The aftermath of the 'fire-arms incident' and a brief brush with social services.

The Welsh Mountain Ram 29

Briony... Betrayed wife and mother.
Sion... Her eight-year-old son.
Ellairy... Her nine-month--old daughter.
Arfon... Brionys’ abusive and unfaithful husband.
Dave Cadwalloder... Welsh bachelor hill-farmer.
Jenny and Lassie... Daves’ sheepdog bitches.
Laddie... Daves’ sheepdog.
Jessica and Pansy... Daves’ sows.
Angel... Daves’ mare.
Gabriella (Gabby)... Angels’ foal (Gift to Sion.)
Elsbeth... Briony’s sister.
Daphne... Daves’ ‘girlfriend’
Cledwyn... Farmer further down the valley (Neighbour.)
Blodwen... Cledwyn’s daughter.
Rachel... Daphne’s TV friend.
Shirley... Rachels’ GG wife.
Fajita... The maid.
James & Tara... Rachel’s teenaged children (16 & 15)
Billy and Janet... Manager and accountant at Daphne’s club.
Terry... New Zealand Shepherd.
Wendy Blodwens best friend at school. Also Dave’s friend.
Jane Policewoman at Machynlleth.
Jack Davies Sergeant North Wales Police.

The Ram 29.

At Newtown hospital Daphne and Sion were thoroughly checked over in Casualty and then transferred to observation wards. When Sion’s bruises and lumps were examined again the following day, a social worker was called and Briony got the distinct impression she was being accused of something. At one stage, the paediatrician and the social worker went into a huddle and asked Briony to leave them with the boy. Briony sensed the censure in their expressions and tensed defensively as she sat outside in the corridor.
Whatever they were doing took a long time and Briony found herself getting more and more nervous. She started pacing up and down the corridor then noticed Daphne in another room a few doors down. She knocked softly on the door and Daphne smiled.

“Come in darling. How’s Sion?”

“They’re checking him over again. I don’t like it, they seem to distrust me.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. They checked out all his bruises and their attitude to me seemed to change.”

Daphne sat up and swung her legs out of the bed.

“But why would they distrust you? They know the situation surely.”

“That’s just it. I told them what I knew down in Casualty. I get the feeling they don’t believe me.”

“Have they asked you anything more since yesterday?”

“No. That’s just it. I feel ... you know - accused.”

“Hmmm.” Daphne mused. “They haven’t spoken to me either. Perhaps if we went and told them.”

“Are you allowed out of bed?”

“They’ve just told me I’m in for a couple of days observations. They haven’t said anything about bed-rest or getting up. My clothes are still in that locker. I’ll get dressed right now.”

“You’d best check with the ward sister first.”

Daphne looked askance then slipped a hospital gown over her smock.

“This isn’t a prison; I’m just in for observation. I’ll pop down and see her, her office is at the end of the corridor.”

So saying she slipped on her only shoes and click-clacked purposefully down the corridor. The sister looked up and twisted her pen in her fingers.

“You should be in bed Miss.”

“I didn’t want to drag you away from the paperwork, I’m not a cripple.”

“Very well, what d’you want?”

“It’s not me, it’s my friend Briony. She feels she’s being isolated from Sion.”

The sister fell silent and checked the file.

“Are you connected to the case in any way?”

Daphne almost fell into the chair opposite the desk.

“Case! What ... case? Who said there was a case?”

The sister fell silent then took the file off the desk and placed it in a draw, as she locked it she looked up again.

“I think you’d better talk to the consultant paediatrician.”

“I think you’d better talk to me young lady.”

“There’s no need to take that attitude.”

“There is. You’ve just mentioned the word ‘case’. How come there’s a ‘case’ it’s an open and shut event. The boy was beaten by his father and rescued by me. That by the way is my connection, as you call it, to this case. Have you spoken to the police yet?”

“They’ll be speaking to them later today. If the father is beating the boy, then he will have to be put on the ‘at risk’ register.”

Daphne stared hard at the sister then looked up as the paediatrician entered. He spoke down to Daphne.

“What seems to be the problem Miss?”

“I have no problem but my friend does. She feels you’re isolating her from her son Sion.”

“Do you know the boy?”

Daphne almost exploded with frustrated anger but she breathed deeply and managed to contain her temper.

“Have you spoken to the boy?”

“Uuuhm, I’m asking the questions here.”

“No doctor, sorry to disillusion you, but I’m asking the questions.”

“What d’you mean?”

“I saying, I’m asking the questions. Have you asked the boy about the circumstances surrounding his bruising?”

“Yes. He says his father did them.”

“That’s perfectly correct,” Daphne confirmed, “but are you aware of the full circumstances.”

“We spoke to the mother but there’s always the possibility that she’s covering up for her husband.”

“The possibility?” Daphne pressed with finality adding a seeming incredulity to her question.

“Yes, in abuse cases there’s-“

“Hold it right there Doctor, or rather Mr Padwar.” Daphne studied the doctor’s name tag.

“Firstly we are dealing here with a case of criminal kidnap and deadly force. Have you spoken to the police?”

“Not yet.”

“Then I suggest you do. That boy and I have been severely traumatised by a violent and dangerous criminal, namely that boy’s estranged father. Before you do any further damage to the boy by denying him access to his beloved and compassionate mother, I suggest you contact Sergeant Jack Davies who is station sergeant at Machynlleth.”

“How can you say you were traumatised, there’s not a mark on you.” Mr Padwar challenged.

“Guns were present doctor, and they were discharged! The boy was less than fifteen feet from the barrel of my gun in a confined bedroom! The shot passed just five feet over his head. I suggest you speak to a psychiatrist before you drag some overworked social worker in; oh, and perhaps re-unite him with Briony; she’s the only safe, stable element in the boy’s life at the moment. By the way, has his hearing been checked? I know my ears are still aching and I was the one who fired the gun!”

“Yes. His hearing was checked this morning. There’s some slight temporary impairment but it’s not permanent.”

“Good, then something’s being done correctly. Now I suggest you speak to the police officer who was first on the scene. Here’s his number, use my phone.”

The bemused consultant took the phone and listened to the dialling tone where Daphne had pressed quick-dial. The ensuing conversation told the consultant the whole story and he was red-faced when he returned the phone.

“I owe you an apology Miss Cadwalloder.”

Daphne smiled to express her contentment. She was no longer angry; it was nothing more than overworked staff not getting the whole story. She took the phone gently and glanced over the consultant’s shoulder to indicate Briony standing nervously in the corridor.

“Thank you doctor, but it’s not me that deserves any apology it’s Sion’s mother Briony.”

Mr Padwar span around, approached Briony, apologised and explained how the mistakes had occurred. Briony let out a sob of relief and Daphne watched as she ran as fast as her heels would allow to Sion’s room.

Daphne turned and smiled to the sister.

“Job done I think sister. You can unlock the file now, I’m back to bed were I won’t be a bother anymore.”

The sister grinned and explained somewhat guiltily that ‘yes, they were overworked’ and said she’d send Daphne a cup of tea.

“That’s very kind of you sister, thank you.”

Ten minutes later as Daphne was tapping away on her phone, the sister walked in with tea and biscuits.

“So, now I don’t have to address that file anymore, would you like to tell me what happened over a cup of tea?”

They spent half an hour chatting about the incident while the sister received a deeper insight into transgenderism. She left the room a much more thoughtful woman. Later Briony returned from Sion’s room and hugged Daphne tight.

“You keep working miracles for me, how can I ever repay you.”

Daphne grinned and whispered in her hear.

“By saying yes when we are able to marry.”

Briony gave a squeak of delight.

“That’s already a given and you know it.”

“Yes, but I still like to be reassured now and again. Can you do some shopping for me?”

“Of course. I’m just going into town to buy Sion some underwear.”

Daphne smiled as the sister appeared unexpectedly in the doorway on her normal afternoon round. Briony had not yet noticed the sister standing behind her as Daphne explained.

“Yes darling that’s exactly what I need as well, underwear, size 10 to 12 knicks and a 36 C bra. This bra is all sweaty and as for my panties ... well, since yesterday morning, ugh.”

Briony grinned and retorted.

“Okay darling, as a treat I’ll get you some matching lingerie, frilly lace or plain cotton?”

Daphne was struggling to suppress her amusement as the sister’s eyes widened with disbelief. She replied to Briony in an exagerrated tone.

“Oh the frilliest ones you can find da-arling, you know what us tee-gu-urls are like.”

Briony snorted and turned to leave only to bump into the sister.

“Shaddup!” She grinned, before the sister could speak. Then she strolled off casually to the shops.

The sister stood by Daphne’s bedside grinning.

“You’ve got a good friend there. Not many women would shop for a tranny, though I must say, even in bed without makeup, you pass.”

“Why thank you sister. That’s the nicest thing you could say to one of us. Thank you.”

“She seems very fond of you.”

“She just agreed to marry me when her divorce comes through.”

“Yes. Mr Padwar has told me what the sergeant in Machynlleth told him. You’re a lucky couple. Are you remaining male then ... down there I mean?”

“For now, yes, but sometimes as we get older, some of us realise we’re transgendered.”

“Apparently. The more you talk about it, the more I learn. It’s complicated isn’t it?”

“It’s fluid, well, that’s what I feel. Hard to say. Truth is I don’t know everything there is to know. Complicated seems as good a way to describe it as any other.”

The sister nodded and stood to leave.

“D’you want a sleeping pill? Some do if they’ve been lying on the bed all day.”

“No. I slept well last night, can’t see any reason for not sleeping tonight.

“They’ll probably discharge you the morning after tomorrow. Sleep well.”

“Bye sister, are you on duty tomorrow?”

She nodded and waved a smile as she left. Daphne rooted out the ‘zapper’ and turned on the television. The news contained a reference to the Birmingham gay shootings saying that the police had arrested some people and charged them. Daphne smiled with satisfaction, things were progressing on that front as well. As the news finished, the night sister appeared to make acquaintance with her new patient.

“So,” she smiled as she picked up the clinical record at the end of the bed, “you’re Daphne Cadwalloder our heroine.”

Daphne ‘swaned’ her neck and pulled a wry grin.

“Well hardly a heroine sister. I was armed, he wasn’t.”

“Yes. But he’s got form for GBH; you had to protect the boy.”

“He was beating the boy ... badly; the boy was screaming.”

“They haven’t caught him then, my husband’s in the police.”

“He’ll have to surface some time.”

The sister nodded, changed the drinking water and asked if Daphne wanted anything else.

“No thanks, I’ve got the telly ... oh! Can I use my phone? I need to sort out some business in Birmingham.”

The sister hesitated then nodded.

“Yes. This block is okay. It’s the IC units where the equipment might be affected. Yes, you can use your phone.”

“Oh thanks, and what about my lap-top? Business again I’m afraid.”

“My, you are a busy girl aren’t you?”

“Needs must I’m afraid, people to speak to, meetings to reschedule.”

“Very well, but I don’t want to see you awake after midnight”

“If I’m not sleepy I’ll come and bore you to death at the nursing station.”

“Like hell you will, midnight is when I’m busiest.”

“So am I, normally ... well, at weekends that is. Though this is Thursday but I’ll have to let people know I won’t be there for Saturday.”

“What, midnight, on a Thursday? Who the hell works at midnight on a Thursday?”

“Me for one. As I said, people to talk to and so on.”

“Well, whatever floats your boat. The nurse will be bringing tea around at eight.”

“And biscuits I hope, chocolate hob-nobs.”

“The budget doesn’t run to that.”

“Mine does, can you ask Briony, the mother of Sion, the eight-year-old boy just down the corridor, to come and see me. She can go and buy some for us.”

The sister grinned and left; Briony appeared a few minutes later.

“You should have mentioned them earlier when I bought your knickers.”

“Sorryyyy. Sort of slipped my mind. Please, pretty please. How’s Sion.”

“He’s fine, some of the bruising hurts but otherwise he’s fine. He’s bored though.”

“I’ll have to get him a lap-top, then we can play games online.”

“Not you as well. That’s all he ever did at home.”

“Well there’s not much else he can do cooped up in here. I’ll bet he’s going stir crazy as well.”

“Is there anything else you want?”

Daphne grinned and snuggled down in the bed as she motioned her head suggestively.

“Maybe a remedial cuddle, you know, therapeutic kisses and stuff.”

“Shhh.” Briony scolded her. “They’ll think were lesbians or something.”

Daphne sighed pensively as Briony made her excuses and left to visit the twenty-four hour Tesco’s supermarket.

“I’ll be back before eight. Keep back a cup of tea for me.”

“Speak to the night sister. Oh! And get me a couple of magazines as well please.” Daphne called but Briony was already clicking her heels purposefully down the corridor.

Daphne settled down to sort out the ruined weekend and explain to the staff of The Melancholy Pussy why she wasn’t coming. When Briony returned, Daphne was asleep.

Briony smiled and wagged her head sympathetically.

“Huh. Bloody typical.”

The sister appeared beside her with the tray of tea.

“If she’s sleeping, she needs it. We might as well have these.”

“I left a pack by the nursing station but yes, okay.”

They settled in the visitor chairs and briefly shared a peaceful moment over the tea and biscuits before an alarm went off summoning the sister to the nursing station. Briony returned to Sion’s bed and lay down on the put-you-up, soon she was sleeping as well.
o0o

The general clamour of the early morning routine woke Briony early so she grabbed the opportunity to take an early shower. When she returned she found Sion peering out from under the blankets. When he saw her, he sat up, yawned and grinned at his mother.

“I’m bored.”

“Don’t be silly. You’ve only just woken up, you haven’t even had breakfast yet, how can you be bored. Go and have a shower, I’m going to speak to Daphne. When you’ve finished, I’ll be in Daphne’s room. She’s in room six.”

Sion slid out of bed with only his underpants. As he stood briefly in front of her, Daphne studied the bruises and swore silently.

“Are they sore.”

“Yes. When I told that Mr Padwar, he took a lot of photos.”

“Yes, the casualty consultant also took a lot. They will be used when your father goes to court.”

“He hurt me mummy. Why does he hate me?”

Briony choked up momentarily then croaked.

“I just don’t know darling. He’s a very angry man.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know that either. One day he might say why but he’s never explained why to me.”

“Dave is so different, he doesn’t shout or anything. Are you going to marry him?”

Briony hugged her son tight to her and kissed his bruised forehead. Sion winced and she realised the bruising went deeper than just surface skin. She slackened her hug and then Sion just moulded gratefully into her body. Briony considered the question and swallowed happily as she realised the answer was ‘yes’ with a burning certainty. She confirmed it to her son.

“Yes darling, I’m going to marry him and we’re going to live at Plas Graig Las, but it also means Daphne will be living with us. Are you happy about Daphne?”

“Yes. I love Daphne and she’s very brave.”

“You know if the other children find out at school, they might make fun of you; bully you even.”

“I’ll get Sergeant Davies to stop them.”

Briony nodded with a happy satisfaction. Telling Jack Davies would be the best possible solution. Jack had already proved his impartiality and support.

“That’s exactly the right thing to do, don’t even bother telling the teachers first. Go straight around the police station first, then tell me, then tell the teachers. Now go and get showered and meet me in Daphne’s room. I’ll warn the sister that you’re coming.”

Sion did as bid and Briony stopped at the Nursing station before going in to Daphne who’s face lit up as she appeared.

“Ah. Good morning darling, slept well I hope?” Daphne checked.

Briony nodded and suggested.

“You’d better shower quickly, Sion’s coming around in a mo.”

As Daphne slipped out of bed, Briony savoured Daphne’s slender form with its slight curves and well formed breasts.

‘Yes. Marrying Daphne would mean savouring that attractive body.’ She felt a warm dampness in her knickers and squeezed her thighs together as she concluded, ‘The sooner they got wed, the better.’

While Daphne was showering, Briony read one of the several magazines she had bought Daphne the previous evening. She found an article about a ‘sex change’ and she noted the warnings about hormones. ‘She would have to speak to Daphne about them if she hoped to have Dave’s child.’