The Emerald Chronicles
Chapter 5
By Alexandra and Jen

I woke up the next morning, slowly, thinking what a horrible dream I'd had the night before. Then I tired to sit up and couldn't! I tried to speak, but only a 'hmmmphh!' came out. I felt a surge of panic, but I fought it down, and began to take stock of my situation.

I was naked, except for my shoes and gloves. I was tied spread eagle, my legs slightly elevated. I was sore all over, but, I was less sore, vaginally, than I expcted. Still, I looked a mess, and was still weaker than normal. I needed a shower, and some food, and to pee, and also, some time to stretch. Then I'd figure out how to escape.

I lay there for a while, resting, planning. I didn't hear anything for quite some time, then I heard running water, then footsteps, then finally the curtain was pulled aside. I continued to lay passively, saving energy.

"Well! Sleeping Beauty is awake, I see!" It was Leader, looking scruffy, but mostly recovered from the blow I'd dealt him. "Now, don't go making noise, waking everybody up, unless you want to attract more attention to yourself." He squatted by my head and removed the gag.

I took a few deep breaths of air, and stayed quiet.

"Good, such an obedient little slut." He moved a few strands of hair, judging me in the better light of what I guessed to be early afternoon. I'd been out for a while.

I licked my lips to wet them since they were quite dry. I let his
insult slide, quietly filing it away.

"Well now..." he paused, watching my tongue intently, and smiled. "...ahh, I suppose you have a few - needs - to be met, hmm? We mustn't neglect our honored guest. What is your first need, oh Heroine?"

"I could really use a trip to the bathroom, and, a shower." I said, passively, suprising even myself with my tone. But that was a good thing, let him think I was cowed.

"Yes, I imagine." He ran a finger along my cheek. "You certainly could do with some cleaning up." His voice was quite gentle, a change from earlier experiences. "Well, then, we'd better see to it." He stood and walked through the doorway, and I heard more footsteps, a toilet flushing, and other distant movement. Finally he returned with Confessor and two other men. They weren't taking chances with me, my strength still quite a fresh memory.

He crouched down to stare into my face, his eyes boring into mine. "We're going to unfasten you from the bed, and cuff you so you don't do anything foolish and hurt yourself. You're going to lie quietly, and limp, and let us do it. Correct?"

"Yes. I'll cooperate, there's no need for the cuffs. I'm too sore to do anything anyway." I lowered my eyes, demurely.

"That may be, but you'll look cuter with them." He looked to the others, who shifted to stand near my arms. Confessor had apparently been toying with my belt, as he had what looked like my key. He moved to my left arm and unfastened the cuff from the bed, leaving it attached to my wrist.

I simply laid passively, not resisting. I knew I wasn't ready to resist in any case.

He moved to my right, while one of the unknown men held my left wrist. Confessor opened the next cuff with a click, and the other man grasped that hand. "In front, or behind?"

"Behind."

There was a moment of whispered discussion, then Leader straddled me and put his hands behind my shoulder-blades, and then he tilted my torso up, bending me at the waist so the two men could get my arms behind me. With my legs somewhat elevated it was a slight stretch, but not a painful one.

In fact, though I was weak, I sat up a little, to help and show I was being cooperative. Leader was pretty strong, however, and didn't need the help. My arms were brought together, and cuffed behind me, with one of the sets of cuffs, as I took the chance to look around the room in the light of day.

The room was dominated by the bed. It stood away from all the walls, allowing free passage around it. There was only the one entrance, obscured by a heavy green curtain, and no window. The other furniture consisted entirely of a trunk in one corner, on top of which my belt was resting. But there was no sign of my costume. That didn't matter, when I became Melissa again, it would reform anyway, in it's intra-dimensional hidey hole.

As he held me forward, close to him, Leader felt that I had been trying to help, and whispered in my ear. "That's a good slut. You keep behaving and life will be much easier for you, little heroine." The word 'slut' sent another surge of anger through me, but I fought it down, and simply nodded.

Confessor grunted "Ok" and moved around to free my legs. Leader smiled at the nod, and moved so I could see him, while he still held me very close. He was a handsome fellow, but also a rather cruel asshole, and I didn't feel any attarction to him at all, which was understandable after all. The two others stood back and waited while Confessor freed my legs.

"Can I stretch a minute?" I asked. "I have been in the same position a while after all."

"Now then, let's stand you up so we can see you properly." Leader stood, while Confessor swung my legs over the side of the bed. With one arm behind my shoulders Leader assisted me in getting to my feet. He also said "Oh, my dear, of course! As well as you can..."

I stretched my leg muscles, while putting on as small of a show as possbile for them, and once done, I lifted my head high, and said "Ok, I'm ready now."

My stretching had been appreciated by then, and then Confessor knelt down in front of me. He grasped the two cuffs, dragging from each ankle, and clicked them shut. There went any ideas of mobility, and my words also drew a reaction.

"Oh, are you? How good of you to condescend to us." Leader's voice lost the soft sweetness, and his face hardened visibly.

I smiled. "I'm glad I can be helpful" I said, quite sweetly.

Leader stood full in front of me, his face dragging down into a scowl. "Humor me, will you?! His hands reached up, and he took a nipple roughly between each thumb and forefinger. "You'll do exactly as told, when told, and from now on, you'll speak with proper respect."

Confessor, who was standing again, leaned to my ear and muttered "Address each of us as Master, super-slut." Even as he said that, the
thumbs and forefingers began to twist, pressing and turning, but not too far yet.

I nodded to Leader, but looked at Confessor "Only in your dreams, darling." Then I turned back to Leader, and I said, forcing myself to sound respectful of this scumbag. "You may not want to do that...I have pretty good control, but you'll be more embarassed than me if I pee all over your leg."

One of the other men chuckled. Leader looked angry, than amused. "I wouldn't be certain of that. Still, first things first." He turned and lead the way, the two others unnecessarily holding my upper arms and propelling me along, as we slipped through the doorway (which required some rearrangement by the two holders) and down a short hall past the kitchen to a bathroom.

I walked with my head up, and as stably as I was able to with the twin ankle cuffs. I tried to match my pace to the two holders, so as to make thier job easier.

The five of us - Confessor was tagging along too - reached the bathroom, and the two pushed me through to join Leader, who had already stepped inside. It was too small for the others to comfortably enter. There was a freestanding shower stall, a sink and a toilet, and not much else. Leader, his amused smile gone, guided me to the shower.

"I can do this alone" I said, adding "I give my word, as a heroine, not to try and escape, or harm any of you."

"Uh-huh. I'm afraid a slut's word doesn't count for much, even if she is strong as ... as ... as Samson." He continued to push me to the open shower. "You've got a lot of attitude for someone in your position. Maybe you didn't spend enough time in that other position, last night." The two holders were out of sight, but Confessor was in the doorway watching.

I said, loud enough so the one in the hall could hear. "Fine, you can wash me then, since you're still so scared of me. Just pay attention to what I say, as my body has different cleansing needs than yours. Oh, and I'll need some food, too, especially if you plan to renew last nights activities." I allowed him to push me into the shower. He wasn't too smart, though. Even cuffed, in this small room, I could easily take both him and Confessor. But, I could use more rest time, so I stayed passive.

He pushed me into the shower stall. It was a typical, freestanding stall, with dials for the water. He didn't seem fazed by my words. I didn't expect him to be, though, and the targets of those words were outside the bathroom after all. "Oh, I know, your body has 'special' needs. I think we all saw last night just what it was you needed." He kept one hand on my right arm, holding my in place, as he spoke. Then, without warning, he turned on the cold water.

I was glad he did, as the jets of ice cold water cleared the last vestiges of fog from my mind. At least my brain had recovered from last night. He held me there, twisting me somewhat to allow the water to play over different parts of my body. I didn't resist the twists at all, for I was using the water to try and locate the sorest spots by how my muscles reacted to it, which allowed me to catalog my current physical state.

"Now then, you said you had to do something else, here, what was it, ah yes." With his free hand, he turned on the hot water, and the temperature climbed to a soothing, comfortable level.

I had determined I was still pretty stiff, although the stretching had helped my legs. Of course, they were hobbled fairly close together by the cuffs, leaving me with not much room to move them. My arms were worse, though, having gone from stretched out to bound back. Otherwise I wasn't in bad shape, as I hadn't been beaten so much as overwhelmed, and in any event I am very tough.

I also made sure to get my hair under the warmer water, knowing that it *must* be a mess. I soon had soaked it, although I couldn't get it truly clean without my hands. It felt better though.

Once the water was more comfortable, Leader entered the shower fully, still dressed, and pressed against my back. He held me firmly, as he said "Now then, why don't you just relax. Really relax...." his words trailed off as he spoke them. His hands came around to my front, and he cupped my breasts, hefting them in a way he thought was playful.

I said, sweetly "Oh, I am relaxed, thank you for your concern." I ignored the hands, focusing on moving so that I could get water over all of me, and wash away the filth.

"Aww, have you forgotten so soon?" His fingers and thumbs closed over my nipples again, from behind this time. He pressed, and twisted.

I made a point to keep ignoring the hands, shifting my head back, so water could run down my neck.

One hand left my breast, and glided downward, as his head moved forward suddenly, his teeth catching my right ear and holding it firmly but not painfully. The hand glided down my belly, heading straight between my legs, paralleling streams of water that ran down to drizzle down my legs. His lips closed around my ear, and he kissed it awkwardly, still holding it with his teeth. His hand pulled and teased at my nipple, or so he thought. I found it annoying.

I was also unsuprised by Leader's actions. I said, in a very polite tone, "Darling, I know you're horny. I have that effect on guys, but if you let me get clean, and eat, I can promise you it will be much better."

He was not deterred. "This may be a half-assed school, but you must think we're dumber than shit." His teeth bit down, his hand pulled roughly on my nipple, and the other hand grasped what hair it could and pulls. He seemed to be a sadist, and had let realized I'm very hard to hurt. After that, he released me and backed out of the shower, then closed the door behind him.

As he started to leave, I said "No, I don't. It's just not as easy to be a good partner when one's messy and hungry. Now, you can do as you like, but, if you'd like it to be two way participation, then let me get clean, and eat. I added "I don't suppose you could take these off for a couple minutes?" waving my wrists at him.

I heards him say "You were right." He must have been speaking to Confessor. There was some low discussion in the doorway, and my question was ignored.

I cleaned myself as best I could, with no hands. I also finally had to pee, as Leader had ignored that need before putting me in her. After that, I stepped out of the shower, dripping wet, and stood quietly. I was feeling much better now, although I was quite hungry.

Leader looked at me, slowly, down and up again. "All done, little heroine?"

I smiled, and said "As best as I can be, yes. I don't suppose a little breakfast would be ok?"

"You'll get something. And to drink, to, we're not animals, here." The two of them apparently thought they could handle me, as they didn't bother whistling the other two over. They weren't far away, however. The two "holders" were in the kitchen scrounging up a very late breakast. "Come on." with a hand on my left arm, Confessor led me, naked and dripping, to the kitchen. It was kept pretty warm, fortunately, but I still felt a cold breeze - from a missing window, I saw, crudely covered over with cardboard that was taped to the wall.

I didn't resist the grips at all, being led as they saw fit. I internally grinned at the animal comment, and barely bit back a retort.

I was led to the table, where one of the two holders offered me a sandwich - in fact, he had to feed me the sandwich, since they chose to leave the cuffs on me. I cooperated with him, as I wanted the food. It was a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Leader offered me some beer to drink, and then said "Oh, that's right, you don't drink. How could we forget?"

I replied "I said I didn't drink while working, actually. But, since I'm on my own time, now, it's fine. Thank you."

A little awkwardly, I was fed and drank down most of a bottle of beer. The two holders seemed quite nervous, and I caught what may have been a worried glance between Confessor and Leader, then each nodded. I made no moves at all, even making sure not to shift in any way that could be called threatening.

Confessor left, while I was finishing up my breakfast, and I heard the front door close. Leader started to pull me up by the shoulders. "All done, then..." he said and guided me back into the hallway. "You are a weird one, aren't you?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that, exactly." I repled, again, not making any movement resistance.

He turned us toward the "bed"room again, walking slightly behind, me, as my shoes clacked and the leg-cuffs clinked as I walked. "No, I suppose you wouldn't" It was clear he was losing cofidence, though, not certain about what they'd put their necks into.

"Look, I can tell you're scared, even though I've said I won't hurt you. We both messed up last night. I'll tell you what, undo the cuffs, let me dress, and I'm gone, and we all forget about last night." It was, I felt, a fair offer.

He kept us moving quickly, and we were through the curtain into the bedroom before he responded. "Is that so? Just like that? I think you'll have to give me a little time to think about this, now that I'm sober. Ahh, and I'm sure you'll understand if I make sure you don't run away while I'm trying to think." He was guiding me to the bed.

I sat down on the bed. "Well, take some time to think. I won't be going anywhere like this, but, I'm giving you an easy out. No cops, no payback, nothing...and, that offer won't stay open for ever."

"Uhm...I see." With his free hand he scooped up the fourth set of cuffs that Confessor earlier removed from my hands. There was a click as one end was fastened to the bed. He reached down, grasped the linked cuffs at my legs, and hauled up, tipping me back onto the bed, and clicking the other cuff-end around those two, binding my feet to one post of the bed. Without another word he passed through the curtain and made sure it was properly across the doorway. I simply lay back on the bed, listening for sounds in the main living room, and resting. I felt quite a bit better, now that I was pretty clean, and fed.

I sometimes heard people moving about, and some murmuring. A number of times the front door opened or closed. I was remarkably undisturbed, which I took to be a good sign. They didn't seem inclined to dig themselves in deeper. On the other hand, they weren't racing in to unfasten me. I lay quietly, rebuilding my strength.

I was feeling better by late afternoon. That was when, at a rather quiet time, Leader returned. He slipped through the curtain and looked you over unabashedly. I looked up at him, as he stared.

"So, umm, we've talked about what you've said. All in all, it seems best to just let you go - after all, we can't keep you here!" He paused, but clearly had more to say.

I smiled. "That's a good decision. Just uncuff me, and bring me my clothes, and I'll be on my way."

"Yes, basically, that's it. Your clothes were a little damaged I'm afraid, but we'll give them back. There is a catch, however. Several of the guys insisted...and we agreed...that we wouldn't uncuff you here. We're going to drop you off in town." He shrugged. "It probably doesn't make much difference, but it was felt better, a little safer for us."

"Well," I said in a quiet, reassuring, tone. "I can understand your caution, although, as I said before, I won't harm you. Maybe we can compromise. You uncuff me all the way, I redress, and then you recuff my hands. That way I can at least walk. Of course, it would be easiest if you simply just let me go, with no further complications. I really won't hurt any of you."

"Ahh, and along with that, it'll have to be at night, when it's dark." He paused as I spoke, then continued. "I know, so you promise. Some of the guys feel less sure. I'm sorry, but after seeing how strong you are, they want you far away before we uncuff you." He shrugged again, and startted to head out. "It's a few more hours, I know..."

"Look, even as strong as I am, you all managed to corral me, and could do so again. Would it hurt so much to give such a tiny concession?" I decided not to point out how much I held back the previous night.

He looked back, sort of smiling ruefully. "If it's anything like last night, it could hurt a lot." His hand covered his crotch and he winced, before slipping out again.

I sighed, after he left. Fine, the deal was off. I had been fair, and told him it wasn't open forever. There just may be future payback. I decided to try and rest, to get some sleep, and try to wake up around twilight.

I actually did manage to sleep, feeling stronger all the time. I woke instantly when the curtain swished, and I saw three men. Leader, Confessor, and another. They checked my bonds, and made sure my hands are still secure.

"Ok, then, just a few minutes more and you'll be safely out of our hands."

I said, once more "I don't suppose you've reconsidered my request."

Leader just shook his head, while the third man produced a cape. "You can dress when you're uncuffed, this will cover you for now, better than your costume could."

I nodded. "Well, can you at least uncuff my ankles? It'll be easier on all of us if I can walk normally." The cloak looked as if it were from a costume shop. It was black, and slightly shiny, with a thin line of red around the edge. It fastened at the neck, and covered me to about mid-thigh.

A fourth man slipped in, and pocketed a set of keys while he took up position holding my left arm. "Well - no, you won't have to walk too far." They fastened the cloak, then did their best to hold me while unlocking my legs from the bedpost.

I rolled my eyes, a little, at Leader's latest denial, and decided, for the moment, to cooperate.

Once I was properly "dressed" and on my feet, they led me out, past the curtain, into the empty main area. The door was open, and through it a van had been pulled up, quite illegally, on the walkway - it was my my destination for now.

I chuckled at the sheer paranoia of these guys, but walked carefully, so that the cloak stayed in place.

The chuckle, almost silent, did nothing to reassure them. The cloak was only fastened at the neck, so it was only by careful control that I kept it from flapping. Having little choice, I accompanied the four to the van. The two side panel-doors are open, and wuth one man proceeding me they gently guided me in.

"Look, you guys, you are going to extremes, you know." I said, as I was guided to the back of the van.

What they guided me too was a low bench, more like a bed than a seat. "Extremes. Yes, well, you're our first superheroine." I sat on the bed/seat, making sure not to lay down.

"Well, in the future, it's best just to let one of us go. You're less likely to cause bad feelings that way."

They seemed uninterested in doing anything sexual, which was hardly surprising, although no doubt I was a tempting figure. The van drove for a distance, taking several turns, then stopped and backed up slowly.

"Here? Ok, then, let's see about these cuffs."

"Thanks" I said, nicely, and meaning it.

"Three" removed the cloak, not the wrist cuffs, while Confessor removed the cuffs from my ankles. "Ok, then. How to do this? Umm, we'll have you stand just outside, then we'll undo the last cuff and drive away. That keeps up our end of things. Oh, and your costume of course."

The driver produced that. I was still wearing the shoes and gloves, in fact, but he had the belt and my clothes. "Here, this'll give us another second, just in case." Driver deftly flipped the material over my head, effectively blindfolding me with it. The belt, he draped over my shoulder. You heard someone working the latch of the side door, as my ankles were finally freed.

I was too surpised at them taking the cloak to protest the plan they had made, then my sight vanished with the makeshift blindfold. I
heard the side door open, and felt a gust of wind wash over me.

Then gentle but firm hands pushed me forward, toward the wind. "This is your stop. We hope not to meet again." I was made to step out, and my feet touch down on a hard surface, probably concrete.

I felt myself get 'aided' out of the van, tottering, but keeping my balance on the concrete surface, then I felt a hand on my wrists.

"Oh, even better..." I felt my key pressed into one palm, and I just closed my fingers around it as the van revved up and raced off, the door closing as it moved.

I cursed at them, and then, immediately, started to work on undoing a cuff. I was hoping it didn't take too long, as I was not sure, yet, where I was.

I kept my balance, making sure not to drop the precious key. I felt a fairly brisk breeze, first sucking to the left as the van
raced away in that direction, then replaced by a steady wind from
directly in front of me. That, combined with my nervousness,
caused my nipples to spring ever so slightly into prominence, while
I concentrated on handling the key both carefully and quickly.

Through the "blindfold", I noticed a light approaching from the right, then a car raced past a couple of steps behind me, honking cheerfully just after it passed me. With the sudden cross-breeze I
almost lost my grip on the key, but managed to grip it firmly again as another set of headlights from the left approached more slowly. The very welcome "click" of the cuff springing open was followed by a hoot and two cheers from the direction of that car, now almost stopped behind
me.

With the key now safely in my right hand, I flipped my uniform up and off my head, I was on a street which was dimly lit by a streetlamp. At first I wasn't sure where I was. I saw a low concrete wall, with a chain fence above it, then nothing beyond. However, in a moment I
realized that it was the river below me, and I was on the Edison bridge
just east of town. I then turned my head to the left, and I saw the
lights of Queenston spreading out from the base of the bridge.

Turning my head further, I took in a battered sedan with two men
and two women. The driver had his head out of his open window, while
the other man, in the back-rear seat, was leaning over one of the women
to leer out the back window at me. "Kinky, baby...oof!" The driver
winced at a movement from the woman next to him.

Behind him, the male passenger had managed to lower that window half-way, and called out "Need a lift? You could sit back here." He was
grinning very broadly, as was the driver. The woman up front looked a
bit icy, the one in the back amused.

"No, thank you." I said to the man, as I immiedately started to redress, as quickly as possible.

The still-attached cuff was flapping over my right fist, which I kept clenched around the key, as I dressed quickly. I was hampered by the need to keep careful hold of the key. The men didn't respond to my
refusal other than to dim their cheerful leers slightly, but they watched as I dressed in front of them. Finally, as I was doing up the fastener of the bodysuit, the front woman's whacking convinced the driver to head away, the show being more-or-less over.

As the car's taillights receded, I removed and put away the cuffs and key and took stock of my condition. My gloves and shoes were fine, but the top of my costume had been damaged - not just from the battle, as far as I could remember. It seemed some of the frat boys kept souvenirs. There were some patches cut out, exposing my navel, most of the underside of one breast, and one small patch which insisted on trying to release the other nipple. I had to tug the stretchy material over every now and then to keep myself "decent".

There was very little traffic out here. I was standing next to the roadway of the bridge, and there was a footpath leading back. Although I had quite a bit of rest, I decided it would be best for me to return home as quickly as I could.

I felt relieved at the car's leaving, and headed down the footpath. Soon, I was back in the city, heading quickly down the
sidewalks. The breeze often caused me to 'adjust' the top, such as it was, and I didn't go as fast as I would have liked, but I did know where I was.

Soon, I was near K9 territory, and, with a shudder, I took another route. I looped a bit, heading for Varsity park, near Varsity High School. I've heard rumors of a small gang that claims it, but they're only high school kids, so I can take them if need be.

As I headed off quickly, hoping to avoid K9 patrols, I failed to notice a paper, whose headline glares:

Policewomen Assaulted in Varsity Park! in garish letters.

It was dark by now, as I scurried along, detouring slightly to avoid meeting the K9s, while I was bedraggled. Soon, as I walked slower, constantly fixing the top it seemed, I could see the park ahead. I was glancing about, as well trying to find something I could use to secure my top better.

All I saw, though, was litter and twigs. As I got somewhat closer to the park, I could see two policecars parked ahead, and two figures were visible. It seemed unusual, and I didn't really want the police to see me like this.

I decided to circle about, and head for another entrance to the park. I'm not the most beloved heroine of the police as it is, and I didn't want to make it worse. As I moved, I looked for any businesses, open or closed, that sold clothes.

I skirted the police as their attention was directed towards the park, and they did not notice a single pedestrian such as myself. The area was primarily residential, and the only open business I saw was a corner convenience store. So I kept walking, and looking about, glad that the streets were quiet.

As I made the circle, I noticed another police car at the next entrance to the park. There was quite a lot of activity, which could perhaps explain why the streets are otherwise so quiet. It did mean, though, that I had to head even further out of my way. I quietly cursed to myself, and, kept moving once more, wondering why so many police were out at the park.

In fact, I was making a broad arc in the general direction of the school itself which was nothing to worry about, not for me. I soon saw
another car. I didn't see anyone by this one, but I continued to avoid them. I was soon heading for the school yard itself, planning on cutting through the athletic field to get to the park.

I passed through the back of the school yard. It was quite dark as the few lightposts were unlit. On the far side of the school I saw a TV newsvan parked directly in front of the school's main doors. Some remarkably small and bright lights illuminated the front steps, fortunately not casting any light in my direction. A reporter was giving a report which was inaudible from this distance and it was being recorded by a camera operator.

I slipped around the van, being careful not to enter the lit area. I continued on, where I saw a sheltered street ahead with no police in sight. I had started down the street when I heard a somewhat metallic "clunk" behind me - no doubt the van door being slammed.

I moved down the street quietly, looking for an opportunity to work to the park. There were mainly rowhouses along this street, which gave me no convenient opportunity. I looked towards the park through a gap between two houses and I saw another policecar, with a policewoman looking about somewhat nervously. This was probably a second-line position in reserve further from the park. I took a few more steps and noticed movement to my left, on the opposite side of the street. I turned my head, and saw nobody, but believed that I had caught a person's shape out of the corner of my eye.

I slipped deeper into the shadows, slowing my pace, moving carefully, placing my heels down slowly, so as not to make any noise, as I kept getting closer, keeping an eye on the police woman, and the movement area. She was wearing a light blue shirt and dark pants with a yellow stripe, along with her cap, badge, and belt. The policewoman, and my suspected movement area were on opposite sides of the street, so I was moving between them. I was, in fact, at the corner building, of the intersection. I was pressed against a building, while I observed the area.

I waited for a moment, watching. I saw no more movement, and she was focused on watching to her front, not to her rear which is where I was. She was parked on smaller side street, which paralleled the one I was on. Near her, there was a gap between two large brick buildings. The gap was more of an alley, with some clutter and a box or three. The park was about one street further beyond the policewoman. Like most of the police I'd seen, who had all been men closer to the park I now realized, most of her attention was in the direction of the park. Apparently there was some sort of sweep going on, looking for someone specific or cleaning out the area.

I started to slip forward, hugging the wall of the building I was near, hoping to find a way past the policewoman. I realized that I had actually moved past most of Varsity Park as I tried to find a way into it. I decided slip into the alley, and move up behind her, then slip across into the main street to her left rear. She seemed to be watching a different alley, to her own front right.

I ducked into the alley moving towards her, finding the boxes quite handy. I set my heels down very carefully, and slipped towards her, reaching her side of the alley without her turning around. As I moved, I grabbed some deritus off the alley floor, planning on tossing it into the alley the cop was watching, so that she'd hopefully investigate, making it easier for me to slip past. I planned on arcing it, so it would not be clear that it came from beind her. I ended up grabbing a rock. I lobbed it well, and into the other alley, where it clunked loudly.

The officer heard it, and stared in that direction. She looked off to the right for a moment, her hand at the open window of her cruiser - perhaps considering reaching for the radio inside. She discarded that idea and moved across the street, with the appearance of one determined to be confident despite their fear of ghosts.

I watched her for a moment, until she got a bit into the alley, then I moved to skirt the area.

She hesitated at the mouth of the alley, then moved in, cautiously. I seized the opportunity to dart left, moving close to the buildings again. I could see the hood of another car parked at the cross-street to the right but there was nobody in sight by that one.

I hurried just a little, and when the policewoman started to return, having found nothing, I was far enough along to be out of her immediate line of sight. But, I did have to pause until she returned to her car, otherwise the movement might be obvious. So I waited behind a convenient spruce tree, as she returned to her car, rounding it and leaning forward against it, keeping her eyes on the alley where the rock struck.

I waited a moment longer, wondering about what had the cops so spooked. Then, a loud "squawk" startled her, and me as well. It was just the radio in her car, reporting "nothing", in more words. She leaned in and turned it down somewhat. It was still audible, but less blaring.

I started to move again and I wondered what happened to the other movement I had thought I noticed. On the fifth step there was a pronounced "snap" as I felt a dry twig under my toes. I heard some movement behind me, from the policewoman perhaps, and froze...

...but then nothing. I glanced back, and saw that the officer was gone! I looked across the road, and she was not there either. I paused to listen for a moment, and I did hear some noise in the alley.

Then I heard a radio again, as her belt radio squawked from the alley more loudly now than the one in the car as another report came in, and then her belt radio's volume was reduced. In fact, I couldn't hear it at all anymore, it must have been turned way down, or off.

I found that strange so I carefully, but quickly, slinked back to the alley to make sure she was ok.

I was about 40 feet from the car, when I heard voices, low, but definitely several. Then from the alley two kids darted to the car, scoping it out with broad grins. Kids, that is, in the sense of being around high-school age.

One looked across, and his face dropped "Oh!" Then he grinned again, disarmingly. "Uhh, hi!" His companion looked over, also.

"Hi." I said, smiling back equally disarmingly. "Shouldn't you guys be at home?" I was now curious where the officer was, and moved even closer, angling at the two of them.

"Ha! Good one! Yeah, with all these cops around..." He winked at me. "...wha'bout you, shouldn't you be?" His eyes flickered down, momentarily, taking in my chest.

The other piped up "We didn't wanna disturb ya. Looked like you had places to go." His grin broadened, and his eyes showed less discretion than his friends'

"I do" I said, as I looked them over. They were bouth around 5'9. One was thin, one was average sized. "Have you seen the officer this car belongs to?" I added.

"Well, yeah, of course, we seen her." Both sets of eyes flickered over me, appraisingly perhaps.

"Well where is she?" I asked, impatiently. I was about fifteen feet from them now.

I kep moving closer, so that I could see into the alley, and they began to seem slightly more nervous as I approached.

"She's...just down there." One pointed down the alley to my right. "...uhhh, chasing Joey." The other nodded his head quite vigourously. "Yeah, right, he can outrun any cop! So we've got a couple of minutes to check out the cool car." He smiled again and put a hand on the roof of the car, looking like a kid at Christmas.

They shrank back a little as I approached, keeping out of easy "lunge & grab" range. "Look, it's no big deal, right? A cop gets some exercise. C'mon, we're just goofin'." I looked down the alley, and it was as I left it except one of the boxes had been tipped over, and there was something small and dark near it.

"Just leave the car alone." I said, and headed into the alley, angling at the small object.

I could now see it was her hat. The thinner kid was looking down the alley too, from out of reach. "Yeah, her hat flew off. Don't touch it, you know, it's a felony." I kept looking about carefully as I walked deeper into the dark alley.

"Man, what a grouch." I heard the mumbled complaint from behind, then the car radio comes to life again, seeming louder here as I stepped towards the hat. It was lying, upside down, near the tipped box and just before another tall box. One I had, in fact, hidden behind on my trip through the alley. I crouched by the hat to pick it up.

From right behind me Thinner said "A felony I said, now I'm gonna have to make a citizen's arrest!" He threw himself down on my back, tipping me forward as he tried to restrain me. It was obvious his strength was nothing special. He must have used the sounds of the car radio to mask his approach.

I fell to my knees muttering about kids, and reached back to toss him off me. It was odd, though, he was being more childish than I'd expect. He was goofing, indeed, he had his arms around my torso, one above and one below my own arms, and was trying to cling to me. Thicker, meanwhile, joined in by leaping at the backs of my legs in a flying tackle, his pushing me forward as he hit the backs of my thighs.

I grunted with the second impact, almost falling, then growled. I grabbed one of Thinner's arms, the high one, and peeled it off, then got ready to flip him over my head.

Shifted forward like this, I could now see part-way around the larger box, and I saw a shoe, a black parade boot? No, it was the policewoman's shoe, and her foot's in it, attached to her leg, attached presumably to the rest of her. It was not moving at all. I peeled the arm away quite easily.

"Shit, come on!" Thinner yelled. His voice had lost its cuteness, abruptly, and now there was an explosion of motion from in front of me. The tipped box and the larger one both got pushed forward as guys emerged, charging. I saw four of them - two from each box. I could also see the policewoman more clearly now, although I had no time to concentrate on her. She seemed intact, but unconscious. Her shirt was gaping open, her belt missing and her pants opened and pulled down to her thighs. I had also noticed a door that the boxes had hidden, and that the policewoman was half in, and half out, of.

I knew I could handle 6, and flipped Thinner into the charging mass. He hit the nearest pair. They tried to dodge but one went all the way down, and the second was tangled up with Thinner and his pal.
Thicker was holding my thighs together, with his arms locked around them. I knew that my greater strength would break the hold, but for the moment he had my legs as he was straining for all he was worth. The other two chargers had reached me. One grabbed my hair and kept going, hauling painfully back on my head. The other twisted around to my left side, where he got behind my arms and grabbed for the left one - but he missed it. That put all three partly behind me. One to my right with my hair is his hand, Thicker behind me on my legs, and the last to my left.

I growled loudly. I used my left elbow to strike at Thicker's face, while my right hand struck at Right's wrist, so I could free my hair. My elbow thrashed back, clunking into something fleshy. Thicker grunted and released my legs somewhat. Left, though, grabbed my arm just below the elbow and tried to hang on. Hair, fortunately for him, twisted his hand to the side in time to avoid the strike, then abruptly let go of my hair and planted a foot in my back to drive me forward. I flopped forward, twisted a bit by the grip on my arm. Left moved a bit but hung on, as I went down on with my right arm on the ground for the moment. One of them growled "Now, c'mon!"

I began to push off with my right arm, so I could get back up. I
had to brace it first, as when I struck the ground it was essentially splayed out, enough to break the fall, but not enough to provide leverage for a spring up. The one not actually hit by Thinner, however, now reached me, and simply stepped on my fingers with one foot while he continued forward with an attempt to punt my head into the street. Not very successfully, as he didn't get much strength behind it, but it rocked my head up nonetheless.

"Ok, I'm on it!" whined Hair, then he wrapped himself around me, his left arm under my breasts, right arm over my right shoulder and then pressed his hand against my mouth. Not his hand, in fact, but a cloth - a very smelly one, presumably explaining how they dealt with the policewoman so quietly and efficiently. He was shifting it to get it over my nose better.

I paniced for a moment as I got a whiff of the chloroform, but quickly regaind my composure. I knew I had to take these guys down one at a time, and quickly After all, there may be more in whatever room the door I noticed leads to. So, I quickly brought my right hand up, tugging it free of the foot on it, and grabbed Pad's wrist, with the pad in it, and twisted it with all of my considerable strength.

I succeeded in grasping it, and a nasty twist just failed to snap his wrist like a twig. It was only because at the first pain he threw himself in the direction of the twist to ease the stress - which sent him crashing to the ground. I still held his wrist but was unable to twist further. He did drop the pad.

"Let go of me now!" I growled, trying to turn at the waist, towards my left, so I could strike at Thicker. I also let go of Pad's wrist as I turned.

I knelt up straighter and twisted at the waist. Left gamely hung on, but was put off balance and staggered in that direction, bumping against Thicker. Thicker, meanwhile, cursed and tried to get up himself without losing his grip on my legs. He pushed forward against me as he tried to regain his feet. As Thicker moved closer to me, while he tried to stand, I swung at his jaw, hard, while saying to Left "Let go, now!"

I was now up on my knees, my torso twisted to my left. The punch intended for Thicker hit Left, who staggered into it at the wrong time. It struck and glanced off his right arm, but it was enough to cause him to let go with a shout of pain. He also stumbled further, and Thicker was forced to let go to keep from being bowled over. It was a moment's freedom, but was then interrupted when Charger very rudely connected with a massive kick right between my legs.

I yelped in pain, as I was flipped onto my back from the force of the kick. However, it didn't hurt me as much as it would hurt another person, as my innate toughess, and the leather padding in that part of the costume blunted the blow. She tried to roll with the fall, hoping to flip backwards and onto my feet.

I just barely had enough room to roll, thanks to both Left and Thicker having been forced back. I fluidly continued the motion to bring myself up. Charger was in front of me, at a little distance now because of the quick move, and his expectation that I would stay down. Hair, though, very quickly for a "normal", was back up and flung himself onto my right side, grabbing that arm with both of his. I could also feel Left and Thicker close behind me. Beyond Charger, Thinner was on his feet again, but the one he was thrown into looked to be out of action.

I pivoted towards Hair, faking a punch at him, then I slapped a kick between his legs. "Back off and go home." I growled at them all.

Charger yelled "Damn she's tough! That hurt her a bit, though, go for the crotch!" Hair moved with my pivot, doing his best to keep away from my front side. My cross-the-body punch feint caused him to duck and twist, then my kick snapped up. It hit his thigh, pretty hard but not debilitating. Then Left was back, throwing his left arm around my waist, but his right, spurred no doubt by Charger, flipped between my legs and clutched at my crotch. Hair was still holding on. Then Thinner spoke, still moving slowly but sounding firm. "No way, bitch, 'cept maybe if we take you home with us."

I gasped a little, as the hand slid over my bottom, then over the leather crotch guard. I hissed, trying to cover the gasp, then snapped my elbow back, into Left.

He, at least, heard the gasp. "Guys! she -" then my elbow nailed him in the head and he let go, falling back. But the crotch of my suit was torn open, his fingers in the velcro even as he fell. Now Thicker thumped against my back, his left arm over my shoulder and his right under my right arm. The right hand was centered on my sternum, but the left was directly over my left breast - and by a stroke of luck for him, slipped under my partially shredded suit, so that my nipple was squeezed between his index and second finger.

I gasped again, and decided to catch them off guard with a tactics change. I suddenly dropped into a crouch, lowered my head, and rammed forward, into Hair, using my legs to springboard me. I hoped to slam Hair into the building wall, and with luck shake Thicker as well.

Thicker, clinging to my back like an oversized monkey, stayed with me as I crouched. Hair was hanging on to my right arm, and was trying to avoid being in front of me. The twist in his direction, to aim my head and charge his way, naturally brought my shoulder and arm around - and him with it. I was like a bear, turning a quarter-turn to my right but surrounded by tenacious dogs that turned with me, clinging where they could.

Charger's eyes were alight, as he leapt forward and tried to catch my left arm, moving to my left side, leaving Thinner slowly approaching. He did get one hand on my forearm, and Thicker, meanwhile, squeezed and pinched with his left hand. He managed to work the right several inches over, pushing the material of my top down a ways and partially making contact with my right breast. "Shit, man, you're in the way" Charger was trying to do more, but Thicker's body prevented him from reaching his goal.

I growled "Leave me alone." once more, but my voice wasn't as strong now, though it was still forceful. I suddenly slammed my head back, into Thicker's face, his breath on the back of my head telling him where it was at. I could feel the left nipple hardening, and a blast of wind ran over my partly exposed nether lips.

Thicker, luckier this time, shifted a little, enough to avoid getting his nose broken. The back of my head gave him a solid knock, though. His right arm left me, but his left just managed to stay in my top as his whole body moved back. That was just the opening Charger was looking for - he kept his one hand on my left forearm, but the other zoomed from partly behind me to press quite suddenly against my lips. "Yess..." he said. Hair had heard my gasps, and knows what's happening now. "Man, save me some." He twisted again, trying to bring my arm further back, and was also trying to snatch a glance at my exposed ass.

"Shit...what an ass!" I heard one say.

They were all around me now. Hair was at 3:30 or so, if I were the center of a clock. He was holding my arm fairly close to my body. Thicker had fallen back a ways, he was at about 6:30 with his left side towards me, and his left arm snaked over my upper arm/shoulder area to my left breast. Charger was at about 8, one hand on my left forearm, the other between my legs. Thinner was out of reach at 10:30 or so.

Thinner spoke, all his earlier cuteness gone. "Guys, she loves it. Go for the slut's tits, and her pussy."

I gasped, loudly. This one was a fake though, then, giving no warning, I leapt forward, to pull away, since they were all, for the moment, mostly behind me.

I was lucky Hair was getting greedy - he was the one with the best grip, but he has been caught off guard. My arm pulled free from his grip, and I also got free from Thinner, but Charger stayed with me. He lost the grip my left arm, but followed me. His right hand, actually having clutched at me in desperation, slipped back, off my lips, but he threw his left forward again, clamping it over the bottom of my left breast. My move took me much closer to Thinner, who raced to block my way. Now both Thicker and Right had recovered their shock and leaped forward, although they hadn't grabbed me yet.

"Let go of me!" I said. I grabbed his left hand, and with my full energy flipped him over my hip, and into the wall. He slammed into it, and crumpled. None of them on me, at the moment, I glanced over at the officer. I could see her clearly, partly undressed, but immobile. Then, I did see a glimpse of movement from her, followed by a much more rapid movement from my left. Thinner had something dark. It flashed up at me, and I saw it was her nightstick just before it hit me mightily in the forehead.

The others had enough time to catch up as I sent Charger flying - they arrived just after the nightstick. Hair went straight for the naughty bits, his right hand helping itself to my right breast, his left between my legs from behind. He actually pressed a finger to the first knuckle inside me. Thicker slammed into my left shoulder, managing to pin my right arm to my side with a hug that also placed a hand on my other breast. The nightstick was enough to stun me momentarily, and in that time all three hands worked on me, kneading and stroking lustfully, insanely for boys facing such a dangerous opponent. I recovered, though, and with a snarl I broke Thicker's hug, but was unable to move away.

I gasped again, this time it was not a fake. I desperately lunged forward, Thicker's finger sliding out of me, with the slight movement, as I tried to get more room between them and me.

My movement was curtailed by Thinner spearing me with the nightstick, right in the diaphram. I'm tough, fortunately, but it slowed me. Both men behind me kept their hands on my breasts, almost single-mindedly, and Hair just managed to keep his other hand in contact with my lips, but Thicker's other hand lost contact with me.

I growled once more, though it's less rabid, but I was angry at the probing hands. One of my own hands lashed out, knocking the stick from Thinner, then my other hit his jaw, sending him spinning and down to the alley floor. He was out of action. Then I shot both arms, straight back. One hand knocked Hair's from my crotch, but otherwise I missed contact, as they has been further back than I thought. My arms were extended, for the moment, behind me.

Almost blind with lust though they were, both Thicker and Hair were able to seize an opportunity. Thicker released my left breast entirely, as both of his hands encircled my two forearms. Hair kept his hand on my right breast, but his left helped Thicker with my right arm. Then I felts a click and the too-familiar feel of a cuff on my left wrist!

"Hope they're strong enough for her. She's way tougher than the cop" said Left.

I screamed "NO!" and tried to pull away. I almost did, but Hair's free hand shifted, and with 4 bulky arms holding my two, they were able to keep them secure long enough for the cuff to click into place on her right wrist. I desperately glanced to the officer, hoping to see the woman up.

The glance showed her having just pushed up to hands and knees, shaking her head slowly. Thicker and Hair pressed against me from 4 and 8 o'clock, their hands hungrily working over a breast each, and one fondled and squeezed my buttocks while the other slipped his hand between my legs and begins to stroke me from front to back. "Quiet now, you silly" - stroke - "stupid" - stroke - "hot" - stroke - "slut."

"You got that right, running around dressed like that." He squeezed and rubbed, his hand leaving my breast to make a voyage around my belly and chest, then returning to focus three fingers on the nipple.

I realized that I had to keep thier attention on me, so that the officer can recover. I moaned, and gasped, with the touches, some of them sounding real, as the fingers worked. I also said "P...please, you must stop this."

"We'll stop when we're done." The hands didn't pause for even a moment. "Shoulda kept walking, but noo...big shot heroine, look at you now!"

"Yeah...look at you!" Thicker took a moment to stare at my body in fascination, his hands at least pausing, then he resumed, adding a tongue making teasing circles around my ear, then darting it in, then circling again.

The policewoman managed to lift to her knees, but didn't seem to know where she was. Her hands went to her waist, finding her belt missing - and her pants down. She gazed down stupidly, staring at her exposed bra without comprehension.

I moaned softly, then stammered "N..no..you have..to stop!" I could feel my nipples growing hard, and the hand on my lips, and the tongue on my ear were starting to work on me as well. The cuffs - the officer's cuffs - trapped my arms. Still, maybe the cop could recover, with time. "Ohh." I gasped, as the hands kept moving.

I couldn't watch her, although her progress was of keen interest to me, since they might follow my gaze. Instead I had nothing to focus on but the sensations - of just two men, I realized with concern. Then I felt the third - somewhat with relief, although he was using both hands to pull my uniform down, quickly bunching the stretchy material into something of a belt at my waist, folded over my actual belt.

I tried to twist, to struggle, to put my legs tightly together, all to try and keep them focused on me. 'C'mon, hurry." I thought at the cop.

I struggled, though the two flanking we are quite close and gave me very little room to move. They seemed to appreciate the struggles. Through the pressure, and the fondling, I heard a soft "clunk" from behind me and to the right.

I barely restrained the urge to look. "Ohh.." I said, as a finger brushed my clit then again, I pleaded "Ahh..please..stop this..ahh."

"Hehe! Yeah, right, babe." To my concern, I only felt the two, again, the third having backed away. Then he reappeared, on my right side, backing into my field of view. He backed further, winding up in front of me, and staring back and to my right. This strange behaviour attracted the attention of the other two - they follow his gaze - and they froze.

"O-ok, now back off, all of you!" came a shaky, female, voice.

I snaped my foot into the crotch of the one in front of me while they were all stunned. I was not a full power kick, but it may do the trick.

The two flanking me released the pressure on me, their hands moving away from my various parts. My foot flashed out, catching the frightened-looking Left solidly enough to make his mouth open silently and keep him out of the battle for good.

The two others now, as one, tossed me by the arms, lurching me toward the policewoman - and then they ran like the wind. I staggered, trying to keep my balance. I managed to do so, as I stumbled back. I turned slightly to see the policewoman holding her pistol, not too steadily. Her shirt was pulled closed and her pants were up again - but it's not certain she could even stay on her feet, let alone aim a gun accurately. That didn't matter to the other two - they were flying down the alley, and there's no way she'd take a shot now. She stared at me, blurrily, waved the gun a little, then fell to one knee.

"Uhh..officer..hi. My name's Emerald. I tried to rescue you, but, well, they ambushed me too. Do you think you can undo these cuffs?." I turned my back to her, hoping my voice calmed her down enough.

"Mm-uh huh. right, right." She cleared her throat and found her voice once more. "Let me get my belt, just a sec..."

I nodded. "Thanks." I was very nervous standing like this, cuffed and half naked, in the alley. "There were 6" I told her "I got 4, and, you chased the last two away, thank goodness."

After a few seconds, I heard a step, then a hand gripped my left wrist. Then I heard her voice, and I felt her trying to get a key into the cuffs. "Yess...thank you, more like. You saved my ass, there, Emerald."

"You returned the favor, so we're even." Then the cuffs sprang open, to my great relief. I pulled my arms around "Thanks again" I said, as I pulled my top back up, the cuff still dangling from my right wrist.

"Yeah! It worked out, in the end. Lordy, if you hadn't shown up. I coulda wound up like the other two. Worse, even. As it is, this is going to be - shit, this is going to look really bad. Caught me with my - that is, caught me be surprised. I'll be lucky not to get canned."
She held out her hand for my right wrist to unlock it as well.

"No one has to know." I said, turning and offering my wrist. "I'd rather no one hear either..wait..what other two?"

Her fine motor control was getting better, and she soon had that cuff unlocked. "You think? That would be good but" - she looked around. "Well, maybe these guys have been punished already." She bit her lip, weighing a strict enforcement of the law vs. her own career. "Oh, what, you didn't hear about the two sister cops in the park last night? What, you been living in a cave?"

"I..I've been sick. I had the flu and slept all day. So that's why all the cops are around the park then?"

With me free, she started to fix her uniform properly.

I added "And they posted you here alone. Hmm, dunno if I'd be happy if I were you." I checked my belt, and adjusted my own uniform as best I could.

"Wow! Looks like you're over your flu!" She whistled at the carnage in the alley. "Yeah, two policwomen were attacked in the park - they weren't prepared, I guess, got knocked around pretty much." She lowered her voice. "Other stuff, too." She blushed, then continued. "It's a big operation - cleaning out the park, arresting everyone who might have anything to do with the Caps. I guess the Captain didn't figure there'd be trouble out this way. I was just to watch for anyone trying to sneak past the inner circle." She looked thoughtful. "Maybe that was bad planning, but I still shoulda been ready. Damn, I screwed up."

"Or someone set you up. After all, they took 2 cops, one's easier and I mean no offense, there. They were pretty good, at least organzied." I looked about, and saw the open door. "Are you ok? If so, I wanna check that place out." I pointed to it, adding "Boxes concealed it, that's how they ambushed us. I wanna make sure no more are in there."

She reholstered her weapon. "Look, Emerald. I appreciate you wanting to keep this quiet - and I think that'd be best for me. I'll be ok now." She did seem pretty much back to normal. "I'll just get back to the car - and watch both directions this time. Looks like you oughta umm, get home. No offense, but your clothes are a mess."

"Yeah, I know." Then what I said sunk in.

"You think? No. Why would..." She looked thoughtful, though dubious. Then she looked toward the door. "Right, I'll watch your back."

I nodded and headed for the door. I didn't expect anything, but I can't leave without making sure the cop would be all right.

It was dark in the room. I didn't find a light of any sort, and there were no windows at all. The "room" was some sort of storage area attached to the big complex on this side of the alley - and one that apparently didn't see much use. I could see ancient paint cans on metal shelving, assorted shapes of small knick-knacks, and nothing large enough to be even a midget gang member. No other exits, either. I gave it a twice over, then turned back to the alley, relaxed now.

The policewoman, who introduced herself as Elizabeth Wright, came inside too.

I paused. "This is where they waited for ya, I bet. Nice little nest."

"Looks fine, right? Don't worry." She was still just slightly shaky, but more confident now than before. "They won't try anything again."

"I hope not. I dunno how many more I could take. We better get back into the alley" I said.

"Yeah. Not exactly a gang HQ, though." She steped back as I approached, letting me enter the alley first.

I stepped past her and back into the alley. "Nope, not a HQ." I turned to her. "Are you sure you'll be ok, Elizabeth? I can wait here for a bit, if you prefer."

She emerged too. "The whole raid on the park. I really doubt many serious gangers were caught in that. As much as anything, I think it's PR to show we're doing something - and besides, we are all itching to do something, to strike back." She then smiled, bravely. "I'm ok, really. If you don't mind waiting a couple of minutes by the car with me, that wouldn't hurt, but I'm ok."

"I hope so. I'd be more careful if I were you, though, just in case there's someone not as eager to strike back." I also agreed to wait with her for a few minutes, as we kept talking.

"How...I mean, how could anyone think that? Two cops were attacked. Everyone's up in arms, out for blood." We talked as we returned to her car, stepping around a couple of crumpled bodies. She checked to make sure they were breathing well enough.

I said "Well, look where you were posted. Alone, in a place with a perfect spot for an ambush. Perhaps there's someone who doesn't like girl cops. I'm not saying there is, just that you should be careful."

She bit her lip again, but still looked dubious. "Well, I'll think about it, anyway. Thanks for the tip." She peeked into the car and made sure everythin was untouched. "I sure am lucky you came along, especially since you didn't even know what was going on. Lucky coincidence." She watched up the alley, and all around. Then she checked me out again. "Look, this'll all be over in an hour or so. Do you need a ride somewhere?"

"I was on my patrol, heard your radio, and then heard it click off, and thought it was weird, so checked it out." I shook my head to her other question.

"Oh, right." She checked her radio, and turned it up again.
Then, before I left, she said "Well...ok. Thanks again, Emerald. It's good to have you on our side."

I smiled. "Glad to be of help." I said, and then I headed off, and was soon home.