Tag Archives: writing

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

Gerry in his role as a Senior Manager had been doing the rounds at the Awards Ceremony, keeping everyone sweet and networking with people he knew in the Industry. This included keeping Millie’s parents happy too. They were very pleased with him as a son-in-law, he had made Millie very happy and that was the thing that their money could not buy. He was about to leave them after some small talk , when Millie appeared beside him.

“Hey Babe” He put his arm around her waist.” You’re doing a great job I don’t know what I’d do without you Mills.” He looked at Millie lovingly.

Millie nodded to her parents and pulled Gerry away.

“Gerry , these people are so boring , I feel like my head is going to explode. I hope you’ve got time for me tonight. I’ve been missing you.”

Millie was almost pleading, she wanted children and she had been hinting for a long time.

Gerry winked.

“Tonight might just be your lucky night , my little Minx.”

Millie smiled wickedly. She knew he meant it.

They both winked at each other and parted company. Gerry turned to head back to the green room.

Millie disappeared into the crowd. Gerry just caught her voice saying to a tall dark man with a beard.

“Raymond, so when are you doing a casting for your new project?”

Gerry lost sight of Millie in the crowd.

When Gerry reached the Green Room, they were just making the announcement for the Winner of The Documentary Category. As expected Sandy had won.

And the Winner is “Sunshine Media’s Gene Power”

Sandy and Martin had moved out of the Green Room and were waiting in the wings, so Martin took Sandy’s hand and they both walked on stage. Martin wasn’t really supposed to be there but with Sandy being so frail he had decided it was best. When they reached the presenter of the Award they both smiled and as the presenter handed it over to Sandy, she felt the weight of it in her hand and her arm fell towards the ground. Martin just managed to grab her wrist and lift it back up and they both lifted it to eye level with the audience. There was a murmur of concern from the audience , but a sense of relief when they saw that disaster had been averted. Those of them who knew Sandy wondered at her frailty .

“Sandy would you like to say a few words?” It was expected and Sandy with the little energy she could muster, moved unsteadily towards the microphone. She raised the award slightly and said “Thank You” and smiled at the audience and then turned and kissed Martin, the audience erupted in cheers and clapping. As Sandy and Martin left the stage, the Presenter announced that there would be a full screening of “Gene Power” shortly and that Professor Allenby would be available for a short question and answer session afterwards.

Gerry who was now standing with Allenby in the wings said.

” I hope you like it, I’m sure it’s going to generate a lot of interest, we’ll be syndicating it.” Allenby motioned to Gerry to move out of the way as Sandy and Martin passed by.

“That’s good news , we need to keep the Public behind us. Keep the trouble makers quiet.” but Allenby was distracted , he wanted to talk to Sandy, he wanted to share her triumph with her.

Gerry had to act fast, he took the Professor by the arm and pulled him towards the viewing area. He knew the Professor was very annoyed and was about to remonstrate with him. However, Millie appeared out of nowhere and enthusiastically congratulated Allenby, so Martin and Sandy had a chance to get by without Allenby stopping them.

” It’s so important the work that you do, and how wonderful that you are here tonight, I’m so looking forward to the film.” Millie gushed enthusiastically

“Thank you” Allenby said , distracted by Millie’s beautiful eyes and figure.

“We must head to our seats now ” Gerry interrupted ” The screening will start in five minutes.”

Gerry couldn’t help but wonder how Millie had appeared so quickly, but Millie had sensed Sandy’s reluctance to spend any more time than necessary with Professor Allenby . Millie had no idea why, but she thought that some extra congratulations wouldn’t go amiss for the high achieving Professor and it would give Sandy and Martin a chance to reach their seats before the Professor could monopolise them, or even worse try and sit beside them.

Sandy and Martin disappeared into the audience, while Gerry, Millie ,the Professor and his entourage took seats in the front row to watch the film.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

The tension in the Green Room was palpable. Sandy’s thoughts were however focused on coming face to face with Allenby again. Sandy didn’t care who received the Awards. Martin would be by her side and he had no intention of letting Allenby near her. However, Sandy knew that would be impossible and that Allenby would approach her. She had to stay calm and appear as normal as possible. It would be difficult.

There were a lot of people gathered in the Green Room. There was enough food and drink to feed them all five times over. Fortunately , as time passed and the various Prizes were announced and the Awards distributed the crowd thinned and Martin and Sandy were able to make their way to the delicious buffet. Martin was ravenous, so he helped himself to a plate and made his choice. Sandy held her plate in her hand and tentatively chose a couple of hors de oeuvres which she began to nibble.

She laughed as Martin began to shovel food into his mouth. “Stop it Martin, slow down.” she chided.

However, Martin stopped eating altogether and put his plate down.

“What’s up?” Sandy whispered in his ear.

“It’s him, he’s here.”

“Pick that plate up now, we ‘ve got to pretend there’s nothing wrong.” Sandy picked up Martin’s plate and handed it back to him.

Martin held the plate of food in his hand as he watched Gerry and Allenby enter the Green Room , they were followed by Allenby’s entourage . The room was full to the brim again.

“Help yourself to our meagre fayre”. Gerry announced. Plenty for everyone. I’m just going to check on a few details at the front, so relax and enjoy, we’ve got a tight programme and I don’t expect we’ll hear anything for about half an hour and we may over run depending on the speeches.

Gerry left the room and Martin watched as Allenby moved towards one of the drinks table accompanied by a tall young man in a blue suit. Martin placed a vol-au-vent to his lips, it felt dry and crumbly in his mouth, he had suddenly lost his appetite, but he popped it in his mouth nevertheless and with his free hand he touched Sandy’s shoulder to reassure her. She was beginning to tense up and she put her plate down on the table. She couldn’t eat anything.

Martin watched as Allenby poured himself some water and spoke firmly to the man in the blue suit who rapidly left the green room, nodding and gesturing that whatever Allenby wanted would be done.

Martin looked at Sandy and caught her attention momentarily, she looked away when she heard Allenby’s voice and she froze. Martin took her hand in his.

“It’s alright Martin, I’m fine.” Sandy said.

A sound of raucous, loud applause coming from the main stage area reverberated through the room. It was the announcement of one of the Acting Awards, it garnered quite a few people’s attention in the Green Room, so much so that with the milling and cooing of the crowd Martin didn’t notice Allenby making his way behind Sandy and suddenly touching her shoulder.

” Hello Sandy, such a long time since we’ve seen each other, have you been out of circulation? I’ve tried calling you, but all your numbers have changed.”

Sandy didn’t flinch , but she twisted gently and moved so that the Professor’s hand was left mid air and she turned to face him.

“Oh we do that quite regularly, it’s Industry Standard, otherwise I’d get pestered night and day, particularly as it looks like our Documentary is going to win the top spot. ” Sandy said matter-of-factly.

” Yes, Gerry seems very confident. I saw some exerts in the editing suite, I would have like to have seen a preview, unfortunately we ran out of time and Gerry said it was bad luck anyway. How have you been keeping?”

Sandy wanted to scream at Allenby, but she kept her cool.

” Oh I’m fine , took a while to get over the virus. Funny, Gerry comes out with all sorts of things, bad luck nonsense, it’s really because our Industry has so much loose talk, it’s hard to keep anything secret. It looks like we’re on to a winner with your facility and it’s work. You will join us on stage won’t you. I’ve just got to make a quick phone call to my baby sitter, so we’ll catch up later.

She took Martin by the arm.

” Come on, just want to remind the twins to watch us on T.V. , I promised them they could stay up and watch.” She looked at Martin and both of them moved quickly away from Allenby. Martin smiled as he left Allenby standing. Allenby was briefly distracted by the sound on an overhead screen, he watched and listened as a young actor made an earnest thank you speech. Allenby turned and looked at the food on the table, he brusquely turned his back and took out his mobile phone and begun to make a call. He ended the call abruptly and turned again to look up at the screen. He kept watching the Award proceedings for a few moments, until his Mobile phone bleeped, he looked at it .

” I thought as much!” He muttered to himself.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

On the Night of The Award Ceremony , Sandy looked stunning , she had been given the best advice that money could buy , to be honest Sandy had little interest and just went along with what they told her. The make-up people had known she had been ill and had lost a lot of weight , so they helped her pick an outfit as well as doing her hair and make-up. The dress was simple with some very discrete padding to enhance her almost skeletal figure. Sandy was relieved that they had given her skin tone a lift and the drawn look on her face had disappeared without her looking like she was caked in concealer. The whole process began to lighten her mood and renewed her confidence, perhaps she could face Allenby after all.

Gerry,true to his word, was keeping the Professor busy. Allenby had been whisked away along with his entourage to a tour of Sunshine Media’s editing suite. He had told Sandy and Martin that the probable meeting place for everyone would be the Green Room at the Awards Ceremony Theatre , but until that moment he had plenty to show Allenby. Once they were all in the Green Room Allenby’s fate would be sealed as the Documentary would be shown in all it’s glory.

Gerry sat with Allenby in the editing suite giving him a preview of the Documentary. They were looking up at a large screen which showed the picture and was linked to a console which Gerry was operating.

“This is a good cut , have a look”

“Allenby’s face appeared, a talking head, and in the background one of his impressive laboratories.

” Our facility has made leaps and bounds on counteracting the forces that will damage the future of our planet and our children.”

Gerry pressed a button on the console and looked across at Allenby.

” We are going to win tonight , Professor thanks to you.”

“But enough of that , let me show you what this suite can really do . Let’s have some fun.”

The Professor looked puzzled, but Gerry continued.

Gerry produced a still of the handsome Professor Allenby and began to manipulate the image. One of the technical boffins had set it up for him and so all he needed to do was press some buttons in a specific order.

“Ever wonder what you’d look like when you are ninety Professor?”. Gerry looked up at the Professor.

The image on the screen began to change slowly. The skin began to age, developing wrinkles and age spots, and the well cut hair grew long and thinned out until eventually the Professor was bald and what was left of his receded hair had turned from grey to white.

“Still a handsome old goat ? Aren’t I?” He laughed and looked at Gerry.

“If you say so Professor, no comment. How do you fancy being a super hero? ” Gerry pressed more buttons on the console.

“Professor Nojomouse ……”

The Professor appeared with large whiskers , mouse ears and two prominent front teeth. He was also purple.” There was a titter in the background from one of Allenby’s entourage.

“Aaah, Nojomouse! So popular with the children, the little mouse who is continually trying to save the World from the Evil Dr Flerhaus.”

“You are a fan , Professor Nojomouse is very big globally, a big earner for us.”

” My younger sister has three children under five, that little mouse is her Saviour. I wore a Dr Flerhaus costume at Christmas last year, a big mistake, it didn’t go down well. I believe the children had nightmares and didn’t settle that night.”

Gerry fiddled with the console and the Professor’s image , mimicked what he had just said in the voice of Nojomouse in an animated form.

Again one of the Professor’s assistant’s laughed at the animation on the screen and the squeaky voice of the Professor and the Professor turned coldly and looked at him.

“Perhaps this is more your style Professor. The Evil Dr Flerhaus!”

Again the features on the screen changed .The whole entourage stood in silence and waited to see the Professor’s reaction.

“The Evil Dr Flerhaus!” There we are. Your alter ego. A man wo tries to destroy the World as opposed to a Great One who is saving it.

“Enough! We must get ready and make our way to the Award Ceremony, the Cars are waiting.”It’s only ten minutes away”. Gerry stood up.

Gerry reached over as he spoke and took a sip of water from a paper cup that was sitting on the console, when he finished he threw the cup in the bin beside him. As he got up from his seat he turned to Allenby and patted him on the back.

” We’ll go in my car , it’s just outside.”

Allenby smiled. Like best friends they walked out of the double doors followed by Allenby’s entourage. No one noticed one of Allenby’s assistants discretely take the paper cup that Gerry had disposed of in the bin and put it in a plastic bag, which he then carried out of the room.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

Allenby’s plane was late and Joss arranged for the chauffeur to pick up Martin and Sandy and take them to the airport. They had packed everything and were both about to get into the waiting car when Sandy’s phone beeped, it was Allenby.

“I’ve arranged another car , I’d like to see you , you can catch a later flight.”

Sandy really wanted to get in the car with Martin and get out of there, but something told her she was not going to be allowed to. Another car appeared in front of them and the driver signalled to Sandy to come with him.

“Oh,Oh” Martin said.

“I’ll be fine, I’ll let you know how I get on. Don’t make a fuss . Kiss me , you’ve got the film . Sandy’s pupils were dilated with fear.”

Martin gazed helplessly as Sandy got into the other car and was whisked away, there was the driver and another man in the front passenger seat. Martin continued through security and the small electronic device that held all the footage that Allenby would not want anyone to see remained undetected.

Martin sighed as the car drove out onto the highway and he hoped Sandy would also be on her way shortly. The filmed evidence would protect her, but he knew she was in a precarious situation. He wanted to go back and get her, but it was impossible. The anti-dote for some of the truth drugs that Allenby could use was on a small crown at the back of her mouth, all she needed to do was bite on it half an hour before the drug was administered. Hard to judge though, he thought ,and suppose it didn’t work. What would Allenby do if he found out what they had done?

Meanwhile when Sandy arrived at one of the interrogation buildings, she immediately sensed something was wrong. The car stopped abruptly and the driver and the other man in the front of the car jumped out and opened Sandy’s door. She was manhandled out of the vehicle with each man taking one of her arms and frog-marching her in through the entrance. There was none of the usual security , everything opened automatically and she realised she was in an “interrogation area” she had never seen.

They came to a reception area and she was literally thrown at one of the chairs. A few minutes later Angela, the make-up artist was wheeled by semi-conscious in a wheel chair. Angela lifted her head to look at Sandy but there was no recognition.

” Angela” Sandy stood up and shouted. ” What have you done to her , she should be on the plane, what the hell is going on?”

Sandy was roughly thrown back and made to sit down by another Security Guard who unbeknown to Sandy had been directly behind her.

“As Angela was wheeled by, Sandy watched as the limp body in the wheelchair almost tipped forward, the orderly who was pushing her frantically grabbed at her and Angela gave a slight whimper .

“You people will pay for this!” Sandy shouted.

The Security Guard hit her viciously in the face. Sandy thought he had broken her jaw, the pain was so intense.

Angela was wheeled through some double doors and disappeared. Sandy was stunned and then Allenby appeared.

“Oh my , my not so rough! ”

Sandy knew that Allenby had been watching all the time and thought perhaps this had all been staged. She wondered what had happened to Martin , was he at the airport, would he make the arranged flights? If he did then the film that he had would be enough to stop Allenby in his tracks. The pain in Sandy’s mouth was intense and she knew her mouth was bleeding.

“My dear Sandy, that is certainly not a good look” Allenby walked up to her and put his hand on her chin and held it up to his gaze….. damaged goods eh?”

“Nurse, clean her up”. A Nurse appeared and wiped the blood from Sandy’s face. Sandy’s lips were beginning to swell.

“You’re a Mad Man Allenby, what the hell is going on , is this how you get your kicks. You pervert””

Sandy’s mouth hurt like hell , but she got her words out. She felt at the back of her mouth for the gel capsule that contained the anti-dote to the truth drug and bit into it. She felt the fluid dissipate and swallowed.

” You won’t kill me Allenby , I’m the Star Presenter, you can’t explain away me disappearing, you need me just as much as I need you.”

” You think so , I’m not so sure . There are worse things than death you know, as your colleague Angela has just found out. She’ll never be the same . Accidents happen , a viral infection , loss of all motor function. We will say we did the best for her that we could . We can say the same for you. It’s awful isn’t it?” Allenby smiled and continued.

“Nothing is ever how it seems, Angela told us everything, I just want you to collaborate her story. This will help.”

The nurse reappeared with the paraphernalia to administer the truth drug, the Security Guard moved to hold Sandy down.

Sandy wanted to delay the drug a bit longer. She jumped out of the chair and ran towards the door and turned directly to look at Allenby.

” Allenby you are mad, do what you want ! You are a mad control freak. Ever think that you might not be the genius you think you are? That you are wrong and everyone else is right!”

Allenby looked as Sandy moved around the room. He signalled to the Security Guard to leave her alone.

“How admirable a journalist to the very end, still asking difficult questions. Well perhaps not really that difficult. According to my peers , I am no genius, but that matters little now. They are nobodies, some have died , some have retired, but look at me , look at my reputation, my honours, my awards , this place. Funny none of my peers thought my work of any value, none of them would work for me. Now , I force people to work for me. It’s not pleasant and I’m not happy about losing Dr King Sit down Sandy.”

” No I will not sit down!” Sandy remonstrated and gesticulated at Allenby, she moved closer to him, even though the movement caused a throbbing pain in her jaw.

Allenby shouted “Guards”

The Guards grabbed Sandy and made her sit down on one of the reception chairs.

Allenby moved towards the now seated Sandy.

” Losing Dr King has very much upset me.”

“Where did he go? He wanted to retire , he said he was looking to complete the project and get the hell out of here. Let’s face it you are running a prison camp here.” Sandy looked up at Allenby.

“Don’t play the innocent with me young lady” Allenby raised his fist and hit Sandy on her right breast. The pain Sandy felt was horrendous and she was severely winded.

” I don’t want to mark that pretty face anymore, I still find it most attractive. ” Allenby held Sandy’s chin in his hand and raised her head to look directly into his eyes. Sandy’s eyes filled with tears. She tried to talk , but all she could do was mumble a few words which were incomprehensible.

“Creep!” was all Allenby heard.

He hit her again , this time on the other breast.

Sandy felt the pain go right through her body, she was very frightened but still wanted to give herself more time. The truth anti-dote had to work, it was her only chance.

“I want Martin!” She cried.

“Martin is on the way to the Airport, he can’t help you!”

“This is crazy, what is it you want? Call him back please?

“What for? The man is an idiot. A useless dolt. Nurses ! ” Allenby raised his voice and the Nurses with a gurney and a trolley with the paraphernalia to inject Sandy arrived . Sandy kicked at the trolley and caused one of the silver kidney dishes containing a syringe to fall on the floor. One of the Nurses , hurriedly left the reception area and came back with a replacement.

” That was stupid Sandy!” Allenby , moved back and the Security Guards held Sandy while the Nurses gave her the first injection.

Within a few minutes Sandy’s body went limp and she was aware that she was lifted onto the gurney trolley and strapped onto it and wheeled into another room. More drugs were administered and the room that she was brought to was brightly lit. Sandy heard an instruction given by Allenby to strip her.

Sandy could no longer struggle but was totally aware of what was said and done to her. After the interrogation which she kept to the story that Ian and Angela were additions to the crew she knew nothing about and that Dr King was chosen because Martin had said , he was an expert in genetics. Sandy did not know who he was.

She remembered, that Allenby had calmed down as she had answered his questions . Sandy remembered that after the initial interrogation Allenby had instructed the other people who were there to leave them alone. Sandy was helpless.

When Sandy regained consciousness, the ties that held her down had been removed , she was still in the interrogation room and Allenby sat in a chair opposite watching her. Sandy was very groggy and all she could feel was the moistness and stickiness between her legs, she could hardly keep her eyes open.

” Ah, Sandy , you are awake. Well it seems that what you were saying was true.”

The sound of Allenby’s voice caused her irritation and gave her the strength to reply.”

“What are you talking about , you Madman?”

” You knew nothing about Dr King’s escape?”

” I don’t understand, what gave you the idea that I did? What have you done?”

“It was just too convenient, you arrive with the crew and Dr King disappears. Your set up was infiltrated.”

“Look , you’ve dragged me into this, where’s Martin, get me Martin. I want nothing to do with you. You’re a dangerous Madman.”

“Oh yes, you’re right, I’m dangerous, but you needn’t worry, we’ll make you all better and we’ll continue with our work.”

” Fuck you” Sandy screamed, she began to feel the pain that was shooting through her body.

” Oh don’t be angry, perhaps I’ll give you some more pain relief. Like a good doctor , I will look after you, I’ll take you to the recovery room , you will need to rest, and I must dispose of this. “

Allenby held up a sample dish. Sandy looked at it , there was blood and bits of tissue in it. Sandy could barely register what he was showing her.

“Yes Sandy, I am the last man to enjoy you and pleasure you. No one else will ever be able to do that now. I’ve taken away all your external genitalia. I just couldn’t help myself. “

Sandy fainted.

Allenby continued talking and rubbed her forehead.

” I shall look after you myself the next few days, my sweet girl. You will be in pain when the anaesthetic wears off and the stiches will take some time to heal. We’ll telephone your office and say you’ve caught a virus and won’t be able to fly for a couple of weeks. Angela unfortunately will not make it as we discussed. I’m sure you understand that this is for the best .

Allenby wheeled the unconscious Sandy into the recovery room.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

When the crew arrived at Washington Dulles, they were forced to wait in order to gather all their equipment and pick up their hired vehicles. Sandy and Martin were however, whisked away in the Regal Electric Bentley by Joss. Sandy couldn’t help but notice that Joss looked very tired. Joss chatted to Martin about his research and explained that Professor Allenby had been away on business for some time and that she would be the point of contact for any information or help that was needed by the crew or Sandy until he returned.

” Will the Professor be available for an interview?” Sandy asked.

” Oh yes , I’m sure , I’ve no firm date when he’s coming back into the Country, things seem to be changing daily. I’ll have to let you know.” Joss smiled.

Martin and Sandy’s accommodation was beautiful. It had it’s own swimming pool and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

“I think we’ve had an upgrade , Martin.”

“Wow, impressive”. Martin turned to Sandy and signalled not to say anything. He reached into his pocket and took what looked like a small wi-fi hub out of his pocket and walked into one of the bedrooms. Martin beckoned to Sandy to follow.

He put the device on the bedroom table and plugged it into one of the sockets. It bleeped two or three times and a green light came on.

” Great , now we can talk. The place will be bugged to the hilt and there’ll be hidden cameras everywhere. With this device we can speak for a short while and no one will know what we are saying. It’ll just look like a bad connection. “

” OK, so what other magic tricks have you got up your sleeve , Martin?”

“Just wait and see. We have to be very careful, but some of the kit we have is very impressive. That’s why I was burning the midnight oil before coming away. We are wired for sound or actually we are wired to stop the sound.”

“And camera’s?” Sandy’s mobile phone rang. It was Allenby.

Sandy looked at Martin and signalled that she would move into the other room to take the call.

Martin unplugged the signal blocker and waited to hear from Sandy what Allenby had planned.

When Sandy returned to the living room , Martin could tell her mindset had changed, she squirmed and suggested that they go for a swim, that it was a lovely evening and it would be nice to relax in the pool. When Martin said that he was tired, she again squirmed and said .

” Oh come on Martin, let’s just have a bit of fun, it’s very secluded here. Let’s skinny dip”

They both took their clothes off and went out into the pool, Sandy took the lead and Martin felt that everything that was happening was a performance, Allenby was watching .

Later back in their large double bed , Sandy stretched over and turned on the signal blocker. Quickly she said, ” I’m really sorry, but I didn’t know what else to do. It was what Allenby wanted. The man is a pervert. It’s what he wanted me to do .”

Martin looked at her , they were both exhausted, but Martin couldn’t help but laugh.” I hope I’m not going to be all over the internet when I get back”. Sandy couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Martin said “And now he can listen to the sound of me snoring the git.” He reached over and turned off the signal blocker and went to sleep.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

Sandy’s documentary was nominated for two Industry Awards. She had invites to many functions and requests for interviews which seriously ate into the time that she wanted to spend with the twins never mind the time that she wanted to spend to help Alex.

The main Award Ceremony was in September which she and her now hand picked team would be attending. Gerry told her that he had invited Allenby and that Allenby had accepted. Indeed Allenby in his role of Top Scientific Guru, had been asked to present a prize in the Science Category. Either way they were bound to bump into each other. Until then Sandy was determined to spend quality time with her twins and where possible cut back on engagements.

On one fine Spring day, she had managed to find the time to take the twins to the local Park for a Picnic, the weather promised to be kind, glorious sunshine and warm for a change. Martin unusually was working away and Sandy was pleased to have the twins to herself.

As Sandy began laying the Picnic Blanket on the ground and placing the food on plates while the twins ran off towards the children’s play area. Sandy sensed someone was behind her, as she turned around , she saw it was Maria.

“Hi Sandy, do you mind if I join you , she sat down.”

Maria stretched the rug out a little more and took a seat as she watched Sandy prepare the food for the picnic. The twins noticed the strange woman and ran back to see who it was. Sandy was at first annoyed, but when she saw the way Maria made a fuss of the two children, she thought better of it and decided it was just like an old friend joining her on an outing with her children. They all picked at the food and the children were again enticed away to play on the swings and slide.

“You have a lot going on at the moment , don’t you?” Maria asked as she drank a little orange juice from a beaker.

“You can say that again, too much, I’m finding it hard to focus. I’m not sure anyone or anything is getting my best. I’m spread a little thin at the moment.” Sandy plucked at some grass beside the end of the Picnic Rug and threw it in the air, she continued.

” I hate all this fuss about the documentary, seems like everyone has their opinion and wants me to talk to them about it. Mostly wasting my time. All I want to do is help Alex. He’ll die if I don’t do something won’t he? ” Sandy looked towards the twins playing on the swings and said

” All I want is to see him being a child , doing the things other children do.”

“I’m sorry, Sandy, for all I know Alex may not be alive, I haven’t heard anything for quite a while. It seems that you were right about Allenby, his people are getting a lot closer to us. Our communications are getting tighter and tighter, we are not sure who we can trust anymore. All I have been told is to ask you again to visit Allenby’s Science Park Facility , as soon as possible . I need you to do that.”

Sandy was about to remonstrate with Maria, but suddenly without warning Maria was grabbed from behind by two men who Sandy hadn’t even see approaching. Each man held an arm and they forcefully lifted her off the picnic mat , like a rag doll.

“Maria Seccoy, you are under arrest for violating parole conditions, please come with us now, please don’t make a scene.”

Maria began to struggle.

“Get off me you goons” She cried.

The men’s grip was however too firm and they began to manhandle her away from the site of the picnic.

Sandy watched in horror as Maria was taken away. It all happened so fast that she had no time to do anything. As she watched Maria disappear , suddenly the twins ran up to her.

“Mummy, what has happened to that nice lady.”

“Oh , she had to go home and see someone.”

” But those men…mummy”.

“What men ?”

“The men that were holding on to her , she didn’t look very happy.”

” Oh I don’t know, they just said they had to take her home. I’m sure it’s alright , she’ll be fine. Let’s pack up and go home. We can tell Daddy all about it. ” As she packed her things up, Sandy felt a shiver down her spine.

When she arrived back home with the twins, Sandy was relieved that Martin was there. Sandy didn’t need to explain much about what had happened to Maria , because it was all the twins could talk about. Sandy made her excuses and went upstairs to lie on the bed , she was feeling fearful as if the World was closing down on her. Martin listened to the twins and eventually settled them down in the living room and went upstairs to speak to Sandy.

“They took her , I mean how much do they know. Will they come here?” Sandy pleaded with Martin, her eyes red and glistening with tears. Martin handed her a tissue and she blew her nose.

“Well if they’ve been following Maria, they know she’s been here. Seems odd though that they’d arrest her in the middle of a Park while she was with you, particularly for a Parole Violation. Sounds like a set up to me. They wanted you to know she’d been taken away or captured whatever you want to call it. It could be just for show by her own side. “

Sandy looked up at Martin who continued talking.

“It could be the case, it’s now life or death for the people involved as you’ve seen, but you are in such a high-profile position with your documentary, they cannot touch you. You are the darling PR lady. They need you to spread the message and make it palatable. Maria may have been followed but no one really knows what she wanted to talk to you about. Do they?”

“Well no, those men , it was just Maria, they didn’t ask me anything?”

“It’s definitely a back-burner situation, we don’t know which side those men were on or how much they know about Maria. I’ve got something important to discuss, do you fancy a bite to eat downstairs?”

” Yes, I do , just give me a few minutes and I’ll freshen up in the bathroom, I’ll be down in a minute.” Sandy felt a lot better, she was not so frightened anymore and was intrigued with what Martin wanted to tell her.

As they sat down in the kitchen and began to eat . Martin said.

” I’ve had a look at the boxes that Maria delivered, it’s some very nice kit. I think you need to go back and gather more evidence. I think you and I can do it.”

” What do you mean , you and I? I can hardly bring you with me.”

“Well perhaps you can. I’m an expert in South American Archaeology. I’ve just published a Paper on Aztec Gene Profiling, mind blowing really , but we’ve been profiling Ancient remains and it really has thrown up some interesting data. Some of which, and you won’t believe this The Vatican are interested in. South America , being mainly Catholic still has not taken kindly to Allenby’s Policies, but more importantly , Gerry has suggested to Allenby that I detail my work to him in the hope that they can persuade the Vatican not to be quite so active in lobbying their views to the Governments within the Americas.”

“You’ve been talking to Gerry behind my back.” Sandy looked crossly at Martin.

” Well I thought he’d told you, I mean it’s pretty mundane really, the Paper, and everything.”

Sandy laughed!” Well , I mean who can I trust anymore, not even my own husband! No I’m bloody delighted, you and I can visit Allenby and take this whole thing apart, that’s what you’re saying isn’t it?”

” Well , that is actually the plan.”

She reached over to Martin and gave him a hug.

“Martin, that’s brilliant news, I didn’t want to go back there by myself. I had made up my mind I would return. I think it will be very dangerous but I don’t think Alex will survive if we don’t do something soon. Does this mean that you trust Gerry?”

“I don’t think trust is the word. It’s damage limitation , Sandy” he put his hand to her cheek.” I think Gerry is right though, the South American Gene Profiling really is relevant. There’s a strong lobby also from the Right Wingers for purity in the race, they want to remove the European Spanish Heritage. Potentially it’s a time bomb. You’ve got the Church on one side and Dictators on the other and my evidence putting a spanner in the whole works.” Martin smiled.

” You always were a trouble maker. Where will it end? Remove History, Change History or Cleanse History.” Sandy dipped her fork and played with some peas on her plate.

” Cleanse is a good word. The Catholics are against the whole thing and there could be one gigantic blood bath. I suspect that is what Allenby wants.

“Heaven help us , this is a real nightmare.” One of the peas flew across the table onto the floor.

Later that month it was announced that Sandy and her Crew had won the Best Documentary Award and Best Investigative Reporting at the Award Ceremony in September. It had proved easy to add Martin to her existing team. There was the usual gossip about nepotism, which Sandy thought quite hypocritical; as before she had been judged as highly sexed and working her way through the Executive Board. Now she was helping her husband. She just couldn’t win.

She had overheard a conversation in the Ladies Toilet between two make- up assistants, they were scandalised by her open relationship with Gerry and her promotion of her own “cuckold ” husband onto her show. In the past , Sandy would have confronted both the women and given them a piece of her mind. However, she knew it wasn’t important what they thought and in fact it was very good cover. She decided to let it roll, let them believe what they wanted to believe, she had more important things on her mind.

Allenby was unable to attend the Award Ceremony and had sent his apologies. However, he had suggested that a more in depth documentary be made now with cameras and a full crew. Sandy was invited back to his facility with her crew in what was going to be a two to three week project.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

Sandy’s Documentary was given a prime-time spot on a popular Government Network. The figures that came through were significant and were an excellent demographic. The Documentary had caused a furore of discussion in the Media about three “High Profile” Cure cases which had been included in the documentary, and had led to questions in the English Parliament about Policy towards medically challenged children curiously there was no mention of hereditary causes.

Sandy had never before had a reason to question how serious debate over issues was glossed over. Her final analysis of what had been said was that the Parliamentary Questions were deliberately sterile. Her documentary in the guise of promoting Allenby’s “solution” raised some serious questions about the origins of these conditions and their subsequent “Miracle Cures”. They were simply ignored or not addressed. The overall opinion was how wonderful Medical Science was and how it should be applauded.

Sandy’s main concern, though, was she had not received any texts on her and Martin’s secret mobile for a number of months. She checked every night and had been disappointed. There was no news about Alex and his condition.

Thankfully the night after the Broadcast ,they received a text . Sandy was to place an order with a Computer Equipment manufacturer who would make a delivery to her house. Dutifully Sandy placed the order and the next day the delivery arrived. Maria was the delivery driver, as she explained later, an excellent cover as her work record showed her as a self-employed courier driver. She could work for a number of Companies and deliver across a large Geographic Area without gaining attention. It was working well.

Martin helped Maria unload the boxed equipment and once inside the front door Maria put the boxes down and hugged Sandy. Sandy sensed something was wrong. Maria seemed quiet. After the initial greetings and the offer to sit down Maria quietly said.

” I thought your programme was wonderful. I could read between the lines. Allenby must think you are in his pocket.” Maria looked Sandy in the eye.

” I suppose he must, that was the intention.” Sandy replied.

Martin felt uneasy at the mention of Allenby and moved away to make some drinks for everyone. After a few moments they all sat down at the kitchen table, mugs in hand.

Sandy continued. ” I had to promote Allenby, it’s what he wants, I suppose it’s the next phase of his project, at the same time I hope that it would get people thinking. We’re being led down a very nasty path , there is no discussion or debate. It simply is not allowed. Our eyes have been closed and hence it’s come to this. What’s in the boxes Maria? Have you any news about Alex?”

Maria stood up and began to open them, she did not say anything at first.

” Alex is not a very well , we have had to move him a number of times and I think it has taken it’s toll. I have a letter from him for you and if you want I can take something to give to him from you.” As she opened one box , she took out a letter from among the electronic equipment inside.

Sandy reached out to take the letter and recognised Alex’s child like scrawl. Unlike his previous letter, this one was only one page and on one side and she couldn’t quite read all the words, Alex had obviously struggled writing it. It was still precious. She handed it to Martin who also read it, he also began to survey the electronic paraphernalia on the table.

” Alex’s condition is deteriorating isn’t it?” Martin said to Maria as he picked up one or two items from the table.

” We are doing our best. Sandy’s work has raised moral throughout our organisation, she did an excellent job. We will not stop fighting people like Allenby.” Maria looked up at both of them.

” How is the Organisation doing? According to Allenby it’s very close to being unravelled. Is that true?” Sandy pushed her hair away from her forehead as she looked at Maria for an answer.

“Really?” Maria looked at Sandy.” That is what he thinks, well that’s good if he does. I can’t be certain, we all work on a need to know basis, but there will always be resistance as long as there are people and children to protect.”

“Allenby is killing people, I saw a nurse she was given a cocktail of drugs so she would tell them what she knew, whatever they gave her , she never recovered. She died right in front of me. Allenby watched, he said it was necessary.” Sandy looked at Maria.

” Did you see Dr King?” Maria had a priority and the death of the Nurse was not her concern.

” Yes, I saw him, he was at Allenby’s Science Park and he had been through some sort of interrogation before the Nurse, they were taking him to the recovery room, I expect he is dead now , just like the Nurse.” Sandy answered feeling very depressed.

” I hope not, he was making such inroads and treating so many conditions, he was our best Specialist. It’s why I came to see you. We need to get him back, it’s the only chance we have for a lot of our children. Our treatment success rates have declined . Now we know that he is there, we must try and get him back. We need you to go back to the Science Park and find out if he’s still alive and if we can get him out of there. It’s ours and Alex’s only hope.”

Martin interrupted ” No it’s too dangerous ”

Sandy burst into tears. Maria continued ” We need to try.”

Maria was a zealot .The loss of her own child had made her very focused. It was her life, working to stop the gene pool cleansing projects. She waited while Martin hugged Sandy and comforted her. Maria put her hand on Sandy’s hand. Martin looked at Maria suspiciously , he knew Maria was not going to give in.

“Look Maria, you need to give us some time, we’ve got the twins, Sandy needs to be there for them too, you are asking too much.” Martin pleaded with Maria as he held Sandy.

Sandy howled like a wild animal, she was getting torn in so many directions and she felt she could no longer cope. The twins had almost forgotten what it was like to have a bedtime story read to them by their mum. Sandy was always tired and thinking of other things. Maria knew she wasn’t going to get the answer she wanted tonight, and although time was of the essence, Maria knew she had to back off.

Maria took a deep breath and continued.

“OK , but there are some more pictures of Alex I can show you , some recent video. I might as well leave this equipment here for now. I’ll support you both should you decide you are able to go back to Allenby’s hell-hole.”

Sandy had already made up her mind. Sandy stopped crying and began to calm down.

Maria handed Sandy a small hand held device with video of Alex on it. He was playing, he was so much more slower and thinner than she remembered. He smiled and waved at the camera, but it was obvious he was in pain. His stomach seemed distended.”

” My poor child!” Sandy touched the screen with her fingertips.

“He looks so ill. Martin look!”

Martin knew now there was nothing he could do to change Sandy’s mind. Before Maria left , Sandy and Martin wrote a short note to Alex and gave it to Maria to pass on . Maria said she would make sure he got it and as she went out the door she gave a final glance to Sandy .

“I’ll be in touch ” Maria said.

©GeraldineBanksFebruary2025

Monday morning arrived like a sledgehammer to Sandy and Martin heads. They both went their separate ways, Martin as always handling the child care and Sandy setting off for the office. Just as Sandy stepped into the lift from the Car Park at Sunshine Media , a man rushed in behind her as the doors were about to close. It was one of the young production runners, an ex- County Rugby Player. As he turned around to check what floor he was going to , his lap top bumped against Sandy’s thigh. It was still tender and she squealed.

” Oops sorry , are you OK?” The young man turned around and looked at Sandy.

” Fine thanks, I’m a bit bruised, Kick Boxing Class at the weekend, I need to learn to defend better.”

” Apologies, I’m a clumsy oaf. Really sorry.” He apologised in his accomplished Public Schoolboy accent.

Sandy reached the floor, where she normally gave her expenses to Gerry’s secretary. She moved awkwardly out of the lift. To her surprise Gerry was standing opposite the lift door and greeted her as she got out. He looked tanned and relaxed.

“Sandy, so good to see you!” He made a show of hugging her , not realising why she moved away reluctant to be bumped again.

“Sorry Gerry, I’m a bit tender, I fell down in the garden , I ‘m pretty badly bruised.” She drew away from him and looked at him sceptically.

” You look well, where have you been?” Sandy enquired, noticing Gerry’s concerned look.

“Oh I see, dangerous places garden’s .” Gerry moved backwards away from her. ” Oh the Caribbean , Mills likes it , I was bored as hell, but we combined a bit of work too. New travel programme possibly.”

“Nice.” Sandy began to make her way to where Gerry’s Secretary sat, ready to leave her expenses on her desk. Gerry continued talking to her.

” I need a debrief on your Allenby trip, I’m curious to know what you thought about his facility.”

” Sure Gerry, will we use my office downstairs? It was really interesting stuff. The place is amazing. I’m buzzing with ideas. There’s a hell of a lot going on there.”

“OK, I’ll see you in half an hour, we won’t be interrupted.”

“OK Gerry”. Sandy put her paperwork on the Secretary’s desk and made her way out of the open plan office down to her basement office.

Gerry meanwhile headed to the coffee machine and flattered one of the young Production Assistants who was just getting herself a coffee. As usual his banter worked wonders for the new girl and she left the coffee machine on a high, impressed that one of the “Management Team” had taken the time to speak to her. She felt she had made a good impression. As Gerry pressed the buttons to get his coffee, all he could think about was the welfare of his son. Sandy had not looked at all well.

Half an hour later Gerry and Sandy both sat opposite each other in her basement office. Sandy who had no photographs or even many notes told Gerry what she had seen.

“It’s worse than I even thought….” Sandy looked up at Gerry, she wasn’t sure if she could trust him.

“How do you mean?”

“It’s a Death Camp Gerry. That facility is used to torture people and kill them when they are no longer needed. It’s all very dangerous and very scary. Allenby wants a good PR Job done on it, no accidental leaks apparently there is some sort of Global Agreement that means the people who are captured are basically fair game, he can do what he wants with them. Officially they no longer exist.”

” I cannot believe it has come to this” Gerry looked dismayed, the relaxed demeanour disappeared and a look of despair replaced it.

“Believe it Gerry. Allenby wants to make his actions look that it’s for the benefit of mankind and that what he is doing is to protect our future.” Sandy noticed Gerry looked dismayed.

The man is a monster of the worst kind.” Gerry shook his head.

“Yes, that’s true, but he has a lot of important backers, who supply a massive budget to provide the kind of place he has near Washington. It’s acres, an amazing self-contained Science Park. Allenby’s aim is to close down any sites throughout the World that protect and care for children like Alex. I got very close to him, but he didn’t let his guard down. I did get the most fantastic tour of the place. ” Warts and All” as he liked to say. Gregor is a captive there.

“Gregor? The chap from Norway?”

“Iceland, yes he’s now a convert to the Professor’s beliefs. He’s a statistical genius and he’s now helping Allenby’s team solve the Big Problem of keeping the World Gene Pool clean. Pristine. No more inherited defects, no unpleasant , incurable conditions.”

“No deviants”.

“None of any sort, someone wants perfection, no gentle fall out anymore. The only way to do it is to shut down any Global Resistance, by whatever means possible. I think he is going to “screen” everyone.

“It was bound to happen.”

“Anyone who has the potential to produce progeny”

“Inevitable really , cause and effect. We want perfect humanity , we need to make it perfect.”

“At what cost though? Our own humanity.”

“It’s going to be very difficult , I need time to think things through. Allenby has come very far, he has a very powerful lobby, things are going in the wrong direction very quickly. I can see where this is leading. “

Sandy looked at Gerry and said ” I think he can be broken. I’m sure he can.”

“It’s no good breaking him, there’ll just be another Allenby to replace him.” Gerry replied rapidly.

” I need to think” Gerry continued.” I just don’t know enough about what he is trying to destroy. How many facilities are there like the one Alex was in? Can they be replaced when they are discovered? The people that run them and finance them who are they? they seem to have no profile. You’d think they’ be jumping off the roof tops saying these people are trying to kill us and our children.”

” It’s been going on for years” Sandy said.” Perhaps we are immune to the threat. I wouldn’t know anything about this if it wasn’t for Alex. If he’d been healthy I wouldn’t even be involved. I would be saying the whole thing sounds fantastical. It began with monitoring, then separating and finally killing. Wiping out all traces of deviance from all of Societies throughout the World. The people who are fighting only know because they have been the target, or have been found out because they have passed a defect on.”

“…. and being blackmailed.” Gerry interjected.

” I’m not sorry about that, I’ve changed and I’ve become very hard over the last few months. I don’t trust you Gerry, I need your money that’s true but I’ve no intention of telling you everything I know. Let me know what comes of your thinking and we’ll talk it through. Meanwhile I’m going to hash up a Media Project that put’s Allenby’s Facility in a good light, it’s what he wants Publicity, but Publicity of the right kind.”

Gerry looked Sandy right in the eye, there was no doubt Sandy had changed, she never would have spoken to him like that before. He knew at the moment it was impossible to convince Sandy that he could be trusted, so he nodded.

” I understand, I’ll get in touch when I’ve got some ideas. When Allenby gets in contact with me, which I’ve no doubt he will. I’ll tell him that you’re on the case.”

” You can believe everything that bastard tells you. I played my part to get what I want and I’ve got the bruises to prove it. He strikes me as the type that likes to talk “boys talk”. Tag him along .Vanity might be his downfall. Whatever you do don’t accept any invitation’s from him, he’ll sample you and I have no idea where that would lead.”

Gerry stood up and left the office , he knew Sandy was right to keep mum about what she knew. He was disappointed he couldn’t arrange a visit for himself to see Alex, but that was impossible now. They had nothing else to say to each other for the moment. Gerry closed Sandy’s office door behind him and went back upstairs to his own office where he could think and plan and wait for a call from Allenby.