Heidi Grows Up

By Kev Pickering

For Heidi Strong and her mother Amy, life can never be the same. Amy has entered into a relationship with the mother of Heidi's best friend Cindy, and they are moving into the same house to live together.

But as they begin their new life, new challenges also come. They meet a couple with secrets, face the most horrific night of their lives, and discover new friends as they begin to experience the greatest journey a girl can face.

The later teenage years...

This third collection of the Heidi stories see Heidi and her friends facing new challenges, and reliving old memories, as one by one they discover what they really want from life - and become the stronger for it.

Some of the things they face are more adult than others, but throughout one thing remains constant - friendship and family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326409227

Book preview

Heidi Grows Up

Heidi Grows Up

By Kev Pickering

Copyright (C) 2015 Kev Pickering

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-326-40922-7

This work is licensed under the Creative Communities Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.  To view a copy of this license, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/

or send a letter to

Creative Commons

171 Second Street, Suite 300

San Francisco, California 94105

USA

http://www.kppresents.com

Introducing the Girls...

Trying to come up with an introduction to Heidi and the various families gets more complex the longer these stories go on.  So, deep breath...

Heidi Strong is a typical teenager, and has good friends in Cindy Elsworth, Alice Hawkins, Natalie Jenkins and Jannifer Dale.  They hang out together, have fun together - and like to play tie-up games together.  Games that have helped them at various times when life has thrown curve balls.

Those situations have led to Heidi and Cindy’s mothers, Amy and Dorothy, falling in love with each other, and they recently declared their commitment to each other in the presence of the other mothers and friends.  Friends like Amy’s sister Veronica, who is Natalie’s birth mother, her maid Maria, Coral Blackwood and Bobbi Hopwood.  Coral’s daughter Andrea is a friend of Alexa and Joanne, and Joanne is Cindy’s cousin.

And then there are the Duncombe sisters – Anne and Sue, both FBI agents, both good and loyal friends to all the women.

The British connection is also worth mentioning – Heidi’s pen friend is Alicia Bowden, and through her Heidi knows both Alicia’s family and those of her friends, the Craigs especially.

Before we begin, a very special word of thanks to Skybird137, for allowing me to include The Red Widow in this collection.

As we rejoin the story, Heidi and Cindy are getting ready to move into their new home...

Heidi’s Housewarming

Wednesday 26th June, 2013

Pete, are those cameras up and running yet?

Give me a moment, Agent Duncombe - I’m fixing the last cable now.

Sue Duncombe nodded as the door opened and Dorothy Ellsworth walked in, wearing a white t-shirt and bleached denim shorts with a pair of sneakers covering her feet.

Hi, Dorothy, Sue said as she turned and smiled at the new arrival, five minutes and I think we’re all done in here.

Great, Dorothy said with a smile, So we can start to move in on Monday?

"That’s right - with luck, you’ll be done and dusted in time for the fireworks on Thursday, and then you can have the housewarming party on Saturday as you planned.

Great, Dorothy said with a smile, so you can’t see them?

Oh come on, Sue said as she looked at Dorothy, I’m a professional remember?

All done, Sue, the man said as he came into the room, dressed in a pair of blue overalls.  I’ll run some tests from the field office, but you know me - this will work.

I do know you, Pete, and I trust you, Sue said with a smile.  See you later.  The two women watched as the man left, and then Sue said come on - we’re meeting Amy and Anne at the local coffee shop to discuss the arrangements.

Well, at least the house is fully equipped now, Anne Duncombe said as she sipped her iced Mocha.  Dorothy and Sue had joined her and Amy Strong a few minutes before, Anne dressed like Sue in a trouser suit and white blouse, while Amy was wearing a blue sleeveless blouse and a pair of tan pants.

So the new furniture is arriving Monday, and once Veronica has completed the escrow and the other property transfer we can move in ourselves.  For now, however, we’ll make do with the party on Saturday.

I think it’s going to be an interesting party, Anne said with a smile, so Veronica and Maria are catering?

That’s right - all we need to finalise now are the invitation arrangements.  We have half of them in line at our end - what about you Anne?

I hope you don’t mind, Anne said with a smile, but given the people involved, I felt it would be better to ask a couple of friends of mine who are - uniquely placed to collect the people I am responsible for.

Do you trust them?  Anne looked at Amy as she said One hundred percent - they know me, and they are more than willing to help.  Sue?

Plans are all good to go - all I need is the word.

Then, Amy said as she looked at Dorothy with a smile, Make it so.  Saturday we PAR_TAY!

Saturday 6th July, Somewhere in Maine, 9 am

Heather switched off the blowtorch and raised the visor, examining the wrought iron bedstead to ensure the iron chain she had just attached to it was firmly in place, before smiling and putting her equipment to one side. 

That should please the client, she said to herself as she rubbed her hands on a rag, and then pulled off the visor and apron she was wearing over her bib dungarees, the legs of which came down to her knees, and her white t-shirt.  She walked out of the barn, her bare feet pressing down the grass as she made her way back into the farmhouse she lived in, and then walked into the hallway.

Picking up the telephone, she dialled a number and waited a few minutes, before saying "Carl?  It’s Heather Reid.  I’ve finished the props you wanted me to work up for you - give me 48 hours to polish it off, and you can collect Monday evening.

"Yeah, I had a good holiday, thanks - dinner with the family and I joined them to watch the fireworks.  But it’s still good to get back up here and get back to work.

All right then - see you Monday night.  ‘Bye for now.

Replacing the handset, Heather smiled as she turned - and ran straight into the broad-chested man who was standing there, a black mask covering his head so that only his eyes and mouth were visible.

What the... Heather said, before she sensed rather than saw the hand come from behind her and push the rubber bung into her mouth, and then the leather pad it was attached to pulled over her face as it was securely fastened around her head.

She was quickly turned round to see a woman standing there, dressed like the man in black with a balaclava over her head.  Whstgngnn, Heather mumbled as she felt her arms being pulled behind her back, and the soft feel of leather around her wrists as they were secured together with a pair of leather cuffs linked by a chain.

You’re coming on a little trip with us, the man said, and Heather was surprised to hear the Australian accent he spoke with.  Now, you’re not going to give us any trouble, are you?

Whrwgng, Heather mumbled as she was forced  onto her knees, and she felt a second pair of leather cuffs fixed round her ankles.

You’ll see - or rather, you won’t the man said, and suddenly Heather gulped as her sight was cut off by a black mask that was pulled down over her eyes and head.  She felt herself being lifted off the ground, and carried out of the house, her struggles useless as she felt herself being laid on a metal floor, and then her ankles pulled back.

As the woman fastened a chain between her legs and wrists with a small padlock, the man said One down - four to go.  Let’s move - we have a drive ahead of us...

Saturday 6th July, 9 am - the offices of Cabot Estates.

Bobbi Hopwood walked down the warm sidewalk, dressed in a light blue cotton sundress which came to just above her knees, and a pair of wedge sandals on her feet which were tied to her legs by thongs that crossed her thigh up to her knee.

She stopped outside the door of the real estate office, looked at herself in the mirror and then opened the door, closing it behind her as she looked round the empty floor.

Hello, Veronica - are you in here, she called out, expecting her old friend to call out, but there was no response.  Walking to a door at the back of the office, Bobbi knocked on it and said Veronica?  Are you in there?

She could hear some noise on the other side of the door, and she put her hand on the door knob, turning it and pushing the door gently in.  Veronica, she said again as she slowly walked into the inner office, Are you in here?

BBBEEEE!

Bobbi stood still at the sight of Veronica Cabot sitting in a chair, her arms taped down to the rests and her ankle and legs taped together.  A band of silver tape also covered her mouth as she stared back at her friend, trying to say something.

Hello, a young voice said behind her, and Bobbi turned to see two women standing behind her, one slightly taller that the other, dressed in grey jumpers and slacks with stockings covering their heads.  Now, you’re not going to scream or shout or do anything stupid, are you?

Bobbi looked at them both, then at Veronica, before raising her arms and saying What are you going to do to me?

Take you for a ride, the taller of the two women said as she produced a roll of duct tape from behind her, while the younger woman produced a roll of saran wrap.  Have you ever seen Cleopatra?

A long time ago - why?

Very slowly, put your handbag in the floor, and then stand with your arms by your side.

Bobbi bent her knees, slipping her leather bag off her shoulder before she stood up again, and pressed the palms of her hands into her sides.  She watched as the younger girl tore free the edge of the wrap and walked behind her, pressing the thin plastic around her arms and waist and then taking it down her legs, fixing her wrists to her sides as she wrapped the young blonde down to her ankles.

Planning on keeping me crispy fresh, Bobbi quipped as she looked over at Veronica, who simply stared straight back.

You’ll see, the older woman replied as she watched her companion return to Bobbi’s waist, and then wrap her in the clear plastic up to her shoulders.  Bobbi tried wriggling round as she stood there, but to little avail.

And now, the older woman said as she tore the end of the large roll of tape free, for the next layer.  She walked behind Bobbi, sticking the end of the tape to her shoulder over the saran wrap and then beginning to encase her arms and body in the silver bands.

Well, she said as she looked at Veronica, at least I won’t have my outfit ruined.

Vrreeffnnnee, Veronica said as the silver encasement continued, covering Bobbi’s arms as her finger tips disappeared under the band covering her waist, and then down, covering her skirt and her legs until all that was visible was her sandals and her head.

I would prefer a seaweed wrap, Bobbi said with a grin as she twisted round, but I can live with this.  So I guess you’re going to take me - or is it us - somewhere now?

You’ll find out, the older woman said as she took a pad of cloth from her pocket and held it in front of their captive’s mouth, right now, open wide.

Look, I don’t know what’s going on here, or why you have taken me and my friend hostage, but you don’t haffftggmm.   Bobbi’s plans fell on deaf ears, as the cloth was stuffed into her mouth, and her lips covered in several layers of tape.  Take her feet, the older woman then said, and as she was lifted off the ground Bobbi was powerless to stop them taking her to the rear exit, and then depositing her in the trunk of a car.

We’ll be back in a minute, was the last thing she heard before the trunk was slammed shut, and the two women returned to Veronica’s office, where they found her laughing under her gag....

Saturday 6th July, 10.30 am - the Jenkins residence

Natalie Jenkins looked up as her mother came into the room, carrying a pile of freshly ironed tops in her hands.

You’re not forgetting that we’re meeting Chloe later, are you, Katherine said as she stood in the doorway, looking at her blonde haired daughter who was sitting cross-legged in the seat.  Natalie was wearing a white t-shirt with Born to run imprinted on the front, and a long pleated white skirt that covered her legs, the tips of her bare toes sticking out from underneath.

No I haven’t forgotten, Nats said as she looked up.  I’m all right like this, aren’t I?

Katherine shook her head and went upstairs, entering Natalie’s room and putting away the clothes in her drawers.  Task completed, she headed for the shower and stripped out of the joggers and top she was wearing, refreshing herself under the running water before drying off and heading for the bedroom.

After her underwear, she selected a white silk blouse and a knee length grey skirt, placing them on the bed before retrieving a pair of black patent leather heels and a matching pair of dark stockings.

A few minutes later, she stood in front of the mirror on her wardrobe door, saying to herself That should do the trick, before she left the room and walked down the stairs.

Ready, Nats, she said as she walked into the front room, only to be stopped as she looked at her daughter, staring back at her over the large knot of cotton that her lips were wrapped around.

Her arms were pinned behind her back, but Katherine could clearly see the band of rope around her shoulders.  Nats had her knees bent, and there was a flash of white rope under the hem of her skirt as she wriggled her toes.

Katherine simply stared at Natalie, before she was taken completely by surprise by her arms being folded behind her back, and three lengths of rope being tied around her wrists and elbows, and her forearms.  Before she knew what was happening, or even had the chance to say anything, she was been pushed down onto her bottom, and a woman clad in black literally from head to toe was wrapping a length of rope tightly around her ankles, while someone was binding her upper arms to her sides with a further coil of rope.

Natalie could only look on mutely as the man behind her mother then nodded to the balaclava masked woman, who bent Katherine’s knees and then passed more rope under her thighs, passing it to the man who moved faster than Natalie would normally see.

They had taken her completely by surprise five minutes after her mother had left, the sound of the shower meaning that she did not hear them until it was too late, and her own arms were already secured.  Now she saw her mum been forced into a ball tie like hers, and then the thick knotted scarf pulled between her teeth to silence her.

The man and woman picked Katherine up, and carried her out of the room between them, Nats wondering what the hell was going on - and how they had managed to do this without her mum doing a single thing about it.

As for Katherine, once the initial shock of seeing Natalie bound and gagged had worn off, she was already too well tied to do more than let them finish, and try to work out what to do next.  She was carried out to a van that had been backed up the driveway and sat on the floor.  The two captors left, and she looked round the van, noting only the boxed off area in the far corner.

Whtsgngngmm?

She looked up as Natalie was sat next to her, and then the van doors were slammed shut.  Enffhde, Katherine mumbled through the cotton knot filling her mouth, as she felt the van start and then move off.

Behind the driver’s wheel, the woman removed her mask, shook out her hair and said Two more?

Two more, the man said in his Australian accent as they made their way back across town...

Saturday 6th July, 10.30 am, the School Library

As Chloe Badelaine sorted through the books and replaced them on the shelves, she started thinking about the detention class she had planned for Natalie on Monday.  She had invited her and her mother to the school to discuss the plans that she had, and hopefully to gain the tacit approval of Katherine for one of them

It was one that she felt may finally break Natalie’s habit of walking barefoot in the library, and was designed to cause Nats to feel the most discomfort as well as give Chloe the most fun.  The fact that poor Natalie would end up in fits of giggles was merely an additional bonus in her eyes.

Chloe?  Are you in here somewhere?

One moment, Chloe said as she put the last book back, and walked to the open area, where Alexa Johnson was sitting at a desk, swinging her legs to and fro.  While the young girl was attired in a black t-shirt, white shorts with black leggings and tennis shoes, Chloe was in her normal attire of a v-necked jumper, denim skirt, black Dr Marten boots and dark tights.

No scarf today, Alexa said as she stood up.

No - I felt it too warm for that, Chloe said, so what can I do for you?

I need a favour, Alexa said with a blush, Joanne is coming over later, and I understand you may be able to loan me something that we can use for our - games.

Ah - I see, Chloe said with a smile, Shall we go into my office?

The two girls went into the inner office, where Chloe produced a box from the cupboard and opened it.  Alexa looked in, before saying Oh yes - some of this will prove very helpful indeed.  What are these?

She held up two balls, with holes in them, and thin leather straps on each side.

Ah yes - they are called Wiffle balls, Chloe said as she picked one up, they were a popular form of ballgag in early periodicals for this sort of thing.  Would you like to try it?

That sounds like a good idea - why don’t you both try one?

Chloe and Alexa looked to the doorway, the young French girl muttering Mon Dieu as she looked at the new arrival.

Sue, she said as she looked at Sue Duncombe, standing there in a black roll neck sweater and tight leggings, How did you get into the school?

Oh I had my ways, Sue said with a smile, but enough pleasantries - I am here to invite you both to a party and I need to ensure this is an invitation you cannot refuse, so...  She produced a small dart gun and pointed it at Chloe and Alexa.  We can do this in a way you enjoy, or you can take a little nap - which would you prefer?

On reflection, Alexa said as she looked at the other two, and from what I heard from Joanne’s mother, I think the first way is better.  Opening her mouth, she placed the ball in her mouth and fastened the thin leather straps tightly around her head.

But what of the library - we can hardly leave it unlocked, Chloe said as she looked at Sue.

Quite right - so you’re going to lock it before we go out to my car, Sue said with a smile.  But first - use one of these to secure Alexa’s wrists behind her back.  She produced from somewhere a long thin plastic strip, and handed it to Chloe.

Well, if you insist, Chloe said as she walked behind Alexa, crossed her wrists and used the zip tie to secure them together.  And now, mon cher, I presume I must gag myself, Non?

Oui, Sue said, and she watched as Chloe place the ball in her own mouth and gagged herself.  Now then, she said as she took Alexa by the arm, why don’t you turn off the lights and lock up, and then we can take a little trip?

It took the young French girl a few moments to turn off the lights and lock the door, before Sue used a second zip tie to secure her wrists behind her back, and then they walked to a waiting van.  Sitting them both in the back, she secured their ankles and then stuck several layers of duct tape over their mouths.  Smiling, she said Enjoy the ride, and then shut the door on them. 

As they felt the van move off, the two young girls looked at each other, wondering who had started this latest escapade off.

Saturday 6th July, 11 am - the Dale household.

No, Mum - you pull the rope through the loop, then back on itself and wind it round their wrists.

Blossom nodded and followed Jannifer’s instructions while she knelt in front of Margo, while Britney sat in front of her older sister.  She was wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Justin Beiber on the front and a pair of jeans, while her twin sister was wearing a blue short sleeved blouse, a tiered denim skirt that covered her knees as she knelt, and a pair of high white socks.

That’s better, Jannifer said as Blossom separated the ends of the rope and passed them between Margo’s wrists, pulling the bands tighter, now copy my knot and tuck the ends into the bands of rope.

I think it’s great that you agreed to play this game with us, Mum, Britney said as Jannifer shuffled back and picked up another length of rope, It means we can be a family together.

We always were, Buttercup, Blossom said as she put Margo’s ankles side by side and started to bind them together, but this way I get to keep an eye on all three of you.

Which means no funny stuff, Jannifer said as she bound her little sister’s ankles, and then helped her to sit with her back against the couch.  Binding her legs tightly together below her knees, she watched as Blossom folded Margo’s skirt back, did the same over the tops of her socks, and then folded the skirt back.

Now we gag them, right?

Right, Jannifer said as she picked up two red bandanas, which she had rolled into bands and tied knot is the middle of, A nice simple knotted cleave gag, as they requested.

Margo and Britney nodded as the scarves were gently pulled into their mouths, the band taken around their heads and then knotted together at the base of their necks.

Uttrnnwmm, Margo said as Blossom looked at Jannifer.  Her older daughter was wearing a lime green t-shirt with matching leggings, while Blossom herself had on a cream coloured sundress with a cornflower print on it, and natural hose over her legs.

All right, Blossom said as she knelt in front of Jannifer, and crossed her wrists behind her back, but remember the rules, Janny.

Yeah, I know - one hour tops, and then they have to be let free, Jannifer said as she crossed her mother’s wrists behind her back and tied them tightly together, although the idea of keeping them tied up all day does appeal to me.

Andsfn, Britney said as the two of them giggled, but Blossom looked at them and said quietly No - I’m still getting used to this idea, so a time limit for now.   She looked over her shoulder and tried to move her wrists as Jannifer tied them off, but smiled as she said You have learned a few things from the others.

You’d be amazed, Jannifer said as she picked up one of her mother’s scarves, a large brown headsquare with white lines running diagonally over it, and rolled that into a band before tying a knot in the middle of it, now I think you need to be quiet - open wide.

Mmmsbnggd, mmsbnggd, Britney and Margo sang in unison as Jannifer pulled the silk knot between her mother’s red lips, and then tied the ends together under her hair at the base of her neck.

Bttrrstnw, she mumbled as she managed to sit between the twins, watching as Jannifer tied her ankles tightly together, and then her legs below her knees, before she looked at the three of them.

Whtrufnkng, Blossom said as she looked at Jannifer, then she closed her eyes and started giggling as Jannifer tickled the soles of her hose covered feet, moving from time to time to Britney and Margo as all three started to laugh.

Hhfdddpllssssss, Blossom called out as she tried to move her feet out of the way, but Jannifer just kept up the tickle torture, making all three of them laugh as they kept wriggling.  Blossom opened her eyes for a moment and looked at Jannifer as she felt the finger tips on the soles of her feet again, and called out Pllsssnffffjnffrrlkt!!!

Jannifer looked at her mother, then the twins, before a gloved hand clamped over her mouth and she felt her arms being pulled behind her back, soft rope encircling her wrists.  Sorry to interrupt, she heard a muffled female voice that seemed familiar say, but we’ve come to take you on a little trip - all of you.

Hrru, Blossom said as Jannifer felt her ankles being pulled together, and then rope going around them as well.

Take the younger ones out, the voice said, and Jannifer saw a small, plump woman with a stocking over her head pick up Britney and carry her put of the house.  As the masked woman returned for Margo, she saw a folded and knotted black scarf being held in front of her mouth, and the voice said Open wide.

WHHREGNG, Jannifer said as she felt and tasted the silk in her mouth, while the woman returned and picked her mother up as if she was a sack of feathers.  "You’ll see, the voice said as Jannifer herself was lifted up, and followed the woman carrying her mother out to a waiting van.  They were sat next to Britney and Margo, as one of the woman closed and locked the door to the house, then slipped the key into her pocket.

Let’s go, she said as the doors to the van closed, and the family were driven away...

Saturday 6th July 12 noon - the Hawkins residence

This was great Mum - it’s not often the two of us get a shopping trip together.

It does make a nice change - but with your father off playing golf, and your brother out of town, we get a girly day to ourselves.  Margaret Hawkins smiled as she drove down the road, her dark glasses keeping the hot sun out of her eyes as she did so.  Alice was in the front beside her, looking out of the window at the boys as they passed by.

Thanks for letting me dress as I want as well, Alice said with a smile.  She had on a light blue crop top vest, matching hot pants and dark tights, with a pair of three inch heels on her feet.  Her mother was also relatively casually dressed, in a black t-shirt and leather skirt that came halfway down to her knees, bare legs and leather heels.

Well, your dad’s not so strict about your clothes now, but he has nothing to say on the matter today, Margaret said as they drove into their driveway, noticing a grey van that was sparked a short distance down the road.  The mother and daughter got out of the car, and as Margaret popped the trunk Alice took out the various bags with the things they had bought.

Opening the door, Margaret said Just put the bags down, I need to take these heels off, kicking her shoes into the hall way as Alice put the bags down, and kicked her own shoes off.

Do you ever get used to walking in those things, she said with a groan as she sat on the bottom steps and rubbed her feet.

You do, but walking round the mall in them is not the best idea, Margaret said with a smile, even if you do get half the boys looking at you?

Only half, Alice said, and then the two women burst out laughing.  I think I understand why Nats hates wearing heels so much now, she said as she stood up, and walked into the front room.

Mum?  I think you need to come in here - sort of now.

What’s up, Margaret said as she followed Alice into the darkened front room, and then stopped short as she said Jack?

Her husband was looking at both of them from the centre of the room.  He was sitting in a chair, in a white vest and striped boxer shorts, but the unusual thing was that he was lashed to the chair with ropes around his chest, laps and legs, and his arms were behind the back of the chair.  He also had strips of tape covering his mouth, as he looked at both of them.

What the... Margaret said as the door closed behind them, and both she and Alice realised someone else was in the room.

Now then, a male voice in a strange accent said, you little ladies need to very slowly put your hands behind your back, and stay nice and still, understand?

Just don’t hurt my baby, Margaret said as she moved her hands behind her back, and she felt her wrists pressed against each other before the pressure of rope as it rubbed against her skin.

Are you all right Dad, Alice said as she felt her own wrists been bound together.  Jack nodded as he watched the black clad figures binding his family’s arms behind their backs, and then pulling them tightly into their sides with bands of rope around their stomachs and upper arms.  As the material of her blouse stretched over Margaret’s chest, he had to think some very clean thoughts to prevent anything else happening.

What are you going to do with us, Margaret asked quietly as she tried to move her arms.

You’ll find out, the man said as Alice felt some rope being passed around her legs.  Looking down, she saw a pair of gloved hands passing the rope around them above her knees, leaving a short length between them as they tied her legs together.  Glancing to her side, she saw her mother receiving the same treatment.

Jack had to sit watching all this, wondering how this had started.  He had fully intended to spend the day at the golf course but when he went to get a drink of water before setting off there had been a knock on the door.  He had opened it to find two masked people standing there, one of them pointing a gun as the other ordered him to strip and then bound him tightly to the chair.

He knew it wasn’t Sue - the woman was too big, for one thing - but when they had explained what was going to happen he nodded and understood.  He couldn’t do a lot else - the tape over his mouth holding the sponge ball inside took care of that.  But, he had changed his mind about a lot of things, so he figured he could live with this.

Now, ladies, the man said as he stood in front of Alice and Margaret, his face covered by the black balaclava, we’re going to take a little trip.  Your hubby here is going to be just fine, and I’m sure he’ll pay for your safe return.

He’s a cop, Alice said with real anger in her voice, He’ll hunt you down if you hurt us.

Well, we won’t hurt you, if you behave, the man said, Starting with you opening your mouth nice and wide, little girl.

Whmmmmgg, Alice said as the knotted scarf was pulled between her lips, gagging her as the band was passed round her neck and tied off.  She glanced over at her mother, who was also being gagged in the same way, before they were turned round and marched to the door by the second person.  It was only now that both Alice and Margaret realised their other captor was a woman.

The masked man walked over to Jack, and whispered something into his ear.  Jack nodded as he saw something been placed under his left hand, and the man walked off, leaving him alone in the dark.

Opening the front door, he looked both ways before saying Let’s go, and ran to the grey van, reversing it up the road before coming out and opening the side door.  The masked woman made Alice and Margaret walk as fast as their bound knees would allow them to the door, and then helped them to climb in.

Lssss?  Mrgrrt?

Kfrrn?  Ntly?

The two women looked at the ball tied Natalie and Katherine as they were made to sit opposite them, before their ankles were crossed and bound.  The woman climbed back out and closed the door, as the van moved off.

Saturday 6th July, 12 noon - the Blackwood residence.

Andrea, are you going to spend all day in that outfit?

Coral Blackwood walked into the hallway and looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting the silver crucifix she had on around the neck of her black sweater and then brushing down her knee length skirt.  Turning, she listened and then shook her head as her daughter called back down the stairs Why not - nobody’s coming to call, and we’re not going anywhere, are we?

There really is no answer to that, Coral said as the telephone rang, and she picked up the handset.

"Blackwood residence?

"No, we do not require loft insulation, thank you very much. 

Yes, I am quite sure - good day.  She put the handset back and shook her head - before a gloved hand was clamped over her mouth, and a voice whispered into her ear Stay calm, put your hands behind your back, and don’t say a word.  We don’t want to scare your daughter, now do we?

Coral shook her head and then allowed herself to be walked towards the kitchen door...

Andrea was lying on her stomach on her bed, drawing in her sketch book as she hummed to herself.  She was wearing a one piece sleep suit, made of white cotton with black dots that covered her from her toes to her neck, and a pair of mittens hung loose at the wrists.

As the door opened, she said without looking Come on Mum - I thought we weren’t going anywhere.

Wrong, a voice said, and as she turned and looked she saw a woman standing there, dressed in black with a stocking pulled over her hair, holding her hair down.

What’s going on, Andrea said quietly, but the woman merely produced several lengths of rope and said Put those mittens on, and then lie down with your wrists crossed behind your back.

Is this a kidnapping?  Where’s my mother?

No talking - just do as I say.

Andrea put her pencil down and slipped the fingerless gloves over her hands, then did as she had been ordered, looking ahead as the woman quickly bound her wrists together behind her back, and then tied her arms together at the elbows.

On your knees, the woman said, and she helped Andrea to do that before she started to bind her arms tightly to her sides, the ropes going above and below her chest as she did so.  Andrea was too frightened to offer any resistance - and, if she was being honest, she was enjoying it too much.

Open wide, was the next thing she heard, and she offered no resistance as a balled up pair of ankle socks were pushed into her mouth, and then her lips covered with a strip of micropore tape.  Let’s go, was the next command as an arm took Andrea’s and she was frogmarched out of her room, down the stairs and into the kitchen.

The door to the garage was opened, and as Andrea approached the car inside she saw her mother lying in the back of the vehicle, her legs pulled back so that her ankles were attached to a band of rope that was around her arms and chest.  Her ankles and wrists were securely bound, a strip of white tape covered her mouth, a black sleep mask was over her eyes, and a pair of headphones on her head.

Andrea smiled under her gag as a similar blindfold was used on her, and then music played into her ears by a second set of headphones.  She allowed herself to be laid on her side, and then her legs to be tied together and to her chest ropes, before she felt the trunk being closed and then the car moving off.

Saturday 6th July, 1.30 pm - Ground Zero

When do you think the first of them will be arriving?

Any minute now, Amy said to Heidi and Cindy as they sat at the kitchen table, drinking from glasses as Veronica walked in.

Well, Bobbi is still in place, she said with a smile as she sat down, I don’t know if she’s ever going to forgive me for this.

See if she feels the same way when the rest arrive, Amy said as a car pulled up in the driveway, but it looks as if the first of our guests have arrived.

Amy and Veronica walked out of the front door as Anne got out of the car.

Any problems, Veronica said as Anne opened the trunk, and they saw Coral and Andrea lying there.

None whatsoever - what about the others?

We timed the arrivals so they don’t coincide - you’re the first, Amy said as she tickled Coral’s ribs, making her squirm.  She then took her shoulders, as Veronica took her feet, and carried her into the house.  As they did so, Heidi came out and said Need a hand to Anne.

I should be fine, Anne said as she picked Andrea up and carried her in her arms.  Ready for the big day?

Oh yes, Heidi said as she followed Anne in.  We’re going to have so much fun.

Well, we need to play safe, Anne said as she followed Amy and Veronica up the stairs and into one of the rooms, leaving Coral and Andrea facing each other on the bed for the moment.  Looking out of the window, she saw a van pull up, and said Right - you three head to the kitchen.  I’ll take care of the new arrivals, and you need to get ready for the big reveal.

You got it, Amy said as she, Veronica and Heidi went back into the kitchen, and Anne walked out of the front door, as a tall blonde haired woman came out of the van and embraced her, the watch dial on her wrists glowing green.

Everything go according to plan, Anne said as a tall well built man came round from the other side.

No problems at all - in fact, the woman you said would give me the most trouble was the easiest of the five to prepare.

You are joking, Anne said as the man opened the door and she climbed in, looking at the four bound and gagged women as she did so.

Hmgd - nwiknwhtshpnng, Katherine said as she looked up at Anne.

Well now - this is a nice surprise, Anne said as she looked at the four of them.  Where’s the fifth person?

Behind the covers - you said you wanted her kept separate?

Anne nodded as Natalie heard the Australian man speak, and then all four watched as Anne walked to the far corner of the van, moving the covers to reveal Heather secured, gagged and blindfolded.

Very nice, Anne said as Heather raised her head.  Give me a hand, will you?  We need to get them inside.

Saturday 6th July, 1 pm - the Birkin residence

As Suzanne stepped out of her house, she had a mental list of the things she wanted to do that afternoon at the mall.  She turned and locked the door, the hem of her white gypsy skirt swinging with her as she turned, then put the door keys in her handbag and walked to the car, her sandals flopping slightly as she walked.  She pulled up the sleeves of her jumper as she took out her car keys, unlocked the door and climbed in.

Starting the car, she looked in the side mirror then the rear view, stopping as she saw the small, dark haired woman sitting in the back.

Sue?  I’d ask how you got in my car, but I’d probably regret the answer.  What can I do for you?

Nice to see you too, Suzanne, Sue said with a smile, I came to take you to a party - and I’m afraid you can’t refuse this invitation.

Oh great, Suzanne said as she shook her head, the one day I actually need to do some clothes shopping, and you appear.  Am I the last to get an invitation?

No idea, Sue said with a smile, but I need you to drive to the mall car park.  I’ll tell you where to park.

As you wish, Suzanne said with a smile, reversing out of the driveway and heading in the direction of the mall.

Chloe and Alexa had been sitting in the stationary van for an hour now, the earphones in their ears playing music, so when the rear door opened they looked up to see what was happening.  Alexa said hlllszn as Joanne’s mother was helped into the van and then sat down on a blanket, bending her legs so that Sue could secure her ankles with a second zip tie.

Afternoon girls - I see you got an invite as well, Suzanne said as she looked at the two girls, but where’s Joanne?

Dntknn - sntshwfu?

No - I fgghsewssfu, Suzanne mumbled as Sue gagged her with strips of duct tape.  The three of them looked at each other as Sue climbed out of the van, closing the doors before they felt the engine starting again.

Saturday 6th July 2 pm - Ground Zero

Katherine looked at the masked man and woman as they gently sat her on the floor in the bedroom, Natalie next to her and Heather on the other side of the room.

You know, Anne said as she sat on the bed and looked at Katherine, I still can’t get my head round this.  You offered absolutely no resistance, none at all?  Annapolis, I am really surprised - and, I have to confess, a little delighted.  Now, you three stay here and I’ll be back soon.

The three of them stood up and walked out of the door, as Heather said Wthhhlsgngn?

Natalie looked at her mother, before shuffling herself on her bottom across the wooden floor, and turning her back she began to try and remove the hood from her head.

In the next room, Alice and Margaret were placed together on the double bed by the masked man and woman, who closed the door and left them facing each other.

Shwwdwgttfths?  Margaret said as she looked at her daughter.  Alice rolled over and looked over her shoulder, indicating to her mother she should shuffle closer to her.

As they walked down the stairs, the man and woman met Amy as she came out of the kitchen with Anne.

You must be Anne’s friends, Amy said with a smile, Why don’t you stick around and join us for a while?

They looked at each other before Anne said If it’s all right with you, Amy, they’ll come back later - once they have a chance to change.

Sure - we’ll see you then, Amy said as she walked back into the kitchen.  Sara let out a sigh and said That was close - I don’t think I’m quite ready to meet her yet.

Well, that and the fact you still need to bring someone later.  Did you enjoy it though?

Actually, yes - so that’s the kid’s friend and cousin, Brian said as he took off his balaclava.

Oh yeah - you’ll like them.  So when can I expect you to come back?

Give us a few hours - I need to sort a few things out and put something on.  Anne nodded as she walked to the door with Sara and Brian, waving to them as they got back into the van and drove off.

Anne?

Anne turned round to see Heidi and Cindy standing there.  Hey - something wrong?

Were they the friends you asked to help out?  It’s just I heard that woman somewhere before, but I can’t quite place where.

Well, they’re coming back later, so you can meet them then, Anne said as another van drove up.  Right now, we have more work to do.  Want to come and give us a hand?

The girls nodded as the driver door opened and Dorothy jumped out, Maria coming from the other side.  No problems, Anne said as they went to the side of the van.

None whatsoever, Dorothy said as she opened the door, allowing Heidi and Cindy to climb in.  Hey there, they said to Jannifer, thanks for coming to our party.

Jannifer stared at them, but the eyes of Britney and Margo were even wider.  Blossom looked at them, then at the three women standing outside the van, before she said MGNGTKLU!

Well, it was you who suggested this, Dorothy said with a smile as Heidi and Cindy picked the twins up and carried them into the house.  We’ve got a room set up with videos, games and things just for you, Blossom heard Cindy say as Dorothy and Maria picked her up.

You and Jannifer get to join Alice and her mother, Anne said as she was carried in, Amy passing them as she helped Anne to bring Jannifer into the house.

Nsstcut, Alice said as they carried Jannifer in and sat her next to her mother on the floor.  Now then, Amy said quietly, As soon as you four free each other, we’ll be having drinks downstairs.  She left and closed the door, Alice smiling as she showed her free hands to the new arrivals.

Fnks, Heather finally said as the hood was eased off her head by Natalie.  Whrre?

Mendsrfspls, Katherine said as she tried to twist her arms round.  Mstbehrprte.

Brllnt, Heather said as she looked at the chains and cuffs holding her in place.  Shobrts?

Ndde, Natalie said as she put her mouth within reach of Heather’s fingers, bttmmtgtfr.

Sue turned off the engine and jumped out of the van, walking round as Maria came out to join her.

Hello, she said as she looked at Chloe, Alexa and Suzanne, and welcome.  Sue jumped in and cut the zip ties from their ankles, and then helped them to stand up.  As they stepped out, they looked at the house, and then round at the grounds, before they walked into the house and into the front room.

Have a seat, Maria said as they were helped to the couches, and the others will join you shortly.

The three women looked at each other, and they all knew they were thinking the same thought.

Where was Joanne?

And... there!

Alice smiled as she released Jannifer from the ropes holding her wrists together, while Margaret untied Blossom.

Thanks, Jannifer said after she removed her gag, So, who brought you here?

We came with Natalie, her mum and her aunt, Margaret said as she sat on the bed.  I got the distinct feeling they had been in the van for a little while.

Any idea who it was that brought you?

Apart from it being a man and a woman - no.  I guess you got invited by Dorothy herself?

Jannifer and Alice were looking at their mothers, talking as if nothing had happened, before Alice said Hello?  Dad tied up and gagged at home?  What are we going to do about him?

And what about the twins, Jannifer added as Blossom looked at her.  Who’s going to watch over them?

Maria will - she said she’d love to.

They looked at the door to see Veronica standing there, smiling with her arms folded.  Well, she eventually said as she stood to the side, Want something to drink?

Whoever did this really knows their knots, Natalie said as she knelt behind her mother, picking at the ropes around her wrists with her teeth.  It’s almost imp.... Ah, there we go.

Katherine nodded as she shook her hands free, then wriggled her arms round and pulled the ropes off her upper body.  Turning round, she surprised Natalie with the biggest hug of her life as she said I am going to kill Amy and Dorothy for this - scaring me like that.

WHTTBBTMM!! Heather called out as she shook her tightly bound arms and legs in muted frustration. 

Sorry, sis, Katherine said as she untied her daughter, then started to free her own legs, Let’s get that gag off you.  She stood up, rubbing her wrists as she did so, then walked over and unbuckled the panel gag, droll running off it as the rubber bung was eased out.

AH, Heather finally said, before she looked over her shoulder.  Anyone know if you have any keys for these.

Looking for these, Annapolis, Sue said with an evil grin as she waved a bunch of keys in the doorway.  I heard you were taken completely by surprise.

Sue, Katherine said very slowly and quietly, I know it wasn’t you who took us, but we need to get my sister free.  If you’re planning...

Relax, Sue said as she tossed the keys over, Why don’t you get free and come down - we’re having drinks in the main room.  She walked out of the room as Katherine unlocked the padlocks and freed her sister.

Not quite how I intended to spend the morning, Heather eventually said as she stood up, who is that anyway?

Sue Duncombe, Natalie said as she hugged her aunt, Her sister is Anne Duncombe, an old friend of Dorothy’s .  So do you guys know what’s going on?

I think, Katherine said as she stood up, This is the housewarming party for Amy and Dorothy - hell of a way to invite us.

You have no idea, Heather said as she stood up, her bare feet sinking into the carpet.  They’re going to need a drink once I’ve talked to them.

What are you talking about, Natalie said as Heather moved to the door, the other two following.  As they headed to the stairs they met Alexa coming up.

You got invited too, Natalie said as she saw her, Who by?

We’ll thank Sue later, Alexa said as she headed down the corridor.  Stopping at a door, she opened it and went in, walking to the bed and removing the blindfolds from Coral and Andrea.

Hey there, she said as she removed the headphones, and then the tape and cloth from their mouths, Welcome to the party.

Party, Coral said as she looked round, PARTY????

I’m going to need a change of clothes, Andrea said as she looked at the one piece sleep suit she was wearing.  Alexa held up a plastic bag that was sitting on the floor, and said I think Anne already thought of that.

Anyone else here?

Almost all of us, Alexa said, Cindy cut us free and I offered to come up and find you two.  Chloe has gone to look for - Bobbi I think she said her name was.

Bobbi?  Bobbi Hopwood is here as well?  Coral looked over her shoulder and said "You’d better free us - I want to thank Anne for this.

Personally.

Alexa untied the two women as quickly as she could, then she left with Coral as Andrea took a few minutes to change.  As they walked past a door, they looked in to see Bobbi looking back at them over the silver cocoon that was tightly wrapped around her.

Crrrl?  Whtsgnnnn?

Afternoon, Bobbi, Coral said as she came in and removed the tape and cloth that was silencing her friend, It would appear we have been invited to a party.

Hell of a way to invite...  Where’s Veronica?  Last I saw, she was tied to a chair in her office!

I think you’ve been taken in by a ruse, Coral said with a smile, Why don’t I go and find a pair of scissors, and cut you free?

Ah there you are Natalie - I trust you are well?

Natalie nodded as she and her mother and aunt walked into the room.  Give me a minute, she said as she spotted Heidi and Cindy at the far side of the room, walked over and started to tickle them both.

Heeeyeyeyywhatssthatfororrrr, Cindy called out as Alice and Jannifer came in from the kitchen.

Next time, send invitation cards like normal people - whoever it was scared the bejasus out of me!

Both of us, Katherine said as she came in.  I literally had no idea what was going on, or how they did it without warning me.  Who were they anyway, Anne?

Friends of mine, Anne replied as she came in, and handed drinks to Chloe and Suzanne.  You’ll get to meet them later.  Pleasure to finally meet you, Heather - I’m Anne Duncombe.

Likewise, Heather said as she shook Anne’s hand.  Full marks to them - they took me completely by surprise.  So, this is the house that Veronica bought?  Kathy told me about the present.

Kathy?  I’ve never heard you called that, Anne said as she looked at Katherine.  That’s two shocking things I’ve discovered about you today.

Oh, just you wait, Katherine said with a smile as Coral and Alexa walked in.  Well, looks like almost everyone is here.

I haven’t seen Joanne yet, Andrea said as she walked in, now wearing a black t-shirt and jeans with black ankle boots.  Which room is she in?

I was going to ask the same thing, Suzanne said, she wasn’t home when I was taken - I thought she said she was spending the day with friends.

Well, it wasn’t with me or Andrea, Alexa said, so who was it?

Oh.

The room turned and looked at Heather as she blushed slightly.

Those friends of yours, she said as she looked at Anne, They were told to collect me, right?

Right, Anne said, and then she slowly put her glass down as Katherine said one word.

Where?

The attic - she came over last night, by arrangement, and I left her up there while I got on with the work I had to do.  It was an early start, and I had intended to cook her lunch, but...  Heather looked at her watch and said Somebody needs to go and bring her here.

We’re on it, Anne said as she grabbed Heather’s door keys from a pile on the sideboard, and Sue followed her out.  Oh good grief, Heidi said as she realised what had been said, I hope she is all right...

Don’t worry, kiddo, Alexa said with a smile, Joanne’s spent twenty four hours unable to do anything before.

She has, Suzanne said with a smile, When?

And on that note, Dorothy said, Welcome to our new home.  Veronica?

Whenever a new family moves into a house I have sold, Veronica said with a smile, I always like to welcome them with a bottle of champagne.  Well, this is a slightly bigger celebration than usual, but...  She picked up one of three bottles, popped the cork and started to pour it into plastic glasses, Amy and Dorothy doing the same with two other bottles.

Can we get a glass too, Heidi said.

This one, yes - everyone except the twins gets a glass.

AW, Britney and Margo said as they walked in with Maria, It sucks being young.

You get these instead, Veronica said as she handed the twins a glass of cola each.  Now - to the new homeowners!

The new homeowners, was the general call as everyone took a drink.  So, Natalie said as she looked at Cindy and Heidi, When do we get to see what this place has to offer.

Do you want to change first?

Into what?

The clothes that your inviters brought with you - there’s a bag in my room.  Up the stairs, first on the left.

You don’t have to ask me twice, Natalie said as she left the room.  As the door closed, Katherine put her arm round her sister’s shoulder and said So, do you know who brought us here?

Nope - they took me completely by surprise, or I would have told them about Joanne.  I did not even know the rest of you were in that van until we got here.

I wonder who they were, Katherine said as she shook her head, and they walked past Alexa and Andrea, who were talking to Coral and Bobbi.

So you might be interested in a career in graphic art, Andrea?  I may have an opening for an internship at my design firm, if you would be interested.

Sounds intriguing - doing what?

It will mainly be background research work, and helping with the production of portfolios and presentations - but these are things you need to know if you are going to get ahead in this business.  Come and see me on Monday if you are interested.

A few minutes later, Natalie came back in, now wearing a pair of cut off shorts and a vest top.  That’s better, she said as she wriggled her bare feet, so where does the tour start?

Want to see the pool?

Everyone turned as they heard this, and said Pool?

Heather’s farm

Joanne turned over again and tried to move her body, but short of wriggling her fingers she was in no position to do anything.  Nor see or say anything for that matter - the leather hood that covered her head had mufflers over her ears and eyes, while her mouth had been covered with white tape to keep the folded scarf inside.

Her arms were held together behind her back by the leather armbinder than went from her shoulders to her hands, the material holding them snugly together, while her ankles, legs and thighs were held with bands of black industrial tape.   Heather had arranged all this after a quick breakfast at dawn, with a promise to check on her every so often until sunset.

How much time had passed she was not sure, but she was getting hungry, and wondering if that meal was ever going to come, when suddenly she felt herself being lifted and carried, and then laid on some sort of rug.  For a brief moment she thought she saw a lighter shade of black, but that