My Caroline

by Roger Rapel

  Eventually the seatbelt sign came on as the cabin crew began preparing for landing. Jim adjusted his watch to the time difference. He didn’t mind flying to the states, but he hated the red eye return. Finally the taxiing ended, then the doors opened; after saying goodbye to the cabin crew he walked to immigration; he was pleasantly surprised to see Barney waiting for him.

  Barney fast tracked Jim through the Immigration and the passport control process. ‘Hi Jim how are you doing; it’s great to see you again?’ They shook hands and gave each other a man hug as Jim replied ‘I’m great now I’m here.’ ‘Well let’s get you to the hotel, there’s a certain lady waiting for a call.’ ‘How is Carol-Anne?’ ‘She’s happy now you’re back again.’ Jim smiled as he anticipated being ravished by CA again.

  After picking up his case from the carousel they made their way to Barney’s car then to the hotel. Jim said ‘has Yvonne called you?’ ‘Very briefly, just to say that you had to meet someone on US soil and something about a package, but that’s it. Look Jim I know how it works if I’m not meant to know there is a good reason, so don’t worry about breaking confidences.’ Jim nodded ‘thanks Barney, if it helps I only know a smidgen of what’s going on so I couldn’t tell you anyway.’ They both chatted about all sorts as Barney drove to the Washington Hilton. Barney said ‘I’ll call you for a beer in a day or so, just get settled in.’ Jim nodded his agreement as he smiled then said ‘that’ll be great Barney I’m looking forward to it.’

  On arrival at the Washington Hilton Jim booked-in; the receptionist said ‘Mr Broadbent nice to see you again, thank you for choosing our hotel for your stay.’ Jim looked at the middle aged woman who beamed a broad smile as she handed back his passport together with the electronic key. Jim thanked her then he made his way to the lift.

  On reaching his room he flopped on the bed then he called Carole-Anne ‘Hi CA, its Jim I’ve landed and just booked into the same hotel.’ Jim held the phone from his ear as he heard the excited screams from CA. ‘I have a half-day so will come to your hotel, I’ll be there at 1, oh Jim I can’t wait.’ Jim confirmed the Hilton as before ‘bye for now.’ Jim thought there goes my sleep.

  After unpacking he went downstairs then went for a short walk. It was late in the UK, but he was under instructions to call Yvonne no matter what time. ‘Hi Yvonne, its Jim, I’m here in one piece is there any change?’ ‘No Jim just do what you need to do, the trusted source has your phone number, he will call you when he’s ready, his name is Rhanjee, just do as he says, he will hand over the package, but I have no idea when that will be. But once received you need to prepare to leave as soon as you can. Do not resist a snatch, just be careful Jim.’ With that she was gone.

  Jim walked ending at Maddys bar where he always met CA and Barney, he sat at the bar and admired the barmaid again, she was a cracker. Jim had a coffee and a snack. Then he walked back to the hotel. Having checked his watch he had a shave and shower then went to reception to meet CA.

  Jim sat in the foyer drinking a coffee when dead on time in walked CA she ran to him as she flung her arms around his neck, then she kissed him deeply. Jim said ‘you look fabulous CA.’ ‘Thank you kind sir.’ Jim said ‘coffee?’ CA nodded as they walked to the lounge where Jim ordered more coffee. They sat close as CA was chattering ten to the dozen, then she said ‘oh Jim, I thought I would never see you again and here you are, how wonderful is this?’ ‘Just like magic babes, I have thought about you every day, but didn’t want to call and make you feel worse.’ Jim crossed his fingers as he thought liar.

  The coffee finished CA said ‘show me your room Jim I’m interested in seeing it.’ Jim held her hand as he led her to the lift then into his room. Once inside she all but threw him on the bed then undressed him kissing every part of exposed skin. Jim by now was fully aroused as CA undressed and sat on him guiding his length inside her, she was already moist anticipating this moment. As soon as he entered her she sighed, her anticipation erupted as she shouted and screamed at the sensation, as she rode him like horse.

  Jim was being ravished, she was insatiable. CA just kept having orgasm after orgasm as she let out screams of ecstasy. Finally CA was exhausted as she collapsed by Jim’s side breathing deeply. Jim smiled at her as she laid her head on his rising and falling chest, his breathing slowly normalising. ‘Wow Jim that was even better than last time.’ ‘It was babes you were ready for that.’ ‘Oh I was, and I haven’t finished yet.’

  Jim lay there thinking she’s going to kill me as he smiled to himself holding CA in his arms drifting off to sleep trying to shrug off jet lag, but he was losing the battle, plus the energy he had just expended was adding to his heavy eyelids.

  Jim awoke to the sound of his radio alarm, he took a few minutes to fully realise where he was; then he looked over to where CA should have been, but the bed was empty just a note on the pillow, see you at Maddys at 20.30 don’t be late. Jim’s eyes just about focussed on the note then he looked over at the radio alarm display ‘oh shit’ he said as he saw the time 19.30.

  Having thrown himself into the shower and shaved he splashed aftershave on his face as he winced as the alcohol stung. Then he called reception for a cab to be ready for 8.20 pm.

  Once dressed he just about made it, as he reached reception the cab driver was waiting. Jim nodded then he said ‘sorry not a long journey just Maddys, but thanks.’ The cab driver smiled then drove Jim the short journey. Jim paid him and slipped him a good tip. The driver acknowledged the generosity as he gave him his card, and said ‘call me anytime for the best cab.’ Jim nodded as he put the card in his pocket.

  Jim entered looking at his watch seeing it was just hitting 8.30 he looked at the bar and saw CA was already there. She had some kind of inbuilt radar, as soon as Jim entered she waved and smiled as he made his way over, where he kissed her on the cheek then smiled as CA chatted at her normal 10 to the dozen.

  They ordered a burger from the grill then sat at a table, CA laughed as she said ‘you looked so sweet lying in bed so I left you snoring.’ Jim laughed as he said ‘sorry jet lag caught up on me babes.’ ‘Anyway you’re here now that’s good, I’m so happy Jim.’ They chatted away then their burgers arrived, it was just as he remembered a monster burger with all the trimmings. They both picked up their burgers, CA decided as on previous occasions to forget about being lady-like and went for it. Jim laughed at her, as her face looked like something from a vampire movie with tomato relish all around her mouth and cheeks. CA said ‘what?’ Jim gave her a tissue to wipe her mouth; she laughed at the remnants she saw on the napkin.

  The meal over with they walked the few blocks to CA’s apartment as it helped kick in the digestive system which reduced the overfull feeling. Once inside the apartment CA swept it with her meter to check for bugs, but it was clear.

  Jim hardly had time to remove his coat when he was pounced on again by CA, ‘oh Jim I love you so much, as he was pushed into the bedroom where he was subjected to CA’s sexual athletics again. Jim thought as he was being feasted on she’s like a caged animal that had just been let loose. Jim could feel himself reaching the point of no return as he tried to lift CA’s mouth away, but she kept on moving her head until she felt Jim’s hips lock as he sighed deeply as she received all of him.

  Then she came up as Jim lay back panting. ‘There my darling is that better, you just lay back and relax whilst I get the wine. CA returned with two huge glasses full of red wine, there must have been half a bottle in each glass. Jim was sleepy again, but took the glass and sipped as he toasted his trip. CA smiled and said ‘oh Jim it is so nice to have you in my bed again, I have missed you.’ Jim crossed his fingers again as he said ‘me too CA, me too.’

  The wine and jet lag plus the exertion of the day had taken its toll as Jim’s eyelids grew heavier then he dropped off cuddling CA as she lay on his chest.

  The next morning CA was up, showered as she began getting ready for work just as Jim woke up. ‘Hey good morning sleepy head how are you fe
eling now sweetie?’ Jim rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands then yawned as he sat up ‘I think I’m okay now after the attention you gave me, also the wine helped me sleep.’ CA smiled as she brushed her hair then applied her make up. ‘Okay Jim I have another half-day so I’ll meet you at your hotel and we can take a walk or a bus ride somewhere what do you think?’ ‘Sounds good to me, what time do you finish?’ ‘I’ll meet you at midday in the hotel lounge.’ Jim gave a thumb’s up as CA grabbed her purse and was gone. Jim forced himself into the shower then called Jackie ‘hi babes you okay? I’ve just woke up after sleeping all night.’ They had a brief conversation then Jackie had to go to a late meeting. Jim crossed his fingers again and said ‘I will call you when I can.’

  25

  Langton called Vicky into his office ‘sit down Vicky, as he poured a dram in two glasses then said ‘I’m sorry Vicky I tried to get extra manpower for you, but I have been turned down. They just want the suspects pulled in and warned off.’ Vicky shook her head as she said ‘what! Don’t they know who we are dealing with, people who are deprived and perverse, they are secretive and will continue to hurt little kids until they are put inside?’ ‘I know Vicky I have tried, but that’s the word, so just go and pull them in, nick them on suspicion of being involved in the kidnapping of kids from a care home, I will get some help for the three we have chosen. Draft out an intelligence sheet on what you have so far, which I know isn’t much, but hopefully you will find something in their houses to aid the investigation, I’m sorry but that’s all I can do, I know it’s a fishing expedition, but just go with it and good luck, tell me when you’re ready and I’ll arrange the manpower?’ Vicky nodded as she finished her dram.

  Vicky then went into the main office where she rattled out the intelligence report for the three suspects. All she really had was the information from Susan Gormley which wasn’t much, so she filled in the blanks with supposition to at least give the arrest teams something to interview the suspects on.

  Vicky wanted to go the following day so she informed Langton, who arranged for a couple of teams to be available the following morning.

  The morning came with trepidation as Vicky stood in front of the team and gave a briefing as per her intelligence sheet. Those assembled were not wet behind the ears and could see through the briefing that things were not as they should be. Langton wasn’t there so there was an open conversation, Vicky said ‘look this is about paedophiles, I wanted teams for observations and evidence gathering, but it was declined for budget cut reasons, so please do the best you can, as the poor kids in this area are at serious risk from these predators.’ There were mutterings, but then it was time to go.

  Vicky arrived at her address, she stood aside as one of her colleagues knocked the door then kicked it in and went inside. Bingo the suspect Samuel Meadows was in bed with a little girl who was naked, gagged and hands bound with tape. The eyes of the little girl were bulging as Meadows was dragged out of bed and taken out of the room by DC Frank Smith.

  Vicky looked at the little girl she was only about 9 years old with tears streaming down her face. She knew the tape around her hands could contain vital fingerprint evidence so put on a pair of surgical gloves and took pictures on her mobile phone then she peeled back the tape and placed it into an evidence bag. ‘There my darling what’s your name sweetheart.’ ‘Veronica.’ ‘Okay Veronica you’re safe now I am from the police.’ Vicky looked at the body of Veronica she was covered in bruises; Vicky called SOCO on her phone. SOCO had been on standby so attended relatively quickly. Jeremy from SOCO began taking photos of the bedroom and Veronica’s bruises. Vicky dressed Veronica then called for another police car to attend and take Meadows to Central.

  DC Frank Smith began to search the house after confirming the okay with Jeremy. Then in one of the bedroom drawers he found a camera, which had a half used film in it, which he handed to Jeremy for developing then found photographs of naked kids. Frank said ‘what a sick bastard.’

  Vicky put Veronica in the back seat of her car then drove to Central, where she found an office and sat her down. The poor little girl was shivering and shaking with fear. ‘Now then sweetheart what is your last name?’ The poor girl was so traumatised that she clammed up shut as she began retreating into herself from the abuse and the fear of the situation she was now in.

  Vicky needed help as this was getting beyond her expertise so she called Jackie to attend. Within a few minutes Jackie was there, as she walked in she saw the sad sight of Veronica huddled on a chair shivering with her eyes fixed on the floor. The poor kid was only nine years old, she had already started retreating inwards, Jackie had to try and get to her before she switched off completely.

  Jackie ushered Vicky out of the door, then she produced a little teddy from her handbag. She offered it to Veronica who just shook her head. ‘Okay my darling I’ll leave him here, he wants a hug like you do. Would you like a hug with me and teddy?’ Jackie smiled as she knelt on the floor and opened her arms as she looked at Veronica with kindly eyes. Jackie wanted her to come to her and cry and to feel safe in her arms.

  Jackie knelt for a couple of minutes then Veronica looked at Jackie, as she burst into tears and ran into Jackie’s arms where she sobbed her heart out. ‘There my darling you’re safe now my sweetheart, just let it go, come on let it go, there’s a good girl you are safe with me now.’ Veronica wept for a good five minutes as all the hurt and pain came gushing out of her in torrents of tears as she shivered and shook.

  Jackie hugged her tight then moved her slightly away so she could look at her. Jackie said ‘Look I’m all wet’ as she pointed to her soaking wet blouse, then Jackie laughed as she handed teddy to Veronica which she held close to her and gave half a smile to Jackie.

  Jackie knew that Veronica needed to be examined by the police doctor to gain internal evidence. This wasn’t going to be easy she had to get Veronica’s confidence and trust to allow it to happen.

  Vicky had already called the police doctor to attend and examine Veronica as time was of the essence. Vicky entered the room where she smiled at Veronica and gave her a wave. ‘The doctor’s here Jack.’ Jackie nodded, ‘now then sweetheart remember I said the doctor needs to see you?’ Veronica nodded ‘well he’s here pet, don’t worry I will be here with you and hold your hand, okay my darling?’

  Jackie held Veronica’s hand as she led her to the examination room where she lifted her onto the bed as the doctor smiled at her; he tried to get her to relax the best he could, then he asked her to undress. This made her shiver. Jackie said ‘sweetheart the doctor needs to examine you so just try to relax sweetheart, here hold my hand.’

  The examination began as Jackie’s hand was squeezed tightly by Veronica. Just as the doctor finished he said ‘that was very brave of you Veronica’ as he looked into his bag and pulled out a sticky lolly then another one. ‘Which one would you like for being a good girl?’ Veronica pointed to the red one as the doctor said ‘no you can’t have that one.’ Veronica’s face dropped as he smiled then said ‘for being so brave you can have both.’

  Jackie took Veronica to an interview suit where the long process of interviewing began as she tried to get her confidence. Jackie spent some time with Veronica she was now starting to open up just a little bit as she played with the array of toys in the room.

  26

  Vicky and Frank began the interview of Sam Meadows. Vicky led the interview.

  ‘Right Mr Meadows you have been arrested for indecency with children, also possessing indecent photographs of kids. For those offences you have been cautioned you understand?’

  Meadows nodded as he looked down not saying anything.

  ‘Okay I take it that the nod indicated you understood, is that correct?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘When we entered your house today you had with you in your bed taped and gagged a nine year old girl, who is she?’

  ‘Nothing to say.’

  ‘Well, she tells me that her nam
e is Veronica. What is she to you?’

  ‘Nothing to say.’

  ‘Now then Sam let me just say that a doctor has examined Veronica and we require you to undergo an examination as well.’

  ‘Well I’m not and that’s it.’

  ‘Okay we will get a court order for the examination to be undertaken by force.’

  Vicky stood up, as she walked towards the door Meadows said

  ‘Okay I’ll have one.’

  Vicky ended the interview and called the doctor who examined Meadows in the interview room where he took samples of head hair and pubic hair combings; then fingernail scrapings and saliva samples were taken.

  Vicky met the doctor outside and asked how the examination of Veronica had gone. He then stated that she had the signs of being raped and buggered; she was badly ripped and torn inside. He then stated she had been hit really hard as there were fresh tender bruises on her body and legs.

  Vicky thanked the doctor as she went back into the interview room where she looked at Meadows wanting to slam him up against the wall and knee him in the bollocks, but had to sit down and interview him as per procedures.

  ‘Right Sam as I said the doctor has examined Veronica and he states that she has been raped so you are also arrested on suspicion of rape against Veronica; you remain under caution you understand?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Right why was Veronica in your bed?’

  ‘Nothing to say.’

  ‘The fact that she was in your bed taped and gagged means you wanted her quiet and unable to move so you could sexually assault and rape her that’s right isn’t it?’

  ‘Nothing to say.’