Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 George Douglas 13

   At the appointed hour a gong sounded in all the rooms announcing dinner.

   George had found a suit was waiting in his room along with shirt and
tie. Cathy had found that a simple black dress (her size) was sorted out
for her along with a thin choker which had a pearl bead in the front. 
There was also a pair of black shoes.

   The two stepped out of their respective bedrooms and looked at each
other.

   "Wow Dad.  You're looking good!" Cathy said

   "You're not so bad yourself.  I've never seen you dressed like that
before!" George said to his daughter.  She looked down at herself.

   "I haven't got a dress like this.  I don't know where it came from.  But
it feels like it was made for me," she said, and when she looked up at
George her eyes were sparkling.

   George smiled at his daughter and held out his arm which she took.  The
pair of them walked out of the door and along the corridor.

   They met up with Robert and Karen Smythe with their daughters Alison and
Sharon.  Robert was wearing a suit like George's.  Karen and Alison were
dressed alike in deep purple dresses; Sharon was dressed like Cathy except
she was dressed in a dark red dress and shoes.  Her choker, also dark red,
had a ruby on it.

   Joining them, from their own doorway was Frank and Nicola with their
daughter Kathy.  Frank was also dressed in a suit and looked uncomfortable
in it.  Nicola was in a pastel blue dress which matched Karen's.  Kathy was
in a deep blue dress and shoes, her choker was deep blue with a sapphire
attached, and shining as the light hit it.

   Robert looked at George and shook his head.  "I don't know who's paying
for all this . . .  but it's worth it."

   Frank came up and greeted Sharon and Cathy.  "Hello girls, I hope you're
all right?  This is my daughter Kathy.  Kathy this is Sharon and Cathy I
hope you're going to be good friends."

   Cathy could see that Kathy was frightened but didn't know why so she
approached her new friend.  "Hello Kathy with a K, I'm Cathy with a C; you
couldn't make things simple and call yourself Kat or Kay.  I think Kay
would be better."

   But Kathy tried to move herself away from both Cathy and Sharon; she
looked up at her father.  "Daddy I don't want to go with them."

   Frank looked at his daughter in surprise; he bent down and held her
hands so that he could look into her eyes.  "But why darling, they're not
going to hurt you or anything."

   Cathy went to them and put a hand on Frank's shoulder and one on
Kathy's, "I'm sorry if we're scaring you Kathy, we didn't mean to.  You see
Sharon calls Frank uncle, if that's so then you're a cousin to her."

   Kathy looked at her, "But . . .  but daddy helped to steal you, aren't
you angry with him."

   Cathy's smile seemed to radiate through the pair in front of her,
"Angry? No!  He saved us, without him we wouldn't be here now." She took
her hands away from their shoulders and took Kathy's in hers.  "Come with
us cousin."

   Kathy looked at Sharon's smiling face and at Cathy's and then at her
father's.  "I told you, you've got nothing to worry about." Frank told her.

   "{small}Hello, cousin.{/small}" Kathy said to Cathy quietly and then
giggled allowing Cathy to pull her over to Sharon where they started to
talk about the dresses

   Frank watched as the three started to giggle and laugh, he shook his
head.  George went to him and put his arm around Franks shoulder.  "I take
it there was a problem?" He asked.

   Frank nodded "Kathy was scared that the girls would get onto her about
the kidnapping.  She felt that they might blame her." Nicola took Frank's
arm.

   "She'll learn otherwise now that they're talking" George told the two
and they walked onto the dining room.

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

   Jameson was standing by the door as the group arrived.  "Ladies,
Gentlemen and Misses - Your table awaits.  I've taken the liberty of
placing name tags indicating your seats." He bowed and pointed to the table
where Sandra was already seated.

   George noticed that Sandra was also wearing a black dress with a choker
this had three matched pearls on it.  He went to her and kissed her.  "It's
lovely to see you again, you look beautiful."

   "Flatterer!", Sandra said with a smile and then saw how Cathy and the
other two girls were dressed.  "Oh that's charming; they look so lovely
like that!" George followed her gaze.

   "Yes they do, but they're not a patch on you my dear," he told her for
which he received another kiss from Sandra.

   Cathy approached and whistled.  "Wow mum you look really great in that,"
she said

   Sandra smiled at the girl who she was now thinking of as her daughter,
"Thank you darling you look beautiful in that dress as well."

   Cathy looked down at her dress and then back at Sandra's.  "But you're
dressed just like me!"

   Sandra nodded smiling, "That was mom's idea.  She was the one who
planned this dinner.  She told the staff what to arrange for us all to
wear. I think she was trying to make a point.  That we are a family, which
is why our dresses match and the others are just close."

   Cathy looked around, "Where is grandmother?" She asked

   Sandra laughed, "Oh she wants to make an entrance.  I think she's
waiting for the right moment to appear."

   Cathy looked at the seating with the small cards showing who was sitting
where.  She looked at Jameson and walked to him.

   "Yes Miss Cathy is there a problem?" Jameson asked pleasantly.

   "Not really Mr. . ." At Jameson's raised finger she corrected herself,
"I mean Jameson.  I was wondering if we girls could sit together for the
dinner."

   Jameson shook his head, "I'm afraid not Miss Cathy.  Mrs.  Coleman was
adamant about the current seating plan.  I hope this doesn't present any
problems?"

   Cathy smiled at his, "No, I just wanted to try to be friendly with
Kathy, She's a bit down about her dad being arrested and everything . . . I
know!  You couldn't arrange for us to use one of those spare bedrooms as a
dormitory, I know I asked earlier but this time I think it's necessary."

   Jameson smiled at her, "When would you want this to be done Miss?" He
asked.

   "Would tonight be too soon?  That way we could get to know each other
without our parents being worried about us." Cathy started to feel a bit
self conscious asking this of him.

   Jameson nodded amazed at the way Cathy had sized up the situation and
was thinking ahead.  "Very well Miss Cathy.  I'll arrange for your clothing
to be moved to the room and I take it you would also like a television and
video installed." He watched Cathy's eyes light up.

   "That would be so cool.  I don't suppose there's access to satellite is
there?" At his nod she smiled.  "We couldn't get MTV and Cartoon Network?
Could we?"

   "I will endeavour to include those if you desire." He said calmly.

   "Thank you Jameson." She reached up and kissed him, which surprised him,
before running back to the table where she smiled at her father.

   "Now what are you planning?" George asked his beaming daughter.

   "You don't mind if I spend the next few nights away from you, do you?"
Cathy asked innocently.

   George looked at Sandra before answering, "I don't know.  You would be
behaving yourself won't you?"

   Cathy smiled and looked at Sandra as well as her father.  "Of course
daddy!  I'll be as well behaved as you want me to be.  The only thing is,
what will you be doing while I'm away?"

   George smiled and said, "I don't know but I'll think of something!"
Cathy looked towards Sandra and started grinning.

   Jameson's pocket started bleeping and he quickly cleared his throat. 
"Ladies and Gentlemen on behalf of your host, Sir Timothy, may I introduce
your hostess for the evening.  Mrs.  Veronica Coleman." Jameson opened the
double doors and Veronica stepped in.

   Like the other women she was dressed in an evening gown, the actual
colour couldn't be told as it was an iridescent blend of dark blue, dark
green and maroon, blended together.  Around her throat were three strings
of pearls, and her hair was tied back into a bun.

   She entered the room like a duchess.  First taking Frank's hands before
moving onto Nicola, she gently pulled Frank with her and then released one
of his hands before taking one of Nicola's hands.  "Welcome Frank and
Nicola, I'll ask you both not to worry; you're in good hands here.  If you
need anything then just ask one of the servants, they'll do their best to
help you."

   Frank looked troubled.  "I don't want charity," he said

   Veronica smiled, "Good!  We're not in the charity business.  I
understand that you're interested in cars?" Frank nodded.  "Marvellous. 
We've got a garage with some defective vehicles in it.  Would you mind
having a look at them at some time?"

   "I'll be happy to, and thank you," Frank said sounding relieved.

   "We have every reason to thank you Frank, believe me." Veronica said and
then moved to Robert and Karen.  Again taking their hands in hers.  "I've
never invited you to my house before even though I've been to yours several
times.  So welcome to my home."

   At their puzzled looks Veronica laughed, "Oh I don't mean that I own it.
I could never afford even one room!  I'm acting as a sort of tenant here
giving the staff something to do." She bent closer to them and whispered,
"You know there are some rooms here that I've never been into!" she
confided to them causing them to laugh with her.

   "Thank you Veronica, I only wished that it could have been under
different circumstances," Robert said "And I apologise for what I said in
that meeting.  If I had listened to you this might not have happened."

   Veronica shook her head, "It's never good to think about what might have
happened.  All we can do is damage control and work out how to avoid it
next time."

   Karen looked troubled, "Do you think there'll be a next time." Wisely
Veronica didn't answer her.

   Veronica left them and went to Alison who was standing uncertain as to
what to say or do.  "Alison my dear, don't worry about your boyfriend." As
Alison's mouth dropped open Veronica smiled at her, "I haven't been nosey
and I don't think your parents know about him yet do they?" Alison slowly
shook her head.  "Who is it?"

   Alison whispered "Simon McKendrick."

   Veronica hugged the surprised girl.  "That's wonderful!  Claire and
Luke's son?  He's a very nice young man."

   "But what would mum and dad say?" Alison started.

   "I think you should tell them.  I'll arrange for him to visit us or you
to see him.  Okay?"

   Alison looked to where her parents were standing; they were too far to
overhear the conversation and seemed to be interested in the actions of
Veronica.  "Thank you Mrs.  Coleman.  I don't know what to say."

   "First of all my name is Veronica!  And second, I think you'd better
tell your parents as soon as possible - so that we can get Jameson to make
the arrangements," Veronica told her with a smile.  Alison nodded in
agreement.  Veronica left her to move to George.  He took her hands and
kissed her, "Hello again mother to be." He said with a smile.  "So is this
your Mother Teresa act?  Get the people calm before you drop the
bombshell?"

   She laughed and shook her head, "No bombshell at the moment George.  But
you're right I have to reassure them.  I'm worried about the girls though.
Do you mind?" She added looking at her hands.

   George raised one of her hands to his lips and kissed it before
replying, "Of course not Veronica, Cathy is coping well with this but she's
concerned about Frank's daughter." He relinquished his hold on her and she
went to where the girls were standing.

   "Grandmother?" Cathy said, walking sedately to Veronica, "I want you to
meet another Kathy," She gently led Veronica to Kathy who was looking
around nervously.  "Kathy this is my grandmother, grandmother this is
Kathy, but she spells her name with a K so I'm going to get her to change
her name!" Cathy added with a smile.

   "I never said I'd do that!" Kathy said indignantly

   "Of course you didn't!" Veronica said to the young girl, "Its only fair
that she changes hers isn't it!" Kathy smiled and nodded her head. 
Veronica heard a `hrump!' from Cathy at that and smiled, "Hello Kathy my
name is Veronica."

   Kathy looked oddly at Veronica and then said, "But she called you
grandmother?"

   Veronica nodded, "Yes, you see my daughter is going to marry her father,
and when that happens I will be her grandmother.  But to you I can be
Veronica."

   Kathy looked at Veronica and there were tears in her eyes, "I don't want
to, can't I call you grandmother too?  You see I've never really had a
grandmother, both mummy and daddy's aren't here any more!"

   Veronica smiled and hugged the girl to her, "Of course you can!  I'd be
happy to have you as a granddaughter as well as Cathy."

   Cathy was smiling but she folded her arms and stamped her foot.  "That's
not fair!  First she takes my name and now my grandmother!" She turned to
Sharon.  "What am I to do?"

   Sharon thought for a moment before answering.  "Weeellll, I suppose it
is fair.  I mean we've taken her father as our uncle, so Kathy must be
related to us." She turned to Veronica, "Does that mean you're my
grandmother as well?"

   "OH NO!!" Cathy wailed.  "Grandmother, does this mean I'm losing you?"
She said although Veronica could see the smile on her lips.

   "Of course not Cathy, it just means that you'd have to get into line,
eldest grandchild first youngest is third.  Simple isn't it." Veronica
tried to sound like a teacher with a petulant child.

   Cathy pulled the other two girls close to her and they started to talk.
Finally Cathy shouted out.  "Yippeee!" and stood in front of Veronica. 
"Grandmother it seems that I'm your first granddaughter with Kathy second
and Sharon third.  Isn't that neat?  I'm the oldest!"

   Veronica already knew the birthdays of the girls, which is why she
suggested it, but she smiled at the girls and held out her arms to gather
all three of them together.  "You know it doesn't matter who's first and
who's last.  I'm here for you all.  Now have you any ideas for the night?"
She looked at Cathy, who she was sure was planning something.

   "Well I haven't asked them yet." Cathy admitted and then pulled the
other two girls from Veronica's arms.  "Why don't we spend the night
together?  Away from our parents!  We can do what we want when we want to."
Veronica gave a loud cough at that.  Cathy blushed and then amended it,
"Alright we can do some of what we want almost when we want to." She looked
a Veronica who nodded her head.

   Kathy was unsure, "I don't know.  What if mum and dad says no?"

   Sharon held her for a moment, "Then both Cathy and I will make them say
yes!" she said seriously

   "Okay then, if you want me to." Kathy said.

   Cathy kissed her, "You don't have to do what we tell you, friends don't
make each other do things they don't want to do."

   Veronica spoke up.  "That's right granddaughter, and if they bully you
just tell me and I'll sort them out!"

   Kathy looked up at Veronica, "You mean that grandmother?" At Veronica's
nod Kathy threw herself into Veronica's arms.  "Thank you grandmother!",
Veronica waited for Kathy to recover before returning her to the other two
girls.  "Did you really want me to be with you?  Your daddies didn't tell
you to?" Kathy asked the two girls.

   "We do Kathy!", from Sharon and "My dad couldn't make me do anything I
didn't want to do!", Cathy said and the three girls hugged again.

   "But it's going to take some time for me to pack my stuff!  I'd never
get it done after dinner," Kathy said in a panicky tone.

   "Don't worry about that!  You forget where we are." Cathy said and
looked at Jameson who was watching the activities closely.  Cathy nodded
and mouthed `Yes please' to which Jameson smiled and pulled out his pocket
computer.  "I think everything will be ready for us."

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

   With the arrival of Veronica and her meeting of everyone in the dining
room they proceeded to the table and sat in the places indicated.  George
sat opposite Sandra with Cathy next to him.  Opposite her was Kathy with
her father beside her and her mother opposite him.  Robert was beside
Nicola with Karen opposite him and then Sharon who sat opposite Alison.  At
the head of the table was Veronica acting on behalf of the organisation.

   "Before we start the meal does anyone object if I say grace?" Veronica
asked, when nobody said anything she began, "Oh God, bless these people
here.  Give them the courage to follow the path that you have given them.
And the strength to persevere with the obstacles that they will face.  Also
bless the food that you have provided for us and for which we are eternally
grateful.  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Amen."

   All the guests joined in with the `Amen' and then at the command of
Jameson the soup course was brought in.  Cathy looked at the cutlery in
front of her and then turned to her father.

   "Dad!  What do I use for the other courses?" she asked him.

   "It's okay, just work from the outside in, that's how it's normally
done," he reassured her and she accepted it.

   Veronica overheard Cathy's remark and laughed.  At Cathy's look she
shook her head.  "I'm sorry dear, but that reminded me of something I read
once." At Cathy's interested look she continued.  "Well, some people went
to the White House in America for a formal dinner; this was back in
Roosevelt's day.  They didn't know exactly what to do so one of them
suggested to follow whatever the president did.  All went well.  Every time
the President picked up a knife and fork everyone used the same implement,
the whole affair went well until the coffee was served.  The President took
the cup from the saucer and poured some coffee into the saucer, added some
cream.  All the others did the same.  He stirred the mixture to ensure that
the cream was completely mixed with the coffee, everyone followed suit. 
Then he took the saucer and placed it on the floor and called over his dog,
to allow it to have its normal treat."

   There was a polite round of laughter at the joke and the meal
progressed.

   During the meal Jameson approached Cathy, "Everything's done Miss, and
your special viewing request has been attended to." Cathy smiled her
appreciation but noticed that Kathy was watching Jameson closely.

   When she caught Kathy's eye she mouthed `what's wrong?' but the girl
just shook her head and then continued eating.

   After the sweet course and coffee was served to the adults Veronica
stood up.  "I must thank you for attending this dinner.  The staff wanted
you to know that they were happy to serve you and will treat you as guests
of Sir Timothy until the current crisis is over.  Although formal dinners
will only take place when requested, so you'll be allowed to wear normal
clothes at all other times." She smiled and then added, "I'm afraid that I
requested that this be a formal dinner because I never get the chance to
wear this dress otherwise."

   She paused while they laughed appreciatively.  "Now I have to tell you
that while you are here the staff will look after you.  However as I've
told Frank we are not a charity, if you want to work then that's fine with
us.  We can give you training in several arts and crafts.  Although some
may not seem to be either.  Robert and George will be expected to continue
their work at the solicitor's office.  This is what they're trained for
anyway.  Alison, Karen and Nicola, I'm sure the staff can get you
interested in something.  And as for my granddaughters" - there was a small
look of shock from Frank and Nicola - "Jameson is preparing a school
curriculum for you." There was a moan from the three girls which made
everyone else laugh.

   Frank spoke up.  "Mrs.  Coleman . . .  sorry Veronica did you mean to
include Kathy when you said granddaughters?"

   Veronica gave him a warm smile, "Yes I did Frank, why?  Did you think I
would shut her out?  She's now part of my family as I hope you will be.  I
mean, don't the girls already call you Uncle Frank?" At his nod she
continued, "Well then.  You see you must be a part of the family and so
Kathy must be one of my granddaughters."

   Frank got out of his chair and approached Veronica.  He took her in his
hands and kissed her.  "I'm sorry I questioned you, Veronica.  Thank you!
Thank you from me and my family."

   She returned his kiss, "Frank, I want you to realise that not all
families are like your brothers.  You deserved better and we're going to
make sure that you get it!", she then whispered into his ear, "And you
don't yet know how large your new family is!" Frank walked away slightly
puzzled by that comment.  Veronica waited for him to sit down before she
made a pantomime of looking at her watch.

   "Oh my goodness, is that the time!" She looked at the three girls in
turn.  "I think it's time for you three to retire to bed.  You've got a lot
to do tomorrow!"

   Cathy didn't groan with the other two but turned to Robert and Frank. 
"Uncle Frank and (can I call you Uncle too?)" she quickly asked looking at
Robert who nodded, "Uncle Robert.  As we are going to be studying together
and most probably making a lot of noise, do you think we could have a room
together while we're here?  That way we'll be out of your way and you won't
have to worry about us."

   The four parents talked amongst themselves before Frank asked Kathy, "Do
you want to do it, pumpkin?"

   Kathy looked at her mother and father and blushed, "Well it might be
fun, just us together." She admitted

   Robert and Kathy looked at Sharon who was nodding her head, "Please dad,
mum.  I'll be with Cathy and I know I'll be safe!"

   Robert nodded.  "Okay then.  But the first time I hear of any problems
you'll be with us before you know it!"

   Frank echoed Roberts' words and then added, "But what about moving your
stuff, it's going to take some time."

   Jameson interrupted, "Not at all sir, Miss Cathy informed me of her
intentions and I've arranged for the necessary items to be relocated, they
are now in the room awaiting the young ladies arrival for unpacking."

   Robert looked at Cathy, "So you assumed that we'd allow you girls to go
ahead?" he asked.

   She looked straight back at him without flinching.  "Well I knew that
we're going to classes together so I thought you'd get used to the idea of
us going to boarding school.  The only difference is that we're just down
the hall instead of miles away!"

   George added, "And close enough so that we'll be able to tan your
backsides if we hear of any trouble too."

   Cathy bit her lower lip.  "Oh!  I hadn't thought of that!" She said in a
downcast voice which made everybody laugh.

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

   The three girls were shown to their new room by a maid who introduced
herself as Sally.  She informed them that she was assigned to clean the
room during the day.

   "We'll try not to make a mess Sally." Cathy told her, "And I'm sure
Sharon and Kay will help if needed."

   Kathy looked around, "Who's Kay?" She said.

   Cathy smiled, "Well haven't you ever wanted to be called by a different
name?" she asked innocently

   Kathy shook her head, "Nope!  I'm happy with my own name thank you!" she
replied happily

   Sally smiled at the exchange.  The three seemed to be getting on with
each other, which was better than the earlier observations had shown.  She
started to show them around the various rooms of the suite.  "This is your
study room.  We've ensured that there is little to disturb you here." The
girls noticed three computer systems along one side.  Sally noticed their
interests, "These are ready for you to use, they are attached to our local
server and you have an access currently as your own names but you can
change the password if you want." At their excited looks she added, "I've
been informed to tell you that certain sites are barred from accessing but
apart from that you can surf the internet on them."

   Kathy was amazed.  She wanted a computer at home but was never allowed
to have one.  She looked back at the machines as Sally led them into
another room.  "This is the common room I suppose you'd call it!" There was
a large screen television on one side of the room with a smaller one in the
corner; when Cathy looked closer she saw that a Playstation was plugged
into the television.

   "Miss Cathy, at your request the satellite channels have been activated,
we assumed that you wouldn't want the sports channels so they and certain
adult channels have been blocked." At Cathy's look Sally laughed, "Well
Miss Cathy we can't be accused of perverting your minds now can we?"

   Cathy though for a moment, "But it would be nice to see something
interesting now and again."

   Sally shook her head, "No Miss, not until you're older!" She then went
back into tour guide mode, "Please note the thickness of the doors and
walls.  This room is completely soundproof so you can have the sound up as
loud as you want."

   Sharon looked around and then asked, "But what if anything happens here.
How can we call for help?  I mean if nobody can hear us." Kathy started to
look worried at that.

   Sally seemed to concentrate on a part of the room where there was a
ventilator grill before answering.  "If you look at this fire alarm box
you'll notice that there's no glass, just a button.  Press that and people
will be in this room within three minutes.  You'll find there are boxes
located all over the house."

   "And of course there are the cameras." Cathy supplied.

   "Well yes of course the cameras which . . ." Sally faltered slightly,
"Why did you mention cameras Miss Cathy?"

   Cathy patted Sally's arm, "I'm sorry Sally but a house like this with
the organisation that's controlling it.  It's only logical that the rooms
are monitored.  I take it that the bedrooms aren't."

   Sally shook her head.  "No Miss Cathy, for reasons of privacy we don't
have cameras in the bedrooms and bathrooms." She didn't mention the
microphones, sometimes security has to be paranoid!

   Sharon looked up, "Where are the bedrooms?" she asked.  Sally, grateful
for the change of subject, showed the girls to another room with a door
just off from it.

   "This is the bedroom - not quite Harry Potter style, we haven't got any
four poster beds, but these are quite comfortable.  And the bathroom is
just off to the side there, you have a shower and toilet facilities.  If
you can put any wet towels into the laundry basket there they will be taken
away every day.  Also any dirty clothes will also be done at the same time,
just place them in the basket.  Any questions?"

   The girls looked between themselves and then all three shook their
heads. "Very well then I'll leave you alone; if you need me there's a bell
press by the fireplace in each room, push once and I'll come to see you,
push twice and Jameson will respond."

   Cathy looked at it and then asked, "What happens if we push it three
times?"

   Sally pursed her lips, "Let's just say don't!  And just press once only,
Okay?" She waited for all three girls to respond, "You'll find your
bedclothes on the beds and your normal clothes in the cupboards, I suggest
you try to get some sleep, goodnight girls."

   Sally left the three girls in the bedroom and returned to the long hall.
Her earpiece crackled.  "She was quick about the cameras wasn't she?" a
male voice said.

   Sally looked into a mirror knowing her picture would be on a screen in
the monitoring room, "Yes she was!  Alpha was right - she will require
watching."

   "I'll make a note of that for the next shift." And then the tone
changed, "What are you doing tonight?  I thought we could go out."

   Sally smiled, "Sorry Martin, I've got my hair to wash and I've got to
listen out for the girls."

   "Darn!" Martin's voice sounded hurt, "I wonder if Mary's free instead?"
Sally smiled and shook her head.  She'd already warned Mary about Martin.

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

   The girls decided that they would get ready for bed and looked to see
who was where.  Kathy found her pyjamas neatly folded on the pillow.  She
looked at the other two girls and then ran into the bathroom to change. 
Although she trusted the girls she was still slightly shy about her body.

   Cathy and Sharon watched their new friend as she shut the door behind
her before they both shrugged and undressed.  Their time together and the
video they both had done meant that they had nothing to hide from each
other.  They had both put on their nightdresses and Cathy was in the middle
of pulling on a pair of panties when Kathy entered the room.

   "Oh, I'm sorry Cathy, I thought you'd be ready by now." She apologised.

   Cathy smiled at her and finished donning the underwear before smoothing
down her nightdress.  "There's nothing to be sorry about; we're all girls
here aren't we?"

   Kathy nodded slowly, "Yes I know we are, but I was told never to enter a
bedroom without knocking.  It's just not polite."

   Sharon sniggered, "It's a pity that Pete never learnt that!" and then
she sobered as she remembered her last sight of Pete, she started to cry.

   Cathy went to her and hugged her.  "It's okay Sharon.  He'll never hurt
anyone again.  Forget about him."

   Kathy just watched the two, "What did I do?  Please tell me?" She
pleaded.

   Cathy turned to her and reached out to Kathy to pull her in with Sharon,
so that the three were standing together.  "You didn't do anything Kathy.
It's just a memory that we've got."

   Kathy was intrigued, "But what happened?  Dad's never really spoken
about it to me, he says it's something I shouldn't know about.  But he's my
dad I need to know what he did."

   Sharon looked at Cathy before speaking, "Don't tell her, she'll only
have nightmares!"

   Cathy looked into Kathy's eyes seeing the look in them.  "She deserves
to know." At Sharon reaction Cathy shook her head.  "If we don't tell her
Sharon she'll start to think that her father's a bad man.  Is he?"

   Sharon shook her head, "No!  He's a good man!  But does Kathy have to
know everything?"

   Cathy looked at her new friend who was nodding her head.  "Yes she
does!" In the monitoring room Martin turned on a tape recorder.

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

   Back in the dining room Jameson was taking round a humidor of cigars for
George, Robert and Frank, while Veronica spoke to Nicola, Karen and Sandra.

   "I know that you're worried about what's going to happen here.  I won't
lie to you; Joey and Ken Webb are just small cogs in a very large machine.
I don't know why we haven't seen the really big guns but no doubt they'll
appear soon.  I would add that you shouldn't be concerned.  This building
has its own protection, along with the security team assigned to roam the
perimeter, so we should be able to repel any attacks." The way this was
delivered brought silence to the room.

   George spoke up.  "I thought you weren't going to drop any bombshells,
Veronica."

   Veronica gave a small smile.  "I could have sugar coated the pill, but I
thought it was better to prepare you for the worst first."

   Robert's mouth was open.  "But why didn't you say anything about this
when I took over the Joey Webb case?  And what do you mean a large
machine?"

   Veronica looked around at the group of people.  Seeing that all their
attention was focused on her, she sighed.  "Very well, I'll tell you what I
can, but I suggest we remove ourselves to another room." She motioned them
to follow her.

   Jameson followed the group into a living room which comprised of several
comfortable chairs; these had been arranged into a circle.  Veronica sat in
one and gestured everyone to sit down.

   When they were comfortable Veronica nodded to Jameson who entered a
command into his handheld computer.  On each chair a small screen rose up.
Displayed on the screen were the words.

   TOP SECRET

   THE INFORMATION HERE IS NOT TO BE DISCUSSED OUTSIDE THIS ROOM.

   "What's all this about, Mrs.  Coleman?" Frank asked.

   Veronica remained straight faced.  "I have said before Frank, my name is
Veronica.  Not only is it my name it's also my identification within the
Organisation.  As Robert and George are aware we, I mean by that the
Organisation, are committed to law and order.  I don't mean that we just
follow the laws of the land.  I mean that we endeavour to ensure that the
law is just!  If a guilty man breaks the law he should be punished!  But
then the law hits a snag.

   "The problem is that there are people out there who are determined to
ensure that those who break the law get away with it.  We're not talking
the stereotypical gangs that you see in the movies or in trashy paperback
books.  These are, ahum, organised people who go by the name of The
Association." Veronica paused for a moment to gauge how her speech was
being received and then continued.  "The Association started in the North
of England.  Three heads of the largest gangs got together and agreed to
form a co-operative, a loose association of people to work for each other
and depending on everyone to help." She turned to Frank, "I'm afraid your
brothers were recruited by the Association.  Primarily as debt collectors
for the Association.  They were used to persuade debtors to pay up, and I
believe they were good at that.  Your brother Joey made the mistake of
following one of their clients here to London and got himself arrested
while `persuading' the person.

   "That brought him to our attention.  We managed to get his case onto the
new corporate access scheme which allowed Robert's team to prosecute the
case instead of the crown.  But then Ken and Pete came down to try to break
the case in their normal way, intimidation and violence.  We're not certain
how they got all their information but we do suspect their solicitor
Crimmonson as one of their sources.

   "But the ease with which they managed to obtain supplies and more
importantly how they gained access to the underground bunker shows that
there are more people aiding them, whether with the knowledge of the
Association or not we can't say."

   Robert spoke up at this point.  "But Veronica, what you're saying make
no sense.  This is more like a James Bond film than anything else!"

   Veronica was unmoved.  "Indeed Robert?" She asked him, "Well then Robert
. . .  Are you aware of the bug that was planted on you this afternoon?" He
nodded his head.  "Do you know what we did with it?" He shook his head. 
"Well we had the bug taken to another address.  This is what happened 3
hours ago . . ."

   The screens responded to a command from Jameson's computer started up
the screens.  The main view was of a door, which was broken down by a
sledgehammer and five men, wearing masks, entered.  They started from the
door and were followed by the cameras, which they seemed to fail to see,
into a main room where dummies were placed.  There was a rapid bust of
machine gun fire from each of the intruders before the imitations were
discovered.  The screen blanked at that point.

   "My God!" This was from Frank, "That could have been us!"

   Veronica nodded gravely.  "Indeed it could have been.  However we have
taken precautions.  This is why we had the two cars following yours stopped
by the police for various reasons and our own bugs placed on both vehicles.
However, both were taken to scrap yards.  So little help there!" She shook
her head.

   George looked up.  "What about those men, were tracers placed on them?"
he asked.

   Jameson shook his head, "I'm afraid not sir.  When they communicated to
their headquarters to report then an explosive charge went off on each
person!" The other women gasped at the report.

   George shook his head.  "A stupid waste of lives.  There wasn't any need
for that at all!"

   Veronica nodded her agreement.  "They would have been arrested and then
released by the police.  Whether it was a wrong signal sent or just to
erase the link between those men and the Association we will never know!"
She looked up at the group around her.  "This is what we are fighting; it's
a war between us and the Association.  Like a war we have our troops,
leaders and strategists.  Unlike a war we have a civilian side that's you,
Robert and George, in your offices.  This is how the Organisation wants to
fight the war, in the courts - to break the Association legally.  They
throw their men at us but they also use men like Crimmonson.  They cause
obfuscation in the courts and the legal system.  So this is your
battleground!"

   Frank spoke up, "But what about me and my wife, what's going to happen
to us?" Nicola reached out and held his hand.

   Veronica notice that and smiled at them, "Frank we're offering you a
career with the Organisation.  You were a leader of men, we need you with
us!"

   Frank watched her closely, "And if I said no thanks!  Then what?"

   Veronica nodded her head slightly, "If that is your wish then we won't
force you!" At his unbelieving look she continued, "We agree with Cathy's
assessment of you.  And your record bears this out." Her manner softened as
she added.  "You've done more than we could have expected of you already
Frank.  For that we thank you and will do everything we can for you."

   Frank smiled at Veronica, "Hey I only asked, I didn't mean that I was
going to say that."

   Veronica nodded graciously, "I understood Frank, but don't commit
yourself just yet, look around and talk to some of the people here.  We
don't pressure people to join us.  Anyway I think that Detective Sergeant
Clark will require a few more details from you, so you'll be here for some
time."

   Frank looked at his wife and said, "I think we're going to discuss
that."

   Veronica looked around at the others seated.  "Well, I think I've given
you all a lot to think about for the time being.  Why don't we call it a
day.  Breakfast will be served at eight thirty in the dining room. 
Goodnight all." And she rose out of her seat.

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

   From his office several miles away Sir Timothy looked at Baxter.  "Your
opinion?" He asked.

   Baxter considered for a moment.  "It was short and seemed to answer the
immediate questions.  All in all not too bad I think sir."

   Sir Timothy nodded in agreement, "I wonder what they'll say if they ever
find out the real truth?"

   Baxter smiled and shook his head, "I don't think they will sir.  It's my
opinion that when given an answer most people tend to accept it.  However
sir, would this answer be acceptable to Miss Cathy?"

   Sir Timothy pondered this question before he finally said, "I don't know
Baxter.  And in a way that scares me!"

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

   George took Sandra by the arm, "Would you mind seeing me home?" he asked
her.

   "Why?  Scared you'd lose your way?"

   "Well I was going to offer you a nightcap" George offered her smiling.

   "That's okay; I rarely wear anything to bed!" she responded
straight-faced.  At his look she added, "Well it's not as if we'll disturb
Cathy is it?" She stared straight into his eyes and smiled demurely.

   "Well ... yes ... I mean No ... But what about . . .  ?" He rubbed her
stomach.

   "Oh I don't think I'll get indigestion from that!" she said cheekily.

   "That's not what I meant and you know it!" he told her shortly.

   She giggled.  "Yes I do know what you meant and don't worry it's
perfectly alright until about the seventh or eighth month.  Although with
the way I seem to be bulging we might have to use some different positions.

   George shook his head to dispel the image that had crept into it.  "Well
that might be fun," he said smiling away, "But what would Cathy say?"

   Sandra tapped him on the arm.  "I'm not going to touch that line!  We'll
tell her that once the bedroom door is closed she'll either knock and wait,
or leave us alone until we re-emerge!" She turned to Veronica, "Goodnight
mother, I'm going with this gentleman.  It seems that he's scared of being
alone!", she added with a wink.

   "Very well daughter, and as you said to my granddaughter.  Make sure you
behave yourself.  Goodnight George, I do hope you're going to take some
time off work." At his look she laughed, "No!  Not for that!  I think
you've already done enough for my daughter.  No, I meant that after Cathy's
and Sharon's ordeal you should be able to spend time with her."

   George shook his head, "I'm not sure about that, you've seen how Cathy's
been today, you'd never believe that she suffered anything." He paused for
effect and then said in a conspiratorial tone, "I think she enjoyed herself
in the main part." And then in a normal voice added, "But not the last.  To
be honest I think she saw her role as support for Sharon."

   Veronica agreed with his words.  "Yes she struck me as a young lady who
knew what she was doing.  I was very impressed with the way she stood up to
those two men and her ability to get Frank onto her side.  I think you're
very proud of her."

   George nodded, "Yes I am, and I think her mother would have been as
well."

   Veronica kissed him on his cheek, "I'm glad you're allowing Sandra and I
to join your family, now you two run along and Sandra? . . ." Sandra looked
at her mother.  "I'm not giving you a curfew tonight." Veronica said with a
smile on her face.

   "Mother!  You never had to give me a curfew in my life!" Sandra said.

   Veronica nodded, "True, but I'd never get the chance to mention it again
would I?" She gestured the two to depart.  Which they did, bidding
goodnight to Jameson as they passed him.

   "Good night Sir and Madam, the young ladies are in room 101 in the long
hall, should you want to say goodnight to them." Jameson told them.

   As they walked down the hall to George's suite they paused by the door
to the girls' rooms.  "Do you think we should?" George asked Sandra.  She
looked at the closed door and then shook her head.

   "I don't think so George.  When I was their age and had a sleepover
mother kept on checking on us!  I hated that!  So I think it's better to
leave them.  After all it's not as if they'll get into trouble in there, is
it."

   George gave her a look of panic at her words, when she questioned it he
said, "That's what I thought at Robert's and look what happened there!"

   Sandra kissed him, "And she survived that.  Come on George, we've got
better things to do." And they walked on to his suite.