Rikki and Ginny Father's Voice Echoes
When Rikki got home, she asked her mom to call Sarah's dad so he could get the information he needed from the divorce decree for her emancipation suit.
A few days later, Rikki got a call from Sarah's dad, "Good evening, Rikki. Can you and your mom come to my office tomorrow after school?"
"Good evening to you, Mr. Black. Let me ask."
"Mom, Mr. Black wants to know if we can come to his office tomorrow after school."
"I think so. What about?"
"Mom wants to know why?"
"Your emancipation paperwork is ready. We need to go over them before you sign."
"Mr. Black says my emancipation papers are ready and he wants to review them with us."
"I'll pick you up after school and we'll be there."
"Thank you, Mr. Black. We'll be there after soccer practice."
"See you tomorrow."
Rikki's mom pulled up just as she came out after showering. Tossing her bags in the back seat, Rikki jumped in next to her mom and kissed her on the cheek.
Jessica turned and kissed her back, "How was your day, Sweets?"
"No major faux-pas in class and I didn't fall down in practice."
Jessica knew Rikki was distracted, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I have to, mom. You know how dad is when he's challenged. I don't want it to affect you but I have to protect myself and Ginny too."
"I know, Darling. I support you 100%. I suspect that Mr. Black wants me there to sign the papers too. If I agree in advance to your emancipation, the judge may be more likely to rule on it favorably."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I know, Darling." When they got to Mr. Black's office, Jessica put her arm around Rikki's shoulder, Rikki put her arm around her mom's waist, and they walked in. Sarah's dad and another gentleman were waiting for them in his office.
"Thanks for coming in Rikki, Jessica. This is Robert Burt. Rikki, you remember speaking to him before."
"Yes. Thank you for helping me, Mr. Burt."
"My pleasure."
Sarah's dad continued, "As you probably suspect, we have completed Rikki's Petition for Emancipation. We wanted to review it and tell you what we found out." He handed them a multi-page document.
"This asks for the court to sever the parental rights of Gustav and Jessica Laveque over their daughter Rikki. Mrs. Laveque agrees to and supports the petition in the best interests of her daughter. Mr. Laveque's words and actions have shown that he does not have Rikki's best interests at heart and should have his parental rights terminated. We have consulted with your lawyer in Canada and he assures us it would be recognized there."
Rikki's mom looked pensive, "And this benefits Rikki how?"
"If the petition is granted, Rikki becomes a legal adult, with all the associated rights and responsibilities. She would be responsible for her own support. She would be able to sign contracts. She would no longer be subject to any visitation agreements."
"How would it affect Mr. Laveque and me?"
"Mr. Laveque would not have to pay child support for her. It is our opinion that he would still have to pay for Rikki's college education. Spousal support would not be affected. Income taxes would have to be looked at carefully."
Rikki interjected, "College may not be a concern."
"Why not?"
"With my grades and athletic skills, colleges will probably be falling all over themselves to offer me a scholarship."
"That may be. But since you don't `know' for sure, we'll ask that your father pay or set up a mechanism to pay. If you don't have to use it, all the better."
Rikki raised her hand a little, "Would my relationship with Jennifer come up?"
"They might bring it up. We feel we can show it is irrelevant."
"Would there have to be a trial?"
"A judge would, almost certainly, require a hearing to answer questions and gather evidence."
"Would the divorce decree have to be changed?"
"We're still looking into that."
"What's the next step?"
Sarah's dad handed her another copy of the document, "You sign the petition and a copy. I will keep one copy and you keep the other with you at all times. If you think it's necessary, go to the clerk's office at the courthouse and file it. Or, if you can't make it, call me and I'll file it. A hearing will be scheduled. The judge will hear the evidence and rule on the petition or take it under advisement. If the judge accepts the petition, it takes effect immediately. If the judge denies it, we see if there are grounds for an appeal."
"OK. Let's do this."
"Just a moment." Sarah's dad punched a button on the phone, "Betty, can you and Jonathon come in as witnesses." A man and a woman came in a moment later. Turning back to Rikki, "If you and your mom would sign both copies on the last page. Bob and I will sign as the lawyers. Jonathon will witness the signatures and Betty will notarize both copies." They signed and passed around both copies until all the available blanks were filled in. Sarah's dad put one copy in the file and passed it to Betty. Rikki folded the other and put it in her bag.
"Now, about your fee?"
"My retainer has been paid and your bill will be taken care of."
"By whom?"
"I've been asked to keep that information confidential."
"I have no right to know who is paying for your services on my behalf?"
"Your interests are mine. Believe that. There are no conflicts between you and the person footing the bill. I will advise them to tell you, but it is their decision. They only wanted to take some of the pressure off you."
"I'll think about it. Do you have any other recommendations?"
"Carry a cell phone with you always. Don't be caught alone, especially on the streets. Communicate with your mom, or Jennifer, or someone else where you're going and when you get there. Never wait alone. If you think you're in danger, head for a public area with a lot of people and call, or find the nearest police station or car. Basically, be smart."
"You're expecting trouble?"
"Not expecting, just advising you be prepared. Our experience with custody cases that devolve into kidnapping show that it usually happens spur-of-the-moment."
Jessica stood up, "Thank you, Al, for all your help. We'll be in touch."
"You're very welcome. Let us know if we can be of any further help."
At the same time Rikki and her mom were meeting with Sarah's dad, Ginny was meeting with someone else. In a nondescript corner of Maggiano's, she slipped in across from a man, "Thanks for coming, Uncle Doug."
"No problem, Small One. I enjoy talking to the Senora. What can I do for you?"
"This is a picture of a friend of mine, Rikki, who I care about very much. She has been threatened by this man," pushing across another picture, "her father. I'm told that he has been verbally and psychologically abusive for years. Rikki stood up to him a few days ago and fears retaliation. Frankly, I do too. I would like you to cover her 24-7 for the next week, possibly two. I may be a peripheral target, so I will need cover too."
"I think we can handle that. What are the primary locations?"
"My home. The road between my home and Rikki's. The road between her home and school. Rikki has soccer practice or a game after school every day. I'll find out if the game is away. I'll be driving most days, her mom the others. There won't be any nighttime activities until this is resolved.
"What's his beef?"
"A custody battle. Her father believes that she will become a lesbian if he doesn't take her back to Canada and his home. He may try to do it legally, Rikki's taking care of that. I'm afraid he will try to use force. He could snatch the mother and force her to sign some papers, but that doesn't get him any closer to Rikki."
"Doesn't sound like a nice man. Does the house have a security system?"
"No. Any changes will have to be external at first. I'll talk to Rikki's mom about a full system, but I want them covered ASAP. You might want to check the system on my house too."
"No problem."
Ginny pushed across a piece of paper, "Here is my cellphone number and Rikki's. We should be leaving for school 7-7:15. You'll let me know if you need anything else."
"We'll be ready, Small One."
Ginny got up and hugged Senora Maggiano on the way out. She pleaded the press of school as to why she couldn't stay and promised to come back soon, with Rikki.
When Ginny picked up Rikki the next morning, she took a minute to program a number into Rikki's cellphone, "If there is a time when I'm not around and you think you're in danger; speed dial 0, say your name, and follow instructions. Some friends of mine will be there shortly."
Rikki looked skeptical, "OK."
"How'd it go yesterday?"
"We picked up the Emancipation Petition and talked about what it meant and what to do. Sarah's dad has a copy and I have one. He said if I was in danger to head for the courthouse and file the petition, or call him if I thought I couldn't make it."
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I have to, Gin. Dad is a bear when he's challenged. I don't want it to affect you but I have to protect both of us."
"I know. I'm behind you 100%." While they'd been talking, Ginny had been watching a white SUV that seemed to be following them. Spur of the moment, Ginny turned, "I need some coffee."
"Why didn't you say something before? I could've filled your mug at the house."
The SUV turned behind them, "It just hit me." Ginny took a quick look behind her. "Rikki, get out your cellphone for me please."
Rikki looked questioningly at Ginny, "Who do I need to call?"
"Speed dial 0, say your name, wait a moment, then say `Ginny says white SUV'. They will tell you what they want me to do."
Rikki dialed the phone and delivered the message. The man she talked to said, "Stand by. Keep the line open."
Ginny pulled through the drive-in and got her coffee. They parked in front of the restaurant and waited. Ginny was listening when someone came back on the phone, "Continue on to school. Will report later."
"Thank you." Ginny started up the car and drove towards Rikki's school.
Rikki was a little scared, "What just happened?"
"I thought I saw a white SUV following us. My friends checked it out and decided it was OK for us to go on to school. They will tell me later what happened."
"Was someone following us?"
"I don't know. I might have been wrong. If I wasn't, my friends neutralized any threat. Either way, they let us get to school."
"Is that what you meant by calling speed dial 0 if I felt I was in danger and you weren't around?"
"Yes. You will be covered 24-7 for the next week. By the way, is your next soccer game home or away?"
"Away, at Northeast, Friday. It's just across town, so we'll come back after the game."
"I'll pick you up when you get back. We'll clear it with your mom after school."
Ginny pulled up to West Catholic beside Sarah and Allison. Rikki got out and retrieved her book and gym bags. She leaned in and kissed Ginny.
Ginny kissed Rikki back, "I love you. See you after school. Stay close to Allison outside." Turning to Sarah, "Wanna ride to school?"
Sarah threw her books in the back and jumped in beside Ginny, "You bet."
When Rikki and Ginny got home after school, they sat down with Rikki's mom. Ginny began, "I chose to believe what I was hearing about Rikki's father. I asked some `friends' of mine to keep an eye on Rikki, primarily, and you and me."
"You trust these `friends' of yours?"
"Without question. They have served with one or both of my parents. Some would answer to SEAL', some Ranger', some `Green Beret'; all of them are the best of the best."
"What's the plan?"
"Just go about your normal activities. Someone will be covering you. I'll program a number into your cellphone in case you feel you're in danger. Rikki and I will stay in at night until this is resolved. They wanted me to ask you about installing a security system."
"Why?"
"It creates a comfortable place here. If things get desperate, it gives us a place to fort-up. I told them to install an external system, but they won't touch the house unless you approve."
"I'll give you a decision in the morning. Is someone watching the house now?"
"Yes. Someone will be watching 24-7. You should also be aware of what happened this morning."
"What happened?"
"We were on the way to school when I thought I saw a SUV following us. I had Rikki alert the watchers and followed their instructions. I don't know what they found out yet. We went on to school when they told us to."
"I see."
"If we're going to be in for a few days, I'm going to the grocery store. Anything we need?" Ginny left a few minutes later with a list. Once she'd pulled away, she took out her cellphone, "This is Ginny. Request a meeting at the grocery store."
Someone answered her, "You will be met."
Ginny started picking up things on the list. When she passed the Deli, she stopped, got a cup of coffee, and sat down. A gentleman approached her, "May I sit down?"
Ginny was sure this was her contact. Her friends wouldn't have let anyone unknown near her, "Be my guest."
He remarked quietly, "Quite a day?"
"Was I wrong?"
"No, your instincts are as good as ever, Little One. The team had been employed by Mr. Laveque. We think it was just preliminary surveillance, not a snatch. They have been convinced that this contract is not worth pursuing."
"Anything else I should know?"
"We're looking into some other avenues of information that might give us advance warning of trouble. Your house has been checked and the neighbors have been told to keep an eye on things. Anything for us?"
"Rikki's mom has been briefed and her cellphone programmed. She may OK a full security system. I'll let you know in the morning. Probably the dangerous time is Friday."
"Why?"
"Rikki's soccer game is away, at Northeast. It will be dark when she gets back on the team bus, low traffic. The courthouse will be closed, so we couldn't file the papers until Monday. I will pick her up from school, but it might be a good time to double up."
"Why a bus? Wouldn't it be safer for you to drive?"
"Team rules. Everyone has to ride with the team to and from away games. Since we're running a low-key operation, I couldn't press the issue. I can drive to the game to help watch Rikki, or stay home and minimize the number of people in motion."
"I'll pass that along. The password for the mother is `pheasant'. A telephone repairman will be at the house at 10 if she approves."
"I'll be in touch tomorrow." Ginny threw her cup away and continued shopping. A bagger helped her out to the car with her purchases. Rikki put things up as Ginny unloaded. Rikki and Ginny sat at the kitchen table while Jessica started dinner, "I found out something interesting."
"What?"
"The SUV was following us this morning. They were convinced to move along."
"How?"
"I didn't ask and you shouldn't either. On to other things. What's up on the homework front tonight?"
"I did most of it while you were out. How `bout you?"
"I'm pretty well caught up too. Maybe you can start my French lessons?"
"Once we finish, I can do that."
Rikki's mom interjected, "I need the table set."
"Right on it, Mom."
Conversation at dinner was strained, but all three women tried to keep things light. They made quick work of the dishes when dinner was done. The girls got the rest of their homework done and Rikki's mom checked it.
"How `bout some TV?"
They laughed and cried and Ohhh'd and Ahhh'd at what they saw. Ginny and Rikki got up and told Jessica they were going to study French.
"Why French?"
"Ginny told me should would teach me Italian if I taught her French."
"I wouldn't mind learning Italian myself. Have fun."
When she checked on the girls later, Jessica found Rikki and Ginny spooned together in Rikki's bed. Pulling the covers up tight, she kissed both on the cheek.
In the morning, Jessica knocked on Rikki's door, "Time to move, Ladies. If you're both going to get in the bathroom and get breakfast before you leave for school, you need to start."
"We're up, Mom."
"Breakfast in 15 minutes."
"We're up."
Jessica wasn't far wrong. She set plates of pancakes on the table 13 minutes after knocking on Rikki's door, when she heard them coming down the stairs. Rikki and Ginny dug in with gusto. They talked about tomorrow's game, school, and many other things.
Ginny turned to Jessica, "I'll pick up Rikki after the game tomorrow when they get back."
"That's fine, Sweetheart. I'll have dinner ready." They cleared the table after finishing and gathered up their books and stuff. Jessica drew Ginny aside for a moment, "You can tell your friends to install the security system."
"A telephone repairman will be here at 10. He will make a remark that includes the word `pheasant'. If you want another check, speedial 0 on your cellphone and identify yourself, tell them what you need and wait. They will give you something to identify the repairman absolutely. He will teach you how to set the system."
"You assumed I would agree?"
"No, ma'am. If my friends hadn't heard from me this morning, no repairman would have shown up. But, in order to have things ready, they had to prepare."
"Will there be any cost?"
"No. Any cost is covered through other means."
"Is there a way to tangibly thank your friends?"
"I'll ask. There should be."
Nothing happened on the way to drop Rikki off at school. Ginny went on to her school. Sarah rode with Ginny after school. Rikki was waiting with Allison outside West Catholic. Ginny quipped, "Afternoon, Ladies. I see you made it through another day without blowing things up."
Allison replied, "Yea. Luck was with us today. How's things otherwise?"
"Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow." Ginny motioned Allison closer and whispered, "Keep an eye on Rikki off the field tomorrow?"
"Sure. Expecting trouble?"
"We think the best chance for the bad guys is after the game. If you think there's trouble and you can get to Rikki's cellphone, speed dial 0, identify yourself, and tell them what's going on. I'll meet you when you get back."
A little louder, "Would you like a ride home?"
"Sure. Anything to get to the fun time quicker." Rikki blushed as she piled in next to Ginny. Allison got in back. When they got to Sarah's house, Ginny motioned her over, "Please tell your father that he might receive a call after the game tomorrow and the team gets back."
"Sure thing, Gin. `Nite."
When Rikki and Ginny arrived as Rikki's house, Jessica showed them how to arm the new security system. If you were out at night, you'd have to call ahead so the system could be turned off. Otherwise, the motion detectors would cause an alarm. They had dinner and cleaned up. Rikki and Ginny did their homework and had Jessica check it. The two lovers spooned together in bed and tried to get some sleep.
When Jessica checked on the girls later, it was obvious they were having trouble sleeping. She sat on the edge of the bed and stroked both girls' hair. Ginny was obviously in love with Rikki and was experienced enough to protect her if Jessica wasn't there. Rikki loved Ginny unconditionally, without reservation.
Frankly, Jessica was surprised at how Ginny had pulled Rikki's protection together so quickly. She'd only had the one face-to-face with Gustav and believed Rikki and her when they said he was dangerous. Hopefully no one would get hurt.
Looking down at the two girls, still restless but content in each others arms, Jessica grew angry. "Damn you, Gustav. I fought for years to get Rikki away from you. I finally succeed and you want to drag her back in. I will personally hurt you before I let that happen."
She felt a hand squeeze hers. Looking down, Jessica saw it was Ginny's. Very softly, she said, "Don't worry. We won't let anything happen to her." Ginny wrapped Rikki tighter and sank down into sleep.
Jessica got up and kissed each girl on the cheek, "Good night."
If one believed in omens, a thunderstorm might not be the best way to start the day. Jessica got the girls up and pointed at the bathroom. She fed them a hot breakfast and got them into rain gear. Rikki and Ginny gathered up their book bags and other stuff. Jessica handed Ginny a travel mug of coffee, "You might want to check in with your friends and make sure the weather hasn't changed things."
"Good idea." Ginny pulled out her cellphone once they'd dumped everything in the backseat. "Has the weather changed anything?"
"No. We have GPS on your car and will be closer on the road."
"Let's go, AngelFace. The cavalry is ready."
"Talley-Ho!"
Ginny dropped Rikki off without major soaking, "Give me a call when you leave Northeast, please?"
"Sure thing. See `ya later."
"Good luck."
The rain had stopped but the sky remained overcast. Ginny called in and found out that Rikki's bus had left OK. She drove over to Rikki's and had dinner with Jessica. Ginny was working on her homework when her cellphone rang. She looked at the Caller ID and opened it, "What up, AngelFace? Ready to leave? What was the score?"
"We should be pulling out in a couple of minutes. We won 3-1."
"I should be there when you get in. If I'm not, stay close to Allison until I do. See `ya soon."
"Luv `ya."
Ginny got her windbreaker on, "That was Rikki. They're about to head back. I'm headed over."
Jessica asked, "What was the score?"
"They won 3-1."
"Be safe, Darling."
Ginny found Sarah and Allison's parents already there when she got to the parking lot beside the school. They talked about things until the team bus pulled in. They players piled off, grabbed their bags, and looked for their rides. Ginny spotted Rikki and waved. Rikki grabbed Allison and moved towards them. Ginny hugged Rikki and kissed her, "Hey there, Rikkinator. Sounds like you were demons again. Scare anybody to death?"
"No, but one of their strikers did flinch when I growled at her and we got the ball back."
"Sounds good. How many goals did Allison score?"
Allison looked up, "One and one assist."
"Congrats."
"Wanna convoy over to our house? We can order pizza."
"Thanks, but not tonight. Rikki's mom is expecting us back. Rain check `til tomorrow?"
"Sure. Call us."
It started raining again as Ginny and Rikki pulled out of the parking lot. "Get your cellphone out for me, AngelFace."
"Do I need to call someone?"
"No. I want you to have it handy, just in case." They talked about the game until a white minivan appeared out of the rain, passed Ginny's car, and slowed down. When Ginny slowed, the minivan slowed more.
"Rik, speed dial 0 for me please. Tell them `white minivan'."
Rikki passed along the message, "They want you to take the next right you can and `backdoor' will cover us."
"Thanks." A gas station was coming up. Ginny pulled in and a black HumVee came up behind them. Ginny turned off the engine and they waited.
Ginny pulled out her cellphone and called Rikki's mom, "We've been held up. A minivan was acting strangely and my friends are investigating." She listened for a moment, "We're safe. Some of my friends are right behind us. Why don't you call Sarah's dad and let him know what's happening. Call us back on my phone. We're using Rikki's to communicate with my friends."
Turning to Rikki, "Your mom is glad we're safe. She's going to call Sarah's dad."
Rikki was about to answer when she heard something on her phone. She listened for a moment, "They say that the minivan is secure and they want you to follow the other car. Local authorities have been called."
Ginny started the car and flashed her lights. The Hummer flashed its lights and pulled around. Back on the street, they only traveled a short distance before stopping behind the minivan and another Hummer. Soldiers with "MP" armbands stood next to the minivan.
Another soldier came back to Ginny's car, "There are three men in the van. Two are hired guns. The third might interest you." He handed Ginny an ID card. She looked at it and showed it to Rikki. She took one look at it, threw open the car door, and bolted towards the minivan. Rikki could hear his voice, as she got closer. Ginny tried to catch her.
"I protest this treatment. I demand that you release me and my associates immediately."
"We agree Mr. Laveque. We're just waiting for local authorities to arrive to make sure that all the amenities have been observed."
Rikki got to the van door and almost reached her father before one of the soldiers caught her arms, "You Bastard! You couldn't leave it alone. It had to be your way." There was a fire in her eyes and berserker strength in her slim body.
"Ungrateful child. You should have left it to the adults."
Ginny tried to lead Rikki away, "It's OK, ma petite tigresse. He can't hurt you anymore. Come back to the car with me." Slowly, Ginny was able move her towards the car. She reached in and handed her cellphone to Rikki, "You probably should call your mom and let her know what's happening."
Ginny stepped away, but stayed between Rikki and the van. One of the soldiers came over to her, "How long before the local police get here?"
"Should be any time. We radioed them as soon as we had the van secured."
"Are you going to get in trouble over jurisdiction?"
"No. We're not claiming any. You being a military dependent gives us a reason to be involved."
"Will Rikki have to press charges?"
"Yes, and probably her mother too. We'll turn over our information as corroboration and be available if there's a trial." They turned as they heard a siren approach.
The soldier walked towards the cruiser and identified himself, showing his credentials. They talked about what was happening. Another cruiser pulled up.
The MP and the officer walked towards the van. Gustav saw the officer, "Finally, someone in charge."
Rikki broke past Ginny, "Officer, I want to press charges for attempted kidnapping."
Gustav continued, "Ignore the child. These Gestapo soldiers have illegally detained me and my associates and I want them arrested."
The police officer replied, "Mr. Laveque. The MP's have told me their side of the story and I'm inclined to believe them at the moment. I think we need to go into the station to sort things out."
"Surely you jest?"
"Kidnapping is a very serious charge. Someone higher up the chain of command needs to decide if the charge has merit. If you'll join me in my cruiser, your associates will go with my associate."
"What about our vehicle?"
"I think one of the MP's would be happy to assist you by following in your van." The soldier beside him nodded. He handcuffed Rikki's father and put him in the back of his car, "The handcuffs are for your protection and mine." The other two men were handcuffed and put in the back of the other cruiser.
Rikki asked, "What station are we going to?" She passed along the information to her mom, who was listening on the cellphone. "Probably should call Mr. Black."
The soldier standing next to the police officer motioned to her to wait. He talked into a small mic near his shoulder for a moment. "Tell your mother that a car will be in her driveway momentarily. The driver will be in uniform and will use the keyword `pheasant'. He will take her to pick up Mr. Black and join us at the police station."
Rikki relayed the information to her mom and got in Ginny's car. Everyone loaded up and the convoy got underway. The police cars led, the minivan followed, the hummers bracketed Ginny's car. Rikki had lost track of time when they pulled into the parking lot of the police station. Everyone got out and trooped inside. Mr. Black and Jessica were already there.
Gustav's had his handcuffs removed, and was put in one of the interrogation rooms. The two goons were put in a holding cell. The officers sat down with the detectives, Mr. Black, and the lead MP. You couldn't hear them but you could tell they were talking about what happened. One of the detectives went into the room where Gustav was. The other one continued to take information from the MP's. Mr. Black came over and sat beside them while one of the officers filled out a complaint form.
The detective who'd gone to talk to Gustav came out, shaking his head. Two men, obviously lawyers, passed by. One of them was escorted into the interrogation room. The other listened to the detectives. Mr. Black leaned over, "That one is the Asst. DA. The other one was Gustav's lawyer."
"Are they going to charge him?"
"I don't know yet. They're still sorting out the information. There might be enough to charge him, convicting him could be a different story." The man Mr. Black had said was the DA beckoned him over.
They talked for a moment and he came back. "They're going to hold Gustav overnight and arraign him in the morning. The DA will ask that bail be denied, as Gustav is a flight risk or set very high if the judge grants it. I'll follow through and let you know if they need you to testify."
"What about the Emancipation Petition?"
"I want to hold on to it for the time being. We can always file it later."
Jessica asked, "I want to notify the Divorce Court judge about the charges. Maybe it will be enough to get the custody agreement modified? Can we get a restraining order?"
"I'll take care of that. Go home now. Get some rest."
One of the soldiers stepped up beside the women, "We'll escort you home and stay on duty."
Ginny replied, "Thank you, Sergeant." Rikki got in front with Ginny and Jessica got in back. One of the Hummers followed them back to Rikki's house. Jessica set the alarm. When Ginny looked out, the Hummer was gone, back to work.
Ginny turned back from the window. Rikki started shaking from the stress. Ginny hugged her tightly. Rikki threw her arms around Ginny's neck and cried. Jessica hugged both the girls, "Shhh. He can't hurt you now."
After a minute or so, Rikki calmed down a bit. Jessica had them lay down on the sofa and covered them with a blanket. She turned out the light and left the lovers alone. Ginny stroked Rikki's hair, "Be calm, AngelFace. I promise you that your father will not hurt you again, now or in the future." Rikki pillowed her head on Ginny's arm and held on as if it was the only thing keeping her from falling off the edge.
Jessica called Sarah's dad to let him know they'd gotten home OK and to discuss strategy. When she finished, she gently woke Ginny up, "Probably should go up to bed."
"Thanks, Jessica." Whispering in Rikki's ear, "Why don't we go up to bed, AngelFace?" Rikki unwound herself and followed Ginny. When Ginny got her sleep shirt on, Rikki was still just standing there. Ginny undressed her and got a sleep shirt on her.
Jessica came to the door and beckoned to Ginny. She led Rikki into Jessica's room, "I think Rikki could use some extra cuddlin' tonight. She lay on the bed and held open the covers. Ginny had Rikki spoon up to her and Ginny spooned up to Rikki. Rikki's arm latched onto Ginny's breast and held on for dear life. Ginny could hear Jessica croon to Rikki, calming her and trying to get her back to sleep.
Ginny awoke to the smell of coffee. Rikki was spooned up to her now and Jessica was not in bed with them. Ginny looked around and found her sitting on a chair beside the bed, a cup in her hand and one on the table. "I just got a call from Sarah's dad."
(Let me know if you would like to find out what happened to Rikki's father and if she filed for emancipation.)
Copyright 2004 Donal