Part 16

Jack said that he had saved the disc to his computer and would like to share it with some friends of his and we told him that he would need to contact Salman to get his permission but we were sure that Salman would be happy with it as long as it improved his chances for a successful tour. I gave them the name of the venue he managed.

I screeched to a stop, the engine running.

My heart was in my mouth.

There, in front of us were no less than three police cars, a police van and an ambulance.

Christmas came and went in a flash. The county workers did a sterling job in keeping the main roads clear of the snow that started falling on Christmas Eve and didn’t give up until the 27th.
The snowploughs had kept the interstate just about passable but thankfully most folk who had to travel had taken heed of the weather warnings and had completed their journeys well before the storm hit us.

Pas de Deux A novel by Bronwen Welsh A Sequel to 'Antonette's Story' Copyright 2021

Chapter 18   The gift

Part 15

Thursday morning I was down at the studio and we listened to the whole album together. The tech had noted the six tracks that would make good duets and had even transcribed the lyrics for me so, when we set up to record, we nailed them by lunch-time.

Roberta Rescued
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

I will admit it, Robert Kradel Junior was a prick, back when he had a prick. But he did not deserve what he got.

Jose Berganza had reason to dislike his boss, but what he did was way beyond that. It became clear to me that there was real hatred on display. Venal, vicious hatred to warrant this level of degradation.

Now there was a distinct down side to folk saying ‘She’s Harriet, Gladys and Pete’s lass. Gladys as has the Dragon at Bearthwaite.

Chapter Twelve

Morning Glory

 
Jenni has something to tell her mother, but she's scared of how she'll react. Can she find the courage to tell her or will she need her twin sister Jessica's help?

Part 14

Monday morning was cool and overcast so after I had showered I put on a plain, but thicker, salwar kameez and boots. I had breakfast and then put on a coat and my chunni to go and find the bus that would take me to the salon.

“Hello, Helen, come in. I take it you’ve heard the news and have come to congratulate us?”

Graphic created by Patricia Marie Allen; background from Pixabay.com,
character photo by Ussama Azam on Unsplash

The Devil’s Due

By Rosemary

Burgess Meredith Phillips was piloting the plane to the island that fateful day. He had been one of the two pilots taking people to and from the island for several years now. This, however, was a different sort of passenger. Not only was it rare that only one passenger was aboard, but this woman was incredibly beautiful and sexy.

He hadn’t asked her name as she boarded the Grumman Widgeon. He wanted to, but as always, he hadn’t had the guts to do so. In fact, any sort of conversation was impossible, as he was completely dumbstruck by her.

Graphic created by Patricia Marie Allen from photos on Pixabay.com

Thorn in the Flesh

By Rosemary

I entered the bar with great trepidation. I hadn’t had any problems in several years of being a woman, but I had just had some terrible news. No, I take that back. It wasn’t terrible at all. It was a relief. I had developed lymphatic cancer, and like every other case, it was ravaging my body.

I was reluctantly taking part in a meeting of eleven other ‘Roses’ while we were at the SWEET (South Western Exposition for the Embetterment of Transpeople) convention. I sat down and started taking in the other Roses there.

Most of them seemed to be much more comfortable in their role as women than I was. I had actually been quite comfortable for many years, but I had never been transgendered. I glanced down at my jeans and western shirt. They were women’s – they had to be. Men’s clothing would have been ridiculous on me.

Pas de Deux A novel by Bronwen Welsh A Sequel to 'Antonette's Story' Copyright 2021

Chapter 16   Coppélia and an unwelcome revelation

After a traumatising prosecution hearing, Susan decides Erica needs a 'pick-me-up'. She takes her to a high class restaurant and a long comforting chat but a surprise awaits both diners.

Thanks to Malady for his help editing and for ideas.

I’d also like to apologize in advance for the bending of physical laws in the following chapter. I am aware of MOND, for those of you who are as well, but I suppose I don't like the theory, so I decided to ignore it in this book. Author’s prerogative, I guess. In my defense, I’ve been watching some lectures from the Royal Institute lately, and maybe it’s gotten me thinking a bit more – sideways?

I have been enjoying some documentaries on gravity also. They were heavy.

To Return Home

2.4

John and Marc got busy maneuvering the ship to a position where we were in line to reconnect with the command center and downstairs section. I wasn't sure I liked the idea, but it seemed to be the only choice, under the circumstances.

Mama was monitoring Amos’ memories while our ship accelerated slightly and drew alongside. At the same time, Daddy was monitoring her very closely, and I think he was ready to pull the plug if anything should go awry. So was I.

“What's happening, Bernie?” Daddy asked.

“Nothing, Vern. All I see happening is a celebration. Some type of praise for the ‘Emperor.’”

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Copyright © 2021 Peregrine
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Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

As I heard the sound of an engine grow fainter, I felt more despair at that moment than I have ever felt in my life.