Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 George Douglas 9 - (Reconciliation)

   Sandra had stayed in Cathy's bedroom after George had deposited his
sleeping daughter on her bed and left the room.

   Sandra looked at the exhausted form lying on the bed and shook her head,
`_You have been through a lot_!' she thought, and started to undress the
girl before dressing her in pyjamas and covering her up.  She kissed the
child on her head before leaving the room.

   George was seated in an armchair when Sandra joined him.  He gave her a
small smile, she sat on his lap and kissed him.

   "Do you feel better now?" she asked him.

   He thought for a moment before answering and then said, "It was strange,
I would start to think about what I would do if Cathy didn't come back." He
looked at Sandra, "I don't think I could have coped with it!" and the
tension of the past few days broke through.

   Sandra held him close as he cried as a child would.  She understood what
he was feeling as this had affected her as well.  After a few minutes he
recovered enough to pull away from her, he took out a handkerchief and
wiped his eyes, he looked up at Sandra.

   "I'm sorry, I don't know what you must think of me!" he said to her
sounding ashamed.

   "I'm thinking how strong you had to be while Cathy was away, you didn't
give up on her and were always thinking of her.  I think you're wonderful,
and it's only natural that you should have strong feelings now that she's
safe." She kissed him.  "Now you need to relax and get some sleep as well.
I'll get started on the dinner, but don't expect my cooking to be better
than Cathy's," she added with a smile.

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

   Sandra was in full swing cooking a dinner for George and Chris, who was
expected soon, she marvelled at the labels on some of the items.

   `_Dad - This can be placed in the oven at temp 190 for *30* minutes. 
Make sure the oven is* hot* first (small amber light is out!_)' or even the
one that she found on a tub of ice-cream `_DAD *DO NOT* PUT THIS IN THE
OVEN - EAT COLD_!' although she did think this was more of a joke between
George and Cathy.

   She was just tidying up the room when she heard a car in the drive. 
Looking out she saw George's car being parked neatly and a woman exiting
from it.  She opened the back door.

   "Hello there!" she called out.

   The woman looked around and then waved to Sandra.  "Oh!  Hello, I didn't
want to disturb anyone!"

   "You're not!  Do you want a cup of tea, I'm just about to make myself
one."

   "Well if it won't put you out.  I'm Helen by the way and you must be
Mrs. Henderson."

   "Call me Sandra please Helen," then a thought came to her, "You were the
person who called me earlier?" she said.

   "I'm afraid I was.  How is Cathy?" Helen asked, although she already
knew the doctor's report.

   "Sleeping at the moment, it's just as if she couldn't let herself relax
until she knew that everything was alright." Sandra let Helen into the
kitchen and then filled the kettle with water.

   "And how is Mr.  Douglas?  He was very worried last night." At Sandra's
look Helen explained about his phone call the previous night and his
subsequent trip.  She took pains not to reveal too much information. 
Sandra's attitude changed subtly.

   "That's more than a secretary is supposed to do isn't it?  I mean get
called in the middle of the night to arrange an urgent meeting with some
stranger?  I'm sure if I tried that with Janice she'd tell me where to go!"
She watched Helen closely.

   "I wouldn't blame her either.  It was just that he didn't want to go
through your mother but wanted to talk to some-one who could help him."
Helen said that as if without thinking, but noticed that Sandra's face had
gone white.

   "He didn't want to go through *who*?" Sandra asked.  Helen acted as if
she had made a mistake.

   "Our co-ordinator we call her mother!" Helen said trying to defuse the
situation, but Sandra was not that easy to deflect.

   "No you said that George didn't want to go through *my* mother." Sandra
told her she knelt by the troubled Helen and looked into her eyes, "Please
if you know about my mother tell me, I need to know how she is?"

   This time it was Helen who sounded uncertain.  "I'm sorry Mrs. 
Henderson, I shouldn't have said anything.  I'm not sure if I should . . ."

   "Helen!  I've just witnessed George's reaction to getting Cathy back
after some days.  I've been without my mother for over 13 years.  I
actually thought she was dead, so if you know how I can contact her please
tell me!" Sandra was begging Helen.

   "Please Mrs.  Henderson, let me think for a moment." Helen said, Sandra
nodded and went to make the tea to calm herself down, Helen decided and
took out a mobile phone, she pressed a quick dial number.  The phone was
answered and Helen spoke.  "Hello Mrs.  Coleman . . .  Yes it's me Helen .
. .  I'm fine but I've made a stupid mistake . . .  No George and Cathy are
both fine, its Sandra . . .  Yes, Sandra!  You see I . . ." At this point
Sandra had rushed across the room and pulled the phone from Helens hand.

   "Mother is that you?  Please Mother I'm so sorry . . .  Mother?  Mum? 
Please say something."

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

   Frank couldn't get to sleep.  He kept seeing Pete shooting him and then
charging to the girl's room, the recoil of the pistol as he shot towards
Pete to stop him from getting to the girls.  Pete wasn't the first man he'd
killed, but he always felt remorse following such an action - a drawback in
a soldier.

   A noise from outside the room attracted his attention.

   ". . .  And I tell you that you cannot stop me from entering that room!"
the voice was an elderly man's which Frank did not recognise.

   "I'm not trying to stop you sir, just asking your business with Mr. 
Webb." The constable patently said.

   "I'm his family solicitor and I demand that I see my client." The voice
demanded and then the owner appeared in the doorway.  The man was short
with white hair and a ruddy complexion.  He wore a mackintosh and carried
an umbrella, which he brandished aggressively.

   "Now then you're Frank!  I've already had some words with Ken.  Now you
keep your mouth shut when they ask you any questions.  We've already gone
ahead with a writ against the police for the murder of Pete.  Pity about
him but it was bound to happen at some stage.  We should be able to gouge
quite a bit out of them." The man was taking off his coat while saying this
to show an old threadbare suit.  "All we have to do is to get your story
straight.  I understand that there's been a slight mix-up between yourself
and Ken, but if you follow my script we should soon get you both out, and
with an apology from the police as well."

   Frank couldn't believe his ears.  "But we kidnapped those girls, and
threatened their lives!" He started; the man shook his hand dismissively.

   "All circumstantial!  We can eliminate the videos on the grounds that
they are easy to forge.  And I doubt if the girls would be in any fit state
to testify, I can get doctors to say that they've been hypnotised into
believing they'd been kidnapped!" The man looked at Frank disbelievingly.
"Anyone would think you wanted to go to prison!" He exclaimed.

   Frank got up onto one arm.  "Well I'm all for paying for my crime.  And
I've already got a solicitor.  So I don't need you!" The man seemed to rock
on his heels when he heard that.

   "You can't have!  *I'm* the family solicitor, have been for years!  So
you're stuck with me!  Now when are you going to be interviewed by this
Detective Sergeant Clark?" Frank couldn't stand it.

   "*OFFICER, OFFICER!*" the policeman looked into the room, Frank pointed
to the man, "This person is leaving, don't let him return please." The
officer reached out to the man who was now picking up his coat.

   "Very well Mr.  Webb, I'll go.  But remember this I'm your only hope to
avoid a long sentence, I would ask that you consider what prison life is
like and the way I have been able to help your family with my suggestions."


   Frank was now alert.  "You mean you suggested all this to Ken and Pete?"
He asked.  The man looked at the constable now standing in the room.

   "I've no idea what you're on about!" He said, "And any suggestion could
be construed as libellous so I'd caution you about such talk either now or
in the future." And with that he left.

   `_Dammn I didn't ask him for his name_!' Frank thought before trying to
settle down again.

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

   George was woken up by the noise of crying from the kitchen area.  He
got up and walked into the room.  Helen was standing by Sandra who was
holding a mobile phone in her hands.  The kettle had boiled and so George
poured some hot water into the teapot, swirled the water in the pot to warm
it and then poured the water away.

   George continued to make the tea while Helen was talking softly to
Sandra.

   He placed two cups on the table in front of the two women and sat down
watching them.  Sandra raised her eyes and spoke to him.

   "You knew!" It was not a question and from the way she looked he
understood what she meant.

   "Yes, she introduced herself to me."

   "Why didn't you tell me?" her tone was accusing

   "She didn't want me to." Sandra's eyes widened, "She thought that you
had closed against her and never wanted to see her again.  She didn't want
to cause you heartache."

   Sandra just stared at him, "But she could have . . ." she started to say
but George shook his head.

   "Apparently you two had strong words and had decided not to see each
other, however she did say that she was sorry about them, but didn't want
you to be pressurised into meeting her.  It was something that you had to
do on your own," he said gently.

   She looked away from him.  Helen however looked at George.  "I'm sorry
Mr.  Douglas; I didn't mean to cause any trouble," she said.

   George smiled at her.  "It's alright Helen.  This had to come out into
the open anyway.  It's better that it happened sooner."She took a cup of
tea and sipped from it.

   Sandra was still troubled, "But what do I tell Chris?" She asked.  "He's
never asked about Mum he's just accepted that Angela and Michael were his
only grandparents, how's he going to take it?"

   Looking up at the opening Kitchen door George said, "Now's the best time
to find out!" Chris entered the room.

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

   At Robert's house Karen was in Sharon's bedroom, her daughter was
hunched over in her bed but holding onto Karen's hand.

   "Please mummy don't leave me alone, I don't want them to get me again."
Sharon was saying Karen stroked her hand.

   "It's alright Sharon you're safe now, relax and go to sleep." She told
her daughter and she continued to murmur to her until the girl was asleep.
She found a night-light and plugged it in letting the glow highlight her
daughter's face.

   Karen walked to the living room.  Robert was looking out of the window
but not seeing anything.  She walked up behind him and rested her head on
his shoulder.

   "She's asleep now, but it's as if she's six again!" Karen said, "She's
scared that they're going to kidnap her again." She sighed, "I hope she
gets over this."

   Robert reached around and pulled her close, "She will do, we just have
to show her that we love her." He held her and then looked into her eyes,
"You know, I don't think I'm cut out for this.  It sounds good taking over
cases from the Crown.  But nobody said that my family would be targets. 
I've a good mind to tell them I quit, and let Oona take over the case!"
Karen looked at Robert in shock; she opened her mouth to say something but
. . .

   "No daddy!  Then they've won!" The small voice came from the doorway
where Sharon was standing in her night-dress; she ran up to Robert and
reached up to him.  He pulled her up into his arms.  "They are nasty men,
but I'm okay I'm with you and mummy.  But if you did give up and Mrs. 
Glover did it instead how would her children be if they got kidnapped? 
They're younger than I am, and they wouldn't have Cathy to help them!"

   This was true Robert considered, but then if the partnership gave up the
action and returned it to the CPS they would never be so vulnerable again.

   Robert tried to explain but Sharon stopped him, "You've always told me
that the truth will always protect us.  But if you give up then the truth
won't be allowed to get out.  So it's up to us to keep it free!" it was a
very confusing statement from the young girl, but somehow Robert understood
it.

   "Are you sure we can cope with whatever they throw at us?" Robert asked
the girl who looked thoughtful for a moment.

   "No daddy I don't!" Was the surprising adult answer from his daughter,
"But until they do it we'll never know?" George looked at her in a new
light.

   "That's true darling, where did you learn that?" he asked her.

   "From watching Cathy, She didn't give up either with Frank or me!  I
wish I was like her," she said.

   "I'm just happy that you are you, and that you're with us!  . . .  Okay
then I'll carry on with the case, and I'll also help Frank as I think he's
going to need it." Robert told her.  Karen also held onto her daughter
bringing the family into a group hug.  Then they took Sharon back into the
bedroom and placed her into the bed.

   "Now you need to relax and sleep young lady, you're safe here.  Now get
some sleep before dinner."

   "Yes daddy, if you say so!" and Sharon snuggled down in her bed and did
relax.

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

   Chris raced to George's house, he'd been worried about Cathy for the
past few days, and the message that she was safe and back home came as a
great relief to him.  However when he entered George's kitchen he found his
mother crying in the arms of George's secretary.

   George was seated in front of her.  There was a strange look on his
face. Chris started to fear the worse.

   "What's wrong?  Is it Cathy?" He asked but Sandra answered for George.

   "No darling it's not Cathy, she's upstairs asleep.  I've something to
tell you, something I've been hiding for several years." At Chris's puzzled
look she reached her hands to him and grasped his.  "You've asked about my
mother and I've said that she had died some years ago." He nodded his head,
Sandra shook hers, "I've told you a lie!  The fact is we argued before I
married your father." She swallowed and then continued.  "She didn't like
your father and told me so, I got angry and I told her that I didn't want
anything more to do with her.  And I left home to live with your father."

   "So where is my grandmother?" Chris asked after a few minutes.

   Sandra looked at George before answering.  "She'll be here in a few
minutes.  That's if you want to meet her?"

   Chris looked as if she had spoken nonsense.  "Of course I want to meet
her, I've never seen her before but she's a part of me - or I'm a part of
her whichever it is!" Chris's attitude surprised Sandra; she had never
spoken of her mother as such to him and had thought that he wasn't
interested in her.

   "I'm sorry Chris, I never realised that you missed her," Sandra said but
Chris shook his head.

   "Mum you were always going on about how Granddad would do this or that,
but never about how Grandmother reacted, but you've never talked about her
and so I thought I shouldn't ask!  So when can I see her?"

   "As soon as she gets here!" Sandra looked at George, "I hope you don't
mind?" she asked George almost shyly.

   "Why should I, we're going to get married so it's only fair that we all
meet her," George told her.  She smiled at him, her anger at his
concealment of her mother's status having faded.  He got up from his seat
and approached her; he kissed her head - as he had with Cathy - and hugged
her while pulling Chris into his arms.

   "Chris, I know it's strange to learn that you still have a maternal
grandmother, but please remember when people are angry they say things that
they don't mean.  And sometimes they regret the words but can't face the
person they said them to.  It gets so that they never see that person
again."

   Chris looked away from Robert and turned to Sandra, "You mean that's
what happened with Mum and Granny?" He asked me.

   "Grandmother I can understand.  Grandma I will tolerate, but Granny? 
Next thing is that you'll be planning on putting me in a home!" Veronica
was standing in the door which had been opened by Helen.

   There was a frozen tableau of Sandra and Chris looking at the person in
the doorway, her resemblance to Sandra was very evident now.  Veronica
looked at her daughter and grand-son a slight hesitation was clear - how
should she proceed?  Her thoughts were interrupted by Sandra rushing over
to her.

   "Oh Mother I'm so glad you came." She paused and turned to Chris
motioning him over.  "This is my son, your grandson, Christopher!" The boy
faced his grandmother his mouth dry with sudden worry.

   "I'm very glad to meet you Christopher," Veronica said and then she
looked at him and shook her head.  "You're very much like my husband Will.
I suppose you prefer to be called Chris?"

   His eyes wide opened he just stared at her before Sandra nudged him. 
"Err, yeah!  I mean yes ma'am."

   Veronica laughed and opened her arms to both her daughter and her
grandson, "Oh I've missed you both, you've no idea how much I'm missed to
be able to do this. . ." She kissed them both, tears in her eyes and in
Sandra's.

   George looked at Helen who was now smiling.  She noticed his look and
walked to him.

   "Now what boss?" she asked him with a grin on her face.

   "Well. . .  Now I go without dinner.  And you go home!  I'll see you at
work tomorrow." Helen gave a mock salute.

   "Yessir.  Slave driver!" And she made her way out.  George decided that
the three deserved some privacy and went back into the living room.

   As she waited for her car to arrive Helen took her phone from a pocket
and pressed a quick dial number.  "Hi there it's me.  Yes, it went exactly
as planned.  I think that our liaison will be unavailable for a few days,
but she'll be happier when she returns.  I'll be home soon and tell you
everything."

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

   In his mansion home Lord Sir Timothy * * *, replaced the receiver and
smiled.  Veronica was an excellent worker for the organisation Organisation
and deserved some rewards; the restoration of her family was only a small
part.  He sat back and started to read through the report from the SWAT
team.

   He read the report of the second team, the ones responsible for the
girls' safety.  He stopped for a moment and re-read the report again.  He
frowned and then picked up the police report - incomplete so far as final
interviews were yet to be done.

   He got up and went to a picture on the wall, turning it displayed a
family tree.  He traced his finger down one column and then another.

   "Oh dear!" he exclaimed, "Too early by one generation it seems!"

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

   Cathy was woken by the sound of crying in the kitchen.  She recognised
Sandra's voice and Chris's but the other woman's was new to her.  She got
out of bed noticing that she'd been dressed in pyjamas.  She hoped that
Sandra had done that because the thought of her father doing it made her
blush in shame.  She pulled on a robe and left her bedroom.

   She crept along the hall and down the stairs, a noise in the living room
made her look in to see her father seated in his favourite chair, "Hi
Daddy, where's Sandra?" He smiled at her,

   "Remember when I asked you about Chris's grandmother some days ago?" he
said to her.  She thought for a moment and then nodded, "Well it seems that
my secretary slipped up and told Sandra about her mother.  They're in the
kitchen now catching up on past times."

   Cathy glanced at the clock and noticed the time, "But I've hardly been
asleep!" She said and then added, "What's happening with dinner?"

   George smiled, "I think we're going to miss dinner tonight!" he told
her. Cathy heard his stomach rumbling and shook her head.

   "*No way*!  Let's see what's been started." Her nose could smell the
food cooking.  She walked into the kitchen to find Sandra, Chris and
another woman seated around the table talking away and laughing.  The woman
looked up at Cathy's entrance.

   "You must be Cathy, the one responsible for bringing my daughter and
your father together!  I'm Veronica, Sandra's mother." Veronica stood up
and walked to the girl.  "I'm so happy, thank you!" she added.

   Cathy was slightly confused.  "Why are you thanking me?  I was just
trying to help Dad," she said.

   "If it wasn't for you I don't think we would ever have had the
opportunity to do this." Veronica said, "And you do realise that I'm going
to be your grandmother when my daughter marries your father."

   "Of course!", Cathy said.  "What else would you be?  Are you going to
stay for dinner?" she then asked.

   "Well I suppose I'd better. . ." Veronica said looking around
uncertainly, she was surprised at the way Cathy seemed to be taking control
of things.  Cathy took her hand and led her back to the table and her seat.

   "Grandmother, I'd be proud to get you dinner." She looked inside the
oven and nodded, "more than enough for four and plenty for five." She
looked at Sandra and smiled, "Thanks Mom!" she said

   Sandra returned her smile, "It was easy the way you've labelled
everything.  Why did you do that?" she asked.

   Cathy hid her face by turning to the vegetables, "Oh you never know."
She said lightly, but her thoughts were `_never know if you're going to be
around the next day!  - my mummy taught me that!_" when she turned back the
smile was on her face again, but Veronica was watching her closely.

   When Cathy went to walk past her Veronica reached out and pulled her
close, "Young lady why are you up when you should be getting some sleep?"
she asked the girl.

   "But grandmother!  I'm making sure that there's enough for all of us to
eat!" Veronica looked at Sandra who nodded.

   "But there are two other women in this house now!  You have time to lie
back for a few moments!" Sandra got out of her seat and picked Cathy up
finding her surprisingly heavy for a twelve year old.  "And I'm going to
make sure you get there!" she emphasised.

   "Do you mean that mummy?" Cathy asked in a little girl's voice, "It's
been ages since my mummy put me to bed." Sandra smiled at the girl in her
arms.

   "If you want me to then darling I will" Sandra kissed the young girl as
she took her out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom, and she
tucked Cathy into her bed.

   "Mummy did you undress me earlier?" Cathy asked her she nodded, Cathy
sighed in relief, "Good I didn't really want to think that daddy had done
that!"

   "Don't worry about that for now!  Just sleep; dinner will be in an hour
and I'll wake you when it ready, sleep now daughter." Cathy gave a sleepy
`yes mummy' and snuggled down already sleeping.

   As Sandra left the room she felt a warm breeze brush past her and a
feeling of well-being seemed to overcome her, and then it was gone but the
memory remained.  As she returned to the living room Sandra noticed George
watching her.  She smiled at him and walked into his arms.  They kissed as
if they'd been apart for nearly a month.

   When they came up for air George looked at Sandra, "What a day this has
been!" He said she melted into his arms laughing.

   "That has to be an understatement!  You've got your daughter back and
I've regained my mother.  What else could happen?"

   George smiled at her and then went to meet his mother-in-law to be in
the kitchen.

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

   The next day dawned early with knocking at George's front door which he
opened in his pyjamas.

   "Mr.  Douglas!" "Mr.  Douglas - what is your reaction to the reports
last night?" There was a crowd of people outside his door, camera's
flashing and microphones being pushed into his face.

   "What's that?  What report?" George was puzzled.

   "There was a report that your daughter was kidnapped and that she was
present when the police killed the kidnapper is that true?"

   "What?  Err..." Then the lawyer in George came out, "I'm sorry but I'm
unable to say anything at the moment, goodbye." And amidst the clamour of
the press he closed the door.

   Looking through the kitchen window George could see groups of reporters
camped outside his gate, banks of camera pointing towards his house trying
to capture any sight of either himself or Cathy.

   "Dad?  What's happening?" Cathy was on the landing looking down at
George.

   "I'm not sure Cathy, but keep away from the windows; I think I need to
call for help!" George checked his wallet for the card that he'd been
given. He dialled the number on the front of the card.

   "Sir Timothy * * * residence, may I ask whom is calling?" The voice on
the phone was unmistakably Baxter the butler.

   "Good morning Baxter, may I speak to Sir Timothy please?"

   "Good morning Mr Douglas.  May I offer my congratulations to the safe
retrieval of Miss Cathy.  If you will please wait for a few moments I'll
see if Sir Timothy is available." It was always the prerogative of the
upper classes to be out if they didn't want to talk to anyone, and it was
the duty of the butler to pass that message on.

   After a few minutes the call was transferred.  "Good morning George, I
understand you need a few words?" Sir Timothy's voice was quiet and alert.

   "Yes, I'm sorry to bother you Sir Timothy . . ." George was interrupted.

   "I've said before George, just call me Tim." there was a hint of
amusement in the tone.

   "Yes, you did." George acknowledged and then continued, "I have
reporters outside my door asking for an interview."

   "What already?  I wonder how they got the information?" There was a
pause for a few seconds and then George was told, "Stay where you are. 
I'll have some people there in a few minutes; I'll also have someone to
take over the running of your household.  Now what are your plans for
today?"

   George thought for a moment, "Well I have to take Cathy to the police
station; Detective Sergeant Clark needs a detailed statement.  After that
she wants to go to school - she wants to talk to Trudy and thank her.  I'll
be heading back to work."

   Sir Timothy considered this for a moment.  "I'm sorry George but I don't
think that you and Cathy should be apart today, I'll let your secretary
know and I'll also send a team to Robert's house as well!" Sir Timothy
ended the call and then dialled a different number.

   "This is Alpha - two secure teams needed." He quickly gave the addresses
and orders he then listened for the acknowledgements.  Then he looked up at
Baxter.  "I think it's time for Jameson to spread his wings."

   Baxter gave a smile, "I think that's an excellent idea sir, He does need
the practise." Baxter bowed and went to talk to Jameson.

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

   Half an hour later George heard a knock on the door, he looked through
the spy hole and found the distorted face of Jameson on the other side.  He
opened the door and admitted the man.

   "Thank you sir, they do seem to be rather anxious out there don't they?"
George looked out of the window to see the reporters being herded away from
the drive and onto the street, where the police were now taking command of
the road.

   "Now sir, Sir Timothy has requested that I am assigned to your
household. If you will show me to your kitchen I will endeavour to prepare
breakfast.  I understand your appointment with Detective Sergeant Clark is
at Ten O'clock?  Then we have plenty of time!" and with that Jameson was
walking away from George deeper into the house.

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

   Cathy was dressing in her bedroom when the doorbell rang.  The clamour
from outside disturbed her.  She put a robe on and went to the top of the
stairs; her father was just pushing the door closed.

   He looked up at her, "Dad?  What's happening?"

   "I'm not sure Cathy, but keep away from the windows; I think I need to
call for help!" He went away to the living room.  She looked through the
landing room window at the crowd of people below, then ducking back as
several cameras were pointed in her direction.

   She went back into her bedroom and carried on dressing, making sure her
curtains were firmly closed.

   She thought back to the previous evening and the atmosphere in the
dining room.  She smiled happy that Sandra and her mother were back
together again and that Chris had his family whole again.

   She started to go through some school work that had been delivered to
her - a helpful classmate had delivered it while she was `sick' - and was
soon working away catching up on the lessons.

   She was working on a history assignment when she heard the doorbell; she
left it for her father to answer as he didn't want her to be exposed to any
more reporters.

   She finished the history work and was going to start on the geography
when she smelt food cooking.  Intrigued she left her bedroom and went
downstairs, looking out of the window she saw the police were now moving
people behind a barrier and there were several strange people in the
garden.

   She ran into the kitchen.  "Dad who's the. . ." and then she stared at
the stranger at `*her*' stove.  "Who are you?" she asked.

   The young man turned from the frying pan.  "Good morning Miss Cathy.  My
name is Jameson.  I trust you slept well?"

   "*DAD!*" Cathy shouted out.

   "I think your father is in the living room Miss.  If you would care to
join him I'll have breakfast ready in a few minutes." And Jameson returned
to his cooking.  Cathy watched this stranger for a few minutes before
running into the living room.

   "Dad?  Who is that strange man in our kitchen?" She asked.

   "He's from Sir Timothy, his name is Jameson and he's a valet.  It seems
that someone's been talking to the papers about what happened." He handed
Cathy a newspaper and the headline on it, `*CHILDREN ABDUCTION - TWO MEN
ARRESTED, ONE KILLED!  POLICE ACTION CLASSED AS EXCESSIVE.  PROBE
ORDERED!*' Cathy read the report and then re-read it.

   "Dad they give Frank's name in this report, what's going to happen to
him?" she asked George shook his head.

   "I've already contacted DS Clark, he tells me that the hospital has
already been `invaded' by reporters, but he managed to get Frank out in
time." Cathy sighed in relief but then another thought struck her.

   "But what about his family what's happening with them?" George realised
that he didn't know and was going to reach for his phone when Jameson
arrived with food on a tray.

   "Sir?  Miss?  Breakfast is served.  If you'll just let me set up some
tables here and here.  And here are the plates." Jameson placed the food in
front of the two of them and stood by anxiously.

   The pair of them looked at the bacon, eggs and sausages that were on
their plates and then back at Jameson; Cathy was the first to speak.

   "We're worried about Frank Webb's family at the moment, this news report
gives his name and everything!" she almost shouted at him.

   "I see Miss.  Very well I'll deal with that immediately." He bowed and
returned to the kitchen where he reached into his coat pocket and retrieved
a small radio.  "This is Jameson.  Over?" And he listened for the response.
"There is a need to check on the family of a Mr.  Frank Webb, Miss Cathy is
concerned about them!" again the pause for an answer and then Jameson
nodded, "Thank you I'll pass the information on." He replaced the radio
into his pocket and returned to the living room.

   The food was still sitting on the plates; George was looking out of the
window at the people standing in the road.  Cathy was playing with a slice
of bacon.  She looked up when Jameson re-entered.

   "Miss?  Is there something wrong with my cooking?" Jameson asked her -
she smiled and shook her head.

   "No Mr.  Jameson, it's just that I'm worried," she said

   "Miss Cathy my name is just Jameson, and to allay your fears I have
requested that a security team is assigned to Mr.  Webb's address to take
care of his family."

   "What do you mean `take care of', you don't mean. . ." Cathy was now
glaring at him.

   Jameson held up his hand.  "My apologies Miss.  By take care I mean
ensure that their privacy is not invaded by any person.  I did not mean any
other connotations at all.  So if I may suggest that you both endeavour to
complete the meal, you might find it filling." As he walked back to the
kitchen he added, "And Breakfast is the most important meal of the day you
know!"

   As he disappeared into the kitchen Cathy and George looked at each other
in amazement then Cathy giggled and finally bust into laughter.  She looked
at the door and then back to her father.

   "I like him dad.  Can we keep him?" she asked.

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

   Nicola Webb was scared.  There were people outside her door.  Clamouring
for her to talk to them about her husband.  Flashbulbs were popping away.
Microphones like pikes being jabbed at her.

   She was cowering behind the front door with Kathy in her arms; both were
crying in fear - `what had she done to deserve this?' The question was
running in her head, over and over.

   She couldn't even get to the phone as Kathy was too scared to be left
alone.  Anyway the card that Robert had given her was in her bag upstairs.
What could she do?

   After what seemed years the noise outside seemed to quieten, as if the
people outside were being driven away.  She went to move but Kathy held
onto her tightly.

   "Kathy darling please let me go; I have to see what's happening." Nicola
begged her daughter who reluctantly loosened her hold enough for Nicola to
raise her head to look through the glass panel of the door.

   A group of people had arrived by van and were taking up position around
her door; facing out towards the reporters encamped there, forcing the
people back away from the house.

   A woman looked back at her and smiled, she knocked softly on the door
which Nicola opened for her.  The woman slipped in and spoke.

   "I'm sorry about that Mrs.  Webb, we were not aware that there had been
any statement released to the press.  Is there anywhere you can go?  A
relative or a friend?"

   Nicola's head was spinning.  What did this woman mean?  She had nobody,
just Frank and Kathy.  "No, there's nobody.  What's happened why are those
people out there?  I don't understand any of this?"

   The woman sighed and reached out to Nicola.  "It's alright.  Everything
is going to be fine, now sit down here and relax.  I'll get you a drink."
She turned to Kathy who was still crouched behind the door.  "It's alright
Kathy, you're safe now.  Don't worry." The tone of her voice was soothing
and calming bringing Kathy out of herself.  She looked at the woman who was
talking to her, listening to her words.  She saw her mother, pale faced and
shaking still, sitting on a chair.

   Kathy got up and went to her mother; she climbed onto her lap and curled
up there.  The strange woman looked around and then entered the kitchen, to
return a few minutes later with a glass of amber liquid, she handed it to
Nicola who just looked at it.

   "Drink it!  You need it!" The woman was insistent and so Nicola sipped
the glass.  She coughed as the warmth hit her throat.  She wasn't a
drinker. She looked at the woman.  "I'm sorry but I didn't have time to
make a weak cup of tea, this was the next best thing.  I'm Amanda by the
way." Amanda slipped the hip-flask back into her jacket and removed a
radio. She moved away from Nicola and Kathy before speaking.

   "Control?  Team leader gamma squad here.  Location secured and both
occupants are okay but scared.  I'd recommend relocation but there's a
problem with relatives, any suggestions?"

   "TL Gamma?  Control here.  Hold ten." Amanda nodded her head, maybe
someone at control might have an idea but she doubted it.  She returned to
Nicola.

   "Look Mrs.  Webb it might be better if you pack a suitcase and come with
us.  We'll find a safe house for you to stay in until this is over."

   Nicola looked around at her house, "But where?  And how will Frank know
where I am?" She was starting to panic and Amanda knew it.  She held
Nicola's hand.

   "Mrs.  Webb?  Nicola look at me." When she had Nicola's attention she
continued, "You can't stay here, the reporters will try to stay outside
until the case is over.  You need to be somewhere private and so does
Kathy. We can help you if you'll let us.  Will you?"

   Nicola hesitated and then nodded her head.  She looked at Kathy and
shook her slightly, "Kathy honey we're going away for a while, get some
clothes and pack them okay?"

   Kathy nodded and walked slowly upstairs to her bedroom.  Nicola looked
at Amanda.  "I don't know whether to believe you or not!" She looked to the
stairs where Kathy had gone.  "Is there somewhere you can take Kathy?"

   Amanda nodded her head, "The same place we're going to take you!" She
said and led Nicola to the stairs to pack.  As Nicola was walking up the
stairs Amanda said under her breath `where-ever that is!" Then her radio
crackled.

   "TL Gamma?  Control here.  We have a location for you." The voice gave
the address Amanda didn't believe it and asked for a repeat.  The same
address was given.

   "Roger that location Control.  Just didn't believe it the first time!"

   "Agreed TL Gamma - orders from top!  We're going to get all groups to
that location for duration."

   "Okay Control.  Will be moving in 5.  Team Leader Gamma out!" she then
activated the local band.  "Okay heads up.  We'll be splitting into two
groups 5 in decoy car and 2 with me in main.  Destination will be Alpha 3,
repeat Alpha 3.  We will be joined by teams Beta and Delta with their
passengers so don't be jumpy when they arrive," Amanda told her team.

   When Nicola and Kathy arrived downstairs they found that Amanda and her
group had formed a corridor to a van into which they were quickly placed.
Two men got in with them and Amanda had jumped into the driver's seat.  The
van quickly raced away with rest of the team getting into the other one
which managed to block up the road preventing the reporters from following.

   "We've found somewhere for you to stay, it's quite large and very
private, you'll be sharing it though with a few others, I hope that's
okay?" Amanda shouted from the front.

   "Anywhere away from those people will do us fine!" Nicola shouted from
the back.  They had to shout as the van's engine was very loud.

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

   Sir Timothy was angry.  Mainly with himself!  He hadn't realised that
the news of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue would be released to the
press.  And then he found out that it hadn't been.

   A quick piece of detective work found that the original information was
received by phone to the Daily Mirror editor's office.  But the details
were close to the truth that it was practically unbelievable.  By checking
the telephone number it was found that the call originated from a phone box
near the paper's office.  No help there!

   The problem was that although the names were correct, very correct, some
of the facts were wrong.  In fact it placed the police in a very
embarrassing position.  Also with the release of this data it also
jeopardised any case that could be brought, a plea could be submitted that
it would be impossible for the accused to get a fair hearing due to the
publicity.  The papers had all jumped on the item to such a degree that
even the normally quiet broadsheets had columns about the affair.

   This smelt of trickery on somebody's part.  Sir Timothy knew that it
wasn't with the police that the blame fell.  The detail on how Cathy had
managed to get the information out was missing whereas in Clark's report
Trudy's name was mentioned.

   Sir Timothy paused at that point.  Trudy?  She needed some reward for
her help.  He buzzed an intercom and spoke to the person at the other end;
inquiries would be made on ways to help her and her family.  Back to the
problem at hand then!

   The main one was security.  He had three teams now involved in looking
after the Smythe's, Douglas's and Webb's.  It would make more sense to have
all three families in the same location.  But where?  Where?

   Then he realised that he had the perfect location.  A large town house
with a walled garden, it was easy to maintain a close guard over it and it
had its own staff.  It was a perfect location and best of all - the
organisation had full control over it!  He rang for Baxter and gave the
necessary orders.

   The next problem was that there was a leak somewhere!  He doubted that
it was in the organisation - everybody knew what was at stake.  It couldn't
have been the police as they had more information than was in the reports.
So it had to come from outside but how?  Well logically those involved with
the kidnapping Ken, Pete and Frank - No Ken and Frank.  But it couldn't
have been Frank he was under guard in the hospital and couldn't get to a
phone - let alone that phone.  But by the same context it couldn't be Ken!
He was behind bars and again couldn't get to that phone!

   So logically nobody could have leaked the information!  So where *did*
it come from?  This was getting to be annoying.  He contacted the
organisation and passed on his thoughts and to get their input.  They were
as confused as he seemed to be.  It was decided that they would expend
another team on investigating this.  So in the aftermath of the kidnapping
they had four teams now working on the case!  It was lucky that they could
manage this; if it had been left up to the police then it would have been
three men and a dog - and that was if they were lucky!

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

   Jameson listened to his radio and absorbed the news and then he was told
that he'd be in charge of the household while the families were there.  It
was a step up in his employment and would lead to more positions of
responsibility.  He checked the clock.  It was time to get the family away
for their appointment.  Then make the arrangements to ensure that their
move would be as simple as possible.

   Cathy was standing by the kitchen door.  "Mr.  Jameson did I hear that
we would have to live elsewhere?" she asked him.  Her hearing must be
amazing Jameson thought to himself.

   "Yes Miss.  It seems that many people are interested in your adventure
and would prefer to interview you before the police can.  My employer
thought that if you were not available to them it would be better," he said

   "I was hoping to get back to school tomorrow!  I've got homework to
return and lessons to catch up on.  I've also got to see Trudy!  I don't
think I could just leave!"

   "Miss Cathy I know that this seems hard but it should only be for a
short while.  And I will ensure that you miss none of your lessons.  I will
ascertain the classes you should be attending and if necessary conduct them
myself." Her disbelieving look he returned.  "I do have some qualifications
besides Buttle, Miss.  As you will find out."

   Cathy smiled.  "Alright Jameson if you'll teach me then I'll go.  But
it's going to be lonely just me and you."

   "Don't worry Miss, I believe that you will not be alone as Miss Smythe
and Miss Webb will also be joining us.  Now if you will indicate which
clothing you will require I will start the packing.  You have to leave in a
few minutes if you recall." Jameson kept his face straight.

   "I'll start my own packing Jameson and I'll also need my school books
with me as well." Cathy said running out of the kitchen and up the stairs
to her bedroom.  She didn't want this strange man rummaging through her
underwear.  She pulled out a suitcase and placed panties and the bras that
Sandra had got her and then some dresses, tee-shirt and skirts on top
before her father was calling for her to join him.

   She dashed down the stairs to meet with her father.  Jameson was by the
door as she left she said, "I've packed my clothes and left some more on
top of my suitcase, you don't have to get anything else except my school
books."

   Jameson bowed and said, "Yes Miss, I won't touch your suitcase itself. I
do understand Miss." And smiled as Cathy jumped into the car waiting for
her.  The darkened window hiding her face from both him and the waiting
reporters.

   Jameson shook his head as the car moved away.  Cathy Douglas was a
surprise.  His briefing was slightly incorrect - she wasn't the type of
girl who was timid and shy with strangers, she knew what she was doing.  He
was going to like this assignment.

   He closed the door to the house with a smile on his lips.

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

   The reason for not including the dinner and it's aftermath is simple -
I'm going to be starting a new story soon called Veronica Coleman, At the
moment it's just in the planning stage.  (WL)