###
Three days had passed and Ali was starting to get cabin fever. They had played every game in the house, and the girls had now started playing spot the animals on the security cameras. Thank God her pool was indoors, and they could swim in safety for a couple of hours each day.
Ali was sitting in her study when she heard the calls from downstairs. She rose from her chair and was about to see what all the fuss was when she heard a loud pop. She knew it was a gunshot and began to run. She found Flick and the girls in the kitchen watching the security feed. Ali pulled them into the lounge and away from the screen. The officer inside the house was on the radio asking for an armed response team to get to the house now. When she heard that, Ali pulled them all to her and hugged them hard. She kissed each of them, and then move upstairs where it was safer.
When they were all out of sight she checked the cameras herself. The policeman outside the gate had been shot. He was obviously dead as there was a bullet wound in the middle of his forehead, and he was laying in a pool of blood. As she scanned the scene again she saw Thomas for the first time. The guy had a determined look on his face as he was looking at the gate. Before Ali could blink he jumped at the gate and began to climb.
“Oh Shit! I should have had it hooked up to the electric. That would have stopped him in his tracks.”
Ali watched as he made it over the gate, and started towards the house. Suddenly several police cars arrived at the gate. They weren’t armed response. Ali could see him shouting at the officers. He was also shouting things about Flick. How she was a dirty cock-sucking whore, who didn’t deserve to live. She was an unfit Mother, and the kids were learning the ’trade’ from the dirty bitch. Ali was fuming.
She could hear him loud and clear, which meant Flick and the girls probably could too. It suddenly dawned on her that nobody would be able to get through the gate. Everybody who knew the code, with the exception of DCI Jones, was in the house. She went in search of the Policeman, who was with them and gave him the code. He radioed it through to armed response. Ali then went upstairs and asked Flick if she wanted, to come down and watch what was going on outside. Flick nodded but Ali told the girls to stay where they were. She didn’t want them to see, the Policeman on the ground with a bullet in his head.
Flick followed Ali downstairs. She gasped as Thomas was now in the middle of the courtyard. He was getting angrier by the second with the police, and started firing at them. He wounded a couple, but one had been shot in the chest. It appeared the Officer had taken a chance, and attempted to put the gate code in. He had succeeded, but had also been shot for his act of bravery. Ali ran to the gate control panel, and locked the gates in place, so that they were permanently open.
All of a sudden there was a loud voice from outside the courtyard. “Thomas James, put your weapon down. We do not want to use deadly force against you, but if forced then we will do so.”
Thomas started shouting again. Finally he left the courtyard and started walking away. Surely he didn’t think he could just, walk off down the road and come back tomorrow? He was a wanted man. The police weren’t going let him go a third time. Ali went to an upstairs window, so she could see what was going on below. Thomas was still shouting and waving his arms around. Ali cringed as the gun in his hand swung about. An armed response officer got close enough, to discharge his taser. Thomas fell to the floor and shook, with the volts of electric that passed through his body. He wasn’t completely incapacitated though, and managed to raise his gun and shoot the armed response officer in the chest.
Before Alison draw another breath, a gunshot sounded and she saw Thomas’ hand fall down to the floor. She ran to her study, and picked up a pair of her Mother’s antique opera glasses. She wanted to make sure the bastard couldn’t get back up, and that he would no longer be a threat to all the people she loved.
She peeked through the glasses and saw Thomas lying on the floor, he’d been shot in the abdomen. He wasn’t moving and she couldn’t see his chest rising a falling as he breathed. The officer he shot in the chest was stumbling around. His bullet-proof vest, had taken the full blow, thank God.
Flick had gone back into the bedroom with the girls. Ali pulled Flick into the hallway and told her what had happened. Flick’s legs gave out from underneath her. Ali caught her and carried her back into the bedroom.
“Watch your Mum please, girls, I’m going to get her some water. Keep away from the windows. Promise me you won’t go near any windows.”
She got Flick some water, and was headed back upstairs when there was a knock on the front door. She checked the camera on the front door and relaxed as she saw DCI Jones standing there. She let him in.
“Did you see that?” He asked.
“Yes, I did. Flick and the girls are upstairs you can talk to her up there. But not in front of our girls though. Have you got someone that could sit with them?”
He called an officer inside and they followed Ali up the stairs. The PC was a police family liaisons officer. She took the girls downstairs, and let them play on their video games. DCI Jones explained to Flick what had happened. Two Police Officers had lost their lives during the standoff and there were four injured, but the ordeal was finally over. Ali’s phone went off it was her Mum.
“We’ve just seen your house, on the British twenty-hour news channel. Is everyone all right?” Marion screamed into the phone completely hysterical.
“Yes, Mum, we’re okay.”
“Me and Claude are on the next flight out, we will be there in three hours.”
“That would be good, Mum, really good. There is a gate on the courtyard now, and you’ll probably have fun getting through the Police, but Flick and I would really appreciate it if you were here.”
She gave her Mum the code for the gate, and DCI Jones had assured her that as soon as they got here, they would be let in.
Flick sat up. She looked at Ali, “is he dead?”
“Yes,” replied DCI Jones.
“He was such a bastard. I’m glad he has gone. Those poor Police Officers that died, I’d like to send something to their families. They need to know what they died for, and who they were protecting.”
Ali wrapped her arms around Flick and held her. Typical Flick, so caring. DCI Jones excused himself and went downstairs.
“Ali, I’m so glad that we have you in our lives. You’ve been a rock through all of this, and I don’t know what we would’ve done without you. You’re my, rock, my protector, and I love you so very much. Thank you for everything, darling.”
Ali cried, she didn’t know what else to do. Flick soothed her tears and then got off the bed.
“I bet them poor sods down there, could do with a hot cup of tea”
They went downstairs and walked over to the girls. They all sat on the sofa and cuddled while they explained everything as best as they could, without going into detail. This was Ali’s family and nobody was going to take that away from her. Nobody! Ali and Flick set to work making loads of drinks. A Police Officer was taking the drinks out, as there was a circus of reporters and news crews everywhere.
After two hours, they turned the TV on so the girls could see the house on the news. Thomas’ body had been taken away, and the white tent that covered him was no longer there. They watched as Marion and Claude drove up the road and made it through the gate. As Marion got out of the car a journalist shouted at her, “who’s in the house?”
Marion turned and glared at all the journalists. “I will not give you names. My Daughter, her Partner, and my grandchildren are in the house. Now why don’t you all bugger off and give them some privacy. They’ve been through enough already. Have some bloody respect.”
With that she turned on her heels and headed towards the front door. As soon as she entered the house she was engulfed in a hug from both girls. Flick and Ali just stood there open mouthed, staring at the TV. Suddenly Flick laughed and walked to Marion. She gave her a lengthy hug, and a kiss on the cheek.
“Nice to see you, Granny,” Flick teased.
Everyone laughed and Marion turned scarlet. “Did I say that, grandchildren?”
“Yep, you did, Mum,” Ali hugged her Mum and laughed. “Right my, girls, we need to have a family meeting, in the dining room.”
They all made a drink and took it to the table. Not surprisingly all the adults were drinking spirits. Flick had got what looked like a treble whiskey in front of her.
“I need to talk to Flick and the girls on their own for a minute if you don’t mind,” she watched as her Mum and Claude went to study the news channel in the lounge. “Right there is something I need to ask you all. What do you think about moving in here with me?”
Flick looked shocked, “are you sure you’ve thought about this Ali?”
“Yep, for weeks. This has made me realise what matters in life, and that’s you three. I would love for us to be a complete family and live together. I know it’s not ideal for the schools you’re in now, but we can find you new ones. Chelsea, I know you have exams in a year or two, but if you switch now, you’ll still be able to learn what all the other pupils are, and still sit your exams,” she then turned to Flick. “As for you Ms Bromwell, I want to grow old with you. I love you so much, Flick, please move in with me and make my life complete?”
“Ali, I need to think about this, and talk to the girls. Can we have a minute or two to talk about it?”
“Sure I’ll go and sit with Mum and Claude.”
Ali went and sat with her Mum. She filled her in on the moving in prospect, and waited for Flick to call her back in. When she heard her name called, she took a deep and nervous breath, “here goes.”
She walked into the kitchen and Flick flew into her arms. She kissed her and then pushed Ali back so she sat in a chair. Flick sat on her lap and wrapped her arms around her.
“I had an answer the minute you asked, but I had to talk to the girls about it before I gave you it. Chelsea and Annabelle tend to agree with me though, and said I would be completely nuts to say no. We would love to move in with you.”
Flick caught a tear as it slid down Ali’s cheek. The girls cuddled Ali, and waited while she composed herself.
“When I go to bed at night I make a wish that you would all be here with me, all the time. I suppose I won’t have to do that anymore.” Ali kissed Flick and whispered in her ear, “I’m the luckiest woman on earth, and all the richer for having you all in my life.”
Marion and Claude were let back into the kitchen. Ali announced that Flick and the girls would be moving in with her. Marion was beyond pleased and hugged everyone tightly.
Ali had to ring Frank and let him know what had happened. She reached for her phone, just as it rang. Charlie and Christi had seen the news, and were on their way over. That’s if they could get through the circus outside. Flick got a call from Steph, who was also on her way up. Apparently it was all over the news in Wales too.
Ali walked into the lounge, and called Frank.
“Hi, Ali. I know why you’re phoning. It was on the TV in my reception area, are you all okay? Nobody’s hurt, are they?”
“We’re all fine, Frank. A little shaken up, but fine. Two Police Officers were killed and a few injured. But the family are okay”
“Well you’re both to take a week off to get over this. I don’t want to see you in the office. Just take care of Flick and the girls.”
“Thanks, Frank. Can you please let Gerald know?”
“Not a problem. He called me not long ago. He had also seen it on the TV.”
“You’re both wonderful guys, and thank you for being so understanding.”
“No problem, Ali, call if you need anything.”
They finished talking and then DCI Jones was heading towards her.
“I’m sorry, Alison, but there are two women at the front gate wanting entry, their names are Charlie and Christi.”
“Sorry I forgot to tell you they were coming. Flick’s friend Steph is driving up from Cardiff as well, she should arrive at some point tonight.”
“Okay, we’ll keep an eye out for her.”
“We’ll be ordering dinner in tonight. Then if the circus is clear tomorrow, we need to get out and do some shopping. We will also need to go to Flick’s at some point, to collect all their things.” He raised an eyebrow in question “They’re moving in with me permanently”
He walked away and signalled for Charlie and Christi to be let inside. They all shared hugs and Ali showed them into the kitchen, where everyone else was. She noticed Claude and her Mother in deep conversation, in the front room. She thought it best not to disturb them.
All the friends gathered around the table, and started going over the events again.
“We need to call out for dinner. Can you call Steph and see what time she is going to be here, and what she would like from the curry house?”
“Sure thing, gorgeous,” Flick squeezed her arse as she walked passed.
“You two can stay. It’ll be nice to have you join us.”
Marion and Claude came back into the room, with bright smiles. Marion disappeared down the stairs to the cellar. She came back with three bottles of Champagne.
“Mum, where did you find those?”
“Ah. I forgot to tell you about my secret stash.”
They all laughed and popped corks.
“What’s all the laughing and what are we celebrating?” asked Flick as she re-entered the kitchen.
Marion handed her a glass, “well my, darling, I can think of two reasons. Firstly the news of you guys moving in together, and secondly the new London home, I’m hoping to buy.”
Ali reared round in shock and looked at her Mum. “You’re coming back?”
“Well We’re hoping to come back for a week every month, but I haven’t made the offer yet. I’m hoping the owner will agree.”
“Where is it?” Ali asked.
“Greenwich,” Flick stared at Marion. “Would you girls mind coming into the front room, so we can talk for a moment?”
Flick grabbed Ali’s hand and led her through the house. Once they were all seated Marion began.
“Flick, what I would like to do is buy your house.”
“Marion, you don’t have to buy it, you and Claude can live there for as long as you like.”
“Well at least let me pay the rest of your mortgage off.”
“There isn’t one. I own it free and clear.”
“Really?” Marion said the shock evident in her voice.
“Yes. I made some very good investments when I was younger.”
“But I insist we buy it from you like any other person would. At least if we moved in, you wouldn’t have to look for somewhere to store your furniture. I know you’ll want to bring some pieces here, but the rest can stay where it is. Including the girl’s things. Will you please sell me the house, Flick?”
Flick looked at Ali with a huge smile on her face, she whispered something in Ali’s ear before turning back to Marion and Claude.
“I would be delighted to sell you the house. Ali mentioned that Frank and Gerald have given us a week off to get ourselves sorted out. We can go over tomorrow, and sort out everything in the house. We can also go to see a solicitor if you like?”
“What a wonderful idea, now do you think I could tell the girls,” Marion asked.
“Yeah sure,” Flick called Chelsea and Annabelle in.
“Come here, girls, I need to tell you something,” said Marion. “Claude and I, are buying the house from your Mum. We will still keep the house in France, but we’ll spend two weeks of every month there, and then the other two here.”
The girl’s hugged Marion and Claude, they were ecstatic that she would be around more often.
“Mum, what has made you decide to spend more time over here?”
“Well these two little, monsters, for starters, and of course you two . I love to watch you together, you’re so good for one another and to each other, it makes me sublimely happy,” s
he turned to the girls. “Your bedrooms at your Mum’s house will still be the same, they’ll still be your rooms, just at my house.”
“Mum, what has gotten into you?” Ali asked bemused.
“I want to experience what it’s like to be a grandmother, and the girls are just like my grandchildren so, I’m going to act like a grandmother.”
“Nanny Maz!” Shouted Annabelle.
“What, you want to call me that?”
“Yep. We’ve never had a Nanny before. We can all learn about this together. But as Nan’s go, you’re going to be the best. Can we call Claude Grandpa too?”
“If you wish,” he said beaming with pride.
Marion hugged the girls to her. Ali and Flick just watched as Marion, let the tears stream down her face.
###
Much Later after Steph had arrived, and a curry banquet had been demolished, they all went into the front room. Ali had noticed that the news crews had disappeared, but she still wanted to be careful. They all relaxed and watched a DVD together. Charlie and Christi left shortly after the film finished, and Ali put the girls to bed. When she went into the living room Flick threw her a seductive look and winked at her.
“I think I’m ready to hit the hay myself.”
Ali shot her a steaming sultry look, “me too. I’m bushed.”
They wished Steph, Marion and Claude good night, and then ran to the bedroom. As soon as the door was closed, Flick was on Ali so fast she didn’t know what was happening.
“I want you now.” She said through a kiss.
“Are you sure, darling? A lot has happened today.”
“Positive. We’ve both been through a lot today, and I thought this might be the right time to try and get rid some of the tension, we stored up earlier.”
She ripped Ali’s top off her, then felt her own being pulled off, as if they were duelling against each other. In the next breath they were both naked and breathing, as though they had run a race. Flick pushed Ali onto the bed and began savagely kissing her. She let her lips trail down Ali’s neck, and then she whispered in her ear. “How much do you want me Ali?”
Love Returns Page 15
