~ DEATH IS JUST THE BEGINNING ~
 JM Dragon 2003

© 2003 by JM Dragon
Email: jmdragon@jmdragon.net

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Love/Sex:..This story features strongly implied consensual relationship between adult women. If this bothers you, is illegal in the State, Province or Country you live or if you are  under the age of 18, find something else to read. There are loads of general stories out there.

Language:..Some strong language.

Violence:..Some violence in this story.

Hurt/Comfort:..There are scenes of heartache to be dealt with by the characters.

Dedication:..This story could have been my final one, but isn’t. Thank you to all those readers who offered genuine support and continue to read, not only my stories, but others too, we all appreciate your wonderful feedback. This story is simply for you.

Acknowlegement: My beta readers, Alice, Packer and Mel thank you as always, special thanks to T and Ephany for reading over the final draft as a double check.

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Part Eleven

Up there:

“I was remiss in sending you back, it was far too early in your redemption process, and I now realise that. However, it hasn’t caused any major problem, everything is as it should be.”

The Custodian wasn’t sure if that meant what he wanted it to mean or it was merely something that his superior wanted him convinced it should be. His senior had been hauled over the coals for what had happened recently, allowing newbies to go it alone without proper counsel or back up, which had contravened many rules and ruffled even more feathers.

“What of the women?”

Annoyed at the question those two women had been a proverbial thorn in the side since their arrival and now, as far as he was concerned, it was all over. “They have their truth, exactly what they wanted.”

“Good news. Is it time for me to return them, after all, they are long overdue for placement?”

“Forget them, they will find their own way back! I have more important work for you, come along now.”

The Custodian looked long and hard down at the physical Earth. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be, how could his senior dismiss them placing no importance on their existence, it wasn’t right!

“I can’t, she saved me!” his voice rasped out knowing what this would do to his reputation and chances of a decent relocation in the near future.

“What are you talking about? I saved you from the hell that was tormenting you a long time ago. You are delusional. It sometimes happens when people with your lack of character are sent back…never fear, very soon now you will find peace again. Come, time is wasting we have things to do.”

Closing his eyes for a fraction of a second, which was too long here as his senior disappeared. All he could do was follow and try again to convince him that the women needed help to get back. The only thing amiss with that plan was time truly did pass quickly up here and dependant on the plans his senior had for him, it could be many earth years before that happened…centuries more likely.

* * * * *

The papers had a field day with Snagglenook, as the news leaked of spies, executions and murders running rampant in the village. Even the locals, who were original descendants of those over the centuries, were suspect as traitors to their country. As with all sensational stories, within a week the tabloids would move onto another juicy story line, leaving only the regular authorities to clear up the mess left behind.

Charlie was in shock. Not enough to warrant being in the hospital like her friend who had been rushed there under doctor’s orders and having her stomach pumped out when she’d plucked her from certain death they now knew. Her evidence, as it was, had been required immediately. She had spent hours with the police then government officials who had treated her initially with guarded suspicion eased off as details were checked and verified.  Somewhere in the foray, when she had been floundering, a part of her had felt her hand being held tightly to help her through this. Fanciful thinking she knew, though anything was possible now she thought. Possibly Milly had been with her through it and thinking that way had helped.

Now seventy-two hours after her interrogation and the retrieval of documents pertinent to her claims, she was released and praised for her bravery and fortitude when danger had almost been the death of her also. They even whispered she might end up with a bravery medal in the near future.

To her, that was unimportant, she wanted to see Pru and make sure she was okay. Although she was bone weary, all she could think of was visiting the hospital and here she was, making her way along the corridor to Pru’s room, a bunch of daisies in her hand.

Arriving at the room, the door was slightly ajar and she could hear voices and laughter, presumably Pru’s family. Unable to stop herself she listened to the family banter. There appeared to be at least three unfamiliar male voices and a female one, she knew this was a bad time. Continuing to eavesdrop on the conversations, she heard Pru’s voice, making her smile. All that mattered was her friend was well on the way to recovery and realising she was in the best hands now, people who loved her.

The thought, although wonderful, had a depressing effect as she turned to leave…she would be no more than an intruder in a family get together. Perhaps tomorrow she would drop by and see her before the detective left the area for good. Tired beyond belief, yawning heavily and her feet feeling like lead, she knew she needed to get some rest anyway. She would miss the bird like woman in her life, whenever they were together it was simply…perfect!

* * * * *

“You can’t let this happen, Packer, I refuse to believe you will.” Violet watched the dejected figure of Charlie turn away from the detective’s room. The woman had been through so much and for the sake of idiotic pride, was going to just turn her back and not say anything. Chances were, she would never return. Human nature always found something else to do when forced into a difficult, emotional situation.

“Give it a rest, please, you have been hassling me for days. If it’s not moaning that I didn’t go to the police station when Charlie was interrogated, it’s this! What the heck do you want me to do, for pity’s sake?”

“You should have been with her through all that! She needed your support, as it was, I held her hand through it all. One of us had to because Pru wasn’t able! I wonder if you do have a heart, Packer, I really do.”

“I have a heart or did, not sure what you would call it now.” Milly watched, in what to her, was slow motion, Charlie walking away from the detective’s room. What did she need to do? Nothing at all! Charlie didn’t want to stay and that was okay by her.

“She can’t share anything with you, Packer. Not your touch, your bed or expressions of your love, though that’s debatable…okay, I’ll detract that, for now.” Violet eyed the woman with a mixture of distaste and pity. Packer was still living in the past. Wonder why she was so bitter with the world the way it was going? She might eventually find out if they didn’t get back up there soon.

After a few seconds of them both watching Charlie move further away from Pru’s room, “Anyone ever tell you that you don’t mask your punches?”

The rush of adrenaline she felt at the inadequacies of her position hit her hard and the small library table slid in front of Charlie, barring her way to such an extent she knocked it over and books flew everywhere.

The commotion caused enough clamour to have people pop their heads out of various rooms to look at what the entire hubbub was.

Charlie, embarrassed at the mess, quickly mouthed sorry to those close to her as she scrambled to pick up the volumes scattered on the polished floor. A broad shouldered man stood at the entrance of the door to Pru’s room smiling kindly at the large woman picking up the books that were strewn along the corridor.

“Want some help?” he grinned good-naturedly and Charlie was struck by something familiar about him.
 
“That’s okay you keep Pru…company,” the man looked at her closely then his smile grew wider.

“How about I clear up the mess and you keep my sister company. She’s been waiting for you, Charlie isn’t it?” His voice so sincere and friendly Charlie could do little but smile back at him. Placing an errant book in his hands, she left him to clear up her mess walking shyly into the hospital room he had vacated.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Charlie was welcomed as part of the family when she arrived inside the room, especially from grateful parents who thanked her for their daughter’s life. All Charlie could do was gaze at Pru and have the stare returned with as much affection if not more. Perhaps there was some merit in putting your life at risk…you might find someone to love.

“You did good, Packer, always knew you would.”

“You did not!” Milly answered with venom that lasted a fraction of a second until she saw the teasing eyes of her partner in crime or should it be death.

“Have it your way, its time you know.”

“Time for what, exactly?”

“For us to go. We know what happened, we found the truth, maybe that’s the answer to the puzzle.” Milly gave her a concentrated frown. They hoped they didn’t have to spend too much more time together, it would probably end up with them strangling each other, if that would have any meaning, she highly doubted it.

“It couldn’t be that straightforward could it? Nothing else has been.”

“True, we can hope. I think we still have that left.” Violet walked towards the end of the corridor. If they couldn’t go back up there, at least they could leave this place. Their time here was done, everything accomplished, barring Ransome’s capture, but the authorities were looking for him.

“Where are you going?” Milly looked back towards the detective’s hospital room. She hadn’t spoken to Charlie yet and she wanted to, if to do no more than say sorry; and she was very, very sorry for her infidelity in the past.

“Home,” Violet replied as she left the building.

Musing over that single word, Milly wondered what it meant. They really didn’t have a home, did they?

“Hey, wait for me!” she gathered pace and followed Violet out of the building.

* * * * *

Charlie had enjoyed the hour with Pru’s family. They had welcomed her as one of them and over the short period of time, she felt they meant every word. Her heart swelled with pride at some of their comments and she was equally embarrassed when they praised her bravery to which she replied it had been their daughter’s influence that had manifested her courage.

As the family left to go for lunch knowing their daughter was in capable hands, Mr. Sullivan spoke to Charlie on his way out, “Should you ever want to join a detective agency, Ms. Bootle, I’m first in line for your services, okay?”

Charlie grinned in pleasure knowing it was a passing remark, nothing substantial. “Thanks, you’ll be the first to know.”

“I doubt that.” He winked at her and left the room closing the door behind him.

Turning back to Pru, Charlie smiled warmly, “your family is nice.”

“Nice! Charlie, don’t be silly. They are concerned for my welfare. They love me and now they love you, nice doesn’t cover it, I’m afraid.” Pru still felt like a thousand horses had trampled her stomach though tomorrow, the doctor had said, she could go home and her mother had been there, bad idea. Home meant that, in the maternal sense, she wasn’t going into any more danger for sometime if her mother had the last word.

“I think that’s going a little far, don’t you? They hardly know me and your Dad was being nice about the job in the agency.”

Rolling her eyes, Pru chuckled softly before reaching out and clasping Charlie’s hand. “My Dad never says anything he doesn’t mean. If you want to be a detective, he’ll be first in line with a contract, trust me.”

“Why? I haven’t done anything. You were the detective, I just tagged along for the ride.”

Pru grinned she loved this woman…wow had she thought that? A tender smile tugged at her lips, God, what an admission, but so very true.

“Tell me what happened please?” Pru clutched the large hand. It was firm, calloused in places, but to her, pleasantly so. This was her Charlie and nothing could change that.

“After I took you from the Forest Green, Riddle committed suicide with his shotgun, at least at the moment that’s the verdict. Ransome has disappeared he might have been responsible. They have put an all bulletins out for him, so far no luck. Jenny Gilmore committed suicide after taking a sleeping draught similar to the one you had, except they were too late to help her. Adding silently, thank goodness.  The police are not ruling out suspicious circumstances. However, she did leave a note, therefore more than likely suicide. They searched her place and found a strong box containing incriminating evidence that involved her, Riddle, Ransome and Sam Cransky! I was shocked, but now I’m sickened. He minced up the remains and sold it to the farms for the animal feed. Can you believe it, Pru; I fed some of the animals on the farm human remains! I…” Her tears fell fast and furious. How could she have lived with herself if Milly had been a victim in that way? Fortunately for her, Milly’s body had been spared such a gruesome end.

As if in tune with her, Pru spoke softly, “Millicent was saved that terrible fate, Charlie, at least we have that to be thankful for.”

Leaning closer, Charlie held onto both of Pru’s hands, “Thank you.” Her tears trailed unashamedly down her cheeks.

“Thank me, for what?” Pru didn’t understand, but knew Charlie would tell her in her own time.

“For understanding everything.” Wiping away as many tears as possible she smiled, “Guess I’m a little emotional right about now.”

Pru watched her with tenderness. No doubt about it, her dad might want Charlie in the business, but she wanted her in her life full stop. “I love you, Charlie, everything about you. You make me feel safe when danger surrounds me…it’s incredible. I want, no, need to understand you. Thank you for coming into my life.”

What could she say? The woman was probably feeling sorry for her. “I…I care about you too, Pru.”

“I think you more than care, Charlie. That’s okay, we’ll work on it, if you don’t mind.”

Charlie looked directly into sparkly eyes, this was all she ever wanted, craved, desired, whatever one wanted to call it. At one time, she had thought she had it all with Milly, but that had been on shifting sands, her lover’s affairs had proved that. This felt different, a dream maybe, but a wonderful one and she would make it happen. Pru was worth it more so than Milly. A part of her knew Pru wouldn’t cheat on her and it felt right, as simple as that. “I don’t mind at all, whenever you want.”

“Really, how about now?” Taking the larger woman’s face in her hands she moved closer and sealed the question with a kiss, a promise for a new beginning.

* * * * *

The old oak tree basked in the sunshine that dappled through its branches shedding light on the two figures sitting next to each other under the boughs. Neither spoke, each contemplating what to do next or what might happen to them next.

“Okay, run it by me again. What did the senior Custodian say?”  Milly couldn’t believe they were trapped here. Better yet, abandoned! They couldn’t do that, could they?

“We have to find the code before we could go back.”

“You accepted that. What aren’t you telling me?” Violet had to be keeping secrets, she was a spy, and they did that kind of thing well.

“Nothing, that’s all he said.”

“Did you have a choice, could you have stayed up there? Is that why you were gone so long? Damn, I knew it!” Milly’s mind rushed on like a steam train.

“What? What do you know or what do you think you knew? Nothing I bet, nothing at all! You are so full of your own esteem. Take a good look at your track record.”

“You are so…God, so bloody pious it’s unbelievable! I doubt even the Pope can hold a candle to you. I confess it all! I made mistakes and I had affairs! I wasn’t perfect. What are you going to do, sue me?” Standing up Milly looked at the village. It no longer felt like home. Nothing did really, except maybe one thing and that was mind blowing in the extreme.

“I can’t believe you said all that garbage! Go back to old faithful Charlie! I hope you both will be very happy together.” The comment was spiteful, but reflected what she thought at this time. Standing alongside the much taller woman she gave her one last look and walked away.

For several seconds Milly allowed Violet to go then realised that she was the only thing in her life that had any meaning anymore, familiar and stable when everything else was fluctuating around them. “Where are you going?”

“As far away from you as possible.”

That simple statement hit Millicent harder than an axe to the head could have done. She didn’t want to be alone, she really didn’t. Her selfish desires would always raise their head she just knew it.

“I thought you couldn’t go back without me.“ A long shot she knew, but what else could she say.

“Ah, that’s where you are wrong. I went back, remember.”

Musing over the comment for a few moments Milly wondered…

“Sure you did, but you came back, why?”

Violet stopped in her tracks, why exactly had she come back? Was it primarily for the truth or was it that underlying feeling that not only Charlie and Pru needed her, but this woman as well? Not that she had any romantic feelings for the woman, she didn’t. Though she could give her a great testimony on her kissing skills.

“What’s so funny?” Milly perplexed at the strange smile that crossed the smaller woman’s lips.
 
“Nothing, maybe you.” Waiting for the usual irate reaction. She was pleasantly surprised when all she received was a turn of the head and a glint in the eyes she refused to analyze.

“We made a great team, Violet.”

Violet’s back stiffened. Damn this woman, she knew how to press the buttons. “Yes we did, sometimes!”

“I’m sorry, Violet, I’ll try harder. Do you mind if I come too, please?” For the first time in her life Milly did feel remorse for her attitude.

“I have one stipulation you have to meet, otherwise we go separate ways.”

“Absolutely, name it.”

Violet bit down on her lip, she had to say this. It was causing her far too much confusion and they had enough of that at the moment. “When you want me to get angry try another cause and effect, please.”

For a few moments Milly didn’t understand, her frown cleared as it clicked. Violet was talking about the kisses!

“I had the impression…okay, forget it. I can do that.” Grinning as wide as a barn door.

“You better or I’ll leave you.” Violet felt a pang at that comment herself. She and Packer were partners, whatever that meant. All she knew was that it called to her and that was something she had never experienced before. Maybe this was what they called a true friendship.

Milly gasped from the pain that comment caused. Hell, the woman might be more under her skin than she expected. How irony taunted her by having a straight woman as her partner and one she was beginning to like perhaps too much. “Okay, you got it, where to now?”

Violet turned, her eyes sparkling, “I’ve always wanted to see the world. What better way, we don’t have to pay. Are you game?”

The lips curling in an enchanting smile were enough for Milly; she capitulated without a murmur.

“The world it is, any objection if I chose where first?”

“Oh, I knew it, you again…it’s all about you!”

They left the grounds of the hospital on their way to…adventures. Death was only the beginning and who knew if they might find further mysteries to tempt them along the way.

The End

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