Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. >The Girl at the Bus Stop by alan14 Copyright(C) 2021 by alan14 Chapter 49 The builders arrived early on Monday morning; the girls were still having breakfast as the first lorry arrived carrying the various parts of the office. -Do we have to go to school today? - Belle asked as a van full of workmen arrived and started to unload the many wooden panels and windows, stacking them neatly around the garden. -Of course you have to go to school, - Poppy scalded. -But how often do we get chance to help build an office, it -(TM)s for the charity and everything... - Poppy thought for a moment then looked at Jenny as she came into the kitchen. -Why are you staring at me? - Jenny asked. -Belle wants to stay off school to help with the office, - Poppy told her. -It -(TM)s the office for Poppy -(TM)s charity, we should be here to document the build, - Belle implored. -Mmmm, she -(TM)s got a point. - -I -(TM)ve got a Maths test today, I can -(TM)t miss it. - -What classes have you got today, Belle? - Jenny asked. She pulled out her tatty timetable sheet and unfolded it carefully, -History, English, Science, Drama, and PE, but I -(TM)ll be doing extra English then. - Jenny thought for a moment, she sighed, -OK, you can take the day off, but just today, and I want to see some good photos of the build. - Poppy ran her hand through Belle -(TM)s hair, -I -(TM)ll go to the pastoral office first thing and tell them you -(TM)re sick, and I -(TM)ll ask them to email some work home. I know you -(TM)ll be too excited to work today, so we -(TM)ll do the work together tonight. - -So, I can stay to watch the builders? - -Yes, you can stay, but just one day, and you have to get any work school send done tonight. - -Oh man, this is great, - Belle cried as she ran upstairs to get her camera. -And don -(TM)t get in everyone -(TM)s way, - Poppy shouted after her sister. -I won -(TM)t annoy anyone, I promise, - Belle called out as she crawled under their bed to retrieve her camera. Lia put her arm around Poppy, -I -(TM)ll make sure she doesn -(TM)t break anything, or get anything heavy dropped on her head. - -I really don -(TM)t know why I -(TM)m so worried about Belle all of a sudden. - -The news over the weekend won -(TM)t have helped your state of mind, - Lia replied. -I guess, - Poppy sighed, -Belle did so well yesterday, traveling to York and back, she is so mature, but she -(TM)s also such a minx at times. - -She -(TM)s always been like that, it -(TM)s the reason everyone loves her. - Poppy looked away from the garden and into Lia -(TM)s eyes, -that -(TM)s so true, thanks Lia. - -Why -(TM)s Belle not wearing her uniform, - Katie asked as she slipped around me and poured a glass of orange juice. -She -(TM)s sick, - I replied. -She doesn -(TM)t look sick, - Katie laughed. -She -(TM)s documenting the office build, so Jenny -(TM)s letting her have the day off. - -At the moment she -(TM)s documenting Lia and Poppy having a cuddle. - Poppy was smiling as she slipped away, whatever Lia had said as their heads were together had boosted her confidence. Katie poured Poppy a glass of juice, -she -(TM)s a big girl now, Poppy, she did so well yesterday. - -I know, but sometimes, in my head she -(TM)s still the scared little girl I found behind Paddington. - -And that -(TM)s fine, you can be protective when she needs protecting, but right now she -(TM)s not doing anything dangerous. - -That -(TM)s so true, unless she decides to use any of the tools the men have brought, - Poppy replied, smiling weakly. -And I -(TM)ll make sure she doesn -(TM)t play with the power tools, - Lia replied. -What -(TM)s she doing? - I asked as I watched Belle moving the patio table outside. Lia looked outside, -Oh, she mentioned something about a timelapse of the build, for our website, I didn -(TM)t know we had a website. - -Ahh, she -(TM)s been playing about with WordPress, - Poppy replied, -I think she -(TM)s planning a website for the charity, and for the book. She -(TM)s not let me look at it yet, so I -(TM)ve no idea what it looks like. - -Has she ever failed at anything? - Lia asked. -Not that I can remember. - -Then the website is bound to be amazing. - -Of course it will be, - Katie added as she wrapped her arm around Poppy, -we -(TM)d better get going if we want to see Ms Thompson about Belle -(TM)s sickness before registration. - -Yes, off course, - Poppy replied as she finished her orange juice. -Don -(TM)t forget you -(TM)re meeting my boss after school, - Jenny called out as they ran out of the house. -Oh yeah, I nearly forgot, can Belle come? - -Well, she won -(TM)t be able to answer any questions... - -Yeah, but she can hold my hand. - -OK, I -(TM)ll let him know there -(TM)ll be two of you coming. - The office build went smoothly, the team leader, Sam, was very happy with the concrete base Ernie and Mick had prepared. Ernie smiled as Sam complimented the smooth, level surface. The floor went down first, Belle was fascinated by the tools the men used to drive the bolts into the concrete, getting in close to film the work, then running back to take photos on the two cameras she -(TM)d set up to do a timelapse video of the build. After a couple of hours, the floor was down and the outside walls were in place, time for a break. Lia and Belle produced a steady stream of tea for the six builders and Ernie, who was marvelling at the way the office was assembled. Once refreshed, they installed a short partition wall to separate the office space from the meeting space, then the roof went on, which involved the use of the crane on the back of the first lorry. Whilst it was being lowered someone stood on a ladder and connected a bunch of wires together, these were presumably for the speakers, lights and Wi-Fi. With the roof secured most of the builders left, leaving just Sam plus one of her team, and Ernie. Between them they installed the shelves, checked all the wiring, and assembled the meeting table and office furniture Lia had chosen, finally they rolled out the floor mats; Belle documented every move. When the office was finished Sam handed Lia a set of keys and showed her the controls for the lights, speakers and network switch. -There -(TM)s a place to mount a TV screen, - Belle told us as Sam and her workmate left, -we could use that to do presentations, like we -(TM)re in a proper office. - -It is a proper office, - Lia laughed. -Yeah, I meant like in a big company, like when I went to your office dad, they had big tellies on the wall, and projectors. - -It -(TM)s OK, I know what you meant. There -(TM)s a plug on the wall to connect my laptop, I can do it from my desk, or from the meeting table, it -(TM)s all very clever. - -I bet we could also watch music videos while we do our homework. - -You can do that as well. Have you seen all the speakers in the ceiling, there -(TM)s about 8 of them. And this is the best thing, - Lia added, -the lights can change colour, so we could have red, or purple or blue lights, and watch this, if a press this button... - Lia pushed a button on her remote control and an LED strip around the ceiling started to flash different colours. -And if I play some music, the lights will change to the music. Probably not very conducive to homework, but a nice feature. - -When did you add the lights to the order? - I asked. -JoJo mentioned them, she thought we -(TM)d like them. They were like £200 extra or something, so I paid it from the money you gave me the other week. - -I -(TM)m putting the office and everything through the charity -(TM)s account, give me the receipt and I -(TM)ll pay for them. - -I don -(TM)t think so, they -(TM)re not exactly necessary for the charity, just a bit of fun for when the girls are working in the evening. - -Give me your phone, - Belle asked, -I want to try it. - -You can use your own phone. - -No I can -(TM)t, I don -(TM)t have Bluetooth, or a music player. - -What about the phone dad gave you yesterday. - -It -(TM)s in a drawer upstairs ready for the next time you all want to track my movements, do you think I didn -(TM)t know that -(TM)s what you were up to? - -Well, you did need a smartphone for the tickets, - I offered. -You could have printed them at the station, - Belle replied, -I -(TM)m not mad, I know Poppy was nervous, but next time please be honest with me. - Lia shrugged and gave Belle her phone, -here you go, and there -(TM)s no tracker on that phone, should you need to go anywhere. - -It -(TM)s OK, I just want to test the lights, - Belle replied brightly. For the next five minutes Belle played a selection of music from Lia -(TM)s Spotify favourites playlist, everything from Phoebe Bridgers to Paramore via The Smiths and Madonna; the lights reacted to each song by changing tempo and pattern, it was hypnotic, and probably not really what you wanted if you -(TM)re doing homework, but yeah, a lot of fun. -I -(TM)m starving, - Belle announced as she tossed Lia -(TM)s phone back, -it -(TM)s well past lunchtime, shall we go to the caf(C), my treat? - Ernie pulled out his car keys, ready to drive home. -You too Ernie, - Belle said, grabbing his arm, -I think you -(TM)ve earned a toastie and a cake. - -I -(TM)ve not really done anything, - he replied. -I saw the way you skilfully wielded that screwdriver whilst Sam built the table. - -She didn -(TM)t even give me chance to help. - -It -(TM)s OK Ernie, without your work on the base they couldn -(TM)t have been able to do anything, so come join us for food. - Lia locked her office door, and we followed Belle and Ernie to the caf(C). Later, we helped Lia carry her work folders and laptop into her office. She spent an hour setting everything up as she wanted it, telling us both where to pin pictures and maps on the corkboard covered walls. The last thing that went on the wall was a big wall clock, as Belle hung it on a nail she noticed the time, -ahh, bollocks, look at the time dad, we need to go meet Poppy at the police station. - -We? - I replied. -Yeah, you need to come, didn -(TM)t mum tell you? - -If she did, I wasn -(TM)t listening, sorry. - -Poppy needs an adult in the room whilst she -(TM)s talking to the police, and it can -(TM)t be mum, because mum doesn -(TM)t think Poppy will feel free to talk openly if she -(TM)s listening. - -Ahh, OK, that makes sense. - I phoned Jenny as we dashed to the station, she met us in the staff car park and walked us through to DCS Williamson -(TM)s office. -Hello Belle, I -(TM)m so pleased to meet you again, - was the warm greeting as Jenny ushered us into the office, -would you like a drink of something? - -Yes please, could I have a Diet Coke, - Belle replied, taking a seat next to a nervous looking Poppy, -I -(TM)m so sorry we -(TM)re late, we totally lost track of time. - -It -(TM)s OK, - Poppy replied, brightening up a little once Belle was holding her hand, -you -(TM)re here now, so we can get this over with. - -Lia -(TM)s office is amazing, you -(TM)ll love it. We can do my homework in there tonight, - Belle told her quickly as Jenny handed her a can of Diet Coke and left a plate of biscuits on the desk. -I -(TM)ll get back to my office now, let me know when you -(TM)re done and we -(TM)ll go home together, - Jenny said as she backed out of the office and closed the door. -If you ladies don -(TM)t mind, I think we -(TM)ll lock the door, so we -(TM)re not disturbed. - Poppy nodded slowly, -yes please. - I reached across and locked the door, pulling the blind down for further privacy. -OK, I thought we -(TM)d meet here as it -(TM)s a little more comfortable than the interview rooms, and there -(TM)s no recorder here, unless you want me to record the meeting. - -No, thank you, - Poppy replied, -before we start, I -(TM)d like you to know that I was not happy about being ambushed for the TV interview, in fact, I -(TM)m quite angry. Belle was OK with it, because she -(TM)s Belle, she loves everything, but I -(TM)m not an extrovert and didn -(TM)t enjoy being on camera like that. - -I understand, and I apologise. - -OK, DCS Williamson... - -Oliver, this isn -(TM)t a formal interview, so please call me Oliver, it saves so much time. - Poppy smiled warmly this time, -OK Oliver, I accept your apology and we -(TM)ll start afresh. I agreed to talk to you because I realise a lot of stuff has happened around me that -(TM)s probably difficult to understand if you don -(TM)t know I -(TM)m the link. What I don -(TM)t want is for mum to get into trouble for protecting me. - -And that -(TM)s why we -(TM)re here, rather than down the corridor in an interview room. I -(TM)ll listen to what you tell me, take notes, then work out what I can use without naming you or Jenny. - -Thank you, Oliver, - Poppy replied, she took a slow drink of her Dr Pepper, put her can down and got herself comfortable, -are you ready? - Oliver held a Mont Blanc fountain pen aloft, -ready when you are, Poppy. - -OK, where to start, do you know about my mum? My birth mother? - Oliver referred to some notes he -(TM)d made earlier with Jenny, -that -(TM)s Nichola Roberts, Nikki? - -Yes, that -(TM)s her, do you know any of the story? - -She passed away recently, didn -(TM)t she? - -Yes, she was attacked, she survived the attack, but her body was too weak, and she died in a hospice a few days later. Several people were attacked and killed around the same time, many by the same person, has anyone made that connection? - -I don -(TM)t believe so; can you give me some names? - Oliver asked, readying his pen. Poppy reeled off a list; Kenzie, Parker, David, several others, stopping to spell out some of the more awkward names. -And you don -(TM)t know who carried out these attacks. - -I -(TM)m going to say no, because it was more than one person, and I don -(TM)t know who did what, and they -(TM)re good people, so yeah, the people who carried out the attacks aren -(TM)t as important as the reason these people were killed. - -OK, I can understand that, so, why were these people killed? - Poppy briefly gave Oliver some of her background story, finishing with the squat she shared with Max, Flower, Belle and the others, -so, once that squat was demolished my life fell apart, my last grip on reality, my family, it was gone, I fled the area, leaving Belle with Max and Flower, I was sure she -(TM)d be safer with them than me on another downward spiral. -I went back on the streets, I stayed away from drugs this time at least, but I was a filthy mess, and I was turning tricks for a few pounds or a sandwich, anything for that tiny bit of human contact found in an alley with my panties around my ankles. - Poppy stopped and lifted her eyes to Oliver, -you don -(TM)t seem shocked. - -Unfortunately, I -(TM)ve heard worse, which isn -(TM)t to diminish your experiences, just that it -(TM)s a terrible world out there. - -You -(TM)re not wrong. So, we -(TM)ve established I was a mess, and I was turning tricks and apparently starring in violent porn films... - That did shock Oliver, he stopped writing, -did I hear that correctly? Is this connected to the cinema Jenny raided? - -We don -(TM)t think so, but it -(TM)s dealt with, please don -(TM)t ask me how, there was a fire is all I -(TM)ll tell you. - -And the person who started the fire... - -Also killed some people who hurt me. - -I see, and you won -(TM)t tell me who. - -Absolutely not. - -Fair enough. I won -(TM)t ask you to tell me anything you don -(TM)t want to tell me. - -So, downward spiral, on the streets I crossed paths with a lot of people, some I remember, most I don -(TM)t. One I remember a little was a very pretty Estonian girl called Amaraja Kingsepp, but I only knew her as Misha. - Oliver stopped writing and looked up, -this is the girl from the house in Merton? - -Yes, I was there that night, I think I was supposed to die there as well, but I escaped. - -Can you tell me who killed Misha? - -I -(TM)m afraid I can -(TM)t, but not for the same reason, I -(TM)ve blacked it out, I can -(TM)t even see his face as he raped me, it -(TM)s gone... - Poppy stopped talking, she dug around in her pockets for a tissue, Oliver saw what she wanted and handed her his pocket handkerchief. -Thanks, - she replied, wiping her eyes, -could I have another drink please? - -Of course, - Oliver replied as he buzzed Jenny to bring fresh drinks for Poppy and Belle. After another drink Poppy resumed her story, -so, I need to step back a bit. My mum was attacked by the person who killed Parker and Kenzie, that person loved me, so they killed the people who hurt me... - -Your mother abused you? - Oliver asked. -Oddly, no, she didn -(TM)t, she treated me as well as she could, but she was a prostitute and drug addict, I come from a long line of addicts and hookers. I ran away when she tried to give me to one of her clients so he could take my cherry, he probably paid her double for the pleasure of raping a 12-year-old. -Anyway, the attacker had probably heard me ranting about Nikki and assumed she -(TM)d abused me. Parker and Kenzie were Nikki -(TM)s dealer and pimp, so there -(TM)s the link, because they were also my dealer and pimp for a while, they must have laughed when they found out I was Nikki -(TM)s daughter. - -OK, so that -(TM)s the link to some of unsolved cases we -(TM)ve got on file, but what about Misha -(TM)s killer, where -(TM)s the link there? - -My memories of those last few days are hazy at best, but Misha and I were booked for a party, we got a taxi to the house, we thought it was a couple of guys, but it turned out to be more, a lot more. I think maybe 10 at least. We were passed around, beaten, whipped, I had cigarette burns, it was horrible, we were there for days, I think three days, no longer than that anyway. -Kenzie, Parker, Dave Kemp, they were there, and others, all the ones I can remember are dead now. -The mystery guy though, I -(TM)ve figured out who he is, but not who he is, if that makes sense. He -(TM)s the main man, the Mr Big. He was Kenzie -(TM)s boss, and Parker -(TM)s boss. That party, if you can call it that, was a last bit of fun with two girls who were used up, they couldn -(TM)t make money off us anymore, so they had a party, they -(TM)d rape us any way they liked, as often as they liked, treat us as roughly as they wanted, then they -(TM)d kill us. Except I wasn -(TM)t as used up as they thought. I woke up after they -(TM)d all passed out, I pulled on my clothes and I ran away, and Alex found me... - Poppy started to cry in earnest as she reached out an arm for me. I lifted her out of her chair and held her like the child she still was, a child who -(TM)d suffered more than anyone should ever suffer. -We know there -(TM)s someone who runs most of the vice around Soho, we just don -(TM)t know who it is. By all accounts it -(TM)s someone so terrifying no-one is willing to give him up. - -I can assure you, that fucker is terrifying, - Poppy told him, her face still buried against my chest. -He killed Misha just to feel her die, there was no emotion there, not even pleasure, he just killed her, then came for me. I can see him killing Misha in my mind, but then he turns to me and the whole scene goes black, I can -(TM)t see his body or his face, the rest of the room is there, but he -(TM)s a silhouette, you know, like someone -(TM)s photoshopped him from my memories. - -We could get someone to hypnotise you... - Oliver suggested. -Already tried it, Alex -(TM)s sister hypnotised me on Saturday when the first batch of memories came back. We decided that he -(TM)s so horrific I don -(TM)t want to remember him, so my self-preservation instincts are locking that memory down tight. - Poppy -(TM)s tears had stopped now, she gave me a quick kiss and slipped from my arms, Belle hugged her tightly before Poppy retook her seat. -That must have been a difficult story to tell, thank you. - -I missed something out, the Swiss Cottage murders, I was there with Gemma and Meghan, another time when I ran away. It was Kenzie who killed them. - Oliver was silent for a moment as he assembled his thoughts, eventually he looked up, gifting Poppy with a smile. -Thank you, Poppy, this past hour can -(TM)t have been easy for you, there -(TM)s a few cases I -(TM)ll close now, although we don -(TM)t know who did the crimes, I -(TM)m guessing we -(TM)ll never know, so we won -(TM)t waste any more resources. There -(TM)s also a few we can close because we know who did them, but the culprit is dead. I know we have quite a big file on Kenzie, so it ties up neatly. The Misha case we -(TM)ll keep open, if you remember anything else, please tell me, via Jenny. - -So, I -(TM)m not in trouble? - Oliver smiled, -normally, yes, deliberately withholding information on a crime is an offence, but I completely understand why you did it. Let -(TM)s just assume I -(TM)ve given you an official caution and leave it at that, shall we. - Belle put her hand up, -please sir! - -You don -(TM)t need to raise your hand, Belle, - Oliver laughed. -Sorry, err ... I was once arrested, for soliciting, but I was innocent, I never did that, Poppy wouldn -(TM)t let me... - -Very wise. - -Yeah, I know that now, anyway, I was arrested, and I need to know whether I -(TM)ve got a record, because I shouldn -(TM)t have. - -OK, do you remember where you were taken? - -Charing Cross. - -And do you remember the date? - -14th June 2021. - -How do you remember the date, - Poppy asked, -I didn -(TM)t even know what day it was half the time? - -I have the scene locked in my head, the date was on the whiteboard behind the desk. God, I was so angry with those policemen. - Oliver was tapping keys, -there -(TM)s no record of anyone called Belle being arrested that night. - -Belle wasn -(TM)t my real name then, try Amelia Dean, or Amelia Saffron Dean. - -That -(TM)s a lovely name, why did you change it? - -Thank you, I was always called Belle on the streets, so when I had chance, I added it to my name legally. - -Well, there -(TM)s no record of an Amelia Dean, or Amelia Saffron Dean. - -I think maybe I made up a name. - -OK, there -(TM)s only one way to settle this, I could take your fingerprints and see if we have them on file. As a minor we -(TM)d only keep them if you were charged with a crime. - -If you take Belle -(TM)s prints now, will you try to match them with any crime scenes? - Poppy asked, not unreasonably, in the circumstances. -Is that something you -(TM)d rather I didn -(TM)t do? - -I kind of did a lot of shoplifting in the past, and I may have once punched a prostitute and knocked them out. - We all looked at Belle, -you never told me that! - Poppy cried, a note of admiration in her voice. -Yeah, remember Tanya, used to work off Rupert Street. - -Oh yes, I remember him, tall, ginger wig. - -Him? - I asked. -Yeah, Rupert Street is mostly gay hustlers, - Belle replied nonchalantly, -so yeah, he was annoying me, telling me off because I was to pretty and all the guys were trying to pick me up, I guess having no boobs to speak of they thought I was a twink or something. - -Twink? - I asked. -Young gay boy, - Poppy translated without taking her attention from Belle. -Yeah, he started pushing me around, so I punched him, really hard, he fell back and didn -(TM)t get up for ages, the manager of that BDSM shop came out and picked him up, everyone was laughing, although we shouldn -(TM)t have really, I could have properly hurt him. Anyway, Duncan, the manager, he called the police on me, so Maxine, his assistant, slapped him for being a snitch and she helped me run away before the police came. - -Well, this is all maybe more than you should be telling me, - Oliver smiled, -if I take your prints the search will look for any active warrants against you, so what do you want to do? - -Ahh, I -(TM)m not sure. - -The shoplifting I wouldn -(TM)t worry about, we don -(TM)t collect fingerprints, what would be the point, there -(TM)d be hundreds of prints everywhere. The assault against ... Tanya was it? - Belled nodded, -I can -(TM)t see where we would have tried to collect fingerprints. If they tried to press charges, would either Tanya or Duncan know your real name? - -No, they only know me as Belle. - -I think we -(TM)re safe. - -OK, you can take my fingerprints. - -As a minor, I think we -(TM)d better ask for your parent -(TM)s permission, and with all due respect, Alex, I -(TM)m going to ask Jenny. - -That -(TM)s fine, - I answered, she has far more to lose than me if this all goes sideways. Oliver phoned Jenny -(TM)s office and she came running, I unlocked the door as I heard her footsteps. -Is everything OK? - -Everything is fine, - Oliver replied, -we -(TM)re all cleared up with Poppy, now we -(TM)re putting Belle -(TM)s mind at rest. She -(TM)s a little worried about the time she was arrested for solicitation. - -Ahh, that again, - Jenny sighed. -I can -(TM)t find any record under any name she -(TM)s used in the past, so, with your permission, we -(TM)ll run her prints through IDENT1. - -Are you sure Belle? What if... - -Mum, I was never a career criminal, I don -(TM)t think I -(TM)ve left my prints at any major crime scenes. - -We -(TM)ve talked it through, - Oliver added, -and we don -(TM)t think she -(TM)s left any prints anywhere. - -And if we do find anything? - Jenny asked. -We -(TM)ll cross that bridge when we come to it, I have authorisation to delete searches, if necessary, and as she -(TM)s a minor, we can probably delete her record. - -Could you delete mine? - Poppy joked. -You don -(TM)t have a record, - Oliver replied, -I made sure of that. - -Excuse me, - Poppy exclaimed, -did I have a record? - Jenny looked embarrassed, -I -(TM)m afraid you did. - -What for? I don -(TM)t remember being arrested. - -Neither do I, - Belle replied, -in fact I seem to remember you were all hoity toity about me being arrested. - -Hoity toity! - Poppy laughed, -where did that come from? - -I -(TM)ve no idea, - Belle answered, slapping Poppy -(TM)s leg playfully, -anyway, I need to know why you were arrested, I hope it -(TM)s for stealing make-up or something. - -You flashed a police officer, - Jenny answered, -apparently you were a little worse for wear one evening, he tried to move you on, so you unzipped your jacket and displayed your assets to everyone. - -I was arrested for flashing, that seems a bit harsh. - -You were in St Paul -(TM)s Cathedral, - Oliver replied. -Oh fuck! - Poppy gasped, -I am so sorry! Oh my god, I -(TM)m going to hell aren -(TM)t I. Err, can we go there at the weekend, I really need to apologise. - Belle wrapped her arms around her sister, -we -(TM)ll go together, just you and me, we -(TM)ll find the highest-ranking priest in the place, and you can say you -(TM)re sorry, in person. - -Thank you, Belle, you -(TM)re the best. - -So yeah, we cleared that little embarrassment for you, - Jenny laughed, -and I was hoping I wouldn -(TM)t have to mention it. - -Thanks mum, you are also the best. Now we -(TM)ll go and see who Belle -(TM)s flashed. - Oliver led us down to the custody suite. -Hey Tom! - Belle called out as she saw him being the desk. -Hey Belle, what are you in for today? - -Ahh, you know, the Man is just out to get me. - -Ain -(TM)t that the truth, - Tom sighed, before straightening up as he spotted DCS Williamson, -Oh, sorry sir, I didn -(TM)t see you there, how can I help? - -Is there anyone in the cells? - -Not at the moment, sir. - -Then now might be a good time to go for a tea break, we need to borrow your fingerprint terminal for five minutes. - -Belle isn -(TM)t in trouble, is she? - -We hope not, we -(TM)re just checking. - -Come round this side, Belle, - Tom asked cheerily. Belle hopped up on the counter, swinging her legs over, she slid down onto Tom -(TM)s chair. -Have you ever seen one of these before? - he asked Belle, showing her his fingerprint reader. -It looks like a big touchpad off a laptop. - -It -(TM)s similar, but a lot more sensitive, put your whole hand on the pad, make sure you keep your hand very still until you hear a beep. - Belle did as Tom asked, swapping hands after the beep. -What happens now? - She asked after her left hand was read successfully. -Well, have you seen on TV as the police computer rapidly displays hundreds of fingerprints until it finds a match? - -Yeah! - Belle replied excitedly, -like on CSI! - -Well, that doesn -(TM)t happen I -(TM)m afraid. What it -(TM)s doing now is checking all the swirls on your fingers against every other finger the same size. This means it -(TM)s not wasting time checking your prints against people with big hands, like mine, - he spread his hand over Belle -(TM)s, -because my fingers are twice the size of yours. - -That -(TM)s clever, how will we know when it -(TM)s finished? - -It will tell us. There -(TM)s about 5 million sets of fingerprints on file, probably less than 5% are hands as tiny as yours, because we only keep minors -(TM) prints on file if they -(TM)re successfully prosecuted. If they -(TM)re cleared, or not charged at all, we delete the prints. - -That -(TM)s still about 250,000 files to check. - -Good maths, Belle! - Poppy exclaimed. Belle pointed at the screen, -oh wow, the computer is quick, look, it -(TM)s done 50% already. - She watched the percentage climb on the screen, fascinated by the progress. On the other side of the we kept our fingers crossed. After a couple more minutes the computer chimed. -Ahh, shit, - Jenny gasped. -I guess that -(TM)s not a good sound, - I asked. -Not really, - Tom replied, -swap seats Belle, I need to see the report it -(TM)s found. - -Am I in trouble? - -We don -(TM)t know yet, let -(TM)s see what the computer found. - As Tom clicked on the file, Belle clambered back over the counter. Poppy wrapped her arm protectively around her sister -(TM)s shoulder. -Ahh, your prints were found after a burglary on Oldbury Road last March, does that ring any bells? No pun intended by the way. - -I -(TM)ve never burgled anywhere, ever! - -Did you help anyone else burgle a house, maybe you climbed in through a window and unlocked the door? - Jenny asked calmly. -Never! I only ever stole from shops, and the only houses we went in were squats. - -Hang on! - Poppy exclaimed, -Oldbury Road, that -(TM)s in Enfield, right? - -Yes, Enfield, near Waltham Forest, - Tom replied after checking Google Maps. -Do you have photos? - -Yes, the full file is here. - Poppy vaulted over the counter and slipped into the chair beside Tom, -show me the back of the house. - Tom flicked through the file and showed Poppy the photos. - -Ha! I remember this place. - -But I never burgled anywhere! - Belle repeated, on the verge of tears now, I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she calmed down a little. -Remember when we went to visit Lily and Beth, they were in a squat in Walthamstow, near the Chinese diner by the railway bridge. - -Oh yeah, that -(TM)s where we saw that taxi under the bridge, it was completely covered in bird poo! - -Yes, that -(TM)s the place. We went to the party in the squat but couldn -(TM)t stay because there wasn -(TM)t room, so we jumped on the night train, but we got on the wrong train and it was going away from the city, not towards. We got off in Enfield when those two police got on. - Belle was quiet for a while, then she smiled, -Yes! I remember now, we wandered around for a bit, looking for somewhere to bed down for the night, then it started raining, really cold, horrible rain. We ran down that alley, then we saw the open back gate, so went to look if they had a shed or something we could sleep in. - -That -(TM)s right, they didn -(TM)t have a shed, but the back door was open, we had a look inside, the house was empty, so I made us both a mug of tea to warm up before we went for a look around the house. -The front room was a mess, so we finished our tea, took an apple each from the fruit bowl and left by the back door. - -So, - Oliver started in a stern voice, -you swear you didn -(TM)t break into the house, the back door was standing open. - -Definitely, - Poppy replied. -we only stole a couple of tea bags and the apples. I even washed up. - That made Oliver smile, -I think we can eliminate those prints from the enquiry. - -Already done, - Tom replied. -Good lad, and clear the search, please. - -Also done. - -But, if you found Belle -(TM)s prints there, why not mine, I touched more stuff than she did. - -Because you don -(TM)t have a record, - Oliver reminded her. -Ahh, yes. - -And neither does Belle, - Tom added, -that was the only search result. - Belle cheered, -I -(TM)m so relieved, I was really worried, you know. It was crazy, because I never gave my real name, but I was so frightened that night - -You should never have been put in that situation, - Oliver assured her, -and now we know where and when you were arrested, I can find out who was on duty and make sure it doesn -(TM)t happen again. - -Am I allowed to hug you? - Belle asked. -Not normally, but seeing as nobody is watching. - Belle wrapped her arms around Oliver -(TM)s waist, as high as she could reach, -Thank you so much, Poppy has been so worried these last few days, it -(TM)s been eating her up inside. Now she -(TM)s got it all off her chest, and cleared the air, I can see she -(TM)s so much more relaxed. Now we -(TM)ve just got to find a bishop and apologise. - -Haha, I -(TM)m sure the bishop has already forgiven you, Poppy. - -Even so, I -(TM)d still like to apologise to someone. - -Erm ... are you busy on Saturday night? - Belle asked as Jenny led us back to the offices. -I don -(TM)t think so, but I -(TM)d have to check my desk calendar. - -We -(TM)re launching Poppy -(TM)s charity, at the Savoy. Seeing as you gave us such nice promotion on TV, it -(TM)s only right you get an invite. - -Thank you, your charity launch will definitely get priority over any other plans. - -Our friend Lady Marina is organising it, along with our sister Lia. There -(TM)ll be other royals, and film stars, and models, we -(TM)re so excited. - -How do I buy a couple of tickets? - -I -(TM)ll just put your name on the door, you don -(TM)t need to buy a ticket. - -That -(TM)s a lovely gesture Belle, but I can -(TM)t accept a free ticket for a charity event, I must pay or your charity will lose out. - -Ahh, I see. Lia and Marina are doing everything, so I -(TM)ll get one of them to send you details. If it -(TM)s really expensive though, I -(TM)ll sneak you in through the kitchens or something, that -(TM)s what me and Poppy used to do. - Oliver laughed, -let -(TM)s keep that option open if my wife objects to the price, but I -(TM)m sure she won -(TM)t, as she -(TM)s been looking for ways to help you since she saw you both on TV. - -That -(TM)s amazing, Lia -(TM)s the ideas person, I -(TM)ll make sure she sees you both on Saturday. - Poppy and Belle walked in front on the way home, holding hands, they were chatting, Belle -(TM)s mannerisms showing us she was very excited about whatever Poppy was saying. -It -(TM)s really like she -(TM)s had a weight lifted off her shoulders, both of them really, - Jenny whispered, -they -(TM)re both back to their usual cheery selves. - -Yes, Belle snapped at Lia this afternoon, I thought nothing of it at the time, but maybe the thought of going to the police station was stressing her out. - -It probably was. Belle lives very much in the moment doesn -(TM)t she, so she probably only thinks about her arrest when she -(TM)s in a police station. - -That -(TM)s true, oh, she knows we were tracking her yesterday, next time we do that we need to be upfront. - -Ahh, so she guessed that -(TM)s why we lent her a smartphone, whoops. - -I think being sneaky upset her more than us not trusting her to travel alone. - -But, seeing as she did so well, we don -(TM)t need to worry about her anymore, - Jenny mused. -Maybe, although seeing as Poppy has just had to stop her running across the road... - -Perhaps we do insist she carries a smartphone if she travels alone again, - she laughed. -She -(TM)s ditzy, but I -(TM)m not sure we -(TM)d have her any other way, - I finished as we reached the house, the girls were already in and telling Katie and Lia exactly what had happened in the last 90 minutes. -Do you have any homework, Belle? - Jenny asked as she hung her coat in the hall. -No mum, none of the teachers sent me anything. - -She -(TM)s telling the truth, - Katie added, -I checked her email while you were out. - -You know Belle -(TM)s password? - I asked. -Well, yeah, she told me when I set her computer up, it -(TM)s not exactly impossible to crack anyway, Poppy1, it would have been my second try after Belle1, - she laughed. -Yeah, I wasn -(TM)t allowed to use my own name, - Belle sulked, -so I had to think of a new password. - -I hope your online bank account has a better password, - Jenny replied. -Yeah, that one -(TM)s tougher, - Katie confirmed. -So tough I don -(TM)t even know it, Katie set it up, my account -(TM)s on hers and Poppy -(TM)s phones anyway, so when I need some money they get it for me. - Lia walked over and gave Belle a hug, -that -(TM)s amazing, I love how you three are almost a single unit at times. - Belle lifted her head and gave Lia a quick kiss, -you can have my bank account as well if you like. - -Thanks Belle, but I -(TM)d rather not, I -(TM)m terrified enough having my own account on my phone. I -(TM)m still not used to having money. - -Anyway, let -(TM)s show everyone your office, - Belle cried, -it -(TM)s fantastic, you -(TM)ll love it. - -We -(TM)ve got to keep it tidy, so you can -(TM)t work in there tonight, dad -(TM)s publisher is sending a photographer round tomorrow to do some promo shots for a brochure they -(TM)ll print for us before the launch on Saturday. - -Really, - I exclaimed, -nobody told me this. - -I -(TM)ve been speaking to Esther a lot over the last few days, she -(TM)s getting someone from the garden centre to come down in the morning to put some pots around the place, they -(TM)ve promised to give me a list of all the plants they -(TM)re bringing so I can buy some if I like them. - -That sounds amazing, I like Esther, she was a lot of fun when we met her, - Belle replied. -She -(TM)s been such a help to me, I wouldn -(TM)t have known where to start. Anyway, before we go outside, you may notice an extra light switch by the back door. - -Ahh, did Mick pop round while we were out. - -Yep, we -(TM)ve got three lights on the back wall and one on the fence, along with a couple outside the office. Belle, you -(TM)ll be happy to know they can be controlled by the same little controller as my lights... - -So, they can be different colours? - Belle cried. -Yep, but they don -(TM)t dance to the music like my light strip. - -That -(TM)s OK, if they flashed the neighbours would think we -(TM)d opened a night club or something. - Belle pushed the new light switch and the back garden was suddenly almost as bright as daylight. -You can dim them from the remote control as well, - Lia advised us, -because right now the neighbours probably think we -(TM)re hosting a football match. There -(TM)s a few remotes in the junk drawer, we got one with each lamp, they -(TM)re all the same, so work all the lamps. - Belle ran back inside after that news to grab a remote, she changed all the lamps to red, then carefully pointed the control at individual lamps and changed them to different colours, red, blue, green and yellow, the effect was weird but not unpleasant. Once we were inside the office Poppy and Katie were very impressed, -it -(TM)s much bigger inside than I expected, - Poppy noted, -and it -(TM)s really warm, is there heating? - -There -(TM)s a couple of electric radiators, but I -(TM)ve not turned them on yet, the place is really well insulated. JoJo said it -(TM)ll be dead hot in summer, so she -(TM)s sending someone down in a few days to put some fancy film on the windows to keep the sun out. - -There -(TM)s a bracket on the wall there, - Belle told everyone, pointing at the wall by the meeting table, -so we can have a big telly for meetings, and YouTube. And there -(TM)s speakers everywhere, lend me your phone Poppy. - As Belle opened Poppy -(TM)s Spotify Jenny tapped her on the shoulder, -on the subject of phones Belle, I apologise for tracking you while you were away yesterday, it shows a basic lack of trust, and I think I speak for us all when I say we won -(TM)t do it again. - Poppy hugged her sister, trapping the phone between their chests, -I was so worried, but I shouldn -(TM)t have been, it -(TM)s just since we found the house, and found Misha, I -(TM)ve felt really anxious. Hopefully that -(TM)s gone now we -(TM)ve come clean with the police, or at least mostly clean. - -It -(TM)s OK, really, - Belle replied, once Poppy had released her so she could speak, -I was all wound up today about going to the police station, so I might have been a bit angrier than I should have been. Anyway, you -(TM)ve got so many playlists, which is your favourite? - -Err, I -(TM)ve been a bit sad the last few days, so this is what I listen to in bed when you -(TM)re asleep. - Poppy took the phone and fired up an acoustic version of Taylor Swift -(TM)s All Too Well, -I love this song! - Belle cried, -Taylor -(TM)s a goddess, although I think I love Billie Eilish more. - -I -(TM)ll play Billie next, - Poppy assured her. -Look at the lights when I do this... - Belle told us, -Isn -(TM)t this great. - -I -(TM)ve not told you the best bit, - Lia said as Poppy stopped Taylor and put a Billie Eilish song on for Belle. -What -(TM)s better than these speakers and lights? - Katie asked, -this is so much better than any of us expected, if I -(TM)m honest I thought we were just getting a big shed. - -Come outside, and Belle, grab that white control from the desk drawer. - When we were outside Lia told Belle to point the control at the office and click the down button. -What -(TM)s going to happen, will the office sink into the floor or something? - -Nothing quite so exciting I -(TM)m afraid, but I think it -(TM)s something we -(TM)ll find useful in summer. - Belle held the down button as she pointed the control, we heard a motor start and for a moment I thought the office might sink into the ground. Instead a wide cinema screen descended from below the roof. -Oh wow, so we can have an outdoor cinema? - -Once dad -(TM)s bought us a projector, yes, we can have an outdoor cinema. - -I didn -(TM)t see a cinema screen on the order, - I mused. -That -(TM)s because this is brand new, it -(TM)s going into their spring catalogue, we -(TM)ve got the first one, a present from JoJo. They -(TM)ll be sending someone round to take photos in a few days. - -So, I guess we need to get a projector before then. - -No need, they -(TM)ll bring one round for the photos, which will be one evening obviously, so the projector works. - The next morning, Poppy is trying very hard to get Belle to put her uniform on. -I want to watch the photographer at work and show them my video of the build. - Poppy looked at Jenny, who just shrugged and looked at me. -She was very good yesterday, didn -(TM)t get in the way at all. - -and she helped me make gallons of tea for the workers, - Lia added. -OK Belle, - Poppy sighed, -you can stay off today, but this is the last time. I -(TM)m going to see all your teachers at break time, I -(TM)ll make sure they all send you some work, especially maths, as you -(TM)re getting behind in that class. - -How do you know I -(TM)m behind in maths? - Belle protested. -Because we have the same teacher, silly, and she -(TM)s asked me to help you catch up. - -You already help me! - Belle replied indignantly, -I -(TM)m going to tell her tomorrow that you help me a lot, I -(TM)ll not let her think you -(TM)re slacking Poppy. - -Thanks Belle, - Poppy laughed, -anyway, I -(TM)ll make sure all five of your teachers send you work today. Me and Katie will help you through it tonight. - Katie wandered into the kitchen, -I -(TM)m guessing the Hello Kitty t-shirt means you -(TM)re still poorly, Belle, - she laughed as she poured her orange juice. -Yeah, - Poppy sighed, pushing a couple of Pop Tarts across to Katie, -but to be fair, if I dragged her into school, she -(TM)d be too distracted to do any work, at least this way we can make sure she does the work tonight. - -Her teachers didn -(TM)t send her any work yesterday, I -(TM)ve just checked Belle -(TM)s email this morning, there -(TM)s no work, but there is a photo of some boy -(TM)s bottom, not at all sure why that -(TM)s in her inbox. - -Mmm, a bottom is not really a boy -(TM)s best feature, - Poppy mused, -anyway, I don -(TM)t think Ms Thompson emailed any of Belle -(TM)s teachers, so I thought we -(TM)d go see them during morning break. - -Great plan, nobody refuses angry Poppy. - -I like to think of myself as firm Poppy, rather than angry Poppy, I just don -(TM)t seem to be able to be firm enough with Belle. - -She -(TM)s your first born, - Katie laughed, -you -(TM)ll be better with your next child. - -I won -(TM)t be having another, - Poppy laughed as she picked up her bag and coat, -one -(TM)s more than enough. - Belle was ready and waiting when the delivery arrived from the garden centre, she let them in and watched as they placed the loan pots and plants around and inside the office. She peppered the two women with questions about each plant, committing them to memory so she could help Lia when the time came to choose her own plants. The photographer arrived just as Lia was signing the delivery paperwork for the plants, -we -(TM)ll be back to collect them all around 4pm if that -(TM)s OK, - the driver said as she climbed into the van. -I don -(TM)t like the one in the orange pot, - Belle told Lia as they watched the photographer and his assistant lug several cases of equipment through the house. -The rubber plant? - Lia asked. -Yeah, the leaves look weird. - -Fair enough, we won -(TM)t get one of those, - Lia replied, giving Belle -(TM)s cheek a little squeeze, -I -(TM)m going to make a brew for everyone, do you want tea or hot chocolate? - -Tea please, - Belle replied as she wandered over to show the photographer her camera, -Hello, I -(TM)m Belle. - She introduced herself. -Hello Belle, I -(TM)m Frank. I like your camera. - -Thanks, I bought it to take black and white photos for our book, the man in the shop said it had a good black and white mode. I -(TM)m still learning how to use it. - -Fuji cameras are great for street photography, - he told her, -not so good for this kind of work, because I need to change lenses to get different perspectives, but for learning the basics, you can -(TM)t beat those cameras, you can learn a lot about lighting and how to approach subjects. - -It -(TM)s really murky today, won -(TM)t al your photos look a bit grim? - -That -(TM)s why I -(TM)ve brought lots of lights and reflectors. Those lights Lizzie is setting up are the same colour temperature as sunlight, we -(TM)ll bounce them off reflectors and it -(TM)ll look like I took the photos in the middle of July. - -That -(TM)s so clever, I -(TM)m going to enjoy watching you work. I made a time-lapse video of them building the office yesterday, would you like to see it? - -I would, yes. - Belle ran into the house and soon returned with her iPad. -I like how you used two cameras and switched between them during the build. What cameras did you use? - -Just a couple of cheap Olympus compacts I bought to hand out to kids on the streets, I want them to take photos of their daily lives to use in Poppy -(TM)s book. I put one camera on either side of the garden then ran between them pressing the shutter button every few minutes, it was tiring but fun. - -It was well worth the effort, watching stuff being built in timelapse like that is always fascinating. - -I -(TM)m going to put it on our website, when I -(TM)ve finished working on it. - -Lizzie does my website, have a word with her afterwards, maybe she can help you, in the meantime, why don -(TM)t you grab that tripod and we -(TM)ll take some photos. - Belle had a ball helping Frank and Lizzie, moving lights, holding one of the big circular reflectors, helping Frank change lenses. Because the shoot was supposed to be in summer, Lia had changed into shorts and a fairly low-cut t-shirt. So she wouldn -(TM)t get hypothermia, Frank agreed to take all her photos first, so she could put her winter clothes back on as soon as possible. Once he -(TM)d taken the main photos, Frank let Belle use his camera to take few photos of Lia and the office. While Lia was dressing they looked at all the photos on Frank -(TM)s laptop, as they reached the last few Belle pointed at the screen. -Mmm, that one is a bit rude, Lia is bending over, you can see down her t-shirt, could you send me a copy, but not use it. - Frank laughed, -email it to yourself and then delete it. I -(TM)d like to keep that next one, we can use it in the brochure, Lia -(TM)s smile is much more natural that any I caught. - -That -(TM)s because she knows I just got a photo of her boobs. - Once Lia returned, now wearing jeans and a sweater, Frank showed her the photos, they chatted for a while about the various images. I was impressed with just how professional Lia was, she -(TM)d learnt a lot from Esther, and had also picked up a lot from Helen regarding posing in photos, showing Belle how the whole feel of an image can change when the angle of the light changes. Once Lia had decided what images they should use, Frank and Lizzie packed everything away, and left. -I -(TM)ve been thinking, - Belle said as we collected all the pots and plants together ready for collection. -You -(TM)ve been thinking you -(TM)ve got time to get to school for your afternoon lessons, - Lia laughed. -No, a serious thought. - -OK, I -(TM)m listening. - -This office was easy to build, - Belle started, -and it feels like it -(TM)ll be dead warm. If you look round the back, there -(TM)s a place for you to plug water in, for a bathroom. Couldn -(TM)t we take this office idea and design a low-cost home? - Lia almost dropped the pot she was carrying, -that -(TM)s a brilliant idea! Oh god, why didn -(TM)t I think of that while we were at JoJo -(TM)s place. - -Because we were looking for an office, - I reassured her. -Did anything in their yard look like a home? - -Not that I recall, - I replied. -OK, let -(TM)s put all these plants and things out the front for the garden centre people, then we -(TM)ll go speak to JoJo -(TM)s grandpa. - I phoned the garden centre, thanked them for the loan of their pots, reassuring them they -(TM)d get a mention on Saturday and advised them we had to dash out unexpectedly, so we -(TM)ve left the pots outside. As we waited for our taxi Belle messaged Poppy to tell her where we -(TM)d gone, -she -(TM)ll worry if we -(TM)re not in when she gets home, - she told us as we climbed into the cab. It was a little after 2pm when the taxi dropped us at JoJo -(TM)s family -(TM)s business in Teddington, she was in the office as we arrived. -Oh wow, hello Lia, and Belle! Is everything OK with your Office, - she asked as we stepped inside. -Oh, it -(TM)s amazing, better than I ever imagined. We love the cinema screen, that -(TM)s going to be amazing in summer. - -As much as I love seeing you all, why are you here? - -Because Belle has just had a fantastic idea, and we thought it best to come and see you, and your grandpa, in person. - -Oh, let me find gramps and you can tell us your idea. - Ten minutes later we were drinking tea in one of the garden rooms with JoJo as Stanley arrived, -ahh, you -(TM)re Belle, I saw you on the TV. - Belle sat upright at this news and beamed, -yes, I -(TM)m Belle. I watched them build the office yesterday, it -(TM)s amazing how it all fits together so quickly. - -Thank you, a lot of the technology used is my invention, JoJo -(TM)s dad made some refinements to the process, and young JoJo here designed the paint shop where we painted the panels for your office. - -Really, - Lia exclaimed, -you never told us that. - -And the cinema screens are her idea as well, she -(TM)s as clever as she -(TM)s beautiful. - -Oh gramps, stop flattering me, I -(TM)m not that clever or I -(TM)d have got better grades in school. - -You were clever enough to pick yourself up when you were down, and that -(TM)s all that matters. You -(TM)ve got the most potential of any of us, and I -(TM)m going to enjoy watching your success. - -I enjoyed looking at JoJo -(TM)s photos, - Belle blurted before any of us could stop her. -That -(TM)s because you know beauty when you see it Belle, now why don -(TM)t you tell us your idea. - -Well, I was thinking, Lia -(TM)s office was really simple to build, it was all up and ready to go in a few hours. I watched as the people put it together and it looks to me like the basic design can be customised internally in a lot of ways, you just need to slot in partition walls, like Lia -(TM)s has a half wall, so the front part of the office is full width, but the rear is separated into Lia -(TM)s area and the meeting space. -Then I looked around the back and saw the water inlet that we -(TM)re not using. So then it clicked, if you made a little bathroom, and a little kitchen, you could make a small house. - Stanley was quiet for a moment before he spoke, -we -(TM)ve thought about this, the basic idea is easy to convert into a holiday home, they -(TM)re often mobile and moved on wagons from holiday park to holiday park, either in one piece, or two halves for the wider homes. They -(TM)re on wheels as a tax dodge, they -(TM)re holiday homes, not permanent residences, so there -(TM)s no council tax to pay. -What you -(TM)re suggesting is slightly different, you -(TM)re looking at changing our garden rooms into a kind of self-contained living pod, I -(TM)m assuming for your charity. - -Yes, that -(TM)s exactly what I -(TM)m thinking. I paced Lia -(TM)s out, you could have a bedroom, kitchen / sitting room and bathroom. - -Where would you put these homes? - -We -(TM)ve not got that far yet, this is just a germ of an idea I came up with this afternoon. - Lia leaned forwards a little, -there -(TM)s vacant plots all over the city where developers are too afraid to commit to building in an undesirable area. What -(TM)s the life of one of your buildings? - -We guarantee them for 10 years, but with proper care you should get 25 years or more out of them. - -What if they weren -(TM)t cared for, if for instance a stream of homeless people stayed in them, short term. - -I -(TM)d be reluctant to offer you our 10-year guarantee, it wouldn -(TM)t be cost effective for us, but they -(TM)re sturdy enough for kids to use them as playhouses for a few years, besides, maintenance of the buildings is a reasonably simple job for a competence handyman or woman. - -I guess what I -(TM)m getting at is, I bet we could get a 5-year lease on a plot of land pretty cheaply, lay a concrete slab, put up as many of your little buildings as will reasonably fit and use them as short-term shelters for a few years until a developer decides to build a block of flats there, or a Tesco Express or whatever. - -I like this idea. I know your dad once looked at something like this, JoJo, not exactly the sort of simple accommodation you -(TM)re talking about Belle, a kind of two story semi-luxurious lodge that could be delivered flat and built at a lakeside, or in the woods somewhere. - -Two story? - Belle asked, -so with an upstairs so we could house twice as many people? - -Yes, James -(TM) idea was a single family dwelling, so had internal stairs, I -(TM)m sure we could change it to external stairs. - Stanley whispered to JoJo for a minute or two, then JoJo turned to Belle, -this is an amazing idea, leave it with us, I -(TM)ll go and see my dad, I -(TM)m sure he can draw up a simple home design that I -(TM)ll get costed up. Then we can bring Poppy in and see what kind of deal we can work up, we wouldn -(TM)t want to make a profit on this, but we also don -(TM)t want to lose a lot of money on it either. - Lia was thinking aloud now, -I bet you could teach some of our guys to build them, so all you -(TM)d need to do is create the kits and haul them to the site... - -We could get Jeremy -(TM)s guys to supervise, and some of the street kids could build their own homes... - Belle added. -That -(TM)s not a bad idea, - Stanley replied, -I -(TM)ve always found people respect something more if they -(TM)ve had a part in the creation, if you just give someone something they often don -(TM)t value the gift because they have no concept of what went into making, or buying the item. - JoJo checked her watch, -listen guys, this is a great idea, I love it. If I don -(TM)t speak to you before Saturday, I -(TM)ll update you Saturday night, but I -(TM)ve got to rush now, I -(TM)ve a meeting with the people who make our windows. Ahh yeah, it -(TM)s actually about sorting a film for your windows Lia, you get to test it before we roll it out to other customers. - Stanley laughed as JoJo ran from the office, -you know, whilst JoJo -(TM)s here, your little office will be the target of all her little production experiments. - -We can -(TM)t grumble, you gave it us at half price, and built it for us. - -We did, but I didn -(TM)t do that so I could send someone round every other week to tweak something. - -As long as they tweak and not break, I -(TM)m fine. You said whilst JoJo -(TM)s here, is she leaving. - -I hope so, she -(TM)s too good for us. She should be modelling full time, then running her own business. It -(TM)ll be a shame to lose such a talented member of staff, but I don -(TM)t want to be the reason she -(TM)s not world famous. - -I -(TM)m sure my sister will do her best to make that happen, - I advised Stanley. -JoJo seems a lot happier since she moved from that agent she was using, I saw a few of the photos from her recent session, the ones she let the family see were very good. - Belle was about to say something, probably something inappropriate, so Lia put her hand on Belle -(TM)s, and she thankfully took the hint. Over dinner, after Poppy and Katie sat with Belle and helped her through the day -(TM)s homework, Belle told Poppy about her idea. -Why didn -(TM)t you tell me earlier? This is a genius idea, - Poppy cried as she hugged her sister. -You have no idea how hard I struggled to keep that news in while I did my homework, - Belle replied, -you know how I am with anything that excites me, I just have to get it out. - -Yes, - Lia sighed, -I -(TM)m just glad you managed to contain yourself instead of offering to show JoJo -(TM)s nudes to her gramps. - -Oh my god, - Poppy gasped, -but to be fair, it would have been so funny! - -Yeah, I -(TM)m sure he -(TM)s seen her boobs, - Belle replied, -she -(TM)s on the internet. - -That maybe so, but it -(TM)s really not appropriate to show her photos to anyone, especially her family, without permission, - Jenny told Belle. -Well, that -(TM)s their loss, - she sulked, not willing to let anyone else have the last word on this topic. On Saturday morning Poppy shook me awake a little after 7am. -What -(TM)s the matter Poppy? - I whispered so I didn -(TM)t wake Jenny. -I -(TM)m nervous about today, I promised to apologise to someone at St Paul -(TM)s, and I know I said me and Belle would go alone, but could you come with us, just to stand there and make it look like we belong to someone. - -Of course I -(TM)ll come with you. We -(TM)d better do it this morning because you -(TM)re going to have a busy afternoon. - -Katie -(TM)s said she -(TM)ll take our stuff to the Savoy, so we can go straight there afterwards. If you pack whatever you -(TM)re wearing tonight, Katie and Lia take it for you. - -That -(TM)s very kind of them. - -Belle -(TM)s still asleep, so no rush. - -I -(TM)ll get up now and make some coffee. - -I -(TM)ve filled the pot, it just needs turning on when you -(TM)re dressed. - -Thanks Poppy, everything will be fine at St Paul -(TM)s, so don -(TM)t worry. - -Worrying about this means I don -(TM)t have to worry about tonight, which is so much worse. - -Ahh, I guess you -(TM)re right, - I told her as I slipped out of bed and took her hand, we went downstairs and I pushed the button to start the coffee filter. -I -(TM)m sure it -(TM)ll be fine tonight, - Poppy admitted as she drank her first mug of coffee, holding it in both hands to keep it steady, -but I -(TM)ve taken no part in organising it, so I really don -(TM)t know what -(TM)s happening. It -(TM)s not like I don -(TM)t trust Lia, she -(TM)s amazing, it -(TM)s just I worry about stuff when I don -(TM)t know what -(TM)s going on. Is that bad? Am I a control freak, dad? - -Not a control freak, but you -(TM)ve been in charge of your life for so long, even when it was spiralling out of control, you were still responsible for yourself, it wasn -(TM)t someone else managing your life. Now though, you -(TM)ve got a family and friends to help you. - Poppy didn -(TM)t reply, she was hunched over her mug, staring into the coffee. At this moment she looked so much like she had that first night. I touched her cheeky gently, -we -(TM)ve not been alone like this in a while, our lives have become so packed since the first time you sat there drinking coffee. - Poppy smiled weakly, -you were the first person who had been nice to me in so long. - -There -(TM)s something I -(TM)ve been wondering about for a while, and it -(TM)s come back to me again after your talk with DCS Williamson. After all the abuse you suffered, and all the pain you were in, why did you make love to me while you were still sore? - -Ahh, I was proper messed up then. I was putting on a front, trying to look normal and sane. As well as that, I -(TM)d been using sex for so long as a way to stay alive, it -(TM)s all I knew. I know I said I wasn -(TM)t thanking you with sex, but that -(TM)s because it -(TM)s what you wanted to hear, I was thanking you with sex, because I wanted to thank you. And it -(TM)s all I had. -Don -(TM)t get me wrong, I loved it, because I love sex, and because you were nice, gentle when I needed you to be gentle, and rough when I wanted you to be rough and manly. I loved our sex, but I -(TM)m also fully aware that I pushed myself on you, and that was wrong. Now I -(TM)m thinking straight I should thank you for being reluctant, I borderline raped you dad, and I -(TM)m a little ashamed of that, but at the same time I -(TM)m not sorry about what I did, because I know we both loved it. - I was a little shocked by this answer, it -(TM)s not what I was asking, but I had to appreciate Poppy -(TM)s candour, -err, thank you for being so honest. - -I have to be dad, it -(TM)s part of my healing. - -And healing is what I was referring to, all the oral you did, I can understand that, and yes, I enjoyed every moment. I -(TM)m talking about the times we had sex early on, it must have been so painful for you. Why did you do it when Nita had warned you against it. - Poppy thought for a moment, her head down again, concentrating on her coffee mug, -well, you -(TM)ve never been as low as I was then, my self-esteem was rock bottom, you were being nice, and all I wanted to do was make you happy. The sex, mmm, yes, it fucking hurt, it hurt a lot, but it was also incredibly hot, because it was sex with love, and I -(TM)d never had that before. Also, yeah, it hurt, but nowhere near as much as the hurt I -(TM)d suffered before, so I just kind of lived with it, until Nita told me off, and she explained what would happen to me if I didn -(TM)t abstain for a bit. - It was my turn to stop and think, I filled the time by fetching the coffee pot and refilling our mugs. -I feel bad that I hurt you... - -Don -(TM)t feel bad, dad, what did I tell you that first morning when I wanted to give you a blow job in your office? - -You said that if you offer sex, it -(TM)s because you want to have sex. - -Yes, and I still stand by that. Every time I had sex with you it -(TM)s because I initiated the sex, you have always been a perfect gentleman, with all of us. It -(TM)s always been us girls seducing you, dad, never the other way round. Sometimes we may have been responding to the lustful looks you were giving us, but even then, we could have just ignored you and you -(TM)d have gone away and had a cold shower or something. - I reached across the table, Poppy let go of her mug and held my hand, -I love you Poppy, right from the moment we met, there was something about you that spoke to me. - She let go of my hand, ran around the table and flung herself into my arms, tears flooded her eyes and ran down her cheeks, -I love you so much dad, without you I -(TM)d be dead, I don -(TM)t think I can ever do enough to thank you. - I ran my fingers soothingly though her long, fine hair, -all your work with the charity, that -(TM)s your thanks to the world, I don -(TM)t need any thanks. - She climbed onto my lap and hugged me until her tears subsided, -you know, - she whispered, almost inaudibly because her face was buried in my chest, -every so often, Belle reminds me I -(TM)ve not had sex with you in ages, - she sensed I was about to speak and stopped me with a quick kiss, -it -(TM)s OK, I just want you to know that it -(TM)s nothing to do with you, I love you as much now as I did before, probably more if I -(TM)m honest. No, it -(TM)s because Belle has made me realise how hollow my life was before, I was just having sex, I wasn -(TM)t making love. With Belle, when we make love that -(TM)s exactly what it is. No matter how good the sex was with you, and it was amazing, I never quite felt what I feel with Belle. So, for now, I -(TM)m just with Belle. I realise this is one of those cliched it -(TM)s not you, it -(TM)s me moments, but I -(TM)m being completely honest, I -(TM)m Belle -(TM)s girl. - I said nothing for a moment, Poppy took that as a sign she -(TM)d upset me, she started to cry again, I lifted her off my chest for a moment and kissed her, -I -(TM)m not upset, I -(TM)m glad you -(TM)ve found your place in the world. - -You -(TM)re not mad because I -(TM)m being a tease? - -How are you a tease? Do you somehow think that because you -(TM)re beautiful and in my house, that you should pay me with sex? - -Well no, but we had a relationship and it kind of feels like I -(TM)ve dumped you for Belle. - -If anyone should be upset at you it -(TM)s Katie, and she isn -(TM)t. We both know it -(TM)s Belle you need, not us. - -Mmm, I guess. And I bet Jenny -(TM)s relieved she -(TM)s got you full time, well, until Belle wants to have sex again. - I had to laugh at that, -Yeah, and when that happens Jenny will be more than happy to swap places with Belle and spend time with you. - That brought a proper smile to Poppy -(TM)s lips, -I -(TM)m so lucky to have such sexy parents. - -And we -(TM)re lucky to have such sexy kids. - Poppy slipped off my lap, she gave me a quick kiss and returned to her seat. -Are we good now? - I asked. -I think so. I -(TM)m glad we -(TM)ve had this chat, even though I -(TM)m going to have to fix my make-up and change my top, - she paused for a moment as she wriggled in her seat, -mmm, and change my panties, I got a bit wet sitting on your lap, - she added as she stood to leave the kitchen, -I might have to ravish Belle when I get upstairs. - I looked up at the kitchen clock, -what time do you want to go into London? - -Well, it -(TM)ll take me about 20 minutes to properly ravish Belle, then another 30 minutes to get ready... - she replied as she turned to leave the kitchen, she paused by my side and brought her lips to mine, she kissed me, a long sensual kiss like we used to share. We were panting as we parted, she steadied herself with a hand on my lap, -mmm, sorry about that, maybe you could ravish Jenny while I do Belle, then tonight... - she paused, thinking, -maybe tonight, we could swap places. - -You mean, you sleep with Jenny, I -(TM)m sure she -(TM)d be OK with that. - -No, I thought about what I just said, and I was lying to myself, I miss sleeping with you, Alex, it -(TM)s different to Belle, but I -(TM)d still like to have you inside me sometimes... - Before I could answer she ran from the kitchen, I washed the mugs, cleaned and refilled the coffee maker then went upstairs, Jenny was just waking as I walked into the bedroom. -Is everything alright honey, I just heard someone running upstairs. - -Ahh, that -(TM)ll be Poppy, we just had a long talk. - -Oh, is she OK? - -I really don -(TM)t know, - I replied, scratching my head as I ran both hands through my hair in frustration, -I wanted a chat because we -(TM)ve not spoken properly in ages, I just wanted a chat like we did when she first came here. I wanted to know why she constantly offered me sex, it was nice, I -(TM)m not complaining, but it was unnecessary, you know, now we -(TM)ve all grown up together, I wanted to understand her motivation. - -Did you get the answer you wanted? - -Kind of, then she apologises for not sleeping with me in ages, I tell her it -(TM)s OK, Belle fulfils all her needs. - -Which is true, we -(TM)ve already established that, - Jenny agrees. -Yes, that -(TM)s what I thought. - -So why are you looking all confused. - -Because I think you -(TM)re in Belle -(TM)s room tonight. - Jenny sat up in shock, -Really! I -(TM)m like not complaining or anything, Belle -(TM)s a lot of fun, if a bit tiring, both physically and mentally, but you just did a complete 180 there. - -I know, I -(TM)m as confused as you are. - -Did she put that tent pole in your pants? - I looked down, -yeah, she did, it started when she had a big cry and sat on me, then she found she was horny after sitting on my lap, kissed me like she used to, then ran away after suggesting we sleep together tonight. - -Hence the running earlier. - -Yes. - -Anyway, I think the first job, before we try to figure out what Poppy wants, is to fix your little problem. - So I slipped into bed, and I -(TM)m sure you can figure out the rest yourselves. Belle and Poppy were in the kitchen eating toast thickly spread with Nutella, when Jenny and I made it downstairs an hour later. -Hey girls, - Jenny announced cheerily, -how are we this morning? - -We -(TM)re good, - Poppy replied, not a hint of the hesitation or nervousness she -(TM)d betrayed earlier, clearly her session with Belle had cheered her up. -We -(TM)re great actually, - Belle added, -Poppy just blew my mind, I wasn -(TM)t even awake when she started. - -That -(TM)s err, great, - Jenny replied, -your dad did much the same to me, something must have put lead in their pencils this morning. - Poppy grinned at me, we -(TM)re good, I think. -So, you -(TM)re both off to St Paul -(TM)s today? - -Yes, dad -(TM)s coming as well, - Belle replied brightly, -Poppy asked him earlier, must have been before she woke me. - -I just thought it would be better if it looked like belong to somebody, you know, not just a couple of random teenage girls. - Jenny nodded, -I get that, Lia would have been OK to take you, she -(TM)s an adult. - -She is, but I like to hold dad -(TM)s hand when I -(TM)m nervous. - -I get that too. Don -(TM)t be too long, we -(TM)re expected at the Savoy around 2 o -(TM)clock apparently. - -Lia and Katie have our clothes in their case, they -(TM)ll take them so we can just go straight there. - -That -(TM)s a good idea, what about you mister, have you got your suit ready for me to take? - -I thought I -(TM)d go in these clothes, - I replied, she slapped my leg, hard. -I will not have you embarrassing my kids by turning up at the Savoy in jeans! - -Ouch! I -(TM)ll get my suit and shirt when I -(TM)ve had more coffee, - I laughed. -See that you do, Actually, tonight is so important, I -(TM)d rather Poppy picked your outfit, could you do that for me, honey? - Poppy looked up in surprise, -seriously? You want me to pick dad -(TM)s outfit? - -Yes please, there -(TM)ll be press and hopefully TV there, we all need to look spectacular, although nobody is going to match you Belle, and Katie. - -I still don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)m wearing tonight! - Belle sulked. -You -(TM)re going to love you dress, I guarantee it, - Poppy assured her, -have I ever lied to you? - -No, - Belle answered, her bottom lip still quivering. -Maisie Williams wore it first, the lady in the shop wanted £5,000 for it, but then we told her why we wanted it, and she gave it us, for free! - -Five grand! - Belle cried, -You -(TM)re shitting me! You want me to wear a dress that -(TM)s worth £5,000 in a place where there -(TM)s food, and I have to walk places, are you insane? - -It -(TM)s perfect for you though, all the pretty ladies that will be there tonight, and all eyes will be on you and Katie. - -Why not you though, and Lia, you -(TM)re both more beautiful than me. - Poppy put her finger to Belle -(TM)s lips, we -(TM)re not having this argument again, you -(TM)re the most beautiful person God -(TM)s green earth, she sent you here to save me, Belle, and she made you beautiful so I -(TM)d find you. - -But you and Lia have got boobs! - -And because we -(TM)ve got boobs we can -(TM)t wear either of the dresses we got from the shop, big boobs aren -(TM)t always an asset. - Belle was quiet, we held our breath, had she actually conceded an argument for the first time? -Humpf, - she sighed before she stomped off upstairs, Poppy shrugged and ran after her. Jenny looked at me and burst out laughing, -I -(TM)m putting that down as a win for Poppy. Do you want some toast? - -Yes please. - I replied as I poured the last of the coffee into a couple of mugs. Poppy returned about 10 minutes later; walking up to the table she sat on my knee and drank some of my coffee, she kissed me quickly on the cheek, -Belle -(TM)s cleaning your best shoes, she -(TM)ll be down in a minute. I think you -(TM)ll like what we -(TM)ve picked for you, you won -(TM)t let us down. - -Thank you, - Jenny replied, -I knew you -(TM)d make good choices. - -Err, mum, you know how you... - -It -(TM)s OK, - Jenny replied before Poppy could finish the question, -I had a chat with your dad earlier. - -You don -(TM)t know what I -(TM)m going to ask. - -You sitting on your dad -(TM)s knee is a big clue. - -Ahh, am I being obvious? - -You want to sleep with Alex tonight, and it -(TM)s fine, I know you -(TM)ve been trying to be faithful to Belle... - -It -(TM)s not just that ... oh god, I don -(TM)t know how to explain it. Belle -(TM)s my life, she completes me, and she should be all I need. - -But Belle has slept with Alex a few times since she arrived. - -She completes me, I don -(TM)t know if I complete Belle. - Poppy was becoming distressed again, I wrapped her in my arms and held her tightly, -Belle -(TM)s told me a few times how much you mean to her, you -(TM)re her whole life, Poppy. She loves you absolutely. - -I -(TM)m being silly aren -(TM)t I. - -Not really, - Jenny assured her, -you -(TM)ve had a stressful week, and tonight will also be stressful, if a lot of fun at the same time. Of course your brain will decide to feel insecure just when you really don -(TM)t need it to act like an arsehole. - Poppy giggled, -it is being an arsehole. - -So, back to what you -(TM)ve not managed to ask, yes, it -(TM)s fine, you can sleep with Alex tonight, but I -(TM)m hoping the beds are big enough for us to share. - -Oh wow, that would be a lot of fun. And if we can share, we can let someone else have our room. - -~That would be nice, maybe Jeremy. - -Oh gosh, yes, it -(TM)ll be nice to let him have a treat, but he might have to go home to his kids. - A commotion upstairs stopped further discussion. -What on earth is going on upstairs, - Jenny asked as we heard the clatter of footsteps. -Oh my god! - Lia cried, -read this! - she demanded as she thrust her phone at Poppy. Poppy read the WhatsApp message -Hey Lia, I -(TM)ve given my room to my cousins, so could you ask Katie if it -(TM)s OK if I bunk with you two tonight? - -Wow! - Jenny gasped, -and what has Katie said? - -I think she -(TM)s as excited as I am. I know we had a lot of fun kissing for the cameras, but this, it -(TM)s quite a step. - Poppy wriggled and I let go so she could join Lia, -You -(TM)re such a beautiful woman, Lia. Marina -(TM)s a lucky Princess. Just don -(TM)t let her break your heart. - Lia pulled Poppy close and hugged her, -I -(TM)ve no illusions that she -(TM)s serious, but do you blame me for taking advantage off her? - Poppy laughed, -hahaha, you go girl! But, err, don -(TM)t break her heart. - -I -(TM)ll try not to. I kind of thought I was just a bit of rough for her, you know, but she -(TM)s really keen on helping the charity. - -There must be a reason for that, I wonder if she -(TM)s lost someone to the streets... - Poppy pondered. -Maybe, anyway, you need to get going if you -(TM)re going to get to St Pauls, we need to be in the Savoy for 2 o -(TM)clock so we can make a start on decorating the room. - -Belle -(TM)s packing dad -(TM)s case, are you OK taking it as well? - -Yeah, no problem, we can all take two small cases each, Jeremy -(TM)s coming round in the van, so we don -(TM)t even need to carry them. - We arrived at St Paul -(TM)s just as a morning service had finished. Poppy held my hand as we wove around the exiting worshippers. -Bishops wear purple, don -(TM)t they? - Belle whispered. -Yes, - I replied as I scanned the huge space in front of us. -There -(TM)s one over there, and it -(TM)s a lady! - Belle hissed, -I -(TM)ll go and talk to her. - -Hold on! - Poppy whispered as she grabbed Belle -(TM)s arm, -what are you going to say to her? - -I -(TM)ll say my sister wants a quick word, I won -(TM)t say why. - Poppy released Belle -(TM)s arm, and she scurried quickly across the cathedral in pursuit of the retreating bishop. We saw the bishop turn and smile at Belle, we couldn -(TM)t hear what was said, but after a moment Belle waved for us to come over. As we approached, the bishop smiled at us and waved her arm to indicate we should join them in a small side chapel. -Hello -, she greeted us warmly, shaking our hands before we took our seats, -my name is Sophie, Belle says you need to speak to me. - -Mmm, - Poppy replied hesitantly, -this seemed a much better idea earlier in the week. - -It -(TM)s OK Poppy, you can tell me anything, I don -(TM)t judge anyone. - -How do you know my name? - Poppy asked, instantly suspicious. -Belle told me, and I saw you on TV a few weeks ago. I -(TM)m wondering if you -(TM)ve come to ask for our help with your charity. - -Err, no, I haven -(TM)t, I didn -(TM)t even think of that. OK, - Poppy paused to steel herself, -here goes ... while I was on the streets I witnessed a lot of horrible things, some I was involved in, some I was a horrified bystander. - -I understand, - Bishop Sophie replied as Poppy paused for breath, -I worked with a few street-based charities in my last parish. -People died, - Poppy whispered, her head down so she was almost inaudible. -Did you kill anyone? - -Oh no! people, men, killed my friends, and some of my friends killed the men. - -Are you here to confess something, Poppy, I can hear your confession, in private if you wish. - -Nooo! I -(TM)m not here to confess, I -(TM)m here to apologise. - -Ahh, OK. - -So, earlier this week I told the police a lot of heavy stuff to help them clear up some cases. This was after I finally remembered where I was gang raped a few months ago, a girl died there, a girl called Amaraja Kingsepp... - -Ahh, this is the girl who was found at the weekend? - -Yes, I was meant to die then too. When I -(TM)d remembered the house, I told our mum, she -(TM)s a detective, and she searched the house, saying she -(TM)d had an anonymous tip to keep my name out of the investigation. Over the weekend I thought about Misha, that -(TM)s the name we knew Amaraja by, and about all the other people who -(TM)d died, including my birth mother, Nikki, all connected to me, and the police would never be able to figure out what was going on without knowing I was the link... - -These people who died, why were they killed? - -Two people connected to me, friends, independently took it upon themselves to avenge my death. - -But you -(TM)re not dead, - Bishop Sophie replied, obviously confused. -Ahh, but they didn -(TM)t know that. They knew I -(TM)d been taken, and after I escaped, Alex here, he found me, I was nearly dead. He took me in and with his sister and her girlfriend -(TM)s help, they nursed me back to health. My friends back on the street, they all thought I was dead, and it was a little while before I was well enough to go out and find someone to let them know I was OK. - -Ahh, I see. So the people who avenged your death, what happened to them? - -One has been moved across the country, to a treatment centre, she -(TM)s not well. - -And the other? - -He -(TM)s still out there, doing very good work to help kids on the streets. - -Ahh, OK. Please, continue with your story. - -So yeah, I decided I really had to come clean, so mum arranged for me to speak to her boss, he was the man on the telly with us, DCS Williamson. I went with Belle and Alex and told him everything I could tell him, all I left out is the names of the two people who prematurely avenged my death. I think he understood my reason for not giving them up, they -(TM)re no danger to anyone else. -While we were talking after I -(TM)d given my statement, I found out I had a criminal record. This surprised me, as I don -(TM)t ever remember being arrested... - -~Yes, because you were all superior when you found out I -(TM)d been arrested, - Belle chipped in. Poppy laughed, -what was that other word you used? - -Hoity toity! - -Yes! That -(TM)s a much better word. Anyway, our mum, Jenny, she told me I -(TM)d been arrested last year, and seeing as I had no memory of it, she -(TM)d decided not to tell me about it, instead she -(TM)d requested the record be deleted because the prosecution had been dropped, she said I -(TM)d been de-arrested. I asked her to tell me why I -(TM)d been arrested, I was curious as for the life of me I couldn -(TM)t ever remember being in a police station. - -You don -(TM)t have to tell me why you were arrested, but if you do, I won -(TM)t ever judge you, neither will God. - Poppy gave Bishop Sophie a lob-sided smile, -you might judge me once you -(TM)ve heard what I did. How long have you been Bishop here? - -Three years now. - -Ahh, so you might already know about this incident. Since mum reminded me, I -(TM)ve remembered the whole sorry incident. -It was a horrible night, cold, wet and windy. I came in here to get some shelter, to dry out a bit. It was about 8 in the evening, I think. I was in the middle of a really bad part of my life, and I was very drunk, not stoned or anything, I -(TM)d come off drugs, but I -(TM)d had a lot of cheap cider. I sat in that little chapel over there, - Poppy pointed across to the north. -St Dunstan -(TM)s Chapel? - Bishop Sophie asked. -If you say so, I -(TM)m afraid I just stumbled in there and sat at the front, looking at the candles. I was quiet, not bothering anyone, but this lady came up to me and demanded I leave. She was very rude. I don -(TM)t like rude people, and I -(TM)m afraid I didn -(TM)t react well, I swore at her, which was wrong, I know, but I was a different person then. - She paused for a moment, and I passed her a tissue to wipe her eyes. -So, she goes away and I lay down across the seats and fell asleep. The next thing I know, a policeman is shaking me roughly and demanding I leave immediately. At this point it seems I opened my shirt and flashed my boobs at the policeman and everyone in the cathedral. And for this I apologise most sincerely. I -(TM)m a very different person now and I -(TM)m horrified by my actions that night. - I saw that Bishop Sophie was trying hard not to smile, she reached out and put her hand on Poppy -(TM)s, -I have to say that -(TM)s far from the worst behaviour I -(TM)ve seen in here. - -All the same, I was 14, I shouldn -(TM)t have been flashing my boobs to anyone, especially a policeman in a cathedral. - -To be fair, you were only showing God -(TM)s work in God -(TM)s house. Anyway, you sound genuinely contrite to me Poppy, clearly shocked by your actions. You have come here to apologise in person, and I accept your apology, you -(TM)re forgiven Poppy. - Poppy reached out and pulled Belle close, they hugged for a while, tears running down both their cheeks. -Are you religious, Poppy? - Bishop Sophie asked after she -(TM)d composed herself once more. -Ahh, no. I -(TM)m sorry, but I -(TM)ve seen too much badness to believe that someone is up there watching over us. Why would they let someone rape a 15-year-old girl to death? - -But you still came here to apologise. - -Well yes, because even though I don -(TM)t believe, some people do, and I -(TM)d offended them, I -(TM)d done something I shouldn -(TM)t in their house of worship. - -Poppy, I -(TM)ve seen people making love in the pews, what you did was just a natural act of defiance, you tried to shock a policeman by showing them God -(TM)s glory. The police are basically unshockable anyway. - Poppy laughed aloud, -that -(TM)s so true, I know our mum wouldn -(TM)t be the slightest bit shocked if someone flashed her. I have friend is religious, he works for the Salvation Army. - -Does he, they do a lot of good work on the streets. - -Yes, Jeremy saved my life, twice. He gave me my name the first time he saved my life. I was so wasted I couldn -(TM)t even remember my own name. It was November and they were selling poppies, so he called me Poppy. - -It suits you. What -(TM)s your real name? - -It -(TM)s really Poppy now. I changed it legally when Alex and Jenny adopted me. I was called Melanie. Belle was called Amelia before, but she -(TM)s legally Belle now. - Bishop laid her hands on Poppy and Belle, -you might not believe in God, but God believes in you Poppy, and you Belle. He sent Jeremy to save you, so you could fulfil your destiny. - -How do you know God is male? - Belle asked. Bishop Sophie smiled at Belle, a broad, genuine smile, -if you believe every word of the bible, it clearly says he -(TM)s male. - -Yeah, but the bible was written by men to further the aims of a patriarchal society, - Belle replied indignantly. Bishop Sophie actually laughed at Belle -(TM)s answer, -that -(TM)s so very true, Belle. I -(TM)m one of only a few female bishops in this country. We know all too well the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. So yeah, God could be female, they could be gender-fluid. I personally don -(TM)t have an opinion on the subject. I do know that they love you Belle, and you Poppy, and you Alex. - Poppy was quiet for a few moments, when she finally spoke it was again barely audible, her words muffled by her chest, -I -(TM)ve done such bad things, I was an addict, I was a prostitute... - -According to many sources, Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, she was a friend of Jesus, some say she was his lover, she certainly was one of the women who found his empty tomb when they went to anoint his body. -No matter what bad things you think you -(TM)ve done, if you -(TM)re truly sorry, God will forgive you. - -Is there any limit to what he will forgive? - -No, there isn -(TM)t. The only requirement is that you apologise from your heart, that you are truly sorry about what you -(TM)ve done, and that you do your best not to do it again. - -And if I want to find out more about God, what can I do? - -That -(TM)s easy, find a church you like, and go there. You don -(TM)t have to go every week, people have busy lives now, but try to go as often as you can. Not all churches are the same, and some aren -(TM)t as welcoming as we are here, but once you -(TM)ve found one you like, speak to one of the people there and ask about bible classes. Tell them about your charity, they -(TM)ll probably be happy to help. - -Thank you, Bishop Sophie... - -Just Sophie, please. - -Thank you Sophie, you can -(TM)t imagine how much better this has made me feel. - -That -(TM)s how forgiveness works. - Poppy got up to leave, she paused for a second then wrapped her arms round a startled Bishop, she hugged Sophie for a few moments then pulled back. -Err, I -(TM)m sorry about that, I was carried away. - -No need to apologise, there -(TM)s nothing to forgive there. - -Excuse me, - Belle asked as we were about to leave, -could I ask something, please? - -Of course you can. - -Those people you saw, err, having sex here. What did you do about it? - Bishop Sophie laughed, -we thought it best to leave them to it, they were the only people here, and they weren -(TM)t too, err, noisy. People sometimes get carried away, and I -(TM)m not about to judge anyone. - -Well, that -(TM)s not fair, - Poppy mock sulked, -I got arrested for showing my boobs, but they got away with having sex here. - -Sometimes life isn -(TM)t fair, - Sophie replied, -anyway, before you go, let -(TM)s get back to your charity. We have quite a large outreach network here, I -(TM)m sure there -(TM)s ways we could help you. - Poppy looked at Belle, something unspoken passed between them in that look, Belle smiled, -Poppy -(TM)s launching the charity officially tonight, at the Savoy, we -(TM)d love you to be our guest. - -The Savoy? That -(TM)s a grand place to launch your charity. - -Our sister -(TM)s friend Lady Marina got us the room and help Lia organise everything. - Bishop Sophie reached inside her cassock and pulled out her phone, -this is on silent, it would be awkward if someone phoned me during a service, - she told us, -I -(TM)ll just check my calendar, and yes, I have nothing on tonight. - -Amazing! - Belle cried, -we -(TM)ll make sure your name is on the door, and we -(TM)ll ask Lia to find you, so she can compare notes about the type of help we need. - -I think it kicks off at 7:30, with the meal at 9:00, - Poppy added. Bishop Sophie looked up as we heard rapid footsteps approaching, -ahh, I -(TM)ve got to go, I -(TM)m late for a meeting, I -(TM)ll see you all tonight, I -(TM)m looking forward to it already. - -She was so nice! - Belle gushed as we walked down Peter -(TM)s Hill to Victoria Embankment, it being a nice day we -(TM)d decided to walk along the river rather than take the tube. -There -(TM)s a church across the park if you want to go one Sunday, - I offered as turned onto Victoria Embankment. -Why are you suddenly interested in God? - Belle asked. -Bishop Sophie, she seemed so calm, so sure about life, I -(TM)d like to learn more. I also want to see what went wrong with Maisie -(TM)s dad, why he became evil even though he claims to be a man of God. - -Ahh, OK, I think I -(TM)ll join you in that quest. - A few minutes later we turned off Victoria Embankment onto Savoy Place, in the distance we saw Jeremy -(TM)s grey van pull up outside the hotel, the girls set off running to meet their sisters. I held back, thinking of the night ahead, praying to whoever would listen that everything goes smoothly with the launch.