A Dirty Night Out free porn video

A DIRTY NIGHT OUT By Geneva A young criminal is given a chance to put his life of crime behind him by being changed into a woman by a magic spell at a special agency. She uses her new identity to bring down a past enemy. The place is England in the mid 1960's. START Maybe the driver was following the sharp twists and turns of the moorland road fairly carefully but I paid little attention to his skills. I was more preoccupied with what I had probably let myself in for, looking out over the severe countryside, but really taking very little in. The fluttering in my stomach did not help my mood either. We had left the detention centre and the city behind and passed through the steep sided valleys with their little towns. Now the patchwork fields with their drystone walls were behind us and the car had followed the road up to open moorland. It had been raining, and patches of low cloud hung ominously over the moors, occasionally revealing distant dark hills. I got the feeling of being more and more isolated. The sun was making a vain effort to break through, but on a cold rainy day it would be a bleak place. I was a passenger, sitting in the back seat. Locked in would be a better description. The vehicle was not marked, but it was really a police car. I had no way of getting out until the driver wanted me to, and he was separated from me by a reinforced window. I was handcuffed anyway. I had also been given bright yellow overalls to wear. Even if I could get out, I would be visible for miles round. The driver and I could speak to each other, and he occasionally pointed out features of the landscape but I was not in much of a mood for conversation. "Not long now, lad," the driver said and in less than a minute the car made a sudden turn and at the end of the driveway I saw a clump of trees surrounding and almost hiding an old building. It was fairly big, almost like a small villa. At first I wondered who in their right mind would have built such a thing in so isolated an area. Uneasily I eyed the high barbed wire fence surrounding it. To keep people in, or out? As we got closer to the building I noticed extensive repairs. The windows and doors looked new and the driveway was freshly surfaced. A gate in the fence had slid open as we approached and shut behind us. Our car drew up a door opened in the building and two men came out, one of them small, slightly portly and moustached, the other younger and taller, stronger looking too. I had met them both before when the smaller man had interviewed me. He had introduced himself as Henry Lanchester. The other, a big man, hardly spoke but looked as if he was taking my measure. He had introduced himself as Fred Soames. The car door was unlocked and my driver motioned for me to get out. "Turn around, lad" he said and I felt my handcuffs being removed. I rubbed my wrists and looked around. The fence was all around. There was no way I could get out of the facility or whatever it was. Lanchester signed a sheet held to him by the driver. "Follow me, Michael!" he commanded and, slightly numbly, I followed him indoors with Fred looming behind me while the car drove off. I felt a sudden sense of isolation. Lanchester gestured to a small room, bare except for a desk, two filing cabinets and three chairs. He pointed to one. "Sit there, Michael!" And he and Soames sat at the other two, Lanchester facing me, Soames by my side. "Michael Wells, I interviewed you two weeks ago. At that time I told you about a procedure and you agreed to have it used on you. I will explain further in a minute but there are certain formalities first." He gave me a brief look up and down. "So, you are Michael Wells?" he asked. "You already know that! Didn't we just meet two weeks ago, and....." "This is a legal requirement," he said quietly, interrupting me. "So, once again, are you Michael Wells?" "Yes," I mumbled. "Your date of birth?" And I told him. "Good. And this is your signature?" I glanced at my scrawl. "Yes, that's mine." I had signed it two weeks earlier. "Would you sign again underneath that?" The memory of the procedure he had outlined was embarrassing enough and I sighed as I did so. "Good! Now, to make sure, I will go over what the offer was, once again. We have to be sure that you agree. "So, with your agreement you are to be given a special treatment. This will involve you being given a treatment that will change you into a young woman. I repeat, a woman, and of your own age." I drew in my breath. So I hadn't imagined his original offer. I had thought about it a lot in the past two weeks. It would mean giving up almost all of my past life and experiences. His next words did not comfort me. "I do not have to tell you again that this will involve a drastic, a possibly tumultuous, change in your life, and our experience is that it will not only be physically life changing, but mentally too. The reason for doing this is that we hope to change your life around. It has shown an unfortunate progression of criminality." I felt myself blush. He had noticed. "I am glad to see you have some embarrassment about your record. That blush tells me you are not yet a completely hardened criminal and you have some regrets about your past life. That's good. You have better chance of our treatment working." He picked up a typewritten sheet of paper. "This here is a list of your criminal offences, the ones that are on your police record." He gave me a look over the top of his spectacles. "I suspect there are many more unrecorded ones. Michael, you have been in a lot of trouble." He pointed to the list. "If you carried on that same way it is likely you would spend a major part of the rest of your life incarcerated." His voice softened. "I don't think you want that. Our tests show that you are bright and it would be a pity to waste your potential. We hope that you will find this an opportunity to change away from your past life, so that you can start being a contributor to society. "The reason for being a woman? Our experience with others who have undergone this procedure is that, as a woman, you will find a life of crime less attractive. Statistics show that women are far less likely than men to get into trouble, yes, and be jailed. Your past history has, no doubt, coloured your view of the world. You have experienced domestic violence and in your gang activities." I felt at my ribs. They still had a slight ache from a beating I had taken a few months before that had broken three ribs. "That history and its effects, is something that you will have to work hard at to counteract. We hope that will be put behind you. "The procedure is that you will be held here first for two days, under supervision. This is in case you have second thoughts. I stress that this is entirely voluntary. Then, if you are still in agreement with our proposal, the spell, which is the first part of the treatment, will be administered to you. I stress that, if at any time in the next two days you decide not to undergo the treatment, all you have to do is say so, and you will be taken back to where you were and will be dealt with according to the law. It is your choice. "So, do you still agree to this?" "Yes," I muttered. He had said it was voluntary, but the thought of the alternative, a stretch in prison coloured my thoughts. To tell the truth, I already knew I was making a mess of my life and I needed to change. But as drastic as this? He looked at me steadily. "No, I don't suppose I should expect enthusiasm from you about these prospects, but all has been explained to you and you have agreed. "To tell you what will happen next, the first two days you will be mostly confined to one room. You will be allowed out for exercise two one hour sessions each day. You will be fed three times each day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you feel like something to eat or drink before bedtime you can press a buzzer in your room and someone will be with you. There is some literature in your room on your treatment. It has a description of what you will undergo and how to cope with the feelings that you have later. You should read that. It will help you. "Then, in two days, in the morning, you will undress completely, take a shower and dress in a smock that will be supplied to you. You will be asked one more time if you wish to continue. If you do you will be escorted to the treatment room. A nurse will administer a sedative then start the treatment. You will actually feel very little as you will have fallen deeply asleep but when you wake up your body will be completely changed. Unfortunately, you will hurt all over, but we will give you something to reduce the pain and in less than a day you should be almost fully recovered. "You will wake up with the body of a young woman your own age, and an attractive one too. How you adjust to that is up to you. At first it will need your effort and continual attention but you will be given as much help as we can. We are getting rather expert at that." He gave a faint smile. "After six months you will be discharged from here. By that time you should feel confident enough with your new anatomy to make your own way in the world. You will have been given totally new documentation. Your criminal record will remain with the person you were. As far as the legal system is concerned, you will have a clean record." He raised his eyebrows. "That is acceptable?" I swallowed. "Yes," I said hoarsely. His voice became less formal, softer, more sympathetic. "Look, this will be a life changing step. I'm not going to make light of it. There is a lot of difficulty ahead of you, physically, mentally and even socially. Your new life will mean total abandonment of all past acquaintances and family. That's actually one reason you were offered this chance. You have no close family ties. You will not be able to trust anyone with your secret. In fact you definitely should not." He emphasized the last four words. "The agency would deny helping you anyway. Besides, if the story got out you would be harassed by all the media for a very long time. I don't think you want that. We certainly don't. We had some trouble a little while back that we don't want repeated. "For yourself, there will be a long period of adjustment, to your new body, its female rhythms and cycles, your behaviour in society, to men and to other women. It will be changed. And almost certainly you will develop normal female feelings and needs and become attracted to men and they to you. We would not interfere in any relationships. If you decided to have children it would be another life changing step, but your responsibility." I gulped. I had not thought much about these I had agreed to the change, but that part of being a woman, having a man put his hands on me, kissing me and entering me made me feel cold. Then the idea of motherhood! But I shook my head. "If that happens I suppose I 'll have to accept it." "I see you shuddered. That's normal, but when your mind adjusts to your new body and your female hormones start flowing you'll probably find yourself attracted to men, just like most other women are. Sometimes it could be the most unsuitable of men. That will be another learning experience. So, use your brain and a lot of caution! "You'll become quite a beautiful woman too, but I suggest that you should think more about your future than only dressing your pretty body in fashionable, beautiful clothes, and then painting and decorating it so you can be entertained and pampered by men." "Also, as an attractive woman, men will be drawn to you. Some could treat you well, others terribly. Be cautious! Then to make your way in a job, the world in general, you'll find that you have to be more assertive, or just plain lucky, to get the same respect that men do. You could stir resentment among colleagues, both men ....and women. Some will say say you tried to use your looks to get ahead, yes, or sleep your way there. You would be beautiful, but your good looks could be a blessing, or a curse, depending on yourself, maybe even just plain luck." I almost shuddered at the idea of being in bed with a man but suppressed it. The less he could read my thoughts the better. "Are you trying to discourage me now?" "Not really, it's just I want to be honest with you, warn you, impress on you that this is no trivial matter. It could be rough, but you have the chance to be better for it. What we are concerned with is that you will have hopefully been diverted from a life of crime and prison." "But I should say, Michael, that our experience with others who have had the procedure, is that eventually they become extremely happy with the results. They love their new bodies and lives and the opportunities given them. Since the programme started, about fifty individuals have become young women. None have shown any wish to change back." He stood up and actually held out his hand to me. "Then good luck to you, Michael." He looked at Fred. "All right, I've gone on long enough. Fred, would you take him to his room?" "Oh, Michael, would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee, soft drink?" "Is a beer on the menu?" I was testing him. He actually grinned at me. "It is, but just one, and it will be brought with your evening meal, if you really want one." He looked at the wall clock. "That will be about an hour from now." If I had been tempted to make a beak for it, Fred's looming presence discouraged that. Besides, I was behind several heavy doors and I allowed Fred to guide me to my room. It was painted pink but otherwise fairly stark and had a heavy steel door that Fred locked behind me, but at least it was a step up from some of the cells I had been confined in the last two or three times I had brushes with the law. The single bed was reasonably comfortable and the mattress a bit softer than most cells. There was even a radio and a selection of books on a shelf. Two shelves had books on travel, adventure, technical stuff, but no violence. Another shelf held a set of general reference books at one end and at the other several medical books. I warily eyed the contents of the third shelf. It held books and pamphlets on women's bodies, health, relationships, clothes, grooming and makeup. One other was titled, 'What to Expect from Your Procedure.' I stared at them, wondering if I was making the right decision. I couldn't help but think of my own history. As long as I remember, I had endured a difficult relationship with my father, if relationship was the word. A bellicose callous sod would describe him in his better moments. My mother had taken off after one vicious beating and never returned. After that, with none else to act as his punching bag, I was not long in getting out too, keeping myself with a bit of shoplifting and sleeping with friends, abandoned buildings or stairways until I was picked up. A brief stint at an approved school gave me contacts with some budding gang members and when I got out I started doing jobs for them. I was getting more accepted then I had a run in with them. They didn't approve of me doing some work on my own bat and I got a beating. I was barely out of hospital when the police picked me up again for questioning. Worse, a search of my lodgings with a chain-smoking slattern uncovered a bit of stuff I had nicked earlier. My solicitor 's advice had been to plead guilty, but he said would play the bad up-bringing card to try to get me a light sentence. It had brought me to staring at the depressing, scratched, stained, graffitti covered wall of a holding cell wondering what the judge would decide my future was. It was just that time when I had a visit by Henry Lanchester and some woman - I never did get her name - who didn't say much but looked as if she was taking everything in. They first had me fill in answers to a bunch of questions. Henry seemed to approve of my answers but then he laid it on thick. He emphasized that I was looking at several years depending on the judge. I may have panicked a bit and when Henry outlined his proposal to me I was only too happy to agree. Now, some weeks later, here I was. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and a man I hadn't seen before unlocked it and handed me a tray. It had a piece of a meat pie, with some carrots and mashed potato. There was even a tin mug with some beer and a piece of some type of fruit pudding. A tin mug? Were they afraid I'd slash my wrists on some broken beer bottle? True to their word, I was let out twice each of the next two days I had wondered about trying to get away but I looked at the high barbed wire fence and Fred was always there watching me. Besides, even if I got away, even if I could get past the fence, there were miles of open countryside round about. I still had only the yellow overalls to wear and I would stick out like a sore thumb. One time when I was out I heard some women's cries and a plopping sound. Craning my neck over the fence to see round the building I saw two girls in white short skirted outfits playing tennis. They were young and, what I could see of them, they were slim and pretty. Their legs flashed and their movements were fluid and graceful as they moved over the court and they were laughing and crying out in excitement. Members of the staff, I thought at first, maybe a couple of nurses. Then my jaw dropped. Had they been men like me but had already undergone the treatment? That morning I stood in my room, dressed only in the white smock, as instructed. My stomach was pounding and the food they had brought me that morning lay untouched on its tray. I had barely slept with apprehension. Exactly at eight there was a knock at the door and it was opened. Fred was there too, looking serious and accompanied by a woman in a pale blue nurse's type uniform. She looked as if she was in her forties, but still had a slim, quite attractive figure and a pretty face. She smiled at me. "So Michael, you're ready. I'm Grace Wolsey. I 'm going to administer the treatment and look after you the first few days. I'm a qualified nurse." "You still agree to this?" she asked and I nodded. "Yes," I croaked through my dry throat. "Then follow me." And with Fred right behind me she led me a few steps down the corridor and into another room supplied with a hospital type bed. In fact the whole place had the look and smell of a hospital type room, with a cylinder of oxygen, surgical masks, medical supplies including, ominously, packets of dressings and bandages, bottles and syringes. Near a sink I saw a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. She smiled reassuringly at my reaction. "Don't worry about these. It's only in case of some accident. We've never needed them yet! Now, sit down on the bed and let me see your arm." My arm was bare under the smock and she wiped it with some fluid. I gulped as she held up a syringe. "I'll give you this sedative first. When it takes effect Fred will leave-we don't want him affected, do we? Then I'll start the treatment. First, the sedative will make you almost unconscious. If we didn't, when we started the main part of the treatment it would make you shiver violently and one or two patients who've had it almost rolled off the bed. The sedative will stop that that but just to be sure we'll put a strap round you to begin with but you'd fall asleep with the treatment anyway. It makes you totally unconscious. It consists of reading some words to you. It's not long, barely a minute." Patients? Treatment? They liked their euphemisms! "If it's like a magic spell, doesn't it affect you?" "Hard to believe that magic occurs, but yes, it does, or did." She stroked her face with long fingers. "I flatter myself that it took years off my looks. But that was only the first time. I didn't fall unconscious either. I think that was because I was a woman already and reading the spell more times had no further effect on me. Now lie back! You ready?" I felt the prick of the needle in my left arm and then I remember no more. A year or so back I had been beaten up by a gang, my own gang in fact, when I had got on the wrong side of the boss and he had decided to teach me a lesson. They had used fists then boots, and it had taken me two days before I could even move. I had been on an alcohol fueled bender once too and remember the misery of the hangover, but waking up from that spell made even a combination of these seem trivial. It was like waking up from a very deep sleep, but as I became more awake, the ache in my body limbs and head grew more and more intense. I was on my back and when I tried to turn a spasm took my body and I groaned. Immediately someone was at my side. "Here, a drink, and then this pill. It will dull the pain." It sounded like a woman's voice. I felt a pill put in my mouth and a glass of water held to my lips. My throat was dry and scratchy and I had to take a second sip before I could swallow the pill. It must have worked, and the next time I wakened I did not feel as bad. "How are you now?" I heard asked. It sounded like the nurse, Grace. I shifted my body. "It doesn't feel so bad." Then I noticed something. "I'm speaking funny!" "Not really. Well, it's different from how it was but that's another result of what I read to you. You're a woman now, and women's voices are higher. Too early to decide if you're a soprano or contralto!" At first I was puzzled by what she said then the memories of what I had agreed to came flooding back. My eyes opened wide with it and with it, a sharp pain, followed by tears. I felt Grace wipe them with a damp cloth then the rest of my face too. Suddenly remembering, I had agreed to be turned into a woman! I threw off the sheet covering me. I was still in the white smock but it was open and when I pulled it away there were the flattened mounds of two female breasts in my immediate view. When I sat up they changed shape and I felt a slight tension on my chest. I put my hands onto them. They were soft and round. I almost flinched at the strange feeling of their prominent nipples and areolas when I touched them. I heard Grace's voice. "It's funny, that's what most of our patients do at first. But you should check further down too and see what's happened there." I can't describe the shock I felt when I pulled the smock further apart and felt between my legs. My cock and balls were gone! Instead there was only a slight mound at the base of my belly, with a prominent vertical groove. Feeling at that, I found sets of folds, and even further down more soft crinkly flesh around a moist opening. I drew in my breath when I touched them. I recognized what these were. They were the genitals of a woman. The spell or whatever had been read to me had done its work. "You like them? I think the treatment has worked well," Grace said reassuringly. "And how do you feel now?" "Better, but.... strange. Overwhelmed too! " "That's to be expected, but, welcome to womanhood." She put her had over mine. "If you're like others who have gone through here you'll eventually know you made the right decision, but it will still take a lot of work. How are you feeling? Are you up to eating anything, or having a shower?" I shook my head. That still hurt slightly. "Nothing to eat, but I feel grubby." I tried to lift myself but my muscles hurt and I sank back with a groan. "Hmmm, I think you'd better lie there and have another nap before you have a shower. Here, another painkiller." I must have fallen asleep again as when I woke again I felt much better. Grace looked me over and felt my brow. "Yes, you look a bit better now. Come on. I'll support you and you can have a shower." She helped me to my feet and I staggered into the attached bathroom, feeling awkward and clumsy. "Take it gently. You've a different shape now, smaller too, and you're weaker." She pointed to a toilet. "Maybe at first, see if you can do anything. Sit on it." She seemed very pleased with the result. "Good, that part is working fine." She had the shower turned on for me, supported me as I stepped into it and handed me a bar of soap. It was strongly scented, a woman's soap. I lifted it up, noticing my hand suddenly smaller and slimmer, my fingers long and slim. The other hand was the same. "Oh yes, wash your hair too. There's shampoo and stuff in there." The warm water spray tingled on my body but I stood, just gaping at the shape of my new body, totally exposed. The two breasts sat prominently on my chest, but nestled in male chest hair. Below, I felt a slim waist, but swelling to wide hips and from what I could see from another contortion, a prominent arse to match. I spread my legs and bent down to look. All was gone, replaced by a slight mound, still with hair. It was a split by a groove and further down, as far as I could bend, I saw puckered crinkly flesh. Grace must have been watching me. "You happy with what you see? Yes, it will probably be a shock, but just let me say, you've got all the bits and pieces of a woman and you'll be pretty too." I saw another problem. "But will I be this hairy?" I complained, pointing to my chest. "Don't worry about it. You'll lose all your male pattern hair in a day or so. It just falls out." I wondered what I had let myself in for. "All right, beautiful," she said airily, "don't just stand admiring yourself. Get washed and don't waste hot water." I gave Grace an embarrassed look but opened the shampoo bottle and started on my hair. I had been delaying, but I was finally faced with washing the unfamiliar body. I wrinkled my nose at the highly scented soap, a woman's soap. I flinched when I soaped the smooth breasts. I had felt breasts before on some willing girls at school, but to feel them on my own chest with my own hands was almost overwhelming. They were a strange combination of softness and firmness. Just touching the sensitive nipples and areolas gave me slight shivers so I had to dab them carefully with the cloth. Worse was the drastic emptiness between my legs. Gone forever, they had warned! It emphasized that I was in a new anatomy and my life would be totally different. The breasts looked as if they would be nicely shaped but they were still covered with my curly male chest hair. It just looked awful. I wondered if the spell had gone wrong and I would end up looking like a female ape. Grace must have noticed my hesitation. "Try rubbing them, but gently, and see what happens," she suggested. I did so and I frowned when I saw hairs on the cloth. I pulled some and it came away with barely a sting. "I'm losing my hair," I cried out. "You see? It's quite normal," Grace replied. "I told you it would. It'll be the same with your arms and legs. Why don't you try them too?" I rubbed my arms and legs vigorously and the rough male hair stripped off before my eyes, leaving them strangely smooth. My feet too were much smaller. "You'll also lose some hair at your groin, but don't worry. You'll keep all of the hair on your head. You'll also have underarm hair, but you'll want to shave that like most young women do. You just about finished there?" "Yes," I said and I wiped myself down. Grace was already standing by the shower door with two pink towels. "Here, this one's for your head. Wrap it like a turban over your hair. Yes, your hair is pretty short, but before you know it, it will look fine. And put this bigger towel around you. We keep it fairly warm here but you don't want to get a chill. "All right, I gather you are going to use the name Michelle so I will only use that from now on. Now you are a woman fully, so we'll get you into a female routine, just like most other women have. "You can dry yourself then I'll give you a dressing gown and I'll pass you on to Mabel. She'll help you select some clothes and then supervise your makeup and get a start on your grooming." "Sounds like something to do with a horse!" "Women's grooming, care of your nails, and your hair, using hair pins and the like, and then she'll get you used to cosmetics. It's much more elaborate than you did as a man." She peered at my face and rubbed my brow with a slim finger. "Your skin is still a bit blotchy looking. That's a result of the spell but that'll disappear in a day too." She stroked my cheek. "Yes, I think you'll be fine. You'll probably get a bit of powder then some lipstick for a start but you'll be shown fancier makeup later. "After that, Henry will see you again and explain your routine and what will happen to you next. You haven't eaten anything but whenever you're ready we'll give you a light snack. Just to let you know, you were unconscious almost two days. It's now Wednesday and mid afternoon. If you want I can give you a snack?" My stomach still felt a bit upset. I shook my head. "I'm not hungry." "Yes, maybe it would be better to wait for six when most of us eat dinner." She looked me over critically. "So, you'll be dry now." She handed me a dressing gown. It was made of a soft pink material, definitely a woman's fabric and style. "There, put that on and I'll get Mabel through to start you with dressing." The soft smooth fabric seemed to want to mould itself to my skin. As I moved I was aware of it sliding smoothly over my shoulders nipples and rear, even though she had fixed its tie tightly around my now narrow waist. Mabel was a grey-haired woman in her thirties. She was dressed in a blue smock over a fitted light brown dress. She too looked very attractive. I supposed she had taken the spell too. She held out her hand to me. "Hello, you must be Michelle. That's a pretty name. I'm Mabel. So Michelle, how do you feel? Ready to try on some clothes?" "I suppose so." She smiled. "Still a man's attitude, but that's all right. Maybe, like most women, you'll eventually enjoy trying out clothes. Mind you," she confided, "my daughter-in-law is an exception. All right, follow me!" I followed her through a doorway into an adjacent room. It was a much bigger room. I looked round in surprise. "It looks like the women's section of a small department store," I said. On one side there were hangers and shelves filled with women's underwear, bras, girdles, knickers and slips. On other racks were rows of blouses, jumpers, skirts, dresses and coats. Yet another side had shoes, purses and handbags. One wall was filled with bottles, packets and tubes of woman's toiletries. "Well, we try to have a wide variety for our women to choose from. It encourages them to look for clothes they like. To explain what's next for you, I'm going to get you women's clothes. Mainly the actual styles will be your own choice, but I will advise you and actually I have veto power if your choice is totally outlandish. I certainly don't mean you'll get dowdy outfits, just nothing too flashy. The aim of this program is to guide you into the life of a fairly ordinary young woman, make you blend in, as it were, and we give ourselves six months to do that. I'm sure you don't want people taking notice of you for outlandish dress or behaviour." She looked severely at me. "That might lead them to poking into your life. Then, when I've got you into some clothes and maybe given you a bit of grooming, I'll take you to see Henry so he can tell you more about the programme. "So, to get started, I first need to measure you so, I'm sorry, I'll have to ask you to undress. All the way." I let the robe fall from me and she looked at me critically. Another time I would have been embarrassed standing naked but I was too numbed and overwhelmed by all that was going on. "You look very nice. You're pretty and have a nice figure," she said. "So I don't think you will be hard to fit. But then, all the young women from the treatment here have been pretty and had good figures. The first thing is to get some proper women's underwear on you, and there you have some decisions to make right away." She put the measuring tape round my chest just below my new breasts then right over them and then my waist and my hips. It was an hour later by the time she had selected some clothes for me and helped me dress. She accompanied me to Henry's office, along the corridor and up some stairs. I accompanied her, feeling extremely self- conscious, wearing a bra, girdle, stockings and a dress. The feel of all of the garments was totally unfamiliar, the tight but stretchy girdle holding and compressing my hips, belly and rear, controlling my walk, the bra pulling up and pushing out my breasts so that they seemed to fill my view when I looked down. I felt the cool smoothness of the stockings, the tugs of suspenders as I walked, and the skirts of the dress and the slip underneath sliding easily about my knees. Mabel had put makeup on my face too. I felt ridiculous, completely exposed and feeling that everyone would be looking at me and pointing a finger and laughing at me. After the measurements Mabel had started with selecting a bra for me. "Yes, it looks like you're a fairly common fit for young women." She rummaged through a shelf, selected a packet, pulled white garment from it and held it to me. "You'll have noticed how your breasts shift on your chest if you move quickly?" "Yes," I mumbled. "That's why you should wear a bra. Try this one! Put your arms through the straps here!" Numbly I stretched out my arms and let her slide the straps up my arms. "Now lean slightly forward and let your breasts fall into the cups." I felt the fabric embrace and hold the new breasts. "Right! Now turn around and I'll hook it up." There was an immediate slightly tight feeling and I felt her fumble at my back. She looked at me critically. "Good, now I'll fix the straps." She adjusted the slides and I felt my breasts lifted, held even more and a slight tension on the straps. She put a finger into the side of a bra cup and then under one of the straps. "Yes, a nice tension, not too much. How do you find it? It's your first time in a bra, I suppose?" She grinned at me and I flushed. The garment held my new formed breasts intimately. "Yes!" I said hotly. A few days before I would have been insulted by her comment, but that life was gone and now, here I was, allowing myself to be dressed in women's clothes. Putting on bras, girdles, stockings and the rest of woman's wear would be a continuing part of my new existence. "I can feel it but I don't think it's too tight." "Good! We'll give you this and two more, and then at some point I'll take you out into some shops for underwear. That will be a good experience for you. "I should tell you, we want the ladies in our programme to be used to dressing properly, maybe even slightly conservatively. So, during your time here you will be expected to wear skirts or dresses. You can wear shorts for the gym and games but there will be no trousers or anything for ordinary wear, just to reinforce your break with the past and to get you used to accepted woman's wear. That will help in your adaptation. When you leave here you can do as you want, of course, and I suppose that for some outdoor activities and certain jobs trousers will be more practical, but you won't be involved in anything like that here. Well, maybe if you're out hiking. "However, a dress or skirt means stockings as well and then you will need something to hold them up. "You have two choices, either a suspender belt or a girdle." She gave me a grin. "Then too you'll need knickers. If you choose a suspender belt you'll put it under your knickers. It's just handier that way when you go to the loo. If you decide on a girdle the knickers will be better to go on top too, or if you want, you can just leave them off. What do you want?" This was confusing and embarrassing. "I don't know. What do you think?" "I'd recommend a girdle. We want you to dress just slightly more formally but it also makes slim fitting skirts and dresses look better and improves your posture. But from what I can see, like any of the new girls here, you won't need anything heavy. You're quite slim so some roll-on style should be perfectly adequate." "All right," I sighed. "I'll go that way." "Good!" She looked in a drawer, selected another garment and held it up to me. It was white, with a front panel embroidered with a rose. "This is a light stretchy pull-on style and a lot of the girls here wear these." The suspenders rattled slightly as she handed it to me. "However, putting on a girdle like this still takes a bit of doing but first, double it over, then step into it, cross your ankles and then unroll and ease it up a little at a time. Don't force it and take your time." She watched me as I pulled it over my legs and thighs and to my hips, but made no comment on my red face. "Yes, that's good. Maybe pull it just a bit higher. Good! How does that feel?" "It's strange!" I felt confined immediately with the firm elasticated garment pressing on my rear and belly. The four suspenders dangling from the hem grazed my bare thighs disconcertingly. "Yes, it will be, but soon you'll get used to it and eventually you won't feel dressed unless you're wearing a girdle. I'll give you stockings too." She pulled some from a packet. They were folded and she shook them out. They seemed very long. "These are a good weight, denier they call it. This will be good for wear around here but if you were dressed up and going out you might choose finer ones. "Now, for nylons, be very careful when you put them on. Make sure you have no rough parts on your hands." She passed them to me. "Bunch them up then slip your foot in them and gently pull them up your leg, smoothing them out as you go. Right up to your thighs. You'll find it easier to sit when you do it." I did as she suggested. The fine fabric clung to my legs then my knees and all the way up to my thighs. "Yes, that's a good fit. They should reach about two thirds of the way up your thighs. Next, pull the reinforced part up to the suspender and fasten it. You know how to work suspenders?" I knew but I didn't reply. I was so embarrassed. I began fumbling with the suspender, trying with unskilled fingers to simultaneously align the stocking top, metal loop and rubber button to fasten them. In my past life I had unfastened not a few cooperative girls' suspenders, but fixing them up was a different matter. "Do you want me to help you? If you stand up I'll do it." "No!" I snapped. I was embarrassed enough without her emphasizing my clumsiness. "Just take it easy, Michelle! Patience!" After some tries I managed it. "Good! Now do up the back ones too!" she encouraged. That took even longer, with a lot of contortions and twists, and when I was finished I felt the tension of the suspenders on the stocking tops. The girdle too had become slightly tighter. My legs and thighs were encased in the cool smoothness of the stockings. My whole lower body suddenly felt confined and under tension. "It gets easier with practice," she comforted. "But one more thing. I'll unfasten your bra and I want to see you do it up again all by yourself." I put it on again as she had showed, but fumbled with the back hooks until I finally got it fastened. She clapped her hands. "Good, almost the first time too! Some women never get it and fasten their bras in front then swivel it round but you'll do fine. Now, you want knickers?" "What do you use?" I had asked. That produced a faint smile. "That's up to you! I don't bother with them when I'm wearing a girdle. After all, it's not as if someone is going to be looking up my skirt. It gives you a smoother look too, under tight skirts. "However, you should wear a slip. That will help your skirts or dresses slide easily over your figure so they don't bunch up." She handed me another white garment. "It goes on over your head." I put my arms into it and let it slide easily down over my body. Its hem, with its slight touch of lace, fluttered just above my knees. The silky slippery feel on my midriff and top of my thighs was like nothing I had ever felt before. "We don't have time to get you all of your wardrobe, but I'll get you a dress so you're decent for seeing Henry." She looked at the clock. "That's in a few minutes, and then you'll have dinner. We can finish tomorrow getting you outfitted. "You know, your hair is light brown and your eyes are brown too so you could wear just about anything. But to begin with, I think this would suit you." She pulled a mid-sleeved brown woollen dress from a hanger and held it against me. "Yes, that looks good on you. Try that on. It has a back zipper. Undo that then pull it over your head." I did so and it too fell to just about my knees. The material was finer than men's clothing. "It does up at the back. That will take a little contortion but you should get used to back zippers. Pull the zipper up as far as you can, then reach over your shoulder and pull it right up. Finally, there's a little hook at the top to hold it closed." I did as she said, aware of the shoulder straps of my bra pulling up my breasts as I reached behind me. "Then smooth it all down!" I ran my hands down my waist and hips. It felt smooth, the effect of the girdle, I supposed, but now there were the hard unfamiliar bumps of the suspenders on my thighs. "Just about there. Come over to this dressing table and I'll give you a little makeup. You're not used to it, obviously, so it'll be nothing fancy, just a little powder to hid the blotches on your face. They're fading fast and they'll be gone tomorrow. Now just hold steady and I'll put some lipstick on you." When she was finished I was totally bewildered. I was dressed totally different and now my lips were sticky. "I'll give you more instruction on fancier makeup tomorrow but that will do for now. You won't need it much f most times here but as the girls get comfortable with makeup they like to experiment more at our dinner times. Now, let's see your hair." She ran her fingers through it. "Yes, it's a bit short so just brush it back. "There! You look good! What do you think?" I looked into the mirror. Facing me was a young woman, pretty, but very serious looking. The man I had been a few days before was completely gone. The blank-eyed woman had a slight look of me, but that was all. Her hair was too short. "Finally, some shoes. Try these. I think they'll be the right size." These were a pair of brown shoes, slip-on style, with a small heel. I pulled them on and grunted. "They're much lighter than men's stuff!" "Well, your feet are much smaller. Your hands too." At last I was dressed to her satisfaction. She straightened my skirt, tugging down the hem, and adjusted the neckline at my shoulders and nodded approvingly. "Right, now you look presentable! I'll take you along to see Henry. Come on! Chin up! You've made the right decision!" Henry even stood up when we entered his office. He gestured to a chair for me to sit down as Mabel touched my shoulder. "All right, Michelle, I'll see you later and we'll get you fitted with more stuff tomorrow." Henry looked me over, "So, how do you feel Michelle? Mrs. Wolsey says that the change seemed to go smoothly, or at least, as smoothly as with others." "I felt just terrible when I woke up and now everything is just bewildering." He did not appear too concerned with my complaint. "Yes, the people who worked on the procedure have not been able to reduce its severe effects much. Everybody who has had it has complained to some extent. Any soreness left?" I flexed my body. All I was aware of was the tension of my underwear and stockings and the airy feel about my thighs. "No, it seems to be all gone." "A bewildered feeling you said? If it makes you feel any better the others who have had the procedure all complained too but after a week or so they had got their feet "First, Grace and Mabel have given you a start. We'll give you just another day to yourself, then we'll introduce you to the rest of the patients. However, it will soon be time to eat and you'll do that with Grace and Mabel and me in our dining room." He gave a slight smile. "The rest of the young women, the other patients, will be there too, and I should warn you, they'll be looking at you carefully, no doubt comparing you to how they were at your stage. Their attention might be a bit overwhelming at first so that's why we will give you another day to yourself. "After that you'll be with them most of the time and you'll all sleep in the same dormitory until you are ready to leave here. A word of caution, Michelle, you are a new person. So are all the others. All have made a break with the past. We strongly discourage you from talking about your past lives. "We want to mould you into a the life of a fairly ordinary young woman. Most women learn about female things from their mothers, female relatives, and other women as they grow up. In this establishment we try to duplicate that. We hope to show you how to dress, how to handle your body, how to behave as a woman round other people. You maybe didn't think of them but there are subtle behavioural things like walking, and sitting or your gestures. Women use their hands more than men. Some of this seems to come automatically but watch the other girls and learn from them too. Practise a lot so that it becomes second nature. We want you to be as inconspicuous as possible. "There's the matter of uh... women's health things. I mean the workings of your woman's body but that will be handled by Grace as it becomes necessary." Henry may have been embarrassed by talk of 'women's health things' but I was the one who would have to experience them. "Perhaps you'll learn all of these things fast, maybe slowly. Our reason for keeping you here six months is that your body may have changed in just two days, but your mind will take much longer to adjust. However, by the end of that time you should feel and behave completely like a woman. In fact there will not be much more we can do for you but hopefully you will be able to enter society and the workforce. We will have a complete new identification made for you. "If you are so inclined, if you need to finish school, we will arrange that too. We will also guide you onto more specialized trades or training such as secretarial school, or technician training at college. If at some point you want to go to university even that can be handled although by another agency. He gave a reassuring smile. "Now Michelle, it's time to eat. I don't know about you but I'm getting hungry. Shall we go?" He gestured for me to go and I rose. "Out the door and to your right." He even held the door for me. Still self conscious and aware of my new clothes, especially the skirt on my thighs, and the click of my heeled shoes I walked carefully into the dining room. "Over there, you see Grace and Mabel? Sit there!" They both gave me welcoming smiles as I sat down. I noticed that both had changed into dresses and put on makeup. At a long table across the room there was a group of young women, about a dozen of them, all much the same age as myself. They had been chattering among themselves but that died away as I came in. I flushed under their curious stares. Then they hurriedly turned away when Grace gave them a sharp look. "Sorry about that, Michelle," said Grace. She gave a faint smile. "They'll be sizing you up, natural, but rude!" Henry sat down opposite me and leaned over. "Michelle, to let you know, all meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this room. They are all done buffet style but at dinner we treat it a bit more formally and we encourage everybody to dress just a bit more smartly. It gives the girls a bit of practice and a chance to show themselves off and how much they have learned." As I worked my way through the meal I wondered if Grace and Mabel would have some more questions for me but the conversation ran more to discussing some plans for the facility or the news with Henry. The meal had two choices for each of the three courses and the food was excellent too. I felt pampered. Henry wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Now Michelle, I think you should meet the others." And, taking my arm firmly but gently, he shepherded me over to the table with the other women. Their conversation died away as I approached and I felt many pairs of eyes on me. Henry's manner was friendly, but there was no doubt that he was the man in charge. "Good evening, ladies," he said. "I hope you had pleasant meal. I'd like you to meet the newest patient in our programme. This is Michelle. I saw you all looking at her. So, why don't you tell her who you are?" He gave a small laugh. "I'm sure she will forget almost immediately but we have to start somewhere." He nodded to the woman immediately on my left. "Jean, why don't you go first?" "Hello, I'm Jean. I'm glad to meet you. I hope you're feeling well now?" Jean's short straight dark brown hair was set in a cloche-like style round her face and it looked immaculate. Her face had a slight golden cast and her complexion was flawless. She had made herself up with a deep red lipstick and golden eye shadow to emphasize her strong features. Her fitted black dress showed her curves. Nicely shaped nylon legs were set into black heeled shoes. I would never have believed that she had once been a man. In fact all of the women were slim but with definitely curved female figures. "Jean has been with us close to six months. She's almost ready to leave. You looking forward to it, Jean?" "Oh yes, Mr.Lanchester, but I'll miss this place too." Sitting next to her, in a burgundy dress, was a girl with wavy dark brown hair that framed her pretty face. She had a pert nose and deep brown eyes. She had chosen a bright red lipstick but otherwise no makeup. "This is Elizabeth," Henry said, "although she prefers to be called Liz. Liz was the one who had treatment before you, just two weeks ago," said Henry. "How are you finding things now, Liz?" "Just fine," she said, but she had answered a bit too rapidly, I thought. I noticed her knuckles were clenched. "Nice to meet you," said the next girl. "I'm Vivianne. I've been here about four months now." She was smallish with very blonde hair. Her eyes were a greyish green. Of all of the girls, she was the most made up with noticeable powder on her face, elaborate eye shadow, blusher on her cheeks, mascara and a scarlet lipstick. She was wearing a black skirt and white jumper with high heels. Her light jumper fabric did not quite conceal a dark bra she was wearing underneath. Maureen was next. She had a fair complexion, with brilliant blue eyes, but the darkest hair of all, with a fringe across her forehead and the rest swept forward almost over her jaws. She actually stood up and offered me her hand. "Pleased to meet you, Michelle." She was about average height. She had chosen a sleeveless grey dress that clung to her willowy figure. She wore dark grey stockings over open toed high heeled shoes "And this one is Hazel." "Pleased to meet you," Hazel said. "Welcome to the club!" she laughed. Hazel was quite tall and dressed in a fitted gold-brown dress that suited her light brown hair. Like all of the girls her hair was short but it was styled in soft waves that almost hid her ears. Her eyes were grey. She showed lovely dimples when she smiled. "Next, here's Janet." Janet waved at me from across the table. Her hair was mid brown like mine and cut in a gamin style. It framed her classical oval shaped face. Her dark red sheath dress showed a slim lithe figure and she looked very fit.I recognized her as one of the girls I had earlier seen playing tennis. "And I'm Kate," said an auburn haired girl in a pale blue dress with a slightly flared skirt. Her hair was about the longest of all and she had it styled in soft waves. Her complexion was very fair with grey eyes and a scattering of freckles on her cheeks. She wore tan stockings with medium heeled shoes whose blue matched her dress, There were three others, Carol, Janet and Helen but by that time I was a bit overwhelmed and I cannot remember what they were wearing. "So that's eleven," said Henry. "Now you make our numbers back up to twelve. We usually start a new person every two weeks and they stay with us for six months. "Michelle will be joining you in a couple of days," Mabel announced. She put her finger gently under my chin. "Now I think she's fading so she should get some rest." "Yes, make sure you get your beauty sleep!" someone called out and they all laughed. That was true. I suddenly felt very tired. "This way," said Mabel, taking my arm. She led me to yet another room. This one was set up like small hotel bedroom with a pink carpet and single bed with a flowery bedspread, a very feminine room. It came to my mind that if I had not agreed to the treatment I might be in a barren jail cell. This was a decided improvement. "I'll leave you here, my dear," said Mabel. "If you want to read, there's some magazines and books or a radio. I'm going to lock the door, just in case the other girls try to sneak in. Some months back some girls tried to set up some kind of initiation rite for new girls but we discouraged that. Too easily these things can degenerate into bullying. Besides, I think you may still be a bit fragile. Cheer up, my dear! You've made the right decision! "I'll call for you tomorrow at seven thirty and we can go to breakfast. After that I have more stuff to do with you then there will be lunch and you can have the rest of the day to yourself. You'll have dinner with me and Henry again and then the day after that you can move into the dormitory with the other girls. You'll be better rested and able to cope with them better. "Now first, I'll help you undress. Take off your shoes." I eased them off. They were so much lighter and softer than men's shoes. She was at the back of my neck. "There, I've unhooked it and started the zipper. You can do the rest." I reached up behind me and caught the zipper. It pulled down with a slight hiss. I let the dress fall down me over my hips, stepped out of it and picked it up. "Put it on this hanger. You can wear it again tomorrow. Now, your slip. You can either pull it over your head or slip the straps off your shoulders and pull it down." I opted to pull it over my head and I laid it on the chair aware that I was now dressed in only a bra, girdle and stockings. I had a strange feeling when I saw myself in the long mirror. I looked like the pretty girl in a magazine girdle advertisement, but moving as I did. No traces of my former male appearance were left. "Now, while you've something on, here, use this tissue and wipe off your makeup. You want some face cream?" This was all very complicated. I shook my head. She frowned at me. "Well, one night without cream might be acceptable but tonight you'll want to remove your makeup in case it you get it on a pillow." She passed me a tissue and the cream and a bit self- consciously I removed the makeup. "Yes, the spell gives all the women a nice soft skin. So take care of it! Use face cream every night. "Your bra. Can you unhook it?" I reached behind me, did so and let the straps slide down my arms. I had felt braced by it. Now there was a sudden free feeling. "Good! Now undo your suspenders and get your stockings off and pull your girdle down too." The front ones were easy but the back ones involved another slight contortion. My unsupported breasts moved around as I did so. I wondered if I should feel embarrassment but she had already seen me totally naked. She pulled up a paper package lying on the bedspread and smiled. "Here, a present for you!" I undid the string and pulled the contents out. The present was a long nightdress in a semisheer satin, pale blue in colour. I stared at it and began to blush as I ran my hands over the soft slippery fabric. She grinned at me. "Well, aren't you going to put it on? It's a present for you. The agency's budget doesn't run to this but it's the staff, they give all our patients a nice feminine nightdress to start, to encourage them." I pulled it over my head, aware of the slippery slightly cool feel of the fabric as it slid down over my shoulders, breasts and hips and almost to my ankles. If she had noticed my raised nipples she did not comment. "It's lovely," I stammered. "Thank you very much!" She turned down the blankets on the bed. "All right, Michelle, into bed with you. You will be tired. I'll see you tomorrow." It was the first I had been alone since I woke up. I sat up on the bed and felt at myself again, holding my breasts and feeling their texture and weight. They seemed to be able to slide all over my chest. The nipples were sensitive to my touch. When I pinched one and then the other they stiffened to my touch. Cautiously I pulled up the hem of my nightdress and felt between my legs. Nestled below the fine hair were folds and a vertical groove edged by crinkled soft flesh. I spread my legs slightly and felt further at a moist entrance. I rubbed my finger between the folds finding a small sensitive spot. I could not stop and I quivered as the sensations built up until I was gasping and shocks ran up my body. I lay back, again wondering if I had done the right thing. I must have fallen asleep soon after as the next I remember was a quiet knock on the door. Wiping the sleep from my eyes I got up as Mabel opened the door. "Good morning, Michelle! How do you feel now? Did it take long to get to sleep?" There was a slight mischievous smile on her face. I wondered if she had been listening to me. "Good." That was true. All my aches were gone and I actually felt hungry. She supervised as I showered then I dressed again in the same clothes and we went to breakfast, but this time she ushered me into the group of the new girls and again made the introductions. "I know you'll have forgotten them all from last night," she laughed. Mabel looked round the table and frowned. "There's only eight of you! Where are the others?" she asked. Elizabeth spoke up. "Oh, Hazel and Janet decided to get an early tennis game and Vivianne isn't feeling so well." She gave a grin. "It's that time of month. It's her second and she's still not used to it." I heard murmurs of sympathy from the other girls. I thought with a sinking feeling that periods were in my future too. I remembered girls I had known in a past life complaining but Elizabeth appeared to be totally casual about them. I followed Mabel over to the side table and, still feeling a bit unsure of myself, selected some cereal from the buffet, scrambled eggs, toast and marmalade, then followed her back to the table. "How do you feel this morning?" asked Mabel. She pointed to my plate. "I think you have your appetite back." "I feel well, but I suppose I just have to get used to the routine here." One of the other girls, Maureen, I think, was passing by with a tray and must have heard. "Yes, and take it from us, it's like being back in school they way they load stuff onto you." She gave Mabel a mischievous smile. "It's all necessary," Mabel replied a little defensively. "This is a rehabilitation place, not a holiday camp. You have to get used to living like a women, so there's an enormous amount of things to learn. The instruction's to help that." I had almost finished breakfast when Mabel wiped her mouth and got up. "Tell you, Michelle," she said. "I have something I need to speak to Henry about. Why don't you go and sit with the others? We usually give you a day to yourself but let's try this." I was nervous but it had to be done. I rose, moved over to their table and sat down at a vacant spot. Once they had welcomed me effusively the girls asked how I was but it did not take long until they started comparing their own experiences, only occasionally asking me about how I was finding things. When we were done Mabel took my arm and led me away. "The novelty's worn off. The older ones have seen quite a few new girls after the treatment so its nothing new to them. Now, come with me and I'll get the rest of your wardrobe together. You'll be given about three of everything, three skirts, three blouses or jumpers, yes and three sets of your underwear and so on." "Three of everything?" "Yes, it's actually quite an expense, even though we get them reasonably cheap, but the powers that be think it's a good investment. I agree. It's cheaper in the long run to have productive members of society than to pay for their upkeep in jail. "Let's see, why don't you take off your dress and I'll check the fit of your bra." She checked the straps and under the arms. "Not bad. I don't see any chafing. You feel any discomfort?" "No, it's just that it's still a strange harnessed feeling." "That will pass. I'll give you another like that and maybe one with wider set straps. You may need it if you have a dress with a wide neckline." She knelt down to check my girdle and stockings too. She checked at my waist and pulled the suspenders slightly "That's fine too. No sign of chafing or irritation there. So, two more girdles like that too. I'll give you a white one white and a black and another two pairs of nylons as well. "You'd like that?" I shrugged. I hadn't thought about it. "Next, two more skirts." She pulled one off a hanger and studied it. "I suggest you take one like this. The material is a bit thicker and you may be glad of it when it gets colder. Try this flared one too. I think the colour will suit you." This carried on until I was laden with what looked like an enormous pile but on top of that went an overcoat and a raincoat too. She pulled a trolley out. "Better put them on this. There's even more to come." The last was a box containing cosmetics, soaps and shampoos and some brushes and combs. "Try these. Some will suit you, others not and if they let you, try the other girls' choices too. You'll probably start trying each other's clothes anyway!" I was a little apprehensive when she led me into the dormitory with the other girls. They all beamed at me and applauded and each gave me a hug. I had been assigned a bed towards one end of the big room. Beside the bed there were a big locker and a chest. One of the girls, Jean, welcomed me. "It looks like a lot of stuff. Come on! I'll help you put them away," and soon my new clothes disappeared into them. The move went easier than I had thought and I soon got used to the chatter of the girls. At first I was taken aback when I saw them in various stages of undress with flashes of nipples and pubic hair but I soon got used to it and I was no longer bothered with my own occasional nakedness. A separate dressing room had been provided but few of the girls bothered. Morning classes started for me almost immediately. As Maureen had said, we were given a lot of instruction on our bodies, dressing, deportment, behaviour and manners. All of these were compulsory for girls who had been there less than three months and some complained about hearing the stuff the sixth or so time, or so they said. After three months we started on more academic classes, English grammar and writing and arithmetic. For those who wanted them there was extra maths and science. A daily gym class was compulsory and in the afternoons we were expected to take part in some activities. Sewing, mending, clothes washing and care, cooking and housework were strongly encouraged. Several girls had started a small garden with flowers and vegetables. Some girls seemed to take to their new bodies easily and with their mannerism and behaviour it would have been very difficult to believe that they had once been men. Others, like me, took longer to adapt. I became used to the clothing, but it took me a while to adapt to the easy chit-chat of the others. Janet and I became quite good friends and she helped me with dressing and makeup and over a few rough bits too. In fact the gym was open all day and some of the girls used it quite a bit. There was even a small swimming pool and twice a week hiking outings. Once a week we were taken to the city about twenty minutes away and encouraged to browse in the shops and markets, but always in small groups and each with a supervisor such as Grace, or Mabel. Three months into my stay I had a strange experience. I had been on a little outing with Liz, Janet and Maureen and with Grace hovering over us at a market and afterwards we stopped at a small shop at the edge of the moors to get ice cream. We were almost finished being served when a Rover car drove up and two women got out. They were barely in the door when one of them, a smartly dressed professional looking woman, stopped as if surprised and quickly looked round. Finally her gaze stopped on our group and on me especially. It seemed to penetrate me right to my bones, then it was as if she came out of a daze and moved away from me. We had our last ice cream served and were on the way out when I heard the shopkeeper greet her. "Mrs. Braithwaite, nice to see you! What can I do for you?" "That woman was rude," I complained to Janet. "It's the way she was staring at me, as if she was reading my mind. " I had a sudden thought. "Do you suppose she suspects, uh, what we were?" "Maybe she's jealous. We're all young and good looking. She must be ten years older than us, at least." As the days passed, my adaptation to my new life and body went better and easier. The days after my change I had been continually aware of the feel of the woman's clothes on me, the constant little tugs from the suspenders on my stockings, the slightly constrained feeling of the bra on my chest and its shoulder straps, the girdle pressing on my belly and rear. My gait was changed, the wide hips making my arse sway more, and the breasts radically changed shape as I moved if I didn't have a bra on but after a few days I hardly noticed these things. The only snag was my first period. I had not noticed anything, except one day my breasts were slightly tender.Then I was stricken when I found blood on my underwear. The other girls had noticed my distress and comforted me and showed me how to insert a tampon. Two weeks after my arrival we had a farewell for Jean. Although slightly nervous, she was looking forward to being out on her own. She had started taking secretarial lessons and was going to work as a receptionist in some large hotel. I had no doubt her striking good looks would get her noticed. After Henry made a brief speech and shook her hand all of the girls hugged and kissed her and I did the same. "Good luck to you, Michelle," she whispered in my ear. And then, to fill up the numbers, with a sense of d?j? vu, we saw Mabel with another young woman. They sat with Henry at dinner and, just like the others, I studied the new girl. Then afterwards, as I had been, she was introduced to us all. Her name was Anna. She was medium height, with dark blonde hair and grey eyes. Just like me she showed bewilderment and confusion and awkwardness at first, then soon got used to her new life and began to adjust. As well as the official and approved activities, some of the girls got into more risqu? stuff at evenings. Cards were popular, and strip poker or strip spin the bottle occasionally appeared with giggles and laughter as articles of clothing were removed. I remember once Vivianne doing an elaborate and suggestive striptease. She was almost finished with the agency. "This is my farewell performance here, " she laughed She seemed to be very happy with her new body. She had a sunny open manner and we missed her when she left. I had been at the Agency about four months and I had just come back from a hike over the moors with Mabel and four other girls, when I saw Henry at the gate, waiting for us. They had actually allowed us to wear trousers. They now felt really strange and confining. He beckoned me. "Michelle, can you come to my office? There's something I want to discuss with you." "Can I freshen up first? I'm a bit sweaty from the hike," I said. "Yes, by all means. So, about twenty minutes?" I took a very quick shower and combed my hair. I liked the way it was getting longer and was beginning to curl about my ears. I put on some stockings, and a dress I liked, a dark green belted style. Then, with some fresh lipstick and dressier medium heeled shoes I was ready. To my surprise there were two people with Henry. By just the way they looked, I knew they were police. One was a woman. I had not seen her before, but I recognized the man. I had met him before. In fact he had been the one who had arrested me for the crimes that eventually led me to where I was now. His eyes ran up and down my body as I entered. I flushed. I remembered my past male life. It was the quick appraisal that a man would give any good looking woman. "Hello Michelle, my name is Gladys," the woman said, holding out her hand. Still wary, I took it. "And I'm Harry," said the man, holding his out. He gave a faint contemptuous smile. "I think we've met, in another life at least for you." I had felt some relief when they actually shook hands with me. They would not have bothered if they were going to arrest me. I flushed. "Yes, I remember." "Excuse me," said Henry. "I'll leave you with these people." "Relax, Michelle, "said Gladys. "As far as we are concerned, as far as the law is concerned, you're now a different person. We're not interested in what you did. But maybe you're wondering what this is about?" "Yes, that did cross my mind!" "But first, how are you doing?" "I think I'm fine," I said cautiously. "Adjusted well, have you? How do you find it, your new ... life?" Glady's face showed curiosity. Harry's more than a touch of distaste. "It's coming along. But look, stop beating about the bush. You two are after something!" Gladys held up her hands. "Take it easy! Well, yes, we are after something. But first, we're no threat to you. You're a new person." She sat back. "But still, we've looked at your file and your tests. We see that you're bright and resourceful. We can use these talents, yes, and some inside knowledge you have. We were wondering if you'd do a favour for us. Yes, I know you've a clean slate, but it's that gang you had a connection of sorts with. In an earlier life." I could not resist an involuntary gasp. I had a few scores of my own to settle. Harry looked at me through narrowed eyes. "Yeah, I see you remember them! Some of your old acquaintances were they? I hear you had a falling out with Gallagher and his gang. They're getting into fresh new tricks. We need a spy among them." "And you're thinking of me!" "Yes, you've caught on right. You see, you're well disguised, shall I say, and you already know a bit about the gang." "So you want me to spy out for you and report back to you? That would be bloody dangerous for me! And what would I get out of it? What's in it for me?" I was playing it tough and reluctant but I was actually interested in their suggestion. "So what do you actually want me to do?" I pretended I was reluctant. Gladys actually took my hand. "Michelle, Mr. Lanchester says you are coming along fine and have adjusted well. How do you feel yourself? Would you feel ready to get out and about?" That made me stop and think. The first month after my change had been almost traumatic at first, but I realized that I hardly even thought of my past life now. I dressed in woman's clothing with barely a second thought, other than trying to match outfits and accessories with activities and the weather and look smart. In fact I liked preparing for the little formalities we had set up at the facility, choosing a dress for dinner, setting my hair, putting on makeup, laughing or commiserating with the other girls and other intimacies. Our instructors had mentioned that women interacted so much more intimately than men and in fact all of us had fallen into that pattern quickly. We had come from a variety of backgrounds, well, other than the criminal inclinations that had brought us here, but we had begun to work together and help each other, occasionally to comfort the new girls too. Some girls had made closer friendships but no cliques had formed. Even our past 'graduates' Jean and Kate had dropped in just a few weeks before. They were beginning to establish satisfactory new lives but commented they had missed the companionship. They had been effusively grateful to Henry and his staff. My instruction was going well too. Schoolwork seemed much less boring now. I studied hard and took a pride in my successes in the little tests they gave us. "I actually feel good," I replied, "and I'm looking forward to getting on with my life. I have some ideas. I want to go to a college. I don't want to lose that chance!" I had been pleased when I discovered I had an aptitude for school work and I had plans in mind that when I left I would board in a nearby town but study at a college for a diploma. I was even more pleased when I learned that all my expenses would be paid for so I was determined to make the most of this new chance at life. "Yes, Mr. Lanchester mentioned that. Good for you! I hope it works out well for you. But, Michelle, you've been given a new chance here. We'd like you to try to give something back." This was new! "Giving 'something back' as you say, wasn't mentioned before. Uh, you'd better tell me about it!" "All right," said Gladys. There's that gang that you once hung around with, that's giving us trouble. As you well know, the big boss is Robert Gallagher, known as Spike!" I drew in my breath and shivered despite myself. "I know who you're meaning." "You know how he got his name?" "There's a rumour that he got the name when he was younger, Gallagher had a nasty habit of driving spikes through the knees of people who got on his wrong side, competitors and snitches and the like." I gave an involuntary shudder. I had endured a close experience of his brutality. "Yeah, I see you remember him," said Harry. "We were never able to get a good witness unfortunately. He now runs a club too. It does well but it's also a front for his other business. Yes, he's worked his way up in the gang. And they're into all sorts of mischief. Extortion, car theft, straight robbery, the drug trade. He's also got a number of call girls under his control. We've had our eye on him but he's careful. We caught some of his underlings and put pressure on them but we couldn't get them to grass on him. Given his reputation I'm not surprised. The little bit of intelligence we have is that he wants to expand his operations. So we want to stop him and get him behind bars. We've been thinking the best way is to get a mole inside the organization and wondered if you'd be interested, you having been a part of it. Your old pals, wasn't it?" I suppressed a slight shudder. I was in Gallagher's gang a year or so back when they caught me and my mate Joe Bolton doing a bit of business on the side. Joe had had an idea to skim a bit off the gang's takings and do some business on the side. Idiot that I was, I had gone along with it. We'd been careless and Gallagher and others had surprised us in a garage where we kept some of our stuff. We had been on a little job of our own that we hadn't cleared with them. Although they had beaten me within an inch of my life I actually thought I was lucky that they had not driven spikes through my knees like Joe and I kept my mouth shut to the police when we were found. Joe had not been so lucky. They had virtually crucified him by nailing him to the wooden garage door. He survived, but every step he took after that was a trial by pain. The police investigations led my final arrest, but I didn't dare inform on them. So, I had a score or two to settle. Still, the reputation of the gang and the memory of my beating made me think hard about my answer. I looked at them. "Yes, I'll do it, but you'll have to tell me what you've got in mind. For instance, how am I going to get into the good books of the gang. And you can forget being a stripper or in a brothel!" I knew I was quite pretty. I knew I could attract men: I had seen that with the glances men gave me when I was on outings with the other girls. I knew what they were after but I was not at all ready. Their attention gave me apprehension enough and the thought of having sex with a man just filled me with revulsion. I had been told that I, in turn, would start to be attracted to men, but that part of the spell had not shown itself yet. I thought of some girls, like Vivianne or Janet who had given the impression that they were all to keen to meet men to try out their new bodies. "No, not at all!" said Gladys. "No, we don't want you anywhere near that. Not even any other type of participation in the gang's activities, just in a position where you can watch. "I'm sure you know that Gallagher now owns a night club. It's where he runs his gang and activities from too. He likes a drink, but nearby there's a small restaurant that he sometimes uses. We'd have word with the manager and install you as waitress there. Eventually he'd go in there and I'm sure you'd take his attention right away as you're pretty enough. He has a reputation for being a skirt chaser and he's had a string of women so in all likelihood he'd start making advances to you. So, he's the one who would make all the moves. You'd hardly have to do anything! Actually, we'd want you to react negatively at first." Harry grinned, "Yes, tell him to bugger off! But he wouldn't take no for an answer so you could pretend to be eventually worn down." "And what makes you think he'd tell me anything? I told you. I'm not having any sex with him so that means pillow talk is out!" Harry peered at me. "Well, that's up to you. I suggest you play really hard to get but still, listen to what he's saying. Flatter him too, but maybe if you keep your knickers on and your knees together he'll try all the harder to impress you. He'll boast to you what a smart lad he is. He might let something slip." I flushed slightly at Harry's vulgarity and Gladys gave a slight frown. "How would I keep in touch with you?" "You could mail me, or better, we set up a drop box like spies do." Gladys may have been straightforward, but I did not like Harry's sneering manner. He obviously looked down on me. He had not forgotten who I had been and now I was supposed to report to him! So, a week or so later, I was in the restaurant. I had been waiting at table from midday and still had three hours to go to the end of my shift. I was getting annoyed, sore footed and weary. This was the beginning of my second week in the place. I couldn't believe how busy I was kept. Maybe I was getting more stamina but my feet still hurt. My uniform was functional enough, but it was tight across my chest to show off my bust and with two buttons undone my cleavage was in sight when I bent over. The bottom part gave enough room to walk, but still stretched tightly over my rear. They had also suggested that I wear a suspender belt as more appropriate to my job as a girdle might be looked on as too formal. Its straps slid annoyingly over my rear and thighs anytime I had to bend down and in certain positions the outline of the straps and the bumps of the suspenders were visible. The short skirt ended some inches above the knee and I had to continually watch how I moved in case my stocking tops showed. I had been expected to wear heeled shoes. Luckily they were not too high, but after eight or so hours in them my feet ached. Over the first few days after I started some male customers gave me the once over and some even tried to chat me up, but Gladys had arranged for someone give me some coaching on how to handle these types and it was fairly successful. So far Gallagher had not appeared and I found myself watching the calendar, wondering how many more days it would have to be before Gladys and Harry gave up on the idea. If anything it had made me sure I did not want to spend much more of my life waiting tables. I had just finished serving a couple of what looked like businessmen when three other men came in, and I recognised Gallagher right away. I even felt a small shiver of fear. There was no way I'd forget his face. He was average height, but strongly built, a broad face but with small eyes and a pugnacious jaw. I had last seen him when he had one of his thugs put the boots to me. His look of malicious satisfaction would stay with me. At least the spell, my woman's hairstyle and bright red lipstick had completely changed my looks. There was no way he would recognize me. One of other men, Frank Sturgis was an old member of the gang. There was a younger man too, but I hadn't seen him before. The hostess showed them to a table and raised her eyebrows to me. That signal had been the arrangement for me to serve them. I took a deep breath and walked over to the table. Right away I saw them all look me up and down as I smiled at them and laid down the menus. "Good afternoon, anything to drink, gentlemen" I said, controlling the quaver in my voice. I had Gallagher's attention immediately. "You're new here, aren't you, love?" I bristled inwardly at the familiar, condescending tone but forced a smile to my face. "Yes, sir, I've only been here a week or so." He took his eyes from undressing me and looked at the others. "Bring us three beers! Make it Double Diamond, love!" I went over to the bar and got the drinks. I wondered if it was my imagination or if they were really looking at my back and legs, but as I returned with a tray with three beers they were looking in my direction and it wasn't the beer they were looking at. I kept my temper in check. "Yes, gentlemen, have you decided?" When they gave their orders I took them to the kitchen but then tried to keep out of their way, my nerves were letting me down. Worse, in a few minutes, when I had to take their meals to them, I had to endure their scrutiny again. After that I kept as far away as I could but Gallagher beckoned me at one time and I had to go to his table. It turned out to be only a trivial comment. He just wanted me near again so he could ogle me. Fortunately for me they seemed to get involved in some discussion over most of the meal. Gallagher spent much of the meal wagging his finger at the other two. I could not decide if they had done something wrong, or if he was just making a point, maybe just to show he was the boss. At last they were finished and I gave them their bill. Once more it needed some explanation. As I leaned over he put his arm round my waist, squeezed me and then stroked and patted my rear as I left. "Good service, love, I'll see you again." I forced myself to give him a polite smile. At least he had left a big tip. "Thank you, sir." Gladys and Harry had set up accommodation for me in a bedsitter about a half-mile from the restaurant. As far as anyone there knew I was a normal working girl. I scribbled a note while things were fresh in my mind and after I had eaten I took a walk and put it in the drop box we had arranged. 'He finally came in. I think I've attracted his attention,' I wrote. I was half expecting it when Gallagher came in the next afternoon, this time by himself. I had my mind more together but it didn't stop my nerves when I had to serve him. "Yes, sir, what would you like? Oh, you were here yesterday afternoon, weren't you sir?" I asked. "So you remembered me! Noticed me did you? I like it when a good- looking girl notices me!" he said, with a suggestive smile. "Yes, bring me a beer first, then I'll order." Again his eyes were on me and he started a conversation. I kept my replies polite, and my face expressionless. "Been working here long, darling?" "No, sir, I just started last week." "Yes, you still look at bit nervous. You from these parts?" I had a story ready. "Yes sir, the general area at least. From Halifax, but after my mum and dad died I came here get away. But look sir, can you order? I've other customers to attend to." He ordered and his eyes were on me, watching me as he finished off his meal. Once again he gave me a big tip and once again I thanked him, this time making sure my bust was close to his face. "That's all right! Maybe see you tomorrow, love?" As he had said, he was back the next day, again by himself but this time nearer to our closing time. "So what's on tonight, love? Anything planned?" "Oh, go home read a bit. I don't have a TV but maybe I'll listen to some radio. I'll have to get some washing done too." "Tell you, if you're knocking off, why don't you come to my place for a drink? I own the club over there. Interested?" I was expecting some move but I had to play innocent. I gestured to my waitress' uniform. "You own that club? But look, I'm not dressed for that, and I'd need to freshen up." "That wouldn't matter." "It would to me," I protested. "I don't want to be smelling of food when I'm out." "Then I tell you, I'll run you home in my car. Then you can change into your fancy stuff and we can go somewhere? That sound all right?" I pretended to be wary. "No, I 'm not getting in a car with you. I hardly know you!" "All right, all right! Look love, my name's Bob. Yes, you don't know me that well and pretty girls like you have to be careful. So what's your name, love?" "It's not 'love' anyway to you! It's Michelle," I said, as frostily as I could. "Oh, sounds French! Are you?" "None of your business!" I snapped, but as soon as the words were out of my mouth I regretted them. I had to try to hook him. I let my voice soften and I gave a half smile. "Nah, Bob, I think my mum had just read it in a story and she fancied it." "Anyway, Michelle, so could I pick you up at your address?" "Then I'd be in you car again!' I gave a sheepish grin. "Oh well, you look honest and I suppose if you're picking me up you might was well run me there. I'm off in ten minutes. So, see you outside." In fact he was waiting when I stepped out of the door and he drove me to my digs. I let the hem of my uniform rise above my knees to show more of my thigh as I sat in the passenger seat. I gave my apologies to my landlady when I got in. "Sorry I have to run, Mrs. Norris, I can't stay for supper." "Oh, you going out, love?" "Yes, a fellow." "Who's that, Michelle?" "A man I met, a businessman. He's called Bob." "Oh, that's nice! Well, enjoy yourself!" As I expected I saw her look out of the window at the car to check on me. I pulled off my waitress' uniform, pulled on a dress and changed my service weight stockings to a sheerer and darker pair. I did not have enough time to completely remove the smell of the restaurant so I just washed my face, and on dabbed a bit of powder , made up my lips, wiped a bit of perfume on my neck and on my wrists and went out, my stomach fluttering, "You look a treat!" he said as he opened the car door. I found myself flattered by the comment. I had been expecting that he would drive to his club so I was apprehensive when I saw we were driving out of the city. "Uh, where are we going, Bob? I thought we were going to your club!" "Oh, changed my mind. It's to a little place I know." That was all he would tell me and I was starting to get worried when he swung into the parking lot of a little pub in a village. He had a beer and I ordered a cocktail. He actually seemed charming. I even had trouble reconciling his manner with the criminal and vicious thug that I knew he really was. Over our dinner, steak pie and chips for him, a piece of chicken cordon bleu with rice for me, I told him my story, a fiction that Gladys, Harry and I had hatched up and, in turn, he told me about himself, that he had a nightclub but was making his way by honest business. I knew that was more fiction. A groove on one side of his face and his scarred lumpy knuckles told a different story. He had fought his way to the top. In fact it could have been pleasant night if I hadn't been so wary and apprehensive. We were in the car going back when he stopped and leaned to over to me. "How's about a kiss, darling?" "That's all!" I said firmly and I let him do it, but when his hands stroked over my thighs and went to my breasts I pulled them away. "That's enough! It's been a nice evening. Let's keep it like that!" A black expression flitted over his eyes but he immediately recovered. "Sorry, love, it's just you're..... so good looking." In fact he drove me right back, without another word. I wondered if had acted too reserved so when we were well in sight of Mrs. Norris' house I planted another kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for a nice night, Bob!" "Oh," he said. "That's better! So can I see you again, love?" I had the car door open but I leaned back in and kissed him again. "Yes, that'd be nice. See you tomorrow?" and I walked smartly to the door. I thought of dropping another report to Gladys and Harry but I was too tired. As I expected, he was there, at lunch the next day, but just by himself. It looked like I had him hooked. "You were off smartly last night!" he said. "Well, I told you I had things to do. Get some washing done." "So, can I see you tonight?" I shook my head. "Sorry Bob, I've got a lot of things to do. But I'm not doing anything tomorrow, " I offered. "So I'll see you then? I'll pick you up." A short time later the restaurant was empty and when I sat down with a cup of tea, Mark, the restaurant manager. sat down beside me. He looked a bit uncomfortable. "Look, Michelle, you look like a good person. It was suggested I hire you and you are a good worker so can I .. uh.. offer some advice?" I looked at him suspiciously. "Ye...s." "Michelle, tell me it's none of my business, but that man who's been in a few times. I think he fancies you." I felt myself blush. "Uh, yes! We had a drink and a meal together last night." "Look, Michelle, it was suggested to me that I give you a job here. I'm not going to ask why, but you should know, he's, well got a reputation. The rumours are he's the head of a gang that are into all sorts of nasty stuff. You know, it would be best if you kept away from him." He looked at my face and nodded glumly, as if he knew I wouldn't. "Well, be very careful." I did not know how I should react. I patted his hand. "Thanks for the advice, Mark. I'll be very careful." That night I dropped another note to Harry. 'I was out with him for a drink and a meal with him. He's interested. I'll contact you when I have more." Gallagher picked me up the next night at my lodgings and even opened the car door for me. Apprehensively, I got into the front seat and gave him a chaste enough kiss on his cheek. I had no intention of letting him into my underwear, but I had to lead him on enough so that hopefully he would get careless. It would be a delicate balance, especially as I hated him. I was surprised when he went into the town and stopped at his club. "I thought I'd let you see what my interests are. Just to prove to you I'm an ordinary businessman running a club." The man at the door may have been wearing an evening suit and a black bow tie, but it did not hide his broken nose, thick neck, big hands and muscled arms. He gave a polite, "Evenin', Mr. Gallagher," and, "Pleased to meet you, miss," to me. I wanted to wipe the smirk of his face. He would have been told I was coming and to him I would be just another girl that Gallagher had picked up. I thought Gallagher would have wanted to show off, and be seated at the front, but he took a partly secluded table to the side, one with a good view of the stage, but also of the door. We watched an entertainer, a supposedly up and coming young female singer but, while she was pleasant enough, her intonation was too obviously amateurish. Still, I pretended to be impressed. If I hadn't been thinking of the job I was supposed to do, it would actually have been a pleasant night. This time, when Gallagher saw me home I let him kiss me longer and even allowed him a grope at my breasts. I felt his hands start exploring my hips but he gave up in disgust when he felt the firm girdle I had put on for safety. "What's that?" he complained. " I wanted to look my best for you," I said innocently. He snorted and glared at me but once again I agreed to having him take me out on the following Friday. I was walking to work the next day when a car suddenly pulled up by me and a voice said, "Hop in! We've got something to talk about." It was Harry. He drove to a car park on the edge of the city. "So Michelle, how are things?" he asked. I described what had happened. "So, I've kept you up to date. Gallagher's very interested in me but I haven't heard anything worthwhile yet." "Well, keep at it!" He looked at his watch. "Now you'll be off to work? I'll drop you close by." I was furious. "That's it?" I cried. "You're not worried on how it's affecting me? If you really want to know I'm getting fed up with the whole business. I'm the one who's taking the bloody risks and it doesn't look like I can get any closer enough to Gallagher and spy on his activities until I actually sleep with him! And, I have absolutely no intention of doing that! His hands are all over me as it is!" Harry did look a bit sheepish but before he could reply I slammed the car door shut and made my own way to work. Gallagher and I carried on in the same style for another week. His hands were everywhere but I resisted his more intimate advances until I began to get the impression that he was beginning to lose interest in me. If he did I would have failed but revenge was beginning to matter less to me. I had a new life that I wanted to get on with. I had been getting some toiletries from a chemist's in the shopping area and I was in a hurry to get back to my digs to get some washing done. A shabbily dressed man was hobbling along in front of me. I was in a hurry and annoyed that I couldn't get past him on the narrow pavement, but when I glanced at him my blood run cold. I suddenly recognized him. It was my former friend Joe Bolton, the one who had been nailed to the garage door. Then I saw my bus coming and I pushed past him to my bus stop. I tried to avoid the pathetic figure as he struggled past but unfortunately I clipped one of his shoes. They were down-at-heel too. He gave me a bitter look. "What's the matter, miss? You never seen a cripple before?" he muttered bitterly. But he had not recognised me, understandingly. I was confused but, "Sorry, I didn't mean to knock you and I didn't mean to stare. It was rude of me!" I said. "Yes, it was, darling. But I've seen many others look at me like that." I felt so guilty I let my bus drive past. "Again, I'm sorry! What happened?" I asked, although I knew full well. "My knees are shot." "An accident? Can't they do anything?" He gave a bleak laugh. "Nah, too much damage." He gave a sardonic smile. "Yeah, I had an accident, of sorts." "What happened?" As if I didn't know! He looked at me, as if judging me. "Let's say I got it as a warning from someone. And a pretty young thing like you doesn't need to hear more." I had liked Joe and I was devastated to see him so crippled and almost destitute. I took his arm and pointed to a tea shop. "Look, do you want to nip in here for a cuppa and something to eat? I'll pay. Oh, what's your name?" "It's Joe, and I won't say no to some tea. It's not every day a pretty young girl offers to help a down-and-out like me." I even took his arm and helped him along into the tea shop. We ordered tea and I watched as he wolfed down the scone I had bought him and then my own. I wasn't hungry. The scars on his hands and forearms from the nails had taken my appetite away. I introduced myself as Michelle. "Nice name!" He thought for a few seconds. "I had a partner called Michael, that time I got this." He gestured to his scars. "Tell me!" I knew it, already, but pretended to be fascinated and horrified by his tale as he told it. "What happened to your partner, this Michael?" I asked cautiously. "They gave him a thumping too and I heard he got nicked almost as soon as he got out of hospital. Haven't heard of him since. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. No doubt he's keeping away from me. Or maybe he's doing time. A pleasant enough lad but he always fancied himself. A bit self centred too but he had to be with the upbringing he had." I managed to suppress a blush. Had I been like that? I looked at my watch. "Joe, sorry to hear your tale, but I have to get home." "Lovely speaking to you, lass." He squeezed my hand. "Where do you live?" "Just over there, lass. I've a room over that newsagent's." I saw him over the street and took the bus home. I felt like a heel, but lucky too. I could have been crippled too. Instead, I had ended up in the body of a pretty young woman. I could have a promising life ahead of me too, once I got past this business with Gallagher. Meeting Joe reminded me I had a job to do. Now I felt a cold fury. I would make Gallagher pay. When I met Harry for my next report I also told him about meeting Joe and the effect on me. "I've been thinking maybe I need to push things a little. Maybe you can arrange something with Mark to see if Gallagher reacts? Here's what I think." I suggested a plan. "We're taking a risk, but I'll see what I can do." When Gallagher came in the next day to the restaurant I had a story to tell. "Bob, I've bad news." I spoke almost under my breath. "I've been given notice as of the end of the week. The manager doesn't like that I've been seeing you." "What? That bastard! I'll give him a right sorting out!" Mark had been warned but even so I saw him warily disappear into the back of the restaurant. I saw black fury rise in Gallagher's eyes and I held his arm to stop him getting out of his chair. "No! No! That's more fuss than it's worth! I can easily get another job." Actually, that was Harry's arranging. I had suggested that it would be a way to move things on. I hoped Gallagher would take the bait and offer something like a barmaid's job. He rubbed his chin. "I've an idea. One of my office girls is in the family way and wants to leave. I'll need to replace her. Interested?" That was even better! "You'd do that? Then I can be with you!" Given his past history with women I knew he would get tired of me and eventually drop me but I hoped my part would be finished long before then. "What would I be doing?" "It's a girl in the office. She also helps with the telephone and correspondence. Occasionally she helps look after the books. Don't worry, there's someone else there. Theresa, she's been with me twelve years. She'll guide you. Oh, I thought you'd like that!" I was elated, but not for the reason he thought. On the phones I would know all who contacted Gallagher, and in the office I could see his financial set up. Theresa was a slightly plump woman in her forties with a liking for low cut blouses and push-up bras that showed her cleavage and for strong perfume. She was a firm boss at first, but as I learned the job she began to show a fun side. I actually had quite a bit of office work to do as well as telephone answering, but even though I read the columns and entries in the books carefully nothing at all illegal or even suspicious showed up. I puzzled about this until I saw Gallagher take out some books from a locked cupboard in his inner office. I guessed he had another set of books. I had no way of getting to them. He must also have been careful as I heard nothing useful on the telephone either. Sometimes I would get callers asking for Gallagher or 'Spike' but most refused to give their names. "I'll call again," or "I'll try later," were the usual responses. Names were given, like Bert or Jim, only a few times, and never surnames. When I could, I listened in on conversations too but there was nothing. Either they had a code that or they had done most planning elsewhere. A day or so after I started he suggested we have a drink in the club and afterwards he suggested we go to his office. For 'privacy'! My heart was in my mouth but I thought of Joe and revenge and I let him lead me to it. As I expected, he had his arms round me as soon as the door closed and he was groping me. In fact he had got as far as getting my dress unzipped to my waist and my bra straps off my shoulders, This was going to fast. I was not ready! Luckily there was a loud knock at the door. "Who the fuck is that?" he snarled. "I'm busy!" he cried. "Spike, something's turned up. Urgent!" a voice said. His face was black but he turned to me. He gestured with a quick turn of his head. "Get dressed and out!" I had barely pulled up my bra and zippered my dress again before he opened the door and one of his underlings pushed his way in, leering at me. "Something's turned up!" I gave a squeal as Gallagher pushed me out. "Out you! Go to the bar and get a drink I'll see you later!" I wondered what my reactions should be, whether to head off home like any properly annoyed girl friend should, or to stick around in the hope of learning something. There was obviously some sort of crisis. Still, I had a job to do so, swallowing my pride, I ordered a cocktail and sat at the bar, playing with my hair, checking my face in my compact mirror and fending off some half drunken male customers. It did not take long before I was feeling embarrassed, just sitting there like a whore advertising her wares when he came out, obviously in a black mood. He glared at me. "So you're still here?" I gave him a stony glare. "Do you want to tell me what that was about?" It's none of your fu...." He hesitated. "Sorry love, I'm a bit stressed." I swallowed, took a deep breath and rubbed my hand through his cropped red hair. "Look Bob, I know you've a lot of responsibilities, but you're strong and clever. You'll manage!" I leaned over to give him a kiss. "Yeah, something went wrong. Now I have to do all the fucking planning again!" "What was it?" "Never let it bother your little head!" I could have either taken offense at his rudeness and condescension and given him the silent treatment, or pretended I was too dim to be insulted, but I had a plan so I grovelled. "Oh, come on, Bob. I want to help you. You want to tell me?" I stroked his clenched hand. His mood was beginning to subside but he shook his head. "I'd better take you home. I'm not in the mood." I was in two minds. Relieved that I would not have to sleep with him, frustrated that he still did not trust me. On the way back we passed an accident with an ambulance and two police cars already at the site. I looked out as we passed, made an insulting remark about the police and put a contemptuous look on my face. "Don't like the police, do you?" he asked. I gave him a fictitious story. It was basically my own, but embellished to show police callousness and brutality. "My old dad, they were always sticking their noses in his business. He was just trying to make a living." Then I committed myself." Bob, I've been told you're into a lot of stuff, dodgy, I mean. Just to let you know, that doesn't bother me." "Don't it?" He sounded a bit amused. "Nah, you're just taking what you can. If people are weak or careless that's their own lookout." He looked at me through narrowed eyes, but relaxed when I gave him a kiss. When I met with Harry again I told him what had happened. "Something got him annoyed the other day. It looked like some kind of crisis. He was in a foul mood after." "Good," said Harry. "I've an idea what it was. We had a snitch tell us about a possible highjack of a van. So we had our boys there. We actually nicked one of the gang too." "Will he talk?" I was hoping he would so I could get out of this role I was playing. "Nah, he's too much of an underling and he'll be scared too. Sorry, Michelle, you'll have to keep at it." "I was afraid you'd say that." I had a shock the following afternoon. Gallagher's club had some girls, strippers, who entertained the lunchtime crowd. I knew about them but I had no contact, until two of the girls came into the office for some money he owed them. Usually these matters were paid 'under the table' in the club but this time he had been caught short for some reason. Both girls were in ordinary street clothing, although they had not completely removed their stage make up. One looked slightly familiar. She turned and looked at me idly then recognition brightened her face. My own stomach gave a lurch. "Michelle!" she cried. "What are you doing here?" It was Vivianne. Her hair was much blonder than last I saw her. Her makeup was heavier too. I did not want anyone around who I had known but I pretended to be delighted. "Vivianne! Haven't seen you for ages! And you? What are you doing?" I asked, although it was obvious. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Gallagher watching us and listening. It was a good thing I still used the same name. "Oh," I said, "I thought of going to some college, but it was the expense and I didn't want to be stuck with studying at night. So I got a job waitressing while I thought about it. Then Bob, I mean Mr. Gallagher, saw me and offered me this job! What about you?" "No, I didn't fancy anymore schooling either. I'd had enough of that so when I got out, I worked on a factory line. Then one time I was at a pub with a lad I'd met. There was a stripper there. She was terrible. I must have been half drunk and I complained to the pub owner." She giggled."I said I could do better. "So he bet me! We'd get free drinks if the audience gave me more applause than her! I didn't have any stage clothes but that didn't matter. "I'd a nice new set of bra and knickers anyway. I won the bet. I was offered a job there." She gave a wide smile. "My stage name's Trixie." I remembered that Vivianne had taken to her new body faster than most of the rest of the 'patients' and her talents at striptease. "Didn't your boyfriend object?" I asked. "Why should he? He'd come along and enjoy the show and he gets free beer too! Yeah, an' he likes when I practice moves with him. And then I saw Mr. Gallagher was hiring and I auditioned and got taken on here." Gallagher had been watching us carefully. "So you two knew each other before?" he asked casually. "Where about was this?" I had to play this carefully. "Uh, look Bob, I don't want to talk about it." I was playing the reluctant part but I knew he would keep on at me until I told him. "You'd better tell me." His voice was suddenly harder. I sucked in my breath. "Well, Bob, I didn't want to tell you, but it was at an approved school for girls." I even managed a blush. "I'd got into a bit of trouble and so had Viv. That's how we met." I saw Vivianne's eyes widen and give a wary look but she played along. "Look, Bob, I'm sorry. I should have been open with you. I'd stolen some money from an employer." I sighed. "I know you won't want me here now, so I'm sorry, I'll get my things and leave." I picked up my handbag. "What's your hurry? Nah, don't bother. You've admitted it so you deserve another chance. You too,Viv. The customers like you. So you can both stay." I forced myself to embrace him and Vivianne did too. Vivianne looked at her watch. "Anyway, got to run. I'm meeting my boyfriend at five. I suppose I'll see you around." She gave me an appraisal. "You're a good looking girl too. You should try out for stripping. Nice tits and arse on you! You'd get a lot of tips!" She gave me a cheeky smile. "Well ta-ta then." She tripped off in her four inch heels, her bottom twitching in her tight leather miniskirt. "So you've been keeping something back, have you?" asked Gallagher. I wasn't sure whether he was amused or about to interrogate me so attack was the best plan. "I thought you said it was all right!" I cried. "Look, if you don't want me here, say so! I don't think you've had any cause to complain about my work!" "All right, take it easy! No, you can stay here." When I saw Harry again I told him about Vivianne. "I was lucky, and like me she didn't want to talk about the agency of what it really did for her. But I think it's fine. If anything it shows I have a shady past and a distrust of the police." I sighed. "Maybe he'll trust me more. Besides, maybe he'll think he has an edge over me now." "You're sure about Vivianne? Do you think she'll let anything slip?" "She's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but she certainly won't want to admit she was once a man. Yes, we both have secrets and I suppose we were at an approved school, of sorts." "Just in case, I'll have someone change the court records." He thought a minute. "Tell you, it's still too much of a risk. I'll have her picked up and relocated." "No, no! Absolutely not! Gallagher may get suspicious if she disappeared. Besides, she says she has a boy friend. He'd start asking." I seemed to have convinced harry but I was getting no further forward with Gallagher. A couple of days later I was beginning to despair when I saw a man come into the club and ask for him. "Who will I say it is?" I asked sweetly. He peered at me suspiciously. "Never you mind, just tell him Stan's here!" I racked my memories as there was something familiar about Stan and an hour later I remembered. Joe had introduced me to him about a year previously at a racecourse. It was Stan Magnus, who had a reputation as a skilled safeblower. "Mike," he'd said. "This is my old mate Stan. One of the best in the trade." But when we had parted it was a different story. "Stan can be a good man, but he easily gets a bee in his bonnet about things. Gets suspicious and it's difficult to change him. A dangerous man to cross." I frowned when I heard voices raised in Gallagher's office. "Just do as you're told," I heard Gallagher shout. "I do the planning. I'm in charge." I hurried out of the room as I did not want them to know I had heard anything. Magnus passed me, muttering under his breath. "What are you looking at? " he snarled. I immediately backed away from him and he pushed out the doors. Then, just a day later, I saw Dave Crawley sidle in to the club and go directly to Gallagher's office. I shrank slightly when I saw him. He was the one who had put the boots to me at Gallagher's instigation. He was obviously familiar with the layout. I knew Crawley had once done time after an attempted bank robbery. When I saw Simon Stone there too, another robber I had known casually, it was obvious something was being planned. That night I put another note in the drop box for Harry and once again he picked me up on the street in his car. I had put on a fresh dress and tidied my hair and I was pleased that eyes actually lit up when he saw me. We drove to a secluded spot and I filled him in on what had been happening. "That's three known criminals came in to see him. They must be cooking up something." Harry took some notes. "Good work, Michelle. We'll keep an eye on them." "But look, Harry," I said. "Time is getting on and I still have nothing on Gallagher." I hesitated. "Uh, I beginning to think I'll have to make more moves, more personal ones." I blushed. He sat up straight and looked me for some seconds. "You all right with that?" I shivered with fear. "Bloody hell I'm not! I'm terrified about it, but yes, I've come to think I have to bite the bullet. Oops, I don't mean that literally!" Harry actually looked at me sadly. "I wish you didn't have to, Michelle, but I admire you for it. Hope it works." He took my hand and squeezed it. I put my hand on his and squeezed back. "It'd better!" Our relationship had gradually changed. At the beginning he had been almost contemptuous of me, maybe only looking on me only as a tool to bring down Gallagher, maybe remembering my past life. But over the past weeks I had the impression that I was becoming more than that, and that he worried about my safety too. The next morning, a Friday, I made sure I gave Gallagher a nice smile when he came in. "Good morning, Bob!" I said, hoping I had I put just the right amount of suggestiveness in it. I had chosen a low cut blouse and a tight shortish skirt. In the afternoon I found I was alone I was alone in the office. Theresa had taken some time off for something to do with her kids. Swallowing with nervousness, I went into his office, put my arms around his neck and pulled myself to him, squashing my chest against his. His hands were cupping my rear and I felt the slight coolness around my stocking tops when he started to ease my skirt up. His fingers were soon exploring the gap between my stocking tops and my knickers. I could feel his erection pressing against me. I wriggled away from him. "Uh, uh," I said. "Not here, Bob. It's just that I wanted a kiss. And there could be too many interruptions here. But we deserve a nice comfortable bed, and some privacy." "Do you then?" he said, pinching my left nipple through the fabric of my blouse and bra. "I'll have to see what I can do," he said. I saw him going out, returning an hour later. He stopped by my desk. "I've made some plans. We're going out tonight for dinner tonight and staying over so you'd better pack a bag. You can knock off now. I'll take you to your digs so you can get ready and I'll pick you up again at six. Oh yes, here. I want you to wear these." He handed me a package. Back at my lodgings I opened the package. It was from a nearby lingerie shop. Out tumbled some black lacy underwear, a push-up bra, a matching knickers and suspender belt set, and a packet of sheer black nylons. After I washed I dressed in the outfit and adjusted my breasts in the bra cups. He had managed to get my bra size fairly well. I ran my hands over the sheer stockings. They were an expensive brand and my legs felt wonderfully smooth. I stared at myself in the mirror, shaking my head slowly with a mixture of fear, disgust and worry. A classy looking whore, I thought. But it had to be done. I made my face up and put on a black slip then a black crepe dress that would cling to my figure, heeled black shoes, dabbed some perfume between my breasts and on my neck, and touched up my bright red lipstick. With a deep breath, I checked the contents of a small bag I had filled with a change of underwear and another dress. I had some condoms too. Getting pregnant would be disastrous. I was surprised when I saw his car drive up. He was early, I thought. It had started to rain so I got out a light raincoat and belted it tightly to emphasize my waist. Actually I thought I looked quite fetching, but I had a hollow feeling in my stomach as I hurried downstairs. He had got out of the car. His eyes lit up at my appearance but his face was grim. "You look a treat, but I'm sorry, something's turned up. I have to go away for a couple of days. Business." "What?" I pretended annoyance but I was secretly delighted. "What's happened? You want to tell me about it?" "Maybe later, so take care, love. See you next week." He drove away with no further words and I stamped back into my digs. "What's the matter, Michelle?" asked Mrs. Norris. I flopped down on her sofa. "I was stood up for a business deal, I suppose!" "Look, lass, I don't mean to pry but I don't trust that man. I've also seen his picture in the newspaper. There's suggestions in the papers he's a criminal. Maybe you should take a rest from him. There are all sorts of nice lads you could be seeing instead.". I shook my head sadly. Another who warned me about Gallagher! But I had a job to do." I'll watch myself," I said lamely. I saw Harry again the next night and told him what had happened. "So, he was called away. It saved me in fact from sleeping with him." "Yes, it was that information you supplied. We had the men traced and tailed. They were heading to a job further north. In fact we caught two of them, Crawley and Stone just as they were breaking into some offices." "You got Gallagher too?" He shook his head. "No such luck, and I'm sorry. I don't think they'll squeal either. We didn't get Stan Magnus either. No, I suspect Gallagher had to run off and pick up the pieces after we made the arrests. "For you, watch yourself! Gallagher may be in a bad mood next week. No chance of him suspecting you?" "I don't see why. I barely saw Crawley or Stone." I sighed. "So, I suppose I'll have to try to seduce Gallagher again." "A pretty girl like you should manage that." His tone sounded sharp. His comment annoyed me. "Harry, That's the least of it! I hate the bastard. It gives me the creeps to just touch him, and now I have to prepare myself to go through it all again. Probably a whole night!" "Michelle, I had no idea. I'm sorry to put you through this." "Yes, and I.... I seem to be having more trouble accepting it." I burst into tears and the next thing I knew was that Harry was holding me in his strong arms and comforting me. I snuggled closer and kissed his cheek and he shifted so that my lips were on his. I was suddenly overwhelmed with his masculine presence. His hands were stroking my back, comforting me. I felt my nipples tense and a sudden tension between my legs. I realized I needed him. I had been unsure if my female desires would ever develop. Now they burst forth like a flood. "Harry," I said brokenly. "I'm going to have to sleep with Gallagher. I don't want to but I have to try to get closer to him." I took a deep breath. "But Harry, if I'm going to lose my virginity, I don't want it to be to a crook and thug like him. "Harry, I want it to be you." I pulled him to me and kissed him savagely, angry at my dilemma. We pressed to each other and at last his tongue found mine. I put his hand on my breast. "Squeeze me, Harry. Then take me somewhere and make love to me." "You're sure?" "Yes, where about?" I gasped. "It can't be my place." "Is mine all right?" I sat beside him in his car, apprehensive, but with a feeling of satisfaction that I was taking control of my life. I had committed myself. In his bedroom we kissed again and his hand found the zipper at the back of my skirt and slid it down. My skirt fell to my hips and I stepped out of it. He slightly fumbled at the buttons on my blouse. Then they were undone and he kissed my neck as he slid it off me. He eased the straps of my bra off my shoulders, kissed the swell of my breasts and his hands were at the back fastening of my bra. I felt its tension loosen and then it was off me. My nipples and areolas were slightly swollen, tense and tender. His fingers were at my suspenders, unhooking my stockings and sliding them off me. Then his hands were in the waist of my girdle and he eased it off me. I felt goose pimples and my nipples tingled. Somewhere his outer clothes had come off and I eased his underwear over his erection. "I see you're ready for me." "Are you ready for me?" he asked. It flickered briefly through my mind that once I had been the person with an erection, waiting for the right moment for the girl to spread her legs. Now I was the one who was waiting for him, under an expectant tension. "Yes, Harry." We were entwined together on the bed but he gently pushed me back and lay, half beside me, half over me. His hands moved over my body, stroking my breasts. His finger circled my areolas, and my hard erect nipples, then my navel and down to the matt of fine hair at my pubis, gently pushing through it to the groove beneath. When he stroked up and down my nether lips I knew I was moist, ready for him. My whole consciousness had become focussed on his hands and fingers, with no hesitation about wanting him. A few months previously I could have been eagerly preparing to penetrate a girl. Now that was only a faint memory. Now I needed this man in me. I took hold of his penis and stroked the warm rigid flesh, stretching the skin back from the head. I heard him catch his breath and suck in air. I had only felt one penis before, my own. "Harry, what are you waiting for?" I whispered. I wanted to be completely filled with him. I put my hands on his naked buttocks, spreading my legs further and pulled him to me. I felt a slight pressure between my legs, increasing, until it was almost painful then suddenly it was easier and I felt our bodies slide together. But he stopped and with one hand stroked my cheek. I put my hands round his neck and pulled him to me, kissing him deeply. I needed him to finish but he just lay there watching me underneath him, impaled on him while he kissed and sucked my nipples. I was totally overwhelmed with helpless desire. A tingling suffused my whole body. I had never experienced anything like this in my male body. My body was submerged in sensuality. The feeling of him in me and filling me was indescribable. "You are beautiful!" he said. But his delay was frustrating me. I squirmed with my need. "Harry, make me yours!" I whispered. Almost imperceptibly, he gradually began to move, gently and slowly at first, back and forward, making little ripples of pure pleasure run from my nether regions up and down my body. I gasped again and clenched my hands at his back. "Oh yes," I whispered, my eyes tightly shut, my head back. I cried out as he suddenly thrust violently into me, moving deeper and deeper, faster and faster, my head back then tossing from side to side as he thrust in and out. His speed increased even more and I began to feel a building tension, growing and growing until I was oblivious to anything but the sensation between my legs. I was gasping, almost unable to get breath until at last he tensed and released into me. With a ripping series of convulsions and a series of little cries I was enveloped in a simultaneous climax, my insides contracting and tensing as he spilled into me. I clutched him as tight as I could. Some time later, I have no idea how long, I felt him move from me and lie by my side. "Harry," I whispered, "that was wonderful. I had no idea it would be like that. I think choosing to become a woman was the best thing I have done in my life." He pulled me close to him. On one arm over his chest, my breasts squashed against his side. "I'll take your word for it. I have no intention of trying it." The next day at work I was in a dreamy mood, thinking almost all the time of Harry. It was a good thing that Gallagher only reappeared on Tuesday. As Harry had thought, he was in a bad mood that lasted through to Wednesday. When Theresa had to run off on an errand he took time to speak to me. "Sorry about last weekend. There was some important business to look after." "What was it?" I asked. "Oh, just some pals in a bit of trouble," he said but refused to be drawn further. "Look, you on for something this weekend?" "Love to," I said and I planted a big kiss on his mouth. "Where are we going?" "You don't want it to be a surprise? It's the 'Northcountryman Hotel', out in the west of the city. I hear it's got good grub." "How's the beds?" I gave him a suggestive grin. "That's for us to find out. So, same arrangements? I'll let you off early so you can get dolled up. Yeah, and wear the same outfit too, if you know what I mean?" The thought of the weekend made my stomach hollow, but I had a job to do. I had used Harry, so that my first time would not be with Gallagher. Now I felt I was betraying Harry. Theresa had just come back. Gallagher had been rummaging in a filing cabinet and he was cursing with frustration. "Look, girls, this place is getting a bit messy. Maybe you can tidy it up a bit!" Theresa rolled her eyes when he had gone. "Typical man, couldn't find anything,and he shoves things in drawers any old how but let's get on with it." We each took a desk and filing cabinet and started to tidy up some files. I piled up some stuff that looked out-of date. Gallagher or Theresa or could decide on it. Then my eyes narrowed when I saw an old hand-written bit of paper with some addresses at the back of a drawer. Second name from the top was that of Stan Magnus. There was an address too. An idea came to mind. Joe had said Magnus was very suspicious and I had seen some of that. I slipped the paper in my pocket. I only hoped Magnus would have the same address Gallagher may have been pleasant with me, but he was still feeling stress. I got another taste of his temper the very next day. Theresa and I were just finished lunch when a man came into the office asking for Gallagher. Innocently I fetched him from his office. I was unprepared for the reaction, "You!" he snarled. "I told you not to come back!" "But Mr, Gallagher..." snivelled the other. "We used to work together. It's for old times." "I'll give you old times!" He grabbed the man by the scruff of the neck and ran him straight through some artificial ornamental palms to crash against a wall. He slid to the floor, half dazed. He attempted to rise but he was not quick enough. Gallagher kicked him then pulled him up again by the collar, and pushed him out the door into the street. "Make sure he never gets back in!" he snarled. "I'm sorry, Bob. I didn't know he was unwelcome." Theresa was open mouthed and I was trembling with shock but in his fury he ignored us. "You two!" he snarled to us. "Make sure you keep that bastard out of here!" By the afternoon he had cooled down again and reminded me he was taking me out on Friday. I didn't dare object and I nodded. "You're sure you know what you're doing, going out with him?" asked Theresa. "I'm about to pack in this job! I've just about had it with him" I was dry mouthed, but I had made my plans. This time, when Gallagher brought the car to my digs he had even worn a suit, and was freshly shaved. When I kissed his cheek, his hand went round me pulling me to him. "Mmm," I said, "a fresh shave, and aftershave too!" We drove about a half hour and stopped at the 'Northcountryman'. "Here we are, Michelle. I called them a couple of days ago." When we registered at the desk the bored looking clerk did not even look surprised when Gallagher signed in as Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jones. I had a shock when Jean came out from the office labelled Asst. Manager behind the desk. I saw her mouth drop and I was afraid she would greet me but she glanced at the register. "Welcome to the Northcountryman, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. "Your first time here? I hope you have a pleasant stay!" Her eyes twinkled at me. "Let me see you to your room!" "There you are," she said. "Have a pleasant stay, Mr. and Mrs. Jones." The room was lovely, supplied with a large bed with soft pillows and a bright patterned quilt. The room was pleasantly warm. He pushed me on to the bed, one hand up my skirt as far as my stocking tops and another down my neckline and inside my bra, pinching a nipple. "Fancy a quickie? I've been wanting it since I met you." The oaf! But I smiled and let him kiss me. "Later," I said gently removing his hand. "I'm hungry." I caught another glimpse of a black glare in his eyes. This was a man who did not like to be crossed. I would have to be very careful. The meal was actually quite good. We shared a bottle of wine and, with some dessert liqueur in my stomach, I was as ready as I ever would ever be. My nervousness made me shake slightly but I suppressed it. Finally, as if I was walking to the gallows, I allowed him to shepherd me back to our room, my knees knocking. His arm was round my waist, slipping lower to stroke my rear as we approached the room. "You look nervous, love," he grunted as he fumbled for his key. "Your first time?" He patted my rear. "How did you guess?" He gave a short laugh. "I'll make sure you're happy!" he said as he pushed the door open and stood aside for me to go inside. His bulk was blocking the doorway, silhouetted against the outside light. I could not have backed out. He flicked the light switch but nothing happened. "Bugger!" he growled. "I'll get the bedside lamp. Just a minute," and I moved over to the bed. I gasped when I felt an arm grab me and pull me to the floor. Another arm was on my mouth muffling my cry. I heard a couple of pops, and saw two faint flashes. I saw Gallagher stiffen in the doorway, as if with surprise. He gave a small gasp, then crumbled into the room. A dark shadow closed the door and then the bedside light went on. There were two figures in the room, both with dark masks. Both carried guns. Gallagher was lying just inside the door. Blood seeped from two holes in his temple and it was obvious he was dead. One man pulled the body further in and closed the door. The other man had a gun at my own head. "Not a sound, darling, unless you want to join your boyfriend! Hold still!" A strip of adhesive tape was put over my mouth and wrapped round my head and a hood or something was pulled over my head." On your front!" one ordered, pushing me down onto the carpet and holding my neck down so that my face was pushed hard against the carpet. I felt my arms pulled behind me and my wrists tied. Next I felt a rope at my ankles and my tied legs drawn up to my wrists. I could barely move. I squirmed whn I felt my zipper being slid down and my dress pulled down from me. "Well, that's a fancy bra and knickers you have, darling! I must say you look very tempting," said one of the men. He put one hand on my breasts and squeezed. "It'd be a pity to leave this lovely lady here unsatisfied. I'm sure she was expecting a dirty night out." He had a finger between my breasts, inside my bra, ready to pull it off. "Enough!" said the other. "Look, I know her, she's a nice girl. She's been good to me. Leave her." There was a sudden shouting noise from the car park. "These rowdy buggers will be attracting the police here. We should get out of here. Just make sure she can't get free!" I heard the door open and shut and I realized was alone. The whole thing must have taken less than five minutes. I was now alone with Gallagher's corpse. I tried to scream but I could only make faint noises through my nose. There were no other sounds other than came in occasionally, a woman's faint laughter along the hall and voices, men's and women's, from the car park outside the window. I managed to partially rub my hood up my face but the room was almost dark. The men must have switched out the light again. I struggled with the ropes until I was exhausted but it was useless. All I could do was roll from side to side and one time the rough carpet caught my flimsy bra strap and pulled it and the lacy bra cup off my shoulder exposing a nipple. I lost and regained consciousness on and off. One time I heard voices in the car park and car doors slam and it became quieter. I must have lain there for hours before I finally I heard noises of the doors of adjacent rooms opening and closing. Other guests would be leaving. I made another round of muffled sounds but no one came. Finally I heard a rattle at the door of my own room and I gave as loud a muffled scream as I could. "Mr. Jones?" I heard. "Is everything all right?" I gave another muffled cry. I heard the door unlocked and there was a cry of shock, changing to a scream as a maid entered. She had probably seen Gallagher's corpse just inside. I made as much noise as I could but I heard her feet clattering away in the hallway. Two minutes later I heard hurried footsteps then her voice with a man's voice. Hsnds were on me and I blinked at the sudden light as the hood pulled from my head. I screamed in pain as the tape was ripped off my mouth with not too much care. "I'm the hotel security. What's happened?" he asked me, cutting the ropes from my wrists and ankles. I cried as the circulation returned. "There were two men waiting for us when we came in last night," I gasped. "They shot him." I nodded to the corpse. "He's dead, isn't he?" Another man was soon there too and through my tears I explained what had happened. I pulled my bra back up, struggled to my feet, stiff from being tied and I put on a dressing gown. I started to cry. Then Jean was holding me. "We've called the police, miss. They'll be here in a minute." "Jean, can you call this number too. He's police." I recited Harry's number from memory. "Tell him it's Michelle." The police were soon on the scene and were actually polite and caring until a new arrival let it slip that the corpse was Gallagher's. "That one's got form. A big gang boss in the city. He'll not be missed. "Who's she?" Someone pointed to me. "Oh, probably a tart he'd picked up," I heard someone snicker and the attitude to me in the room visibly changed. "Looking forward to a dirty night out, were you, darling?" They were as vulgar as the men who had tied me up and I was furious, yet that was the part I was playing. "You self-righteous bastard," I screamed in semi mock indignation. "Who're you calling a tart!" Harry took about a half hour to arrive after the local police. I had stuck to my story with them, that I was Gallagher's girl friend and that we were taking a break. That two unknown men had shot him. Actually Harry rapidly took charge of me. "Sorry Michelle, but I have to do this fairly formally. Let's see if the hotel can give me a room to interview you in." I told him the whole story. "No idea who they were?" he asked. I shook my head. "They were both in masks, dark clothing, One had a local accent by the sound of it. The other didn't speak much, maybe a Midlands accent. Both had gloves on too. They were medium height. That's all I got. It was too sudden." Harry rose and stretched. "Yes, it was well planned. Well Michelle, that solves one problem. We needn't bother about Gallagher any more but I wonder who'll take over his gang? The other question is, who did it? Maybe it's another gang trying to muscle in on the territory. That could be as much trouble." "What now?" "It was a murder, not that Gallagher will be a loss to society, and now we have to investigate that. You'd better tell me all you remember about last night." "I don't know much. It had seemed like an ordinary night, well apart from my own worries. I told you I'd decided to spend the night with him." I felt myself blush." Well, it was to try to get into his good books. Wasn't that what you wanted?" I glared at him. "But there had been nothing out of the ordinary, at least that I saw!" "Anything before that, at his club?" "No, other than people trying to contact him and I already told you about these." "When did you decide to go the hotel?" "It was his doing, I 'd finally offered to spend the night with him to see if he'd get comfortable enough with me to drop some information. As far as I know he arranged it a day or so before. He made the booking." "Did Mrs. Norris know where you were going?" "No, I didn't tell her, just that I was going out overnight." He looked out of the window. "Michelle, you did what we wanted or at least tried to. I thank you very much but your part is ended. And I'm glad you weren't hurt," he added as an afterthought. I stared at him and he shut his eyes and shook his head. "Sorry, Michelle, I'm being too much the policeman. I'm not thinking of you." He took me in his arms. "So what now for us?" asked softly. "I think it's now six months since you had the treatment, as they call it. I gather you'd be leaving the agency normally?" "Yes, I was going to work a bit then the arrangements were to be that that I'd go to a college in October. Harry, what about us?" "I was wondering about that." He took me in his arms. "Michelle. I'm glad you're safe. You mean everything to me. " He smoothed the hair back from my brow. "I hated that you were going to give yourself to Gallagher." "Harry, I'm yours only from now on." I locked the door, led him to the bed and we made quick desperate love. Epilogue. With Gallagher gone, I could resume my own life. I won't call it normal as I had still some adjusting to do, but I had endured some 'baptism by fire.' I went back to the agency for another month, but they had little more to offer me and it was soon time to leave. I started classes at a college, studying to be a medical technician. I loved any time I was able to meet Harry, and no longer had any doubts about my new life. Now I live with Harry and it looks as if we are heading to a more permanent relationship. I am glad that it was he that I gave my virginity to and no on else. Three months or so into my studies I went back once to the agency for a visit. I was welcomed, but I only knew one of the new girls. The rest had moved on, like me. Two or three months after that Harry asked me about Gallagher, if I had wanted revenge. "No, I'm just glad he's gone," I replied. "Why are you asking now?" "Oh, it's just that we're still looking into Gallagher's murder. It's still on our books. We've been looking at anyone who might have a grudge against him." "That would be a lot of people." "Wasn't a former mate of Michael -you remember Michael," he smiled faintly, "called Joe Bolton? Wasn't he badly mutilated by Gallagher?" "Yes, he was. I imagine if Michael still existed he would have had a grudge as well. But Gallagher's dead." 'Well, Bolton was found dead in his place, natural causes, but he had a gun and we think it's the one that murdered Gallagher." "So revenge? Can't say I blame him." But I didn't tell Harry the whole story. I was glad Joe had taken his revenge too. I had slipped a letter to Magnus, suggesting that Gallagher had betrayed him to get a potential rival out of the way and taking advantage of his suspicious nature and I reasoned he would want some revenge. So Magnus must have enlisted the help of his old pal Joe Bolton, another who wanted revenge. Joe was an old pal of Magnus. What I had not was expected was a gun and murder or to be tied up and assaulted in the hotel room, but it supported my story. It must have been Joe who recognized me in the hotel room and save me from rape by Magnus. You could say it was a dirty night's work, perhaps I had an inadvertent part in his death, but I have got over my trauma, and I don't feel any remorse about Gallagher. I look forward to a new life. END