Part Forty Five
Jo was dead on her feet. That day's cross examination had completely taken it out of her. She leaned against the wall outside the court and searched in her handbag for her faithful nicotine companions. Finding only an empty packet, she briefly thought she might cry with tiredness. George appeared through the doors and took note of Jo's fruitless searching.
"That's the only downside of smoking," George said, holding out her packet, "When you run out of them." Jo greatfully took one and lit up.
"Much as I hate to admit it," Continued George, "I was impressed at your performance today." This was a real complement from George, and Jo knew it'd taken a lot for her to say it.
"Thank you," She replied quietly. They watched as a green MG sports car pulled in to the carpark and came to a stop next to a red Farari. As Karen Betts got out and moved towards them, they both assumed the obvious that Karen had come to meet Yvonne. Karen walked up the steps and greeted Jo with,
"How did it go?" Jo took a long drag.
"I think fairly successful might describe it," Jo replied. There came a snort of laughter from George. She ditched her cigarette and opened one of the doors to go back in, but turned to face Karen.
"I would stay and tell you just how successful Jo was today," Said George, "But as we're crossing swords tomorrow, it would be slightly unethical of me." As George moved through the door, they were joined by the others. On seeing Jo, Cassie said,
"If I'm ever in court again, will you defend me?" Jo smiled.
"It'd be a pleasure."
"I could have done with you a few years ago," Said Yvonne, giving her a broad smile.
"I liked what you did with the OHP," Said Cassie, the only one of them really familiar with such things.
"Let's just say that was a last minute wave of inspiration."
"Got Snowball going though," Said Cassie, "And at least now the jury can see how she reeled everyone in." Me included, thought Karen.
As they all walked towards their cars, Karen said to Yvonne,
"Do you feel like coming home with me? Ever since Sylvia found out about what happened with Ritchie, she's been insufferable. She's supposed to be escorting Snowball tomorrow, but I've half a mind to ban her from court. I could really do with some company." Yvonne looked at her. The strain of having to watch Snowball Merriman defend herself had got to both of them.
"Yeah, okay," Said Yvonne, "It probably wouldn't do me and Lauren any harm to have some space from each other."
"Have you still not made up after what happened on Monday?"
"Oh, we're speaking," Replied Yvonne sardonically, "But only the bare necessities." Yvonne dug in her pocket and handed Lauren the car keys.
"I might be home later," She said, hoping Lauren wouldn't comment on it.
"Nice to see she hasn't lost her touch," Said Lauren acidly. Yvonne took a deep breath, about to say something in return, but then thought better of it.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Called Cassie fondly, trying to take the sting out of Lauren's words. When she joined Roisin in their car, Cassie said, "There's going to be a lot of problems there, which is the last thing Yvonne and Karen need."
"Do you realise just how peculiar that sounds?" Said Roisin. "Saying Yvonne and Karen like that."
"I know," Said Cassie smiling. "They look good together, and Lauren hates the very idea of it."
"It's exactly the same as Michael and Niamh were with you,"
"But they're children," Said Cassie in disgust. "Lauren's twenty four for god's sake."
"It makes no difference," Said Roisin, clearly speaking from experience. "She still can't handle the fact that someone else is making her mother happy."
As Karen started the engine, with Yvonne sitting beside her, she switched on the CD player.
"I think music's the only thing that's going to work today," She said.
"I've got this," Said Yvonne with a smile as Heart's music filled the car. As it was still blazing with heat, Karen opened all the windows and the sunroof. The full-bodied voices of the two women began slowly to eat away at the tension surrounding Karen's soul. She could never remain wholly wound up when listening to their outpouring of everything from lust to anger. Just now, the slightly raucous edge to some of their songs was exactly what she needed. As they sat at interminable traffic lights, Karen cursed having to drive through London's rush hour. At least when she was at Larkhall, she could always work late so as to avoid this true embodiment of all life's irritations. As she again paused to allow a stream of cars to pass in front of her, a man looking no older than twenty-five, leered at them, clearly liking these two sensationally attractive women in what had to be a very expensive car. Karen gave him an incredibly rude hand gesture which made Yvonne grin. As the line of cars they were in moved forward, Karen flicked the CD to the angriest track on it. When Yvonne heard it, she smiled in recognition. As the words began, Yvonne joined Karen in pouring scorn on the male population as a whole.
"I'm so tired of these men trying to impress me with nothing." They were both equally surprised to hear the other's voice. They exchanged a grin in the driving mirror. It was noticeable how they both dropped an octave when the singer went too high. When they reached the end of the second chorus, Karen's face was flushed and Yvonne laughed.
"I feel better after that," Said Karen, feeling some of the tension go out of her.
"Yeah, me too," Said Yvonne, surprised that putting her voice to such an angry song had felt so therapeutic. When they reached Karen's flat, she ejected the CD and took it in with her. Yvonne had never seen Karen's place before, and she was pleasantly surprised. The wide, airy lounge had a balcony at one end and wide windows looking out on to the street at the other. Karen liked minimal furniture, a table and chairs near to the balcony doors and a sofa and chairs round the television. Yvonne spied a small computer in one corner, and a stereo in another. There was the door to the kitchen at one side, and opposite, a small passage that clearly led to bedroom and bathroom. Karen went round opening windows and doors, to let in the sun and the early evening breeze. She poured them both a large scotch on ice and sank gratefully in to the sofa and lit a cigarette. Yvonne walked round, examining her books and CD's and a couple of pictures of Ross.
"He's a good-looking kid," Yvonne observed.
"Oh, I know," Said Karen, "Looks as innocent as the day he was born. It's just a shame it only goes skin deep." Karen was watching her with a soft smile on her face.
"Sorry," Said Yvonne, "I'm a bit of a nosy cow when it comes to other people's houses."
"Be my guest," Said Karen, feeling that she could get used to Yvonne being in her space.
"I didn't know you were a fan of Patricia Cornwell," Said Yvonne looking at Karen's bookcase.
"Oh yes. Kay Scarpetta's a bit of a hero of mine. She deals with thoroughly irritating men, psychopaths and dead bodies on a regular basis, and still manages to look sensational."
"Sounds a bit like you," Said Yvonne with a smile. Karen laughed.
"I'm waiting for her new one to come out. It's due out in October, so I hope riotous inmates and strike-hungry officers can wait a week before kicking off."
"I wouldn't bet on it," Said Yvonne with a grin. Karen picked the remote control off the coffee table and flicked on the stereo, and smartly turned it off again when she heard the unmistakable sounds of Beautiful South.
"Leave it on," Said Yvonne. "I like them." Despite her better judgment, Karen did so.
"Are you hungry?" Asked Karen, moving towards the kitchen, wanting anything to take her mind off the words she was sure Yvonne would hear.
"Not hugely," Said Yvonne, still looking at Karen's CD's. Karen rummaged in the fridge, and as she really needed to go shopping, she decided on omelettes. Retrieving ham, cheese and mushrooms, together with a box of eggs, she began chopping. Yvonne came and stood in the kitchen doorway.
"Do you want me to do anything?"
"No thank you." Yvonne thought she could detect a return of the tension that Karen had exuded for the last couple of days. She walked out on to the balcony, wondering if Karen wasn't liking the invasion of her space as much as she'd made out, but this was ridiculous. Yvonne knew one thing for certain, if Karen ever had a problem with anything between them, she'd say so. Yvonne allowed the words of the man and woman of Beautiful South to wash over her. They were singing now about Greta Garbo.
"God help the actress who doesn't know the script." Yvonne frowned at the early evening sun. Snowball Merriman had known her script all right, to the letter. It was amazing how she'd switched personas all the way through her testimony, today and yesterday. First, the American porn movie star who'd had them all on a string, replaced alternately with the innocent, hard-done-by northern girl who'd been in over her head since the beginning.
When Yvonne walked back in to the lounge, she saw Karen putting cutlery and glasses on the table. As Karen was about to put down the second wineglass, Yvonne suddenly began to take notice of what the woman on the CD was now singing.
"Not much a door can do but open or close, but those things are above doors. Not much legs can do but open or close, but those things are above us whores." Karen's hand had been suspended in midair, but as soon as the song moved in to the chorus, she put the glass down and looked up at Yvonne.
"I see," Said Yvonne in realisation. "The light begins to dawn. You didn't want to put this CD on because you didn't want me to know where you got the line you used in that text message to Ritchie."
"I think that moment of recklessness is going to haunt me for ever," Said Karen darkly.
"I've never pulled with a song lyric before," Said Yvonne, "It's certainly different." As they ate their way through Karen's light, fluffy creation with some salad and chilled white wine, Yvonne wondered how she could make Karen forget about all that Ritchie had said in court on Monday. Karen seemed to be sinking further and further in to depression. She didn't eat more than half of her meal, and was extremely quiet as they washed up. As Yvonne scrubbed at the omelette pan and Karen leaned passed her to put the plates back in the cupboard, Yvonne said quietly,
"Talk to me?" Karen closed the cupboard door and said,
"There's nothing to talk about." Yvonne simply gave her a look that clearly said bollocks. Yvonne put the pan in the drainer and let the water out of the sink. Taking the teatowel from Karen to dry her hands, she simply waited.
"I feel so cheap, and pathetic and, degraded," Said Karen, in a tone of such self-loathing that Yvonne turned Karen to face her. There was a look of such anguish on her face that it made Yvonne instantly want to hold her and take all the pain away.
"Do you really think I'd take a blind bit of notice of Ritchie's idea of recrimination?" Said Yvonne.
"You'd be hard put not too," Replied Karen.
"Do you think I'd still be here if anything he'd said had made the slightest bit of difference to how I feel about you?" Asked Yvonne. Karen evaded the question.
"I wouldn't mind," she said, "But everything he said about me was true."
"So?" Said Yvonne. "It doesn't mean you're the only one who's ever thrown themselves at a bloke. We've all done it at one time or another. Jesus, at least you've never paid for it from the likes of Ajit Kahn and numerous others because you were inside and couldn't get any."
"So, it doesn't put you off me?" Asked Karen, praying it wouldn't.
"No, of course not," Said Yvonne with a smile. She moved forward and put her arms round Karen. "Listen, I'm still here because you're stunning, you're funny, you've got the most erotic voice I ever heard, and because I think I'm falling in love with you." Then, at Karen's slightly wide-eyed expression she said, "But don't tell anyone I said that, or they'll think Yvonne Atkins has gone soft in her old age." Karen smiled. As their lips met, Karen wondered why they'd taken so long to do this. She half wished she'd done something about her burgeoning feelings for Yvonne sooner.
"What would really relax you?" Asked Yvonne softly. Karen found herself leaning against the worktop with Yvonne nibbling at her lower lip.
"A long soak in a bubble bath with you might just be the answer," She finally said, in that sultry, sexy tone that made Yvonne's senses tingle in anticipation.
"Sounds like a good idea," Replied Yvonne, taking Karen's hand and leading her out of the kitchen.
As they lay in the warm, scented water, with the soft sounds of Maggie Riley coming from the lounge, Karen could slowly feel the tension ebbing away. Yvonne was gently easing the stress out of Karen's muscles as Karen lay in her arms.
"So," Karen said as she reached out for her glass of wine. "Sylvia was right when she told me she thought all your solicitors weren't genuine." Yvonne grinned.
"Yeah, it was just her bad luck she picked on the real lawyer instead of the fake one."
"But why do it if there was so much risk?" Yvonne thought about this for a minute. "Apart from the obvious," Put in Karen.
"I think I was bored," Said Yvonne finally. "That's what really drives most cons mad. Not just the total lack of privacy or complete non-existence of control over your own life, but the endless hours to do sod all but think."
"So how did you occupy your time?" Asked Karen, at the same time knowing she probably wouldn't get all the answers.
"Well," Said Yvonne with a little grin. "As governor of G wing, there really are some things you shouldn't know."
"At least tell me about that phone sex thing you had going?" Yvonne looked highly affronted.
"How do you know that was me?" Karen laughed at the look of mock mortification on Yvonne's face.
"Because no way could the Julies have set it up on their own. It would have taken a brain like yours."
"We called ourselves Babes Behind Bars." Karen almost choked on another swig of wine. "Oh, yeah," Said Yvonne, thoroughly enjoying Karen's moment of enlightenment. "Babs advertised us on the net."
"Jesus," Said Karen, "I swear they don't get up to half as much now you're not there."
"The trick is knowing just how far you can go," Said Yvonne looking serious again. "I suppose that was a thing born of practice." She sounded almost melancholic, as if she really did regret a lot of her former life.
"Like you said the other day," Said Karen, trying to put Yvonne at her ease once more, "There isn't much I don't know about you. I have no doubts that there is the odd big thing that I'm not aware of, but right now, I don't need to know them. Probably the most important thing I know about you is that you don't do anything without a good reason." Yvonne was touched by the trust Karen clearly had in her. She just hoped she could live up to it. Karen lifted her head from where it had been resting on Yvonne's shoulder and kissed her. Yvonne could feel the faintest hint of pure arousal igniting deep inside her. She tentatively allowed a finger to trace the curve of Karen's left breast. Karen's reaction was evident in the sudden pinnacle of her nipple.
"You're so beautiful," Murmured Yvonne.
"That's the wine talking," Replied Karen, her voice husky with arousal. Then Karen did something that made Yvonne hold her breath in awe of what she was seeing. Karen was gently caressing her own breast, in a manner so wickedly sinful that Yvonne immediately thought it should be made illegal.
"This is what I was doing, last Wednesday as it happens, that really got me thinking in that way about you."
"Are you serious?" Asked Yvonne, quite unable to take her eyes away from Karen's wandering hand.
"This, and other things you can work out for yourself," Karen added.
"Jesus," Said Yvonne. "Do you have any idea how sexy that is?"
"Maybe I'm trying to find out what turns you on," Said Karen, locking eyes with Yvonne.
"Oh really," Commented Yvonne. "You're pretty successful so far." Karen had previously made no attempt to allow her hands to wander at will over Yvonne's warm, supple body, because on Sunday Yvonne had said that she currently didn't want Karen to touch her in that way. Yvonne was more grateful than she knew how to express at Karen's respect of her caution in this matter. But those slight nerves appeared to have dissipated. She took Karen's hand and led it to her breast. Karen's eyes held the question of are you sure, and Yvonne simply nodded. Ever since she'd seen the glorious picture that was Yvonne's body on Sunday morning, Karen had been wanting to traverse its curves, to find out what delights this body might hold for her. As she gently did to Yvonne what she'd moments earlier been doing to herself, Karen was excited by the whole newness of what she was touching. The thing to really hit home with Yvonne was the way Karen's touch was so gentle yet so sexually charged. No man had ever treated her body with such care, such delicacy.
"Let's go to bed," Murmured Yvonne after a while, thinking that she just might want whatever else Karen had to offer.
They got out of the bath and dried off, all the time either kissing or touching. As they moved in to Karen's bedroom, Yvonne turned them to face the full-length mirror.
"Get an eyeful of that," She said with a smirk. Karen gazed at their reflection.
"You're just too stunning for your own good," Said Karen. When they lay in her large bed, their hands were everywhere. If was as if Karen's sole intention was to commit every rib, every pleasure point, every inch of Yvonne's body to memory. She kissed her way down Yvonne's neck, nibbling at the point where a strong pulse came up to meet her, almost as if Karen were putting her claim, her mark on this beautiful woman. Karen kissed a lingering trail down to Yvonne's right nipple, where she introduced her to the delights of someone who, from her numerous exploits with men, knew how to keep her teeth well out of harm's way. The significance of this didn't go entirely unnoticed by Yvonne.
"I'm not going to ask where you learnt to be so good at that," She said , and Karen could tell by her voice that she was certainly doing something right. But when she traced the curve of Yvonne's hip and mapped gentle circles on her thigh, Yvonne's whole body seemed to retreat. There was barely any physical sign of this, but somehow Karen just knew she'd done something wrong. Karen moved almost completely away from her, just lying next to Yvonne with her right arm cradling her as it had been doing all along.
"Jesus," Said Yvonne in surprise. "You're very perceptive."
"I believe they call it female intuition," Said Karen. Yvonne stayed quiet.
"I'm sorry," Yvonne said miserably.
"Don't be," Said Karen gently. "Maybe you're not as ready for this as you thought you were."
"I feel like a defective bloke," Said Yvonne, clearly furious with herself. "In here," She said, tapping the side of her head, "I really want this. I think my body's just not used to the feminine touch."
"Would you like a massage?" Asked Karen, "It might relax you." A broad smile crept over Yvonne's face.
"I haven't had one of those in years," She said, thinking this would probably do the trick. Karen got out of bed and walked over to her dressing table, returning with a bottle of massage oil.
"Turn over," She said, knowing she was going to enjoy doing this for Yvonne. When Karen opened the bottle and poured some of the oil on to her hand, the seductive, sexy aroma of sandalwood permeated the air. As she leaned over to place the bottle on the bedside cabinet, Yvonne could feel the softness of Karen's breasts briefly making contact with her skin. Karen began to knead the muscles at the base of Yvonne's neck, gradually smoothing the oil out to her shoulders. Yvonne writhed luxuriously as Karen encountered the occasional knots of tense muscle.
"You're a genius at this," Said Yvonne, thinking this had been Karen's best idea this evening.
"Tell me what you like," Said Karen, reaching again for the bottle of massage oil. "If you thought I would do absolutely anything for you, what would it be?" Yvonne laughed.
"Now you're asking," She said, trying to give herself time to formulate an answer.
"It can't be that bad," Said Karen with a grin. As she moved down to the middle of Yvonne's back, she occasionally allowed her hands to drift round to caress the underside of Yvonne's breasts.
"You might not want to do this," Said Yvonne, now that Karen's hands were slowly loosening the muscles at the base of her spine.
"I'll try most things once," Said Karen with a smile.
"Would you try oral?" Asked Yvonne, not sure of the response she would get. Karen thought all her dreams had come true at once.
"I certainly would," She said, her hands progressing to the backs of Yvonne's thighs. By this time, Yvonne was so relaxed that she felt as if all her bones had simultaneously dissolved. She felt like her insides and her outer skin had become one glorious, bubbling cauldron of desire.
When Karen put the top back on the bottle, and Yvonne turned over, they simply gazed at each other. Karen thought that Yvonne really did look good enough to eat. When Karen began kissing her, she realised immediately by the passion Yvonne was putting in to that kiss that she was certainly far more turned on than before. Using the oil that was left on her hand, Karen gently massaged Yvonne's right breast, running her thumb over and around the nipple until Yvonne's breathing began to increase. Heartily wishing there was a way she could simultaneously continue kissing Yvonne, and put her earlier wish in to practice, Karen kissed her way down Yvonne's torso, giving attention to every rib she passed. When she reached the level where hip meets thigh, she had to swap hands in order to continue giving Yvonne's nipples maximum attention. This was something Yvonne clearly liked, and Karen didn't want to stop doing it. She kissed a trail along Yvonne's thigh, at first avoiding her main goal, but returning to it along the other thigh. Karen found to her delight that Yvonne was totally shaved. She traced a forefinger over the silky, soft skin under which Yvonne's clit was currently hiding. Knowing her right hand would definitely be better at this, Karen again swapped hands on Yvonne's cleavage. At the first gentle caress of Karen's finger on her clit, Yvonne groaned in pure ecstasy, abandoning herself over to whatever Karen would do to her. Karen continued gently stroking Yvonne's clit while she kissed her way along her hip bone, eventually replacing her finger with her tongue. Yvonne thought she was in heaven. Like most women, it had been her experience that the vast majority of men won't even contemplate giving a woman what they so readily expected for themselves. Yet here was Karen, experiencing her first time of making love to a woman, and eagerly trying something so new without a care in the world, except for how good she was making it for Yvonne. If Yvonne had earlier only thought she was in love with Karen, she now knew this to be a certainty. Charlie had been good, Yvonne would never deny that, but no-one, except maybe Ajit Kahn and the others she'd paid, had ever cared so entirely about her pleasure. As Karen ran her tongue over and around Yvonne's clit, she decided this was something she could certainly do on a regular basis. She knew she had a lot to learn about what really made Yvonne tick, but she knew it was going to be fun finding out. As her tongue swirled around Yvonne's entrance, Karen was pleasantly surprised. It seemed that the taste of a woman far outweighed what any man could ever come up with. She thought that she could easily never get enough of Yvonne's subtle flavour, but with men she'd usually tried to let them only go so far. She returned her tongue to Yvonne's clit and gently inched two fingers inside her. Yvonne seemed to melt at her touch. Karen gently explored Yvonne's internal walls, looking for Graffenberg's greatest discovery. She knew when she'd found it because Yvonne gasped. Karen teased this spot over and over again, until Yvonne's breath was coming in short, sharp gasps. Realising there was room for it, Karen slipped in a third finger and half withdrew and returned her hand, making sure to graze Yvonne's G spot every time. This, combined with her tongue still moving back and forth over her clit, served to push Yvonne up to the top of her sexual wave. Yvonne's whole body tensed as she hovered on the peak, teeth clamped down on her lip to prevent any sound from escaping. Then, as her orgasm finally came crashing down on her, Yvonne thought she might drown in the flood of feelings that were being turned on like lights on a Christmas tree. Her internal muscles had almost crushed Karen's fingers, and long after Karen had removed her hand, her muscles twitched as if looking for the source of all their dreams.
Yvonne lay, utterly satiated and watched as Karen moved back to lie down beside her. Karen just gazed at her, a soft smile lighting her eyes and turning up the corners of her mouth.
"Wow!" Said Karen, grinning widely. "It must have been good to make you lost for words." Yvonne laughed with that self-satisfied smile that only accompanies the afterglow.
"Do you have any idea how fantastic that was?" She asked Karen, her voice slightly deeper than normal.
"Judging by the way you all but crushed my hand," Said Karen, flexing her fingers, "I'm fairly sure you enjoyed it." She said this with such a straight face that Yvonne couldn't help laughing.
"Talk about the bleedin understatement of the century, you were amazing," She finished softly.
"Good," Said Karen, leaning forward to kiss her. Yvonne could taste a faint hint of herself on Karen's lips and thought that if Karen tasted anything like this, she wouldn't mind giving that a go some day soon.
"You've got a hell of a squeeze," Said Karen with a grin.
"Yeah," Said Yvonne with a little laugh. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you that one." They lay, holding each other in contented silence, until Yvonne shivered, the heat of her orgasm having worn off. Karen pulled the sheet back over them.
"I take it you're staying?" Said Karen, noticing it was getting on for eleven thirty.
"Aside from the fact I've got no reason not to," Said Yvonne, "I don't think I've got the energy to move." Karen laughed huskily.
"It's nice to know I can wear you out," She said with a smile. As Karen watched Yvonne slowly fall asleep, and listened to the occasional car pass in the street, she knew without doubt that this is where she wanted to be, what she wanted her life to be. She'd never dreamt that she would come to feel so much for this woman who, only just before the fire last year, had torn a strip off her for sleeping with her son. But here they were, sleeping in the same bed, after some of the most incredible sex Karen had ever been part of, and gradually beginning something that Karen hoped would give them both the security they so badly needed.
Jo was dead on her feet. That day's cross examination had completely taken it out of her. She leaned against the wall outside the court and searched in her handbag for her faithful nicotine companions. Finding only an empty packet, she briefly thought she might cry with tiredness. George appeared through the doors and took note of Jo's fruitless searching.
"That's the only downside of smoking," George said, holding out her packet, "When you run out of them." Jo greatfully took one and lit up.
"Much as I hate to admit it," Continued George, "I was impressed at your performance today." This was a real complement from George, and Jo knew it'd taken a lot for her to say it.
"Thank you," She replied quietly. They watched as a green MG sports car pulled in to the carpark and came to a stop next to a red Farari. As Karen Betts got out and moved towards them, they both assumed the obvious that Karen had come to meet Yvonne. Karen walked up the steps and greeted Jo with,
"How did it go?" Jo took a long drag.
"I think fairly successful might describe it," Jo replied. There came a snort of laughter from George. She ditched her cigarette and opened one of the doors to go back in, but turned to face Karen.
"I would stay and tell you just how successful Jo was today," Said George, "But as we're crossing swords tomorrow, it would be slightly unethical of me." As George moved through the door, they were joined by the others. On seeing Jo, Cassie said,
"If I'm ever in court again, will you defend me?" Jo smiled.
"It'd be a pleasure."
"I could have done with you a few years ago," Said Yvonne, giving her a broad smile.
"I liked what you did with the OHP," Said Cassie, the only one of them really familiar with such things.
"Let's just say that was a last minute wave of inspiration."
"Got Snowball going though," Said Cassie, "And at least now the jury can see how she reeled everyone in." Me included, thought Karen.
As they all walked towards their cars, Karen said to Yvonne,
"Do you feel like coming home with me? Ever since Sylvia found out about what happened with Ritchie, she's been insufferable. She's supposed to be escorting Snowball tomorrow, but I've half a mind to ban her from court. I could really do with some company." Yvonne looked at her. The strain of having to watch Snowball Merriman defend herself had got to both of them.
"Yeah, okay," Said Yvonne, "It probably wouldn't do me and Lauren any harm to have some space from each other."
"Have you still not made up after what happened on Monday?"
"Oh, we're speaking," Replied Yvonne sardonically, "But only the bare necessities." Yvonne dug in her pocket and handed Lauren the car keys.
"I might be home later," She said, hoping Lauren wouldn't comment on it.
"Nice to see she hasn't lost her touch," Said Lauren acidly. Yvonne took a deep breath, about to say something in return, but then thought better of it.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Called Cassie fondly, trying to take the sting out of Lauren's words. When she joined Roisin in their car, Cassie said, "There's going to be a lot of problems there, which is the last thing Yvonne and Karen need."
"Do you realise just how peculiar that sounds?" Said Roisin. "Saying Yvonne and Karen like that."
"I know," Said Cassie smiling. "They look good together, and Lauren hates the very idea of it."
"It's exactly the same as Michael and Niamh were with you,"
"But they're children," Said Cassie in disgust. "Lauren's twenty four for god's sake."
"It makes no difference," Said Roisin, clearly speaking from experience. "She still can't handle the fact that someone else is making her mother happy."
As Karen started the engine, with Yvonne sitting beside her, she switched on the CD player.
"I think music's the only thing that's going to work today," She said.
"I've got this," Said Yvonne with a smile as Heart's music filled the car. As it was still blazing with heat, Karen opened all the windows and the sunroof. The full-bodied voices of the two women began slowly to eat away at the tension surrounding Karen's soul. She could never remain wholly wound up when listening to their outpouring of everything from lust to anger. Just now, the slightly raucous edge to some of their songs was exactly what she needed. As they sat at interminable traffic lights, Karen cursed having to drive through London's rush hour. At least when she was at Larkhall, she could always work late so as to avoid this true embodiment of all life's irritations. As she again paused to allow a stream of cars to pass in front of her, a man looking no older than twenty-five, leered at them, clearly liking these two sensationally attractive women in what had to be a very expensive car. Karen gave him an incredibly rude hand gesture which made Yvonne grin. As the line of cars they were in moved forward, Karen flicked the CD to the angriest track on it. When Yvonne heard it, she smiled in recognition. As the words began, Yvonne joined Karen in pouring scorn on the male population as a whole.
"I'm so tired of these men trying to impress me with nothing." They were both equally surprised to hear the other's voice. They exchanged a grin in the driving mirror. It was noticeable how they both dropped an octave when the singer went too high. When they reached the end of the second chorus, Karen's face was flushed and Yvonne laughed.
"I feel better after that," Said Karen, feeling some of the tension go out of her.
"Yeah, me too," Said Yvonne, surprised that putting her voice to such an angry song had felt so therapeutic. When they reached Karen's flat, she ejected the CD and took it in with her. Yvonne had never seen Karen's place before, and she was pleasantly surprised. The wide, airy lounge had a balcony at one end and wide windows looking out on to the street at the other. Karen liked minimal furniture, a table and chairs near to the balcony doors and a sofa and chairs round the television. Yvonne spied a small computer in one corner, and a stereo in another. There was the door to the kitchen at one side, and opposite, a small passage that clearly led to bedroom and bathroom. Karen went round opening windows and doors, to let in the sun and the early evening breeze. She poured them both a large scotch on ice and sank gratefully in to the sofa and lit a cigarette. Yvonne walked round, examining her books and CD's and a couple of pictures of Ross.
"He's a good-looking kid," Yvonne observed.
"Oh, I know," Said Karen, "Looks as innocent as the day he was born. It's just a shame it only goes skin deep." Karen was watching her with a soft smile on her face.
"Sorry," Said Yvonne, "I'm a bit of a nosy cow when it comes to other people's houses."
"Be my guest," Said Karen, feeling that she could get used to Yvonne being in her space.
"I didn't know you were a fan of Patricia Cornwell," Said Yvonne looking at Karen's bookcase.
"Oh yes. Kay Scarpetta's a bit of a hero of mine. She deals with thoroughly irritating men, psychopaths and dead bodies on a regular basis, and still manages to look sensational."
"Sounds a bit like you," Said Yvonne with a smile. Karen laughed.
"I'm waiting for her new one to come out. It's due out in October, so I hope riotous inmates and strike-hungry officers can wait a week before kicking off."
"I wouldn't bet on it," Said Yvonne with a grin. Karen picked the remote control off the coffee table and flicked on the stereo, and smartly turned it off again when she heard the unmistakable sounds of Beautiful South.
"Leave it on," Said Yvonne. "I like them." Despite her better judgment, Karen did so.
"Are you hungry?" Asked Karen, moving towards the kitchen, wanting anything to take her mind off the words she was sure Yvonne would hear.
"Not hugely," Said Yvonne, still looking at Karen's CD's. Karen rummaged in the fridge, and as she really needed to go shopping, she decided on omelettes. Retrieving ham, cheese and mushrooms, together with a box of eggs, she began chopping. Yvonne came and stood in the kitchen doorway.
"Do you want me to do anything?"
"No thank you." Yvonne thought she could detect a return of the tension that Karen had exuded for the last couple of days. She walked out on to the balcony, wondering if Karen wasn't liking the invasion of her space as much as she'd made out, but this was ridiculous. Yvonne knew one thing for certain, if Karen ever had a problem with anything between them, she'd say so. Yvonne allowed the words of the man and woman of Beautiful South to wash over her. They were singing now about Greta Garbo.
"God help the actress who doesn't know the script." Yvonne frowned at the early evening sun. Snowball Merriman had known her script all right, to the letter. It was amazing how she'd switched personas all the way through her testimony, today and yesterday. First, the American porn movie star who'd had them all on a string, replaced alternately with the innocent, hard-done-by northern girl who'd been in over her head since the beginning.
When Yvonne walked back in to the lounge, she saw Karen putting cutlery and glasses on the table. As Karen was about to put down the second wineglass, Yvonne suddenly began to take notice of what the woman on the CD was now singing.
"Not much a door can do but open or close, but those things are above doors. Not much legs can do but open or close, but those things are above us whores." Karen's hand had been suspended in midair, but as soon as the song moved in to the chorus, she put the glass down and looked up at Yvonne.
"I see," Said Yvonne in realisation. "The light begins to dawn. You didn't want to put this CD on because you didn't want me to know where you got the line you used in that text message to Ritchie."
"I think that moment of recklessness is going to haunt me for ever," Said Karen darkly.
"I've never pulled with a song lyric before," Said Yvonne, "It's certainly different." As they ate their way through Karen's light, fluffy creation with some salad and chilled white wine, Yvonne wondered how she could make Karen forget about all that Ritchie had said in court on Monday. Karen seemed to be sinking further and further in to depression. She didn't eat more than half of her meal, and was extremely quiet as they washed up. As Yvonne scrubbed at the omelette pan and Karen leaned passed her to put the plates back in the cupboard, Yvonne said quietly,
"Talk to me?" Karen closed the cupboard door and said,
"There's nothing to talk about." Yvonne simply gave her a look that clearly said bollocks. Yvonne put the pan in the drainer and let the water out of the sink. Taking the teatowel from Karen to dry her hands, she simply waited.
"I feel so cheap, and pathetic and, degraded," Said Karen, in a tone of such self-loathing that Yvonne turned Karen to face her. There was a look of such anguish on her face that it made Yvonne instantly want to hold her and take all the pain away.
"Do you really think I'd take a blind bit of notice of Ritchie's idea of recrimination?" Said Yvonne.
"You'd be hard put not too," Replied Karen.
"Do you think I'd still be here if anything he'd said had made the slightest bit of difference to how I feel about you?" Asked Yvonne. Karen evaded the question.
"I wouldn't mind," she said, "But everything he said about me was true."
"So?" Said Yvonne. "It doesn't mean you're the only one who's ever thrown themselves at a bloke. We've all done it at one time or another. Jesus, at least you've never paid for it from the likes of Ajit Kahn and numerous others because you were inside and couldn't get any."
"So, it doesn't put you off me?" Asked Karen, praying it wouldn't.
"No, of course not," Said Yvonne with a smile. She moved forward and put her arms round Karen. "Listen, I'm still here because you're stunning, you're funny, you've got the most erotic voice I ever heard, and because I think I'm falling in love with you." Then, at Karen's slightly wide-eyed expression she said, "But don't tell anyone I said that, or they'll think Yvonne Atkins has gone soft in her old age." Karen smiled. As their lips met, Karen wondered why they'd taken so long to do this. She half wished she'd done something about her burgeoning feelings for Yvonne sooner.
"What would really relax you?" Asked Yvonne softly. Karen found herself leaning against the worktop with Yvonne nibbling at her lower lip.
"A long soak in a bubble bath with you might just be the answer," She finally said, in that sultry, sexy tone that made Yvonne's senses tingle in anticipation.
"Sounds like a good idea," Replied Yvonne, taking Karen's hand and leading her out of the kitchen.
As they lay in the warm, scented water, with the soft sounds of Maggie Riley coming from the lounge, Karen could slowly feel the tension ebbing away. Yvonne was gently easing the stress out of Karen's muscles as Karen lay in her arms.
"So," Karen said as she reached out for her glass of wine. "Sylvia was right when she told me she thought all your solicitors weren't genuine." Yvonne grinned.
"Yeah, it was just her bad luck she picked on the real lawyer instead of the fake one."
"But why do it if there was so much risk?" Yvonne thought about this for a minute. "Apart from the obvious," Put in Karen.
"I think I was bored," Said Yvonne finally. "That's what really drives most cons mad. Not just the total lack of privacy or complete non-existence of control over your own life, but the endless hours to do sod all but think."
"So how did you occupy your time?" Asked Karen, at the same time knowing she probably wouldn't get all the answers.
"Well," Said Yvonne with a little grin. "As governor of G wing, there really are some things you shouldn't know."
"At least tell me about that phone sex thing you had going?" Yvonne looked highly affronted.
"How do you know that was me?" Karen laughed at the look of mock mortification on Yvonne's face.
"Because no way could the Julies have set it up on their own. It would have taken a brain like yours."
"We called ourselves Babes Behind Bars." Karen almost choked on another swig of wine. "Oh, yeah," Said Yvonne, thoroughly enjoying Karen's moment of enlightenment. "Babs advertised us on the net."
"Jesus," Said Karen, "I swear they don't get up to half as much now you're not there."
"The trick is knowing just how far you can go," Said Yvonne looking serious again. "I suppose that was a thing born of practice." She sounded almost melancholic, as if she really did regret a lot of her former life.
"Like you said the other day," Said Karen, trying to put Yvonne at her ease once more, "There isn't much I don't know about you. I have no doubts that there is the odd big thing that I'm not aware of, but right now, I don't need to know them. Probably the most important thing I know about you is that you don't do anything without a good reason." Yvonne was touched by the trust Karen clearly had in her. She just hoped she could live up to it. Karen lifted her head from where it had been resting on Yvonne's shoulder and kissed her. Yvonne could feel the faintest hint of pure arousal igniting deep inside her. She tentatively allowed a finger to trace the curve of Karen's left breast. Karen's reaction was evident in the sudden pinnacle of her nipple.
"You're so beautiful," Murmured Yvonne.
"That's the wine talking," Replied Karen, her voice husky with arousal. Then Karen did something that made Yvonne hold her breath in awe of what she was seeing. Karen was gently caressing her own breast, in a manner so wickedly sinful that Yvonne immediately thought it should be made illegal.
"This is what I was doing, last Wednesday as it happens, that really got me thinking in that way about you."
"Are you serious?" Asked Yvonne, quite unable to take her eyes away from Karen's wandering hand.
"This, and other things you can work out for yourself," Karen added.
"Jesus," Said Yvonne. "Do you have any idea how sexy that is?"
"Maybe I'm trying to find out what turns you on," Said Karen, locking eyes with Yvonne.
"Oh really," Commented Yvonne. "You're pretty successful so far." Karen had previously made no attempt to allow her hands to wander at will over Yvonne's warm, supple body, because on Sunday Yvonne had said that she currently didn't want Karen to touch her in that way. Yvonne was more grateful than she knew how to express at Karen's respect of her caution in this matter. But those slight nerves appeared to have dissipated. She took Karen's hand and led it to her breast. Karen's eyes held the question of are you sure, and Yvonne simply nodded. Ever since she'd seen the glorious picture that was Yvonne's body on Sunday morning, Karen had been wanting to traverse its curves, to find out what delights this body might hold for her. As she gently did to Yvonne what she'd moments earlier been doing to herself, Karen was excited by the whole newness of what she was touching. The thing to really hit home with Yvonne was the way Karen's touch was so gentle yet so sexually charged. No man had ever treated her body with such care, such delicacy.
"Let's go to bed," Murmured Yvonne after a while, thinking that she just might want whatever else Karen had to offer.
They got out of the bath and dried off, all the time either kissing or touching. As they moved in to Karen's bedroom, Yvonne turned them to face the full-length mirror.
"Get an eyeful of that," She said with a smirk. Karen gazed at their reflection.
"You're just too stunning for your own good," Said Karen. When they lay in her large bed, their hands were everywhere. If was as if Karen's sole intention was to commit every rib, every pleasure point, every inch of Yvonne's body to memory. She kissed her way down Yvonne's neck, nibbling at the point where a strong pulse came up to meet her, almost as if Karen were putting her claim, her mark on this beautiful woman. Karen kissed a lingering trail down to Yvonne's right nipple, where she introduced her to the delights of someone who, from her numerous exploits with men, knew how to keep her teeth well out of harm's way. The significance of this didn't go entirely unnoticed by Yvonne.
"I'm not going to ask where you learnt to be so good at that," She said , and Karen could tell by her voice that she was certainly doing something right. But when she traced the curve of Yvonne's hip and mapped gentle circles on her thigh, Yvonne's whole body seemed to retreat. There was barely any physical sign of this, but somehow Karen just knew she'd done something wrong. Karen moved almost completely away from her, just lying next to Yvonne with her right arm cradling her as it had been doing all along.
"Jesus," Said Yvonne in surprise. "You're very perceptive."
"I believe they call it female intuition," Said Karen. Yvonne stayed quiet.
"I'm sorry," Yvonne said miserably.
"Don't be," Said Karen gently. "Maybe you're not as ready for this as you thought you were."
"I feel like a defective bloke," Said Yvonne, clearly furious with herself. "In here," She said, tapping the side of her head, "I really want this. I think my body's just not used to the feminine touch."
"Would you like a massage?" Asked Karen, "It might relax you." A broad smile crept over Yvonne's face.
"I haven't had one of those in years," She said, thinking this would probably do the trick. Karen got out of bed and walked over to her dressing table, returning with a bottle of massage oil.
"Turn over," She said, knowing she was going to enjoy doing this for Yvonne. When Karen opened the bottle and poured some of the oil on to her hand, the seductive, sexy aroma of sandalwood permeated the air. As she leaned over to place the bottle on the bedside cabinet, Yvonne could feel the softness of Karen's breasts briefly making contact with her skin. Karen began to knead the muscles at the base of Yvonne's neck, gradually smoothing the oil out to her shoulders. Yvonne writhed luxuriously as Karen encountered the occasional knots of tense muscle.
"You're a genius at this," Said Yvonne, thinking this had been Karen's best idea this evening.
"Tell me what you like," Said Karen, reaching again for the bottle of massage oil. "If you thought I would do absolutely anything for you, what would it be?" Yvonne laughed.
"Now you're asking," She said, trying to give herself time to formulate an answer.
"It can't be that bad," Said Karen with a grin. As she moved down to the middle of Yvonne's back, she occasionally allowed her hands to drift round to caress the underside of Yvonne's breasts.
"You might not want to do this," Said Yvonne, now that Karen's hands were slowly loosening the muscles at the base of her spine.
"I'll try most things once," Said Karen with a smile.
"Would you try oral?" Asked Yvonne, not sure of the response she would get. Karen thought all her dreams had come true at once.
"I certainly would," She said, her hands progressing to the backs of Yvonne's thighs. By this time, Yvonne was so relaxed that she felt as if all her bones had simultaneously dissolved. She felt like her insides and her outer skin had become one glorious, bubbling cauldron of desire.
When Karen put the top back on the bottle, and Yvonne turned over, they simply gazed at each other. Karen thought that Yvonne really did look good enough to eat. When Karen began kissing her, she realised immediately by the passion Yvonne was putting in to that kiss that she was certainly far more turned on than before. Using the oil that was left on her hand, Karen gently massaged Yvonne's right breast, running her thumb over and around the nipple until Yvonne's breathing began to increase. Heartily wishing there was a way she could simultaneously continue kissing Yvonne, and put her earlier wish in to practice, Karen kissed her way down Yvonne's torso, giving attention to every rib she passed. When she reached the level where hip meets thigh, she had to swap hands in order to continue giving Yvonne's nipples maximum attention. This was something Yvonne clearly liked, and Karen didn't want to stop doing it. She kissed a trail along Yvonne's thigh, at first avoiding her main goal, but returning to it along the other thigh. Karen found to her delight that Yvonne was totally shaved. She traced a forefinger over the silky, soft skin under which Yvonne's clit was currently hiding. Knowing her right hand would definitely be better at this, Karen again swapped hands on Yvonne's cleavage. At the first gentle caress of Karen's finger on her clit, Yvonne groaned in pure ecstasy, abandoning herself over to whatever Karen would do to her. Karen continued gently stroking Yvonne's clit while she kissed her way along her hip bone, eventually replacing her finger with her tongue. Yvonne thought she was in heaven. Like most women, it had been her experience that the vast majority of men won't even contemplate giving a woman what they so readily expected for themselves. Yet here was Karen, experiencing her first time of making love to a woman, and eagerly trying something so new without a care in the world, except for how good she was making it for Yvonne. If Yvonne had earlier only thought she was in love with Karen, she now knew this to be a certainty. Charlie had been good, Yvonne would never deny that, but no-one, except maybe Ajit Kahn and the others she'd paid, had ever cared so entirely about her pleasure. As Karen ran her tongue over and around Yvonne's clit, she decided this was something she could certainly do on a regular basis. She knew she had a lot to learn about what really made Yvonne tick, but she knew it was going to be fun finding out. As her tongue swirled around Yvonne's entrance, Karen was pleasantly surprised. It seemed that the taste of a woman far outweighed what any man could ever come up with. She thought that she could easily never get enough of Yvonne's subtle flavour, but with men she'd usually tried to let them only go so far. She returned her tongue to Yvonne's clit and gently inched two fingers inside her. Yvonne seemed to melt at her touch. Karen gently explored Yvonne's internal walls, looking for Graffenberg's greatest discovery. She knew when she'd found it because Yvonne gasped. Karen teased this spot over and over again, until Yvonne's breath was coming in short, sharp gasps. Realising there was room for it, Karen slipped in a third finger and half withdrew and returned her hand, making sure to graze Yvonne's G spot every time. This, combined with her tongue still moving back and forth over her clit, served to push Yvonne up to the top of her sexual wave. Yvonne's whole body tensed as she hovered on the peak, teeth clamped down on her lip to prevent any sound from escaping. Then, as her orgasm finally came crashing down on her, Yvonne thought she might drown in the flood of feelings that were being turned on like lights on a Christmas tree. Her internal muscles had almost crushed Karen's fingers, and long after Karen had removed her hand, her muscles twitched as if looking for the source of all their dreams.
Yvonne lay, utterly satiated and watched as Karen moved back to lie down beside her. Karen just gazed at her, a soft smile lighting her eyes and turning up the corners of her mouth.
"Wow!" Said Karen, grinning widely. "It must have been good to make you lost for words." Yvonne laughed with that self-satisfied smile that only accompanies the afterglow.
"Do you have any idea how fantastic that was?" She asked Karen, her voice slightly deeper than normal.
"Judging by the way you all but crushed my hand," Said Karen, flexing her fingers, "I'm fairly sure you enjoyed it." She said this with such a straight face that Yvonne couldn't help laughing.
"Talk about the bleedin understatement of the century, you were amazing," She finished softly.
"Good," Said Karen, leaning forward to kiss her. Yvonne could taste a faint hint of herself on Karen's lips and thought that if Karen tasted anything like this, she wouldn't mind giving that a go some day soon.
"You've got a hell of a squeeze," Said Karen with a grin.
"Yeah," Said Yvonne with a little laugh. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you that one." They lay, holding each other in contented silence, until Yvonne shivered, the heat of her orgasm having worn off. Karen pulled the sheet back over them.
"I take it you're staying?" Said Karen, noticing it was getting on for eleven thirty.
"Aside from the fact I've got no reason not to," Said Yvonne, "I don't think I've got the energy to move." Karen laughed huskily.
"It's nice to know I can wear you out," She said with a smile. As Karen watched Yvonne slowly fall asleep, and listened to the occasional car pass in the street, she knew without doubt that this is where she wanted to be, what she wanted her life to be. She'd never dreamt that she would come to feel so much for this woman who, only just before the fire last year, had torn a strip off her for sleeping with her son. But here they were, sleeping in the same bed, after some of the most incredible sex Karen had ever been part of, and gradually beginning something that Karen hoped would give them both the security they so badly needed.