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| Illustration for "ALEXANDRA AND THE SNOOKER, STOCKINGS & DEVILISH DECEIT PLOT" Created by the author. Copyright © 2011-2025 Stephen J. Williams. |

First published: 3rd July 2020
Status: COMPLETE & PUBLISHED.
Revisions: 2 [last revised October 2020]
Version: Final.
Published Episode No. 19
Previous episode: "Alexandra and the school for scandal."
Next episode: “Alexandra and the Buffalo soldiers.”
Angel-in-charge: Margret
Team Assigned: Team 74
Mission: 5 - 720002 - 6 – 1985
A 'TEMPORAL DETECTIVES' series original story is the version that this 'Alexandra' episode is based upon and NOT a 'Jericho Tibbs' legacy episode.
THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS:SMOKING - ALCOHOL USE - VIOLENCE [INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE & BDSM] - STRONG LANGUAGE - GRAPHIC HARD SEX REFERENCES INCLUDING PROSTITUTION AND DIVERSE SEXUAL PRACTISES - DRUG REFERENCES - ANTI-RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS AND OPINIONS - HUMAN TRAFFICKING - COMMENTS AND BEHAVIOUR THAT MAY OFFEND SOME PEOPLE BUT WERE CONSIDERED 'NORMAL' IN THE TIME PERIOD. |
IF YOU ARE BELIEVE YOU MAY BE OFFENDED BY ANYTHING CONTAINED IN THIS WRITTEN WORK, THEN DON'T READ IT AND CLOSE THE PAGE! CAUTION: “THIS EPISODE COULD CONTAIN VERY STRONG LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE [including sexual violence] HORROR AND GRAPHIC, STRONG SEXUAL REFERENCES. RECOMMENDED suitable for persons aged 18+ years only.” |

Old Doc checked his fob watch and watched through the window of his cabin; his sergeant, Isabella Pugg and his Constable, Skyrise Young Mountain were due back from horse riding at any minute. He eased himself back into his rocking chair and picked up the file that young Ivan - the messenger - had delivered from Angel Margret's office. It was the teams latest mission and it was a strange one. He sighed and re-read the summary. He tapped the enclosed pictures and smiled at one. "Sweet saints, she does have some pair of legs." He muttered, looking up as 'Crabby' appeared through the door.
Crabby stood arms folded and didn't smile; "Doc, Ma Washington wants to know when those two white folk are getting back; she wants to dish up supper." Crabby was a big African male, who had been a house slave to a white family for about thirty years; he had been born and died a slave. He and the Doc had real history and had been together for years - when alive - and were still friends now, many years after passing over. Doc just sighed; "Crabby, do you have to refer to Issy and Skyrise as white folk? You know you like the both of them, just use their damn names once and again." But there was no admonishment in his voice. Crabby just grunted and gestured to the file; "Where you off to now? Anything interesting?"
Doc held the file up and showed him the picture and old Crabby grinned from ear to ear. "Now, that's the kind of white folk I like. Long legs and don't mind showing her drawers." He chuckled and ran a hand over his face. "Ain't that the nice white lady who don't mind coloured folk and is some kind of doctor?"
Doc nodded; "Alexandra Cappanni from team 74; she's the mission." Crabby smiled and scratched his arse. "What she been up to? Who's she been showing her crotch off to?" Doc sighed; "This picture was taken from a television still, apparently in 1985, she appears to have attended a big sporting event and was caught, on camera, flashing her stocking tops and white panties to a television audience of about 18 million people. But that's not the real problem."
Crabby stared at the picture again and smiled - again. "What's wrong with that Doc? No one could surely object to seeing them legs and knickers. That damn girl is a real beauty. She could show me her parts any time of day...or night!" He laughed and Doc just shook his head; "Crabby, you are a dirty old man; you're old enough to be her grand daddy." Crabby just grinned; "Yeah, but I ain't. So its fine to stare." He shuffled to the door and turned back; "I'll tell Ma that the white folk ain't back yet, So what's the problem with her showing her crotch on that television thing?" Doc eased back in his chair and just smiled. Despite being dead for nearly 200 years, Crabby hadn't changed a bit. "Its the man sitting next to her, that's the real problem." Crabby stared back at the picture; "Whose that then?" He asked.
Doc didn't smile and tapped the photograph; "It's the bloody Dark Prince himself." Crabby scratched his arse again and sighed; "That's bad ain't it?" Doc nodded and closed the file, saying quietly; "It sure is Crabby. It sure is." He could hear horse's and voices outside and Crabby smiled; "I'll tell Ma to dish up, since the white folk are back." He disappeared through the door and Doc shouted after him; "Just call them by their names for heaven's sake!" But he knew that Crabby wouldn't change.
He and Crabby had been born slaves together; Crabby was a house servant and had quite an easy life on the plantation, good food and no hard labour. He really loved his 'posh' servant's livery, even if, it was just dark trousers and frilly white shirt. But Doc had worked the fields under the overseer's whip. Everyone called him 'Doc' because he had a real aptitude for fixing up people; especially after a good whipping or beating. He had gone on the run after the family had sold the young girl he was madly in love with.
Doc had discovered that young Delphi had been sold to a plantation some two hundred miles down river. he went after her and it was almost a year before he found what had happened to her. She had died in childbirth, giving birth to a daughter by her new owner. She was fifteen. Doc spent the next few months on the run and finally ended up in the North, before the civil war and was taken in by a Methodist Reverend and his wife. They paid for his education and he became a doctor, in all but title. But then, he could only 'practise' on fellow coloured people, Chinese, Mexican or native Americans.
He had real fond memories of Reverend Joshua Gates and his wife Margaret. "Good people. damn good people." He muttered to himself. He and Skyrise got on really well, both had become 'Doctors' under extreme circumstances and both were not from privileged white families. He didn't realise, just how much Skyrise admired the old man; both as his Inspector and as his friend. Jericho could have told him, just what a decent man old Doc was; Jericho valued his opinion above all overs and that says a great deal about the man.
Like all team Inspectors, he had the choice of where to place his home and office in any time or place. Doc had chosen a small cabin in the woodlands of North Virginia. The cabin was like Jericho's lighthouse - suspended in time and place - the current date here was August 8th 1869 and it was 6.25pm on a warm and pleasant summer night. The inside also defied space and time. Everyone in the cabin had their own suite of rooms. The household staff consisted of old Crabby - who didn't like being called a 'Butler' - Ma Washington, a lovely lady in her forties, who could cook anything, but loved dishing up Cajun food. The other member of the staff was young Rosemary Dogwood.
Rose was the maid of all duties and she loved her new life working for Doc. She had died at just twenty from smallpox in 1791. She really didn't fancy another slice of life, as a living human and so joined Doc's staff. She had been a maid to some rich white people in Boston. But they had treated her really well and actually did mourn the young girl, when she unexpectedly passed over. Doc could hear her laughing with Crabby in the dining room; setting the places for dinner. But his attention was drawn back to the front door.
Skyrise came through the door and slapped his hat down on the hallway table. He jerked a thumb behind him; "Sweet Jesus Doc, she is impossible!" And headed for the dining room without another word. [For a brief history of Skyrise; see the episode: "Alexandra: an angel of mercy'.] Doc just chuckled to himself; young Issy was one hell of a woman. She was NEVER wrong and would NEVER admit it, even if she was!
But she was a fine Temporal Detective Sergeant. Not quite up to the standard of young Jericho, when he was Doc's Sergeant, but then, who could follow that young man? Doc cleaned his glasses and waited for Issy to storm through the door. He wasn't disappointed; she pushed in and said loudly; "That bloody Indian can never be wrong, can he?" and threw her riding helmet and whip on the same little hallway table.
"Like someone else I can mention." Doc muttered, adding: "What has he done now?" Not really wishing to know about the latest disagreement between the two. Issy stood, hands on hips, and sighed loudly [she did very little quietly!] "I try and tell him, about just how damn lucky his people were to be given the gift of real civilisation, by the settlers to his land and he throws a fit. He simply can't listen to facts. Oh no; he's always bloody right; just another typical, domineering oppressive man!" She walked past and into the dining room.
Doc sighed; the dinner conversation could be lively tonight and grinned. Still, his trainee, Leon Murphy would bring some sanity to the chat around the dinner table; he always did. His real name - in full - was Napoleon Wellington Patrick Murphy! He had been a history teacher in a small Irish village. His father; Patrick had worked the roads, laying tarmac, but was a model war games enthusiast and only played the Napoleonic Period. He had a total fascination with Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington. The attic rooms had no less that four massive layouts of famous battles; Waterloo, Battle of the Pyramids, Marengo and the Battle of Austerlitz.
Little wonder that the boy, who played for ages with his dotting father, became a history teacher. Leon was soft spoken and gentle in his ways; he saw good in everyone; even the rotten bastards, like those that had ended his life at just 27. He was caught up in a Belfast bombing, while shopping with his fiancé; Grace McMurry. She survived the bomb with minor injuries and he was killed outright. He had worked as a collector for a few human years and had been recommended for Temporal Detective Training because of his sharp mind and dedication to detail. Angel Margret very rarely got her recommendations wrong and even old Doc - who had high standards - was already well satisfied with Leon.
3. A MATTER BETWEEN TWO GOOD FRIENDS.
Jericho greeted his old 'Boss' with some warmth and poured the pair a large whisky each. He, of course, invited 'Doc' Underhill to dinner. But the Inspector had to refuse; he was expected elsewhere. "I'll come straight to the point Jericho; How much do you trust Detective Constable Alexandra Cappanni?"
Jericho gestured for him to seat and joined him; the pair sat in the armchairs by the fire and 'Doc' pulled a brown file from under his white linen jacket. He tapped the file gently; "My team has christened this mission; 'Snooker, Stockings and the time cop.' My human agent recognised the girl in the picture; he had met Alex when she was temporarily attached to me. You remember when she was stood down over that damn play, that was apparently written about her? You got 'Jumbo' in replacement." Doc sipped his whisky and opened the file.
He accepted the file slowly and Doc continued; "That's a newspaper cutting from 1985 - the day after an incredible final of the World Snooker Championship - which is still talked about even now. But the papers also ran a story about a young lady who - by accident apparently - flashed her stocking tops and gave everyone a glimpse of her panties on TV. She was in the audience and crossed her legs just as the camera ran over the crowd. This newspaper was famous for topless women and sex scandals. They offered thousands of pounds, if she would come forward and do a topless lingerie shoot for them. She never showed up. Take a look at the picture taken from the evening's television coverage."
Jericho stared at the photograph; it was apparently Alexandra! He handed the file back, but held on to the photograph and studied it carefully; was it really Alexandra? He stared long and hard at the photograph and felt a little knot in his stomach; surely it couldn't be her? and sipped his whisky, slowly.
Doc finished his whisky; "What the hell was Alex doing in Sheffield, in 1985 flashing her knickers to the world? And who's the man, sitting next to her with her hand firmly gripping his knee?" Jericho sat staring at the newspaper clipping and then rubbed his chin. "Your mission wasn't in Sheffield in 1985 then?" He mumbled. Doc shook his head and smiled a little; "We were working on a case during the Miners strike in 1984. That's how my human agent met Alex. She was temporally on my team." He placed down his glass and dropped the file upon the coffee table and straightened his jacket; "Your a friend Jericho and I think you deserve the first pass over this one."
"Thank you Mr. Harris. I'm just coming." He muttered and headed for the Dinning Room. Dinner conversation could be quite lively tonight and smiled to himself, he could soon sort this matter out, by simply checking Alex's mirror. All he needed to do was enter his Inspectors Code and he could check where his Detective Constable had been and more importantly; when.
But that little matter could wait - for now - Jericho had other problems to contend with; the whole team was summoned to appear before Angel Margret in the morning. He knew that Alex's resurrection by the Dark Prince would be the major topic of conversation. Despite the incident in the Devil's Garden, the Prince had basically saved her soul from the darkness of real death. The young prince still had a real passion for Alex and clearly had forgiven her insults against him.
Jericho sighed; was it co-incidence that such a story [about the snooker final] appears after the prince had basically saved her soul? He stood outside the dining room door and and thought about the changing seasons of a woman's heart. He had suffered that at the hands of Elizabeth; it could always go the other way. On that disturbing thought; he pushed open the door and smiled.
Suddenly Jericho had a terrible and clear feeling of Deja vu. It stopped him in his tracks and he actually shivered. Something was wrong - but what? He knew that such a strong feeling could indicate that time itself had changed. He leaned against the hall wall with one hand and took a couple of deep breaths - the feeling was almost over whelming. Something had changed with the near past and had altered the future. Something in the past that involved him.
He called the Duty Time Controller on his mirror and was reassured that little changes were happening all the time, but none concerned him yet. He pulled the file from his pocket and stared at the picture again. Had it altered? He sighed; he couldn't tell. Replacing the file and his mirror, he headed for the dinning room. Mr. Parker rushed past him from the stairs and disappeared into the kitchens; Something must have bugged him or it was dinner time for the big cat. He shrugged his shoulders.
Jericho joined the others in the dinning room and Mr. Harris served the soup course. He asked for everyone's attention and the table fell silent as he produced the file and passed it to Wilson. "Who do you think the woman is in the picture?" He asked and Wilson snapped open the file and really did grin. "Sweet lord Alex, I think I'll keep a copy on my bedroom wall; what the hell were you up too!" He handed the file to Owen who smiled broadly; "That is definitely a keeper. Stocking tops and little white panties. I'm in heaven!"
Alex snatched the file and stared at the picture. Jericho watched the expression change on her face. She said nothing for a few seconds, then exploded in denial and a little horror. Jericho calmed her down and asked, quite plainly, if it was her. She slammed the file down; "No its bloody not! Why the hell would I be watching bloody snooker back in 1985 and showing my underwear to bloody TV cameras? I don't even like ruddy snooker!" Everyone chuckled at that; a little relieved.
"Well, its really easy to sort out Alexandra; I simply check your mirror and if you were never back in Sheffield, England in 1985. that's the end of the matter." Jericho smiled as Alex quickly dragged her mirror out and pushed it into his hands. "Check away, I've never been there. The nearest I got was the bloody Miners strike, the year before." She managed a smile and sat back, folding her arms. Wilson chuckled; "That's right, we had to swap you for bloody 'Jumbo' on that case with William - I'm a piss head - Shakespeare." Owen nodded; "I do remember that one, the old boy threw tantrums because Alex wouldn't be his bloody muse. Dirty old drunken fucker!"
Jericho accepted her mirror and tapped in his Inspectors Code; "A quick look and we can all enjoy dinner." He smiled at Alex and sat reading her mirror. Alex held up the file and didn't smile; "You don't think old 'Doc' Underhill is pulling a fast one on his old pupil, I mean this is quite funny, I suppose. I wonder who he got to produce the bloody picture...." She stopped in mid sentence, when she saw that Wilson and Owen were staring at Jericho. The expression on his face was priceless. he slowly handed the mirror back to Alex and said softly; "It confirms that you were in Sheffield, England in 1985."
Wilson had managed to calm Alex down enough for her to sit back down at the table. Owen looked up from his mirror and ran a hand over his face; "Everyone, Human Records confirm that the woman is Alexandra Mary Cappanni - nee Featherstone - and the man, whose knee she has hold of is....." He hesitated and held up his mirror; "You can see the Warning its flashing - the man is known and is on record, as one of the Human forms, that the Dark Prince uses. It's him."
Jericho actually jumped a little as his mirror buzzed and he answered it slowly. It was the Duty Controller with a grim message. Jericho muttered 'yes' a few times and placed his mirror on the table. He was not smiling; "Doc Underhill has been given the official go ahead to investigate this. We're all stood down until its resolved. Basically, Alexandra, you are under house arrest. I must take your mirror." He held out his hand and Alex just sat staring at him. "I must take it now Alexandra." He said simply and Alex handed him her mirror very slowly.
"Thank fuck they allocated it to old Doc Underhill. He's fair and thorough." Wilson said quietly - everyone's appetite for the excellent cooking of Mrs. Harris was gone. Jericho pushed Alex's mirror into his jacket and clasped his hands together, he spoke softly; "Normally, a Knight would be dispatched to oversee the investigation. But because who may be involved in this, The BOSS [he glanced up at the ceiling to reinforce his words] has decided that someone from the family will babysit Alex - just in case her supposed boyfriend turns up - and that's his sister; Princess Isis. She'll be here asap." He turned to Mr. Harris, who was actually gripping the back of Jericho's seat in mild shock. "The guest suite is up to your usual excellent standards?"
Mr. Harris managed to nod and mumble quietly; "Yes Sir, I'll inform Mrs. Harris of our guest." He walked away very slowly and headed for the kitchens. They all heard the normally reserved man yell; "Yes! Fucking Yes!" and then there was silence for a few seconds and everyone started to laugh, even Alex had to chuckle as she brushed tears away. "I dread to think what awful waistcoat he'll have on for this one." Wilson said and everyone knew exactly what he meant.
Jericho leaned back in his chair; "I don't even have to ask that everyone WILL be on their best behaviour until this is over." Wilson chuckled; "You know that her grandfather - when designing the new female form for humans* - based the female on her. You would have certainly met your better with this one Alex." Owen just grunted and sat in silence. Wilson slapped him on the back adding; "Best behaviour baby brother!" and laughed some more.
Alex sighed loudly and sat up in her chair; "I want to see the actual film, the part where I supposedly expose my crotch to millions on TV whilst groping the bloody devil!" She turned to Jericho; "I take it we have the bloody game on record?" He nodded and rose from his chair; everyone followed and the team headed for the study, past a confused looking Ruth holding a silver soup tureen.
"We'll be back." Owen smiled at her and they all disappeared into the study. He whispered to Wilson; "Even if it's a bloody look-a-like, I'm still going to enjoy this!" Wilson just shook his head in mock despair and muttered; "There is no bloody IF."
Wilson served everyone large brandies and they settled in front of the big ornate mirror above the fireplace and Jericho said quietly; "The world snooker championship final in 1985, just the final frame please." The mirror flickered into life and they sat watching, with very little conversation. After a few minutes Jericho grunted; "The broadcast Director plays the camera upon the crowd to create more atmosphere. It was a male dominated sport and men were clearly the majority and target audience, so any pretty young ladies would have the camera pointed at them." Owen rubbed his chin; "I don't see many in that lot - pretty women I mean - no wonder he zoomed in on Alex...well, the look-a-like I mean."
"That's if he actually did; at the time." Jericho said softly.
"Jericho my man, how are you?" She gripped his arm and smiled, broadly. He managed to bow and mumble; "I'm fine your Grace." Wilson and Owen bowed, well they tried, but it didn't turn out too well. Alex curtsied with some elegance and Isis walked straight up to her and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Hi Alex or do you prefer Alexandra?" Alex whispered that 'Alex' was fine.
"So your watching snooker, my brother David loves the game, he says its Chess, only its played with bright coloured balls!" Jericho gestured to the big armchair that he normally relaxed in; "Would you like to sit your Grace...and maybe Mr. Harris could fetch you a drink?" She nodded; "Thank you Jericho; I'll have a large brandy please." And plonked herself down in the chair and smiled at Alex. "Everyone, please sit down." She added and accepted a giant glass of brandy from the shaking hand of Mr. Harris.
"Well, lets see what the fuss is all about. Please play the naughty bit." She grinned and downed the entire glass of brandy in one go. She offered her glass to Mr. Harris for a refill. He poured her another large one and actually wondered if there were enough decent bottles of brandy in the bar stockroom for this visit!
Everyone sat in silence as the screen played on; the camera swept across the audience and stopped suddenly at a very pretty young woman in a stunning business suit with a very short skirt. She was in conversation with the young man next to her and she slowly crossed her legs. Owen actually groaned a little, as her black stocking tops were revealed and everyone received a view of her tiny white, frilly panties. The camera moved on and the commentator chuckled that she'll be in the news tomorrow.
Wilson and Jericho exchanged a concerned look, both thinking the same thing; If that's not Alex, then they are a pair of monkeys. Everyone was now staring at Alex - well, the Princess wasn't - Mr. Harris was pouring her another refill. "Oh that's definitely David. He often uses that form when visiting humanity. He goes by the wonderful name of 'Adam Anderson'. He says that form is quite popular with human females and we know how much he likes them!" She actually giggled a little and relaxed back in the chair, cradling her brandy glass with both hands - warming the contents in the traditional way.
She sipped her brandy and peered over the rim of her glass at Alex, whose cheeks had gone a little reddish. "Now Alex, don't be embarrassed, I'm sure a lot of women have a revealed a little too much, when crossing their legs. Just they didn't have a camera peering up their skirt!" She placed the glass down and leaned forward in her seat. "I take it you now realise that it IS YOU in the film. David told me he had quite a date, he was impressed that you love snooker too. Oh yes, he was really impressed with you - really impressed."
Everyone sat in absolute silence until Alex pushed a tear from her cheek; "That can't be me. I think, I would remember going on a date with the 'Dark Prince' and showing my crotch on TV." She whispered and swallowed down her brandy.
Jericho rubbed his face - something wasn't right here. He knew that Alexandra had no real interest in the game of snooker; no interest whatsoever - she would prefer Chess any day of the week. He sighed and picked up his glass. Something was definitely not right here; but that was Alexandra in the film and she was with the Dark Prince. He sipped his brandy and thought hard about what the hell was going on. He glanced at Alex sipping her brandy and wondered if Alex was actually telling the whole truth here. Had she been up to something she really didn't want found out by her colleges?
In the quietness of the late evening, Jericho was walking alone in the grounds of the lighthouse; the only real noise was the sound of his boots on the gravel. He stood and watched the sea for some time and then headed back. Jericho sat in the study and re-watched the scene on the big mirror, he had already decided that it was indeed Alexandra. But he truly believed that she was being totally honest in her denial that she was out with the 'Dark Prince', but her mirror definitely put her in Sheffield at that time. That thought made Jericho sit straight up and he thought about the last encounter the team had with the Dark Prince in person.
Boston, 1959 in the car park of the North Boston College of Art and the Dark Prince had intervened with his own minions, to ensure that Alexandra's soul wasn't lost after the demon Phara had killed her. It would have been lost because she was out of her own allocated time period. It was a danger all Temporal detectives faced whilst on duty in a time period that was not their own.
"Why did he do that?" That was the question Wilson had asked Jericho after the incident. Jericho stood staring at the now dead fireplace and ran a hand through his hair. "Why did he do that?" He repeated to himself; they had a Knight of God there; James, who could have easily recalled Alex's soul. Jericho sighed, time was running out; Arch-Angel Michael had convened a special disciplinary hearing against Alex tomorrow and it certainly didn't look good for her - despite her vehement denials - If only he had more time.
It was like a light being switched on his head; Time. He actually laughed out loud and headed up the stairs to Wilson's room and knocked gently upon the door. He could see the lights were on and so the big man was still up. Some very quiet music was playing; probably soul music from the 1970's.
Wilson opened the door and Jericho stepped in. On the small table by the window was a very old fashioned type-writer. there was sheets of paper scattered around the table and on the floor. Jericho smiled; "Writing your memoirs big man?" and was definitely surprised when Wilson nodded; "I put together stuff about the missions we get lumbered with, just an interest, well, hobby really and the latest one is a cracker; first the Dark Prince turns up and saves Alex's soul, then his bloody sister appears and practically condemns Alex's soul for the disciplinary hearing tomorrow."
Jericho nodded and then grinned; "Do you fancy doing something naughty and help Alexandra?" Wilson smiled and picked up his jacket; "I hope by naughty you don't expect me to flash my wedding tackle on prime time TV?" Jericho chuckled; "No, we would need a special wildlife permit to let that bloody thing escape!"
Wilson stopped; "The team is stood down; the bloody light room won't allow us to travel and besides; our mirrors are off line." He grimaced and sat back down on the end of the bed. But Jericho smiled; "We don't need either of them, if we have a Knight of God." Wilson nodded his head and grinned; "And boy, do we know one that will do anything for our girl." They both now smiled as the same name came to them; James.
As they sneaked down the stairs, they passed the darkened Guest Suite and stopped suddenly - they really struggled to stop laughing out loud, at the noises coming from the room, which caught their attention. "Sweet Jesus, she snores louder than a pig on bloody steroids!" Whispered Wilson and they crept down the stairs holding back some terrible fits of giggles. They made the study and let it go, both laughed for a few minutes then calmed down. "Oh bollocks! How can we call him without our fucking mirrors!" Groaned Wilson and slumped into his favourite armchair.
But Jericho pulled on his coat and jerked a thumb towards the door; "I think a little visit to our resident recluse will solve that one." Wilson jumped up; "You clever fucker; John of course!" They slipped quietly through the front door and headed for the small cottage at the end of the Island, As they closed the door behind them, Mr. Harris stood in the doorway of the kitchen and sipped his glass of milk and grinned; Mr. Jericho Tibbs could be accused of many things and loyalty was one of them. He made his way to his suite; smiling.
They were pleased to see that the lights were still on in John's small cottage. Jericho tapped on the door and it was opened by John, who smiled; "Let me guess gentlemen; a very naughty, unauthorised little mission to Sheffield in 1985 to save the reputation and career of our much respected and loved Alexandra?" Jericho and Wilson exchanged a knowing glance. John may be a reclusive bugger, but he certainly had knowledge about the human condition - and rather strangely for a recluse; human friendship.
Jericho just nodded and was about to ask about James, when John picked up his coat and hat, then grinned; "Let's not get a good Knight into trouble with his Arch-Angel. I can help and no-one will call me into question. Let’s go." The three disappeared and found themselves standing outside the Crucible Theatre, in Sheffield on the afternoon of April 28th 1985.
John rubbed his hands together and seemed quite excited; "I'm a great fan of snooker and this was simply, one of the greatest matches ever played. It went right down to the final ball in the final frame - fantastic!" They watched the crowds forming outside the doors and Wilson stopped smiling; "How the fuck can we get in with no working mirrors and more importantly; no fucking tickets!"
John just smiled and rummaged in his old black coat; he pulled three pieces of paper from his pocket and tapped them; "Three tickets for the final session of the World Snooker Championship Final and we'll be sitting just three rows behind where Alex and her unwanted date will apparently be." Wilson just stared at them, but Jericho chuckled; "He is the BOSSES son, he can do things like that. Come on, lets get our seats." They joined the happy queue and John said quietly; "My uncle told me once, that snooker was basically Chess played with brightly coloured balls. That's a good analogy isn't it?"
Wilson gave Jericho a strange glance and Jericho held a finger to his lips; "Not the best time to mention how much will dislike his uncle." Wilson just nodded; he had his own thoughts about Prince John, but would keep them to himself for now. "Does this place have a decent bloody bar?" He said and pulled his jacket tighter.
The Principle Time Controller; Estelle Lagarde walked slowly into the Duty Time Controllers suite and stared at the mirrors full of flickering images. There were nearly a hundred Controllers working this shift under her Senior Assistant Theodore Rhodes, who greeted her at the door. He gestured to the Special Operations section, located in its own space, in the corner of the room and almost smiled; "First trip he's taken in some time and he's not alone - that's why I called you in."
They walked slowly to the busy room and Lagarde asked quietly; "All the other family members are located and where they should be?" Theo nodded; "Prince David is still cloaked - as usual - Princess Isis is at that bloody lighthouse of Jericho Tibbs - you know - dealing with that classified matter and now Prince John has suddenly stopped being a recluse and jumped to Sheffield, England in 1985. The Heir is still sitting on that bloody mountain in Canada and Prince Alexander has cloaked himself, but was last reported in Scotland in 1746. The Princess Mary is...fishing in an Arctic lake back in 1844 with that useless boyfriend of he's." He saw the look on Lagarde's face and added; "Sorry, with her current best friend." but she just smiled, as a rebuke for his disrespect to a family member.
Princess Mary's latest 'boyfriend' was a Knight who was as useful as a snowball in space. He owed his current position entirely to his 'friendship' with the BOSSES' daughter. He made the 'Three Stooges’ look like a trio of Einstein's or Gavel’s. Still, the princess must see some good in him, even if no one else could.
Lagarde folded her arms and stared at the screen before her. She sighed; "In the company of Inspector Tibbs and his sergeant - Wilson isn't it? - looks like they are all snooker fans." Theo smiled at that. Lagarde leaned on the desk and stared at the screen; "The two Detectives are not cleared to be there. The Prince can be where he likes and with who ever he likes. But inform Angel Margret about her snooker loving, currently suspended detectives, who apparently, are taking a little sightseeing trip; I don't think." She then chuckled; "I have a pretty good idea what Tibbs is up to there. Clever bugger, getting John's help. That is really clever. Best inform Family Liaison and get some directions about what action we should take - if any is necessary."
Theo nodded and watched the screen; "Well, the weather surprised the detectives, but not Prince John." He leaned forward and pointed to the corner of the screen; "Ma'am, isn't that him, in that human form he's so fond of?"
Lagarde ran a hand over her face and nodded; "Yes and I know who the pretty human female is. He has her under control. Inform Family Liaison at once about this." Then she stepped back; "No, inform the Queen directly. She may be needed on this one and get a message to Princess Isis. Then Inform Demon Ingress to get some Knights on standby; if he's there, then he's bound to have some very senior Minions hanging around him. Those two brave, but naïve detectives would be in real danger - if Prince John wasn't with them."
Theo agreed and Lagarde returned to her office, leaving explicit instructions that she would be kept up to date regularly. She was smiling broadly to herself; that young woman certainly has a pair of good friends in those two crazy detectives - they were simply risking everything for her - including their souls!
Jericho eased his way past several people already sitting and joined John and Wilson. He was impressed; they had a good view of the table and the final, evening session was about to start. John tapped his arm; "That's the seats they'll be sitting in." Jericho rubbed his chin; "There are three empty seats, why three seats?" He whispered and Wilson said softly; "I just mentioned that, but we never caught sight of the people sitting next to them, with the bloody camera pointing at Alex's underwear."
Jericho sighed; "And we don't have any bloody mirrors to check now." Wilson shifted his big frame about in the chair - getting comfortable - and stared down towards the aisle which contained the empty seats they were very interested in. He wiped his face; "They're here."
The trio all leaned forward at the same time and saw the Dark Prince - aka 'Adam Anderson' - with 'Alex' on his arm. They took their seats with no conversation. "The dirty bastard has his hand up her fucking skirt!" Wilson said with real anger in his voice. They all noticed that Alex's face was expressionless and she appeared to make no comment.
Jericho rubbed his chin; "There's something very wrong here." John agreed and Jericho could see he had formed his right hand into a fist, with the other hand clutching it. "I really don't like the way he's taking advantage of his position with that young woman. He clearly has her under control...he's removed her Free-will, just like he would with every human; if given the opportunity."
The game was now underway and the seat next to the pair remained empty; "No-one will be allowed in now the match is underway." Wilson muttered with real anger growing inside of him, as he watched the Dark Prince push his other hand into Alex's blouse; still without any reaction from her. "Dirty bastard." Was all he managed to add.
John turned to Jericho with a real determined look; "I now see for myself why my...why he must never inherit the throne after his brother. I see and understand it as clear as day." They watched as the Dark Prince stopped molesting the silent Alex and sat back in his seat, he simply waved his hand and Alex started talking and placed her hand upon his knee. "This is it." Jericho said quietly and they watched, as Alex now opened her legs as the ceiling camera passed over the pair. The Dark Prince was actually laughing and Wilson really wanted to punch him straight in his grinning face.
Jericho stared hard; the outfit Alex had on, was the very one she was wearing on the Boston Mission, where the dark prince had recalled her soul. He wondered about the significance of that. He ran a hand over his face and stared at the couple; how the hell did the Dark prince get control of Alex; he would have to physically touch her to gain that sort of control...He groaned as remembered the Boston incident. He turned to Wilson and was about to speak, but that's when he noticed that everyone was silent, there was no noise from the crowd and the players were like mannequins in a shop window.
Jericho and Wilson followed John down the aisle stairs and saw the expression on the Dark Prince's Face; He was grinning. He had recognised John - his nephew.
John stood in front of David [The Dark Prince] and gestured towards Alex, still sitting with her legs open, having no further orders to move. She stared ahead with no expression. "Sorry Uncle David, but we're here to collect young Alex and take her home. I'm sure you'll find another little plaything to amuse yourself with." He folded his arms. David nodded at Jericho and Wilson; "You really are a clever little human Jericho. You knew that you couldn't come up against me without some real heavy protection. I really have underestimated you. I won't do that again, believe me." Jericho just stood unsmiling and said nothing.
John simply waved his hand across Alex and she slowly came round; she looked totally confused and jumped from the chair and grabbed John with both arms and gripped him really tightly; she was crying. John put both arms around her and whispered in her ear. He turned to Jericho and Wilson, with a smile; "Take her home please." Alex, Jericho and Wilson disappeared.
They were outside the lighthouse and Wilson had Alex firmly cradled in his arms; She was now sobbing. She wiped her face with both hands and smoothed her clothes; "That bloody demon Phara, [back in Boston in 1959] had hold of me and there was darkness, I was in total darkness, I could feel nothing....see nothing. There WAS nothing except darkness. I was dead and my soul was...lost." Wilson embraced her tightly and stroked her hair. "The Dark Prince had you in his clutches, but your safe now." He whispered and noticed that Mr. Harris had appeared in the doorway, gesturing for them to come.
Jericho wiped his face and muttered; "Now what?" The team made their way into the lighthouse and Mr. Harris opened the study door; "You have a serious visitor Sir and herself has gone [Princess Isis]." He stared at Alex and looked quite relieved; "I was also about to inform you that Lady Alexandra had also disappeared." Jericho smiled; "John dealt with little problem; we can't have two Alexandra's here, can we?"
Jericho just sighed and said to Wilson; "Take Alex into the kitchens. get Mrs. Harris to look after her." Wilson nodded and took Alex to the kitchen's with Mr. Harris following, saying there was a decent bottle of brandy next to the Utility Room door. "Good, because we need a big one." Wilson said and guided Alex through the door.
Jericho took a deep breath and stepped into the study. He knew immediately who was sitting on his sofa, legs crossed and holding a large Vodka - neat. It was Adam; yes, that Adam - the First human ever made by the present BOSSES Grandfather - He was him self's personal Servant and Private Secretary. Adam was simply the most important - and powerful - human that existed. He has close up and personal dealings with all members of THE FAMILY each and every day. It was said that Adam was totally trusted by the hierarchy and carried real power in the organisation. Jericho was a little stunned; Adam didn't usually make house calls!
Adam rose and held out his hand; "Hello Jericho, I hope I'm not intruding on your leisure time." Jericho shook his very firm hand and mumbled; "No Sir." Adam gestured for him to sit and dropped back on the sofa. He smiled. "I trust that Miss Alexandra will recover from her ordeal. Queen Mary is quite concerned about what befell the girl. The matter will be taken up by Himself, you can trust me on that." Adam finished his vodka and placed the glass down. He leaned forward and the smile was gone. Jericho had a strange feeling that he really didn't want to know, what Adam was about to tell him.
"Prince John has told me that you can be trusted - completely - I was also told that by Queen Mary. That means, I know I can also trust you and your judgements." He sat back and Jericho refilled his glass from the bottle that Mr. Harris had left. "Excuse me Sir, I think I may need one of these." Jericho said and filled the second glass [left on the tray with the spirit bottles] with brandy. Adam chuckled; "You and your team have a well earned reputation for hard work, hard playing and total commitment to your assigned roles, that is how it should be. That's the sort of endeavour that I need."
"What happened to Alexandra would just be the tip of the iceberg should Prince David [The Dark Prince] inherit his brother's throne. Currently, his plans for his Grandfathers creation - us humans- do not look good. The Heir appears to nave made it quite clear, that's he wants nothing to do with his father or humanity. His brother Prince John displayed no interest in anything to do with humanity and had also refused to take the throne, when the time comes. But that was until the little adventure with yourself. He now understands what will happen to humanity, should his Uncle be placed upon the throne. Those feelings will be encouraged Jericho and I'm sure you can clearly understand why?" Adam ran a hand over his face; "They MUST be encouraged - Yes?"
Jericho swallowed his brandy in one hit and nodded; "I do understand Sir." But thought; what fucking shit have I landed myself in? Adam rose and walked to the door; "I'll be in touch Jericho." He hesitated and turned, unsmiling; "Watch your back Jericho. There are some very powerful forces that would see the Dark Prince on the throne and they will stop at nothing to see that happen." On that unhappy note; he departed.
Jericho held his head with both hands and muttered; "What the fuck have I got myself into?" He looked up and saw Wilson standing in the doorway; almost smiling; "You mean what the fuck have WE got into." He dropped into his favourite armchair and clasped his big hands together; "Mrs. Harris has sorted our Alex out - she's quite a knowledgeable and caring woman - and now our girl is just plain angry. A bit like our Owen, who is sulking over being left behind - despite me telling him, why we did that."
They both turned to the door and watched Alex march in and pour herself a large brandy with some real determination. She took a couple of mouthfuls and placed one hand on her hip; "I going to shove the bastards balls so far up his arse, he'll think he has bloody tonsillitis!" and finished her drink, then poured another one.
"Feel me up will he, the bloody creep!" and sipped at her brandy, adding; "What did our Adam want Jericho - if you don't mind letting us into the little secret." She slumped into her armchair by the fire and very slowly and ladylike, crossed her legs. Wilson started to clap and Jericho joined in; that did surprise Alex, then she realised why they were applauding. She raised her glass; "See, the lady can seat herself comfortably without displaying her panties and stocking tops to the entire world." Then, actually chuckled.
Wilson stood up and fetched himself a large one from the drinks tray and refilled Jericho's glass, whilst he was at it, he poured a large one for Owen; who he knew wouldn't sulk for long, if there was brandy about. He pretended to grimace; "Tonsillitis!" was all he said and sat back down.
Everyone looked back at the doorway. Owen stood there - arms folded - looking a little angry. He walked over and sat down on the sofa. Wilson passed him the brandy he had poured. Owen took a sip and nodded; "I do understand why you had to leave me behind. New to the Department, a novice, my career as a Temporal Detective would have been over before it really started. But I still feel that I should have made that decision for myself. Nevertheless, I do understand why you made the call Jericho." He raised his glass to his silent colleagues; "I apologise for acting like a spoilt brat. I'm sorry."
Wilson and Jericho exchanged a really surprised look, until finally Wilson smiled and raised his glass too; "I think our boy has finally turned into a young man." Alex nodded; "Bloody amen to that." Jericho just smiled.
"Room for one more?" Everyone turned again to the study door and John wandered in and dropped on the sofa next to Owen. Since they all knew, who John was now; they started to stand, but he waved them down; "I normally like a red wine, but a bloody brandy will do me nicely." Alex stood and fetched him a glass and pushed it into his hand, she bend over him and placed a real smacker on his lips. "Thank you so much." Was all she said.
He really did grin at that and to everyone's real surprise knocked the brandy back in one hit. "I suppose you all want to know what happened with my arsehole of an uncle?" He walked over to the drinks tray and refilled his glass; "Re-fills anyone?" Everyone was utterly amazed that such a powerful entity would actually perform a service for their minions. But he did and with a big smile.
"What did happen Sir. With the Dark Prince?" Jericho said quietly. John smiled; "It's still John my friend. Uncle Arsehole is not happy. In fact, to quote that wonderful and colourful human expression; His strawberries had been well and truly pissed on." John raised his glass, then took a sip. He grinned and relaxed back on the sofa and patted Owens’s arm in friendship.
There was a silence for a few seconds, then a dour faced Wilson asked; "So, officially, we can call him Uncle Arsehole now?" Everyone stared at Wilson in amazement and a little horror. That was some serious breach of protocol. But John just started to laugh and everyone joined in. Jericho held his hand up; "Come on people, stick to the rules. Prince John can refer to his Uncle how he likes, but we'll keep the required respect for a senior family member." That made everyone laugh even more.
Alex grinned; "Spoken like a true diplomat Jericho." and downed her brandy in one hit. John finished his drink and stood. Everyone rose too and John sighed; "Stop that - please." He smiled and headed for the door, then stopped; "Oh, and by the way, that Discipline Hearing called for tomorrow over our Alex's unwilling dating of Uncle Arsehole, will not go ahead. Mother has put a stop to that. But Mickey will probably want to see her." He disappeared and everyone really did relax. Owen scratched his chin in wonderment and muttered; "He calls the Arch-Angel Michael 'Mickey!."
Owen refilled all their glasses and the conversation was quite lively. The team went to bed a great deal happier. But Jericho remained in the study, sitting by the dying fire and deep in thought. He had checked his mirror - it was back on line. He sighed and stared at the smouldering embers of the fire; something still troubled him and he couldn't fathom out what that was.
Both teams sat outside the Arch-Angel's grand office in relative silence. Only Doc Underhill and Jericho were really chatting. Owen tapped Wilson and nodded towards Isabella [Issy] Pugg; "If Alex gets away with this, without a warning or official caution, they will have to shoot her with a tranquiliser gun." Wilson chuckled and glanced at the miserable looking Sergeant. "By the look on her face, she already knows the result." It was Owen's turn to chuckle. Skyrise sat arms folded and stared at the floor; even he didn't like to hold a conversation with 'Issy' unless he had too. Being a Doctor; he had informed his friends on team 74 that she clearly had suffered a 'personality and humour bypass' at some point. Even old Doc had smiled at that, though he did 'tut tut' a couple of times and wag a disapproving finger.
Everyone stood as Prince John appeared from the office with Madame Eleanor [the angel's private secretary]. He grinned and slapped his hands together; "Mickey wants to see you two for a moment." He gestured to Doc and Jericho and still smiling, walked off down the corridor. Everyone turned to Issy as she groaned and slumped back on the seat and folded her arms; she was not a happy Temporal Detective Sergeant. Now that did make everyone smile.
Madame Eleanor showed Doc and Jericho into the angels office and everyone sat back down, a lot happier now. Issy couldn't believe that Alex had 'got away with it' again. She stared at Skyrise, Wilson and Owen. "Bloody men. Always fools for a pretty face and pair of long legs." She muttered to herself and searched in her handbag for some mints she had there; she didn't offer them around.
Doc and Jericho emerged from the office - unsmiling - and Doc patted Jericho's arm and smiled. he gestured for his team to follow him and Team 74 watched their colleagues depart in silence. Jericho jerked a thumb towards the office door and said quietly; "The Arch-Angel will see Team 74 now." They followed him into the room without comment. Jericho stopped Alex briefly and said softly; "Keep your lips firmly together. I will do all the talking." Alex nodded and refrained from smiling. They lined up in front of the Angel's ornate desk and everyone stared at he sole object upon the beautiful marble desk; it was a miniature guillotine!
The Arch-Angel sat in his chair with both hands clasped in front of him. He nodded to Alex; "Officer Cappanni, you will be pleased to know that no discipline action will be taken against you. The matter is closed and will not appear upon your Personal File." Alex almost smiled, but restrained herself; "Thank you Sir." was all she said. He gestured to Owen; "You took no part in this matter and thus; your record remains clean - as it should for a novice Detective - and I suspect you have your Inspector and Sergeant to thank for that." Owen just nodded and also didn't smile. He folded his arms and still unsmiling spoke to Jericho and Wilson; "But you two broke several rules; and you know the very ones I am talking about. You admit that?" Jericho and Wilson nodded.
The Angel tapped his desk gently and said quietly; "I'm afraid that Sergeant Wilson Franklyn is reduced in rank to Constable for an indefinite period. He must receive a disciplinary sanction for what he did. I trust you can all understand that?" No one nodded at that revelation. The Angel continued; "Inspector Tibbs is suspended from duty forthwith for an indefinite period." There was absolute silence from the team; no one expected such a hard punishment. Alex wanted to speak, but the caught the look on Jericho's face and remained silent. Owen just stood with his mouth open.
Arch-Angel Michael slowly pulled a small fob watch from his pocket and flipped open the lid. He stared at the watch face for a minute or so and looked up at the silent and dour Team 74. He grunted and snapped the lid shut; "Now that the indefinite time period is over. Your restored to the rank of Sergeant, Wilson. Your suspension, Inspector Tibbs is lifted. Now take a seat all of you." He smiled and leaned back in his chair. The Arch-Angel had done his job; dished out some serious enough punishments to his naughty staff - even if it was for only two minutes! - Temporal Department protocols had been satisfied.
Everyone slowly sat on the marble bench and a little ripple of laughter passed between them, The Angel clasped his hands together; "Now onto more serious matters." The smile was gone and everyone sat upright as the the angel explained the 'serious matters' happening around them.
It was some minutes later that Team 74 trooped from his office in absolute silence and remained so until they returned to the lighthouse. They gathered in the study and Jericho closed the door and actually turned the key in the lock; no one had ever seen that happen before. He stood in front of the fire place; grim faced and arms folded. "Well, you heard what the Arch-Angel said. Certain parties within - and outside - the Palace are making moves to have Prince David declared his brother's heir. I certainly don't have to explain what that would mean for us humans. Alex has already had a taste of that. But equally powerful parties are determined to stop that and have Prince John declared the heir. For good or bad; we have chosen to support Prince John and that will put us directly at odds with the Dark Prince and his supporters. To quote Arch-Angel Michael; 'the bloody gloves are off'. We are now in the firing line from some pretty powerful parties."
He walked to the drinks tray and smiled; "Brandies all round, I think." No one argued against that! Owen cradled his brandy glass and said softly; "I think we're really in the shit." No one argued with that too.
Alex was delighted to receive some leave from Angel Margret to recover fully from the incident. So, she visited her ‘friend’ Mr. Albian [A Senior Time Controller] and he was more than happy to assist her. So, she jumped back to Victorian London in the summer of 1861 and booked herself into the fairly new Claridge’s Hotel which had been opened in 1854. She had her loyal ‘maid’ for company; Jackie, who Jericho insisted accompany her and arranged leave for her too.
Thus, the two ladies arrived in London and Alex had one simple goal; to find a young Mr. Frederick Babette! “According to my calculations Freddie would be twenty-five years old in this year and worked for Sir John Coleville as a Footman. We won’t have any problems with Edward or Harold this time because they are boys in this year.” Alex spoke to Jackie as they walked to the cab rank and caught the first cab in line. Tentatively she told the rough looking driver to take them to Sir John Coleville’s house. She was relieved when he just nodded and grunted as the two ladies boarded and settled back for the journey.
Alex sighed; “These dresses are like wearing a bloody tent and are about as sexually attractive as a sewage farm. I hate them.” Jackie chuckled; “Yeah, but you’re sick, perverted friend Mr. Albian would probably find the shit farm attractive!” Alex had to smile at that and leaned over, whispering; “The dirty bastard only agreed after I took a dump in his lap. He really needs to see someone about his sexual habits.” Jackie really grimaced; “You must really want Mr. Babette badly my girl!” Alex now grinned; “Bloody right I do!”
The cab stopped out the impressive house which would later become a rescue centre for ‘fallen’ women with alcohol and prostitution problems. But for now, it was the family home of a very eminent Victorian archaeologist and adventurer. Alex paid the cabby and the pair headed for the tradesman entrance. A burly man was unloading a wooden grate filled with fresh vegetables and walking down the alley at the side of the house. “I bet he’s about to deliver, so let’s follow him.” Jackie said and they walked behind him. He stopped at a brown door and pulled the rope by the doorframe and a middle-aged woman opened the door and didn’t smile; “Your bleeding late again Mr. Combs. I expected these an hour ago. The cook is not happy.” The big man just nodded and walked past her as she stood wiping her hands on her apron. She stared at Alex and Jackie and again; didn’t smile. “Can I help?” she said, and Alex smiled; “We’re here to see my cousin; Mr. Frederick Babette, is he in?” The woman placed her arms on her hips and now did smile. “You want to see Freddie?” Both girls nodded. She turned and shouted down the hallway; “Lucy! Go fetch Freddie; there are a couple of tarts to see him!”
Both Alex and Jackie stared at each other; “Tarts!” they both thought but restrained any angry reply and waited. The woman shook her head and rubbed her face; “Which of you two has he knocked up now? Or is it both of you!” she chuckled and told them to wait here and wandered back inside; still laughing to herself. Jackie folded her arms; “It appears your man has quite a reputation already.” Alex nodded; “Don’t care, I know how he turns out, so what are a few youthful indiscretions considering how he becomes a sexual God!” Jackie laughed at that and then a young man appeared at the door with a cup in his hand. Alex really smiled; she was right about Mr. Frederick Babette; he had been a very handsome young man in his day with a lovely smile. He sipped his tea and smiled; “Which of you is my supposed cousin?”
Alex said quietly; “I am Freddie.” He really smiled, but shook his head; “I certainly don’t have a cousin that looks like you darling. The two I do have look like pigs wearing wigs and lipstick.” He chuckled and closed the door behind him and gestured for them to follow him; “The gardeners big shed is a discrete place to talk, otherwise bleeding Mrs. Reynolds the housekeeper will be taking notes for Sir John. You just met her, so you’ll understand.” Both girls nodded and followed.
The gardeners ‘hut’ was a big brick built, one story place with small windows and Freddie pushed open the shabby door and walked in. It smelt of flowers, compost, and tobacco. He closed the door and placed his cup down. “Now, how can I help you ladies?” Alex smiled and ran her hand softly over his face; “Oh, Freddie you won’t believe my story, so I won’t tell it, but you and I are true soul mates and we actually ended up getting married. I have come back for you, risking everything including my bloody life to be with you. We should be together, no, destined to be together. Do you understand?”
Freddie looked quiet puzzled; “Blimey darling, does that mean you want me to fuck you and maybe, your pretty friend too?” Alex sighed; “You catch on fast Mister Adonis and Casanova rolled into one.” Freddie nodded; “OK darling, when and where?” Alex told him she was booked into Claridge’s Hotel, and he should visit there. He nodded and said, “Who do I ask for?” Alex stroked his face; “Lady Alex Cappanni.” He grunted; “And when; I get Thursday afternoon off but can wrangle a whole night or two if I pay the other footman to cover for me, but that’s bloody expensive.” Alex nodded and opened her purse; “How much to bribe them for a whole weekend? This weekend.” Freddie grinned; “Five bob each, but I’ll need cab fare and that, so call it fifteen bob.” Alex handed him a sovereign coin which would more than cover his ‘expenses’ for the weekend.
He took the money and kissed it; “Lady, you’ve booked me for the weekend, I’ll see you about nine o’clock Saturday morning then.” He pocked the coin and walked to the door. “Oh, I take it that includes her as well.” indicating Jackie and chuckled; heading back to the big house. Jackie folded her arms and sighed; “Is he that good in the sack?” Alex tapped her arm; “Unfortunately, he bleeding isn’t just good, but fucking phenomenal!”
Jackie smiled; “I can’t wait.” Was all she said.
The girls sat around in anticipation of Saturday morning, but the clock seemed to drag the hours and minutes and the tension and wanting grew with the passing hours. Finally, Saturday morning arrived and both girls shared a bath and then dressed for his arrival. Well, dressed meant they both just wore stockings, panties and a Basque that barely covered their breasts. They practically prowled the rooms of their hotel suite like lionesses awaiting their prey.
Finally, there was a knock at the door and Alex rushed to and opened it slightly and stared at the young man standing there.
“Miss Alex Cappanni?” he asked and removed his hat. She nodded, keeping her body behind the door. He smiled and handed her a folded piece of paper. “The gentleman said to deliver this, and you would give me sixpence for my troubles.” Alex slowly took the note and called to Jackie to bring her purse.
She gave the young man his money and he smiled and walked off. They both stood by the fireplace and Alex opened the note. “Sorry ladies, but I’ve had to leave due to circumstances beyond my control. Thank you for the money. Take care of yourselves. I’m so sorry as I was looking forward to having some fun with you girls. Ta-Ta and see you sometime. Freddie.” Alex read aloud getting a little angry. The girls were bitterly disappointed and then wondered why he had to leave so quickly. “Come on, we’re going back to that damn house and find out what happened.” Alex said, folding the note up. She went back to the door and stuck her head out, the young man had just reached the top of the staircase when she called him back.
He took off his hat – again – and smiled, “How can I help Miss?” Alex asked him how old he was and his name; she smiled at the reply: 18 and he was called Alfred Riggs from Peckham. She gently ran a hand down his face and asked if he was experienced with women [she was horny and needed cock: urgently!] He shrugged his shoulders, “Some would say I was and other’s I wasn’t. But mum and Rose – me sister – are both on the game, so I would say I know about women!”
Alex chuckled, “Well, that’s good enough for us, do come in!” and also pulled him through the door. He stared at both of them, dressed in their underwear and especially at Alex’s magnificent big tits, barely restrained by her bodice. He wiped a hand across his face, “Sorry darling, but all I have is the bleeding tanner [slang for sixpenny piece] you gave me, sorry!” She started unbuttoning his jacket, ”Well young Alfred Riggs from bloody Peckham, it’s free dear because we need a bloody cock!” He then stared at Jackie, standing smiling at him, with an erection in her flimsy panties.
Alex and Jackie stood with arms folded as the damn door slammed shut and they could hear him disappearing down the corridor at speed. Jackie just sighed and headed for the bedroom to dress saying, “I think that has to be the first man who turned down sex with two horny ladies this side of hell freezing over!”
Alex followed, cussing a little and determined to find out what transpired to make Freddie depart so quickly. They took a cab to Sir John Coleville’s house and banged on the tradesmen’s door.
Mrs. Reynolds opened the door and folded her arms; she was
actually smiling which surprised the girls. Before they could speak; she
chuckled; “You’re out of luck. He’s long-suffering wife has dragged him off;
she’s found him another job away from women and especially women like you two
trollops. So, piss off before I call a constable.” Laughing she slammed the
door.
Alex and Jackie stared at each other, and both said together; “A fucking wife!” They walked from the door in a state of bewilderment and some obvious bitter disappointment.
“He had a wife?” Alex repeated, still a little stunned by that revelation and Jackie just sighed loudly; “Now what the hell do we do?” Alex stopped and opened the gate; “I’m not giving him up.” Jackie nodded and the pair walked to the corner and stood outside the little newsagent shop. “We’ll tack him down….” Alex was interrupted by her mirror buzzing in her handbag. Jackie’s was also activated. It was Jericho calling informing them to return; they had a mission. Both sighed and Alex stood hands on hips and said defiantly; “We’ll find him Jackie; we do have all the time in the world.”

"There were few living Human encounters in this particular Episode. But both Prince David [the Dark Prince] and Prince John had special appearances. There was also a brief appearance by Princess Isis. There was also a brief appearance by a woman from the Dark Prince's harem."
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