Road to Redemption
Chapter 17
Conscience and Confessions
It was their last night in Brunei, an end of course do had been provided by their hosts. All three sections, Special Forces and the Medics all gathered in the bar
"3 drinks only" ordered Captain Hurst "We do not want any hangovers on the flight back tomorrow"
Peanuts, crisps and other nibbles had been put on the tables and the jukebox had been loaded up with music constantly playing, as everyone found something on there that they wanted to listen to. Charles went up to have a look at the selection raising his eyebrows and grinning at one of them before putting his coin in and selecting. Goodness knows when it would come on though judging by the list already selected.
Charles was sitting at a table with Captain Hurst, Kingy, Blue and Lieutenant Hooper, watching Molly, Jackie, Katy, Lauren and Mimi dancing. He couldn't help but grin, she had always been the same, they only had to put the radio on at home and she would be swaying her hips in time.
"So, Charles any dates on your transfer to Chepstow?" asked Blue
"Yes" he grinned "6 weeks" taking a sip from his bottle of beer "Which reminds me, are there any plans for your team when we get back? I think it's about time I took my wife on a honeymoon."
"I hadn't realised you were recently married Sir, must be hard being away from her so soon after getting married?" said Lieutenant Hooper.
"He's not exactly away from her, she is over there with the medics" laughed Blue "He can see but not touch" as Charles rolled his eyes shaking his head smirking and taking another sip of his beer as his eyes caught Molly's she gave him a wave and he returned her broad smile.
"Where and when are you thinking of taking her?" asked Blue
"Not sure but she's told me to surprise her but I have somewhere in mind and I want to do it before I start my new posting."
"Can you let me in on your little secret?" grinned Blue looking at the other men round the table "We can keep it a secret can't we lads?"
"Well when we go to London she likes the Rabot, so thought we could go to Hotel Chocolat in St Lucia" he said beaming at the thought that Molly would really like the place.
Blue and Captain Hurst looked at him for a moment before bursting out laughing.
"Have you ever been there?" said Hurst hardly able to get his words out for laughing and Charles shook his head.
"It's in a fucking rain forest" laughed Blue "I took my wife there once, but it is a beautiful place" still laughing "Molly's spent a month in a jungle and you're going to take her to another one for a holiday" the rest of the table catching on and laughing.
"Well I would hope that the accommodation and food is better than what she has had for the last month" he huffed.
"Sorry Charles, it is, it really is, Nicole loved it and has often asked if we could go back" putting on a straight face "Make sure she has the Cacao Massage, Dawsey will love that."
Charles eyes moved back to the dance floor to see Molly still up there dancing and laughing, it had been a long hard month of training and every single one of them must be shattered but there they all were dancing the night away without a care in the world, the adrenaline of the month still keeping them going. Fingers and Molly throwing some shapes and laughing about something, Brains, Mansfield and Monk also there while Jackie and Dangles were dancing together. Peanut came up behind and picked her up putting her under his arm and carrying her to the bar to join Spanner, Jackson and Dyno. She had the most amazing eyes when she was happy Charles thought watching her and grinning. Sometimes when he looked at her, he couldn't believe she had given him a second chance but he thanked every god that she had.
"When you have made the transfer and settled in we will have to go out for dinner, Molly can tell Nicole all about the hotel and tell her if it is still as good as she remembers."
"Won't that encourage Nicole to keep asking you to take her back?"
"Probably but I don't mind, next year perhaps as we will have been married 3 years then."
"That would be nice Blue, perhaps you could come to Cheltenham make a night of it"
"Ha! I've heard about the ceilings in that flat from Peanut and Spanner" he laughed "Surprised you haven't convinced her to move."
"Oh! I will be working on it, can't tell you how many times I have forgotten and smacked my head" Charles laughed.
"Well seeing as you lost the bet, I can give you a tip, wait until after she has had the massage in chocolate, she'll agree to anything" Charles snorted a laugh.
"Oh yes Charles, how else do you think I got Nicole to marry me?" he grinned back.
OG
Cheese was drinking at the bar when he saw Peanut take Molly to the bar. He was feeling a bit left out from the group but then it was hardly surprising really he wasn't a good mixer, never had been and he realised his behaviour since joining the under 5's hadn't done him any favours. Ever since he held his sisters hand listening to his drunk of a father screaming in rage at their mother before thumping her. There had been an almighty crash and his sister had clung to him in fear. That was the last time he had seen any of them. His father sent to prison for killing their mother and both of them taken into care. He didn't really like or trust anyone after that.
When he got to 16 that was the end of his care as far as the state was concerned and they recommended the army, three square meals a day, accommodation and training. He hated the regimented day to day life, it was just like the children's home, all he felt was rage most of the time, at them, at his father, and even at his dead mother for not getting away from the drunken bastard. But he often wondered what had happened to his little sister, was she as screwed up as him. He was unconsciously watching Mimi laughing on the dance floor with 2 section; another product of a dysfunctional family making up stories because she wanted to belong. Maybe he should try and find his sister, make sure she is alright?
Cheese hadn't stuck to the 3 drinks rule, why should he, his career in the army was virtually over. He didn't want to stay in and Captain Hurst was going to do the discharge paperwork for him when they got back. He finished his bottle of beer before walking onto the dance floor.
Mimi's eyes showed the fear as soon as he approached her, and he felt a little guilty that he caused that, perhaps he was like his father and he shivered in disgust. Now that really was someone he would never want to see again.
He held his hands up in surrender "I ain't here to make trouble Mimi" looking into her worried eyes "Just wanted a dance and maybe a chat" she still looked worried but it was a crowded room so she nodded in agreement.
"I'm probably going to be leaving the army soon Mimi" he cleared his throat "Sorry about the bullying, guess I didn't like you knowing about my past."
"I know, I didn't like you being here and telling everyone about mine" she looked up at him "But I didn't tell anyone about yours."
He nodded, "I know, I'm sorry" he sighed maybe he had too many beers "I wanna warn you about something" he looked around him before continuing ""Don't trust Lane, she's more messed up than both of us put together; it was her and me behind the stores, but she told people it was someone else."
He had got her attention now and she looked at him wide eyed "Why, Who?"
He shrugged "As I say she is pretty messed up, her fella was killed a few years ago and she has a thing for the Major, not sure what and she seems to have it in for Molly too" he took in a deep breath "Steer clear of her Mimi you can't trust her" she nodded with tears in her eyes.
"I'm going to get off now Mimi" he said "If you want to stick with the army, make a go of it, it's not for me though" he grinned "Your Sarg seems OK stick with her but don't trust Corporal Lane" and he turned and walked away from her leaving her shell shocked at what he had told her.
OG
Molly was still at the bar laughing with Spanner, Peanut, Jackson and Dyno when Charles choice finally turned up on the jukebox. Jackie looked across at her and made an "Awww" face. She knew what it was as soon as the opening bars started. It had been on the jukebox at the pub where they had their wedding lunch Jacob Lee and I belong to you.
Molly's face felt like it was about to split the smile so big as she heard it. Charles had always been the one who was sentimental. She looked across the room and into the dark smiling eyes of Charles who was already standing. He flicked his head indicating he wanted her to join him on the dance floor.
"Not long now Dawsey" he whispered as he held her round the waist but keeping a respectful distance her grinning up at him.
"One more night" she answered.
"Then I can ravish you" he whispered near her ear making her shiver before laughing.
"You know I will just want my pit when we get in don't ya?"
"I'll do all the work."
"You'll have to mate, I'm absolutely knackered."
"One day Dawesy" he huffed "one day you might say something romantic back" and she burst out laughing her hands moving up to his chest.
"But you know I love you don't you."
"Good job I do or I would have a bit of a complex by now" he huffed a laugh.
"I'll make it up to you when I've had a bit of a kip" fluttering her eyes at him.
"I'll hold you to that" he replied as he threw his head back laughing.
OG
She was right though it was a long flight back, the time change, by the time they had driven back to Cheltenham, gone into Waitrose to collect essentials dumped their Bergens in the hall they both felt shattered and could only think of a shower and bed. Both of them just getting in. Her hand across his chest has he intertwined their fingers and kissing her knuckles, his eyes already closing.
It was the early hours of the morning before they both woke. She must have turned in the night because he was now pressed into her back and his hand had found its way to her breast as his thumb started stroking her nipple.
"I'm still sleeping Charlie" she giggled.
"I said I'd do all the work" he grinned into her back as he kissed her shoulder moving her hair away his hand running down her body. He did and brought them both to a climax before they fell asleep again with their bodies wrapped around each other, happy that they were back to being Charles and Molly again.
OG
They went to Aldershot to collect some clothes for him to bring back to Cheltenham and he worked out what needed packing ready for him leaving in a few weeks.
They then moved on to a hotel in London to visit her family. Both Martin and Jack asking when they were finally going to bring Sam up with them. They took Nan and Belinda for afternoon tea at Rabul in Borough Market and Nan stocked up on her chocolate Gin. Fitting in a trip to Regents Street for Charles to update his coffee machine as well as get more pods. His current one being on its last legs.
They returned to Cheltenham for the night before heading out to Bath and his family. A short but packed visit taking Sam out for the day, dinner with his parents and promised Sam that they would take him to London next time. A whirlwind of activity catching up with family and friends since they had been away.
OG
Before they knew it, it was the day they left for Heathrow and the mystery holiday that Charles had booked for them. At check in she realised they were going to the Caribbean and St Lucia. Another long flight Molly thought.
Charles couldn't stop grinning when they arrived and Molly saw the name of the Hotel, although he had been getting a tad worried when she moaned that she couldn't believe he brought her to a jungle after that last exercise. Why would he want to bring her somewhere with all these bloody trees.
They had their own cabin with a veranda which had double sun loungers and a table and chairs as they looked down on the forest and the peaked mountain. They had a four poster bed, the mosquito nets all tied back and the bathroom was huge with his and hers basins and two white robes hanging on hooks just inside. They both grinned when they saw the huge waterfall shower area. The infinity pool blended into the forest. Molly didn't know what to look at next, this was like nothing she had seen before. On the pillows were rose petals and chocolates.
"Oh Charlie it's beautiful" she beamed looking out over their veranda at the forest and sunset. He walked up behind her his arms around her waist and his head on hers "You like it then?"
"Oh yeah" she giggled leaning back against him "I think you can safely say you are on a promise tonight."
"Come on then, let's get unpacked and go for dinner" he kissed the top of her head chuckling.
She turned in his arms wrapping her arms around his neck "I know you Charles James you have probably arranged loads of trips" she brought her hands down to his chest and started pushing him back into their room "I've spent a month with loads of squaddies, we saw my family then yours" grinning at him as she kept pushing him backwards towards their bed "I don't wanna go anywhere or see anyone, no route marches Charles" giving him one final push onto the bed "Just us" as she lay on top of him to kiss him as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back.
"I'll order room service then shall I?" he grinned up at her.
"Might be best" she giggled.
OG
Charles decided to take up Blue's recommendation of the Cacao Massage and from the groans from Molly he could tell she liked it. He sort of felt as they had come all this way that they should have gone on the plantation trip, explored the island but Molly didn't want to and to be fair he was pretty tired himself so was more than happy to swim or relax around the pool. This honeymoon had more than exceeded all his expectations, he had never felt so close to her. They did go to the shop so she could get presents for everyone, but after the massage she also got the massage chocolate for them.
"You might not get the full massage Charles" she giggled "but its chocolate and you're gonna taste nice, not that I'm sure you can eat it. Might be a different type of shop for that" she shrugged with a mischievous grin his adam's apple bobbing up and down as he swallowed making her laugh out loud.
"Let's get a couple pots just in case we can't get it in London" he spluttered.
"Special occasions only Charles" she grinned her hand going round his waist "It will mess up the sheets" he shook his head sucking in his bottom lip snorting a laugh.
"One day Molly" he turned to kiss her forehead "you will stun me and say something romantic blinding me with the full force of your charm and magnetism."
"Well let's get a couple pots was hardly romantic" she giggled "Bit pervy really."
"Can't help it if I just want to be with you."
"Now that was romantic" grinning before giving him a quick kiss "soppy bugger" and he rolled his eyes.
OG
Their holiday came to an end far too quickly, Charles regretted not booking 10 days or even a fortnight. Having returned back in Cheltenham where they met up with Blue and Nicole for dinner at the French Bistro round the corner.
"It's a lovely flat" said Nicole "I can see why you don't want to leave it, its quirky."
"Yeah I was very lucky it came up just as Peanut wanted to move in Laura."
"They make a lovely couple don't they?" she grinned and Molly nodded in agreement.
"So, what did you think of Hotel Chocolat?" she beamed "I so want to go back there."
"It was to die for" replied Molly grinning "Maybe next time go and see the plantation."
"Yeah me too" Nicole giggled "We didn't do half the things you could while we were there."
"Did you have the massage" she asked grinning and Nicole responded with a similar wistful grin.
"Oh yes would love another but you can't get it over here."
"You can they sell the chocolate and oils in the London shop."
"Molly you must get me some next time you go or take me with you."
"You'll love it Nicole" she beamed "Borough Market is fantastic all the food stalls and afternoon tea at Rabul, me Nan loves the Chocolate Gin."
"Charlie and I usually stay in a hotel when we go up to see my family" said Molly animated.
"We don't know anyone in London so don't tend to go there but would love to go up there more often, see a show, have dinner" she shrugged.
"Looks like we could be coming to London next time you go Charles" grinned Blue.
"You're more than welcome" he shrugged "I like visiting, all Molly's family live there but wouldn't want to make it my permanent base."
"Spanner and Peanut were asking if you needed any help moving out of Aldershot?"
"Wouldn't mind mate" Charles replied, "I don't think Molly will want half the stuff cluttering up the flat, so it needs taking to Bath and my parents for storage, the rest needs to go to Cheltenham."
"Jackson's brother has a van and Peanut can drive it just tell him the day and time and they can help with the move."
"Thanks, much appreciated."
OG
Molly and Charles had come to Aldershot in their respective cars. All his clothes packed into boxes. His CD's and books divided up into what would go to Bath and what would go to Cheltenham. He didn't have a lot of furniture but that was going to Bath, a bed, wardrobes, and sofas until they decided if they still needed it.
Finally, he thought they would be living in the same place, although they had been married for some time now having two homes had always felt a bit temporary for him, this was them setting up home together again.
Charles and Peanut were going to Bath in the van with his things and would stay overnight before returning to Aldershot the next morning to take the rest of the stuff to Cheltenham. Spanner and Molly staying with Jackie and Dangles and were going to the local for dinner and a couple of drinks.
OG
"Private Rogers" asked Jackie "Can you work with Corporal Lane this afternoon I'm on half day today Molly is up with Major James to move him out of his flat."
"He's really leaving Aldershot then Jacs" said Katy who was also working in the stores with them "Will seem funny not seeing him striding about the place after all these years."
"I know what you mean, he's been like fixtures and fittings" laughed Jackie "but he wanted to start somewhere new now he's a Major and Molly isn't likely to want to come back to Keogh is she? To be honest if it had come to it I think he would have gladly left to be with her."
"That record he put on the Jukebox when we were in Brunei and danced to" sighed Katy "Isn't he romantic? I'm so glad they worked it out. You can see they love each other and meant for each other."
"Have you known Molly long Sarg?" asked Mimi thinking about what Cheese had told her.
"Yes, since her first tour" smiled Jackie and Katy grinned looking at her "And I've known her since Basic. You never saw that blonde hair did you Jacs? it wasn't a good look" both girls giggling.
"So, wasn't she very nice back then?" asked Mimi tentatively.
"She's always been nice Mimi" answered Katy thinking back to when Molly invited her to London rather than let her sit on her own in barracks "She's a good mate to have, will always have your back, but she doesn't take any shit or suffer fools gladly. Anyway we had best crack on if Sarg wants to get away at lunchtime."
Jackie left just after lunch to get home ready to meet Molly when they finished packing up Charles flat.
"Katy, I have Mimi working with Lane this afternoon can you check every now and again, make sure that Lane isn't getting Mimi to do it all because she thinks it's beyond her."
OG
Georgie and Mimi were working in silence, Mimi not really knowing what to say as Cheese had warned her about Georgie not being trustworthy and more screwed up than they were.
"So where is Sergeant Aston?" asked Georgie eventually.
"She had half day Corp, was helping Molly packing up a flat to move out or something."
"Is that what she said that Molly is moving back here?"
"Not sure Corp didn't catch all the conversation but think it was that she was moving away."
"About time she finally packed up the last of her stuff and left" she said grinning "I knew the Major would see sense eventually. Molly's more suited to your mate Cheese."
"He wasn't my mate but he did tell me it was you and him behind that building."
"Well he's left the army now and I think I'm more likely to be believed than you who spent an entire tour telling lies."
Katy was on her way into the stores to check on them as Jackie requested when she heard the conversation. "Oh shit" she thought and made her way into the room before anymore could be said.
She would ring Jackie later when she got the chance and see how they should handle this. Let's hope that Georgie bloody Lane hasn't been spreading those rumours too far because if Molly found out there would be murder. In the meantime she would pretend she had heard nothing.
It was a couple of hours before Katy could slip away and into Jackie's office to make that phone call. They agreed that they would sit Mimi down and get the full story. They knew there was absolutely no truth in Lane's lies, they also knew they had to stop them being spread any further.
Jackie was very distracted and quite worried about what to do, she knew she would have to speak with Mimi but then what, she would have to report it to the Lieutenant or maybe the Captain. But if Molly found out, her temper would be off the scale.
"What's the matter Jac?" asked Spanner who had followed her into the kitchen to make another pot of tea. Molly being outside with Charles and Peanut with more boxes to go to Bath.
"Georgie flaming Lane stirring the shit again" she replied rolling her eyes "I wish she had never come down here."
"What's she said now?"
"Something about Cheese behind the stores."
"Ah that" he sighed "You had better speak with your Lieutenant about that."
"You know about it?" said Jackie horrified
"Blue mentioned it, he was in the ops room with the Major when Georgie and Cheese were at it in full view of a surveillance camera" he laughed.
"So, the Boss knows?" Spanner nodded "But does Molly know that Lane says it was her?" and Spanner started laughing but not with humour "I think we would have been digging a hole to bury the evidence if Molly knew what she was saying, don't you? There is something very wrong with that girl, she never used to be nasty and vindictive. Head strong and probably arrogant yes but not twisted."
"I'll get the full story from Mimi tomorrow then go and see the Lieutenant."
Just then they heard the voices of the others coming back in
"Are you ready for a quick cuppa before heading off to Bath?" grinned Jackie.
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A/N This is the penultimate chapter final one tomorrow. Thank you again for all your reviews