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Message-ID: <33874asstr$1007611806@assm.asstr-mirror.org>
From: Wanderinglanes@aol.com
Subject: {ASSM} The Girl With A Bicycle - 29 (M.F.g no-sex Slow)
Date: Wed,  5 Dec 2001 23:10:06 -0500
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Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d


The Girl With A Bicycle - 29
By Wandering Lanes

Codes (no-sex, slow)

We were seated in the courtroom - Sharon and Kylie were still
crying away, I felt numb, victory and defeat in one foul swoop.
I'd managed to get Maria re-established as Becky's caseworker, a
person I trusted to act in Becky's best interest, only to be told
that I couldn't see Becky until the question of her guardianship
had been settled.

We were waiting for Hugh to return, and hopefully tell us what
had gone wrong. I thought I'd had everything worked out, I didn't
even see this coming, Sharon turned to me, and buried her head
into my shoulder, Kylie also came to me, "Doe.. does that mean
I'll never see Becky again?"

I hesitated over my answer, and then said forcefully. "Oh no,
we'll see Becky again don't you worry." but I was still uncertain
as to when.

After a while Hugh, Morgan and the judge reappeared, Morgan
approached us and, after taking a dark look at the judge said.
"Mr. Moore I have been directed to offer you an apology on behalf
of my clients. I have been told that you have offered full
information to the local office of the Social Services in
accordance with the Magistrates court orders." He gave another
dark look to the judge. "Furthermore, I have been instructed to
say that my clients will agree that the results of the
adjudicator, I wish you good luck and goodbye." Somehow I didn't
think he meant that, but I accepted it with forced good humour.

Morgan left the room, not storming out - but I think he would
have done, if he dared.  Hugh came up with the judge. "Mike this
is John Mortimer, QC and Judge, in fact he used to be my senior
at Georges office's, we were quite lucky he was present on the
Bench this morning." 

John said hello then looked at Sharon and Kylie. "Waterworks? I'm
sorry but I did all that I could to help." He turned to me, "I
know this is hard for you, I realise you've done so much for the
child, Hugh's been able to pass me the details of your rescue, I
know that my judgement may seem draconian, but if I wasn't seen
to be following the law there was a chance that my ruling could
be questioned."

Kylie spoke up, "So you're being selfish, that's not fair!"
Sharon tried to quiet Kylie but John smiled.

"I'm sorry young Kylie," he said, "but I'm afraid life isn't
fair, let me explain. Morgan, a terrible man don't know how he
got so far in his profession, had said that Mr. Moore here had
been seeing too much of Becky," Kylie grinned at this point, but
kept quiet, 'he didn't know how much of Becky Uncle Mike had
seen' she thought, John continued "Although I know much about the
case I have to judge on the information given - that was the
reason for meeting Hugh and Morgan in my chambers. I have warned
Morgan that his conduct was not that of a competent solicitor and
that I would be having a word with his chambers regarding his
work, as well as a letter to the Bar Association," 

He turned to Kylie, "That is the people in charge of solicitors
and lawyers in England." He continued, "From the information
given I had to give the ruling," again he turned to Kylie, "Yes I
could have waited for Hugh to provide counter evidence but I've
learned since sitting on the bench that for every argument there
is an equally convincing counter, please think of this as a
cooling off period, you can still send letters to Reb . . I mean
Becky, I know Maria, she's been in my courts several times and
strikes me as a fair person, and she'll pass the letters on. As
for the adjudicator, I know him, he is also a fair man, he will
listen to all the witnesses and come up with a fair solution."

Kylie cried out, "Yes, but will it be the right solution, Uncle
Mike wants to look after Becky, she doesn't want to be with
strangers for the rest of her life!" 

John sighed. "Kylie, do you believe that justice will always
prevail?" She nodded, "Do you trust me?" She shook her head, he
sighed again. "Will you believe me when I say things will turn
out for the best?" She thought for a moment then slowly nodded.
He exhaled a long breath of air, "Thank you, now all I can
suggest you do is to go home and wait, you'll get your chance to
speak for Becky. I have to get in touch with Maria, she'll have
to be prepared and she'll also have to get Becky prepared." With
that cryptic ending John got up and left the courtroom.

Hugh watched him go. "You should have seen the way he tore into
Morgan. Incorrect procedure, trying to affect the normal course
of justice, not to mention missing out the vital fact that Becky
was already a ward of court. I don't know what he thought he was
doing? Even the most junior clerk would have known it would be
thrown out. John was patient with him, but even so I don't think
he'll be around these parts much longer." He looked at Sharon and
Kylie. "Believe me John is aware of how you feel, but he is
trying to help, we all want the best for Becky, I have to
convince the adjudicator that Mike here is the best she can look
forward to, please take Johns advice, the adjudicator will be
sending out subpoena to those involved."

I asked "Why subpoena the witnesses, why not just invite them?"

Hugh sighed. "Well some of the people are like Morgan, and would
only appear if we twisted their arms, oh by the way once you have
given evidence you're not allowed to repeat anything that occurs
in the office. This is to ensure that there is no collusion
between the witnesses, I understand that Kylie will be questioned
but Sharon is allowed to be with her," he held up a hand to stop
the inevitable questions, "don't ask me what to say, or what
you'll be asked, I don't know, all I can say is speak truthfully,
and anything you say will be between yourselves and the
adjudicator. The last thing I must ask you is this; do not tell
Becky about this, well not until later, it's best not to raise
her hopes just yet. Remember the adjudicator has to work within
the confines of the Social Services' doctrine so you will have to
consider the fact that your application may fail. Now I have to
go, all I can say is don't worry." And with that he left us
sitting in the courtroom.

Kylie broke the silence, "We might lose Becky! Is that what he
meant?" I nodded, "No! I don't want to lose Becky she's my
friend, I don't want a stranger to tell me I'll never see her
again!" And she burst into tears again crushing her head into my
shoulder - I held her and rocked her until her tears subsided.

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

We walked out of the empty courtroom, with its drab memories, and
started to return to the paper's offices, we escorted Sharon back
to Isabel's office, she looked up as we entered.

"How did it go?" She asked.

Kylie replied, "Rotten! We're not even allowed to see Becky! It's
not fair!" Isabel looked at us, I nodded, she sat down frowning.

 "Tell me," she said, "Did they say anything about talking to
her?" she said pointing to her empty wrist.

Kylie was the first to react, "Oh. I'm stupid." She moved her
radio to her mouth, "Becky, are you there?" we waited a few
minutes. "Becky this is Kylie are you there? Please answer" 

We waited again, finally a male voice could be heard, "H. .
Hello, can you hear me?"

Kylie spoke to the voice. "This is Kylie, where is Becky?"

The hesitant voice replied, "I'm Paul McGruder, I'm the foster
parent taking care of Rebecca Smith. I don't think it's a good
idea for you to be talking to Rebecca at this moment, she's
upstairs crying and I think she'd rather be left alone at the
moment."

Kylie was almost in tears at this, "But Mr. McGruder, I'm Becky's
friend she needs to talk to me that's why she's crying, can't you
let me talk to her."

Paul sounded as if he understood Kylie's plea. "I'm sorry Kylie,
I've been told not to let anyone bother Rebecca, she has to
recover on her own, I'm going to switch off now, goodbye."

Kylie made one last attempt, "Mr. McGruder, even if you don't
want me to talk to Becky just do this. Her name is Rebecca but
she prefers to be called Becky, she has suffered bad treatment as
Rebecca and that name always reminds her of it, please call her
Becky."

A final response was heard, "Thank you Kylie, you are right in
that, I'll let Becky know that you called after her. Goodbye."
And the voice was silent.

Kylie was back into full flood, I held her until they subsided
again, I spoke to her, "He sounds like a good man placed in an
awkward position, don't think too harshly about him."

She looked up at me, "But he was being mean, he could have let me
talk to Becky, he didn't have to say no!"

I shook my head, "Yes he did, you heard him say he'd been told
not to let anyone see Becky, I think that's what the people
behind Morgan told him, with any luck once Maria gets on the case
she may give different orders."

Kylie shook her head, "No she won't you heard John, we can't see
Becky until after they've decided who's looking after her."

Isabel stepped in. "Who is John?  Why isn't Maria on the case
now?  And why are you not doing anything about adopting Becky?"

I was still holding Kylie, I sat down in a chair and pulled her
onto my lap as I gathered my thoughts. "John is the High Court
judge who was in charge of the case that the Social Service
brought to gain custody of Becky, even though the Magistrates had
already assigned her a ward of court, he managed to get the case
thrown out, but not before stopping me from seeing Becky -
something to do with my exerting pressure on the poor girl. Maria
is now Becky's caseworker - something that John was able to
direct the Social Services to do, beforehand their head office
was dealing with Becky, but they didn't have a single person
assigned, which I think annoyed John, and I'm doing all I can
legally to adopt Becky, but at the moment its in the hands of the
adjudicator -whoever he is going to be."

Isabel nodded, following the answer as I gave it. "So basically
you're stuck, you can't do anything to contact Becky as it would
be contempt of court, this McGruder person won't let Kylie talk
to Becky - as he's been told not to allow contact with Becky." I
nodded at her summation, she continued, "Well, we could - by we I
mean the paper could - run a special on the way Social Services
are failing to do their job."

I stood up, almost dumping poor Kylie onto the floor. "No Isabel,
it's not the local office's fault - they had people from head
office down when Becky was kidnapped by Darren, they were
over-reacting to the situation, if you start complaining about
Social Services then it would be Maria and Nancy getting the
flax, not the people who deserved it, if you did anything like
that it could jeopardise all the children under their care, and I
couldn't live with that!"

She smiled when I said that, as if I'd passed some sort of test?
"Alright Mike, calm down, I was only thinking out loud, but I
guess you're right."

A quiet voice from beside us, Sharon's, said. "Yes, he normally
is, but at other times he can be blinkered as to what's right in
front of his nose." I wasn't sure what Sharon meant by that, the
mental image of my wearing blinkers showed me that the only
things I could see would be in front of me.

Sharon disturbed my mental musings. "Well if there's nothing more
I can do, is it okay if Sharon gets back to work, oh by the way
Kylie, we got some good pictures from the Brownies meeting on
Sunday, we're going to include them in the special that's coming
out soon."  Kylie went red again, I hadn't noticed any
photographers, but then I must admit I wasn't looking - there
goes the blinkers again!

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

Kylie and I arrived at my house, neither of us was hungry, so I
just made a drink for us both and we went into the living room, I
noticed that the answer phone was flashing, I pressed the play
button.

"Hello Mike, this is Maria - I'm back on Becky's case and I think
I have you to thank for that.  I've heard of the ruling about
you're not seeing Becky I think that sucks, if you need to send
her a letter just pass it to me, I'll make sure she gets it.  If
you need to talk to me come round any time, please don't worry
about Becky I'll see she's okay, bye."  At least good news
travels fast, I was about to turn the machine off when another
voice played.

"Err. Drat it's that blasted machine again! Err. Mike its DS
Nichols, look, err, sorry about the other night, got caught up
with something, I'll come round tonight if that's okay, if not
give me a call, alright, err, bye."  I waited to see if any more
messages had arrive, I had forgotten that Nichols was going to
come round that night, I hadn't even though about him.

I sat down in an armchair, Kylie sat on the settee, pulling her
legs up underneath her, she sipped her drink then looked at me.
"Are you worried Uncle Mike." I looked at her puzzled, she
expanded her question, "about Becky, are you worried about her?"

I nodded. "Yes Kylie, not for Becky in herself, I feel that she
is safe with the McGruder's but I am worried that she might try
something daft that could jeopardise everything, I mean I'd like
to come out and tell her that I'm adopting her. . . But then I
think what if I'm told no? Could she cope with a rejection like
that?" I thought to myself 'Could I?', I carried on "I mean, she
would think that I didn't care about her, that I was just using
her. Yes Kylie I am worried."

She got up from the settee and sat on my lap, throwing her arms
around me. "You know what Uncle Mike?" I shook my head. "I'm
scared too, but as you say everything will turn out for the
best." She said that with such conviction, Oh the naivet  of
youth.

We stayed like that, for some time, actually Kylie fell asleep
and a short time later so did I, the events of the day must have
overwhelmed us!
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - -

A crackling from our radios woke us up and Becky's whispering
voice could be heard, "Kylie, Uncle Mike, Aunt Sharon are you
there?"

Kylie was the first to react. "Becky!" she said, "we were worried
about you. Are you okay."

Becky voice replied. "Yes Ky, I'm fine, just bored, the people
here have been told to let me rest, but there's nothing to do, I
don't want to rest I want to do something. Can't you come round
and play?"

I answered Becky's question, "I'm sorry Becky, but the court's
told us that we have to keep away for a little while, look I know
its hard but don't get too down hearted, it's only going to be
for a short time, in the meantime get to know those people, I
mean they didn't have to have you, did they?"

I heard the sigh from the radio. "I suppose so, but I miss you,
Paul did say that he spoke to you but he couldn't let me talk,
that's why I snuck down here to talk." A woman's voice could be
heard in the background, "Oh bother! Joan's coming down."

"Becky? Why are down here." It was a kindly voice and she must
have noticed the radio because she continued with.  "Ah! I'm
sorry Becky but you were told that you couldn't have that for a
while, now say goodbye and hand it to me please."

Becky's plaintive voice came to us. "What should I do Mr. Mike."

I had no choice but to say. "Becky, you'll have to do as they
say, they are looking after you for the time being, now say
goodbye, and we will be seeing you soon. Okay?" 

There was a dishearten sob, and Becky said. "Okay Mr. Mike I
suppose so. Goodbye Kylie, Mr. Mike."

We both said goodbye to her and the contact was lost, Kylie
looked at me, "Oh Uncle Mike it's not fair, its not fair at all!"
I had to agree with her.

Kylie's stomach started to growl reminding us that we'd missed
lunch, I carried her into the kitchen and we started to make
sandwiches to tide us over until dinner.

While we were munching away Kylie said, "She didn't sound too
bad, did she?"

I pondered the question then asked. "Who Becky?"

Kylie shook her head. "No that woman, what was her name? Jane?
Joan? Yes Joan!"

I played back the sequence in my head then said. "No she seemed
alright, she didn't shout and moan at Becky because she had the
radio, she asked her politely for it, Becky may find them boring
but I think she's safe with them."

She agreed, and then sighed, "I do hope Becky doesn't do anything
stupid!" I had to agree, who knows what might happen?

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

When Sharon arrived home we had dinner waiting for her, but like
us she didn't eat much, we did the washing up and were seated in
the living room trying to watch the television when the doorbell
rang, Kylie ran to answer it.

She returned with DS Nichols in tow, he said hello to us and
Kylie ushered him to a seat, which he sat down on. He looked at
us all and beamed a smile at us. "You've made a whole lot of
people happy these past few days." He started to lean back in the
chair and then continued. "That envelope you gave to P.C. Hollis
held three main things, one was over a thousand pounds in  20's
all of them as bent as a 3 shilling note - the other was a
quantity of heroin, the last was - of all the stupid things - a
return address, it seems that Darren was trying to branch out and
this was a free sample. I sometimes wish all criminals were so
daft. 

 Anyway, this meant that I had two squads fighting over the
rights to this evidence, the fraud and the drugs office - then I
told them how we received it." He looked at me, "Technically it
wasn't yours to hand over and we could have lost the evidence due
to improper procedure, but then we decided that it could be
presented as found by a member of the public and handed in." He
smiled at that, "Which is true, of course, the fact you found it
inside the house needn't be mentioned. Anyway I did mean to come
round here that night, but they decided to raid the place that
night and invited me along for the ride.

Normally they wait for some time watching the target, the house
or flat, but this guy was so stupid that they had to raid for the
safety of the public. I won't tell you exactly what he was doing
since we're in mixed company." He looked hard at Kylie, who just
stared back, and then he continued. "Suffice it to say that we
found the villain in what could be called a compromising position
with three women and an abundance of cocaine." 

Kylie's eyes were wide, "You mean they were doing it?"

He actually blushed as he answered her. "Err. Yes, well they
stopped as soon as we arrived of course, a crowd of coppers have
that affect on people." He realised who he was talking to and
tried to change the subject. "We managed to arrest the idiot, he
had the cocaine strewn around like talcum powder, after we went
in and arrested him, we had to leave and a decontamination team
had to go in, they were wearing full costumes and breathing
apparatus, they looked a sight I can tell you. We were there all
night long. But luckily for us he kept immaculate records, we're
still making arrests all over the country."

He smiled as he recounted this then frowned as he added. "We also
found young DC Jones was a 'customer' of this idiot, just when we
thought we sorted everything out another bug scuttles from under
the rocks, I'm sorry to say that things look bad for him - I
think he now regrets the day he met Darren Smith." He got up.
"But I must say that I'm please that you met Darren, ever since
then my job has been more interesting!"

I couldn't help myself. "Remember the old Chinese curse. 'May you
live in interesting times.'  You may get more than you can cope
with." 

He laughed. "Well if they all turn out like this I think I'd be
happy," then his face grew sombre, "I heard about Becky, I'd like
you to know that I've applied to the courts to give my testimony,
I really don't think you have anything to worry about, anyone can
see how much you cared for that poor girl." I thanked him and we
all escorted him to the front door.

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

Sharon and Kylie surprised me when they announced that they were
going home, I thought it might be better if we stayed together
after such an eventful day, but Sharon said that Kylie would want
to stay with her all night, and although she wanted Kylie to
learn about 'relationships' she didn't think that today would be
appropriate.

They went home after helping with the washing up, I moved a few
pieces of paper around in a half-hearted attempt to clean up the
place.

Later that night, after a nightcap of coffee, yes I know about
caffeine, but I didn't care, I finally went to bed, spending a
fitful night sleeping. 

Again I had that dream of Becky vanishing from my grasp, and that
dammed voice saying I did the right thing. I woke up in a sweat.
I know why I was having that dream now, but it didn't mean that
it would come true! Did it?

I managed to go back to sleep, this time the dreams failed to
appear - perhaps they thought they had done their job?

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

I was awoken by a noise - I was in a half conscious state that
muzzy area between almost awake and 'where did that traffic cone
come from?' feeling, I reached over to warn Sharon, when I
realised that she hadn't stayed over last night.

I started to think when I heard the noise again, coming from
downstairs it sounded like the kitchen, I got out of bed pulled
on a pair of trousers, grabbed the bedside lamp - after
unplugging it first - and started downstairs.

The first thing I noticed was the smell of frying bacon - what
crook would stop to make breakfast - I looked at my watch
half-past Seven. I put the lamp down and went into the kitchen. I
started to say "Hello Kyli. . . " to see Becky struggling with
the frying pan.

She saw me in the doorway. "Oh Mr. Mike you scared me!" I scared
her! What had she done to me!

I smiled at her. "Good morning Becky, what are you doing here?"

She smiled back. "Making breakfast for you, I wanted it to be a
surprise."

"Well it certainly was," I replied then added, "but what I meant
was why are you here now? Shouldn't you be at the McGruder's?"

She made a dismissive gesture. "Oh them. I couldn't stay there,
it's boring I'd much rather stay here with you." She pointed to a
seat. "If you'll sit down I'll serve you breakfast."

I sat, just to relieve my legs of the strain of standing and
worrying; I put my head in my hands and just shook it.

Becky came over to me concerned. "Mr. Mike, what's wrong."

I looked at her "Oh Becky, I'm sorry, I know you're having
troubles but it is wrong for you to be here. You have to go back
to the McGruder's before they find out you're missing."

She shook her head. "Oh no. I'm not going back there."

I asked. "Why? What's wrong with them? Aren't they good people?
Do they beat you when you're naughty?"

Again she shook her head. "There's nothing wrong with them as
such, I mean no they don't beat me. I suppose they're good. But
they're not you or Aunt Sharon. I can't hug them as I can with
you. I don't like them."

I thought for a moment. "Have you spoken to them about how you
feel." She shook her head. "Well have you spoken to Maria, I
would have thought she'd listen."

Becky started to cry. "I didn't want to hurt her feelings, she
likes them, always saying how well they're looking after me. But
they won't let me have my radio back - I want to talk to Kylie
and I'm not allowed to. They keep making up these rules just to
stop me. IT'S NOT FAIR"

I reached out and held onto her. "Oh Becky, Becky I know it isn't
fair, but sometimes we have to take the rough with the smooth.
You know I can't let you stay with me. That's why Maria's taking
such an interest. We're trying to sort something out."

She pulled away from me. "You're going to send me back aren't
you?" I nodded. "Can't you let me stay, I wouldn't be any bother
honest!"

I shook my head. "I'm sorry Becky, you've no idea how hard it is
for me to do this, but you have to return to the McGruder's." She
shook her head, I hugged her but she squirmed out of my grasp.
"But Becky believe me it will be for the best." I couldn't tell
her about the adoption, John and Hugh had been adamant about that
and it might jeopardise my chances with the adoption.

She shook her head. "No. I know what it is, you're tired of me,
you've had your fun, you don't care for me. I'm an embarrassment
to you aren't I!"

I grabbed hold of her. "No Becky, you're never an embarrassment
to me, I love you as you are, but I have to obey the law, we all
do. I'm sorry."

She was in tears again. "But it a stupid law, they're wrong I
want to say here. Please Mr. Mike let me stay here, I'll do
anything you want, even everything Darren did to me I'll let you
do them as well, just let me stay here."

That last made me angry. I grabbed hold of her; this time I did
scare her (and me!). "BECKY don't you ever say such a thing
again. Never! You know how bad that got, and here you are
offering to do it all again, I would never put you into such a
position. Now trust me. Please trust me." I got up and sat her in
my seat, I then went into the living room and picked up the
phone, I dialled a number. 

Maria answered the phone on the second ring. "Nancy if that's you
. . ."

I answered "Maria it's Mike Moore, I have a problem . . . " and I
explained the situation, I even included Becky's offer and my
reaction to it, there was silence at the other end.

Then Maria said. "Gods, I never even saw that happening! How did
she get into your house anyway?" I explained that I had given the
girls a front door key some weeks ago and that Becky must have
used hers. "Okay Mike, I'll contact the McGruder's and let them
know she's safe, I'll be round shortly."

I heard footsteps running upstairs and then the bathroom door
shutting and being locked. I didn't follow her, thinking it was
best to leave her to her own devices.

Half an hour passed and Maria arrived, I invited her in and
shouted up the stairs to Becky. "Becky, Maria's here, will you
come down?"

The mutinous reply of "NO!" echoed though out the house, Maria
looked at me and raised her eyebrows.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't think she wants to go." Was my
lame response to the unasked question. I tried again. "Becky you
know you can't stay here, why don't you talk it over with Maria,
and see what she says about it?"

There was a silence from upstairs; Maria started to walk up the
stairs to talk to Becky.

I sat in the living room waiting for a result, after a few
minutes Maria came back down and sat with me. "She is adamant
about staying isn't she?"  I nodded, not trusting myself to
speak. "And you want her to stay don't you?"

This time I answered, my voice cracking. "Yes, without her here
the house is empty, Kylie is morose, she rarely laughs anymore. I
don't know what I'm going to do if she is taken away forever."

Maria looked at me closely. "So why didn't you take up her offer,
to use her as Darren did? You could have pretended she wasn't
here, people would never know, and she'd keep you company."

I glared at her - HOW DARE SHE SUGGEST THAT! WHAT KIND OF PERSON
DID SHE THINK I WAS? - I opened my mouth to shout at her when she
held up her hand to stop me, then she held both of my hands, "No.
It's okay. I had to ask, but your eyes told me the truth before
you spoke, I'm sorry I angered you. Do you want to answer the
question calmly?"

I breathed deeply, relaxing, and then I spoke. "How could I? She
trusted me! If I did that I would have been worse than Darren
ever was, and I couldn't live with myself! I would want her to
stay here, but that would be breaking my word and the law! I wish
I could tell her how much I have begun to love her." I was crying
now. "Her mother asked me to look after Becky, and the first
thing I do is to give her away - some guardian I became! Oh Becky
. . ." I couldn't continue my tears overwhelmed me. 

Maria was at my side holding me. Trying to comfort me, I pulled
myself together. "I'm sorry Maria, I don't know what came over
me."

She smiled, "Don't worry about it Mike, to be honest I would be
more concerned if you hadn't shown any emotion. It a myth that
men don't cry, they just don't do it in public that's all. Now
what do we do about Becky? She didn't unlock the door, and
doesn't really want to talk to anyone."

I wiped the remaining tears away and got up. "The thing about the
locks on the bathroom door is that they can be opened from the
outside, all you need is a screwdriver." Maria looked at me
slightly puzzled, I smiled (I could still do that!), and said, "I
changed the original locks to a newer style, I think I got scare
of being stuck on the loo one day and no-one able to get to me!"
this made her laugh.

I went into the kitchen and found a screwdriver, carried it
upstairs, I knocked on the door, Becky's voice answered. "Go
away!" I put the driver bit into the slot of the lock and turned
it, I opened the door at the same time. Becky was sitting on the
toilet, crying away she screamed as I entered the room with Maria
behind me. "NO! I WON'T GO BACK, I WON'T!" she cried out.

Maria went to Becky and held her letting her flailing arms hit
her again and again until she started to slow down, Becky then
wrapped her arms around Maria and was crying away. "I'm sorry
Maria, but Mr. Mike doesn't love me anymore!" 

Maria shook her head. "You're wrong Becky, he still loves you but
I'm afraid that he can't do anything for now! Come on the
McGruder's are worried about you, they'd just found out you were
missing when I called them." Grudgingly Becky allowed Maria to
take her out of the bathroom and down the stairs, I followed them
down. 

As they were going out of the front door, I called out. "Becky,
I'm sorry but I'll have to ask for your key please. I'll keep it
here until this is all settled."

She turned round to face me, digging her hand into her pocket,
withdrawing the key and threw it at me shouting out. "HERE'S YOUR
BLOODY KEY, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT. I HATE YOU. I HATE
YOU! I . . Hate. . . Yo. . ." the last fading away as she started
to cry, I went to hold her but Maria shook her head.

"Don't worry." She said, "I'll talk her round, just leave her to
me." And she walked Becky back to her car and they drove off
leaving me in the doorway picking up Becky's key from the ground
where it laid.

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

Kylie arrived some time later to find me sitting in the living
room staring at the key, which I was still holding in my hand,
she looked at it and said. "But that's Becky's key, how did you
get it? I thought she had it still!"

I nodded, and said quietly. "She did, but when Maria took her
back I had to ask her for the dammed thing. Kylie I think I've
lost her, she said. . said," I had to rush the next words, "she
said she hated me, and to be honest I don't blame her, I'd hate
myself as well."

Kylie came to me and hugged me. "Oh Uncle Mike, you know that she
didn't mean it, don't you remember what you said to me some weeks
ago, 'she's going to feel hurt, and will say things that she
won't mean, we just have to be patient with her, no matter how
much it may hurt us'. You told me that, remember?"

She was right, I should remember, but the feelings were too
strong to just let go, Kylie sat with me for, over an hour we
stayed there, just looking at Becky's key. 

Finally we stirred ourselves and entered the kitchen, Kylie
looked at the frying pan with its congealed fat and rashers, and
she looked at me. "Ugh, what happened here?"

I shook my head. "Becky did, she wanted to surprise me, and boy
did she surprise me!" I took the pan and started to soak it under
a hot tap, scraping the mess off with a plastic spatula. Kylie
took to cleaning the table. Between us we managed to clean the
kitchen up. 

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

It was mid-day and Kylie's radio squawked, "This is Megan, I'm at
Rachel's, anyone want to join us?"

Kylie looked at me, I nodded she pressed her talk button. "This
is Kylie, can I come round?"

Megan's voice sounded happy, "Yes Kylie, come on over." And with
a quick 'bye' she was out of the door.

I decided to work on the garden, it was something to occupy
myself, I worked around the borders, pulling up the weeds - at
least they were to me. After a couple of hours I decided to stop
torturing the garden and relax indoors.

It was later that day when my radio started up, just a whimper
sounding, then Becky's voice said "Mr. Mike, are you there,
please talk to me"

I pressed the talk button. "Hello Becky, are you feeling better
now?"

The relief could be heard in her voice. "Oh Mr. Mike, do you
forgive me?"

"Of course I do Becky," I replied, "Don't you remember? Friends
never have to say they're sorry, I knew you were upset, and
sometimes people say things that they don't mean." I didn't say
that the words hurt me even so! 

We talked for some time, I trying to lighten Becky's mood, Becky
trying to come to terms with her lot, the good news was that the
McGruder's had allowed Becky to have her radio back and she was
going to talk to Kylie later, I reminded her that I would be able
to hear their conversation but she seemed okay with that.

When she signed off she sounded a lot happier than when I last
saw her, but then anything would have been an improvement I
supposed.

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

Kylie returned later and was overjoyed to learn that Becky was
able to talk to us again, she was going to call her, but I
suggested that she tried later, which she agreed with. 

We ate a quick tea, again we'd missed out on lunch, but somehow
it didn't matter, Kylie was saying how much fun she'd had with
her other friends and how she wanted to get Becky to join them.

Then from our radios came Becky's voice. "Kylie are you there,
can you talk to me?" Kylie looked at me, I nodded and turned down
my radio, she ran upstairs into their bedroom, talking to Becky
all the time, I felt tempted to turn my radio up, just to listen
to them, but decided not to. If I'd only known then, but
hindsight is always 20-20.

Kylie came downstairs some time later, looking rather subdued, I
said. "Is there a problem with Becky?"

She perked up and said. "Sorry what was that?" then said. "Oh no,
there's no problem, she was sorry about what she said to you, and
she was glad you weren't mad at her"

That was all she said and wouldn't speak about it again - she
started to help to set the table for Sharon's arrival. 

That night they stayed with me, Kylie started off in her own bed
but joined us later during the night, not that Sharon or I were
engaged in anything at the moment sex wasn't the main thing on
our minds.

The rest of the week followed the same pattern.

On Thursday Kylie and Sharon received their subpoenas to appear
at the adjudicators office that Friday.

When they returned that Friday they seemed to be in a happy mood,
Kylie started off by saying, "Uncle Mike, you'll never guess who.
. . " But she was stopped by Sharon, who said

"Now Kylie, you know what you were told, we cannot discuss any
part of the meeting"

Kylie seemed annoyed. "Oh Mum, that's not fair, I mean he wasn't
part of the thing only in charge of it."

Sharon smiled. "No it wasn't fair, but Mike will meet him on
Monday, when it's his turn." She handed me a letter, it was a
subpoena for the Monday morning. Sharon continued. "Since we're
not allowed to talk about it, I think it's safer for all if Kylie
and I keep away from you until Monday evening!"

I didn't think it was fair. Just because they knew a secret, and
might reveal it during the night!  I had to do without their
company for the weekend!

So on Friday night I had to go to bed on my own, Sharon and Kylie
had gone home after dinner again, leaving me to wonder about the
adjudicator, and why they were so happy after meeting him, or was
it a her? I fell asleep with visions of white judicial wigs
flying in the air.

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

The ringing of the doorbell brought me to my senses, I got up and
looked at the time 8 o'clock, I went to the window and looked
out, "Yes, what's up?"

DS Nichols was standing at the door looking up at me. "Mike, is
Becky here?"

The question confused me. "Becky? No, at least I don't think so -
she hasn't got a key anymore! Look let me get dressed and I'll
come down."  I dressed quickly, puzzled over why Nichols would
think Becky would be here. I went downstairs and opened the door,
to find Maria had joined Nichols on the doorstep - I let them
both in.

Maria spoke first, "I'm sorry Mike, but the McGruder's phoned the
police and then me when they found Becky was missing."

Nichols took up the story. "And when I came in and heard your
name being mentioned I said that I'd look into this, I know you
wouldn't do anything daft but my colleagues don't."

Maria agreed with the statement, and then I said. "But although
you know me, you want to search the house, just in case?" Nichols
lowered his eyes and nodded, I continued "Go ahead, I've been
asleep until you rang the doorbell so she might have snuck in
without me knowing." Nichols thanked me and started to search, I
sat down in the living room listening to the game of hide and
seek

Eventually Nichols arrived back in the living room he sat down
shaking his head, "Well she isn't here, I'm sorry Mike but I had
to do that."

I nodded. "Yes I know it's better to be safe than sorry. But if
she isn't here . . . . Then where on Earth is she?"

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

- Normal disclaimers apply - if you're too young or not allowed
by law to read this type of story, then shame on you for reaching
this far.  All the characters involved in this story are
fictitious - no animals were harmed in the writing of this story
either human or mammal


- Another blasted cliff-hanger, don't I ever learn? Maybe I
should have a sign up 'see next weeks episode' (shades of
Saturday morning pictures!).


- My thanks to Hopeless Romantic for her advice with Becky's
rebellion against the Social Services (this was given in August
but I've only just been able to include it)


- My thanks (!) to those of you who wrote after the last chapter
- yes I had forgotten about Nichols visiting Mike that evening, I
hope this has covered the problem.


- From the last you would have gathered that I do appreciate
emails from my readers, my address is  wanderinglanes@aol.com and
I do try to answer all the emails sent - however persons sending
viruses will be reported to their ISP's for misuse of the email
system.
- 
- At my estimate there should be two more chapters to go - but it
may be three? I hope to have the next chapter out next week -
they seem to be taking longer to write, or maybe that's just me?


Wandering Lanes  - 6th December 2001



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