Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >The Girl at the Bus Stop by alan14 Copyright(C) 2021 by alan14 Chapter 31 -Oh shit, nobody rings me, it -(TM)s got to be something important, can you grab it please, it -(TM)s on the sofa. - I pulled out carefully and slipped off the bed, her phone was still ringing, no voicemail divert setup, I tossed onto the pillow next to Belle and she took the call. -Hello? It -(TM)s Belle, what -(TM)s the matter? - She asked, I could only hear Belle -(TM)s half of the call, -ahh, ok, well we -(TM)re kind of not dressed, if you -(TM)re ok with that come on up, I -(TM)ll ask dad to wrap a towel round himself, he -(TM)s a little excited right now ... Ok, see you in a minute. - -What -(TM)s going on? - I asked. -I -(TM)ll let Amber explain, she -(TM)ll be here in a sec, go put a towel on or something and answer the door. - -What -(TM)s she coming here for? - -Seem -(TM)s she lives next to the park and saw us. She -(TM)s been debating with herself for an hour over whether to come and join in. - -Ahh, ok. Now I know we can sleep with each other and Jenny -(TM)s fine, but I -(TM)m not sure she -(TM)ll be fine with people outside our group. - -Ok, you sit and watch then, I -(TM)ll have all the fun, because I definitely want to see her naked. - There was a soft knock at the door, I went to open it, -towel! - Belle shouted. -Ahh yes, - I popped into the bathroom, grabbed a big towel and wrapped it round my waist as I opened the door. -I -(TM)m so sorry about this, - Amber apologised as she slipped in through the door and walked into the main bedroom ahead of me -but err, well, oh gosh, I don -(TM)t even know why I -(TM)m here, I guess I saw what was going on, and then I realised it was you two, admittedly after I -(TM)d left the flat and walked almost all the way up to your bench. -At first I was appalled, she -(TM)s your daughter, but then I thought, she isn -(TM)t really, and oh my god, you -(TM)re so fucking pretty Belle, I just had to come and talk to you. - Belle sat up on the bed and patted by her side, -join me, we -(TM)ll have a chat, mmm, first, if you don -(TM)t mind I -(TM)ll just ask dad to slip this out, it -(TM)s getting uncomfortable. - -Oh my god, that -(TM)s the cutest butt plug I -(TM)ve ever seen, it -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)ll pull it out. - Amber knelt on the bed as Belle lifted her legs and proudly displayed all her womanly charms. Before she pulled the plug out Amber ran her hands over Belle -(TM)s bum cheeks, -so soft and smooth, and such a tiny bum, you -(TM)re so adorable Belle. - -Thank you, but can you pull it out please! - I grabbed some tissue, as Amber slowly pulled the plug out I held out the tissue and she dropped the plug in my hand, I laid it to one side as Amber pulled Belle -(TM)s cheeks apart and licked around her bum hole, forcing her tongue inside. -Oh god, what are you doing Amber? Whatever it is, don -(TM)t stop. - As she rimmed Belle, Amber slid a couple of fingers in her pussy, eliciting a cry from Belle as she came once more. Belle collapsed after her latest orgasm, Amber slid off the bed and grabbed my towel, -let me get a better look at you Alex, oh fuck, that -(TM)s amazing, - she cried as she dropped to her knees and took me in her mouth. Belle came to and rolled over a little so she could watch as Amber gave me a very nice blowjob, -you -(TM)re good, - Belle told her as she came up for air. -I -(TM)ve not had a lot of practice recently. - -We were wondering if you were gay or straight, because, well it sounded like Amber was your girlfriend, and you were very friendly with me, but then I could tell you fancied Alex. - -Ahh, well I was thinking the same about you. You told me about Poppy and Katie, so I was surprised when I saw you giving your dad a lapdance in the park. - -Ahh well, I am gay, 100%, totally not interested in boys. I had to do stuff when I was on the streets, and I do actually enjoy giving blowjobs when the boy is clean, but until Alex I was a virgin and totally only interested in girl sex in my spare time. I was so confused, so Aunty Helen explained that some lesbians do enjoy a good solid fuck every so often, that -(TM)s Helen -(TM)s butt plug, she gave it me. - -That -(TM)s nice of her, so yeah, I -(TM)m mostly gay. I sometimes decide to pick up a boy and date them for a while, but they -(TM)re so tiresome, they just want to fuck me then fart and fall asleep, I like to chat for a while after sex, talk about what we -(TM)ve done and what worked and stuff. Girls can do that, boys don -(TM)t seem capable. - -Can I see you naked please, - Belle asked. -Of course, it -(TM)s rude of me to be the only person with clothes on. - She quickly removed her coat, jumper and t-shirt, Belle squealed and clapped her hands when she saw Amber wasn -(TM)t wearing a bra, -oh wow, your boobs are perfect, a nice size and they look so firm, are they real? - -They are, and I -(TM)m so lucky I don -(TM)t need a bra, I hate them. - -I don -(TM)t really, mine are like little apples, it -(TM)s Poppy that makes me wear one, I guess because she has to, she -(TM)s a D cup and I love them, they -(TM)re just the best pillows. - Amber laughed as Belle spoke, she kicked off her shoes and slipped out of her jeans until she stood before us in just her panties. -You -(TM)re gorgeous, I -(TM)m going all quivery just looking at you, - Belle said in an awed whisper. -Why thank you, and in return I -(TM)ll say that you are simply perfect. - -Before we go any further, - Belle said as Amber climbed back on the bed, -I think I need to check with my mum. - -Well nobody ever said that to me before, - Amber laughed. -Well, we -(TM)re an open family, but only amongst ourselves, the five of us and our aunties. Mum told me that we shouldn -(TM)t include people outside our group, but you -(TM)re not really outside, you -(TM)re part of the Liam situation in a way, and you -(TM)re so pretty. If I don -(TM)t get to watch you fucking dad I think I -(TM)ll pop. - She grabbed her phone and dialed Poppy on speaker. -Hey Belle, how -(TM)s it going sweetie? - -Oh man, it -(TM)s going amazing. - -Did you use the plug? - -I did, and it was fantastic. Listen, I -(TM)m in a bit of a pickle, is mum about? - -She is, she -(TM)s busy between Katie -(TM)s legs at the moment. - -Ahh, sorry, I didn -(TM)t mean to interrupt anything but I need to ask mum something. - -It -(TM)s ok honey, I can hear you, what -(TM)s the matter? - -Mmm, well, you know how we met this girl who was involved with Liam? - -Yes sweetie, she -(TM)s not talked to the police yet. - -No, and I don -(TM)t think she needs to. Anyway, she -(TM)s here and she -(TM)s pretty and I really want to have sex with her. - -Ok, so why ask me, you should be asking Poppy and Katie. - -Well, what I really want is to watch her have sex with dad, and maybe join in a little. Dad already did me a little before Amber arrived, and that was enough for now. - -Ok, I -(TM)m happy with that, you said she -(TM)s pretty, what -(TM)s she look like? - Belle turned to me and Amber, -are you ok if Alex takes your photo and sends it to my mum? - -Yeah, fne, - Amber replied, still amused by the situation. -Send it to Katie -(TM)s phone so they can see how pretty Amber is. - Amber posed for a few photos, I sent the best couple to Katie. -Oh yes, - Jenny said once the photos arrived a moment or two later, -can she hear me? - -Yes, we -(TM)re on speaker, sorry, I should have said. - -It -(TM)s ok sweetie. Hi Amber, I -(TM)m Jenny, Belle -(TM)s mum and Alex -(TM)s partner. I fully understand if you -(TM)re a bit weirded out by this, we -(TM)re a weird family, but we -(TM)re a weird family built on openness, honesty and respect. - -Hi Jenny, I kind of guessed about the unusual family dynamic when I saw Belle giving her dad a very erotic lapdance in the park. - -Is that right, in the park, that -(TM)s pretty dangerous Belle. If someone else caught you, dad would be in serious trouble. - -I -(TM)m really sorry, - Belle replied, panicking a little, thinking Jenny was angry with her, -it was really dark, and there was nobody around, and I kind of got carried away. - -Clearly there was someone around. Getting carried away seems to be a common trait for you and Poppy. - -I kept all my clothes on, and I really don -(TM)t think anyone could see me blowing dad to stop him cumming in his pants. - -Oh gosh no, I didn -(TM)t see that at all, - Amber said, -I -(TM)m impressed you managed to blow that monster. - -Anyway, have fun, and Amber, please don -(TM)t hurt my baby. - -Just your baby? What about your boyfriend? - -Do what you like with him, he -(TM)s a big boy, he -(TM)ll be fine. - -Goodbye mum, I love you. - -I love you too Belle, I -(TM)ve got to go now, you -(TM)re girlfriends are waiting for me to finish them off. - Belle cut the call and put her phone back on the table. -Ok, sorry about that Amber, I -(TM)d have felt awful if we -(TM)d had sex with you behind mum -(TM)s back. - -I understand, I think. Anyway, where were we? - -I think you were going to ride my dad, and I think I -(TM)ll ride his face while we kiss, how does that sound? - -It sounds like a plan, but before I sit on that massive cock I need you to get me ready. - -I -(TM)ll enjoy that a lot, - Belle replied, pulling Amber close for a kiss. -Oh wow, you sure know how to kiss, - Amber gasped as they separated a couple of minutes later. -We never used to kiss when we were on the streets, there -(TM)s a few reasons why we didn -(TM)t, now I -(TM)m allowed to kiss my friends I -(TM)m making up for lost time. - -Any time you want to kiss me, feel free, - Amber told her as she slipped out of her panties and settled in the middle of the bed, -I like this bed, I -(TM)ve not been in these rooms before, it -(TM)s a lot comfier than the ones in the regular rooms. - Belle settled between Amber -(TM)s thighs, she looked at her pussy, -it -(TM)s so pretty, oh, your clit -(TM)s pierced, did that hurt? - -A little, but the extra sensation during sex was worth the initial discomfort. - -What do I do, do I flick the little ball thing with my tongue? - -If you like, just do whatever you normally would, every time you move the little ball I -(TM)ll feel it in the best way. - -Oooh, that sounds exciting, does it feel nice when you run or dance? - -Sometimes, mostly my panties stop it from moving, but if I -(TM)m not wearing any, then yeah, it -(TM)s amazing. - -Dad? - -Not my area, - I replied quickly, -ask your mum if you want one. - -Boo, anyway, down to business. - -Oh yes, that -(TM)s what I wanted, if you move lower with your tongue your nose will do the work on the clit ball, oh fuck yes!!! - Belle held on as she rode Amber -(TM)s orgasm, her hands gripping the tall redhead -(TM)s cheeks, they were both panting as our new friend came down, relaxing her back, which had arched alarmingly with the power of her orgasm. -Fuck girl, I don -(TM)t know what you just did, but it worked. - -I don -(TM)t know what I did, but it was fun whatever it was. - Belle slipped two fingers inside Amber -(TM)s pussy, her back arched again as Belle triggered an aftershock. Once Amber -(TM)s breathing settled Belle leaned forwards and tentatively flicked her tongue against Amber -(TM)s clit, which had the expected result. -Oh god Belle, - she panted, -I don -(TM)t know why you were worried, you know exactly what to do. I know what you want to do next, go ahead, it -(TM)s fine. - -Really, I can finger your bum? - -Of course, Mi cuerpo es tu cuerpo. - -I don -(TM)t know what that means, sorry, - Belle replied shyly. -My body is your body, I know you won -(TM)t hurt me, so do anything you want with me, get me nice and wet so I can take your dad -(TM)s big cock in every hole. - -I so want him up my bum, but Poppy won -(TM)t let me yet, she says i -(TM)m not ready. - -Listen to Poppy, your bum is definitely not ready, Let me turn over and you can have some fun while I get your dad hard again. - With Amber on hands and knees she motioned for me to come closer, taking me in her mouth, and fuck she was good, taking me as deep as Poppy, and using some of the same tricks as Belle, licking, flicking and gently blowing on my head between deep dives. At one point she bit down on me almost painfully as Belle slipped a third finger into her arsehole, -oh god Belle, - Amber gasped, -is that three? - -Yes, is it ok, I -(TM)ve only got small hands? - -See if you can get a whole hand in each hole, be careful though, - Amber looked up at me, -probably best if you sit down, I nearly bit your cock off just then. - -I noticed, - I laughed, -I know Jenny said you could do what you like with me, but I really think she wants me back in one piece. - -Come here dad, my mouth is free, but first, I -(TM)d love it if you took a few photos of this scene, I think Poppy would be very excited to try this. - I took a few photos of Belle with a hand fully buried in Amber -(TM)s pussy and anus, each time Belle moved a little Amber moaned deeply, -oh shit Belle, this is so nice, but I can -(TM)t stand it any more, pull out slowly then let your dad fuck me. - -Is it ok if he films me for a moment as I fuck you and pull them out? - -Oh yes, but please, no face, I trust you, but I -(TM)d hate it if someone stole your phone or something. - I filmed about 30 seconds of Belle moving her hands carefully, then as she slowly withdrew from Amber -(TM)s pussy, I didn -(TM)t film her anus withdrawal in case it was messy, instead I ran to get a pile of tissues, which I wrapped around her hand as it came free with an audible pop, and a loud sigh from Amber. -Go wash your hands, - I whispered. -But Amber... - -She can wait a moment, she probably needs to wait a moment, I -(TM)ll come with you and scrub you clean. - We came back five minutes later and Amber was fast asleep, as I expected her to be, what Belle had just done to her was bound to wipe her out. I cleaned her up with damp tissues, then lifted her as Belle pulled the duvet back. I laid her in the middle of the bed and we crawled into bed either side, Belle as little spoon, me as big spoon. -I -(TM)m sorry dad, you didn -(TM)t get to have sex with Amber. - -It -(TM)s OK, we -(TM)ve got plenty of time. - -Does that mean we -(TM)ll come back and see her again? - -Of course, you -(TM)ll be wanting to see your grandad again. - I was awoken in the early hours by a low moaning sound, as my ears tuned in I recognised the noises as Belle. -If I turn around I can kiss you and you can finger my bum, - she whispered. -Ok, and when your dad wakes he can put something in mine, - Amber whispered back. -I -(TM)m awake, - I told them quietly. -Oh good, this plan is nearly as good as my original one, - Belle said, -Amber is going to finger me while you do her bum, is that ok? - -Seeing as I -(TM)ve had Belle -(TM)s hand in there, I guess you -(TM)ll fit ok. - I was already pretty hard just from the situation, so I parted Amber -(TM)s cheeks and dipped my cock in her sopping pussy, collecting enough juice to ease my way into her arsehole. Once I was pretty sure I -(TM)d got enough juice I pushed my cock against Amber -(TM)s anus, she -(TM)d recovered from Belle -(TM)s fisting and her hole was tightly closed once more. -It -(TM)s ok Alex, shove it in, we -(TM)ll be fine. - And we were, Amber -(TM)s arse was quite different to Poppy -(TM)s, tighter, but she didn -(TM)t have Poppy -(TM)s muscle control, so the effect, whilst pleasurable, wasn -(TM)t quite as mind blowing. What I didn -(TM)t have with Poppy was the soundtrack of Belle being anally fingered by a beautiful girl. I -(TM)ve not had much practice at this position, so it took a little while to work out the best way to move inside Amber, after a couple of minutes though we were moving together, me thrusting deep into Amber -(TM)s ass. Belle -(TM)s bum grew sore from Amber -(TM)s fingering, so she crawled around and cuddled up to me, she got into a position where she could grind against my body and play with my balls. The combined effect of Amber pushing back hard and Belle grinding on me was mind blowing, and I couldn -(TM)t last much longer. -I -(TM)m going to come soon, - I cried. -Come inside me, please... - Amber moaned. Belle held me tightly, reaching her orgasm as I came inside Amber. My climax was so powerful I almost blacked out, coming to as Amber wriggled free. -Oh fuck, - she gasped, -that was amazing, but I fear I won -(TM)t be walking very well in the morning. - -Poppy does a lot of stretching exercises after hard sex, - Belle told her, -and she always does really noisy farts after anal. - -She -(TM)s not the only one, I think I -(TM)ll use your loo. - -I really enjoyed that dad, - Belle said as she rolled on top of me for a cuddle, -the fingering was fun for a bit, but I got sore, I guess Poppy -(TM)s right, I -(TM)m going to need a lot of practice. - Belle kissed me gently for a moment or two as she drifted off to sleep, Amber giggled as she came back into the bedroom. -She looks so cute like that. - -I know, which is why I hate to move her. - -No need to move her, this way I can cuddle you both, - she said as she moved in close and put an arm over Belle, -ahh, I -(TM)ve set my alarm for 7:30, I need to sneak out before the housekeeping staff come in. I really should have brought my uniform in so I didn -(TM)t need to pop home before I start work. - -I think we -(TM)ll need to leave pretty early anyway, so we -(TM)ll get up at the same time. - Belle was still asleep and clinging to me as Amber -(TM)s alarm sounded, -she -(TM)s still there, - Amber whispered as she silenced her alarm. -She likes to sleep with me like this, but she sleeps normally with her sisters. - -If I was as tiny as she is I -(TM)d probably do the same, she -(TM)s like a puppy, I love her. - Belle lifted her head slightly, looking up at me sleepily, -surely it -(TM)s not time to get up already? - -I -(TM)m afraid it is, we need to get going as soon as we can, that way we can spend a couple of hours with your grandad before he has his lunch. - -Ok, I guess that -(TM)s a good plan. Do I have time to have a bath, because I -(TM)m a bit sore downstairs, I think you -(TM)re still too big for me, and my bum is itchy. - -Of course we -(TM)ve got time for you to have a bath, - I replied. -I -(TM)ll help you, - Amber said, -After all it -(TM)s partly my fault you -(TM)re sore. - -And I -(TM)ll kiss your bum-hole better, - Belle said as she followed Amber into the bathroom. While they enjoyed their bath I took my wash bag into the second bedroom en-suite, yes, our hotel suite had two bathrooms. As I expected, I was out first, so I made the bed, put Belle -(TM)s fresh clothes out and packed her bag, her bra was still damp, so I wrapped it in a dry towel and packed it with the rest of her clothes. -Oh, thanks for laying my clothes out dad, ahh, no bra, is it still wet? - -I -(TM)m afraid so. - -Ahh well, I guess I -(TM)m going commando today, lucky I -(TM)ve got little boobs, if I was Poppy I -(TM)d be wobbling all over the place. - -At least you don -(TM)t have to slut walk home in last night -(TM)s clothes, - Amber said with a grin, -but slut walking is fun, it -(TM)s a sign of a good night. - -About last night... - I started. -It was amazing, but it doesn -(TM)t have to mean anything if you don -(TM)t want it to. - -I was going to ask, how do you feel, but as you bring it up, it means a lot, we -(TM)d both like it to happen again, maybe next time Poppy and Katie could stand in my stead. - -Ahh, ok, sorry I -(TM)m so used to casual pickups I sometimes forget there -(TM)s thoroughly decent people around. Yes, I -(TM)d love to get together again, and I -(TM)m fine, a little sore, Belle kissed me better, and I kissed her better, neither of us is in danger of being unladylike this morning. - -That -(TM)s good to know. - -Ahh, I just remembered something, you -(TM)re not officially in this room. - -We know, - Belle replied brightly, -Aunty Helen said she just got us a normal room. Thanks so much, it was really exciting when I first saw the room. - -My pleasure, what I mean is, I made you a key for this room, but I didn -(TM)t book you in here, you -(TM)re still meant to be in 205, so we can -(TM)t let housekeeping see you leave this room. - -So I guess we leave now, take our bags down to the car, then check out after breakfast, - I suggested. -That would be best, - Amber replied. -Do you want to join us for breakfast? - Belle asked. -Honestly, I -(TM)d love to, but I really need to get home so I can feed Charlie, empty his litter tray and get dressed for work. - -What time do you start work? - -I start at 10 sweetie, so after you finish a leisurely breakfast I -(TM)ll be on reception when you check out. - Amber slipped out of the room before us and used her staff pass to unlock the service stairs which she said would take her out of the back door. I picked up my bag, Belle shouldered her teddy bear backpack and we left our suite after Belle used my phone to take several photos of the room for her sisters. We took the lift all the way down to the carpark level and deposited our bags in the Bentley, then used the stairs up to the reception where we checked which restaurant we needed to use for breakfast. We were shown to the same table as last night. Breakfast was a buffet, just help yourself to whatever you want from the hotplates or the selection of cereals, cold meats, bread and cheese. I was totally unsurprised to see Belle pile her plate high with sausages, bacon, scrambled egg and mushrooms, with a drizzle of baked beans anywhere they -(TM)d fit. -This is great, I can eat as much as I like. The lady said I could go back for more if I want, although she was a bit doubtful that I -(TM)d finish this lot. I think I -(TM)ll go back even if I just get more egg just to show her I finished my first helping. - I smiled as I drank my coffee, she really was such an amazing kid. She held her fork in the air, -is this black pudding really made of blood? - -Yes, amongst other stuff like oatmeal, onions and fat. It -(TM)s actually called blood sausage in some countries. - -Mmm, that sounds so gross, but it -(TM)s really tasty. The lady said it -(TM)s best with mustard, but she didn -(TM)t have any mustard to give me. Maybe next time. - We ate slowly as we had over an hour to kill before we could check out. Belle wiped her plate clean with a piece of bread and took it back to the buffet. She returned with a couple more sausages, a fried egg and another piece of bread to mop up the yolk. Once this plate was emptied she picked up my coffee and finished that as well, before sitting back and rubbing her tummy. -Man, that was great, worth every penny of Helen -(TM)s money, - she said with a satisfied sigh as she pulled out her phone, -I -(TM)m texting her to thank her for the hotel. I had a great time last night, did you enjoy it? - -I did, Amber is a wonderful girl, and I definitely did not expect her to enjoy that double fisting. - -God! Neither did I! Even Poppy hasn -(TM)t done that, or at least I don -(TM)t think she has. I shall enjoy showing her the photos and video. - -Oh yes, remind me to Airdrop them to your iPad, I -(TM)d rather they weren -(TM)t on my phone. - -You know, that was so much fun though, and nowhere near as gross as I expected, I was so horny while I was doing it. I -(TM)ll tell you what was also awesome, holding onto you whilst you came inside Amber, I had such an amazing orgasm just holding onto you with all that sex going on under the duvet. That -(TM)s what I was telling you about, I get so hot just watching people have sex, just being in the same room does it for me. Does that make me weird? - -Absolutely not, if people didn -(TM)t get off just watching sex there -(TM)d be no market for porn. - -Ha, yes of course, at least I -(TM)m in the room, not watching it on telly. Thank you, I hadn -(TM)t thought of it that way. - I checked my phone and saw it was past 10, so we made our way to the reception. Amber smiled brightly as she saw us, and dashed around the counter when she -(TM)d finished with the customer in front. She gave Belle a big hug, -it -(TM)s been so good to see you again cousin, - she said out loud before whispering, -ignore me, I -(TM)m not supposed to hug guests. - I got a hug as her uncle before we got down to the business of checking out. Helen had paid for the room, meals and Belle -(TM)s massage, so I just had the bar bill to pay, which at 5* hotel prices was a substantial sum. -Half of this is my wine and gin, - Amber said, -I can -(TM)t have you paying this much, let -(TM)s see what offers I can find. Ahh yes, here we go, a two for one voucher code for the bar, it was for a conference last week, I bet it still works, and yes, it does, there we go, your bar bill halved in a stroke. - -Thank you, I hope this doesn -(TM)t get you into trouble, - I said as I gave Amber my card. -If they didn -(TM)t want us to use these vouchers to help our friends they -(TM)d cancel them quicker. - -We -(TM)ll be back soon, - Belle told her as we prepared to leave, -and I -(TM)ll bring my sisters next time. - -I look forward to meeting them. - -I don -(TM)t have any social media because I -(TM)ve only got this old phone, - Belle said, showing Amber her trusty Nokia, -it was a lifesaver when Poppy sent it to me, so I -(TM)m keeping it. Poppy and Katie have them all, I -(TM)ll get them to send you links and we can keep in touch properly. - -You have my phone number, they can use it to add me on their WhatsApp, then we can chat there. - -Amazing, I -(TM)m glad you said that as I don -(TM)t really know anything about that stuff. I -(TM)m sure I -(TM)ll find out all about it when I get back to school. - -Didn -(TM)t you have facebook or anything before? - Amber asked. -No, my dad wasn -(TM)t a fan of technology, we didn -(TM)t have computers or mobile phones at home. - -Oh dear, you -(TM)d really struggle at school without a computer to do research and write your homework. My cousin Jayne does everything online, even emails all her homework to her teachers, she loves it. - -I -(TM)m learning, dad bought me a fancy Apple laptop and iPad. Katie and Poppy are showing me how to use them. - Amber came back round the counter, she gave Belle one last hug before we left, -see you soon cutie. - The one-way system helped us on our way back to the nursing home, when we got there 10 minutes later Clive was waiting for us in the lounge. Belle brought the photo album with her and they spent an hour chatting about the memories raised by the book. Belle enjoyed looking at the photos of her parents and their friends. Neither her mum nor dad had siblings, her Uncle Liam was a second cousin at best, apart from Clive she had no blood relatives. -What happened to Belle -(TM)s parents -(TM) house, - I asked Clive. -Oh, of course, you won -(TM)t have had the paperwork, you need to speak to Lana -(TM)s solicitor. - -Who -(TM)s mum -(TM)s solicitor, - Belle asked. -Ahh, I forget the name, their office is in the row of shops near the garage. - -Oh yes, I know the place. I can direct you dad, we -(TM)ll drive past the house on the way. - We left when the nurse came for Clive at lunch time. Belle hugged him as he stood, and helped him into his wheelchair. -I -(TM)ll be back soon, and I -(TM)ll bring my sisters. - -I look forward to meeting them, they sound lovely. - -They -(TM)re the best, absolute goddesses, so strong and so caring. I -(TM)ve never felt this comfortable with anyone before. - -And I -(TM)ve never seen you so happy, - Clive said, he kissed Belle -(TM)s hand quickly before the nurse wheeled him to the dining room. Belle directed me out of the city centre and into one of the suburbs. It looked like a pretty nice area, all the front gardens were neat and tidy, mid-market cars in the driveways. -Take the next left, - Belle said, leaning forwards in her seat, excited to see her old house. -It -(TM)s number 15, in the middle of the row. - I checked the numbers as I drove, 9, 11, 13, I parked outside 15. -Ahh, home, I didn -(TM)t think I -(TM)d see it again, - Belle said quietly as she slipped out of the car to look at it properly. I stepped out to join her on the pavement, the house looked ok, a larger than average semi-detached property, built about 15 years ago I imagine, plastic double-glazing and front door, grimy but there was no peeling paintwork to show the house had been neglected for a year or more. The front garden was a little overgrown, but not untidy, someone must have been looking after it. The door to the house on the left opened, a man emerged, elderly but he looked fit, Belle noticed him and ran over. -Mr Sykes, it -(TM)s so good to see you. - -Amelia, is that you? It is, oh my, don -(TM)t you look good. - -Dad, this is Mr Sykes, he -(TM)s so kind. He drove me to Gramps the night my parents died. - We shook hands, -this is my new dad, Mr Sykes. - -Come in, it -(TM)s too chilly to chat outside, - Mr Sykes said, ushering us into a neat, spartan sitting room. Belle outlined the last 18 months while Mr Sykes made a pot of tea. I took a cup, -thank you Mr Sykes, - I said as I helped myself from the plate of biscuits. -Please, call my Albert, - he replied before sipping his hot tea, -I hope you don -(TM)t mind, but I -(TM)ve been taking care of your front garden as best as I could. I didn -(TM)t want the house making the street look untidy. I -(TM)ve washed the windows every month or so as well. Only downstairs mind, I don -(TM)t have a ladder to do the upstairs windows. - -Oh my, that -(TM)s great, I was kind of expecting a jungle. - -There was at first, but when we saw the story in the paper about your disappearance I thought the house would be empty for a good while, so I thought I -(TM)d try to keep it tidy. - -You were always so kind, Mr Sykes. Anyway, I asked gramps about the house and he told me to see my mum -(TM)s solicitors, so we -(TM)re on our way round there and I thought I -(TM)d show dad where I used to live. - -Where is your grandad, I -(TM)d like to see him one day. - Belle told him the name of the nursing home. -And isn -(TM)t that a coincidence, my cousin Hatty is there, I wonder why I -(TM)ve never bumped into Clive. I -(TM)ll try to catch him next week when I see Hatty. - -He -(TM)d like that, he always enjoyed playing dominoes with you. - Albert stopped us at the door as we were leaving, -let me know what -(TM)s happening with the house, while I -(TM)m able, I -(TM)m happy to keep doing the garden. - -I -(TM)ll let you know, I -(TM)m surprised it -(TM)s still empty to be honest, I kind of thought the bank would have sold it by now. - -I suppose you -(TM)ll find out at the solicitors. It -(TM)s been really good seeing you again Amelia, you look more grown up now, you -(TM)ll be breaking boys -(TM) hearts when you get back to school. - -I -(TM)m not interested in boys Mr Sykes, you know that. - -Yes, that -(TM)s why you -(TM)ll be breaking their hearts. - -I -(TM)m going to a girls school anyway, so there won -(TM)t be boys to upset, - she called back to Albert as she climbed into the car, waving to him as we pulled away. Belle guided me back to the ring road and on to her mum -(TM)s solicitor, I phoned Poppy as I parked up. -Hey dad, what -(TM)s up, I -(TM)m just on my way back to lessons after lunch. - -Sorry to call but your mum is busy today, we -(TM)ve been caught up with something in York, so we -(TM)ll be home a lot later than I expected, so let her know when she gets home. - -I hope it -(TM)s nothing serious. - -Oh, nothing serious, we just need to see Belle -(TM)s mum -(TM)s solicitor before we leave. - -Ahh, ok. I -(TM)ll let mum know when she gets home. - Belle was standing outside the solicitor -(TM)s office waiting for me, -sorry about that, I thought I -(TM)d better let someone know we -(TM)d be a bit late home. - -No problem, it -(TM)s not like I -(TM)m bursting with enthusiasm to do this. What if there -(TM)s all kinds of shit about Liam. - -I -(TM)m sure there won -(TM)t be, - I assured her, -come on, you can hold my hand the whole time. - I pushed open the door and stepped inside the tiny reception area, it reminded me more of a taxi office, a small space with the receptionist behind a glass screen, tired plastic chairs against a wall scared by years of people banging against it with their chair backs. -Yeah, how can I help? - the receptionist drawled, not sounding at all like she wanted to help. -Hello, we -(TM)re here regarding Lana Dean -(TM)s estate, - I said. -Ok, take a seat, I -(TM)ll give Mick a shout. - We were both reluctant to sit in the greasy looking chairs, so we stood to one side and read the notices. By the looks of the various signs and posters this was more of a criminal law practice than a family solicitors, I -(TM)m guessing Lana used them because they were close to the garage where Jake worked. A few minutes later a tall, friendly looking woman in jeans and a Ralph Lauren shirt came out to greet us, -are you Amelia Dean? - -Yes, I am, I -(TM)m here about my parents estate. - -Excellent, I -(TM)m Michaela, but you can call me Mick, is this your guardian? - -This is Alex, and I -(TM)m hoping he -(TM)s my dad by now, his girlfriend has been sorting out my adoption, she -(TM)s a police detective. - -That -(TM)s great, tell me everything in my office. - Michaela led us through a maze of cubicles to a small office, her desk was piled with manilla folders and box files. -Excuse the mess, I guess you noticed we -(TM)re really a criminal law practice, I -(TM)m the only family law solicitor here, so I get piled with all the work the other guys don -(TM)t want. - We lifted files off the visitor chairs, deposited them on the floor and sat down. -Ok, so all I know is you ran away, at which point my work on your parents -(TM) estate stopped, are you able to bring me up to speed. - -Before we start Michaela, - I said, -what do you know about the reasons for Amelia -(TM)s disappearance, just so we know where to begin, and if there are any conflicts of interest. - -Ahh, I know what you -(TM)re getting at there, - she replied with a smile, -so, we know Liam Dean was given custody, and your grandparents intervened, then your nan passed so Liam again was granted custody, so you ran away. -I saw on the news yesterday that Liam Dean has been arrested, and one of my colleagues has heard on the grapevine that the charges are severe, and the evidence is very strong. We also know he -(TM)s currently in hospital recovering from some fairly nasty injuries that the police swear are not their responsibility. - We both smiled at that. -What am I missing? - she asked. -Without wishing to implicate anyone, a friend of a friend paid Liam a visit to persuade him to drop his custody claim, - I told her, -they may have also given several girls the reassurances they needed to come forward and speak out against Liam. - -Ok, thanks Alex, that does give us some context for the current events, and seeing as you are my client Amelia, none of what I just heard will leave this office. So, to put your mind at ease, we do not represent Liam Dean, there -(TM)s no conflict of interests if that -(TM)s what you were worried about. - -Thank you, and please, call me Belle, that -(TM)s my name now. - -Have you changed your name legally, or is that just what you want to be called? - -It -(TM)s not a legal change, I can -(TM)t do that, can I, my mum has to sign the papers. - -If Alex is now your legal dad, we can sort it now, do you know what court your girlfriend used to file the adoption papers, and I -(TM)ll need her name, sorry, I should have asked that earlier. - -I -(TM)m assuming it would be Wimbledon Magistrates Court, that -(TM)s where we live, and my partner is DC Jennifer Wilde, do you need her full name? - -No, that will be fine for now, although I may need it in a minute, - she said as she picked up the phone and made her calls. -She -(TM)s very nice, - Belle whispered while Michaela talked to the court in Wimbledon, -but I still don -(TM)t know why we -(TM)re here. - -I think she -(TM)s trying to make you feel comfortable, I -(TM)m sure whatever it is we -(TM)re here for can -(TM)t be bad, she already said she doesn -(TM)t represent Liam. - Michaela put the phone down quietly, wrote a few notes on her pad and smiled at Belle. -Ok, so it -(TM)s all sorted, Alex is your dad. - -Yayyy, - Belle cried as she lunged across and hugged me. -So, I can do the legal name change for you if you like. - -Oh, yes please! - Belle replied excitedly, -I want to be Belle Amelia Saffron Dean, or do I want your name, oh poo I can -(TM)t think. - -Didn -(TM)t you decide to keep your own surname when we were enrolling you at school? - -I did, but that makes it look like I -(TM)m not your daughter, and I don -(TM)t want people to think that, because I love you and Jenny so very much. - -Why don -(TM)t you keep your name, and add your dad -(TM)s surname? - Michaela offered. -Can I do that? - -Of course you can, so what -(TM)s your dad -(TM)s surname? - -Harrison, - Belle told her. -Ok, which sounds better, Harrison-Dean or Dean-Harrison? - -I think the first one, - Belle said, looking at me for confirmation, I agreed. -Belle Amelia Saffron Harrison-Dean, I like that, and I -(TM)ll have the longest name in the family. - -I don -(TM)t know, Jenny -(TM)s full name is a bit of a mouthful Jennifer Rose Chamberlain-Wilde. - Michaela wrote them both out and counted, -you have two more letters in your name Belle, so you win. - -Yayyy. - -So, I just need you and Alex to sign this form, you -(TM)ll need to sign it with both your old name and new name, if you want to practice I have some scrap paper. Also, at school you are allowed to have a preferred name, so if you just want to be called Belle Dean or Belle Harrison, that -(TM)s ok. I was always Mick at school because I had this dopey teacher who could never manage to spell Michaela right. - We signed the form and handed it back, -I -(TM)ll need to file this officially, so I -(TM)ll send you a photocopy when it -(TM)s all done. - -Thank you so much, I really was having a proper meltdown there over my name, - Belle said, -I understand why Poppy changed her surname, and why Katie didn -(TM)t, and I was somewhere in the middle, and having two names is the perfect solution. - -Ok, so shall we get down to why you -(TM)re really here? - -Yes please, because I really have no idea, I was so worried you were going to hand me back to Liam. - -Oh gosh no, we -(TM)d never do that, - Michaela reassured Belle as she pulled out a file from the bottom of a stack on her desk. -Right, here -(TM)s your mum -(TM)s Will, it -(TM)s lucky she made one, because your dad didn -(TM)t. Your mum inherited everything off your dad as he had no traceable family, and your mum left a very simple will, you get everything. - -Ok, - Belle said slowly, -what does that mean? - -You get the house, as your dad owned it outright. That was a puzzle as you -(TM)d only lived there about 8 years, it seems your dad -(TM)s employer helped out a good deal there. - -Is Mr Clarke still alive? - -We assume so, he moved to Spain last year, he missed your mum terribly, oh god! I shouldn -(TM)t have said that. - -What, do you mean she was sleeping with Mr Clarke? - -I can -(TM)t comment, we handled his affairs so he -(TM)s a client and I can -(TM)t say anything. - Belle sat quietly for a moment, countinging points off on her fingers as she thought of them. -You know, if mum was having an affair with Mr Clarke that really explains so much, because he was always way too kind, he gave dad that flat, and the better job, and all of a sudden we have a nice house and a nice car. - She was quiet for a few moments, then she slapped the table, -haha, of course! - before she settled back, a broad grin on her face. -What! - Michaela asked, intrigued, -what have you thought of? - -I think I -(TM)ve just worked out who my real dad is. - -Jake -(TM)s on your birth certificate, I -(TM)ve got a copy here. - -His sperms were faulty, I guess mum, or Mr Clarke were careful after mum married, then mum and dad had tests, and she got pregnant with a test tube baby, and then they had the accident. - -Give me two minutes, I need to check something in the file room. - Michaela left us alone, -this is so exciting, I -(TM)ve wondered off and on who my real dad was, it -(TM)s not something I -(TM)ve ever obsessed about, because we were happy at home and dad, Jake, was always nice to me even after we found out. And it also makes sense, because mum was never shy over talking about her past, she had a lot of boyfriends, then to suddenly stop and stay with one man. No, that didn -(TM)t make sense. - -What was Mr Clarke like? - -He was old, like old enough to retire when I was about 5 I think, so what -(TM)s that, 60? But he was nice, very friendly, very kind, and now I think about it, very nice to mum. Yes, it all makes perfect sense. - -You -(TM)re not bothered that your mum may have been sleeping around, and cheating on your dad? - -Why should I be bothered, after what we get up to. Mum was happy, Mr Clarke was very happy, dad got his promotion and good wages, and I lived in a happy household, until it all went to shit that night. - Belle put her hand on my leg, I held it tight and we sat in silence until Michaela returned ten minutes later. -Ahh, sorry that took longer than I -(TM)d hoped, I had to check with my boss, he says I can tell you two things, and that -(TM)s all, I can -(TM)t tell you anything else, and I can -(TM)t answer any questions. Promise me, you won -(TM)t ask me anything else about Mr Clarke or I can -(TM)t tell you anything at all. - -I promise, - Belle said firmly, -I promise not to ask you anything. - -Me too, - I added. -Ok, I can confirm that Mr Clarke is alive and well, he is in Spain, that -(TM)s all I can tell you on that subject. I can also confirm that you are mentioned in his will, again, I can -(TM)t elaborate. Does that answer your question regarding Mr Clarke. - Belle looked at me, -see, I told you. And yes, it answers my question, I now know who my dad is, and it -(TM)s not the person gramps mentioned yesterday. - -Ok, that matter is now closed. Back to business. Your parents had no debts outstanding when they passed, the house, car, everything was clear. They had a reasonable sum in savings, and some cash in a current account which we used to pay outstanding utility bills, and have used since then to pay council tax and other bills. There was a sizable sum from life insurance which we added to the savings account. It -(TM)s all yours, although we will hold it in trust until you are 18. - -Err, how much money? - -A little shy of £500,000 after we paid in the insurance, and deducted fees. - -Ok, that -(TM)s a lot of money, and the house, that -(TM)s mine? - -It is, I -(TM)m assuming you would want to sell it if you -(TM)re living in London with Alex. - -Hold that thought, - she told Michaela before turning to me, -Amber could live there, she could look after the house for me, I liked her, and I bet she -(TM)d prefer a house to a little flat. - -If you like, it -(TM)s your house, - I replied. -So, - she started, turning back to Michaela, -the house is mine, and I can do whatever I want with it. - -Within reason, yes, but like I say, it -(TM)s all in trust until you -(TM)re 18, so if you sell it, the proceeds would also go into the trust. - -I don -(TM)t want to sell it, I want to let a friend live in it, she can pay all the bills, but otherwise she can live there rent free, is that allowed? - -It is. As the trustees we -(TM)d need to approve her as a tenant, but that -(TM)s usually just a formality. - -She was one of Liam -(TM)s victims, so be nice to her when you do any vetting. - -I see, give me five minutes, I -(TM)ll get some paperwork sorted, just standard stuff about damage to the property and the likes, you can read it first then get her to sign them. - -Can you read them dad, I want to phone Amber. - -Hey Amber, - Belle said when her call was answered, -what time do you finish work today? Oh great, she finishes at four on Fridays, can we hang around until then? - -Yeah, we can do that, but we won -(TM)t get home until really late. - -I can sleep in the car if I get tired. So, can we have a chat when you finish Amber? Cool, we -(TM)ll meet you in the bar. - She put her phone back and turned to Michaela, -err, all that money, can I give it to charity? - -It -(TM)s your money, so yes. - -Great, my sister Poppy has set up a charity to help homeless girls, it -(TM)s named after us both, The Poppy and Belle Foundation. - We had a few more pieces of paperwork to complete, then Michaela gave me the keys to Belle -(TM)s house and the paperwork for Amber to sign. -I thought you wanted to vet Amber, - Belle asked. -Tell her someone will come round to see her in a couple of weeks, just to check up on your behalf, we -(TM)ll only call round once, and we -(TM)ll ring first. - And with that done we left the office, Belle was a bit dazed. We were early for our meet-up with Amber, so we waited in the bar, I had a coffee, Belle a coke, I messaged Jenny to give her a heads up we -(TM)d had Belle -(TM)s adoption confirmed, she called me back straight away. -I -(TM)ve got a couple of minutes, don -(TM)t put me on speaker. We -(TM)re finished at the club, we -(TM)ve arrested 20 guys. We passed about 40 girls to immigration, I -(TM)m afraid we had no choice as we were using a lot of their men on the raid. There was a bit of a scuffle and all the homeless girls escaped, someone left a fire exit open. - -Was it successful, as far as you -(TM)re concerned? - -Yes, for me, and my squad, yes, it went well. Poppy wanted her friends to be left alone, and we managed that, I hope to be home by 8, I -(TM)ll chat to you all then. - -Ahh, we won -(TM)t be back until close to midnight, things have taken an unusual turn here, something good has happened. Belle inherited her parents house, and a lot of money, we -(TM)ll tell you more later, but for now she -(TM)s letting Amber have the house, as a tenant. - -Oh, really, that -(TM)s amazing news, I -(TM)d have thought the bank would have taken the house back because the payments stopped. - -That -(TM)s what I was thinking, but they owned the house outright, and had a decent amount of cash. - Belle tapped my hand, -can I tell mum? - -I -(TM)m passing you to Belle. - -Hey mum, we went to see this nice lawyer, she told me the house is mine, and something like half a million in cash, but I can -(TM)t have it until I -(TM)m 18. So I read between the lines, and my dad got his promotion and stuff because mum was sleeping his boss all along, she -(TM)d not stopped sleeping around, which is great, because I was confused how she suddenly stopped and settled down. - -Ok, so you -(TM)re happy to let this girl you met yesterday live in your house? - -Oh yes, because I can sense she -(TM)s a good person, and the neighbour will tell me if she -(TM)s being naughty. Also, I think I know who my real dad is. - -Really, who is it? - -My dad -(TM)s boss, Mr Clarke, why else would he give them the house, and I -(TM)m in his will. - -Oh, yes, I -(TM)d say that -(TM)s a clue. - -I -(TM)m happy about it because he -(TM)s a really nice man, he must be, because he had the good taste to sleep with my mum, because she was a proper honey, you -(TM)ll see when I show you my photo album. - -That -(TM)s great sweetie, and you also got the news that we -(TM)re officially your parents... - -Yes, and I -(TM)m so happy about it, and I -(TM)m now legally Belle, and my legal name is two letters longer than yours, I have the longest name in the family. - -Hahaha, what name have you chosen, because mine is a proper mouthful. - -I -(TM)m now legally Belle Amelia Saffron Harrison-Dean. - -Aww that -(TM)s lovely, I thought you weren -(TM)t taking your dad -(TM)s name. - -I decided that if I kept mine it would look like I don -(TM)t love him, and I really do, I love you too, but I thought it was cheeky tagging your name on as well. - -That -(TM)s ok, because I -(TM)ll be taking Alex -(TM)s name soon, I -(TM)ll be Harrison-Wilde, but don -(TM)t tell him, that -(TM)s our secret. - -Our secret, oh, Amber -(TM)s coming, I -(TM)ll pass you back to dad. - Amber slid into the booth next to Amber as I cut the call to Jenny, she would call us later and we -(TM)d try to have a conference call in the car. -Would you like a drink? - I asked. -Will I need a drink? - she replied. -You might, - Belle said with a smile. -Ok, I -(TM)ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio please. - Belle looked so excited as I returned with Amber -(TM)s wine, like she -(TM)d burst if she didn -(TM)t tell her soon. Amber put her hand on the base of the glass, -ok, I -(TM)m feeling weird vibes here, what have you got to tell me. - -Oh gosh, there -(TM)s nothing weird, I just had some news today, and I want to pass on some good fortune, - Belle told her. -Ok, I -(TM)m listening. - -How big is your flat, and how much does it cost you? - -Well, I -(TM)m not sure why you need to know, it -(TM)s one bedroom with a nice sized sitting room, I pay £795 a month plus service charges, but it -(TM)s a really good location, so it -(TM)s worth it I guess. - -So, if I said you could have a three bed house about 15 minutes walk from here for free, what would you say? - -I -(TM)d say you -(TM)d gone mad. - Belle took the keys from her pocket and put them beside Amber -(TM)s hand. -What are these? - -I -(TM)ve just gained a house, I don -(TM)t need it, but I can -(TM)t sell it until I -(TM)m 18, I thought you could live there for free for a few years, just paying the bills, then when I -(TM)m 18 we can decide if you want to buy it or maybe we could make a formal agreement for you to rent it off me, or whatever. - -Seriously, you -(TM)ll let me live rent free? - -Yeah, I really don -(TM)t need the money, and I -(TM)m guessing your salary here doesn -(TM)t really let you live well in your little flat. - -Not really, it -(TM)s a stretch, and it -(TM)s too small for me to share with anyone I don -(TM)t want to stay in my bed. - -Great, so this is a win win, drink up and we -(TM)ll show you the house, you sign a simple form that says you promise not to burn the place down, with other clauses about insurance and bills and stuff. - A short while later we were in the house, we had to enter by the back door as the front door was jammed shut with 18 months worth of junk mail. The power was off, we found some candles and matches in the kitchen and used them to walk around the house. All the furniture was in place, and very dusty. -I -(TM)ll pay for some cleaners to come in and make it liveable for you, - Belle told her as we made our way carefully upstairs, -if we leave your keys with Mr Sykes next door the cleaners can get them from there, blitz the place and give the keys back, then you can get the keys back off him. He -(TM)s a lovely guy, he -(TM)s quite keen to do the gardening. - -Fantastic, I -(TM)m really not much of a gardening person. - -I bet he -(TM)d be happy to teach you. - -I -(TM)d like that, my mum loved gardening and always tried to get me to help her. - -Ahh, past tense, didn -(TM)t she pull round, - Belle asked softly. -No, she rallied for a bit, but the cancer got her in the end. I think our parents were kind of opposite, your mum was really young, and gorgeous by the way, I was always so jealous, because my parents were really old, they only met in their 40 -(TM)s. - -I didn -(TM)t think you even knew me or my parents back then. - -I lived two streets away, I walked past this house all the time on my way to the shops, I saw you girl, I saw your hot mum as well. - -So you -(TM)re into milfs, I may have one that interests you. - -Oi Belle, stop trying to pimp out Jenny, - I laughed. -Sorry, anyway, this is the main bedroom, king size bed, fitted wardrobes, TV, ensuite shower room. - -I like the bed, - Amber said, -I think I -(TM)ll have this room. - -Across the landing is my room, err I guess my toys and stuff can go to charity, I -(TM)ll have my books though, and I loved some of my old clothes, if they fit me I may keep some. Can you leave that room until we come back, please. - -Of course, it -(TM)s not like anyone else will be living here to use that room. - -You can have people stay here, it -(TM)s a big house for one person. - -Maybe, I like my own company though, I -(TM)m not really super sociable, which is why I -(TM)m puzzled about getting so cozy with you two last night. I -(TM)ve no regrets by the way, it was amazing. - -Err, I -(TM)m kind of wondering about what we got up to, it was a bit, err, extreme, especially on a first date. - -Definitely, I like to live alone, and get my rocks off in private, but every now and then I like to get completely off my tits, pick up a girl in a bar and fuck our brains out. I think it goes back to my days with Amber, she was the first girl to fuck my ass. I -(TM)ve not done any hard drugs since then, Gin and Tonic is my drug of choice now when I want to go wild. - -Do you do that often, have girl -(TM)s hands up your bum? - Amber put a hand on Belle -(TM)s cheek and kissed her tenderly -you were the first, it -(TM)s normally dildos. I don -(TM)t know anyone with hands as small as yours. - -Ohh, I just thought seeing as you were so keen it was something you -(TM)d done before. - -No honey, and I probably won -(TM)t do it again, unless you want to, it can be our little secret kink. - -That would be nice, because I enjoyed being so close to you, it was really intimate, and nowhere near as gross as I expected. I can -(TM)t believe I put my hand up your bum without even thinking about what I was doing. - -That -(TM)s the best thing about great sex with people you trust, you do stuff you -(TM)d never even dream about. It doesn -(TM)t happen often, but when I feel safe I love to just let go like we did last night. - -Ahh, right, that -(TM)s like the first time I did it with Alex. I really didn -(TM)t want to have sex with a boy, I -(TM)m 100% gay, but I do like giving blowjobs, I get as much pleasure as the boy does. Anyway, I got all horny and I was grinding my clit against him and I just decided on the spur of the moment to fuck him, so I did, and in an instant my virginity was gone and I couldn -(TM)t walk properly afterwards. - -Good god girl, you took that cock in one go without preparation. - -Yep, just like you said, when you get horny and there -(TM)s good sex on offer, you seize the day. Besides, Poppy and Katie were nearby and came running when I screamed, they helped soothe my bits and soon I was ok. I came so hard as well. - -Shit girl, I -(TM)m so glad we met, you -(TM)re amazing. - -Wait until you meet Poppy, she -(TM)s a fucking goddess. - -I look forward to it. Anyway, I -(TM)m going to accept your offer, and I 100% insist on paying you rent from day one. - -I can -(TM)t let you pay me. - -I absolutely insist, I -(TM)ll check how much the market rent is. - -You -(TM)re not paying full price, if you insist I -(TM)ll take 50% and not a penny more, I want you to save money moving here not pay more. - -Ok, that -(TM)s a deal, I -(TM)ll check the websites and we can work out a deal later. - -Oh yeah, my solicitor wants to check up on you, just to make sure you -(TM)re not a psycho or anything, so she said she -(TM)d give you a few weeks to settle in, then they -(TM)d make an appointment to come and see you. Here -(TM)s her card, give her a call when you -(TM)re settled in. - When we got back downstairs Amber put her candle down and hugged Belle hard, -I don -(TM)t even know where to begin to thank you for your kindness, you -(TM)re amazing. - -I saw something in you right at the start, I knew you could be my friend, and I like to help my friends when I can. - Before we left we knocked on Mr Sykes -(TM)s door to introduce his new neighbour. -Sorry to call in the evening Mr Sykes, - Belle said as he opened the door. -No problem Amelia, it -(TM)s always a pleasure to see you. - -This is my friend Amber, she -(TM)ll be moving in next door soon. - Albert stepped onto his porch to shake Amber -(TM)s hand, -I -(TM)m pleased to meet you Amber. - -And you Mr Sykes. - -Please, call me Albert. - -Ok, Albert, I was going to be cheeky and ask if you -(TM)d do my gardening, I -(TM)ll pay you obviously, it -(TM)s just I really have no clue about gardens. - -I -(TM)ll do you a deal, you pay for the plants, I -(TM)ll show you what to do. - -That works for me, thank you. - Belle held Amber -(TM)s keys out, -there -(TM)ll be some cleaners coming one day next week, can you hold onto the keys for them, I -(TM)ll let you know when they -(TM)re coming round. - -I can do that for you, no problem at all. - -Thank you Mr Sykes. - -Albert! - -You -(TM)re always Mr Sykes to me, just like I -(TM)ll always be Amelia to you when I -(TM)m called Belle now. - -Haha, I like Amelia. - -So do I, but that was my old life, you can call me Amelia though, my friends from before can do that. - We dropped Amber at home, -oh, on top of everything else, thank you so much for the ride in the Bentley, even if it is surprisingly snug in the back. - -Yes, somehow I -(TM)ve got to fit all three girls back there tomorrow. - -I can sit on Poppy -(TM)s knee, we -(TM)ll both enjoy that. - -I suppose, your mum will have to wind her seat forwards, anyway we -(TM)ll figure something out, even if it involves stuffing you in the boot. - Amber leaned in and gave Belle a hug, -we -(TM)ll see you soon, I -(TM)ll be coming back to see my gramps a lot, so that -(TM)s a perfect excuse to see you. - -Oh yes, I -(TM)ll keep sending you photos as I tidy up the house and we sort the garden together. - -Thank you, I just knew I could trust you. - Chapter 32 We didn -(TM)t hit the road until well after 6pm, so with a break for food we were looking at getting home around 11pm, not too bad really. Belle chatted away excitedly about memories brought up from the photo album, holidays, birthday parties, a couple of friends from school she would like to catch up with. -It -(TM)s funny, I had maybe 10 friends I hung around with at school, and I think there -(TM)s only two of them that I found I missed talking to, Jodie and Elisha, the rest, they were just people I kept seeing out of habit I think. Is that normal? - -It is, I probably only keep in touch with a couple of people from university and no-one from school. As we grow older, people drift apart, have different interests, different life experiences, especially in your case. - -Do you think I should try to get in touch with my old friends? - -Of course, if you think they -(TM)ll understand why you had to run away, I think it would be nice to let them know you -(TM)re alive and well. See if Poppy and Katie can find them for you on Facebook or Instagram and drop them a quick message, then if they reply in a positive way you can start to chat with them. - -Yes, I think I -(TM)ll do that. I didn -(TM)t fancy either of them or anything, they were just good friends. They were the ones who were nice to me after mum and dad died, the other friends didn -(TM)t seem to understand why I was so upset. When I started to take the tablets the doctor gave me Elisha was really kind. I don -(TM)t know if she -(TM)d been on them, or someone in her family, but she understood exactly what I was feeling and helped me out with school work, made me eat lunch when I lost interest in food and stuff. -Hahaha, as if I was almost anorexic for a while because of the tablets, I bet you -(TM)d have trouble believing that. - -Indeed, but I -(TM)d much rather you eat too much than not enough. Elisha sounds like a very good friend, you definitely need to try to reconnect with her, she deserves to know you -(TM)re ok. - We cruised down the M1, a steady 15 mph above the limit, making great time, reaching Donington Park services a little before 7:30, I pulled in to grab something to eat. Jenny said she -(TM)d phone at 8pm to update us all on the day -(TM)s events, and I didn -(TM)t want to take that call in Burger King, so we ate our burgers quickly, washed our hands then took our coffees back to the Bentley. My phone rang a little after 8, I pulled over to the nearside lane, set the cruise control to 70, and took the call, Jenny -(TM)s voice was incredibly clear over the many speakers in the car. -Hey Jenny, got you on handsfree, so it -(TM)s safe and legal. - -Thank you, I -(TM)d hate to have to arrest you when you get home. - -Hi Mum, we -(TM)ve had a great time, I -(TM)m really looking forward to being home though, I -(TM)ve missed you all. - -We -(TM)ve missed you, Belle, - Poppy and Katie replied. -Ok everyone, I was hoping to tell you this all together in person, but Belle had stuff to do in York, and we -(TM)re off to the police fun day tomorrow, so I thought this was the best solution, it -(TM)s just a shame that I -(TM)m still in work and I can -(TM)t see any of you. -I was kind of hoping you -(TM)d forgotten that today was the day we raided the gentleman -(TM)s club... - -Oh shit, I had forgotten, - Poppy cried, -I would have wished you good luck. - -I deliberately didn -(TM)t remind you all, so you wouldn -(TM)t be worried. Anyway, it was mostly successful. All of your friends were whisked out the back by Jeremy. - -Thanks, I -(TM)m glad of that, what about the other girls? - -Not such good news there, I -(TM)m afraid, we had to make a deal with the Immigration Service, who provided most of the manpower for the raid, and that deal involved them taking the illegal immigrants into custody. Both myself and my bosses have received assurances that they will try to trace family and rescue anyone held by the gangs. - -I understand why you had to do that, I hope they can find the little girls, - Belle said. -I -(TM)m going to keep up the pressure, honey, - Jenny replied, -make sure they do their best, and help any way I can. - -Thank you, that -(TM)s all we ask, - Poppy added, -did you get any of the pervs? - -We got 20 men from the room, we searched the place top to bottom, so unless some escaped it was a low turnout today. We -(TM)ve also taken in ten staff and seized playback equipment. I -(TM)m desperately hoping it won -(TM)t be my job to watch through the films. - -Oh no, you can -(TM)t do that, we -(TM)ve seen some of them and they -(TM)re horrible. - -Can I ask you both one last time, and please be honest, I -(TM)m not going to judge you, are either of you in the films? - -Definitely not! - Belle replied. -Absolutely not, well, most likely not, some people have filmed me, but nothing would be good enough quality to show at the porno cinema. - -Oh shit Poppy, people filmed you, why did you never tell us, - Belle asked. -I never really thought much of it, just me and some guy in a dirty hotel room or back alley filmed on a phone. I -(TM)m betting there -(TM)ll be nothing recognisable on the videos. - -But still, there -(TM)s films out there, what if someone at school finds them? - Katie asked. -I -(TM)m willing to bet everyone who filmed me has lost or smashed their phone at least once since then, and some of them are probably amongst the trail of dead. - -You -(TM)re not worried at all? - Katie asked. -Look, they -(TM)ll be grainy videos of dirty bodies, and even if some do appear and by some miracle I -(TM)m recognised, then I -(TM)m coming clean about everything in my past in the book anyway, and you can -(TM)t shame or blackmail someone who -(TM)s willing to tell all anyway. - -Ok, - Jenny sighed, -so if we do find one of your videos, what would be the chances of you identifying anyone else in the film? - -Probably slim, but there -(TM)s no harm in me checking for you. - -You -(TM)re such a brave girl Poppy, - Jenny said, -I -(TM)d hate to think how awful that will be for you. - -Nowhere near as awful as some of the shit I -(TM)ve been through. - -True, so I -(TM)ll ask whoever is in charge of watching the films to highlight any low quality phone videos, then I -(TM)ll check them, if any of them look like you, I -(TM)ll ask if I can bring you in to double check them. - -I can do that, but I really don -(TM)t think I -(TM)ll be there. - -Poppy, there -(TM)s about 5,000 films on the server... - -Fuck, really? How can there be so much child porn, that -(TM)s horrible. Oh god, all those poor girls. Fuck, fuck fuck, - Poppy cried, -this is too much, when are you coming home mum, I really need a cuddle. - -Probably not until very late, we have so much work to do here. I can ask Helen to come over, because your dad won -(TM)t be back for a while. - -Please, or ask if we can go round. I don -(TM)t mind the thought of videos of me, but you saying there -(TM)s thousands of videos, so many lives damaged, it makes me want to cry. - -Put the phone down Poppy and call Helen now, I need a quick word with dad then I -(TM)ll call her myself as well. - -Ok mum, I -(TM)ll ring her now, - Poppy replied as she cut the call. -You still there? - Jenny asked. -I -(TM)m here, - I replied. -How long will it take you to get home? - -The sat nav is saying two hours, if we don -(TM)t hit traffic I can probably do it in 90 minutes. - -Can you pick me up? - -Of course, I -(TM)ll be as quick as I can. - As soon as Jenny cut the call I floored the accelerator and pulled out into the outside lane, keeping the speed just below 100 mph, Belle keeping a lookout for cameras. We hit the M25 in an hour, then cruised round at 70 until we reached the exit for home. At that time traffic was fairly light and I got Belle to phone Jenny as we approached the police station, she was waiting outside as I pulled up. Belle climbed over the seat and into the back as Jenny opened the door. -Nice car, such a shame I -(TM)m not experiencing it in nicer circumstances, - she said as I pulled away, -and yes, I completely regret raising that subject, it -(TM)s done now, hopefully Helen can help Poppy. - -I can help her, - Belle said, -we were together when we saw some of the films, we -(TM)ll have a good cry, it will do her good. We always tried to pretend the films weren -(TM)t real, and we -(TM)d have some vodka or wine afterwards to make us sleepy. - Jenny used her app to open the gate, I just managed to squeeze the Bentley far enough in to let the gate close. Inside we heard no sounds from downstairs, so we went upstairs and found Poppy and Katie with Helen, Poppy was asleep with Katie and Helen both holding her. Belle dropped her bag on the floor and, after shrugging out of her coat and kicking off her shoes, she climbed on the bed, replacing Helen who moved away carefully. -If you want to talk to mum, Katie, I -(TM)ll be ok if Poppy wakes up. - We left Belle holding Poppy and moved down to the kitchen. -Thank you so much for coming over Helen, - Jenny said as she poured them both a glass of wine, Katie was drinking milk as I helped myself to a hefty measure of Dalmore. -No problem Jenny, I -(TM)d been wondering myself if there might be films of Poppy out there. - -How was she when you arrived? - -Very quiet, - Helen looked at Katie, -they were sitting in the lounge with the light -(TM)s off, just cuddling, no tears. - -I think she -(TM)s run out of tears, - Katie said quietly, -there -(TM)s a very wet towel in the laundry room. - -We had a little chat, - Helen said, -she spoke about the films, and the girls she -(TM)d seen on screen, and some young boys, she seemed numb with shock about the number of films, the realisation that if they had 5,000 films, that would be a mere fraction of what -(TM)s out there, just how many damaged kids there must be. - -We took her upstairs, - Katie continued, -she curled up in bed in her clothes, she was shivering, we cuddled her, she fell asleep after about an hour. - -I shouldn -(TM)t have pressed her on the films, I should have just talked about the basics of the raid, avoided specifics, but I had to press her on whether she might be in any, and that led me to telling her how many films we found. - -Might she be in any of the films? - Helen asked. -There -(TM)s a very remote possibility, she admitted some people filmed her on their phones. - -Oh shit, - Helen replied before turning to me, -have they seen the box yet? - -What box, - Jenny asked. -Be back in a minute, - I said by way of reply. A moment later I returned and gave Helen the box. -Before I open this Katie, you have to swear you won -(TM)t mention anything you see to Poppy. I -(TM)ll show her everything tomorrow night, so if you think you can -(TM)t keep a secret for 24 hours I -(TM)m ok if you go up to bed and I -(TM)ll show you all together. - Katie thought for a moment, -is this upsetting? - she asked eventually. Helen thought before she answered, -mmm, at the moment some of the stuff in here is upsetting, I want to remove some pages from some of the books before I show them to Poppy. Some of the pages may have to stay, but I -(TM)ll try to remove the most upsetting images. - -Is she in there? - Katie asked, not an unreasonable question in the circumstances. -Poppy? Oh goodness no, but there -(TM)s some books from the 1970 -(TM)s before some countries had banned child exploitation, so some of the photos are of young girls. - -Ok, so when you get rid of those, what -(TM)s left? - Katie asked. -Pictures of me, and of my mum. - -We -(TM)ve seen pictures of you before, so why are they secret? - -Not like these, and there -(TM)s a few films, and that -(TM)s what I want to show Poppy, because some of the films were made without my consent. - I stiffened at that, -that -(TM)s not what you said before. - -I know, I was hoping to remove those films, but the situation has changed, so I want Poppy to know she -(TM)s not alone. Do you remember my old boyfriend Aaron, the one I cried about and you beat up for me? - Jenny raised her eyebrows at that, -sorry, I just can -(TM)t imagine you beating anyone up. - -He -(TM)s always been a good brother, - Helen replied, -so while Alex was giving Aaron a kicking I stole his camera memory card. It -(TM)s in this box. - -Ahh, and was anything about the evening consensual, - Jenny asked. -Not really. - -So you have a video of you being raped. - -Pretty much, more than one actually. So I kind of want Poppy to know about it, and that it -(TM)s becoming increasingly common, with boys filming their conquests and putting the results online. We don -(TM)t need to watch the film, in fact, I definitely don -(TM)t want to watch it, I just want Poppy to know I was once in a similar position when I was 15. - Jenny took the box from Helen, -so, shall we set about removing anything you don -(TM)t want Poppy and Belle to see? - -Belle -(TM)s seen some of it, she found the box, - Helen said. -And she -(TM)s not told anyone, impressive, - Jenny replied. -It was when we were clearing out the spare room, we looked inside to see what it was. She asked me to hide it so she wouldn -(TM)t be tempted to take it straight to Poppy. - Katie opened the box and pulled out the first magazine, she flipped through the first few pages and stopped when she saw Helen, legs spread, her pussy stretched by a big dildo. -Oh my, - Jenny gasped, -I thought you just did glamour stuff. - -Well, mostly glamour, this kind of work bookended my modelling career, these shots are late on, when they were allowing harder stuff in newsagents. These photos were my one and only set for an American magazine, I was due to do a hardcore set for them but I left the industry before it happened, thankfully. - -Do you have your early stuff? - Katie asked. -I don -(TM)t sweetheart, and I -(TM)m glad. They were nothing really bad, similar to these, dildo masturbation and stuff, but they were such low quality, I -(TM)d be embarrassed to see them now. - -What -(TM)s in these other magazines? - Katie asked as she picked up the first of the hard core mags. I put my hand on top of Katie -(TM)s, -careful with these, you might see something you don -(TM)t want to. - -Ahh, ok, what -(TM)s inside? - -A set featuring a girl your age, Belle -(TM)s saw one photo of the girl fully clothed and slammed the magazine shut, if you like I -(TM)ll find a page you -(TM)ll be mostly OK with. - I remembered the page number of my mum -(TM)s set and flipped through, opening the magazine for Katie and Jenny to see. -Oh, is this your mum? - Jenny asked, -she looks so much like you, Helen. - -I got my mum -(TM)s looks, Alex got Dad -(TM)s brains and patience, I think we both did well. - -Can I turn the page? - Katie asked. -You can turn the page, - I said. -Oh, she -(TM)s with a woman, - Katie said brightly -is this a lesbian scene? - -She -(TM)s not a woman, - Helen said quietly, -look more closely. - -She -(TM)s got boobs, and really nice hair, and ... oh my god she -(TM)s got a dick! - Katie cried, slamming the magazine shut. She sat there for a moment before she opened it again and leafed through to the right page, -err, sorry about that, it was a bit of a shock is all. So this isn -(TM)t a lesbian scene then. Do they get it on? - -Turn the page and find out, - Helen said softly. -Oh wow, they do. She -(TM)s got quite a big dick, and it seems to work ok. Have you ever done it with a trans lady, Helen? - -No, I haven -(TM)t. Not that I -(TM)d have a problem with it, just the opportunity hasn -(TM)t arisen yet. - Katie closed the magazine, -so, how do we remove the bits we don -(TM)t want to ever see, without seeing them? - -That will be my job, - Helen replied, -I -(TM)ll remove the pages and burn them. There -(TM)s not that much, I just don -(TM)t want anything in the box that will trigger Poppy. - -I could help, - Katie offered. -Thanks sweetie, but you shouldn -(TM)t have to look at stuff like this. Some people -(TM)s darkest fantasies are really horrible, and I wouldn -(TM)t want you to have to think about what some people do for kicks. - -Ok, I -(TM)ll go to bed, see how Poppy is. - -Not a word about this lot, - Helen admonished. -Cross my heart, - Katie replied as she left the kitchen. After Katie had left Helen tipped the box contents onto the table, -most of these magazines are ok, they -(TM)re hard core, but nothing that would be illegal to own. - Jenny picked one up and flipped through it, -urghh, just my luck to pick one it is most definitely not ok. - -Ahh, sorry, - Helen replied, -can you get me a sharp knife and I -(TM)ll remove the nasty stuff. - I handed Helen a stanley knife and a ruler, while she neatly sliced out the offending pages I fetched the shredder from my office. -I was going to burn the pages, - Helen said as I placed the shredder by the table. -I know, but if we shred them first they -(TM)ll burn better, I -(TM)ll put the shredded paper in the wood burner tomorrow. - -Ahh, yes, and the noise of the shredder is quite satisfying. - -And noisy, I -(TM)ll shut the door so we don -(TM)t wake the girls. The last thing we want is Poppy wandering down here wondering what we -(TM)re doing. - -On that note, I -(TM)ll go see how they -(TM)re doing, - Jenny said, -I -(TM)d rather not see any more photos like that last one. - -I don -(TM)t blame you Jenny, I wish I -(TM)d never seen them. You too Alex, there -(TM)s no need for you to see any of this. It won -(TM)t take me long. Nita isn -(TM)t expecting me back, I -(TM)ll sleep in my old room. - -No you won -(TM)t, - Jenny said firmly, -not after what you -(TM)re doing. You -(TM)ll come and sleep with us. - -Thanks, you -(TM)re all angels. Go see how our babies are, I -(TM)ll finish here as quickly as I can. - We could hear whispers as we reached the top of the stairs, I knocked gently on the door and Belle called for me to come in. The three of them were sitting up in bed, Poppy was in the middle, Belle was wiping her eyes as tears flooded down her face. -We think she -(TM)s in some of the films, - Katie told us quietly, -she -(TM)s remembering stuff she -(TM)d suppressed. - -Damn, - Jenny sighed as she sat down on the bed, -are you ready to tell me anything? - -Is Helen still here? - Poppy asked between sobs. -She is, I -(TM)ll go see if she -(TM)s finished what she was doing, - I said as I left the room. Helen was just packing everything back in the box when I reached the kitchen, she was crying as she tucked the box into a cupboard away from prying eyes. I reached out and hugged her, -it -(TM)s ok brother, just bad memories. Tomorrow will be tough for me, but I -(TM)ll be fine after it -(TM)s over. How -(TM)s Poppy? - -I -(TM)m afraid we -(TM)ve got more tears. - -Oh no, I -(TM)ll go see her right now. - -Before you go, she -(TM)s remembered some more things she -(TM)d suppressed. - -Ahh, films? - -Yes. - -Fuck, I knew it, - she turned back to the cupboard, -well, we may as well get this over with. Go get your laptop and we -(TM)ll watch my unsolicited porn. - Helen waited for me at the door as I collected my laptop from the office, then I quietly knocked on the door again. Jenny -(TM)s eyes went wide when she saw Helen had the box. -I thought in the circumstances there was no point waiting until tomorrow night, - she explained, -it -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)d just finished trimming them. - -What -(TM)s that? - Poppy asked as Belle picked up another towel from the floor to wipe her eyes. -This is the stuff I didn -(TM)t want anyone to find, and then someone found it, so I decided to come clean. Poppy, you -(TM)re not the only girl to be caught out by a bastard and filmed in the act. - -Oh no! Have people seen it? - -A few, luckily though, this was like 10 years ago, and there was no Snapchat or Whatsapp to spread videos around. I found out about the film and begged Alex to help me, he was such a hero and twatted the guy whilst I stole his camera. - Poppy smiled a little, -Dad -(TM)s too nice to beat people up. - -He also loves his sister very much, and when she came home crying like you are now he didn -(TM)t hesitate to hurt those that hurt me. - -I wish I had a big brother, - Poppy said quietly. -You -(TM)ve got a fierce little sister, - Belle told her, -and I -(TM)ll fuck anyone up who messes with you from now on. - -Thank you Belle, but it -(TM)s my job to keep you safe. - -Yeah, but I want you to know that I -(TM)ll return the favour any time you need me to... - -Thank you, I know you will, we taught you well. - I unlocked my laptop and Helen slid the memory card in, a directory popped up with three movies showing, -I -(TM)d forgotten there were three, mmm I really don -(TM)t want to watch these, and I -(TM)d rather nobody else did, ever, but I need you to understand that so many girls are having this happen, with boyfriends they trusted sharing videos around school. - -You don -(TM)t understand! - Poppy cried, -this wasn -(TM)t some boyfriend or drunken encounter, this was professional, with lights and cameras. - -Oh fuck! - Helen gasped, -when was this? - Poppy reached out for Helen, taking her hand, -it was when I was all fucked up, before Jeremy found me the first time, so I -(TM)d have been like, 13 or something, it was after I met Joanie in that cafe we went to. We started going to parties, oh god, why am I remembering this shit... - -It all needs to come out Poppy, - Helen said softly, -a wound won -(TM)t heal whilst there -(TM)s still poison in there. - -I know, but ... ahh whatever, here goes. Joanie took me to my first party, it was the two of us and four men. I was still pretty much a virgin at this point, I -(TM)d only slept with a couple of guys since I -(TM)d been raped at home. They were a bit rough, but Joanie did most of the work, so I didn -(TM)t have a terrible time, and we got paid £100 each. - -How old was Joanie? - Helen asked. -Oohh, I don -(TM)t know, let me think, - Poppy replied, wrapping her arm around Belle, pulling her close, -the police said she was 16 when she died, which was what, about a year after we met, so 15 ish. She seemed sensible and I trusted her. - Poppy paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, -can I have a glass of water please? - Katie dashed into their bathroom and reappeared with a glass, -thank you, - Poppy said after taking a sip, -I think I -(TM)ve cried all the water from my body. - Katie put the glass on their bedside table as Poppy settled down to tell her distressing story. -So, we had a few more nights like that, with me gradually taking a more active roll, I lost my anal cherry at one of the parties, the man was actually quite nice about it and even used lube. If only all the men I went with were as considerate. -A couple of weeks in is when Joanie introduced me to drugs, first a bit of weed, then coke, then we smoked some heroin, and well, that -(TM)s when my downward spiral started in earnest. -And this is when they made the films, and they weren -(TM)t nice. Joanie would chain me up to stuff and they hurt me and raped me, and... - Poppy couldn -(TM)t continue, Belle grabbed a fresh towel and held it out as Poppy broke down, her body wracked with sobs. We waited for her to calm down a little before Jenny asked her the questions she needed to ask. -Were all the films you made like this? - -I think so, they -(TM)re all I remember, and I don -(TM)t want to remember any more at the moment. - Jenny turned to Belle, -did you see any bondage films at the club? - -What? Oh, no, it was mostly fat men fucking little girls and boys, that sort of film would be for more specialist places. - -Of course, oh bollocks, this is a mess. Poppy, are you ok to answer another couple of questions? - -It depends what you ask. - -Fair enough, I -(TM)ll ask, if you don -(TM)t want to answer then don -(TM)t, I won -(TM)t be upset. Firstly, and I think most important right now, do you remember if you were facing the camera or facing away? - -Oh, I didn -(TM)t expect that, err let me think, I was mostly chained up to stuff so they could do stuff to my back, they whipped me and poked me with things and did other stuff, or I was over one of those gym horse things. Oh, once they did stuff to my boobs, stuck me with pins and dribbled wax on me, I -(TM)d be facing the cameras then, but, hang in a second, I think maybe I was in a mask. - -So, if we found some of these films, would I know it was you? - -I was younger then, and my boobs were smaller, like Katie -(TM)s size, but I -(TM)ve got those moles on my bum, you -(TM)d recognise them. - -Ok, so, do you have any idea where the films were made? - -Mmm, not exactly, we were in Kings Cross, along Faringdon Road, that -(TM)s the best I can do at the moment. - Helen moved closer and held Poppy -(TM)s hand, -can you describe the room, honey? - -It -(TM)s firmly in my head right now, but it -(TM)s hurting me to think about it. - -Ok sweetie, how -(TM)s about you ignore all the people in the room, just let them fade out of view and tell me about the room. - -I -(TM)ll try, - Poppy said quietly, -it was quite a big room, like the size of mum and dad -(TM)s bedroom, the walls were red, the floor and ceiling were painted black, there was no carpet so they could just mop up the mess. Around the walls were these chains, and there was other stuff, that gym horse thing I mentioned, and a black bed like a cross I was fastened to when they poured wax on my boobs and stabbed me with needles, - she stopped talking for a moment and shook her head to clear it. Helen motioned for Belle to come closer to hug Poppy, -stop thinking about the middle of the room, tell me about the door. - -What about it? - -Look at the door in your mind, then look up, what do you see? - -Oh, there -(TM)s this design, black petals I think in a ring. I -(TM)ve seen the design in other places but I don -(TM)t know what it -(TM)s called. - -Let me have your laptop for a minute, - Helen asked. I passed it over and she opened Chrome and typed in an address. She clicked a couple of links on the page and turned the screen so Poppy could see it. -Is this the room? - -Err, I think so, it looks like the same room anyway. How did you know? - Helen closed my laptop and got up to fetch her box from the dresser. She lifted the lid and rifled through the now mostly loose pages. -I know the room because I -(TM)ve been there, - she gave Poppy the photo, I could see a younger Helen chained to the wall, she had clamps on her nipples, her pussy lips were spread by some kind of metal device, a man was holding a whip, I could see he -(TM)d being using it, she had vicious looking marks across her stomach and legs. -Oh fuck, - Poppy moaned, -when were you there? - -About 8 years ago maybe, do you recognise the man at all? - Poppy held the photo close, she looked for a long time, soaking up every detail, -I -(TM)m sorry, I don -(TM)t. - -Ahh, no worries, he owns the place, or at least he did back then. - Helen turned to Jenny, -I know exactly where this is, and I -(TM)m betting you will find Poppy -(TM)s films somewhere there. - -Don -(TM)t tell me, I don -(TM)t want to know, tell Jeremy. - -Are you sure? - Helen replied. -Absolutely, if you tell me then I have a legal duty to pass that information on. Tell Jeremy, tell him they made films of Poppy before he got her clean, ask him to find the films then destroy them and anything else he feels the need to destroy as penance for their crimes. - -Mum, I don -(TM)t think the police are supposed to do something like that, - Poppy said quietly, -you should arrest them and send them to court. - -Remember when Helen said your dad would do anything to protect her? Well I -(TM)m the same, I -(TM)ll do anything to keep my babies safe, and if that means by-passing due process in order to get the scum who hurt you off the streets, then that -(TM)s what I -(TM)ll do. Look, if we did arrest the men who raped you they -(TM)d only get a few years in prison, and in the process their lawyers would tear you apart in court, they -(TM)d say you were a street prostitute, and even though you were 13 and legally couldn -(TM)t consent, the jury would be prejudiced against you. I -(TM)ve seen it happen too often sweetie, and I won -(TM)t let it happen to you. - Helen moved away, putting her box back on the dresser and Jenny hugged Poppy as they both cried, -So I guess you all hate me now, - Poppy said into Jenny -(TM)s shoulder as she held her daughter tightly. -Why would we hate you now? - -Because I made those horrible videos. - -I get the feeling you weren -(TM)t a willing participant, Poppy, - Helen told her softly. -But I went back and made more, knowing what would happen. - -Did you though? - Helen replied. Poppy stopped crying and pulled away from Jenny, -what do you mean? - -Did you skip along to the room happy to be making another film, or did you go just because you knew the reward for a few hours of torture was another dose of that tasty heroin? - Poppy said nothing, thinking through Helen -(TM)s comment. -Look, you saw that photo, I -(TM)ve been in that room. I only went once, I knew what was going to happen, I was experimenting, I -(TM)d heard about the place and some people I was with at the time were really into BDSM, so I did a shoot, I was paid well, very well, and I -(TM)m glad because I really did not have a good time. I -(TM)ve seen a lot of videos, ones made in Germany and Eastern Europe, and I know for a fact that some of the girls really do not have a good time, there -(TM)s genuine terror in their eyes, and also you can tell at the start that they -(TM)re off their tits, buzzing off enough dope to get them into a room where they -(TM)ll be slapped, and punched, and bitten, and pissed on, and have big dicks shoved brutally up their arses, sometimes more than one at a time. It -(TM)s a fucking horrible business Poppy and you are damn lucky Jeremy found you and got you out of there. -And no, we absolutely do not hate you, and we never will. I -(TM)m not sure about you being a goddess like Belle says, but there is something very attractive about you Poppy, and I don -(TM)t mean your looks, and you are beautiful by the way, I mean your personality. You -(TM)re sparkling, and exciting, and deeply loveable. We could never hate you. - -So you still like me, - Poppy whispered, still unsure. -Poppy, - Jenny started, -we knew there was more to come out. There -(TM)s probably a lot more shit you -(TM)re blocking that you -(TM)ll remember later, we -(TM)re fully prepared for more tears, from you as well Belle, and you Katie. - -Not me, - Belle said brightly, -I wasn -(TM)t allowed to get into trouble, I -(TM)ve no traumas to uncover. I do have photos of my mum now though, and I really need to show them to you tomorrow, she was so damn sexy. - -Which is why you -(TM)re so sexy, - Poppy said with a smile. It was weak, but it was a smile, which is what Belle wanted. I think it -(TM)s time for us all to get some sleep. - Jenny said, -I need to get to the office super early, you can all have a lie in, the police fun day doesn -(TM)t start until 11. You can meet me there and I -(TM)ll give you the full tour. - -I -(TM)m looking forward to it, - Belle replied, -although I don -(TM)t want to go to the cells, I do have trauma as far as they -(TM)re concerned. - -Yes, and I won -(TM)t make you go there again. - -Can we borrow dad tonight? - Poppy asked as Jenny opened the door, -he -(TM)ll help me feel safe. - -Of course you can, but will you all fit, maybe one of you needs to come with Helen and me? - -We -(TM)ll be fine, Belle sleeps on top of dad, we can snuggle up to them both. - -That sounds like fun, and I can snuggle up to your Aunty Helen. - Chapter 33 The next morning Jenny popped her head in the room to see how Poppy was feeling, the three girls were still fast asleep. Belle lying on top of me, her arms clinging to my side, Poppy was on my right, her body pushed up tight against mine, one arm over Belle, Katie on my left, an arm also over Belle and touching Poppy -(TM)s hand. -I -(TM)m going to work now, - she whispered. -What time is it? - I asked quietly, trying not to wake anyone. -6:30, I want to get in there first and look at thumbnails on the videos, I -(TM)ve sent Jeremy a message asking him to call me ASAP, I need to get him together with Helen. - -Don -(TM)t work too hard Jenny. - -This is why I got my promotion, I need to see this through Alex. - -I know you do, just don -(TM)t make yourself ill. - -I -(TM)ll try to step away from the really bad stuff, but those films are Poppy -(TM)s lived experience, I can -(TM)t shy away, it -(TM)s not right. - I felt Belle stirring, I ran my fingers through her hair, she wriggled a little, made some of her cute sleep noises then settled down again. -I see what you mean, - I replied as soon as I was sure Belle was asleep, -just be careful. - Jenny wiped her eyes with a tissue. -Are you ok? - -I -(TM)m fine, just looking at you with the girls, they -(TM)re so safe, they love you so much, then I think about where I -(TM)m going, that I might see some of the horrors Poppy went through, and I just know I can -(TM)t hold off any longer. - Jenny stepped to the side of the bed and found my hand, -I wish they were awake... - -I -(TM)m awake, - Belle said sleepily. -So am I, - Katie added. -And me, - Poppy said finally. -Oh, I thought we were being quiet, - Jenny said, -I -(TM)m sorry if we woke you. - -I only pretended to be asleep because I was enjoying dad running his fingers through my hair, - Belle said. -How are you feeling? - Jenny asked Poppy. -I -(TM)m ok, I -(TM)ve got a really sore throat though. - -That -(TM)ll be from all the crying, - I told her, -there -(TM)s some honey in the kitchen, a spoonful will help. - -Anyway, as I -(TM)m kneeling by the bed and holding your dad -(TM)s hand, there -(TM)s only one thing to be done, will you marry me Alex? - -Ahh, I was hoping for a more romantic location for this. - -I was hoping for a more romantic situation, but I can -(TM)t leave it any longer, I need to know. - -Are we in the way? - Belle asked. -Absolutely not, and this saves me having to tell you all later, of course I -(TM)ll marry you. - Jenny let out a breath she -(TM)d been holding, -thank you, I should probably have waited for later, but I -(TM)m so stressed about today. - Belle slipped off me and lifted the duvet so I could climb off the bed. -I bet there -(TM)s not many men who -(TM)ve had their girlfriends propose while they were in bed with their daughters, - Jenny said with a grin as I pulled her close for a kiss. -There couldn -(TM)t possibly be more than a handful at most, - I replied. -I so wish I could just curl up in bed with you all, but I have to go. Tonight we can celebrate, think of somewhere nice, we -(TM)ll have a proper family meal. - -No, - Belle said firmly, -we -(TM)re not going anywhere, I -(TM)ll cook a meal, I -(TM)ve been meaning to cook for everyone since I arrived and it -(TM)s never happened. - Jenny looked across my shoulder to Belle, -Ok, we -(TM)ll have a meal at home, that will be even better, thank you Belle. - -And we -(TM)ll help, - Katie said. -Yes, after the fun day you can go to the pub or something, we -(TM)ll come home and cook a proper meal, - Poppy added. -We -(TM)ll need some nice wine, - Belle said, -if there -(TM)s nothing suitable here I -(TM)ll ask Helen to go to the shops for us. - -Thanks girls, you -(TM)ve just made a special day even better, now why don -(TM)t you go back to sleep for a bit. - -Are you kidding! - Belle cried, -how can we sleep now, after the best news ever. Yesterday I worked out who my dad is, I gained a house and gave it to someone I -(TM)d just met, oh, and found out I -(TM)ve got half a million in the bank that I don -(TM)t need, so I -(TM)m giving it to Poppy -(TM)s charity, and now my new mum and dad are getting married, I don -(TM)t think I -(TM)ll ever sleep again I -(TM)m so excited. - -Hang on, - Poppy said, -rewind a bit, you -(TM)ve got half a million pounds, how? - -Listen girls, I -(TM)ve got to go, - Jenny said, -fill me in later. - The girls jumped out of bed and hugged Jenny one by one as she tried to leave the room, eventually she broke free and dashed out of the door. -Oh wow, - Katie said as she sat back on the bed, -there -(TM)s never a dull moment with this family, I -(TM)m so glad you let me join you. - -We -(TM)re glad you chose to join us, - Poppy said as she and Belle sat down either side of their sister, -now Belle, tell us all about yesterday. - -Where -(TM)s my photo album Dad? - I found it on the floor with her coat and passed it over. -So I met gramps, I was worried he wouldn -(TM)t know me, or wouldn -(TM)t want to see me, but it was fine. He was so lovely, and he -(TM)s got a girlfriend, Peggy, she -(TM)s really nice and looks after him when he -(TM)s not feeling so well. - Belle patted the album, -I -(TM)d started to forget what my mum looked like you know, now I -(TM)m happy and safe she -(TM)d started fading a bit. Like she -(TM)d been looking out for me while I was on the streets, and now I -(TM)m safe she -(TM)s leaving me alone. Gramps gave me this photo album, - she opened it carefully and turned to the wedding photo, -this is mum, - she said simply. Poppy and Katie leaned in, looking at the photo -She -(TM)s gorgeous, - Katie said. -She looks like Jenny! - Poppy exclaimed. -She does, and that -(TM)s why I wanted a photo. I had it in the back of my mind that Jenny looked like mum, but I couldn -(TM)t be sure, because she was fading. - -Is that you? - Poppy asked. -Yes, it is! I -(TM)d forgotten I was at the wedding, and that -(TM)s Jake, my dad, well, not my real dad, oh gosh, it -(TM)s complicated. I called him dad for my whole life, but we found out when I was little that he couldn -(TM)t possibly be my dad. - Belle flipped to the back, to the holiday photo, -my real dad, no that -(TM)s the wrong word, a real dad is the one who brings you up, treats you well, teaches you stuff, so for a long time Jake was my real dad, and now Alex is my real dad. So, the dad who got my mum pregnant, Mr Clarke, he always loved my mum, and he kept looking after us long after she married Jake. He gave us the house, that -(TM)s why it -(TM)s still there and hasn -(TM)t been repossessed by the bank, because mum and dad owned it outright, and he paid for our holidays, because there -(TM)s no way someone on dad -(TM)s wage could afford the fancy villa we stayed at. - Poppy pointed at the photo, -I love you here, look at your Taylor Swift tshirt, you look so cute. - -Stop it, don -(TM)t look at me, look at mum, how come she -(TM)s got amazing tits like that and I -(TM)ve just got these little things. - -I guess because you -(TM)re lucky, - Poppy replied, -because I love your little tits. Anyway, tell us about your house, and Amber. - -Oh, Oh, where -(TM)s my iPad? - I passed Belle her backpack, she took out her iPad and laid it on top of the photo album. -So, we had to go see a solicitor, Michaela, she was really nice and totally didn -(TM)t look like a lawyer. She filled in the papers to change my name, so I -(TM)m now legally Belle Amelia Saffron Harrison-Dean... - Poppy threw her arms around her sister, -that -(TM)s such a clever name, new and old, and you kept your surname and took dad -(TM)s. - -Why didn -(TM)t you pick Jenny -(TM)s name? - Katie asked. -It would have been weird to have three surnames, besides, mum hinted last night that she -(TM)d be having dad -(TM)s name soon. - -Is she changing her name then? - Katie asked. -She told me she -(TM)d be Harrison-Wilde. So, anyway, at the lawyers I was literally shitting myself, it was mostly a criminal law practice, so I was absolutely certain whatever I was doing there had something to do with Liam, but then, after we -(TM)d sorted my name change, she pulls out mum -(TM)s will. -You see, dad didn -(TM)t leave a will, so everything went to mum, then all mum -(TM)s will said was that I got everything. Which means the nice three bedroom house, all paid for, and all their money, which after dad -(TM)s life insurance is apparently a little under half a million, which is going to your charity. - Poppy threw her arms around Belle, -OUR charity. - -Ok, our charity. - -It -(TM)s a wonderful gesture, but you can -(TM)t do that, you have to keep some of it, in fact, you should keep it all for now. - -Why? I don -(TM)t need the money. - -Not now you don -(TM)t, but we never know what will happen in the future. There -(TM)s enough money for the charity from dad -(TM)s publisher, and from there we can start fund-raising work. Maybe in a couple of years we could use the interest off your money. - -~Ok, I guess that makes sense. - -So, tell us everything about Amber. - -Oh my god! She -(TM)s amazing. Can I ask you something, Poppy? - -Ask me anything. - -Have you ever had someone put a fist up your bum? - -Oh good god no! - she replied, laughing. -Ok ladies, - I interrupted, -I -(TM)m going to make coffee and breakfast, come down in half an hour. - I had a stack of pancakes in the warming oven and a full pot of coffee ready by the time Helen and the girls were ready. -Hey brother, I hear congratulations are in order. - -I -(TM)m sorry, - Belle called from the doorway, -I wanted to wait for you to tell Helen, but if I didn -(TM)t tell her I would simply have burst. - -It -(TM)s OK Belle, I -(TM)m sure you told Helen far better than I would. - -Well, it involved Belle running into the bedroom, jumping on the bed and shouting -~I have the best news -(TM) until I woke up. - -Ahh, that -(TM)s pretty much the way I would have handled it, - I laughed, pulling Belle into a one armed hug, -you really are the best daughter, but don -(TM)t tell your sisters I said that. - -We heard nothing, - Poppy said with a smile as she poured coffee into 5 mugs. -Nope, not a thing, - Katie laughed as she lifted the stack of pancakes from the oven. -Oh, honey, you said we had some honey for my throat, - Poppy asked. -Yep, it -(TM)s in the cupboard over the kettle. - I let Belle go and she ran for the cutlery drawer, fetching Poppy a spoon for the honey before going back for cutlery for breakfast. -They -(TM)re perfect aren -(TM)t they, - Helen said as the girls assembled breakfast, -a bit quirky, but perfect. - -I wouldn -(TM)t change them for all the coffee in Brazil. - -Oh, I think I -(TM)ll do a roast dinner for tonight, - Belle said a little later as she mopped up the last of the maple syrup with her pancake, -I remember seeing photos of mum and dad -(TM)s reception, and they had like a traditional Sunday roast, they said everyone loved it, so that -(TM)s what I -(TM)m doing. - -I love Sunday lunch, - Katie cried, -this will be amazing, roast beef, roast potatoes, mash, gravy, are we having Yorkshire Puddings as well? - -If someone can tell me how to make them, - Belle answered. -You can buy frozen Yorkies in the supermarket, - Helen offered. -Oh no, no, no, NO. Not for mum and dad -(TM)s engagement meal, we -(TM)re making everything, - Belle said. -Oh bollocks, what about you and Nita, shit, what can we do, would a nut roast be ok. - Helen put a hand on Belle -(TM)s, -it -(TM)s OK sweetie, this is your family meal. Nita and I will stay at home tonight, I -(TM)ve kind of neglected her a bit recently. - -Oh no, that -(TM)s my fault, - Poppy cried. -Don -(TM)t worry Poppy, Nita isn -(TM)t upset, she knows just how important it is for you to get better, and she -(TM)s happy for me to come round to help you. If she didn -(TM)t want to stay at home alone she could have come around with me, Nita knows she -(TM)s always welcome here. - -I -(TM)d hate to be the cause of any problems with you... - -Hey, if you want to know the truth, you -(TM)ve brought Nita and me closer together, we were going through a rocky spell for a bit, but with us both helping you out that day you arrived, we realised how well we worked together. - -Really, - Poppy replied brightly, -I -(TM)m glad about that, because I know Nita loves you so much. - As we finished our coffee Belle pulled out her iPad, -I -(TM)m researching dinner, can someone pass me a piece of paper please. - Katie reached over for the pad and pencil by the telephone, as soon as she gave it to Belle she started to make notes. -Do we have any nice red wine, ohhh I can -(TM)t even pronounce this one r i o j a, rio-ja? Do we have some of that? - -It -(TM)s Rioja, - I replied, -and no, I don -(TM)t think we -(TM)ve got any, I -(TM)ll buy some on the way home. - -Ahh, I -(TM)d never have got that, thanks, but no, I -(TM)d rather you didn -(TM)t take any part in tonight -(TM)s meal. - -I -(TM)ll get you a few bottles when I go shopping at lunchtime with Nita, I -(TM)ll bring them round on our way back, - Helen said as she collected the plates and piled them next to the sink, -do you need anything else? - Belle ran her finger down her shopping list, -I think we -(TM)ll be able to buy everything else from the shops, thank you. - She looked at her sisters, -shall we go to the shops now, before we go to meet mum at the police station, then we can get started on making dinner as soon as we get home? - -Oh yes, that -(TM)s a great idea, - Poppy replied, -but maybe you should get dressed first, as much as we love your Spongebob pyjamas, people will look at you funny in the shops. - Belle looked down, -ahh shit, I forgot I -(TM)d not got dressed when you were dressing. See you in a few minutes. - She returned a quarter of an hour later wearing jeans and a pink hoodie, Poppy picked up the shopping list and joined her sisters at the door, -We -(TM)ll be as quick as we can, - Poppy said, -hopefully we can get everything we need on the high street. - -So, who popped the question? - Helen asked as I made a second pot of coffee. -Didn -(TM)t Belle tell you all about it? - -Probably, but she was too busy screaming and laughing for me to understand much of what she was saying. Let -(TM)s just say she is very happy about it. - -Jenny asked me, she said she would when I least expected it, and I didn -(TM)t expect it at 6:30 this morning. - -Was it at least romantic? - -Well, she got down on one knee, and waited to make sure the girls were awake. - -How were they last night? - -Once we -(TM)d settled down they were fine, Belle lay on top of me, Poppy and Katie either side, they both cuddled Belle and were soon asleep. - -And how was Poppy when she woke? - -Apart from complaining about a sore throat, she was ok, or at least she said she was. - -Yes, that -(TM)s what she told me, and right now I think she is. Poppy is a truly remarkable girl, she has a natural ability to compartmentalise, hiding away her traumas. It keeps her stable, but I worry she -(TM)ll break down completely. - -You -(TM)re not alone there, Jenny and I are worried. - -I wonder if she -(TM)ll respond to hypnotherapy, it -(TM)s not something I can do, but I know a few people who can. Maybe I -(TM)ll suggest it one day. - -If you think it will help her. - -It will, but I don -(TM)t think now is the right time. Last night was terribly traumatic, and today is a happy day. I think we can leave dragging up past torments via hypnotherapy until later, much later. - Later, as I was stacking the breakfast things in the dishwasher Helen came up behind me and gave me a hug. -You know, we -(TM)ve all got so much to thank Poppy for, she brought Nita and I together, and you met Jenny, and I finally realised just how much I love you Alex. - I started to speak, but she cut me off, -no, don -(TM)t talk, let me finish. I love you Alex, I love you too much to want to hurt you or your relationship, so I -(TM)ll stay away if you need me to. - I turned around in Helen -(TM)s arms and kissed her, her eyes wide with shock. -Don -(TM)t be silly, sister, Jenny loves you, if I -(TM)m honest I think she enjoys sleeping with you more than me. She said right from the start that she -(TM)s mostly gay. - -So there -(TM)s a chance we could still get together? - -Of course there is. I -(TM)m pretty sure Belle would have words if Jenny wanted to become exclusive, - I added with a smile. -Belle loves you so much, did you have a good time together? - -We really did, she is trying hard to live up to your scamp label. - -Oh my, what did she do? - -Well, first she skinny dipped in the hotel pool after her massage... - -Oh my god! - Helen laughed, -seriously? - -Yes, I honestly think she had no idea she was supposed to wear a costume in the pool. She was so indignant about being told off and made to swim in her underwear. Although it did mean she got to go commando as she called it, just wearing a t-shirt and no bra. I don -(TM)t think she likes that Poppy makes her wear one. - -Poppy needs a decent bra, but Belle can get away without one if she doesn -(TM)t like them. It -(TM)s interesting though, Poppy is really acting like Belle -(TM)s mum, I guess it -(TM)s because she took Belle under her wing in the squat, and because Poppy never had a mother really, she didn -(TM)t want the same life for Belle. I hate to use your family for research, but they really could help me with my thesis. - Helen looked thoughtful for a moment as she drank her coffee, -anyway, that -(TM)s all for another time, what else did Belle do? - -Well, she gave me a lapdance in the park near the hotel. - Helen almost spat out her coffee, -shit, really! Was she good? - -She was very good, so good she gave me a quick and efficient blow job to get rid of my hard-on before we headed back to the hotel bar. - -Where did she learn how to lapdance? - -Seems she used to stand in, or rather sit in, when girls were off sick at a club. - -Poppy let her, or didn -(TM)t she know about it? - -She says Poppy let her, because it was completely safe, if any of the men touched her they were violently ejected from the club, and she earned good money because the men paid extra for having a dance from such a young looking girl. - -I bet they did, - Helen replied, -does Jenny know about this, or Jeremy. - -Jenny no, Jeremy I imagine not, although if it really was as safe as Belle says, he probably wouldn -(TM)t have been worried about it. Belle said she enjoyed the work as she likes to excite men even if she doesn -(TM)t really want sex with them, and they gave her sexy undies to wear, and they had hot showers. - I poured more coffee as I continued, -and if she -(TM)d not done the lapdance we probably wouldn -(TM)t have had the fun encounter with Amber. - -Who -(TM)s Amber? - -Amber is the hotel receptionist... - -Hang on, tall, redhead, very pretty, yes, I know her. - -Well, Belle recognised her, after she -(TM)d recognised Belle as the runaway from the next street. Amber was one of her uncle -(TM)s victims. We had a word with her in the bar, she has a very sad story about her girlfriend who committed suicide after one too many of Liam -(TM)s parties. - -Oh shit, yes, she -(TM)s the girl Belle talked to me about, whether she should talk to her, sorry I didn -(TM)t join the dots very well there. - -No worries, - I replied, -so, as we said, Amber eventually recognised Belle as the girl who ran away after her uncle won custody, and then as we were going to our room Belle remembered Amber, she was in the 6th Form when Belle was in Year 7, so they weren -(TM)t acquaintances. Belle didn -(TM)t think she was called Amber back then, though, which is why she was slow to recognise her. She then realised Amber was one of the girls she -(TM)d seen visiting her uncle. - -Ahh yes, so Belle had a chat. - -She did, and the ice was instantly broken by Belle complaining about being told off for skinny dipping... - -That would work. - -We had a little chat about swimming etiquette then Belle turned the conversation to Liam and Amber opened up quickly, telling us her real name is Antoinette, that Amber was her girlfriend -(TM)s name. She told us she only went to Liam -(TM)s once, she didn -(TM)t enjoy the atmosphere, Amber wasn -(TM)t so reticent about the drugs and sex. - -One night Amber turned up at Antoinette -(TM)s house while her parents were away. She was in a bad way, clearly struggling after too many drugs. Antoinette was not happy and threw her in the shower fully dressed to clear her head. When she pulled her out and removed her wet clothing she saw fresh bruises and cuts, it seems Liam and his mates liked to treat girls the same way Parker and Kenzie treated Poppy and Nikki. - -Oh fuck... - Helen gasped. -My thoughts exactly, Belle was absolutely right to run away. Antoinette did what she could to make Amber comfortable, then put her to bed whilst she made her some food. Whilst Antoinette was in the kitchen Amber got out of bed and left the house. She was found dead the next morning, she -(TM)d overdosed. - -Oh my god, that -(TM)s awful, Liam definitely needs to pay. - -Jenny is going to speak to Jeremy, I -(TM)m sure he can arrange something painful to befall Liam. Make him experience some of what the girls felt. - -I guess that -(TM)s why she -(TM)s taken her girlfriend -(TM)s name. - -Yes, she says it -(TM)s to keep her name alive. - -The poor, poor girl, I -(TM)d like to speak to her some time, to see if I can help her. - -Belle -(TM)s got her number, she -(TM)ll let you have it. Anyway, after our talk Amber went home, a little tipsy from all the drinks she -(TM)d had as Dutch courage. We went for dinner, which was fantastic, thank you so much for sorting the hotel. - -My pleasure, it -(TM)s one of my favourite hotels. - -After dinner we went for a short walk in the park near the hotel, Belle stopped in a dark, sheltered corner, sat me down and did her stuff. - -Which you enjoyed immensely. - -I did, then we went back to the hotel, had a drink in the bar then went up to our room, where Belle showed me the cute little butt plug Poppy gave her... - -The one with the glass ruby? That was my favourite when I was training Nita. - -That -(TM)s the one. Poppy won -(TM)t let Belle try anal yet, but she -(TM)s training her. We had a little bit of fun, then Belle -(TM)s phone rang. It was Amber, she -(TM)d seen us in the park. It seems the secluded corner Belle chose was right in front of Amber -(TM)s window. - -Ahh, poor choice of location. - -That -(TM)s what I thought at first, but it turned out well, because she came to the room and she -(TM)s as wild as Poppy. - -Really! What did you do? - -I didn -(TM)t do so much, Belle though ended up fisting her front and back. - -Oh my god, and Amber could walk afterwards? - -She could, andshe even took me in the ass afterwards. - -I need to meet this girl, - Helen said in an awed whisper. -I -(TM)m sure it can be arranged, she -(TM)s moving into Belle -(TM)s house. - -Belle -(TM)s got a house? - -She has, and she -(TM)s got a lot of money. - Helen listened carefully as I told her about our visit to the solicitors. -Ahh, that -(TM)s wonderful, so she knows who her birth father is now, and he -(TM)s a genuinely nice guy. I -(TM)m so happy for her. - -I -(TM)ve not told you the best bit, the solicitor handled her legal name change. - -Oh wow, what name has she chosen? - -Belle Amelia Saffron Harrison-Dean. - -She -(TM)s taken your name! See, I told you she loves you. I wish she was here so I could hug her. - Which was the cue for the front door to open, Helen jumped up and ran to Belle as she approached the kitchen, sweeping her into her arms. -What was that for? - Belle asked as Helen released her. -Alex just told me you -(TM)ve taken his name and I was filled with emotion. He -(TM)s also told me about your house. - -Did he tell you I -(TM)m letting Amber live there? She -(TM)s so lovely, Liam fucked up her life, so she deserves a bit of good fortune from my family. - -You -(TM)re not giving her the house I hope, you -(TM)ve only just met her, - Helen asked. -Oh no, she -(TM)s renting it, and I -(TM)ll give the rent to our charity. Did dad tell you about all the money I -(TM)ve got? -(TM) -He didn -(TM)t get that far, - Helen replied, a little lie to keep Belle talking. Belle was almost jumping with excitement as she told Helen about her birth father and what he did for her parents, and how she -(TM)s in his will, although she doesn -(TM)t know what she -(TM)ll get, and besides, she definitely doesn -(TM)t want him to die, and she really wants to meet him some day. -Take a breath, - Helen cried, -you -(TM)ll never meet him if you die telling me the story. - -I -(TM)m sorry, -(TM) Belle replied, panting, -I -(TM)m just so excited, so much happened the last couple of days and I so wanted to tell you everything and not miss anything out. Oh yes, I just remembered something else, don -(TM)t go anywhere, - she added, dashing out of the kitchen. Belle burst back into the kitchen brandishing her iPad and the photo album, she sat down next to Helen whilst her sisters quietly put their shopping away. Belle flipped open the cover and turned to the wedding photo. -Oh my, your mum was really pretty, - Helen said quietly, -I -(TM)m guessing that -(TM)s you in her arms. - -Yes, I -(TM)d forgotten I was at the wedding until I saw this photo. I do remember gran was a little upset she had a baby at her wedding. I -(TM)m sure I remember mum telling me about the rows she had with gran, but she told her that by the time she worked out which of her boyfriends she was going to marry, she looked like a whale, so it was better to wait until she -(TM)d got her figure back, and to have her baby, me, at the wedding. And look how happy mum and dad are. - -Your mum clearly knew what she wanted and wasn -(TM)t going to let tradition get in the way. I think I -(TM)d have liked her, - Helen told Belle. -I loved mum, Lana was her name, I don -(TM)t know if we -(TM)ve told you, Lana and Jake. Sometimes mum could be a bit annoying, but she was mostly cool, - she said as she flipped to the back of the album, to the holiday photo. -Oh wow, - Helen exclaimed, -Lana had a fantastic figure. - -I -(TM)m pretty sure they -(TM)re real, mum -(TM)s got big boobs in all the photos. I -(TM)m guessing I inherited my little boobs from my dad -(TM)s side of the family. - -Can I tell you something Belle? - Helen asked softly, -this is something hardly anyone realises. Most people want big boobs, but small boobs are so much better, do you want to know why? - Poppy and Katie stopped what they were doing, too interested in what Helen had to say to concentrate on the shopping. -All boobs have roughly the same number of nerve endings, in my boobs they -(TM)re all spread out over a big area, in yours, and Katies, they -(TM)re packed much more tightly together, so your boobs, and especially your nipples where most of the nerve endings are concentrated, are so much more sensitive than mine. I bet if you tried you could orgasm just from playing with your nipples. - Belle put a hand on one breast, -my nipples do get hard really easily, - she said quietly. -That -(TM)s why I want you to wear bras, - Poppy said kindly, -so you don -(TM)t show people how excited you are to see them. - -Oh, - Belle said, -I thought you were just being bossy. - -Oh gosh no, I -(TM)d never boss you around Belle, if you think I am please tell me. I just want you to avoid the mistakes I made. - Belle jumped up and ran over to Poppy, hugging her tightly, -I -(TM)m so sorry, that sounded bitchy and I was wrong. You -(TM)ve kept me safe for so long and I sounded ungrateful. - Poppy kissed Belle -(TM)s forehead, -it -(TM)s OK sweetheart, I -(TM)d act the same way if someone made me wear something I didn -(TM)t want to wear. If bras make you uncomfortable, take it off, you -(TM)ll be fine in school if your shirts are loose fitting. - Belle kissed Poppy full on the lips, -thank you, can you give me a minute while I take this fucking bra off. - A moment later Belle returned with a huge smile on her face. -Ahh, I feel so much better now. I -(TM)m sorry you have to wear one, I really am. - -If we didn -(TM)t we -(TM)d be really uncomfortable, - Helen told her kindly, -without a bra my boobs would move around a lot, and they -(TM)re really heavy. A good bra spreads the load, a bit like a rucksack. - -Oh, I -(TM)d not thought about it like that, do they make your back hurt? - -Oh yes, if I -(TM)m doing a long topless photoshoot, or like the other week when I did a bikini session, my back hurt so much afterwards. I came straight here and had a long hot bath. - -Don -(TM)t you have a bath at home? - Belle asked innocently. -I -(TM)ve got a wonderful bath at home, it -(TM)s surrounded by candles and it -(TM)s very romantic, but I needed a hug first as much as a bath, and Nita was at work. - -Oh yes, of course, - Belle replied, -I should have thought of that. - -That episode can be a lesson to all three of you. Even the most outwardly confident person can feel very lonely and vulnerable at times. I -(TM)d been stared at and photographed for hours in a series of mostly tacky bikinis. I think I looked good, but when I got here I was an emotional mess. Your dad ran me a hot bath, he washed me, soothed me and gave me a cuddle, and most importantly he wasn -(TM)t fazed by my tears. When your best friend is hurting, it -(TM)s your job to be there, because one day the shoe could be on the other foot, and you may be hurting. - Katie hugged Poppy, -I -(TM)m so sorry about the other night, I should have stayed with you. - Poppy kissed her girlfriend tenderly, -it -(TM)s OK, honestly. I can -(TM)t blame you for feeling lost then, I was in a dark place you had no experience of. - -But I should know about it so I can help you. - -And one day you will, but then wasn -(TM)t the right time to explain things, you did the right thing sending Alex in, I felt safe with him there. - Poppy let go of Belle and pushed her back to the table, -go show Helen the photo. - -Oh yes, I nearly forgot, - Belle said as she sat down next to Helen again and unlocked her iPad, she held it close so Helen couldn -(TM)t see as she scrolled through her camera roll. -Here we go, - she announced as she laid the iPad next to the holiday photo. -Is that... - Helen said, lifting the iPad and examining the photo, -it is, this is Jenny! - -Yes! - Belle replied triumphantly, -I -(TM)d started to forget what mum looked like when I was on the streets. When I came here I took to Jenny instantly, something told me to trust her, and then I realised, she looks exactly like mum. - -She really does, how old is Jenny in this photo? - -I think she -(TM)s about 20, mum is about 28 in the holiday photo. - -She was young when she had you. - -Mmm, yes, she was pregnant during her A-Levels. - -Ahh, yes, I remember you saying. How did you get this photo of Jenny? - -She gave it to me, there -(TM)s more if you swipe through. They -(TM)re all swimsuit and lingerie, no nudes or anything. She wants you to look at them, but she -(TM)s too shy to show them to you herself, so she asked me to do it. - Helen swiped slowly through the photos, zooming in and out of each one, flipping back to check details occasionally, -she -(TM)s gorgeous isn -(TM)t she, - she said finally. -The photos aren -(TM)t great, I hope she didn -(TM)t pay the photographer much. Jenny though, she looks fantastic, she was a little nervous, I can tell from how she -(TM)s holding herself in the poses. The confidence comes with practice, and from having a photographer you know you can trust. I reckon my mum could have got her plenty of work. - -I showed gramps that first photo and his eyes nearly popped out. - -I bet they did, has he seen Poppy and Katie yet? - -Oh yes, I showed him photos of everyone, I think he -(TM)s imagining I live in some kind of Playboy mansion populated by beautiful girls. - -He -(TM)s not far wrong to be honest, - I said, speaking for the first time in a while, -you -(TM)re all so beautiful. - -Even me? - Belle asked. -Especially you, but don -(TM)t tell your sisters, they -(TM)ll be jealous. - -We heard nothing, - Poppy laughed. -Anyway, it -(TM)s nearly time to go to meet mum at the Police Family Day. - -Oh yes, I -(TM)ll go and get dressed, - I replied, -I -(TM)ll be 10 minutes. - -And I -(TM)d better be off home, - Helen added, -did you see a wine you liked in the shops, I -(TM)ll pick up a few bottles for you. - -Ahh, we kind of already got some, - Katie replied hesitantly. -And we didn -(TM)t steal it or anything! - Belle added quickly, -Poppy decided to try buying the wine and the boy at the till didn -(TM)t even ask for ID. - -What did you buy? - Helen asked, Katie held up a bottle of very good rioja, -ahh, that -(TM)s very nice. - -We didn -(TM)t have a clue what to get, - Poppy said, -Katie recognised some that her mum drank, but none said rioja, so I asked a man who looked like he knew what he was doing. He asked what we were cooking and how much we wanted to spend and he put those three bottles in our trolley. - -I bet you -(TM)d have been asked for ID if you -(TM)d been buying bottles of WKD or something, but £15 a bottle red wine, nobody bats an eyelid. - -We really had no idea, - Poppy sighed, -I -(TM)ve only ever bought cheap stuff before, we -(TM)d count our coins then buy whatever we could afford, usually white cider. - -No worries, tomorrow I -(TM)ll take you round Majestic, I -(TM)ll teach you about the different grapes and what they go with, and the beauty of Majestic is your dad -(TM)s got an account there. - -Haha, so we won -(TM)t need to look at the prices! - -Exactly, - Helen grinned. -Right, I -(TM)m off to get dressed, - I said again, -are you all going as you are? - -Yes, - Poppy replied for everyone. -Excellent, I -(TM)ll see you in a few minutes. - When I returned the front door was open and the four of them were in the Bentley, Katie and Poppy in the back seat with Belle on Poppy -(TM)s knee, a huge smile on her face as Poppy wrapped her arms protectively round her waist. -It seems you -(TM)re giving me a lift home, - Helen called from the passenger seat. -Scoot over and you can drive yourself home, - I replied as I locked the front door and opened the gate. -Try not to crash though, the damage excess is potentially ruinous. - I slid into the passenger seat, -have you got enough room Belle? - -I may never be able to use my legs again. - -I thought that may be an issue, - I replied as I pushed the button to roll my seat as far forward as I could. -That -(TM)s better, thank you. When we all go to see gramps I think we should get a bigger car, or at least one with enough seats for everyone. - -You -(TM)re probably right, - I replied awkwardly, with my knees up near my chin, -maybe you could charm a Porsche Cayenne out of them next time. - We were quiet whilst Helen carefully reversed the big car out. I -(TM)d parked it at an awkward angle last night, and someone was parked across the road so Helen was extra careful as she backed out into the road. Once we were moving Belle spoke, -I was so worried gramps wouldn -(TM)t recognise me, I keep saying this but I -(TM)d heard so much about dementia, and even though gramps only has it a little bit, and he -(TM)s mostly in the home because he -(TM)s not good on his legs and he -(TM)s on his own. When we got to the front door to the home I nearly didn -(TM)t go in, I was sure he wouldn -(TM)t have a clue who I was. I needn -(TM)t have worried though, gramps was so happy to see me, and he really wants to meet you all. I loved gramps back in the day because he always understood me. He was like mum, totally fine with me being gay, whereas gran never really accepted my sexuality. - -That -(TM)s like my mum, - Katie said quietly. -Oh no, don -(TM)t get me wrong, gran wasn -(TM)t homophobic like your mum, that -(TM)s just awful. No, she just didn -(TM)t understand me is all, thinking I -(TM)d just not met the right boy. I guess she lived through different times, when sexuality wasn -(TM)t discussed. She did once set me up with a girl, so I suppose she was trying. - -Oh yes, you said. It didn -(TM)t go well though, - Poppy replied, gently running a hand over her sister -(TM)s arm. -Not really, no. We were both subs, so we just sat there waiting for each other to start something. We kissed, and that was nice, but nothing else. - -Was she pretty? - Katie asked. -Yes, she was, but not as pretty as you. She had a bow in her hair that night, I liked that. - -I -(TM)ve got some ribbon, if you -(TM)d like to wear a bow. - -That would be nice, can I wear a bow for school. Is it pink? - Belle asked excitedly. -Yes, and yes! - Katie laughed. -Awesome! Oh yes, gramps said something really interesting, he said I -(TM)d break all the boys hearts, so I reminded him I -(TM)m gay, and he said, -~yes, I know, that -(TM)s why you -(TM)ll break their hearts. -(TM) I never thought of myself as the kind of girl boys would like, aren -(TM)t I too gay? Don -(TM)t boys like boobs and bums? - -Belle! - Helen called back, -you are absolutely gorgeous, boys, girls, everyone with eyes knows you -(TM)re beautiful. - -Really! - -Didn -(TM)t you tell me that you were very popular at the lap dancing club? - I asked. -Well, yes, but they -(TM)re dirty old me, not cute boys. And I -(TM)m not sure why I -(TM)m wondering if boys like me. - -If you want to have sex with boys I won -(TM)t be upset, - Poppy told her sweetly, -just be careful, because some are real bastards and have no problem breaking girls -(TM) hearts after they -(TM)ve had their fun. - -I really don -(TM)t think I want sex with a boy, I was just wonderingif they find me attractive. - -Speaking as a male, I -(TM)m going to say yes, - I reassured her, -you are quite simply the most beautiful girl I -(TM)ve ever met. Poppy always said you were prettier than she is and I didn -(TM)t believe it was possible, but you are. - Katie saw tears in Belle -(TM)s eyes and passed her a tissue, -he -(TM)s not wrong you know, - she told her, -and considering just how beautiful Poppy is, that -(TM)s quite a compliment. - -You -(TM)re all just being kind, - Belle mumbled as she wiped away her tears. Poppy put her lips to Belle -(TM)s ear, I just heard her whisper, -we -(TM)re not just being kind, you are fucking gorgeous and don -(TM)t let anyone, especially your own brain, tell you otherwise. - Helen floored the accelerator a couple of times at the kerb outside her flat, bringing Nita, and a few neighbours, to the window. Nita smiled when she recognised me and came to the door. -Nice wheels, - she said as Helen climbed out. -Yeah, I -(TM)ve driven worse. - -Did you hire this to drive up to York? That -(TM)s flash. - -Actually I hired a Porsche Cayman, but Belle -(TM)s smile worked wonders and we got a slight upgrade. - -Nice, we -(TM)ll have to borrow Belle next time we go on holiday, - Nita smiled. -Ahh, no way, she -(TM)s my secret weapon. - I got out of the car to walk round to the driver -(TM)s side, I -(TM)m not as flexible as Helen, no way could I slide across. Nita grabbed my hand as soon as I was standing and pulled me into a hug, -Helen just told me I need to buy a hat. I -(TM)m so happy for you. I knew you -(TM)d find someone to fill the hole Tammy left in your heart. - -Thank you Nita, not only has Jenny filled that hole, she -(TM)s become an awesome mother to the girls, and that -(TM)s just as important. - My phone chimed, I checked the message, -ahh, got to go, Jenny -(TM)s ready to give us our tour. Are you getting in the front, Belle? - -No, I -(TM)m ok here thanks, - she replied with a heartwarming smile. Katie phoned Jenny as we approached the station, she came out and opened the gate. I reversed the Bentley into the space next to the Superintendent -(TM)s 7-Series and was surprised to see the Bentley was shorter than the BMW. -Why are you three crammed in the back? - Jenny asked as I opened the door. -Helen drove home, - Belle said, -and I -(TM)m so comfy on Poppy -(TM)s knee I decided not to move. - -I don -(TM)t think I -(TM)ll ever be able to walk again, - Poppy laughed as Jenny opened the passenger door and slid the seat forward, she took Belle -(TM)s hand, helping her clamber out before Belle in turn helped Poppy out. -I -(TM)d have got in the front if I -(TM)d known you were uncomfortable. - Poppy did a couple of star jumps and gave Belle a quick kiss, -it -(TM)s ok sweetheart, I -(TM)m fine, honest. - -How have they been this morning? - Jenny asked quietly as the girls wandered around the various police vehicles, -They -(TM)re open if you want to sit in one, just don -(TM)t push any buttons. - -I -(TM)ve been in enough police cars, - Belle pouted, -I -(TM)ll pass thanks. - -Absolutely fine, - I answered, -they -(TM)ve been food shopping for tonight, even managing to buy some wine. - -I guess Poppy does look old enough, but they -(TM)re supposed to ask for ID, - Jenny insisted. -Just be grateful they paid, - I told her. -Mmm, there is that, and I suppose if they -(TM)d been asked for ID Poppy would just flash cleavage and get served anyway. - -Yep, laws do not apply to our kids. - -So, any other excitement since I left stupidly early? - -Helen and Nita are very happy about our news, Belle used Helen as a trampoline until she woke I think. - -Haha, Belle did seem a little excited. - -And she showed Helen your photos over breakfast. - -Ahh, - Jenny said, a little nervous of Helen -(TM)s reaction, - what did she say. - -She was a little critical of the photographer -(TM)s skills, the lighting and exposure were lacking, and she could tell you were nervous. - -I was nervous. I thought the photos turned out ok though, I suppose Helen really knows her stuff. - -Oh, she really does, and she says you looked fantastic, you posed well, and our mum would have got you loads of work. - -Really, she liked the photos? - -She liked them a lot. - -That -(TM)s a relief, I kind of fancied myself as a model for a while, but the only work he could offer me was topless and bikini work, and I definitely wasn -(TM)t interested in that line. - -I think Helen has a few regrets about her life choices, but on balance I doubt she -(TM)d change much of what she -(TM)s done. - -I -(TM)m not as strong as Helen, or Poppy, or Belle even, I don -(TM)t think I -(TM)d thrive where they -(TM)ve been. - -Don -(TM)t do yourself down Jenny, you -(TM)re a powerful woman in your own right. - -Maybe, I -(TM)m just feeling a bit drained after the last few hours. - -Ahh yes, that must have been awful, did you find anything? - -Poppy, come here honey! - called out by way of an answer. Belle and Katie flanked Poppy as she walked over, head bowed as if she expected bad news. Jenny reached out for Poppy, with a hand on each cheek she tilted her face up until she got eye contact. -I -(TM)ve just spent four hours scanning through thousands of videos on the hard drives we recovered, I -(TM)ve looked at all the thumbnails and searched through any videos that looked suspicious, and the good news is, I didn -(TM)t see you, or anything like the room you described. - Poppy smiled weakly, -that doesn -(TM)t mean the videos aren -(TM)t out there somewhere. - -No it doesn -(TM)t, but it does mean I don -(TM)t have to hide anything from the investigation to protect you... - Poppy -(TM)s smile warmed, -yes, I -(TM)m sorry, I was selfish then. I know you -(TM)re in a tight spot trying to keep me safe. Thank you. - -It -(TM)s OK sweetheart, this isn -(TM)t a good time for you at all, but right now, nobody in this building is going to see you being abused, and I -(TM)ll do anything I can to keep it that way. - -I don -(TM)t know how to thank you, mum. - -Thank me by being open and honest, never be afraid to tell me anything. - -Yes mum, no more secrets. When I remember new stuff I -(TM)ll let you know. - -Excellent, now, are we all ready for the tour? - -Yes, definitely, - Belle cried, -but not the cells, please! - -You can stay with your dad while I show Poppy and Katie the cells, is that OK? - -Absolutely, I -(TM)m always happy with dad. - Jenny walked us up the vehicle ramp and used her ID card to open a door. -Urghh, the booking desk, - Belle groaned. -It -(TM)s OK sweetie, we -(TM)ll go the other way. - -When were you arrested? - Poppy asked. -You know that night we -(TM)d both been dancing in the club, then you went to get chips and wasn -(TM)t there when you got back? - -Oh fuck, I -(TM)d completely forgotten that, I -(TM)m so sorry. - -It -(TM)s OK, I gave a false name, they locked me up all night in a cell with a couple of old prostitutes, they were a great lesson on staying away from drugs. The desk sergeant turfed me out at 7 in the morning and gave me 20p to phone for a taxi. I phoned Jeremy and he came straight for me and spent about half an hour ranting at the desk sergeant for keeping an underaged girl locked up all night. I swear I had to drag him away or he -(TM)d have started a fight. - -You -(TM)re safe now Belle, - Jenny said calmly. -I know, it -(TM)s just that night I lost a lot of faith in the police. They didn -(TM)t hurt me or anything, but they didn -(TM)t make sure I was safe with those crackheads. - -That -(TM)s neglecting their duty, I could get them sacked. - -I don -(TM)t want a fuss, and besides, according to the arrest logs I was never there. - -Ahh yes, well if anything like that happens to anyone at this station the custody sergeant will be out, - Jenny replied firmly, -quite apart from you being too young to be locked up with adults, someone should have been checking on the women, even if it -(TM)s just looking in on them to make sure they -(TM)ve not died from an overdose. - -Oh wow, I never thought of that, I was just pissed off about how they treated me. - Jenny cupped Belle -(TM)s cheek tenderly and kissed her forehead, -and that -(TM)s exactly the right reaction. You were in a terrible situation that really wasn -(TM)t your fault. - -I -(TM)ll come down to the cells with you, but only if dad holds my hand the whole time, - Belle replied, -if I don -(TM)t, they won didn -(TM)t they. - -I -(TM)ll hold your hand, - Poppy said brightly. -Thanks, but I -(TM)ll spoil your fun. I -(TM)ll stay back with dad while you explore. - Jenny swiped her ID card in the door lock, -ok girls, this isn -(TM)t part of the official tour today because we have two people in the cells, so keep the noise down, and stay this end of the room. - -What are they in for, - Belle asked quietly. Jenny looked behind the counter at a dry wipe board. -Drunk and disorderly in cell one, ahh yes, he started a fight outside the pub, the doorman decked him and we brought him in to sleep it off. He -(TM)ll be going home soon I hope. -In cell three we have a purse snatcher, he was arrested this morning, they -(TM)re transferring him to the remand centre in a couple of hours. - -No street girls or prostitutes, - Belle asked, almost too quiet to hear. -We -(TM)re a bit far out of the city for street walkers, and prostitutes around here tend to be expensive and well behaved. - -So if I -(TM)d been brought here, what would have happened to me? - -Ok, let -(TM)s do this properly, - Jenny replied as she rang the bell on the counter. -Excellen, Tom, can we do a little role play with my daughter? - -Err, yes, I guess. Hello by the way, we -(TM)ve heard a lot about you all, - Tom said. He was tall, slim, looked to be in his late 20 -(TM)s. -This is Belle, and Poppy, and Katie and Alex. - We raised our hands as she introduced us in turn. -Belle hasn -(TM)t had the happiest of times up to now, and was once arrested and treated badly, so I -(TM)d like her to know what should have happened. - -What were you arrested for? - Tom asked politely. -You don -(TM)t need to know that, - Jenny relied. -I was pulled in with some prostitutes, - Belle answered, ignoring Jenny, -I wasn -(TM)t doing anything, Poppy wouldn -(TM)t let me, and I -(TM)m glad about that. - Jenny looked at Belle, -what? - Belle cried, -he needs to know, so we can play it right. - -It -(TM)s ok honey, I -(TM)m just in awe of your honesty, you could have said shoplifting or something. - -No-one has ever caught me shoplifting, - Belle replied, smiling proudly, -I -(TM)m too good to get caught. - -Now we -(TM)re maybe a bit too honest, - Jenny laughed. Tom looked at Jenny, -so, what are we doing? - Jenny instantly turned professional, she reached into her handbag and pulled out a set of handcuffs, -let -(TM)s do this properly shall we, hands behind your back. - Belle -(TM)s eyes went wide, but she complied, turning round and putting both hands together behind her back. Jenny gently turned Belle to face the counter, -DC Wilde, - she stated, -I -(TM)ve picked this one up on suspicion of soliciting, she -(TM)s refused to give her name or produce ID, I -(TM)m sure she -(TM)s under age, so we -(TM)ll be needing an Appropriate Adult to stay with her until she tells us her name and we can contact her family or guardians. - Jenny motioned for Poppy to come forward, -you can be the Appropriate Adult, do you know what that means? - -Err, no, - Poppy replied, -I -(TM)ve never been arrested, well, at least I -(TM)ve never been picked up and made it as far as a police station. - -Nobody mentioned Appropriate Adults or anything when I was locked up. - -Ok, - Tom started, -if someone under 18 is arrested, or if they -(TM)ve refused to give us a name or ID and appear under 18, and for whatever reason we can -(TM)t bring in parents or guardians, we call on an Appropriate Adult. They will be fully vetted, usually a social worker, community volunteer, teacher or member of the clergy, who will accompany the minor whilst they -(TM)re in custody. This means sitting in and helping during questioning and processing. So, in your case, as we don -(TM)t know who you are, and you -(TM)re almost certainly under age, we call in someone to watch out for you, a female officer will stay with you at all times until the Appropriate Adult arrives, you won -(TM)t be questioned or processed until then. - -See, right from the start they were in the wrong, - Jenny told Belle. Poppy stepped forward, -does she need those! - she said firmly, indicating the cuffs. -Yes, - Jenny replied, slipping back into the roleplay, -she was quite aggressive. - -So would you be if you were being arrested for no reason, I -(TM)m sure she -(TM)ll be fine now I -(TM)m here to help her. - Jenny unlocked the cuffs as Poppy asked, -what -(TM)s your name honey? - -I -(TM)m Belle, I -(TM)ve not done anything. - -Hello Belle, I -(TM)m Poppy and I -(TM)m here to make sure you -(TM)re treated well. - -Interview three is empty, - Tom told Jenny, and we followed as she walked Belle and Poppy past the cells and through a solid looking door. She took the girls into the interview room, we waited outside and watched through the doorway. -So, none of this happened to you? - she asked Belle. -No, they asked my name, I told them I was called Penny Starlight or something and they tossed me in the same cell as two of the women they -(TM)d brought in with me. - -How were you dressed? - -Err, probably pretty scruffy I reckon, we -(TM)d been dancing that night, but after we finished we both changed back into our own clothes. - -You got changed back after dancing in a club? - Tom asked. -Don -(TM)t ask Tom, you don -(TM)t need or want to know any more, - Jenny told him, not taking her eyes off Belle. -Ahh, ok, I won -(TM)t pry. - -Great, now I need you to come in and take a good look at Belle and tell me how old she is. - Tom stepped into the room and sat next to Jenny and looked at Belle for a few moments. -How long were you on the streets? - he asked. -More than a year, but less than 18 months, I can -(TM)t be more specific, sorry. - -No worries, it -(TM)s just the life ages most people, but I don -(TM)t think it has with you. - -Oh, thanks, Poppy always took good care of me. - -I -(TM)m going to say you -(TM)re 14 or 15, definitely not 16. - -Thank you, so would you treat her like an adult? - -Definitely not. - -What about me? - Poppy asked. Tom looked at Poppy carefully, -you -(TM)re older, 16, maybe 17, definitely not 18. - Poppy frowned. -She -(TM)s 15, but she thought you -(TM)d say 18 because she got served at Waitrose without ID, - Jenny smiled. -We -(TM)re trained much better than supermarket staff, miss, so don -(TM)t be upset. - -So, - Jenny slapped the table, -are we ok? - -Err, can you lock me in a cell, just for a minute, then I -(TM)ll be OK. - -On your own? - -Isn -(TM)t that what you -(TM)d do? You wouldn -(TM)t lock me up with Poppy? - -No, - Tom replied, -your Appropriate Adult wouldn -(TM)t be allowed to accompany you in the cell, but they would stay in the custody suite for the duration of your detention, and accompany any officer who visits your cell to check on you, which could be every hour, or even every 15 minutes if we, or the Appropriate Adult, had serious concerns about your welfare. - -Ahh, that didn -(TM)t happen either, - Belle sighed as she walked with Tom into an empty cell. I looked inside, bare concrete walls, a platform below the tiny window with a thin plastic covered mattress. A stainless steel toilet bowl and wash basin completed the fixtures and fittings. Belle sat on the bed calmly as Tom closed and locked the door. -I -(TM)ll count to 60, then Tom will unlock it, - Jenny shouted through the slit in the door. As Jenny got to 58 she motioned for Tom to unlock the door, -I -(TM)m OK mum, - Belle called as she heard the key, -give me a bit longer, I -(TM)ll let you know when I want to come out. - Tom went back to the counter and filled in some paperwork, -I -(TM)m releasing sonny boy from number one as soon as his wife turns up. I -(TM)m not sure if you want to go hide somewhere or stay around to watch the fun. - -Probably best if we let Belle out and disappear. - Tom tossed the keys over without looking up, Jenny deftly caught them and unlocked Belle -(TM)s door. -I -(TM)m OK mum, really, it -(TM)s quite peaceful here. - -Ahh, well sorry to disturb your meditation, but we need to go, there -(TM)s about to be a domestic incident in the custody suite and I -(TM)d rather we weren -(TM)t around to witness it. - -Ok, - Belle replied as she slid off the bed and skipped out of the cell straight into Poppy -(TM)s arms. -How was your time in the big house? - Poppy asked. -Ahh, ok I guess, I just took it a minute at a time. - -You -(TM)re so brave, facing up to your fears like that. - -I had to, or those bastards would have won, they -(TM)d have beat me, and you taught me to always stick up for myself. - Poppy released Belle and she stepped into Katie -(TM)s arms as Jenny led us out of the Custody Suite. -Well, I didn -(TM)t expect to be locking one of my daughters in a cell when I woke up this morning, - Jenny laughed as she swiped her card in the lock and let us out into the rear lobby where we started. The next door opened as Jenny was reaching for her ID card. A tall man in a three piece suit stepped through. -Ahh Jenny, just the person I wanted to see. - -Yes sir, what can I do for you? - -You can start by introducing your family. - Belle, emboldened by her time behind bars, stepped forward, offering her hand to DI Williamson, -Hello, I -(TM)m Belle. - He took her hand and shook in warmly, -Hello Belle, I -(TM)m Oliver. - Belle turned and introduced us in turn, -this is Poppy, she saved my life, she -(TM)s an absolute goddess. - -I -(TM)m very pleased to meet you Poppy, Jenny has told me a lot about you, I think Belle -(TM)s assessment isn -(TM)t an overstatement. - -And this is Katie, who is also an amazing person, she -(TM)s teaching me how to use a computer and bring me up to speed with school work, and kind of how to behave amongst polite humans. - -Hello Katie, you seem to be doing a good job with Belle, she -(TM)s behaving impeccably. - -And this is my dad, Alex, he -(TM)s just the most wonderful man I -(TM)ve ever met. - -Hi Alex, my daughter loves your books. - -Ahh, thank you, I really need to speak to my publisher about marketing them to girls as well as boys, they seem to love them at the girls -(TM) school as well. - -So, I don -(TM)t know what you -(TM)ve got planned for the rest of the day Jenny, but we -(TM)ve got a talk your girls might enjoy in the canteen at one. - -Oh, I was just going to show them my office and play some of the deduction games in the briefing room, maybe show them the armoury, dogs and horses. - -Great, I -(TM)m sure you can squeeze a half hour talk in at one, they -(TM)ll get a lot out of it, I -(TM)m sure. - -We -(TM)ll be there. - I realised I -(TM)d not mentioned the awards to Jenny, so I held her back as the girls sped down the corridor, -we need to be at the talk, he -(TM)s got something planned for Poppy and Belle. - -Oh, he asked me lots of questions about them the other day, I wonder what he -(TM)s got planned. - -I -(TM)m not about to spoil the surprise. - Jenny playfully slapped my arm, -I like how you can keep secrets, but sometimes it -(TM)s infuriating. -