Francis

This story is for persons of eighteen years or over. All comments, good or bad, are welcome and all will be answered.

Part Fourteen

Fremantle, Melbourne and then Sydney, where the last of the passengers got off, much to our relief. They'd not been a bad crowd, but we were still relieved that it was the end of the first leg of the voyage.

We'd only just arrived and I had a hand delivered summons to go to the British Consulate as soon as possible.

`Bloody cheek,' I said to myself, and stormed up the where the landline had been installed, and got a phone call put through.

`I don't know to whom I am speaking, but this is Francis Lyon who has just received a note requesting my presence at your place of business. Would you be so kind as to inform the person who sent it, to, first to sign it in a legible hand for me to recognise and be able to ask to speak to that person, or send a car. Good day!' I had been tempted to use the Australian expression of guday, but refrained from using it. I put the phone down and after picking up my cut tresses, went ashore to find a wig maker.

It took some time, them not having a good directory for businesses, but finally found one. With as much hair in a bag as I had on my head, the man said he could do a wig in the same style as my hair, but would take about two weeks. This was okay with me and left him with my golden tresses to work his magic on.

I got back to the ship and I saw an official car waiting on the quay, knowing that the car was for me. The poor driver had been sitting there for over four hours waiting for me to return, but he didn't mind he told me as he was paid whether he was driving or not.

He dropped me off at the door to the consulate and I asked him to wait, as I didn't expect to be there long. Inside, they were waiting for me, three of them, and I didn't like the look on their faces as I entered.

This way if you please Miss Lyon,' one of the men said curtly, the Ambassador doesn't like to be kept waiting,' he flung over his shoulder as I walked like a prisoner between the other two men up a grand staircase. I couldn't help but admire the décor and pictures in the gallery we passed through, but guessed they were not worth half of what was in the house of Chen. We stopped at a pair of large double doors, which the leading man knocked on before opening one of them.

`Miss Lyon your Excellency,' and he gave a perfunctory wave of his hand inviting me to enter. He closed the door behind me as soon as I was inside.

Ah, good afternoon Miss Lyon,' the Ambassador said, rising up from his chair behind a massive desk. He came round as I approached and extended his hand for me to shake. We seem to have blotted our copybook with the pre-emptive summons that was sent,' he chuckled. `Please forgive me. I'll see that the wording is changed in that respect. Can't do to upset people that you've never met. Please sit down,' as he motioned to some quite comfortable armchairs by a huge unlit fireplace.

`Sherry?' I nodded as an affirmative and waited till he handed me my glass and made himself comfortable, but held back from speaking. Let him make the running, I thought, as it was he who had wanted to see me.

`We had a coded message from a, er, Mr Frobisher of the Foreign Office. He asked me to pass on his congratulations on a job well done and I was to give you a pat on the back, er, figuratively speaking of course, and to extend our hospitality to you. Er, what did you do exactly?'

`Didn't he tell you?' I asked sweetly.

`No. I thought you might,' was the bland reply.

`Well if he didn't tell you, then I'm afraid I can't either,' I replied sipping my sherry to cover my smile.

`Oh well, it was worth a try to find out what you buggers, oh excuse me, you people get up to,' he laughed. I laughed too, but was very annoyed at his choice of words, sure that he didn't know me really.

`Have you been working long for ah, Frobisher?'' I just smiled at him and sipped again at my sherry, refusing to rise to the bait.

Ah, well,' he seemed slightly flustered that I was not forth coming, he did say you were good and to be trusted, and that is why I wanted to meet you. I understand you have diplomatic protection and can be trusted,' I nodded as he continued, `and also that you sail shortly on a cruise to Fiji. Would it inconvenience you to take our diplomatic bag to our Ambassador there? It would be a great favour to our normal man who could then spend Christmas with his family instead of charging across half the Pacific during the festive season.'

`Yes, I can do that for you.'

`Splendid! He'll be pleased to hear that. Would you like another sherry?'

No thank you. I should really be getting back to the ship,' I said, finishing my glass, unless there was anything else?'

No, no. Thank you for coming and doing this small favour for us,' he said, putting his glass down and standing up. I'll see that the bag is delivered before you sail. A car will be waiting for you when you dock there. Well it's been a pleasure to meet you Miss Lyon and I do hope we can meet again soon,' he said as he escorted me to the door. Outside was one of the other gentlemen who, after I had shook hands with the Ambassador, took me back down stairs to where the car was still waiting for me. He waved goodbye as I settled back in the seat.

`Where to Miss,' the driver asked.

`Back to the ship if you please,' I answered.

`Well?' Diane asked when I got back to the cabin.

`Oh. It's just that I was asked to deliver a bag to the embassy in Fiji.'

`What! I'm talking about a wig, what are you talking about?'

`Sorry. Yes, they can do it. It'll take a week or so, but should be ready for us to collect after the cruise.'

`Great, and then we would really look like sisters,' Diane said giving me a hug and a kiss, which suddenly became more than that. It was more of a hunger on both our parts as our mouths opened and our tongues met. With them glued together we began undressing each other and fell onto her bunk in a fierce embrace. Our bodies were soon slippery with sweat and I slid down and went between her open legs and tongued her, making her writhe and squirm until she called out enough. I moved back up and entered her and her legs came up over my hips as we rocked to and fro as we fucked. She cried out as she came and I think I did too, but as I slid off her, I wished that another man were here to do the same to me, even Ralph would have done.

Two days later we sailed on our Christmas cruise into the Pacific. The diplomatic bag was locked up in the Purser's safe and we entertained the passengers in both parts of the ship. Hobart in Tasmania was our first stop, then Wellington in New Zealand, leaving on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day was a success and everybody enjoyed the festivities and our shows. Late Boxing Day we arrived at the French Territory of Noumea in New Caledonia and stayed till the following evening before sailing for Fiji.

Here, I retrieved the diplomatic pouch from the safe and with special permission, was allowed to leave the ship and travelled to the embassy where I safely delivered it. I was treated to a sumptuous lunch there and was sorry to leave the delightful husband and wife who looked after the British interests in that part of the world. I had carefully done my make-up before leaving the ship and the wife of the Ambassador was very interested as to how I coped working on a ship with so many seamen, days at sea between ports etc. I laughed and told her that there were two of us and we managed to fight the men off, but times were changing and there would be many females aboard ships in the future. We said our goodbyes and I was given a guided tour before the car deposited me back at the ship.

We sailed from Suva, the capital of Fiji on the morning of New Year's Eve and sailed westward towards Tonga and that evening celebrated the coming of the New Year at midnight. Our show was to a packed audience in the lounge and we did very well to keep them going right up to midnight when the ship's siren sounded as we and the passengers counted down the seconds. Auld Lang Syne was sung as balloons were let loose and we all joined hands to sing the traditional song. Drinks kept coming up to the stage for us and by two o'clock in the morning we had to stop singing because we were half drunk and getting rather hoarse. Diane and I had to half carry Ralph down to his cabin where we unceremoniously dumped him on his bunk before staggering off to our cabin.

Shoes were the first things to come off to ease our feet and then the

dresses were just pulled off and thrown over the chair. Diane clumsily poured out two gin and tonics for a last drink before bed. We were still in our underwear though I had just taken off my bra and was still wearing suspender belt and stockings and I looked at Diane's pert bum and got a hard on in spite of the drink I had consumed.

`Oh dear we are aroused,' she said looking at my erection and handing me my glass, unsteadily got down on her knees and kissed it.

Happy New Year to you too,' she said with a hiccup. I helped her up and we kissed and wished each other the same. She knocked back her drink and said, Let's say it properly,' and promptly folded up on the bunk. I joined her literally and we fucked each other to a Happy New Year. I fell asleep still inside her though I had slipped out during the night and woke up with a hangover and a dead arm full of pins and needles. Neither of us looked a happy sight with our make-up smeared about both our faces as we rummaged about for the aspirins. Then it was a good face wash before we could show ourselves as we went for our shower and then got dressed to go down to the dining saloon.

Ralph looked worse than we did at the breakfast table, but the coffee helped, all three of us declining the food. Then it was back to bed for another sleep as the ship crossed the International Date Line for us to be back in New Year's Eve again. So that night was another party, celebrating the same event for the second time. This time, they carried me back to the cabin I was that much gone, and while I was asleep, Ralph and Diane had sex.

Two days later we were saying goodbye to the passengers as they disembarked back in Sydney and we had an empty ship again. Diane and I went ashore to the wigmakers and there we had the fitting and for the man to make a few small cuts to match it with my hair. It then looked perfect and we were a happy couple as we went and had a drink before returning to the ship to show Ralph. He was delighted with it and came up with some songs for a sister act for the homeward trip.

The ship was half empty for that run home and it was quite an easy time for us and soon we were in the cold waters of the English Channel, soon to be docking in Southampton. We were only going to have a week off, as the ship would be turned round quickly for another cruise to the Caribbean, so there wouldn't be any rehearsals at home. This meant we only needed to pack a few things to take with us when we docked and were paid off.

It was grand to see Allen down on the dockside, and when he saw me wave to him, he quickly came aboard.

Welcome home Miss Francis,' he said, touching his cap. Hello Miss Diane, Ralph.'

`It's good to see you Allen. How's Beatrice and your mother?' I asked as we went below for him to collect our bags.

`Both are well and Beatrice and her mother are excited at your return, the vicar too I expect.' A shiver went through me at the thought of being with Donald that night and almost got an erection at the prospect.

`I can't wait to get home.' I said and showed him the bags to take down to the car. We got envious looks from other crew members as the three of us got into the Rolls to drop Diane and Ralph off at the railway station. There we kissed our goodbyes and soon I was alone in the car being driven home to Donald. I got quite excited as we approached the village and approved of how clean it looked and told Allen that I was pleased with the work he had done to make it so. I did a quick check up of my make-up as we turned into the lane and then I saw Donald sitting in the garden at the bottom, waiting for us. I saw him turn and give a shout at the house and Flora and Beatrice came out to meet me.

How wonderful it was to see Donald again and I simply flew out of the car and into his arms and smother him with kisses before saying hello to the two women waiting, smiles on their faces.

`Welcome home darling,' said Donald when I let him catch his breath. Flora and Beatrice chorused this as I was ushered into the parlour where I whirled around in the room it was so wonderful to be home.

Oh Ive missed you all so much. The trip was as boring as hell itself and it's nice to be back.' Beatrice helped Allen take my bags upstairs and Flora when off to the kitchen leaving Donald and myself alone. I went into his arms again and kissed him as slowly as he kissed me. I can't wait to get you into bed tonight,' I whispered in his ear, I've missed you so much.'

`I've been chewing the bed sheets myself this past week waiting for you,' he said as he gave me a big squeeze and I could feel that he was already hard and wanting me.

`Oh Donald I love you so much,' I said squeezing him back, tears in my eyes. His handkerchief suddenly appeared and wiped at my eyes before he let me go.

`Let's have a drink before we have the lovely meal that Flora's been working on all day. She and Beatrice have been like cats on hot bricks all day, so I kept out of the way,' he laughed as he went and fixed us both a drink. I flopped down on the settee and kicked off my shoes and flexed my toes and rubbed one foot against the other, loving the feel of the nylon. I moved over as Donald sat down and gave me a glass and I couldn't help myself from touching his crotch.

`You don't know how long I've been wanting this inside me,' I whispered over the rim of my glass.

`It's been waiting a long time for just that,' he whispered back with a smile on his face.

Dinner was excellent, as was the wine Donald had chosen as we were served by both of the women, seeing that we were well fed. Bringing out the dessert and coffee, they then left us to be alone as they went home with the small gifts I had brought back for them.

`What did you bring back for me,' Donald asked after they had left.

Me!' I grinned at him drinking my coffee, Can we take the brandy upstairs?'

`Good idea,' he said, rising with the two glasses in hand, and we went up to my bedroom. In there, Donald put the glasses down and took me into his arms again and we slowly kissed, our bodies pressed up tight to each other. He pushed the straps off my shoulders and kissed my throat and neck and I let the dress fall to the floor as I unbuttoned his shirt and caressed his chest. We broke apart and my erection was already out to view as he took off his trousers. I think this was the first time I felt self-conscious as I undid my bra to show that there was a flat chest beneath the lacy padded cups. Donald's erection was pushing out the front of his underpants as he knelt down and took my erection into his mouth as he undid the clips of my stockings and rolled them down my legs before undoing the suspender belt. My hands shook as they stroked his hair as he gave me head till I was naked, and I had to pull him up and then did the same for him as I pulled down his pants. It was lovely to take that throbbing piece of flesh into my mouth and savour the taste and smell of him again, nibbling and sucking till he started to groan. I quickly released him and got onto the bed while he fumbled with a condom, dropping it twice in his haste. I applied some cream to myself as he donned the rubber sheath and then presented myself to him.

Fill me Donald,' I begged, fill and fuck me I've waited so long.' I felt the bed move as he got on and his hand came onto my hip and I felt the head of his cock nuzzle my hole before he steadied himself and pushed forward. I groaned at the sweet pain as he entered, widening me as he slid inside and filled me till his thighs touched my bum. Tears filled my eyes as I flexed my muscles against that hard shaft inside me, the tears being of joy, not pain, as my Donald swelled up even harder. I drooled as he moved, feeling that muscle of his slide and excite my insides as he gripped me tight with both hands as he slowly fucked me. I was delirious with joy as moved in and out and lost all sense of time as his body moved within mine. My own erection was dribbling out sperm as he worked his way up to his climax which came with a fierce shout from him and a surge of power from his throbbing cock as he came. I too cried out as he came, knowing that he would soon pull out and leave me empty, my cry was therefore one of anguish. But he didn't know this as he released my hips and laid his body over my back as he finished, his arms coming round my chest as I slowly slid down onto the bed, smearing myself with my own outpourings.

I loved the weight of his body on mine with him still inside me as he panted from his exertions. I kept flexing that muscle to milk him albeit into the condom, but I would get to taste him later, this being the first time we'd used one these rubber things. We'd read about the health side of anal sex without the use of condoms, and decided that we would use them in the future.

`I love you Donald,' I said into the pillows.

`I love you too Francis,' Donald said as he lifted himself off me. I gave out a whimper as he pulled out and went off to the basin on the dresser and pulled off the used condom and wiped himself with the flannel. Then he turned, his cock still up and straight as he wiped me before throwing the cloth aside and getting back onto the bed. I rolled over onto my back and he made a grunting noise as his side came in contact with the sticky mess I had left on the bed cover.

`You messy creature,' he said with a smile as he moved down the bed and started to lick my stomach before taking me into his mouth and sucking on the residue left. I stroked his hair as his tongue worked round the head of my penis until he had finished and I was clean again. Then we were in each other's arms, kissing and stroking each other's face and whispering sweet endearments till we fell asleep.

How glorious it is to wake up in the morning with a man beside you and you feel across his thigh to find he is as hard as an iron bar. I smiled to myself and slid down under the covers and took him into my mouth, that lovely cock head of his and sucked upon it. He stirred beneath me and moved a little as I heard him give out a groan. I sucked and licked him for a few more moments before letting go and surfacing to see his smiling face. I rolled onto him, squashing both our erections between us as I kissed him.

Good morning darling,' I said between kisses. You're ready to get up.'

`Get up?' he queried.

`Yes. Me! I want you to make love to me again. Then again and again and again.' He laughed and his arms went round as he hugged me.

`One at a time if you let me move.' I rolled off him so that he could get out of bed. I quickly pulled the pillows down so that I could lay with them beneath me as he put on a condom. Though he was in his forties, his body was still strong and firm and his cock just as large jutting out below his flat stomach. He put some cream on the end as I opened my legs, my bum high as my back lay flat on the bed. I lifted my legs as he got between them and rested my ankles on his shoulders as he positioned himself.

Then he moved forward and I quivered with joy as the cold cream touched me and I relaxed to let him push inside me. It was heaven to feel his cock widen me as he entered and filled me, his arms coming down to my sides as my legs slipped down to his forearms. He pushed in till our pubic hairs met and he could go no further. I smiled up at him and he smiled back as he began to move with slow deliberate motions. First back and then forward, filling me with joy and his love.

We made love to each other twice a day for that whole week and too soon it was time to return to the ship. During that time I also realised how much I had missed the cooking of Flora, from the sautéed kidneys to the rack of lamb with its home made mint sauce, and the excellent choices of wine that Donald had produced.

Allen had brought the car down, black, sleek and gleaming in the pale sunlight. He put my bags in the car as I said a tearful farewell to Donald and Flora and Beatrice, though it was only for a six week cruise, before being driven off to Southampton. Diane and Ralph were already aboard when I arrived, both, I'm glad to say, were pleased to see me as I was them. Allen went and stowed my bags in the cabin while I signed on, and said that he would be ready for my return and wished me a happy cruise before returning to the car.

We'd not had the time to rehearse, so Ralph produced a rehash of one of our earlier voyages, so that took care of that little problem. Next day we were sailing, so we took our places to welcome aboard the passengers and then sighed with relief when they were all on the ship and we set sail. It was almost identical to our previous cruise to the Caribbean and nothing of note happened except for the bombshell that Diane dropped when we were on our homeward leg nearly five weeks later. Ralph had come to our cabin and was having a drink with me when Diane, who'd just been to see the ship's doctor came in. Her face was white and looked very strained and had a large gin and tonic before sitting down on the bunk.

`I'm pregnant!' she blurted out and promptly burst into tears. Ralph and I immediately went and sat down on either side to comfort her, our arms touching as we held her shoulders.

That's wonderful,' said Ralph, putting his foot in it before she told us if she was glad or not. We can get married when we get to England.'

I don't want to get married!' Diane almost screamed, stamping her foot. That's not the problem.'

`What is the problem?' I asked, a hollow feeling in my stomach.

I don't which of you two is the father,' she whispered. Ralph and I both looked at each other, shock on his face as I suppose was on mine. I thought I was before we sailed and the doctor's just confirmed it. It must have happened on New Year's Eve.'

`Which one?' Ralph asked.

`Either. Two nights, two of you, oh what am I going to do,' she wailed. We both hugged her, not knowing what to say as we both looked at each other across her bowed head.

We'll both look after you,' I said looking at Ralph who nodded. This will mean breaking up the act. We can't have you prancing around the stage and standing on your feet too long. Tell you what! I'll buy us a house where we can all stay together till the baby's born and we can then decide what we are going to do. Come on, dry those tears, it's not the end of the world.'

`It is for me,' Diane sobbed.

Don't be silly,' I said, you can both come to my place when we dock, and then we can go house hunting. Tell me. Where would you like to live?'

Near the sea,' Diane said, her sobbing easing as she thought about it. Dorset, Hampshire. I don't care.' Her hand grasped mine. `You'd really do this for me?' She said raising her head for the first time, tears still in her eyes.

`Of course! We both love you and would do anything for you, besides, I can afford it,' I said with a little laugh feeling guilty as though I was buying my way out of trouble.

`You'll stay too Ralph?' Diane queried.

Of course I will,' taking her other hand and giving it a squeeze. Francis has Donald and you'll have me.'

After a few more drinks she was almost back to her normal self and could laugh as we discussed the future, which I'm glad that none of us can see into. The next day we went and saw the Staff Commander and told him that we would not be rejoining the ship for the future voyage. He was most dismayed and tried to talk us out of our decision and finished up annoyed when we wouldn't tell him why. In spite of that, he still joined the little party we had at the bar two nights before docking. Nearly all the officers stopped by for a drink, except those on watch, to say their goodbyes, and we left handsome tips to the Goanese crew members who had looked after our cabins for us.

We collected our pay as we signed off the Andaman for the last time and had to hire an extra car to carry all our baggage while we travelled in the Rolls towards home. Allen phoned ahead to warn Flora that we would all be there so that she wouldn't be caught short for dinner. Donald was as pleased as I when we arrived, kissing me first then Diane, and it was only when we were sitting down to dinner was he told that Diane was pregnant. He was most enthusiastic in his congratulations to Diane and to Ralph, and we didn't disabuse him of his notion as to who the father was. He didn't notice the guilty looks on the faces of Ralph and myself. Flora was delighted at the news and rushed off to the kitchen to tell Beatrice. Donald then opened champagne and the dinner turned into a party, and was only too happy to accompany us in a search for a house down near the coast. The next day being Friday would give us two days to look before we had to be back for Sunday services.

We were up early that morning after a lovely loving session with Donald during the night, but refrained from touching each other when we woke up. After breakfast, Allen drove the four of us down to Hampshire to start our quest, which was fruitless on that first day. We spent the night in an hotel in the country, Diane and Ralph in one room, Allen in one and Donald and I in another. Again it was another night of loving, but this time in a big four poster bed. Plenty of space for us to roll around as we sucked and played with each other before we got down to the nitty gritty.

After a good breakfast, we all set out for Dorset and found exactly what Diane dreamed of just outside the village of Fleet. It was a small house that looked down a sloping lawn to the sea beyond Chesil Beach. The price was good and I wrote out a cheque there and then, and was told that we could move in as soon as the cheque cleared. I gave the agent some cash so that it could be a same day clearance. Delighted at what we had achieved, it was a happy car load that made its way home. Flora too was pleased for us as she served dinner that night.

`It's a wonderful thing you have done for those two,' Donald said to me in bed that night, and I had to kiss him from saying too much and forcing me to blurt out the truth. The next time he opened his mouth I stuck my erection in it, though I finally took his where I liked it most.

Sunday we all went to church and listened to Donald give out a mixed sermon on brotherly love and that it is better to give than receive, knowing that it was being directed at me. Then after lunch, we had a lazy afternoon in front of the fire until the evening service.

Monday I went off with Diane and Ralph to shop in Trowbridge for what they wanted for the house. It was a tiring day finishing off at a removal firm, giving them the shops and what was to be collected and where to deliver on the Wednesday. I went with them to see to the delivery, Donald staying behind because of his Wednesday night service in the church. Allen and I helped them get the things into the house and saw them settled before he drove me back home alone leaving them to enjoy the house together. Allen dropped me off just in time for me to slip into the church to hear Donald give his sermon, which he finished off with a quote from John.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear." I smiled at this and felt no fear in my love for Donald even though it was said to be forbidden in the Bible and by the law. We had supper and went to bed early where I told him how happy Diane seemed to be in her new home before we made love that lasted into the early hours of the morning.

It had been several months since I'd mixed with the other villagers, so Donald and I went up to the pub for a Ploughman's Lunch. I did like the cheese that went with the fresh bread and pickles. We'd hurried up the lane because it was beginning to rain and this kept some of the people away so we had Dave's full attention until the brewery's dray pulled up outside. It always pulled into our lane so as not to cause an obstruction on the main road, and the two men unloaded what Dave had ordered. They had just finished unloading when we left the pub and started off back down the lane to go home. It had stopped raining, but a little river of water still ran down the now old tarmac, so Donald put his arm through mine so that I didn't slip.

I held his arm tightly as we talked and laughed as we trod carefully until we heard the shouting from back up the lane, we turned and then it happened all so quickly. I had a brief glimpse of the brewery truck just a few feet from us when Donald violently pushed me away. I fell to my knees, skidding and sliding on the wet ground but saw the truck hit Donald. Then it was like a nightmare, watching a series of still pictures or a frame by frame sequence of a film. I know I was screaming as the near side of the truck knocked Donald forward and down onto the ground. Then the horrible sight of the front wheel rolling over his chest and hearing the sound of bones breaking and expelling of breath and then to see his bouncing body hit again as the rear wheel did the same. The truck carried on its silent passage till it hit the fence of the churchyard though I was looking at Donald as I scrabbled on my hands and knees towards him lying on the wet road.

His arms flopped a little as I lifted his head up onto my lap. I could hardly see his face through my tears, but could clearly see the wet tyre tracks across his white shirt that was also turning red from his blood. His eyes came open as I tried to wipe his face with a dirty hand, blood was beginning to run from the side of his mouth as he tried to speak to me. My tears were now splashing down onto his face. He gave a cough and a shudder and more blood welled out of his mouth as he tried to speak. I bent down as low as I could in that position to catch his words, his eye lids fluttering.

`God will forgive us. God bless you,' he whispered and gave another cough and more blood came flowing out to run down his cheek and onto my dress as he closed his eyes and died in my arms.

I hadn't heard the people run down the road and was still unaware of them gathering around Donald and me in the middle of the road. I just gave out a howl of anguish and shook off the hands that tried to ease me away from him. I have no idea of the number that were there that finally pried Donald from my arms, and they held me as Donald was lifted up and carried into the vicarage. I don't know how long they held me in my own parlour, until the doctor eventually arrived and gave me a massive sedative that knocked me out.

Fortunately for my secret, they didn't put me to bed but had stretched me out on my settee. Flora had the presence of mind to send Allen off post haste to Dorset to bring Diane back to see to me. I was still out when she arrived with Ralph, and the two of them took me up to my bedroom and put me to bed. Diane then stayed with me to dose me up again when I surfaced. They kept me sedated till the day before the funeral. I was in a listless state as it was gently told to me of the aftermath of the accident.

Somehow, the brake of the brewer's truck had slipped, and with the ignition keys out, the steering wheel was locked. This let the truck run silently down the whole length of the lane, and it was only the shouting of the people from the pub that gave us just enough time for Donald to sacrifice himself for me. They saw him push me out of the path of the truck but not enough time for him to get clear. It took them ten minutes to separate his body from my embrace to take him to the vicarage and another thirty five minutes before the doctor arrived, the police another twenty.

It was accepted by all as an accident and Donald had been taken away to be prepared by an undertaker of Trowbridge, to be brought back the next day for burial in his own churchyard. I had enough of my faculties to ask for old Simon and Allen to come and see me to see what plans had been made for Donald's grave. When they arrived, I asked Simon where he had been told to dig, and when he told me, I vetoed the site and told him, and Allen, that I wanted his grave to be one away from my parents, leaving the space between for my own resting place. I wanted him to be buried next to me as close to my parents as possible, my aunts having been buried on the other side.

`Who have the church sent to officiate?' I asked.

`The Reverend Peter Blake.'

Peter,' I sighed closing my eyes, I might have guessed. May I see him please. Alone. And then I would like to see Diane and Ralph please.' Allen and Simon left and in a short while, Peter knocked at the bedroom door and came in.

`Hello Francis. I'm sorry that we meet again under such circumstances. You have my deepest sympathies for the loss to all of us.'

`Thank you Peter,' I said, shaking his hand and making him sit down.

I'll be brief because I'm very tired. I think you know that Donald and I were lovers, but I don't want this brought out in the church.' I wasn't sure if he knew of my gender, and I wasn't prepared to ask or let him know if he didn't. Please don't say any bad things about him at your eulogy. He was a good man and had the respect of the village. Also there are many things of mine in the vicarage that I will have collected and I would like the clothes and personal things of Donald's if you don't mind.'

`Don't worry Francis. Your things can be collected and what you want of Donald's. I know he loved you. He told me when I was here last and I know what to say tomorrow,' he said giving my hand a squeeze before leaving the room and letting Diane and Ralph enter.

Thank you both for coming and being here with me at this time,' I said, tears starting to come to my eyes. Diane wiped them away and Ralph patted my hand but kept silent. I could see the pity in his eyes that made mine water all the more. I would like you both to go over to the vicarage and bring all my things and those of Donald's back here. Ralph, be careful of the box in the spare bedroom. It's very fragile and rather expensive, oh, and don't forget to bring that television box as well.' I sank back onto the pillows feeling very tired, so with a patting of hands they left me to sleep. Sleep that night was very difficult having refused the sedatives. I lay awake most of the night cuddling a pillow and shedding many tears. I think I looked a mess next morning.

Diane brought me breakfast in bed, but I couldn't eat. She helped me to the bathroom and also helped me shower before she got me dressed in my black dress. I sat still while she did my make-up but I would be wearing a veil so it didn't really matter. But all same I was ready to say goodbye to Donald. We went downstairs and I had to be helped to the church I felt so weak. It was crowded with many people standing in every available space and the only vacant pew was mine down at the front. There was much whispering as I slowly walked down the aisle to take my usual seat, my eyes seeing nothing but the flower draped coffin before the altar. When I was seated with Diane and Ralph beside me the service began.

Peter came out from the vestry and stood before the lectern and spoke at length about Donald while the organ played softly as a background to his eulogy. I didn't hear most of it because my thoughts were of all the good times I had with Donald and I only caught the last bits.

`Donald's first act as vicar of this parish seventeen years ago was to baptise a child. This child he watched over and gave his love to as it grew to adulthood. Then his last act for this parish was to save that life that he loved. St John in his Gospels said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".'

I couldn't help but sob as he said this and Diane's arm came round my shoulder to comfort me. Then the ushers came and lifted the coffin and slowly walked back down the aisle, the last time that Donald would travel that short distance to the door. I followed immediately behind with Diane and Ralph and the rest of the congregation following us out into the churchyard to gather round the grave. Peter said the last words as the coffin was lowered into the ground and I threw in the first handful of dirt and stumbled away having to have some support.

I found out later that Flora and the people from the pub had seen to the food that was spread out in the village hall. I forced myself to eat the first solid food for days and I think the gin helped too. Many of the people pressed my hand and spoke words of condolence and I nodded my thanks but didn't hear the words. I took as much of it as I could before I left and went back down the lane to my house and sat down and fingered Donald's clothes as I cried to myself.

Diane and Ralph stayed for dinner, but left early, Allen driving them back down to Dorset. Alone in the house, alone for the first time in my life, I got drunk and fell asleep in the parlour, not having the strength to get up the stairs. Beatrice woke me in the morning with coffee, but by lunch time I was drunk again. That night was even worse for me, there were just too many ghosts for me to cope with. So the following day I packed a small bag and had Allen drive me to Trowbridge station where I caught a train for London.

A taxi took me to an hotel in Knightsbridge where I stayed for the next six weeks. I was out every night, bars and clubs looking for Donald, getting drunk and getting picked up and discarded by some of those who had thought that it was a woman they'd got for the night. The men that stayed with me were older men who used me as they wished before either leaving me in my hotel room or throwing me out of theirs. I lost count of the number of cocks I sucked or how many went up into me during that time. The culmination of this was in a night club in Mayfair. It was still early in the evening, but I was well over the top in drink. I was with this man and we had begun kissing in the gloom of the club. I managed to keep his hands off my chest and I felt and found that he had a hard on inside his trousers. It was when he put his hand up my skirt and found a pair of balls and a cock that he blew his top.

`You tramp,' he roared, pushing me away, knocking glasses over with his violence. He was well into drink so the punch that he threw I saw coming and avoided it. But he couldn't avoid the bottle that I snatched up and swung round, catching him on the side of his face. The bottle exploded and beer and glass flew everywhere.

`Bitch,' he shouted and threw himself at me, knocking me over so that we collided and smashed our way through three tables before we were fighting on the floor. My dress was torn and one sleeve came off completely in his grasp. Arms grabbed me and pulled me off of him and some other men, bouncers I think, caught hold of him to keep us apart. The next thing I knew, there were at least six policemen mixing in between us and we were hustled out of the club and bundled into separate vans. It was a short ride before I was pulled out and marched into a police station and had to stand before a desk behind which a sergeant stood.

I gave my name and the hotel as an address and was told that I would be charged in the morning with being drunk and causing an affray. Marched off through the back, I was escorted into a cell where the door was slammed shut behind me. I was stone cold sober now as I sat down on the thin mattress and asked myself over and over again, just what the hell was I doing, telling myself that I was a fool and this wouldn't bring Donald back.

I had been in there about an hour before the door was suddenly opened and I was beckoned out. I followed the policewoman out back to the front desk where a strange man was waiting.

`You are being released into the care of Mr Smith. Just don't let us see you back here again. Goodnight,' said the desk sergeant. This Mr Smith took off his coat and draped it round my shoulders before leading me outside to where a waiting car stood. I got in the back and he got in behind me and the car set off.

`Where are you taking me Mr. Smith?' I asked.

`The name is Smith and Frobisher wants to see you.'

`Frobisher! How the hell did he know where I was?'

`He knows everything,' and he lapsed into silence for the rest of the journey. I tried speculating on this, but couldn't come up with an answer. The car slid smoothly past the guard booth of the underground car park underneath the buildings of Whitehall. The car stopped by some lifts and we smoothly rode up several floors till we got out and went down a corridor where Smith knocked at a door and we went in. The room was in darkness except for the small desk lamp and the face of Frobisher came into view as he leaned into the light.

`Thank you Smith. Wait outside please to doing a little more transporting.' I took the coat off my shoulders and handed it to Smith who smiled, as he took it from me and left the room.

`Francis! How nice to see you again. Please, sit down.' He indicated a chair just out of the light and then picked up a pen and carried on writing while I made myself comfortable. I watched him write and sign the paper he was working on before he put it aside and picked up another one, which he read and then signed. I started to fidget at this ignoring of me, even though I had just been rescued from a police cell. I looked at my watch and saw that it was coming up to twelve o'clock, and he was still working.

Nearly midnight,' he said, not looking up. Rather late to be out brawling in public.' He now signed the paper and put down his pen and leaned back into his chair, his face now in the gloom, out of the light.

I felt sorry for you to hear about Donald,' he said quietly. I sent a wreath, and if you had bothered to read the card, I did ask you to contact me. I could have helped, but,' and I saw his hands go wide as he said the last word, `you seemed to know best. I felt deeply for you at your loss, but not at your way of trying to come to terms with his death. If you want to self destruct, just say so and I'll have you returned to that cell to take the consequences.'

I sat there silently and understood that I'd just been really rebuked for my behaviour, which no one had ever done before. But he was right! Other people would also have mourned the death of Donald, but I had only thought of myself, so I sat there feeling very small.

You're perfectly right,' I said in a low voice, and I apologise for my behaviour.' He sat still, and all I could see of him was the light glitter reflected from his eyes. `How did you know where I was?' I eventually had to ask.

`A man of mine was in the station at the time you were brought in. He recognised the name and contacted me.'

`Have I got to go back there?'

No. The other guy has been thrown out with a caution and the desk report has been destroyed. Now I have to ask you this Francis,' he said leaning forward now into the light. Do you want me to help you? Would you let me guide you and give you something worth living for instead of trying to destroy yourself?'

`Yes,' I answered in a whisper.

Good! Now I know the hotel in Knightsbridge where you are staying, but you're not going back there tonight. You are booked into the Savoy for the night. A room has been booked and Smith will take you there. They've been told that you've been involved in a car accident and all your baggage has been destroyed. At one p.m. tomorrow, there will be a visit from a fashion house with some dresses and new underwear. Shoes too. Select an evening gown. How you disguise yourself while trying on or selecting a dress is your problem. Then at four o'clock the hotel's hairdresser and beautician will call and make you presentable for you to meet the car that will be at the entrance at six sharp. I have two tickets to the theatre for tomorrow, no,' he said, looking at his watch, for tonight. The car will bring you here from where we will depart at six thirty.' I saw him then press a bell on his desk.

`Why the Savoy? Why not my own hotel? How have you fixed this all up in so short a time?'

I can do anything and everything Francis,' he said as the door opened and Smith entered the room. Oh, by the way. I've registered you in the hotel as Lady Francis Lyon. That way you'll get the best treatment. Now have a bath, get a goodnight's sleep and stay off the drink. See you at six fifteen, goodnight.'

I said a dazed goodnight to him as he turned back to his paperwork and I rose from the chair and went out with Smith. It wasn't until we were in the car before I spoke to Smith.

`He said that he knows everything and can do anything. Do you believe that Smith?'

`Yes.'

I waited for him expand on that one word, but he kept silent until we pulled into that small driveway of the Savoy Hotel off the Strand.

Put this over your shoulders,' he said, handing me his jacket again. I'll do the talking and will escort you to your room.' The door of the car was opened by a uniformed doorman and given a salute as we got out and another man opened a door for us to enter the hotel. Smith strode through without pause and I had to almost run to keep up with him. At the reception desk he informed them in rather a loud voice that Lady Lyon was now here on a confirmed booking. The clerk hastily agreed and found a key which he handed to Smith.

`What...what time would her Ladyship like breakfast,' he stuttered.

Smith turned to me and gave me a look.

`Ten please,' I said in a small voice.

`Ten o'clock, and see that she is not disturbed until then,' Smith commanded, leading me off to the lifts. It stopped at the sixth floor and he led me to my room and opened the door and went in first and had a quick look round as I followed him in.

As I presume Frobisher said, have a bath and get a good night's sleep,' he said, taking his coat from my shoulders. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite,' he said with a boyish grin as he tossed the door key on the bed and let himself out.

I walked round the room in a daze. Less than three hours ago, I'd been drunk in a club and having a fight. Been in a police cell and then getting a telling off in the Foreign Office and now in a luxurious room in one of the most famous hotels in the world. God I needed a drink, but I stifled the need and stripped off my torn clothes and went into the massive bathroom and ran the bath water.

I slept like a log and didn't wake up till a maid brought in my breakfast. I kept the sheet up to my chin as it was laid out on a table and thanked her as she departed. I sat down naked and wolfed down the whole lot and built up a lot of gas by eating it so fast. By the time I'd finished my bath, I still had an hour to wait until some clothes were going to be delivered, so I turned my back on the drinks cabinet and read the newspaper from cover to cover.

I put on my padded bra and suspender belt as the only salvageable things from my night's fight, and donned a bath robe just before the dresses arrived. Three women came in bearing the clothes and accessories and it amazed me that they were all of the right size. Even the shoes. Frobisher must have quite a complete dossier on me I thought.

The evening dresses they had brought were sumptuous and it was very hard to pick the right one for the theatre. I managed to hold my poise as I tried on the dresses in front of them by turning my back and not letting them touch me till it was on and covering my genitals. I scorned the lacy knickers, telling them that I never wore them. The stockings I would put on later. I had to model each one and got away with it, but I did ask their advice as to which would be the best one for the theatre. I also selected a day dress for when I had to leave the hotel. With everything chosen, I was wrapped up in a bathrobe again as they departed with what was left.

Only when I was left alone did I put on the stockings getting that usual erection as I pulled the smooth silk up my legs, clipping them to the suspender belt. Then I put on the dress and waited for just a few minutes before the hairdresser and beautician were there to help me. The hairdresser was good, but I had to finish doing the make-up myself otherwise I would have really looked like a scarlet woman. I was surprised at how fast the time had gone, because just as we were finishing, a call came through saying that my car was waiting for me. Thanking the women, promising that a tip would be left in the bill, went down in the lift feeling a completely different person. I would liked to have said a new woman which I felt internally, but, well, I couldn't.

`Your Ladyship looks beautiful,' said Smith, giving me a little bow. This was a signal for the desk clerks to give little bows as I swept out of the hotel. Smith tipped the doorman as I was helped into the car and we swept off to the Foreign Office. This time we parked out the front and a policeman saluted us as we got out of the car and stood by it as we went inside. Security was bypassed as we went straight to the lifts and I was soon walking into Frobisher's office.

Delightful Francis,' he said coming forward to meet me. He took my hand and kissed it. You look ever inch a beautiful lady.'

`You look beautiful yourself,' I replied, taking in his white tie and tails, quite dashing really.

`That was a lovely choice of dress. It's exquisite,' he said, offering his arm to me. I placed my hand on it and we left his office and went back down to the car.

`Oh wonderful,' I said as we drew up at the theatre. I hadn't given it any thought as to what we would be seeing, and was most surprised to see that it was Shakespeare's Henry IV.

We had a box, three from the stage, and Frobisher sat me down in the front seat of the two there, and this was my first time to a theatre to watch a Shakespeare play. It was much more exciting to see it enacted than to read the words, it came to life. I clapped as heartily as the rest at the intermission. I thought we would go down and mix with the other patrons, but Frobisher had other ideas.

`Would you like a sherry Francis?' he asked, getting up and going to a small table that I hadn't noticed where a bottle and two glasses were ready.

Yes please,' I answered. I thought we would have gone downstairs.'

`I don't like crowds.'

`Ochlophobia,' I said.

Well well,' he said, handing me my glass and sitting back down. you really are educated. Not many people know that word. So what do you think of the play so far?'

Exciting, and I like the fiery Hotspur,' I glanced at my programme. Henry Brougham.' I spoke it as it was spelt and Frobisher gave out a laugh.

`It's pronounced Broom, as in a sweeping brush,' he said.

`Well he's a lovely looking man. I can just image him standing there crying out, "Once more into the breach dear friends"'

`That's from Henry V,' Frobisher laughed.

`I know that! But I'd like to hear him give that speech. I bet Winston Churchill would have loved to have been able to say that he wrote that speech during the war.'

`Would you like to meet him?'

`Winston Churchill?'

No,' he laughed, Harry. Henry Brougham.'

`Ooh, yes please.'

`Well have another sherry and we'll go backstage after the performance.' So we had that second glass and watched the rest of the play, and I stood and clapped at the final curtain.

With the auditorium emptying, Frobisher led me down various staircases and into the depths of the theatre until we were backstage and he knocked at a dressing room door. A voice called out for us to enter and there he was sitting at his small table wiping off his make-up.

`Frobisher!' he exclaimed getting up and shaking his hand.

`Hello Harry. Let me introduce you to a new fan. Francis Lyon.'

This is indeed a pleasure,' he said taking my hand and kissing it. What bright light you bring to this dismal room.' His eyes were shining as they looked into mine and I immediately felt myself start to stiffen beneath my dress.

`You flatter me sir,' I said, knowing that my face was going red.

Sit you down both of you, sit you down,' he said sweeping some clothes off a chair, while I finish taking this face off so that you can see the real me.'

`Thank you Harry, but I'd really like to ask you for a favour,' Frobisher said, still standing by the door.

`The answer is yes whatever the question,' Harry replied, wiping the last of the cleaning cream from his face.

I have some rather pressing work to do and would like you to escort Francis to supper, that is,' he said turning to me, if you would accept my apologises for casting you away like this.'

`I would be honoured,' Harry said, and I accepted both.

`Then if you'll both excuse me. I just hope that all's well will end well. Oh dear, even I'm quoting Shakespeare now. This place really gets to you,' he said with a grin as he left the dressing room and me alone with Henry Brougham. The ensuing silence made me feel a little nervous.

`Have you known Frobisher long?' I queried to break the silence.

`For as long as I can remember. He's my Godfather. My father and him were together in Intelligence during the war and are great friends. Have you known him long?'

`Not as long as that,' I laughed, looking at Harry as he later asked to called. Studying him as he started to change out of his costume, guessing him to be about twenty two or three years of age and quite handsome. His chest was broad and his shoulders wide and I just wondered what he was built like further down.

`Do you really want to dine with me tonight?' he asked.

`Yes. I'm rather hungry. I haven't eaten since breakfast I've been so nervous about coming here.'

That's settled then,' and he picked up the phone and dialled a number. Palmer,' he said when it was picked up at the other end. I'm bringing a rather special guest to supper tonight, so do me proud there's a good chap. What? Oh yes. Yes I think so, well I do really hope so. About half an hour or so then, thanks,' and he replaced the receiver. All fixed up.' There was a knock at the door. `Avanti!' Harry called out and a head appeared round the open door and I was amazed to see it was the leading man.

Oh, good evening,' he said to me. Harry, we're having a bash at the Ritz. Do come and bring your lovely friend with you,' he smiled at me as he said this.

`Sorry old chap, another time. I've already made plans for this evening.' The leading man gave me a wink as he nodded and left.

`That was...'

`Yes. You don't mind us not going? It would be raucous and last all night and I'd rather be alone with you and not share our first meeting with a crowd of others.' I said that I understood and in one way disappointed, but then again I was not, because I too wanted to be alone with him.

With him dressed and ready we went out and at the stage door, the man there hailed us a taxi and soon we were off. We made small talk as the taxi took us to a row of houses near to Whitehall.

`I have a suite of rooms here, a favour of Frobisher's. Most of the houses here are Government offices, or were during the war. Where I am is what was once known as a safe house, where people could stay and not be seen. Also, I think he likes to keep an eye on me, for my father's sake.' He paid off the taxi and a rather beefy man who looked as though he could handle trouble, let us into the building. A rickety lift took us up to the top floor and there appeared to be two suites up there and a door opened at one of them.

`Good evening sir, madam,' the man said at this open door.

Evening Palmer. This is Lady Francis,' he said, giving him his coat. Palmer looks after me. A veritable treasure, though he doesn't like me calling him that, do you Palmer?'

`No sir. Supper is ready in the sitting room.'

`Thank you Palmer. Francis?' he offered his arm which I took and he led me into the sitting room where Palmer shut the door behind us.

I'm famished too,' he said, sitting me down on the settee and going to the ice bucket, opened a bottle of champagne. I couldn't afford this on my actor's wages. Compliments of my father.' He popped the cork and poured out two glasses and then sat down next to me. To us,' he toasted. Now let's eat.' It was a nice little spread and we each ate the delicious sandwiches leaving nothing but a few crumbs.

`Now tell me about yourself,' he asked leaning back close to me, his eyes constantly roving over my face as I told him briefly of my singing career. I left a lot out but he wouldn't know that as he leaned closer to me.

I would like to kiss you Francis,' he breathed. I've wanted to ever since you walked into my dressing room.'

`You shouldn't. You don't know enough about me,' though I wanted to kiss him just as much.

`I know more than you think. Frobisher knows me too. He brought us together because he knows we are alike. That's why I live here, where he can keep an eye on me so that my father doesn't find out. Kiss me Francis, I know you want to.' He leaned in and his lips met mine and we kissed, and as we kissed, I started to melt. His lips were soft and sensuous and I floated off into a dream as my arms went up round him and held him tight. He kissed like Donald used to kiss and my mind went into a whirl as he pulled my body across his as our passions rose. I felt his hardness pressing up against my back as I lay in his lap, our tongues entwining as we tasted each other. When the kiss broke, I looked up into his bright eyes just above mine, and I could see the desire in them and I wanted, no, needed that desire, the hunger that was there.

`Let's go to bed,' he breathed, and I couldn't speak, so choked up with emotion that I could only nod. I stood up on wobbly legs and let him lead me through to the bedroom where we kissed again as we undressed each other till we were both naked, standing tight together in an embrace, welded together from head to toe.

We rolled on the bed, kissing each other's body all over till we finished up sucking upon the hardness of our erections. Mine wasn't as big as his but I think he got as much pleasure from mine as I got from his. He was circumcised but he still shivered with excitement as my tongue traced around the tip of the head. I went as far as I dared before turning round in the bed.

`Make love to me now Harry. It's been so long since I've had it.' He was as ready as I was and without stopping to use a condom or cream, he parted my cheeks and pushed himself into me. It was heaven as his entrance pained but gave pleasure to me. It was a hard and strong fuck that he gave me as he thrust in and out. I groaned at every forward stroke, loving the rasp inside me, the glow it created and the culmination of his coming. The head and shaft swelling as he began to spurt his seed into me as he used short sharp thrusts to send it on its way. Then he lay on me, kissing my neck and shoulder as I could still feel him twitch inside, hoping he would stay there.

Reluctantly, he moved and slowly pulled himself back until he slipped out to my cry of dismay, and he went into the bathroom to wash himself. I rolled over onto my back and when he came back to the bed, he went down on me. He used both hand and mouth and soon I was holding his head as I bucked and came in his mouth for him to swallow it. Then he came up and we kissed again, me tasting myself on his lips, licking him at the same time as we kissed. He was young and strong and he fucked me again that night before we finally fell asleep.

It was lovely to wake up again with a man beside me, one that I could fondle and be fondled back. This morning it was my turn to mount him, which I did with much love and gusto and we both enjoyed it before he took me again. He got off the bed and after washing himself and me, he went through to the sitting room and brought back the breakfast that Palmer had laid out and we ate and drank coffee on the bed.

That night, I sat in the wings of the theatre to watch the performance and I met the whole cast before he whisked me back off to his rooms where we made love all night long. Next day, though it was now summer, I felt like all the joys of spring. I didn't know it then, but I was in love again, such is the fickleness of the heart. I went out on a shopping spree, buying dresses and underwear and then spent every night in a box to watch all the performances till the end of the season.

Then came a summons from Frobisher. I duly presented myself at the Foreign Office and was shown up to his office.

`Sit down Francis. I gather you've made a conquest of Harry. I've never seen him look better, but I'm afraid I'll have to break it up for awhile. I want you to go to Italy.'

Italy! No Harry! I didn't want to go.

`I want you to contact your friend of the Leopardi family.'

Carlo! My insides suddenly burst into flame at the thought of his massive cock. Now I wanted to go. He passed across his desk three photographs which I picked up to look at.

The man on the left is Frederico Scarfe, he is the head of a Mafia family. The other man is unknown as yet. Do you speak Italian?' With me shaking my head, he continued, No matter, we had the scraps we picked up translated. There is an arms deal going through in Naples and the recipients are to be the insurgents in Ireland. Now we believe that this man Scarfe is involved, as yet unproven. Now what we want to know is if he is involved. If not, who is? Where these arms are, when and how they will be sent to Ireland. That is what I want you to find out through your friends out there.'

`You don't want a lot do you?'

`Yes, and I know you can do it. You're booked on a flight first thing in the morning and will be staying at La Florentine Hotel in Naples. Have you ever fired a gun?'

`No,' I said bewildered at this change of tack.

Well it's about time you started to learn. Also to hear what a gun sounds like, oh, I forgot. Aden.' I nodded. Well this won't do any harm, anyway, I need another hour to finish things off here, so you can go down to the firing range.' The door had opened and a man had come in. Frobisher must have pressed some button that I didn't see. `Wesson here will take you down and show you the ropes.'

Is this some kind of a joke?' I asked incredulously, First Smith and now Wesson?' He laughed and waved me away without answering me. So I followed this Wesson and he took me into the bowels of some other Government building, down into where a firing range had been set up. Here Wesson explained the set up and handed me a large pair of ear muffs before he blasted away at a target that I could barely see in the distance. The noise in that confined space was deafening, even with the muffs on. Then he showed me how to stand and how to point the gun and fire. I liked the powerful feel of the recoil as I let off all six bullets. Not one hit the target. Even when the target was set up at only ten yards, I only managed to nick the edges a couple of times. After an hour, Wesson gave up and took me back to Frobisher's office.

`If it comes to war, put her with the opposite side. She might do more damage to them than being in front of them,' was his comment, but he gave me a smile as he left the office.

`Do you have an Aspirin,' I asked weakly, my ears were still ringing and my head was pounding from the numbing sounds of those shots that I had fired. Frobisher grinned as he tossed a packet strip of them across the desk and poured me out a glass of water from a carafe.

`Now I've sent off one of my men with a note from yourself to Beatrice to pack you some clothes and get the special case with your passports and also to collect your brooches. You know, the leopard one and the palm tree thing.'

`Wait a minute. She doesn't know where they are.'

`She does now. I told her where they were in the note I sent, signing your name.'

`How in God's name do you know where they are?'

`I know everything.'

`I suppose you know what colour my toilet paper is then.'

`Pink. The next roll to be used is white I believe. Now enough of this nonsense,' he said. I was dumbfounded because he was right in the colour of the existing roll and of the next one to be used.

`Here is a new passport in the name of Nicole Duvall and that is the name you are booked on the flight and at the hotel. Your bags will be delivered to the flat where you are staying and a car will take you to the airport at eight in the morning, so don't stay up all night. Give my regards to Harry will you.' With that I was dismissed. I left in a daze, again. I always seemed to be at a disadvantage with that man. I passed on his regards to Harry and told him that I would be out of the country for I didn't know how long, but would be thinking of him while I was away. That night, while we were on the bed, me on my knees with Harry giving me a good fuck, I thought and hoped that Carlo would be in Naples when I got there. I kept ramming myself back onto Harry to give him as good a fuck as I could so that he would miss me while I was gone.

I didn't have breakfast, only coffee and for luck, I pulled Harry to an erection and gave him a blow job before leaving. Palmer took my bags down to the car while I checked that my dress was good and make-up just right before giving Harry a kiss and leaving him to go to the airport. My ticket was first class and I arrived in Naples in the late afternoon. A suite had been reserved in the name of Nicole Duvall and I spoke only French to the people I met.

After being installed in my rooms, I telephoned the Leopardi number I had memorised. It only rang once before being answered.

`Francis,' I said to the query.

Hello Francis,' the voice switched to English. Nice to hear from you again. How can I help?'

`I must speak to Carlo if he is in Naples, or any other senior member of the family as soon as possible.' I gave the hotel's name and the name I was booked in under. I was told to stay in and someone would call soon. I then ordered a light dinner to be served in my room and sat and waited. I'd just finished eating when there came a knock at the door. I opened it and was delighted to see Carlo standing there, flanked by his two bodyguards.

Darling!' he cried, sweeping me off my feet as he came into the room, whirling me round as he kissed me heartily. I couldn't believe my ears when they said you were here, so I came as quickly as I could.' More hugs and kisses. `You don't know how many hours I've dreamed of you. Did you dream of me?'

`I do all the time,' I said laughing at his exuberance. He said something to one of his men who then picked up the phone and said a few brief words into it. He continued to kiss and touch me until a knock came at the door and one of his men opened it and took in the ice bucket and champagne, which he opened and poured out two glasses, one for Carlo and one for me.

`Now Carlo, I've got to talk to you.'

`Let's talk later. I'm hungry,' he said as he made a grab for me.

`I'll order some food then.'

Not food, but love. I'm hungry for you. Come,' he said, getting up and picking up the bottle and his glass. We talk only of love first,' and he went into the bedroom and waited for me to follow him. He kicked the door shut and then took me into his arms and began to kiss me as he undressed me. He was as big as I remembered when I pulled down his trousers and freed him. It swung ponderously before I grabbed and sucked upon it.

Do you still need the cream, he asked as I worked on him.

`With this monster, it should be anaesthetic, not cream.' He laughed and pulled me up and carried me to the bed where I made myself ready to receive him. Wow! I'd forgotten how big he was, and he positively reamed me. If he hadn't had a tube of that cream, I would have died screaming as his huge member penetrated me, but when he was in, I gloried in that fullness. Feeling every inch as he worked himself in and out and nearly blew my brains when he came, grinding me hard up against his thighs. The withdrawal was nearly as painful as the entry, but I knew I'd been fucked when he'd finished. I'd already come all over the sheets in my way of satisfaction and was completely shattered when he'd finished. The application of cream to me afterwards, helped immensely, killing the fire at my rear but not quelling the wonderful glow inside me.

Cuddling me to him in his strong arms, he stroked my face and asked me what brought me to Naples. To try and put some authority in what I was going to say and ask of him, I sat up and got astride of him. Our two cocks so much different in size where they lay on his stomach side by side, as I was able to look down at his face to see his reaction to my questions.

`Carlo. There's word in London that there is going to be a shipment of arms sent to Ireland and that some Italian people might be behind this. Are you one of them? Truthfully now.'

`Yes. But not yet. The ship only arrived today and it looks as if I'm in a bidding war to get them.'

Explain that,' I said, and the name of the ship.'

`The name of the ship is the Belus, registered in Monrovia, and, well the Irish don't want to cough up the full amount at one go. They will only pay half up front and the other half on safe delivery. The seller wants it all up front, so our family wants a slice of the action, but so does another. So that is why there is going to be an auction to buy the arms and bear half the risk of delivery. The profit is enormous.'

`The other family being that of Scarfe?' I asked.

`How do you know that?' he demanded sitting up and almost knocking me over.

`That is why I am here. The British Government knows that there is going to be a delivery and they showed me pictures of the men involved and sent me here to ask you if you knew who the other party was. They showed me photos of two men. One being Scarfe and I've got to find out who the other is and when the shipment is planned for.'

`You're working for the British Government?'

`I'm working for the family first! I've come to warn you! Can't you understand that? I've got to find this man, especially if he works for you.'

`Nobody is working for me. I'm the only one that Scarfe deals with within this family. You say you saw the face of this other man?'

`Yes, in the photos.' He eased me off him and he got off the bed and went and opened the bedroom door, oblivious to his nakedness, his guards must be used to it I thought.

Tell Guido to get the families photo album, pronto.' He slammed the door and came and sat next to me. Now tell me all that you know about this arms deal.' So I told him, which wasn't much, and when I'd finished, he got up and began to dress. I too also got dressed and when I'd finished there was a knock at the door and a voice said that Guido had arrived.

`Stay here,' he said to me as he went out into the sitting room. As soon as the door closed, I was up and over and slowly eased the door open to hear what was said. I saw an album passed over to Carlo, and when the man Guido turned to leave the room, I gave out a small gasp and quickly shut the door and sat back down on the bed.

Carlo came into the bedroom and sat down beside me with the album. `Now let's look through this to see who the other man was,' he said, beginning to open the book. I stopped him.

`Do you have any traitor's in your family?'

`All organisations have their traitors. They eventually get found out.'

`Just clarify something for me before I say any more. You said that no one else in your family has spoken to Scarfe about this arms deal?'

`That's correct.'

`Then I don't need to look through your pictures because I know who the man is. The other man in the photo's talking to Scarfe about the arms deal was Guido.'

What!' he roared. He stormed around the room very red in the face, swearing in both Italian and Sicilian and I didn't understand one word but got the gist. I'll kill the bastard myself,' he raged. My mind had been racing like a speeding train from the moment I'd seen his face, and I still needed time to work something out.

Carlo!' I shouted at him as he threw a lamp across the room. Stop and let me think. By all that's bloody holy, sit down and let me think. It's no good going off half cocked. I've got an idea but give me some peace to work it out. Drink some more champagne or something stronger, but listen to me first.' It was with great effort I could see that he pulled himself together, and was glad that I wasn't going to be on the end of the vengeance he was planning.

`Now how about killing two birds with one stone? What are your feelings about Scarfe?'

`I'll kill him too!'

`And start a war between the families. Why not let his own family kill him, as well as Guido?' God, I was becoming as ruthless as they were. I didn't believe it could rub off so easily.

`Then you and the Leopardi family would be in the clear.' That got him, so he sat down and was prepared to listen which I was thankful for.

`Now, has Guido been in any discussion with you in respect of this arms deal?'

`Of course. He's..., he was my left hand man.'

`Right. Now how much is it going to take to win this bid? How much is the shipment worth?'

`In pounds sterling, about three and a half million.'

`How much profit is there in it?'

`Nearly double.'

`Right. First is that Guido is not to know that I am or have been here, because I'll have to go back to London. But, you must have a last meeting with your people and have someone say that the most money that they can raise for this deal is one point six million pounds. Make out that you guess that Scarfe will only go to one and a half and that you'll get the deal. But no way will you go above your figure of one point six. That way Scarfe will know, through Guido that he will win the contract.

The next thing is to get Guido out of sight as soon as the ship sails. Send him to Sicily. Anywhere where he can't be found for as long as it takes the ship to get to Irish waters. Don't let anyone else of your organisation know where he is either. Scarfe will win the contract and the sale will go ahead and the ship will sail for Ireland.

Now, I will be in England and will get photo's to prove that Guido was in England after the ship sailed and leaked the news to the British Government.'

`How will you do that?' Carlos asked looking at me in amazement.

I know somebody there who can do anything,' and it was here that I mentally crossed my fingers that Frobisher would be able to do what I was about to lay before Carlos. All you have to do is phone this number in London and give the date the ship is sailing. No more, no less. As I said, three days or maybe four after the ship has sailed, there will be a hepatitis scare at London airport and it will be reported in the Italian press. So watch for it and make sure you keep a copy. I will return with photo's to prove that Guido was in London at this time. When the news breaks that the ship and its cargo have been seized, you can pass the photos along to the Scarfe family and sit back and watch the fireworks.'

Magnifico caro mia!' and he kissed me on both cheeks. It will be done as you said,' and started to take his clothes off again. `This will be a night for us both to remember.' It was! I was sore for a week afterwards.

The next morning I caught a flight back to London and sore as I was, I went to Harry's and let him make love to me to show that I missed him. He did complain later that his dick had gone a bit numb afterwards but could offer no explanation for it. I was surprised to receive a note during the intermission of the play that I was attending with Harry, he was between productions, from Frobisher to call at his office after the performance. The bastard didn't miss a trick. I thought it could have waited till morning, but I got a bollocking when we turned up at his office at about eleven that night.

Your duty is to report to me immediately on arrival from whatever mission you've been sent on,' he raged. Information is one of the most vital aspects of this job. Lack of it can cause wars!' He ranted on in this vein for several minutes before he calmed down and then, suddenly, in his normal voice he asked us if we'd like a drink. I needed a treble after that tirade, but settled for a double gin and tonic.

Even Harry had been stunned at the outburst, but I explained later that it was justified and that Frobisher had been right in what he had said. That was because he'd just got a mysterious phone call giving the following day's date. That was all. Because the phone call had come from Italy, he knew that it was involving me.

`Now explain yourself,' he said, settling back in his chair behind the desk.

`Sorry sir, I can't.'

`What,' he almost shouted sitting up forward in his chair.

`I can't at this moment,' looking pointedly at Harry.

Oh, er, yes. Sorry. Er, Harry dear chap,' he was being most affable now. I'm sorry to ask this, but can you wait outside for a moment. Just a few details that you shouldn't really hear, you know the drill, eh?'

Oh. Sorry, yes. Walls have ears and all that,' he said rising from his chair. I'll just wait outside till you've finished.'

`Take your drink with you. We won't be long,' Frobisher smiled.

`Well?' Frobisher demanded, arms on the desk as he leaned forward after Harry had left the room.

`Tomorrow's date as given to you from Italy means that the ship Belus will be leaving with a shipment of arms for the, as you put it, insurgents in Ireland. It is registered in Monrovia and flying the flag of convenience.'

I know about Liberian ships,' he snapped. Is that all?'

`No. I'm about to, with your help, destroy a Mafia family in the process.'

`That's going beyond your brief,' he answered.

Maybe, but it's the only way I could get the help and answer to the reason I was sent out there, which you must admit has got the result within just a couple of days. I had to make this guarantee to get what I wanted.' Here I was crossing my fingers again for the sake of the Leopardi's, and took a deep breath. I want there to be a hepatitis scare at London airport in two days time and have the news also published in at least two of the Italian newspapers.' Before Frobisher could butt in, I carried on.

Also I would like those photo's you have of Scarfe and the other man altered. The other man's name is Guido. Last name I didn't find out. I want his face transposed onto other photographs with a prominent face that is against these Irish insurgents. In the background I want to be able to see a newsvendors placard advertising this hepatitis scare. Do you now see what I'm getting at, sir?' I added lamely at the end. These photos are then passed back to other members of this family who will destroy this man Guido and also bring about the downfall of Scarfe.' I now sat back and took a hefty gulp of my glass only to realise that it was empty. He saw the gesture and silently took the glass from me and refilled it before resuming his chair.

He sat there for many minutes and I could see that he was running it through his mind, weighing up the pros and cons for the idea. I had done the same thing on the flight back to London and felt that I had done right.

`Scarfe's family has financed this deal from that end?'

`Yes sir.'

`You warned the Leopardi family off the deal?'

`Yes sir.'

`Why?'

`This keeps me within the family and can be of benefit in the future. How, I don't know, only time will tell.'

`Did you come up with this or did Leopardi suggest it?'

`I did sir. Carlo, that is, the Leopardi member that I deal with wanted to kill Guido there and then, but I stopped him with this plan. His way would have caused a war out there and that wouldn't have helped anyone in the future.'

Quite right Francis. Well,' and here he leaned back, I must say you have exceeded what was expected of you. My congratulations. I will see that the photos are done as you ask and I will have them sent out to finish off the job.'

`No! You can't do that! That's the point. I have to take them out under my own name. Don't you see? I will ask that the heads of the two families get together. The Scarfe's know of my connection to the Leopardi's and will assume that I have been working on their behalf in London and have found out about the arms shipment. I will be too late of course, but I will have the photos to prove the guilty party. This elevates me in their eyes and saves the Leopardi family.'

`You know that by doing this you are killing this man Guido,' he said quietly.

Yes. I know that. Also, I think, Scarfe himself.' I stopped for a moment before bursting out. What else did you think I could do on the spur of the moment. If those arms get to Ireland, how many people will they kill.' I was starting to cry now. `How many lives will I have saved by condemning these two! Answer me that!' In silence he passed across his handkerchief, which I used.

`I'm proud of you Francis is all that I'm going to say. You did and acted as any humane person would have done. We shall do it as you suggest. So take tomorrow off, now go and collect Harry and go home.' I left the room still wiping my nose and I never did return that handkerchief. I still have it in my drawer of memorabilia.

Patient Harry was outside the office and he took me home to his flat where we gently made love to each other before falling asleep. The next day he had Palmer fix up a hamper and we went off to the country for a picnic and it was only after we had eaten in a lovely glade by a small tributary of the Thames just above Marlow did I begin to relax, and he took advantage of the fact. He made love to me out there in the open air and I couldn't have given a damn if anyone had seen us. I teased Harry about his being what he was and asked him how had he found out that he preferred sex with a man as opposed to a woman.

`There have been several members of my ancestors like me, the most notable being Sir Cedric, back in the eighteenth century. He still sired four sons and a couple of daughters, but was often found in the company of other men, you know, caught in the act so to speak. Well it comes out from time to time, me being the one in this day and age. My tutor spotted it and kept it quiet, to his advantage. He would let me act out my fantasies with him and it wasn't long before we were lovers even though I was only twelve when we first had sex. We would quite often go off to a hidden gazebo on the estate and enact out some scene from the classics, though we took it to its limits. Most times I would be the swooning heroine and he would be the knight to save me from a fate worse than death, then proceed to do what he had just saved me from.

By the time I was fourteen, I was then the knight and he would be the maiden. By the time I was eighteen, I didn't know if I was knight or maiden, so to be safe, I took both roles and here I am. At the moment I am the knight in shining armour having just saved a maiden from the clutches of wicked Frobisher.'

I laughed and let him be his knight and me his maiden. It was getting late, so we stayed at an inn in Marlow for dinner before wending our way back to London and the flat where he let me play the role of being the knight for the night.

To be continued.