "Fuck you're strong," I whimpered.

His hard prick was between us, and I was already dripping for him. "Mind if we dispense with the foreplay," I smiled, sitting up and grasping his rigid dick. I lined him up with my shaved slit and dropped myself onto him, taking half his length in one thrust. I lifted up then fell again, filling my pussy with his hardness. "Fuck, that's good," I groaned.

"Oh, Kimmie! You're so good wrapped around me," he croaked.

We set up a rhythm, me bouncing on his cock as he thrust up into me on every stroke. I felt him bottom out in me, our pelvic bones meeting on every thrust. I grunted in time to our fucking.

"Unh! Unh! Unh!"

Simon gripped my hips, pulling me even tighter onto his dick, making me quake as his hips humped up into my puss. "Cumming soon!" I gasped.

"Me too," he moaned.

He grabbed me and rolled me over, pushing his full weight on top of me as he pounded my slippery kitty.

"Oh, Fuck! Oh my god! Do it. Do it. Fill me you bastard. Fill my pussy."

"Yes! Cumming!" he shouted as I stiffened, and the first jet of his semen spurted into me.

We writhed together for a few seconds, trying to get the last pleasure out of our coupling, then he rolled off me and pulled my body to his, my head on his chest.

"Right," I said, once I'd got my breath back, "Which part of soundly fucking me did you get wrong because you only have one foot?"

"Okay, you win. There's not that much I can't do is there?"

"No, now don't you forget it."

"I'll promise, if you accept that I, at least, find you beautiful."

"If you do, I'm happy," I said as I hooked my leg over his and squished my leaking kitty onto his thigh. Now, how long before we can have seconds?"

"Fuck, woman, you're insatiable."

* * *

Crystal.

I was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches to dinner. We'd cooked two enormous dishes of lasagne, and I was making the garlic bread and salad to go with it. Bex and Roz breezed through.

"Bex honey, can you get the cushions off the garden chairs please, it looks like rain," I said.

"Yes, Mama."

"Roz, sweetie, can you set the table in the dining room, there are ten of us."

"Okay, Mama."

The girls completed their tasks and returned to the kitchen. They climbed onto stools at the breakfast bar. I heard a brief conversation in 'twin speak' and Bex said, "Mama, we have questions."

I smiled, the girls seemed to save up their queries and then spring a load on us at once.

"Yes, girls, what do you want to know?"

"It's about 'sex stuff'," said Roz.

"Perhaps you'd better ask Mummy," I said.

"No, we want to ask you. Mummy tries to protect us too much, you tell us the truth."

I smiled. They knew how to get what they want. "Go ahead."

"Does sex stuff hurt?" asked Roz, "It sounds like you're in pain sometimes. Mummy and you and Daddy are loud, and Andy and Shelly and Diane are worse!"

"Diane?" I said, "Diane sleeps alone across the hall from you."

They looked at each other. There were a few words of twin speak. "Diane sleeps with Shelly and Andy sometimes, we've heard her," said Bex.

"Do you sneak around the house listening to sex?"

"No," said Bex.

"Yes," said Roz.

More twin speak. "Sometimes," they concurred.

"I see. Well, no, sex rarely hurts, but grown-ups get so excited that they make noises they wouldn't usually make, during sex."

They both nodded. "We know it's 'cos you love each other, we just worried about all the noise and swearie words."

I blushed. "You know not to use those swear words, don't you?"

"Yes, Mama," said Bex, "We know most of the words, but we don't use them. Same as we don't talk about how you and Mummy and Daddy all sleep together. Our friends only have one mummy and daddy, some don't even have a daddy."

"You're very grown-up, girls, do you know that?" They smiled, "Is that all you wanted to know?"

"What words are we allowed to use?" said Roz.

"I'd rather you didn't use swear-words at all."

"No, but words for bits of the body. We like 'breasts' and 'boobies', are they okay to use? Said Bex."

"Yes, we don't mind those words."

"What about 'pussy'?" said Roz.

"Where did you learn that word," I asked.

They giggled, "You have it tattooed above yours, Mama."

I blushed again. Twins 2, Crystal 0. "So I do. Yes then, if you wish. Perhaps, as you're still young, 'kitty' might be nicer."

"We like kitty!" they chorused, and ran off to play, satisfied with the latest inquisition.

* * *

Kim.

Simon came with me to Birmingham for the few days that week. We got the spare bedroom and settled in. Simon wanted to have a chat with Crystal and dad about the possibility of renting a workshop at Blake's Wharf. I wanted to see if there would be room for a gym. Somewhere I could open to the public and make a living from. I could teach Taekwondo, and a full gym for serious athletes would be a great business.

Crystal thought it would be a unique attraction to have both a gym and a blacksmith on site. She suggested a downstairs area for the gym, and a lean-to structure, that was on the street side of the warehouse, for the forge.

I asked about accommodation, as we'd both have to move to Birmingham if we were to work at the warehouse. Dad said we could move in with them. There was still a spare bedroom, and he said we'd be welcome to it. Crystal said they were planning to extend the house soon, anyway. Simon and I said we'd think about it over the next week or two.

* * *

Slim.

We'd got a gig in London in the coming week, then a tour starting in September with the band. Shelly and Diane were getting on well, with Diane becoming our Pet and sex slave one or two nights a week. Some mornings, her ass was so sore from the spankings she could barely sit down, but she told us she loved it.

Crystal caught me alone in the kitchen one morning.

"Are you guys sleeping with Diane now?" she asked.

"Umm, yeah, is that okay?"

"Of course. It seems normal for this house. Will she move into your room? She'd be some company for Shelly while you're away."

"That's a marvellous idea," I said, "We were wondering if we could turn the kitchenette upstairs into a bedroom for Charlie. We don't use it much, and he will soon need his own room."

"Yeah, no problem. I'll get Jock onto it next week. It shouldn't take long to do."

Along with Shelly and Crystal, I'd invested an appreciable amount of money into the Blake Foundation. The Building work at Blake's Wharf was nearing completion, and we soon hoped to have businesses moving in. Some being started by ex-homeless people, and some providing work or training for them.

Jock had got his life back on track, though, like me, he still went to AA meetings. He'd found a lad living on the streets a few weeks ago and had taken him on as an apprentice carpenter.

He'd moved into his new workshop at Blake's Wharf now, and Kim and Simon were starting their own businesses next week.

Crystal was using her catering skills to start a training cafe at the warehouse serving the clientele and teaching skills to ex-homeless.

Bex and Roz seemed to be my constant companions now. They helped with Charlie and seemed to want to spend time with Shelly and me a lot. Diane called them her twin babysitters.

I'd asked them about their assertion that Crystal was having a girl, and Milla a boy. They tried to explain that sometimes they saw things that hadn't happened yet. It worked best when they were together, better if they held hands. They said they didn't control it, it came to them.

I asked them to tell me if anything they thought was important came to them.

* * *

Diane Clark.

Crystal had got Jock in to convert the kitchenette in the flat to a small bedroom for Charlie, and once it was finished, I moved in with Shelly and Andy. We bought a king-sized bed, and I shifted my stuff up to their room.

We celebrated by having me put on my collar and Andy fucking me from behind while I licked Shelly to several orgasms. He spanked me as he rammed into my pussy and I squealed quietly into Shelly's slit.

After he filled me up with his cum, Shelly licked it all out of me, feeding it to me in kisses, then she tied me to the bed, face down, and spanked me with a paddle until I came so hard, I begged her to stop. Once I'd licked everything clean, my master and mistress took me and washed me in the shower. I had my collar taken off and snuggled up with my lovers for our first night 'living together'. Charlie was much more settled in his own room and soon slept through the night without waking.

* * *

Kim Blake.

I'd given up my job at the awful burger joint where I'd been working. Simon was continuing his demonstration work at the museum but was setting up his own forge at Blake's Wharf. We were moving to dad's house in Birmingham at the end of the week.

I'd talked Simon into taking me to meet his parents that week. He'd not been keen, as he didn't get on with them himself, but I thought it was right to meet them before we moved in together as a couple.

We drove up to Chester to visit them, Simon parked on the drive, and we went to the front door. He rang the bell, and we waited.

"You don't have a key?" I asked.

He smiled, "Not for the last three years, no."

I heard the lock turn, and the door opened. A short, dumpy, woman with perfectly coiffed hair and an expensive suit stood there. "Hello Simon dahling," she enunciated, "Come to the back door, we've just had new carpets. Oh and move that wreck of a car off the drive before your father sees it. It lowers the tone so."

She neither looked at me nor acknowledged me. I looked at Simon, he smiled and went to shift the car.

We went round to the back door and were let into the kitchen. "Take your shoes off Simon, and get your little friend to take hers off too," said his mother.

"Mother, this is Kim Blake, my girlfriend," Simon said, "Kim, this is my mother, Sheila."

"Pleased to meet you, dear," she said, still not looking at me, "You can call me Mrs Sharpe."

I smiled to myself. "Why thank you, Mrs Sharpe," I said in my poshest accent.

A fat, balding man entered the kitchen, glanced at me, then addressed Simon. "Ah, Simon, you dropped in. Oh well, I'm sure your mother can stretch dinner to four people."

Simon frowned, "I told you a week ago that we were coming to visit today, father."

"And who have you brought with you?" he asked.

"Father, this is my girlfriend Kim Blake, Kim, this is my father, Brian."

He glanced at me again. "What do you do my dear?" he asked.

"I'm a mechanical engineer," I said.

"Hmm, a funny job for a girl," he said, leaving the room.

"If we are inconveniencing you, Mrs Sharpe, Simon and I will go out for dinner," I said.

"No, we'll manage," she sighed.

"Where are we staying, Mother?" said Simon, "In the room that used to be mine?"

"You are dear, your friend... Karen was it... can stay in the spare room."

"You mean Wendy's room? And her name is Kim."

"Don't mention that name in front of your father, he's never forgiven her."

I looked at Simon puzzled, he mouthed the word 'Later'.

Simon showed me to my room and showed me where he was sleeping. I asked about the exchange in the kitchen.

"I had... have... a sister called Wendy. She's three years younger than me and was a bit of a rebel. While I was abroad, in the army, she had a fallout with dad. He told her she couldn't dress as she wished, or dye her hair bright colours if she wanted to live in this house. There was a screaming match, and Wendy left. She had just the clothes on her back, and no-one has heard a thing from her since.

"How old was she when she left?" I asked.

"Sixteen, I don't know where she went or how she lives. I tried to find her when I was home on leave, but nothing."

"Maybe she'll find you one day," I said.

Dinner was a dreary affair. The food was excellent, and there was plenty, showing that they had been expecting us. The atmosphere was like lead. I tried to get some conversation going.

"Simon is opening his new forge in Birmingham next week at Blake's Wharf," I smiled.

"Ah, your little hobby. When do you intend to get a proper job?" said his father.

"That is my job, Father, I'll make a reasonable living, I'm sure."

"I'm sure I can still find a place for you in my office when you come to your senses," he frowned. "If you hadn't gone off on that fool's errand to Iran, you wouldn't be crippled and useless."

"Simon is not useless!" I cried, "He's capable of almost anything anyone else can do. He's an excellent blacksmith, a hard worker, and he served his country in the armed forces."

"There's no need to shout, dear," said his mother, "Once he marries and settles down, I'm sure his father will still find a job for him."

"We have no plans to marry, yet," I said.

"Oh, not you, dear. He'll marry someone of his own social standing."

I got up from the table and left the room.

"Kim?" called Simon.

"I'm just going to pack, I won't be a minute," I called.

Simon ran after me. "I'll get my stuff too," he said.

"You can stay. I'll get a train."

"You're kidding. After that tirade? We're both leaving."

We packed and headed down the stairs. Simon led me to the kitchen, where we slipped on our shoes.

"You don't have to leave Simon," said his mother, "just your friend."

He stopped halfway out of the door. "I will leave, as you have insulted my girlfriend and me. You are both insufferable snobs, and you'll be pleased to know you will never have to see me again. I can see now why Wendy left."

"Don't mention that tramp in my presence," shouted his father from the dining room.

"Enjoy your wealth and your superiority," Simon shouted, "Goodbye."

We walked to the car, holding hands. I could tell he was still seething.

"I'm sorry Simon, perhaps I shouldn't have said anything."

"If you hadn't, I would have. Now you know what they're like. Every time I visit is the same, I'm glad to be rid of them."

"Did you mean it... about never going back?"

"Yes."

We talked on the way home about our new ventures. Simon was excited about setting up his forge and staring to look for orders and outlets. I was listing all the equipment I needed for the gym on the back of a receipt.

Simon was enthusiastic about Crystal's scheme to get homeless people off the streets and into work. He told me that a large percentage of homeless are ex-forces personnel. He intended to help all he could with that side of the foundation when he had time.

* * *

We moved into dad's house that weekend. Diane had moved in with Shelly and my brother, creating a second 'threesome' in the house. Simon looked a little shocked, but I told him that they were all adults, and it seemed to have worked for Crystal, Mandy and my dad for the past five years.

He asked about the effects on the twins, but I said that they knew who slept where and accepted it. They weren't above asking if they had questions.

* * *

Slim Blake.

We'd taken to going out into the city at different times of the day, passing out cards to homeless and disadvantaged people. It was a Friday evening, and Crystal and I were on a street well known for prostitution. It was dark, cold and damp, and the girls, and a few boys, were making poor trade. We were not in the business of moralising to people. If they were happy in the sex trade, we left them alone. We wanted to help those who felt trapped and wanted to get out.

I'd been talking to a girl who said she had to work the streets to pay her rent. I'd given her a card and told her to come to Blake's Wharf for a chat with us one day.

I walked back to Crystal, who was talking to an older woman and put my arm around her shoulder.

"Ready to head for home?" I asked.

Just then, there was a flash. We both turned to see what it was when there was another. A man stepped out of the shadows.

"Mr Blake. Ian Snape from The Stun newspaper. Would you care to comment on why you are on this notorious street, propositioning this lady?"

"I was not 'propositioning' this lady at all. We were just going home."

"I'll bet you were, Mr Blake. What do you think your fans will think of you picking up a common prostitute on the streets?"

Crystal objected, but I turned to her and whispered, "Let me handle this."

"I would deny that I was doing any such thing."

"Well, the camera doesn't lie, Mr Blake."

"I suggest you get your facts and your story straight before you publish anything, Mr Snape."

"Oh, I think my editor will want this in the morning edition for sure!"

We walked away at that point, as I couldn't keep a straight face any more.

"What was that about?" said Crystal, "What if he publishes that?"

"Then we sue him, and the rag he calls a newspaper. They say there's no such thing as bad publicity, and we're about to prove it."

* * *

The morning edition of the Stun had a blown-up picture of my face with a blurred image of Crystal beside me. The headline read, "Gotcha! Slim Blake caught using prostitutes."

It said that I'd declined to comment when approached by The Stun's reporter, but had left with the woman pictured.

I rang Colin Cline, who seemed to have become our family lawyer over the years.

"Mr Cline. Andy Blake, you represent my step-mother, Crystal."

"Mr Blake. Good to talk to you. How can I help you?"

"If you could lower yourself to look at today's Stun newspaper, you'll see a picture of me with a woman the Stun are claiming is a prostitute that I picked up last night. If you look closely, you'll see that the lady in question is, in fact, your client Crystal."

"Who wrote this?"

"A gentleman called Ian Snape," I said.

"Oh, the gods are smiling on me today."

"Why do you say that, Mr Cline?" I asked.

"I've been waiting to get this bast... gentleman, for years."

"Do what you need to. Extract as much in damages as is possible. Any money will go directly to The Blake Foundation to help the homeless. I'm arranging a press conference to expose this nonsense, but I'll also be promoting the work of the foundation."

"Very well, Mr Blake, and as the damages are going to charity, and because I'll enjoy taking this 'rag' for libel, we'll waive our charges for this case."

I rang off and booked a local hotel for a press conference in the afternoon.

* * *

Crystal and I sat at a table on a raised stage at the front of the room. Thirty or so reporters and photographers were present including, I noted, Ian Snape.

I began. "Ladies and gentlemen of the press. Thank you for coming here today..."

"Will you be trying to clear your name?"

"Is this the woman you picked up last night?"

I held up my hand. "You'll have time to ask questions later, but only if you let me finish," I said.

"Ian Snape, who I believe is here, published this photo this morning stating that I had picked up this lady on the street last night and that she was a prostitute. I've called you here today to introduce you to my mystery companion, my step-mother, Mrs Crystal Blake."

"Fuck!" said a voice from the back of the room.

I smiled, "Mr Snape, and his 'newspaper' will shortly be served with papers for a lawsuit alleging libel and defamation of character."

A journalist raised his hand. "Yes?" I asked.

"Can you tell us what you were doing in that part of town last night?"

"Certainly, Mrs Blake, along with her husband, her sister and myself, have recently set up a Foundation to help the homeless and disadvantaged in Birmingham. We hand out cards to homeless people, and last night were doing the same with sex workers, offering them help to get off the streets if that is what they wish."

"How do you intend to help them?" asked another reporter.

"By offering training, business start-up opportunities and help to find housing. We're based at Blake's Wharf near the city centre where we already have a few fledgeling businesses."

There were a few more questions, then the conference broke up.

I smiled at Crystal, "See, no such thing as bad publicity."

* * *

Mitchell 'Mitch' Connor.

I sat in the bar sipping a pint of lager. The place was pretty dead for a Friday night, so I spotted him coming in the door. George Brown, 'Georgie'. He'd been the lead guitarist with the ill-fated band Walking Wounded, and my one time boyfriend. I'd loved him once, now he just scared me. He'd asked me to meet him here, and I didn't like his tone of voice on the phone.

"Hello, Mitch, not got a kiss for me?"

I grimaced and put my hand out to shake, "Hello, Georgie. Why did you want to see me?"

His handshake was like holding a wet fish. I drew my hand back, resisting the urge to wipe my palm on my jeans.

"Can't I just catch up with an old friend?" he smirked.

"If you say so."

We talked for half an hour, downing a few drinks. I knew he'd get to the point, eventually.

"You need to do me a favour, Mitchie. I want you to get rid of one guitarist in your band, then you can introduce me as a replacement."

"Are you mad? Why the fuck would I want to do that?"

"Well," he said, "How much do you want them to find out that you're gay?"

"I can't just get rid of someone, that would be a decision for all of us," I said.

"You'll think of something," he sneered, "Lean on the girl, Lucas. Bully her a bit. Better still get rid of that prick, Blake."

I was speechless. I couldn't do this, but I couldn't risk being 'outed' either.

"I need there to be a vacancy by the end of the tour, or I'll start sending out some photos of you and me to your friends."

I remembered the drunken night we'd taken selfies in bed together. Why had I been so stupid?

"I'll wait to hear from you, Mitchie," he said as he walked off.

* * *

Slim Blake.

The London date for the band went well. Our second album was sitting high in the charts, and we'd done this as a promotional gig. We had a brief tour of six major European cities this week, and I'd said my goodbyes to Shelly, Diane and Charlie before heading off on the tour bus.

The first date was Amsterdam. We were well known in The Netherlands and had a good crowd at the stadium gig. I'd had to pull Mitch up a few times as he seemed to have it in for Haze. I caught him shouting at her on more than one occasion. She didn't seem phased by it, but it was unpleasant.

Paris was a big hit. They loved us there, and we did three encores before they'd let us go. Madrid and Rome were lesser-known quantities, but we filled a small stadium in each and put on a good show.

By the time we got to Prague, Mitch's behaviour was drawing comments from the rest of the band. He was bad-tempered and still rude to Haze. He'd also started to drink a lot, having a bottle of vodka in his dressing room, which was something we didn't do.

I went to see him after the show, knocking and going into his dressing room.

"How's it going, Mitch?" I asked.

"All right, mate. You?"

"Yeah, good. Listen, the band are worried about your drinking, Mitch."

"It's all cool man, I'm just stressed," he said, sipping on a vodka. "You want a coke?"

I said yes, and he went to the cupboard to pour one for me. We sat and talked for a bit. I asked him what was stressing him.

"Girl trouble, you know?"

"I didn't know you had a girl."

"Yeah, maybe that's the trouble," he said. "Another coke?"

We get dehydrated on stage, so I had three or four drinks with him. I was light-headed and wondered if I was coming down with something.

Mitch went to his cupboard again and came back with a bottle of 12-year-old scotch. "You'll want some of this," he said.

I knew I shouldn't, but it didn't seem such a bad idea by then. I had a small glass full, then another. Maybe I had more, I kinda lost count.

Mitch helped me stagger back to my hotel room and got me onto the bed before leaving. I slept.

I woke to movement on the bed. The bathroom light was on, and I could make out a face and blonde hair.

"How d'you get in here?" I asked.

"Don't you worry," said a soft voice, "Cindy will take excellent care of you."

I felt my clothes being removed. I tried to put up a fight, but I was pretty much incapable. I must have drifted off, as when I next woke, someone had their lips around my cock, bobbing up and down. I raised my head, to see the blonde... what was her name?... Cindy? Sucking my dick into her mouth, moaning.

She raised her head and smiled at me. "I'm going to fuck you, Slim," she grinned.

She straddled my legs and lined my cock up with her pussy, dropping onto me. I have never been too drunk to fuck in my life, but I remember nothing more until I woke at ten the next morning. I felt like shit. I was alone in the bed, my cock was a little sore and sticky, and the room reeked of sex.

I staggered out of bed. I knew just the cure for this. I reached the mini-bar and brought out all the bottles of spirit, pouring them into the tumbler from the bathroom. I sat on the bed and downed the liquor. Fifteen minutes later, I felt much better. Then it hit me. I'd slept with that girl, Cindy, I'd cheated on Shelly, I'd cheated on Diane.

I showered and dressed, then went in search of a bar.

Two hours later, I'd found some new friends. We were talking and laughing when my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Slim? It's Griff. Where the fuck are you, man?"

"Having a drink with some new friends."

"Have you had alcohol?"

"Yeah, Mitch gave me some whisky last night. I'd forgotten how nice it is. I fucked up though, Griff, there was this blonde girl. Ya know?"

"Where are you, man? We need to leave for Berlin now."

"Berlin? Oh yeah, Berlin. The bar's called 'Henry's', come get me." I hung up.

A while later, Griff and Haze dragged me out of the bar and onto the tour bus. They shoved me onto a bunk, and I slept. I woke twice and was aware of shouting and arguing. Something about giving me whisky? I slept again.

A wet cloth woke me. "Come on Slim, get it together, soundcheck tonight, gig tomorrow." Haze wiped my face, and the cold water woke me enough to recognise the cup of coffee she offered me. I drank it, then another.

By the time of the soundcheck I was standing, but unsteady. I heard Mitch suggesting to Griff that they replace me for the gig with a mate of his, George Brown. I knew the name but couldn't place it.

Haze took me out for a tour of the city the next day. "You going to be up to this tonight, Slim?"

"Yeah, I'll be okay. Why was Mitch trying to replace me?"

"Fuck knows. You're a better guitarist pissed that Georgie Brown is sober."

"Why do I know that name?"

"Walking Wounded?"

"Oh yeah, I remember."

We did the tourist bit until late afternoon, then headed back to the venue. Griff took me to one side.

"Why d'you have whisky, Slim?"

"I was chatting with Mitch, I had a few cokes with him, then he got out the whisky. It seemed like a good idea," I smiled.

"What was in the coke?" He asked.

"Why? Do you think..."

"I don't know, but something's wrong here. You wouldn't have had that whisky if you were thinking straight."

"The worst thing is, I think I cheated on Shelly. There was this blonde."

"How'd she get in? Did you bring her back?"

"No," I said, "She just appeared in my room."

"She'd need a card key unless someone let her in."

"I don't know man. How do I tell her about this?"

"Leave it until you get home. Don't do it on the phone."

I agreed. We set up for the gig, though Mitch was nowhere to be seen until the last minute. He had someone with him.

"Who's the guy with Mitch?" I asked Haze.

She turned and looked, "What the fuck! That's Georgie Brown. What's he brought him for?"

Griff came over. "Mitch says you're not fit to play," he said, "He wants Georgie to take your place."

I was shocked. "What do you think?" I said.

"I think you're okay," He said, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Hungover still, but okay."

"I'm not going on stage with that prick Georgie," said Haze, "He gives me the creeps."

"We go on as usual," said Griff.

Griff went to talk to Mitch, and there seemed to be a brief argument, then it was time to go on.

* * *

Haze Lucas.

I picked up the guitar and felt it straight away. My hands were sweaty, but there was no mistaking the tingle off the strings. I'd felt it once before and nearly died. There was a faulty earth somewhere in the rig. I beckoned Bones over.

"Bones, there's something wrong here, I'm getting a tingle off this."

He picked up the red Fender Strat. "Use the spare Haze, I'll check it for you."

He handed me my old trusty Gibson, and I plugged it in. We started into Brown Sugar, and the crowd went wild.

After the first three numbers, I slipped to the side of the stage. Bones was there with my Stratocaster.

"Broken wire Haze, I'm sorry, I don't know how it happened." He handed it back to me, and I put it over my shoulder.

"Bones! Get Delilah off Slim and check it too."

"It's a freak accident Haze, there's no need to..."

He quieted as he saw the look in my eyes. "Yeah. I'll go get it now."

I saw him talk to Slim after the next number and Slim looked over to me. I nodded to him, he nodded back and swapped guitars for his black Stratocaster.

The gig went well. We had a real following in Germany, and it looked like they'd all come along.

After the gig, we went back to our dressing rooms. I stopped by Slim's, and Bones was there.

"Haze, Slim's guitar had a broken wire too. Someone's tampered with them. It can only be someone who got backstage."

"Anyone taking bets," I asked.

"Mitch?" said Slim.

"Or that prick Georgie, Mitch must have got him a backstage pass," said Bones.

"We need to talk to the other guys," I said.

* * *

Slim Blake.

I got on the tour bus for the journey home. I'd smuggled in a bottle of whisky, and I climbed into my bunk and shut the curtain. I took a good slug from the bottle and sat back. How could this have happened? I'd been touring before and never succumbed to the groupies. How had the blonde, Cindy, got into my room? Why was I so out of it? Even at my worst, drinking a bottle a day, I'd never been that bad.

I drank some more.

How was I going to tell Shelly and Diane about this? They would both hate me, and with just cause.

I dozed off, wondering what would happen when we got home.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I was sitting in the kitchen with Kim, drinking coffee, when the doorbell rang. "I'll go," said Kim.

She came back a few seconds later with a stunning blonde woman, maybe 25 or 30 years old.

"This lady's asking for Shelly Blake," said Kim.

I stood up and put out my hand to shake hers. "I'm Shelly Fraser," I said, "Will I do?"

"Are you Slim's wife, or girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend, yes, why?"

"I need to have a private word with you."

"This is my friend, and Slim's sister Kim. Anything you have to say, you can say in front of her."

She nodded, "My name is Cindy Blaine. I'm afraid I have to tell you that I've slept with your boyfriend."

"What the fuck!" shouted Kim, "And now you rub her nose in it?"

"No, I've come to apologise."

Kim growled at her. "You're going to have to start making a lot more sense very quickly before I put you through that wall!"

Cindy sighed and dropped onto a kitchen stool. "I'm an Escort. I have sex for money. Someone paid me to give Slim a good time for one night. He gave me five hundred pounds and let me into Slim's room. It's not unusual with rock bands. I was to get another five hundred after.

"I tried to give him a good time, but he was out of it. I thought he was on heroin or something, so as soon as I was done, I dressed and left. The guy gave me the money, but there was something strange. He said I could have the five hundred, or I could just give the story to a journalist called Ian Snape. I said I'd have the cash, but it bugged me, so I asked around. People told me that Slim was off the drink, didn't do drugs, and had a wife or girlfriend. I wanted to know why the guy had asked me to sleep with Slim. I think they set me up, and Slim too."

"Why tell me?" I said, "You could have walked away."

"I may be a hooker, but I have a conscience. Slim probably knew I was there and probably thinks he's cheated on you. I'm here to tell you that he didn't come on to me, or pick me up, or do anything to encourage me. I doubt he could have even stood up. I had sex with him, but he didn't cum."

Kim stared at her for a minute. "I'm tempted to believe you," she said, "do we have to worry about STD's?"

"I'm clean," said Cindy, "I'm checked every month. I'll show you my last results."

"That would be helpful," I said, "Who was the man who paid you?"

"I never got a name, you get so you don't ask."

Kim got a flyer for one of the Twisted Ravens gigs. "Was it one of these guys?"

She looked at the picture. "No, but I saw this one with him later that day."

"Mitch," said Kim.

"Are you brave enough to leave us a phone number, Cindy?" I asked.

She looked doubtful. "I'll give you my personal mobile number. I'm trusting you not to involve the police in this."

"I promise," I said, "We'll sort this out ourselves."

Kim saw her to the door and thanked her for coming.

"That took a lot of guts," I said.

"Yeah, she didn't have to come. I think I believe her."

"Me too, "I said, "I'm going to ring Todd, their manager."

I phoned him straight away and asked him what was going on with Mitch and Slim.

"What indeed," he said. "Haze said Mitch is being a bastard, Griff said he's got Slim back on the whisky, and someone tampered with the stage gear in Berlin. Could have killed Slim and Haze."

"When will they be home?"

"Tomorrow. You want me to see what state Slim's in before I let him come home?"

"No," I said, "I'll look after him."

* * *

Slim Blake.

The bus pulled to a halt in Birmingham, and we all got off. I was still the worse for wear, but functioning. Griff gave me a hug. "It'll be okay," he said, "But we need to talk to Todd about Mitch. I want him out."

"Yeah," I said, "I can't trust him any more."

I got into a taxi and gave him the address in Moseley.

The taxi pulled up outside the house, and I stepped out and paid the driver. I looked at the front door and steeled myself. This would be so hard. I did not want to lose Shelly over this, but what other choice would she have, but to ask me to go?

I opened the door and stepped in.

* * *

Shelly Fraser.

I heard the key turn in the front door. Kim and I were sitting in the kitchen. I called through, "We're in here!"

Andy appeared in the doorway, he looked like shit. I walked over to him, wrapped my arms around him and kissed him. "Welcome home lover," I smiled.

Kim came over and hugged him, kissing him on the cheek. "Good to see you, Andy."

He set down his shoulder bag and looked at the floor. "Before you get too excited to have me back, I have something to tell you," he muttered.

"Is it about Cindy?" I asked.

He went white, "How did you know? Who told you?"

"She did, she came to see us yesterday Slim," said Kim.

"What? But she was just a groupie in Berlin... how..."

I smiled. "She's an escort, she was paid to have sex with you."

"But I didn't, I've never paid for sex. I've only had two lovers."

"She was paid by someone hanging around with Mitch. He also told her to sell her story to The Stun newspaper. She smelled a rat, and came to see us," I said.

"Fucking Georgie Brown," he cursed, "I'll bet it was him."

"Who's Georgie Brown?" asked Kim.

"Mitch has been trying to get the band to replace me with him," said Andy, "I think Mitch spiked my coke after the gig in Prague, then he got me drinking whisky. This Cindy just appeared in my room, I've no idea how she even got in."

"She told us that the man that paid her let her into your room. She said you were so out of it, she thought you were on drugs," said Kim.

Andy looked thoughtful, "But I think I had sex with her."

"She said she fucked you, but she couldn't get you to cum because you'd passed out. She left straight after," I said.

"I remember nothing after she came into the room. I'd never have touched her if I'd not been so out of it."

"Andy," I said, "I don't blame you. Cindy left a phone number, and she will send her sexual health report to us. There'll be no STD's, she says she's clean."

I saw Andy relax at my words. "You're not mad at me?" he asked, "You won't throw me out?"

"Oh Andy, of course not. It was virtually a rape. Cindy said you couldn't even stand up," I said, walking over to him and hugging him.

He hugged me back, burying his face in my shoulder. "Thank you, I'm so sorry."

"We'll be paying a visit to Mitch in the morning," I said, "He has some explaining to do."

"You and Me?" said Andy.

"No, Kim and I," I smiled.

No one who knew Kim would mess with her. She'd been practising Taekwondo for over ten years and could take down someone twice her size.

"Have you been drinking, Andy?" I asked.

He nodded. "I left the bottle on the bus," he said.

"Will you be okay, or should we get you booked in somewhere?"

"I'm going to my Alcoholics Anonymous meeting tomorrow, I should be all right."

"Go get a shower. Try not to wake Diane, she was awake a lot with Charlie last night, and she's having a nap."

* * *

Diane Clark.

The sound of someone, moving about in the bedroom, awakened me. I opened my eyes. Andy!

"Hello, Lover boy! Do I get a kiss?"

He came and sat on the bed, leaning over me to kiss my lips. I pulled his head to me tightly, knocking him off balance, and he fell on top of me. I giggled.

"Do you want to fuck me now?" I whispered.

"I could be talked into it; I suppose."

I threw back the bedding, showing him my naked body. "Will this do?" I smiled.

He took the towel from around his waist and slid into bed beside me, pulling me into a hug.

"I've missed my two girls on tour," he said.

"I've missed you. Shelly's a splendid lover, but it's nearly a fortnight since I had this hard cock," I said, grasping his dick and working it with my eager hand.

He stopped and looked at me. "Shelly told you the entire story... Cindy... you know?"

"Yes, it's okay, it wasn't your fault. Now get me ready for you, Slim."

* * *

Slim.

I slid down the bed, lowering my head to Diane's wet pussy. I drove my tongue into her, and she squealed. "Oh, fuck yes!"

I licked her from her ass to her clit. She shuddered, and I did it again. Diane pulled my head into her dripping slit and aimed me at her clit.

"Make me cum, then fuck me. No messing. Do it!"

I latched on to her stiff little clit and sucked hard, flicking my tongue repeatedly over her button until she jerked under me. Her hips bucked up into my face as she stiffened, her feet and shoulders the only parts touching the mattress. "Yessssss!"

I felt her juices squirt into my face as she tried to rip the hair from my scalp, her hands clasping in my hair as she wailed.

"Now! In me. Fuck me!"

I climbed up her body, lining my throbbing dick up with her sloppy kitty. I pushed, and my length slid into her tight tunnel, pushing her breath from her mouth.

I set up a fast rhythm, pumping into her as she moaned her delight. She began a series of mumbled words as I pounded her. "Yes, fuck, yes, so full, yes, fuck me, yes, fill me, yes, Oh god! Yes, YES! Cumming!"

She thrashed about in her ecstasy beneath me, her muscular legs wrapped around me, pulling me deep into her pulsing cunt. The sensations drove me over the edge, my cum blasting into her as she held me deep inside her.

"Aggggh!" I groaned as I filled her waiting hole, "God! I needed that."

I felt the bed move and looked around.

Shelly smiled as I pulled out of Diane's pussy. "Save any for me?" she grinned.

Diane spread her leg wide, exposing her dribbling snatch. "Help yourself," she smiled.

Shelly removed her clothes and dived into Diane's crotch, lapping our combined juices from her.

Diane orgasmed again before Shelly pulled up from her shiny pussy and kissed me hard.

"If I can get you hard, will you fuck me too?"

Before I could answer, her mouth was sucking on my half-hard cock. Soon she had revived the beast and straddled me, rubbing her wet puss over my prick. She lifted herself up and slid the tip of me into her slippery slit, dropping on me, impaling herself on my hardness.

She began rocking, as a recovered Diane kissed her, then latched onto her nipple, sucking and nibbling. Shelly's eyes closed as the feelings took her. She sighed and groaned as she took me deep, rolling her pelvis as she fucked me. I placed my hands on her waist, ramming now on her downstrokes, drawing soft grunts from her mouth with each thrust. I felt the telltale shudder that announced her orgasm, and a low moan started in her throat.

"Oh yes, so good, fuck me, Andy, fill me."

Her orgasm took her then, shuddering and twitching, as she drenched my cock in her girl cum. I thrust a few more times as my balls tightened and I erupted in her pulsating kitty.

She lay on top of me, recovering her breath. Diane snuggled up to us, stroking Shelly's hair, nibbling my nipple.

Shelly disengaged from me and crawled onto Diane, settling her wet pussy over her mouth. Diane smiled and sucked on her, drawing my cum from her, lapping and swallowing.

"Stop!" cried Shelly, "Too much!" She slid off to one side, protecting her tender mound with her hand.

Charlie started fussing in his room at the end of the hall. I got up and went to fetch him, bringing him back to Diane who fed him. We all snuggled up together with Charlie and Di in the middle.

* * *

Shelly.

Kim drove us over to an address in Great Barr the next morning. We went to the door of a sizeable house and knocked. Mitch came to the door.

"Hello Mitch, we need to have a word with you," I said.

"What about? I've got nothing to say to you two."

Kim pushed past him into the hall. "Yes, you do. Now, how come you spiked my brother's drinks, got him back on the booze, set him up with a whore and tried to electrocute him and Haze?"

"What? Fuck, I didn't try to kill him!"

"Someone did. You want to tell me who?" Kim asked.

"I think you'd better leave," he said. He reached for Kim's arm to turn her out of the door. His hand just made contact when there was a blur of movement. I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, he was on the floor, his face pressed into the carpet, his arm twisted behind his back.

"How good are you with that bass guitar when you've got a broken fucking arm ass-hole?" hissed Kim.

"Let me go," he squealed, trying to get loose from her grip.

Kim pulled up on the arm, and he screamed. "Tell me!"

"All right, I spiked his drinks, I gave him the whisky, then I got him to bed. That's the last I saw of him."

"So who brought the hooker, then tried to kill him?" she whispered.

"I don't know... Aaaaaaaah!"

The grip tightened, and his arm must have been on the point of dislocation.

"George Brown, George Brown, okay?"

"Address," said Kim.

"I don't... Ahhhhh! 48 Reservoir Road."

"Thank you. Now if you tip the slimy bastard off, I'll hunt you down and cut off your balls with a rusty knife. GOT IT?"

He nodded as she released him, and he grasped at his arm, trying to get life back into it.

"Why d'you do it, Mitch?" I asked, "Slim was your friend, once."

"Georgie blackmailed me."

"With what?" I asked.

He dropped his head. "I'm gay," he muttered.

"Yeah, and?"

"What do you mean?"

"We all assumed you were gay, have done for years. It doesn't bother us," said Kim.

"You knew?"

"Guessed. Our friend Corrine likes girls, Shelly here likes both, you like boys. No big deal."

"Fuck," he muttered as we left.

* * *

Kim Blake.

Shelly made the brief drive to Reservoir Road, and we stopped just past the address.

"How do you want to play this," she asked.

"If he's tried to kill people, I say we go in 'guns blazing'," I replied.

I walked to the front door and knocked. There was a pause, then the door opened. A bulky man with lank, black hair stood there.

"Yeah," he grunted.

"George Brown?" I asked.

"Yeah, who wants to know?"

I ducked under his arm, into his front hall. He turned, "What the fuck! Get out of my house."

"We need to talk Mr Brown," I said, "You tried to kill my brother."

"You're talking shite. Who the fuck are you?"

"I'm Kim Blake, and this is Shelly Fraser. I want to talk to you about tampering with my brother's guitar, and his girlfriend wants to talk to you about why you set him up with a whore."

"I'm not taking any crap from you. Get out!"

He went to grab my arm. I spun, knocking his legs out from under him, then brought my foot to his chest as he fell. He landed on his back, driving the breath out of him. He reached behind him and came out with a flick knife. The blade clicked as it locked open and he swung for the leg that was pinning him to the floor.

I jumped back as he gained his feet. He crouched, waving the knife in front of him, looking for an opening. I feinted to my right, and he came in to my left. I grabbed the arm holding the knife as he reached the end of his thrust, slamming it into the wall. He kept a hold of the weapon, so I slammed again. His hand opened, and the knife clattered to the floor. I kicked it towards Shelly.

I went into a roll, pulling him with me, forcing him to follow or break his arm. He went down hard, and I brought a quick punch to his sternum. He gasped for air as I gripped his throat, crushing the windpipe.

"Like I fucking said," I growled into his face, "We need to talk."

"You're killing me," he wheezed.

"Don't fucking tempt me," I smiled,. "Now! You will listen. You will never work in the rock industry again in the U. K. Todd will put out what you did to Slim and Haze. No one will touch you.

This is just as well, as you're leaving the country."

"What? Why?"

"Because, if I find you, or hear from you again, you're going to have a very nasty accident. You may know some pretty corrupt people, Georgie, but I know some real bastards.

"I'm going to ask around in a few days, and if I find you're still here, I'm coming for you. Do you understand?"

"Yeah," he grunted.

"I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND, FUCKHEAD!"

"Yes, yes, I do. I'll be gone tomorrow," he whimpered.

I got up and dusted myself off. I turned to Shelly. "Your turn," I said.

Shelly walked up to the prone figure and aimed a hefty kick straight into his balls. "That's for fucking with my boyfriend, ass-hole. If she ever has to come after you, I'll be right beside her."

We left the house, the door swinging behind us.

I asked around at the weekend, checking up on Georgie. He'd gone. Anyone who knew him said he'd packed up and taken an extended holiday. No one seemed to know where.

* * *