Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >The Girl at the Bus Stop by alan14 Copyright(C) 2021 by alan14 Chapter 42 The next morning Jenny set off for work early, telling me she -(TM)d collect us around 10am. Lia was up and putting out the breakfast things for her sisters when I entered the kitchen. -Are you OK? - I asked, -ahh, that -(TM)s a silly question. - -I guess I -(TM)m fine, kind of apprehensive, I -(TM)ll be seeing someone I -(TM)ve hated all my life, but he -(TM)s dead, he can -(TM)t hurt me anymore, so why am I still nervous? - -It -(TM)s our fear of death, - Belle replied brightly as she bounced into the kitchen, -even though it -(TM)s completely illogical, you see a dead body and think you -(TM)ll catch something off it. - -Maybe I could catch something from him, urghh, the places he -(TM)s been, I shall not be touching him. - -I don -(TM)t think they let you touch them, although I was like 11 when my parents died and they don -(TM)t even let tweenies in to see bodies, so what do I know. - -What you said makes absolute sense, and I -(TM)ll try to remember that whilst my mind is whirring like mad. - -Cool, now I -(TM)ve sorted your life out, can you fix my hair, I -(TM)m all fingers and thumbs this morning. - -Of course I can, take a seat. - Lia was pacing up and down the hallway as we waited for Jenny to arrive, I -(TM)m so glad I decided to stick with a wood floor rather than carpet, or she -(TM)d have worn it out by the time Jenny pulled up at the gate. -I -(TM)m so sorry, - Jenny announced as we fastened our seatbelts, -the superintendent is rather inconveniently using his BMW, and all the unmarked cars are out, so I -(TM)m afraid we -(TM)re stuck with this marked Astra. I hope the neighbours don -(TM)t think you -(TM)re being arrested. - -I -(TM)ll make sure I look all sheepish when we come back, - Lia replied with a smile, I was glad she could manage a little humour. -Get Belle to tell you about the time she was arrested. She -(TM)s still furious about it, with good reason, - Jenny told her as she pulled away from the kerb and headed for the A3 towards Westminster. -Will he be, like, in a room and I look through one way glass? - -Ahh, no, that -(TM)s just how it is in the movies. Here he -(TM)s in a drawer, the mortuary attendant will open the drawer and uncover his face so you can identify him. - -You know it -(TM)s him, right? - Lia asked, suddenly panicking, -you -(TM)re not relying on me being able to recognise him if he -(TM)s been beaten up and stuff. - -Oh yes, we -(TM)re sure it -(TM)s him, this is purely a formality. - Lia relaxed in the back seat, she closed her eyes and was quiet for the rest of the journey. Jenny drove around the back of the mortuary and parked in one of the spaces reserved for police vehicles. -We -(TM)ll go in through the back, there -(TM)s always someone from the press out the front. They won -(TM)t be interested in you at all, but it -(TM)s much quieter going in this way. - We followed her along a corridor and down a flight of stairs. Everywhere was clean and smelt strongly of disinfectant. -Yeah, they use masses of pine disinfectant to hide the smell, - Jenny told us, as if she -(TM)d read my mind, -close your ears if you don -(TM)t want to hear this Lia, but not everyone arrives here in one piece. It can get messy. - -Did those girls Poppy found come here? - -The girls in Swiss Cottage? - Lia nodded silently. -Yeah, they -(TM)ve got a special room for bodies like that, ones that have been buried a long time. It -(TM)s at the far end of the corridor, they have all the best equipment down there, because ahh, you don -(TM)t want to hear all that stuff, not after you -(TM)ve eaten at any rate. Come on, Joseph is in here... - Jenny pushed open a door and we followed close behind and entered a small lobby area, there was a vacant desk in the corner, Jenny popped her head through a doorway behind the desk and whistled. -She -(TM)ll be here in a sec, - Jenny whispered as she took hold of Lia -(TM)s hand, -relax, you will not be asked any questions you can -(TM)t answer, and I -(TM)ll help if you get flustered. - -Thank you, - Lia whispered back. A moment later a young woman with jet black hair cut short and spiked rushed out to meet us, -oh hey Jenny, are you here to see 109? - -Yes, Joseph Jackson, this is Lia, his daughter. - -Oh great, I -(TM)m sorry, I really shouldn -(TM)t sound so chirpy when civilians are here. I -(TM)ll try to calm down in a second. - -Are you OK? - Jenny asked. -Absolutely, err, I just had my paper published, I -(TM)m properly a doctor now. - -Dr Polly, amazing. - -Thanks, err, give me a minute, he -(TM)s in a top locker, I -(TM)ll get someone to bring him down, take a seat, do you want coffee or anything? - -No thanks, we -(TM)re fine, - Jenny answered. Polly dashed off, we took seats against the wall. -She -(TM)s a doctor? - Lia asked, -she looks about 12. - -I know, she -(TM)s 25 I think, and she -(TM)s not normally out here, there -(TM)s usually a far more professional receptionist around when the public are expected. - -I like her, - she replied, -see her hair Alex, that -(TM)s how I wanted mine, but my foster parents wouldn -(TM)t let me. - -If you want it like that, I -(TM)m fine with it. - -Not anymore, I -(TM)m thinking of going for red, like a proper red, not Poppy -(TM)s auburn colour, I -(TM)m thinking like a post box. - -That would be great, - Jenny replied, -I love girls with red hair, I normally go for regular redheads like Helen, but I -(TM)m definitely liking the sound of bright red hair. - -Thanks Jenny, I hope Katie won -(TM)t mind. - -I -(TM)m sure she -(TM)ll be fine with it, - I told her, -when we found you at first there -(TM)s no way we could tell what colour your hair was. - -Haha, I guess that -(TM)s true. I tried to keep myself as clean as possible, and I brushed my teeth every day, so I didn -(TM)t have stink breath at least when she kissed me. - We were silent for a moment, Lia eventually broke it, -you know, it -(TM)s so nice being loved. It -(TM)s not something I -(TM)ve felt before, but it -(TM)s good to know that someone out there is thinking about me, just like I -(TM)m thinking about them. Life -(TM)s worth living when you know you -(TM)re important to someone. - -It really is, - Jenny replied, giving Lia -(TM)s hand a good squeeze, -it -(TM)s not just Katie that loves you, remember that. - -I will, thank you. - Polly returned a few minutes later, much more sombre now as she led us through to the mortuary. Lia and I both looked in awe at the room, everything but the floor and ceiling was made of shiny stainless steel, lit from above with bright LED lighting. One wall was floor to ceiling lockers. -Are all those full? - Lia asked. -Oh no, we -(TM)re only about a third full today. - -Who comes here? - -Anyone who dies in suspicious or unexplained circumstances in the City of Westminster and the surrounding area. - -So my dad -(TM)s death was suspicious? - -It -(TM)s hard to tell, the coroner hasn -(TM)t called it yet? - -Why -(TM)s that? - -He died of liver failure, that much is clear, but he also has massive internal injuries and external bruising. Is it OK to talk openly like this, Jenny said you weren -(TM)t close. - -It -(TM)s fine, not close is a massive understatement. I -(TM)ve come here to make sure he -(TM)s dead. - -I see, you -(TM)re not the first person to come here for that reason, so let -(TM)s get this over with. - Polly walked over to a table that was draped with a blue sheet. -Ready? - Lia took a deep breath, -ready, - she replied. Polly lifted the cloth and folded it back to reveal his head. Lia looked at the body for a long time, walking around the top of the table to look at both sides. -It -(TM)s him, definitely. Can you pull the cover down some more please? - Polly folded the cloth back a little way, revealing his cheat and upper arms. Lia lightly traced a finger across the bruises on his chest, -see this tattoo? - she asked, pointing at a heart on the top of his right arm. -Yes, - Jenny replied quietly. -He got that the day after he raped me the first time. The one on his other arm was after he -(TM)d raped mum. She was 11, just like I was, the first time he raped her, his little cousin, he stole her from his aunt. They never married, She was 13 when she had my oldest brother, Jayden, 22 when she had me, 33 when they killed her. - -Why did your aunt let him do that? - Polly asked. -Probably glad to get rid of her, she was a smackhead, one less mouth to feed left more money for drugs. - We were silent for a long time, Lia just looked at her father, no pity or sorrow in her eyes, just a blank stare as she took in every detail of her dead father. -Ok, I -(TM)m done. What happens now? - -We -(TM)re doing some more tests today, the coroner will decide a cause of death once we -(TM)ve finished. - -Then what? - -The body will be released, who -(TM)s his next of kin? - -I -(TM)ve got three older brothers, ahh, no, two older brothers, one of them was killed in a prison riot the other day. - -Ahh, does he have the same surname? - Polly asked. -Yeah, Mikey ... Michael Jackson, I always hated that they -(TM)d called him that. - -He -(TM)s in 24, if you want to see him. - -No thanks, he raped me just like dad did. - -Ok, so what normally happens is the family claim the body, arrange for a funeral director to collect it, and, well, have a funeral. - -And if no-one claims it? - -We keep the body for 90 days, if it -(TM)s not claimed in that time we have them cremated, the cremains are kept for three years, then we bury them. - Lia thought for a long time before she looked at me, -can you lend me the money for two funerals please. - -It -(TM)s ok, I -(TM)ll pay, I -(TM)ll speak to the people who handled Nikki -(TM)s funeral, they were very good. - -Thanks Alex. - -Cool, so, I -(TM)ll let Jenny know when we -(TM)re done. We -(TM)ve finished with Michael, he -(TM)s not going anywhere, we -(TM)ll release them both at the same time. - -Thank you so much Dr Polly, - Lia said as we left, -oh, I love your hair by the way, it -(TM)s awesome. - -Thanks, my brother did it in the kitchen, our mum went mental, but I -(TM)m 25, so what can she do? - Lia turned to Jenny, -would you go mental if I got Katie to do my hair in the kitchen? - -Probably, you -(TM)ve got your own bathroom to get messy. - -Let -(TM)s go get coffee and cake, - Jenny said as we left the mortuary. -I -(TM)m always ready for cake, - Lia replied with a smile. -It -(TM)s mostly Government and Civil Service offices around here, if you -(TM)re up for a little walk I can take you to a lovely caf(C) that -(TM)s straight out of an Agatha Christie story. - -We won -(TM)t be poisoned by some mysterious stranger, will we? - -Hopefully not, but your dad is going to have to get his credit card out. - -Are you my parents now? - -If you want us to be. - -I -(TM)m more than OK with that. - -So am I, - I added, -now how badly are you going to hurt my credit card? - Jenny whispered our destination in my ear. -Ouch, - I replied. -Can you think of anywhere better? - -Nope, and as it -(TM)s cakes you want, it -(TM)s definitely the best place around here. - With that we set off walking north towards Mayfair, and a splendid art-deco caf(C). -A few years ago the Government Minister in charge of welfare and benefits caused a lot of controversy by claiming a family could live on £80 a week, then he tried to claim a £35 breakfast on his expenses. It was this place. - -Seriously? How many people was he paying for? - Lia asked, appalled. -Just himself. - -Fucking hell, what was he eating, scrambled phoenix eggs? - -I guess we -(TM)ll find out shortly. - As we entered the caf(C), Lia was awestruck for the second time that day. The marble floor, brass and crystal chandeliers, gold leaf covered plasterwork ceiling, glass topped tables; all stopped her in her tracks. -Oh shit, - she whispered, -this is amazing. I -(TM)ve never seen anywhere like this before, will they serve us? - -If they don -(TM)t I -(TM)m fully prepared to flash my badge, but I doubt they -(TM)ll turn down paying customers, they -(TM)ll probably sit us in a corner somewhere. - Jenny approached the ma(R)tre d -(TM). -Good morning, can I help you? - -I hope so, we -(TM)ve just taken our niece to identify her father -(TM)s body, so she needs a special treat. Do you have a table free for lunch? - -I -(TM)m sure we can fit you in, please come with me. - -So, you -(TM)re my auntie as well now, - Lia whispered as we followed the ma(R)tre d -(TM) through the caf(C) and into a second, smaller room. This was just as lavishly presented as the main room, but here the tables were in booths for a little more privacy. Lia slid into the booth beside me, Jenny sat opposite as the ma(R)tre d -(TM) placed a thick leather-bound menu on the table between us. -The specials today are swordfish and venison meatballs, the soup is French onion. Sean, will be your waiter, he -(TM)ll be with you in a few minutes. - -Venison, that -(TM)s deer isn -(TM)t it? - Lia asked. Jenny nodded, -it -(TM)s very nice. - -It -(TM)s still Bambi, and I can -(TM)t eat Bambi. - -Fair enough, what do you fancy? - Lia spent a long time looking at the menu, -this all looks fantastic, but it -(TM)s wasted on me, Belle would have a field day here, and probably bankrupt you. You know what, if I eat something big I -(TM)ll fall asleep on the drive back. Why don -(TM)t we have the sandwich tray, then some cakes, definitely cakes. - The sandwiches arrived on a three-tiered tray, perfect triangles with their crusts removed. Roast beef with red onion, egg mayonnaise, salmon and cucumber, brie and cranberry. Lia was ecstatic, -I -(TM)ve never seen anything so cute, they -(TM)re just perfect little marvels. - She bit into a brie and cranberry, -oh my god! - she gasped, -and so tasty. Have you eaten here before? - -Oh no, I could never afford to eat here, - Jenny pointed out of the window, -see that apartment block over there? - Lia followed Jenny -(TM)s arm, -the one with the policeman outside? - -That -(TM)s the one, when I first started in the police that was my job for about 6 months. There -(TM)s a bunch of minor royals live in that block, along with a few models and at least one footballer. - -So you guarded the queen? - Lia asked, excitedly. -Oh no, she -(TM)s got her own guards, both an elite police guard and soldiers. No, these are all minor royals, one of Prince Andrew -(TM)s daughters, Eugene, Princess Anne -(TM)s son Peter, and a couple more. We just stood by the door, one inside, one outside, and made sure no-one got inside who wasn -(TM)t supposed to. - -Did you have a gun? - -Oh no. Nothing terribly exciting ever happened, just princesses sneaking unsuitable boyfriends home. We were mainly there to keep the press away. - -You got to see all the scandal though. - -I did, and I signed a form that means I can never tell anyone what I saw. Anyway, it meant I -(TM)d be standing outside watching people going in and out of this caf(C), eating food I could never dream of affording. Yet here I am, making your dad buy us expensive sandwiches. - -Do the princesses come in here? - -Oh yes, in fact there -(TM)s one coming now. - A tall, elegant woman in a red dress approached our table, did a quick double take then stopped beside Jenny. -Oh my, PC Jenny! It -(TM)s been so long. How are you? - -Gosh, Lady Marina, thanks for stopping by. I -(TM)m doing well thank you. - -Is this your husband? I kind of recognise him. - -Not yet, just my boyfriend, Alex, but one lives in hope. He -(TM)s an author. - -Oh, I never have time to read, I -(TM)m so sorry. - -I was on The Late Review once with you, a couple of years ago. - I reminded her, -you were talking about your boyfriend -(TM)s exhibition. - Lady Marina thought for a moment then broke into a broad grin, -of course, that -(TM)s it. Anyway, he -(TM)s an ex-boyfriend now. So, who is the gorgeous girl? - -This is Lia, our daughter. - -Surely you -(TM)re not old enough... - -Hahaha, Lia -(TM)s adopted, along with her sisters, Poppy, Katie and Belle. - Lia held out her hand, -it -(TM)s such an honour to meet you, oh my god, this is all so weird. Last week I was on the streets, this week I -(TM)m meeting a real life princess! - -I -(TM)m not a princess honey... - -But you -(TM)re royal, right? - -I am, but it -(TM)s very complicated. Only a few people get to be princesses, you have to be a child or grandchild of the queen, and I -(TM)m not. Do you mind if I join you? - -Not at all, - Jenny replied as she shuffled along the bench, Lady Marina slid into the booth and sat opposite Lia. -Help yourself to sandwiches, Lady Marina, - Lia told her, -I -(TM)m saving room for cakes. - -A wise decision, and please, drop the Lady. I -(TM)m Marina to my friends, and we -(TM)re all friends here. - She waved the waiter over, -ahh, Sean, a bottle of my champagne please, and whatever cakes my friends want. - -Yes m -(TM)lady, and 4 glasses? - -Of course. - -Very good, I -(TM)ll have someone wheel the dessert trolley over presently. - -Thanks Sean. - -Champagne! - Lia gasped as Marina handed her a glass a few moments later, -I -(TM)ve never had champagne before. This is the best day ever. - -I always like a glass with lunch, it helps with the digestion. - She waved a hand over the table, -I think we -(TM)ll put all this on my father -(TM)s bill, - she whispered conspiratorially as she picked up an egg mayonnaise sandwich. Lia selected three small cakes from the trolley, a strawberry tart, a pair of exquisite gold flecked profiteroles and thin slice of Black Forest Gateaux. -Did I hear correctly before, you said you were homeless last week? - -mmmm, - Lia replied, quickly swallowing a piece of strawberry tart, -sorry, yes. It -(TM)s a long story that -(TM)s not the sort of thing you want to hear over nice food. - -It all started, - I told Marina, -when I found a badly injured girl at a bus stop across from my house, I took her home to get her warm and dry. As Poppy healed, with the help of my sister and her girlfriend, I grew very attached to her and we decided to adopt her, then we adopted Poppy -(TM)s school friend, Katie, then we adopted Poppy -(TM)s girlfriend from the streets, Belle, and during our travels looking for Belle we found Lia, Katie became very attached to Lia, so we took her home as well. - -Oh wow, it -(TM)s like you -(TM)ve got your own little shelter. - -Kind of, - I replied, -my house had been empty for far too long, so it -(TM)s good to have it filled with laughter. - Lia swallowed a mouthful of gateaux and wiped her mouth with a linen napkin, -Poppy and Belle have started a charity to help street kids. Unless you -(TM)ve lived on the streets it -(TM)s hard to understand the life. Because Poppy and Belle have both spent a few years in squats and shop doorways, they know how hard the life is, but also how close some people become, and how hard it is to escape the life, so between us we -(TM)ll be working to help them. Initially with food and other essentials, like clothes and soap and sanitary products, then we -(TM)ll go in there with other charities to give more constructive help, like English and maths lessons, job interview training, that kind of thing. We -(TM)re even looking at the possibilities of providing the kids with an address for post. - Marina hung on Lia -(TM)s every word, as Lia paused for breath she asked, -how would a postal address help? - -Earlier this year there was the national census, loads of charities came round and recorded the details of as many street people as they could find. The census people were happy for the address of the doorway, archway, squat or whatever to be recorded. Unfortunately, the Department for Work and Pensions aren -(TM)t quite so understanding, if you don -(TM)t have a postal address, you can -(TM)t get benefits, the same with most employers, they want a postal address even if they pay into your bank, then again, every bank wants a postal address. - -I -(TM)d like to know more about this charity, can I meet your sisters? - -Of course, I -(TM)m sure they -(TM)d love to tell you more, - Lia checked the time, -it -(TM)s lunchtime, I -(TM)ll just give Poppy a call. - Lia dialled, a moment later Poppy answered, -hey Poppy, you -(TM)ll never guess what. I -(TM)m having lunch with a princess ... well, a Lady, but she -(TM)s proper royalty, and she wants to learn more about the charity, are you OK talking to her, - she listened for a moment then looked across to Marina, -she says fine, I -(TM)m paraphrasing, she -(TM)s as excited about meeting a princess as I am, yeah, I know, not a princess. Anyway, your place or mine? - -Well, Jenny knows where I live, why don -(TM)t you come around about 7:30, I -(TM)ll order us a nice meal. - Lia turned back to the phone, -whatever Belle had planned for dinner, tell her to postpone it, we -(TM)re eating out in Mayfair. - She held the phone away from her ear for a moment, -they -(TM)re quite excited about eating in Mayfair as well, - putting the phone back to her ear she told Poppy she had to go and slipped it back in her pocket. -It -(TM)s a date then, - Marina said as she grabbed another sandwich, gripping it with her teeth as she slipped on her coat, -see you at mine around 7:30. - -I can -(TM)t believe we -(TM)ve just met an actual princess, and yeah I know, not a princess, but she -(TM)s directly related to the Queen and that -(TM)s enough for me. And she wants to speak to Poppy and Belle about the charity, how amazing is that? Oh my god, I think I might faint. - Lia chattered aimlessly all the way back to the car, ideas about the charity, how she was going to decorate her office, how much she loved her new life. -I hate to bring your mood down, - Jenny said to Lia as she pulled out of the morgue carpark, -but I need to bring you up to speed with what we -(TM)ve found out about Joseph. - -Oh, he -(TM)s gone now, I -(TM)ve seen him, you can tell me anything. - -Well, the investigating team have been digging into his life, asking questions in the pubs he frequented, speaking to informants, you know how it works, and it seems he -(TM)s helped us stumble upon an illegal fight club. - -What the fuck! Like in the Brad Pitt film? - -Kind of, but instead of blokes fighting to lift themselves out of an ennui brought on by the modern-day obsession with consumer goods, this is more about getting sad old drunks to beat the shit our of each other whilst people bet on who -(TM)ll be the last one standing. - -Oh fuck, bum fighting, I -(TM)ve heard of this, I bet Poppy has too. There was this guy in Camden who used to go to watch them every weekend, we all hated him for that, he moved away eventually. It -(TM)s like a big secret, nobody talks about bum fight club. - -Are you taking the piss Lia, - Jenny asked. -Oh gosh no, it -(TM)s a real thing, but it -(TM)s a secret, like dog fighting, everyone who goes knows it -(TM)s illegal, so they don -(TM)t talk about it. I know it goes on, but I don -(TM)t know where it happens. - -So the fight club explains the bruises and broken ribs. - -I -(TM)m not even sorry about it, this is what he did to mum, and to me. Live by the sword, die by the sword. - -Yes, it sounds like his last few years have been pretty miserable. - -But he also spent those years looking at little girls. I hope to god he never touched any of them, I -(TM)d hate to think he took any other girls -(TM) innocence. - -We -(TM)re doing what we can to look into his activities. We -(TM)re pretty sure he used some of the Eastern European prostitutes who are, unfortunately, used to rough treatment. - Lia pulled her phone out again and made a call, -hey Jeremy, it -(TM)s me, Lia, listen, I -(TM)ve just seen my dad, he -(TM)s definitely dead. Thanks for watching him these last few months, it -(TM)s really appreciated. It seems he -(TM)s been involved in bum fights ... yeah I know, brutal, but I -(TM)m not sad about it ... yeah, mum -(TM)s on the case, they -(TM)ll be trying to take the fights down ... I know, they -(TM)ll just move on, but if we can inconvenience them a bit ... anyway, I -(TM)d like a little favour, I need to know if he hurt any little girls, I don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)ll do about it, but I need to know. And it sounds like he used the Romanian prostitutes, I need to know any of the girls he mistreated, I want to help them. -Last thing, when your guys do their thing to Jayden, can they do whatever needs doing to make him tell where he dumped my mum. - Lia listened for a while, then replied -I guess it might not be possible, but if the chance arises, please see what they can do, because I want to give her a proper burial, she didn -(TM)t have a good life, neither of us did, but I loved her with all my heart, and I -(TM)d like to give her a nice headstone ... thank you Jeremy - She slipped her phone back in her pocket and sat back, closing her eyes as she spent the rest of the journey home in deep thought. As we approached the house she opened her eyes suddenly, -I need a dress! - -Why do you need a dress honey? - Jenny asked. -For tonight, I can -(TM)t go dressed like this, and jeans is all I -(TM)ve got. - -What about all the dresses Helen left? - -I -(TM)m a bit too tall for them. They -(TM)ll fit my arse, because I -(TM)ve got a nice arse, but I don -(TM)t have the kind of boobs needed for them. They -(TM)re made for Poppy, not me. - -Tammy was your size, Belle bagged up all her stuff, I meant to take it to a charity shop, but never got round to it. It -(TM)s all piled up in the cupboard under the stairs. She spent a lot of my money on clothes, there must be something in there that you -(TM)ll like. - -Are you sure, I don -(TM)t want to bring back bad memories for you. - -I -(TM)m sure you -(TM)ll look so good in her clothes you -(TM)ll erase any bad memories. - -I know you don -(TM)t mean that, but it -(TM)s a kind thing to say. - -It -(TM)s 100% true, - I replied as I opened Lia -(TM)s door to let her out, a police car, so the child locks are permanently on, -you are so much prettier than Tammy, and I -(TM)m not just saying that. Belle has some photos, she -(TM)ll show you I -(TM)m right. - -After you -(TM)ve finished flirting, can you pick one of Helen -(TM)s dresses for me, I -(TM)m sure I can squeeze my arse into one. I need to get this car back and sort out some paperwork, I -(TM)ll be back before 6. - We -(TM)d not been back long before Katie arrived home, -where -(TM)s the other -(TM)s, - Lia asked as she hugged her girlfriend. -They -(TM)ve popped over to the charity shops, Belle is refusing to wear a dress, so they -(TM)re looking for a boy -(TM)s suit for her. - -I need Belle -(TM)s help when she gets home, Alex says I can wear one of Tammy -(TM)s dresses. Belle packed them away, so she -(TM)ll know where to look. - -I -(TM)ve seen those dresses, there -(TM)s some amazing ones. You -(TM)ll really suit them. - -Have you seen a photo of Tammy? Do I look like her? - Katie looked across the kitchen and smiled at me, -grab the bags from the cupboard and come upstairs. - I was just rinsing the coffee pot when Poppy and Belle arrived, -hey dad, where -(TM)s Katie & Lia? - Poppy asked as she gave me a quick hug. -They -(TM)re upstairs, Katie -(TM)s helping her choose one of Tammy -(TM)s dresses. - Poppy looked at me quizzically, -are you finally over her? - -What do you mean? - -Well, when we first spoke about her you could barely mention her name, now you -(TM)re letting your most Tammy like daughter wear her dresses. I see some improvement in your wellbeing, also, she -(TM)s told me she -(TM)s ready, so I think we -(TM)ll borrow Katie tonight. - Belle ran up and hugged us both, -if I wasn -(TM)t so excited about sleeping with Katie I -(TM)d ask if I could watch. Anyway, you go upstairs Poppy, I -(TM)ll show dad my new suit. - As usual, Belle had no qualms about stripping off in the kitchen, as soon as she was down to her knickers she tipped the contents of a carrier bag onto the floor. -We tried three different shops before Poppy found a suit my size, we got this from Bernardo -(TM)s, which is nice, because they help homeless children. Poppy was very happy when she found this suit, it -(TM)s for a 10-year-old boy apparently, so perfect for me. - I picked up the jacket and examined it as Belle pulled on the trousers, it was a dark navy blue, the fabric was a rich lambswool, very well cut, the lining was silk, I knew it was a Ralph Lauren before I -(TM)d even seen a label, it just felt right. -How much did you pay for this Belle? - -They wanted £10 for the suit and £2 for the shirt and tie, Poppy made them take £30, she said it wasn -(TM)t right to pay so little for such a nice suit. - -She -(TM)s a good girl, - I replied. Belle was buttoning a pale pink shirt, -do you like this, - she asked, -Poppy said I could wear one of my school shirts, but I saw this shirt and I wanted it so much. It goes with the trousers, doesn -(TM)t it? - -It does, pink is a good colour, you -(TM)ve done well to find a shirt your size. - -I know, I -(TM)m really pleased. I think if I was built like Poppy, I -(TM)d have to wear a girls -(TM) shirt, boys -(TM) shirts aren -(TM)t cut for boobs. - I picked up the tie, navy blue with tiny white spots, not a perfect match for the shirt, but still an excellent choice. I helped Belle tie a proper Windsor knot then stepped back to see how she looked. Perfect, that -(TM)s how she looked. It wasn -(TM)t a style that would suit anyone else in the house, but for Belle it was just fine. -Put your shoes on and go show your sisters, - I told her, -oh, before you go, do your hair in those buns you like, I think that will be the perfect finishing touch. - Belle thought for a moment then smiled, -yes, it will. I -(TM)ll get Poppy to do them, I can never get them properly balanced myself. - I sat down for a moment, listening to the laughter from upstairs as the girls tried on outfits, I heard Poppy -(TM)s squeal of delight when she saw Belle. Yes, my life had seen some major upheaval these last few weeks, nothing was the same, there -(TM)d been trauma, there -(TM)d been tears, but right now, listening to the girls I didn -(TM)t regret a single moment. I think I -(TM)d given them all enough time to dress, so I chanced a visit. I needed them to choose an outfit for Jenny, it wasn -(TM)t a job I could do. They must have heard me coming, because the noise level dropped, and Lia was stood in her doorway as I reached the landing. My heart stopped, my mind immediately flashing back to a night 8 years earlier, the night I won my first award. The ceremony was at the Savoy, Tammy decided she needed a dress to fit the occasion, so we went shopping, and I ended up spending over £10,000 at Vivienne Westwood. I blinked several times then came back to the present and looked at Lia wearing Tammy -(TM)s red silk dress. She -(TM)s a little taller than Tammy, so where the dress stopped below her knees, on Lia it stopped above the knee and, oh shit, she looked gorgeous. -Are you OK dad? - she asked, -you -(TM)ve gone pale. - My voice caught in my throat, so I had to cough before I answered her, -I -(TM)m fine, you just brought back so many memories. - -I -(TM)ll choose something else if I -(TM)ve upset you, I -(TM)ve got time to run down to the charity shop, Poppy said they -(TM)ve a few dresses I -(TM)d like. - I stepped up and pulled Lia into a hug, -don -(TM)t go anywhere, you look fantastic, better than Tammy ever looked in it. You -(TM)ve only brought good memories back, I won my first award the night Tammy wore this. - I let her go and stepped back to look at her again. The dress was asymmetric, covering just her right shoulder, plunging down on the left to show just the merest hint of breast. It would look gaudy on Poppy, but Lia looked just fine. The fabric was ruched and gathered at the waist with a big silk bow. -Don -(TM)t move a muscle, - I told her as I dashed up to my office, where I looked through my shelves for a copy of Publishers Weekly, I found the one I wanted and flipped through the pages as I went back downstairs. I passed the magazine to Lia, she looked at the full-page photo. I remember being slightly annoyed at the time, because I -(TM)m barely in the shot, just my arm and the side of my face going into the page-fold, Tammy was the photographer -(TM)s focus, and she got the whole page. She was a copywriter at an advertising company, not an author, she -(TM)d not won an award, but there she was, full page. Now though, I -(TM)m glad she got the full page, because Lia can see that I -(TM)m not lying, she looks so much better than Tammy ever did. She -(TM)s taller, so the dress fits her in the way it was intended, above rather than below the knee. Tammy was too slim for the cut, Lia has the curves needed to fill the hips and chest to make a proper waistline. It was like the dress was made for her. -Oh, the same dress, is this Tammy? - -Yes, the night I won my award, notice how I -(TM)m almost not in the photo. - -She -(TM)s very pretty, - she turned back to her sisters, -this is Tammy in the same dress. - They gathered round her to look at the photo, then they had me hold the magazine so they could compare the photo to Lia. -Yep, - Katie said, nodding, -dad -(TM)s right, you look so much better than Tammy. - -Definitely, - Belle agreed, -you -(TM)re so beautiful I could cry, but I won -(TM)t, because I -(TM)m wearing boys -(TM) clothes and boys don -(TM)t cry. - Poppy wiped a tear from her eyes, -I -(TM)m not wearing boys -(TM) clothes, so I can cry. Let -(TM)s find you some shoes. - -Can you fix my makeup if I mess it up a bit, - Lia asked Katie. -Of course, why, do you think you -(TM)ll mess it up. - -I think so, - she replied with a smile as she grabbed me and kissed me hard, her lips parting, tongue pressing between my lips and exploring my mouth, it was as passionate as it was surprising, and we were both panting as we parted. -Yep, - Katie said matter-of-factly, -your make-up -(TM)s going to need some work now. - -Was that Ok? - Lia whispered. -Also better than Tammy, - I replied, leaning against the wall for support. Poppy joined me, -we -(TM)ve spoken to Katie, she -(TM)s happy to sleep with us tonight, secretly I think she -(TM)s as excited as Belle, they -(TM)ve not really spent a lot of time making out together, I might be the third wheel tonight. I -(TM)m sure I -(TM)ll get over it though. - -I can -(TM)t see you missing out on any fun, you -(TM)ll squeeze in somewhere. - -Hahaha, you know me too well, - she replied as she set off back to her room. -Ahh, before you go, can you find something for Jenny to wear, she thinks she -(TM)s the same size as Helen. - Poppy closed her eyes and thought for a moment, -mmm, I -(TM)d hate to upset her, but her arse is bigger than Helen -(TM)s, and she -(TM)s at least a cup size bigger. No fear, by the looks of her dresses, Helen fluctuated a lot, I -(TM)m sure there -(TM)s a few dresses that will fit. - -Thanks Poppy, you -(TM)re a life saver. - -I know... - she replied, smiling as she blew me a kiss. I turned and went for a shower, a cold shower, Lia had affected me quite profoundly. Half an hour later I was straightening my tie in the mirror as I heard the door opening. -We -(TM)re all upstairs, - Katie shouted down to Jenny, -we -(TM)ve got you a couple of dresses to try on. - -~Oh, thanks, I -(TM)ll be up in a minute. - A moment later Jenny entered the bedroom and flung her suit jacket on the bed, kicking the door shut behind her. -She -(TM)s another brother down, but we won -(TM)t tell her tonight, - she whispered. -Which one? - -Malky, the middle one, he was stabbed in the neck and tossed down a stairwell, a few guys kicked him on the way down for good measure. - -Oh god, that can -(TM)t have been a good way to go. - -I -(TM)m struggling to have any sympathy. Anyway, - she added, forcing a smile, -let -(TM)s forget all about that, I -(TM)ll grab a quick shower then see what clothes they -(TM)ve found me. - -If it -(TM)s anything like the dress Katie found for Lia, I -(TM)m going to struggle controlling myself. - -She looks nice then, - she replied as she unhooked her bra and tossed it at my face. -I think you -(TM)ll enjoy the view as much as I did. - -True, she -(TM)s always wearing baggy clothes, she has such a good figure, I wish she -(TM)d show it a bit more. - -I think that -(TM)s deliberate, once she -(TM)s compartmentalised her past, I think she -(TM)ll relax a bit in public. - -You -(TM)re sounding more like Helen every day, - Jenny laughed as she started the shower, -close the door or you -(TM)ll have to find another suit. - I closed the door and stepped across the landing to see how Katie was getting on fixing Lia -(TM)s make-up. Ok, I stepped across the landing to get another look at Lia. -Hey dad, - Lia greeted me, -that was fun earlier, wasn -(TM)t it? - I nodded in reply, not sure my voice was working. -Katie fixed my make-up, then she tells me she -(TM)s bunking with Poppy and Belle tonight, so I guess it -(TM)s on. - -I guess it is, - I replied, my mind doing summersaults as I marvelled out how selfless all the girls were, totally happy for each and any of them to sleep with any of the family. Poppy lifted three dresses off the bed, -we think these three will fit mum, one is maybe a little tight, but if she finds a way to stop breathing for the night, she -(TM)ll look stunning. - -I think we -(TM)ll all be safer if you don -(TM)t mention that to her. - -Don -(TM)t mention what? - Jenny asked as she stepped in the room wrapped in a big towel. -Erm... - Belle mumbled, giving Jenny her best smile. -My arse is too big for all of them isn -(TM)t it... - -Oh no, not all of them. - Katie replied. -Just most of them, - Jenny laughed. -But you have an amazing arse, truly epic, - Poppy offered. -But too big for Helen -(TM)s dresses, it -(TM)s ok, you can say it. - -We found these three, actually no, two, - she corrected herself, -this one might kill you, but the other two should be fine, and this one is a Moschino, not quite as fancy as Lia -(TM)s Vivienne Westwood, but still pretty fancy, and look at the front, your boobs will be spectacular. - Poppy held out a black dress with a plunging neckline that stopped at three gold buttons, she really would have a spectacular cleavage. -I don -(TM)t think I -(TM)ve got a bra that would work with that dress, - Jenny said quietly, I could see she really wanted to try it though. -Don -(TM)t wear one then, - Katie replied, -if we phone Helen, I bet she -(TM)s got some tape to hold you in place. - Belle had her phone out ready, -hey Helen, we -(TM)ve got an urgent mission. We -(TM)re going for dinner in Mayfair with a princess ... yeah I know, it -(TM)s fantastic. Anyway, Jenny is desperate to wear your black Moschino cocktail dress and doesn -(TM)t have the right bra to go with it, so she -(TM)s going commando, do you have some tit tape? You do! Amazing, see you in 10 minutes. - -See, I told you, - Katie smiled, -You -(TM)re going to look fantastic. - -I -(TM)m not going on the train wearing this dress, - Jenny said, -you -(TM)re paying for taxis each way. - -I -(TM)ll pay for a bloody helicopter if it means we get to see you in that dress. - -I suppose I -(TM)d better check it fits over my arse before we go any further. - -And you can still breathe... - Belle added before Poppy slapped her bum for being cheeky. -And still breathe, and move, - she laughed as she dropped her towel and reached for the dress -You have a terrific figure, - Lia told her, -I -(TM)ve never seen anyone with boobs as big as yours. - -Helen -(TM)s are much nicer than mine, they sit a lot better, mine are too big, gravity works against me. - -She -(TM)s had work done though, - Poppy told her, -she told me, a couple of lifts to keep them all nice and perky. - -Really, I didn -(TM)t know that... - -Yeah, I -(TM)m no longer as god intended, - Helen said as she walked in. -Oh god! I wasn -(TM)t being rude or anything. - -I know honey, and if I didn -(TM)t need to use these puppies for work I wouldn -(TM)t have bothered. - Helen replied, giving Poppy a hug. -Holy shit Lia, you look amazing. Isn -(TM)t that the dress Tammy bought for your awards dinner? - -Correction, it -(TM)s the dress I bought, it cost me £10,495 for Tammy to wear once. - -Fuck, - Lia gasped, -I -(TM)m not sure I want to go out in it now. - -You -(TM)re definitely going out in it. - -What if I spill something on it, or rip it? - -We -(TM)ll get it cleaned, or repaired. As it stands it -(TM)s cost me over 10 grand for a single use, and it was on its way to a charity shop. This way you -(TM)ll half its per use cost. - -Well, if you look at it that way... - -And I -(TM)m fucked if I -(TM)m letting you send Tammy -(TM)s dresses to a charity shop, - Helen added, -now it seems you -(TM)re finally over her, I say you let Lia pick what she wants from there before you give the rest away. - Poppy nudged me in the ribs, -see, I said you were over her, Helen agrees, so it must be right. - -Don -(TM)t argue, - Jenny added, -you won -(TM)t win, now everyone leave the room while Helen glues me into my dress. - -It -(TM)s our room, - Katie protested. -Yeah, but if I try to walk in this before I -(TM)m properly secured I -(TM)ll have an accident. - -Can -(TM)t we watch, - Belle asked. -Oh, go on then, - Jenny sighed. I decided it was best to leave, sure there would be much swearing as Jenny was fastened into her dress, -I -(TM)ll go book a cab. - -It -(TM)s safe to go see your family now, - Helen said as she joined me in the kitchen. -Did she go quietly? - -At least she didn -(TM)t bite me, - Helen laughed. -And how do we free her? - -Lia knows what to do, just make sure she removes the tape before she has a shower, or it -(TM)ll stick like superglue. - -Thanks for the tip, and thanks for coming out so quickly, I -(TM)m not sure it -(TM)s what you -(TM)d normally class as an emergency. - -I have to admit I was curious about Belle -(TM)s call, it -(TM)s not every day someone calls me with a wardrobe emergency because they -(TM)re going for dinner with royalty. - -Yeah, and I never expected to be having dinner with royalty. - -I think I -(TM)ve met Marina a couple of times, she -(TM)s a regular at fashion shows, as you can imagine. - -I was on TV with her once, on a review show a few years ago. She seems nice, she at least sounded genuine when she asked about Poppy -(TM)s charity, she listened to every word Lia said and asked a few interesting questions. - Footsteps on the stairs heralded the arrival of the girls, only Belle was wearing shoes, the rest were carrying theirs, none of them looked like they were terribly comfortable for walking. They all looked stunning, even Helen was amazed at how good they looked together. -Can I take some photos to show Nita? - She asked. -I -(TM)m getting a few photos as well, you can show them off to friends at school. - -Oh my god, it will be so much fun showing Jade -(TM)s friends some photos of Belle with a princess in her Mayfair flat, - Katie laughed, -this will be the best night ever. - -How do we get from here to the car without shoes? - Lia asked. -Well, I usually wear trainers on the way to a show, then change shoes before I get out of the taxi, - Helen advised them. -I really can -(TM)t be arsed with that, - Poppy said, -let -(TM)s put our shoes on when the taxi arrives, it -(TM)s not far to walk. - -Why do they make shoes that you can -(TM)t walk in anyway, - Belle asked, -these Doc Martens are so comfy, and I can walk miles in them. - -They -(TM)re to make your legs look good, - Helen replied. -Why are people looking at my legs, face and boobs, that -(TM)s what you should be looking at, not legs. - -A good pair of heels can do wonders for your bottom as well, - Jenny added, -there -(TM)s nothing quite like the way an arse moves when you -(TM)ve got good heels on. - Belle waved her hand in front of her face, -I repeat, face, - then she pointed at Poppy -(TM)s chest, -boobs, that -(TM)s all you need to look at. - Lia put her hand up, then remembered this isn -(TM)t a classroom and put it down, blushing a little, -she -(TM)s got a point though, Belle, Jenny really has got a nice bottom, and it looks amazing when she -(TM)s walking. - So, Jenny decided to demonstrate, she dropped the Jimmy Choo -(TM)s she was carrying and slipped them on, the heels were at least three inches, -now watch me. - Belle -(TM)s eyes popped out as she watched Jenny -(TM)s bottom sway as she walked. Poppy slipped her shoes on and joined Jenny in their promenade around the kitchen, Belle was dumbstruck, she slipped a hand between her legs until Katie gave her a quick slap, -save it for later, - she whispered to her younger sister. Helen had seen the exchange and decided it was maybe best if they stopped teasing Belle, -ok everyone, Belle will faint soon if you don -(TM)t stop it. - Poppy looked at her girlfriend, her eyes were glazed, -mmm, maybe you have a point, - she muttered under her breath. Poppy kicked off her shoes and gave Belle a hug. -I -(TM)m sorry, we didn -(TM)t mean to tease you. - -It -(TM)s OK, I enjoyed looking at your bum like that, we could do it again later. - A car horn outside brought everyone back to earth, the girls slipped their shoes on and walked carefully to the big 7 seat taxi waiting at the kerb. Helen gave me a quick kiss at the door, -you go have some fun with the princess, I -(TM)ll lock up. - -Thanks sis, you -(TM)re a star. - -I know, and tomorrow I want to know how it went with Lia. - -What do you mean? - I asked. -She told me, Jenny doesn -(TM)t know yet, but I think she suspects something. - -I -(TM)m sure Lia will tell you everything. - -I know she will, but I want to hear off you as well. I trust you 100% Alex, but I still need to tell you, be careful with that girl. - -I -(TM)ll be careful, and Jenny will be there. - -Ahh, of course she will. Yeah, still, be gentle, OK. - The cab pulled up at the door of the mansion block, it had started to rain, but this building had a canopy right up to the kerb, no need for umbrellas. The police constable at the door did a double take as he saw us approach. -Jenny, is that you Jenny? - -Yep, it -(TM)s me Brian, we -(TM)re here to see Lady Marina. - PC Brian pulled out his phone and scrolled through a list, -ahh, it says PC Jenny plus a few, so I guess that -(TM)s you. - He pulled the door open, -just sign in at the desk. - -I know the score Brian, - Jenny laughed. -I guess you do. - -Shit, - Jenny hissed as the door swung shut after us, -by morning everyone in the station will know about this, and he will have described how I look in nauseating detail. - -Simple, get yourself a photo with Marina to show exactly how you look. - -I -(TM)m wearing a corset under this dress, I do not want my colleagues seeing me looking like this. I have enough trouble being taken seriously without them seeing my boobs on display. Bollocks, why didn -(TM)t I wear a coat. - -You -(TM)re representing the charity to royalty, you -(TM)re supposed to look your absolute best. - -I kind of hoped my absolute best didn -(TM)t involve me showing my tits quite so much. - -Am I going to be able to say anything that makes you feel better? - I asked as we reached the concierge at the back of the foyer. -Not really, but you -(TM)ve tried hard, and I appreciate that. I -(TM)m just a little out of my element is all - I looked away from Jenny to see Belle approach the concierge and offer her hand. -Belle, on the other hand, - I said with a smile, -is exactly in her element. - Jenny held my hand, giving it a squeeze, -and that -(TM)s why we bring her. - -Good evening, I -(TM)m Belle Amelia Saffron Harrison-Dean, here with my family to see Lady Marina Elizabeth Coventry-Clifford-Hastings. - The concierge didn -(TM)t bat an eyelid, obviously he -(TM)d seen everything, probably twice. He simply lifted a tablet from his desk and scrolled through the same list PC Brian read a moment earlier. -I see, we have PC Jenny plus a few... - Belle waved at her sisters, -we -(TM)re the few, the lady with the boobs is PC Jenny. - Poppy slapped Belle -(TM)s bottom lightly, -you can -(TM)t say that! - -It -(TM)s kind of true though, - Jenny replied, stepping forwards, -I can -(TM)t really hide them in this dress you picked for me. - Poppy blushed slightly, -mmm, maybe not my best work. - -I -(TM)m sure that given enough therapy, I -(TM)ll eventually recover from the ribbing I -(TM)ll get at work on Monday. - -Oh, the policeman on the door, I never thought of that, - Poppy replied, covering her mouth in shock. -It -(TM)s OK honey, I should have thought of it and worn a jacket. Never mind, it -(TM)s too late to do anything about it, let -(TM)s go up and see Marina. - The concierge put his key in the lift and the doors slid open, -she -(TM)s in room... - -It -(TM)s OK, I know her room number, I used to stand where Brian -(TM)s standing, - Jenny said as we piled into the lift. There were no buttons in the lift, -what do we do now? - Belle asked. -This is an extra security measure, the concierge could send us up from his desk, but for visitors he calls the apartment, and they summon the lift. - The doors slid shut as Jenny spoke and the lift started its slow progress up to the fifth floor, were Belle stepped out first to be greeted by Marina. -Let me guess, you -(TM)re Belle? - Marina asked. -Yes! How did you guess? - -You just look like a Belle to me, I absolutely love your suit, you -(TM)re so beautiful and feminine, but also perfect in a boys suit. I can see why Poppy loves you. - We -(TM)d gathered in front of the lift by now, so Marina could see us all. -Oh gosh, you -(TM)ve all made such an effort, just for me, I -(TM)m so honoured. I don -(TM)t know where to start, you -(TM)re all a feast for my eyes. -I don -(TM)t think I can ignore PC Jenny, that -(TM)s a spectacular dress, a Moschino if I -(TM)m not mistaken. Stunning, simply stunning. - Next in line was Lia, -you know, I didn -(TM)t recognise you at first, you look so different. Is this a Westwood? - -Yes, it -(TM)s not mine. It belongs to Alex. - Marina raised an eyebrow at that, -I really don -(TM)t think it would suit you Alex. - -It was my ex-fianc(C) -(TM)s dress. - -She left so many nice dresses when he kicked her out, - Katie added, -and Lia -(TM)s the only one of us they fit. I -(TM)m not tall enough and Poppy -(TM)s too, err, top-heavy. - -Well rescued, - Belle laughed. And talking of top-heavy, -is that a Versace? - Marina asked Poppy, who -(TM)d graciously let Lia and Jenny take the limelight. She stepped forward in her sheer black silk slip with gold lacing across the chest, -yes, it -(TM)s Alex -(TM)s sister -(TM)s, Helen -(TM)s a model and she gave me all her old dresses. Belle laced it up for me, I hope she tied it properly or I -(TM)ll fall out. - -I -(TM)m fairly sure no-one here will be upset if you do. - -We -(TM)ve all seen her boobs, - Belle told her, -they -(TM)re amazing. - -I -(TM)m sure they are, - Marina replied, finally managing to pull her eyes away from Poppy -(TM)s cleavage, -and finally you must be Katie, Lia -(TM)s girlfriend. - -Yes, and I -(TM)m sorry I -(TM)m not dressed as smartly as my sisters, but unfortunately I -(TM)m not really the right shape for Helen -(TM)s wardrobe, and nothing really caught my eye from Tammy -(TM)s, although in theory, with a padded bra I could probably find something that fits. - -There is no need to apologise, the dress your wearing, it -(TM)s from Monsoon isn -(TM)t it? - Katie held the skirt of her dress out, it was a dark purple colour with fine gold stars, she -(TM)d paired it with Poppy -(TM)s Doc Marten shoes, -this is a couple of years old, my birth parents were rich, but not generous, well not with me anyway, so I had to save up for this. It -(TM)s my favourite dress. - -It -(TM)s a lovely dress, I love Monsoon, I have a couple in my wardrobe and I -(TM)m sure they -(TM)ll fit you, come inside and have a look. - Marina led us into her apartment, which was huge. The building took up about half the block, and there were four apartments per floor, so at a guess I -(TM)d say she had about as much floor space as my house, with most of it seemingly taken up by a single huge room that was part dining room and part sitting room. A long, oak table had been set for 7 people with fine China and gold cutlery. I looked around the room as Marina took Katie to her dressing room to look for dresses. The room was decorated in a classic Louis XV style, not something I expected to find in Mayfair, lots of gold plasterwork on the ceiling, large decorative chandeliers over both the table and the seating area. The silk wallpaper was a deep red with flowers done in gold thread. It was stunning, but not something I could live with. Jenny agreed, -not really to my taste, - she whispered, -nice, but I couldn -(TM)t live here. - -Do you have any idea how much these apartments cost? - I asked her. -I -(TM)ve no idea, I stood outside in all weathers, but this is the first time I -(TM)ve been inside one. - -I checked while the girls were dressing, 302 downstairs is up for sale, they want £15 million for it. - -You -(TM)re shitting me! - Jenny cried. -Nope, look. - I showed her the apartment below on my phone, it was more traditionally decorated, very modern. A smaller main entertaining room, presumably to make an extra bedroom or office. -How much is your house worth Alex? - -I don -(TM)t know, probably around £5 million, and that -(TM)s only because of the big garden. - -I -(TM)d much rather have your house, although I -(TM)d kind of like some of the neighbours here. - -I -(TM)d be less than impressed with having to dodge that photographer downstairs. - -What do you mean? - Jenny asked. -There was a guy crouching under an umbrella as we exited the taxi, I -(TM)m imagining him now searching through his databases trying to figure out who you all are. - Jenny went a furious shade of red, she pulled her phone out of her bag and dialled, -hey, it -(TM)s DC Jenny Wilde from Wimbledon Central, could you put me through to the officer on door of Berkeley Mansions please... - she turned to me while she waited, -he -(TM)s not having photographs of my children ... hey, Brian, Jenny Wilde here, there -(TM)s a photographer under an umbrella near the door, could you remind him the pavement outside this building is private property and get him to delete all photographs he -(TM)s taken tonight, if he needs proof, there -(TM)s a sign right by the side of the doors... - she turned to me again while she waited for Brian to get back to her, -I -(TM)m surprised Brian didn -(TM)t realise this, the whole block right up to the kerb belongs to the landlord. - -Who -(TM)s the landlord? - -The Duke of Westminster, he owns pretty much all the land around here. The rules about the pavement being private property are rarely enforced, but they -(TM)re handy when you want to get rid of annoying photographers. - Jenny listened to her phone for a while, -Brian -(TM)s got the guy -(TM)s camera, but he -(TM)s being arsey about deleting everything, can you go down and delete anything with the girls on Alex? I -(TM)d do it, but I really don -(TM)t want Brian staring at my boobs. - -How do I get back down? - -Ahh yes, there -(TM)ll be a button by the front door to call the lift, I -(TM)ll send you down as soon as you -(TM)re in. - PC Brian was with the photographer outside, Brian seemed a little disappointed to see me, -hey, Jenny sent me down to see you. - -Ahh yes, did she explain, Patrick here is reluctant to delete everything off his card as he has some photos from before you arrived. - -Give me your camera, -(TM) I told him, -don -(TM)t worry, I -(TM)m not going to hurt it, I just want to delete the photos myself, and make sure they -(TM)re off both cards. - Patrick visibly deflated when I mentioned both cards, he was counting on me not knowing professional cameras have two cards and can write to them both at the same time. I scrolled back through his photos, checking the time stamps, he -(TM)d captured 20 photos, many of them concentrating on Poppy and Jenny -(TM)s cleavage, he -(TM)d also caught a glimpse of Lia -(TM)s nipple. Whilst I had to delete the photos, I had to admit he was good. I carefully stepped through each image, pressing delete and selecting both cards for each one. I left the last image of our backs, and I kept all the photos he -(TM)d taken before and since. -Who are you? Why can -(TM)t I keep the photos? - -We -(TM)re nobody, and you can -(TM)t keep the photos because three of the girls are under 18. - -Who are you visiting, can you at least tell me that? - -Nope, we -(TM)re here on a private matter visiting a friend, but I -(TM)ll do you a favour because I ruined your night. Give me your business card, if what I -(TM)m hoping happens tonight, we -(TM)ll be launching a charity quite soon and someone quite famous will be there, you can be the official photographer. - -Seriously? - -Yes, you -(TM)ll be the only one with an official press pass, you can fill your boots. - -Thank you, here -(TM)s my card, and a couple more in case you lose them. - I messaged Jenny as I re-entered the building and she sent the lift down. -I apologise for the photographer, we usually try to discourage them, - the concierge offered as I waited for the lift. -No problem, he -(TM)s actually quite good, but I -(TM)m afraid he took some far too revealing photographs of my daughters, so I had to delete them. - -The young girls do like to dress provocatively these days. Except the one in the suit, she -(TM)s a feisty one. - -She is indeed, - I replied as I stepped into the lift. Jenny met me at the door, -was he OK? - -Yes, he was fine, a little upset about losing a few good photos, but he didn -(TM)t put up a fuss. I left him one of our backs. He -(TM)s got a good eye, he took a couple of fantastic photos of Poppy, it was a shame to delete them, so I offered him a shot at being the official photographer when we hold the gala launch party for the charity. - -Are we having a gala launch party? - -We are now, I -(TM)ve decided that if Marina wants to help us out she can get her rich friends to pay to be at a party, and in tribute to Lia -(TM)s dress, we -(TM)ll hold it at the Savoy. - -We -(TM)ll hold what at the Savoy? - Poppy asked. -A gala launch party for your charity, - I replied. -Mmm, will this look bad, having a big meal to launch a charity for homeless people? - Lia asked. -We could do it this way, - Poppy replied, -whatever it costs for the meal, the person will pay the same again into a pot that will be used that night to buy food for someone on the streets. That way they can see that we -(TM)re taking immediate action. - -Now that -(TM)s a great idea, - Marina said as she joined us in the lounge, -have you any idea how much tables at a charity gala cost? - -Nope, - we all answered, never having been to one. -Well, I went to one a few weeks ago for a medical charity, I can -(TM)t even remember what charity was now, and my partner for the night paid £10,000 for the table, that -(TM)s for 8 people, so £1,250 per person. - -Oh my god, - Belle cried, -we could feed every single person on the streets for £10,000, all of them, probably for a couple of nights. - -You won -(TM)t be able to charge £10k a table, not when you -(TM)re starting out, but if I get a few friends together to provide an attraction you could easily get £1,000 a table, and if you have 50 tables that -(TM)s £50,000 straight away. - -What do you mean by attraction? - Lia asked. -Well, we have three people in this building who -(TM)ve had number one singles in the last couple of years, and a couple of actors, and I -(TM)m sure Jenny -(TM)s told you about my fellow minor royals. - The intercom sounded so Marina moved to the door to answer, -ahh yes, send them up, we -(TM)re ready. - -That -(TM)s dinner arriving... - she told us. -Have you ordered from Uber Eats? - Belle asked. -Similar, - Marina laughed, -although it comes in a van rather than a moped, and they hang around to serve the food and wine. - We waited in the lounge area whilst a team of waiters readied the food on a pair of serving trollies. When they were ready, they indicated we should take our places. The food was excellent, we started with a rich mushroom pate served on small pieces of toasted sourdough. There was a powerful red wine in the pate, and the South African Pinot Noir that accompanied the starter complemented it well. -So, - Marina started as we enjoyed the pate, -Lia told me a lot about your charity, but why don -(TM)t you explain your aims to me Poppy, in case Lia missed any of the important bits. - Poppy blushed slightly, -is it OK if Belle explains it all, she -(TM)s much better at talking than I am. - Belle swallowed a piece of toast and was about to wipe her mouth with her sleeve until Marina passed her a napkin. -Sorry, I am house trained, honest. Well, I -(TM)m sure Lia told you all about our backgrounds. - -A little, I know you were homeless, apart from Katie. - -Ok, Poppy was dad -(TM)s first, erm, rescuee, is that even a word. Anyway, she was first, and did Lia tell you about how amazing she is, she -(TM)s like Wonder Woman. Well, I think so anyway, because she kept me alive and put herself in danger to keep me safe. - Belle paused as the waiters cleared the table. The starters were replaced thickly sliced roast beef that was so rare it was almost pink. Several dishes were placed on the table, boiled new potatoes, steamed veg and roast potatoes, along with fantastic looking Yorkshire puddings and a couple of jugs of gravy. -Oh man, this looks amazing, - Belle cried as she piled veg on her plate and smothered everything with gravy. She held a forkful of food in front of her mouth, then stopped, looking around. -It -(TM)s ok sweetheart, - Marina told her kindly, -you tuck in, don -(TM)t wait for the others or yours will get cold. - Belle -(TM)s fork resumed its journey and her face lit up, -that beef is sooo nice, I -(TM)m going to tell Mr Newbold about this on Monday, he -(TM)s my food tech teacher, he -(TM)s gay but nobody knows. He -(TM)s such a good teacher, and he lent us a trolley like those ones the waiters are using when we made a meal for mum and dad -(TM)s engagement. I cooked roast beef then but it wasn -(TM)t as nice as this. - A waiter stepped forward and crouched next to Belle, -don -(TM)t feel bad if your beef isn -(TM)t as nice as this miss. You -(TM)ll never cook beef at home as well as we can in a restaurant, you need a really big piece of beef and a very big oven. This beef was sliced off a 10-kilo sirloin, you -(TM)ll never use a piece of beef that big at home. - -Did you cook this food? - She asked brightly. -I helped, we all did. The chef tells us what to do and checks our work, one day I -(TM)ll have his job. - -Where do you work, and can I come and watch you. I -(TM)d love to see what a proper kitchen looks like. - -I guess we could ask the chef, it -(TM)s his kitchen. - -We -(TM)re starting a charity you see, we -(TM)ll be collecting food and making meals for homeless people, and I think it -(TM)s going to be my job to do some of the cooking. So it would be nice to see a big kitchen. - -Let me check with the chef, Lady Marina has our number, why don -(TM)t you give us a ring tomorrow afternoon. - -I will, definitely, - Belle replied brightly, -what -(TM)s your name? - -Thomas, miss, Tom to my friends. - -Hi Tom, I -(TM)m Belle. - Tom stood up and moved back to his station, -well, there you go, some more info about the charity. - As we ate Belle filled Marina in on the details, why Poppy decided to start it, the operation to collect waste and surplus food, sanitary products, cosmetics etc. The plan to cook soup and meals and distribute it to shelters and squats. -Tell me about life on the streets. - -What about it, because we could tell you some pretty nasty stuff. - -Tell me everything you feel comfortable talking about, because if I -(TM)m going to work with you folks I -(TM)m not just sticking to the galas, I want to see the streets and cook in your kitchens. - Belle looked at Poppy, their eyes locked as they held an unspoken conversation, in the end Poppy nodded to her girlfriend and they decided to tell her everything, well, almost... Marina listened intently, the dessert of a splendidly boozy trifle almost forgotten, as Belle and Poppy told her about life in squats and railway arches, shop doorways and forgotten parts of underground stations. Poppy told her about the time we found Evie unconscious, Belle told her about a boy who was raped by a pair of drunk businessmen then thrown off a tube platform in front of a train. When we -(TM)d finished eating, the table cleared and the waiters had left, Poppy told Marina about her life of addiction and sex work, her kidnapping and gang rape, and how she -(TM)d staggered a couple of miles through the rain and finally collapsing at the bus stop opposite my house. -I don -(TM)t believe in god, which I think annoys Jeremy a little, but something led me to that bus stop. I -(TM)ve not done the journey since, because I don -(TM)t know where I started from, but there must have been other places to sit between there and Alex -(TM)s house. - -See, that -(TM)s what I told you before Marina, Poppy is actually Wonder Woman, she -(TM)s a goddess from Themyscira. - -It certainly sounds like she might be, - Marina replied seriously. -Oh, don -(TM)t start this again, - Poppy sighed, although she was still smiling, so wasn -(TM)t too upset with the comparison to Diana Prince. Marina walked over to a long sideboard and produced a decanter, -anyone fancy a brandy? - We all fancied a brandy, so she brought the decanter and a tray of balloon glasses to the table. -This is from my father -(TM)s cellar, it -(TM)s very old, - she told us as she poured us all a small measure. She sat back and showed the girls how to hold the glass to bring the spirit up to body temperature. -I guess this is best enjoyed with a fat Cuban cigar, but I -(TM)ve never been a smoker, so we -(TM)ll just have to manage with the drink on its own. - As we enjoyed the brandy Marina sat forwards and moved her eyes between Poppy and Belle, -so, what do you think, would you like to have a Royal Patron for your charity? - -What does that mean? - Belle asked. -It means you list me amongst the board of the charity, and everyone who looks at your materials is supposed to be impressed to see a member of the Royal Family listed, especially if you put my full name and title. - -I like that idea, - Belle replied, -and are you serious about wanting to see the work on the streets? - -Oh definitely, I -(TM)ve led a sheltered life so far, and I -(TM)ve been looking for a worthy bunch of people to help. I -(TM)ve been reading about you all afternoon, and I found you on YouTube, you were very impressive Belle, you spoke with such passion and clarity, just like you did earlier. - Belle blushed, -we were so ambushed that day, we thought we were going on a tour of the police station for a family fun day, then I ended up being locked in a cell. - -Oh no, were you in the big house for long? - Marina asked. -Not as long as the last time I was locked up, but Jenny and the policeman in the custody suite explained what the police did wrong that time, I should never have been locked up overnight with a couple of drugged up prostitutes. I did nothing to deserve being arrested then and it made me feel better. -Then we were ambushed upstairs and made to talk to people. - -You both did a great job, I was very impressed and decided I was going to help you. And now I -(TM)ve met you all, I -(TM)m absolutely certain I want to get my hands dirty helping you on the streets, your story has changed me. - As we prepared to leave Marina hugged us all in turn, -I -(TM)m so happy I -(TM)ve finally made some normal friends. - -We -(TM)re hardly normal, - Poppy reminded her. -Well, yeah, but you -(TM)re real people, not like the fake people I meet around here. I -(TM)m going to have a lot of fun working with you all, and I -(TM)ll learn a lot. - -We -(TM)re writing a book, - Belle announced, -well, Poppy is, I -(TM)ll mostly be colouring in stuff I think. Anyway, would you like to help? You could write an introduction or something. - -I -(TM)d love that, thank you. Tell me more about the book next time we meet. Why don -(TM)t we arrange an evening next week, I could come around to your house if that -(TM)s OK? - -That -(TM)s fine, - I told her, -any night that suits you. - -I -(TM)ll call you tomorrow Jenny, when I -(TM)ve spoken to my neighbours to sound them out on appearing at your gala. - My phone pinged, -that -(TM)s the cab, he -(TM)s downstairs. - -I -(TM)ll call the lift, don -(TM)t forget your bag Katie... - -Are they really mine? - she asked. -Of course they are. - Katie ran to Marina -(TM)s dressing room, she was beaming as she returned with a Louis Vuitton overnight bag. -I -(TM)ll give you the bag back when you come round. - -No you won -(TM)t, it -(TM)s your bag now. - -Oh wow, I knew this was going to be an amazing evening, thank you so much. - Marina hugged Katie, -Thank you! All of you. This has been a fantastically informative evening, you -(TM)ve opened a new dimension for me and I can never thank you enough for that. - Marina walked us to the lift, -was there a photographer outside when you arrived? - -Yes, I made him delete all the photographs of the girls, they -(TM)re underage and I -(TM)m not having Poppy -(TM)s boobs all over the papers, - I replied. -Can we play a game with him, - she asked, a very mischievous smile made her even prettier. -What kind of game? - Jenny asked. -You -(TM)re 18 aren -(TM)t you, Lia? - she asked as we all stepped into the lift. -Yes I am, why? - Lia replied warily. -Do you mind if I mess with the newspapers -(TM) heads by kissing you as you leave? - Lia thought for a moment, then had a whispered conversation with Katie. -Will I end up in the papers, with my name? - -Not your name, that -(TM)s the point, they won -(TM)t know who you are, you -(TM)ll be a -~mystery brunette -(TM), and they -(TM)ll be so freaked out trying to work out who you are, and if I -(TM)m now gay. - -You -(TM)re not gay though? - Belle asked. -No, I -(TM)m not. I -(TM)ve kissed girls in the past, but I -(TM)m not gay. - -Ok, - Lia replied, -you can kiss me. You might not be gay, but we are and I -(TM)m definitely taking advantage of an offer like this from a princess... - -I -(TM)m not a princess, - Marina insisted. -You are to me, and I warn you now, there will be tongues involved, and a hand on your bum. - -I -(TM)m totally OK with that, - Marina smiled. The rest of us hung back a little, not wanting to be seen by any photographers, but also desperately wanting to watch whatever show Lia put on for the cameras. As she walked with Marina, I saw her adjust her dress slightly to give a bit more side boob, yep, she was definitely ready to have some fun with the photographers. The bronze walls either side of the entrance were polished to a high shine, and we could clearly see the street on both sides, and I noticed Patrick had been joined by two more photographers, obviously waiting for the celebrities leaving for the evening then returning later with whoever they -(TM)d picked up during the night. Lia took two steps towards the waiting cab then turned to Marina, she spoke a few words before she pulled her close and kissed her princess passionately for a little longer than necessary. Lia was grinning as they parted, she skipped to the cab as Marina rushed back into the lobby, -Wow, you -(TM)re a lucky girl Katie, she made my toes curl. - The girls kicked their shoes off and we sprinted for the cab before the photographers managed to get any shots of us. -Bloody hell Lia, that was awesome, - Katie laughed, -Marina looked dazed when she came back inside. - -It wasn -(TM)t just me, she returned that kiss as passionately as I gave it, and she grabbed my bum so hard she nearly stuck a finger up my bum. If she ever does decide she -(TM)s bi some girl will have the time of her life. Weren -(TM)t you upset seeing me kiss her like that? - -Not at all, she -(TM)s so pretty, and royal and everything, it was kind of hot watching you kiss her like that. Anyway, I -(TM)ll be doing much the same to Belle in a bit. - -There is that, - Lia replied, -and I -(TM)ll be kissing Jenny. - -And dad, - Belle added before Jenny told her to be quiet. -Not in public remember, - she whispered. -Oh yeah, sorry. Anyway, what dresses has Marina given you? - -Oh my god, she has this huge walk-in wardrobe, she just told me to grab anything I fancied. I felt so cheeky, helping myself to stuff like that, so I just picked five dresses. She looked at each one then found some matching shoes and these little matching jackets. She dropped a couple of necklaces on the pile and a bracelet. Then she looked around and went, -~oh fuck it, dad will go mad if he sees it -(TM)s gone, -(TM) and gave me a red Alexander McQueen, and it -(TM)s not one from his brand, it -(TM)s one he made special, for her school leavers ball. - -Holy shit, - Jenny cried, -a genuine Alexander McQueen dress, stitched by his own hand! No wonder her dad will go mental if he notices it -(TM)s gone, it probably cost more than most cars. - -Shit, really. I know he was a top designer, but I didn -(TM)t realise it would be that expensive. She just told me she had some Monsoon dresses for me, then showed me a cupboard full a Versace and Chanel, I was trying really hard to pick low end stuff. When am I going to wear a £10,000 dress. - Lia smiled and whirled a finger over her chest, -you mean like this one? - Katie burst out laughing, -yeah, like that one. - -You wear it at our gala, - Poppy told her, -along with one of the necklaces she gave you. - -Yeah, that -(TM)s what I -(TM)ll do. We can all dress up posh again, and this time Belle, you -(TM)re wearing a dress. We -(TM)ll go shopping and buy you something nice. - Belle was about to protest when Poppy put a hand on her knee, -just this once, we -(TM)ll make you look really pretty. You know how I said you look too beautiful for some of the girls at school? - -Yeah, then I got suspended remember! - -Yes, well for our gala you have to be the most beautiful girl in the room. There -(TM)ll be popstars and models and actresses, you must outshine them all. - Belle sat back and smiled, -am I really that pretty? - Poppy snuggled up and put her arm around Belle, pulling her into a hug, -you really are Belle, you -(TM)re the most beautiful person in the world to me, and I don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)d ever do without you. -