Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 George Douglas 07 - (Frank Webb)

   Frank was awoken in the night by the sound of banging and swearing.  He
picked up the revolver that Ken had insisted he carry and followed the
sounds.

   Pete was by the girls' door and was struggling to open it, he turned
when Frank approached.

   "Stupid cunts have blocked the door, I can't check on them!" Pete
snarled in anger.

   "I know, I told them to.  Seems that I couldn't trust you with them
don't it?" Frank said while his gun was pointing squarely at Pete, "Now why
did you want to go in there?"

   "I thought I heard one of the brats moving around, thought I could get
her back to sleep." Pete said surly.

   "They'll be out for the next few hours, and we'll still have problems
with the Smythe girl." Frank paused for a moment and then said, "Tell you
what, you get your head down and I'll keep watch over them, in fact I'll
pull a chair over and sit right here to make sure they don't try to escape,
okay?" `_And to make sure you don't get in_' he added to himself.

   Pete kept an eye on the gun, which hadn't moved an inch while Frank was
talking, and decided not to push the issue.  "Sure Frank, I kinda feel
tired anyway." And Pete walked away from the door and on to the couch that
he used as a bed.

   Frank noticed that Ken had poked his head out to see what was happening,
but hadn't said a word.  Frank kept true to his word and positioned himself
in front of the door and dozed away until morning.

   ---------------------

   When the girls awoke Sharon started to feel ill again, but not as badly
as the previous day.  This time Frank had provided a bucket for the girl.
Cathy went to remove the chair but found that it was lodged under the
handle and needed force to shift it.

   After the chair was away there was a knock on the door; when Cathy
opened the door she found Frank standing there.

   "How's Sharon?" he asked her, Cathy looked at the girl who was less
green but still holding onto the bucket, `just in case' she had said.

   "A bit better than yesterday, but I don't think she's going to be sick
at the moment." Cathy told him

   "Good.  Do you feel up to cooking breakfast?  If you don't then Pete
will have to cook, and we'll have to eat it!" He shook his head as he said
that; "You really don't want to taste his eggs."

   Cathy laughed at that and nodded her head, "Okay then." She turned to
Sharon; "Do you feel up to learning how to cook?" Sharon's eyes went wide
and then she bent her head over the bucket again.  "I think that's a no,"
Cathy added to Frank.

   Frank escorted Cathy to the kitchen area.  As they passed by Pete on the
couch he raised his head.

   "Where're you going with her?  And why ain't you looking after the
Smythe bitch?" He said.

   "She's going to cook breakfast and Sharon's in the bedroom being sick! I
don't think she needs guarding do you?" Pete grimaced at the thought of
seeing the girl being sick once more and lay back on the couch.

   Cathy glanced at the man as he was lying there and then walked on with
Frank.  Once they reached the kitchen area and were alone she spoke to
Frank again.

   "Did anything happen last night?"

   "Why?  What made you ask?" Frank didn't want to scare the girl, but
wanted to know what she already knew.

   "I almost couldn't move the chair today; it was as if it was wedged
under the handle!  I think someone tried to come into the room last night."
She was looking directly at Frank as she said that.

   "I'm sorry Cathy, Pete did try last night, but the door stopped him and
then I stayed in front of the door for the rest of the night.  Trust me, he
never got into the room at all!"

   Cathy pondered this while cooking the eggs and bacon.  She started to
place the food onto plates while Frank took care of the coffee.  The plates
were placed onto a tray and carried out to the others.  But when Pete went
to take his a greasy spot caused him to drop the plate and all his food
went onto the floor.

   "What the fuck . . ." Pete shouted and went to grab for the tray of food
which Frank moved out of his reach.

   "Pete, your food is there!  If you choose to throw it away that's your
problem, don't try the same trick with ours!" Frank told him as he walked
with Cathy back to the bedroom.

   Sharon was feeling and looking better when Frank and Cathy walked in;
Frank offered her a cup of coffee first from which she started to sip.  She
then tried some of the food and was able to eat quite a bit, which
surprised her.

   Frank waited until the two girls had finished eating before letting them
know the plan for the morning.

   "We're going to be doing another recording today, Cathy you might be
able to talk as well, but please do not interrupt Sharon's script, it has
to be frightening to force her father to do what we say." At Cathy's sharp
look Frank shook his head, "I'm going to ensure that nothing will actually
happen to either of you."

   Cathy was still watching Frank closely "Can you be certain of that, what
if you're not there!"

   Frank shook his head.  "I've been told that we're going to be here
together until Joey gets out, and then we leave and drop you kids in a
park." Cathy knew that he was lying for Sharon's sake.  Frank then dropped
his eyes before he continued.  "For the script to work Sharon will have to
speak wearing just her underwear."

   "No way!  I'm not going to be undressed with you guys watching."
Sharon's voice was shrill Frank tried to keep his voice calm

   "Sharon either you'll do this yourself or Pete has orders to make you
undress and I don't think you're enjoy his way." Frank looked at Cathy when
he said that.

   "It will be alright Sharon, I'll be with you and I'll be dressed the
same way as well." Cathy told the girl, "And Frank will make sure that
neither Pete nor that Ken guy will watch us." She kept her eyes on Frank as
she spoke the last piece.

   "Don't worry about that!  I've got a daughter your age; I wouldn't want
her to be watched by Pete either." Frank left to give the girls' decision
to Ken.

   When he closed the door Sharon looked at Cathy, tears were in her eyes.
"Oh Cathy, what should I do, I'm frightened of those men!" Cathy held onto
her friend.

   "I am too." She said, "But I think we can trust Frank to keep his word,
if he says that Pete won't be there then he won't be, just imagine you're
at the beach in your swimming costume."

   "I'll try."

   "Good!  Now I don't know about you but I need the bathroom, but we'd
better wait for Frank to return." And the two girls sat down on the bed to
await Frank's return.

   ---------------------------------------

   "What do ya mean I'm not allowed to be there when they do the filming?"
Pete was whining away at Frank.  Ken however was thinking away.

   "Yeah I think we could swing that, I suppose you'd want me out of the
way too?  Get the brats to trust you . . .  Yeah that could work in the
long run for when you off the pair of them!  Sure Frank, that's a good
idea, but make sure the script is properly read out.  I don't want any
deviation from it at all.  And don't forget, I'll be watching the file
before it gets sent!" and he sent Frank off to tell the girls the good
news.

   "I still don't like it.  He's too soft." Pete was still moaning, "And
the way he plonked himself down in front of that door last night . . . 
Well I don't like it!"

   "Look you only had yourself to blame, if you can't keep your pecker off
the bitches that's your problem.  And if you have to make a noise about it
then Frank is going to notice you ain't he?" Ken told him, but Pete was
still moaning.

   "Ain't even had chance to put my pecker near the bitches, Franks been
watching them like a mother hen.  But I'm not going to let them stop me
tonight, first chance I get that chair's out of there!"

   Ken looked at Pete and then gave a small smile, "Now's your chance,
Frank's taking them to the bathroom!" Pete gave a chuckle and quickly
walked to the bedroom, he re-emerged with the chair and placed it in a
small room, he then removed all the other small chairs and put them in the
same room, which he locked.  He then returned to Ken.

   "Let's see them block the door tonight!" He smirked.

   -----------------------------

   The knock on the door announced Frank's arrival to the girls, Cathy
opened the door and Frank entered the room.

   "Ken has agreed to neither of them being in the room when the recording
is made.  But he insists that you have to read the script exactly as it's
written." He squatted down in front of Sharon, "I know what it says but
remember - it's supposed to make your dad do what we want him to do, I
won't let either Ken or Pete follow through with it." He was looking
straight at Sharon when he said that, she shivered but nodded her head in
understanding.

   Cathy however wasn't happy, "I want to see the script before Sharon has
to read it!" she said, but Frank shook his head.

   "I'm sorry Cathy, but Ken is adamant about the wording of the script, I
can't change a word of it." Cathy was still looking determined and so Frank
went to her and the pair of them moved away from Sharon.

   "Look Cathy if Sharon changes one word then Ken's going to want her to
read it again.  You say you're able to get a message out?" Cathy nodded her
head, "Well I suggest you tell them to rush their plans, I don't think I
can mollify either Ken or Pete for much longer." Cathy had already decided
to do that anyway.

   "If the police do come what's likely to happen?" She had to ask him,

   "Shit I don't know!  Ken and Pete have guns, not the pistol I've got but
army issue automatics and some plastic, but I can deal with the fuses
myself.  Knowing Pete he'll try to make some kind of display, so if I was
you two once I'd heard any noise I'd block the door and stay in the corner
with the mattress wrapped around you." He paused to see if Cathy understood
what he meant, he saw her swallow and knew she got the message.  "Now is
there anything else you two have to do?" He asked her.

   "Yes please, we have to use the, err.  err." she was now embarrassed but
Frank understood.

   "Okay then I'll take you both there and I'll stay outside, fair?" he
said to her, Cathy nodded her head and they both walked back to Sharon. 
Then the three of them walked out of the room to the bathroom, where Frank
positioned himself in front of the door.

   When the girls were finished and refreshed Frank walked them back to the
bedroom, he'd hardly closed the door when a knock on it made him open it
again.

   "The chair's gone!" Cathy hissed to him.  He looked in the room and saw
that she was correct.

   "Hold on I'll get you another." He said, but found that there weren't
any around at all.  He went up to Ken.

   "What's happened to the chairs?" He asked.

   "They were causing a nuisance so Pete removed them.  Don't worry,
there's plenty of heavy chairs to sit on." Ken said

   "I can't take a heavy chair into the girl's room, don't be daft!" Frank
was annoyed now but Ken didn't budge.

   "They've got a bed to sit on!  Now leave it!  You'd better get the room
ready for recording." And Ken left Frank to fume.

   -----------------------------------

   George had another sleepless night, he'd been contacted by DS Clark and
informed of the police's progress so far - in short nowhere!  He was
worried about Cathy and how she was coping with the situation.

   A thought occurred to him and he dialled a number.  A sleepy voice
answered him.

   "This had better be good!" Helen's voice said.  George told her it was!

   "I need a meeting with whoever's the main boss of the partnership, I
don't want to go through Veronica, I think she's too close to the problem!"
he added.

   "George, It's so late at the moment it's too early.  Why don't you try
to get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning!" Helen said sleepily.

   "Helen I haven't been able to sleep since the weekend.  I need some
answers and I need them soon.  I think the morning is too late for this, I
want action now!" By this time Helen was wide-awake.

   "Okay George, I'll make enquiries and get in touch with you.  Please
stay by the phone." And Helen hung up

   After 20 fretful minutes his phone rang again, he answered it before the
first ring had stopped.

   "Mr.  Douglas?" The unknown voice was calm and measured.  "A car will be
outside your house in a few minutes.  My master will see you as soon as you
arrive."

   "Your master?  But who are you?" George asked

   "My name, sir, is Baxter.  I am the butler to . . .  to my master, sir.
The car will arrive shortly.  I suggest you dress, sir." Bemused George
started to dress as he'd been instructed and soon found himself outside his
house when a dark car with black windows pulled up.

   "Mr.  Douglas?" The driver asked when George had identified himself the
back passenger door opened.  "Please get in sir." George entered the car to
find that the windows had been so darkened that he couldn't see out at all,
a small light was lit so that it added to his problem.

   "We have to pick up another person sir, I suggest you sit back and
relax." And before George could say anything the car started.

   After a few more minutes the car stopped and the door opened again,
Helen entered the car she looked at George in mock anger.

   "You realised you woke me up from wonderful dream." She said but he
didn't answer, so she continued.  "I dreamt that we got Cathy and Sharon
back without a mark on them!"

   "But that was just a dream." George told her "We're stuck with reality!"

   The rest of the trip was silent as they both stayed with their own
thoughts.

   After about an hour of travelling the car stopped.  George was shaken
awake from the doze that he'd been lulled into by the motion of the
vehicle.

   "Mr.  Douglas, sir!" the voice of Baxter sounded in his ear, "You are
expected sir." And George allowed himself to be led inside the impressive
structure before him.

   ---------------------------------------

   Seated at a desk in an office was a man who was well known to George,
although only on television.  He rose as George entered and extended his
hand.

   "Good morning Mr.  Douglas, or can I call you George?" The man asked.

   "George will be fine, Sir ???" The man smiled.

   "Well I think you can call me Tim, otherwise you're be spending most of
the time with Sir this and Sir that.  Now sit down before you fall down! 
You've got questions and I'm going to answer them, so relax and ask."

   George didn't notice Helen enter the room and pick up a notepad and
pencil.  She sat behind his chair and listened making notes as the
conversation progressed.

   George began; "I suppose what I want to ask is why haven't you done
anything about the kidnapping?  Helen told me that you have a vast
organisation behind you - surely you'd be able to get men to find the
girls?" Tim was sitting down now and was listening intently.

   "Quite true we could!" was the simple reply, "But we were hampered by
Robert's attitude, he only allowed us a small team!  We did have a group
ready but by then it was too late!" He spread his hands, "I'm not trying to
wriggle out of the responsibility for your child but the fact is that at
the moment DS Clark (yes we are watching his movements as well) is the best
man for the job in progress.  He showed great ingenuity in checking out
Frank Webb's house and has a reputation for being a high flyer in the
constabulary; we are thinking of making him an offer soon based on this
case."

   George stood up, "It's not a case, we're talking about my daughter
here!" he said.  Tim nodded.

   "I am aware of that!  We're also talking about Sharon Smythe; she's at
greater risk than Cathy is!  Ken and Pete Webb along with their brother
Joey are known to have carried out other kidnappings with victims older
than the children.  None of those victims have been recovered alive.  I'm
telling you this to make you understand that we are taking this seriously."
Tim's voice was speaking but they were starting to make a droning noise
where the words were only a part of the voice, George felt his eyelids
drooping.  Tim continued talking while watching George.

   "Now we've got an armed team at the disposal of the police, as far as
they're concerned it's a special swat team for kidnapping.  Their first
priority is the children's safety; anything else is secondary including the
capture of the kidnappers themselves - but I didn't tell you that!

   "I've reviewed the file sent and also an explanation of Cathy's short
hand in sign.  You should be proud of her George.  She's kept her head when
many children would be quaking in fear.

   "I`d better warn you that we are expecting a second video to be sent,
normally the Webb brothers make the victim pose in the nude with various
threats of what will be done if their demands aren't met so be prepared for
that.  They seem to delight in causing humiliation to their victims.  This
is so that they can . . .  George?  George?" Tim rose from his seat and
found that George, tired out from staying awake all night, had fallen
asleep.  Helen went to wake him up but was stopped by Tim.

   "No, leave him alone for the time being, I'll have Baxter wake him at
nine o'clock.  I think he needs the rest.  So daughter, what do you think
of George Douglas?" Helen smiled.

   "He's everything you've said he is, but there is just one draw-back. 
He's already in love with Sandra Henderson!"

   "So?" the question asked everything of Helen.

   "SO?  That says it all.  Once his heart is taken then nothing will sway
it, except his family, or rather Cathy.  If she had said no to Sandra then
George would have apologised to her and turn away." Helen shook her head,
"But Cathy won't do that.  She's just as bad as George is.  She's made up
her mind that Sandra is right for him and that's it."

   Tim smiled, "But children change their minds so easily.  You'll see, at
some stage Sandra will do something to make Cathy hate her." Helen shook
her head.

   "No she won't, and even if she did Cathy would get over it as quickly as
that.  You don't understand these two.  Your best bet is to get Cathy out
alive and make George so happy that he'll do anything for us.  But this
generation is lost to us.  We'll have to wait a bit longer." Helen's eyes
were bright as she said this.  Tim nodded his head in agreement.

   "You are right daughter, as always, but I wanted to hear your version
before I agreed with you." He smiled at her, "I think you'd better get to
bed, there's a few hours of night-time left, and you'll be expected at work
tomorrow."

   "Thank you father, I will." She walked to the door where she turned and
looked back at Tim, "Aren't you going to bed too?" She asked him.

   "Not at the moment daughter, I have some thinking to do, goodnight."

   "Good *morning* father." And Helen left the two men, one asleep and one
thoughtful, alone.

   ---------------------------------

   "Sir?" George felt himself being lightly shaken.  He opened his eyes to
see Baxter leaning over him.  "Good morning Sir, my master asked me to wake
you at this time." George looked to the desk, which was empty.

   "I'm sorry.  I must have fallen asleep." George said lamely.

   "Indeed sir, from what I've heard it was quite understandable sir.  I
think sir would benefit from a breakfast and then a shave before dressing.
I will have the cook send up a breakfast with the valet, he will look after
you from there, sir." Baxter bowed and then left the room.

   George watched the departing man and yawned.  His hand brushed over his
cheek and he felt the stubble there.  He looked around.  He didn't know
where he was except that he should be at work.  He tried to get up but
found that his back was aching where he'd sat overnight, or at least the
last few hours.

   "Good morning sir, my name is Jameson and I'm your valet." The young man
who entered the room was carrying a tray of food.  "After you have eaten
sir I'll show you to a bathroom where shaving equipment has been put out
for you."

   "I'm sorry who did you say you were." George was confused.

   "I'm Jameson, sir.  And while you are here I've been assigned as your
valet, sir."

   "Why do I need a valet?  And why are you doing it?"

   "You need a valet because I was told that you did, and as I'm currently
available I have been given the task, sir." Jameson sounded unfazed by the
question, "Now sir I suggest you relax and eat the breakfast.

   George had to admit that the breakfast smelt delicious, as good as Cathy
could have made . . .  Cathy!  He should be . . .  George was just about to
stand up.

   "Please sir, you'll be no use to your daughter if you're excited.  I
suggest you eat now and then take a shower and shave." Jameson stood beside
George like a patient mother encouraging her child to eat.

   "Very well Jameson, but tell me why are you talking like some 19th
century Butler?" George asked.

   "To tell you the truth sir, I've been taught to act in this manner,
quite literally from the `old school'." Jameson smiled in memory.

   "So where was this?  Harrow?  Eaton?" George asked him.

   "Just off the Tottenham Court Road, sir.  An understudy of Sir Donald
Sinden trained the teacher.  Who has now trained hundreds of people in the
art of the Buttle." There was a sense of honour in his words.

   "The art of what?" George hadn't recognised the word.  It sounded like
some mid-eastern martial art.

   "The Buttle sir, it's a made up term to account for the word Butler,
sir." Jameson smiled as if at a private joke.  "It's just a word sir,
nothing more." By this time George found that his plate was empty and
Jameson was helping him to rise.  "Now sir, if you will follow me."

   Jameson led George up some stairs into an opulent bathroom.  "If you
will have a shower sir, I will ensure that fresh clothing is provided.  I
will return in a few minutes." And Jameson left the room.

   George quickly used the toilet and the Shower; not knowing how long
Jameson would leave him alone.  When he went to pick up his clothing he
found it missing.  Keeping the towel around his waist, he decided against
searching the floor for his clothes and started to shave first.  He had
lathered his face when Jameson's voice came from his side.

   "Allow me sir." And before George could stop him he produced a
cut-throat razor and was sliding the blade along George's cheek.  "Please
hold still sir.  We wouldn't want the blade to slip would we sir."
Petrified George found he couldn't move even if he wanted to.

   Jameson worked quickly and efficiently with the blade, removing all the
stubble on George's face.  "Don't worry sir I have been well trained on
shaving.  We had to practice on a balloon several times a day until we
could remove the lather without bursting the balloon."

   George waited until Jameson had put down the razor before he found the
courage to move again.  He took the hot towel that was handed to him and
placed it around his face.  The heat of the towel took away the sting of
the shave.

   "Now sir, I have laid out some clothes which will suit you in the next
room, if you'll just follow me sir." And Jameson led George into a dressing
room where a suit was hanging on a hook along with shirt, underwear, socks
and tie.

   "Where are my clothes?" George asked but Jameson shook his head.

   "I'm sorry sir but they're being cleaned, but I think these will fit you
perfectly.  If you require any help, sir?" Jameson stood there waiting but
George answered quickly.

   "No!  Err, no thank you Jameson.  I can dress myself." George said more
to hide his embarrassment than anything else.

   "I'm glad to hear that sir.  I'll be outside sir." And Jameson left
George alone in the room.

   George emerged some minutes later to find Jameson regarding him closely.
"Not too bad sir.  The tie could do with an adjustment though!" And George
found Jameson reaching out for his neck, taking the tie and retying it into
a Windsor knot.  "Much better sir.  Now sir the car is waiting to take you
to work, Lady Helen is waiting for you."

   George nodded his head before he could stop himself and then looked
again at Jameson.  "Who did you say was waiting for me?" Jameson looked
blank and then he said.

   "Miss Jones is waiting for you in the car sir.  The voice was still held
in a measured English way.

   "I could have sworn that you said another name." George watched
Jameson's face carefully.  All he could see was puzzlement.

   "You must have misheard sir.  If you'll follow me sir." George took his,
now normal, position behind Jameson, as he was lead down an impressive
stairway to the main door where Baxter was waiting.

   Baxter bowed to George.  "I hope you will have a safe journey sir, and
that this current difficulty is soon resolved to a satisfactory conclusion
sir." Baxter said.

   "Thank you Baxter, I hope it will be too." George said and then
remembered his manners, "And please convey my thanks to Sir ???, I hope I
didn't inconvenience him too much."

   Baxter shook his head, "That's alright sir.  My master was concerned
about the apparent lack of support and was grateful to be of some service."
By this time they were by the car door, which the chauffeur held open. 
"Good bye sir."

   "Err yes, goodbye Baxter, Jameson." And George stepped into the car,
which drove away.  Baxter turned to Jameson and shook his head.

   "Eight out of Ten I'm afraid," he said, "You slipped up by giving Lady
Helen's name." And then he drew himself up and added, "You should also
NEVER speak of Tottenham Court Road at all!" Jameson studied his shoes
while being told this and then said.

   "Sorry Mr.  Baxter, I'll try to avoid those mistakes next time." Baxter
smiled slightly and patted Jameson on the shoulder.

   "Good.  Notwithstanding that I was pleased with your overall performance
and will be recommending you to the master later." Jameson looked up at
that and was about to reply when Baxter shook his head.  The two then
walked back into the house in a dignified silence.

   ----------------------------------

   Helen was watching him as he sat in the car finally she spoke.

   "Did you sleep well?" George looked at her for a moment before he
replied.

   "I did, I must have made a complete fool of myself!  I wanted answers
and as soon as I get the chance to hear them I fall asleep!" He sighed.

   "No not a fool, just a concerned parent!" Helen told him, "He spoke to
me after you had fallen asleep.  He apologised for leaving you there but he
thought you needed the sleep more than an explanation.  He did give me this
to pass onto you." She handed a typewritten sheet of paper, which he read
in silence.

   "My god!" he exclaimed, "Why don't the police know about all this?" He
asked, Helen waited for a bit before replying.

   "They do, at least some of the police divisions do, they don't have a
centralised database as we have, and every time we try to get them arrested
they'd vanished.  This is the only time we've managed to get one of them,
Joey, and we're not going to let it be the last!" her voice was cold as she
said that and George shivered slightly.

   "So did the company use Robert to try to flush the gang out?" George
asked her, she shook her head.

   "No, we were thinking they'd try something daft like raid the offices
and kidnap a secretary - it was arranged for a special target to be
available to them, but they didn't play by the book, and I had a homing
beacon that they'd never think of too," she told him

   "YOU were going to be the bait?" George said incredulously.

   "Of course, I have been trained for all eventualities you know!"

   "No, I didn't!  Remember?"

   "No that's right.  I haven't informed you of all my accomplishments have
I," she said but her tone suggested that George had better not press his
luck.

   Then he thought of something.  "Where did you stay last night?  I mean I
was in that chair when I woke up . . ." Helen laughed.

   "Oh I was put up in the servants' quarters, I was sharing with a parlour
maid, I think.  She had to get up at 6 O'clock!" she told him but he wasn't
really listening to her, the words said by that valet Jameson was still
going through his head `_Lady Helen was waiting in the car_!' *Lady Helen?
Lady Helen*!

   "... Mr.  Douglas?" Helen's voice brought him out of his thoughts.

   "Sorry Helen what was that?  I'm afraid I'm still slightly out of it."
George tried to cover for himself.

   "I said that Mr.  Watson is expected this morning and will expect to
receive an apology for his cancelled appointment from last week."

   "Blast Watson and all his progeny!" George exclaimed.  "Can't we cancel
again?  I think we have a good excuse this time." But Helen shook her head.

   "Not this time, he was very vocal last week.  If we cancel again we'll
lose his account," she told him.

   "Very well but if we hear anything further from Cathy you are to tell me
immediately." Helen assured him that she would; the rest of the trip was
taken up with both of them deep in their thoughts.

   ----------------------------

   Their arrival at the office went unnoticed by anyone; they went up to
the office floor and ensconced themselves in their work.

   Later that morning a noise announced the arrival of Julian Watson who
barged into George's office.

   "Well you've come far on my money I see!" Watson said without preamble,
"But what the blazes have you done for me recently?"

   "Good morning Mr.  Watson, it's nice to see you again." George was
trying to keep his temper with the obnoxious man.

   "Don't give me that!  Now what progress have you made with the case?  If
any?" - Watson was trying to fire an employee when he'd already been told
that he couldn't, he was now looking for a loophole.

   "We've checked the law books and I'm afraid that there is no way you can
proceed!  I would suggest that you apologise to the person concerned and
move on."

   "What bloody use is that?  I've got nothing to apologise for!  The man's
useless and he knows it!" Watson was going purple in the face as he said
that.  Just then Helen burst into the room.

   "Mr.  Douglas it's arrived, they've taken it to Mr.  Smythe's office
now." She was breathing fast

   "Has DS Clark been contacted?" George asked and Helen nodded her head.

   "Yes I've already called him, he's on his way."

   Watson was looking at the two in astonishment, "What the blazes are you
going on about!" He demanded, "I've still got an important case to discuss,
you can't just get up and go like that!  What about me!"

   George couldn't hold himself back, "Mr.  Watson I'm sorry but this has
precedence over any client!  I have given you my considered opinion; if you
decide to seek other advice then please feel free to do so!" and George
left the office.

   In Robert's office the computer disk was still in its delivery bag, the
courier had already been questioned but knew nothing, he'd picked up the
disc from the office where it had been delivered by another company, and
then delivered it to the partnership offices.  The courier was still
downstairs awaiting DS Clark and his team to check his story.

   As George went to take the package Clark arrived.  His hand was the
first to take the disk out, by slitting open the base of the package so
that the seal was unbroken.  The disc was loaded into the drive of Robert's
computer and the file open.

   ---------

   Sharon didn't like this but at Cathy's insistence she was dressed in her
vest and knickers, she felt really uncomfortable even though Cathy was
dressed in the same manner, although she had a pretty pair of panties and a
bra covering her.

   Frank had told the two that Pete and Ken were away and that it was just
him there with the camera.  She didn't mind Frank, although his voice was
gruff, he acted just like an uncle to her and Cathy.  He was gentle when he
could have been rough.  He didn't shout at her when she was sick.  She just
couldn't work him out.

   She went into the main room, a cloth was raised in front of a heavy
chair and a newspaper was folded on the seat.  Sharon went to sit down but
was stopped by Frank.

   "You'll have to be standing up, you have to hold the newspaper up so
that the headline can be read and then drop it so that your father can see
that you are well.  Then you have to read the script I've got ready for
you. Cathy you will stand beside Sharon so that your father can see that
you're still alive, you can't speak this time, I'm sorry but Ken was clear
on that." He did look apologetic, "Also if for any reason Ken doesn't like
this take, we go through the whole thing again until he does.  Clear?"

   Both girls nodded their understanding and took their positions.  Cathy
was holding the paper.  Frank checked his laptop computer for the disc and
camera settings before nodding his head at the girls and bent down for the
cue-cards he'd had ready.

   "Hello Daddy, I'm okay but I have to give you this message . . ." Sharon
started to read the cards just making sure she read the words aloud. 
Beside her Cathy's hands were moving as if in fear.

   "The case against Joey Webb must be abandoned on the first day, we know
you can do that and it will be harmful to your daughter should you fail. 
Each day Joey remains in court means that we will take our revenge against
your daughter and her friend, so it is up to you.  Her safety is in your
hands.  If you agree to this, then place an advert in the personal column
in the Evening Standard, the wording will be - `Come home Sharon all is
forgiven' - for the sake of your daughter and her friend you will agree to
this, otherwise the next communication will show her in her naked glory and
she will be deflowered for your failure." At this point Sharon's voice gave
out.  Cathy reached to her and held onto her shoulders to give her support.

   ". . .  You will make your application to get the case abandoned to the
high court today and application to have Joey Webb released as quickly as
possible.  We need not remind you of the consequences should you fail. 
That is if you really love your daughter."

   Cathy's hand had returned to their rapid movements and they seem to be
urgent in their agitations, Frank was watching Cathy more than Sharon and
when Cathy gave a small nod he stopped the filming.  He threw the girls
bath sheets, which Sharon immediately wrapped around her body.  Frank took
his laptop away to where Ken and Pete were waiting.

   Ken gave his judgement "Yes, that's good enough.  Right now we send that
disk to the couriers to be passed on.  Pete you can take it now, the sooner
it gets there the quicker Joey will be free."

   Pete grabbed the parcel and left the bunker.  He looked around before
walking into the main foyer of the Courthouse, turning slightly away from
the police officers that were in the building.  He took the parcel to a
motorbike courier with instructions to deliver it to another courier firm.

   "`Ere governor, we could take it directly to the people, it's not far
away," the owner told him.  But Pete grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled
his face close.

   "Listen mate, if you want to stay in one piece you don't question
anything!  Got it?" he snarled.

   "Sure . . .  right governor.  No problems.  Follow instructions, right!"
the man quiveringly replied.  Pete gently released his hold and brushed the
man's shirt straight.

   "There now, that wasn't hard was it?" Pete told him before leaving.

   "Should have gone into the porno business like brother Reg, at least you
know the people you're involved with!" the man muttered to himself watching
Pete's back receding.

   Back at the bunker Frank had told the girls that the recording was over
and that they could get dressed.  He left them in their room to give them
privacy.  By mutual agreement they put on the jeans and tee-shirts rather
than their dresses.

   "Cathy what's going to happen to us, Dad doesn't know where we are and
that Pete . . ." Sharon couldn't continue speaking.  Cathy held her
tightly.

   "It's alright Sharon!  I'm not going to let Pete do anything to either
of us!" She said fiercely.  She didn't say that she was passing messages
out as she felt that Sharon might say something at the wrong time.

   "But how can you stop him, they put us out at night and now they've
taken the chair away so we can't block the door!" Sharon wailed.

   "We can trust Frank to stop Pete at night, and during the day I'm with
you.  So stop worrying." And she hugged Sharon tightly.

   ----------------------

   Clark put the disc into Robert's computer and brought up the media
player, he pressed the space bar to start the file playing.  At the first
sight of the screen there was an audible gasp from Robert.

   There were the two girls standing in their underwear, Sharon holding the
newspaper and Cathy beside her, her hands moving in a strange pattern. 
Clark was watching Cathy closely.

   "What the bloody hells going on here?  Why are you watching porn when
you should be looking after my problems!" Watson had entered the room
without anybody noticing, "I've a bloody good mind to call the police!" He
had a self-righteous air in his voice.

   Clark held up his identification without his eyes leaving the screen,
"Shut up and go away!" he told the blustering Watson.  Helen managed to
pull the spluttering man out of the office before returning.

   Clark watched the whole of the file and then started running it again,
at times he shook his head.  "There're parts I can't read, we need Trudy
again I'm afraid." He said and Helen reached for a phone.

   While they were waiting for Trudy to arrive Clark spoke.  "The first
thing is to get that ad to the Standard.  I've got some friends that will
make sure that it appears, we've got to get them to think that they've got
their way!" He told Robert and George.  "Cathy has said that they aren't at
the address she gave us, but we already knew that, its just I can't make
out the signs for where they are.  I hope Trudy can tell me!"

   Helen was busy dialling another number as Clark spoke she handed the
phone to him and said, "The Evening Standard." Clark nodded his thanks and
started to speak.

   "Clive?  Yes Clive!  Charles Clark here!  Thank you." There was a pause
and then.  "Clive?  Good.  Charlie here I need a favour.  It's important
there are a couple of girls' lives at risk here.  What?  When we've got
them safe I'll give you the story!  Okay?  Good!  Now here's the insert. 
`Come home Sharon, all is forgiven!' got that?  Can you read it back! . . .
Yep that's it.  Now Clive it's important that it goes into the personals
today.  Yes today!  Good.  Yes Clive I've already said that, you'll get
your story.  Thanks." And Clark hung up the phone.

   "Well that's that done, now all we need is Trudy." Clark said to all in
the office.

   This time Trudy arrived by police car with its lights flashing and
sirens wailing, although of course Trudy couldn't hear them.  But it made
an impression on the kids in the school.  A policewoman took her to
Robert's office and then left her with Helen.

   "Hello Trudy did you enjoy the trip down here?" Helen asked handing
Trudy a notepad and pencil.

   `_No!  They didn't talk to me and kept to the speed limit!_' Trudy wrote
back.  Helen smiled and shook her head.

   "I'm sorry about that Trudy.  I'll ask Sergeant Clark if he'll tell them
to return you quickly okay?" Trudy smiled and nodded her head in glee.

   Clark sat in front of Trudy and started to sign.  `*Don't worry about
how the girls look.  Cathy says that they are being looked after by one of
the men.  He is on our side, I need to know exactly where they are being
held, I could not make out her sign correctly, it looked like Kirk House,
but there's no such place!*'

   Trudy nodded.  `*Okay I'll see what she says*.' And she went to the
computer and started the video playing.

   She took no notice of the girls themselves but kept her eyes on Cathy's
hands.  `*Trudy this is important.  We are not at the address given but at
the Courthouse in an underground bunker; let everyone know as soon as
possible.*' Trudy pressed the space bar and paused the video.  She then
took her pad and wrote down Cathy's message.

   "Son of a bitch!" exclaimed Clark I could have walked there yesterday!
But what underground bunker?  I need to get back to the station."

   "Hold on Sergeant we can find that out here" said Helen walking to a
secretary's computer and brought up the internet.  She accessed a
government database and then to building plans.  Clark looked on in
amazement.

   "How did you do that?  Those records are confidential!" he said.  Helen
shook her head.

   "It's simple when you know the right people!" she said in explanation -
although it told Clark absolutely nothing.  She then noticed a small
comment in the blueprints, she pressed a few more keys and on the screen
was a picture of Sharon and Cathy sitting on a bed in an enclosed room,
they were dressed in jeans and tee shirts.

   "What's that?" Clark asked her she didn't answer but started to press
number buttons, which gave different views of the bunker.

   "They didn't know about the cameras it seems, and the feed is live! 
Anyone could watch the fools and they wouldn't know." She switched back to
the girls room but was surprised to see them talking calmly to a strange
man.  Clark went through his papers.

   "That's Frank Webb; he's a mystery to me.  There's no reason why he's
with his brothers but he's left his own family to take up with them again."
Clark told Helen

   Trudy brought over her notepad and let Clark read it.  `_Frank Webb is
protecting the girls from his brothers but Cathy doesn't know how long he
can do that as Pete seems to be getting worse.  Cathy fears for Sharon's
safety.  Frank is being blackmailed by Ken and Pete.  He thought he'd
killed a man several years ago but it was Joey who did it.  The man's name
was Wilson_.'

   "Blackmail!  Of course that's the only answer.  The problem is that
they're most probably going to try to make him stay on their side.  Which
could mean . . ." he couldn't finish his words but Helen nodded and looked
back at the screen.

   "They are going to get him to kill the girls" She said softly Clark
nodded in agreement.  Suddenly the screen display showed Sharon pointing to
the camera.  Frank also looked at it and seemed worried.  Cathy started to
use sign `*RED LIGHT IS ON*' was her message and then she started to speak
to Sharon.

   Clark went to leave the office.  "I've got to get the ball rolling!  If
the girls have seen the cameras were active then Pete and Ken might have as
well!" He went to leave but turned to Robert and George, "Don't worry,
we've got a special crack team on stand-by, your girls will be safe I
promise you that!"

   When he left Helen shook her head and said quietly to herself.  "You had
to say that didn't you!" then she turned to the computer screen but noticed
Trudy shaking her head at her.

   ----------------------

   Cathy was still comforting Sharon over her ordeal with the video, "It's
all right Sharon.  You've got nothing to be ashamed of!"

   "But anyone might see me, I feel so dirty!" Sharon was saying - Cathy
thought that it was stupid, but she wasn't going to say so.

   "But Sharon just think.  In a few years time you're going to want boys
to look at you." Cathy told her with a smile.  Sharon looked at her
wide-eyed, and then she noticed the look in Cathy's eyes and realised that
she was being teased.

   "Oh you!" She said and picked up a pillow and started to hit Cathy with
it getting a few swats in first before Cathy could find her own pillow.

   The girls continued with their fight until both collapsed laughing, "You
know, if we practice hard with these we could fight our way out!" Cathy
said bringing on a new round of laughter.

   "Could you imaging Pete being knocked out with a pillow!" chortled
Sharon but Cathy started to look around.  "What are you doing?" Sharon
asked her.

   "Looking for something to put into this pillowcase!" Cathy told her,
"Sod!  There's nothing here!" and there wasn't - Ken and Pete might have
been criminals but they weren't stupid, any breakable or heavy items were
out of the girls' reach.

   There was a noise of something heavy being dragged towards their bedroom
door.  The noise stopped and then there was a knock on the door.  Frank
opened the door and walked in at the girls' enquiring look he gestured back
to the door.

   "I thought that since Pete's taken all the chairs away I'd prepare my
seat for the rest of the night!" Cathy ran to the door and looked out. 
Just the door he had positioned a heavy armchair.  She returned to the bed
and kissed Frank.

   "Thank you Frank," she said and hugged him.  Sharon was looking at her
wide-eyed.

   "But he's one of the men who . . ." She stopped in mid-sentence as Cathy
nodded her head.

   "Yes he is, but he's also the one who's going to help us when we need
him," Cathy told her while looking at Frank.

   Frank left the room briefly to check on Ken and Pete, while Cathy sat to
talk to Sharon.  While they were talking she thought she saw a flash of red
in the corner of the room, but she was too busy trying to convince Sharon
that Frank was a good kidnapper - if there ever was such a thing - to take
much notice of it.

   They were joined by Frank shortly after, "Ken's decided that the video
should be with your dad's by now.  All we're hoping for is that they agree
to Ken's demands," he told the two girls.

   Suddenly Sharon stood up and pointed to the corner of the room, "Look
there a light there, it's like a video camera's light!" and she started to
wave to the camera that was now obvious.

   "Oh Shit!" said Frank, "If either Pete or Ken sees that then it's going
to be all hell down here, we've got to get them to shut it off!"

   Cathy stood up and started to move her hands.  Sharon stared at her,
"What are you doing?" she asked.

   "Hopefully it's Dad's office checking up on us.  I'm trying to tell them
that there's a light on the camera." As she said that the light flashed
twice and went off.  Cathy found that Frank was looking at her.

   "That's how you told them where you thought we were!" He said, "But does
your dad know how to read it?"

   Cathy shook her head, "No, but my friend Trudy does!  But it does ask
the question . . .  Are you going to tell Ken and Pete that the police
know?"

   Frank shook his head, "No, I'm not!  We shouldn't have kidnapped either
of you and deserve all we get.  Once they start to break in both of you
should keep out of the way!" This time Sharon reached out to hug Frank.

   "I trust you, Uncle Frank," she said.  Frank went down onto his knees
and hugged the child.

   "Thank you Sharon, now keep quiet about all this, we have to make Ken
and Pete think they've got everything their own way.  Okay?" he said to
her. She nodded her head in reply.

   Later that day Cathy prepared the lunch for all of them, she didn't do
anything to Pete's meal this time - she was waiting for dinner for that
little piece of fun.

   --------------------

   Clark was back in his office.  He'd already arranged to meet his chief,
and was now searching back reports about unsolved deaths.  Then he found
it! Man battered to death in his own home but with no clues.  Fingerprints
were smudged and not decipherable.  There were several lines of enquiry but
nothing came of them.  He noticed that Joey and Pete Webb had been
questioned but they clamed to be with their brother Frank who backed up
their story.

   He checked with his chief about this when they had their meeting.

   "I'm concerned this time chief, we know where the girls are being kept.
It's an underground nuclear bunker under the Courthouse.  I suppose that
they were going to use it to spring Joey when he appeared.  But then found
that it was ideal for hiding the girls." Clark said.

   The chief listened and then said "Okay.  Since it's a public building we
don't need a search warrant, but we'll arrange a fire alarm to clear the
place.  The special swat team will be notified and we'll have a briefing at
say 2 O'clock?"

   "Sounds fine by me chief.  Oh by the way, I'd like to question Joey
Webb. If I'm right he can shed some light on an old case in his hometown."
The chief frowned at that.

   "Wouldn't it be better if someone from that division did the
questioning?" he asked Clark.

   "Not at the moment Chief.  This is to help the girls, and also another
person." He kept his answer cryptic.  The Chief was about to ask him to
explain but decided that Clark deserved some fun.

   "Okay, I start the ball rolling from here, when you get to the prison
they should be expecting you."

   The trip to the prison was quiet short and, after showing his
identification, Clark was allowed into a small visiting room.  After a few
minutes Joey Webb was brought in, the guard uncuffed his hands and then
left the room, but stood outside watching.

   Clark took out a tape recorder, which he turned on, and then waited.

   "So what are you then?  Some bloody hack wanting to hear my life's
story?" Joey was sarcastic.

   "You have a long history of crime don't you Joey," Clark said calmly. 
Joey leaned back in his chair and placed his feet on the table; he was
smirking now.

   "Me squire?  Don't know what you mean.  I'm here on some trumped up
charge and my brief says I'll be released without a stain on my character."
The smiling face was beaming now.

   Clark tried to look baffled.  "Oh didn't you know?  There's been some
evidence connecting you to another case, bit more serious than threatening
behaviour this time."

   "What the fuck you on about?  You've got nothing on me!" Joey's feet
were back on the floor and he was standing on them.  The officer outside
went to open the door but stopped at a gesture from Clark.

   "Sit down Joey.  We've got everything on you.  Ken's been squawking like
a parrot, how you made your brother Frank think he killed Wilson when in
fact it was you!" Clark knew that he was pushing his luck here.

   "Oh no, you're making it up, Ken wouldn't say that!  He's my brother. 
He said he'd look after me!  YOU'RE LYING." Joey was very easy to provoke
Clark found.

   "Oh no Joey." Clark said in a calm voice, "You see Ken's in a lot of
trouble, do you know what he tried to do?" Joey didn't say a word so Clark
continued.  "He went after Robert Smythe's family, but he botched it,
badly. He's looking at twenty years plus for the damage he's done.  But
he's trying to make a deal.  So he's dropping you in it.  Nice and deep!"

   "The bastard!  That's what he is.  Bastard!  After all I've done for him
as well.  But he was involved in that as well as me!" Joey was angry now.

   "Well now it's out in the open why don't you tell me your version of the
story and then we'll see who's right!" Clark was trying to be friendly -
This evidence wouldn't stand up in court but it would help Frank Webb.

   "Why not!  If only to piss Ken off." Joey considered and then sat down
again, "It was some time back, the four of us went to old man Wilson's
house, it was supposed to be a lark.  We dragged Frank along but he wasn't
much for the fun, the guy's a wimp you know what I mean.  Anyway we were in
the house when Wilson suddenly appeared.  Well we all scarpered except for
Frank who got grabbed by Wilson.  He ended up hitting a wall.  He was gone,
flat out.

   "Well I couldn't let the bastard get away with that!  So I take a lamp
and clobbers him.  Hard!  He goes down, but then the stupid bastard tries
to get up.  Well by that time Ken's in the room and he tells me to hit the
bloke again, so I does, several times.  Seems I went a bit too far cause
the next thing I knows is he's dead!  Then Ken tells me to wake Frank up
and make him think he's off'ed the guy.  So I did and ever since then
Frank's been sure that he's a killer."

   "And you've never told him any different?" Clark asked.

   "What?  Why should I do that?  The wimp needed some backbone anyway! 
But it didn't do any good.  He split when he was eighteen.  Haven't seen
him since!  Don't want to see him again!" Joey sounded contemptuous.

   Clark picked up the tape recorder and switched it off.  "Thank you Joey
that will be very helpful!" And then Clark stood up, Joey remained seated
and smiled up at Clark.

   "So you think that Ken's going to be pissed at that?" He said smugly but
Clark didn't smile back.

   "Oh I think he's going to be very pissed off, especially when he hears
what you've said!" Clark told him and left the room.  Joey slowly started
to realise what he'd said and got up to run to the door.

   "Hey.  Where did you say you had Ken anyway?" Joey was shouting, "You
can't just walk off, I want my brief!" He started pounding on the locked
door.  "I want my brief!" The guard quickly entered the room and started to
pull Joey back to his cell.

   -------------------

   The swat team was assembled in the Chief's office.  Clark was going over
the floor plan with their leader.

   "The girls are located in this room here." Clark pointed to one area of
the map.  "There's only one entrance which is sealed from the inside.  From
these plans there is an access port to unlock the door, but that is behind
this steel panel.  And once the door is opened an alarm is set to go off."

   "So we have to gain access to the hostages as quickly as possible.  You
want the targets upright or horizontal?" the leader asked calmly.  At
Clark's look he sighed, "Alive or dead?" he expanded.

   "I'd prefer them alive but if Ken or Pete fight back I'll leave it up to
you.  Don't harm Frank.  He's been dragged in to this!" The leader shook
his head.

   "It doesn't work like that, if we're shot at then we fire back, bullets
don't listen to orders they just go in a straight line!  If anyone's in the
way they don't care!"

   Clark nodded his head, "Well Frank's had army training so I hope he'll
know what to do!"

   The leader of the swat team smiled, "Yeah when the bullets start
whizzing get your bloody head down!" He said and then addressed the rest of
the team.

   "Okay you know what to do.  Atkins you get the panel and open the doors,
Jones, Williams, Fuller and Hooper you head for the hostages.  Rest of you
subdue Tango's 1, 2 and 3 minimum of damage, we've got to pay for any
replacements.  Questions?"

   "What if we're fired on?" came from most of the team.

   "Fire back!  We're not on some training scheme.  Tango's 1 and 2 are
definite hostiles Tango 3 is uncertain, but take no chances the Hostages
are the main objective, we want them alive." The leader looked around his
men and then nodded.  "Okay then get to the transport and we move out."
When Clark walked with the men the leader stopped him.

   "Just where do you think you're going?" he asked.  Clark looked back at
him.

   "With you of course, this is still my case and I'm going to see it to
the end." The leader was about to reply when his face went still for a
moment and then he said.

   "Okay but you stay behind us at all times, and when we say down you'd
better be eating the carpet before we finish the word, understood?"

   Clark resisted the urge to salute but just said.  "Yes sir, whatever you
say." The leader did a double take at Clark but left it at that.

   The trip was quick as the path was cleared by police cars.  The got out
of the trucks to find policemen all over the main entrance, a sergeant
walked to the leader.

   "The building deserted, we told everyone there was an unexploded bomb in
the building, and you've got a clear passage," the sergeant said.  The
leader nodded and then gestured for his team to advance.

   Outside the entrance to the bunker Clark was astounded.  He knew that
there was a door here, but it couldn't be seen at all.  The camouflage was
perfect.  Then he made out a small crack, barely noticeable.  Beside that
was an ornate metal plate at which one of the swat team was working.

   Once the plate was away there was a handle to turn, this was soon done
and the door started to open, a noise could be heard from inside the bunker
alerting all that the door wasn't sealed.

   The leader looked in the doorway and then spoke.  "Okay team, you've got
your instructions.  Let's go!"

   (Additional information - I've had comments regarding a previous chapter
and the use of the telephone number 1471, this is like the American *69
which lets you know the last number that called.  That's all.  WL.)