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

Chapter 17   Hello Dolly

CHAPTER 54
To my surprise, Tiff wouldn’t talk to me when she first arrived. A small, huddled figure reeking of fear, she almost clung to Kim, who looked at me over the child’s shoulder with a little smile that clearly said “Leave me to deal with her”

“Tiff?”

“Yeah?”

“Going to take you out the back. Quieter there, just us girls, OK?”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. That OK?”

“S’pose so… Is there a door?”

Chapter 33

Over the course of the weekend Mark parents didn’t see him, but at least they felt somewhat secure in the fact that he wasn’t completely isolating himself like it had looked these past few weeks. Lisa came by on Saturday and Sunday spending a big portion of her day over. Passing Mark’s room they heard the occasional moans and creaking of a bed, but then again boys that age just were hormone filled creatures right? It wasn’t anything they even wanted to know or investigate. Giving Mark and his girlfriend their privacy they avoided going upstairs as much as possible.

Michel and Delphine returned to their Devon retreat by train later that afternoon. It had been a long day. Neither of them was in the mood for much small-chat on the train.

Despite the latest episode with her daughters coming to an end, Delphine was still pretty down in the dumps. She would not admit it but the attempt by her daughters to have her declared unfit to manage her life hit her very hard. The effect of seeing them face to face in Verity’s Office was very real and impossible to brush off. Michel was there with her all the way but he knew that it was going to take some time for his wife to return to anywhere near normal.

Byline chapter 2

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.’”

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

Chapter 15   Time passes

Chapter 3

August 30^th, 2021

9 AM

Colonel Johnson sat behind his desk and happily read through the orders he’d gotten from above. The wrecked plane was no longer considered a secret. He was somewhat surprised that the orders came through as quickly as they did, but he wasn’t going to complain about it.

He quickly called Mike and filled him in. As soon as he got off the phone, he knew Mike was going to be making some calls to see if he could figure out anything new.

Mantra (Malibu Comics) has been learning some very surprising details about the last few days. But her informant, Lauren, seems naive about the responsibilities that go along with being an ultra-heroine, which causes Mantra to give her some good advice. But Mantra also needs to find out what her own daughter Evie has been witness to, and that means getting an eight year old to remember some of the most terrifying moments of her entire life.

Erica completes her witness for the prosecution but she still faces the ordeal of interrogation by the defence.

CHAPTER 53
I managed to wrestle down the words that all but shot out of my mouth, because there was so little space between the words ‘Charlie’ and ‘rape’.

“Kim?”

“Yes, Nana?”

Shit. That was getting too well established. Not now, though.

Mouse was enjoying the drive back to New York. She woke up early and checked out before she had to. She could have extended her stay, but there were other things she wanted to do. A smile appears on her face as she thinks about the men she played against at the other casino.
They couldn’t believe a little ole girl like her could beat them. She walked away from that game with close to forty thousand dollars.

Monday came around far too quickly for everyone. The previous evening Michel had taken Delphine out for a quiet meal at a Restaurant in Ashburton. Despite his best intentions, it had failed to lift her spirits.

“Last meal of the condemned?” muttered Delphine as she played with her desert.

“Stop talking like that or…!”

“Or what?”

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

Chapter 14   A farewell to Kate

“Hey Terry, those Border Patrol agents are still following us.” Shade was watching the rear-view camera systems.

Terry glances at the radar system on his side and notices he had four cars following behind them. A sly smile appears on his face “let’s have
some fun with these agents.”

“Oh, goodie, we get to play!” Aylin slaps her hands together and rubs them.

“I think Terry has a different idea.” Shade knew how excited Aylin gets when action is required.

“Man, you take all the fun out of things.” Aylin crosses her arms under her breasts.

CHAPTER 51
He looked up from his till, mouth open slightly, and I could see him trying to make sense of what was in front of him. After a couple of seconds, he shook himself and offered up a slightly puzzled smile.

“Debbie?”

I tried not to grimace, keeping my own smile as genuine as I could manage.

“How are you keeping?”

Erica's trial resumes after further evidence comes to light as her memory is jogged during the hearings.

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

Chapter 13   Stop All the Clocks*