Incubus

This story contains material that could be deemed offensive. If you are under 21 or easily offended, stay away. ------------------------------------------------

Incubus (c)1998 By Darkside. ============================

Notes:

I always try and experiment in my stories, sometimes it works, sometimes not. It worked very well in Fury and in this one, well you decide.

This story should not be read by anyone under 21 yrs of age or the easily offended. It contains scenes of graphic violence, and sexual material.

It in no way condones the behaviour shown below and any scenes shown below are for dramatic purposes only. Any reference to anybody or anything is accidental and for dramatic purposes only.

This story is set in the Fury 'universe'. However the story does 'stand alone' so don't let the above request put you off. Reading the Fury Trilogy after this will change the face of this story so in effect you are getting two stories for the price of one.

You can find fury at http://www.nifty.org in transgender/Magic-ScFi/hell-hath-no-fury or fictionmania www.fictionmania.com. look under the author 'Darkside'.

The only payment I demand for this story is that you mail me with any comments(good or bad) or questions. You may store/mail this where-ever you wish but you may NOT charge for it. If you want to publish it, mail me and we'll talk.

Many Thanks To Vickie Tern(VickieTern@aol.com) for her support, input and downright patience. Multiple thanks to Jenny Adams and IM Janus for taking time out to proof this for me

Comments etc to darkside@nym.alias.net

Incubus (c)1998 By Darkside. ============================

Incubus: 1. A demon believed in folklore to lie upon sleeping persons, esp to have intercourse with sleeping women. 2. Something that disturbs greatly, esp a nightmare or obsession.

1976 Arkansas.

"Oh yes more ,more, more," came the moan from the next room. He lay in his bed listening to the sounds coming from his mom's bedroom, his hands over his ears, his nine year old body shaking in fear.

His mind went back to that fateful day where dad had walked out after finding out about mom and the man next door. Since then, this had been the only way to bring enough money in to live on. Today was Tuesday, Tuesday was when Mr Burns came around. Mr Burns liked him to join in as well.

21 Years Later.

He walked down the high street in nonchalant fashion. The sun shone on this bright September day, forming ever lengthening shadows on the ground where he walked. Looking at those shadows he speeded up his walk. The casual swagger abandoned in order to avoid the twilight. The twilight was when THEY came. They always came at twilight.

He'd just finished his shift and was walking home on what he called 'route b'. This involved avoiding the busy shopping malls and avoiding the typical late 20th century rat race. 'Route b' was a much more scenic route. Well as scenic as you could get living in an urban sprawl.

People made him nervous and so he avoided them wherever he could. He preferred the safety and security of his own company to that of his fellow man. There was something about other people that made him on edge, as though there was something inside them that was evil and was trying to drag him down to hell.

The light was beginning to fade quickly now. He had to get home soon or else face up to THEM again. He quickened his pace into a slow run, he must get home no matter the cost.

As he ran past well kept gardens he knew that he would be too late. He could feel the oppression in his mind, the voices that demanded things of him, tried to make him obey their will, they would soon start. He must hurry.

In the dying embers of the day a last glow of sunshine broke thru the clouded sky and bathed him in light. He stood transfixed as salvation came upon him. The voice inside his head was smooth but powerful. It said "You are my chosen one. The world has become evil and I have chosen you to stop it."

He fell on his knees in awe. "What should I do?" he called.

"Women are the cause. Since they tempted Adam so long ago they now tempt mankind. It was a woman's hand that caused man's downfall. You must stop temptation again before the end of all things."

The sunlight left and the day drew to a close. Breathless from his revelation he ran the remainder of the way home. His encounter had driven THEM away. He now saw things clearly, he knew what his mission was to be.

When he got home he managed to find his old family bible and he opened it and read Genesis chapter 3. The voice was right. The woman did do it, the woman was the serpent. So the world could see the truth he now knew the woman must become the serpent again. That was his new role, his destiny.

Fourteen months later.

He stood astride her, his foot placed firmly on the small of her back. She was whimpering softly, unable to speak properly. Her slender body pressing deep into the ground. The wood silent apart from the buzz of the crickets.

"Don't worry. Soon you will be back where you belong" he said.

Her only reply was to struggle some more.

"Now for your atonement," he said as he brought the axe down in a smooth practiced motion.

Detective Scott Harris took the call. He'd only just gotten to bed after a pretty shitty day. He'd just managed to creep into bed and get warmed up when his pager went off. Struggling not to wake up his wife, who was still asleep, he managed to get to it and switch it off.

Bleary eyed he walked to the phone and rang the station. "Wass up," he said sleepily.

"Sorry to wake you but we found another one," the voice replied somberly.

"Fuck!, where?"

"In Cranwell woods. Nobody saw anybody do anything. The MO's just like the rest. I sure hope we get this bastard soon."

"OK I'll be right there."

Dressing in a hurry was not in Scott's nature but ten years of working in homicide had taught him one thing about getting dressed in the middle of the night. Rule 1, always check your zipper. He did so and slipped silently out of the house.

The small patch of woodland known to the locals as Cranwell woods was about 10 miles out of town, and it would take Scott about 20 minutes to get there. As he drove past deserted streets he thought about the case, his case. "I hope to God I catch this bastard soon," he thought.

In an attempt to clear his mind he switched on the radio. Carmina Burana O Fortuna was just ending and the news started. "And the hot news tonight is that Robert Abbey has been appointed the defending attorney in the Dr Elizabeth Bexley trial. As you are no dou."

Scott flicked the radio off in disgust. Firstly he was fed up with the media always going on about the Bexley trial all day, every day. But what really got in his craw was that the officer in charge of the case had it so easy. Rich heiress, pissed off at being jilted, blows her ex-fiancee's wife's head off in front of hundreds of witnesses at an airport. Simple open and shut case. Not like this one at all.

The blue and red flashing lights casting distorted shadows thru the trees told him he was at the place. Paramedics were still on site, but their movements told him they were too late. He drew up beside a squad car and got out.

After he flashed his badge at the officer guarding the site he met his partner, Tina. The tears in her brown eyes told him his worst fears were true.

"Is it?" he asked.

"Yep, Take a look if you want. I gotta get outta here," she said softly.

"Forensics been down here?"

"Yeah. As usual they found squat, just the usual. Andrew's still here though."

"Fine I'll go talk to him," and Scott walked off.

"Hi Doc," Scott said to Andrew.

Andrew was crouched down, his flashlight sweeping the ground for any missed evidence. "Uh Hi," Andrew replied.

"Can I take a look?" Scott asked.

"Sure, we've taken all the photos we need for the moment. We just need to do the front."

"Why don't you come too and tell me what you've found?" Scott asked.

"Okay I was headed back that way anyway."

Scott and Andrew threaded their way thru damp, thick bushes and ferns until they reached the point. Scott's flashlight beam fell on the place and he nearly threw up in disgust. Only ten years of this kinda shit stopped him.

The shape resembled a young woman, laying face down. Her arms were missing and her body was clothed in what looked like a fake snake skin swimsuit . Her legs had been bound together using thick adhesive tape and obviously placed inside a roughly sewn PVC tail, which were covered again with brown and black snake scales. Blood was still seeping out of the bloody sockets where her arms had been and a large bruise was starting to form on the small of her back.

The head was shaven all over and a snake-skin hood was lying close by.

"Did you take that off?" Scott asked pointing at the hood.

"Yeah, we needed to see if it was the same as all the rest."

"Can we turn her over?" Scott asked.

"Sure, I was about to do that. We'd better get some photographers over here first," Andrew replied.

"I'll go get them" Scott said, still feeling sick from the sight he'd just witnessed.

A few minutes later Scott returned and turned the body over. The feeling of nausea returned as he looked at the face of the dead girl. The girl's eyes, still open, showed great pain and fear. Blood was seeping from her mouth. She must've been about 25.

The photographers did their grisly work with their usual efficiency and this allowed Scott to get a closer look. Her mouth was bloated as though something was inside. He reached down to open her mouth, knowing what he would find, but he needed to confirm it.

"Better put these on first," Andrew said, handing Scott a pair of translucent latex gloves.

"Thanks," Scott said, and put the gloves on.

Scott reached into the woman's mouth and found a golf ball sized rubber ball inside. It had obviously been used to stop her screams.

"Pass me the flashlight would'ja," Scott asked.

Andrew gave it to him and bent down to look over Scott's shoulder. Scott switched the beam on and looked into the woman's mouth. He heard a "fucking hell," from Andrew but what he saw inside came as no surprise. Parts of her tongue had been cut away to make it much thinner than usual. A long section had also been removed from the middle of the tongue giving it a fork shape.

"This wound is quite old, maybe a few days. Look how it'd started to heal," Andrew said.

"I want this mother-fucker, I want him bad," Scott said bitterly.

"Yeah I know," Andrew replied. He'd seen many corpses in his time but these ones were the worst.

A shout went up from a way back, "Hey get over here, I found something." Scott and Andrew stood up and ran to where the sound came from.

A young, fresh faced officer was busily throwing up whilst his more experienced partner stood there holding the flashlight on the ground.

Scott looked down at two severed arms, laying side by side on the ground. The grass was dark where blood had poured from the open wounds.

"Looks like she was trying to squirm her way to the road when she died," Andrew said.

"What's your initial thoughts? "Scott asked Andrew.

"Too early to give a proper analysis but I'd say she was brought here already bound and gagged and then held to the ground with his foot on the small of her back. Judging by ragged wounds and exposed bone I say that he then proceeded to hack off each arm with a large implement such as an axe. Notice several smaller wounds around each shoulder, all at different angles. I'd say he had to have several goes in order to sever each arm. He then clears off and leaves her to die from blood loss," Andrew said.

"How long would this take?" Scott asked. He already sort of knew the answer but he wanted a second opinion.

"About 5-10 minutes depending on size, fitness etc. I guess she's been dead about 3-4 hours judging by the bruises and amount of blood around. I'll know more when we get her back."

"So she crawled about 100-150 yards in that time. I guess we should be able to see the blood trail," Scott said.

"Yep. Scott, you look beat. Why don't you go home and leave the rest to us."

"OK let me know what you find out," and Scott walked away.

The radio on the way back was still on about the Bexley trial so it stayed silent for the rest of the journey. By the time he got home it was 4am, and unable to sleep he poured himself a large brandy to try and keep the nightmares at bay.

He awoke with a headache some 5 hours later with the smell of freshly cooked bacon in his nostrils. His wife, Rebecca, was calling to him, "Hunny breakfast."

"OK dear, now coming" he called.

Slowly getting up he walked into his kitchen and sat down in front of his favorite breakfast. His face must have betrayed something as his wife asked, "Another one huh?"

Scott paused for a few moments and then said, "Yeah, this one was the worst yet. Sorry but I want to leave my work where it belongs. You're my last outpost of sanity in an insane, perverse world. When I get thru that door we're in sitcom mode. We may have ups and downs but there's always a happy ending and a little moral lesson at the end."

"Hey, I know, now eat up," and she bent down and kissed him on the cheek.

Scott felt his cock swell, She's still got it he thought.

A few minutes and a prolonged kiss later Scott was on his way to the station. So far the precinct had done a good job of covering things up but he didn't know how much longer it would last. This latest murder put more pressure on him to lift the press restrictions.

His team was waiting for him as he walked into the briefing room. For many of them this was their first homicide case and certainly their first serial rapist. He looked across at their faces and was amazed at how quickly they had lost their innocence. When they'd first been assigned to this case they were all keen and raring to go. Their heads full of Cagney and Lacy, Perry Mason and Dirty Harry. As soon as they saw that first dismembered corpse nearly a year ago those illusions about working in homicide were shattered. Now all that remained was grim determination.

The chattering ceased as Scott cleared his throat. "Thanks for coming, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm sure you all know what happened last night."

"For those who don't know what the hell I'm going on about and have been drafted in after last nights events, I'm going to outline the known facts. After I've done that you may ask any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them."

The was a small pause as Scott allowed his audience to settle. He put the first of his slides on the OHP and switched it on. He was about to speak and the bulb blew. "Fuck," he swore.

"Never mind I'll continue without it," he said, and pushed the non-functioning OHP away.

"The first attack occurred nearly a year ago. If you look in your notes you can see the pictures of that first victim. Notice how her tongue has been mutilated to form a fork shape and how her legs have been bound as though to form a snake's tail. Now the coroner says she was still alive and conscious when her arms were amputated. We later found out her name was Vickie Farrell and she was a waitress at the local Taco Bell. She went missing on her way home from her late shift and her worried parents called us the next day."

The new members of his team's faces were pale and drawn as they took in the horrific picture in front of them.

"You will notice that the killer tries, in each case, to make his victim become serpent like. Our psycho-analysts and profilers can give no firm motive behind the attacks, only that they are carried out with much care. Their explanations range from a person with a snake fetish to some kind of snake woman hater. Frankly they haven't a clue what makes this guy think."

Another pause to let his words sink in and then Scott started again.

"There have been nine further attacks over the last 10 months, each one exactly the same. We've looked for a pattern for the attacks but can find none. There also appears to be no regular time pattern either. There was a four month break between the first and second killings for example. The geographic regions are different but all based in this State and each victim had no connection to the others. One thing has been noticed is that each victim was noticeably more attractive than the last. It's as though our killer is working his way up the beauty stakes."

"The Coroner's reports each say the same thing and I suspect last night's will show the same. As I may have mentioned before the victim's arms are removed just prior to death by some kind of axe, probably one used for woodcutting . Their heads are shaved sometime before this and judging by the stubble growth, shaved every day. We think the tongue is mutilated between five and eight days before death and judging from bruising around the legs and remains of the arms they are bound with wire and adhesive tape. The victim is also gagged using a device similar in size to a golf ball. Bruising around the mouth indicates that this is in place most of the time.

The victims' genitals show signs of bruising indicating multiple rape during their captivity. Unfortunately their vaginas have been cleaned before the killing so we have no semen samples from which to work. For such a violent death there are surprisingly few signs of struggle and we have no idea of the killer's method for preventing it. Bruising on the back shows us that the victims have been held down by a foot but the size and type of footwear used varies each time or we could not determine more detail from the bruising."

Scott paused allowing time for the note makers to catch up.

"Naturally we have focused on the places where the clothing, gags and axes can be obtained but in each case no one person has purchased all of items used. We've checked warehouses and factories for robberies and missing stock but once again drawn a blank."

"We have contacted the FBI and they are carrying out their own investigation, liasing with us when required. However they are no nearer than we are to finding the killer. They did a physiological profile of the killer as well as the aforementioned psychological one but all it told us was that he is a white male, from 5'5 to 6 foot. Maybe overweight. In other words fuck all."

"You can find more detailed reports of all the above in your notes. Now questions."

A hand went up. A young cop probably just transferred to homicide. She looked shocked at the horrific detail she'd just been shown.

"Sir, could you tell us if you have worked out why the killer is going for increasing beautiful women?"

"We have some theories on that. The one I go with is that he sees a woman as an unattainable thing. The more beautiful the more out of reach she is. Once he has conquered one level of beauty he moves onto the next," Scott said.

"Why haven't we gone public with this?" another cop asked.

"Good question. We had Stephanie Lane snooping around a while ago but she agreed to keep it under wraps when we explained our reasoning. In fact the entire media have agreed to a complete news black out."

"Which is?" another cop asked.

"I was coming onto that. Firstly, imagine the panic if this got out, fear would ripple thru the whole community. Secondly, there's the copycat factor, the last thing we want is for some nutcase to start copying what he reads. Third, we need to keep the killer in the dark. The less he knows the more likely he is to make a mistake. Stephanie Lane saw the wisdom in this and has got broad agreement from all her press colleagues. The timing of this Bexley trial circus works for us as well. While everyone's wondering why Dr Bexley did it we can get on with proper police work."

There was a knock at the door. "Yes," Scott called.

In walked Andrew holding a sheet of paper. "Scuse me. We got an ID on the girl last night," he said.

"Who was she?"

"Her name was Jennifer Lynn, aged 22. Her flat mate got worried when she didn't turn up after her audition last week. However she didn't report it as she thought Jennifer had found a partner for the week. Apparently it wasn't unheard of for her to go missing for a week and then just turn up again."

"OK people you heard that, Colin and Chris I want you to check on Jennifer Lynn's flat mate. The rest of you go back and check on all the details we have. The new boys here can go and read up for a couplea days. We'll meet here again Thursday to catch up. Dismissed," Scott said.

His team filed out silently, the chatter before the meeting extinguished by the seriousness of the job ahead.

Tina filtered her way thru the door and went to speak to Scott and Andrew.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi, got anything?"

"Nope, just a hunch though," she said.

"I'm listening," Scott said.

"Hey talk to you later, I gotta go. I've got to confirm a DNA test on Dr Elizabeth Bexley, in town," Andrew said.

"Not you too," Scott said. Another casualty of that damn case.

"Fraid so," Andrew replied.

"See ya," Tina said and Andrew walked out.

"What's this hunch?"

"Well I got thinking. He's moved on to actresses now, it's only a small step toward models. I think his next victim will be a model," Tina said.

"You maybe right. We went thru this a while back but he threw the scent by killing a waitress and a hairdresser. Since it now looks like it's beauty he's going for rather than occupation I want you to put the word out to all the agency's around here. Be discrete," Scott said.

"Hey, it's me, remember," Tina said and walked out.

In another part of town He awoke. The glow of blessing had not yet departed from last night. Only another two to go and the evil of the world would be broken, the serpent's head crushed as foretold in Genesis. Once he had removed the twelve evil disciples then the world could finally be free...

Still feeling triumphant he got up and had a shower to wash away all traces of the night before. After rinsing the shower thoroughly he dried him self and put his work overalls on. The end times were drawing near and already he could feel the voice of salvation telling him to hurry.

The day was spent dreaming about how he could extract the eleventh evil disciple from her lair without being detected. At the moment he had no idea of what she looked like only that she would cause more temptation than the last.

In the meantime after collecting his case file, Scott drove to meet Tina at the Role Modeling agency. He chose an old, battered U2 tape and set it to play. "Maybe Tina's got something with this model thing," Scott thought as he pulled into the agency's parking lot.

He walked into the agency and was met by a cute receptionist. After showing his badge she told him where Tina was talking to one of the directors. "Up two flights of stairs and on the right," he'd been told. A brisk jog up the stairs led him to the right door.

"Come in," a voice called as he knocked on the directors door.

Scott opened the door to see a middle-aged woman, wearing a pastel trouser suit. She got up and offered her hand. "Allison Williams," she said.

Scott shook her hand and replied "Detective Scott Harris. Has Detective Cox here filled you in?"

"She has, But frankly I want to know why you didn't put the word out earlier," she said crossly.

"OK let me explain," Scott said as he sat down next to Tina.

"Go ahead."

"You were frank with me, so I'll be frank with you. The more people who know about this guy the more likely he is to rumble us. We need him complacent so he's less likely to be careful. We have, over the last few months increased our surveillance on all agencies in the area but we had to cut back due to other commitments. So far he hasn't touched a model but we think he may try. We would like you to tell all your girls to be careful. Don't travel alone and always keep car and house doors securely locked. Y'know the usual stuff. What we don't want you to do is to tell them why. Just that the police are running a campaign on women's safety," Scott said.

"Sure. I'll do that," Allison replied casually.

"What has Detective Cox told you so far?" Scott asked Allison.

"Basically, that you have a serial killer/rapist on the loose who has killed 10 women and that you think he may go after a model next. Detective, all my girls know the dangers of being a model and in public view. They all know the drill," Allison replied.

Scott was getting angry at this woman's attitude, the 'not my problem type'. He needed to get his message across. He reached in his file and pulled out the photo's of Jennifer Lynn. "So did Jennifer Lynn here," he said as he put the photo's in front of Allison's face.

Allison went pale and rushed out of the room.

"Nice one boss. She's been giving me this 'not my problem' bullshit for the last half hour," Tina said with a grin.

A few minutes later Allison walked back into the room, her face flushed red and eyes watery. She'd obviously just thrown up. "Sorry," she managed to say.

"I had to show you what we're dealing with. Your girls are in very real danger. How many of your models still here?"

"Umm, we have 10 left, the others are all on assignment."

"I take it you'll make sure all of them take extra special precautions," Tina said.

"Of course officer, Now if you'll excuse me I have much to organize. Thank you for your warnings and good-bye". Allison stood up and offered her hand to both Scott and Tina.

"Thanks for your time," Scott said, shaking Allison's hand again. Tina got up and did the same and they both went out of Allison's office.

"Stuck up cow," Tina commented.

"Suppose. I wonder how the rest of them are doing," Scott replied vaguely.

"Hey how 'bout some lunch, I found this real good bagel place just off," Tina started.

"Nah, we better get back. I've got a heap of paperwork to do before we do anything else."

He waited patiently in his dimly lit room for his goods to arrive. It had been two weeks since he had dealt his last blow to the evil one. He was being just as careful as before. He only had two more to go. His only concern was that he didn't yet know who were the last two disciples he had to deal with were. Still he had been shown the way so many times before, he had faith. It wasn't the next one he was worried about, it was the Queen of evil, the last and most tempting disciple. If she were to escape then great harm would befall many innocent people.

The next day he picked up his goods from the drop off points, excited by the blow he was about to deal. All he had to do now was wait and plan. By now the agents of evil must have been alerted and trying to prevent him from carrying out the good work. He had to try something different for surely the remainder of the disciples would be on the look out for him.

After his shift he decided to drive around the busy streets, tying to see if he could find the eleventh one. He was just on his way back when he saw her. She was tall ,about 5'10 with short black hair. Her slim but curvaceous figure was causing men to turn and look at her as she walked by. He stopped the car and watched her from the safety of his car. The lady drew a few wolf-whistles from passing workmen. She turned and smiled at them.

His anger grew, this must be her. Unable to stop herself she was trying to tempt all those men and so corrupt their souls. He started up the car and casually followed her to the apartment block where she lived. Now she was identified he could work on her removal.

Carolyn Dawson unlocked her door and went inside her apartment. After closing the door behind her she flopped down on the worn sofa, just glad to be back from work.

She felt herself breathing heavily as though she had been running from something and she was on edge but there was no reason for it. She almost jumped when she heard a movement behind her but breathed a sigh of relief when Jonesy, her ginger cat jumped on her lap.

"Hey, don't do that you'll give me a heart attack," she said to the cat softly.

Jonesy responded by purring loudly and Carolyn started to stroke his smooth fur.

Since James left, Jonesy was her constant companion. Her mother had found him wandering in some woods, near a cave a year or so ago and had offered him to her as a gift. Although reluctant to take him in, she soon fell in love with him and now she was his loyal servant.

Reaching over to the coffee table and picking up the remote she switched on the TV. She already knew what the headlines were going to be, besides she'd had another depressing day. After flicking past several channels she finally settled on a cartoon channel showing Scooby Doo. Fred was just about to unmask the haunted clown when the phone rang. Muttering to herself she picked up the phone and answered "Hi Carolyn here."

"Hi it's me," a female voice replied.

"Hey Joyce. We only left school a while ago. What can I do for you?" Carolyn said.

"Listen I've got two tickets for Cats, fancy coming. Y'know girls night out."

Carolyn squealed with delight "You bet. What do I owe you?"

"Zip, best friends treat."

"Joyce come on let me," Carolyn started.

"No way. After all you did for me when we were in college."

"Not that old line again. You must've paid me back a dozen times."

"OK make it thirteen. See you tomorrow," Joyce said and hung up.

"One day she'll let me pay for something," Carolyn said and went back to watching Scooby Doo.

An hour later and cartooned out she decided to get a shower, before making dinner. She thought back to her walk back to her apartment. The reaction of the workmen pleased her and she felt flattered in a small way. Her co-workers had always said she should have gone into modeling but she was too modest. People told her that she was stunning, but she didn't believe them. James was just the same.

James had broken her heart nearly nine months ago now. They had met at the super-market when, in one of her clumsy modes she had knocked several tins of cat food off the shelf and rolling onto the floor. He had stooped down to help her and their eyes met. Her face red still with embarrassment she'd agreed to his dinner request and they'd started dating.

They first slept together on their third date and James satisfied her in every way. Things started to go wrong when he started to try and take over her life. He insisted she cut her hair in this way, dress in such and such way and in other words be his dream girl. He had explained that she was so beautiful she had to be shown off to the world and he was so proud to be her boyfriend.

After six months she felt as though she was being stifled, as though the life was being squeezed out of her. So much to her chagrin and regret she said good-bye. Now she was paying the price as she was desperately lonely. Jonesy was her only male companion. Joyce visited of course but work and other commitments made that an increasingly rare occurrence.

She went to bed about 10, she had 4th grade first thing in the morning and they could be such horrors.

His plan was quickly formulated and he was ready to move the next day. As a bit of light relief he turned his old TV set on. Usually he read or prayed but something inside made him switch the TV set on.

A young blonde haired woman was reporting some fashion article. He was nearly asleep when suddenly his attention was snapped back into reality.

"And the latest news in the fashion world is that Rachel Martin is back in town after a three week rest. The 25 year old ultra-model has allegedly purchased an island in the Indian Ocean and is now said by her agent, Marcel to be raring to go.

As you all maybe aware Rachel (who has been called the most perfect woman who's ever lived) stunned Paris fashion week a few months back with her awesome beauty."

His eyes were wide now. This Rachel Martin must be the Queen, the final and most evil of the disciples. He stared at the image on screen and looked at her perfect curves, blonde hair, blue/gray eyes and unearthly beautiful face.

He offered thanks that the Queen had been so easily identified. However, getting to her would be a different matter. The enemy would give her the protection her status in the kingdom of darkness deserved. He would have to be even more cunning to defeat her.

His mind wandered back to the task in hand. Before Rachel Martin there would come the black haired one. He went to bed early. He had much work to do the next day.

Carolyn woke early the next day. Try as she might her body refused to get up, fatigue and stress taking their toll. She swung her legs over the bed, neatly missing Jonesy who had kept guard all night.

After having a quick shower Carolyn emptied her last tin of Cat food into Jonesy's bowl. Remember to get some more on the way back she reminded herself.

The door bell rang and Carolyn looked through the spy hole. "What's the mailman doing here this early?" she asked her self.

She opened the door and saw that the man was much shorter than she was, maybe about 5'6. Judging by the size of his stomach it had been years since he'd done any exercise. The most striking thing about him was his eyes, they were almost sky blue in color. His face was showing signs of excitement, as though he was about to fulfill a life's ambition.

"Sign Here Please," his voice was deep and seductive and Carolyn suddenly felt strange. She could not help but stare into those blue eyes. They seemed to bore into her very soul and she felt as though she would do anything for the owner of those eyes.

The man looked happy and said "Write a note to say you are going away for a few days to think about your life." He handed her a pen and paper, which she took.

Strangely Carolyn felt herself writing

"Dear Mom

The teaching job is really getting me down, I need

some time to think. See you soon

Carolyn

P.S. Look after Jonesy for me."

She then went inside and placed the note on the kitchen table and then quite unable to break the spell she was under she went out side again, closing the door behind her.

"Now You will wait 10 minutes and walk to your car and drive to this place. There we will meet again," the mailman said.

The mailman went away and left her on the doorstep.

Unable to resist his voice and the look of power in his eyes she stared at her watch until exactly 10 minutes had past. Without a look or thought she got into her car and set off to where the mailman had instructed her to go.

Carolyn woke up and found her self in a dimly lit room. What was that in her mouth, it felt like some kind of ball had been placed in her mouth. She tried to reach up and take it out but found that her arms were tied behind her back. She tried to scream but all that came out was a "UMMNMMM" Her next attempt was to stand but her legs had been bound with what looked like wire and adhesive tape. She managed to partially get up but then froze when she heard footsteps.

In the dim shadows of the room she saw the outline of the mailman. She tried to scream louder but failed utterly.

"So evil one you're awake," he said softly.

Carolyn's eyes widened in disbelief.

"There's no use in acting surprised. I know who you are, You are the Queen's handmaiden, a dark servant. The enemy must be lax if they let me take you so easily."

More urgent screams from Carolyn stopped the mailman in mid-flow.

"They all try to act innocent, as though I've made some mistake. But I know different. How many men have fallen under your spell?, how many souls have you corrupted?, ten, twenty, a thousand."

Carolyn flopped down again in terror. Who was this man? and what did he want?. A feeling of mortal terror spread over her.

"When the world sees you for what you really are then they will turn from their dark ways. From a serpent you came and to a serpent you will return."

The mailman walked from his gloomy corner. Carolyn fainted as she caught sight of a long knife glinting in the darkness.

The Duty sergeant, phoned Scott just as he was going out to meet yet another modeling agency director.

"Hi Bob what's up?" Scott asked.

"I just gotta call from the St. Nicholas school for Girls, one of their teachers, a Ms Carolyn Dawson didn't show up for work today."

"So, maybe she's too ill to talk," Scott said

"Perhaps, but apparently she was very dedicated, hadn't missed a single day in nearly two years. Maybe you'd better take a look. Here's her address."

Scott wrote down the apartment's address and name of the landlord. "OK I'm passing that way anyway I'll have a looksee, thanks."

He called to Tina who was about to raid the coffee machine and soon they were on their way.

"You think it's a false lead?" Tina queried.

"Maybe. Everyone at the station is jumpy after last week," Scott said, trying to look for the turning and drive at the same time.

"I think you just missed it, it was back there!" Tina pointed out.

"Shit," Scott drove further on until he could turn round. He pulled up outside the apartment block and asked a resident where the landlord was.

Some minutes later an overweight man, wearing a blue overall and dodgers cap walked out from the side of the building.

"Yeah, you want me," he grunted.

"Detectives Harris and Cox. We'd like to see if a Ms Carolyn Dawson is OK. Her school reported her missing today," Scott said flashing his badge.

"Sure, follow me."

After a short trip in a rickety elevator they were outside her apartment. Scott knocked on the door. "Ms Dawson, this is the police. Are you OK?" Listening carefully Scott thought he heard a scratching sound and immediately signaled to Tina to be on the look out. Tina couched alongside the door, her firearm drawn.

"Give me the keys," Scott asked the landlord, who quickly hand them to him.

"Ready," Scott nodded to Tina, who gave a quick nod back.

As silently as he could Scott unlocked the door and with his foot pushed it in. A rush of color swept past his feet, as what looked like a ginger cat shot out of the room.

Tina breathed a sigh of relief and called "Carolyn, you OK?"

Scott walked inside, weapon drawn and noticed a hastily written note on the nearby table. Picking it up and reading he commented "I guess that solves that one, she wants to be alone for a while and asks her mom to look after her cat for her."

"Thank God," Tina said softly.

"OK, False alarm. Thanks," Scott said, handing the landlord the keys back again.

The landlord locked the door and went off. A little disappointed that he'd missed out on some 'action'.

"I guess we drop in on Ms Hartman of the Spectrum Agency next then," Tina queried Scott.

"Yep."

Eventually the elevator came and soon they were in the car. Some rain had just started and was creating dribbles of water down the windshield. Suddenly the radio crackled into life and Tina answered. After a brief conversation which finished with her saying "We're on it," Tina then explained to Scott what she had just been told.

"County Police just found a car in some woods some 50 miles from here. The license plate matches that registered to our missing Carolyn Dawson. The car's been locked with the key and there's no sign of struggle. What do you reckon?"

"I think our psycho's just got another victim. But this time we may be in time. Listen I'll go door to door here, see if anyone saw anything. Meet you back in say an hour?"

"I hope your wrong about this one," Tina said.

Carolyn pushed herself back into the wall, as though she could somehow go through it like a ghost. The mailman came closer with the knife and stared at her with those unearthly blue eyes. Carolyn stopped struggling and let him come closer.

Cut by cut he sliced off part of her hair leaving a short crop behind. Carolyn relaxed. All she had to do was sit still and everything would be all right.

An hour later Scott and Tina met up again at the foyer. The rain had slowed and the sun was starting to shine. Tina looked excited as she saw Scott walking towards her.

"Get anything?" he questioned.

"Yep. An elderly lady living at number 243 saw Carolyn getting into her car at about 7:30. Apparently she makes a hobby of watching people from her window. Bored I guess."

"Was anyone with Carolyn?"

"Nope. But the strange thing is that she wasn't carrying any bags with her. She just walked up to the car and got in, oblivious to the world around her."

"Hmm Anything else?"

"Yep the lady remembers seeing the mailman walk in the building. She thought it strange because it wasn't her usual mailman and that he was a hour or so earlier than normal."

Scott looked excited. "She get a look at him?"

"Not really apart from that he was quite short about 5'6 and overweight. He was wearing an official uniform and left about 10 minutes before Carolyn."

"Right. At last a break. I'll phone this through and we'll get down to the post office and see who matches that description."

Some hours later the lead that had looked so hopeful had died. The only people matching that description had watertight alibis and the post office confirmed that the usual mailman was due at the usual time of 8:40.

The only witness had been picked up and in spite of the latest in digital identikit imaging she could not produce a consistent likeness.

Scott sat at his desk, his head in his hands. If he didn't find Carolyn Dawson soon then, well that would be it.

Tina walked over to him and tried to cheer him up but quite frankly he wasn't in the mood.

"I really thought we had something. Unless we can get a clear picture of him then we've nothing to go on. In four maybe five days it'll all be over. Victim number 11," Scott said bitterly.

In all the months that they had been working the case Tina hadn't seen Scott like this. Sure he got depressed whenever another body turned up, they all did. But this was the first time she'd actually seen him defeated.

"Hey it's not over yet. Four or Five days is loads of time. Lets see what turns up at her car," Tina said.

"I already know. They found nothing, no footprints leading away from the car. Nobody saw her get into another car. The only thing they found was her scarf laying on the back seat. She just vanished."

"Come on Scott get a grip. We'll get the bastard," Tina replied. In some ways however she agreed with him, it was looking hopeless.

Carolyn sat perfectly still while the mailman finished shaving her head. Locks of her black hair surrounded her, but somehow she didn't seem to mind.

Her spirits fell when the mailman went away. Suddenly her mind became clear and terror returned. Shivering with fear she tried to call out for help again but her gag held firm. Her head felt cold and light and in a sudden flash back she remembered the mailman shaving her head. Another muted scream met this image and she tried to struggle once more but to no avail.

The mailman walks in, his shadowy form creating threatening shapes on the floor. Carolyn freezes in horror as he transfixes her with his blue eyes. The mailman cuts the bonds on her legs and Carloyn willingly spreads them wide.

The mailman slowly unbuttons his jeans, exposing his erect dick. Carolyn smiles, her gaze still locked onto his blue eyes.

David Hawkins woke up screaming, the images in his head still burning themselves in his brain. A man, a small man standing over a terrified but strangely submissive, shaven headed woman. The man kneels down, about to thrust his erect dick into her pussy. A name screams out into his mind, Carolyn, then a flash of light and the vision had gone.

David was used to using his 'gift' to help those in need but never had a vision come to him so vividly and unprompted. Still shaking he stumbled into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water.

Brushing back his longish, brown hair he decided to tell the police. Even if it meant his ridicule they must be informed. Somehow his instincts were crying out that this was no nightmare, it was either premonition or an actual event.

He quickly dressed and decided that he could avoid a shave for another day. He started to panic when he couldn't find his car keys. Scrabbling around the house, the feeling of dread rising up inside him spurred him to look harder. Eventually he found them in a hidden fold of his leather jacket and he was soon on his way.

The mailman withdraws from Carolyn, the cum still slowly dripping from his dick and her cunt. Carolyn passed out a while back and he decides to take advantage. Strange, he expected the Queen's handmaiden to put up more of a fight. Still nothing can come against the power of right.

He slowly moves to the back of the room and picks up a one-piece swimming costume . It's brown snake skin pattern glistening in the dim light. He picks up some cotton-balls, opens a small brown bottle and daubs the contents onto the cotton.

He walks over to the slowly recovering Carolyn and presses the chloroform soaked cotton over her mouth. There is a brief struggle and she lies still.

Laying the costume to one side he proceeds to remove the rest of her sweat and semen stained clothing. Putting the costume on her was more difficult than he expected. After he has put the costume on her, examined it for wrinkles he goes off to find his super-bond 3 adhesive.

Looking back at the sleeping woman a surge of lust rushes thru him. Her very comely form outlined almost to perfection by the tight fitting costume. The swell of breast and curve of thigh makes him aroused again. Forcing himself to concentrate he picks up three tubes of super-glue and walks back to the sleeping woman.

Using a thin section of balsa wood as a spatula he squeezes the glue onto it and proceeds to place it under the costume, smoothing it out as he goes. Soon all three tubes are used and the snake-skin costume is firmly bonded to Carolyn's skin. Only a small flap around her vagina is left free.

"It's true I tell you," David Hawkins was shouting at the duty officer.

"Yeah right, look piss off before I charge you," was the reply.

"Listen I saw a woman. Carolyn I think her name was. She's in great danger. I can help. For fucks sake she could be dead by now," David screamed.

Scott walked in after a fruitless search to hear the last comment.

"Could you repeat that," he asked.

"As I've been trying to tell fuck-wit here. I had a dream, vision whatever this morning. I saw a small man, about to rape a young, bald woman. I heard the name Carolyn. Look you may not believe me but I've never been more certain of anything. She's in terrible danger," David said, the exasperation showing in his face and voice.

"Hey come with me and we'll talk," Scott said. It seemed strange, almost impossible but could this be the breakthrough. Turning to the duty officer Scott said "Bob, can you give Tina a call I'll be in room 5."

"Thanks" David said and followed Scott into the interview room and sat down on a chair.

"Coffee?" Scott asked.

"Please."

"Look I'll wait until my partner gets here but don't worry we'll sort it," Scott said.

Carolyn wakes up with a splitting headache. Her vision is blurry but slowly comes back into focus. She tries to struggle again but her hands are firmly tied. She tries to scream but her mouth is gagged. Something feels odd, different. She looks down to see that her clothes are gone and have been replaced by a snake skin swimsuit. "Strange how it seems to hug my body," she thinks. The room is silent and still. From outside she can just hear the manic tweeting of several canaries.

Tina arrived in the interview room a few minutes after Scott had returned with the coffee. "What's up," she asks, taking a spare chair next to Scott.

"Now David start from the beginning," Scott asks.

"OK. I am would you would call a psychic. I have this gift, I don't know what else to call it. Ever since the age of fourteen I've been able to sense danger for those close to me or those with a connection to me. Everybody's had some kind of experience like it. You know the feeling."

"No?" said Tina incredulously.

"Yes you have. That feeling when you KNOW something has happened to a close friend before you're told. Well I have the same ability only much stronger. I can see what is happening to them. Usually it's just shadows and voices and only when I touch something of theirs but today was very different."

"How so?" Scott asked.

"I was at home, when the vision struck me. Full Technicolor, Dolby stereo. I just had to get here and tell somebody."

"Have you heard about the murder a few nights ago," Tina asked.

"No. Why what has that to do with this? Was the victim this Carolyn?"

"No she wasn't. Detective Cox, myself and several others are investigating a series of horrific murders. We believe that a woman called Carolyn Dawson has been taken and is next on the killers list. If we show you a photofit can you identify the woman you saw," Scott said, still skeptical but hey anything to help.

"Maybe. I didn't get a good look at her," David replied, relieved that somebody was starting to take him seriously.

Tina reached into her bag and pulled out a file. Opening it slowly she pulled out a series of photos. She showed them to David one at a time until David pointed at one and said "Her."

"You sure?" Scott asked.

"Yeah, she didn't have the black hair but the face is the same."

Scott and Tina looked at each other.

"What? Did I screw up?" David asked.

"The photo you just pointed out was that of Carolyn Dawson. What do you need and what do you want us to do?" Scott said.

David visibly relaxed "Do have anything of hers I can use?. The aura of a person 'rubs off' on personal possessions. I can tune into this residual aura and use it to link up with the person. The more recently used the better."

"Hey Scott, how about her scarf?"

"A scarf belonging to Carolyn Dawson was found in her abandoned car," Scott explained.

"That'll do fine. Now hurry we may not have much time," David said.

Tina got up, adjusted her skirt and went out the door. She returned a few minutes later with the scarf, still in it's evidence bag. "Here we go," she said handing it to David.

"Can I take it out of this?. I need actual physical contact for this to work well."

"Yeah but don't tell anyone," Tina said with a conspiratorial air.

Scott removes the bag and gently strokes the material. Closing his eyes he concentrates on Carolyn. Urging his mind to make contact with hers. Beads of sweat start to appear on his forehead.

In her prison Carolyn feels tired, fatigue and pain taking their toll. In her minds eye she sees a door surrounded by a glowing white light. The door is closed, mentally she reaches out her hand to turn the handle.

In the interview room David is shaking. He sees a door surrounded by white light. She is close, he can feel her, feel her burning desire to escape.

In her mind Carolyn turns the handle, her mind screaming to escape, to run from her private hell.

David is sweating now. He sees the door open and Carolyn is there, dressed in a flowing white dress, like a wedding gown. Her face shows the strain of being captured, her eyes wide with fear.

"Don't worry I'm here to help," David feels himself saying to Carolyn and stepped through the door.

"Who are you, why are you here?, what do you want?" Carolyn demands.

"My name is David. I'm here with the police to try and find you. Please help me," David's voice says.

"I want to get out of here, quickly he's coming," Carolyn is starting to panic.

"Can you tell me where you are?" David asks.

"No time, I must escape. The Mailman, The mailman is here," Carolyn screams and pushes past David.

David whirls around to try and come after her but Carolyn has shut the door behind her. David pulls the door but it is firmly locked. "Hey wait," he calls but Carolyn is long gone.

Scott and Tina can only stare as David's body falls to the floor and starts to convulse. Scott rushes out to call for help, whilst Tina stays put to ensure David doesn't hurt himself.

In the meantime Carolyn's body starts to shake and convulse, her mouth starting to fill with spittle and blood. The mailman sits and watches her, It's just a trick by the enemy he figures.

By the time the paramedics arrive David's Grand Mal has stopped. Tina is holding him steady whispering comforts into his ear.

David's eyes show fear and confusion. "Mailman, Oh God the Mailman, no please," David is screaming over and over.

"David it's OK. You're fine," Tina said softly.

"We'll need to take him into hospital to get him checked out," one paramedic was saying.

"OK Go. Can we ride with him?" Scott asks.

"Sure," the paramedic says as he begins to strap the still shaking David into the gurney. David is then lifted out and wheeled into the waiting ambulance. Scott and Tina jump in the back and the ambulance rushes off, sirens blaring.

"How is he?" Tina asks one of the paramedics.

"He should be fine. We just need to take an ECG and run a few tests but he should be fine. See he's coming round now."

David's eyes open, clarity returning once more. He stares around him and asks "Where am I?". He suddenly looks shocked and confused.

"Shh. You had some kind of episode. I know you're feeling strange but David did you see anything, anything that can help us find her?" Tina asks softly.

"David?, who's David?"

"He's still out of it," Scott said slowly.

"Wait a minute. I don't sound like this, what's going on?" David's face was starting to show panic.

With the door shut behind him David had no choice but to go forward. He opens his eyes and sees a dimly lit room. At one end sits a small, overweight man. David tries to speak but all that comes out is a high pitched "HMMMPH."

David's body feels strange, he looks down and cries out even louder when he sees two firm breasts, covered by what looks to be a swimming costume on his chest. Looking closer he sees that the chest isn't his. It's slender well muscled curves lead down to two long, shapely legs. His eyes fixate downwards and focus on the distinct lack of a dick. Mentally he screams and tries to find the door in his mind again but all he sees is blackness.

The mailman starts to speak "Now handmaiden, rest over with," the mailman stares into David's face with piercing blue eyes.

Back in the ambulance Scott and Tina continue the questioning.

"What do you mean, who's David. You are," Scott says

"My name's Carolyn Dawson. What have you done with my voice," David's body demands.

" We've done nothing. Listen David you're still confused from the fit. We have to know did you see anything?"

"I've no idea who David is. Wait a minute the man in my dream he was called David. He said he was here to help me. I ran past him, away from the mailman," David's face was looking scared. Scott and Tina exchanged confused glances.

"Shh rest now," Tina said.

"Wait show me a mirror," David demanded.

Tina fished out a small make up mirror from her bag and allowed David to look into it.

Carolyn was confused. Why where these people calling her David?, Why did her voice sound so deep, where was she. She looked into the mirror the woman was holding and saw an unshaven face of a man with longish brown hair. The deep brown eyes widened and a loud scream erupts from the mouth.

The man approaching David looks confused. He cocks his head to one side, then shakes it and leaves the room. David's head is now clear and he tries to formulate some clear thoughts. Before he can do so the man returns with a strong smelling cloth. David tries to resist but is soon overwhelmed by the fumes.

Caroyln's panic attack ends with the paramedics injecting her with some Valium. Scott and Tina watch as the Valium takes effect. Carolyn's breathing relaxes and soon she is resting.

"Now we're in for it," Tina says.

"What do think all that was about?" Scott asks Tina

"How the hell do I know? What I do know is that the Captain will be really pissed off."

"Not if David can provide us with some info."

The ambulance rushed into ER. As soon as she arrived Carolyn was taken to a nearby bed. The Valium had made her sleepy. "Mailman, Mailman," was all she could say.

"How is he Doc?" Scott asked.

"He should be fine. The Valium should be wearing off soon. He was only given a small dose, enough to relax the muscles and stop any more potential episodes."

"Can we speak to him?. It's a matter of urgency," Tina asks the doctor.

"Sure. No idea if he'll be coherent enough but you can try."

"Tina, I've got a better idea. He keeps talking about the mailman so why don't you cross reference the rough description with postal worker records. Maybe we can come up with something. I'll stay here and try and talk to him," Scott suggested.

"Good idea! I'll give you a call if I find anything," Tina said.

"I'm sorry you'll have to switch off any cell phones. Plays havoc with all the equipment. I'm sure you can use the one in the hallway if required," the Doctor said.

"Will do," with that Tina left the hospital.

Carolyn's eyes were open now, the effect of the sedative's wearing off. Scott sat down next to him and asked "Hey you gave us quite a scare back there."

"Where am I?" Carolyn asked.

"In Hospital you had some kind of fit, but the Doc says you'll be just fine."

"I, I was in a dark room, Then I dreamt I was a man called David," Carolyn said, still woozy from the effects of the Valium.

"You are a man called David. Listen a woman's life depends on what you know. When you held her scarf did you see anything?"

"My head! I'm so confused. I remember being taken from my car A few days ago. We stopped someplace, I was blindfolded I couldn't see where I was going," Carolyn said, ignoring for the moment the very masculine tone her voice was making.

"Did you notice, see anything else?" Scott asked.

"I remember that the journey took about two hours. I noticed the time on his watch when my blindfold was taken off. I awoke in some kind of dark room. A cellar I think, I can see a small crack of light from the doors above me."

"What else, David? This is good," Scott's spirit's lifted. At last they were getting somewhere. Strange how he's speaking as though he's Carolyn though Scott thought. Still play along.

"Did you see the man, The mailman?"

"Yes, just, just before he raped me," Carolyn stalled at this point, the fear returning.

"Hey it's OK," Scott said.

"I'll be fine. He was small about 5'6 , overweight with the most blue eyes I've ever seen. When I looked into them I just lost myself. I couldn't help but obey."

Scott just finished taking notes "Anything else?"

"Yeah just before I came here I heard the sound of birds, canaries I think."

"Hey David, get some rest I think we can take it from here."

Exhausted Carolyn felt her eyes get heavier. This strange dream will end soon she thought as she felt herself begin to float away.

"Why don't you let him sleep now," the Doctor said to Scott.

"OK. Why did he talk as though he was the one actually being kidnapped?" Scott asked.

"It sometimes happens, after a Grand Mal or episode the patient is often confused as to their identity or whereabouts. Don't worry it'll wear off tomorrow."

"Thanks Doc," Scott said and left the building to get back to the station.

Back at base he met Tina who had just returned with some more information. She looked triumphant "Got the bastard," She said and hugged Scott hard.

"How, Who, Where?" Scott blurted.

"His name is Martin Phillips. He works in distribution at the central post office. He matches the description given to us by that old lady. He took unpaid vacation a week or so back, claimed he had family problems."

"Have you any photo's. David's just given me a detailed description. Let's see if it matches," Scott said excitedly and passed his notes to Tina.

"Let's see 5'6 check, blue eyes check and overweight. How about we check him out," Tina suggested.

"Did we get anymore on him?. I've got the rest of the team on that now. Do you want to pay him a visit?" Tina said.

"Let's do it," Scott said firmly. At last!

David slowly came around, his eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness. He hurt all over especially in his crotch. Slowly his vision cleared. He tried to rub his eyes but his hands were still tied. Looking down he saw the unfamiliar shape of a woman's body. He felt a warm, wet feeling in his cunt and shuddered. Slowly dripping down his shapely legs was someone's cum. Fear caused him to shiver, he'd been raped. In spite of himself he started to cry, softly at first and then louder. He tried to call out but the gag was still in place.

In a darkened room he lay on his bed, relaxing after teaching the handmaiden a lesson. He'd washed himself down afterwards, as he always did. He had deliberately not cleaned her down as this would show he had some respect for her. What puzzled him the most was that she now appeared to be immune to his gaze. He'd been given that as a gift in order to accomplish his task, but now he saw that the handmaiden was immune to it. When he moved on the Queen he'd have to be even more careful. He needed strength and wisdom, so he knelt down on the floor and started to pray.

Outside of the house of Martin Phillips, Tina, Scott, and several officers moved themselves into position. Overhead, flying at a discrete distance was a police chopper. A sniper sat in the open door of it, ready to intervene if required. Scott and Tina casually walked up to the door. Tina moved to one side ready to cover her partner.

"Ready to go?" Scott asked Tina.

"When you are."

Scott knocked on the door "Martin Phillips. This is the police. We need to ask you some questions."

Silence.

Scott repeated the request.

"Think he's in there?" Tina asked.

"Dunno. Let's try a thermograph," Scott suggested.

Tina spoke into her radio "Ground crew 1 to Sky watch Do you read me ,over ?"

"Loud and clear ground 1 what can we do? Over," the voice crackled back.

"Can you perform a thermograph of the house. Make sure the bastard's not in there? over," Tina called back.

"Affirmative. Call you later. Out."

The chopper flew lower and slowly circled the house three times. A few minutes later Tina's radio crackled into life "Sorry ground 1. Nobody's home."

"Fuck. Now what?" Tina swore.

"We set up a surveillance crew here and look for this place that David mentioned," Scott said.

Two hours later all available airborne units were searching a 50 mile radius from where Carolyn's car had been found.

Kneeling down by his bed he felt an urgency in his mission. He tried to suppress it but it would not die down. All of a sudden an answer to his prayer came. "Abandon the handmaiden, she is powerless without the Queen. You must move from this place. Go for the Queen." He heard himself say, out loud "No I must complete my work."

"You must leave now."

He was about to reply when he heard the far off drone of a chopper. He froze as it came closer and then passed away. Whispering thanks he quickly packed everything he could find and jumped into his battered chevy. The voice was right all that mattered now was the Queen. The voice warned him not to take the main roads so he took the heavily forested route out, heading in the opposite direction he intended to go. An hour later he joined the freeway and approached the city from a different direction.

It had been twelve hours after the search had started and Tina and Scott were bored. They'd been staking out Martin Phillips house since they had discovered he wasn't there. Tina was sucking into a donut, Scott drinking a lukewarm coffee. The radio crackled into life.

"Scott, Tina. We think we found something."

"Yeah what?"

"About an hour ago one of our pilots passed over an old farmhouse about 50 miles from where Carolyn's car was found. In a nearby building he saw some kind of aviary. He also spotted what looked to be a tornado shelter."

"Canaries?" Tina asked.

"Could be. What attracted his attention was the shelter. Who heard of tornadoes in this part of the country?"

"Good point, Where's the chopper now?"

"He had to turn back and leave the place before backup could arrive. He was low on fuel and had to turn back."

"Fuck! Right we'll get a team right there," Scott said.

David stopped trying to scream for help and decided to try and find anything that could help him. Turning his head left and right he peered into the gloomy darkness of the room. He was, he decided underground in some kind of bunker or shelter. The chair he was tied to was secured to the floor and the ropes binding his arms were secure. No way out so far. Abandoning this train of thought for the moment he took stock of himself. It was obvious he had switched places with the woman, Carolyn. He had no idea how he got there and even more important how to get back again. David decided that he could explore his new body later and that staying alive was the first priority.

It had been a while since the mailman had come down and David wondered if anything had happened. He heard a faint sound, that got louder. His spirits lifted as he recognized the unmistakable sound of Sirens. He started to call out, but the volume was less than impressive. A few minutes later light streamed through the open hatch, making him wince and turn away. A Male voice called out "Found her," and soon he felt himself being untied.

"Get a medic down here," the voice called.

"You OK miss?" another said.

It took David a second or two to realize that the question was directed at him but all he could reply was "Ummmm". David saw that the owner of the voice was a large, burley cop, flashlight in hand.

"Yeah right I remember," the cop said putting on a pair of latex gloves, "Open wide."

David tried to open his mouth as far as he could. The cop reached in and pulled the rubber ball from David's mouth. "Carolyn ,listen you're fine, it's OK you're safe now," the cop said softly.

By now the medic had arrived and started to look David over. "She's in shock but otherwise OK. I'll give her a sedative until we can treat her. She's a mess but she'll live."

Before David could protest he felt a needle enter his arm and all went black.

Scott and Tina stood over the unconscious body of Carolyn Dawson. She was sleeping peacefully after the journey, her beautiful face showing nothing of the ordeal she had just been through.

Scott looked at Tina, sighed and said "At least we got her back."

"Yeah but the bastard got away."

"Very odd. The gap between the chopper leaving and the backup arriving was only 10 minutes. He must have fled as soon as he heard the chopper leave."

"Yeah but our roadblocks picked up nothing. The captain's livid. I just don't get it."

"At least she's alive," Scott said with relief.

"What's the Doc say?" Tina asked.

"Why don't you ask him?" a voice said from the doorway.

"Hi Andrew. See they've dragged you away from the Bexley case," Scott called.

"Yeah. I wanted in on this and seeing as I'd had the most experience with the MO of this creep I was the logical choice."

"So how is she?"

"Better than we expected. She has some slight tearing around the vagina where he's forced himself on her. The costume is proving a bastard to get off. We can't use too much solvent as the skin will absorb the alcohol and poison her. So we're having to use it a bit at a time. It'll take a few days for us to get all of it off. Emotionally who can tell. With proper care and therapy she may recover but you don't get over this easily. We tried to contact her Mom but she's away somewhere for a few weeks and she left no contact numbers."

"Have you arranged for counseling?" Tina asked.

"Already done. Listen she'll sleep through the night. You guys look beat and Carolyn here needs some rest. Come back tomorrow," Andrew said.

"How's David?" Scott asked.

"He'll be fine. He's sleeping as well. We're running a continuous ECG to see if he's fit again but I think he's in the clear."

"OK, night," Tina said.

"See ya," Andrew called.

The next day Scott met Tina at the front of the hospital.

"Coffee?, Bagel?" Tina asked.

"No way, I've just eaten."

"Look I'll talk to David, You go talk to Carolyn and we'll check notes at 10," Scott suggested.

"Done."

Scott walked into David's ward and nearly bumped into Andrew.

"Hey watch it hotshot," Andrew called.

"Can I see him?"

"Yeah, We're about to discharge him, when he wakes up."

"OK I'll pop in now," Scott said and walked off towards the room.

Carloyn slowly woke up. Her vision blurry at first, then clearing. She looked up and saw lights. Her head hurt and she reached up to touch it. A hairy, muscular arm moved up to her head. She moved her arm, the arm moved too. Silently she screamed. She'd hoped it'd been a dream. Slowly she reached down and tried to feel for her pussy. She felt the fleshy, firmness of a penis instead. Fear began to well up inside her as she clenched her chest, hoping to feel her breasts but there were none. Just as she was about to explore some more a policeman walked in. Guiltily she stopped her exploration and said "Yes Officer."

"Hi David," Scott said.

Deciding to play along until she could find out more Carloyn replied "Yeah, Hi."

"I just thought you ought to know we found her, safe and well. Thanks to you. Well done," Scott said.

"Carolyn's OK?"

"Yep, The mailman got away though and we don't know where he's gotten to. Still we have a description now so it should only be a matter of time."

"Where is she?"

"In a private room just down from here. Doc says you can go when you're ready," Scott said.

"Thanks". Now what? Where did this David live? Carolyn thought.

"Listen If you think of anything else here's my card," Scott said placing the card on the bedside table.

"Will do. Say do you think they'd let me see me, I mean Carolyn," Carolyn asked, quickly correcting herself.

"I should think so. Check first OK. I'll talk later and thanks again," Scott said and left the room.

"But I tell you I'm not Carolyn" David said to Tina.

"Who are you then" Tina was getting tired of this. She'd come in expecting to help but all she got was an insistence that the woman laying in front of her wasn't Carolyn Dawson, but David Hawkins. Changing the subject she started again "Carolyn, David whoever you are can you tell me anything else, anything that could help us get this mailman?"

"I don't know anymore than I've told you already. Look if you want to know more I suggest you go talk to Carolyn. You'll easily recognize her, she's the one who looks like me."

"Carolyn. It's OK you're safe now."

"Don't patronize me with your platitudes. I've been raped in a body that's not my own. The woman who should be getting the counseling as well is walking out this place today."

"Look. I'll leave my number with you. If you think of anything else let me or Scott know," and Tina left.

David lay back in the bed exhausted and exasperated from the conversation. It was clear to him from the moment he woke up, that the nightmare he'd been having was real. He'd avoided touching himself anywhere female in the vain hope it'd go away. Now, alone he moved his hand over his smooth stomach, feeling the lycra of the swimsuit he still wore. His hand moved up to his breasts and he felt their warmth and firmness under the swimsuit. He nearly jumped with pleasure when he idly ran his fingers around his nipples. He felt himself let out a small sigh. His hand slowly moved down to his groin. He tried to stroke his vagina, wanting the pleasure to continue but his finger chanced upon a cut.

"OW," he called out.

He lay back and closed his eyes. In his mind's eye he saw the mailman draw closer and closer, the mailman's trousers were down and he was about to thrust his dick into David's pussy.

David called out and a nurse came running in.

"Carolyn?"

"It's OK. I was just dreaming."

"The man who rescued you wants to see you. Do you feel up to it," the nurse asked.

"Sure."

The nurse walked out an a few minutes later David was amazed to see himself walk in. David noticed that his body walked strange, not manly at all. Could his theory be right after all?

"Carolyn?" David asked.

"Umm I suppose so. What the fuck happened? Why am I a man now?" Carolyn demanded.

"I have no idea to both questions. It's no easier being a woman instead."

"What did you do? I saw you, in my mind at a door way and I ran past you. The next thing I knew I was being brought here in an ambulance and that I was a man and everyone was calling me David."

"I have, had, who knows now, a gift for helping friends and family in trouble. I could see what was going to happen before it did or warn them in some way. I saw you trapped in that shelter with the mailman about to rape you. I heard the name Carolyn. I went to the police, this guy called Scott believed me and asked me to find you. I made contact with you, saw you at the doorway and was about to call to you again when you ran past in terror. The door shut and I was left on the other side."

"So you think we switched then?" Carolyn asked.

David nodded. "I was desperate to find you, you were desperate to get out and we crossed in the middle. Well that's how I see it."

"So can you switch us back?"

"Who knows, maybe."

"You think I enjoy being like this!" Carolyn hissed.

"Hey being you is no fun either. I have a swimsuit stuck to my body. I look down and fancy myself like crazy. It's driving me mad. When I close my eyes I can see the mailman starting to rape me," David started to cry.

"Hey he raped me too y'know. When I look down at my, sorry your dick, I don't get turned on. I remember him shaving my head, forcing me somehow to fuck him," Carolyn was crying now.

Instinctively David put out his dainty hand. "It seems to me we need each other. Besides who gave you permission to look at my dick."

Carolyn smiled "Same goes for my tits. I was very proud of them you know. You're right. We need to get through this together, help each other out, it's the only way."

"I spoke with that Detective Cox before you arrived. She didn't believe a word I said about me being you or whatever. Put it down to stress she said. I think we should pretend to be each other when there are other people around. It'd make things a lot easier," David said.

"Agreed. Listen if we're to help each other I need to know the man who's body I've got. Hey I don't even know how to work one of these things," Carolyn said, pointing at her dick.

"Easy, grab hold of it and point it in the direction you want it to go. Don't forget to shake. But hey what about me! I've got all kinds of things to find out. Hell I don't even know how to put on a bra."

"When will they let you out?" Carolyn asked.

"Dunno, when they can get this damn costume off I guess. They've booked me in for counseling sessions for 2 hours a week."

"David, I've got your address from your license but I've no idea what car you drive. I also need you to get my keys back, Jonesy will be going spas."

"Jonesy? Is he a boyfriend?" David asked.

"No such luck, he's my cat."

"Oh." David said, relieved. A boyfriend would be complicated.

"Hey you got any pets, dates, meetings I should know about. If I'm going to be you I need to know about you," Carolyn asked.

"No pets, no dates and no meetings. I just kinda drift about. My Mom's given me some money when she left dad so I'm living on that at the moment. How about you?"

"I'm or rather you're a teacher, don't worry they'll already know about me, sorry about you. They'll not expect you in for a while. It gives us some breathing space."

David started to look worried.

"I'll try not to be too long," Carolyn said softly.

"Hey, no peeking Promise?" David called out, jokingly.

"Promise. You too," Carolyn said and left the room.

David held up two fingers in a scout salute "Scouts Honor."

Inside David didn't feel like joking at all. He could feel the soft mounds of flesh on his chest heaving with each breath. His voice was an alien sound and he had no idea of how, if at all things could be reversed. It WAS strange seeing his face talk to him and make completely different expressions than he would use. David suspected that Carolyn felt the same way. A lot of uncertainty mixed with fear but with a modicum of curiosity. It was bad enough trying to deal with suddenly being a woman without the nightmare trial he had just gone through. Thinking on Carolyn's situation he thought that she'd come off worst. Not only did she have the change in gender to deal with, she'd actually been conscious when she'd been raped and kidnapped. His train of thought was interrupted by a cute nurse walking in with several bouquets of flowers and a bag full of cards.

"Who are they from?" David asked.

"Your school, Your class did a get well Miss Dawson card and the rest is from members of the public."

"How'd," David started.

"You're big news now. The face of the bastard who did this to you is all around town, on the news everywhere," the nurse said.

"Where's David?"

"He discharged himself but promised he'd be back soon. If you ask me he's real cute," the nurse said half seriously.

"I suppose so," David answered.

"Hey, the Rachel Martin interview's tonight, you want me to bring in a TV?"

"Yeah, she's a babe," David blurted.

The nurse looked at David strangely. "If you say so. I think she's a stuck up bitch. The way men all ogle her, makes you feel inadequate. That's what my boyfriend says. 'Why don't you be more like Rachel Martin?' or 'Rachel Martin has 50 inch legs' or some such. If you ask me we're better off without men. Women don't rape women."

David went quiet. Images of the mailman coming for him flashed back through his brain. He felt a shiver run down his spine. The nurse noticed this and looked very guilty.

"I'm, I'm sorry. I'll just go get the TV," and the nurse almost ran out.

'Please open mouth before changing foot' David thought. As yet he'd had no time to explore this new body. He was about to reach down to stroke his pussy when he remembered his promise to Carolyn. She was the kinda person, he decided that would stick to her word regardless. He'd better do the same.

Caroyln managed to find David's apartment fairly easily. She needed a shower, to cleanse herself of her ordeal. Although it wasn't the body that had been violated, the mind was just as soiled. She started to get undressed again. Although she'd gotten dressed this morning in David's body it was automatic. She'd had no time to investigate.

Standing in front of the mirror she noticed David's firm, hairy chest. She flexed her muscles Charles Atlas fashion and ran her hand down the taught biceps. 'Not bad' she thought. She felt a strange sensation in her dick as it began to expand.

Although she'd promised not to look it was impossible not to. Besides David must've, Carolyn thought as she pulled her pants down. Her dick was erect but not engorged. She reached down to touch it but her hand jerked back when she remembered the mailman coming for her, his penis erect and waiting.

She found the bathroom and started to shower. The warm water spreading comfort as she started to wash the memories and the nightmare touch of the mailman away. Carolyn, ignoring her new body for the moment scrubbed until her skin was red, nothing she could do could make her feel clean.

Whilst she was in the shower she tried to remember anything else that could help the police catch the mailman. What was it he had said. "There's no use in acting surprised. I know who you are, You are the Queen's handmaiden. A dark servant. The enemy must be lax if they let me take you so easily."

That must mean he'd strike again. If she was supposed to be this handmaiden who was the Queen?

A few hours later Caroyln drove back to the hospital to visit David. She walked in holding some flowers and spotted the other bouquets strewn around the room.

"Hey I'd no idea I was so popular. These are for you," Carolyn said placing her flowers into some spare space between some multicolored carnations.

"Thanks, just as well you don't get hay fever. Some of them are from your class, the others are from well wishers. Hey I had a visit from Joyce, one of your fellow teachers I presume. It was real embarrassing. I acted as though I had some memory loss or something but it was obvious that I was hiding something."

"Yeah, Joyce. We've known each other since college. She's really sweet, almost a sister really."

"Thanks for telling me!. Is Jonesy OK?"

"I suppose. He went ape and ran off when I walked in. I guess I smell different or something."

"Hey I never smelt that bad. How are you? They sent in some counselor when you went away. She tried to help but it was hard going. She told me that it wasn't my fault and that I did nothing wrong. However She assumed I was a woman and knew how women feel. Sure I'll have nightmares for a long while yet, but it isn't the rape that really bothers me. It was the images, the sensations of terror. You're the one who needs the counseling but everyone assumes you're the hero and you're OK," David said, the concern evident in his voice.

"I showered for over an hour, trying to get the feel of him off me. I know it's not my body but he's still there. In my mind, I can feel him about to penetrate me or tie me up again. Oh David it's so hard," Carolyn started to cry.

David put out his womanly hand, and took hold of Carolyn's. "Hey we'll get through this, it's OK. Soon the cops'll get him and we can start to rebuild. I've asked the nurses and they say you can stay as long as you like."

"Do you really think they'll get him?" Carolyn asked.

"Yep. I've seen his description and picture everywhere. It's only a matter of time."

He was thankful that he had been warned before the police moved in at his lair. He sat in his car looking out at Stephanie Lane's apartment. The Queen of evil should be arriving soon. Finishing off the last of his Big Mac he settled down to wait. His attention was distracted as another car drew up behind him and two men got out. They were very well dressed and seemed to be of Arabic origin. One of them lit up a cigarette and he could smell it's foul stench as they walked past the car. He breathed a sigh of relief as they went into a nearby shop. These must be the Queen's henchmen or bodyguards he decided.

The men emerged from the shop and got back inside their car and they were soon engaged in conversation. He ducked down below the level of the headrest but glancing in the rear-view mirror could see that they were more interested in waiting for their Queen than him.

At last a limo drew up and he took a deep breath as the Queen got out, surrounded by press. He could feel the evil of her from here. She must be stopped at any cost. A few seconds later she ran up the steps into the apartment. Now all he had to do was wait until she emerged.

"Hey mind if I watch the Rachel Martin interview? She's such a fox," David said.

"So are you, well at least for now," Carolyn said.

"Could you switch it on for me?" David asked.

He watched Caroyln awkwardly get up, not used to the shape of her new body. The TV flicked on and Stephanie Lane was introducing Rachel Martin.

"Ladies and Gentlemen I am here today, in my apartment with Rachel Martin. Rachel. You have been called the most perfect woman who has ever lived. What is your reaction to that?"

"Well Steph. It makes me a little humble really. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You needn't be a supermodel to be beautiful, y'know," Rachel Martin said, to camera.

"Supercilious, patronizing bitch," Carolyn muttered.

"Hey she's right though. Now let me listen, you made me miss the next question" David said as Rachel Martin started to speak.

"Don't tell anyone, but I'm so disorganized. I can't plan my way into bed without a diary. I'm also the world worst cook."

"Yeah right. She's sharper than she's making out. Dave are you listening I want to tell you something," Carolyn started.

David just lay back watching the interview. Stephanie Lane was just asking "Of course, the death of your parents must have been a real blow."

"The 10th of June 1995 will be burned into me forever. I spent ages trying to get over it. It's one of the reasons I fled to Europe for so long. I'm dedicating my career to their memory," Rachel Martin replied, her eyes welling with tears.

"Look Dave I know you and every man in the countries jaw is on the floor right now but you've got everything she's got. Trust me I know. If you don't believe me just look down. I want to tell you something," Carolyn said her voiced sounding slightly annoyed. She went over to the remote and flicked the TV off.

"Hey I wanted to watch that," David complained.

"Look when I was in the shower I remembered something. The mailman said that I, you, whatever was the Queens Handmaiden. That means he's after the Queen next," Carolyn said.

"So who's the Queen?" David asked.

"No idea. Just thought I'd ask and see if it rang any bells."

"Nope. Sorry to be a pain but I really wanted to watch Rachel Martin. I've been following her career for ages."

"Drooling over pictures more like it. I thought you were different," Carolyn said scathingly.

"I am. One of the things I wanted to be was a fashion photographer. If you don't believe go look in my trunk in the bedroom wardrobe. Sure I fancy her but she's unnatural. Nobody's THAT perfect. Now if you were wearing this face that'd be a different matter," David said, pointing at his feminine features.

Caroyln was stunned into silence by this slip. Did this mean David fancied her or himself in her body? All she could do was look apologetic.

David looked guilty, "Sorry I didn't mean."

"Hey I'm flattered but a relationship is the least thing I want right now."

"Me too. I've no idea how that came out. I've haven't a clue how I feel anyway. My mind ogles at the nurses and my body feels all warm and tingly when a cute male doctor walks in. Which way am I?"

"I don't feel anything at all, sorry. Maybe when they catch this mailman, maybe not even then."

He watched the Queen step out from the building and into a waiting Limo. The car with the two Arabic men inside waited a few moments and then drove off, after the limo. He decided to follow but at a discrete distance. He knew where the Queen was headed after all. He needed to see what level of protection the Queen had, satisfied he could break through it. He took a roundabout route to the hotel and watched as the Queen went inside. He then drove off to hide and to watch.

"I think it about time you went home, David," the nurse said.

"Hey you said he could stay as long as he wanted," David moaned.

"You need your rest. There's always tomorrow."

"See ya Carolyn," Carolyn said.

"Ya. Take care. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

The nurse turned to David and asked, "Do you want anything to help you to sleep?"

"I should be OK. I'll call if I need anything. To tell the truth I'm trashed," David said sleepily. The excitement and trauma of the day had kept him alert and awake, now it was time for the body to recover.

The nurse switched off the light and left the room. Alone for the first time for a while David wanted to explore how he felt about being a woman, meeting Carolyn, the mailman and all the rest of events that had seemed to overtake him. His body had other ideas and before he could do anything he was asleep.

Carolyn drove to her house, in David's car. Past caring what the neighbors would think she let herself in. Jonesy lay prostrate on the sofa, breathing softly. She reached down to stroke him but he awoke, arched his back and hissed angrily.

"Hey Jonesy it's me," Carolyn tried to croon. It didn't work with a mans voice.

Jonesy's only response was to sulk off in the kitchen someplace.

Carolyn slumped back down on the sofa. What a day. Like David, her body wanted to rest whilst her mind wanted something else. She slowly got up and went towards her bedroom. She slowly took off her shirt and pants and once again felt her cock swell as she took in the muscled tone of her new body. Instinctively she reached under the pillow and got out her black, silky night-dress. Deciding there was no way she could wear it in her current form she got into bed and was soon fast asleep.

David woke up screaming at 4am. A nurse came running in, panicked.

"It's OK it's over," the nurse said softly.

"I know. I dreamt about him, the man who did this to me. He was coming for me, coming again," David started to sob, the sweat pouring from his face.

"It's OK it was just a nightmare," the nurse said.

"You'll, You'll be just around the corner?" David asked, as if pleading for his life.

"You bet," the nurse said and stroked David's face affectionately.

"Night," David said and flopped back down on the bed. It would be a long night.

Carolyn looked at the clock on her bedside table. Fuck only 4am. She'd been up most of the night. A bowl lay by the side of her bed and she'd used it to be sick in a couple of times. How she wanted somebody to share her pain. Even the normally reliable Jonesy had deserted her. For the first time in months she felt desperately lonely. She thought about giving Joyce a call but that would require too much explanation.

She got up and made herself a warm milk in her microwave. She tried to sit cross legged on the sofa and sip the milk as she'd done when she was a child but her new legs and dick prevented her from doing it right. So she just sat, legs crossed and sipped the milk slowly "I'm going to have to sleep sometime," she said to herself as she went back to bed again.

Dawn broke slowly and both David and Carolyn lay in bed watching the light start to seep thru the drawn curtains. Carolyn yawned and got up. 'This couldn't go on,' she thought. "I have to speak to David about what I really feel," she said out loud.

Carolyn picked up the shirt and pants she had discarded the night before and slowly put them on. "At least in this body it takes half the time to get ready as before," she said to herself.

Walking to her refrigerator she selected a nearly empty milk carton and poured some for Jonesy. After choosing a bowl of museli she sat down on the sofa to have breakfast.

"Wonder if I'm on the news," she thought and she flicked the TV on.

Stephanie Lane was stood in front of the camera, power- dressed as usual. Her blonde hair immaculately styled was blowing in the breeze. Behind her was the hospital where David was staying.

"The Bexley Murder reached a new twist today when Dr William Bexley and Mrs Margaret Bexley were killed in an auto accident. An eyewitness said that the car spun out of control and plunged into a ravine. Dr Elizabeth Bexley is due to visit here later today to identify the bodies. As you would expect we will be here waiting to catch a glimpse of the reclusive Dr Bexley. The funeral of Dr Bexley's parents has been slated in for two days from now."

"How terrible," Carolyn thought.

"In other news. The killer known as the 'mailman' is still at large today. So far he has avoided all attempts by the police to capture him. The public have been advised that he is possibly armed and should be regarded as extremely dangerous. If you see this man you are to call the police right away," Stephanie continued.

The screen changed to a photo-fit of the mailman. Carolyn's blood went cold when she saw his face again. Flicking the TV off she went back to eating her muesli. An hour or so later of watching the news Carolyn got into David's car and drove to the hospital.

When she got to the gates she was met by a burly security guard. "Hey you gotta press pass?" he demanded.

"What press pass? I've come to visit a friend," Caroyln said, slightly annoyed.

"Not in this entrance mister. We've got that Bexley woman arriving here any minute. You'll have to go around the back."

Recognizing the stubborn look on the guards face, Carolyn drove around the back entrance, eventually parked the car and went inside.

David was lying upright in bed drinking some coffee. He was starting to feel uncomfortable in this body. Foreign feelings and sensations greeted him at almost every breath. Unable to resist again he put the coffee mug down and was about to caress his breast, still under the confines of the costume when he was interrupted by footsteps. Guiltily he jerked his hand away just as Carolyn walked in.

"Hi, You wouldn't believe the amount of trouble I've had getting in," Carolyn moaned.

"I would. I've been watching it. This fucking trial is taking all the attention away from catching the bastard who raped us," David said bitterly.

"Yeah. Sorry if I'm vacant today. I hardly slept a wink last night."

"Me too. The nurses say I can go home this afternoon. Which ever home I'm supposed to go to that is."

"What about the costume and the counseling?" Carolyn asked.

"I have to come in every day until it's off. Counseling sessions will continue at my apartment."

"David, I'm concerned. We haven't really talked about this. Both of us have been in denial. I can't deny what happened to me and you can't either. We have to talk about this, else we'll never get over it."

"Sorry. You're right. I've been trying to think of other things, how to catch the mailman for one. Listen this may seem forward but how about dinner?"

"OK. Pick you up at 8. I know this real nice Italian."

David was about to reply when another lady walked in. She was smaller than David was now, maybe 5'5. Her blonde hair was bobbed, Jennifer Aniston style and her eyes gleamed a deep brown. Nice figure too.

Carolyn whirled around and called out "Hi Joyce."

Joyce stared at Carolyn in puzzlement and suspicion. Joyce adopted a defensive stance and asked "Who the hell are you? and how do you know my name?"

David answered quickly "Umm Hi Joyce. This is David Hawkins, my savior."

Still puzzled Joyce said "Thanks we owe you one. If I'd lost Carolyn here I don't know what I'd have done."

"S'Ok," Carolyn said. Inside she was burning to tell her friend what had really happened but she didn't think that David would agree. Still she could tell him later. Joyce took the gap in conversation to move by David's bedside.

"So Joyce what brings you here?" David asked.

"Just thought I'd drop in. Did you still want to go to Cats next week?" Joyce asked David.

"Cats?. Oh Umm I dunno what did we agree?" David said hastily.

"We didn't. They tell me that you're coming out today -- are you well enough?. How about I fix you dinner tonight?" Joyce asked.

David tried to get a clue of what to do from Carolyn but she was standing just behind Joyce. David quickly said "Sorry Joyce but David and I are going out to dinner tonight. A kind of thank you if you like."

Joyce looked a little hurt "Maybe tomorrow then."

"We'll see," David said doubtfully.

Joyce turned to Carolyn and asked "So David, you didn't tell me how you knew my name?"

"Easy. I asked Carolyn here if she had any friends who could help her thru this. She mentioned that you were her best friend and I assumed that was who you were. Why so suspicious?" Carolyn said wondering why Joyce was being so protective.

"Why? Because she's the one person I care about most in all the world. Sorry David if I've seemed hostile to you. I hope you understand."

David said "Joyce, David, I'm really tired would you mind leaving me for a while. Dave, haven't you go something you wanted to tell inspector Harris?"

"Fuck yes I completely forgot. Joyce it was a pleasure to meet you at last. Look after her she's important to me," Carolyn said.

Joyce looked strangely at Carolyn, as though he was about to spoil her friendship. Joyce turned to David waved and then left.

He took the subway to the hotel where the Queen was staying. After a brief conversation with the receptionist he was unable to ascertain the Queen's exact location. Foiled for the moment he took the subway back to the street where he had been sleeping rough. Kneeling down amongst the broken bottles, cardboard boxes and the occasional syringe he started to pray.

His answer came sometime later. A dream, a prophesy formed in his mind. He could see the Queen walking from the rear of the hotel and taking a cab. Sometime later she emerged from the cab and walked into a cemetery. The vision faded but he now had a plan to capture the Queen. All he had to do was wait.

As Carolyn was about to leave David turned to her and said. "Joyce was so nice to me yesterday. Why was she so hostile today? Surely she didn't feel threatened by me. Sorry about you being there?"

"It's complicated. I'll explain everything at dinner. What time are you released?" Carolyn said.

"About 6, after my counseling session. Say, take my car and I'll meet you at your place."

"Fine. You want anything?"

"Apart from a dick. No I'll be fine. You've got a call to make."

Carolyn walked out of the room and found a payphone. Slipping in a few quarters she called Scott's home number.

Scott was lounging back on his sofa, watching the Rachel Martin interview that his wife had taped from the night before. Rachel was about to answer a question about her parents when the phone rang. He reached over and picked up the phone.

"Hello Detective Harris."

"Hi Scott. Sorry to spoil your day off, it's David Hawkins. Carolyn's asked me to pass on something she's remembered."

Scott flicked mute on the TV, switched his old Sony VCR off and said "Go on please, we need a lead."

"Yeah. When the mailman captured Carolyn he said something like 'I know who you are, You are the Queen's handmaiden, a dark servant. The enemy must be lax if they let me take you so easily'. The mailman thought Carolyn was this Queen's handmaiden -- therefore it figures he'd go after the Queen next."

"Any idea who this Queen could be?" Scott asked.

"No idea. Over to you really."

"Tell Carolyn thanks and that I'll drop in and see how she's getting on," Scott replied.

Scott's mind raced. "Who could be this Queen the mailman was after," hmm, difficult to tell. Deciding to think about it for a few minutes before calling Tina, he restarted the video and continued to watch the Rachel Martin interview.

Carolyn drove to David's house to pick up some fresh clothes for her dinner. 'What a strange situation' She thought. It did seem ludicrous, her a woman in a mans body going out to dinner with a man in her own body. She hoped she'd get chance to speak to David about it tonight and maybe exorcise some of the nightmares. Choosing what looked to be David's only good suit and tie she went back to the car to drive home.

Arriving back at her place Carolyn stripped off and started the shower running. As she looked down at her erecting cock, flashes of the mailman returned, almost causing her to retch. She stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water run over her body. The cleansing of the water starting to wash away the emotions of the day before.

Carolyn was disturbed by a loud knocking at the door. A voice called "Carolyn are you in there? I can hear the shower . Come on let me in, it's Joyce."

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," Carolyn swore. Now what could she do, an idea formed. David wouldn't like it but it was the only way.

Wrapping a towel around herself and drying her muscular body as much as possible she went to the door.

Cautiously she opened the door and saw a look of shock on Joyce's face.

"DAVID What the fuck are you doing here. Where's Carolyn," she demanded.

"Umm you'd better come in," Carolyn said.

"You bet I will," Joyce said and stomped inside.

"Take a seat, I'll be right out," Carolyn said and went into her bedroom much to Joyce's astonishment.

Hastily drying herself off Carolyn put on a pair of David's boxers. Trying her hardest not to explore and get carried away she put his suit trousers on and a nice clean white shirt. She hunted around for David's Bart Simpson tie and after locating it under her old black night shirt she put it on. She opened the door and walked back into the living room to face Joyce.

"Where's Carolyn?" Joyce demanded.

"Joyce you're going to find this very hard to believe," Carolyn started.

"Yeah right. How COULD you. Carolyn's been raped and nearly killed and here you are making a move on her," Joyce started.

"Joyce. Listen to me. Hmm how, to begin. I know. If I remember correctly you like A dry Martini with a little soda. No lemon because you only throw it away."

Joyce's eyes went wide. "How'd you."

"I'd better get that drink first," Carolyn said. This WAS going to be fun.

Carolyn handed Joyce her drink and sat down on the chair opposite Joyce.

"OK here goes," Carolyn said, taking a deep breath. "Joyce the reason why I knew about you tastes in Martini's was that I'm really Carolyn. The woman sitting in the hospital bed is really David Hawkins."

Joyce looked for a second and then burst out laughing. "That's good. That's real good. I've heard a few feeble excuses from men before but that's a new one on me."

"Joyce. Two words. Larry Foster," Carolyn said softly.

Joyce stopped laughing and looked serious. "Listen I don't know who you really are or how you knew that but that's not funny. Now you either get straight with me or I'm outta here and calling the cops."

Carolyn continued "You met him when you were still a freshman. You two really had something going and I was as jealous as hell. If I remember, we had our first fight over him. You wanted to get engaged but I tried to talk you out of it. You blamed me for trying to split you up and wanting him for myself. After I found out from the other women he'd cheated on what he was really like you still didn't believe me. To rescue you from that cheating bastard I seduced him and ensured that you dropped in at the right time. I lost my virginity to that mother-fucker so you wouldn't get hurt and make the worst mistake of your life."

Joyce started to cry "David.. How? Carolyn swore she'd never tell a soul..."

"I didn't. Listen. When the mailman kidnapped me. David had some kinda vision. He says he's got some sort of ESP but damned if I know for sure. Anyway he saw me, knew my name and went to the cops. By some fluke they believed him and let him try and reach me. He did it only too well and somehow we switched."

"Carolyn this is amazing. Can you switch back? What's it like being a man? How does David feel?" Joyce blurted, her brown eyes showing astonishment.

"Hey one thing at time. No idea to the first, I'm as scared as hell to the second and no idea to the third."

Joyce started to giggle "Hey, you could be both my boyfriend and girlfriend at the same time."

This was more like the Joyce Carolyn knew. The hostile exterior was gone and the fun loving girl had returned. "Yeah, right. I told David that I wouldn't tell anyone but I had to tell you, otherwise I'd just burst. For the moment it's our secret. You have to pretend David's me. What did you come around for?"

"Apart from seeing how you were, I wanted to know if you wanted to do some shopping for your dinner date tonight." Joyce said.

"As you can see I'm feeling, well, different, and as for shopping what an excellent idea. I'll get my cards and see you down at the parking lot."

"Umm how do you expect to be able to use your credit cards. You're not Carolyn Dawson anymore. Look I'll get these and you can pay me back when you're back to your normal self," Joyce said.

"OK let my blow dry my hair and get fixed up and I'll be out soon," Carolyn said.

"Dry your hair sure but I wouldn't get fixed up. People will look," Joyce joked.

"Go away. I'll see you later," Carolyn smiled.

Joyce stood up and closed the door behind her. Carolyn looked at the clock on her VCR. She had a little over two hours before David turned up. More than enough time to pick out a new outfit for him.

After spending a few minutes drying her hair and combing it into some kind of style she ran downstairs to find Joyce waiting in her car.

"Let's go shop," Joyce chimed.

Two hours later Joyce screamed into the car lot near Carolyn's apartment. "There told you we'd make it. Listen I'd better go make myself scarce."

"Thanks," Carolyn said and reached over and gave Joyce a peck on the cheek as a thank you.

Joyce looked a little surprised. "Hey I'm used to you doing that as you but I'm not sure I should let any strange men do that. What kinda girl do ya think I am."

"The best kind. Listen Joyce thanks for everything. Being with you, shopping, talking and goofing about like old times is starting to make me feel me again."

"It was funny wasn't it?" Joyce said smiling.

"What was?"

"The time when you wanted to try on the outfit we liked. The assistant looked at you very strangely."

"Yeah it wasn't even my size," Carolyn smiled.

"You know what I mean," Joyce laughed.

"Look it's getting on and David will be here any second. Thanks again" Carolyn said and opened the car door and got out.

Carolyn raced up the stairs, clutching her shopping. She just had time to shut the door behind her and put the kettle on for some coffee when there was a knock at the door.

"Hello Carolyn are you in there?" David called.

"Hang on a moment," Carolyn called out, quickly having a look around to see if everything was tidy. A few moments later she answered the door.

"For you," David said handing Carolyn some flowers.

"Why thank you. Please come in," she said and gestured to the sofa. Carolyn went off into the kitchen to find a vase to put the flowers in.

David walked over and sat down, legs apart and lounged back into some cushions.

"Coffee?" Carolyn asked from the kitchen.

"Yeah white, two sugars."

"You'll get me fat. I see they gave you some clothes," Carolyn said. Noticing the tracksuit and sneakers David was now wearing.

"Yeah. It feels funny though and mighty sexy walking around as a woman. How do you put up with it?"

"It just feels me I guess. Listen I've a confession to make," Carolyn said passing David the coffee.

"Oh?"

"Umm Joyce came around this afternoon and caught me in the shower. I HAD to tell her the truth. I'm glad I did now as she's brought back a sense of reality in my life."

"I don't mind. If it helps you then that's OK."

"We also went shopping for tonight."

"I hope you didn't buy me another suit. I'd never live it down. By the way the end of the tie should be level with the top of your pants, when you stand up. Oh and you don't HAVE to do the top button up if you pull the tie up far enough."

"Hey thanks. No, we didn't get something for me, we got something for you."

"Hey I was just hoping to wear jeans and a T-shirt, maybe a smart sweater. None of this feminine rubbish."

"You go with me, you go properly dressed. Besides you'll have to know how to dress yourself properly."

David groaned and shook his head.

"Drink your coffee and then we'll start. It takes at least an hour to get ready if you're going to do it right."

"I'll sip my coffee then."

"How are you, really David? Apart from a few obvious jokes and comments I don't know how you're feeling. Look it's my body you've got and you be honest. I won't mind," Carolyn said, sitting down on sofa next to David.

"It's very odd. I mean I fancy myself like crazy. Your legs are wonderful. I used to just sit in bed and move them just so I could admire them. Because of this stupid costume I haven't seen all of you yet but I nearly jump if I touch one of my nipples. I feel very strange in the plumbing department. At the moment I'm torn between two worlds. I guess I feel as though I'm on vacation from me if you know what I mean."

"Sort of. Every time I even think about how sexy your body is or anything like that I get a flashback of the mailman coming for me. You've mentioned your favorite bits of me so I'll do the same for you. Then young lady, we have to get you ready."

"Which are? Your favorite bits that is."

"Hmm. I like this sort of chest on a man. Muscular but not too hairy. Very nice shoulders and your butt is certainly cute. But get a haircut -- it looks stupid on me."

"Uh oh," David said.

"What?" Carolyn looked concerned.

"I've finished my coffee. We've got all evening to talk and so I'd better get it over with."

"Come into my bedroom and see what delights I've prepared for you," Carolyn said, offering her hand to David.

David took her hand, stood up and followed Carolyn into the bedroom. Carolyn rummaged inside a large box and lifted out a black dress.

"Here we go," she said and handed the dress to David.

"I'm not putting this on. It's indecent. I don't mind you seeing me because you've seen it all before but this hardly comes up to my waist. Besides this fucking snake skin thing that's stuck to me will show," David moaned.

"Don't worry, the straps will cover it. Besides I didn't choose it, Joyce did. Now before you put the dress on you'll need to put this panty hose on. We don't need to worry about lingerie as that infernal costume is still stuck on. I take it they bathed you at the hospital," Carolyn said.

"Yeah. It felt mighty strange."

"Good. Now come on take your things off."

David felt self-conscious as he bent down and took off his sneakers and jogging pants. Ignoring the feeling of his breasts dangling down inside the swim-suit he straightened up and threw Carolyn the pants. She deftly caught them and handed him the panty hose.

"That's right roll it up first, it'll fit better. Oh and point your toes when you put each leg in," Carolyn said.

David began to feel warm and tingly as the soft, sheer nylon went up his legs. The slender curve of muscle and thigh was being emphasized by the hose. "This is turning me on," David confessed.

"Now Take your top off," Carolyn said, ignoring David's comment.

David reached up and pulled his tracksuit top off and threw it to Carolyn who stored it alongside his pants.

"Now put this over your head, making sure that the straps cover your costume," Carolyn said passing David the sheer black dress.

David put the dress on and after adjusting himself looked down. The view was stunning. Two mounds pushed themselves out of his chest and the curves of his body were set off by the black dress.

Fishing inside the bag Carolyn pulled out a black haired wig. "I bought this for me, for when we swap back but you'd better use it tonight. A bald woman looks very out of place."

In spite of himself David was starting to enjoy this dressing up so he reached up and took the wig from Carolyn and placed it on his head. It felt strange to have hair again, and even stranger to feel the swish of hair on his shoulder blades.

"Hold on a second let me adjust it," Carolyn said as she walked over and ensured it looked as realistic as possible.

"Much better. Now sit down and let me do your makeup," Carolyn said.

"Hey no way," David complained.

"I told you. You want to go out with me you do it properly. Now sit down and hold still."

David did as he was told and sat down on the bed. Carolyn walked over to her dresser and got out a makeup bag. After rummaging around for a bit she removed several cosmetics and walked over to where David sat.

David shut his eyes and held still as he felt the blusher being applied to his cheeks. He wanted to move or crinkle his nose but this felt good.

"Now close your eyes. I'll put some eyeliner on," Carolyn said quietly.

David obeyed and felt the eyeliner being gently brushed onto each eye. "How's it looking," he asked.

"I'll let you see in a few minutes," Carolyn said. Having a man do what she wanted was oddly therapeutic she thought.

"Now purse your lips like this," Carolyn demonstrated and David obeyed.

Carolyn applied the lip gloss, slowly so as not to smudge. "Now do this to ensure it's just right," Carolyn showed David again.

"Now am I done?"

Carolyn walked over to her dresser, rummaged around for a few seconds and then said "Not yet. You'll need these."

"Earrings?"

"Yep, Now be careful these are my best pair," Carolyn said handing two gold and pearl earrings to David.

David fumbled around for a while until they were put in each ear. "This feels so strange."

"One last thing. Nails. You can't go out with nude nails," Carolyn said.

"This is too much," David complained.

"You want to go out with me you do it properly," Carolyn said again, smiling.

David offered out his slender hands and finger by finger Carolyn painted each nail a deep red. "Right, blow on them softly to help them dry."

"No wonder it takes so long for women to get ready," David said.

"OK, nearly done. Now get into these shoes," Carolyn said as she tossed David a pair of heels.

David stood up and put the heels on. He nearly tilted forward as he tried to keep balance "Wooh," he exclaimed.

"Now walk towards me," Carolyn stated. This was FUN!

David tried to walk towards Carolyn but it seemed to be very clumsy.

"NOT like that you look like a man in drag."

"I AM a man in drag."

"No you're not. Look just let your hips move. Walk like your body wants to."

David tried again, this time it felt much more natural. His feet hurt though "How do you walk in these things," he complained.

"Carefully. Now take a look in the mirror," Carolyn said.

David slowly walked over to the full length mirror on the wardrobe. A tall, elegant woman stood in front of him. The short dress showed every curve of the body and breast to perfection. Her face radiated beauty and her black hair cascaded to her shoulders. David started to feel very horny and he stood there expecting to feel his erection grow. A warm feeling downstairs told him that he was this vision of beauty "I'm, I'm stunning," he exclaimed.

"Yes I am, when I can be bothered to smarten myself up that is."

"You've forgotten something," David said.

"What's that -- you look perfect."

"Not on me, You. Were you planning to shave?"

Carolyn put her hand to her face and felt the bristles there "Umm do I have to?"

"You want to go out with me you do it properly," David laughed. Revenge was sweet.

"OK you got me. I'll shave," Carolyn said walking towards the bathroom.

"Hey where you going?" David asked.

"To shave."

"Do you know how to?"

"Sure I've done my legs loads of times."

"Similar but not the same. I'll help," David offered. Now it was his turn.

"See. Tighten the skin and pull downwards, slowly but in one stroke. Always shave in one direction that way you'll not cut yourself," David advised a few minutes later.

"That was scary. I thought I'd cut myself to bits," Carolyn exclaimed.

"You'll get used to it," David said

"Hey the time's nearly 7:45 -- we better go."

When they arrived at the restaurant Carolyn got out of the car and opened the door for David. "Why thank you sir," David said and offered his hand to Carolyn.

Carolyn gave the valet the keys and they walked into the restaurant hand in hand. To David it did seem unnerving hold hands with a man but he felt so feminine in this get up he decided it didn't matter.

Carolyn offered David a chair and he sat down. Carolyn sat down opposite him after giving her jacket to the matre'd.

"You really know how to pamper a woman don't you?" David said.

"Hey I know what it's like to be on the receiving end. So I figure act like the gentleman."

"Thanks, We came here to talk seriously so let me start," David said.

"Fine by me," Carolyn said.

"I'm starting to feel more human. What the mailman did to me will cause me nightmares in days to come sure, but now that I'm out in the world again it seems so long ago."

"I'm starting to feel more normal as well. I try and tell myself there was nothing I could do. That I was brainwashed into letting him do those things to me, that it wasn't my fault. That's the logical side. The emotional side says that it was my fault somehow. That I led him on in some way."

"That's not right. If you'd have resisted he'd have either killed you or drugged you like he did me. You did nothing to deserve that treatment. It wasn't your fault one little bit."

"That's what Joyce said," Carolyn said softly.

Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter wanting their order. David ordered Insaluta Tricolore followed by Bresaola Della Valtellina, whilst Carolyn wanted to try the Agnello Provinciale. His demands satisfied, the waiter went away.

"Joyce is right, you should listen to her," David said.

"Yeah I know. I just get this nagging feeling that I could or should have done something."

"Hey it's over now. The police will get him soon and we can start to move forward again," David said, placing his hand on Carolyn's.

"I know. You know, inside I feel cold. I can feel empathy for others, for you for example. But I feel a part of me has been destroyed or tainted," Carolyn said, not moving her hand away from David's.

"I can understand that. Trust me that part of you will come back. You're not the unfeeling robot you think you are. Joyce obviously cares a great deal about you. Why was she so protective today? What did you do for her to make her feel as though she owes you her life?" David Queried. Strange how comforting he found touching Carolyn's hand.

"It's a secret and I promised not to tell anybody. Just say I rescued her from a life-ruining relationship at great personal cost. Have you thought anymore on how to get us back?"

"Yep. Did you know I tried to make contact with you today? To Try and switch us back?"

Carolyn's eyes widened "No. How'd it go?"

"Bad. I couldn't even focus on you. I have a few ideas as to why it didn't work, but I'll keep them to myself for the moment."

"Why the delay. Come on tell me. I want my body back," Carolyn said crossly.

"Me too. Now please remember this is not a come on and you don't have to do this?. It wouldn't be a good idea to tell you at the moment."

"What! For fucks sake David tell me, I'm ready," Carolyn demanded.

"I think we can't switch back until we actually want to. When we initially switched I desperately wanted to reach you and you were equally desperate to get out."

"Are you saying that I want to be a man! Do you want to be a woman, is that what you're saying," Carolyn said, her voice raised.

Once again the waiter interrupted the conversation. After saying a few platitudes to the waiter David said "No I don't want to be a woman. As I said before I feel I'm on vacation from me but long term no way. There's a small part of me that wonders what it's like."

"What's what like?"

"Making love as a woman. Come on aren't you the little bit curious as to what it feels like as a man?" David said softly.

"Only once or twice. The mailman comes for me every time though. You can't be suggesting we. I couldn't..," Carolyn started to say.

"Hey as I said it's only an idea. It makes sense to me but if you don't want to try then that's fine. There's no pressure from me and this will be the last I say about it. Sorry I brought it up."

"That's OK you did warn me," Carolyn said softly.

"We could try just touching hands. Y'know seance style."

"We'll give it a go later on. I've just had a thought mind you. I think I'm afraid to go back to being me. If I'm a woman again then I'm vulnerable again."

"Men get raped too. I've found that the best way to deal with a problem is in two phases. First face it, accept that there is this issue you want dealt with. Secondly Deal with it. Don't put it off. It seems to me that you have to face up to what happened and then deal with it" David said softly.

"Yeah right. Mr easy to say sitting over there," Carolyn said sarcastically.

"That should be 'miss easy to say'. I didn't say it would be easy and you aren't alone in this. I'm sure I speak for Joyce in this but we're here to help. As you said a while ago we need each other."

"I suppose. Hey the foods getting cold," Carolyn said, neatly avoiding the conversation.

The rest of the evening comprised of general small talk. Two people brought together by circumstance starting to bond. The journey back was muted; fatigue was starting to take it's toll.

"Do you mind dropping me off at my place?" David asked.

"Hey no problem. Remember to take all that makeup off before you go to bed."

David made a "humph" sound.

As David got out of the car he asked Carolyn "Want a coffee?"

"No I'd better not. I need my sleep. Anyway see you tomorrow."

"OK night," David said.

"Night," Carolyn said and drove off.

Disguised as a wino he squatted down by the Hotel service entrance. He'd been waiting for the Queen all day and now and as night fell his spirits were beginning to sink. His heart was still racing from the moment an hour or so ago when the Queen's henchmen had walked past and checked the entrance. One of them had stared right at him but he saw no recognition in their eyes. To them he was just a down and out bum. Good.

The slowly lengthening shadows created menacing shapes in the alleyway. He felt so sleepy, forcing himself awake he concentrated on the task ahead, not long to wait now.

Scott, Tina and the rest of the team were still awake at midnight. They had been searching any and all references to 'The Queen' for several hours. Nothing seemed to fit.

"We've been at this all night for the last few days. The search we did of Martin Phillps place turned up zip. We need a break," Tina was saying.

"No, come on guys -- we're so close I can feel it. Look it must be something obvious. We've tried all models who have been called the Queen of something. None of them are in the country. We've got stakeouts on any reference to a placename Queen. It must be something," Scott said, banging his fist on the table in frustration.

"Come on, Bedtime," Tina said.

Scott sighed "Yeah, she's right. Let's pick this up tomorrow. Call me if you find anything."

Defeated, they packed up their things, tidied away the white boards covered in diagrams, and left for some rest.

In the hotel penthouse Rachel Martin was still crying. The death of her parents weighed heavily on her perfect shoulders. The anger and resentment that had dogged her for the past few years began to well up again. She'd never even had a chance to say good-bye to them, and she owed them everything. She had to say good-bye somehow. An idea formed, a dangerous idea but it would be worth it. If it worked it would help her say good-bye.

Carolyn was crying softly into her pillow. She knew David was right, she had to face up to her kidnap and rape and deal with it. Until she did so her life would be a misery. After all, what right had that bastard mailman to destroy her life. She was worth more than that. A new determination filled her heart and she resolved to get over this and lead a normal life again. She was soon asleep.

David lay awake, thinking. This evening had just flown by. He remembered how Carolyn made his old face seem to beam with light when she laughed. The way she crinkled his old nose up when discussing something distasteful. He enjoyed her company. No it was more than that. He needed her company. This was confusing.

The warming rays of morning struck his face and to his shame he realized he had fallen asleep. A voice was saying something to him. Still drowsy he listened again and looked up.

A man dressed in a black dinner suit was shouting at him. Judging from the size of this mans physique he was the hotel muscle.

"Hey you! Piss off or I'll call the cops!" the man was shouting.

"S'Ok," he muttered. Not wanting to be captured at this late stage he got up and walked to his car, parked a block or so away.

After a poor night's sleep Rachel Martin awoke and rubbed her eyes. She sighed as she looked at the TV she had smashed in a fit of grief and despair. Her head hurt from the copious amount of Brandy she'd drank the night before and the bottle lay discarded on the floor. Splashing herself with cold water she went to the closet to choose something inconspicuous. She then dressed herself in a pair of black Levi's and a black blouse. Tearfully she brushed her hair back and slipped out of her hotel room.

From his vantage point in his car he saw the Queen emerge from the service entrance. Just as in his vision he saw her hail a cab and drive off. He started the engine and drove off, following the cab at discrete distance.

Scott awoke to the smell of bacon. His wife had cooked him his favorite breakfast. Slowly he got out of bed and stretched his arms. Yawning loudly he went downstairs.

Rebecca was just serving a steaming plateful of hash browns, bacon and eggs. "There we go Hunny. How's it going?" she asked.

"We're so fucking close. It's more than annoying," Scott said bitterly.

"Oh by the way I had to wipe over the Rachel Martin interview. I wanted to record Melrose, I hope you finished watching it?"

"Pardon?" Scott said with a mouth full of Bacon.

"Rachel Martin. I taped over her interview with.."

Scott spat out his bacon "Fucking Hell. He can't be serious." Getting up he rushed to the phone. Frantically dialing the station he eventually got through.

"Listen It's detective Harris. I want an APB on Rachel Martin NOW and call Detective Cox right away."

"Please hold," said the voice.

"Come on, Come on." Scott whispered, as the electronic music played in his ear.

"Hi Scott, Tina here. What's up?"

"We are so fuckin stupid. I know who the Queen is, Rachel Martin. He's been going after women of increasing beauty. It's only logical that she would be the Queen. I've put an APB on her. I just hope we're in time."

"Right. I'll meet you at her hotel. I'll phone there and see if she's still there."

"Right see you there."

"Darling, you are a fucking genius," Scott said and kissed his wife.

"What did I do?"

"No matter. I gotta go," Scott said and ran to his car.

Scott was nearly at the hotel when his phone rang. Switching it to hands free he answered "Detective Harris."

"Hi Scott. We missed her. Rachel Martin has left the hotel. She didn't check out and nobody saw her leave. FUCK!"

"I want the whole force mobilized. We couldn't have missed them by much. How does this bastard do it?"

"You got it. Where are you?"

"About 5 minutes away. Hold it right there, maybe she'll be back. Maybe she's gone for a walk," Scott's voice was sounding desperate.

"Right," Tina's sarcasm was evident in her tone.

A few minutes later Scott swung his car into the Hotel's parking lot and a waiting Tina jumped in.

"Any news?"

"I've asked the staff around and nobody saw her leave, we broke into her room and it looks as though there's been a struggle. The TV's all smashed up and an empty bottle of Brandy was on the floor. The place is a mess."

"Have you set up road blocks?"

"As soon as you called. He ain't getting outta here, not this time."

"OK let's get back to the station and co-ordinate from there," Scott said as he started the engine.

He followed her cab at a distance. Ensuring that he kept well back and didn't make it look as though he was following her. He knew where she was going anyway. The cab drew up at the cemetery gates and the Queen jumped out and went inside. He parked the car in the cemeteries lot and walked up to the gates. This should be easy he thought.

He walked through the gates and stopped dead. The Queen was there, just sitting on a bench her head in her hands. What caused him to stop dead was the police officers standing behind that evil Bexley woman. One of them had his weapon drawn and was seemingly aiming it at the Bexley demon. Noticing the funeral cortege for the first time he decided that discretion was the better part of valor and he ducked down behind a nearby headstone and continued to watch.

Scott's radio broke the silence "Rachel Martin's been sighted, she attending the Bexley funeral. Detective Harris please advise."

"What! Not content with having to watch one killer we now have to deal with two of them. Stupid, fucking woman what the hell's she thinking of," Tina swore.

"Detective Harris here. What's she doing?"

"She's talking to DR Bexley."

"Why?"

"Dunno. Please advise."

"Keep an eye on them we'll be there in five minutes."

Scott drove like he'd never driven before. Siren wailing, Ignoring red lights and the protests of other drivers he hurtled towards the cemetery.

He watched the Bexley demon walk over to the Queen and talk to her. After a few seconds of conversation she offered the Queen her hand and they walked over to where the coffin's had been lowered in.

This was unexpected. He didn't realize that the Queen had been supervising the Bexley Demon's actions. This is the price he paid for letting the handmaiden go. Now the Queen was stronger than ever. Still all he had to do was wait. The Queen must be alone sometime.

Wait what was going on?. The Bexley Demon gave the Queen two roses and the Queen dropped a rose in each grave. The Queen then looked over to the car lot and started running towards the other side of the cemetery. A few seconds later several paparazzi sprinted through the gates after her. The Queen quickly hailed a cab and got inside. The cab drove off much to the chagrin of the pursuing photographers.

A plan formed quickly in his mind, if he could cut through a couple of alleyways then he could head her off in the traffic. He got up and sprinted out of the gates.

Scott screeched into the cemetery car lot just as the mailman ran out "Wasn't that..," Tina called.

"Yeah and who the hell are those guys," Scott shouted, pointing at two well dressed Arabic looking men sprinting in the opposite direction.

"Get him," Scott called and leapt out of the car with Tina in hot pursuit.

"He's heading for the alleyway. I'll follow those other guys and call for backup," Scott called.

Tina nodded and followed the mailman into the alleyway.

He ran down the alleyway, his heart pumping. He could feel the closeness of his pursuit. He turned a corner and almost ran into a dead end. A female cop ran around the corner and drew her gun. Excellent maybe he had a chance after all.

"Stop it right there you Bastard," Tina screamed.

"With pleasure," he said.

Tina blinked, she couldn't take her eyes of his blue eyes. She could almost lose herself to those eyes.

"That's better. You will shoot anyone who comes around this corner after me. You will then shoot yourself. Now let me be," he said softly.

Tina turned around, watching for the next person to come along. Her gun scanning the alleyway for intruders. In the meantime the mailman scaled the wall and dropped down the other side.

Swearing loudly and to himself Scott realized that he'd lost the two guys in the crowds. Turning back he raced after Tina. Turning the corner he almost ran into Tina.

"Tina where is he?" he called.

Tina stared vacantly ahead, as though possessed. She moved the gun around until it was pointing at Scott.

"Hey Tina it's me. I don't know what he's done to you but don't shoot," Scott pleaded.

To Scott horror he saw Tina's finger tighten on the .38 and he flung himself out of the way. In slow motion he heard a gunshot and then a searing pain in his leg. Clutching his leg and hip he went down screaming. Blood was starting to seep from the wound. Reaching into is shoulder holster he drew his weapon and pointed it at Tina.

"Tina drop it," he shouted.

Tina stared at him and pointed the gun at her own head. Scott's eyes widened as he saw Tina's fingers start to tighten on the trigger once more. The pain was making his vision blurry and his hand's couldn't stop shaking. Aiming as best as he could he fired. The last thing Scott saw as he passed out was Tina screaming on the floor clutching her shoulder.

Having climbed up one wall he paused and heard two gunshots. Smiling to himself he vaulted over the next wall and ran down the alley way. The place seemed to be deserted. He figured if he cut a right at the next block he'd manage to catch up with the Queen as she sat in traffic.

All of a sudden two well dressed Arabic men stepped out in front of him. The Queens henchmen! His pulse raced in fear as he saw the look of death in their eyes. They stared at him, their faces impassive. One of them said "We will not permit you to harm her, it is not her time."

He looked innocent and puzzled. All of a sudden there was a blurred motion and a pain in his neck. He reached up to his neck, his lungs now gasping for each breath. He looked down at his hands and saw they were covered in blood. "No it mustn't end this way, the evil one must not be allowed to perish," he rasped, as he sank to his knees. The last thing he saw was one of the men light up a foul smelling cigarette and walk away.

Tina stood up, clutching her shoulder. The pain was diminishing now and she could feel herself get colder. She realized she was going into shock. Her head span, she had dreamed she had shot Scott and was about to kill herself. Looking over to Scott, laying unconscious on the floor she realized that it was no dream What had she done. Her vision was starting to blur and she sank to the floor.

Tina woke up in hospital, her shoulder in a sling and hurting like hell. Andrew was standing over her and was in the middle of saying something "Should be OK. The clavicle took most of the impact. Hey you're awake."

"Barely. Scott?" Tina asked, dreading the answer.

"He'll live. The bullet shattered his femur and ricocheted up and damaged his pelvis. He'll walk again but it'll take a while. What happened?" Andrew asked.

"The mailman. He looked at me with those eyes and I just had to obey. I wasn't in control of myself I had to do what he said. I feel awful."

"S'ok. Scott's been awake for a while and corroborates your story. No need to worry about any investigation -- it's all been cleared up."

"How long, Fuck, the mailman, we lost him." Tina swore, rubbing her head.

"You were out for a day or so, whilst we patched you both up. You'd lost a lot of blood and there were some internal injuries that needed seeing to. As to the mailman, he's dead."

"How? Did we get him?" Tina smiled.

"Not really. He was found face up in an alley way with his throat slit. We found traces of Hashish around him and deduced he must've walked into some kinda deal going on. They killed him for it," Andrew said.

"Sure it was him?" Tina asked.

"Yep. His description matches the one you were looking for. The finger prints match those found at the farm and we're in the process of performing a DNA profile on samples found on Carolyn Dawson. I'd like to bet that they match too. We got him or rather they got him."

"Remind me to thank them. Does Scott know?" Tina asked.

"Yeah. Mind you we can't find Rachel Martin to tell her about the attempt on her life."

"Why, Where'd she go?"

Andrew scratched his nose "No idea. After attending the funeral of DR Bexley's parents she jumped into a cab, rushed to the airport, and hasn't been seen since."

"Does Carolyn Dawson know we got him?" Tina queried.

"Not yet. I thought you'd like to give her a call."

"Yeah. Hey when can I get outta here?"

"Oh Later on today. Scott'll be in here for a few more days though. Just as well you're a lousy shot."

Tina smiled. "Hey, how about I call Carolyn now?."

"You'd better rest for a while. In any case she should be here in about two hours for her counseling and the last part of her costume removal. You can tell her in person."

Carolyn awoke feeling refreshed for the first time in days. The feeling of terror she'd been living with for the past few days had left her during the early part of the morning. Now she felt ready for anything. Reflecting on the night before she knew she had life changing decisions to make. She had felt unable to tell David last night but this new body of hers felt comfortable, even homey. She suspected she was running away again, as David had correctly pointed out.

Laying in bed she reached down and took hold of her dick. Feeling the glow of pleasure start through her body she stroked it again. To her surprise the visions of the mailman did not return.

Encouraged by this she started to stroke it more delicately, like she used to when making love to James. Her cock started to swell in response and the feelings of pleasure increased.

She closed her eyes and imagined this cock pushing it's self into a warm, moist pussy. She stopped at this thought. Where had that come from?. Still it felt good, felt good to be in control again.

Her cock had now grown to full size and Carolyn was on fire. In her mind's eye she caressed this imaginary woman's breasts and ran her hands over the smooth curves. Stroking faster now she could almost feel the warm, moist tightness of a pussy around her dick. When she felt she could no longer hold herself in any longer she relaxed, feeling the throbbing sensation of her cum. She looked up into the eyes of this imaginary woman and recognized the blonde haired, brown eyed face of Joyce.

She lay back, feeling utterly spent. Ignoring the warm, wet feeling on her hands and chest she lay back enjoying the post-orgasmic glow that rushed through her body.

David walked into the hospital and was met in reception by Andrew.

"Carolyn Dawson?" Andrew asked.

"Hmm yeah."

"Follow me. I've got some news for you," Andrew said.

David's heart sank. Why would he be met at the door by a doctor and what could be so important and secretive that he couldn't have been told at home. "Not bad news is it?"

"Not at all. There's someone waiting for you."

Shrugging his shoulders he followed Andrew into the depths of the hospital. After taking an elevator to the 5th floor he was shown into a room. Sitting up in bed was Detective Cox, one arm in a sling, the other attached to an IV drip. "Detective Cox. What happened to you?" he exclaimed.

"It's a long story. I just thought I had to tell you that we got the mother-fucker."

"The mailman?, You got him?" David said, his heart leaping.

"Sort'a. Myself and Detective Harris were wounded in the chase. The mailman stumbled into some kinda drug deal and got killed for it. His throat was slit from ear to ear or so I'm told."

"I'd have preferred a fair trial but this is nearly as good."

"At least you can start getting your life together again. Andrew tells me you can have that costume off today."

"Yeah. I can now try and get my life back. Thanks for telling me and I hope you get well soon."

Tina smiled "Hey thanks. I'll be off active duty for a few weeks and then to coin a phrase 'I'll be back'."

"How is Detective Harris? You said he was wounded as well," David asked in a concerned tone.

"He'll be all right. He's got a fractured pelvis and leg. He'll walk again but it'll take a few months to get him back to his normal self."

"I'm sorry."

"That's OK. Listen you'd better go, don't want to keep the doctors waiting."

"Thanks again. Bye."

"Later," Tina said.

Elated, David walked out of the room. The mailman was gone, dead . At last he could see about getting his body back.

Carolyn was just cleaning herself up when the phone rang. Quickly zipping her pants up she went into the lounge to answer it. "Hi Carolyn Dawson's phone."

"Carolyn. It's Joyce."

"Hi Joyce I was just thinking about you" Carolyn said, remembering the foreign but satisfying thoughts she'd just been having.

"All good I hope?"

"Yep. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to know how last night went? It must've been strange going on a date with yourself."

"It was a little. Still David was nice enough. Say, wanna come round. I'm at a loose end right now."

"Maybe later. Some of us have to work Y'know."

"OK see ya later, bye."

"Bye."

Carolyn placed the phone down on the hook. Yes today was definitely a day to make life changing choices. She just hoped David would understand the ones she was contemplating.

"There we go. That's that last of it off. I'll bet you'll be glad to take it off," the doctor was telling David.

"Do I just take it off or do I have to do anything else?"

"Well after this I recommend a hot bath, it'll loosen any remaining glue and wash off the solvent. You can do it here or at home, it doesn't matter."

"I think I'll do it at home. Thanks Doc," David said, turning and walking out.

David's mind was spinning. Whilst he was wearing the swimming costume he had felt protected from what had happened. Sure he had felt the soft flesh of his breasts and looked at his smooth, slim waist an stomach but this was different. As soon as the skin appeared it would belong to him. As he drove home he decided to drop in on Carolyn.

"Hi Carolyn," David called through the door.

"Uh Hi. Give me a sec," was the reply.

A few seconds later Carolyn opened the door. She'd dressed herself in a new long sleeved shirt and pants. She beckoned David to come inside.

"What's with the new clothes?" David asked.

"Well I had to buy something new to wear. All your stuff is so tatty."

"Hey guess what?" David said, excitedly.

"What?"

"They got him, the mailman. He was killed running away from the cops this morning. Isn't that great?"

Carolin's eyes widened and a look of relief swept over her face. "Oh thank God."

"Yeah I know. Look I came to ask if I could borrow a few things. They've loosened the costume enough for it to come off when I bathe and the jogger outfit I've been wearing is starting to smell."

"I had noticed. You can use my bath if you like. Don't worry I won't look," Carolyn smiled.

"Thanks" David said and wandered into Carolyn's bathroom. David started the water running and applied some of Carolyn's herbal bath salts. Leaving the water running he went back into the lounge to join Carolyn.

"Thanks. It'll be ready in a while," David said.

"Hey anytime. Look sorry about dinner the other night. I realize you weren't trying to hit on me. Sorry. To tell you the truth I enjoy your company. It's been so long since I've had just a normal friendship with a man I'm outta touch."

"You call this normal?" David said in surprise.

"You know what I mean. You don't expect anything of me or take me for granted. I just want you to know how much that means to me," Carolyn said, putting her hand on David's.

David's heart leaped. He felt the same way. "Thanks Carolyn that means a lot to me. Now if you'll excuse me I think I'm about to flood your bathroom."

The bath was foaming with warm bubbles. David quickly turned off the water and plunged his hand into the water. Excellent, just right and just what the doctor ordered.

Stripping off his joggers David looked down at his heaving breasts, still trapped beneath the lycra swimsuit. Ignoring the warm, moist feeling in his groin he stepped into the bath.

The water was hot and David sank into the bath. As the herbal mixture relaxed his muscles David stretched out, relieving the tension of the past few days.

David looked down at his new legs, noticing not for the first time the way his thighs curved inwards towards slender feet. He moved his leg up and stretched it upwards and ran his delicate hands down it's length. God Carolyn had good legs he thought. Remembering why he was bathing in the first place he pulled at the material of the costume and felt it budge for the first time. He pulled it a little further and suddenly it came loose around his smooth stomach.

His hand went underneath the fabric and he felt the flesh on his smooth but firm stomach for the first time. A shiver went down his spine as a pleasurable sensation rushed over him.

"I'm sure Carolyn will understand," he said to himself as he started to pull on the costume some more. Gradually the scaled cloth became loose until it could be pulled away from his body.

Sitting up in the bath David took a deep breath and pulled the costume up and over his head. He could feel the cloth move over his tits, feel the nipples become hard as his arousal grew.

He put a hand to his tits and gently ran a finger around the now pert nipples. He nearly sloshed water out of the bath so intense was the sensation. Thinking he was ready for it this time he ran his hand up his cleavage. His hand, covered in foam felt the rounded, firm shape and he cupped a breast in his hand. The pleasure didn't go away, in fact it increased.

Instinctively he reached downwards and felt his crotch, still under the hot soapy water. His hand reached further down and it rested on a small nub of flesh. Curious he stroked it with his finger. Suddenly he was hit by a WHAM of pleasure and he let out a small whimper. The wham subsided and keen to repeat the feeling David stroked his clitoris again. Another wham shook his body and another came as he felt the lips around his Vagina. This past week or so he'd ignored that part of him, after all he had promised Carolyn . However this time his body was crying out for more.

His gasps were frequent now as his finger roamed and caressed his vagina. Fearing that Carolyn would hear him he tried to restrain his cries but strangely this made him feel even hornier. He closed his eyes and imagined a penis inside him, it's warm flesh pressing and pushing inside him. His fingers went inside and the wham's increased in intensity. Ignoring all other feelings he moved his fingers in and out, in his minds eye imagining them to be a dick. He could almost feel the weight of the man on top of him, caressing his breasts and stroking his thighs.

The intense pleasure of each wham grew in intensity until he could bear it no longer. Just as he felt he was about to burst a tidal wave of pleasure swept over him, another followed after it and yet another. Exhausted David flopped back into the bath still feeling the waves of sensation reverberate over his body.

Half an hour later David got out from the bath, the water stone cold. He picked up a towel from the rail and rubbed himself down. Still feeling pleasure inside he stared down at his naked form for the first time. Seeing his breasts hanging from his body, the curve of his hips and his legs turned him on again. Before he could explore any further Carolyn voice called through the door. "I hope you've not drowned in there?"

"Nope. That fucking costumes off at last but I've nothing to wear. Pass me some of your jeans and a T-shirt please."

"No skirt or anything?"

"Not yet, not today," David called back.

A few minutes later Carolyn's hand emerged around the door and David took the clothes from it. Laying them on a chair he saw Carolyn had included a bra for the first time. Resigning himself to wearing it, he investigated the T-shirt. It was white with a red love heart in the middle of the chest.

"Hey what's this?" David demanded.

"Just a present Joyce gave me when I was feeling down. Read the back," Carolyn called out.

David turned the T-shirt over and read out loud the caption on the back "'Sexy Lady For Sale. Inquire within'. Yeah very funny," he called out to Carolyn .

Turning his attention to the jeans, he saw much his relief that they were just a standard pair of Levi's. Something fell on the floor and David looked down. A pair of white cotton panties.

Picking them up he put one shapely leg in and then the other. Pulling them up over his hips he saw that they just fitted snug around his waist. His pubic hair just peeped over the top of them reminding him of what lay below.

"You want a hand?" Carolyn called.

"I should be all right," David called back.

Picking up the bra he decided to peek at the label. He'd always wondered what size he was and now was the chance to find out. "Hmm 36C. They feel much larger," he said out loud. Now how was best way to do this. Remembering how an ex-girlfriend used to do it he fastened the clips at the front and turned the bra around. Pulling it upwards so that each breast rested snugly in a cup he put one arm through a strap and then the other. He felt so constrained by the bra he wanted to fiddle with his tits again but he could sense Carolyn's impatience. He'd have time for that later.

He put on the T-shirt and noted with satisfaction the pleasing shape his curves made inside it. Quickly putting on the jeans he looked down at the wonderful ass he now had. He felt moist and horny again and breathing deeply he opened the door and went back into the lounge.

"Hey what a fox," Carolyn said and wolf-whistled for effect.

"This feels so odd. When I still had the costume on I felt shielded from who I now was. Now there's no mistake."

"Hey don't forget your wig. You look strange without it," Carolyn said tossing David his wig.

"I forgot. Too much of me has changed for me to worry about hair," David said, fixing it in place.

"Much better," Carolyn commented.

"I knew I'd forgotten to ask you something. How about dinner, to celebrate the demise of the mailman?" David asked.

"Not tonight. I need some rest and you need to get used to that body of yours. Come around Sunday and we'll go out then. You can collect some of my clothes at the same time. I won't be needing them for a while. I'll pack the rest for you and you can pick them up in a few days," Carolyn said.

David's face dropped but he agreed "Thanks I'll call you."

"Take my Nike's they go with that outfit just right. You'll find some socks in them as well."

"Ta. Listen I want to try and switch back soon," David said.

"You mean...," Carolyn said nervously.

"No silly, just try touching hands. I've got some things to see to at home so what, we try and switch back on Sunday then?"

"Uh yeah. Let's go for it then," Carolyn said.

"See ya," David replied and walked out.

Tired and worn out Carolyn turned in early and for the first time in nearly two weeks slept all night without the nightmares returning. Carolyn woke at her normal 6:30am feeling much refreshed. For the next few hours she thought about her situation and the complex issues facing her. Being raped, trapped in a mans body, her increasingly strong feelings for Joyce and kind David who was the most unselfish man she'd ever met. At mid-morning she was still in bed, her actions now clear, her choices made. There was a knock at the door. Sleepily she got up to answer.

"Come on lazy bones, wake up, it's Saturday," Joyce was calling through the door.

"OK, OK coming. Don't wake the neighbors," Carolyn said as she opened the door.

"And how is my favorite man today?" Joyce asked.

"Much better. I slept through the night for the first time since my kidnap. Dunno why, maybe it's because they got the mailman."

"They got him, when?" Joyce asked excitedly.

"Sorry I forgot to tell you. David came around last night to tell me. I was so tired I forgot to pass on the news. Apparently he was after Rachel Martin and the cops cornered him. He managed to get away but ran into some kind of drugs deal. The cops found him dead, his throat had been slit," Carolyn explained.

"That's the best news I've had all day. The day is Saturday, the question is what shall we do?" Joyce asked.

"How about catching a movie?" Carolyn suggested.

"Nah. Too dull. I feel like doing something different, something to celebrate the demise of the evil mailman," Joyce said.

"White water rafting is too far away to go for the day. I know what we can do," Carolyn said mischievously.

"Which is?" Joyce asked.

Carolyn reached over and stroked Joyce's hair with her hand. Joyce turned round in surprise and said "Carolyn what.."

"Shh," Carolyn said putting her finger to her mouth.

"Now Carolyn this is very forward. I'm not that kinda girl," Joyce said.

"Neither am I," Carolyn said and drew Joyce close to her.

Carolyn bent over and kissed Joyce on the lips. She could feel the warmth of Joyce's breasts pressing against her chest and she felt her cock expand.

Joyce pulled away and said "Hey steady on."

"Joyce. I've always wanted to show you how much you mean to me and how much I care for you. You make me feel secure, safe. I can be me when I'm with you. Now thanks to this I can give you something back," Carolyn said softly.

"Carolyn I don't know what to say. I care for you too but are you sure you want this? Once we step over this line we can't go back."

"I don't want to go back. I want this. I've thought of nothing else for the past few days," Carolyn whispered.

"You know what, me too. As soon as you told me you were now a man I wanted to try this. Remember my boyfriend comment. That wasn't just a joke. Neither is this," Joyce said kissing Carolyn firmly on the lips.

Carolyn responded and she and Joyce exchanged tongues. Carolyn felt her urges increase quickly and she started to undo Joyce's blouse. Joyce ran her finger down Carolyn's chest and undid the buttons one by one. Carolyn felt a rush of pleasure as Joyce pressed her hands against her muscular, hairy chest.

Carolyn slowly pulled Joyce's blouse from her body and reached down and started to kiss Joyce's breasts.

"Come on let's go to bed," Carolyn said softly.

"Sure?" Joyce asked.

"Sure," Carolyn said and taking Joyce by the hand led her into the bedroom.

They entered the bedroom hand in hand and Joyce lay down on the right hand side. Carolyn joined her and wrapped her arms around Joyce's trembling body.

Carolyn leaned over and started to kiss Joyce's breasts. Joyce responded by removing Carolyn's shirt and massaging her broad shoulders. Carolyn's dick was now almost fully erect and she felt a burning desire to penetrate. She reached behind Joyce and with an expert twist removed Joyce's bra.

Topless and breasts heaving Joyce reached up and started to kiss Carolyn's naked chest. With her hands Joyce undid Carolyn's pants and pulled them down over Carolyn's ass.

Free of it's constraints Carolyn's dick came out of her boxers and on seeing it Joyce took hold of it with one hand and started to stroke it up and down.

Carolyn had felt pleasure before when she was a woman but this was different, sharper, more urgent rather than the softer but just as intense feelings she'd had before she'd switched. Moving one hand downwards towards Joyce's skirt she started to stroke Joyce's legs. Joyce turned to enable Carolyn better access and continued to caress Carolyn's balls and erect cock.

Carolyn responded by moving her hand upward until she felt the moist warmth of Joyce's pussy. Joyce gasped and then let out a moan every time Carolyn applied light pressure to it. Pulling Joyce's panties down Carolyn felt for the clitoris and gently ran her fingers around it.

Joyce let out a louder moan "Ohh yes Carolyn Yes."

Encouraged by this Carolyn continued to kiss and caress Joyce and each time she felt Joyce get wetter and wetter.

"Now please Carolyn, please. I'll help you in," Joyce gasped.

Carolyn moved astride Joyce's open legs and went downwards. She felt Joyce's hands grasp hold of her dick and she felt a warm tightness as it went inside Joyce's waiting cunt.

"Am I in?" Carolyn asked.

"Yeah. Now wait a few moments to get used to it."

Carolyn did so and then started to thrust, moving her hips in and out, feeling the urge to come grow stronger and stronger.

Joyce let out a another moan and responded by pushing upwards with her hips.

Unable to contain herself any longer Carolyn felt a throbbing in her dick. She felt herself go limp as the throbbing continued. Joyce held still allowing the warm cum to mingle inside her.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't hold myself," Carolyn whispered.

Joyce reached up and ran her hand through Carolyn's hair "Hey that's OK. I enjoyed it, now finish me off."

Carolyn lifted off Joyce, feeling her cock slide from Joyce's moist cunt. Rolling over she ran her hand down Joyce's chest until it rested on Joyce's dripping pussy. This was now familiar ground for Carolyn and she located Joyce's clit with ease. Gently stroking it, first one way then the other Carolyn knew she'd hit the spot when Joyce let forth a loud moan.

"Go on Carolyn please, I need this please go, go, go," Joyce moaned.

Carolyn could hear Joyce's sharp intakes of breath as she continued to caress Joyce's pussy.

Joyce's moans were getting louder and more frequent until Joyce let forth a moan which reached crescendo and then fell off. Carolyn lay back feeling utterly spent, her hand slowly caressing Joyce's nipple.

Joyce lay immobile for a while and then sat up, her hand stroking Carolyn's chest.

Carolyn looked up and saw Joyce's radiant face looking into hers. "Thank you Joyce. You were wonderful. It's like a whole new me has come into being."

"Carolyn. I needed it too. For so long I wanted to express how I felt about your friendship. This was the perfect way. No regrets?"

"None. The question is now what do we do?" Carolyn asked.

"Old style you roll over and go to sleep. New style you roll over , say I was terrific then fall sleep," Joyce smiled.

"You know what I mean."

"We take it one day at a time. We both have got to get used to this. I need some time to think. Hey, why don't we catch that movie you wanted?"

"Good idea," Carolyn said and got up to clean herself up.

The next day Carolyn was laying in bed, dreaming of the day she'd had with Joyce. Today was the day David was coming around to try and switch back. Sure enough around 10am there was a knock at the door. Carolyn got up and opened the door.

"David, Hi," Carolyn said.

"Hi, you seem more distant that usual. Is everything OK?" David asked, his voice showing concern.

"I'm fine, just tired that's all. I had a busy day yesterday."

"In that case we'll get it over with. Now sit down on the sofa, facing me."

"OK," Carolyn said and sat down on the sofa.

"Here take my hand," David said offering his hand to Carolyn.

Carolyn shrugged and placed her hand on his.

"Now I want you to empty your mind, allow all the goings on during the day to wash away from you. Relax your shoulders and breath in and out," David said doing the same.

Carolyn complied and felt herself drift away.

"Now close your eyes and concentrate on seeing my mind. Don't struggle, let it flow."

In her mind Carolyn could see the door. She felt herself float towards it. She tried to push away, walk of her own volition but she couldn't help being drawn towards it. She felt threatened but exhilarated all in the same moment.

David was shaking, the effort starting to show in his face. "Don't fight it," he gasped. In David's mind he formed a doorway and saw his hand reach towards the door handle. Looking down at his hand he saw the delicate, slender hand of Carolyn. Ignoring this he turned the handle and pushed the door open.

Carolyn stood before him, still in his body. She was wearing the same wedding dress as when they first met. It looked so out of place on her masculine form David couldn't help but smile. In his mind he said to Carolyn "Come on let's cross over. Don't be scared. I'm here."

David and Carolyn went to walk through the doorway but a force prevented them from crossing. David tried to push his way through the door and Carolyn was struggling as well but the force held firm.

In her mind Carolyn felt a cold chill of fear. She could feel something forcing her to go somewhere she didn't want to go, do things she didn't wish to do and be someone she wasn't. She turned and fled back, away from the door. She could hear David's voice screaming at her to return but she was too afraid. She opened her eyes to see David lying on the floor, breathing slowly.

"David, My god are you OK?" she called.

David slowly opened his eyes and rubbed his head. "Sorry I couldn't. Something was stopping us."

"It was me. It was my fault," Carolyn said tearfully.

"No. It didn't feel right somehow. As though we weren't ready for it yet."

"How do you mean?"

"I can't explain it but certain events have to occur before we try again. Don't ask me how or why I know this I just do," David was crying now.

Carolyn reached over and put her muscular arm around him "S'ok. I'll get you some water."

An hour later and David was feeling much better. Armed with as many of Carolyn's clothes as could fit in a suitcase he drove off to his apartment. After he had left Carolyn took the opportunity to call Joyce.

"Hi Tiger," Joyce said seductively when she answered the phone.

"Hi Honey. Boy it seems strange saying that to you."

"I know. Who'd have thought we'd have ended up together. Especially after that night at college," Joyce joked.

"Not one of my more successful encounters. I still can't believe we did THAT."

"We were drunk at the time and it was the in thing to try," Joyce explained.

"Anyway. It's different this time. Hey wanna come over? I've got something to talk over with you."

"Yeah. I'll be over in a bit. Put some coffee on will you," Joyce said and hung up.

Carolyn put the phone down and walked into the kitchen to await Joyce. She didn't have to wait long as soon there was a knock at the door. Carolyn bounded over to it and flung it open. Standing there was David.

"Uhh Hi, I was expecting someone else," Carolyn stuttered.

"You forgot to give me some panties," David said.

"Yeah umm OK. Come in please," Carolyn said. There was no easy time to tell David what she had to say so this was as good time as any. Carolyn's heart was pounding with nerves as she went into her bedroom to collect some lingerie. When she returned David was sitting down, oblivious to the bombshell she was about to drop.

Carolyn's face suddenly went serious. How could she break this to David easily and without hurting him too much. She'd always been told the best way was the up front way. She breathed in deeply and said "David There's something I need to tell you."

"Which is?"

"I don't want to switch back. I feel safe here. You said to me you'd help me get through this anyway you could. Well this way is the best way, the only way."

David's face grew red with anger "So you're going to steal my body and leave me like this," he gestured at his comely form.

"We tried to switch back, we couldn't. Maybe this is forever, maybe we were meant to be like this. I need to get on with my life."

"No way. I can't believe I'm hearing this. You're too scared of facing up to your life and it's consequences so you want to steal someone else's. You've been running away ever since we first met. You ran away in my mind, you hid your inner feelings when we talked and ever since you've been running scared. Carolyn, look until you face this evil that happened to you it will always be part of you, always eating at your soul. You must start to pick up the pieces," David shouted.

"I have begun to pick them up, starting with that decision. It wasn't easy to say good-bye to my body. But I have to. The second part is this," Carolyn started to say.

"I don't believe you're doing this to me," David shouted.

"The second part of my getting my life back is that Joyce and I are seeing each other. I've no idea how it happened it just did. Listen David, she is the perfect partner for me and me for her. Maybe this is fate's way of bringing us together. I know it's not easy, It won't be for both of us for a while but we'll adjust."

David slowly shook his head "If you won't help me get back then I'm stuck as a woman. Trapped in a body that is not my own. I'm the poor sap who's life you sacrificed for your own happiness. You surprise me Carolyn, you really do. What your doing is similar to what the mailman did. He kidnapped people's bodies and then took their lives away from them."

Carolyn's face reddened and her eyes glared at David "How could you say that. It's not the same at all. Listen, in that body you've got more opportunities than you ever had in this one."

"Like what? Motherhood?" David screamed back.

"If you like. Just calm things down for a moment. I love Joyce and she loves me. After all that's gone on you wouldn't deny me that would you?" Carolyn said softly.

"What about me. I love you as well, Carolyn. It's taken me a while to notice but I enjoy your company, need your presence. Thrills run down this body whenever you brush past me. I never told you this before because I wanted to see what you'd say, wait until you were ready. Now it seems I'm too late."

He took a deep breath. "If you want me gone, no problem. I'll book myself on a flight to England, tonight if I can. I've always wanted to go there, so it won't be too bad. Don't worry, I won't stand in your way. Well, good-bye David, nice meeting you," David said holding out his hand.

Carolyn was still in a state of shock from this revelation. She took a few moments to respond. David was hurt, she understood that, but once again he was so unselfish, she felt so guilty. But it really was the only way .She put out her hand and shook David's. "Bye Carolyn take care."

David slowly turned and went out of the door, shutting it softly behind him.

Carolyn flopped down on the Sofa, exhausted from the brief argument she'd just had. This was it, the point of no return. Sure she felt as guilty as hell, but this really was the only solution she could see. The only way she could feel safe again. She had to admit to herself that this was probably the most selfish thing she had ever done but David would adjust, would find love again. She missed him already but Joyce was her only hope and only future.

An hour or so later there was a knock at the door and Carolyn half expected it to be David. Cautiously she peeped through the spy hole and saw the blonde haired face of Joyce. She flung open the door and stood there with open arms.

"Hi Tiger," Joyce said and leapt into Carolyn's arms.

Carolyn felt her cock go stiff as she felt the warm, firmness of Joyce's breasts. She bent down and kissed Joyce on the lips. Joyce responded in kind and ran her finger down Carolyn's masculine chest. Carolyn felt her dick grow larger as the feeling of pleasure increased.

"Hey, steady on," Joyce said.

"Sorry. Take a seat I'll get you that coffee," Carolyn said and walked away.

A while later Carolyn emerged holding two cups of steaming coffee and some candy. After the emotional scene with David she needed some light relief. Handing one of the cups to Joyce she sat down again.

"Strange," Joyce commented.

"What is?"

"You still sit like a woman does."

"I'll get used to it," Carolyn said. Now was the best time as any, she figured.

"Huh?"

"That thing I wanted to tell you. I've decided to stay like this. I don't want to switch back. I want to give US a go," Carolyn said, reaching out for Joyce's hand.

"Carolyn what are you saying? What about David?"

"David will manage. He kinda accepts it anyway. What I'm saying is that we are meant to be. I feel so right when I'm with you, and making love to you the other night only deepened my feelings for you."

"So you told David you wanted his body so that you could be with me?" Joyce said carefully.

"I know it seems selfish but I feel so right for this. If David had stayed it would have been complicated," Carolyn said.

"How so?"

"Before he left he told me he loved me. He'd wanted to tell me before but he wasn't sure if I was ready to hear it or respond to it."

"And how do you feel about him?" Joyce asked.

"He's so sweet, unselfish and caring. He'd rather throw himself off a cliff than hurt me. I'll miss him like hell and he was a good friend. But he wasn't you Joyce, nobody could be."

"Sounds like you care for him more than you let on," Joyce said.

"I guess. If you weren't around then maybe -- and it's a big maybe -- things would be different. But you're here and he's gone off to England to start over. Listen Joyce -- I love you so much it hurts," Carolyn said, and put her cup down and knelt down in front of Joyce.

"Carolyn you better not be doing what I think you're doing," Joyce warned, pointing a finger at Carolyn.

Carolyn smiled and looked into Joyce's eyes "Joyce. I love you, we are meant to be together. It would be the best thing that ever happened to me if you would be my wife."

Rebecca Harris rushed to the door and opened it. "Hello Rebecca is he in?" Tina asked, peering past her and into the hallway.

"Yeah he's in the lounge as usual. How are you?" Rebecca asked.

"Getting there. The sling should be off in a couple'a weeks and I can then return to duty. Spending a month behind a desk is a real drag." Tina replied and walked into the lounge.

Scott was sitting on the sofa, his leg in plaster and level with his body. The TV was on and a pile of beer cans lay strewn across the floor.

"Hey look everyone, it's Homer," Tina joked.

"Hi Tina. How're things in the real world?" Scott asked.

"In a sec. You any better? I heard that you've been forced to take six months off. It must be a real downer."

"It is. I sit here for hours at a time until I hobble upstairs to bed. Everytime I hear a siren outside I want to be out there, protecting and serving. Mind you I've had the chance to catch up on some reading so I guess it's not that bad. You still behind a desk?"

"Yeah. Hey, something very strange turned up today. I thought you'd like to know.? Oh mind if I sit?" Tina asked.

"Hey, no problem. Help yourself to a beer."

"Sorry. Still on duty but thanks anyway" Tina said sitting down on the chair next to Scott.

"So what's this news?"

"This morning we took a call from Martin Phillips wanting to know why his house had 'police line do not cross' stickers all over it."

"WHAT!" Scott exclaimed.

"Yeah my reaction exactly. But his alibi checks out. His mother was ill in Arkansas and he was visiting and helping her for a few weeks. The reason why he was so shy about it was that she was his biological mother and not his adopted one. He didn't want anyone to know this as he was taken away from his real mother at the age of ten, something about being abused as a child. Anyway she's a little better and he had to turn up for work soon so he returned. The resemblance between him and the mailman is remarkable."

"So who the fuck???" Scott started to say.

"No idea. Martin Phillips says that he had no brothers that he knows about although his biological father did leave when he was 8 so it's possible from that angle. But hey it's just a guess," Tina said.

"And he checks out?"

"Yeah. He stayed at the hospice with his mother and his blood type is different from that of the mailman. We could do DNA tests but it's kinda a low priority now. We got the killer, so case closed. As you know we're tight on budget now, so I guess we'll never know for sure."

"Hmmm. I'd like to know though. But as you say we got him so his real identity is irrelevant. Anything else?"

"Yeah, those guys you saw running from the cemetery. We didn't get a good look at them so we can't ID em. We spoke to Marcel Bourdin, Rachel Martin's agent. He said that she had refused protection from him and that she said she'd look after it herself."

"So you think these guys were Rachel Martin's hired help?" Scott said.

"Seems so. As you know she's vanished so we can't ask her. Strange why she'd want to keep them secret and not tell her agent though."

"Maybe she wanted them to keep a low profile. We know how much she values her privacy. Could they have killed the mailman?"

"Could be, and if so we have no proof, no witnesses and end of story. In any case these guys vanished when Rachel left so who knows. We'll still question her when or if she comes back though. I hate this case -- so many questions still unanswered."

"That's how it goes sometimes. Anything else?"

Tina smiled "Yeah, the guys at the station send their regards and have awarded you the precinct purple heart."

"Tell them thanks and I'll see them later. The doc's due round soon so you'd better go. Besides you're still on duty," Scott teased.

"See ya round?" Tina chirped.

"Yeah Later. Oh and before you go get me a beer will you," Scott asked.

One year later...

Carolyn stood in front of the Minister in her best suit and tails. She looked lovingly over at her new bride. The bride's familiar face shone back, her face radiant underneath the veil.

The Minister was saying "Mr and Mrs. Hawkins. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Carolyn bent down lifted the veil away from her wife's face and kissed her. She hoped the moment would last forever as she felt herself melt away.

Mendelssohn played across the church as they walked arm in arm past beaming relatives and friends and outside into the sunlight.

Carolyn stood outside, her arm around the new Mrs. Hawkins. She smiled as a petite, blonde haired lady bounded towards them.

"Congratulations. Look at you, a married man and everything. You make a wonderful couple," Joyce beamed.

"Yeah, thanks to you," David replied, hugging Joyce tightly.

"I only did what had to be done," Joyce said in a matter of fact way.

"You realize we're even now," Carolyn said.

"You OWE me I seem to remember. If I hadn't driven you to the airport you'd never have caught up with David and he'd have been on his way to England," Joyce said playfully.

"I'd have enjoyed England too," David smiled, and Carolyn gave him a playful dig in his shapely ribs and then pulled him close.

"Where'd you say you're going on honeymoon?'

"After we get changed we're staying in a local hotel tonight and then we fly off to Egypt. We've booked the honeymoon suite at the Luxor hotel in Cairo. Five star treatment and everything." Carolyn said.

"I still can't believe you two haven't done it yet." Joyce said.

"David wanted to wait and I was happy to oblige. We've accepted our fates now so it doesn't matter any more. I think he's secretly looking forward to it," Carolyn said and gave Joyce a knowing wink.

The other guests were starting to close in on the happy couple and turning to David Carolyn said "I just want to have a quick word with Joyce. You go see to the rest of the guests."

David nodded and walked off.

"Carolyn I know what you're going to say and you don't have to," Joyce started.

"I do have to. Many years ago I gave up something precious to save a friend from a big mistake. That friend was you. You returned the favor by refusing my proposal. The reasons you gave for turning me down were right on the money. I was just scared, selfish and messed up. You forced me to see that and so help me see what I really knew all along, that David is the right person for me. Thank you again and sorry it took so long for me to see it," Carolyn hugged Joyce again.

"Anytime. Now isn't that your wife chatting up the best man?" Joyce laughed.

"I can't leave him for a minute. See ya Joyce and don't forget to feed Jonsey for us will you?"

"No worries. I'll catch you later," Joyce said and walked off to talk to that cute usher she'd just spotted.

David and Carolyn walked hand in hand to the door of their hotel room. It had been a long day and both of them were shattered. David took the room key card and swiped it down the lock. The door unlocked with a click and David was about to walk inside when Carolyn pulled him back.

"Hey," he started.

"Let's do this properly," Carolyn said and bent down and lifted David off his feet. Surprised at how light David felt Carolyn walked over the threshold of the hotel room and sat David down again.

"I never thought I'd be the one who'd have that done to them," David remarked.

"It's a modern world and it's been a long day," Carolyn said.

"We owe Joyce for this you know. I still don't know how she persuaded you to go after me and how you managed to persuade me to stay," David said.

"I've no idea. Maybe it's because I love you so much," Carolyn said, stroking David's hair.

"Me too. What I do know that this is right. It has always been right," David said and pulled Carolyn close to him.

He could feel her body pressed against his. Her muscular chest pushing against his breasts. Carolyn put her arms around David's waist and kissed him. David responded and felt tingles run down his spine.

"Come to bed with me Mrs. Hawkins," Carolyn said.

"My pleasure Mr Hawkins," David said and allowed himself to be led into the bedroom.

David lay down on the bed, his arms and legs outstretched, beckoning Carolyn to come closer. Carolyn did so and kissed David on the lips once more.

David could feel his heart racing as Carolyn undid his blouse. David started to unbutton Carolyn's shirt and David could feel himself go moist in his pussy. Carolyn started kissing David's exposed breasts and David felt himself start to melt away.

A sense of urgency grew within David, a desire for the pleasurable sensations to come back in force. He undid Carolyn's trousers and reached inside and grasped hold of Carolyn's erect penis.

"Hey, steady on!" Carolyn said.

"I want you!" David breathed, feeling the fire in his womb start to burn again.

Carolyn resumed her kissing of David's breasts and in an expert motion had undone his bra. She moved her tongue over and around his nipples and David let out a gasp.

David responded by taking off his blouse and loosening his pants. Already he felt warm and moist, ready for Carolyn to thrust her cock inside him. Now locked in an embrace Carolyn continued to kiss David on his slender neck, his ears and his breasts. Unable to respond because of the waves of pleasure sweeping over him David lay back and wallowed in the sensations rushing over him.

"Please Carolyn. Fuck me, Fuck me," David moaned.

Carolyn took her pants down and sat astride David. Her cock erect and waiting. She bent down feeling for David's moist, waiting cunt. She let out a moan as she felt it's length go into David.

David's eyes widened as pleasures beyond description went through him. Carolyn held position for a while and then started to move, slowly at first and then faster.

David couldn't help but moan as he felt Carolyn's warm shaft move inside and then out of him. He felt on fire and he started to breath faster. David called out "Faster, more more," and then whimpered as Carolyn complied.

David started to move his hips up and down, in time with Carolyn as they started to play a duet of love and passion. Beads of sweat ran down Carolyn's face as the fire within burned ever more intensely.

David and Carolyn closed their eyes and relished the feeling of being one. David could feel Carolyn's cock rub against his clitoris and he lost himself in the tidal waves of pleasure crashing over him. Carolyn felt herself about to cum and she braced her self for the explosion of pleasure she knew was to about to happen.

Suddenly she felt a throbbing inside her and she gasped as she felt something move within her. She looked up to see David's face aglow with the pleasure of orgasm, mixed with extreme surprise.

"David?" she heard herself say. Why did she have her old voice back?

"Carolyn?" David's voice replied.

"Have we?" Carolyn asked.

David rolled over and put his hand to his erect cock, still dripping cum. "Yes and it feels wonderful."

Carolyn lifted her hand up and touched herself down there. Instead of feeling the fleshy mass of a cock her finger went inside a vagina. Her vagina!. She reached over to David and kissed him on the lips and they embraced once more.

David and Carolyn lay back on the bed, still cuddling after the nights events.

"It's been quite a journey," David remarked.

"For both of us. I feel more real, more me and more complete than I ever did before. Love you David Hawkins," Carolyn said lovingly.

"Me too, Carolyn Hawkins," David replied. For certain there would be many trials in the future, but in the end love prevails over all adversity.

END -----------------------------------------------------------------

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