Francis

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

Part Twenty One

Back to the mundane task of reading the French newspapers and other snippets that were constantly being dropped on my desk. Then the writing of any reports of things that might be noteworthy before doing the cross filing. Wesson took time off from his work to speak to contacts in the army about landing craft. This also involved speaking to an American attaché, using my name. This resulted in Sir Gervaise being invited to lunch at the embassy to discuss it further. This meant changing clothes at work to slip out of the back entrance as Gervaise for lunch the next day.

It was nice doing business with the Americans. All done and dusted there over lunch. One amphibious landing craft at a camp in Fort Lauderdale on hire for six months, payable before taking delivery plus insurance. An aide who dined with us, promised to set things in motion that afternoon to have it freighted by ship as deck cargo for delivery to the island. I, in turn, said that my man would shortly be calling upon the camp to pay the money after getting it from my bank in Nassau. So pleasant and quick, and I only wished that the British people could move as fast as that.

That evening I had lots of letters to write, some on my new stationery that I'd had printed. It looked impressive for official correspondence, but rather over the top for personal use. Good quality paper with the full name and title of Gervaise and all the letters that followed, this under the impressive coat of arms. I'd had three sets printed using the London address, the village one and the other of the chateau in France. The last one looked really good if I say so myself. I'd already told William to scoot round to the American Embassy and give the name of Sir Gervaise, and they would immediately give him a visa for entry into the country, also invited over for dinner the following evening to go over last minute things plus to collect the letters.

`I think you need a personal secretary now,' Wesson said when I'd finally finished writing. I had to agree with him as I stretched my back to ease the ache that had formed there.

How personal do you think?' I grinned at him, Male or female?'

`Female, definitely. I don't want to finish up in a menagerie for three.'

A zoo!' I laughed, Don't you mean ménage a trois?'

`I know you speak French, but I prefer it in the English. Two's company, three's a crowd.'

`Well shall us two go to bed and merge and become a company?'

`Best thing you've suggested all day,' he said with a smile as he came and lifted me up from the chair and kissed me. So we merged and both enjoyed the company. But he was right, I reflected later in his arms. Things were starting to get on top of me, apart from Wesson, in all the things I had started to deal in.

The solicitor Truell handled things okay for the village side and there was my lawyer here in London for the rest, but even he had had to take someone on to help him. Then there was the lawyer in France and only Sam out in Nassau. I was spending too much time away, figuratively speaking, from Wesson by doing it myself. I was too tired to discuss it that night, but brought the subject up the following night at dinner, and we continued the discussion in bed.

`Do you think you could find the right kind of female somewhere in one of the ministries to be my personal secretary. I would prefer someone who has seen military service, W.R.A.C. or W.R.E.N. Not really a W.A.F., but also someone who has signed the official secrets act and all that. There's bound to be someone who wouldn't mind changing jobs for more pay. But there would be a problem and it's only one that you can decide, so the final decision would have to be yours.'

`What's that my sweet?'

`She would have to be told the truth from the very start. We wouldn't be able to keep it all a secret for very long.'

Oh,' was all I got for a long time before he said anything else. That makes it very difficult,' he finally said.

Look,' I said, propping myself up an elbow. There must be lots of other people like, like er, me in the service.'

`You were going to say us then, weren't you?'

`No! You're not like me! You only do it because you love me and I made you do it. You weren't born the same way I was, so don't ever think of yourself as not being a man. You are all man and that is why I love you. But if there are people like me doing it, there must be women who do the same thing. Lesbians. I bet Frobisher knows everybody's dark secrets. Why not ask him?'

`I can't ask him that!' Wesson protested.

`Well I can. I'll ask him and see what he says. Look, if I were really in the ordinary army, I'd get slung out for being what I am. The same applies to women. They have as much to lose as I do, but Frobisher tolerates and uses us, so why shouldn't he help?'

`He might, he might not,' was Wesson's answer.

Look darling,' I said snuggling up to him, you said it yourself. If I do have a P.A. we wouldn't be able to carry on as we are. How can I be both Gervaise and Francis without her finding out, and then it's only a short step to her putting two and two together regarding us. Now if she's ordered by Frobisher to work with us, what can she say, especially if he lets it be known that he knows about her sexual proclivities.'

`That's blackmail!'

`One of Frobisher's many talents. Well what do you say? Either it's a P.A. or you'll be seeing even less of me than you do now.'

`But that's blackmail too, just like Frobisher!' he protested.

I just knew he was trying to teach me something, but I never did really figure out what it was. Now look Wesson,' I said, sitting up now and started to tap him on the chest. What if we rake in her girl friend too. Don't you see it? We can then go anywhere! Two men and two women! Just because we swap bedrooms at night, who's going to know? It's a perfect cover.'

With a little bit of kissing and penile fondling, I got him to agree. So next day, leaving it till around lunch time and could get a drink from him, I went to see Frobisher. He laughed when I told him about the blackmail angle from all sides.

`You definitely are learning the job Francis,' he said, and by using a little on him, he agreed to see what he could do. As I said to Wesson, Frobisher knew everybody's dirty secrets and soon had two different women for me to interview for a new job, though they hadn't been told the details. I didn't like the first one at all, but the second one was a girl I wouldn't mind being seen on my arm when I was Gervaise.

Your name is Penelope Bulstrode and you've worked at the Ministry for four years in a secretarial position having signed the Official Secrets Act.' I was doing the interview in my sitting room at home, and she nodded. Now you wouldn't mind a change of job so I believe, one that would be a bit more exciting?' She said yes to that. `Now it involves handling my private affairs and doing quite a bit of travelling on my behalf. Sometimes with me and sometimes without, but quite often with your partner. Oh I forgot to mention that she is part of the deal, as we travel undercover most of the time.'

`She?' was the surprised response from Penny as I had decided to call her.

`Yes Penny. You don't mind me calling you Penny do you?' She shook her head looking a bit stunned.

`Your partner is a Louise Hepworth, working in the same department where you met three years ago. I believe you call her Lou. You share the same flat, and bed in Putney.'

`Now look here,' Penny said, starting to rise up from the settee. I held up my hand to stop her.

`Listen and hear me out Penny. I've not brought you here to cast stones, if you know your Bible. You are here because of your relationship with Lou and that is why I want you to work with me and Wesson. When you hear my story you will then fully understand why I think you are perfect in all respects. Now I am going to reveal a secret to you that only about ten people in the whole world know. When I say world, I mean just that, from America to Hong Kong and in between. Come, let me show you something.' I stood up and smoothed down my dress as I stood up. I had made sure that my make-up was perfect and that my stockings didn't have ladders in them when I dressed carefully for this meeting. My actions of sitting down and getting up were exactly that of a woman, well I had been doing it for years so it was quite natural to me now. I took her through to the bedroom to where the unfinished portrait was, thinking that I must make the time to sit for it to be finished.

`This is in the process of being painted. What do you think of it?' I had turned it round for her to see.

`Why, he looks just like you,' she exclaimed.

`It's my twin brother, Sir Gervaise, and the space next to him is for me. Now you say he looks like me?'

`Well you said he was your twin and yes, you do look exactly alike.'

`Now I'm going to give you a shock Penny. Are you easily shocked? I asked.

`After the first one in the other room where you know so much, I think I can stand another.'

`Okay. Look at me and tell me what you see, truthfully now.'

`I see a very beautiful woman. A little on the short side, but perfectly in proportion to the face and figure.'

`Thank you. Now come closer and give me your hand.' This she did standing quite close to me and I think the thought that went through her mind was that I was going to kiss her. I took her hand in mine and pressed it up into my groin.

The shock on her face was a picture as her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open as she felt my cock and balls beneath the thin fabric of my frock.

You see, not all things are as they appear to be, and we all have secrets to hide.' I let go of her hand and she finally closed her mouth. This is my secret and my disguise. Gervaise here is me as I am also Francis.'

`But Sir Gervaise is a war hero,' she stuttered.

At your service ma'am,' I said, giving her a curtsey. Do you like the disguise?' All she could do was stutter as we walked back into the sitting room. I went to the drinks cabinet and poured myself a gin and tonic and asked her what she would to drink. She stuttered out for the same, and took a big gulp of it when I handed her the glass.

`Quite a shock I imagine,' I said dryly.

`You can say that again,' taking a sip this time of her drink.

`So you see, we are quite in the same boat so to speak. You being the feminine partner to Lou and me being the feminine partner to Wesson.'

`Wesson?'

`Yes. Didn't you guess he was my lover.'

`Well yes, but that was only natural, you being a...'

`Woman? Exactly the impression we have given out, but it becomes rather difficult when I have to travel as Sir Gervaise. I think you are intelligent enough to see the problems we run into. What all four of us do, is illegal in the eyes of the law and therefore have to be very careful, and as well as being my personal secretary, Lou and yourself are the perfect pair to travel with us as two normal couples. Lou is the only other person you can tell all this to, for reasons which I have just stated.

Now Frobisher knows all about this and has already agreed to both of you working with, and for me. There'll be quite some travelling abroad, but you'll always be on expenses so there will be no need to worry about your pay. You will not have to touch it to live like ladies. Talking of pay, do know that I've not been paid one penny Penny, since I started working for that man. That gives me a certain licence to keep or share whatever I manage to find in the course of my work. It's made me a millionaire so as I said, you'd be living on expenses from now on. Er, you will be taking on the job I take it?'

`Take it? Oh yes please! It sounds so exciting. When do I start?' she said with an excited catch in her voice.

`You already have or I wouldn't have revealed myself to you. Now I know exactly how much rent you pay in Putney, and it is quite a chunk out of your pay. I have, I think, three flats on the third floor. You and Lou can move in here. They have their own kitchens and what you do up there is no concern of mine. It would help if you took advantage of the offer, because I do most of my paperwork in the evenings and you could then sort it out the next day. At the moment, there isn't enough work for two, so for the time being until we can have my affairs sorted, Lou can continue at the Ministry until there is enough for both of you to work together. Now how does that sound?'

`I...I don't know how to thank you,' and I think it must have been just an impulse, but she jumped up and kissed me, her arms round my neck as she pressed her soft sweet lips to mine.

Oh, oh,' her hand went to her mouth, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that,' her face going red, ` it...it just seemed to happen. It won't happen again, I'm sorry.'

`You can do it again if it fits the picture when I'm travelling as Gervaise,' I laughed to show her that it meant nothing to me, but I did have a stirring down below when she had kissed me.

Right, now here is fifty pounds,' I said, taking the money out of my bag. Take a taxi back to the Ministry and clear out your desk and then take Lou home to Putney and talk about moving in here. Tomorrow is Friday, so Saturday would be fine and then we can all get together to talk through Sunday. Now off you go.'

`Thank you ever so much Miss Francis. Oh, it seems funny saying that when, well you know.'

`You'll get used to it. Anyway, when were alone or with Wesson and Lou, it's Francis when I'm wearing my finery. Miss in front of staff or strangers, but it's Gervaise when I'm in trousers and Sir Gervaise again in front of staff or strangers, okay?'

`Okay,' she laughed as Palmer came in to show her out and call a taxi. I couldn't resist blowing her a really feminine kiss that made her giggle as she left.

Wesson was still dubious at me having told somebody else about us, but he saw the logic and sense of the four of us travelling together to allay suspicion. I was happy now that I had sorted this out and looked forward to meeting Lou as I was already quite taken with Penny and hoped it would be the same with her partner.

It was late on the Friday and my desk was cleared as was Wesson's when another note was dropped in front of me.

`Just as we're going,' I complained as I picked it up, but it wasn't work. It was a brief one from Penny. "Lou excited. See you Saturday". I had warned Palmer that we might have people moving in so I was now able to confirm it with him, but said that they were to fend for themselves and he was not at their beck and call. Then in the next sentence, told him to tell Perkins that it would be four for dinner on Saturday and also for Sunday lunch. Beck and call I heard him sniff as he left the room, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought that he would soon be seeing after Penny as well.

Saturday was a nice morning, eating breakfast in bed with Wesson and then laying together to perform oral acts slowly on each other before each of us taking the other from behind to finish it off. Then it was the shower and smelling sweet, got dressed, taking care to look my best for my first meeting with Lou.

I was pleasantly surprised when we were introduced in the down-stairs hall that afternoon. I think I was expecting some type of macho muscular heavy female with a grip of iron to meet me. Instead, I would say she was more of a mother figure, not at all fatherly. Same height and around the same age with a very pleasant homely face. Quite top heavy in the bosom and not having really looked at Penny's before, looked now and saw that she too was quite big for her size. Maybe that's what turns them on I thought, like a well hung man would turn me on.

It was a good job that the rooms upstairs were furnished, because they had rather a meagre amount with them. A large car might just have done as well as the van that brought them. I paid off the van when it was unloaded and taken in, and then went upstairs with them. Penny hadn't seen the rooms and now they both exclaimed over the niceness, as they called it, of the place.

`Damn sight better than pokey Putney,' Lou exclaimed, and I was glad that she wasn't above swearing. I let Perkins explain the phone system and about the lift and kitchen and when he'd finished, I told them both to settle themselves in and then come down to our rooms for a drink before dinner, which we would have in the big dining room on the ground floor.

They duly arrived down and we sat down with drinks and I asked Lou how much did Penny tell her.

Well I think she told me most of it, but not how beautiful you really are. You're a lucky man Wesson.' They had met at odd times in the Ministry, so she knew him as Wesson, but he hadn't known that she was a lesbian. I wish I'd met you first Francis, oops, sorry Penny. I didn't mean it to come out that way.' I laughed and said that I understood exactly what she meant, covering up the gaffe she'd just made. I'd already made it clear that she was to drop the formality in private.

`I wouldn't have believed it of you Wesson,' she said, poking him in the ribs and making his face go red.

`I didn't think it of you either Lou,' he replied.

Look, let's not get into this kind of thinking, so I'll say it only once. Wesson is still a real man and we love each other and go to bed and do what we do together. You two love each other and do almost the same as we do, so that is the final end of it, okay?' There were nods from the others. Now as I told Penny, there's not enough work for two at the moment, but there probably will be in the near future. When we make trips abroad, we go as a group, less suspicion unless I go as Francis, then everybody will be jealous of Wesson. If I go as Gervaise, then Penny would be thought of as my bit on the side. What they will think of you two, I do not know.'

`Mother and son?' said Penny almost choking on her drink and getting a punch on the arm from Lou for that, but we all laughed which was the main thing. Then we went down for dinner and it was a lovely meal served up and the wine went down nicely with it. Lou commented on how nice it was and was pleased to learn that she would sometime get to visit the vineyard it came from. Wesson and I told them some of our stories, making anecdotes out of them.

`I hope you don't get us involved in shootings and such things,' said Penny.

`If it happens and you see Francis move like greased lightning, the best thing to do is hit the ground as fast as you can,' laughed Wesson. Overall, the dinner was a good start to our working relationship, and I said so to Wesson in bed later.

You know, Lou was right what she had said earlier. Well not exactly what she had said, but what she had meant,' Wesson said. I looked at the three of you at the table and I had the thought of Sleeping Beauty. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all and there was no contest. You were and I know now that if we'd only just met, I would still take you above all the others.' I gave him a kiss.

`Even knowing that I was a man, just like you?'

`Even knowing that,' kissing me back and he held me tight in his arms, whispering that he loved me more than anyone had ever loved anyone else. I couldn't help but cry and was not ashamed to let him know how much his words had moved me.

Sunday lunch was as good as dinner the night before, but we had to get down to serious business afterwards, so we had coffee upstairs. I started to make plans for the week when Wesson interrupted me and said that we had an engagement the following day down in Salisbury.

Oh Lord I forgot,' I exclaimed. As Gervaise or can I go as Francis?'

`Gervaise I'm afraid. Uniform, spit and polish and all that befits an officer and holder etc, etc.'

`Well that puts it back a bit. Nevertheless, Penny, you can still go somewhere and get all that you need for the job. Typewriter, filing cabinet, desk, oh you know what you need. I shouldn't have to spell it out. That's what you've got to do for me. Now order what you like and tell them all that it is for Sir Gervaise at this address and that they will be paid on delivery. Palmer can see to that for a start.

Now that won't take all week, so you can take a letter now that you'll need later. There's pen and paper over there,' indicating a small escritoire against the wall. I dictated a letter to the London lawyer to give her every assistance in all matters as she was now my personal private secretary and that all matters would from the date of the letter, go through her. I said that I would sign it as Gervaise and that she should use the right headed notepaper, cursing myself for saying that last bit. That she should have worked out for herself.

Penny excused herself and went upstairs, and was back five minutes later with it typed out from her portable typewriter, ready for my signature. I signed it and she folded it into the envelope she had waiting.

`I kept a copy upstairs for filing,' she said dryly.

Okay, I get the message and realised too late what I'd said about the notepaper. It won't happen again Penny, believe me. I'll take it as read.' That made me feel a little better. Let me just say one more thing that will eventually apply to you too Lou. I don't throw money away, but I believe in using it properly. If there's a choice, for example between two typewriters, don't think of trying to save me money. If the best is the most expensive, buy it. That applies to all things. Time, you will find is the most expensive thing of all. You will always be travelling First Class, well, there will be exceptions,' I added after a cough came from Wesson who grinned at this remark.

`Take a taxi, not a bus.

Now I don't want either of you to take this the wrong way. Palmer seems to know everything. Ask him for the best shop to fit yourselves out with a complete new wardrobe. Several frocks and dresses and at least two evening gowns. Shoes and bags to match. Lingerie, top coats for winter and something for summer. A wrap or two, whatever. What you don't do, is look at the price. If it means a fitting, go for it. You will have to look like the cream of the crop when we actually do go out, so I want you looking your best. Feel free to check out my wardrobe to see what I have in there and then go and make your choices.

Palmer will pay for all at the door when it is delivered, okay. Just give this address and say that it is the home of Sir Gervaise. Don't be afraid of name dropping because you'll be surprised at the result. So go out during the week and have your dream of a shopping spree. Then if you want to stop off at the Ritz for lunch, tell the maitre d', that Sir Gervaise may be dropping in so you would like a good table. I promise you we will go there when we get back from Salisbury.'

I gave them two hundred pounds for incidentals before we said goodnight and said that we would see them on the following Saturday. I asked Palmer for an early breakfast and order a car, and also gave him a cheque to get some money out of the bank to be able to pay for what the girls would be buying.

We made good time in the morning and were at the camp just before lunch. That just gave us time for a quick drink in the mess before dining with the other officers.

After the meal, Wesson took me out to the butts to see the rifle range and the targets did look a long way away. We watched some shooting and Wesson explained how it was done. Depending on your class, three rounds were placed by the prone soldier and could only load on the order and had to wait to be told when to fire. The target would then disappear from sight for a moment before rising again with a black disc held up to mark the position of the shot on the target. A waved flag meant a miss. Then came the order to reload and so on.

Understanding the sequence, we went back to the stores to draw a set of fatigues for me to wear later. Wesson fixed a spare set of bars on the shoulders for me as I collected my rifle, but no bullets. We went to the hut we had been allocated and there Wesson gave me a quick course on stripping down and reassembling a Lee Enfield .303 rifle. It was heavier than I thought and for the rest of the afternoon, he drilled me in holding and handling it when at rest. Slope arms, shoulder arms, present arms etc. From a pocket he produced a bullet and made me load and unload the rifle. This was all done sitting down and said that we would do it prone after dinner. Which I would have liked without a rifle.

So after the meal and back in the hut, it was off with the uniform and on with the fatigues. Wesson pulled the two mattresses off the beds and threw them onto the floor and showed me the firing position that was deemed the best. Pillows were used as the rest for the barrel of the gun. For a solid hour, it was up and down, up and down, having my legs kicked each time they were in the wrong position. If we'd been on the range and a sergeant had been instructing, he would have shouted himself hoarse with me after that hour. The next hour was practising to load and bring the rifle up to the shoulder. How to nestle it in to absorb the recoil, explaining the sights etc.

It was after lights out before we packed up and remade the beds and all we did was have a kiss before going to sleep in our beds. I'm glad we were in our own ones, because a batman came in at six the next morning with some tea and it would have been very difficult to explain if we'd been in the same one.

We had our shower and dressing for breakfast and then out carrying my rifle and being marched up to the range. Wesson rated as being an instructor and therefore was allowed to draw the ammunition. Down into firing position, load, aim, and fire. Boy what a kick that rifle had. I'd been able to see the target and lined it up in my sights, but when I pulled the trigger, I lost sight of it as the barrel had risen up high. I'd held it tight to my shoulder but didn't think it would kick that high.

Muttered curses from Wesson as another bullet was put down and the flag waved a miss. High was the signal, as were the next two. By the tenth bullet, I was getting the hang of it and was getting quite close to the middle of the target. I finally hit the centre on my eighteenth shot before Wesson called for a break. My shoulder was beginning to feel the effect of the recoil now.

You'll get used to it,' he said as we took a mug of tea from an orderly. Well Francis,' when we were out of earshot, `I must say I'm impressed. It usually takes twice, if not more rounds than that to hit that close to the bull.'

I thought I hit the bull,' I said, the small black ring in the middle of the target.'

`No, that's the inner. The bull is just a small white bit in the middle of the big black bit.'

`Oh,' was all I could say, a bit deflated.

`Let's move on to the next target. That's further away this time.' So it went on and I was really glad when he called it a day, as my shoulder was really throbbing now. It had taken a little longer every time we moved to a further target. It's just a matter of adjusting the eye to the distance between you and what you are aiming at, he told me.

I was glad to get back for a shower and Wesson had brought some wintergreen ointment and rubbed it into my shoulder. It burnt a little at first, but definitely eased the ache, only I wished it didn't smell so strong. I got a ribbing from the other officers in the mess that evening. We managed to avoid any direct questions from them as to where had we come from etc, and my name had not rung any bells for which I was thankful.

For three days I fired at these ever smaller white blobs in the distance, getting better all the time. Then came the shaped targets, head and shoulders of a man's silhouette. Somehow, these were easier to hit, when stationary, but much harder when they moved. I can't remember the speed of a bullet over a given distance, but I was supposed to judge the speed of the moving target and work out where it would be in relation to the bullet when fired from the gun. I was just getting the hang of it when Wesson said that that was it. It was Friday afternoon. The whole week had flown by.

Let's do it again!' I cried. I'm getting better all the time!'

We'll have to see, but it won't be for a few weeks yet,' he laughed. That depends on what Frobisher says.'

`Well put in a good word for me. I did well didn't I?'

`Of course you did. If I didn't think you would, I wouldn't have come.'

I bought the whole mess a round of drinks and thanked them for the hospitality they'd shown us. It was a good dinner, but I cried off early to go to bed, tired but exhilarated. We were away just after breakfast and back home at lunchtime, slipping in without the Perkins' seeing me in my uniform. It was nice to soak in a hot scented bath again, keeping my shoulder under the water to let the heat get into the muscles. It was rather discoloured and I wouldn't be able to wear an off the shoulder dress for at least a week, I smiled to myself.

Oh what heaven it was to be powdered and perfumed again, pulling on my nylons and fixing them to my belt. Then bra and make-up before putting on one of my favourite dresses. With the wig on, I looked like my normal self again as I spun round in front of the mirror to admire myself. Wesson and I had just finished a light snack for lunch when the house phone rang. I was closest, so I picked it up.

Hi,' it was Penny. We heard you were back. Do you think you could pop up and see us if it's not too inconvenient, both of you?'

`Yes, that's okay with us,' I replied.

`Oh good. See you in a minute then, bye.'

`We've been asked to go upstairs, so come along,' I said to Wesson.

`I suppose it's to show us what they've bought,' he moaned.

`Don't be a spoilsport. I give you a fashion show sometimes when I've bought something new. The only difference is that I change the clothes in front of you. Look they'll be like two kids who've just had the whole run of a sweet shop.' So we went upstairs and it seemed strange to be knocking on a door in my own house. Penny opened it, her eyes alight with an anticipated pleasure.

`Come in, come in. How was your week down on the farm?'

`It was a firing range, not a chicken range,' said Wesson.

`Not bad, not bad at all. I'd like to go again sometime,' I replied, giving Wesson a nudge.

`Would you like a drink? I got some in special like.' She bubbled.

`Gin and tonic for me please,' I said sitting down.

`Beer for me please,' Wesson said, sitting down next to me.

`Oh dear. I didn't think of beer. I'm so sorry.'

`Never mind. I'll have a small whisky then thank you.'

Hello,' Lou said, coming in from the kitchen, hope you have had as nice a week as we have. It's been the best that I can ever remember. I've just been fixing something in the kitchen, please say that you'll stay for dinner and be our very first guests, though I don't think we'll ever get many this far into London.'

`Well I don't know if Palmer has anything arranged as yet,' I answered.

Phone him,' said Penny, I think he's waiting for you to ring.' I sighed knowing that they'd got to him already. He answered the phone at the first ring.

`How long have you been standing by that phone Palmer?' I asked in a fairly severe voice.

`Exactly four minutes and forty two seconds Miss Francis.'

`Then you know what I'm going to say, don't you?'

`Yes Miss Francis. That you'll be dining upstairs tonight.'

`Thank you Palmer. I won't be ringing again this evening.'

`Have a nice evening yourself Miss Francis, bon appetite,' and I heard him chuckle as he put down the phone.

You've ruined the man already,' I laughed at them, and in less than a week.'

You won't be sorry. Lou makes a fabulous pot roast,' said Penny. But can we show you the clothes we bought? We've been dying to do this all week.'

`That's what we came up for,' I said dryly. So for the next hour, we were given a fashion parade, one showing her latest while the other changed, and by the time they were halfway through, they stopped bothering to close the door between the sitting room and bedroom. Wesson and I both got good eyefuls of the amount of tit both the women had.

I was very pleased with what they had bought, stylish but on the conservative side which I liked. They had obviously looked through my clothes and modelled themselves to what I would be wearing, bearing in mind not to outshine me. There was one evening gown that I particularly liked that Penny had worn.

`May I try that one on please, it looks so gorgeous?'

`By all means,' said Penny, being taken slightly aback. So I went into the bedroom and did not close the door either but kept my back to it. I took off my dress and let them see me in my underwear at that angle before putting on Penny's dress and fitting it snugly round my waist. Then with my shoes back on, I went into the sitting room to ask them what they thought of it on me.

`Oh it looks better on you than on me,' Penny wailed.

Don't be silly, look,' and I patted the chest. I can't fill this top half like you can.'

Well I think you look lovely in it,' Wesson said, but then, I think you look lovely without it on,' and then roared out with laughter.

Ooh men!' Lou said, One track minds, but then I also liked what I saw through the doorway. If I didn't know better...' she let the end of her sentence trail off as I went back into the bedroom to take the dress off. This gave them a second look at me before I put my own dress back on.

You know, you've got a lovely figure,' Penny said wistfully. I wish my waist and ankles were as slim as yours.'

`You don't know how I wish I had breasts like yours.'

Hey, now this is starting to get a little personal,' Wesson cried out. It was bad enough seeing you all half naked, but to start talking about it, well there's only so much a man can take. Change the subject, please?'

Okay,' I laughed. Did you get your office things?' I asked Penny.

`Oh yes. Do come and look.'

`Wesson. Can you help me in the kitchen please by laying the table? I had to steal the wine from the cellar, I hope Francis won't mind,' I heard her voice trail away as I followed Penny. In a small room that I didn't know was part of the place, she made it into an office, and very efficient it looked too. Desk, chair, lamp, filing cabinet, typewriter, the whole works filling up the small space.

`I did as you told me and got everything I need, even down to paper clips, and we're ready to start. I've only got the one letter filed away so far, but I'll expect you'll soon add to that.'

`Well it looks truly professional Penny. I'm very impressed.'

We then went into the kitchen where Lou was just dishing up dinner as Wesson opened the wine. I'd had misgivings when I heard the words, pot roast, but I was wrong. It was simple and delicious and thoroughly enjoyed it. Through the meal, Penny spoke of all that she got from the lawyer, but said that there was still so much more missing. She had made plenty of notes that created files, but had nothing to put in them. So I said that we would devote an hour or so each evening of next week for her to ask questions and then she could take notes to start filling up those files.

It was a pleasant evening, but we didn't stay too long as I pleaded tiredness and really wanted to get to my bed. So it was nice to get downstairs and undress and fall into the arms of Wesson for what I had missed all week at the camp. Him kissing me in bed and then filling me with his love. As he held me in his grasp and moved himself in and out of me, I wondered how they went about it upstairs when they really made love to each other. I would have to ask one day to satisfy my curiosity. Then Wesson became more urgent so my thoughts changed to the pleasure we were both getting. Him giving and me receiving. We stayed in bed all of the Sunday, playing with each other with the usual end results.

It was back to the office on Monday and Frobisher asked how did it all go. I said that I thought I had done rather well on the range all things being considered. He knew all about that he said testily, he'd read Wesson's report, it was the girl's he wanted to know about.

`Oh you mean Bulstrode and Hepworth sir? As to them being lesbians? I'm afraid I don't really know sir.'

`You're being facetious Francis. You know damn well what I mean,' he snapped.

`Sorry sir. Well, yes, I've taken them on, so to speak. They will be my personal assistants and can also be cover for both Wesson and I if the need arises. That's if I go out as Gervaise that is.'

`I don't really like the idea of you stealing away two girls from the pool, we're shorthanded as it is.'

`They would have left anyway sir,' I pointed out.

Be that as it may. Dammit! I can't have you taking anyone you want away from the department. First Wesson, then Palmer, and now these two!' I was going to point out that Wesson still worked here, as I did, but thought it wiser to keep my mouth shut. Well the pay for the girls has ceased as from today. You are working them, you pay them!' Again I was going to point out that Louise was still coming in every day, but again, kept quiet. I would let her continue here until Penny said she needed help. But that seemed to be all he wanted to say on the subject, so I left and went down to my cubby-hole.

There I collected Wesson and we went to the gym for me to work off some of my anger. I needed the work outs anyway to strengthen my left arm and didn't do too badly.

In the showers, I thought of Penny and all that I had to try to get into order for her to understand how many pies I had my fingers in. Then I remembered about the unfinished portrait. That would be ideal to be able to talk to her and sit for the artist at the same time. So I later rang the man, and he was only too happy to come round to the house in the evenings to continue and, hopefully finish the painting. He was eager because I'd only paid a token to start with, and he would only get fully paid when it was finished.

When we got home, I told Palmer that we would have a late supper and to just fix a small snack for the moment, which he went to do as I poured a gin and tonic for myself and opened a beer for Wesson. I told Wesson to have his bath first and he went off with his beer while I rang for Penny.

She came down and I told her to leave a note for Lou that they would have to eat later that evening and told her about the artist. That she should be there to ask me her questions and make her notes, and that we would start now. She went off as Wesson came out of the bathroom and I told him the same, so he said that he would go off to the pub for a couple of hours then while I was being painted. So he got dressed as I ran my bath and undressed and went and slid into the hot water.

Wesson had obviously met Penny as he was going out and told her I was in the bath. She then tentatively knocked at the door and called out that she would be in the sitting room.

Don't be silly girl,' I called out. I'm only having a bath. You can still talk to me while I soak.' She came in, eyes down as she went to sit on the stool. `Be a darling before we start. Can you do me a fresh drink?' I asked, forcing her to look at me to be able to take the glass. I think that because I was submerged right up to my shoulders in a bubbly bath foam, she realised that it was alright to be in there.

She fetched the fresh drink and handed it to me before sitting down with her pad and pencil and her notes of questions. So for nearly an hour, she asked and I answered and she made her notes. When it was time for me to get out of the bath, she said she'd wait in the bedroom.

Dried and powdered, I put on my bathrobe and went into the bedroom where she was patiently sitting on a chair. I sat down at the dressing table and started to do my make-up as she began again. Though I think she was more fascinated in watching me than writing her notes. When I was satisfied with my face, I rummaged in a drawer and got out some nylons and suspender belt and a padded bra from another. I shucked off my robe and put the bra on, adjusting it so that it was snug. Then put on the belt before pulling on my nylons.

Giving no thought to Penny, I stood up and fixed the tops of the nylons to the belt and went to the big sliding doors of my wardrobe. I hadn't noticed that the questions had stopped, but that was because I was rambling on about something she had last asked. I poked about in the closet, trying to think what dress I had planned on wearing for the portrait. First pulling one out and turning to the mirror with it held up to my front, then another till I had two and wasn't sure which one to wear. Then I turned round to face Penny and held both dresses up for her to see.

`Which one of these do you think would look best?' I asked holding them out by their hangers either side of me.

Francis!' Penny cried out, a look of alarm on her face. Look at yourself?' Puzzled at the way she spoke, I looked down at myself and realised what I was doing. Standing there with my arms wide holding dresses, showing myself in bra, belt and stockings and showing my naked cock and balls.

Oh dear,' I cried, hastily bringing the dresses together to cover myself. I'm so sorry Penny. I completely forgot myself. I've been so used to being in a dressing room with another female that I completely forgot that I'm not one.' To see the dismay on her face made me want to cry in embarrassment for her. `I'm ever so sorry Penny. I didn't mean to flash and show myself in front of you, though there's nothing really there to see. I often wish there wasn't,' I said, starting to cry and I sat down on the edge of the bed, the dresses being crumpled in my hands.

You don't know how many times I've wished that they weren't there,' I sobbed. God was cruel when he gave them to me. He gave me a mind of a woman, the feelings and the heart of a woman, then gives me the wrong working parts.' I felt the edge of the bed dip down as Penny sat down beside me, her arm going round my shoulder. `When I was a little girl I used to read all the romance books. Read and believe that I was the heroine, being rescued and wooed by the handsome cavalier. How I used to long for the day when I could feel like my alter ego in those books. How her bosom heaved and a warm tingle went through her as the strong arms of the man went round here.

Then I grew up but my breasts didn't, and I did get that tingle when held in a man's arms but it was that thing between my legs that began to heave. I'm sorry Penny. I used to share a cabin with Diane and we were almost always naked when in there, so I didn't give it any thought.'

`Then don't give it a thought, Francis. I might have been shocked but I definitely wasn't offended. It's...it's just that it's been a long time since I've seen er, well, the parts of a man. It was just that I've come to see you as a woman and, well look at you now. Stockings, belt and bra, you wouldn't think otherwise. If it happens again I'll just ignore it. Now let me see these two dresses you were trying to show me and are screwing up in your hands.'

I'd stopped my sobbing by now and let her take one of the dresses away from me and shake it out. I like this one,' she said as she laid it out on the bed. Now give me the other one.' I didn't offer it to her, but she took it from my hands, which I then used to cover up my front. She shook this out too and praised it as well. She laid this on the bed so that she could see the two of them together. `This one I think,' she said, picking one up again and bringing round in front of me and then dropped it as she looked at me sitting there with my hands in my lap.

Oh my God! Look at your body!' She dropped to her knees and her fingers gently touched the bullet scar at my side. She could now clearly see the still slightly red one at my chest and the ones on both arms. What did all this?' she asked in an awed voice.

Bullets,' I said succinctly. Was this one of the questions on your pad?'

`No. I didn't know. Tell me about them,' she said softly. So I related the circumstances of each, pointing at each one as I spoke. I again, unconsciously took my hand away from myself as I touched each one in turn, uncovering myself so that her face was really only a few inches away from my parts.

What a story,' she breathed and reached up a hand and touched my damp cheek. I think you'd better do your make-up again if you want to look pretty again for your picture.' It was only when her hand came down onto my thigh did I realise that I was uncovered again and quickly put my hands back on myself. I don't think we need bother with modesty now,' she smiled as she took my hands and stood me up and led me to the dressing table stool. You see to your face and I'll see to the dress.' I nearly started to cry again when I saw the state my face was in. I had to get up and go to the bathroom to wash it before starting again.

I think Penny deliberately sat there to watch me as I came out to go and sit at the stool, because as soon as I had sat down, she left the room. She was back in a few minutes with a small electric iron and plugged it in to a socket and then went and fetched a towel out of the bathroom. This she lay on the floor and put the dress on it and began to iron out the odd crease or two. I then finished my make-up for the second time and waited till she was satisfied with the dress. Picking it up she came and stood next to me.

Come on, stand up and let me help you.' So I stood up and faced her, her eyes looking into mine and deliberately not looking downwards. Lift your arms,' and helped me on with my dress and made sure that it looked nice before she did up the back top button. `I'll let you do the wig,' she said as I sat down to pick it up and put it on. I fixed it to my hair and then brushed the tresses of it till it hung properly.

`Oh you look a beautiful picture for your picture,' she giggled as she took my arm as we left the bedroom.

`Are you a virgin Penny?' I asked.

`Good heavens no, but I can do without them. I just prefer the softness of a woman.' I wanted to ask more, but thought it wiser to wait, as no doubt I would hear more later. We had a few more minutes to talk before the artist arrived and I waited for his reaction when he saw me sitting there.

Oh my word,' were his first words. Miss Lyon it's nice to meet you at last. No wonder your brother said that you didn't really need to sit for this. I would rather work with the daylight, but if it has to be in the evenings, so be it,' he said as he used the table to unload his case of materials.

`Is my sitting here okay?'

`Fine, fine,' he said, unfolding a portable easel and I asked Penny if she wouldn't mind to bring the portrait in from the bedroom. The artist, who introduced himself as Rudolph, fussed with the folds of my gown to put them as he would like them to be for the finished picture.

`Oh, wait a minute. I almost forgot. Penny. Be a dear, I don't want to move now. In the bottom left hand drawer, there's a sash. Can you bring that and my jewellery box please.' She did as she was told and I gave the sash to Rudolph for him to put it on me so that he could see how it would look. Then I selected from my box the award that went with the sash, my gold leopard and the House of Chen symbol. I let him pin these on for the best effect.

When he was ready, he took three photographs of me before starting to sketch and I sat there for two hours and listened to Penny ask her questions, sitting close to me, while I answered as best I could. When Rudolph said it was enough for the night, I asked him if it would help to have another sitter during the day. That he agreed to, so I asked Penny to ask Lou to come down.

`Lou, do you think you could sit here in this dress for Rudolph here to paint it tomorrow?'

`What about my work?'

`I was told today that you are now officially working for me. So would it be too difficult?' I asked sweetly.

`Of course not. It'll be better than the pool,' she smiled.

`Is that okay for you Rudolph? I can sit on Saturday if you need me.'

`That will be excellent Miss Francis. Will ten o'clock be okay for the morning, er, Miss?' he asked Lou.

`Louise Hepworth. Yes, ten will be fine,' she smiled at him. Just as he was about to leave, the door opened and Wesson came in.

`Ah, Meister Holstein I believe,' he said to Rudolph.

Holbein you Neanderthal!' I cried, Never mind him Rudolph, he's just come from the pub.' Rudolph chuckled and said his goodnights and left. `Okay Penny, Lou, let's call it a night. You both must be as hungry as I am. See you tomorrow.'

They left and I went into the bedroom and took my dress off while Wesson let Palmer know that we were ready for our supper. It was only the dress I took off and hung it up for Lou the next day, and put on a gown and joined Wesson just as Palmer entered. We thanked him and devoured all that he'd brought us and then decided it was time for bed. I let him get undressed first before I took my robe of to let him see me in my lingerie. In spite of his beer intake, his body responded immediately. His cock rose and swelled as he saw me like that and almost dribbled as he came to me and picked me up. He kissed me and laid me on the bed and let me take him into my mouth as he gave out a groan, telling me not too much. So I only sucked to really work him up before letting go of him to roll over and present my rear to him. He was quickly ready and entered me with haste and then fucked me at leisure. It was lovely, making me come all over the sheet at the same time as he came inside me.

I literally had to drag myself to work the next day, Wesson looked like death as well. We'd fucked for nearly half the night before the sucking and only when exhausted with jaw ache did we fall asleep. Still, it was well worth it. I managed to get a doze in my chair and we didn't go down to the gym that day.

The girls had enjoyed their day. Lou wearing my dress and just having to sit down and Penny kept her company as she was sorting out a mass of my papers from the escritoire. That's how it went for the rest of the week, though I had promised the girl's lunch at the Ritz. So I took a suitcase into work and changed into a suit and after phoning and booking a table, met them at the hotel and treated them to a delightful meal at one of the best tables in the restaurant. Then it was back to the office to change again before going home.

`Do you enjoy all this changing back and forth at the office?' Wesson asked me in the taxi going home.

`Well it beats doing the paperwork, well what little I've seen over the past two weeks. I'm getting bored with that little office we've got. Why can't we have one with a window in it at least? Maybe I could then practice my marksmanship with an air rifle at the many pigeons that keep shitting all over London.'

Penny had heard us arrive home and had drinks waiting for us and the afternoon mail which had included a letter from William in Nassau. It was nine days old but brought us up to date on the progress that was being made. He'd landed in Nassau and collected the money and was in Miami the same day. Paid over and secured the L.T.C. and it would be due in Nassau on the 22nd to load the heavy digger for the island. Blasting was commencing on the 20th and should be ready for clearing as soon as the digger arrived. That meant that the pool area would have been cleared yesterday as I checked the calendar.

This indeed was good news as was that the huge water tank was ready and would be in place very shortly and the pipe line should join up within two weeks. The generator also was ready to be shipped over and the foundation pilings were already in the ground. He said that it looked like a war zone at the moment, but they were well ahead of schedule.

This prompted me to dictate letters to people out there. One was to the Governor to say that Miss Francis and party would be visiting them shortly and had the full authority to act on my behalf in all matters, signed by Gervaise. I had already decided that my next visit would be as Francis. The people had to get used to the fact that two people were running the job on the island and not just Gervaise. The only obstacle, which is really not a fair thing to say, was Frobisher. I would rather have him agree to Wesson and myself having the time off instead of just taking it saying to hell with his later outburst. This I had to give some thought to for him to agree. Fate helped me here in this, but it also gave me an insight into some of Frobisher's thoughts. But that wouldn't happen till after the weekend.

Saturday I did the final sitting for the portrait and Rudolph took the portrait away to put the finishing touches to it and promised to show it to me before the end of the following week. Because of the sitting, I sent Penny, Lou and Wesson to see how the builders were getting on with the other houses in the street. Their report was good as the work was progressing very well. The other news of the houses was that we had now just started a waiting list for people to rent. God, didn't it make me feel good.

Monday was when things started to happen. Wesson and I had gone to the office, taking the passports of both the girls and mine, so that Wesson could sneak them into the forgery department to get us the same permanent American visa's that Wesson had in his. It would save a lot of hassle, but I really didn't want to go through the proper channels for obvious reasons.

Again my desk, and also that of Wesson's was quite bereft of paper. Only the newspapers to read for anything of value to make notes on. Then came the phone call from Penny.

`I've got John here. They've just started stripping out number five and have found what looks like a microphone of some sort behind the panelling, and wants to know what to do?'

Put him on,' I said. John? Have you stopped them?'

`Yes,' he said.

`Good. Pull all the men out of the house, now! Keep them all out and put them onto another one and don't let anyone into it at all. I can say that some people from here will be down there shortly. Thanks John for being so prompt.' I hung up and went straight up to see Frobisher. I filled him in on what I knew and he asked me to sit down.

`Okay Francis. Now you've established, at the moment, that there might be hidden microphones in a building that once was an office of the War Department. Now if this were so, what would you do if you were sitting here behind this desk?'

Well, I suppose I would sit and think for a minute. I suppose it's irrelevant now which department it was, but there is the chance it's still active. I would do as I have already done and suspend anyone else touching it.' I leaned back in my seat and put my hands together up to my mouth. Now what I would do now is to call in,' I hesitated a little, `a bomb disposal squad. The reason for that is because I think that it might have a device somewhere to destroy where it leads. I would think that it is connected somewhere to a telephone land line somewhere.

Now if I were doing this, I would make this device to destroy the connection at a point where it would be impossible to trace the other end, like a gas pipe. Somewhere along the line would be a trigger to set off a small device to explode and it would then be thought that it was a gas leak explosion, but one that would destroy the phone link. So therefore I would really start from the road to find a gas line for the house that is close to the telephone cables and find any device there.'

`Very good Francis, very good. What would be the follow up?'

`With the engineers, I'd have them trace the line to the receiver and see what was at the other end. That is really open to speculation as to where that could be.'

Excellent! I want you to take control of this.' He saw the look on my face and then added, I'll have the officer come here first and he will be told that you are a Captain in the Special Services and he is to take his orders from you. But I would advise that after you have explained what you believe to be the situation, let him take it from there. That's not to belittle you Francis, it's because I think you might be right and I'd rather sacrifice a soldier than you.' That puffed me up no end. So he made his phone calls and without asking, went and helped myself to a drink to await somebody to report to his office.

It was an hour later that an officer appeared at the office and I was relieved to see that it was a Captain. Frobisher introduced us, saying that I too was a Captain, Special Services, and briefly explained the situation and let me carry the ball from there. I was glad that he was a young officer because he accepted my command quite easily, though I made it quite clear that I would only be there to take the can if things went wrong. It would be up to him to deploy his men as he saw fit, but he did do as I asked and started from the road to find the gas line.

Lights had been brought in and lit up the street as they dug up the pavement and it was about ten that night when they found the explosive charge. If I hadn't been with that young officer at the time, I would have danced a jig. From that point on, the rest was easy. They set up a dummy thing to go off before they started to rip out the wiring from the house, and when they found the place where it triggered the charge, the officer admitted that they would never have found it in time before it blew.

So with that out of the way, they then called in the telephone engineers, but that didn't happen till the next day. It took them two whole days to trace the lines used and were surprised to find that even though the war had been over for nearly seven years, the line was still active. In the early hours of the Friday morning, a special squad raided the house that the line led to and arrested those inside. They were also surprised to find that the occupants, Irish, still had the receiver hooked up and as they had lived there all through the war, were charged with aiding and abetting the enemy, even though the war had long been over.

They unearthed an enormous amount of material that was able to give the occupants of the house a long prison sentence, but also filled in a lot of gaps in the military intelligence files. Most of it was, as I said, able to fill up a lot of gaps, but also led to other people that had aided the enemy during the war. It wasn't known at the time, but over fifteen people finished up behind bars as a result of that raid on the house.

Frobisher was cock-a-hoop over the raid and I was now the definite flavour of the month. So on the Monday, I asked, as our desks were cleared and there wasn't much traffic crossing them, could we take a week off? I thought the bastard was going to say no at first, but after a few moments, he agreed, provided our desks were cleared and would be instantly cleared on our return.

The girls were also cock-a-hoop when I told them that we would be going to the Bahamas in a few days time. Wesson was amazed that I could squeeze the time out of Frobisher and didn't believe me when I said that I'd given him a blow job for it. We left London on the Thursday afternoon and arrived in Nassau that night.

Wesson hadn't liked the idea of me travelling as Francis, making it a party of three women and one man. But I wanted the freedom that a dress gave and not be confined to trousers, also it was a fact that I looked and smelt prettier in a dress. William met us at the airport and rode with us to the hotel bubbling over with enthusiasm. So much, that when we got to our suite, he rushed off to his room and came back with a large map of the island. Tired as we were, we couldn't stop him from pointing out where construction was going on.

Some of the transplanted trees have been put here,' he pointed, adding to those around the nudist beach.'

`Nudist beach?' exclaimed Penny.

Nudist beach?' echoed Lou. I've never seen one of those. That's where you don't even wear a swim suit, am I right?'

`All the people are naked,' Penny said.

`It's empty at the moment,' I laughed.

It won't be if I can get there,' said Lou. I've always wanted to lie and swim in the sun without my clothes on.'

`I think you've got a fetish about taking your clothes off,' remarked Penny. I looked across at Wesson who in turn had looked at me and smiled. He knew somebody else who liked to take their clothes off. I gave my lips a lick as I smiled back at him.

`Maybe we could get the workers off the island for a while for you to do just that,' I said to Lou.

`Oooh, that would be delicious,' she replied. So I gave that some thought as we listened to William carry on. He only got the message that we were tired when we all started to yawn at the same time.

`Oh, I'm so sorry. You all must be very tired after your trip and here I am, rattling on. We can go over the rest in the morning Miss Francis,' he said, folding up the map. I agreed with him and saw him to the door. Penny and Lou also went off to their room to leave me alone with Wesson. It was just a kiss and cuddle after we'd undressed before going to sleep.

At breakfast, William was still as he was the night before, like a small boy with his toy soldiers, only he had workmen. He wanted it to be perfect so that it would reflect on him within the architectural world. It didn't matter to me that he was working to my plans or that I was financing it. He was just getting a lucky break that many architects would give their right arm for.

After we'd eaten, we went off to see Sam and he greeted us warmly with his big wide smile flashing his almost perfect white teeth at the girls.

`Miss Francis, it's a pleasure to see you again,' as I said hello and introduced the others, though he knew Wesson from before. I explained to Sam that Penny was my personal assistant and Lou was seeing to my finances. So Sam loaded all the bills and receipts onto her for her to sort out later, though he would still see to the running of the money.

Then I wanted to go down to the waterfront to show Sam and William what else I wanted. Wesson stayed behind at the shop to help Lou get the papers in order for her to start the accounting process. I kept Penny with me to make notes so that she would always be in the picture of what was going on.

As we walked down to the front, I asked William about the boats I'd asked him to look out for in Florida. He said that he'd quite a few brochures back at the hotel for me to look at later.

When we were at the harbour, I explained to Sam and William, pointing to some of the small shops that looked out over the water, that I wanted to buy at least three of them. All being together so that we could gut them and make them into one big place. This would be fitted out as a lounge and bar for the expected guests to wait for the boats to ferry them to the island.

The idea being that there would be two high speed boats doing a daily trip to and from the island. People arriving by plane would be met at the airport and brought to the lounge to wait for the boat. Drinks would be free, the cost being in the price of the hotel. In fact no money would pass hands anywhere on the island or bar as all food and drink would be in the fixed price of the room. Nowadays, they call it an all inclusive holiday, which includes the flight cost too. Mine, I think, was the first idea of making it all one price, though I didn't include the flights.

One boat would leave just after breakfast from the island to take those who wanted to spend the day in Nassau, while the other left Nassau with supplies and any guests arriving on any incoming flights. Then one boat would collect any sightseers and return to the island in time for dinner, while another would stay till midnight for those who had gone to a club or the casino before taking them back for the night. The details of the schedules would be left to Sam to

work out, so he would have to employ some sort of staff to run the reception end in Nassau.

With the lounge idea settled, we went back to pick up Wesson and Lou for lunch. Afterwards, Wesson went off with the girls to show them round Nassau while I stayed with William and Sam. I pointed out that the house furthest from the main house would be for eight male members of staff, while the house by the water tank would be for four female staff and two other couples. These last being the manager and wife and the chef and his wife. These two men were the most important. Sam should get the best man he could think of to be the manager and the best chef of the islands. The pay to be comparative to their abilities.

Sam would also have to work out a rota system for the staff so that they could have some time off the island, yet maintain the same number there. Next I talked of the uniforms. Manager and reception would be a black suit, tie and a white shirt at all times. Barmen to wear white shirt and black bow tie, black trousers and shoes. Male staff to wear white shirt at all times, no tie, and could either wear shorts or trousers during the day, but must wear black trousers after sunset or if they were on dining room duties. Females would wear white tops and skirts, the colour of the skirts either white or black during the day, but like the men, after sunset, black skirts. All shirts would have the name of the island embroidered on the shirt pocket with an outline of the island. This is what I wanted him to sort out with some local women or firm to do the embroidery. Also to make sure that all of them had enough changes of clothes, within reason for the number of staff that would be employed there.

By that time, it was getting late in the afternoon, so William and I set off to find the others in the town. This we eventually did and we all returned to the hotel to have a shower and get changed for dinner. We had drinks in the hotel bar before dining and I told them that we would go out to the island the next day. Wesson had enjoyed his afternoon with the girls and I asked if he could also enjoy me as we went to bed. He did, and I enjoyed him having me.

We were all up early for breakfast and soon down on the quay to board the boat for the island. It was a nice sleek little boat but not what I really wanted for the daily slog to and from the island. On the trip down, William went on about how much had been done so far and thought I would be pleased at the progress.

The foundations of all the buildings laid, the swimming pool being built and they expected the water pipe line to be finished within the month. The jetty was nearly finished and we wouldn't have to get our feet wet he finished off with.

The girls got excited when the island came into sight, the palm trees waving in the breeze and the golden sandy beaches. They couldn't wait to get ashore, and were quick to hop onto the unfinished jetty as we tied up.

`Isn't it exciting, Francis owning the whole island,' said Penny.

`I can't wait to see the nudist beach,' said Lou excitedly. William led us the few hundred yards to the clearing where I could clearly see the main house foundations and the huge hole where the swimming pool would be. There were some men inside the hole cementing the sides and others were laying tiles on the far side of it.

There were several trenches which was for the water and sanitary pipes criss-crossing the open ground, and the digger was chugging up to the north with a full load of rock debris. We went and inspected the water tank and generator, which William assured me would be insulated against the noise and both would be enclosed by the building.

Then we walked down the east side towards the other end of the island, passing the big tents that housed the workers. They stayed on the island during the week and only went back to Nassau on Saturday afternoon till Monday mornings. It would have taken too much time to transport them back and forth every day, so that's why they stayed on the island.

We looked at the scattered foundations of the other houses where men were digging trenches to join up to the main one. I saw one man sitting on his backside, drinking rum from a bottle as he watched the others digging. I watched him for awhile and saw that he had no intention of working. He was a fairly big man and took no notice of me as I walked over to him.

`I really think you should be working with the others instead of drinking. That's what you're paid to do.' I started to walk back to the others when I heard him speak as if an aside to one of the others.

`Who de white whore t'ink she talking to?' I turned round and walked back to him and snatched the bottle from him and threw it away.

`The white woman be talking to something that came from an ape. Did your mother get fucked by a monkey, and just before you be born, did it stick his dick in her and it get in your mouth to give you monkey brains?'

It was the worse insult I could think of for a native islander. He reared up with a roar and picked up a piece of wood, and brandishing it, came at me. It that short space between us, I heard little squeals from the girls and heard one shout out a warning. The other said, obviously to Wesson, `Do something.' I heard him tell them to stand back and watch.

The big brute came on swinging the makeshift club as I laughed at him and easily ducked underneath it. I caught his forearm in both my hands and twisted my body as we came together. This sent him over my hip, but I still kept a firm grip on his arm and we all heard the crack as his arm splintered at the elbow.

He gave out a scream that continued as I pulled him half up off the ground by the twisted arm. Then I took my right hand off him and swung a haymaker at his open mouth and broke his jaw in two places. I don't know if it was the pain, shock or force of the blow, but he passed out.

`Boss man!' I shouted out, as I let the limp arm fall to the ground and looked round at all the astonished faces of black and white people alike. Except Wesson. He was grinning because he'd guessed what I was going to do. A small islander came through the press of workers and stood before me.

Get this piece of shit to the boat so that he can be taken to the hospital. Tell them I'll pay the bill and he's not to set foot on this island ever again. I will not be spoken to like that nor will any other person who comes to this island, and there's to be no drinking during working hours.' I'd spoken out loud so that all the men could hear me. If there's any other man here doesn't like the order I have given or doesn't like to work for the person who's paying their wages, he can leave on the same boat. If I find out,' I had turned back to the boss man, `that my orders are not being obeyed, you'll be the next one I'll put in hospital. Now get back to work the lot of you, fun time is over.'

Suddenly, everybody was back in the trenches, digging furiously except for the two that came to lift up the unconscious man and carry him away.

`Well done Francis,' said Wesson, clapping me on the back.

`I thought he was going to kill you,' breathed Penny, face white, her eyes wide.

`I nearly fainted when he started to attack you,' said Lou in an awed voice.

`And I thought I heard you laugh as he went for you,' said Penny.

You did,' said Wesson with a laugh himself. He shouldn't have called Francis a white whore so he deserved what he got.'

`But it was so quick and brutal,' said Lou.

It doesn't do to upset Francis,' he said succinctly. Now let's show you where the nudist beach will be. What you've been dying to see.' He led the way off through the trees and I heard an outbreak of babbling talk as soon as we were a little way off. That'll soon get round I grinned to myself and I don't think we'll have workers like that anymore. We broke through the trees and bushes onto the half mile of sandy beach that would be for nudists only.

How glorious,' Lou exclaimed. Look at this sand and the colour of the sea. It's absolutely beautiful. Don't you think so Penny?'

`I do indeed. Oh, Francis. Can we come here tomorrow? A picnic?' Penny asked.

`Oh do say yes Francis! It would be such fun,' Lou implored. I looked at Wesson who was trying hard to cover his smile, no doubt thinking like I was of our last picnic here. Sun, sand, sea and sex. Not to mention lots and lots of money. My eye had a question in it and I saw him give a slight nod so I told the girls that we would do just that.

`Oh, but what about the workers?' Lou queried.

`They'll be leaving the island this afternoon till Monday,' I said with a laugh.

`May I come along?' asked William, whom I forgot was there with us in this exchange.

`No you may not. Us girls would rather have Wesson all to ourselves. Isn't that right girls?' and they burst out into a fit of giggles seeing the joke. I felt sorry for William, but I would only have it my way.

We made our way back to the jetty for the trip back to Nassau, the other boat having long gone with the injured man. William was very quiet on the trip back, but I was not sure if it was of my thumping the worker or the rebuff from the picnic. Penny and Lou were in a huddle talking nine to the dozen between them, and Wesson just sat there holding my hand. We didn't have to speak, just a little squeeze of the fingers was enough for me when in company.

Sam met us at the harbour wall and I asked if he would meet the workers when they arrived to give them all a five dollar bonus each. I asked then about the man that I hospitalised and learnt there that it was in two places that his jaw had been broken.

He also told me that I shouldn't have done that. I should have got the boss man to deal with the man. Okay, he admitted, I'd got the instant respect or fear of the others, but I'd made an enemy that would have to be dealt with. I was dismayed but not surprised when I was told two months later that the man had been killed in a bar brawl. Sam did know how to deal with unpleasant things in his own way, as he was really protecting his own interests, i.e. me. I laid on a boat for the next day to take us on our picnic and then went off with the others to the hotel.

Dinner was animated in the conversation, but Lou called for an early night as she still had lots of paperwork from Sam to go through. I wasn't averse to the idea and neither was Wesson as we made it into quite a long session of loving each other.

Wesson knew better than to bring up the altercation on the island for which I was grateful. I'd already given the hotel instructions about a picnic hamper for us and it was ready when we'd finished breakfast and made our way down to the harbour.

Wesson had liked the idea of the two girls getting their kit off in the sun, but was hedging a bit about taking his own off and insisted on bringing a pair of swimming trunks along with him.

But somehow, between Nassau and the island, they seemed to disappear overboard, and the last I saw of them was of them floating away in our wake.

I was somewhat dismayed to find that there were still two men on the island. They were the weekend night watchmen, but with a five dollar bill each, I sent them off to Nassau with the instructions to bring the boat back at about four in the afternoon. They were happy in getting the day off and cash into the bargain to go and have some drinks with.

`Now we're really alone on the island and you can enjoy your first time at a nudist beach,' I told the girls as Wesson struggled along with the heavy hamper. Penny and Lou were like two small children being taken to the seaside for the first time. They frolicked about as we went through the trees till we reached the beach. They'd brought two blankets from the hotel and spread them out on the sand, one for us and one for them.

`We'll take ours further down,' said Wesson, putting the hamper down to gather up the blanket.

If the girls want us here near them,' I said, standing on the blanket, then this is where we'll stay.'

`But they're too close together,' he protested though they were at least ten foot apart.

Don't be such a prude,' Lou called out as she pulled off her halter top to reveal two large bouncing breasts. I'm sure you've seen things like this before.' He turned away as she laughed and quickly pulled down her shorts and then lay down in the sun on her blanket, completely naked. I had to laugh too as I took off my dress and bra. I hadn't worn stockings or belt that day so I too was then naked as I lay down on our blanket. Penny wasn't far behind me in taking her clothes off and I saw that her breasts were nearly as big as Lou's, only they looked a bit more firmer.

Wesson didn't take his off until we others were already lying down, and then he sat down to strip off before he looked for his swim suit. He glared at me when he couldn't find them as I smiled at him. It wasn't really a good start to the picnic to have him in a bad humour, so I rolled over and kissed him. Only a quick one so that he didn't have time to be embarrassed.

We'd only been lying down for a few minutes before I realised that I'd not put any cream on Wesson or myself. So up I got and opened the hamper to get out the bottle and I noticed that Lou had leaned up to look at me.

`Yes, I really am man in sheep's clothing,' I said, knowing that she could see quite clearly what I had between my legs.

`Sorry. I was just looking at the scars that you've got. They must have really hurt you at the time.'

`They did. Have you brought sun cream with you?'

`No. I forgot. Did you think to bring any Penny?' she asked, giving her a nudge that made both sets of breasts wobble.

`No.' said Penny without opening her eyes.

`You can use this when I've finished with it,' I said, returning to our blanket and started to cover Wesson's back and bum with the cream. I then got him to do mine and he capped the bottle and called out for Lou to catch the bottle. I'm damn sure that he threw it higher than necessary so that she really had to reach up high to catch it, her breasts rising and going taut as she moved. I tried to watch both at the same time but couldn't do it.

`Turned you on has it?' I asked him as he lay down, his cock up and hard. I was a fine one to ask, but then he couldn't see mine because I was lying on my stomach.

`This is what's turning me on,' he said as he stroked my bare bum.

`Flatterer,' I said, putting my head down and closing my eyes to let the sun soak into my body. It must have been nearly an hour before I got a nudge in the ribs.

`Look!' he whispered to me. I guessed what he wanted me to see, so I turned my head and opened my eyes. Penny had just moved and was lying full length on top of Lou and they were kissing each other. Their breasts were squashed between them as they did so. Then Penny started to slowly slide down Lou's body, pausing to kiss each breast and nibble on the nipples before moving further down. Lou's legs parted for Penny to move down between them and Penny's arms and hands came round the thighs as she buried her head in between them.

Lou's arms went wide as Penny's head slowly moved in a motion that told me she was licking at the heart of Lou's sex. You could hardly hear the sea lapping the beach, but it was easy to hear the sucking sounds that came from Penny as she gave head to Lou. She in turn was giving out gentle groans at the pleasure she was being given and she beat the blanket as she had an orgasm under Penny's ministrations. Then after a particularly loud sucking noise, Penny's head surfaced and she kissed her way back up Lou's body, her breasts rubbing along as she moved.

Then they rolled over and Lou went and did the same to Penny. Then after Penny too had beaten the blanket in her ecstasy, did they move round so that they were head to tail, licking and sucking each other in the sixty nine position with Penny on top.

`God I can't take much more of this,' Wesson groaned.

`Neither can I,' I said as I changed my position and took Wesson's rock hard cock into my mouth and sucked and rubbed him.

`Oh Christ,' I heard him say as he took my erection into his mouth and we both came almost at once, exploding in our arousal of watching the two girls perform. We both groaned at our release and continued for another minute or two sucking on each other till I let go and turned back round to watch the girls finish off. They eventually parted and in moving round, Penny's eyes caught mine and she winked and grinned at me as she settled herself back down on the blanket.

Wow,' breathed out Wesson. Not that I don't prefer you, but that really did turn me on. I'm beginning to get another hard on just thinking about it.'

Me too,' I said, so how about cooling off in the sea?'

`Good idea,' he replied. So we both got up and ran into the sea before the girls could see our erections. There, we fooled about as two lovers do, splashing each other and pulling one another down under the surface where we would kiss before coming up for air. Then we saw the two girls, breasts bouncing about, come bounding down the few yards into the water themselves and it became a friendly splashing match between us. With much laughter and wiping of salt water from the eyes, we finally waded out of the sea, unabashed at our collective nakedness and Lou went and shook out their blanket and re-laid it down next to ours.

I think both Wesson and I were mesmerised by the large pair of breasts being displayed as well as the triangles of hair of their pudenda. The hamper was hauled onto the blanket and we began to have lunch. The sun dried our bodies as we ate and Lou then asked, `Did you enjoy the show?' We couldn't answer, but looked at each other and smirked. Lou then deliberately poured some wine over her breast and Penny was quick to lick it of the nipple as it ran down the big mound.

`Will we see you do it together?' she then asked. I didn't have to look at Wesson as he said definitely not, because I didn't want to either. I think there had to be some limits to my authority and I didn't really want them to see Wesson sticking his dick up my arse. Likewise I don't think he wanted them to see me doing it to him either. The subject was then dropped, but as I cleared away our blanket of paper plates and other debris, I saw the two girls whispering to each other.

`Well you know that Penny and I love each other, because you saw us before lunch. We also saw that you did something to each other, but couldn't see it. When two men love each other, do they suck each other like we do? You know, put your thing in each other's mouth?'

Yes, we do,' I said candidly, this I didn't mind, talking about the oral part. As you know, I am the woman in our relationship, so it's only natural that I do that to my man.

`He's got it hard just talking about it,' Penny said, and I looked at Wesson, who was red in the face, and he did indeed have a hard on.

`I've never seen a man suck on another man, have you Penny?' asked Lou. Penny shook her head.

I'll only show you once,' I said and pushed Wesson back to lie flat. I then took his cock and held it upright for them to see and lowered my head onto it and sucked him. Only for a moment or two before releasing him. We do it the same as you do, till we orgasm too.' Wesson looked as though he wanted to crawl away and bury himself into the sand. There was more whispering between them before they both turned to face us.

We'd like to show our appreciation for all that you've done for us in the last few weeks,' Penny said, taking a deep breath that made her lovely breasts heave up. Once and for once only, can we swap partners for us to say thank you both for what you've done.' Penny was a bit red in the face as she said this and I saw that Wesson had perked up at this. `We don't normally go with men, but we've agreed to do it this once. If Wesson would like to roll over to Lou, I'll come over to you Francis. That is if you would like us to?' She had cast her eyes down and I wanted to refuse on the grounds of decency, but Wesson had already started to move.

`Are you sure you want to do this?' I asked the pair of them.

It's the only way we can say thank you, besides, it has been a long time since I've had a man,' said Lou. Penny?'

`I want to Francis,' she said simply. So that was it. Wesson rolled over to their blanket, and Penny rolled over to ours. I was glad now that Wesson and I had done it to each other earlier or I would have been shooting my load before we'd even got down to it. It was nice to feel a pair of breasts against my chest again, Diane's had been the last. The softness was nice as they crushed themselves against me as we kissed. Then she slid down my body and took me into her mouth to suck and I could see that the same was being done to Wesson. They must have practised this because almost at the same time they stopped sucking on our erections and rolled over with their legs open, inviting us to do the same to them.

I don't think either of us hesitated to muff dive and bury our faces inside the woman before us, licking and sucking at the little bud of the clit. Whether Penny was turned on or not, I don't know, but she was soon urging me to come up and enter her. I moved up and cushioned myself on her tits as I pushed myself into her, her legs coming up around my waist to pull me in as far as my little cock would go and we rocked and fucked there on the blanket.

It seemed a surprise, though it shouldn't have, to see Wesson between a woman's legs fucking away the same as I was. Because of our earlier release, we were both able to give them quite a hammering before nature took over and we came. It was also as if we had timed it, we seemed to come at the same time, Penny crying out while Lou gave out a scream as she came too.

Penny came in shuddering throes beneath me and I saw her eyes begin to water as I held myself hard inside her. Her body quivered as the spasms passed through her body as she held me tight.

I love you Francis,' I heard her whisper softly. I love Lou too, but you can do this to me anytime you want. Just say the word and I'll be there, waiting.' There wasn't anything I could say to that, so I just held her tight as her muscles gave the last squeezes to my slowly deflating cock. I don't know who broke apart first, but I lay on my back in the sun as Penny's fingers trailed over my chest and gently rubbed my bullet scars.

`I think we should go for a swim,' I said after about twenty minutes of laying there.

`Good idea,' she said, and took my hand as we got up and ran into the sea. It was only a couple of minutes before Wesson and Lou joined us for another round of splashing about.

`Next time we should bring along a beach ball,' Lou cried out before being ducked by Wesson. I hoped he wasn't getting too attached to Lou from that encounter, I thought to myself. I didn't mind the occasional dipping of the wick, but I think I needed that wick more than they did.

Then it was out of the water and we swapped back again as Penny went to Lou for drying and I dried Wesson with our towel. Then we lay down again and let the sun once again caress our bodies, but it wasn't for long. Through the still air came the sound of an approaching boat, which meant that it was nearly four o'clock and the watchmen were returning with our boat.

This is the bit I don't like,' said Penny as we got up and started to put our clothes back on. I wish we could stay here forever.'

`Amen to that,' echoed Lou. Both Wesson and I looked as the two lovely pair of breasts disappeared from view and I think we both sighed at our loss before getting dressed ourselves. The boat was tied up at the jetty and the hamper was thrown in and I cast off after the others were aboard and Wesson steered the boat out towards Nassau. It was a subdued quartet in the boat as it chugged its way across the water.

Wesson and I would like to thank you for what you gave us today,' I said, breaking nearly half an hour of silence. and as Penny said, it was a one off so let's keep it that way. As Lou also said, you two love each other as Wesson and I love each other, so it's back to our working relationship.' Nothing was said to that and we lapsed back into silence.

I couldn't help but think back to what Penny had whispered in my ear that she loved me. But I had no way of knowing if it was real love for me or love for my money. She knew of Diane, but not the fact that we were married and so she would have to be told very soon just in case she was really after me.

It was strange that I felt that I could love Penny, I know I was very fond of her, but like Diane, she couldn't give me what Wesson could. Diane had accepted me as I was, and still said that she loved me. That was before she knew I had money, and she also loved little Francis.

But now I started to worry that Wesson, having tasted a woman again, might leave me. This thought started to depress me, and what had been a good day was now turning sour with my tortuous thoughts and had to fight back my tears.

I was glad when we got back to Nassau and able to get to our room in the hotel. I dragged Wesson to sit down on the bed with me.

Do you still love me,' I asked, even though we've both just been with a woman?' I was again fighting back the threatening tears, as I didn't want him to take pity on me.

Oh my sweet,' he said, pushing me onto my back and kissing me. Of course I love you. I love you even more now because I get more pleasure from you than any woman.'

`Take me now then and show me that you love me,' I said with a little choke in my throat. He moved off me and pulled up my dress and began to suck on me for a moment before rolling me over. He pulled the dress up from my bum and kissed me there. I heard the rustle of his clothes and felt the head of his cock nuzzle my arse before he pushed forward and entered me.

He wasn't wearing a condom and I felt every ridge of his thick cock rasp its way inside me. He pulled me tight up to his thighs and gave me a thoroughly good fucking for my disbelief in him. I cried with relief at this proving of his love for me, not just by the fucking, but that he was prepared to do it without a condom on. I gave out a cry as he came inside me, pumping hard to empty himself, his cock thumping away inside.

When finished, he pulled out and went and washed himself in the bathroom and I just rolled onto my side and used the bed cover to wipe my eyes.

I know what you were thinking of,' he said when he came back out after taking all his clothes off. I do love you more than ever. Being with Lou proved it to me that I would rather be with you than anyone else. There's only one other way to show you and that's to ask you to do it to me now.'

My heart leapt because this was really the first time that he'd asked me to do it to him. The couple of times I'd been inside him were more of my doing than his. He rolled on the bed as I quickly pulled my dress off as he came up onto his knees and my little cock was as hard as iron as I got between his legs. I too didn't use a condom and pushed my pecker into him and cried again as I fucked him with all the love I could give.

I was a very happy bunny in my bath that evening and fairly bubbled at dinner, and got some very serious loving that night in bed too.

I had asked William if he could fit in another house up at the north end of the island, screened of course. I wanted this extra one as an afterthought for a place for entertainers to sleep over and also I was thinking of having some permanent security guards on the island. He said that it would be okay as they still had time to link up to the sewage system, though he doubted that they would be able to set any more up.

Well it was time for us to leave as we were going with William to Miami that day to look at some boats that he thought would fit the bill for the island ferries. Sam arrived with the money I had asked for as we were packing, which I gave to Lou to look after. She nearly dropped it when I told her that the small bag contained nearly a quarter of a million dollars. She was very nervous to have it packed in her suitcase though I assured her it would be safest there. Besides, as she was looking after the finance side of things it was only right that she carried it. With a last check round the rooms to see that nothing had been left behind and a quick check of my make-up, we left for the airport.

It was an American airline that we'd booked on for the short hop from Nassau to Miami, but I still booked us into first class. It had six rows for these passengers up at the front of the aircraft. William sat on right hand side with the two girls, him at the window seat, while Wesson and I had seats opposite them.

Our places were the last of the six rows with a curtain behind our seats and the bulkhead of the galley behind the girl's seats. We'd been given a drink and I thought that I would use the toilet before we landed at Miami. I was just about to sit back down when the stewardess came past with a man very close up behind her, moving forward to the door to the pilot's cabin. I didn't like the look of this, so I was just about to step out into the aisle when a gun barrel hit me on the side of the face, knocking me down into my seat.

Wesson started to rise up, but eased back into his seat as the gun being held by a second man was waved at us. The man then eased himself back so that he was leaning against the galley bulkhead as the stewardess knocked on the cockpit door. I shook my head to clear it and could feel some blood trickling down my cheek. I could see the horrified looks on the two girl's faces and that of William as they looked across the aisle at me.

It was a hijack of that I had no doubt as the pilot's cabin door was opened and the man pushed the stewardess roughly to one side as he barged into the cockpit and held his pistol to the head of the pilot. I couldn't hear what was said but could see the man make a point by banging his pistol hard on the pilot's head.

I restrained Wesson from moving by keeping my hand firmly on his arm whispering to him that we should wait for awhile.

`Tampa?' was what we heard the pilot exclaim and Wesson and I exchanged looks.

`Just as we land,' I said in a soft voice to him and made myself relax and take a quick glance at the man leaning against the bulkhead watching all of us in the First Class seats as well as what was happening in the cockpit. He was watchful but seemed relaxed under the circumstances.

We could see through the window that we were crossing the coast of America but gave no sign of descending. The passengers also noticed this down aft and then we heard the babble of their voices talking of it. The man just behind me called out to the one in the cockpit, who noticed the agitation of those aft passengers, and said a few words to the second officer.

Because of circumstances beyond our control,' the voice of the Second Officer came over the speakers, we are having to divert to Tampa. There is nothing to worry about and we are just about to start our descent. Please fasten your seat belts.' I made a pretence of doing mine up and Wesson noticing this, did the same. It could only be at landing that I could do anything with the pilot having a pistol to his head and I made myself relax till that time came.

Our ears popped as the plane got lower and I could then see we were getting ever closer to the ground and I could see through the pilot's windows that the airport was just ahead of us and we were approaching it fast. The wheels had come down, released from their hold and locked themselves ready for landing. Having flown quite a few times now, I knew that at the point of touching down, the nose would lift to settle the rear wheels down first, so this was the point I was waiting for. As the runway loomed up large in the windscreen, I squeezed Wesson's arm and tensed myself ready.

The pilot came down heavily and the plane was really jolted as the wheels thumped the runway. This made the man behind me sag on his knees and distracted him just enough for me to move. I sprung over the arm of my seat low and came up at him, my right hand going up to hit him in the throat as my left hand grabbed the pistol by the barrel and twisted it from his grip. He gave out a choking cry as the nose wheel of the aircraft thumped down, and I was already transferring the gun to my right hand as I turned towards the cockpit.

The man up the front heard the cry and was turning round, bringing his gun up as I dived forward to the floor, bringing my gun up. The other man fired too soon and the bullet passed over my falling body to hit his own man behind me. I was still falling as I fired and I saw the bullet take him under the chin and then to see the blood splattered windscreen shatter as his body was thrown backwards across the second officer. The pilot was fighting the controls as the sudden wind tore through the cabin and I landed heavily on the floor.

Wesson was then leaping over my prone body to the cockpit as I hit the floor and rolled to fire again at the other man who was already halfway to the floor, sliding down the blood smeared bulkhead. My shot was right in the heart, but I think he might have already been dead but I wasn't taking the chance.

I kept the gun trained aft as there might have been more behind that I didn't know of. There was a thump on the floor just by my head and I guessed it was the body of the other man, cleared away by Wesson so that the second officer could help stop the plane as it still hurtled down the runway.

Papers, dirt and debris were still swirling about in the wind from the smashed windscreen and I saw the terrified look on Penny's face as she twisted out from her seat to look at me. It was only a fleeting glance because I watched as Wesson came over me, the other man's pistol in his hand as he went to cover the after end of the plane. I jumped up and went behind him as cover to watch for any signs of any more hostilities from anybody else.

The plane was swerving about making it difficult to remain upright, but it was definitely slowing down. I stopped moving down as Wesson reached the far end and was satisfied that it had only been the two men. Passengers were beginning to shout questions but held their seats as both of us had our guns in clear view.

Stay seated!' Wesson roared out, shouting against the now lessening wind swirling around the cabin. Stay there till we reach the terminal!' I waited till he reached me and he gave me a big smile and I turned and we both went up to the cockpit. The plane had slowed down to just enough speed to be able to turn safely, just before the end of the runway. As the plane turned, I saw a truck with four definitely armed men in it waiting for us.

Head straight for the terminal,' I shouted to the pilot. Don't stop whatever you do till we're there. There are other men out there waiting for us, with guns.' The pilot didn't argue and kept the plane rolling quite fast down the side runway. I looked out as we had swung away from the truck at the men gesticulating towards us and guessed that they might chase us.

It was grand to see six police cars come hurtling towards us to go past and I hoped that they could stop the truck from getting to us. They must have done, because as we slowed down and swung round in front of the terminal, I couldn't see any sign of it, or the police cars. The pilot brought the plane to a halt and both he and the second officer wiped their faces with white handkerchiefs as they slumped back into their seats.

Thank you who ever you are,' the pilot said with a strong mid-western accent. I thought we were done for.'

`You did well with the landing too,' I said, patting him on the shoulder. His head whipped round at the sound of my voice.

`My God, a woman!' If only you knew, I thought as I smiled at him.

You better take this,' I said, handing him the gun as I saw armed police starting to surround the plane. I don't want to get shot by them by mistake.' I had nearly said again, forgetting that it was Gervaise that had been shot by the Americans. Wesson? Give over the gun,' I called out. I don't want to lose you.'

He smiled and passed over the gun to the pilot as the door to the plane was opened and armed police poured in.

You would have thought that we were the hijackers the way all of the passengers were herded off the plane and into a lounge in the terminal. What hadn't helped was that many of the passengers had only seen Wesson and myself brandishing guns after the event. So we were immediately separated from the others and handcuffed and marched off to another room. Two policemen with drawn guns and an airline woman stayed in the room with us for half an hour before the room suddenly became crowded with other people.

Get those cuffs off at once,' the leading man snapped at the one of the police officers. Please accept our most profuse apologies Miss Lyon, Mr Wesson. We had no idea. We were misled at the very beginning.'

Wait until the British Ambassador hears about the treatment we've received,' I snapped at him as I rubbed my wrists. Wesson started to say something but I stopped him. He would have said that it was an understandable mistake. I wasn't going to let them off that easy. My lawyers will have a field day and just wait till the press get hold of it.' I was playing the part of a very indignant lady. `Sister of a war hero treated like this after preventing a hijack and saving I don't know how many lives of the other passengers. Boy you picked the wrong person to treat this way!'

Please, please Miss Francis,' the man was sweating profusely. We admit to making a mistake, but we are trying to put things right now,' he was pleading as I pushed through the crowd of people to storm out of the room. I suddenly stopped as there was a battery of flashing bulbs from the horde of photographers that were waiting outside.

`Miss Lyon, Miss Lyon. Can you tell us what happened?' Was only one of the questions thrown at me. There must have been at least twenty men with cameras and about as many with hand held microphones or tape recorders pushing them into my face. Wesson had followed me out and stepped in front of me to push the press of people back from me. Others had come out and tried to make room for me to even breathe as well as move.

The pilot has already given a statement to the press,' a voice shouted in my ear over the noise of the shouted questions. Now they want to talk to you. Let's get away from here for a moment and have a talk ourselves, but you'll have to say something to them or they'll never leave you alone.' I could only nod because of the noise and he then took my arm and I had Wesson on my other side as we moved off as other people cleared a path from us.

`Give us a few moments and Miss Lyon will make a statement,' he shouted as we were hustled into another room, with just two other men coming in so that there were only five of us in the room.

`I'm bloody furious to be treated this way. You let two men on the plane with guns which Wesson and I take away from them and we are the ones to be treated like villains.' I was on my high horse and I was going to milk it for all its worth.

Again, all I can do now is apologise for the error, but you'll see why from the other passengers statements,' the man pleaded, his face dripping with sweat. These two men are from the Bureau and would like to hear from you exactly what happened.'

`I'm not saying anything till I've had a drink. I've almost been killed and then treated this way. I'm disgusted with the place.'

The phone was already up and he barked out to bring some refreshments in. Gin and tonics for me, large ones, and cold beers for Wesson,' I snapped. There are also three others of our party and I would like them seen too please,' I said in a more moderate voice. I gave their names and was assured that they would be looked after. Then our drinks arrived and after a good healthy slug of mine, I was ready for the two agents to answer their questions and tell our story.

After I had related my side of the story and Wesson had told his, I asked what was it with the truck at the end of the runway.

It appears that it had been a tightly timed operation in respect of the plane hijack. There had been a prison breakout not far from Tampa and the plane had been taken with the express purpose of picking the men up from the airport to take them all out of the country. The aircraft was supposed to have stopped at the end of the runway for them to board it, but we had prevented that. A gun battle had ensued which cost the lives of two police officers but with the killing of all four escaped prisoners. This was no consolation to me because there must be other people behind them to set this up, and it could come back to haunt me at a later date.

Then came the time to face the press, and we went out to stand before some hastily set up microphones. I had deliberately not wiped the blood from my cheek from the gun bash and made sure that it was visible for the photographers as I stepped up to speak. I told them briefly of what had happened and just to say that I happened to be in the right place at the right time.

There were many other questions thrown at me, one was in regard of my brother. I just threw back that it seemed to be getting a habit of a Lyon saving American lives. A stupid gesture that didn't really go down very well with those present, but I didn't care by then as I was getting tired.

Wesson was a darling and kept in the background so didn't appear in any of the pictures taken, which would have somewhat mollified Frobisher. As agents, we were always supposed to be in the background, but I couldn't with this one and had to accept it.

As the press conference finished, I made it known that I was still dissatisfied with our treatment and would expect to see someone of authority of the airline in the very near future in Miami. There came a little cheer from other passengers who had stayed behind at the airport, well they had to stay really, because they were waiting for a plane to take them to their original destination of Miami. I signalled to a guard that Lou, Penny and William were part of our group and to be let through the cordon to greet us. There were big hugs and kisses from all three, even from William, to me and Wesson.

To be continued.

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