Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 George Douglas 11

   Cathy Douglas looked back at the man, Jameson, standing in their
doorway. Although he seemed harmless and soft she could tell that there was
a steel rod hidden inside him.  It was strange she'd only just met him but
felt that he was part of their family.  She turned to her father.

   "Dad, what's this new place like?"

   George Douglas shook his head, "I've no idea, cabbage." And this was
puzzling him along with other questions.  Who had given all those details
to the press and why?  He'd read the paper and its contents.  But there
were no clues there, just `from a reliable source' whatever that meant.

   Cathy sat back in the seat looking at the various controls that were
visible.  She flicked a switch casually and then jumped as a small screen
came on showing a woman with a headset on.  The woman smiled at Cathy.

   "This is control.  Do you have a problem?" the woman asked, but all
Cathy could do was to shake her head.  The smile on the woman's face
widened, "You can speak, Miss Douglas.  The screen has a microphone
incorporated in it."

   Cathy was amazed.  "You know who I am?" she asked.

   The woman nodded.  "Yes Miss.  On my screen I have details of which
vehicle is calling and who the occupants should be.  You match the
description of Miss Cathy Douglas, recently rescued by our special team and
currently being taken to the police station for debriefing."

   "I thought it was the Police who rescued Sharon and me?" Cathy said
questioningly.

   "They were on secondment to the Police at the time.  Is there anything
else you want to know?"

   "No thank you.  Uh yes.  Yes there is.  What's the location of the house
we're going to?"

   "Its designation is Alpha 3 and is located near the center of London. 
It was built in the late 18th century and has a wall surrounding the
property - further information on precise location is restricted," the
woman told her.

   "Who else is there?" Cathy was curious to know as much as she could
about the place.

   "The property is staffed with a cook, 2 maids, and a gardener who is
also the chauffeur.  There is one resident at the moment although when you
and the Smythes and Webbs arrive the staff will also be increased.  A
security team has been assigned to watch over the site headed by Team
Leader Amanda Hanmore.  Is there anything else?" There was a sparkle of
humour in the woman's eyes.

   "Just one more, how do I turn on the television in here?" Cathy was
grinning now.

   "Press the fourth button on the control pad and the next set down gives
you tuning and volume.  Goodbye Miss Douglas."

   "Thank you Miss.  Goodbye." Cathy said and flicked the switch off then
pressed the button indicated.  She sat back and watched the program on ITV
- a morning chat show.

   George had watched all that Cathy had done.  He was going to tell her
not to fiddle with anything but then decided that after all she'd been
through he wasn't going to tell her off.  He listened with amazement at the
things that Cathy was told, it seemed that she could find out more than he
could without trying.

   He settled back in the seat and fell asleep listening to the inane
chatter from the screen.

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

   Sharon Smythe was confused.  There were all those people outside the
house - all because of her kidnapping!  When the other people had turned up
it became more like a siege than anything else.  And she was still expected
to talk to the police!

   Carstairs had returned to the house with a young oriental woman who he
introduced as Su Li; she was going to be looking after Sharon when they
went to the Police Station later that morning.  Su was only slightly taller
than Sharon but seemed nice.

   Carstairs had told them that they were being moved to another house
where they'd be better protected.  When Karen asked about Robert she was
told that he'd be joining them there.

   The three of them went upstairs to pack a few clothes to take with them,
but they still didn't know where they were going.

   Sharon had just started when Karen walked into the room to let her know
that the car had arrived for her and Su to take.  "But Mum, I'm scared. 
What if those people outside won't let me go?" she asked her mother.

   Karen just tut-tutted that argument aside, "I'm sure that Mr.  Carstairs
wouldn't allow that.  Now he assures me that Su will be the only help
you'll need, she's going to be your bodyguard."

   "Her!  But she's my size!  What good can she be?" Sharon couldn't see Su
stopping a large man from picking her up and running off with her.

   However her mother just laughed at the question.  "I'm sure Mr. 
Carstairs wouldn't have picked her if he thought she wasn't good enough."
And she sent Sharon downstairs to the waiting Su.

   Su led the girl to the waiting car, but Sharon seemed reluctant to enter
it.  "Miss Sharon, what is the problem?" Su asked her.

   Sharon turned to face her.  "I'm scared, scared that one of those men
will open the door and take me away like that Ken did." She stared at Su as
if defying her to say that nobody would do that.  But Su's response
surprised her.

   "That is good!  You know what you fear and you're not afraid to tell
others.  That is the first stage in controlling yourself.  Many people have
fears but they will not speak about them and so they become weak.  I will
tell you now I will not let anybody try to take you.  The first time they
do I will break their nose, the second time I will break their arms.  I
don't think they'll want a third reminder, do you?" Sharon looked at the
small woman with a new attitude.

   "Would you really?  But how, I mean you're hardly bigger than I am."

   Su smiled and gestured to the car seat.  "Get in and sit.  I will
explain." This time Sharon was eager to enter the car and Su quickly got in
with her and shut the door.  She exaggeratedly locked the door showing
Sharon that the other side locked at the same time.

   "These door are special, once locked they can only be unlocked by the
passenger or the driver.  They also have a small electrical current to stop
others from touching the handle." Su smiled at the girl seated beside her,
"Also the windows are darkened so that nobody can look in.  So please do
not be frightened about those outside."

   Now that they were moving Sharon felt more relaxed.  "I'm sorry about
that Su.  It just that since those men kidnapped me I've felt so scared
about everything.  I know you'll think I'm just a stupid little girl. . ."

   Su spoke out angrily.  "I'd never think that about you.  Now you've been
through a lot, but you've survived them.  This means you are stronger than
you were before.  Learn from your ordeal, don't hide from it!"

   Sharon looked at her.  "So you're saying that I'm a different person to
the one who was kidnapped on Sunday?" Su nodded her head.  "But I feel the
same!"

   Su laughed, "Of course you do.  Remember you learn new things everyday
and so you are altered slightly by what you learn.  Every day you are like
a new born baby everything is new to you.  You may be scared of something
one day and think nothing of it the next!  Once you can see this you will
find that nothing will frighten you again."

   Sharon smiled as she heard this and then she said, "But I like to be
scared of some things!  Like rollercoaster rides and ghost trains."

   Su laughed "So do I.  When this is over shall we try Thorpe Park one
day?"

   Sharon nodded excitedly.  "Cool!"

   And so, the ice broken, the two travelled on to the Police station.

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

   "Daddy wake up we're here!" Cathy was shaking George awake.  He looked
at the Police station and saw the crowd of reporters surrounding the door.

   "Okay honey, we're going to push through these people and into the
station, are you ready?" George asked his daughter.  She nodded.

   The chauffeur opened the door and George stepped out of it and walked
forward with Cathy behind him.  The sergeant behind the desk saw his
approach and got a couple of constables to clear a path for them.

   Just as they entered a voice said "That's one of the girls!" and the
crowd started to close in.

   "Excuse me can you tell us what happened!" "Miss.  Miss over here please
Miss." "What did you have to do for them Miss!" and then the questions
started to get coarser but Cathy ignored them and went to the front desk.
One officer, seeing that the reporters were not going to stop at the door,
picked her up and passed her over the desk itself.

   The Sergeant placed himself between the girl and the reporters and
placed his hands on his hips.  "Gentlemen this is a police station.  You
will conduct yourselves accordingly or I'll have some of you arrested for
breach of the peace!" He started looking at several reporters meaningly.  A
message they soon got as they backed away from the desk.  "Thank you.  A
statement will be given shortly as soon as things are sorted out.  If all
of you will please wait outside!"

   The Sergeant turned to George while mopping his brow with a
handkerchief. "I don't know sir, all this fuss!  If you'll excuse me for a
moment sir." He turned to Cathy still standing behind the desk.  "And you
Miss?  What is it you want!"

   Cathy smiled, "I want to be away from them!" Which made all the
policemen in the office laugh, "I'm Cathy Douglas I think a Mr.  Clark
wants to see me?"

   The Sergeant nodded his head.  "I don't know about a Mr.  Clark, but DS
Clark is busy at the moment with another person.  If you'll wait in there
I'm sure someone can take you to the canteen until he's free."

   George spoke up.  "It's alright Sergeant I know where it is and I can
take my daughter there if you want."

   The Sergeant turned back to George and looked at him.  "I'm sorry Mr. 
Douglas.  I didn't recognise you after all that.  Certainly.  I'll just
buzz you in." He pressed a button that released the door to allow George
into the main station.

   As he entered another door opened and Cathy joined him.  A policewoman
was also with her.  "I hope you don't mind if I come with you Mr.  Douglas,
we have so many reporters outside that someone might mistake you for one of
them."

   George smiled at her.  "No, that's fine.  I should have thought of that
myself," George said Cathy saw his face and shook his hand.  He looked at
her and she mouthed `SANDRA!' George nodded and bent down to her.  "I'm not
going to do anything but I'm allowed to look aren't I?"

   Cathy considered this for a moment and then said, "No!" which made
George laugh and he squeezed her hand.

   "Okay then I won't!" He told her and smiling the two followed the
policewoman into the canteen.  Although he was courteous to the woman he
kept his promise to Cathy and restrained himself.

   Finally they were called to the interview room where Clark was waiting.
He shook George's hand and then Cathy's.

   "Thank you for coming.  I do understand if you think this is too soon
but the earlier we get through this the better, I think." Clark said.

   "I think it's better for the girls as well," George agreed.  Then
Sharon, Robert and an oriental woman arrived.  Sharon introduced Su to
Cathy and George.

   DS Clark looked up at them and then said, "Well if you're all ready to
start I think it's going to be better with both girls at the same time!"
and he led the way into the interview room.

   Williams turned up with some more tapes and loaded the machine while the
two girls sat down next to each other.  Robert, George and Su sat behind
them.  Williams pressed the record button and sat down beside Clark.

   "This interview is to ascertain the facts of a kidnapping; those present
are Detective Sergeant Clark."

   "Detective Constable Williams."

   Clarke pointed to Sharon, "Sharon Smythe" and then at Cathy.  "Cathy
Douglas."

   "George Douglas"

   "Robert Smythe." And finally.

   "Su Li"

   Clark took a deep breath, "Cathy, Sharon.  This interview is purely
voluntary and you are free to go whenever you want to.  We only want to
know what happened on Sunday and Monday."

   Sharon looked at Cathy who nodded and then she began, "Well Dad had this
barbecue thing going on and I was bored as there wasn't anyone I could talk
to."

   Cathy then spoke up, "And I'd just arrived and found the same thing. 
Either the kids were too young or too old or the adults were just talking
about lawyer things.  So I went to look around the house and met up with
Sharon on the stairs."

   "Well, we got talking and wandered outside to the front and sat on the
grass, still talking when I suddenly felt a pain on my arm and then I must
have blacked out." Sharon said and Cathy took up the narrative again

   "I was watching a white van coming up the drive and I thought that the
security people should be stopping it but they weren't around.  Then I felt
a pain in my leg and as things started to go black I could see a man
walking up to us, I tried to struggle but couldn't.  and then the next
thing I remember was waking up in a strange room with three men watching
me."

   "Weren't you scared?" Williams asked Cathy

   "Of course I was!  I didn't know what these men were going to do to me,
and then I realised that Sharon was with me.  I wasn't going to let her
know how I felt," Cathy told him.

   "I was feeling really bad when I woke up but I could see Cathy was lying
next to me and beyond her were three men.  When one of them asked for me I
had to tell them!"

   "No you didn't.  I was about to say that I was you!" Cathy told her.

   "Why were you going to do that, Cathy?" asked Clark, interested in her
reply.

   "Well I though that if I said I was Sharon then they'd let her go free,
that way she'd be safe.  But then she spoke up and they kept us together
still.  So I supposed it wouldn't have worked."

   George spoke up, "But it was worth the attempt anyway, I'm proud of
you."

   Sharon hugged Cathy and said, "I'm sorry I ruined your plan."

   Cathy smiled.  "That's okay.  At least we were still together." Sharon
then took up action.

   "We were kept in the room for some time and then one of the men brought
us food."

   "If you could have called it that!" Cathy added.

   Sharon nodded and laughed.  "Well we couldn't eat it and Cathy moaned at
the man who brought it in, she said she could have done better."

   "Well I could have done!  Anyway I shouldn't have spoken because Pete, I
didn't know his name then, came back into the room and asked if I was
serious then he tied my legs together so that I couldn't run away and took
me to the kitchen." She looked at George, "Dad the place was a mess.  I
told them that I was going to wash the pans before I'd use them.  And then
I made them help me dry the pans off."

   Everyone in the room laughed at that, the picture of three tough
kidnappers being made to dry pans by their victim was too much to imagine.

   "Well I had to get them to do something.  I wasn't going to do whatever
they wanted without a fight, but I had Sharon to worry about."

   "You were worried about my Sharon, what about you!" Robert had to ask

   Cathy shrugged, "I knew I was okay but Sharon wasn't used to problems
like this.  I could tell."

   George then became interested.  "But Cathy.  You've never been kidnapped
before have you?"

   She gave a sweet smile to her father, "Of course not Daddy, but I've had
to learn to look after myself when mummy died, because you were too busy
then."

   George realised how much Cathy had been on her own even when he was with
her those times.  "I'm sorry cabbage.  I didn't know."

   "That's okay dad, you've been better since!" she told him with a smile
on her face.

   Clark had to resume the interview.  "So how did you work out how to send
the messages out."

   Cathy smiled.  "well, I knew that Sharon would be giving the ransom
message the next day and that they were going to be recording it.  I saw a
laptop with a video camera and so I hoped that it would be a video
recording.  So the only way would be sign language.  I just had to make
sure that I was in the shot."

   "What would you have done if it was sound only?" Williams asked.

   "I would have worked on Frank to go against the other two!" Cathy said
simply.

   Clark was interested now, "Why Frank in particular?"

   Cathy blinked.  "He was different from the others.  I don't know how but
I knew that he didn't like what was happening."

   Sharon nodded.  "He treated us like proper people.  He'd knock before he
entered the room, not like that Pete person - he just entered the room as
if he owned it."

   "Yes that was it, we were treated as adults.  Pete and Ken just looked
at us as things to be used and thrown away." She looked sideways at Sharon
before continuing, "They were planning on killing us after Joey was
released."

   "You didn't tell me that!" Sharon was shocked Cathy held her hand.

   "I'm sorry Sharon, but you were already scared of them.  I couldn't let
you know what I heard because you would have frozen and they would have
hurt you to do what they wanted.  I didn't want that you were my only
friend there."

   Sharon considered this for a moment and then looked at Su who nodded her
head.  "I told you Sharon that you were stronger after this event.  Now
show it!" Su told her.

   Sharon turned back to Cathy, "Thank you Cathy, it was you that made sure
I survived.  It was just a shock that you didn't tell me."

   Cathy dropped her eyes.  "I'm sorry Sharon.  I'll try not to keep things
from you again." But Sharon took Cathy by the shoulders.

   "Oh no.  you did that for me.  You were doing what you thought was
right, and you know what?  You were right!  I would have just turned in on
myself." She looked at her father.  "Just like I did yesterday, and that
was when I was safe!" She went back to holding Cathy's hands.  "Thank you
Cathy." was all she added.

   Clark had to interfere again.  "So what happened next?"

   Cathy took up the story again, "I heard that they were going to drug our
drink that night.  I knew that I needed to use the toilet and I thought
that Sharon would so I asked Frank if he would take us there."

   "He was so nice; he stood in front of the door so that Pete couldn't
watch us.  Frank was outside the room not inside." Sharon clarified.  "And
when we had finished he took us back to the room where we drank the drink,
Cathy told me it would taste funny and it did."

   "I made sure that Sharon had finished her drink first and that she was
sleeping before I drank mine." Cathy told them, "I'd also put a chair under
the doorknob just to stop anybody from coming in while we were asleep." She
looked at Clark "Frank told me that I could as long as I removed it when he
knocked on the door in the morning." She looked at Clark.  "He helped both
of us, Mr.  Clark.  He doesn't deserve to be locked up."

   "But what about Ken Webb?" Williams asked.

   "He deserves everything he gets!  He was the one forcing Frank to do
that.  He was the one that wanted us dead!" Cathy told him in a cold tone.

   "The video?" Clark prompted.

   "I'm getting to that.  We had a problem with Sharon - she had a reaction
to the sleeping drug that we were given.  Frank took her to the bathroom
after she threw up in the bedroom.  Pete didn't think she was ill until she
nearly puked all over him." Sharon giggled at the words and Cathy corrected
herself, "Sharon was nearly sick on him."

   Clark laughed, "I think we get the picture."

   "Anyway Frank got Sharon to the bathroom and was cleaning her up - I was
watching him all the time, he never touched her except to wash her face. 
Even Ken was thinking that she was playing up.  Frank was the one who
defended her.  Ken was more interested in getting her ready for the video.
I told them that I had to speak to my dad and they agreed.  So it was
Sharon and me in the video.  As soon as they started to record I began to
use sign."

   "I thought you were just fidgeting like you were nervous." Sharon said
amazed.

   "Which is what Ken and Pete would have thought!  So they wouldn't stop
the recording I had to appear nervous so Trudy would get the message."
Cathy looked at her father.

   "I had to admit when you said that you hoped that Trudy and I weren't
too worried about you I never made the connection.  It was my secretary,
Helen, who asked me about Trudy.  It was also her who brought Trudy to see
the video." George told her.

   "Trudy was also the girl who showed me the shorthand you used in sign -
its very good and once you know the secret allows for a lot of information.
How did you get Frank's address?" Clark asked her.

   "It was on the envelope that I used to write down our measurements and
the shopping I wanted." Cathy told him.

   "Measurements?" Williams asked.

   Cathy looked at the man with a pitying gaze.  "I told them we needed new
clothes, Sharon's smelt too much of sick for one thing.  And we needed a
change of clothes anyway!  So I wrote down our measurements for them."

   "And they went ahead and got them!" Williams was amazed.

   "Well I told them that we needed the clothes and if they wanted me to
cook the food they'd provide them!" She smiled, "I was blackmailing them!
Ken sent Frank off to buy the shopping which left him and Pete behind, I
blocked the door with the chair, just in case, I listened to them talking
which is how I learnt about Frank.  When he returned I told him what they
said.  He really did think he'd killed that man but he couldn't!  He's not
the type."

   Williams interrupted her.  "He joined the army and fought in the
Falklands.  He received a medal while there."

   "For killing people?" Cathy asked.  Williams looked through his notes
before slowly looking up.

   "Err no; he rescued some civilians from an armed attack." Williams
sheepishly replied.

   Cathy folded her arms in front of her.  "There you are.  He's more
interested in protecting people than killing them.  But I knew that
already!"

   Clark was interested now.  "But how did you know that?  What was so
different about Frank from his brothers?" Everybody was now interested in
her answer.

   Cathy looked as if the answer was obvious.  "He was different, I knew
that!  It was in his mannerisms the way he acted.  I've always been able to
do that.  I mean take Su here.  She looks so harmless." Su smiled when
Cathy said that, "but never get on the wrong side of her; you'd regret it!"
Cathy completed.

   Clark looked at Su.  "Is this correct?" He asked her.

   "Well sir I do have a slight learning in some areas," she admitted. 
Clark was amused to see Williams move slightly away from the table.

   Clark returned to Cathy.  "But how did you know about Su?"

   She shrugged.  "I knew that Mr.  Smythe was here with Frank, Sharon
wouldn't be allowed here on her own.  So Su must be with her and acting as
a bodyguard.  She wouldn't be that without being able to defend either
Sharon or herself.  So it's obvious that she's dangerous.  Simple really!"
she added smugly.

   `Indeed!' Sir Timothy thought as he listened in over Su's radio
connections.

   Cathy continued.  "Sharon and I changed into the clothes that Frank had
brought and I managed to get him to take us to the laundry room.  That's
where I told him about how Ken had lied to him.  He wanted to get us out of
there right then, but I told him that I'd got a message out.  That was when
I found out that I'd given the wrong address."

   Clark gave an embarrassed cough.  "I found that out - from the
description you gave us it wasn't the house, but I found out that it was
Frank's address.  I went there and that's how I managed to find out about
Frank's connection but not the why!  I even managed to find out where he
brought the clothes from.  I was so close to the Court House!  It makes me
shiver when I think that you could have been so near.  I'm sorry."

   Cathy shook her head, "You didn't know so there's nothing to be sorry
about.  Anyway I convinced Frank that it wasn't the time to do anything, I
had to let dad know where we were.  So we spent a second night there."

   "I wondered what you and Frank were talking about, why didn't you tell
me?" Sharon asked; again Cathy turned to her friend.

   "I'm sorry Sharon, but I had to keep you out of the picture, you might
have said something without thinking."

   Sharon moved in her seat and folded her arms.  "As if I would!" She said
huffily but she was smiling as she said it.  "Don't worry Cathy I'm not
really angry, you're right it's something I would do to make them stop!"

   Clark looked at his watch.  "Look if you don't mind I think we'd better
break for food, I know I'm hungry and I expect you girls are too.  So if I
adjourn this interview session, the time is now 1:15 p.m." Williams then
turned off the recorder.

   "With all those reporters outside I think I'd better invite you to the
canteen.  I don't believe the cooking will be up to your standard Cathy,
but I hope you're going to forget them as it's the best they can do." His
forlorn look made both Cathy and Sharon laugh.

   "Well I've tasted Cathy's cooking and if she's happy to eat there then I
will." Sharon said standing up and holding her hand out to Cathy.

   Cathy turned to look at her father, "is it okay dad?" She asked he
nodded his head.

   "Of course it is Cathy.  But remember, you can only look at the men
here!" George said smiling.

   "DADDY!" Cathy said scandalised, "I'm too young for that type of thing!
You have to watch yourself not me!" and the girls followed DS Clark out of
the interview room and on to the canteen.

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

   Sir Timothy smiled at that exchange.  He didn't understand the context
but could tell that Cathy and her father were fine.  This was a main
criterion for later . . .  but that would come, well, later!

   "Communications section did you record all of that?" He spoke in to an
intercom.

   "Yes sir, on both tape and DVD," a woman's voice answered immediately.

   "Good!  Pass them to be transcribed.  I need a hard copy up here as
quickly as possible.  Oh, I also need information on the bodyguard, Su Li?
I'd like to know why Carstairs assigned her to guard Sharon," he told them.

   "Certainly sir, I'll have the information sent to you immediately." She
signed off.  Sir Timothy smiled, whatever you asked for the organisation
would present.  It was all very efficient.  But it needed leaders all the
time.  The best leaders were born not trained but it was difficult to find
them.  `Sometimes' Sir Timothy thought to himself.

   There was a knock at the door.  Sir Timothy knew it wasn't Baxter -
Servants never knocked.  "Come in." The door was opened by a woman Sir
Timothy recognised from the comms section.  She handed him a file.  "Thank
you Roberta.  But you didn't have to bring this yourself."

   "It's alright Sir.  I was just going to lunch and said I'll bring it."
She turned and left the room.

   Lunch!  Sir Timothy checked his watch.  Good grief so it was!  He went
to ring the bell for Baxter when the man himself appeared carrying a tray.
"My apologies for the tardiness of the meal sir.  But the second cook has
been despatched to Alpha 3 and it was Cook's day off.

   "That's alright Baxter.  I've been amusing myself by listening to Cathy
and Sharon's view of the past events."

   "Indeed Sir, have they been enlightening?" Baxter asked as he placed
items onto a nearby table.

   "Very!  I think we have the right person there."

   "Don't you think she's slightly too young sir?" Baxter asked
enquiringly.

   Sir Timothy considered this while sitting down to start the meal. 
"Young in years perhaps, Baxter, but old in outlook." Sir Timothy started
eating and reading the file brought in by Roberta.  After a while he
chuckled and looked up.  "And it seems that Carstairs has provided someone
who can also help us." He handed Baxter the file.

   After reading through it Baxter raised an eyebrow in puzzlement, "Sir?"
was the only word he said in enquiry.

   "Cathy needs to be able to direct her thoughts.  How better than to use
a martial art to do so!  Arrange for Su Li to become the girls' gym
teacher. Basic self defence - that type of thing.  Leave the exact program
to Su, I think she has a better idea about what they'll need to learn, but
send her to me for briefing."

   Baxter Bowed "Certainly sir." And then he left the room.

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

   Following their meal the group returned to the interview room where
Williams reloaded the recorder

   "Continuation of interview with Sharon Smythe and Cathy Douglas. 
Persons present are as before." Clark spoke for the microphones.  "Now we
need to hear about the events of Tuesday."

   Cathy nodded and started to speak.  "Well, Frank knocked on the door
that morning.  But I had problems moving the chair away from the door.  I
found out later that Pete had tried to get into the room but Frank stopped
him and had sat in front of the door all night."

   "Yeah then he told us that we were going to have to undress for the
video." Sharon said.

   "Were you forced to undress in front of the men?" Williams asked.

   "No.  We told them that we wouldn't do it if Ken and Pete were present."
Sharon told him.

   "You didn't mind Frank watching you undressed?" Clark asked.

   Cathy shook her head, "No.  He told us that we had to be in our
underwear to add impact to the video.  But he told us that he would be the
only one in the room at the time.  We didn't mind him seeing us but not the
other two!"

   "Cathy was moving her hands again while I was speaking - mostly it was
threats about what they were going to do to us if daddy didn't follow
instructions.  When we'd both finished Frank gave us blankets and took us
back to the room while Ken checked the video."

   "But didn't it cause you any distress to be just in your underwear in
front of this kidnapper?" Williams asked.

   "No!" came Cathy's reply, "I'd told Sharon that it was just like being
at the beach and that was how we looked at it."

   "It was easy like that, and we trusted Frank anyway.  So it was okay.  I
didn't like the words I had to read though!" Sharon added.

   Clark decided that enough time had been spent on that.  "So let's go on
to the rescue.  What happened?"

   Cathy looked back at her father before speaking.  He gave a small nod to
encourage her.  "Well we were in the room.  We noticed that the camera had
a red light on that showed it was active.  I tried to sign that it was
noticeable but whoever was using it took no notice."

   Su spoke up at that point.  "I think Sir that security was getting
information on where people were, and so random checks were being
maintained of the bunker.  Although the girls were under constant
surveillance at all times."

   Clark kept quiet as he didn't know about that side of the event.

   "Frank came into the room; he'd also seen the cameras and knew that
something was up.  He moved us to a corner away from the door and wrapped
the mattress from the bed around us.  Then he put the bed in front of us.
He said it was to protect us.  After he closed the door we heard him pull a
chair in front of it." Cathy started.

   And then Sharon continued.  "And then the lights went out and we were in
the dark, I was so scared that I just grabbed hold of Cathy.  I was such a
baby."

   Cathy smiled.  "I was scared too when that happened, but I had to look
after Sharon."

   Su spoke up.  "It's not wrong to be scared of such things, but it was
very brave of you to remember your friend and to try to protect her!"

   Cathy smiled her thanks and continued.  "Then there was an argument from
outside.  We heard the chair being moved and then more shouting followed by
a gunshot.  Then Pete came into the room calling out to us.  But we didn't
move.  Then there was another shot and everything went quiet."

   Sharon took up the narrative.  "Then there was a sound of many people
talking and the bed was pulled away."

   Cathy nodded.  "It was our rescuers.  They told us that Frank was okay
but wounded and that Pete was dead.  Shortly after that the lights came on
again."

   Sharon shuddered.  "Yeah and the first thing I see is Pete lying dead on
the floor, his eyes seemed to be looking straight at me.  Cathy moaned at
the people in the room and then she covered his face with a blanket."

   "Well I couldn't leave him like that, it was freaking Sharon out.  I
told them that they should have covered him first.  Then I saw that Frank
was outside the room with his hands bound behind him.  He was in agony. 
But he told me to go back and stay with Sharon."

   "So Frank had fired the shot that killed Pete?" Williams said - although
he already knew that from Frank's interview.

   "He had to!  Otherwise who knows what Pete and Ken would have done?  I'm
glad Frank was able to do that.  He saved our lives!" Cathy said "He
doesn't deserve to be locked away.  Can't you do something?" She asked
Clark.

   "It doesn't work like that, Cathy.  Frank was involved in kidnapping and
extortion.  Even though he was forced to do it the law says that he must be
charged and held unless a judge allows bail.  And then the amount would be
very high."

   Cathy turned to her father.  "We could pay it!  Couldn't we dad?" she
asked him

   George just looked.  "Well I don't know; it all depends.  I mean the
judge may decide not to allow bail."

   "But he's just got to!  How can we make him?" Cathy said determinedly.

   Robert shook his head this time.  "I'm sorry Cathy you can't make a
judge do anything!  You have to convince him!"

   Cathy fixed him with a staring gaze.  "Then convince him that Frank
deserves to be out!"

   In his house Sir Timothy pressed a few buttons and spoke quickly into a
telephone.

   Back in the interview room Clark was trying to finish the interview. 
"We'll have to sort out about Frank later.  Is there anything else you'd
like to add to what you've already told us?"

   Both girls looked at each other and then Sharon spoke up.  "Only that I
think Cathy was very brave.  She had to look after me and face up to those
men.  She was the one who managed to convince Frank to help us.  I don't
know where I'd be without her!" She reached over and hugged Cathy.

   Clark nodded.  "I must admit that without Cathy's help we'd never have
found either of you.  Cathy you've been very brave and quick witted. 
You've also been very precise in the information you were able to pass on.
I'm pleased to have been able to meet you although I'd wish it was under
better conditions."

   Cathy shook her head.  "But I only did what I had to.  I wasn't being
brave I was scared stupid but I had to look after Sharon that was all!"

   Robert spoke up.  "That's what being brave is all about.  By doing
something, even though you're frightened.  That's the mark of a hero."

   At Cathy's frightened look George nodded his agreement.  "I'm afraid
they're right, Cathy."

   "Don't you start!" she told her father.  "You know me too well." And she
started to cry as if to emphasise her youth and frailty.

   Williams handed her a handkerchief while Clark closed the interview
formally for the tape.

   "What happens now?" Robert asked Clark.

   "Now I pass this to the CPS and we formally charge Frank and Ken on
kidnapping and attempted extortion.  We've tried to interview Ken but his
brief won't let him talk!  So they'll probably be arranged tomorrow."

   Cathy spoke up "Sharon and I will be there!"

   Clark looked troubled.  "I don't think that's a good idea.  It's just a
short formality to arrange a court date and establish remand conditions. 
There's no need for either of you to appear just yet."

   "That doesn't matter!  We want to be there to be able to speak," Cathy
insisted.  Clark looked at Robert and George as if to say `you're their
fathers, you do something!'

   Robert spoke up.  "It might be wiser to allow them, Detective Sergeant.
You've already seen how persuasive Cathy can be."

   Clark realised that he was beaten.  "Alright!  As soon as we know of the
time we'll let you know.  That's all I'm going to say!"

   Cathy smiled and got out from her seat.  She went to Clark and kissed
his face.  "Thank you," she told him and walked back to her father and took
his hand.

   The group then left the room, leaving Williams to tidy up after them.

   Outside the room a man was waiting for them.  "So you're the one's
bringing all these lies against my client are you!  Well let me tell you
that I'm going to press charges against all of you for. . .  for" He
faltered as Su stood in front of him her eyes gazing into his.

   "I suggest, sir, that you move away from us.  You won't do your blood
pressure any good shouting like that." Su said quietly.

   "Young lady I will not be lectured on my blood pressure.  Now I
represent the Webb family and I assure you that this flagrant act on your
parts will be brought up in . . ." Su hadn't moved an inch but now she was
looking at her nails with interest.  "What is wrong young lady?"

   Su looked up with a smile.  "I was just trying to judge how much damage
I'd do to my nails when I move you away from these people.  You see I've
left my nail file behind."

   Crimmonson, for it was he, took a step back.  The voice that had
delivered the last was so cold it almost seemed as if it cut through him.
He looked at Clark standing there.  "You heard that!  She threatened me! 
*ME!* Now what are you going to do about it?"

   Clark looked blank for a moment.  "Me sir?  Well I've got some important
paperwork to get on with!  I suggest you go and talk to your client, see if
he's ready to talk to us." Clark turned to Cathy and Sharon.  "Thank you
both for your evidence it's been very helpful." And Clark turned and walked
away from them.  Leaving Crimmonson looking from Clark's back to Su and
back again.

   "Err.  Yes.  Well, err.  Just so that you know where you stand!  I'll
let you reconsider your position." And Crimmonson beat a hasty retreat.

   Once he was away Sharon went to Su and hugged her.  "That was wicked! 
Could you show me how to do that?"

   Su was amused.  "But Sharon all I did was to talk to him, I didn't touch
him at all!"

   Cathy smiled at the answer.  "No, you didn't touch him.  But your body
told him not to mess with you or else he'd regret it.  I wish you had time
to teach us that!"

   Su turned to Cathy and shook her head.  "I've no need to teach you as
you already know how to use it.  With some training you would be
formidable," she added.

   Just then Clark came running down the corridor.  "You wanted to know
when Frank and Ken were going for arraignment?  Well it's in a few minutes!
Somehow a special court's been convened just for them.  We've only just
been told.  A van is waiting to take them to the Court House."

   At their shocked looks Clark just nodded his head and went on to the
custody area.  Su had already clipped her earpiece back on and was
requesting instructions.  "Understood!" She then turned to the two men. 
"Mr.  Smythe and Mr.  Douglas, if you will take the car that is in the
front of the station, I'll take the two girls to the more secure back
entrance.  And we'll meet at the Court House."

   Sharon and Cathy followed Su as she led the way pass the custody area
and through the back door.  A reporter was nearby but when he saw Su
approaching he quickly backed away.  The chauffer opened the back door for
them.  Su stood by as Sharon and Cathy entered the car before she got in
and locked the doors.

   A reporter ran up to the car and tried to open the door to get pictures.
"*Bloody Hell!*" He exclaimed as an electrical shock went up his arm. 
Cathy looked in amazement as Sharon just laughed.

   "Su told me that the door handles were electrified but I didn't really
believe her!" Sharon told Cathy.

   Su looked reproachfully at Sharon.  "I wouldn't tell you a lie, Miss
Smythe."

   Cathy looked a Su and then said.  "Unless you were told to, of course."

   Su gave a faint smile and bowed her head.  "Of course, Miss Douglas."
And then all three burst out laughing and sat back together as the car
drove on.