Educating Danielle Part 15 free porn video

Educating Danielle By Karen E. Lea Part Fifteen Chapter Sixty Four By six that night we had settled in a caravan park at Bathurst, two hundred kilometres west of Sydney. We rose early the next morning and headed west, through Bathurst, Orange, Molong, Wellington arriving at Dubbo. After lunch we visited the Western Plains Zoo, and found half a day not enough time to see all the animals. Five o clock we headed off to find a caravan park, vowing to return the next day. Once settled in a local caravan park, we cooked a barbeque dinner and enjoyed our surroundings. Two little girls found Danielle an irresistible playmate, and she chased them around the park while we enjoyed a glass of wine with the parents. The next day we continued our tour of the zoo. Two o clock, we headed off in the direction of Sydney. We made it to Orange, a large country town, by four. Danielle spied a RTA* office and after finding a nearby parking spot, she ran to the office and ten minutes later returned with a Drivers Handbook. By the time we found a caravan park and had dinner, she had read half the book. The next morning she announced herself ready for the test. Unfortunately, I pointed out, she didn't have her birth certificate with her. She looked crestfallen. I promised as soon as we got back to Sydney, we would take her to the Thornleigh office near home. ??? Emily sat beside Curtis's bed in ICU. The doctors and nurses regularly checked his vital signs, they assured her that he was stable; it was a game of waiting out the shock. At midnight she drifted off to sleep in the chair beside the bed out of exhaustion. It was midday before Curtis began to stir, Emily moved in closer and held his hand, he seemed to be in a deep sleep now and Emily began to relax. Two o clock he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. "Curtis?" Emily softly called as she pushed the button for the nurse. He blinked, opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. The nurse hurried over. "Back with us?" she asked as she cranked the bed up. He nodded, tried speaking again, but couldn't make a sound. The nurse put a straw in a cup to his mouth and he sucked some water in to his mouth. "Mum... I'm sorry." "You've got nothing to be sorry about," She answered. Tears formed in his eyes. "Is dad... here?" "No honey," Curtis went quiet and closed his eyes again. Doctors and nurses prodded him for the rest of the afternoon and declared him fit for a standard ward. At eight o clock they moved him downstairs to his own room. "Mum?" he asked after they settled in, "Could you ring Jeff?" "Jeff? ...Oh...Why Jeff?" "He'll understand, really understand and I need to talk to him." "I'll try honey." ??? Kelly let herself in to the studio. She was way early and had barely slept last night worrying about potential problems. Now she was here, it didn't seem so bad. She took a deep breath and sat down and got some of the more mundane work out of the way. Two hours later, John and Cathy drifted in, followed by Charlene. "Where's Cindy?" John asked. "She's normally annoying me by now." "Don't know," Kelly admitted. Kelly told them about the weekend and the sudden holiday plan by Jeff. "Bout time he had some time off," John replied. "So Cindy met this Jeremy, eh." "No one has seen her since," Kelly volunteered. "Tell you the truth, I'm a bit worried." "She'll turn up, even if it's just to annoy me. Let's get in to it. What's first boss?" Kelly showed the others the plan for the day and they headed off. Kelly was starting to really worry about Cindy. She picked up the phone and dialled her flat. No answer. She tried the mobile, it was turned off. Kelly was really worried now. No Cindy, she couldn't believe it, on her first day of being left in charge, this happens. Cindy was a bit head strong, but not stupid. She thought the world of this job. Kelly decided not to panic, not yet anyway. She would have a huge panic attack at ten o clock. Kelly watched the clock while she tried concentrating on other tasks. At five to ten, Cindy swept in to the office. "Where in the hell have you been? We've been worried sick," Kelly asked, annoyed. "With Jeremy. Long story." "Try me." Cindy took a deep breath. "Jeremy got a phone call late Saturday night. The guys in postproduction had rushed through the video ready for editing. Jeremy said lets go and I followed. He didn't stop till eight o clock last night. We had a meal and went back to his place and collapsed in to bed and slept till nine this morning." "So what's he like in bed?" "He snores." "I meant..." "I know what you meant, I don't know, we haven't done it." "You slept with a guy without sex; this is me you're talking to Cindy." "So sue me." "This is serious, you really like him." "We just hit it off, what can I say... Where's the boss?" Cindy asked looking around. "Decided to take off for a couple of days," Kelly replied. Kelly related the last day's events. "So you got to sleep with Danielle?" Cindy asked. "No. We were close by though. I slept on the divan, she slept in the Luton." "Luton?" "That's what Jeff called it, the bed over the top bit...... where the driver sits, anyway, we were way close." "Cool. Where are we up to?" ??? Jeremy sipped his cappuccino in the small Balmain** caf?. He had the demo tape beside him; all he needed was Sam, Sal and a cheque, release the master and his part in this debacle was finished. He thought about Cindy, he was smitten, blonde, good sort and smart, she'll make an excellent missus Dines. Get this trip to LA over and done with, and when I get back, a proposal maybe. He grinned at his thoughts. Sam interrupted his reverie, "Hey." Jeremy looked up at the waitress and motioned for three coffees, "Hey yourself." "Sal, my main man, how did you finish up Sunday?" Jeremy asked. "I was at death's door." "Should've knocked mate," Jeremy laughed. Sal smiled wanly. "Don't normally drink beer. A nice chardonnay usually." "A drink with the boys never hurt anyone... much." "So that's it?" Sam asked changing the subject. "This is the demo. Bank cheque will get you the lot." "Hey, we had a deal. Fourteen days," Sam challenged. "We'll just use this," He said holding up the tape. "You'll get laughed off the premises with that tape. And by the way, fuck the deal." "Why?" Sam asked. "It's a demo, the quality is shit, not good enough for broadcast," Jeremy took the tape and pushed it in the video nearby and turned on the television set. The waitress served the coffees while they watched the tape. Sam and Sal looked at each other at the finish, "Where's the band?" Sal asked. "They're in there." "Barely," Sal replied. "Face facts, the girl is the only thing going for your blokes." "We've got a five year plan for this," Sam said. "Five years. What bloody planet are you from Sam? A plan past five weeks would be optimistic." "What would you know?" Sam asked. "Enough. When do you think you'll get air time?" "Don't know, we're having trouble. Trouble all round actually, none of Sam's contacts are coming through," Sal lamented. "We've spent lots of money, but nothing's happening." "Can't help that, everybody's busy," Sam explained. Jeremy already knew this. "Are the CD's ready for distribution?" "Yeah. Bit of trouble there too." "What?" Jeremy queried. "Can't get them in to the normal distribution system," Sam said. "Nobody wants some unknown band with no airtime." "Got to create a demand boys. Get me a cheque; I'll pull in a favour. Meet me back here in three hours," Jeremy drained his coffee, paid the waitress and left. Sal sipped his coffee, "His cheque will nearly go through the money I allocated for this. Time to put some money on the table Sam." "I've got cash flow problems." "Well so have I now. This whole project has cash flow problems. The transport company storing the CD's wants the next month up front." "We should be able to move them out to retail within the week," Sam said confidently. "Well you better come up with some money to pay the storage to date first and then some." "You just said..." "The reason they want the next month up front is because we haven't paid last month," Sal answered. "We'll just pull it out..." "Sam, for Gods' sake. Are you stupid? They have our goods. No money. No release." "Oh... Shit." "Better go and get this cheque, you better work out where the distribution money is coming from," Sal said getting up to leave. "See you soon." Sam watched Sal leave. Money he thought, where was he going to get some, well he didn't want to, but it looked like he was going have to go on bended knee to his brother in law. He wouldn't hear the end of it, but he needed the money. He searched his pocket for some change and went looking for a phone box. Three and a half hours later, they sat around the same table in the caf?. "Okay boys, I've pulled in a favour, a big favour, you can lick my boots and grovel later," Jeremy said. "Very funny. How can it help us?" Sam asked. "This favour has got you airtime on Video Hits Saturday and Sunday morning. Like I said this morning, got to create a demand, people start asking for the CD and you're in," Jeremy explained. "What about the weekend after?" Sam asked. "On your own, this weekend is your foot in the door; you guys have just got to hope they make an impression this weekend." "One weekend is not much good to us," Sam lamented. "Well excuse fucking me, I've just gone out on a limb for your clowns, I personally hope they go down the tube, they deserve no less." "Well I appreciate the input, here's your cheque," Sal said. "How do we know they'll play it?" Sam asked. "Fuck you Sam. Look. One of the producers is a mate; I pulled a production out of the shit for him a couple of years ago. Seeing as I am involved in this malarky, I am trying to help. Now if you don't like it, I'll ring him up and tell him not to worry about it. He's got a desk full of unknowns hoping for a break, he doesn't need your clowns, but he's going to do it for me. Got that?" "Keep your shirt on," Sam said sullenly. "Not tonight I ain't. Dinner with a blonde," Jeremy answered standing, "Got to go, that Jeff employs some good sorts I'm here to tell ya. Won't wish you luck, youse don't bloody deserve it. See ya...... Don't call me, I'll call you," Jeremy called back as he went out the door. Sal stared at the coffee. "Well at least we got a start." "Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it." "At least it's something. How did you go with some money for the transport mob?" "Got it lined up, drop it off to them tomorrow. We'll be ready to go at a moments notice." "Great. I'll be honest Sam, I'll be glad to see the back of this and go back to what I do best." "Yeah. It hasn't gone smooth I know. All I do is solve crisis's." With my money Sal thought. He said, "I'll have my eyes glued to the TV Saturday morning. Hope he's pulled it off." "Yeah." "Cheer up Sam. Talk to you later," Sal said draining his coffee. "See ya." Chapter Sixty Five Inspector Michael Cunningham was studying some paperwork on his desk when there was a knock at the door. "Come." Senior Constable Derek House entered, "Morning Michael." "Morning Derek." "Wanna read this for me?" Derek asked. "What is it?" "Medical report for a young boy assaulted on the weekend." Michael looked up questionably, "Humour me," Derek replied. Michael quickly read, then looked up. "Now read this." Michael quickly read again. "I just read this, a couple of words are different, but basically the same report. Why show me two reports on the same person?" "Ah ha. Two reports, same author, two different victims." "Ok, make your point, which is?" "First one, Curtis Miller, fourteen, assaulted by father on the weekend. Came home and found the boy dressed in his mother's clothes, didn't take it well." Michael had just found out his son was transsexual and he felt for the boy. "The second?" "Our coma victim, Karl Steiner, the Miller family lives a five minute walk from where he was found." Michael sat up with interest. Karl had been found bashed in a public toilet in a park. The assailant had made the toilet block look locked and Karl wasn't found till mid morning the next day. It had been three weeks and not many leads. "The father's name?" "George Miller." "I think mister Miller has just become a person of interest. Good work Derek." ??? Richard Sloboski studied the newspaper clippings for the hundredth time. Laura's face stared back at him. He couldn't believe it when he saw the first clipping a few weeks ago. Laura Marsden after all this time. He had heard she came back for her sister's daughter's wedding, sporting a ring claiming to be engaged. He thought back sixteen years ago, she tried to pin some kid on him; he nipped that in the bud. Pity, she was a good lay. She appeared to be doing okay for herself, unlike him, times were hard. Overweight, balding, two failed marriages and recently unemployed, he pondered how he could meet up with her again. Maybe she would help him get back on his feet. He looked around the dismal flat that he rented and decided on a course of action. ??? We arrived home around lunchtime Friday. Danielle worked feverishly to clean and empty the motor home ready for its return. She hustled us if we even stopped to talk. "What is your rush?" I asked. "My learner's permit. You promised." "Yes. I did," I answered. To tell the truth I had forgotten. "We'll go there first." One hour and ten minutes later, Danielle had her 'L' plates and the mandatory logbook. Laura followed us to the rental agency, while I completed the paperwork; Danielle took over the reins of the Rover. Danielle decided she wanted to show off her new skills and drive to the studio. An hour later we were walking up the stairs Kelly dropped the paperwork she was holding and rushed to greet us as we appeared in the top office, "You're back," Laura and I hugged her; she turned to Danielle, "Come here you," Kelly seized Danielle and gave her a kiss on the lips. "I've missed you." "Missed you too," Danielle replied. The three of us gave her a rundown on what we had been up to. Danielle flashed her learners' permit and Kelly congratulated her. We were just deciding on a late lunch when Moira came hurrying up the stairs, "Hey guys... oh great you're here," After we greeted her, she continued, "We've had to pull the TV ad campaign forward, Monday okay, I know its short notice. We have heard a whisper about what the opposition has planned," We agreed on it not being a problem. "By the way, you mistreat Kelly here and I will steal her away from you. She has just been great sorting things out for me concerning the next catalogue." "You can't afford her," I replied. "Don't give me a reason to find out." "I won't." "On to other things. When I was here the other day, Kelly and Cindy were discussing a girl's night out. When I said I was in, they said to speak to you." Danielle burst out laughing, "Sprung." I closed my eyes for a second. "Um.........." "I'll handle it," Laura said leading Moira in to my office. Five minutes later, Moira came out, looked me up and down, "This I got to see." "Well, when are we going?" Kelly asked. "I don't know. More to the point where are we going?" I replied. "We have Danielle to consider, too dangerous to show fake id now her age will be common knowledge soon." "Lets start with dinner somewhere and see what happens," Laura said. "Okay, sounds good. How about the Summit. My shout, well Karen's shout." "Pretty pricey," Laura said. "It'll be fine, good view over the city," I replied. "Okay. When?" How's May 25th sound," I said looking at a calendar. "Great. Like I said, can't wait," Moira answered. "Kelly's got the details for Monday, see you then." Chapter Sixty Six Danielle parked the Rover and we headed for the main section of The Children's Hospital. We headed off to the ward Emily had relayed to me on the phone, after we passed the same spot twice and had ended up in the main foyer once again. Danielle took over and took us down the original hallway and we were one step behind. Laura and I were admiring the children's artwork on the walls when we run in to Danielle nearly knocking her over. She had stopped dead outside a room with music videos running on a TV set inside; it was like a meeting room for the kids. "What's the matter?" I asked. "I'm sure I just saw mum's Golf on that TV set." A music clip had started and we couldn't confirm it. "You sure?" "Not really. I just happened to look up through the doorway as I passed, then you run in to me." "Do you think it was the music clip?" "It's the only place I would see the Golf." "Volkswagen makes millions of them, wouldn't have to be our Golf." Yeah. I guess... Weird... Oh well. Follow me." "Lead on.......... Look there's that drink machine again," I said after walking another hundred metres. "It'll be time to go home by the time we find this ward." "Nearly there," Danielle said turning right at a spot I had turned left earlier. We passed the nurses station and down the hallway, Danielle counting rooms, "Here", she said walking in to the room. We followed her in, "Hi I'm Danielle, you must be Curtis, this is my dad Jeff and mum, Laura." Hi... Um... Curtis is next door," The young boy replied. "Whoops. Sorry." "That's okay... Were you on Video Hits a couple of minutes ago?" the young boy enquired. "Not that I'm aware of...could have been. Why?" "Some retro thing was just on. You look like the girl on it." "Was it 'I'm a believer'?" Danielle asked. "Coulda been. Something like that. Anyway you look like the girl in the clip." "Thanks. I'll keep my eye out for it." "See ya." We regrouped and found Curtis in the next room. He was lying on the bed staring out the window in to the courtyard. A woman rose as we entered. "Can I help you?" "Jeff...Jeff Williams. This is Laura and Danielle." "Emily, it's nice to meet you. Curtis honey, Jeff's here." He rose from the bed without a word and came towards us looking like he was holding back tears. "How are you mate?" I said as I held my arms out for a hug. He burst in to tears as I hugged him. "He's barely said a word all week," Emily said. "I'm so glad you made it." "Curtis, this is my daughter Danielle and my fianc?e Laura," I introduced. "Hello," He peeped. He stood about five six, he wasn't a small build, but wasn't overly big either. Emily explained that he was hopefully going to be discharged Monday morning. They had been worried about his depression and the psychiatrist couldn't get a word out of him. "Come out side and we'll talk," I offered. We settled in some chairs in the courtyard. We sat and looked at each other. I wanted him to start. After ten minutes of restless silence, I spoke, "Do you want me to call you Becky or Curtis?" He shrugged. "Doesn't matter." "Matters to me." "Why?" "Because I want to talk to the real you... You know what seriousness is the first sign of?" He shook his head. "Insanity," I replied. He smiled and gave a little laugh. "It's true," I said. "Who told you that?" "A friend... James.......Tell me what happened?" He told me how he dressed; he smiled as he thought of the preparation to become Becky. He told me about the walk out on the patio, he then burst in to tears as he tried to tell me about the attack. "Dad hates me..... I hate myself." "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold it right there. You will go through life and not everybody will like you, some people may even hate you, so don't be first in line," I lectured. "Having said that, it's a pity it's your father with so many issues." He thought this over for a minute. "Oh... But dad hates anything....... He hates everything." "Maybe he was bitten by a drag queen or something when he was a kid. You have positive issues with cross dressing don't you?" "Oh yeah do I... But why do I feel so good, but so guilty?" "Ah yes, the guilt, probably a bit of shame thrown in as well?" Curtis nodded. "One thing that we human beings are extremely good at, throwing guilt and shame on to others, and us cross dressers seem to get more than our fair share, which is surprising, considering most people don't know about our other selves. Self inflicted guilt and shame. We certainly do a number on ourselves don't we?" Curtis nodded. "Why feel guilty, has anyone ever told you had to feel guilty about cross-dressing?" I asked. "N...no. Not that I can remember," Curtis allowed after some thought. "So no guilt, or judging yourself. You are who you are." "I don't get it?" "Okay, you are judging yourself, then feeling guilty because of that judgement. Say this out loud, I am what I am and it's okay." "I am what I am and it's okay," Curtis repeated. "So the good news is, there is no need to feel guilt and shame. But there are a whole lot of people out there who think any enjoyment should have guilt attached. A lot of angry people in the world because of it I can tell you. And woe is me if you get paid to enjoy yourself." Curtis laughed out loud. "True. So what's in the future for you?" "I don't know. Mum says we're moving in with Auntie Margaret. Dad hasn't been near us since. I don't really want to see him. "Be happy and I'll keep in touch." "Coooll.... Umm.,,, What do I say to the psychiatrist guy?" "Just talk to him. That's all they want. Have a chat and get the hell out of here. You will not get better in here." Danielle wandered out to us, "Hey you two." "What's up?" I asked. "Nothing, just seeing what you're up to." "Talking." Danielle sat down next to Curtis, "Feeling better?" "Yeah... I..." "Pity your dad took it so bad." "At least I got to talk to Jeff.... Do you know about...?" "Oh yeah. It's way cool." "Danielle might give you a makeup lesson if you're good." "Would you?" "Sure," Danielle replied. "Well, we better push on; know what you have to do?" I asked standing up. "Get out of here. Get happy." "That's it. Remember you're a special person, even more special when you cross dress, don't let anyone take it away. Ever." ??? Sunday morning and Sal was ecstatic, he drained his coffee as the video finished and went to an ad break. As Jeremy had promised, the music video had been shown both mornings. He rubbed his hands in glee, things were starting to happen. The only thing that worried him was his fifteen-year-old daughters' reaction to them, she thought they sucked. He didn't even know she knew what it meant. No matter, create a demand and they've started. He grabbed the phone and dialled Sam. "You been watching?" he asked when Sam answered. "Yeah. Both days. Had to sit through a lot of shit though," Sam replied. "Oh well. It's a bloody start. Lets hope it opens a couple of doors. Talk to you later." Sal hung up the phone. He barely let it go and it rang again. He picked it up, "Hello." "Sal? Graham." "G'day Graham, how are you?" "Good mate, about that information you asked me to look out for." "Yes mate. How did you go?" "Sorry to ring you on a Sunday. No bloody good. Nobody has heard of Sam at Saturn Music. Without trying to get in to the pay records, I am at a loss. The trouble is these places have a high turnover of staff, he may have worked there, but he has been forgotten or as I said the newbies haven't heard of him." "Hmm. Oh well, thanks for trying, we actually got the video shown this weekend on Video Hits." "Not a total loss then? Don't worry, more money coming for you." "You seem to have everything under control, thanks Graham. Talk to you soon. We'll do lunch." "No worries Sal." Sal hung up, deep in thought. Chapter Sixty Seven Joe Faraday hung up the phone. His biggest client just gave him a right bollocking. Every invoice for the last six weeks was incorrect. Hardly any item on any of them was correct. One he was sure, was a complete fabrication. He sighed. He wondered what excuse Debbie would have for him this time. Gerard Legrande had pointed out that in six years, he had queried less than five invoices with Laura and they had been mistakes at his end. He went out in to the main office and found Debbie and bought her back to his office. "Gerard Legrande from Stokers was just on the phone about his recent invoices." Debbie sat there with a blank look on her face. "You know who I'm talking about don't you?" "The name rings a bell." "He's our biggest client, you've been doing the invoices since Laura went off." "Oh yeah. What did she muck up?" "She hasn't mucked anything up; he's paid the invoices Laura sent out." "Well what's the problem then?" "The invoices you've generated since. None of them are right. It's created a huge cash flow problem for us." "If they're not right, it's because she didn't show me properly." "Come on Debbie. She spent a fortnight showing you." "Daddy, she didn't show me properly, she wanted me to fail." "I see. She's back next week; she can sort this out, then show you properly. I'll sit in and watch. Go back to your work, but no more invoices to Stokers." Joe sat and thought. As much as he wanted to believe Debbie, he couldn't believe Laura would purposely create problems. Maybe that boyfriend put her up to it. He'd have to be careful, Gerard thought highly of her. Debbie went back to her desk. Laura had done step-by-step instructions using screen dumps. She took it from the draw, went out to the shredder and fed it through. "Get out of this bitch," She said to the machine. ??? The night out had come around quickly, and at four thirty we started to get ready. I had decided to go all out and wear something I had never dared before, a strapless dress. Laura had made sure my back and shoulders were hair free. I wanted us to dress alike, but Laura said she couldn't wear a strapless bra and dress, gravity and the weight of her boobs just took over. Just after seven, we were ready to go. Laura had a figure hugging jersey knit dress in black. Danielle had the red dress we had bought before the wedding. She was wearing a blonde wig she had bought, mainly for disguise and she looked good. My dress was black and above the knee paired with four inch gold sandals. The ankle strap became a problem after Danielle glued on my false nails. I was going to need help when we got home. I had booked a Tarago to pick us up, and shortly we were on the way to Kelly's place. Kelly was waiting for us and ten minutes later we were at the studio, where Cindy, Charlene and Cathy were waiting for us, but no Moira. We had barely made a decision about how long we would wait, when Moira's black Audi flew in the gate. She yelled 'sorry' as the door opened. She bundled her shoes and handbag off the passenger seat, locked the car and walked over to the van. "Sorry guys, running late." "We've only been here a couple of minutes," Laura answered. "Where's Jeff, chicken out?" Moira asked as she put on her heels. "She's here." "Where?" Moira asked. I waved. Her mouth opened, "Shit...... I thought you were a woman.... Just saw someone standing there...." "An easy mistake to make," Laura said. "You were expecting...?" I asked. Moira was lost for words, which was not typical; normally she could talk the pattern off a dinner plate. "Shit... Buggered if I know...," She stammered. "I should have guessed it would be perfect." "Thank you. I'm surrounded by the best," I gestured to the others. "When you're finished self congratulating, do you think we could get going, I am starved," Laura said. We all laughed. The Tarago dropped us in Pitt Street in the middle of the CBD and we rode the lift to the revolving restaurant at the top of Australia Square. After a leisurely two and half hour meal, we discussed where to go next. After some ideas I nixed, because of Danielle and being very public, Cindy bought up the idea of a drag show and disco at an Erskineville hotel. Everyone agreed, although I was bit reluctant, but Moira said it would be fine and three quarters of an hour later we were standing outside the venue. We entered with Danielle in the centre of the group so as not to come under too much scrutiny. She was eighteen months under age, although she looked at least twenty-one. We paid our five-dollar cover charge, received our stamp on our left hand and headed for the bar. Next morning I awoke and blearily stared at the clock, 11:03 flashed back at me. What a night, I think we got to bed at four thirty but don't hold me to it. The Tarago dropped us off at about three thirty I think. We all tipped the driver; Moira must have given him at least two hundred. We clattered up the drive into the house. Danielle found beds for everybody and that's the last I remember. I was entwined with Laura, I remembered now; we came to bed all frisky but must have fallen asleep before it came to anything. I shifted my weight to try and see my feet as I could feel shoes. I was still fully dressed, so was Laura. Shoes and all. Last night started to come back in snatches. There were some cross dressing friends in the cocktail bar, we joined them, Laura and I were drinking cocktails, the only ingredient I could remember was Midori. We had watched the midnight drag show, then danced at the disco. There was a big gay and lesbian clientele and after a couple more cocktails, Laura started to pet and pash on the dance floor with me. After the one o clock drag show, Kelly and Danielle jumped up on the stage and danced to 'We are family' to a rousing cheer from the crowd. Just as Laura stirred, the bedroom door opened. "Come on you two, we're going to The Forest for brunch," Danielle said. "You're chirpy." "Because I don't drink...... What are two trying to do?" "Not really sure. We fell asleep." "You're both fully dressed," Danielle said stating the obvious. "That's our prerogative, Sherlock," I answered. "Okkaay," She answered. Laura awoke, "Where are we?" "Home. Come on mum, time for brunch." "I'll die here thanks." "If it's any consolation, Moira is no better. Doesn't she like to party, not unlike you two," Danielle laughed. "Could you undo my ankle straps honey?" I asked. "What's it worth to you?" "A certain person needs me to sign off on her driving logbook." "Okay," She replied while deftly undoing the straps. She took the shoes off my feet and gently pulled me to my feet. "Thank you. Unzip me......Thanks........Cincher please.....Thanks," I stumbled to the ensuite shower, while Danielle did the same to her mum. Laura took my place in the shower. I suddenly realised I was going to have to go out as Karen. I had false nails and glued on boobs. I shrugged and went to the walk in closet and came back to the bed with a bra and panties, jeans and a lined lace top. Two hours later we felt nearly human, with breakfast and a couple of coffees inside us. Back at the house we organised a cab to get the others back to their cars. Once they were gone Laura and I couldn't get back to bed quick enough and slept through to six the next morning. ??? Laura's return to work was tumultuous. She couldn't move three feet without been stopped and asked about her time off and appearances in the paper. She made it to her desk and sat down. There was a pile of invoices on the desk with a post it note, 'See me, Joe'. She leafed through them, the dates all recent, might as get it out of the way she thought. She picked them up and headed for Joe's office and knocked. "Ah, Laura, you're back. Good. Got my note?" "Yes." "Come in and sit down for a minute. I'll try to be brief." "Before you start, I have something to tell you," Laura interjected. "Go on." "I'm officially giving my notice; I'll finish up Friday night." "I see..... I see....... I'm surprised. Don't you like it here?" "There are lovely people here, but I'm moving on and working for my future husband from home." "I see," Joe Faraday had many thoughts, but the one that he couldn't fathom, was how an uncouth lout was able to offer Laura a job. "Well I can't guarantee your job if it doesn't work out." "I won't be back; it's already worked out. You did say to sort myself out." "I did didn't I..... Well.... The reason I needed to talk to you, is that you didn't seem to show Debbie the correct way to invoice Stokers. Gerard is very upset of the way they have been raised." "I could imagine, he is very meticulous, which I pointed out to Debbie. He doesn't miss a thing. So the answer to your question is I showed her everything, I even made a manual for her to follow." "Did you now. Let's get this sorted," Joe said leaving the office to find Debbie. Laura sat in silence. She knew what was coming, total ignorance by Debbie, but for once she felt empowered. Probably accuse me of lying. That was her usual style. Joe returned with Debbie and he explained what Laura had said. "She's lying," Debbie retorted. "I'll go get the spare copy," Laura said leaving the office. Debbie nearly said what copy, but closed her mouth in time. "She gave her notice; she's leaving at the end of the week," Joe said while they waited. "That's nice," Debbie replied. "Is it?" Joe replied. "Of course, it's been great around here without her on my back all the time. Do this, do that. You're not doing that right. She's a proper bitch." "I see. You get all the invoices wrong because she wasn't here on your back." "Yep," Debbie realised what she had said and sucked her bottom lip. Laura returned with a small A4 booklet, "I can't find the original, but here's the copy I made for Faye. The file doc is on my computer." Joe leafed through the booklet, "Seen this before Debbie?" "No." "Bullshit Debbie, you were at reception chatting with Emma when I gave it to you. I explained it to you. Anyway, you could have checked with Faye." "Well it didn't make sense," She said staring at her father. "It appears Laura has done everything right to me." "Mister Faraday, this is the reason I took another job when it was offered. Being undermined by your daughter is a prime example. I'll get these invoices sorted and talk to Gerard. If you want, I'll personally take them to him." "That would be good. Thank you. There is a cash flow situation," Joe answered. "I'll get on it," She said leaving the room. "Miss goody two shoes," Debbie said to the closing door. "Debbie. Has it occurred to you that she is right?" "Right about what?" Joe stared at his daughter, he steepled his fingers. "Never mind. I'll have to promote someone else to the job. "What about me I've been doing okay." Joe sighed. "Debbie........," What's the use he thought? Chapter Sixty Eight The past couple of weeks have been hectic. Danielle made some television ads for Spencers and they have just started to be screened. Danielle can't bear to look and leaves the room. Last weekend, Laura and Danielle went out to get groceries. They came back and told me about the whispering and pointing. By the time they left the store they were getting paranoid. I mentioned it to Kelly the next day and she told me about the music video being on the last two weekends, she thought we knew. They probably recognised Danielle she surmised. I was having a lazy Saturday at home when my mobile rang just before eleven. "Good morning, Starburst." "Hey." "Sam," I groaned. "Thought I had heard the last of you." "Don't be like that. Hey we've got a problem, Danielle around." "Not for your problems she's not." Sam ignored me and continued, "We're down at Parramatta Westfields, putting on a show with the band, you know, promo stuff. Got quite a crowd." "So?" "Well they think she's part of the band. They're a bit shitty she's not here." "Not our problem." "Couldn't she whip down and put in an appearance?" "No. Anyway it'd be all over by the time we got there." "There's a two o clock session yet." "The answer is still no. See ya." I had barely put the phone down, it rang again. "Come on be reasonable, she got good money for the video, only take an hour." "No, one weekend with that lot was enough, I don't want her anywhere near them." "They're good blokes." "Not from where I was sitting." I could hear Sal in the background saying, "Tell him, tell him." "Tell me what?" "It's alright, come on, be a sport." "No," I replied. "Come on, my arse is on the line." "Must be a big line. Goodbye." ??? "He hung up on me again." "Sam, you got to tell him, we need her here," Sal said. "He won't talk to me." "We wouldn't be pleading with him if you hadn't opened your big mouth." "Alright, alright, seemed the right thing to say at the time." "Mister Goldstein, mister Abrahams. Sergeant Tim Burton, duty officer for Parramatta Command. My people tell me we had a bit of unruly crowd this morning. Not all the people promised were here," The newcomer said shaking their hands. "That's right sergeant, but we're working on it," Sam replied. "They tell me you promised them for the next session. Correct." "That's right sergeant." "Good. Good. Too many people in a confined space for any trouble." "I agree sergeant." "I'll check back at one thirty." "Thank you sergeant," Sam replied. "Sam, are you mad. Lying to a copper. What are you going to do if we don't get her?" Sal asked as the Tim moved away. "We'll have to convince Jeff." "Let me talk to him," Sal said taking out his mobile. "It's 0409 8......" "I've got it..... Jeff, Sal.....let me talk for a minute.........Sam has made a promise.........I know........he had no right..........Jeff, I understand, but you should have seen the crowd this morning, they want to see.........Okay, okay.....Thank you." "What'd he say?" Sam asked. "They can see her at the Spencer city store next Saturday. Anyway, she's out shopping with her mum." "Fuck," Sam spat. "What are we going to do?" Sal asked. "The show must go on." "What do we tell everybody, especially the rozzer?" "I don't know, you'll have to get up and tell them she's a bit crook or something." "Me, I didn't make a dumb arse promise," Sal sniped back. "You've got an honest face." "What about the MC bloke, we'll stick him with it," Sal replied. "Good idea.... Shit, there she is," Sam said. "What?" "She just went up that escalator," Sam said pointing. "You're having me on?" Sal replied. "No, she's with Laura, know those tits anywhere. Thought you said she was out with her mum?" "Laura must be her mum, I thought they were just engaged?........Come on." Sam and Sal jostled people out of the way as they pursued Danielle. "Bugger. Lost them," Sam spat. "No we haven't, there," Sal said pointing. They jogged through a crowd of people, "Laura, Danielle," Sal panted out. Laura stopped and turned, "Sal?" "Gee are we glad to see you." "Wish I could say the same thing," Laura replied eyeing Sam. "Listen darling..," Sam started. "Let me," Sal interrupted remembering Sam's dressing down a few weeks ago. "Laura, Danielle, we are in big trouble." "Define we," Laura said. "Sam and I," Sal quickly related the morning's events. "What did dad say?" Danielle asked. Sal was perplexed; he hadn't said anything about the phone calls to Jeff. "You would have rung him straight away. I'll ring him," Danielle challenged. "He said no... twice," Sal admitted. "Good enough for me. Let's go honey," Laura said. "Please listen Laura, in less than two hours, Sam, and I know he shouldn't have, but he promised Danielle on stage with the band." "You got one thing right." Sal took a deep breath, "Please Laura." "No and no. There, you got it from me twice as well." "We paid you lots of good money, can't you do us a favour," Sam said wading in to the argument. "The reason we got paid so much money was because you wouldn't take no for an answer. Jeff had hoped to scare you to death and you'd give up. No such luck." "Any kid would have given their back teeth to be part of this," Sam retorted. "Why bloody pursue us then, we didn't want to be part of it." "Guys. Guys. We're getting off the track here, what's done is done. Laura can you help us?" Sal asked. "No. Anyway, what can she do on stage? She doesn't dance or sing." "Shit, I didn't think of that," Sam spluttered. "I'm beginning to realise that you never think Sam," Laura replied. Sam glowered. "Come on mum, I don't want any part of this." "Neither do I. Bye." "Laura please, be reasonable. I apologise for our shortcomings, but we need Danielle," Sal pleaded. "You're confusing a need with a want," Laura let out a sigh, "Let me talk to Danielle in private." "Okay." Laura and Danielle moved away from Sam and Sal. Five minutes later they returned. "Here is what's going to happen, there is no negotiation, take it as it is or nothing." "Let's hear it," Sam growled. "Listen Sam, lose the agro or we walk now." Sam rolled his eyes, which elicited a poke in the ribs from Sal. "One of you will take her on stage and will explain she is not part of the band, but has turned up today not to disappoint anybody. She will smile and wave. Now listen carefully to this bit, she will never do another thing for you, not for money or as a favour, so make the point today, because if you ask again, you will be severely disappointed. Got that?" Sam was about to speak, Sal poked him, "I'm glad you're here, see you at two." "We'll be getting a dress and shoes," Laura said as they vanished in to the crowd. "You're letting them walk all over us," Sam growled. "No Sam. You should've walked away months ago..... But you know something, Jeremy was right; she's the only thing going for us." "Yeah, right." "Well you promised to have her here," Sal emphasised pointing a finger at Sam's chest, "And we are just lucky we found her, otherwise we'd have a near riot on our hands." ??? Laura and Danielle sifted through dresses in Spencers. "Mum, I'm not happy about this." "Neither am I, but like I said earlier, this way we are rid of these people hopefully forever. Anyway, think of it as a dry run for next Saturday." "I know. What about this?" Danielle replied holding up a dress on a hanger. "That looks great. I'll ring Moira and see if she can get us some changing space and some help here." Moira upon hearing Laura's dilemma was there as fast as she could. She quickly had everything in hand; people running to and fro assisting Danielle. They took over part of the salon to dress and makeup. They had settled on a flowery halter neck dress and a pair of sandal mules with multicoloured spaghetti straps, with a four-inch heel. While Danielle changed, Moira charged off again and returned ten minutes later with a young guy from security. "This is Greg; he knows most of the service shortcuts through the building. He can bring Danielle out near the stage area without going out in to the public concourse." "Sounds good," Laura agreed. "Laura it's nearly one forty, you better go and put your friends out of their misery." Laura looked at her watch, "Believe me, they are not my friends, you'll see what I mean if you meet them." "Tell them to introduce her and we'll pop out when we hear her name," Moira replied. Laura found Sam and Sal, and stood amazed at the crowd. "Thank god. We thought you must have run," Sal said. "Looking at this, I think we should have." "Where's the kid?" Sam challenged. Laura looked at Sam with a distasteful look, "Security from Spencers will bring her out when you mention her name on stage." "Great." "Mister Abrahams. Mister Goldstein. Everything okay?" "Sergeant? Sure is. Security is bringing her from Spencers," Sam replied turning to Tim. "Which direction?" Tim asked. Sam and Sal looked at Laura, "No idea. They said through a service corridor, it came out near the stage apparently," She replied. "The stage is in the centre, wonder where this corridor comes out?" Tim asked aloud, then quickly spoke in to his radio. "I don't think Moira quite knew the extent of the crowd." "Who's Moira?" Sam asked. "Spencer's marketing manager and Danielle's boss." "They going to muscle in on our show," Sam spat. "Sam, without her help, I couldn't have pulled it off. She has a lot of clout in the store." "It comes out where that exit sign is over there. I'll get some people to make some room," He spoke in to the radio again. ??? Moira opened the door and was met with a wall of people. "What's the matter?" Danielle asked. "Can't believe the crowd. We won't get through here." "Give it a couple of minutes and see what happens, cause there's nowhere else to go," Greg suggested. "Don't think we've got any other choices." "God. I am so nervous," Danielle said. "Honey, just be yourself. Natural okay." Danielle nodded. ??? "We've briefed the MC bloke, he's going to do what you asked," Sal told Laura. "I was going to do it myself, but I thought this better." "Thank you," Laura said icily. "You don't like us do you?" Sal asked. "No. I'll be glad to go home and see the back of this. All of it." "Laura. All I can do is apologise for Sam; he caught me at a weak moment as well." Laura choked a laugh. At that moment the MC started his spiel. He waxed lyrical about the band and Laura thought she had been sold out, if Danielle had been beside her, she would have walked away, unfortunately it was out of her control. She could feel the anger swelling inside her, she physically wanted to attack Sam, when the MC said, "Before I introduce the band, a lot of people who have seen the music video, think the young lady is part of the band, I'm sorry to disappoint, she isn't, but she is here today to say hello, so give a big welcome to Danielle Williams." The crowd started whistling and clapping, Moira started to push through the crowd, when six policemen parted the crowd and she heaved a sigh of relief. She led Danielle through the throng to the steps to the stage; and mouthed 'good luck'. Danielle negotiated the steps in the heels and walked across the stage to the MC waving to the crowd amid wolf whistles and cheering. "Hi Danielle," The MC said after the noise died down. "Hi." "You seem to be popular?" "It certainly looks that way, but I'm sure they're here to see the band." There was a consent of no from the crowd. "As I said, you're not part of the band, that's correct?" "That's right, just an extra in the video." "Surely more than an extra?" "No. Just the hired help." "Okay. Tell us about yourself." "I'm sixteen, seventeen in October... I'm a Libran ... I work for Spencers department store." "You live in Sydney?" "Yes." Boyfriend?" "No." "What's a typical weekend for you?" "Um.. hanging with my friend Kelly, hanging with family, shopping, the usual stuff." "Where do you go to school?" "I've had to give up school to give all my attention to Spencers." "I bet some of the kids here would be saying lucky you, can I ask what you do at Spencers?" "I've just signed on as the teenage figurehead for the store." "Okay, not a shop assistant." "No." "I was asked a question earlier, would you sign some covers." "Sure. Glad to," Dozens of hands shot in the air with CDs in their hands. Moira waved frantically from the side, Danielle guessed the intention. "If they would like to come to the Spencers music section later, we'll work something out." Moira gave a thumb up. "That's great, I want to thank you for coming, there were a lot of disappointed people earlier, give Danielle a big hand........ Now let me introduce you to...." The crowd cheered and clapped. Danielle waved and headed for the steps. Moira held her hand up as Danielle negotiated the stairs and led her back to the service corridor. "That went great and quick thinking on your part." "I think I'm going to be sick," Danielle said clutching her chest. "Come on back to the store and relax for a minute." ??? Laura relaxed as Danielle left the stage. She was stunned by the crowd's reception for Danielle. The reception for the boys was lukewarm in comparison. She melted away into the crowd towards Spencers after a sour look from Sam. She found Moira and Danielle sipping bottled water in the salon. They hugged. "That was so scary," Danielle told her. "You were great. You really looked good up there and spoke well," Laura said. "Danielle said you hadn't eaten," Moira said as a tray of sandwiches and coffee arrived from the caf?. "No we haven't. Thank you." Moira told Danielle how good she was again as they ate. The manager rushed in, "Here you are, we've got a lot of people milling around on level one, something about a signing." "Already. Could you organise a chair and table in the music section? Please," Moira asked. "It'll take ten, fifteen." "Quick as you can, we'll be down in ten and can you send Greg back up here please." "Okay. I wish I knew what was going on." "Talk to you later." The manager left scratching his head. "Had to get Abe to put a rocket under him," Moira said after he left, "He's a bit put out." "Thanks for coming Moira; you've made it so much easier." "No. Thank you. You're both fast thinkers, you can't buy stuff like this. Finish up and touch up your makeup. We better get down there." ??? I banged the phone on the table. These guys just can't take a no. If Sam thinks he can make promises and just call us to keep them for him he has another thing coming. Loved to have seen the look on his face when I said she wasn't here. After a nice relaxing bath, I dried and did my makeup. Stepping in to the walk in robe to select some clothes, I sighed in anticipation, blue denim skirt, olive green top and underwear. I dumped the selection on the bed and started to dress. I had just got the bra filled out when the doorbell rang. Danielle has this annoying habit of ringing the doorbell even if she has a key with her. It rang again. Damn, one of them must have a key, surely. I padded out to the front door in underwear and makeup. I wrenched the door open, "Danielle, use your ke.......shit." "Mister Williams." It was Kelly, "I'm so sorry, I thought it was Danielle," I said trying to cover myself. "Wow..... sorry ........um...." "Come in. ......I'll change... really sorry." "Mister Williams ....Karen ...... um.... Please continue, you must be nearly there." "God... I feel so silly." "I'll make some tea," Kelly said. "The kettle and..." "Go. I'll work it out." I went back to the bedroom, closed the door and banged my head on the frame. I slipped in to the skirt and top, put on my wig, low-heeled sandals and finished off with the lipstick. Taking a deep breath I walked out to the kitchen. "That looks better. I have to tell you, you look good as a man, great as a woman, but in between is a touch scary." "Sorry." "Don't be, just the way it is." "Danielle did tell me you were coming, it completely slipped my mind." "That's okay, obviously not here?" "No. Thought they would be back by now. What time did they tell you?" I replied. "Two." "Nearly that now." We drank our tea and cleaned up. They've been gone nearly three hours, this is strange, they were coming back for lunch," We tried their mobiles, no answer. "Where do they shop... normally?" Kelly asked. "Castle Hill." "How far is that?" "Less than ten minutes away." ??? Moira led Danielle and Laura to the music section with Greg. He quickly organised a queue while Danielle sat down at the table. Moira and Laura counted nearly thirty people. Moira thanked everybody for coming, explained Danielle's role with Spencers and her making of the video. Greg took the CD's from people, slipped out the leaf for Danielle to sign, then slipped it back in and handed it back to each person. Moira was pleased to see some hang around and make some purchases and some purchased the CD to have it signed. The line never seemed to end as others joined the queue. Thirty-five minutes later they appeared to have eased off, Danielle stood, then another dozen people surged through the doors. Fifteen minutes later it was all over. Moira beamed with pleasure, "Thanks girls." Laura and Danielle headed for the car, they collapsed into the Golf, "Home please mum." "You don't want to drive?" "No." Laura put her hand to Danielle's forehead, "You must be ill." ??? Kelly and I looked up as the security station beeped. Something had passed the gate. Kelly opened the front door to see the Golf pull up in front of the garage. "They're here." Danielle got out of the car in the dress and new heels. "That's nice," I commented. "Oh daddy. What a day," She said hugging me. "Where have you guys been?" I asked. "Parramatta." "Parramatta?" Why Parramatta, thought you were going to Castle Hill?" "They didn't have what I wanted, so I went.... Damn. After all that we didn't get it," Laura replied, then told us the story. Kelly and Danielle stood in each other's arms, "Poor baby," Kelly said stroking her hair. ??? Sam and Sal watched the boys break down the gear. "Well, that went well," Sam boasted. "You reckon?" "Yeah. See the crowd?" "I did. I also saw half them leave when she left the stage." "Too busy concentrating on the boys." Sal was considering an answer when the four boys broke off what they were doing and strode over. "What's the matter, you haven't finished," Sam asked. "We want to talk pay," Matthew said. "We told you it's in the contract, when we start to get a return; you boys get a pay packet." "Yeah well, we're going broke, so contract or no contract, we want some money." "That so, you've got no idea the overheads we've had getting this off the ground." "You knew it could be some time before you saw some money. We explained that before you started," Sal added. "That was eight months ago," Matthew argued. "So. Rome wasn't built in a day," Sam spat. "Either we get some deal going here or we walk. Fuck your promises," Matthew spat. "Just for laughs, what figure did you have in mind?" Sal asked. "Five k's each." "Yeah right," Sam snorted. "If it helps, we haven't had a payday from this yet either. Just a whole load of money going out," Sal stated. "I bet the bitch got her money," Ali spat. "She's been signing our autographs as well I heard," James said. "Well don't sweat it, you won't see her again," Sal said. "She's on the tele every night for god's sake," Matthew argued. "Look guys. This is getting us nowhere. Go back to packing and I'll talk to Sam," Sal said shepherding them back to the equipment. "And that's another thing, we're supposed to be a top band and we're doing our own roadie work. How about hiring a couple of blokes," Matthew started. "How about we make some money first," Sam said following them. Amid grumbling, they reluctantly went back to work. "Well?" Sal asked, after the guys had gone. "Fuck 'em," Sam replied. "Unfortunately it doesn't work without them." "Yeah but they can't dictate terms." "They can make us or break us though." "Well I can't afford anything else at the moment, I wouldn't mind a pay cheque myself," Sam mused. "I wish I was backing the girl, she seems to be going places," Sal said wistfully. "With a quarter of a mill of our money," Sam retorted. "My money to be exact," Sal replied. "Well excuuuse me," Sam replied. "Sam, I got to be honest. I'm out of pocket a packet and you haven't exactly been forthcoming with cash." "Told you I've had cash flow problems." "Cash flow problems for eight months, Sam, that has to be a record. I want some commitment from you. How much cash can you put up right this minute?" "That's none of your business," Sam said defensively. "We're supposed to be business partners, I have spent a near fortune, while listening to your excuses. How much can you put on the table right this minute?" "One ........." "One million, great, start writing...." "No. One thousand." Sal stood shocked and spluttered. "A thousand, a thousand," Sal pulled his hand over his face. " I don't believe this. I'd ask for an explanation, but I don't think I want to hear it." "I've had problems." "Gee, you think ........ you never had the money did you? Here I'm thinking you're sitting on a few million as well." "Well not enough to float this." "That's what I'm for obviously." "Look. We've got some sales happening, it's all coming together." "Yeah..... You're right, but I'll be happier when some money flows back...... How much did you actually start with?" "Eight hundred ks." "Eight.... You know what? I'm gonna take this as a lesson. An expensive lesson, but a lesson none the less, in doing everything by the book. Not taken by the glitz and glamour, mainly because there isn't any." Sam shrugged his shoulders, "We're on a roll." "Just hope it's the right roll..... Anyway, I'll write these blokes a cheque each for one and a half ks." "You're mad." "I don't think so, I'm protecting my investment. Get these blokes offside and I've got nothing." Sal watched Sam and the boys walk out of sight. He took his phone from the jacket and dialled, "Graham....... Sal....... Well thanks, listen mate I don't care how you do it, leave a trail of dead bodies if you have to. I want the Sam story..... yeah I know....... I'm convinced he couldn't organise a drink in a brewery.... Don't bloody laugh...... Thanks Graham." End of Part 15 (to be continued) *RTA Roads and Traffic Authority. **Balmain-Old working class harbour-side suburb of Sydney, now very trendy. ***Parramatta-A city sized suburb of Sydney, geographically in the centre of the Sydney suburban sprawl. This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.