Book 3b: Kat O’Nine Tales               by: Darkside

 

29. The Trial -Cathline’s Tale.

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Kat and I sat down in front of the TV to watch the trial of her husband. We had been out for a walk but had to retreat back to our hotel when when she got in a desperate state about the trial. I needed to be strong for her, she really needs me now. Kat was in far worse a state than she had been in the harem. She had always seemed so strong and so self-assured but now she was like a frightened rabbit staring at the headlights of an oncoming car.

The trial had been going for a day or so now. The prosecution had presented all it’s evidence when something horrible occurred. I missed the actual moment but Kat’s scream sent me rushing back.

"What?" I called.

"It’s Robert Abbey" Kat Sobbed.

"What’s he done?"

"He’s thrown the trial, he’s basically admitted the he can find no defense against what my husband did . He has thrown out all his evidence as distortion of the truth and pleaded with the jury to convict of murder one. He’s said that he would not be able to live with himself unless the truth be told. By using some technicality he has thrown it all away" Kat Sobbed.

"What!"

"The judge has gone away to discuss things with Robert Abbey and the

prosecution"

"Kat I’m so sorry"

"I don’t understand it. I thought Robert Abbey was on our side"

The TV commentary continued. "The judge is due back in a short moment, after this almost unprecedented twist in the Bexley trial. We are just as stunned as you are, ladies and gentlemen... "

"Oh Cathline Now what am I going to do" Kat Sobbed.

Kat continued to cry until the commentator said

"And Judge James Francis has called the Jury into recess to deliver a verdict. Surely this is the end of the Bexley Case"

The jury were out for only a few minutes before the judge said

"All Rise"

"How does the jury find the defendant?’

"Guilty on all counts."

Kat screamed out loud when the Jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict.

The Judge continued.

"Dr Elizabeth Bexley, you have been found guilty of the first degree murder of Jane Stephens. You will be taken from this place and brought to another where you will be executed by lethal injection. May God have mercy on your soul."

Kat was distraught and wouldn’t even talk to me, she was hysterical with grief. I called for the doctor who gave her some sedatives to help calm her down. She drifted off to enforced rest. Now what could we do. Appeal I guess and hope Stephanie Lane comes up with the goods.

I sat alone watching Kat breath softly on the bed. After all we had gone thru together it comes to this. I just hope Stephanie Lane can find that Roger creature soon, we need that proof bad. I feel so sorry for her. All her hope is gone and there she lays drugged so that she can find some rest.

Kat awoke the next day.

"Cathline, I had a horrible dream. I dreamt that Robert Abbey had thrown the trial and my husband was doomed" She said.

"Sorry, That was no dream. It really did happen. He goes off to death row tomorrow. Listen we can appeal, we still have a chance." I said.

"What good is it? No jury will believe any appeal now. If even your defense lawyer thinks you are guilty what hope is there?"

"There must be a legal loophole somewhere. I mean maybe Robert was deranged or something." I said.

"Even so, the fact that the defense admitted that it had no case to the jury and got them to retire early will stick in the whole countries mind. No the ‘hell bitch’ has finally won. I may as well go back to Hassan and live my life in servitude. My hope has gone and I no longer care anymore. I may as well die as I cannot live knowing that he is gone."

"LISTEN to me Kat, it may be a cliché but where there’s life there’s hope. There’s still Stephanie Lane" I said earnestly.

"An idle promise. I saw no cat creature or any sign of her at the trial. She sold us down the river and now my husband is going to die for it" Kat said with a mixture of sadness and anger.

"When I was in the dungeon being raped twice a day, I had to fight to stay alive, fight to stay human. You can’t imagine what it was like, knowing that those footsteps coming down the stairs was someone come to violate you. You have no idea of the pain my eye gave me during those first few weeks. How I would try and open it up and then cry for hours remembering how it was burnt out from me. The dread I felt at what would happen if I didn’t show the signs of enjoying being raped. I used to enjoy men as well as women but inside I want to run away screaming everytime I think about being with a man." I said, angrily.

"Cathline, I." Kat started.

"No, Listen to me. You’ve had all the breaks. You lived it up in paradise whilst I was hell. Never give up hope you said, well it’s easy to have hope when you have some chances left. It’s much harder to have hope when there seems to be none. It is in the dark places where you need to dig deep and come back stronger. I’ve had to and now you do too. Listen I lost my husband, who I loved above all things, Yours on the other hand is at least still alive. While he still breathes we have a chance to save him. " I said.

"Cathline, please"

"I’m not finished yet. I’m not saying that you’ve had an easy time of it, far from it but get some perspective. If you give in now the ‘Hell Bitch’ has won. We owe her. What happened to your promise, that grandiose bullshit you spouted before you were taken. ‘I serve notice to you, Hell Bitch’ and all that shit? Did you really mean that or did it seem like a good thing to say at the time? I hate to tell you this, but the price we will pay for this is likely to be very high indeed. Now put your money where your mouth is and let’s get on with the job in hand" Boy was I cross with her.

"Sorry Cath" Kat tried to say.

"Still not done. I looked up to you. You were my strength when we were in that Harem. You kept me going. You may fear Liz but you are the only one I know who can think like her. Like it or not I need you."

"Cathl"

I interrupted yet again."As hard as it may seem to you at the moment I feel myself falling in love with you. There I’ve said it. Listen I may have loved Liz and maybe I fall for people too easily but I care too much to let you destroy yourself. Now I’m going for a walk, you can either stay or go because I fully intend to see this thru to the end, no matter what you do."

I stormed out, feeling much better. Had I been too hard on her?, why did I tell her I was falling in love with her. The truth was, I was in love with her. The price of our victory was my separation from her forever. She still loved him and that left me nowhere. I had started off hating her for what she had done but now I can’t see myself with anyone else. I miss John terribly and always will but I cannot live in the past.

I just walked around, I’ve no idea where I went or anything that went on around me. If Kat went then who was left? I needed her insight, just needed her. Sometime later I returned back to my room and found Kat crying into her pillow. I sat down beside her and just stroked her hair in a comforting way.

"Kat, it’s Anne Bonny. I’m sorry I said those things" I whispered softly.

"Don’t be, you were right they needed to be said. But it’s so hard" She cried some more.

"I know"

She just lay there until she had cried herself to sleep. I waited up, watching the TV coverage. This trial just kept springing surprises. I thought back to our conversations. Liz had been remarkably quiet during the trial. Maybe she was just content to let justice take it’s course. No that wasn’t right. If Kat had taught me one thing about Liz it was she didn’t leave anything to chance. FUCK, FUCK, FUCK. My God we’re really fucked now.

"Kat wake up" I shook her awake.

"Waa" Kat said groggily.

I shook her again "Kat, Wake up "

"Now what" Kat said annoyed at being woken up.

"The Lawyer, Robert Abbey. He wasn’t really Robert Abbey" I said.

"Then, Holy shit!"

"Exactly, Liz switched with him to throw the trial"

"Of course, he was the obvious target" She said.

"What in hell do we do?" I asked.

"We go to Robert Abbey’s house, first thing tomorrow. Cathline, we think we’re catching up with the ‘Hell Bitch’ but really we’re at least five steps behind. We pat ourselves on the back and gloat over our imagined victory but the ‘Hell Bitch’ has already been there. Stephanie Lane was right it wasn’t over yet. We jump one way and she already knows what we are going to do. Cathline I’m scared" Kat said.

"Me too" I said.

We both went to bed soon afterwards. I got little sleep as I knew Liz’s attentions must soon turn to us. How the hell were we going to escape?

Kat had got up before me and woke me. "Listen to this " she hissed.

Stephanie Lane was on the TV.

"The unpredictable roller coster ride of the Bexley trial took an unexpected and tragic twist today as the body of Robert Abbey was found in an alley way. Robert had been shot in the head with a small calibre firearm. The Police think it was a mugging that went wrong, with tragic circumstances. The police are wanting to question anyone who may have seen something. Monica Abbey is unavailable for comment and is believed to be under heavy sedation.

Robert Abbey was one of the countries foremost defense lawyers and will be best known for the events of a couple of days ago. "

Kat switched the TV off before Stephanie could continue.

"I think we’ve just lost the ‘Hell Bitch" Kat said.

"You don’t think.."

"No stupid. She’s obviously had the real Robert Abbey killed and moved onto another body. Just as I said she’s five steps ahead all the fucking time. Now we stand no chance of finding her" Kat said.

"So now what do we do?" I asked.

"Home I guess" Kat said.

T+2 days.

 

30. T+4 days Finally a woman James/Janes Tale.

==============================================

I’m finally well enough to go back to work. I’ve decided that Jane is who I really am. The required document changes are in place. I pack slowly, relieved to be out of here. It’s been nearly two years and a long hard struggle to come to terms with my womanhood, but now I’m ready. James was who I was, Jane is who I am now.

I’ll freely admit that I make an ugly woman but I can’t live a lie. I AM Female. Vickie and the lab will have the drug perfected soon and then I can look like Rachel Martin if I want to. Speaking about work I must give Vickie a call to see if she wants any help. It may sound a bit morbid but with Cathline gone I may be able to get her job. Anyway that’s for later. My flight is due soon.

I sit on the plane back home, thinking about Liz’s trial. I was very puzzled. I thought I had it all worked out with the DNA drug and all that. But now I’m not so sure. I need to talk to someone. I know I’ll give Vickie a call when I land.

I phoned Vickie and she was delighted to hear from me. She had heard that I was now better and would be overjoyed to have me work at the lab again. She’s invited me around for dinner tonight and I accepted. I have no where else to go.

Vickie had obviously gone to town to welcome me back, as she had laid on all my favorite foods. Crispy cajun prawns for starters, Pepper steak for main and a wonderful chocolate cheesecake for deserts. Vickie is one hell of a cook.

She told me about Cathline getting back and her tale of transformation and kidnap. I couldn’t believe it. Yes it was possible to do what Liz was alleged to have done but why? Still Vickie is convinced of Cathline’s story and the more I think about it the more I see it’s the only one that fits. If Liz has perverted our drug for evil purposes then she must be stopped. Vickie and I are united on this. We designed this drug to be the cure of millions not the curse. Imagine if this secret fell into the wrong hands. No Liz must be stopped and although Vickie disagrees with me on this point, I feel our equipment must be destroyed. After turning me into a better looking woman that is.

Vickie suggested that I should talk to Stephanie Lane and tell her my story. She thinks it will help our case. I’ll give her a call in tomorrow as it’s getting late. Vickie has kindly offered her spare room for me to stay in until I can sort out my things.

Vickie is tired out, she’s been running Disaster scenarios for the past few weeks, everything from a fire to terrorist attack. She’s glad to have the diversion of me here to take her mind off of all this work. I never saw Liz work this hard.

Since Cathline has returned and Vickie has promised her, her old job back she has found something else for me to do. It may not sound like much but I’m learning how to operate the power systems and other functions of the lab. It’s not exactly my chosen field of expertise but at least it’s a job and Vickie has promised me a job back in research as soon as one becomes available. I don’t mind my current job though, it’s interesting work and the pay is reasonable. As a boss I prefer Vickie to Liz. Liz was far to wrapped up the potential of our product to take any notice of the admin side of the job. Vickie is far better balanced.

I had been back at work a few days when Stephanie Lane came around. Apparently Vickie had asked her to visit in order to get my story written down. I didn’t mind I’d wanted to meet Stephanie Lane for a while.

Vickie introduced me to Stephanie.

"Stephanie this is Jane. "

"Pleased to meet you" I said.

"Pleasure’s all mine"

I showed Stephanie my journal and outlined the thoughts I had on what had been going on. About an hour later I had finished.

"This all sounds frighteningly familiar. I’m hearing the same thing over and over again. I’m very nearly ready to go public on this but I want to find out some more about this lab and tie up a few niggling questions as well. What I do here may help to free an innocent man. I must make it watertight or else everything goes to hell. How about a tour of the lab?" Stephanie said.

"I’ll give you a tour of the lab anytime" Vickie said.

"I need a few days to clear up some unfinished work. I want to invite Kat and Cathline as well. So we can have a council of war. We need to start acting rather than reacting. How about in eight days?"

"Fine, make it after hours though. About 10pm?" Vickie Said.

"Fine, I should make it on time unless my flight here is delayed" Stephanie said.

"Ok,We’ll be there. I want to meet Cathline again and also this mysterious Kat I’ve heard so much about" I said.

"I’ve met her, very resourceful and determined" Stephanie said.

"See you later" Vickie said.

"Bye" and Stephanie Lane went out..

I went to bed early. I’ve got work in the morning.

 

31. T-2 days "Guild!" - HIS Tale.

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A Guard walked in "Bexley, I got a message for you"

"What is it?" Who the hell could that be?

The guard gave me a slip of paper and I read it.

"Have Hope!, The Kat is Back"

"WHAT!, HOW?" I exclaimed. Kat’s escaped and knows about me.

She’s obviously got something up her sleeve. Oh my love you’re safe.

"The lady who gave you this. Was she about five seven, black hair and green eyes?" I asked.

"Nah, if I had to say what she looked like it would be Jasmine from Aladdin. Boy was she cute. She had another woman with her, who only had one eye. They made quite a weird couple. " The guard said and then left.

Jasmine! Of course Elizabeth had turned Kat into a Harem girl. But how had she escaped? Who was the mysterious one eyed lady? At least I have some chance of getting out. Oh Kat, my love you have returned to me. You have not abandoned me. I can face tomorrow with renewed hope.

Kat soon I will be able to lay in your arms and consummate our union.

What the Fuck was I thinking about. I was a woman now and destined to be one forever. I could never give Kat the children she desired. Not a day has gone past when I looked with hatred at my body. To the rest of the world it may seem a beautiful one but to me it is a living hell. Yes I’ve got used to looking at myself naked, seeing my breasts heave as I breathe,the smooth curves of my body and the triangular patch of hair that points to where my pussy is. Just because I’m used to it doesn’t mean I like it. Sure I get aroused just looking at me sometimes but that’s because I want to fuck that body not BE it.

Still Kat must be well on top of things by now. She was always the clever one. I’ll match her against Elizabeth anyday.

I can now sleep in peace. I’ve got a big day tomorrow.

I sit in the police truck, bound hand and foot with thick chains. My three other prisoners are silent. We are all wrapped up in our own thoughts I can’t believe what has happened. Robert Abbey has thrown the trial. He basically stood up and said I was guilty and that I should be convicted.

It was just like my dream I had so long ago. Robert had thrown the trial and was on my way to my execution. The only difference was that Elizabeth hadn’t been there. She still has the capacity to destroy lives even though she’s dead and buried. What has happened to Kat? I really expected her to leap in and save me at the last moment. Now I’m doomed.

My guard just sits there looking impassively out of the barred window. She looks bored stiff by it all. I’m about half way there I guess. In open countryside. I wish the bus would crash, like in the fugitive so I could escape. No chance there, my lucks not like that.

Even the cops in the escort car behind are looking bored. Just another day for them I guess. I stare out of the window at them, tempted to pull faces at them. Once of the cops sees me looking at him and blows me a kiss.

I hear a whoosh and the cop car explodes with a massive bang. What the Fuck!. I’m thrown forward as the bus brakes hard. I hear the staccato sound of automatic weapons and the return volley of pistol shots. Another explosion shakes the bus and I hit the deck as the windows are blown in. I can hear screams and gunfire everywhere. Bullets whistle above my head as the front of the bus is raked with machine gun fire.

I can see the blood of the driver and his passenger splashed around the shattered windshield. Holy shit what is going on. Me and my fellow prisoners are on the floor just waiting to die.Kat wouldn’t do this so who the hell would?

My guard has her firearm out and is returning fire.

"You, Inside come out, You have no option. Throw your weapon outside" A voice called.

"Shit" I heard the guard say she gingerly threw her pistol out of the window. She unlocked the door.

A hooded man in a black catsuit lept in the van and forced her out at gunpoint. Another man leapt in, this time with heavy bolt cutters. He quickly cuts the chains of my other companions and forces them outside. Now what he’s coming for me. Oh God this is it I’m going to die.

He grunts something and cuts my chains with the cutters. I’m pushed outside into the open. I go to run but the cold hard metal of a gun barrel in my back tells me otherwise. The other prisoners are lined up along side my guard, they are all looking scared to death. A hooded man walks up to my guard who is just standing still, looking very scared. The man draws out an evil looking, slender bladed knife and faster than I could see strikes the guard’s throat.

The guard crumples to the floor, her throat slit. The other prisoners are now quaking. The hooded figure moves in a blur of color. Slowly, one by one , like trees being felled they fall to the floor. Their throats have been slit just like the guard’s. Holy mother of God who were these people?

I look around me, destruction is everywhere. The two cop cars are completely destroyed and bodies lay all over the place. Another hooded figure is inspecting the bodies. One of the cops moves a little, instantly the hooded man puts his gun to the cop’s head and pulls the trigger, the body jerks as though being pulled by a string.I’m violently sick.

Another terrorist walks from the back of the bus. He is carrying what looks like an anti-tank missile launcher. Who the hell are they, what do they want?

The front of the bus is riddled with bullet holes. It’s armor was not enough to save the lives of the driver and passenger.

The terrorist who had slit the throats came over to me. I went to run away but I felt the cold steel of a gun in my back. I’m going to die for certain now.

The man walks over to me and grabs my shirt. He rips the front of it open, exposing my breasts. Fuck I’m going to be raped. He takes one look at my tattoo and then shouts something in a language I don’t understand.

The one with the bazooka walks up to him and gives him a bag. My terrorist then hands me the bag, points to the bus and says "Change"

Confused and shocked I walk to the bus and get inside. I open the bag and am surprised to see a skirt,blouse and shoes. Inside there is also a purse which contains about 5,000 dollars, a driving license and passport. I look at these documents and are surprised to see that they belong to Elizabeth.

I take off my prison overalls and put on the skirt. It’s only the second time I’ve worn one and certainly not one this short. It really shows off my legs, too much for my liking. I take off my torn shirt and put on the blouse. I wonder what they want with me. Hmm now for the shoes. Oh shit heels. I put on the heels and nearly tilt forwards. How the hell do women put up with them.I just about manage to bend down and pick up my purse without falling over. I slowly get out of the bus, very much aware that my skirt is very short and very tight and leaves very little to the imagination. I’ve just about got the hang of walking in these things now.

Once I’m clear of the bus two of the terrorists carry the bodies of the prisoners and the guard into the van. The one with the bazooka gestures for me to get out of the way and he drops to one knee. He waits until everyone is clear then fires. A gout of flame erupts from the bus, which then explodes and burns. The terrorist who shot the cop lights up a foul smelling cigarette and hands one out to his companions.

I’m shown to a waiting jeep and given the keys. The one with the knife says something into his radio. Within a matter of minutes a brand new hughes chopper, piloted by another hooded figure lands near to the still burning bus. The terrorists leap in and fly away, except for the one with the knife. He pulls off his hood to reveal a handsome Arabic face. He then takes off his catsuit to reveal normal jeans and T shirt. This man then takes his discarded clothes and throws them in the still burning bus. He walks over to me and gestures for me to get into the jeep with him, which I do. I have no choice.

"Hello, my name is Hassan. It may or may not be my real name and if you tell the authorities anything about me you will surely die."

I nodded my agreement. Who the hell were these guys?

"I will take you to where you need to go. Please look natural and nothing will happen. Our customer has paid a great deal of money and would hate to see it go to waste by your stupidity."

Hassan started to drive back to New York, leaving the devastated convoy behind.

"You mean someone paid for all this?" I said,shocked.

"Of course"

"Who are you?"

"Since you will die if you talk, I can safely tell you. We are members of an ancient organization called the guild. We serve anyone who will pay, no matter the cause. In nearly a thousand years we have never failed a customer. As I said before you can call me Hassan. It’s been a long time since I have done any field work and I wanted to keep my hand in."

"What do you usually do, then" I asked.

"I am, if you like the head of the guild, as my father was before me. You are very privileged to see me as only those in my Harem usually do"

"SO I’m going into your Harem then" Oh my God not that!

"Not at all, my heart belongs to another, one who I had to let go and one who I would give up my life for if she asked. I miss her every minute of every day. I wanted to get out to relieve myself of the pain of loneliness."

Killing four people in cold blood was this guys idea of pain relief! I asked an obvious question "Why are you telling me all this?" I asked. How could this man be so different. To me he was kind and courteous but he also was responsible for all that carnage behind me.

"You are wondering how I can be so different. The answer is easy. We of the guild are kind to our friends and deadly to our enemies. "

"So I’m you’re friend" Please God say yes. I thought.

"Not quite, our customer values you greatly. You have a powerful ally but it would not do to probe too deeply in that direction. Take it as a threat if you like"

We drove in silence until Hassan, if that was indeed his name dropped me off at a nearby mall. He said to me "This is as far as I dare take you. You are on your own now. Good luck". It was getting dark and I needed somewhere to sleep. I was about to book into a motel but then the thought struck me.

Holy Shit. The cops would think I was responsible for that massacre. They would go ape shit and come after me. I would soon be hunted down, I was destined to live my life as a fugitive from justice. There were no witnesses as to what went on, only my word and several dead bodies.

I sat on the bench for about an hour. A woman sitting alone looking thoughtful attracted little attention. I was just thinking what do to next when I felt someone sit down next to me.

"You did good. They deserved to die" A husky voice said

"What". I looked up to see a man, dressed in scruffy jeans and a T-shirt. Although there was nothing sinister about the way he looked he did have a dangerous air about him.

"The cop’s you did over. Good work. Little excessive blowing up the bus

afterwards but very professional. Who did it for you?" He said

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"A friend. Listen you need help I can give it to you"

"Yeah, why?"

"Listen, you need my help, I don’t see anyone else queuing up. I’ll take you to my place. Keep your head down and shut up."

With nothing to lose I followed him.

He drove me to a rough looking apartment in Queens and he let me in.

"Sorry bout the mess" he said.

Mess was the right word. Empty Pizza boxes and beer cans lay scattered all over the floor. A pistol lay on the small coffee table along with some suspicious looking white powder, in dose sized small bags.

"Wanna drink?" my so called friend was asking.

"Got a beer?"

"Sure" and he went away to the icebox. He emerged a couple of minutes later with a bottle of Miller.

"Thanks" I said.

"Anytime. Listen You can hole up here for a couple’a days until all the shit dies down."

"I didn’t catch your name? " I asked.

"Greg"

"And you’d better be Dr Elizabeth Bexley or I’m in deep shit"

"Relax" I said.

"Hey I had you down for a Martini kinda girl. " Greg said, pointing at my beer.

"Nah. Beer everytime"

"You can take the bed, I’ll take the sofa. " Greg said.

"Thanks you’re very kind"

"Just a couple of ground rules. You don’t go outside for any reason. You don’t answer the phone, door or even look outta the window. You do and you’re outta here. This is only as a favor to you because you did over those pigs. I’ll send for someone who can help you in the morning"

"Understood. Now I’d like to get some rest"

"Ok, night" Greg Said.

My first night of freedom was spent in Greg’s bed. He was the biggest slob I had ever met and I hated sleeping in his dirty, smelly bed. But it beat a cell anyday. I reflected on my future. Unless Kat came up with the goods then I faced a life on the run. Even then I could be shot dead at any moment in time. No doubt every cop and bounty hunter from here to LA was looking out for me. I had a refuge at the moment but that was not guaranteed.

What about all that money sitting in a bank. Well I expect that would be frozen as soon as I escaped. In anycase as soon as I used an ATM card or tried to get at any of it, that would be it. No the only money I could use was the 5000 dollars in my purse. How could I escape?. Well the first thing to do was to try and change my appearance. Pretty difficult as I was a rather strikingly beautiful woman. Still I could always change my hair for a start. These two days I had here I could use to plan my life on the run.

I drifted off to sleep at about 1am.

I was awoken by the smell of bacon and eggs. There was a knock at the door. I quickly checked that I was decent and covered up my exposed chest. How I hate being a woman.

"Come in" I called.

"I made breakfast for you" Greg said and handed me a plate full of bacon, eggs and hash browns.

"You don’t know I long I’ve waited to eat a breakfast like this" I said.

"I do. I did a five year stint a while ago. Bacon and eggs was one of the things I missed the most" Greg Said.

I tucked into my breakfast, umm heavenly. All too soon I had eaten the lot.

"I don’t know how you keep your shape, eating that much" Greg said.

"I’ve had outside help" I said.

"Listen I gotta go out. I get cable and you can help yourself to anything in the house. I’ll see you later.

I got up about an hour later an walked into Greg’s lounge, turned on the TV and watched the news.

As expected the ambush was national headlines. Shit! ten cops and three prisoners dead and me on the run. The country is stunned at the brutality of the attack and demands have gone out to congress to apprehend anyone involved. My portrait has gone out to every precinct in the state. Shit how can I escape this. Think!

About lunch time I decide to get showered and dressed. As usual I feel all horny after a shower. Just touching my self and looking at my body is enough to get me going. Although I’ve been a woman for nearly five months most of that time has been spent in gaol. The other two days were spent on the street. In fact this is the first time I’ve been really alone since then. I’ve not really had a chance to explore my body properly. Sure I know what my tits feel like and what it feels like to stroke my pussy but most of the time I don’t want to. Today however curiosity gets the better of me and I run my finger over my breast. Ohh that feels good. Instinctively my other hand reaches down to my slit. Yep it’s still there but oh so moist and ready. Now where about’s used to drive Elizabeth wild. Eeekk found it, oh boy that feels great. I run my hand gently over my clitoris and nearly jump with the sensations. My finger traces the lips of my vagina until I push it inside. Oh man that’s good. I gently stroke my breasts with my other hand and with my other stimulate my clit again. I cry out with pleasure. I don’t want it to stop so I keep going. By now small waves of pleasure are rushing from my cunt upwards, with each stroke they grow more fierce but also more pleasurable. Such is the pleasure I now feel I could not stop even If I wanted to . I stroke my clit faster and faster until I’m panting out loud. A tidal wave of pleasure rushes over me as I gasp and moan. Once the tidal wave was gone, other smaller ones followed until I collapsed back exhausted but very satisfied.

I lay back and thought about my first female orgasm, it was wonderful but something inside me wanted to penetrate, do something more. Mind you even as a man there was always something unsatisfactory about masturbation, I guess it’s the same for a woman. When I find Kat again I wonder how she will react to making love to me as a woman. I’ve no idea how do it, as a woman. I just hope we can work it out. I got up, got dressed, still flushed from my pleasure and watched dumb TV all day until Greg arrived back.

"Hi honey I’m home" he said.

"Hi"

"Listen there’s been a change of plan. I’ve got someone coming over tonight. She can help you much more than I can. Oh and by the way blonde or black?"

"What?"

"Hair Dye, I got some from the mall. Now you wanna be black or blonde?"

"Umm Blonde, I think" I said.

"Yeah, I think that’s the right choice for your color. Instructions are on the back. You want Pizza?"

"Fine. I’m not fussy" I said, taking the bottle of dye from Greg. Now how in hell do I use this stuff.

Fortunately the instructions were quite clear and half an hour later I looked in the mirror at a very blonde version of Elizabeth. At a first and second glance I would pass as someone else. I dried my hair off and it then went into frizzy mode. I hated it when it did that. It took me another half an hour to fix it right. I never had this much grief when I was man. Anyway I look more human now.

I wonder who Greg is bringing to help me out.

I was looking at the clock turn 17:45 when the Pizza arrived. I was about to tuck in when the door bell rang, Greg gestured for me to be quiet and he went to the door, peered thru the spyhole and then let his guest in.

"Dr Elizabeth Bexley I’d like you to meet " Greg started.

"Stephanie Lane" I finished off.

"Greg, do ya mind leaving us for a while" Stephanie said

"Sure, I’ll take my share of Pizza though" Greg said, walked over to the Pizza box and took several pieces for himself. With a "see ya round" he left.

Stephanie Lane sat down in front of me and said.

"Kat’s husband right?"

"How Th" I started.

"Quickly we’ve got to get you out of here"

"How did you know?" I asked, astonished.

"That You are really Kat’s husband or that you would be here"

"Both"

"I’ve met Kat or should I say ‘Jasmine’ and she’s told me everything. Greg is one of my ‘contacts’. He knew I’d been heavily involved in your murder case and that I didn’t think all was as it seemed. He gave me a ring this morning and explained everything . I knew I had to get to you before the cops did. What in hell did you do? Your cronies killed ten cops and three prisoners and left the place looking like a war zone.

You’ve shot up the FBI’s most wanted list. If you’re caught you’ve no chance now"

"I had nothing to do with it. Some organization called the guild did it.

Please, If you know where Kat is I need to see her. Please don’t turn me in"

"I won’t, even though it’s highly illegal. I’m a journalist and my instinct is for a story. I also recognise that Liz needs to be stopped at all costs. You fit into both parts so welcome aboard."

"What do mean Liz must be stopped? I stopped her at the airport."

"No you didn’t that was someone else. Look I’ll explain later."

The shocks were coming too fast. How could Elizabeth still be alive.

Stephanie’s wrong but at least she’s going to help me.

"Explain now" I demanded.

"No time, we need to leave right away"

"But road blocks"

"Leave them to me. Listen your’e now my trainee reporter, Alison. We

have to leave now"

What was going on? I was rescued by the guild only to be branded one of America’s most wanted. Now Stephanie Lane was here offering to help. Still she knows what she’s doing more than me. We walked casually out of Greg’s place and to Stephanie’s car and I sat inside. Stephanie got in after me and we drove off.

"Listen If you know where Kat is, I want, no need to see her"

"I promise, when we get you to a safe house out of state, past the initial police sweeps then you can call her. Not until then. Now listen to me."

"I’m Listening"

"Your name is Alison Jacob. You’ve been working with me for around a month. I’m teaching you the ropes. The reason why we are out is that we have to get to an interview in Boston tomorrow. We are driving because we need to trace the last known movements of Rachel Martin, as she drove there so do we. You’ve been mistaken a couple of times for Dr Bexley and have been the butt of many office jokes about it. Here is your press card, no don’t ask where I got it. Let’s say I’ve borrowed it. It will have to do as ID until I can arrange something better."

"Ok got it" I said.

We drove all night, taking turns until we had made it over the state line. We booked into a small motel and I was allowed to make the call I had dreamt of for so long.

"Which number is she on?" I asked.

"She’s at home" Stephanie said.

I dialled the number, as nervous as I had been when I had first called to ask her for dinner.

"Hello" A strange voice said.

"Is Kat there?"

"Speaking, who wants to know"

"Kat, it’s me"

"Who’s me?"

"Silly, remember the fountain in the town square?" I said.

"What?, how?. I saw you’d escaped on the TV. Why did you kill all those people?" she squealed.

"I didn’t get anyone killed. I can’t talk about it right now. I want you to know I’ve missed you so much. Not a day went passed when I thought about being with you" I said.

"The same here. Listen be Careful. I love you." Kat said, her voice shaking with emotion.

"I’m here with Stephanie Lane and she’s looking after me. "

"That’s good Stephanie’s very capable. When can you come?" Kat voice was low now, like she sounded when she was crying.

Stephanie shook her head violently and mouthed "NOT YET" to me.

"Not yet, it’s not safe. " I said.

Kat sounded upset "I understand. Can I talk to Stephanie?"

"Sure" I handed the phone to Stephanie.

My phone call had obviously thrown Kat, She was normally so chatty. Stephanie was on the phone for a few more minutes and then she handed it back to me.

"Kat, I just want to say I still love you, I need you more then ever before.

I may be a woman now but I still love you." I said, why was I crying?

"Me too. Stephanie has a plan, listen to that and follow it to the letter. I’ll see you in about ten days. Remember I love you" and Kat hung up.

"What’s going on?" I demanded.

"The Station’s got a safe house about a days drive from here, I want you to go there and wait for until a week Friday. You are then to make your way to the TGEN Research lab in time for a 10pm meeting with Kat and the rest of our forces."

"Forces?" I asked.

"I’ve made copies of all my notes and journals for you to read. It’ll give you something to do while you wait. You need to be up to speed for the trials ahead of us. I’ve arranged for a hire car to be dropped off here first thing in the morning. It’s registered in the name of Alison Jacob. Now Alison you are on your way to a safehouse to help out in setting up a studio there for a documentary that will be broadcast later this month. If anyone wants to check they can call me OK?"

"Fine" Stephanie’s got this all worked out.

"Oh and another thing. I need to go back to New York and I will fly out to meet you all on Friday night. I’ve got some final things to put together before then, So you are on your own. Kat’s told me you can be resourceful and I hope you can make it. If you remember what I’ve told you then we should be OK."

"Ok see you then" I said as Stephanie Lane Left the room.

Now all I’ve got to do is avoid capture and turn up at this lab in ten days.

T+ 4 Days.

 

32. T-1 Day "Improbable Cause" - The Lawyers Tale.

==================================================

Boy, that was a hard meeting. I’ve got almost nothing solid to go on, only rumors and ghosts. The trial is two days away and we are still on shaky ground. Mind you I do have the trump card of the medical report of Dr Bexley’s condition that proves she was in trauma at the time of the shooting. As long as that stands we have a chance.

I walk out of my office and onto the bustling New York street. It’s cold but I’m too preoccupied with work to notice much. What’s the best we can hope for at the end of this.

OUCH. What the fuck was that. I look down at my right leg. What the A small fin is sticking out from my leg, which is beginning to bleed. I pulled out the dart and inspected it. It’s about an inch long with what seemed a receptacle for some chemical, a needle for a point at small fins which are presumably to maintain accuracy. Who the hell. I looked around and saw noone at all. I must get to the police in order to report this. I’ve fucking well been shot. I put the dart in my pocket and limp off. Ow my leg hurts.

I call a cab and much to my amazement one pulls up almost right away. I ask to be taken to the police station. My leg feels very strange.

A few minutes into my journey and I realise that I’m being taken the wrong way.

"Hey what’s going on?" I demanded.

"The traffic’s bad. It’s a detour" The driver replied.

I lay back on the seat and try and relax. I feel so sleepy, so tired. Just a few minutes rest won’t hurt.

I awake in a room with no windows, only a bed, a wardrobe, sink and a mirror. I get up and try the door. It’s locked.

"Hey let me out. I’m a lawyer and you’re looking at a ten year stretch, buster"

No answer. Hmm.

I explored the room some more. I was obviously expected to be here some time. There was a sink and toilet to one side. A full length mirror was standing in the far corner. I walked over to the wardrobe and was surprised to find A mini skirt,blouse and heels inside. How odd.

I walked over to the bed and needed to lay down. Fuck my head hurt.

I called out again but no answer, so I just waited. The peace and quiet gave me time to think. What was I doing here. It clearly had something to do with being shot with that dart thing but what!

My watch said 6pm. Shit I’d been in here five hours. My head was throbbing, what the hell was that stuff they had shot in me. Who were my abductors and what do they want from me. I can only presume it’s to do with the Bexley case but what?

I stand up, about to look for another way out when suddenly my right leg collapses from under me and I fall to the floor. Underneath my pants I can see flesh rippling, shaping. I feel no pain only strange sensations. My shoe falls off as my foot shrinks to a much smaller size.

I rip off my pants to see that my right leg is now much shorter than my left. All the hair has fallen out leaving a very slender almost womanly shape. I reach out my left hand to touch it and quickly pull it back. This leg, this female leg is now mine.

My left hand feels odd now. "Oh no" I shout as the hair retracts from my arm and the normal muscular shape changes. The fingers on my hand shrink, causing my wedding ring to fall off. I dare not look for some moments but turn back, knowing, but dreading what I will see. A woman’s arm moves as I move my arm and her fingers move as I move mine. My attention is diverted by my left leg beginning to reshape. I watch in horror as the flesh and bone reforms into a mirror image of my other leg. I can now stand but have now shrunk to about five seven. I look down at two womanly legs. What is going on here?

I try to walk to the bed but a pain to my stomach knocks me down again. I stare down at my waist which is now shrinking, as my hips reshape to form a classic curve. "Stop This" I shout but the sensation from my butt tells me this isn’t going to stop here.

I stand again and look at my now feminine looking lower half. I realise I need to pee and so I walk, rather strangely to the toilet. I get hold of my dick and try to pee but nothing is forthcoming. A feeling in my dick alerts me to the fact that all is not well down there. I grasp tighter onto my dick, as it relentlessly retracts inside of me. I pull on it and try to force it further out but it is to no avail. My hand touches something warm and fleshy. Vagina, My Vagina.

My fingers reach down to touch my new organ and I nearly jump. Before I can do anything else I feel so faint and fall to the floor. I awaken sometime later and look down, hoping to see my male body restored.

Nothing could be further from the truth, from the neck down I’m a woman. Yes I have no breasts(at the moment) but everything else is there. The curves,the smooth skin, the ass Why?. I stand up and walk to the mirror. Everything seems so much higher than before and I realise that I’m now about five four. Who’s doing this to me. I stare at my new reflection in the mirror in horror and wonderment, oh no my other arm is womanly as well!. Before I can study myself more my head starts to throb again. What now?

My hands reach up to my face as I feel bones reshape there.I feel my hair grow longer until it brushes down my back, I grab at it and see that it has turned blonde. I go blind for what seems like an age and then to my relief I can see again. I stare at my new face in the mirror and see that of a young woman, perhaps about 25. She or rather I now have longish blonde hair, a large pouting mouth and blue eyes. I put my hands up to my face in shock, I feel the smooth skin and the lack of stubble. "Fuck" I say out loud and hear my new voice for the first time. It’s high and squeaky.

A disturbing feeling on my chest brings me out of my trance. I look down to see my nipples getting larger and redder in color, oh shit my chest is swelling. My hands clutch at my slowly growing bosom. I push hard to try and stop them growing but to no avail. When I release them they flop forwards, although I guess they are small for a woman, they are huge to me. What in hell was happening?

I sit down on the bed feeling very strange in my new body. Out of curiosity I reach down there and feel pleasure when me hand touches female flesh. I’m so tempted to go further but I must escape, must find out who has done this to me. I’m very much aware of my nudity and now realise why those clothes were in the closet.

I’ve been in here for three days now. I still can’t get used to being female, the sight of my body sends confusing signals to me. The curve of my hips in the skirt, the shape of my legs and the fleshy firmness of my tits. I detest all these things but somehow they are part of me. I now realise that the fantastic tales that Dr Bexley said were true. Except that if the real Dr Bexley is dead then who did this to me? I wake up on the fourth day since my confinement to find the door open. I walk out, looking around me for any signs of my captors. I can see none, however a purse and about 50 dollars are laying on a nearby table. I pick it up and manage to force a door open to the outside world.

As I walk to try and find a call box I’m very conscious of my new body. Every sway of hip and bounce of breast rubs my transformation in. What will Monica do?

I manage to find a working call box and call my house.

"Hello" Monica says.

"Monica it’s me, Robert. I know I sound different but I need your help"

"You journo’s make me sick. Robert’s dead and you try and fuck with me" Monica said angrily

"Mon" Fuck she’s put the phone down.

What does she mean dead. What has been going on these past few days? I walk past a paper seller and buy a paper. The headline shocks me. "No clues for Robert Abbey murder".

I read thru the story. Apparently my double threw the trial and then ended up dead in an alley way. But why did he throw the trial. Obviously it was to ensure that Dr Bexley or whoever she was, was convicted but why. Too many questions and not enough answers. If I’m to turn back I need to find who’s responsible. But first I need to get home.

I take the bus and then a cab to my house, the curtains are drawn all is quiet. Using my entrycode I let myself inside the grounds. I walk up to my door and am about to use my keys when I realise that I have none. I ring the bell loudly and wait. Some moments later Monica answers the door.

"Well!" she demands.

"Mon it’s me. Robert" I plead.

"You’re that stupid bitch who phoned me earlier. Get out before I set the dogs on you." She shouted.

"No listen, please. Remember when I proposed to you. We had gone to

Paris and was enjoying a weeks holiday. I got down on one knee in Notre Dame cathedral. The color of that rose window caught your eye. You accepted right away"

Monica took a step back, as though she had been struck. "My God, all this time. Robert had was having an affair. No wonder he was away so much. What you’ve come gold digging now that he’s gone?" She said tearfully.

"You’re not listening to me. I said I’m Robert. I was abducted and turned into this, this blonde bombshell you see before you."

"Not only are you a hussy, you’re also quite mad. It’s not enough that my husband’s been killed, you have to come here with some sick scheme to get our money."

What can I do to convince her? I know.

"OK, remember Xmas. You felt unwell and only ate turkey sandwiches. I had to eat two Xmas dinners as you insisted that you didn’t want to waste the food."

"Robert, Is that really you?" Monica asked.

"Hun, I’m afraid it is. Please let me inside" I pleaded.

I was let in at last and sat down on my sofa.

"OH honey. I thought you were dead. Mind you this is worse than dead, now what the fuck are we going to do?"

"I’ve no idea. I want to get whoever did this to me. I want to get them bad."

"How’d it happen?, why’d you throw the trial and who was that who I buried yesterday?" Monica asked.

I told Monica the whole story, from being shot in the leg to my release by persons unknown.

"Oh Hun that’s terrible. How do you feel about, y’know being a woman" She asked.

"I hate it. I hate being ogled at, as if I have no brains at all. I hate these" and I pointed to my tits. "I hate wearing heels and most of all I hate the thought of not being able to make love to you anymore" I was beginning to cry.

"I know, but we can get thru this. Have you any idea of who did this to you.?"

"None at all. I hate to do it but I’ll give that Stephanie Lane a call. She’s been involved in the case from day one. She must have some idea."

"I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. I don’t trust her. Listen we need to spend some time together, get to know each other again. You need time to adjust, so do I for that matter." Monica said.

"My only chance of getting back to normal is to find out who did it. I’m going to call her". I said, sternly.

"No please don’t call her. Stay with me. Whoever did this is too strong for us. Please Hunny don’t" Monica Pleaded.

"Sorry. Listen We’ll see what she has to say and then we can decide what to do about it. Does that sound fair?" I compromised.

"Fine, whatever you say"

I called Stephanie Lane at her Station and was put thru to her voice mail. Apparently she’s off on assignment with her new assistant Alison Jacob and won’t be back for a while. Fuck.

Monica was pleased at this news and she claimed it was a good sign that everything would be all right We went to bed and I wanted my traditional cuddle but Monica didn’t think it would be right. "I need some time to adjust" she said. She has a point. I need to adjust too.

The next day I still tried to call Stephanie Lane but her voice mail was still on. I left another message and hung up. Monica walked down to the lounge and said.

"Is that tart’s outfit the only one they gave you?" She said.

"I guess so"

"Listen, you’ve gotta get better dress sense if you want to be my husband.

Time to go shopping"

This was more like the old Monica. "Do I have to?" I hated shopping, especially in ladies clothes store. I would just hang around not being able to do ANYTHING, except for wait until Monica came out. A quick Yeah looks nice and then it would onto the next store.

"Yes you do. I know how you feel about women’s clothes stores. But now you’ll be able to try things on as well." She said.

Defeated I gave in. She dragged me around every clothes store she knew of(which was just about all of them). We must have spent a good $3000 dollars. I now possessed every kind of outfit from sports outfit("Oh hunny,you must work out, if you want to keep that shape"), Suits("You must look smart, if you want to get back to work") to evening gowns("You look simply stunning dear"). Of all the trinkets I had to buy I hated getting underwear (or lingerie as Monica called it) the most. Apparently I’m a 34B bust, 24 inch waist and a 36 inch hip. I just know I’m too much bust, too little waist.too curvy hips and not enough in the dick department.

Exhausted we drove back home, laden down with shopping. Mon really wanted me to change but I just didn’t feel like it. I realise that I’m a woman without Mon trying to force it upon me. Mon has insisted that she wants me to sleep in separate rooms until she’ got her feelings all sorted out. So I lay here alone wondering what is to come.

I awaken the next day and just like everyday I reach for my breasts in the vain hope that they’ve gone away. Fuck, as usual their firm warmth greets me. The morning drifts by and I’m still in my night clothes. There’s a knock at the door and I rush downstairs to answer it.

"Hi, I’m looking for Robert Abbey is he in?" A smart looking woman with blonde hair asked. She seems familiar.

"Stephanie Lane, right"

"Got it in one. Listen Is Robert in. I got what I presume was his wife’s message and I drove here as fast as I could."

Monica had ran downstairs to answer the door "Who is it hun" she called.

Stephanie looked surprised.

"You better come in" I said.

"Wow nice place" Stephanie said.

"Thanks, Drink?"

"Coffee, black without" Stephanie said.

"Mon, do you mind getting the Coffee for us. Stephanie and I have a lot to talk about"

"Sure"

"Look, where’s Robert Abbey. I get this call saying that he’s still alive. I’ve driven like a demon to get here, I’m tired, hungry and don’t need a goose chase at the moment" Stephanie said.

"I’m right here" I gestured at my new body.

"Pardon"

"Robert Abbey is right here, in front of you."

"Tell me did you know Dr Elizabeth Bexley?" Stephanie said.

"That’s a strange question. I’d expected ‘How come a young woman is sitting before me and not a man in his mid thirties’" I replied.

"I think I already know the answer to that one. So I’ll ask you again did you know Dr Elizabeth Bexley?"

"Of course I was her lawyer dimbo" I said. This woman was supposed to be intelligent.

Monica walked back in, with a tray of coffee. After she had handed us the cups she said "Dear, I think Ms Lane should leave after her coffee.

We can take care of things ourselves"

"No Ms Lane knows more about this than we do. Please continue"

"Are we sitting comfortably then I’ll begin" Stephanie said.

Somewhile later Stephanie had finished her story.

"I’m sorry I don’t believe a word of it. I mean all this just for being jilted.

If you want my opinion you’ve made it all up on some fanciful whim."

Monica said in a derisory tone.

"No Mon. I’ve listened to evidence for nearly ten years and this fits. Something always niggled me about the Bexley case. Of course Dr Bexley or whoever it was made claims about being turned into Dr Bexley but I paid no attention to them. Now I’m paying the price for my disbelief." I said sadly.

"Don’t take it too hard. The real Dr Bexley is a master at strategy and planning. Her DNA drug,her ability to just slip into almost any role, her enormous intellect added to the might and muscle of the guild makes her almost invincible. In all my investigations I’ve always been able to tell the good from the bad guys, but this time the bad guy can look like one of the good guys. I’ll be honest and tell you I’ve no idea as to where she is now." Stephanie said.

"This guild, are they the ones who kidnapped this Cathline and Jane Stephens?" I asked.

"Yep, I also suspect they were the ones who took you as well. Remember that ambush that led to Dr Bexley’s escape. I have it on good authority that the guild did that as well."

"Fucking Hell" was all I could say.

"How do you know it was this guild, what if it was someone Dr Bexley hired?" Monica asked.

"Let’s say I have an eyewitness to that event and they say it was the guild" Stephanie said.

"Hmmm" I said thoughtfully.

"As I was saying. We’ve been forming an alliance against Dr Bexley, with our combined resources we have a fighting chance. Imagine what would happen if the guild got hold of Dr Bexley’s drug machine, or the military. It’s not just about revenge it’s more than that. I’ve read Sci/fi books on genetic warfare, with this drug those genetic nightmares could happen."

"So you want to save the world as well as us?" Monica said sarcastically.

"I just want to do what’s right. Listen we need you to join us. We need your knowledge of the law, and anything you can help us with. "

"So what chance do we have?" I asked.

"None at all!. Listen Dear don’t get involved. It sounds far too dangerous" Monica added.

"Shut Up Monica, I want in. I don’t want to be a woman for the rest of my life."

"Oh before I go. I want you both to think up a passcode and whisper it to me, one at a time. I’ll do the same to you." Stephanie said.

"Why?" Monica demanded.

"So If Dr Bexley decides to drop in, as one of us we can tell" I said.

"Correct" Stephanie said.

"Ok I’ll do it " Monica admitted.

Stephanie leaned forwards and whispered "Pandora" in my ear.

I replied with "Papillion"

Stephanie leaned over to Monica and I presume whispered the same passcode into her ear, Monica said something to her.

"You you tell each other your passcodes" Stephanie said.

I leaned over to Monica and said mine. She whispered "Trojan" in my ear.

"Now that’s all over with I’m getting together with all the others from this fantastic tale on Friday. I want you to join us. We’re having a kind of council of war, trying to work out what we can do to put this all back to rights and how we can stop the real Dr Bexley. Here’s the details" Stephanie said.

Stephanie Lane wrote down the address and gave it to Monica.

"I still don’t know. Why don’t we stay here." Monica said.

"Listen, I want to be turned back. This is our only chance. We must go" I said. God did I really sound that Squeaky.

"If you say so dear" Monica said,

"We’ll see you there" I said.

Stephanie Lane left. At last we get to the bottom of this and get me back to manhood.

T+8 Days.

 

33. T+14 days Kat O’Nine Tales - The Gathering.

===============================================

Vickie and Jane’s Journey.

==========================

"Come on, you ready yet? " Jane shouted up to Vickie.

"What do you think, the red or the black?" Vickie answered.

"I don’t care , we’ve got to be there first or they’ll think they’ve got lost" Jane shouted.

"OK the black it is" And Vickie ran downstairs a minute or so later.

"Do you think we’ll achieve much at this first meeting?" Jane asked

"Oh, I think so. Even if we don’t get the plans formalised it will be good to exchange stories and we can build from there" Vickie said.

Vickie was about to lock the door when she said.

"Better check the answerphone" Vickie said, running back inside.

"Vickie We’ll be late" Jane called.

"Wait a sec, there’s a message on it Vickie said and pressed the play button on the machine.

"Hi Vickie, It’s Stephanie" Stephanie’s voice called out from the machine.

"Dean’s called me into some kinda meeting. I won’t be able to make my planned flight. Listen you guys start, I should only be a couple of hours late" Stephanie said.

"Who was that?" Jane Called.

"Stephanie, She’s got some kind of meeting on and she’s going to be late"

"We’ll be late if we don’t get a move on" Jane said.

"Ok, get in the car and I’m driving" Vickie called and locked the door behind her.

About ten minutes later Vickie was driving, at her usual warp speed towards the lab.

"Slow down, I want to get there" Jane said.

"Look, nearly there" Vickie exclaimed.

They arrived just in time to open up. The time by Vickie’s watch was

9:46 pm

"Here already. I’ve had enough of this place" Jane said, looking at the lab.

"Yeah me too. Come on help me open up"

Kat And Cathline’s Journey.

===========================

"I’m so glad we’ve got Stephanie on our side." Kat said.

"Yeah me too. " Cathline said.

"I can’t wait for him to be there. I’ve been thru so much to get here.

What if he doesn’t love me anymore?" Kat said.

"Don’t be stupid. You’ve said that you’re soul mates. He’ll be there."

Cathline said.

"How much further" Kat asked.

"Not far, about another hour"

An hour later and Kat and Cathline drew up in the deserted car park.

"This brings back memories" Cathline said.

"Wow what a site. It must have cost millions" Kat exclaimed.

"Yep it sure did, everything is state of the art. It even has an independent power supply. It may look open and inviting but each one of those shiny glass windows and doors has a titanium alloy shutter that can seal the building in seconds. Essential security really. The real clever part is all the genetic sequencers and analysis equipment though" Cathline said.

"Who’s that waving?" Kat said, pointing to two figures in the doorway

"That’s Vickie Turner, and I don’t recognise that woman. Oh yes I do it’s James or should I say Jane" Cathline said and waved back.

"Race you to the door" Kat said and sprinted off, with Cathline in hot pursuit.

The Lawyer’s Journey.

=====================

"I’m fed up of you always saying that we shouldn’t be going" Robert said.

"I don’t want to be out in the middle of nowhere, dragged off to fight off some woman we don’t know. I want to be home" Monica said.

"How much further to go?" Robert said.

"Not far, only about another ten miles" Monica said.

"OK, Can we have some quiet I need to think" Robert said.

Robin and Monica’s car pulled up besides Cathline and Kat’s and they got out.

"How do we get in?" Monica asked.

"Follow the lights I guess" Robert said.

"This is some place" Monica said, looking around at the hi-tech structure.

"Sure is, anyway the card says conference room 1. So I guess we go that way".

His Journey.

============

My journey to the safehouse was uneventful. I’d past police cars performing speed checks but unusually for me I was keeping to the limits. I found the safehouse with little difficulty and let myself in.

The house was sparsely decorated and furnished. A small TV stood in one corner of the lounge and a sofa was opposite it. Investigations of the kitchen showed only a supply of dried food and a meagre supply of canned stuff. Still at least I’m safe here.

I settle down on the sofa and start to read Stephanie’s notes.

Several hours later and I’m only part the way thru. I must admit I find it hard to believe what has been written here. Kat and I never had a chance. Poor Cathline fancy loosing an eye to that bastard Osman and my darling Kat, forced to look like Jasmine and sold into slavery. I put down the first notebook at the point where Kat and Cathline meet. I’m so tired, lack of sleep and nervous exhaustion are taking their toll. I can’t be bothered to go to bed properly and just crash out on the sofa.

I awake, and judging by the sun it’s nearly midday. I fix myself some meagre breakfast(cereals and powdered milk) and sit down to read Stephanie’s notes. Actually I quite like the look of a book called John’s journal. I’ll read that next.

That’s odd. John seems to be a direct copy of Kat. A terrible, terrible thought enters my mind, I quickly flick to the last entry.

"As she got up to go to the bathroom I noticed the way she moved, very similar to me, almost catlike. Come on John you’re tired and exhausted get some sleep. I couldn’t help but ogle at her when she came back. Very cute indeed, her lips are a little thin though. I slept most of the way over, my heart still in splinters over Cathline leaving me."

I checked the date of the entry. It was the same day that I shot Elizabeth, the same fli...

Oh my God, what have I done. I’d shot Cathline’s husband instead of Elizabeth. Holy shit, Holy Shit, HOLY SHIT. Elizabeth had changed into someone else and led John by the nose right to his death by my hand.

The satisfaction I felt about killing Elizabeth drained away and a feeling of dread entered me. I had killed an innocent man, on his way to be with his wife. Oh God what have I done and I start to weep.

Elizabeth is still alive. Stephanie was telling the truth. I’ve utterly failed. Not only am I still a woman, now a fugitive but I’ve actually killed an innocent person, in cold blood. I see now why Stephanie Lane and Kat are trying to form an alliance and also why Stephanie has put herself on the line for me. Elizabeth’s evil must be stopped.

"What have I done?" I weep. Cathline if I ever meet you, how can I say sorry.

I want to cheer myself up. I’ll face up to having to talk to Cathline later. I can’t do anything about that now.

Throughout the next few days I study Stephanie’s notes and testimonies from Kat,Cathline, Vickie, James/Jane and my surrogate parents.

I’d just finished reading about Kat and Cathlines release(I’ve been skimming again) when I remembered the man who’d taken me to the mall and killed those four people. The way Kat describes him it sounds as though he was the same man. What would he have done if he’d found out that I was Kat’s husband. It now seems clear that Elizabeth staged the ambush to free me but her motive for doing so is unclear. The only thing I can think of is that she wants to capture me and keep me captive somewhere. If she has this guild behind her then she is almost unstoppable.

I still can’t get my head around why Hassan would just let them go like that. I also find it hard to believe he didn’t try it on with Kat at least once. But Kat denies that and I trust her. I put myself in Hassan’s position. Here is a woman who I deeply love, but she’s married and if I keep her with me not only am I breaking my religious law, I’ll end up slowly killing her.

Hassan’s love for Kat allowed her to go free. It’s also the same reason why he didn’t try anything on her. I wonder what Hassan will do if he finds out that Kat has allied herself against him?

I think back to my trial and Robert’s strange behaviour. Fuck, Elizabeth changed places with him and threw the trial. She obviously had Robert killed and switched bodies with someone else. I remembered how she would always seem to know what I liked best, how she would know exactly what to say and do to get what she wanted from me. It’s as though she knew me better than myself. Now I am her, at least in body.

I sit here alone and contemplate my future. Was I wrong to try and deceive Elizabeth when she offered me another chance? Would a life with her be so much worse than what I face now? All those cops would still be alive now, so would John, as would Robert Abbey and Elizabeth’s parents would also be alive. That’s sixteen people dead because of that one decision. Exactly how much is one persons freedom worth. I’d now be a man and Elizabeth would be happy. Kat would still be free and able to live a new life without me.

Yes I’d now be a virtual slave, on some kind of chemical leash, my manhood hanging on a thread to Elizabeth’s every whim. Kat would be distraught at losing me but she would get over it eventually. No I’d made the wrong choice back there. Yes I’d had no idea things would turn out like this, I was too upset about being a woman and Kat being abducted. I see now that Elizabeth was offering the least painful way out. In my selfishness I had chosen the hard way and now sixteen people were dead. I was doomed to womanhood and how many more lives have been wrecked because of my self-centred attitude?.

Don’t be stupid. Elizabeth had set all this up before she even flew over to Egypt. The gun was already at peoples heads all you did was pull the wrong trigger. That doesn’t make me feel any better. I’m still at fault. If I could turn the clock back I would. If I ever get in the same situation again, the lives of my friends or mine I’ll give in. I know that I will face her again, I know that the pain we’ve brought each other will resurface and we will have to confront it again, maybe for the last time.

This is all in the past. Nothing I do now will bring those people back or restore me to how I should be. Let’s face it I’m a fugitive from the law. It’s only a matter of time before I’m caught, unless I can somehow expose this whole thing. Even then I’ve no proof that I didn’t arrange the guild’s ambush on the bus. To the world Dr Elizabeth Bexley had the means and the motive, therefore no matter what happens she still got her bully boys to shoot up ten cops and leave ten families without a parent. I have to leave the country, It’s not safe for me to be here anymore.

What was I thinking I love Kat, I would rather be a woman with her than a man without. I see now that we are the only thing that matters. I may be naive but I’ve held onto the belief that true love will prevail, I held onto that when I decided to leave Elizabeth and now I must hold onto that now.

I pack up my things and get in the car. I’ve a long journey ahead of me and I need to get started out. I drive for four hours and then park off the road for a rest.

I’m awoken by a shadow in a uniform, leaning thru my open windows.

"Miss?" The voice says.

Fuck it a cop. Play it cool.

"Yes" I answer.

"Are you OK?"

"Sure I’m just having a rest. I’ve still got a long drive ahead and I needed to rest" I say.

"Say you look familiar" The cop says.

"Yeah I know, everywhere I go someone shouts out ‘Hey that’s Dr Bexley’ It’s pissing me off I can tell you" I say, in an annoyed tone.

"You do look a lot like her, your hairs blonde though" The cop said, suspiciously.

"I think my nose it better though don’t you?" I say.

"I guess. While I’m at it can I see some ID?"

Now I’m Fucked. Wait a sec. "Officer my driving license is all packed in the trunk. I’ve got my press pass though" I fumble thru the glovebox and pull out my Alison Jacob’s press pass and give it to the cop.

The cop looked at it, puzzled for a while. "Alison Jacob huh, You work with Stephanie Lane right?" He said.

"Yep I’ve been working with her for about a month. You can call her if

you want"

"Nah. Safe journey Miss" and the cop walks off.

Phew that was close. I’d better get a move on before I attract some more attention.

The drive there was uneventful after that, I followed the map and arrived outside a very impressive looking lab at a little before 10pm. Oh Kat I’m coming, At last we can be together.

The Journalists Journey.

========================

Dean’s just called me into some meeting or other. I quickly phone Vickie and leave a message on her machine to say that I’m going to be late. Oh Fuck I’ve so much new stuff to share. I know who the guild are, I know how to stop them, I’ve worked it all out. Now I have to wait for a while longer. I just hope I’m not too late."

"Lois Lane. Get in here NOW" Dean shouts from his office.

Better go.

 

34. Sisters In Arms - The Female War.

=====================================

" Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."

The Art Of War - Sun Tzu Sec 1.19

 

"Hi you must be Jane Stephens" Vickie said.

"The one and only. Please call me Kat" Kat replied.

"Kat, this is Vickie Turner and Jane" Cathline said.

"Who else is here? " Kat asked.

"Just us four at the moment. Stephanie Lane is going to be late.

Stephanie’s told me to expect Robert and Monica Abbey as well"

"Is HE coming?" Kat said, excitedly.

"As far as we know he is, If by HE you mean your husband" Jane Said.

Kat Punched the air "YES!"

"Shall we exchange passcodes?" Cathline asked.

"Not yet, we’d better wait for the others" Kat said. "Safety in numbers and all that"

"Fine, I’ve head some of your story from Stephanie but I would really like to hear all of it" Jane said.

Before Kat could start, a small blonde haired woman and an older, well dressed woman walked into the room.

"Hi, My names Robert Abbey and this is my wife Monica. Am I in the right place?" The young blonde haired woman said.

"Jennifer?" Vickie and Cathline said almost in unison.

"Who?" Said the blonde.

"Never mind. Since you claim to be Robert Abbey and you’re a woman,I assume you’re looking for us" Kat said.

"Can someone please tell me what’s going on and how do I become a man again?" Robert pleaded.

"Ok we’ve got another two people to come, but I think Stephanie’s going to be late so we may as well start" Cathline stated.

Kat let out a shriek of joy and ran across the room to embrace a tall woman, with blonde hair and blue gray eyes, walking into the room.

"I thought I’d never see you again" She sobbed.

"Me too" was the tearful reply.

"Oh Matthew I thought I’d lost you. But now you’re here, with me" Kat was crying with joy. Six months of doubt and worry came flooding out in that moment. Kat’s tears of joy flowed like a mountain stream in flood.

"Kat, I love you, I love you" was the tearful reply.

The rest of the group looked on as ‘husband’ and wife were reunited once more.

Kat and Matthew Stephens held each other close, neither wanting the moment to end. He could feel her tears on creating wet patches on his shoulder. He pulls her away "Let me look at you" he says. Kat’s only reply was to reach up and kiss him on the lips.

"Wow, Where’d you learn kiss like that?" Matthew exclaimed.

Kat turned around to face the group

"Ladies, allow me to present my husband, Matthew Stephens"

"But she’s Dr Bexley?" Monica said.

"Mon, you can really be thick sometimes. The real Dr Bexley turned HIM into a copy of her" Robert said.

"Cathline, what’s up?" Kat asked.

"I’m sorry. Here I am face to face with John’s killer and I don’t know what to feel. I feel anger,hatred at what he did. I want someone to smite him down but then again we need him to defeat Liz." Cathline said.

Matthew sat down on an empty chair and Kat sat on his lap. His arms around her slim waist, her hands gently stroking his smooth legs..

"I’ve dreaded meeting you, Cathline, because of what I did. I took the only chance I had to get Liz and I blew it. Because of my selfish choice there are sixteen people dead who would now be alive.I hope you can eventually find it in your heart to forgive me."

"I understand your mistake, that is why I am here and not turning you in.Maybe I can forgive you But not today" Cathline said, sadly.

"What do you mean selfish choice?" Kat asked.

"I’d just become a proper woman and Elizabeth(as Kat) had gone out to get something. I deduced that Elizabeth had switched places with you. She had imprinted some subconscious passphrases in me and used them against me. After telling me she had thrown you into a Harem ,She then gave me a choice. Either stay as I am or get turned back and be with her. If I went with her I would have to take a drug, daily that would stop me turning back into her. Elizabeth would of course be the only one able to manufacture such a drug." Matthew said.

"That’s horrible" Kat Said.

"I know. I tried to deceive her and I agreed to go along with it, with the intention of getting another lab to look at curing me. She saw right thru it and thus I’m now female for good. I call it selfish, as if I had really agreed then John would not be dead, those cop’s families would not have lost a parent and Elizabeth’s mom and dad would still be alive. This is the price of my freedom."

"Listen, you had no choice at all. I’m sorry but sometimes the price of one person’s freedom is ten,twenty a thousand lives. Those people who have willingly fought and died down the ages for the rights of the individual would do so again. It’s up to us to make sure that their sacrifice is not a vain and empty one" Kat preached.

"Right on" Vickie said.

"Too right" Robert agreed.

"Kat, you’re right, I’m sorry" Cathline added.

"Sorry to spoil the reunion but What the hell is going on?. I feel as though I’ve jumped in half way thru the film " Robert added.

"Since, none of you have heard my story right the way thru I’ll start at the beginning.

1. Prelude

===========

The day was perfect, the sun shone in a brilliance that had seldom been seen in that part of the country. But then again it was the day I was supposed to get married. I say supposed because I wasn’t really in love with Elizabeth. It’s a shame I only really realised that fact as I got out of the wedding limousine. How would her family react, what about my family even, could I ever live down the shame of jilting her?

I am getting too far ahead of myself though so let’s begin at the beginning. Once upon a time.." Matthew started to tell his tale of a woman scorned.

In turn each of the members of the group told the gaps that others had not heard.

"Hassan, In charge of the Guild!" Kat exclaimed in surprise.

"He looked exactly how you described him. I guess his friendly, stereotype Arab thing was just an act" Matthew said.

"But he let me go, He said he loved me" Kat exclaimed.

"That bit I think is true. Maybe he is really like he seemed, but I saw him slit four guys throats as though it was just another day at the office. " Matthew said grimly.

There was a silence as the group imagined the terror of the ambush and the seemingly kind and gentle Hassan killing in cold blood.

"Now what do we do? Stephanie has all the info we need to start " Jane asked.

"Wait I guess" Cathline said.

"Hey, you guys want a tour?" Vickie Said.

"Sure" was the general reply, only Monica was a little hesitant.

 

35. Only a Pawn In The Game

===========================

"When a general, unable to estimate the enemy’s strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout."

The Art Of War - Sun Tzu Chap 10.19

"And this is the prototype DNA System" Vickie said, pointing to an elaborate looking machine.

"Can you turn me back please?" Robert asked.

"I’m not sure. It would depend on if Liz has ‘fixed’ you or not. This machine’s drug has not been tested on a human and I suspect Liz’s version is far more refined. But Given a week or so we could try" Vickie explained.

"We can test for the presence of fixer fairly easily" Cathline stated.

"Would you please. I hate being like this and besides it’s shot my sex life to hell" Robert said.

"It’ll take some preparation but we should be able to test tomorrow" Vickie said.

"Thanks"

"Where’s the control room?" Matthew asked.

"OK that’s next on my list, Follow me" and Vickie left the room.

"Amazing technology" Kat exclaimed, looking at the control room. A large screen covered the far wall, giving information on the state of every system in the lab.

"Yes, but in the wrong hands, lethal" Jane said, seriously.

"This is the main control room. It control’s all our robotics drug manufacturing facilities,power regulation, security, the lot." Cathline said.

"Oh Shit" Kat said.

"What?" Robert said.

"Passcodes, we’ve forgotten all about them" Kat said, in a worried tone.

"You’re right. Listen I say we do it now, whilst we are all still in the room" Cathline said.

"Why don’t we just get on with the tour, I’m tired and we can play spies later on" Monica said.

"No, I think we should do it now. Here we are, in one of the ‘hell bitches

lairs’ and she could be right here with us. " Kat said, forcefully

"Fine I’ll go first " Cathline said and she whispered her passphrase to all the others and they shared theirs. However when she came to Monica. Monica refused."I told you I’m fed up of this spy stuff. I’m tired, need a shower and have no intention of giving any stupid password. Come on hunny let’s go back to our hotel" Monica Said stubbornly .

"Mon, please give the code" Robert said.

"No. This’ll all end in tears if you ask me"

"It’s the ‘hell bitch’. Get her " Kat shrieked.

Cathline and Matthew leapt at the now panicked Monica, but they were too slow. They flew down the stairs after the fleeing Monica but somehow she gave them the slip. They went back to the control room to tell the others.

"I’m telling you, she was with me the whole time "Robert was saying.

"Then why did she refuse to give the passcodes and run away like that?"

Kat demanded.

"She can get stubborn sometimes. That’s no reason to accuse her like that" Robert said.

Before the discussion could continue Jane asked "Vickie, what do you make of this" and she pointed out a screen, to her right.

"Looks like the security system has been activated" Vickie said.

A noise like thunder made the room shake, the titanium alloy shutters rolled down the each of the windows. The barrier was meant to keep people out, this time it kept people in . A clank followed by a boom followed as each shutter was locked into place.

"Fuck get the hell out of here, it’s a trap" Kat shouted.

"I can’t get the security system back under control, we’re locked out. "

Vickie said and banged the console in frustration.

"What about the doors?" Matthew asked.

"No Chance we’re locked in. Those shutters are an inch thick, the ones around the exits are at least four times thicker" Vickie said, pointing to the now armor plated windows.

"I’ve got more bad news. The power systems are fluctuating almost to overload. Our compensation systems are failing." Jane said

"Is that bad?" Robert asked.

"Very, if they go it could take most of the building with it" Cathline said, in a worried tone.

"We must be able to do something?" Kat said.

"Liz has locked down the controls here, she may have left the

ECC(emergency control centre) controls alone. It’s on a separate system" Vickie said.

"How long before the power blows?" Matthew asked.

"God knows, eight maybe nine minutes. Listen I’m going down to the ECC. You wait by the main exit until I can get the doors open " Jane said.

"You can’t do it alone, I’ll go" Cathline said.

"Cathline, You’ve missed out on a hell of a lot of upgrades. No I’ll go" Vickie said.

"Later" Vickie said as she sprinted towards the stairs with Jane in hot pursuit.

Placed above hermetically sealed lab 4, massive tanks marked ‘Halon 1301’ began to release propane gas. A complex system of air ducts slowly filled each air-tight lab with a highly pressurised, highly explosive air- gas mixture. Within a few seconds the atmospheric pressure inside each lab had tripled. The efficiency of this fuel-air mixture was such that it would need five times the amount of traditional chemical explosive to do the same job. The bomb was ready, all that was needed was the detonator.

Robert, Kat,Cathline and Matthew ran to the now impenetrable main entrance and waited, hoping that they could escape. Fear was in their eyes and death stared them in the face. By now Vickie and Jane had reached the ECC.

"She’s locked this out as well" Vickie said, frantically trying the controls.

"Yep power systems are locked down too" Jane said.

"How Long?"

"About Seven minutes. What about the emergency lockout passwords?"

"Tried them. Whatever she’s done we’re locked out and dead" Vickie said.

"What about deverting the power from the security system to the power grid? That would cause the shutters to go up." Jane said.

"No. That would overload the power systems right away. How about resetting the system? Y’know doing a cold restart." Vickie said.

"I can’t even get in to shut the thing down. In anycase even shutting the

power off here wouldn’t work. All the systems are quadrupled up for

fault tolerance. We take one out another just falls right back in"

"Got it! About six weeks ago we simulated the lab being taken by terrorists who were after the DNA system. This involved dropping the shutters on the ECC and raising the main ones to let in the security services. If we operate that program, then I’ll bet we can release the shutters and allow the others to escape" Vickie said, sadly.

"But we would be trapped in here, by the time we’ve done this, we could not escape" Jane said.

"Yeah " Vickie nodded sadly, She had just signed her death warrant.

"Let’s do it" Jane said.

A minute later and program ‘stronghold’ was activated.

"Done it" Vickie exclaimed in triumph and punched the air. As the shutters around the ECC sealed themselves in and the outer ones lifted sealing Vickie and Jane inside.

"Now let’s get these doors open" Jane exclaimed.

A Minute later the shutters on the main entrance rolled back and the doors opened. With a whoop of joy the remnants of the ‘gathering’ rushed outside.

"Quick get in the cars" Kat shouted.

"No Use, look" Cathline shouted.

All the cars they had brought along were slowly burning away, Only Robert’s car was missing.

"Shit, Run" Matthew called and flung off his heels.

The group ran away, down the hill as fast as they could.

Power compensator three was the first to go. Turbine three, that produced the power required to run the labs above, shot above it’s rated safety margin. The pressure inside began to rise. In the roof above the power generation room another tank of propane gas began to release it’s deadly load. The fake Halon tank above Lab 4 sat empty, it’s work done as the gas had all been released.

"It’s no good. Nothing works" Jane said grimly.

"Bye Jane" Vickie said and hugged her close.

"Bye Vickie" was the reply.

The two sisters in arms held each other in silence and waited.

By now the generator room was saturated with highly pressurised fuel-air mixture. When turbine three eventually exploded some two minutes later the result was catastrophic. The walls suddenly unable to cope with the expanding explosive force blew outwards. Above the room the gas in the sealed labs caught light and exploded with greater force. Millions of dollars worth of equipment was incinerated in a fraction of a second. That which had taken man months to build, simple physics destroyed within moments.

A blast of flame and remains of the internal structure of the lab swept down towards the ECC. Some of the heat was reflected away by the shutters but the force of the explosion ripped into the room, turning Vickie and Jane instantly to vapor.

The thickened walls of the lab, now unable to cope with the forces contained within blew apart, sending smoke and debris two hundred feet into the air. A pall of black, acrid smoke rose several hundred feet and could be seen from several miles away.

By now the ‘remnant’ was about a mile away, after having the run of their lives. They lay down, crouched behind a low bank. The heat of the blast swept over them and the noise deafened them. The night sky had been turned into day by the heat and fire of the lab.

By now secondary explosions and fires had started as gas pipes burst and whatever remained of the lab caught fire.

A eerie silence hung over the entire area and the remnant waited too shocked to move. Cathline was the first to get up.

"Vickie, Jane" She called in desperation and shock, and she started to run towards the smoking ruins.

"Leave it, Cath they’re gone" Kat said and she had to restrain Cathline from running towards the lab.

"Noo"

"Listen We’ve got to get out of here. The cops will be here soon" Matthew said.

"She’s right, we can mourn later. We must go" Robert said.

"Quick Get down. I see lights" Kat shouted and shoved the still shell shocked Cathline to the ground.

They watched as a car pulled up as close to the lab as it could. A lone figure got out and looked around. The figure was about to get back into the car when Cathline called

"Stephanie, Over here"

Stephanie looked surprised and called back

"I thought, thought you were in there" pointing to the still burning building.

Stephanie then ran over to the bank.

"We were, Vickie and Jane saved us" Kat said.

"Where are they?" Stephanie said,looking around.

"Gone" Cathline said tearfully.

"What the hell has happened here?" Stephanie asked.

A distant wail of a siren told the remnant they should leave this place.

 

36. Retreat

===========

"When you have the enemy’s strongholds on your rear, and narrow passes in front, it is hemmed-in ground.

When there is no place of refuge at all, it is desperate ground."

The Art Of War - Sun Tzu Chap 11,45

The remnant sat in Cathline’s house, still in shock.

"I can’t believe they’re gone" Cathline sobbed.

"Every single time, we get somewhere the ‘Hell Bitch’ gets us" Kat said, sadly.

"I don’t think so" Stephanie said.

"What do you mean?" Matthew asked.

"I mean I’ve struck gold. I’ve found out who the guild really are, how we can stop them and where Dr Bexley’s bolt hole is"

"You mean"

"Yep. If we can separate Dr Bexley from the guild we deprive her of her muscle’. If we can separate her from her DNA machine we lock her into whatever body she has now"

"Monica Abbey" Kat Said.

"Hey, we didn’t prove that!" Robert Said.

"OK, pop quiz, she flees when it comes to passcodes and then two minutes later the building goes boom, taking two very good friends of mine with it" Cathline said her voice tainted with anger and bitterness.

"She ran because those two over here leapt at her like a pair of panthers" Robert Said.

"If you want to fight between yourselves I’ll come back. If you want to hear what I have to say then shut up" Stephanie said in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry" Cathline said.

"OK Here’s what I’ve found out about the guild. My first clues were to be found In John’s diary. The cop, Salah made reference to ‘avenging the works of the Mamluk Sultan’. Next our Dr Bexley lookalike here talked about the terrorist smoking foul smelling cigarettes and John also talks about Salah smoking Hashish after killing those robbers in the street. Now I’ve done some digging around and It’s my belief that the guild are the infamous ‘Assassins’ that terrorised Persia and Syria for nearly 200 years.

The Assasins were founded circa 1090 by Hasan Sabbah, who brought terror to the region from his captured stronghold at Almut. From this base Hasan commanded a network of strongholds all over Persia and Mesopotamia. He was known as ‘the old man of the mountain’ and encouraged his warriors to study from the great library he had built there. This Mamluk Sultan, John mentions kicked the assassins out of Syria around 1270AD, whilst the Mongols did the same to them in Persia around 1256AD.

I believe that the surviving Assassins went to ground and reformed as the Assassins guild. They’ve been elite mercenaries for hire ever since." Stephanie explained.

"So how does all this help us?. We’ve all seen what they’re capable of.

We stand no chance" Kat said.

"I agree. Listen I’ve had first hand experience of them. They still give me nightmares" Cathline said.

"Steady on, I didn’t say we can destroy them. I said we can stop them or separate Dr Bexley from them." Stephanie said.

"How?" Matthew demanded.

"Simple, Money. My sources tell me that the guild are EXTREMELY expensive. They reckon that, that ambush they pulled to get Matthew out would cost a couple of million"

"But Liz’s loaded" Cathline said.

"Yes, but she’s been using the guild quite a lot recently. Ever ask yourself why she decided to do things herself when she could have just sat back and let the guild do it all?" Stephanie said.

"Part of it’s a satisfaction thing" Matthew said.

"Agreed, but one of the reasons is money. If she’d been able to get her hands on that 300 mill that her parents left her, I doubt if we would still be here. Having to change identities, pay for forged documents and arrange abuctions would eat up her resources like anything" Stephanie explained.

"So if Liz has run out of money, then the we are safe from the guild?"

Kat asked.

"I would imagine so." Stephanie agreed.

"Couldn’t she just sell them the plans for her DNA system?" Matthew asked.

"That’d be worth hundreds of millions. TGEN were looking at a billion dollar turnover when this thing went to market" Cathline exclaimed.

"The other thing about the Assassins was that they were members of the Isma’ili sect, a fanatical branch of Islam. They would regard such a device as pure evil. No the guild wouldn’t touch the DNA system. The infidel could use it but not them .To them it would be like making an alliance with satan."

"They’ve already done that" Kat said bitterly.

"So the system cannot generate any extra money for her" Cathline said.

"Correct. Now onto my next part"

"Hold on a second, We’ve some leverage with the guild now" Kat Said.

"What’s that!" Cathline exclaimed.

"Me. Hassan would do anything I asked of him. I could go to him and persuade him to refuse any more contracts with the ‘Hell Bitch’, hike the prices or even turn them to our side" Kat Said .

"Brilliant" Robert said.

"Not quite." Stephanie said.

"Why?" Matthew asked.

"Because the guild do not operate like that, their motivation is purely monetary. If Hassan refused a contract or turned against a customer ,whether physically or financially then his forces would turn against him. It would be seen as a sign of weakness. It would get us nowhere. Besides he might not let you go a second time" Stephanie said.

"Sorry. I’m tired out. We’ve all been thru hell today and I need to rest.

Can I suggest we pick this up in the morning" Robert said.

"OK, I suspect our two newly-weds would like a room alone so I suggest they take my room, the rest of us can crash out on sofa’s and floors". Cathline said .

"Thanks" Kat said and took her ‘husband’ by the hand and led her upstairs.

"Right you guys. I’ll take the sofa. Stephanie you can take the spare room, Robert you can take the floor." Cathline said.

"So this is it, our first proper night together" Matthew said closing the door behind him.

"Yeah. It hasn’t turned out like we thought on our wedding day has it?"

Kat said.

"You can say that again"

"Now we come to this moment, I feel so awkward. I’d planned this in my mind for months and once again it’s not worked out as I expected" Kat said.

"Kat, Listen I love you. My commitment to you stands as strong today as the day we married, stronger maybe"

"Me too. You know, whatever happens the ‘hell bitch’ can never win. The more shit she throws at us the stronger we grow. She can turn me into frog and I’ll still love you. She can destroy my body, reducing it to ashes and the scatter them to the four winds but every place where they land they will shout I love you." Kat said.

"You’ve got very melodramatic recently" Matthew said with a grin.

"Yep, but you know I’m right." Kat said.

"That’s exactly how I feel right now. I hate being a woman, it feels so foreign, so strange as if I’m not really me anymore. But every fibre of me is crying out for you. I now know that only being with you makes me, me, makes me whole. This body is only a husk. The Matthew Stephens you married is still inside, it’s taken me a while to realise that but now I do. I’ve no idea how our relationship will work out but what I do know is that it is foundations are solid." Matthew said.

"I can’t believe that Vickie and Jane are dead. They died saving us, nobody has ever done that for me. " Kat cried.

"I know. That makes eighteen. I hope you don’t mind but I can’t y’know tonight. I’m too tired and shocked at what happened today, besides it’s my time of the month" Matthew said sadly.

"I feel the same way,It’s not appropriate anyway, we must mourn our fallen friends tonight. Tomorrow is payback time" Kat said.

Kat began to get undressed, watched closely by her husband. His eyes taking in every curve, every shape as if committing them to memory. Kat climbed into bed and said "Come on don’t be shy"

"OK" Matthew grinned.

Matthew took his blouse off revealing his bosom. He fumbled with the bra strap until it was finally undone. His eyes grew wide with arousal, as they always did as he looked down to undo his skirt.The skirt slipped down his long, legs leaving him in only his panties

"Fucking hell, that’s some tattoo." Kat exclaimed as she saw the hydra wind it’s way up Matthew’s shapely body.

"Just another example of Elizabeth’s sadistic nature. Anywhere I go I can instantly be recognised as Dr Bexley. I’ve kinda got used to it but people will stare everytime I put on a swimsuit."

"Come on, lover lets get to sleep." Kat said.

"Gunnight" Matthew said as he reached over and cuddled Kat’s firm breasts. He did feel arousal at the her warm body pressing against his own but he was too tired to do anything about it. Kat feel asleep smiling, at long last she had her husband back.

About 5am Robert Abbey got up and used Cathline’s phone to call the hotel where he and Monica was booked in.

"Hello" Said a groggy, sleepy voice.

"Hi Hun, it’s me Robert"

"Thank God’ your safe. I saw the news, is everyone else alright?" Monica said.

"Vickie and Jane didn’t make it. They bought us time to escape with their lives" Robert Said.

"That’s, That’s horrible" Monica said, after a moments silence.

"Why did you refuse to give the passcodes and run like hell?" Robert demanded.

"I didn’t see the point. I don’t like that Kat woman, or her strange husband. I don’t trust them. If people suddenly leapt at you, after accusing you of being evil, you’d run as well"

"I understand. Listen Hun you can tell me your passcode now. Just humor me ok"

"If you say so, Ok it’s Trojan" Monica said.

"Thanks Hun. Listen I owe it to Vickie and Jane to see this thru to the end. I don’t expect you to understand or to help. Just be there when I get back" Robert said.

"I’n not cut out for this. I still think it’s not our fight, but I understand your reasons. I’ll wait for you back home. By the way where are you calling from?" Monica asked.

"We’re all staying at Cathlines. I don’t know how long this will take but I will return to you. I love you"

"Love you too" Monica said sadly.

"Bye" Robert said.

"Bye"

Kat and Matthew awoke, still in each others arms and were greeted by the smell of breakfast.They hurriedly got dressed and went downstairs.

"At last the lovers arrive" Cathline said.

"Not quite lovers yet" Kat said to Cathline with a knowing wink.

"I’m just about to start my findings again, grab some OJ and breakfast and join us" Stephanie said.

"Thanks" Matthew said and homed in on the eggs and hash browns.

"I hate to tell you dear, that you’ll soon lose that sylph like figure of yours if you eat like that" Kat teased.

"I don’t care" And Matthew stuck his tongue out at Kat.

"You will when you get cellulite on those lovely legs of yours" Cathline said.

Her remark was met with another tongue poke.

"As I said last night, if as we suspect the guild are neutralised until Dr Bexley finds more funds the only thing left to do is to isolate her from her DNA device. Now this is much more tricky and is one of the reasons why it’s taken so long for me to bring this to you. I’ve had film footage from the shooting at the airport analysed and have the following things to show you" Stephanie reached into her bag and took out a distorted blown up photo of a long blonde haired woman.

"Who’s that?" Cathline asked.

"According to her entry records that is Alison Davies,supposedly returning from a business trip. I’ve checked with the company involved and they say that Alison Davies took an earlier flight due to unforeseen complications in the contract she was working on" Stephanie said.

"So that’s not the real Alison Davies"? Kat said.

"Correct, now look at this recording from the cameras in the arrivals lounge, I know we’ve all seen them a thousand times before but I want you to watch where Alison is, in all this." Stephanie reached forwards and inserted the video tape in Cathline player.

They watched intently as Alison kept a discrete distance from the events and then walked casually away once the deed was done. Cathline winced and Matthew looked away in shame as the bullet struck the back of John’s head.

"Sorry I had to do that, but did you notice that Alison stayed in visual range of the shooting at all times but not so as to attract attention to herself. She then went about her normal business." Stephanie explained.

"The ‘Hell Bitch’ obviously flew back on the same flight as John, as this Alison Davies woman. I was right about that then. " Kat said.

"Yep, in fact your deductions from Johns dairy led me to this chain of thought in the first place. Fancy a job?" Stephanie said.

"Later. Do we know where the ‘hell bitch’ went after that?" Kat asked.

"I checked with Hertz and they say they rented a car to Alison Davies that same day. I’ve checked with their records and guess what?"

"It ends up at Liz’s old house" Cathline said.

"Nope. Now I’ve had my research team investigate all Dr Bexley’s expenditure for the past three years, Cathline did you know about an out of town warehouse, used for storing supplies for the lab?" Stephanie asked.

"Nope. Never heard of it"

"I’m not surprised Dr Bexley hid it very well. Alison Davies dropped the car off only a few blocks away from that warehouse."

"Her lair" Kat exclaimed.

"That’s what I think" Stephanie said.

"So we go there and destroy the machine, thus depriving her of only form of escape" Matthew said.

"Precisely"

"When do we leave?" Cathline asked.

"Not yet" Kat said.

"Why not?" Stephanie asked.

"We don’t. Or rather not all at once. Stephanie and Cathline will go to visit this warehouse, the rest of us will wait outside. I’m not being trapped the same way twice" Kat said.

"Fine. Where do I go?" Matthew asked.

"You’d better stay here, You’re still a fugitive " Kat said.

"We’ll start off now and be back about 9pm" Stephanie said.

A few minutes later and the remnants had all piled into Stephanie’s car, leaving Matthew behind. Being bored and having lot’s of time to spare Matthew sat down to think and to plan. After three hours he had a flash of inspiration and spent the rest of the day making phone calls all over the world. His breakthrough came after a long winded call to New Zealand.

The rest of them arrived back a little after nine, looking dejected and defeated. Kat’s long face said it all.

"What Happened?" Matthew asked.

"Nothing, there was nothing there. The whole place has been cleaned out. Sure we saw some signs that something had been there but we have no idea what. It could have been anything from the device to a pile of empty boxes." Stephanie said

"Once again the ‘hell bitch’ has beaten us to it." Kat moaned.

"The only evidence we have that Dr Bexley had anything to do with it, is her name on some lease papers" Stephanie added.

"The only other thing that we did see, was far more cats than we expected. They were everywhere" Robert chirped in.

"Well I’ve had a much more productive day" Matthew said.

"Tell us more?" Robert asked.

"First I’m starved, I’ve been waiting for you lot to return to eat. Now I think it’s Robert’s turn to order take in" Matthew said.

"You are a tease" Kat said to Matthew.

"Why?"

"We draw a blank and you sit there like the proverbial cat" Kat teased.

The meal was eaten with a jovial atmosphere, the group bonding again after the trauma of the day before. Hope had been restored.

"Now the food’s finished I’ll start. Whilst you lot were busy chasing wild geese, I got thinking. I’ve known Elizabeth on and off for longer than most of you and so I think I know how she thinks in normal day to day life. As you are now doubt aware Elizabeth was obsessed with keeping her body in tip top shape.She was’nt vain, she just saw her body as a system that should be in perfect shape."

"She’d work out for hours" Cathline said.

"Yep. She also needed a way of generating lot’s of money very quickly, a new person to hide behind and someone who could divert media attention away from me if required"

"So" Robert asked.

"I think Elizabeth invented Rachel Martin. In fact I think Elizabeth IS

Rachel Martin"

"WHAT! No way" Stephanie said, in shock.

"As Cathline would say, pop quiz. Rachel’s body is TOO perfect, everyone has a spot here or a scar there that they hate, Rachel has none. Her face is too perfect as well, since when did a woman have everything right. Most supermodels need at least some makeup or computer work to get that perfect look. Rachel doesn’t need any of it. We all thought she was reliving her parents deaths when she came to visit me at the funeral. She wasn’t, she wanted to say goodbye to her REAL parents." Matthew explained.

"Sorry I don’t believe it. I interviewed her for God sake. I even liked her." Stephanie said.

"Fine, but think about this. If Rachel Martin is so perfect why did she suddenly decide to walk into Estee Lauder and ask for a job. She’s supposedly worked in Europe for four years, someone was bound to notice her before that. Also where did she go?, did you notice that we haven’t seen head nor tail of Rachel Martin since the funeral. Why’s that? Easy, Elizabeth ditched her, in order to resume her campaign against us"

"Resume?" Robert asked.

"Yes, I think she was quite content to leave things as is, unless something threatened her. The death of her parents drove her to even greater levels of hatred and insanity. Notice before her parents death she avoided directly killing anyone. She ordered the guild to attack that convoy and kill thirteen people just to get me out. I think Elizabeth is now much more ruthless than ever before" Matthew explained.

"I’m so stupid, I should have seen it earlier but I was so taken in by her charm and beauty I did just didn’t see the monster inside" Stephanie said.

"Now you see, what it took me to my wedding day to see." Matthew said.

"But Rachel Martin’s loaded. That must mean the guild are still active and can still get us" Cathline was beginning to get scared.

"Yes but remember, she’s brought an island for 11 million. I doubt if she’s got much left" Stephanie said.

"That must be where her lair is" Kat said.

"Only one thing, no-ones been able to find out where it is" Cathline said.

"I have" Matthew Said.

"What, How?" Kat exclaimed.

"My voice, is not that dissimilar from Rachel Martin’s. If I try really hard I can just about sound like her" Matthew said, in a remarkably accurate Rachel Martin accent.

"That’s amazing. How did you do it?" Robert asked.

"I phoned the real estate agent in New Zealand and pretended to be Rachel Martin. I convinced them to give me the location of the island on the pretence that they had failed to mail me the deeds. " Matthew said.

"Honey, your a genius" and Kat hugged Matthew hard.

"We obviously go there and destroy her machine, lay in wait and then do her as well" Robert said.

"Agreed. There are five of us and only one of her. She won’t be expecting us there and if she is still Monica Abbey we know who to look out for." Cathline said.

"Four of us, How do I get out of the country?" Matthew asked.

"Take these" Stephanie said and handed a brown envelope to Matthew.

"A passport and visa in the name of Alison Jacob! How did you get these, this is very illegal" Matthew exclaimed.

"A few contacts owed me a few favours. I said I’d come up with some better ID and I have"

"Is it worth getting Roger Ferry here first. We could sure use his muscle." Cathline asked.

"I’m afraid Roger has vanished. I tried to get him to get to the trial but nobody has seen him in weeks. I think the guild may have got to him" Stephanie said .

"When do we leave?" Kat asked.

"As soon as we can" Stephanie said in reply.

Four days later the remnant checked in at Dulles International airport. Stephanie’s forged passport for Matthew worked perfectly and he was let thru. They sat just talking in the departure lounge until it was time to go. Fortunately they all had seats together. Kat and Matthew sat next to each other, holding hands discreetly. Robert Abbey wanted a window seat and so sat next to Matthew. Cathline and Stephanie sat in the seats behind them.

"I just remembered