“Of course.” She led the officers to the lounge where they sat facing each other.
Kylie took over the questioning. “Are your parents Pamela and William Watson?”
Tony sat quietly.
Avery glanced from one officer to the other. “Yes.” Nausea gripped her.
“I'm sorry to have to tell you, Miss Watson but, earlier tonight your parents were involved in a car accident with a truck. They both died at the scene.”
Avery collapsed back on the lounge. An ear piercing scream erupted from deep within her. They couldn't be dead; they were all she had. “No, God, no.” She screamed over and over. She jumped up and paced the floor, tearing at her hair as she screamed.
Kylie stood, intercepted the distraught girl and pulled her into her arms.
Avery's head collapsed against Kylie's shoulder, the dam gates opened and tears poured from her. She didn't hear the words of condolence, didn't feel the rubbing of her back in an attempt to soothe her. Time stopped, she was swept into a void. Dark clouds gathered, all was quiet.
Avery had passed out.
****
“Miss Watson.” A soft voice from somewhere far away drifted to her. She was being shaken gently. Avery fought the mist in an attempt to open her eyes.
“Yes.” Her voice was barely a whisper. A pair of unfamiliar eyes gazed down on her. Where was she? Who was this woman? Avery attempted to sit up but was restrained by a small hand on her shoulder.
“Stay there. You have had a dreadful shock. You need to rest.” The soft voice belonged to a female paramedic.
Avery glanced around. The female was one of two in her apartment.
“My name is Jazmin. Do you remember collapsing?”
Avery's head spun with confusion. She closed her eyes to think. Seconds later she pushed herself up and began screaming. “No, my parents aren't dead. You are all lying. They’re on holidays.”
Jazmin glanced at her partner with concern. The girl was hysterical. He received the unspoken message and prepared a syringe with a sedative which he handed to her.
Avery felt the sting as the needle plunged into her arm. She attempted to push it away but the male paramedic held her firmly. Slowly she drifted into oblivion. She was lowered onto the lounge and the police and paramedics stood staring at the now sleeping figure.
****
“What are we going to do now?” Kylie asked. “We can't leave her alone.”
“Does she have any family or a friend you can call?” Jazmin asked.
“You're not gonna believe this but she is the only child of two only children.” Tony answered. “We didn't have a chance to ask about friends. As soon as we got through telling her about her parents, she collapsed.
“How long will she be out?” Kylie asked.
“It was a fairly strong dose so depending on how her body reacts, it could be anything from four to twenty-four hours.” Ryan, the male paramedic answered.
Kylie paced the floor as she wracked her brain for a solution. She stopped and faced the others.
I'll stay with her. Can you clear it with the station, Tony?”
“Yeah, sure,” he answered.
Tony and the paramedics wished Kylie luck and left. They all instructed her to call them if she needed help.
Kylie covered Avery with a blanket and after rummaging around in the kitchen, busied herself making coffee.
Taking her mug to a lounge chair and settling in, she wondered how Avery would be the next time she awoke.
****
“Avery,” the voice came from the distance. She fought to open her eyes and sit up.
A young woman crouched before her.
Avery started in fright. Who was she and what was she doing in her apartment?
Kylie observed Avery as she woke. She had slept for almost fifteen hours and darkness was falling. Her face was tear-stained and pale. Her startled expression was quickly replaced by sadness as she remembered what had happened. “Do you remember who I am?”
Avery thought for a moment. “Kylie?”
“Yes, that's right.”
“You came to tell me my parents are dead.”
“Yes. I'm so sorry, Miss Watson. Is there someone I can call who can come and stay with you?”
A tear slid down Avery's cheek as she shook her head. The only friend's she had these days were Rachel and Tegan from the club and she didn't have their contact details. They genuinely cared about each other but were too scared to meet outside the club. She had managed to distance everyone else fearing they would discover her secret and expose her. She couldn't risk her parents finding out.
“No-one?” The surprise was evident in Kylie’s voice. The girl sitting in front of her, although disheveled at the moment, was drop dead gorgeous. She would draw people to her like bees to honey. What was she hiding? Was she afraid of something or, someone?
“I'll be okay.” Avery spoke with far more confidence than she felt.
Kylie pushed on her knees and stood. “It's almost six. How about you shower and change then we’ll go out and eat?”
Avery nodded as she got to her feet. She dragged herself down the hall to the bathroom. She turned the taps of the shower and stripped as the water heated. It was warm, comforting when she stepped under the spray. The water pounded her head and streamed over her body, soothing. Using the noise of the shower as cover, she sank to her knees and burst into tears.
Avery appeared twenty minutes later. She wore a pale lemon sundress cinched in the waist. Her still damp but glorious red hair was pulled up into a high ponytail. She wore minimal make-up and Kylie decided, she was definitely gorgeous. “Hell, your legs go all the way to your neck!” she blurted out and then blushed.
Avery allowed herself a slight chuckle. “Everyone says that.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I don't want to go out.”
“I know you don't but, you have to eat and it will do you good to get out of the apartment for an hour. I promise I’ll stay by your side and the minute you feel you can't deal with it, we'll come back.”
“All right but it’s my choice.” Reluctantly she agreed as she could do with some hugs from Sophia, her friend and the owner of her favorite restaurant only five minutes away.”
Kylie nodded. “Good. I promise it will help you feel a tiny bit better.”
Avery didn't think it was possible but just wasn’t up to arguing. “Lead the way, Officer.”
“Kylie, please.”
“Okay. Call me Avery.” She collected her purse and keys, locked the door and together they headed out of the building. Five minutes later Avery pushed open the door of the restaurant and urged Kylie inside.
A short woman with an ample waistline, dark hair and sparkling eyes greeted the girls. Kylie thought she was the epitome of an Italian mama.
“Avery, my darling. I heard the about your mama and papa on the news. How are you? You poor thing.”
Avery found herself engulfed by Sophia's arms and pulled against her bosom. It felt warm, comforting to have the old woman's arms wrapped around her. Tears soaked her eyes and started the journey down her cheeks. After a few moments she was released.
Avery brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Thank you Sophia. I will let you know when the funeral arrangements have been made. I know mother and daddy would have liked to know you and Carlos were there.”
“We will leave the restaurant with Milo and come no matter what day or time. We are here for you if you need us.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, who is your beautiful friend?” Sophia glanced toward Kylie.
“This is Officer Kylie Montrose. She was the one who told me about the accident and has been taking care of me.”
Kylie stepped forward and offered her hand. Sophia crushed her into a hug which almost squeezed the air from her lungs. When the lady released her and took a step back, Kylie sucked in a deep breath.
“Sorry, I tend to squeeze a little too hard.” Sophia admitted. “I am pleased to meet you
Officer Montrose and thank you for taking care of our girl.” She turned toward Avery. “We don't see you much anymore.”
“Busy with work. I promise I will try and come by more often.”
“Let's find you and Officer Montrose a nice table away from the noise.” Sophia glanced around and then urged the girls to follow.
They were led to a quiet table in the back corner and as they sat, Sophia motioned for a waitress. A young girl with short dark hair and pixie like features scooted over. “Yes, Sophia.”
“Take care of Avery and Officer Montrose, please Gia.”
“Kylie, please call me Kylie.”
“Then you must call me Sophia. Please, come and see me before you leave.”
“We will,” Avery said as Sophia turned and moved back amongst her other patrons stopping to chat now and again.
Gia took their orders and departed.
“What's the name of this place?” Kylie asked.
“La Torina. Sophia and her son, Carlos, run it. Her husband, John died about a year ago.”
“Nice lady. Is she Italian?”
“She is but John was English.”
“What's her full name?”
“Do you want to investigate her? I can tell you she is a wonderful lady who wouldn't do anything wrong.”
“God, no. Sorry. I'm just naturally curious about those I meet.”
Avery relaxed and waited for Gia to place their drinks on the table before speaking again. “She is Sophia Maria Letitia Smith.”
Kylie almost choked on the mouthful of lemonade she had taken into her mouth. The spray came from her mouth and her nose, she moved quickly to mop up the mess with a napkin. “Sorry. Smith! You are telling me that Italian mama is called Smith!”
Avery laughed again. “Yep. I told you, John was English. I'm not sure if Carlos is in but his full name is Carlos Giavanni Andreas Smith.”
“Jeez, they must get awfully strange looks when they tell anyone. I bet most people think they are using an alias and not a very original one at that.”
“Sophia often enlightens us on the funnier reactions but she doesn't take it to heart. She understands it's odd.”
Kylie sipped at her drink. “Tell me about you. Where do you work? Boyfriend?” She watched as a veil came down over Avery's face. Her cop instincts told her this girl was hiding something.
“Not much to tell really. I'm the only child of parents who were only children. I have been working with James Ro & Associates as Personal Assistant to Mr. Ro for nearly two years. I have a degree in Accounting from Macquarie University and I'm twenty-three years old. No boyfriend. OK?”
Gia arrived with their order and the girls thanked her.
Kylie felt Avery's attitude had become slightly aggressive. “I'm sorry if you think I was being nosy. Your life is none of my business. I'm only curious. Again, it's the cop in me.”
“I'm sorry. A little edgy I suppose.” She blinked back the threatening tears. “What about you. What made you become a cop?”
“I come from a family of cops so I guess you could say it's in my genes. I want to help, make my hometown safer, you know – save the world.”
The girls chuckled.
“What else?” Avery asked.
“I'm twenty-four. Been on the beat for a little over a year. Before that I worked as a Manager in a fast food joint. I was fighting against the genes. It didn't work and I'm glad. I have never been happier. Studying to be a D and hope to take my exams in the next month or so.”
“D?”
“Detective. It's what I really want to do.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Partner. Female partner, Glenda. We have been together for almost four years.” Kylie scrutinized Avery's face for a reaction. There wasn't one.
“You're happy together?”
“Very. We love each other deeply.”
“Does the force accept it?”
“For the most part. We don't advertise it but we're not in the closet either. It's mainly the old boys club who don't like it but as they retire, attitudes are changing.”
“I'm glad for your sake.”
“You have a lovely apartment. I love the view.”
“Probably not for much longer.”
“You’ll have to move? Why?”
“I can’t afford the rent here. My parents took out the lease and paid for it. I’ll have to look for somewhere cheaper.”
“I’m sorry.”
The girl's chatted for the next couple of hours. Avery was careful not to give Kylie any information which would lead her to the strip club. It was late when they called a halt to the evening. Kylie walked Avery home, ensured all was fine and then called a cab to take her home.
Chapter Three
Avery's hand trembled as she handed over the keys to her much loved apartment. The three month's rent her parents had paid before they died had been used and she was now forced to vacate. She had only a suitcase of clothing and a few personal items which the lawyers had allowed her to keep. She had surrendered her car, under protest, when demanded. Although it had been a gift, the papers were in her father’s name. It was now held as part of the estate.
Why the fuck didn't mother and daddy have a will? This was the question she had asked herself over and over again.
Avery had been warned it could take a year or more before investigations were completed and the proceeds of her parents' estate released. She would then be comfortable but for now, she had a flat she wouldn't put her worst enemy in, no car and next to no money.
At least she had been able to organize a decent funeral for them both. The lawyers had no hesitation in releasing funds for that – thank God. She had feared her beloved parents were to be buried at taxpayer's expense, in an unmarked grave and in some obscure corner of a graveyard.
Officer Montrose had proven to be a godsend. She had held her when she cried, helped organize the burials and forced her to go out so she would eat. She had yelled, stomped her feet and even asked her partner, Glenda to try talking to Avery when she saw the apartment the distraught girl planned to live in. Glenda cajoled, pleaded and swore when Avery refused to move in with them. She stood firm, she would not be a burden to the girls and would live, or die, her own way.
Avery couldn't begin to tell Kylie how grateful she was for her support. Words didn't seem enough. She would love the officer as a friend to the end of her days.
She knew the deposit check she had written for the flat would be returned but it would give her some time to work out what to do next. Every cent she had saved was in bank accounts managed by her father and in his name. They had been deemed to be part of the estate and frozen. No amount of pleading had worked to get them released.
The only money she would receive in the foreseeable future would come from her job as a PA and her job at the club. She wasn’t due to be paid for almost a month.
The Agent's voice startled her back to the present. “I'm so sorry about your parents and everything else, Avery. I wish I could let you keep the apartment until the will is sorted but the owner is a greedy bastard and won't hear of it. I even tried to get the lawyers to at least let you stay at your parents’ house until the estate is settled, but they refused.”
“It's okay Mr. Groen. I can't afford the apartment anyway. Maybe when I am awarded the estate and sell the house, I'll come and see you about another one which is similar.” She kissed the elderly man's cheek. “Don't worry, I'll be fine. Thank you for everything.”
She headed for the part of town where the new flat awaited her. A generous way to describe the area was 'unsafe and seedy'.
Avery’s eyes opened and for a moment she didn’t know where she was. The warm fuzzy feeling was gone and she was staring at dingy walls with blistered, peeling paint work.
****
Present Day
Tegan raced down the hallway toward the safety of the dressing room. She was naked, her dance lingerie clutched against her slight frame.
She threw
the door open, Marty was waiting. A deadly expression marred his otherwise handsome face.
The terrified girl dropped her clothing and darted toward the rear door of the club. Crashing through, she raced for the nearest house as fast as she could. It was no use. Before she had taken more than a few strides, Marty was upon her. He grabbed her from behind, lifting her into the air and holding her close against his body. She didn't have an opportunity to scream, not that anyone would have heard her over the noise of the club. And, the nearest house was more than five hundred meters away. Marty clamped his hand over her mouth. She smelled weed, alcohol and tobacco. She retched from the effects of the sickly sweet smell.
He dragged her into nearby bushes, where he was satisfied she would not be heard or seen, placed her feet on the ground and spun her around.
“Where's the fucking money?”
“I told you this afternoon, Marty. I met them like you told me to. They grabbed the package, jumped into the car and sped off.” Tears cascaded down her cheeks.
“I don't believe you. I called and they said you didn't show. You've sold it to some other motherfucker and I want my money.”
“No, Marty. I swear. I was there. It happened just like I said.”
Her captor was quiet for a few minutes.
Tegan shook and trembled with fear.
“I'll kill the pricks but first I'll take it out of you in pussy. I've been wanting some of your sweet cunt for a while now. I watch you on stage, coming on to those perverts in the audience. You're a real tease aren’t you?”
“Please Marty, don't do this. I promise I'll get the money.”
“How's a school girl like you gonna get fifteen thousand dollars?”
Tegan gasped. What the hell was in that package to make it worth so much money? She cringed as the realization hit. Drugs!
“Nah, I think I'll enjoy having your cunt and ass at my beck and call. Maybe this has worked out for the best.” He pushed Tegan deeper into the thick bush. She yelped when she stepped on a thorn plant and it pierced deep into her bare foot.
Marty lashed out, slapped her hard across the head. She stumbled and landed on her backside. Thorns pierced her naked ass and she screamed.
He grabbed her arm and wrenched her to her feet. She felt her shoulder pop from its joint, the pain was excruciating, her scream was loud enough to break windows if any had been nearby.
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