Chapter 84
An island in the Mediterranean
“Where are you?” Gayle asked excited as she jumped out of bed, ran over to Rhiannon and gave her a violent shake.
“A place called Rineia Island in the Mediterranean, closest civilisation is the Greek mainland,” Hayley looked at Kirsty when she said this who nodded her confirmation.
“I know,” Gayle squealed on the other end of the line. Hayley had to move the satellite phone away from her ear. “You are not going to believe this Hayley but...”
“Hold on,” Hayley interrupted. “I don’t have much time. At the present time Kirsty, Natalie and I are currently in the process of escaping the island on a boat and with several other people and three prisoners, including Elizabeth Crawford.” Whilst this conversation was going on Natalie and Scarlett were looking out at the cruiser that was sitting at the centre of the small bay.
“What do we do?” Natalie asked Scarlett who took a look around before replying.
“I think that the cruiser can be brought up to the dock so I will take one of the smaller boats and then bring it back across.”
“Can you take care of that yourself?” Natalie asked Scarlett.
“Yeah. No problem,” Scarlett replied confidently as started to move toward one of the smaller boats.
“Take Natalie along with you,” Kirsty jumped in having overheard the conversation that the two women had been having.
“Don’t you trust me?” Scarlett asked.
“Yes, I do,” Kirsty replied. “However, we do not know who or what is on that boat. If there are any surprises then Natalie is better trained to deal with it.”
“In this dress?” Natalie asked.
“Improvise. Overcome. Adapt,” Kirsty said and turned back to Hayley.
“You never guess who is on the phone,” Gayle said to a drowsy Rhiannon as she continued to shake her.
“The President,” Rhiannon answered.
“What were you saying Gayle?” Hayley asked.
“You are not going to believe this Hayley but we are in Athens,” Gayle replied.
“Athens, Greece!!” Hayley exclaimed. “How did that happen?”
“No Hayley!” Gayle said to Rhiannon.
“Are you talking to me Gayle?” Hayley asked.
“No, Rhiannon,” Gayle replied. “Anyway, to answer your question we were trying to track down Fallon Bennett and that led us to Italy where we were snatched and held captive by La Signora Mafia.”
“La Signora Mafia?” Hayley repeated more for Kirsty’s benefit than to ask Gayle a question. Kirsty’s eyebrows raised and almost hit her hairline.
“Indeed,” Gayle confirmed, “and you are not going to believe this but Fallon Bennett is Alessandra Ambrosio.”
“Wait,” something just dawned on Hayley. “How did you know where we were?”
“Well,” Gayle began.
“Hold on, don’t answer that at the moment. We haven’t got the time.” They something else hit Hayley in the middle of the forehead.
“Did you just say that Fallon Bennett is Alessandra Ambrosio?” Kirsty’s eyebrows now basically jumped off her forehead. As this conversation was taking place Scarlett and Natalie had managed to work their way down the wooden ladder that was fixed to the pier and into a small boat which rocked slightly as they settled their weight into it. As this was going on Hayley pointed to her own eyes, then at Kirsty, then at their three bound and gagged captives. Kristy nodded her understanding and moved off to keep a closer eye on Elizabeth, Constance and Louise. Up on the pier Callie untied the rope securing the boat to the pier and flung it down to Scarlett who was able to catch it and then pushed the boat away from the pier. Then Scarlett leaned over and pulled the ripcord to start the small engine on the dingy, fortunately it started first time. Natalie said a silent thank you whilst the rest of the groups winced at the noise of the engine spluttering into life.
“Yes,” Gayle. “Interesting story actually, we were…”
“We can discuss all of this later but can you get ready to move and meet us when we get this all sorted and are a little bit less manic.” Hayley interjected. “With the whole escaping Elizabeth Crawford’s secret base of operations thing.” Penelope head was starting to hurt again, she didn’t know whether it was being bombarded with names and information or still the amount of sedation drugs that had been administered.
“Agreed,” Gayle replied. “Best of luck.” With that Gayle terminated the call. After hanging up and putting the phone back in her pocket and walked over to where Kirsty stood keeping a close eye on their captives. Kirsty had made Elizabeth, Louise and Constance kneel down and cross their ankles.
“She sounded excited,” Kirsty commented. They both watched the small dinghy make it’s was toward the cruiser. It seemed to be making very slow progress.
“We can’t leave Alessandra or Fallon here,” Hayley began. “She is too valuable an asset.”
“I agree,” Kirsty nodded. “So, let’s go and get her.”
“Someone needs to stay here and keep an eye on these three whilst Natalie is at the cruiser.”
“That would probably be sensible,” Kirsty conceded.
“I can keep an eye…” Penelope waved a hand at their captives. Kirsty and Hayley exchanged a glance.
“Maybe, conserve your strength,” Kirsty commented.
“I will take Elise to watch my back,” Hayley spun and looked at Elise who was standing a couple of steps away, almost at the very edge of the pier. “Are you okay with that?” Elise nodded a response. Hayley took the satellite phone from her pocket and handed it to Kirsty. “You had better take this.” Kirsty grabbed the phone and put it in her own pocket. Glancing out into the darkness Hayley could just make out the boat with Scarlett and Natalie now about two thirds of the way to the cruiser. “Give us thirty minutes and then leave. If anybody else apart from us comes onto the beach. Leave.” Kirsty nodded but kept her eyes moving from their captives to the dinghy and back again. With a nod of the head to Elise, Hayley set off at a strong pace along the pier.
“Could you hold these?” Elise asked Jasmine as she thrust her notebook and diary at the international superstar, who stared at both items blankly before taking them and holding them against her chest. After a quick nod of thanks Elise took off down the pier in pursuit of Hayley.
----------
An island in the Mediterranean
Kirsty stood still and watched the two figures work there way onto the beach before they disappeared into the darkness. With her eyes scanning the horizon Kirsty pulled the satellite phone out of her pocket and checked the time, slipping it back in to one pocket she pulled a cloth form the other pocket and turned around to face their captives. “MMOOHH,” Louise and Constance moaned noticing the cloth and making the leap to where this was going.
“Don’t worry, it’s just for her,” Kirsty confirmed with a nod to Elizabeth Crawford. To the woman’s credit Elizabeth didn’t as much as blink as Kirsty took out the bottle of chloroform and prepared the cloth. Kirsty stashed the bottle back in the pocket of her down jacket as she approached the kneeling figure of Elizabeth. As Kirsty pressed the cloth over Elizabeth’s nose and well gagged mouth. With Louise and Constance watching one Kirsty held the cloth firmly in the place, forcing Elizabeth to inhale the fumes that would put her to sleep. Elizabeth didn’t fight, resist or complain in any way, she just locked eyes with Kirsty and stared intently. There was total silence as the anaesthetic was administered, Kirsty watch intently as Elizabeth’s eyes started to flutter and she swayed slightly on her knees. As the swaying got more pronounced Kirsty kneeled down herself and helped Elizabeth to lie down on the wooden planks of the peer as the woman lost the fight to remain conscious. Just as Elizabeth’s eyes closed over there was a sound of a diesel engine starting up.
“Guess that key worked,” Callie said and held up a hand for Jasmine for a high five, but she was ignored. Kneeling down Kirsty turned her attention out to the bay and allowed the cloth to slip away from over the lower half of Elizabeth’s face. As the engine of the cruiser turned over Kirsty noted that the didn’t seem as loud as the engine of the much smaller dinghy, maybe because it was of the pitch but it certainly didn’t seem to travel through the air as much. As she stood up Kirsty heard a clunk then saw the moonlight hit the rungs of the anchor chain as it steadily rose from the water. Now, all six conscious women on the pier turned and watched as the anchor left the water and a couple of seconds later the cruiser started to move. A wide smile broke out across Kirsty’s face and for the first time that night she believed that they could actually pull this off. There was a sense of anticipation as six sets of eyes never broke contact with the cruiser as it made its way slowly toward the pier.
“Here comes our ride out of here,” Penelope said with a weak smile.
“As long as our luck holds out,” Kirsty mumbled under her breath. When it got close enough Scarlett manoeuvred the cruiser into position and killed the engine. Standing on the bow Natalie through a rope to Callie who caught it and tied it to a cleat on the pier. Once the coat was secure Natalie lowered the gangplank onto the pier and got off the boat. “Where is Hayley?” Natalie asked?
“Away to get Fallon Bennett,” Kirsty replied. The look of shock on Natalie’s face told Kirsty all that she needed to know. “Let’s get everyone onboard and wait for her to get back.”
“Alright,” Natalie replied with a bit of hesitation.
“Callie, Jasmine. Could you please help Louise and Constance onto the boat?” The two women walked over and each grabbed the arm of a bound woman, helped them up, along the gangplank and onto the boat. “Give me a hand with Elizabeth?”
“Could you not have resisted the urge until she was on the boat?” Natalie asked as she bent down and grabbed Elizabeth’s ankles and lifted at the same time as Kirsty lifted the unconscious woman from under the armpits. In their dresses it was a struggle to get up the narrow gangplank, especially carrying the unconscious Elizabeth Crawford, but they made it. Penelope followed close behind still looking a little bemused by the what was going on. They were met by Scarlett.
“Where is Hayley?” Scarlett asked.
“She will be back soon,” Natalie replied. “Where are the others?”
“In the wardroom,” Scarlett nodded in a direction with her head. “Follow me.” Everything was tight with the dress in the confines of the cruiser but Natalie and Kirsty managed to follow Scarlett down a short flight of stairs and into a well fitted out drawing room. Constance and Louise sat on a small couch watching over there heavily gagged mouths. Natalie and Kirsty looked around and saw another couch that was empty couch directly across from where the bound and gagged women were sitting and deposited the unconscious Elizabeth onto it. Penelope flopped down heavily into one of the big standalone chairs. Kirsty took a look around and saw a lot of nervous faces looking at them for directly and decided it was time to take charge of the situation.
“You take Callie to the bridge and get prepared for leaving,” Kirsty said to Scarlett. “Can you handle this thing in open water and navigate?”
“No issues,” Scarlett replied. “I have been on something similar and the equipment on the bridge is all first rate.” With a glance at Callie both women excited the wardroom to go to the bridge. “Jasmine, could you look around and find us all some normal clothes.”
“That I can do,” Jasmine said with a smile and turned to search the cruiser. The young woman exited the other end of the wardroom to find the sleeping compartments. Once Jasmine had left Kirsty turned to Natalie.
“For now, let’s tie their ankles, we can restrain them properly later.” Natalie nodded and Louise and Constance moaned, knowing exactly what that would entail. As Natalie set about binding Elizabeth’s ankles together with a length of cord Kirsty did the same with Constance and Louise.
“I think that I am going to find somewhere to lie down and get some rest,” Penelope said getting up, “unless you need some help.” Kirsty and Natalie looked at Penelope, exchanged a glance and then turned back toward Penelope.
“That sounds like a good idea,” Kirsty said.
“Thanks, just need to get my strength back.” With that Penelope toddled off after Jasmine, a little unsteady on her feet.
“You stay here and watch them,” Natalie said to Kirsty. “I am going to go back on deck and watch for Hayley and Elise.” Confirming with a nod of the head Kirsty moved off and leaned against the cabin wall with her arms crossed and watched Natalie walk out of the room.
A gentle swell rocked the boat as Natalie stood on deck staring into the darkness, willing her friend to appear from the gloom. She felt more than saw Kirsty approach from behind. “Any sign yet?” Kirsty asked. Natalie shook her head and didn’t take her eyes from the end of the pier. There were lights on in the main house but there weren’t bright enough to illuminate the ground, driveway or beach. If Natalie had been able to tear her eyes away from the jetty, she would have seen that Kirsty had changed into normal clothes of jeans and a sweater and was looking at the screen on the satellite phone.
“Four minutes,” Kirsty said to herself. That comment got Natalie’s attention. “Hayley said to give them half an hour then leave.”
“We can’t leave without them.” Natalie replied, concerned. Finally, she looked at Kirsty.
“That was what Hayley said.” Now Natalie was drawn to the screen of the satellite phone as she looked at the minutes tick past. It was Kirsty that noticed the movement in the pools of light at the house. “Two minutes to spare.” Natalie turned and noticed the three figures and was able to follow them as hurried to the jetty, and toward the cruiser. Hayley got there first and hugged Natalie. As the two friends embraced Elise and Alessandra boarded. Kirsty pulled up the gangplank and headed to the bridge to tell Scarlett to get going. When Kirsty walked away, she noticed that Alessandra was looking at her. It was a conversation that they could have later on as there were more pressing matters at the present time. “Everyone else head to the wardroom.” On entering the bridge Kirsty found Callie and Scarlett waiting around anxiously. “Let’s go.” Callie scampered out of the bridge to untie the ropes that held the cruiser to the jetty and Scarlett looked at Kirsty nervously. “I have confidence in you.” The young woman nodded her thanks. Scarlett then felt the boat begin to drift and fired up the engines, the large diesels sputtered into life and moved the cruiser slowly away from the jetty. Kirsty smiled as she watched Scarlett let the cruiser clear the jetty before spinning the wheel to point the bow of the boat at the exit of the harbour.
---------
Just off an island in the Mediterranean
Having managed to navigate the exit to the island’s harbour their thoughts turned to trying to make contact with the outside world. The bridge was now a bit crowded as Natalie and Hayley had joined Kirsty and Scarlett. The rest of the passengers were in the wardroom either relaxing or bound and gagged, except for Penelope who was getting some rest. Jasmine had managed to find outfits for everyone and they were all now wearing what you would call normal street clothes. Kirsty and Hayley looked at the satellite phone that was currently sitting on the console between them. “Who do we call?” Hayley asked.
“I think that your contacts will be better than mine,” Kirsty replied.
“Alright then. I will try Christina first.” Hayley picked up the phone and punched in the number before putting the phone on speaker and putting it back on the console. Both Kirsty and Hayley looked at the phone expectantly but it went straight to voicemail. With great disappointment Hayley disconnect the call before punching in another number.
“Who are we trying now?” Kirsty asked.
“Straight to the top, Jaclyn Sanders personal number.” This time the phone went straight to voicemail and Jaclyn’s voice asked the person to leave a message. “Two for two,” Hayley asked with a growing sense of dread creeping down her spine.
“Why don’t you try a landline that will be picked up?” Natalie suggested.
“My dad won’t be in his office yet,” Hayley said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood as she knew where Kirsty was referring to. Hayley punched in the number and waited for the call to be connected. The main line at the Section rang once, twice then a third time before being answered. “Good evening, Section Headquarters.” Before Hayley could engage on conversation Kirsty smashed her finger down on the button to end the call.
“What was that about!?” Natalie said, giving Kirsty a look.
“That was Vernie Bennetteau,” Kirsty said and stared at Hayley.
“It’s worse than I thought then,” Natalie said.
“What do you mean?” Kirsty asked.
“Before Hayley kidnapped me and brought me to the island Jaclyn Sanders was replaced as head of Section,” Natalie stated. “It was all done through official channels but something about the whole thing didn’t add up.”
“You wait until now to mention this.” Hayley said with an edge to her voice.
“Sorry, perhaps is we had chatted rather than you forcing a sedative soaked cloth over my mouth we might have gotten round to it.” Natalie replied holding up her hands in mock surrender. “As for now, well, I thought that we had other, more important things to take care of.” The atmosphere in the cabin had taken on an edge as the two friends exchanged views.
“Who do we call now?” Kirsty asked. Hayley was glad that someone else had spoken which took the focus away from the clash between Natalie and her, considered this very, good question for a period of time. The main thing at the moment was to make sure that they were safe and buy themselves some time.
“Kirsty, I know that your contacts didn’t want to help with another escape but would they be able to guide us to a safe, quiet harbour where we could drop anchor and wait.” Kirsty shook her head.
“Those bridges are burned I am afraid,” Kristy replied. A silence descended on the cabin until Natalie asked Scarlett a question.
“How far can we get in this thing?” Scarlett looked at a couple of the instruments and looked like she was making some calculations in her head.
“Anywhere around Greece and the south of Italy,” Scarlett replied. “Probably, not much further than that.” Natalie grabbed the satellite phoned and punched in a number. As it rang Natalie tapped her nails on the console.
“Pick up, pick up, pick up…” Natalie said, then her face lit up. “Emily, Emily. How are you?” The rest of the women in the cabin turned and looked at each other, silently asking each other exactly who Natalie had called. It wasn’t help by the fact that they could only hear one side of the conversation.
“Sorry about calling so early,” Natalie said. “But you said to call if we ever needed anything.” The rest of the group look at Natalie. “Yes, we met in France, it’s Natalie Twain I work with Christina.” Natalie paused as Emily spoke on the other end. “Indeed, we have made very good progress. In fact, we have managed to identify Elizabeth Crawford’s base of operations and capture her.” Natalie paused again. “Thank you. Anyway, I was calling as we need transport back to the States and I was hoping that you could help. We don’t have passports or other documents so it would have…” Natalie stopped and smiled.
“What is going on?” Hayley asked but Natalie just held up a hand to silence her.
“Scarlett, could you get us to Palermo?” Natalie asked. Scarlett nodded and pointed Callie toward some charts.
“That would be great. Thanks Emily,” Natalie said. “I will let the Captain have the location when we get on board. Just one last point. We need only female crew.” Natalie nodded and then hung up. “Looks like we have a plan.”
“What’s that?” Kirsty asked.
“That was Emily St Clare,” Natalie began as she punched in another number into the phone. “She has agreed to let her use her yacht; I assume that it is bloody huge so that will take us home where I think that we arrange to meet with Hayley’s dad as I think he is one of the few people hat we can trust at the moment.” Hayley agreed that seemed like a solid plan and nodded her agreement. Then the call that Natalie had placed was answered.
“Gayle?” Natalie said. “Get on a plane and get to Palermo as soon as you can.” Once again, the rest of the group in the cabin could only hear one side of the conversation. “Don’t ask too many questions just now, all will be explained, just make your way to the port when you arrive and call me back.” Natalie hung up and punched in another number. Hayley was going to interrupt but Natalie held up a finger again. “Sasha, Natalie Twain.”
“Interpol agent,” Hayley said to Kirsty who nodded.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Natalie said with a laugh. “We actually have just escaped from Elizabeth Crawford’s island and have her as a prisoner.” There must have been chat from the other end of the line. “Yes, really. No, we don’t need any help we are going to make our way back to the States. We really don’t know who to trust so are making our own plans.”
“That’s the course plotted for Palermo,” Scarlett shouted from behind the wheel.
“As a fellow law enforcement officer, I can appreciate where you are coming from. You can still get involved if you want to if you have contacts with the Greek authorities that you can trust. Can you arrange for the Greek authorities to raid Rineia island in Greece?” Natalie paused. “Yes, that is Crawford’s base of operations. Who knows what information that you will find? Make sure that you take some guys with IT knowledge, I can send through the password.”
“I wish I could watch that,” Hayley commented. Kirsty just shrugged.
“I will send you the exact coordinates,” Natalie looked at Scarlett who nodded. “Keep in contact.”
“Well, you seem to have taken charge,” Kirsty commented.
“I thought that somebody had to.”
“What shall we do now?” Hayley asked.
“I think that we should go and secure Elizabeth, Louise and Constance.” Kirsty suggested.
“Will you be alright if we leave you to it?” Hayley asked Scarlett.
“Yes,” Scarlett replied. “Any issues we will just give you a shout.” Hayley, Natalie and Kirsty exited the bridge and made their way back into the wardroom. The journey back was a bit trickier as since leaving the shelter of the harbour the swell had increased enough that it was having an effect on the motion of the boat. On entering the ward room they found Elise and Jasmine waiting patiently for their return. Alessandra stood with her arms crossed leaning against the wall.
“Good news?” Elise asked.
“Good and bad,” Natalie replied. “But we have a plan, which I will explain when we have nobody around to overhear.”
“Could you look at supplies, food and water, whilst we deal with these three?” Elise nodded her head and grabbed Jasmine by the arm and headed toward the interior of the cruiser and the storerooms and kitchen. Hayley turned her attention to Louise and Constance. “Now, it is time to get you properly secured for the rest of the journey.”
“mmuupphh,” Louise and Constance mumbled protests in unison.
“Can we leave you to keep an eye on Elizabeth?” Hayley asked Alessandra, the woman nodded a reply.
“Don’t act like you weren’t expecting this,” Kirsty replied. “I assume you won’t be acting out.”
“mmoonnhh,” they both said whilst shaking their heads. Hayley knelt down and untied the bound women’s ankles and they were helped onto their feet. Having experienced a trip to the island on the cruiser Hayley could lead the group to the secure cabins where the captives were held. When they entered the first room Kirsty set about preparing the four restraining bags that were required to properly secure Louise and Constance. As Kirsty did this Hayley altered the women’s binding so that their wrists were now bound in front of them with leather cuffs. To their credit neither Louise nor Constance complained as their legs were bound and then they were inserted into first the internal restraining bags and secondly the external restraining bag. Whilst Hayley and Kirsty were putting Constance into the last bag Natalie slipped out of the room. Hayley checked that the bags were fastened close correctly so that there would be no escape before she used the clips to that were built into the outside of these bags to secure them in place on the bed. It could get rough out at sea so these made sure that the down cocoons didn’t move around to much. Hayley gave each down cocoon a comforting pat once she was finished.
“Well done ladies,” Hayley said. “We will be back to see you tomorrow morning.” There were mumbles, groans and the sound of nylon rubbing against nylon as Louise and Constance squirmed around trying to get comfortable, which they would.
“Where did Natalie go to?” Kirsty asked. Just then Natalie walked back into the cabin holding a cloth and a bottle of chloroform and with Elise following just behind. “Are you going to knock out them out?”
“Maybe required for Elizabeth but not these two,” Hayley commented with a puzzled look.
“No, this is for you pair,” Natalie answered, the look on her face and body language confirmed that she was serious. Hayley and Kirsty exchanged a perplexed look before turning and looking back at Natalie. “Look, there is a lot going to here and I am not sure who is the on my side and who isn’t at the moment.”
“Don’t you trust us?” Hayley said, clearly hurt by this turn of events.
“If you are serious and are the indeed the good girls then you will have no objections to being knocked out and restrained whilst I will make some enquiries,” Natalie said. “Elizabeth Crawford has done some weird stuff with people’s minds and has had you pair for long enough. Also, this could be another part of some Elizabeth Crawford masterplan.” As they were having this discussion Natalie had taken off the top of the bottle and was pouring a decent amount of the liquid onto the cloth.
“You think this is one of Elizabeth’s cunning plans?” Hayley asked.
“We have just escaped from that island and in the process snatched Elizabeth Crawford and a number of her gang,” Kirsty said, raising an eyebrow.
“Won’t you need or help to keep everyone in check?” Hayley asked.
“This pair are now secure and I am sure Elise and Jasmine can help out,” Natalie replied. “Plus, Gayle and Rhiannon will be joining up soon.”
“What about Penelope?” Hayley asked.
“Judging by her performance so fat she won’t be much of a threat,” Natalie replied. Hayley decided not to spill anything on Penelope’s background.
“Well, if it makes you feel better than I will be happy to submit to whatever demands you have,” Hayley stated, “As long as I am on that giant bed in Elizabeth Crawford’s suite.” Elise was watching this exchange from the corner absolutely perplexed.
“Well, not me,” Kirsty stated. A stalemate seemed to have been arrived at. Then Hayley grabbed Kirsty’s arms and held them behind her back. “Hayley!” Kirsty cried. “What are you doing?” Natalie approached wielding the cloth on one hand. “Don’t you dare put that over my face Natalie.”
“Huh?” Elise cocked her head, still trying to figure out exactly what was going on within this group dynamic. As Kirsty tried to shake off Hayley and avoid the looking cloth, she found her arms locked in place. Kirsty’s eyes widened with shock as Natalie applied the cloth.
“MMMMPPPHHHH!!!” Kirsty cried as she gyrated back and forth, unable to shake off either the cloth or Hayley’s vice like grip.
“You taught me to many tricks of the trade,” Hayley whispered in Kirsty’s ear. As Kirsty fought, she became very aware of the sweet-smelling fumes coming from the cloth that she was being forced to inhale. Every breathe meant that she was taking in more and more of the soporific fumes and they were starting to have an effect. Kirsty could tell that her thought process was becoming muddled and her limbs were starting to feel heavy.
“mmmmppphh…mmmmhmmm,” Kirsty cried in muffled tones into the white cloth that covered her mouth and nose. Still struggling, she tried in vain to get away one fine time but it was no use. The fumes were having a further effect and Kirsty knew that she was now past the point of when struggling further or removing the cloth would so any good. If they wanted to knock her out now, there was nothing that Kirsty could do about it now.
“Just go to sleep like a good little captive,” Hayley said with a chortle. This prompted a muffled grunt from Kirsty. “That’s right, just let the chloroform do its job,” Hayley prodded.
Kirsty slumped back into Hayley’s arms and her eyes fluttered, slowly rolling back into her head as her struggling slowed into occasional twitches, the fight fully gone in her. As Kirsty finally went out a soft moan escaped her lips, Natalie removed the cloth and Hayley lowered the unconscious woman down to the floor.
“Will you help me get her secured?” Natalie asked Hayley.
“Yes,” Hayley replied and I won’t give you any problems when it comes to my turn.” Natalie nodded a thanks. “I can give you a hand with Elizabeth as well.”
“That would be appreciated.”
“Oh, I was hoping to talk to Hayley and ask her some questions during the journey,” Elise commented from the corner of the room.
“I am sure that we can come to some sort of arrangement,” Natalie said.
“What do you want to do with Kirsty?” Natalie looked around as if thinking for a bit.
“I want to keep Elizabeth alone in her own cabin so if you don’t mind, we will put Kirsty in Crawford’s suite with you.”
“No problem,” Hayley replied bending down to pick up Kirsty under the armpits. Natalie also bent down and picked up Kirsty’s ankles. They hefted the unconscious woman into the air. “Elise, could you grab those bags? Two of the large bags and two of the smaller one.” Elise nodded and walked across to the rack of bags and picked up four by the built-in handles on the compression sacks. “If you can’t don’t worry as we will have to come back for other supplies anyway.”
“No, its fine.” Hayley and Natalie carried the dead weight of Kirsty out of the cabin, through the tight confines of the passageways, up a flight of stairs and along another corridor until they reached the very back of the cruiser and Elizabeth Crawford’s private suite. Hayley braced part of the weight of Kirsty that she was carrying against her knee and the wall before she punched in the code and the door opened. That allowed them to walk inside where Hayley and Natalie hurried toward the bed where they deposited Kirsty. Elise followed for a couple of steps then stopped.
“Jeez…” Elise commented when she looked into the suite. “This is the way to travel.”
“Elizabeth did like to travel in comfort,” Hayley commented. Natalie took the still damp chloroform cloth that she had used on Kirsty and placed it over the slumbering woman’s nose and mouth before tying it loosely in place with a silk scarf that Elizabeth had obviously left lying around. “Elise, would you be able to go back to the cabin and grab two down suits, they will be hanging in a wardrobe, restraints, which will be in bags in a cupboard where you will also find boxes of diapers.” The young reporter was still looking around the suite in awe. “Yeah, no problem.” Elise dropped the compression sacks where she was standing and left. Hayley retrieved the sacks and removed the four restraining bags to allow then to loft up. “Shall we go and get Elizabeth.” Natalie nodded.
----------
Elizabeth Crawford’s cruiser, Mediterranean
Back in the stateroom they found Jasmine sitting on the couch looking across nervously at Elizabeth Crawford who was starting to regain consciousness. It looked as if Alessandra hadn’t moved a muscle. Hayley and Natalie approach the couch where Elizabeth was now looking alert. Natalie took a detour and found her way across to Alessandra. “Am I going to have to worry about you as well?”
“No,” Alessandra said. “I have spent the last couple of years trying to make amends for the mistakes that Fallon Bennett made when working for Elizabeth. To contribute toward making sure she can’t hurt anybody else is something that I would do gladly.”
“You talk like Fallon Bennett is a different person,” Natalie commented.
“She is,” Alessandra replied as she stood up straight and fixed a serious expression on her face. “Fallon Bennett died five years ago.” There was something in the way that the woman spoke that made Natalie believe her. “What happened to Kirsty?”
“Taking a nap,” Natalie replied. “Call me paranoid but I have issues with certain people that have not lonely worked with Elizabeth Crawford but been held captive by her for long periods of time.” Hayley gave her a look.
“That means that I will be joining Elizabeth, Kirsty and the rest in strict restraints,” Hayley commented. “Willingly, of course.”
“It would seem that you would need my assistance then,” Alessandra says to Natalie.
“That would be appreciated,” Natalie said with a nod. That comment cut through Hayley a bit; her close friend had just agreed to trust a woman that she had just met but had cast doubt of the ability to trust her. “We can chat later, once we have everyone secured.” Hayley had untied Elizabeth’s ankles and helped her up. Elizabeth gave each of the women in the room a withering look that sent chills down each of their spines. It was a warning that they were not out of the woods just yet. Hayley grabbed Elizabeth and dragged her out of the room and into the tight corridors down to the secure rooms with Natalie following close behind.
“I assume that you aren’t going to cause us any problems,” Hayley said, trying unsuccessfully to keep a smirk from her face. Elizabeth turned and noticed the two large objects lying out, on one of the beds, the restraining bags seem to mock her. There was also a down suit and various other binding implements laying out, ready to be used on her. Elizabeth turned to Hayley and shrugged. Hayley took that as acceptance of her position and quickly removed the current bindings and gagged that held Elizabeth Crawford in check.
“So, you think you have won,” Elizabeth said. “I would advise you not to believe that. I have a lot of friends who will act once they find out about this.”
“Stop playing your mind games Elizabeth,” Natalie said. “We aren’t interested. Once we get out of this you will be going to jail for a long, long time. Hopefully the rest of your life.” Elizabeth didn’t react, she just smiled and started to take off her clothes and deposit them on the floor.
“Well Hayley, our paths have crossed numerous times over the past years and I am sure that we will do so again in the future.” There was something about the confidence that Elizabeth Crawford displayed in this situation that did somewhat put Hayley off.
“Well, enough chat for now Elizabeth. Time to get you properly restrained for the journey. I trust that your experience of the system means that there won’t be any issues.”
“Crack on ladies, it will be interesting to experience first-hand exactly what Hayley has learned from my training.” That was a well-aimed dig at the ribs. “I won’t resist, besides any nonsense from me and you can use the chloroform.” Knowing what would be next Elizabeth strode across lay down on the bed next to the restraining bags, noting that there was a plastic changing mat lying on it. After a couple of seconds Hayley tapped Elizabeth on her hip as a sign to raise her bottom from the bed. Hayley then wiped Elizabeth’s bum and private area being wiped with a damp cloth and tensed before a cool cream was applied over her delicate areas and then talcum powered was sprinkled over her and then gently patted in. “Good girl Hayley. Taking proper care of your captives is important. I have taught you well.”
“Shut up Elizabeth,” Natalie snapped.
“You can lower your bum back down now” Hayley said. When she did Elizabeth felt her bum land on the centre of the soft, thick diaper. Elizabeth lay perfectly still as Hayley finished the process of putting on the diaper on by bringing up the front and securing the sticky tabs to keep it in place. After that process was completed, Elizabeth spun her legs and got back off the bed to be instantly handed a down filled suit by Natalie. Elizabeth looked at the suit for a second, before taking it from Natalie and slowly putting it on. First the left leg then the right before slipping her arms through the smooth nylon arms and shrugging the suit over her shoulders and zipping it up fully to the neck. Despite her current predicament Elizabeth couldn’t help but run her hands over the smooth surface of the suit and admire how comfortable it was.
“Haven’t had one of these on for a while,” Elizabeth commented. “You forget how comfortable they are.” Hayley sighed.
“Hands out in front Elizabeth.” The woman complied and Hayley slipped finger control mitts on, the mitts had a small buckle at the wrist section which Hayley tightened to lock the mitts in place. Elizabeth winced as the buckle was secured and tried wriggling her fingers. The mitts were thickly padded and severely limited the movement of her fingers. That combined with the silky smoothness of the fabric on both the inside and outside of the mitts meant that trying to pick something up almost impossible, rendering her hands useless. Then Elizabeth watched as Hayley placed padded cuffs on her wrists, just above the end of the mitts, locking them together with not much of a gap, restricting independent movement.
“Time to shut her up,” Natalie said and handed Hayley a gag.
“Open your mouth” Hayley instructed as she moved the large padded gag with a ball in the middle. The large soft ball at the centre of the gag was forced into Elizabeth’s mouth, almost completely filling it. Elizabeth instantly reacted and closed her mouth around the ball as the pad was pushed against her lips. Hayley pushed it down against Elizabeth’s lips before using the buckle at the back of Elizabeth’s head to secure it in place. Elizabeth didn’t complain or make a sound, Hayley assumed that the woman thought that gag talk was above her. Whilst Hayley gagged Elizabeth, Natalie delved into a bag and produced five padded leather straps. Natalie approached Elizabeth and used two of the larger straps to bind Elizabeth’s arms tightly to her body, Elizabeth grunted into her gag as each buckle was tightened. Hayley then indicated for Elizabeth to sit on the edge of the bed with the restraining bag on it. Once Elizabeth had sat down Natalie quickly used three more straps to secure Elizabeth’s legs together at the ankles, just below the knees and around the thighs, leaving Elizabeth securely bound. “Now let’s get you into the restraining bags and comfortable” Hayley said. With Elizabeth’s movement extremely limited by her bindings Hayley helped Elizabeth into a standing position next to the bed whilst Natalie manoeuvred the internal bag into position, running her hand over the nylon shell to check the smoothness and loft of the bag. Once the bag was in position Hayley and Natalie manhandled Elizabeth into position and sat her onto the centre of the bag. Without having to be told Elizabeth swung her legs up, round and slipped them into the bag. Hayley quickly folded the top of the bag over onto Elizabeth and zipped the bag all the way up and closed. Taking the opportunity whilst the external bag was prepared Elizabeth had a wriggle around to get comfortable; she knew there was no chance of getting free. “Elizabeth please do not struggle whilst we put you in the second restraining bag.” Hayley knew that the woman certainly wasn’t going to help them and just lay still as Natalie lifted Elizabeth’s legs as they were slid into the second bag. Hayley heard the sound of the two nylon surfaces against each other as they went about the business of slipping the rest of Elizabeth’s nylon and down encased body into the larger, second bag, finally getting the hood under Elizabeth’s head. Then together Hayley and Natalie managed to bring the two halves of the external bag together and fighting against the loft of the internal bag managed to get the centre zip up to the top before locking it off. “Just hold still and no squirming for a minute whilst we make you secure.” Hayley locked the two parts of the double zips together. Without any further chat they left Elizabeth to her own devices and left the room.
“No problems then ladies.” Hayley and Natalie must have been spooked as they both jumped.
“Going to not do that,” Hayley said to Alessandra.
“Sorry, though I would come and see if you needed any help.” Alessandra was again standing, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.
“Elizabeth Crawford isn’t going anywhere,” Natalie stated. “You can give me a hand to secure Kirsty and Hayley then we can relax a bit.” That comment was like another blow to Hayley. The group carried on to the suite where they had left Kirsty breathing in chloroform. She hadn’t moved a muscle.
“You pair deal with her and I will start to sort myself out,” Hayley stated. “I can start on myself.” Natalie and Alessandra nodded and then headed across to Kirsty. Natalie removed the chloroform-soaked cloth from over Kirsty’s nose and mouth before they set about stripping Kirsty of her clothes to prepare her for being restrained. As the other two women set about binding Kirsty, Hayley stripped down and ignoring the bed, lay down on the floor and applied a diaper to herself. Then she slipped on a down suit and walked across to the bed. Alessandra and Natalie were almost finished binding Kirsty so Hayley positioned the internal bag on the other side of the bed and sat down in it. Hayley found the standard gag and put it on herself and then used the straps to secure her legs, she could do no more without the assistance of Natalie.