Mike and Reet (Sequel to Love & Deceit)

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 1

A couple of weeks later, Reet and Mike had never been happier. They sat on Reet's sofa snuggled up.
"I can't believe what a fool I've been by taking up with poisonous Penny when the woman I should have noticed all this time was right under my nose and I couldn't see it," he told his new beloved as he cuddled her.
"It's all that cigar smoke," Reet remarked. "Yer need a foghorn to HEAR owt t'other side when yer puffing away, never mind trying to see owt."
Mike chuckled. "I'll give them up."
"Yer what?" Reet frowned as she strained to look at him.
"Just for you," he added.
"Don't be daft, Baldwin," she snorted. "Yer giving up yer cigars is like me giving up the vodka. It just in't natural."
"You're right," he chuckled. "You always were a wise woman, Reet." Reet beamed at him then clutched her head.
"Are you okay?" Mike asked, worried.
"Yeah," she lied. "Just a sharp pain again. How long did that doctor say concussion lasts?"
"Variable," he replied. "Though by rights it should have gone after all these weeks. If this gets any worse, I'm taking you to back to the doctor and no arguing."
"Would I?" she asked in mock horror.
"Yes," he stated. "By the way, I heard from Kevin about your car."
"I can feel me headache getting worse," she said. "What did he say? How much is it gonna cost me?"
"Nothing," Mike told her.
"Eh?" she squinted as her headache took hold.
"It seems when your car was last serviced, Tommy didn't check the airbags were working properly. Thinking more about how to split up Martin and Katy to do any proper work by all accounts. Anyway, Kevin says he'll fix it for free and will give you compensation if it stops you suing him for the bang on your bonce when your head hit the steering wheel."
"I should think so too," she snapped, then winced as her head hurt more. "How much compensation's he talking about? I mean, would I get more from suing? It's high time I got the five grand I gave them 11 years ago back with interest after the way Sally spoke to me t'other week. Though I always knew she were soft in t'head to believe me grovelling."
"I'll ring my laywer in the morning," Mike offered. "Now, why don't you go and have a lie down to get rid of that headache?"
"Good idea," she smiled weakly. "I'm really tired all of a sudden."
As she stood, she swayed even though she hadn't touched a drop due to the painkillers the doctor gave her. Mike quickly went to her aid. "Lean on me. Come on."
She put her arm tightly around his shoulder. "Ta, love. And if that Norris comes upstairs to annoy me again, yer have me full permission to push him back down 'em."
"I will," he laughed as he led her to the bedroom and helped her get into bed. "I'll leave you to sleep. I'll just be in the living room if you want me, okay?"
"Okay," she smiled. He kissed her forehead tenderly and she watched him leave the room, closing the door behind him them shut her eyes and tried to sleep.

Several hours later, Reet's headache was worse than ever. She tried to open her eyes but found it too difficult to see clearly. She fumbled to grip the bedside table and haul herself out of bed. She managed to sit up but felt dizzy and threw up. She knew she had to be resolute so struggled to her feet. "Mike!" she yelled before collapsing unconscious on the floor.

Mike dropped his newspaper and rushed to the bedroom. "Oh no!" he said as he knelt to feel for a pulse. "First Linda and now you. I must be jinxed." Satisfied he'd found one, albeit very weak, he grabbed the phone in the hall and dialled for an ambulance.

Outside in the street, a crowd had gathered around the ambulance wondering what was going on.
"Reet!" Norris gasped in shock as he saw her being carried out. "What's happened?"
"I don't know," lamented Mike. "She complained of headaches earlier then just collapsed."
"Drunk again I expect," Blanche remarked. "Hungover as usual and so much hair of the dog maybe she choked on the fur."
"She was NOT drunk!" Mike yelled angrily. "And if I find out you've been spreading lies like that, I'll get Reet to sue you for slander." He got into the ambulance as sat opposite her, holding her hand as the door closed and it sped away to Weatherfield General.
"Well he would say that, wouldn't he?" Blanche noted. "But we all know what she's like."
"Maybe she's seriously ill," Emily added.
"Or maybe she's had one too many bottles of vodka," Blanche replied.
Emily closed her eyes in despair and when she opened them noticed Norris halfway down the street. She followed him. "Norris? Where are you going?"
"To get a taxi to take me to the hospital," he told her.
"Excellent idea," Emily agreed.
"Reet will be all right, won't she, Emily?" he asked.
Emily smiled reassuringly. "Of course she will. She'll be delighted to know you care so much about her."
"Of course I care," he said. "Although it would be useful to know when she'll be well enough to sort my wages out and how long I have to run the shop single-handed."
Emily bit her lip as they entered Street Cars.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 2

Over at Weatherfield General, Mike was pacing up and down so much he was wearing the floor out. He didn't hear Norris and Emily arrive.
"Mike?" Emily repeated as she prodded him.
"Oh, hello, Emily," he said, but still seemed miles away.
"Is there any news?" she asked.
"No," he said sadly. "They're doing tests. I wish I could be with her. I hate all this not knowing."
"Oh, me too," Norris agreed. "I mean, will she be okay to do the papers in the morning or will I have to do it even though it's my day off?" They both glared at him. "What?" he asked innocently.
The torrent of abuse from Mike was interruped by a doctor. "Mr Baldwin?"
"Yes, " he replied. "How's Reet? I mean, Mrs Sullivan."
"A very sick lady, I'm afraid," the doctor told him. "She has what's known as a chronic subdural haematoma, which is a blood clot on the brain. We're getting her ready to operate but I'm afraid there's only a slim chance she'll survive. Even if she does, then it's unlikely there will no ill effects."
"She could die?" Mike said quietly, unable to take it all in.
"Given her age and the size of the clot, I'm sorry to say it's extremely likely," the doctor replied. Mike's legs buckled under him. Emily and Norris helped him into a chair. "We will do everything humanly possible for her though, I assure you."
All Mike could do was nod his head and he didn't even notice the doctor leave. "I can't lose her. Not now."
"I'm sure you won't," Emily tried reassuring. "Reet's always been a strong woman. She'll get through this."
"We all heard what the doctor said, Emily," Norris said. "I wonder who she's left the Kabin to in her will?"
Mike lunged at him, slamming him against the wall. "Shut your annoying mouth, Norris, or Reet won't be the only one fighting for their life in hospital!"
"I was only saying," Norris croaked as he gasped for air.
"Well don't!" Mike yelled.
Emily tried to pull Mike off her lodger, even though she didn't blame him for lashing out. Norris and his tactless remarks were enough to even make her think about murder. "That's enough, Mr Baldwin. It's not helping Reet."
"Nothing can help Reet," Mike replied sadly and loosened his grip. "I've lost her, Emily. All those wasted years and when we finally get together, I lose her and all because of poisonous Penny and her lies." His eyes narrowed at the thought of that evil woman. "If she hadn't lied about me getting her pregnant. If I hadn't uncovered Linda was her daughter and naturally assumed she was mine. If Mark hadn't brought Linda to the flat announcing they were getting married. If I hadn't had to tell her she'd never have fled like that straight into the path of Reet's car, making her hit her head of the steering wheel." He turned his attention to Norris. "And if HE hadn't been distracting her about the library, she would have seen Linda coming and hit the brakes!"
"I think you'd better go, Norris," Emily said.
"I think he better had too," Mike concurred. "And don't come back without permission."
Norris skulked away but loitered in the corridor out of sight.

After far too many hours as far as Mike was concerned, the doctor finally made an appearance. He was terrified to ask. Emily noticed this so asked how Reet was for him.
"It's still early days, I'm afraid," the doctor explained. "But she has successfully come through the operation. Now it's wait and see and hope for no more haematomas. Though again, her age is against her as older people are more susceptable to developing blood clots. But, we'll keep a close eye on her and see how her condition develops. But she may have to stay in for several weeks just to be on the safe side."
Mike broke down and cried. He had never had so many emotional traumas in such a short space of time but the thought of losing Reet was his worst. He kept thinking of all those years they'd known each other but he never asked her out once. Things could have been so very different if he wasn't a typical man happy with a young dolly bird on his arm. "Can I see her?"
"She's in intensive care," the doctor said. "If you'll follow me. But please, don't be worried about all the machines. She needs them."
"I'll wait here," Emily said.
Mike hugged her. "Thank you for all your support, Emily. It's been very much appreciated."
"My pleasure," she smiled. "Now, you go and see how Reet is and I'll go home. Ring me if there's any news."
"I will," he nodded and followed the doctor. As he went in, his mind took him back several weeks to when Linda was in here. Fortunately, she'd recovered well and was now recuperating in a nursing home. But he hated the place. His stomach was in knots as he saw Reet fighting for her very existence in that bed. He sat down and took her hand, gently stroking it with his thumb and talked to her.

Reet recovered remarkably well, much to the surprise of the doctors who had her already booked for the mortuary slab, and had been moved to a normal ward. Mike offered to have her sent to a private hospital, but she refused to let him spend one penny. He was with his beloved as usual for afternoon visiting.
"Have you seen Alan Bradley again?" he was saying.
"Thankfully, no," she replied.
"Then it looks like it was caused by the concussion," he said.
"I hope yer and the doctors are right about that," she said sceptically.
"Anyway," he went on. "I want you to move in with me when you're released."
"Yer make it sound like I'm in prison," she remarked.
"Well, you have to obey rules and are fed disgusting food so it's not all that different," he told her.
"Except the food's better in prison and they get more freedom," she chuckled. "But are you sure you want me living with you? Wouldn't playing nursemaid wear thin after a while?"
"No," he said firmly. "I want to look after you. It's the least I can do. I love you, Reet. In fact, it's more than that. Coming so close to losing you has made me realise we should stop wasting time. Will you marry me, Reet?"
"I don't know what to say," she said. "It's all so sudden."
"You could be dead now," he pointed out. "I don't want to let you out of my sight again. You are my whole life, Reet. I love you. I want to take care of you for the rest of my life."
She thought for a while. "Yes, you're right. Oh, Mike. Let's get married. Let's not waste any more time. Anything can happen that robs us of that."
He kissed her passionately then his eye caught the clock on the wall. "Is that the time? Sorry to propose and run, sweetheart, but I've got a meeting so I'd better be going.".
"Owt I should know about?" she asked.
"Er... Not yet," he replied mysteriously as he stood. "I'll be back tonight. And as soon as you're out of here, we'll go and choose the ring and set the date."
She looked up at him. "Can't wait," she smiled as he kissed her cheek. "Good luck with your meeting."
"With you in my life?" he laughed. "Luck doesn't come into it, as you know."
"Oh, I most certainly do," she chuckled then spotted Roy lurking behind Mike. "Hello, Roy."
Mike looked round. "At least you won't be lonely. Bye sweetheart. Roy."
"Oh, er, goodbye, Mike," Roy stammered as Mike left.
"Well," Reet said. "I never expected to see you. Sit down."
"Thank you," he replied, held his shopping bag tightly and sat nervously.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 3

Evening visiting time at Weatherfield General and Reet sat up awaiting her latest rich fella. She spotted him down the corridor and was relieved to see him as it was getting late. "Hello, Mike, darling."
"You look pale," Mike noted as he kissed her. "Are you all right?"
"Fine," she lied. "How did your meeting go?"
"Very well," he told her.
She noticed someone lurking out of the corner of her eye in the corridor and diverted her attention in that direction. "Oh, God!" she gasped.
"What?" he wondered.
"It's him," she said.
"Who?" Mike frowned.
"Alan," she breathed, trying not to panic as she stared at him. He gave a wry smile and a little wave. "Why won't he leave me alone?"
Mike followed her gaze. "I don't see anyone," he commented.
"He's there," she shrieked. "In the corridor."
"There's no one there, Reet," he chuckled.
"This is no laughing matter, Baldwin," she chastised. "He's right..." She looked again and saw he was right and the corridor was empty. "Well, he WAS there." She noticed the way Mike was looking at her. "I'm not mad, yer know."
"I know," he assured.
"Stop humouring me, Baldwin!" she screeched. "I'm not seeing things. He was REALLY there. He's after me again. I'm vulnerable here. Mike, take me home now."
"But, Reet-" he started.
"But, Reet, nowt!" she yelled. "I'm not safe here. I want to go home now!"
"All right," he sighed heavily. "I'll see to it."
"Thank you," she smiled, keeping an eye out for Alan to pop up again.

Later that evening, Norris and Emily dropped by to see Reet, but she wasn't interested in small talk. "Have either of you seen Alan hanging about?" she asked.
"Not me," Emily replied.
"I wouldn't know what he looks like," Norris added.
"Why do you ask, Reet?" Emily said.
"Because he's out there somewhere taunting me," Reet sniffed.
"Oh, now, Reet," Emily said condescendingly. "How can he be? You know he's been dead for the past fifteen-and-a-half years. You were there when he died."
"But he's not dead, Emily," Reet insisted. "I've seen him at the hospital."
"Reet," Emily sighed, "people see all sorts of things after some sort of trauma. Did you see him before the accident?"
"No," Reet conceded.
"Well there you are then," Emily said. "It's clearly hallucinations caused by the bump on your head."
"If you say so," Reet said. "But I know deep down you're wrong and it's only a matter of time before he proves it."

Over at Reet's flat, she couldn't settle. Alan's appearing then disappearing were playing on her mind. She knew she wasn't imagining it but no one seemed to believe her. She got out of bed and went to make herself a large drink. Once done, she strolled to the window and looked out as she drank. The phone rang and she quickly answered it before it woke Mike up. "Hello?"
"Look out the window again to see a lovely surprise," the voice said so she did out of curiosity. She dropped the glass when she spotted Alan leaning on a lamppost grinning up at her. "Hello, Reet," he said.
She slammed the phone down, ran to her bedroom, slammed the door and leant against it, tears streaming down her face and nose dripping, terrified.
"Reet?" Mike called in the dark.
"I didn't mean to disturb you," she sniffed. The light came on and she tried to cover up the fact she'd been crying.
"What's happened?" he asked as he got out of bed and went to her.
"It's Alan," she sobbed. "He called me. He were out there in the street. He's going to kill me, Mike. I just know he is.
"Come here," he put his arms around her for a while. When he let her go, he added, "Wait here."
"Where are yer going?" she panicked.
"To have a look," he told her as he opened the door. She stayed in the doorway as she watched him walk into the living room and look out the window. "No one out there. You sure you weren't just dreaming?"
"Of course I wasn't dreaming!" she snapped. She joined him. "He were right there," she pointed.
"If he was, there's no one there now," Mike tried placating. "Sure it wasn't a dream? You have had a nasty bump on the head and a life-threatening haematoma."
"When will people get it into their heads I am NOT imagining this!" she screeched. "He's out there. He phoned me!" She dashed across to get the phone. "Here. Do 1471 and yer'll see." Mike grudgingly took the phone and dialled. "Well?" she said impatiently.
"Caller withheld their number," he replied as he put it up to her ear.
"Doesn't that prove it's him?" she asked in desperation. "I mean, none of me friends would withhold their number. Only someone who doesn't want to be known would. I hate that 141. It's high time they stopped it. Gives people like him licence to frighten people."
Mike switched the phone off. "I know. But it could have been anything at this time of night, sweetheart. Exchange going mad again."
"Stop humouring me!" she yelled. "It was him! Oh, I give up." She flopped on the sofa, head in her hands, crying.
Mike was increasingly worried about her. Headaches before and the haematoma were one thing. But this he wasn't sure he could cope with. He put the phone on the coffee table, sat beside her and put his arm around her again. She shrugged him off. "Reet!"
"If yer haven't got anything decent to say then go home," she ordered.
"But, I-" he began then sighed heavily. "I don't want to leave you in this state."
"And who caused it?" she snorted. "Alan flamin' Bradley, that's who! Only none of yer will believe me! Go home, Mike. I don't want yer here any more tonight."
"Reet, please-" he begged.
"Go away and leave me alone!" she yelled then buried her face in her hands again.
With a heavy heart, he got up, went to the bedroom and dressed. He really wanted to help her but everyone knew Alan was dead so he didn't know what to do. He watched her a while from the doorway, her whole body shaking with sobs. It broke his heart that head injury was making her descend into madness because he loved her so deeply. "I'll see you tomorrow then," he eventually managed to say.
"If that bastard hasn't killed me first," she whimpered.
"You know where I am if you need me during the rest of the night," he said.
She looked up, face soaking wet from the tears. "If yer going to keep treating me as though I'm a basket case, I doubt I'll be needing yer at all ever again." She turned away and stared at the window while Mike quietly let himself out. When she heard his car start, she crossed to the window and watched him drive off then got a bottle of vodka and drank herself into oblivion.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 4

Several days later and things hadn't changed much between Reet and Mike. She was sick of him not believing her so whenever he walked into the shop, she'd walk out and the same with the Rovers. Until he was willing to be there 100% for her and protect her from Alan, she wanted nothing more to do with him. Lunchtime arrived and she headed for the Rovers.
Mike saw her from the factory and dashed out. "Reet!" he called. "Reet please wait. We've got to talk."
"Do yer believe me about Alan stalking me?" she asked.
"I don't know what to believe," he admitted. "You've been obsessed with this ever since the accident."
She looked shocked. "If I'm 'obsessed with this' as yer say, it's only because it's the truth only no one will believe me. Not even the man who claims to love me yet won't help me keep safe from that psycho."
"I'm worried about you," he pleaded. "What more can I say?"
"Then there's nowt to talk about," she said then began to cross the road.
Mike slowly walked back to the factory but turned when he heard a screech of tyres. "Reet, look out!" he yelled as a car headed straight for her.
Reet ran onto the pavement but that didn't stop the car as it continued heading for her. She raced to the Kabin as fast as she could but it was too late. The car hit her, sending her flying before speeding away round the corner.
Mike dashed to her side while everyone came out of their homes and businesses. "Reet?" he said cautiously.
"I should have stayed to have that chat," she remarked then closed her eyes.

Reet was taken to hospital again. Mike felt like booking a permanant chair in the waiting room. She had regained consciousness in the ambulance which made him very relieved, but was in a lot of pain. The doctors rushed her into theatre to mend her shattered leg while Mike, Emily and Norris yet again waited anxiously for news. Several hours after coming out of theatre, she woke up in the hospital bed.
"Oh, darling," Mike sighed with relief. "I thought you'd had it."
"So did I!" she remarked.
"I'm so sorry for everything, sweetheart," he told her as he kissed her hand tenderly, a few tears rolling down his face, part guilt, part elation.
"So am I," she said as she stroked his hair.
"You have no idea how much I love you, Reet," he said.
"I think I do," she smiled and they kissed. "So, have they caught him?"
"Caught who?" Norris asked.
"Alan of course," she snapped. "He was driving. Yer saw him, didn't yer, Mike?"
"I'm afraid I only saw the car," he confessed. "I was too concerned about you to notice who was driving."
"Oh, yer a fat lot of help again!" she snapped.
"But, Reet," Emily began. "I keep telling you-"
"I know what yer keep telling me," Reet sniffed angrily as tears welled in her eyes. "Yer all keep saying it's me imagination. I KNOW he's out there and determined to get me while you lot just don't care. That car drove right at me. Right at me! Drove onto the pavement to get me. Or were that me imagination too?"
"I noticed that," Mike admitted. "It was a very strange thing to do."
"Not at all strange for Alan," Reet remarked. "That's how warped he is. He hates me. He'll never leave me alone. But no. None of yer will believe me. Yer probably all wish he'd finished me off then yer wouldn't have to try and convince yerselves I'm barking mad."
"That's unfair, Reet," Norris added. "We're just worried about you, that's all."
"More likely worried I'm off me trolley," she sniffed again.
"He's dead, Reet," Mike assured. "You saw him lying there in Blackpool."
"That's what he wants us to think," she said resolutely. "Yer'll all see I'm right when he's finally succeeded in killing me. Pity I won't be around to say I told yer so." Reet sobbed as her visitors just looked at each other, not sure how to convince her Alan wasn't really there.
"Then if he was lying dead, how come he's suddenly after you now?" Norris asked.
"How the hell do I know?" Reet screeched. "Maybe I'll get the chance to ask just before he murders me, even though I won't be around to tell yer how he managed his Houdini act."
"Why don't you talk to someone?" Norris unhelpfully suggested.
"Yer mean a counsellor or a psychiatrist?" Reet asked.
"Yes," Norris replied. "They do say they're a great help."
"I'm not mad, yer know!" she shrieked. "HE is, but I'm as sane as the lot of yer. Oh, go away and leave me alone. And just hope he doesn't get me while I'm in here and unable to run away!" Emily and Norris stood and left but Mike stayed put. "Bad heart affecting yer hearing now(?)" she asked sarcastically.
"I'm not going anywhere," he stated firmly.
"Why?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Because I love you and I'm worried about you," he told her as he took her hand.
"Want to make sure yer not marrying a nutcase more like," she said angrily as she snatched her hand away.
"Reet," he sighed. "I don't want a heart attack so if you love me, stop stressing me out here please."
She looked at him so pitiful and nodded. "Fine pair aren't we?" she chuckled as she gave her hand back.
"We are that," he smiled as he stroked her hand.
"I'm sorry, darling," she smiled weakly back. "I just wish I could stop seeing Alan.
"Well, perhaps it's subconscious," he suggested. "Not that you want to see him," he added quickly before she could yell again. "But there could be unfinished business there like there was with me and Alma. Only I got the chance to confront the past shortly before she died. You were robbed of that chance when he got hit by the tram. He treated you terribly, played mind games after getting out of prison causing you to have a breakdown. Nothing ever really goes away in our past. Just gets put to the back of the mind and we don't think about it because it's too painful. That knock on the head you had could have brought it to the front of your mind. I'm not saying you're mad, because you aren't. But, as Norris said, it might help to talk to someone about it. Doesn't have to be a shrink or anything. You can always talk to me. I know what he was like, remember? Though not as well as you. I understand, you know."
As Mike said all that, tears rolled silently down her face. She clutched his hand tighter. "Why couldn't we have fallen in love years ago?"
"Neither of us had any taste in our youth," he grinned.
"Thanks, Mike," she said, propped herself up and kissed him. "I feel much better now. What yer said makes a lot of sense and I can't wait to be Mrs Baldwin the 5th."
"Sure you want to go ahead with that leg of yours?" he asked.
"Only if yer do with that heart of yers," she replied.
"Roll on our wedding day then," he grinned again.
"Maybe I should ask for a blue plaster cast," she laughed.
"Aw, and there I was hoping for a garter and at least some of Underworld's lingerie on our wedding night," he winked.
"And have yer having another heart attack?" she giggled.
"You could be right," he conceded. "Doesn't stop me hoping though."
"Well, visiting's sadly over so you'd better be getting back to the factory," she smiled sadly.
"Okay. See you later. "He stood and kissed her passionately. "I love you very much, Reet."
"I love yer too, Baldwin," she smiled sweetly then watched him go and sighed.
A male nurse came over, and one that wasn't Martin Platt for a change. "Can I sort your pillows out for you?" he asked.
"That'll be lovely," she said as she thought dreamily of Mike while he did it.
The nurse helped her lie back. "How's that?" he said.
"Fine, thanks," she replied then looked at him. She took a sharp intake of breath as her eyes widened. "Alan!"
"Damn right, bitch!" he snarled, his face close to hers. "And I can assure you, I'm no hallucination caused by the bump on our head. All the while you're breathing, I'll be there lurking in the shadows. See you around, Reet." He walked out cackling menacingly while Reet's renewed confidence Mike had instilled in her evaporated rapidly making her cry again.

As Reet had been ordered to stay in hospital for several weeks to get plenty of rest to help her leg heal, she had begged Mike to get her into a private room and not to leave her side. There wasn't much he could do but agree though was getting to the end of his tether with her hallucinations. When she was finally released, he decided to take her to the Rovers to celebrate. Everything was going fine until Reet looked up and spotted Alan lurking in the doorway across the room. She dropped her glass which shattered on the floor. Everyone turned to look at her.
"Are you all right, Reet?" Shelley asked.
"Reet?" Mike frowned then followed her gaze. "What's up?"
"He was here," she breathed. "Standing over the by the door."
"Not again," Mike mumbled. "Come on. We're going."
"Eh?" she asked. "We can't go now, Mike. Alan could be waiting out there in the street for me."
"I have had it up to here with your obsession over Alan bleedin' Bradley!" he yelled at her, which took her by surprise. "The man is dead, Reet. Get that? D-E-A-D. Dead! Come on!" He hauled her up and pushed the crutches in her hand.
"But, Mike," she pleaded, tears streaming. "He's out there somewhere waiting for me!"
"Will you just shut up and come on!" he yelled again.
"If he kills me, it'll be all yer fault," she told him.
"The way you're carrying on, I'll beat him to it!" Mike spat back.
"Mike!" she gasped. "Yer don't mean that."
"Wanna bet?" he replied. "Oh sod this. We're finished, Reet. There, I've said it and in public too so you can't surely not get the message about that. I'm going home and I don't give a stuff what you do. You're not right in the head. Get help!" With that he stormed out.
Reet had never been so humiliated and ashamed in her life. She couldn't bear all this with Alan stalking her and now Mike behaving like this in public. She quietly made her way out and home. Once in the safety of her living room away from the prying eyes and whispers, she broke down.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 5

The following morning, Norris was in such a panic. "She's disappeared off the face of the earth, Emily," he said.
"She can't have done, Norris," she said. "After what happened last night, she must have just gone away for a while."
"Without her clothes or even her handbag?" he asked.
"You do have a point, Norris," she conceded. "Oh dear, this is so worrying. She disappeared before due to Alan stalking her. No one believed her then. She lost her mind. I wonder if the same thing can be happening again now and we've all made a terrible mistake? After all, last time, it was Jenny abandoning her which sent her over the edge. Now it looks like it was Mr Baldwin."
Norris's mind began to work overtime. "You don't think she could..."
"I sincerely hope not," she said. "But you never can tell."
"I hope not too," he agreed. "Though it's most inconvenient of her to disappear without so much as a by your leave. I expect she wants me to look after the shop as usual. And when she gets back, will I get any thanks?"
"I'm sure the shop is the last thing on her mind, Norris," Emily told him sternly. "But we can only pray she is safe somewhere."

Later that night, Mike downed his seventh whisky trying to forget about Reet's madness. The buzzer went. He staggered to see who it was, hoping it wasn't Reet because, although he still loved her, he couldn't face another row. "Oh, come up, Emily," he said and pressed the button and opened the door. "This is a surprise."
"It's not a social call, Mr Baldwin," she said solemnly.
"Oh," he said. "Well, it's always a pleasure to see you anyway. Now, what can I do for you?"
"Have you been drinking?" she asked.
"What do you think?" he replied.
"Because of Reet?" she wondered, though already knew the answer to that.
"Who?" he said, trying to not care less.
"She's disappeared, you know," Emily told him, deciding not to beat about the bush.
"Good riddance," he said. "I think I'll have another drink to celebrate."
Emily was losing patience with him. "I don't think you quite understand, Mr Baldwin. Reet has gone."
He put the bottle down. "I heard you the first time. Cheers."
"With no clothes, money or anything," she continued.
Mike tried to show he wasn't bothered. "So? What do you expect me to do about it?"
"Mr Baldwin," Emily began firmly. "You remember last time as well as I do. You have driven that poor woman over the edge. But I expect you'll be delighted when the police turn up to say she's committed suicide."
That touched a nerve and he hoped he was hiding it well. "She's a mental case, Emily. She refuses to get help or admit Alan Bradley's dead. Not my problem any more. Now, if that's all."
"Does it ever cross your mind we might have all been wrong, Mr Baldwin?" she said. "Or won't your male ego allow that? Good night." And with that she left while Mike began to feel so guilty about the way he treated her the night before and hoped she wasn't dead.

Several weeks later and there was still no sign of Reet. Mike was getting increasingly worried. He even drove to Blackpool, since that's where she disappeared to last time, and scoured every B&B in the hope of finding her under any of her previous names with no luck. He pulled up outside number 3, got out and paused a while before knocking.
"Come in, Mr Baldwin," Emily said. "No luck I take it."
He shook his head sadly. "Where could she be, Emily? It's been nearly a month since she went. I was stood on that north pier, staring into the sea, wondering if she'd jumped in and been washed away." He began to cry, even though he tried his best not to since he didn't think it was manly. "You're right, Emily. It's all my fault. I didn't mean to be so nasty to her. I love her. But all that with Alan was just getting to me."
"I know," she said, understandingly as she handed him a handkerchief. "It wasn't easy listening to her going on about him all the time. Maybe it is all in her mind. No one else has seen him. But if it is, to her he's real. And it's not easy trying to get someone you care about to seek help when they think there's nothing wrong with them."
He wiped his eyes. "I wish she'd turn up. I want so much to make things up to her."
"That's if she'll let you," Emily pointed out.
He nodded. "Yes. And I wouldn't blame her if she didn't after what I did in the Rovers. But how much longer do we have to wait for news? This is killing me, all this not knowing. The police are being as useless as ever. I wish I could do something but all I can do is wait and hope."
"That's all any of us can do I'm afraid," Emily agreed.

Meanwhile over in Emmerdale, the Woolpack pub was heaving. Millionaire Tom King carried the two drinks he'd bought at the bar over to a table in the corner and sat. "To us, Reet."
"To us," she beamed as they clinked glasses and drank.
"I can't quite take all of this in," he said. "A few weeks ago I didn't even know you existed. And here you are next week going to become my wife. After Charity, I never thought I'd ever be happy again. It's not all going too fast for you, is it, love?"
"Not at all," she smiled. "Why wait at our age?"
"True," he smiled back. "And at least this time round the family likes you so there's been no interference."
"I'm glad about that," she told him. "I'd hate to cause trouble between you all."
He moved closer and put his arm around her. "No danger of that, love. So, do you really think you'd like living here for the rest of your life?"
She smiled again. "It's such a beautiful place, Tom. And so peaceful. I'll be honoured to spend the rest of my life here with you at my side."
"What about your business in Weatherfield?" he asked.
"No idea yet," she admitted. "I'll probably sell."
"Did you get round to inviting any of your friends to the wedding?" he continued.
She finished her drink before answering, "No. I don't want any of them here. They showed what true friends they all are. That's why I came here to get away from them all and decide what to do. I never dreamed I'd meet you and fall in love."
"Then we should be thankful to all your horrible friends," he said then kissed her. "Their loss is my gain. I'll get you another drink."

The following week at a posh hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, Reet became the second Mrs Tom King. She had forgotten what happiness was and was glad Mike dumped her so unceremoniously in the pub like that otherwise she wouldn't have been there now. She hadn't missed though what an uncanny resemblance he was to Mike and convinced herself she wasn't marrying him to be a substitute for what might have been. After all, unlike Mike, Tom was northern through and through like her so they had more in common. Everyone stayed overnight at the hotel and the family met for breakfast.
"Right, I'm off for a walk to get some of these calories off," Tom announced.
"Do yer want me to come with yer, darling?" Reet asked.
"No," he said. "You stay here, finish your breakfast and rest that leg of yours. I shouldn't be more than half an hour. See you later." He leant over and kissed her before leaving.

An hour later, they were still awaiting Tom's return. The hotel manager approached the table. "Mrs King?"
"Yes?" replied Reet and Sadie in unison.
"Mrs Tom King?" the manager corrected.
"That's me," Reet said. "What's up?"
"Can you come with me please. The police would like a word with you."
"Police?" Jimmy piped up. "Where Reet goes, we go."
"Very well," the manager said then led the way.

The next day in Weatherfield, Norris nearly had a seizure reading the paper. He rushed out, locking the door and ran over to Emily.
"Norris!" Emily chastisied. "I do hope my door's still on its hinges."
"Of course it is," he panted. "But I thought you'd like to read this."
"What is it?" Mike asked and snatched the paper. "Yorkshire businessman murdered in suspicious circumstances," he read out. "Newly married millionaire, Thomas King, 66, of Emmerdale, was found murdered in the grounds of the Excelsior Hotel, the only 7-star hotel in Yorkshire which Mr King and his family built and owned. His wife..." he paused and looked at Emily, "Reet, formerly Mrs Reet Sullivan of Weatherfield, told police he had just gone for a walk after breakfast."
"Reet?" Emily gasped.
"Yes, Emily," Norris said. "Our Reet. Our Reet who's off her rocker and got herself married to a Mike look-a-like before murdering him."
Mike was stunned. "She isn't capable. Is she?"
"Who knows after what you said to her?" Norris said. "But I daresay we'll find out soon enough. Tea?"
"Tea?!" Mike yelled. "I'm going over there. Where was that place they said he was from? Emmerdale?"
Emily tried to stop him. "Are you sure that's a good idea, Mr Baldwin?"
"No, but I'm going anyway, Emily," he said as he headed for the door. "She's kept us waiting without a word all these weeks and what's she been doing? Two-timing me!"
"You dumped her," Norris pointed out.
"She didn't have to marry the first man that came along though, did she?" he replied angrily. "I thought I meant something to her. Obviously not. So I want some answers." And he was gone.


To be continued...

[eithne]

Wow! You don't half have long parts. In just the first few parts of this you've already made it longer than the WHOLE of the Dr Who/Corrie crossover - which I'm STILL not finished by the way! After I finally, finally get finished that epic I'll start on this.

Scanning through I noticed references to a "Thomas King" and a "Woolpack" pub, so maybe that is a coincidence although I'm sure it isn't so (if you have?) then top marks for doing the first ever soap crossover on these boards!

[RitaLittlewood]

It is a small crossover, yes, Eithne. Quite a bit of Matthew King though! ;D The parts don't seem long to me. But then as it's in Word it wouldn't really, would it? LOL! I do have a real Reet epic I did a few years ago(started on the old Granada board) which is actually in 2 sections but the follow-up was 60-parts but it was all MUCH shorter segments and there's more Emmerdale characters in it.

Anyway, I'll slow down putting the parts up. There's 20 altogether and some are longer than others I'm afraid.

Patsy

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 6

Reet sat in the kitchen at Holdgate Farm crying. She's only just found Tom and now she'd lost him and in such a brutal way. She hadn't slept a wink since the family returned from the Excelsior Hotel. Although Jimmy hated his soon-to-be ex-wife being around, at least she was useful when it came to dealing with his upset stepmother. He'd always hated women crying.
"Can I get you anything?" Sadie asked.
"Only Tom back," Reet sobbed. "But I know that's not going to happen."
She tried to console her as best she could but she just couldn't think of what to say. "He was such a lovely man."
Reet nodded. "And didn't deserve that. Can yer think who might have done it? You've known him so much longer than I have. Did he have any enemies who would do summat like this? Or do yer think like the police it were a random killing by a nutter?"
"I honestly wish I knew, Reet," she said, shaking her head. "At least the police don't think it's us."
"True," Reet nodded. "We know they look at the family first but luckily we had witnesses. I can't help thinking..."
Sadie massaged Reet's shoulder. "I know."
"He might not be dead if I'd gone with him," she said.
"But your leg," Sadie pointed out.
Reet sighed heavily "Flamin' leg!"
"Also if you had, you might have been killed too," Sadie added.
Reet nodded sadly. "Yes."
"And don't go wishing you were dead too," Sadie warned. "Tom wouldn't like that."
Reet shook her head. "No. Though it in't easy not thinking that."
The doorbell went. "You stay there. I'll get it," Sadie said and left Reet to her thoughts.
"So this is where you've been hiding all these weeks," she heard a familair voice say and turned round to see Mike in the doorway. "The least you could have done was let us know. I never knew you could be this selfish, Reet."
Reet stared at him for a few seconds before burying her face in her hands, sobbing.
"How dare you speak to her like that," Sadie shouted. "Look, I don't know who you are, but she's just lost her husband."
"I'll tell you who I am, darlin'," Mike replied. "I should have been that husband only I saw sense and dumped the lunatic before it was too late. Now I see it is and she murdered that poor man."
"She did no such thing," Matthew interrupted, having come through to find out what the shouting was. "She was with us when me dad was murdered."
"Us?" Mike frowned.
"Yes," said Jimmy.
"Us," added Max and Carl together.
"They're Tom's sons," Reet sniffed. "And this is Sadie, Jimmy's wife. We were at breakfast when it happened."
"So if anyone's the lunatic around here," Jimmy said, eyeball to eyeball with Mike, "it isn't Reet."
"I see," Mike squinted. "I'm sorry, Reet." She ignored him. "I was wondering if I could talk to you in private."
Matthew stepped between Mike and Reet to protect her. "Anything you've got to say to Reet, you can say in front of us."
"It's all right, Matthew," Reet sighed. "I'll talk to you, Mike. Let's go for a walk. I need some fresh air anyway. Been cooped up in here too long."
"But, Reet-" Sadie said.
"I'll be fine. Promise," she assured. "Mike's not likely to do owt to me. Are yer?"
"I only want to talk, that's all," he said to the Kings. "Once we have, I'll leave."
They had no choice but to agree. Reet grabbed her coat and led the way.

Back in Weatherfield, Emily and Norris were getting increasingly worried about what Mike would say, or worse, do when he came across Reet. They were sat in the pub nursing their sweet sherries when Danny approached them. "Have either of you two seen Mike today?"
Emily and Norris looked at each other. "He's gone to see Reet," Norris said before Emily kicked him under the table.
"Oh, so she's finally had the decency to turn up at last, has she?" he said then changed his expression. "I take it he is seeing her alive and not gone to identify a body."
"That is correct, Mr Baldwin," Emily said. "And Mr Baldwin was not happy when he found out. I dread to think what he'll do to her."
"Found out?" he frowned. "Found out what?"
"Haven't you seen the paper?" Norris asked. "Reet got married two days ago and her husband was found murdered yesterday. The police think she did it."
"I'm sure the police think nothing of the sort, Norris," Emily stated angrily. "The newspaper only said she was being questioned. I do wish you would stop jumping to conclusions."
"She's gone mad, hasn't she?" he replied. "And mad people are capable of anything."
"I hardly think with her broken leg," Emily began, trying to stay calm, "her husband wouldn't have been able to put up a fight."
"Good point, Emily," Danny agreed. "So, any idea when Mike'll be back?"
"None at all," Emily shrugged. "After he's got some answers I expect. And, if Reet is as mad as everyone thinks, that may take a very long time."

Over at Emmerdale, Mike and Reet sat at the cricket pavilion. Neither had said a word during the walk from Holdgate Farm which didn't please Mike, but he knew he had to be patient. "How did yer find me?" she eventually said, breaking the uneasy silence.
"It was in the paper about Tom King," he replied.
Reet fell silent as a tear rolled down her face. "Why are yer here, Mike?"
"To find out what the hell's going on, that's why," he replied. "We all thought you were dead. You disappear all these weeks without a word and we have to find out where you are through a paper."
She couldn't fail to miss the tone in his voice. "I thought yer'd be pleased I'd gone. Yer made it perfectly clear yer wanted nowt to do with me any more."
"That's beside the point," he said, knowing deep down she was right. "What's going on, Reet? I mean, I break off our engagement and the next thing you've married someone else. So much for you loving me."
"I did love yer!" she cried. "But I were desperate. I needed yer. But yer couldn't find yer so-called love to help me and protect me."
He rolled his eyes. "Not Alan bleedin' Bradley again!"
"Yes!" she said. "He already tried to kill me with that car. But none of me so-called friends or the man who's supposed to love me care. I were better off getting away from yer all."
"Have you seen Alan since you left?" he wondered.
She shook her head. "Well, makes sense, doesn't it? None of you lot knew where I was so he wouldn't know either. For the first time in weeks I've actually been able to enjoy my life without him popping up and yer lot not believing me."
"We wanted to believe you, Reet," he told her. "But as you're the only one who sees him, how can we? Be honest now."
"I know," she sighed. "And it must've sounded like I were off me rocker. Course, now Tom's death has been in the papers, as yer say, I'll have to leave before Alan tracks me down the way yer did."
He decided not to say anything about that because he didn't want another argument about it. "So, how come you came to marry this Tom King?"
"Are you having another go at me?" she snapped.
"Course not," he told her gently. "I'm just curious."
She put her head in her hands. "I have no idea," she said then looked up and sat back. "It weren't planned. When I came here, yer'd hurt me so much. I just wanted to get away and do meself in. No one would care since none of yer cared me life were in danger. But then I met him and he reminded me of yer in some ways. I suppose it were subconscious and it were yer I really wanted to wed. But, gradually, Tom made me feel good about meself again and I knew I wanted to live. He were a wonderful man and I found meself falling for him and not because he were like yer neither. I got to know him and I were happy. I told him everything about what had happened and he didn't behave like yer did. He got his lads trying to track Alan down to deal with him. It didn't matter whether he were humouring me or not. The fact were, he loved me and wanted to do owt in the world to protect me." Mike cast his eyes downward, feeling totally ashamed. "I had no problems thinking about selling t'shop and living here for the rest of me life with Tom. At least here I felt wanted in spite of everything I'd been through lately, which is more than can be said of yer lot in Weatherfield."
"Did you love him?" Mike asked.
"What are yer suggesting?" she shrieked, totally offended.
"I'm sorry," he said genuinely.
"Course I loved him," she snapped. "Not like yer but I did. And yer don't have to tell me I wed him on the rebound neither. I already know that."
"It's all my fault he's dead," Mike said sadly. "Like all that's happened to you and between us. If I hadn't taken up with Penny..."
"Now, we don't know owt of t'sort," Reet chastised. "They don't even know who killed Tom yet or why. Might be completely unconnected."
"You're right," he sighed, though couldn't stop feeling guilty. "I do know you wouldn't have married him and will be burying him if I hadn't driven you away. Now you can't argue with that."
She shook her head. "No."
He turned to face her for the first time since they'd sat there. "Look, Reet. If you do come back to Weatherfield, can we put all this behind us? I know there'll be nothing between us again after the way I treated you. But I would like us still to be friends if you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I know I'm asking a lot and I wouldn't blame you if you didn't."
"I honestly don't know what I'm going to do, Mike," she replied. "All I can think about right now is Tom. I'm sure yer can understand that, can't yer?"
He nodded. "Fair enough."
"Well, I'd better be getting back to Holdgate," she said, picked up her crutches and pushed herself up. "Pity we went for a walk instead of in yer car but never mind. T'doctor says me leg needs the exercise." She made her way cautiously down the steps, stopped and turned. "Maybe I am mad after all to not even think of it," she chuckled.
Mike smiled. This is a good sign, he thought. "Come, on. I'll give you a hand."


To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 7

A week later and Tom King was laid to rest in Emmerdale cemetary next to his beloved first wife, Mary. Reet just couldn't stop crying and got through so many tissues. Mike had turned up unannounced to support her at this time as he felt he owed her something, which made the King boys suspicious. Back at the house, Matthew watched Reet and Mike closely as he eavesdropped, feeling she was a little too cosy with him considering she'd just buried her husband.
"I'm so glad yer came, Mike," Reet said. "I never expected yer to."
"I had to, Reet," he told her. "You've always been there for me when I needed someone. I let you down before you came here and I was determined not to again."
"It's very much appreciated," she smiled. "I'm surprised Norris didn't turn up for a nosy."
"Oh, he wanted to come," Mike said. "But me and Emily locked and gagged him in the cupboard."
Reet couldn't help laughing which made Matthew bristle. It wasn't right she should be enjoying herself like nothing had happened. Reet stopped laughing. "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't today of all days. But it's just that image of Norris. I bet Emily enjoyed it."
He nodded, grinning. "She volunteered to put the gag on."
"I envy her such a pleasure," Reet replied. "I've been wanting to do that for years."
Silence fell between them. "So, seriously now, Reet. How are you bearing up?"
The tears started again. He handed her a handkerchief. "Thank yer," she sniffed as she wiped her nose. "Not too good. Oh, it were fun laughing about Norris but it doesn't stop the pain and emptiness. I know I hadn't known Tom all that long, but it felt like we'd known each other all our lives. Just sitting there chatting were so... I miss things like that. I miss him. Why can't the police find out who did it? There must be something to go on." She noticed Mike's face. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said, gently touching his arm, a gesture Matthew couldn't fail to miss. "I know after all our plans this must be painful for yer to listen to."
He forced a smile. "It is. But that part of both our lives is over. I saw to that so can't really grumble when you start talking about another man, can I?"
She shook her head, emotion beginning to overwhelm her. "If yer'll excuse me, Mike. I have to get summat from upstairs."
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, noticing she was clearly not.
"Fine," she lied. "I'll see yer later. Why don't yer mingle?"
Matthew watched as she left the room and went up the stairs. He glanced back at Mike then decided to follow. Outside the master bedroom, he was about to knock but stopped as he heard loud sobs coming from the other side of the door. He wondered who she was crying for - this Mike or his dad. That was enough for him. He barged in instead of knocking. "Oh, I'm sorry, Reet. I didn't know anyone was in here."
Reet sat up on the bed and wiped her eyes. "That's okay, Matthew. No need to apologise."
He made to leave then stopped and turned. "Are you okay?"
She shook her head. "I couldn't breathe down there. I needed to be alone. Talking with Mike about Tom just got too much for me. I've tried to put on a brave face for everyone but can't do it any more."
"Did this Mike upset you at all?" he asked, more to gain some information than out of caring.
"No," she shook her head.
"I did wonder since you were laughing before," he noted.
She wiped her nose. "Yes. He was telling me about me employee and what they did to prevent him coming here and annoying everybody. But, truth be told, Matthew, I didn't really enjoy hearing about it. I just can't stop thinking about yer dad and how useless the police are being. I mean, what the heck have they been doing all this time? Drinking tea?"
"I know what you mean, Reet," he found himself agreeing. "I hope you don't think I'm being nosy, but what is it between you and that Mike?"
She frowned. "Why do yer ask?"
"Well, last week he turns up here really furious with you, saying he should've been your husband and you were a lunatic," he explained. "Now it's like none of that ever happened."
She sighed heavily. "Sit down, Matthew. Yes, he should've been me husband. But he dumped me. Yer know all about Alan Bradley?" He nodded. "That's why he dumped me. Even when that bastard tried to kill me in the street, he still wouldn't believe me. He were so nasty. I'd never seen him like that before. Now he's grovelling and wants forgiveness."
"And marriage?" Matthew raised his eyebrows.
Reet shook her head. "Oh no. He knows that's not on the cards after the way he behaved. But he wants us to be friends again. I need a friend right now but as for after today... Well, I'll just have to see."
"Do you love him?" Matthew asked. "Sorry. None of my business."
Reet looked at him stunned at such a question. "No, that's all right, Matthew. I thought I did at the time. We've known each other getting on for 30 years but only recently got together. When I came here, I hated him. I hated them all. But knowing yer dad and this past week since Mike last turned up, I've had time to think and no, it weren't love. We were brought together by a need of comfort, that's all. He was going through a bad time. I had the car accident which added to that. We were both feeling guilty about the accident and events leading up to it. So if yer thinking I married yer dad on the rebound, forget it. I weren't interested in another relationship, not at my age. I've got too set in me ways. Yer dad made me happy again and I fell in love. I were preparing to settle down with him here for the rest of me life and cut all ties with me past life. Now I just don't know what I'm going to do, before yer ask."
"I did wonder," he admitted.
"Only to be expected," she said. "After all, I can see where yer coming from. Here I am, appear out of nowhere just over a month ago, end up marrying yer dad. Now he's.... Well, I wouldn't be surprised if yer thinking I'm some sort of golddigger. I may not be a millionaire like yer dad, Matthew. But I have enough of me own money to live well within me means so I don't need his."
"I don't think you're a golddigger, Reet," he said honestly. "I mean, unlike Charity Tate, you've shown no interest in getting into the business. You've always left that to us to get on with, even when me dad asked your advice about something. All right, I'll admit I knew you were up here. I saw you come upstairs. I was suspicious of the way you and that Mike are around each other. I wanted to find out if maybe you'd been using my dad in some way to get back at him or if you were planning on getting back with him."
"And now?" she asked, taken aback by his confession.
"I'm satisified you really did love my dad," he told her. "I think it would've worked too if circumstances had been different. Charity was too young for him. Even he knew that, despite loving her. Before, he'd only loved my mum. She was a wonderful woman, Reet."
"So I gathered from Tom," she smiled.
"I know how much he loved you," he went on. "I just wanted to be sure you felt the same."
"I can understand that," she said.
"He's left you his share of the business, you know," he told her.
"What did he go and do a daft thing like that for?" she exclaimed in shock. "He knew I wanted nowt to do with it."
"His reasoning was," he explained, "you'd change your mind over the years."
Her eyes started streaming again. Matthew put his arm around her. "I wish we'd had years so I could still say no."
Matthew tried to hold back the tears but found they came anyway. "I know what you mean. You won't tell the others you saw me crying, will you?"
"Course not," she assured. "Though I bet they have done their share."
"I'll get back downstairs. Are you coming?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I need a few more minutes on me own."
He nodded, nothing needing to be said, then let himself out leaving Reet alone with her thoughts of what might have been and who she was lying about her feelings for Mike to - Matthew or herself.

Mike was hanging around in the kitchen. He didn't know anyone and no one seemed to want to speak to him. He wished Reet hadn't disappeared like that and wondered if she was okay. It was perfectly clear to him during their chat her feelings for Tom ran much deeper than she'd made out last week. Perhaps she was trying to spare my feelings, he thought. His thoughts were interrupted.
"Can I top that up for you?" Matthew asked.
"Oh, cheers," Mike smiled at the unexpected gesture as he held out his glass. "You're one of Tom's sons, aren't you?"
"That's right," Matthew replied, putting the bottle down on the table. "I'm Matthew. I run most of the business. And you're a friend of Reet's."
"Yes," Mike smiled. "We go back a long way."
Matthew perched on the table. "She's a lovely woman. She and my dad were made for each other. I hadn't seen him so happy since when mum was alive."
"They were made for each other then?" he asked, his face falling.
"Definitely," Matthew said. "We all liked her and were looking forward to her and my dad living many happy years together."
"Yes," Mike looked down. "I'm very sorry about your dad. Reet doesn't seem to be taking it too well, does she? I know she told me earlier she was fine, but I know she wasn't."
"No," Matthew said, folding his arms. "I found her upstairs crying her eyes out. She's devastated. She really loved my dad you know."
"Yes, I know," Mike said, getting the feeling he was getting a soft soap inquisition.
"As do you," Matthew continued. "You don't have to try and deny it. I can see it everytime you look at her. Only she doesn't look at you the same way. In fact, she looks at you more with contempt and hatred, but has to put on an act. Oh yes, we all know what you did and how you treated her. She kept no secrets from the family." Mike twitched on hearing that, unsure whether Matthew was speaking the truth or just trying to dig up some dirt on his stepmother. "Do you know what she told me upstairs?" Matthew continued. "That she realised she never loved you at all. That you'd both been brought together by guilt. That must be that business with whatshername she told us about who she knocked over. Linda? Yes, that's it. Linda." Mike was visibly shocked Reet had told them all about this, a reaction which wasn't lost on Matthew who smiled inwardly. "So, if you've come here to try and start things up with her again, you're wasting your time. She doesn't even know yet if she wants anything to do with any part of her past life or not."
"I get your point," Mike said bitterly.
"What point?" Matthew asked innocently. "I was only telling you a few facts, that's all. I'm sure Reet will have mentioned these things to you already."
"She hasn't," he responded through gritted teeth.
"Oh," Matthew said as he unfolded his arms. "Then I apologise if I've said something I shouldn't."
"I think I'd better be going," Mike announced. He finished his drink and put the glass on the table. "Give my apologies to Reet, won't you? But I've got a meeting back in Weatherfield."
"I will," Matthew grinned as Mike left. He poured himself a large drink to celebrate getting rid of the annoying Cockney. After all, Reet was a King now, albeit only by marriage, and the Kings took care of their own.
"Was that Mike I saw driving away?" Reet asked, having dashed down the stairs.
"Yes," Matthew replied smugly. "He said he couldn't hang around for you to show your face again any longer and was off."
Reet was livid, especially after he'd seemed to want to put everything behind them. "Two-faced little Cockney weasel," she said bitterly. "What's his game?"
"Well," Matthew said hesitantly as he tried to think what to say, "he was saying before about what a nutter you were and how you'd certainly found a right mug in my dad."
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Reet said angrily.
"No idea," Matthew lied. "But he also said he hoped now my dad was dead, you didn't have any ideas about hooking him. Then he left."
"Well," she said. "I never knew he had such a high opinion of himself. All I can say is I'm glad I had a lucky escape. At least yer dad were a really nice man. Thanks, Matthew." She gave him a peck on the cheek then went to mingle, leaving Matthew grinning even more smugly.

Mike drove back to Weatherfield with a heavy heart. He couldn't believe he meant absolutely nothing to Reet after all they'd been through, even though deep down he didn't blame her. What was she playing at? Only last week, he told himself, she admitted to marrying Tom on the rebound. He had to pull over after nearly crashing into the lorry in front. He got out of the car, lit a cigar and leant against it contemplating. "How could I have been such a fool?" he said to himself. "Thinking me and Reet would get back together after all she said. Maybe it's me who's losing my marbles." He resolved to put her out of his mind and get on with his life, got back in the car and set off home again.


To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 8

4 months passed. Mike still missed Reet no matter how much he tried to forget about her and went out with other women, while Norris was deciding whether to go on strike or not since Reet still hadn't been in touch and Mike hadn't given him her new address. He'd been forced to enlist Emily's help in running the shop. It was lunchtime and he was on his way out when the door opened and hit him on the nose. "Do watch where you're going!" he shouted as he held his nose. "Reet!" He shook his head. "No, it can't be. I must be imagining things like she did."
"That's a fine way to talk to yer boss," she retorted. "Now, get out me way and fetch me the books. I want to see how much profit yer've lost me since I moved away." She looked at him. "Well? What yer still standing there for? Got summat to hide?"
"Of course I haven't, Reet," he replied defensively.
"Then fetch me the books," she demanded. "Chop, chop!"
"Hello, Norris. My, it's good to see you again," he said sarcastically.
"Is that what yer say to yer reflection every morning?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
"Don't be silly. I was expecting after all these months and not a word, you'd at least be saying that to me. A bit of civility wouldn't go amiss, you know," he sniffed haughtily.
"If I were pleased to see yer," she began, bringing her face close to his, "I'd have said it. Now, get me me books or yer sacked!"
He scurried out the back which took Emily by surprise. "What did I do with those books?" he mumbled to himself.
"Norris, I thought you were going for your dinner," Emily said.
"I was, but we've got company," he replied, pointed over his shoulder towards the shop floor with him thumb.
Emily was puzzled so went to see who he was referring to. "Reet!" she beamed. "It's very good to see you again."
"You too, Emily," Reet said genuinely. "How's HE been while I've been absent?"
"I presume you are referring to Norris," Emily said. "Same as usual, I'm afraid."
At that moment he came out, scratching his head. "I-I'm sorry, Reet," he stammered. "I can't seem to find the books."
Before Reet could blow her top, Emily interrupted. "They're at the house, Norris. I told you only this morning I hadn't quite finished getting them up to date."
Norris was so relieved. "Of course. With Reet here turning up out of the blue it completely slipped my mind."
"So, are you back for good?" Emily asked.
"Flying visit," Reet told her. "Not sure how long I'll be staying. We've got plans for this town."
"We?" Norris asked, wondering if she'd taken up with yet another bloke.
"Me and me adorable stepsons," she explained. "The boys always look after their own and, as I'm a King now and have been upset, verbally abused and humiliated by the people round here, they fancy a nice spot of revenge. They love revenge, do the boys. Already that sweet little village in Yorkshire I fled to and met me beloved Tom called Emmerdale has undergone a complete transformation out of revenge due to certain villagers not cooperating with the family. It's now called Kingville and they've built one hundred thousand new houses on the green belt, which has attracted a lot of interest from major stores and a HUGE profit of millions for us." Emily and Norris were shocked at how much she'd changed. "Now, can I see these books? Even though I don't need the money any more, it's nice to have a bit of small change coming in. Close yer mouths. Yer'll attract the flies."
"Yes, of course," Emily eventually said. "I'll get them for you."
"Thanks, Emily," Reet smiled. "I always knew I could rely on yer. Now, Norris, get me luggage out the Lamborghini and take it up to me flat, there's a good boy." She held the key out to him which he took and scurried out with her following. Just as she stepped outside, Mike appeared through the door at Underworld. They stopped dead and just stared at each other, though he couldn't help be impressed by her flashy car. She decided to make the first move, even though what Matthew had told her, as well as his earlier behaviour still rankled. "Afternoon, Mike."
"Hi, Reet," he forced himself to smile back. "My, don't you look different? That country air is doing wonders for you."
"Cut the crap, Mike," she said. "We both know I look so great because of me inheritance. Tom were a millionaire, yer know. And since he died, we've made even more millions."
"Seen Alan Bradley lately(?)" he asked sarcastically.
"Get knotted!" she yelled. "I knew it were a mistake talking to yer after what yer said about me to Matthew at Tom's funeral. Well, don't worry. Yer'll get what's coming to yer. The boys'll see to that. They don't take kindly to a King being ill-treated or insulted the way yer did to me, before and at the funeral. So watch yer back, Baldwin. And that's not a threat. It's a promise." She stormed off then went through her front door, slamming it behind her leaving Mike bewildered.

Up in the flat, Norris couldn't help sense Reet's mood as she stomped up the stairs. He heard her talking and tried to eavesdrop.
"Yeah, that's right. I completely agree, Matthew. Yer've done what?" she laughed then stopped when she spotted Norris. "Hang on a sec." She looked directly at Norris. "Good, that's done. Now clear off before I dock yer wages." She waited a while then checked he wasn't lurking at the bottom of the stairs before putting her mobile back to her ear. "Sorry about that. It were that weasel Norris. Eh?" She laughed again. "What a great idea. But he can wait. It's Baldwin we have to fix first. Uh-huh. Oh, I'm with yer a hundred percent. Do whatever yer have to. I can't wait. See yer, Matthew." She hung up and fixed herself a long drink. "Here's to the end of Michael Vernon Baldwin!" she toasted, grinned and drank.
"Shouldn't you be toasting to the end of Reet Fairclough, or whatever you call yourself now?" a voice said.
She choked on her drink. "Alan!"
"Have you got eyes in the back of your head now?" he sneered. "Though if you have, I'm surprised you can see anything with that terrible wig you're wearing." She spun round fast, hurling the glass at him. "Missed," he grinned. "Just like the tram." He grabbed her. "Oh, no you don't. Not this time. You've escaped once too often. This time prepare to meet your maker, you bitch!"
"The tram hit yer!" she yelled as she struggled. "I saw it."
"You always were too vain to wear glasses or even contact lenses," he sneered. "If you weren't, you'd have seen I put my hands up against the front and pushed myself out the way. I only pretended to be dead. And you're so stupid you believed it." He laughed manically. "By the way, how's widowhood?" He felt her stop struggling. "Thought that'd get your attention. He seemed such a nice man too. But, like you, he just had to die."
Tears welled in her eyes as what he said hit her hard. "Yer killed Tom?" she said softly.
"Yep," he replied proudly. "But he took a lot of killing."
She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Why?" she sobbed. "What had he ever done to yer?"
"He married you, didn't he?" he scowled. "You who turned me down TWICE, claiming she'd never get married again because she didn't want to. But what did you do, eh, Reet? Got married twice more! Pity Baldwin dumped you. I'd been so looking forward to killing him too after the way he treated me when I got out of prison."
"I always said yer were a bastard, Alan," she sobbed again. "Well, yer've made yer mind up and I can't escape. Get on with it."
"Oh no," he said. "Not here. You were saved before. But THIS time I'll make sure there's no one around for miles so you CAN'T be rescued by some interfering do-gooder."
"Let me go then," Reet said. "I won't do anything. Not much point, really, is there?"
"Well," he said. "I never thought I'd ever hear any sense coming out of your vindictive mouth." he released her. "Come on."
She sighed heavily and followed him down the stairs. Halfway down, she pushed him and ran for the door. "Help!" she cried desperately, but the street was empty and no one appeared.
He got up quickly and chased after her. "Oh, no, you don't!" he yelled as he caught her and banged her head against the car until she went limp. "That's good. Now I won't have you going on while I'm disposing of you once and for all. No one will ever guess it was me since I'm dead and you were barking."

Meanwhile in the Rovers, Mike snapped. He decided to see Reet and have it out with her what she meant about Matthew King. He finished his scotch and left. Outside, he was shocked to see Alan Bradley as large as life as Reet had always insisted, bundling her lifeless body into his car. He ran over to the Underworld forecourt, got in his and chased after them.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 9

In the Kabin, Norris's nosiness radar for was going. "I'm sure I heard Reet shouting."
"But why would she be?" Emily queried. "She's alone up there."
"Hmm," Norris mused. "But what about on the street? I'm certain she was out there."
"Look," Emily said on the point of exasperation. "I'll go upstairs and ask her to come down then you can see it's all in your over-active imagination." After a short while, Emily returned, taking Norris by surprise by coming through the shop door. "She's not there."
"What do you mean, she's not there?" he asked.
"The flat is completely empty," Emily explained. "I found a broken glass on the floor, the front door open but her car is still parked outside."
"Oh, don't say she's gone loopy and disappeared again," he sighed. "I'm not sure how much more of that I can take."
"I wish I knew, Norris," she shrugged. "I daresay we'll find out soon enough."

Meanwhile, Mike was still doing his best to follow Alan's car while talking to the police on the mobile. "Yes, I know it's illegal. But would you rather I lost them and a woman died while you nit-picked? Thought not." He felt like rolling his eyes at the stupidity of them but decided against that in case he lost control. "Yes, I'm still following. He seems to be heading for the motorway. How do I know which one? I'll be able to tell you that when he turns off! Shouldn't you have patrols cars after him by now? Oh, for crying out loud. Of COURSE he's a danger! Do you think I'd be talking to you if he wasn't?" The lights turned red and Mike cursed as he pulled up. "Lost them. Bloody lights! Oh, hang on. We're off again. I just hope I can find him now and it's not too late. What? Wait up. I've spotted him. It looks like he's heading for Bury." He heard a beeping and removed the phone from his ear. "Oh no! Bloody phone's nearly dead!" He quickly put it back against his ear. "If you can still hear me, my mobile's about to conk out so if you want to save a woman's life, get on with it and find them! Hello? Hello?" he threw the phone over his shoulder and hoped he wouldn't lose Alan again. "Where the hell's he going?" he mumbled to himself as he followed them on to the A658 and realised they were now heading towards Knaresborough while still hoping Reet was alive and he wasn't planning on finding a secluded spot to bury her body. After all, Alan certainly didn't seem to be a man in a hurry which worried him. He continued driving at a distance and began to get really worried when signs for Plumpton Rocks began to appear with Alan going in that direction. Fear gripped his stomach. After all, the only reason a psychopath like Alan would bring anyone here would be to throw them off, not bury them. That gave him a glimmer of hope he could rescue her, since the police seemed not to care, even though he knew he could very easily end up dead at the bottom as well. Alan turned off so Mike, rather than arousing suspicion, pulled over, got out and followed on foot, doing his best to keep out of sight. After walking for some time, he stopped and looked around. "They could be anywhere," he said to himself. He strained to hear any sounds at all and almost gave up hope when he heard a car door in the distance. "I hope that's them and not some tourist." He went in the direction the sound came from and stopped dead when he saw Alan's car. He ducked out of sight and waited to make his move.

Alan dragged Reet roughly off the back seat and dropped her on the ground before slamming the door. "Wakey-wakey, bitch!" He kicked her then crouched down and grabbed her head. "Oi!" he shouted loudly down her ear. "Have you gone deaf as well as stupid and insane?"
Reet groaned and clutched her head. "Where am I? What's happened?"
"You're at Plumpton Rocks, bitch," he replied. "And what's happened is me."
She lay there terrified as he grinned manically down at her. "Alan!" she breathed, then tried to make a break for it.
"Not so fast, bitch," he said, grabbing her again. "Before I kill you, how about a quick look at the spectacular view?" He pulled her up by her hair making her cry out in pain and dragged her to the edge. "This is called Lovers Leap. Ironic name for the place of your death, don't you think?"
"Only if you're going over with me," she spat angrily, trying to be brave but knowing no one would save her THIS time from his evil clutches.
"You'll be lucky," he snorted. "You're the only one going skydiving without a parachute around here."
A helicopter flew overhead and sirens wailed in the distance. Reet's heart leapt, hoping for a last minute miracle but Alan was far too calm for her liking so knew it was false hope.

Mike, on the other hand, grinned from his hiding place. Though the police were getting closer, they were still too far away for his liking so he had to do something before it was too late. He saw Alan pushing Reet closer to the edge and forcing her to look down. He decided he couldn't leave it any longer. "Leave her alone, Bradley!" he yelled, the helicopter almost drowning him out.
Alan turned and was furious to see his other enemy. He put his arm tightly around Reet's throat. "Come to see the bitch off, have you?"
"On the contrary," Mike said as he slowly got nearer. "I've come to save her."
"Why?" Alan asked, completely baffled. "She's selfish and barking and the world will be a better place without her. You did the right thing dumping her. Oh, how I laughed at her humiliation in public after all the humiliation she put me through in that pub. What goes around, comes around, as they say."
"I love her," Mike announced much to Alan and Reet's surprise. "And I'm not going to just stand back and let you throw her over."
Alan stared at him and laughed. "Your hero(!)" he said to Reet. "You can't half pick them, can't you?" His arm gripped tighter. Reet tried to pull him off so she could breath but he was too strong. "So, Baldwin. What do you plan to do? After all, I hold all the cards. Literally."
Mike ignored the sickly smirk Alan gave and just kept walking. He hoped to just play for time since those sirens were getting closer all the time but Alan was so unpredictable he knew he had to be careful or Reet would plummet to her death. "Why don't you just let her go, eh?"
"And ruin my fun?" he laughed. "You must be as stupid as she is. I've waited nearly sixteen years for this and let's face it, everyone would be better off without her." Mike stamped his foot. "What are you doing that for?" Alan asked. "I hope you're not trying to signal to the bitch."
"Course not," Mike said as he strolled within a foot of them on the edge. "Had something stuck on my shoe." He took out a cigar and lit it. "You know, I thought about what you said and you're right. Everyone WOULD be better off without her. She's nothing but a money-grabbing old slapper." He couldn't fail to notice her shocked expression. He took a few more steps closer. "She always was. I had a lucky escape."
Alan was suspicious and with good reason. "Didn't you say only a few minutes ago you loved the bitch?"
Mike chuckled then inhaled on his cigar. "We all tell lies when it suits us. She should know if anyone does. Like marriage vows. The only bit she tells the truth about is till death do us part."
"You've got that right," Alan agreed. "So, throwing her over will be doing all men a favour, won't it?"
"Amen to than," Mike said, now only inches away. "NOW!" he shouted. Reet stamped on Alan's foot making him release her. Mike grabbed her and pulled her away from the edge just as the police arrived. They hugged each other tightly. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "I am now. Thanks, Mike."
Alan tried to run but his only exit was several hundred feet below and he didn't fancy that all the while Reet was alive. He put his hands up as the police came over. "You don't need the cuffs," he told them. "I'll come quietly." He walked towards the car slowly, occasionally glancing over his shoulder at his mortal enemies.
Reet returned to the edge as looked down as Mike watched Alan getting further away from them. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief and tears rolled down her face that it was all over and she wasn't mad after all. At that moment, Alan sprinted towards her. Mike was rooted to the spot for a split second, unable to call out to warn her. His senses returned to normal and as Alan lunged at her, Mike managed to push her out the way in the nick of time, resulting in Alan screaming as he went over then deathly silence. Reet scrambled on her hands and knees and crawled to the edge to look.
Mike tried to stop her. "No, Reet!" She pushed him away, looked down at the prone form of Alan lying on the rocks and screamed. He threw his arms around her and she gripped him tightly, sobbing into his chest. "It's all over now, Reet. Shhhh. It's all over."

To be contined...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 10

Reet had been checked over at the local hospital with Mike at her side, given the all-clear, despite her latest head injury and allowed to go home after being questioned by the police. Neither said a word in the car as Mike drove them back to Weatherfield. Mike pulled up outside The Kabin after one in the morning. "Home, Reet."
She looked up at the shop. "And free at last," she said.
He took her hand and clutched it tightly. "You can say that again."
She went to open the door then stopped. "Take me away from here, Mike. I can't go in. Not yet."
"My place?" he asked hesitantly.
She nodded. "Away from prying eyes and all those questions."
"Your wish is my command," he smiled, started the engine and drove to Weatherfield Quays. Once there, he let her in and couldn't help noticing how down she was. "Drink?"
She nodded. "Make it a large one." She made herself comfortable as he poured her one. "I know what yer thinking," she said as he handed her the glass. "But I had to see for myself he was really dead." She downed it in one. "All these months he's been haunting me and making yer all think I were a sandwich short of a picnic. I still can't believe he were the one who murdered poor Tom."
Mike shook his head sadly. "It was all my fault. Now, I know you're going to argue with me. But you can't argue with the facts, Reet. If I'd had more patience and tolerance when you were going on about seeing Alan, you'd never have gone to Emmerdale and met him."
"Kingville," she corrected. "Yer right. I can't argue with that. But yer wrong to blame yerself. I'm a great believer in fate so I were meant to marry him. It's no wonder I stopped believing in God after Alan and all the heartbreak I went through after with Ted. I don't think I were born to ever be happy. Oh, I get it for a short while then it all goes wrong in some way. Look at us. Look at Tom."
Mike didn't know what to say to that. "Would you like another drink?"
"No thanks," she replied. "I'm very tired. It's been one hell of a day."
"You can say that again!" he said. "You can sleep in the spare room. And stay here as long as you like."
She smiled weakly. "Thanks, Mike. But I haven't got anything with me."
"Oh, don't you worry about that," he told her. "Give us your key and I'll pop over to the flat and bring you some clothes and your toothbrush. Okay?"
"Okay," she said, forcing a smile.

Reet took hours to settle. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Alan in some shape or form. When she finally drifted off she woke up screaming. Mike ran into the room so fast the door nearly came off its hinges. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"I had a terrible nightmare," she sobbed. He sat on the edge of the bed and put his arms around her. "I dreamt Alan succeeded in throwing me over and were laughing at the top as I slowly died." She buried her head in his shoulder and held him tightly.
"It's all over now," he tried assuring. "You know he's the one who went over."
She nodded. "I know," she looked up at him. "But it should have been me."
"Let's have none of that talk, Reet," he admonished. "If anyone deserved to die, it was him. Pity it didn't happen all those years ago like he had us believe."
"Why are yer being so nice to me?" she asked. "I don't understand."
"Because I love you," he said.
"Oh right," she said flatly. "Like I'm no longer a nutter and Tom weren't a mug, I suppose(!)"
"What are you going on about?" he frowned.
"Not to mention how I shouldn't get any ideas about trying to hook yer now Tom was dead. Yer said that to Matthew after the funeral before leaving," she spat angrily. "I couldn't believe it after the way yer'd been before yer swanned off without as much as a by yer leave."
Mike was confused. "Wait a minute." He rubbed his forehead. "I never said any of those things. The reason I left was because Matthew told me you never loved me and we were both brought together by guilt over Linda's accident."
Reet removed her arms and sat back. "Well," she began slowly. "I did actually say that to him. I didn't mean to," she quickly added, noting his expression. "He were giving me the third degree. It were perfectly obvious he were not happy we were even friends, let alone owt else." She slapped her forehead. "Of course! How stupid of me!"
"What?" Mike asked.
"I see it all now," she said. "The Kings always protect their own no matter what. I'm a King, even though it's only just. But it looks like he were trying to make sure that I DID cut all ties with me past to avoid any unexpected complications."
"I don't understand any of this," Mike told her. "What complications?"
"Ooh, things like a new husband when I own Tom's share of the business and can hand that share over," she explained. "That sort of thing. The boys would hate an outsider getting their hands on any of it, that's for sure."
"What are you going to do?" he wondered.
"I'm not sure yet," she replied. "For starters, I need to get back to Holdgate Farm for a while." Mike's heart sank. "Now we know who murdered Tom, I have to show me face. After that? Who knows? But I'll get Matthew back if it's t'last thing I do!"
"How long will you be gone?" Mike asked, not really wanting to know the answer in case he hated it.
"No idea," she shrugged. "But I can promise I'm coming back here when I'm done."
Mike beamed at that reply. "Oh, Reet," he cried and he hugged her tightly. "Then all's okay between us after all?"
"Of course it is, yer daft Cockney," she smiled. They looked at each other and snogged passionately as Mike gently eased her down the bed.

The following morning Mike woke up and was surprised to find he was alone. "Can I have been dreaming?" he said to himself then looked around and realised he was in the guest room. He began to panic so pulled the covers back, slipped on his dressing gown and left the room.
"Good morning, darling," Reet said from the kitchen. "Sleep well?"
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Never better," he replied as went over and kissed her.
"Careful," she warned. "Don't want too much steam in here."
He put his arms around her. "I thought-"
"I'd done another bunk," she finished for him. "Not a chance, Baldwin. Now yer've got me, yer stuck with me."
"I can't think of anyone I'd rather be stuck with," he cooed.
"Aw," she said, wrinkling her nose which he found rather attractive despite the wrinkles. "I will be returning to Kingville this afternoon to sort that stepson of mine out once and for all. But, and it's a big but, Baldwin, I will also be coming back. So no picking up dolly birds while I'm away."
"Not a chance," he assured. "You're the only dolly bird I want, Reet." He kissed her tenderly. "I can't wait to tell everyone we're back together." Reet pulled away from him. "What's the matter?"
"I don't want anyone knowing about us just yet," she replied.
"Why not?" he frowned. "I want to shout it from the rooftops."
"So do I," she said. "But for starters, a lot of people will think it's just a little too soon after Tom and get ideas I'm with yer on the rebound. Then who knows what other things they come up with in their warped minds? You understand, don't yer?"
He nodded sadly. "It won't be easy, but I'll keep my mouth shut."
"Good," she smiled. "Then, when I get back from Kingville, we can make out we're just friends again. After a decent time period after Tom's death, THEN we can shout it from t'rooftops. Okay?"
"Okay," he reluctantly agreed, knowing deep down she was right. "So, what time are you planning on leaving?"
"Oh, about two," she said.
"That gives us seven whole hours to make up for lost time," he winked.
"Oh, well in that case," she said coquettishly, "perhaps I could leave tomorrow instead."
He grinned wider than he ever had before as he led her to his bedroom.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 11

The next morning, Mike drove Reet back to her flat. "I'm gonna miss you," he told her as he watched her pack.
"Won't last night keep yer going for a while?" she winked.
He chuckled. "Only until tonight. I'll have nothing to cuddle up to."
She went to the wardrobe, dug around and pulled something out. "Have this," she said, thrusting a hot water bottle into his arms.
"Not the same thing," he said as he put it down and wrapped his arms around her waist.
She looked down at the battered rubber. "True," she conceded. "But it won't be for long."
"I hope not," he told her. "Don't want you meeting another fella while you're gone."
"Oh, I'll be meeting lots of fellas," she said. "Only none will come close to you. Besides, most of them smell of dustbins or horse manure. But that's the countryside for yer." She kissed him tenderly. "So, what are yer going to do while I'm gone?"
"Besides pine?" he winked. "I don't know."
"How about visiting Linda again?" she suggested. "How is she, by the way?" He moved away. "What?"
He turned away from her. "I don't know how she is," he replied frankly. "I haven't been to see her."
"Why not?" she asked aghast. "So she doesn't know you're not her father?"
He shook his head. "I haven't been able to muster the courage to face her after telling her I was. I could've killed her."
"You mean I could've, don't yer?" she snapped, grabbing him and forcing him to look at her. He was too ashamed to say anything. "Looks like I'll have to do yer dirty work for yer." She returned to her packing then slammed the case shut.
"Let me take that," he offered.
"What's the point?" she said. "I have to do everything meself." She hauled the case off the bed and went downstairs to the Lamborghini.
Mike closed his eyes, rubbed his forehead then followed. "I've messed things up again, haven't I?" he sighed.
She slammed the boot. "Of course yer haven't, yer daft Cockney. Look, I'll go and see her on me way back to Yorkshire and break the news. How's that?"
"I can't let you do that," he said. "It's all my fault."
"We all know that, but it might be better coming from me, don't yer think?" she smiled. "After all, she might hate the sight of yer."
"I hadn't thought of that," Mike admitted.
"Then that settles it," she told him. "Just yer leave all the thinking in this relationship to me from now on."
"I wish I could kiss you goodbye," he said softly.
"Ah, Reet," Norris was heard to say from across the road.
They both closed their eyes. "It wouldn't matter now anyway with nosy about the place," she muttered. "What is it now, Norris?" she continued angrily.
"Are you going somewhere?" he asked, following her to her front door which she slammed shut.
"Who's a clever little boy then, eh(?)" she replied sarcastically as she walked back to the car.
"But you've only just got back," he pointed out.
"And now I'm going away again," she said, getting more annoyed by the second. "What do yer want, Norris?"
"I only wondered how you were feeling after your ordeal the other day," he said, feeling rather put out at her attitude. "You just disappeared afterwards again and we wondered what happened to you."
"She stayed over at my place," Mike responded for her. "She was in such a bad way and needed to be away from questions."
Norris was surprised and his nose twitched with the possibility of gossip. "Really?"
Reet slapped his nose hard. "Yer can stop that right now!" she barked. "If it weren't for him seeing Alan in t'street and driving off with me, I'd be dead now, no thanks to yer."
"What do you mean by that?" he was taken aback.
"Yer didn't believe Alan were alive and out to get me," she replied.
"Neither did Mike," Norris unhelpfully pointed out.
"Oh, shurrup!" she yelled. "I still haven't forgiven yer. And I never did get to see those books. Now, I'm off back to Kingville but be warned, Norris. I WILL be back. Don't know when. I'll leave that as a surprise. As for Mike here. Yeah, I know he were just like the rest of yer thinking I'd gone potty. But he saved me life, we had a long talk and are friends again. Nowt else. And if I find out yer've been saying owt else, I'll set me stepsons on yer. Any thoughts on which motorway bridge yer'd like to be supporting?" She opened the car door and got in as Norris stood there wide-eyed with horror.
"You were joking about that, weren't you, Reet?" he stammered.
"Now yer don't know me boys, Norris. Mike here does, don't yer?" she said.
Mike nodded. "Oh yes. Nasty pieces of work. Especially that Matthew."
"So Mike's on his best behaviour round me or he'll be part of one of these new runways," she said, winking at Mike.
Norris didn't notice and began to sweat nervously. "I'll not say a word. I promise. You can rely on me, Reet."
"First time for everything," she remarked. "But Mike'll be keeping me informed of owt yer get up to. He'll also be overseeing things at t'shop till I get back so give the books to him to go over. Now I MUST be going. Got things to do and me boys to see. I'll ring yer later, Mike, to see how things are going."
"Don't you worry about a thing, Reet," he assured. "You just go off and do what you have to." She smiled, slammed the car door, started the engine and drove off.
"Now, Norris," Mike was saying as he put his arm around his shoulder. "How about fetching me those books, eh?"

After half an hour's drive, Reet pulled up outside a nursing home on the outskirts of Manchester. It looked very nice but as she knew, looks can be deceptive. She locked the car and went in, asking a nurse for directions. When she got to the room Linda was in she knocked several times but there was no answer. She'd been told she was in there so decided to try the handle. The door opened and she saw Linda staring out the window looking very forlorn. "Linda? It's me. Reet."
Linda slowly turned her gaze towards her visitor and smiled very weakly. "Hello."
Reet sat opposite her. "How are yer feeling?"
"Okay," she replied, clearly very down.
Reet fell silent for a moment. "I'm sorry I've not come to see yer before. Me and Mike had a falling out and I left Weatherfield for several months."
"That doesn't surprise me," Linda commented. "Mike's always falling out with people. Sorry. I should've said me DAD's always falling out with people. He hasn't come to see me once since I was put in here."
Reet sighed. "Look, Linda. I have to tell yer summat. The reason Mike hasn't come is because he's too ashamed. Yer see, t'truth is, it turned out he isn't yer dad after all. Ken Barlow is."
Linda looked visibly shocked. "Yer mean he... But why? I don't understand. He's split me and Mark up over this. No wonder he's ashamed!"
Reet could sense Linda was beginning to get her old spark back. "Yer don't know the half of it, Linda," and she went on to tell her everything that had happened since the accident.
Linda was shocked. "Yer poor cow."
"It could be worse," Reet said. "I could be at the bottom of that cliff. Mike will never forgive himself for any of this. It's the domino effect. He gets involved with Penny, discovers yer his daughter, tells yer making yer run off like that and me knocking yer down, only it were all lies. I get a bang on t'head, Alan comes back and everything thinks I've lost me marbles. Mike humilates me so I flee and marry someone else who then gets murdered by Alan. While here yer are, dumped by Mark recovering from t'accident. He lays the blame firmly at his door for all of this by taking up with Penny in t'first place. But he only did it to find out about his child."
Linda's eyes narrowed. "Penny King," she spat as though she had a nasty taste in her mouth. "She's to blame for all this, not Mike. Tell him he can come and see me any time, would yer?"
Reet nodded. "I've tried me best but Mike just won't stop feeling guilty about any of it."
"He will when I've talked to him," she assured. "I'm really glad yer came, Reet. No one has, yer know. Not even HER."
"I should've come before now," Reet said.
"Don't matter," Linda said sincerely. "I knew yer would some time. After all, yer saved me life."
"Not sure when I'll be back again mind," Reet continued. "I have to get back home and sort someone out. But I will come back to Weatherfield when that's all taken care of. As a matter of fact, I'm on me way there now but thought I'd come and see yer before I go."
"I understand, Reet," Linda smiled for the first time since the accident. "Don't worry about it. Yer came, that's the main thing. Yer know, I think you and Mike should give it another go." Reet was shocked by that suggestion. "Oh, I don't mean right this minute," Linda went on. "After all, it's too soon after yer husband's death. But later when yer feel the time's right. I think yer'd be good for him."
"He might not be interested now," Reet said, not really knowing how to answer that.
"How about I find out for yer when he comes?" Linda offered.
"Even if he is, I might not be," Reet said. "Anyway, I really must be going. Take care of yerself."
"I will," Linda smiled again. "And thanks for coming."
"My pleasure," Reet smiled back. "Bye." She left and sighed heavily when she got back into her car before heading back to Kingville to sort Matthew King out once and for all.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 12

Three months later in Kingville and Reet was feeling very pleased with herself. It was evening in the Woolpack and there was a celebration going on at the King's table. "And here's our guest of honour," she announced when Jack Sugden walked in. "Pull up a chair, Jack. Yer too, Diane. Come on over and bring more glasses."
"Would you mind telling us what Sugden's doing here, Reet?" Jimmy said grumpily as he eyed up his enemy.
"All in good time, Jimmy," Reet told him. "Carl, be a love and pour our guests some bubbly." He did as bidden then sat back. "Everyone got a glass? Good. I'd like to propose a toast. Yer see, boys, I've sold me share of King and Sons and all that goes with it. The new owner, and yer boss is Jack here. He now owns all of Kingville an' all. Cheers!"
Carl and Max didn't care but Jimmy and Matthew were furious and slammed their glasses down.
"You ARE kidding!" Jimmy spluttered.
"Do I look like I am?" Reet smiled. "I got this idea from Zoe Tate when she sold her land to Jack for a quid. So I did t'same."
"What did you go and do that for, you stupid bitch?" Matthew yelled, bringing the pub to a standstill.
"Well, I did tell yer after yer dad's funeral I didn't want owt to do with the business," she replied innocently.
"You could have sold your share to us," Jimmy snapped. "It's what dad would've wanted."
"He left me his share so clearly he wanted none of yer to have it," she countered. "And as for why, Matthew. Just cast yer mind back to that funeral when yer went and stuck yer oar in and meddled with me life! So, Jimmy, if yer want to blame anyone, blame him."
"And very pleased I am to be in charge," Jack grinned like the cat who'd got the cream. "From now on this village will go back to being called Beckindale and everything King and Sons own business-wise just to take money off us will be closed down, razed and turned back into fields. That's what I call progress."
Jimmy stormed out. Matthew was even more furious. "Don't think this is the end of this, Reet, because I assure you it certainly isn't."
"Are yer sure?" Reet cocked an eyebrow. "Well, if yer planning owt to get yer own back, just remember I know things about the lot of yer that would be very interesting to certain people. And it's not all in me head neither. I took the precaution of putting it on paper and leaving it with Mike Baldwin. Yer remember Mike, don't yer, Matthew? Come on. Drink up. This is a celebration as well as a farewell party."
"You going somewhere?" Matthew asked hopefully, though worried about all that information she had on him.
"Back to Weatherfield," she announced.
"Have a nice trip," Matthew smiled.
"I knew yer'd miss me(!)" she replied. "Diane, got any more of this stuff?"

Meanwhile, Mike was visiting Linda as he had every day since Reet phoned and told him everything was sorted out. He was missing Reet more than ever but was counting the hours and minutes until she returned the following day.
"Yer seem happier today, Mike," Linda noted.
"Do I?" he replied. "Reet's coming back tomorrow for good."
"Oh I am glad," she said. "I've missed her."
Mike grinned, his mind wandering. "So have I."
Linda couldn't help picking up on his tone. "Oh aye?"
"Not like that," he lied.
"Oh, come on, Mike," Linda berated. "This is me yer talking to not some idiot down the pub. Yer've got feelings for her, haven't yer?"
"No," he felt uncomfortable. "Whatever gives you that idea?"
"Oh," she said, "perhaps it's the way yer go all dreamy-eyed whenever her name's mentioned as yer have done these past months."
"I never could fool you, could I?" he chuckled. "Okay. Yes, I do have feelings for her."
"Is it serious?" Linda wondered.
"I hope so," he grinned. "It's been seven months now since her husband was murdered. Do you think that's too soon?"
Linda shrugged. "Hard to say. Grief and the length of mourning affects people differently. But I hope yer and Reet get together. Yer so right for each other and I know she'd be good for yer."
"I know she would be," he grinned. "She was before I messed everything up. I so want to make things right and stop wasting any more of my life on the wrong women. No offence."
"None taken." she replied. "Yer go for it, Mike, and good luck."
He grinned even wider. "Thanks, Linda. That means a lot. I most certainly will give it my best shot and see what happens. If it does, I'll try not to mess it up THIS time."

The following day, Mike was waiting anxiously at his flat for Reet to phone and let him know when she was on her way. It was already mid-afternoon and he kept worrying she'd changed her mind and wasn't coming back at all. He didn't know what he'd do if that happened so tried to put it out of him mind, but the thought kept returning. The intercom buzzed. "Hello? Reet! Come on up!" He pressed he button and opened the door for her. As soon as she appeared he lunged at her and kissed her passionately.
"Wow!" she said when he finally released his lips from hers. "Maybe I should go away more often."
"Don't you dare," he said. "I couldn't stand it. Absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder, you know, but gives you palpatations wondering what's going on and when you'll be back."
"And if I'd met someone else?" she raised an eyebrow.
"That goes without saying," he remarked. "I hated all this time apart and only talking on the phone."
"Well," she began coyly, "if yer give us a chance to get me breath back, maybe we can make up for lost time."
"No point getting your breath back then," he winked.

Later that day, Reet and Mike were chatting while preparing dinner. "Yer going to have to tell him," she was saying.
"I've already decided not to," he replied. "After all, it might start the feud up again and I'm far too old to be taking punches from Barlow."
Reet laughed. "He's too old to be throwing them. But Linda IS his daughter and he has a right to know. Wouldn't yer want him to tell yer if it were t'other way round?"
Mike thought for a moment then nodded. "Yes. But I'm not looking forward to it."
She took his hand. "Don't yer worry, darling. I'll be right beside yer giving moral support."
"Thanks," he smiled then kissed her hand.
"Though I'm sure Ken'll be furious yer've kept this from him over seven months," she added.
He let go of her hand and walked away. "That's what I'm more afraid of. He'll probably say I did it deliberately."
She went over to him. "That's what I'll be there for," she said, stroking his face. "He knows I wouldn't lie about summat as serious as this. I mean, with all that's happened, it just got forgotten about. He'll understand there were nowt malicious in it. Trust me, huh?"
"I don't deserve you, Reet," he said, gazing deeply into her big, dark eyes.
"They say yer get what yer deserve so that means yer do," she smiled.
"I'm a very lucky man," he continued, not averting his gaze.
"Too right yer are," she smiled as they kissed again. "Now, stop changing the subject. When are yer going to tell Ken?"
He pulled her closer. "Can't we discuss this later? I can think of better things we can be getting on with."
"No, we can't," she said adamantly. "If we go back to bed, this'll end up being brushed under t'carpet."
He let her go. "You're right."
"As always," she said modestly, which made him laugh. "Look, Mike," she continued in all seriousness. "The sooner it's out in t'open, the sooner everyone can get on with their lives. I don't fancy having casual chit-chat with Ken knowing what I do."
He thought for a moment. "Get your clothes on."
"Eh?" she frowned.
"You said it yourself," he told her. "The sooner it's out in the open. So we'll go and tell him right this minute."
"Are yer sure?" he asked.
"Positive. Besides, how else can I get you back to bed?" he winked. "After all, we still have three months wasted time to catch up on."
She grinned. "Yer on."

They got dressed and drove to Coronation Street. Mike pulled up outside number 1. As they got out the car, Reet couldn't help noticing Emily's net curtains twitching next door. "By the way," she said, "any trouble with that useless employee of mine while I were away?"
"No," Mike said. "I put the fear of God into him. I bet he's never worked so hard without complaining in his life!"
Reet laughed. "I can't wait to put him to the test then when I get back to work."
"WHEN I let you," Mike whispered down her ear.
"Ooh," she smiled. "I like the sound of that. I never knew yer could be masterful before. I MAY let yer try. For a few days at least. But yer much better company than Norris any day."
Mike paused at the front door. "Are you sure you want to do this, Reet? They say ignorance is bliss."
"Yes!" she snapped, as she knocked on the door. She noticed the way Mike looked at her. "Yer weren't going to do it so someone had to."
Ken answered. "This is an unexpected surprise. Come in."
They followed him into the back room. "On yer own?" Reet asked.
"I'm afraid so," Ken told them. "Blanche has gone to see one of her mad, drunken friends. And Deirdre's round at Liz McDonald's."
"Oh good," she said. "Because it's yer we've come to see."
"Oh?" Ken was intrigued. "Sit down." They did. "So, what can I do for you both?"
Reet nudged Mike, but he stayed silent much to her fury. "Mike's got summat important he wants to tell yer. Haven't yer, Mike?" She glared at him.
"What?" Mike said. "Oh, right. Um...." He tried to think of the right words but his mind was a blank.
Reet was getting fed up. "Oh, I'll have to do it as usual." She looked straight at Ken. "Fact is, Ken, and I won't beat about the bush here. But yer know Linda Baldwin, Mike's ex-wife?"
Ken nodded. "She's not dead, I hope."
"Nowt like that," Reet explained. "Yer see, thanks to that witch Penny, Mike was in turmoil, believing she were his and he'd married his own daughter. Only it turns out he weren't the father."
Ken's initial shock turned to relief. "You never did do things by halves, did you, Mike?"
Mike shook his head. "Story of my life."
"Anyway," Reet continued. "It also turns out-"
"You're her father," Mike interrupted.
Ken laughed. "Nice joke, you two." He stopped laughing when he saw how serious they were. "All right. The joke's over."
"It's no joke, Ken, I assure you," Mike said sadly. "I wasn't even going to tell you but Reet said I had to."
"But I can't be!" Ken exclaimed. "I never met Penny King before she showed up with you a couple of years ago."
"She was called Harris then," Mike told him.
Ken frowned then realised. "Penny Harris. But it was only once. I know, that's all it takes. How long have you known?"
Mike looked helplessly as Reet, but she clearly wasn't going to help him out here. "Ever since the accident."
"What?!" Ken exploded.
"Calm down, Ken," Reet said. "I were going to get him to tell yer sooner but... Well, yer know what happened between us. And Mike genuinely thought it were all for the best it never came out."
Ken sighed heavily. "I can understand that. But finding out after all these years I'm Linda Baldwin's father is one hell of a shock, you know."
"Not half as much as it is to me, Ken," Deirdre said from the doorway before slamming out.
"Well," Ken said angrily. "Looks like you've caused yet another rift between us. I think you'd both better go now."
Reet and Mike said nothing as they got up and let themselves out, leaving Ken's mind in a complete whirl and wondering how he was going to sort things out with Deirdre.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 13

Mike and Reet had a really bad night. Neither could settle after the events at the Barlows the evening before. Mike had been downing the scotch most of the night which worried Reet. "Haven't yer had enough?" she asked, concerned for his well-being this time around.
"Nowhere near," he slurred, making a grab for the bottle but missed.
Reet picked it up. "Oh, come on, Mike. Snap out of it, will yer. It's not yer fault Deirdre walked in like that any more than it's yer fault Linda's Ken's daughter."
"Don't you understand anything, you stupid bitch?" he barked. "I've destroyed yet more lives thanks to my obsession with finding my child. Only she turned out not to be thanks to poisonous Penny. So if you've got nothing cons... Cons... Useful to say, clear off."
"Right, I will," she said on the brink of tears. She stormed into the bedroom to get dressed, slamming the door behind her. After several minutes, she came out and got her coat and bag. She stopped and looked at him, hoping he'd say something. After waiting several seconds, she tied the belt on her coat. "Goodbye, Mike," she sniffed, trying to fight the tears.
"Are you crying?" he asked, his back still to her.
"I've got a cold, all right?" she snapped. "I'm off."
Mike sat there, convinced she wasn't really going to leave him until he heard the door open. "Reet!" he called as he got up and swayed. "Please don't go. I'm sorry. I love you. I don't want you to go." He put his hand over hers on the latch. "Please, Reet," he pleaded. "I'm trying my best but ever since that bitch came back into my life, I always seem to mess everything up."
She sighed and smiled weakly at him. "All right, Baldwin. But this is absolutely yer LAST chance." She closed the door, put her bag down and took her coat off.
"And I know how lucky I am to get that," he told her. "I love you, Reet. I want to make this work but I'm always upsetting you and I don't mean to. I just don't know what's the matter with me."
"Yer can stop with the guilt for starters," she suggested. "No one blames yer for everything that happened except yerself. Linda could've died and she don't blame yer. I was nearly murdered by Alan and I don't blame yer. Tom King WAS murdered by Alan but I don't blame yer. Mike, if there's going to be any future for us, yer've GOT to put it all behind yer and move on like the rest of us have."
He flopped in the chair and rubbed his temple. "You're right. I always know you are. It's just so hard moving on from it."
She perched on the arm of the chair and put her arm around him. "I know it is, love. I mean look at me. Three years after Alan tried to kill me the first time and I couldn't help wondering in the back of me mind if Ted were t'same. It were totally irrational, but I couldn't help meself. I'd lost all trust in men and blamed meself for being such a mug where Alan were concerned. Three fellas I loved deeply and they ALL hit me, except that bastard took it a stage further. I took the plunge and let meself fall for Ted hook, line and sinker and wouldn't have missed a second of being with him. He restored me trust and helped me to move on and put all that behind me. I know it's not easy. But it can be done, yer know."
Mike looked up at her. "I was right yesterday when I said I don't deserve you."
"Shurrup, get to bed and sleep that off," she ordered. "We'll discuss what yer deserve, Baldwin, when yer've sobered up."
"Is that a promise?" he asked hopefully.
"Wait and see," she winked then helped him to bed. He fell into a drunken sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. She stood in the doorway for a while just watching him snore before returning to the living room to decide what to do next.

Breakfast at the Barlows was a very frosty affair. Deirdre had eventually returned home after a lot of persuading from Ken. But Blanche couldn't help notice the atmosphere between them.
"Where are you going, mother?" Deirdre asked irritably.
"To get my coat," Blanche said. "It's freezing in here this morning. What's going on with you two? You were in a good mood yesterday."
Deirdre glared at Ken. "Ask him."
Ken threw down his napkin and grabbed her by the wrist. "I've had enough of this. Come on."
Deirdre dug her heels in. "I'm not going anywhere!" she said.
"Do you want us to end up getting divorced?" Ken snapped.
"Again," Blanche noted.
They glared at her but said nothing. "Of course I don't, Ken," Deirdre finally said.
"Then we're going to Mike's and sort this out once and for all," he told her.
"Deirdre," Blanche began, reproachment in her voice. "You haven't been at it with him again, have you?"
"Mother!" she exclaimed. "I said ask Ken about this. I've done nothing wrong THIS time."
"Don't tell me Ken's been at it with Mike then," she gasped.
"Blanche!" Ken barked. He released Deirdre's wrist. "Are you coming?"
"Not got a lot of choice really, have I?" she pouted. "Let's get this over with then. But Mike better have a good explanation for this little bombshell."
"What bombshell?" Blanche asked but they ignored her and left. "Typical. I'm the last to know everything round here and I'm left with the washing up."

Mike woke up and tried to focus his eyes on the clock. He looked around for Reet and clutched his head, feeling sick. He struggled out of bed, panic gripping him she'd walked out after he went to bed last night. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard clattering in the kitchen.
"Good evening," she said.
"It isn't, is it?" he gasped. "I couldn't get my eyes to work properly so didn't realise the time."
"No," she smiled. "It's morning. Arsenic?"
"Large mug please," he smiled back before going to sit down.
"Do yer want a delicious, greasy fry-up for breakfast?" she teased.
He cringed as she handed him the painkiller. "Bad enough I'm having to have this stuff." He washed the aspirin down with water and gave her back the glass.
"Yer own fault, Baldwin," she said, returning to the kitchen.
"I know. I know," he agreed. "I'm so glad you didn't walk out last night. Though I wouldn't have blamed you if you had. I was a bastard."
"Yer getting no argument from me there," she smiled.
"Put your pearly whites away, Reet," he groaned. "They're dazzling me and in my condition I can't be bothered looking for my sunglasses."
"Anyone'd think yer were pregnant the way yer talking," she laughed. "Yer only hungover, yer know." She kissed him.
He beamed. "I feel better already. How about you and me...?" He winked.
"I've got a headache," she replied.
"Shouldn't it be me saying that?" he grinned.
"Yer've just had some aspirin," she said flatly.
He was worried now. "Have you really got a headache?" She nodded. "I wouldn't be that headache by any chance?"
"Oh, now yer being daft as usual, Baldwin," she said. "I dozed off on this uncomfortable sofa of yers and kept waking up."
"Why didn't you come to bed?" he wondered, though he had a horrible feeling he already knew the asnwer.
"With yer snoring?" she shrieked. "Yer must be joking. It's worse when yer've had a few."
"I wouldn't know. I'm asleep," he joked.
She scowled. "I'll have to tape yer and play it back," she replied. The intercom buzzed. "I'll get it. Shall I tell them yer dead?"
"Very funny(!)" he said. "I wonder who's calling at this hour?"
"Soon find out," Reet said picking up the phone. "Ken?" She shot a look to Mike. "Yeah, come on up." She replaced the receiver, opened the door and bit her thumbnail as she slowly walked back towards Mike. "I wonder what he wants?"
"To give us hell," Mike responded as he stood. "That's what he wants. Ah, hello, Ken. Oh, and Deirdre. This is a surprise."
Ken couldn't help noticing the worried glances between Mike and Reet. "I'm not here to give you hell, as you so eloquently put it," he assured. "But it is time Deirdre heard all about this, don't you agree?"
Reet and Mike looked at each other. "Tea?" she asked. "I'll leave Mike to explain everything, Deirdre, since he has such a way with words."
Mike's eyes bulged but he realised he couldn't let Reet do his dirty work for him all the time. "Sit down and I'll begin at the beginning."

Meanwhile over at the nursing home, Linda had an unexpected visitor. "I never thought I'd see yer again, Mark."
He took her hand and stroked it gently with his thumb. "I'm truly sorry, Linda. I needed to get my head together after all those revelations about you being my sister and then not. But I'll never leave you. I love you, Linda. Will you marry me?"
"Oh, Mark!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. "Of course I'll marry yer. Maybe we could have a double wedding."
Mark pulled away. "Double wedding?" he frowned.
"With Reet and Mike," Linda announced. "Oops. They haven't even got together yet even though they both love each other."
"I think that's a very good idea," Mark smiled. "I've always liked Reet. She's been marvellous since your accident." Linda nodded. "I'm not one for matchmaking but I don't suppose they'd object if we gave them a little push, do you?"
Linda shook her head enthusiastically. "They're meant for each other. Just like we are."
They kissed passionately and Mark placed the diamond engagement ring on her finger. "Forever, Linda. I'll never, ever leave you."

To be continued...

[mrsbarlow]

It was really good,so far.I think that you really nailed Blanche,she would be as bitter as that.I think Deirdres character is really good ,also i thought that Reet and Mike were very well written.

[RitaLittlewood]

Thanks. There's plenty more Ken and Deirdre to come right up until the final part. ;D

Patsy

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 14

Back at Mike's flat and everything was amicable between him and the Barlows again. He could see in Reet's face she was very proud of him. He winked at her. Deirdre caught it out the corner of her eye. "What's going on between you two?"
"Nothing," Mike and Reet replied innocently in unison.
"Not much," Deirdre said, totally disbelieving. "Okay. How long's it been going on? Or should I say, been back on?"
Mike and Reet looked at each other. "There never was any fooling you, Deirdre," Mike chuckled. "How did you know?"
"Oh, that's easy," she explained. "There's so much electricity between you I'm surprised there's not been a blown fuse."
"Oh, there's been a few of them, don't yer worry," Reet laughed. "We got back together after he saved me from Alan. Oh, I know it were far too soon after Tom. But it were only in t'early stages and I had to get back to Kingville anyway. Sorry, it's back to being called Beckindale now, in't it? Anyway, so it were another three months before we could see where we wanted to go with this. And, more importantly, if there were still any feelings between us."
Deirdre sipped her tea. "You do realise, Reet, now we've both slept with Ken and Mike, we should get together one night and compare notes."
Reet glanced at Ken and Mike and saw their horrified expressions. "What an excellent idea," she laughed. "How about a girly night in over at my place tomorrow night?"
"What a pair of kidders," Mike chuckled then his face fell. "You are kidding, aren't you?"
"No," Reet smiled. "I think it'd be a marvellous idea."
"I'm all for it," Ken said.
"What?!" Mike gasped.
"Oh, yes," Ken continued. "After all, we can also get together tomorrow night and compare notes."
"Be my guest," Deirdre told them, realising it was only a ploy to prevent them doing it.
"Mine an' all," Reet added. "In fact, scrub that about tomorrow night. Come on, Deirdre. Let's go now. See yer, boys. And enjoy yer comparing about us."
Ken and Mike watched open-mouthed as Reet and Deirdre left. "Well," Mike said. "Been given a fait accompli here. So, what was Reet like when you were going out with her all those years ago?"
Ken grinned at the memory. "Wild! Now?"
Mike grinned back. "Still wild. Could be wilder for all I know."
"If you get married, how about a bit of wife-swapping?" Ken suggested.
Mike pondered. "Nah," he shook his head. "I want to keep her all to myself forever."
"I know what you mean," Ken said. "But Reet's better than Deirdre by miles."
"Amen to that!" Mike grinned. "Drink?"
Ken nodded. "Go on then. After all, it is what Reet and Deirdre and doing."
"Gonna be a long day then," Mike grinned as he opened the scotch.

Reet waltzed into the Kabin. "Good morning, Norris," she greeted cheerfully.
"Is it still only morning?" he grumbled. "I've been here so long over the past seven months, mostly on my own I must add, I've lost all track of time."
"Oh, stop being such an old misery," Reet barked. "I nearly died t'other day so what yer got to be so miserable about when out of the pair of us, I have that right?"
He glowered at her. "I take it this is yet another of your famous flying visits and you're NOT coming back to work."
"For once yer intelligence astounds me, Norris," she replied. "Got it in one. Not today at any rate. Me and Deirdre have plans today. But I thought I'd pop in and let yer know I was upstairs in case yer heard any strange noises and had another of yer panics. Okay?"
"Have to be, won't it?" he grumbled again. "By the way, Blanche was looking for you, Deirdre."
"Oh dear," Deirdre said. "What did she want?"
"No idea," he shrugged. "Said something about never being told anything them went on about having to do the washing up."
"Come on, Deirdre. Let's get upstairs and out the way before she comes back," Reet said. "And Norris, if she comes in again, yer've got no idea where Deirdre is, understood?"
"If you say so," he sulked, convinced he was missing out on some good gossip here.
"I do, or else" Reet warned. "This way."
"You're a lifesaver, Reet," Deirdre smiled. She followed Reet through the back leaving Norris sulking even more.

Later that evening, Deirdre had gone home because Reet had a visitor. "I'm so glad yer came, darling. The more we talked about yer, the more I missed yer."
"So am I," Mike grinned. "Though Ken did tell me some very interesting things about you from your younger days."
Reet closed her eyes. "Good or bad? On second thoughts, I don't think I want to know."
"It was all good, I assure you," he said, holding her tightly. "I had no idea you were double-jointed before."
Reet looked horrified. "He told yer that?"
"Nah," he laughed. "I'm only pulling your leg." He kissed her.
"Yer swine," she said, hitting him playfully.
"Isn't that one of the things you love about me?" he smiled cockily. When no response came he began to worry. "Well?"
"I'm thinking," she replied then looked up at him. "Yes," They kissed passionately. "I hope Linda agrees to that DNA test Deirdre's insisting on."
"That's quite a change of subject," he observed.
"Sorry," she said. "It just came into me mind."
He kissed her head. "That's okay, sweetheart. Ken said he'll go and see her tomorrow. The conversation got pretty boring after we'd discussed your attributes then and now so we ended up discussing it too."
Reet burst out laughing suddenly. "I know I shouldn't laugh, but I just had a thought. If Linda DOES turn out to be Ken's and poisonous Penny were telling t'truth for a change, it should get interesting in the Barlows. After all, Deirdre's never been a fan of Linda, has she? Oh to be a fly on the wall."
"Blanche would probably splat you with his Guardian," Mike remarked. He yawned.
Reet sat up. "Is that a not-so-subtle hint, Baldwin?" she asked, cocking and eyebrow.
"What do you think?" he winked.

Two weeks later and the DNA results were back. Mike, Reet, Ken, Deirdre and Mark were all in Linda's room at the nursing home. Ken opened the envelope.
"Well?" Linda asked impatiently.
Ken lowered the letter. "Read it yourself. It confirms I am, indeed, your father." Deirdre fainted. Reet rushed over to her.
"Thank goodness I never took up with your Peter then," Linda said.
"Well," Mike grinned. "Now you're all coming over to mine for dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Mark and Linda's engagement, as well as this little family reunion, and I'll have no arguments. It'll be the best night ever."
"Can't wait(!)" Deirdre groaned from the floor.

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 15

The following evening, Deirdre was helping Reet with the finishing touches to the dinner. Mike, Ken, Mark and Linda were sat around chatting. "I don't know how I'm going to get through tonight," Deirdre said quietly to Reet.
Reet got another bottle of wine out of the fridge and put it in front of Deirdre. "Plenty of that should help enormously," she smiled.
"What am I going to talk to her about?" Deirdre asked, sipping from her glass.
"Why don't yer stop worrying and just let the conversation flow naturally?" Reet suggested. "Yer might find summat yer want to say then."
"Good idea," Deirdre said, forcing a smile.
Mike entered the kitchen and grabbed Reet around the waist from behind, his head resting on her shoulder. "Something smells nice."
"It's chicken casserole," Reet told him.
"No," he shook his head, still holding her. "It's you."
"I'll leave you to it," Deirdre said, feeling embarrassed and joined the others.
"Very diplomatic of her," Reet noted.
"How about we get rid of them?" Mike suggested. "Say you're not feeling well and want a lie down."
"Looks more like yer want the lie down, Baldwin," she smiled.
"Can I help it if I find you irresistible?" he schmoozed down her ear.
"It shows what excellent taste yer have," she replied. "Even for a Cockney," she added with a wry smile. "Anyway, they're bound to guess and this party were yer idea, yer know, so yer have to play host for a few more hours. Can yer wait that long?"
"Got no choice really, have I?" he said glumly. "Though if you happen to change your mind..."
"Get in there and amuse them," she ordered. He let her go. "But don't wear yerself out," she winked. He grinned as he returned to their guests. "Dinner'll be in about ten minutes," she announced.

Over at the Rovers, Norris was still sulking. Blanche had deposited herself in the booth opposite him which did nothing to lighten his mood. "Are you ever going to smile, or will it crack your face? On second thoughts, a cracked face might be an improvement."
"Have you just come over here to annoy me?" he asked through narrow eyes.
"Yes," was her very firm reply. "We can all be miserable, you know. What is it today? Counted the pear drops and found you were one short, so you think Reet'll kill you?"
"If she did, at least it meant she'd showed her face at the shop," he snorted. "She's hardly been near it since she ran Linda Baldwin over and I ended up arrested."
"Have you thought of changing your deodorant?" Blanche suggested.
"Oh, very droll(!)" he replied.
"Well, maybe she just can't bear to be anywhere near you," Blanche pointed out. "Some people are like that and make your skin crawl. Perhaps you make hers crawl." Norris said nothing but pulled a face. "They've abandoned me tonight, you know."
"Who have?" he asked, feigning interest.
"Ken and Deirdre," she told him. "Swanned off round to Mike Baldwin's. Some dinner with Reet, his son and his ex-wife. I never even realised they were all so close."
"Ex-wife?" Norris frowned. His nosiness started to work overtime. "You mean Linda Baldwin?"
Blanche nodded. "All they said was it was some family thing as if I'm not family and Linda Baldwin and Mike's son are."
"Not to mention Reet," Norris added. "Hmm, I wonder what's going on over there? They're bound to tell us soon enough."
"They'd better," Blanche said. "Or I'll cut them out of me will. Not that they're in it. But I can make them think they are. Family do anything for the thought of a nice, fat inheritance."
Norris nodded and they both fell silent.

Dinner at Mike's was going surprisingly well. Mike was pleased. "Before the pudding, this wonderful woman has made with her own two beautiful hands, I'd like to propose a toast," he said, as he stood. "Well, a couple of toasts," he added. "First of all, I'd like to welcome Linda back into the family. I know we've had our ups and downs but hand on heart, you were always better suited to Mark than you were to me."
"Thank, Mike," she smiled. "That's very good of yer after everything."
"I second Linda's sentiments, dad," Mark said. "I know it can't be easy for you seeing us together after everything that happened all those years ago."
"That's where you're wrong," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Yes, I admit, it was hard when you first showed up and announced you were getting married. But since then I fell in love with Reet and that made me realise what a vain old man I'd become, always after younger women to boost my ego. Reet's older than me-"
"Thanks(!)" Reet scowled.
"You know what I mean," Mike replied. "Reet has made my life complete. I loved all my wives. Well, apart from Jackie Ingram but let's not talk about her. I loved all my girlfriends. Apart from poisonous Penny but we won't talk about her either. Although I suppose I should be grateful to her in a way because if she hadn't spread her lies, we wouldn't be here tonight and I wouldn't be with Reet. The only thing she ever did that turned out right! But no one has ever meant more to me that Reet does. I always believed Alma was the love of my life until I fell for Reet. Fickle, I expect you're thinking. Not so. It was the longest relationship because she was the only one who'd put up with me so long. But when she got sick, I thought at the time and afterwards, she was the only woman who meant anything to me. I was wrong. It was guilt for the way I behaved so I was doing everything I could to make it up to her before it was too late. You had no reason to be jealous, Linda. But even without Alma's death, it would never have worked out between us. If it wasn't Mark, it would have been someone else who caught your eye and heart."
Linda nodded sadly. "I guess yer right, Mike. But it were fun while it lasted."
Reet felt a pang of jealousy at the remark, and couldn't help wondering how many years she'd end up spending with Mike before one of them died. "Are yer trying to get in the Guinness Book of Records with this speech of yers, Baldwin?" she said, trying to lighten the mood.
"However did you guess?" he grinned. "Seriously now," he went on. "I'm very pleased for you both and I'm delighted to welcome you, and your adorable daughter Meg, into the family. I hope you and Mark will always be very happy."
Ken, Deirdre and Reet all went, "Awww." Linda and Mark gazed into each others eyes.
"As for my former mortal enemy, Barlow," he chuckled and everyone laughed with him. "I'm surprised he didn't drop dead of a heart attack when he discovered Linda was his daughter after all these years."
"I'm surprised I didn't as well," Deirdre quipped.
"So this time, instead of gaining a son like you did with Susan," Mike continued, "you'll be gaining an ex-husband and father of the groom. I bet you can't wait having me back in your family after all these years!"
"It's been my dearest wish for 20 years," Ken laughed.
"Finally-" Mike began.
"At last," Reet breathed.
"I was about to say," he went on, looking over the table at her. "I'd also like to toast my wonderful Reet."
"I should think so too, Baldwin," she smiled. "So, what did I do to end up being part of this very long speech? I mean, yer do know it were light when yer started, don't yer?"
"What did you do?" he asked. "Nothing. Just for being you and I love you so very, very much for it. A toast. To family."
"To family!" they chorused, clinking their glasses.
Mike went round the table and kissed his beloved. "Just one more thing I'd like to say before pudding." Everyone watched as he went down on one knee, holding Reet's hand. "Reet King. I love you more than life itself and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. "We've wasted so much time, sweetheart. Will you marry me?"
Reet was stunned. "Are yer sure yer can get back up from there?"
"Answer the man," Deirdre urged.
"I don't know what to say," Reet stammered. "I never expected this. Are yer only doing this because of Linda and Mark and yer don't want to be left out?"
"Of course not," he said. "I've been thinking about it ever since you came back. I just didn't know whether it was too soon after Tom or not. But tonight, when I was telling everyone how I felt about you, I decided to take the bull by the horns."
"I've been called many things in me time, Baldwin," she said. "But a bull has never been one of them. I'd love to marry yer. Now get up and give us a kiss." She helped him up and they kissed passionately just as there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it, dad," Mark said. "Someone to see you."
Mike turned around, his arm still around Reet. "Penny!" he gasped. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Back in the Rovers, Blanche still hadn't managed to get a smile out of Norris. She noticed Danny and Frankie walk up to the bar. "I see you haven't been invited either," she said to them rather loudly.
"Sorry, Blanche," Danny said, turning to face her. "Are you talking to me?"
"Of course I'm talking to you," she snapped.
"Well, er," he said. "Haven't been invited to what exactly?"
"That family dinner at Mike's flat," she explained. "I thought since you ARE his nephew, you'd have been there as well. I was quite surprised to see you here. Or have I got it wrong and you've already left?"
"Mike's having a family dinner?" Danny frowned.
"Thank goodness for that," Blanche replied. "I was beginning to think for once I was wrong."
"Ten out of ten for your brilliance, Blanche(!)" Danny said sarcastically. "So, who's at this dinner then?"
"Reet, Ken, Deirdre, Mark Redman and Linda Baldwin," Norris interrupted.
"Maybe they don't have enough chairs," Danny remarked.
With his money?" Blanche scoffed.
"Oh, I remember now," Frankie added, trying to think of an excuse to give the nosy old bat for their absence. "We were asked but Danny an a business appointment so we couldn't go."
"Right," Blanche nodded, not believing a word. "Maybe they've been discussing who should run Underworld and have decided to put Reet in charge. I'd watch that one if I were you. She'll be after as many freebies as she can get her hands on."
"Thanks for the warning," Danny said. "Come on, love." And they left.
"I bet I know where they've gone," Blanche said.
"A sure bet, I'd say," Norris replied.

Mike's blood pressure was rapidly rising as he came face to face with the woman who was responsible for so many terrible things over the past months. "How did you get up here?"
"I met Dev on his way out," Penny explained. "Not interrupting anything, am I?" She couldn't fail to miss how even cosier Reet and Mike were than at the hospital when Linda was so seriously ill.
"Yes, yer are!" Linda yelled. "What the hell are yer doing here?"
"Mike's already asked me that question," Penny reminded.
"And it might help if yer answered it," Reet said, trying to control her own temper.
"Isn't it obvious?" Penny asked innocently. "I've come to sort things out, Mike. I want everything back the way it was between us."
"You'll be lucky," he snorted. "We're finished. In fact, we never really started. And no, you're not getting an invitation to the wedding."
Penny's heart sank. "Wedding?"
"Ours," Reet said, holding Mike tightly to make sure Penny got the message she'd fight tooth and nail for her man.
"I see," Penny said, trying to put on a brave face. "Congratulations."
"We don't want your congratulations, you evil bitch!" Mike yelled. "We want you to clear off and stay cleared off."
"But, Mike," Penny said, forcing tears to well in her eyes. "You know how much we mean to each other. No offence to Reet here because I'm sure she's a very nice woman. But you know we're meant for each other and always have been. And you did want me to be the last woman in your life."
"I only said that so I could find out about my daughter," he spat, eyes narrowed. "Only she was never mine. You lied your way back into my life not once, but twice after that pregnancy. I never loved you any more than I loved Ken Barlow."
"Oh yes," Ken stood. "I'd like to have my say about that too."
"Well you can't!" Penny yelled. "Okay, so I lied and Linda's your kid. But it's Mike I want and Mike I shall have." She walked slowly towards Reet. "Hang on to him all you like, love. But he never could resist me so I'll still be the last woman in his life once his initial anger's passed."
"Yeah?" Linda barked. "Not if I have owt to do with it, yer won't be. And that's a threat, not a promise."
"Linda, please," Penny pleaded. "I am your mother after all."
"You'll never be my mother," Linda said bitterly. "You were even a rotten aunt. None of us want yer here so do yerself a favour and emigrate as far away as possible and leave us ALL alone!"
"I'm not going anywhere until this is sorted with Mike!" Penny yelled. "We all know he's only with HER on the rebound. He'll always love me. He has for over thirty years."
"I've had enough of this," Linda mumbled. "Get out!" She grabbed Penny and pushed her out. "And clear off! If yer still anywhere near this building in five minutes, I'll have the law on yer." She slammed the door and got a huge round of applause. She smiled but then began to convulse.
"Linda!" Mark gasped as everyone rushed to her.
After several minutes, she began to come round. "What happened?" she asked groggily.
"You gave us a scare, that's what?" Mark told her. "You started convulsing."
Tears began to roll down Linda's face. "Was it bad?"
"Not really," Mark smiled. "Hey, what's up?"
"Linda?" Reet asked, very concerned.
"I'm sorry," Linda sobbed. "I should have told yer ages ago but I didn't know how to. I hoped I wouldn't have to and that the drugs had it all under control."
"Drugs?" Mike gasped. "You've become a junkie?"
"Not those sort of drugs, Mike," Linda sniffed. "Medication. Truth is, after the accident, I've developed epilepsy and it looks like that bitch has caused me to have me first fit. I never had one till now."
Mark stepped back. "Epilepsy?"
Linda nodded. "But the drugs should help control it as long as I don't get worked up. That can be a trigger they say."
"I can't do this," Mark said, getting further away from her.
"Can't do what?" Deirdre wondered.
"This," he pointed at Linda. "Sorry, Linda. The wedding's off. In fact, everything's off. It's over and I'm having custody of Meg. She won't be safe round you. Goodbye."
"Mark!" Linda cried. "Mark, yer can't do this to me!"
The door slammed. "I think he just has," Ken noted as Linda sobbed her broken heart out. His paternal feelings came out and he put his arms around her.
"Don't worry, Linda," Mike assured, eyes narrowed with rage. "I won't let him get away with this, son or no son."
"I don't want him after this," she stated.
"And we don't blame yer, love," Deirdre said. "Yer deserve better than him"
"But he has my granddaughter-" Mike began.
"And mine," Ken interrupted.
"Our granddaughter," Mike corrected. "And we'll fight to get her back for you. He doesn't deserve to have her."
"I hate Penny and I'll get her for this if it's the last thing I ever do," Linda warned.

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 16

The morning after the night before and there was still a gloomy cloud in the Baldwin household. Reet had insisted Linda stay the night in the guest room. Mike reluctantly agreed, since it spoiled his plans with Reet once they were alone. Mike and Reet sat down to breakfast but neither of them were really hungry.
"Why don't yer go to work and take yer mind of things?" Reet suggested. "I can take care of Linda."
"I wouldn't be able to concentrate, sweetheart," he replied with a heavy heart. "I can't believe a son of mine..."
"I know," she said, putting her hand tenderly over his.
"I'm so glad you're here," he smiled weakly. "I don't know how I'd cope with all this without you here."
The intercom buzzed. "I'll get that." She picked up the receiver. "Hello, Danny."
"That's all I need," Mike muttered.
"Come on up," Reet said, pressing the buzzer. She replaced the handset. "I know he's the last person yer want to see right now, love. But it's best to get it over with, eh?"
He nodded. "Yes. This has gone on long enough."
While Reet let him in, Mike steeled himself for the confrontation he knew was inevitable. "Morning, Danny."
"Morning, Michael," Danny replied, trying to be nonchalant. "I hear you had a dinner party last night."
"I'll go and check on Linda," Reet said then left the room.
"That's right," Mike nodded.
"For, er, family," Danny continued.
"That's right," Mike repeated.
"And I wasn't invited," Danny said.
"That's because it was family only and you're not," Mike told him.
"What are you on about?" Danny chuckled, stunned at such a remark. "Have you been sniffing the cigars again or what? Course I'm family. I'm your nephew."
"Not according to this," Mike said mysteriously as he crossed the room, opened a drawer and took something out. "Reet dug this up while she was away. It's all about you, Joe Carter."
Danny sweated nervously. "Now what are you on about? You going senile or something?"
"I must admit," Mike said, tapping the evidence on his fingers, "you really had me fooled. Going out and having plastic surgery on your face. You even did well with the accent. I always knew I was an only child but you had even me convinced I had a brother out there when you rang me out of the blue last year. I suppose I should've guessed really since that woman claiming to be your wife uses the same name as my dear old rascal of a dad."
"All right, Mike. Yes, it's me," Joe confessed. "But I own half the business so you can't do anything about it this time."
Mike laughed heartily for the first time since the events of the previous night. "Oh, you think so? You forget, Carter, that you signed the papers as Daniel Baldwin and Daniel Baldwin doesn't exist so none of it's legal. Ta for the cash though. It came in very useful. Now, are you going to go quietly or do I phone the police and have you arrested for fraud?"
Joe sighed heavily. "Looks like I've got no choice, doesn't it?"
"Nope," Mike grinned.
"This isn't the end," Joe warned.
"Oh, I think it is," Mike replied. "Remember what we already know. Everyone here last night already knows and so it will soon spread like wildfire once Blanche and Norris have been told. The game's up, Carter. Nice try. But I wouldn't advise you to pull another stunt like this or you really will face the consequences."
Joe was about to speak but changed his mind and stormed out. Reet emerged from the guest room.
"He's gone," Mike grinned.
Reet rushed over to him and they threw their arms around each other. "I was getting worried there for a moment."
"Me too, if truth be told," Mike replied. "Thanks to you I get to keep his investment and get rid of a lying bastard."
"Isn't that what future wives are for?" she winked.
"It is," he beamed before kissing her. "But I think we'd better not talk of marriage in front of Linda."
"Yes," she agreed. "Not the best time."
"I don't see why not," Linda interrupted. "Just because Mark's dumped me, doesn't mean yer wedding has to be cancelled. Be happy. I am for yer both. I've always had a soft spot for yer, Mike. And I've always liked yer, Reet. So, as soon as I get back, how about me and the bride start discussing what to wear?"
"Back?" Mike and Reet asked in unison.
"I'm going for a little walk," she told them. "I won't be long. Just got a bit of a headache after all that crying I did last night. See yer later." Before they could stop her, she was gone.
"Do you think she'll be all right?" Mike wondered.
"I wish I knew, love," Reet shrugged.
"You don't think she's planning on doing something stupid, do you?" he asked.
"I honestly don't know," she replied. "But since she wants her daughter back, I shouldn't think so."
Mike wasn't convinced. "I hope you're right."

Night had fallen and Reet got an unexpected phone call. "Linda? Where are yer? Where? Well, what yer doing there? Yer've done what?! Stay there. I'll be right over. No, course I won't tell Mike. Yer can trust me, yer know. Yeah, I know otherwise yer'd be ringing him instead. Be with yer in a few minutes. Bye." She grabbed her coat and bag, dashed down the stairs, got in her car and sped away, almost crashing into Mike who was pulling in after failing to find his ex-wife anywhere. Her mobile rang but she switched it off, much to Mike's annoyance. After driving miles, she pulled up outside the nursing home Linda was staying at.
"Reet!" Linda called in hushed tones. "This way."
Reet duly followed. "Is it far?" she whispered.
"No," Linda replied. "Over here."
Reet stayed behind Linda as she led the way towards some woods behind the grounds of the home. She gasped and covered her mouth when she saw Penny lying on the ground dead and covered with blood. "I can't believe yer did summat as daft as this."
"I can always blame it on me epilepsy," Linda joked. "After all, who'd have thought it would come is useful since if yer have a grand mal yer might never remember owt that happened?"
"This is no laughing matter," Reet snapped, still whispering. "Yer've murdered yer own mother."
"She's no mother of mine," Linda spat. "She had it coming. Besides, I've done yer both a favour."
Reet stood there shocked. "And what makes yer think that?"
"Now yer and Mike can get wed and live happily ever after and never have to worry about that bitch showing her face ever again," she explained.
Reet shook her head in disbelief. "Where's the murder weapon?"
"In me handbag," Linda indicated casually. "I used me Platinum card."
"Yer..." Reet shook her head again. "This has got to be some kind of nightmare. What are we going to do with the body?"
"I dunno," Linda shrugged. "Chop her up and sell the bits to Fred Elliott? Penny Pies would go down very well. Oh the fun we could have watching them all eat her, ask what they think of cannibalism and laugh when they say it's a revolting thing to do."
Reet closed her eyes in despair. "Yer do realise by ringing me, yer've now made me an accessory, don't yer?"
Linda's face fell. "I'm sorry," she said, realisation of what she'd done and the consequences for her old friend dawning. "I just didn't know who else to call. She came to see me. Tried to wheedle her way back in hoping if she got me on side, I'd help her split yer and Mike up. The entire conversation was about her and how hard done to she'd been. She didn't even care when I told her Mark had left me and taken our child. Didn't care about anything except having her own way. Summat snapped as she went on and on. I panicked. I'm sorry."
Reet put her hand on Linda's shoulder. "That's okay," she reassured, thinking of the times she's come close to murdering Norris over the years, not to mention Derek Wilton, so she understood how irritating certain people could be. "But we've GOT to get rid of the body somehow and make sure if she's ever found, nothing connects her death to either of us."
"How?" Linda asked.
"How the hell do I know?" Reet cried. "I've never had to do owt like this before," she continued in hushed tones, remembering where she was. She leant against a tree. "I'd better ring Mike."
Linda panicked. "What for?"
"Because I were in such a rush getting to yer," Reet explained, "I nearly crashed into him as he were coming back. He'll be worrying so I'd better put his mind at rest." She got her mobile from her bag and dialled. "Hi, darling. No, everything's fine. I got a call from Linda. She were in such a state. No. I'm with her now. We'll be home soon. Yeah. Sorry to worry yer, darling. Okay. I'll see yer soon. Bye." She hung up, put the mobile back and sighed. "I know what we're going to do."
"What?" Linda asked, getting desperate by now.
"Nowt, that's what," she replied. "Now, I know what yer going to say. But we can't risk any of our DNA dropping on her. Now, we can easily think of a reason for her to be here. After all, yer are her daughter. But I'll be yer alibi, okay?"
Linda pondered. "Are yer sure we'll get away with it?"
"What's this 'we' business?" Reet said. "I'll be covering up for yer. No one ever need know what happened here tonight except us, and I'm not likely to tell anyway. Don't want to end up in prison, ta very much. Already spent a night in t'cells a few years back and it weren't very nice, I can tell yer. What do yer say?"
"I suppose it does make sense," Linda reluctantly agreed. "Are yer sure we can come up with a story?"
Reet nodded. "Don't worry. I'll think of summat. Let's get out of here and back to the flat. We can come up with summat on the way."
They slowly made their way back to Reet's car, doing their best to keep out of sight. Linda suddenly stopped. "Reet, I'm scared."
"I'm not surprised," she replied. "Which is why we've got to make sure no one smells a rat and we both get arrested. Now, I don't want to rush yer, but we've got to get out of here fast before she's discovered." Linda nodded and silently followed.

Linda went straight to bed on Reet's instructions when they returned to the flat. Reet and Mike snuggled up in bed. "What a day," she said. "I'm glad it's over."
"I was getting really worried when you sped out the car park like your tail was on fire," he chuckled. "Linda was in a bad way, huh?"
"Suicidal," Reet nodded. "She were threatening to jump off a bridge when she phoned to say goodbye and she hoped we'd be happy together. I couldn't wait for yer to get back. I hope yer understand."
He kissed the top of her head. "I always said you were a wonderful woman. How is she now?"
"Better," she said. "I made her realise having epilepsy's not the end of the world and we'd all do everything we can to help her. We won't abandon her like Mark did."
"No," Mike's eyes narrowed at the thought of that son he'd had the misfortune to breed. "I'll ring my lawyer tomorrow and get the ball rolling there with little Meg. If anyone's unfit to have her, it's him."
Reet strained her neck to look up at him. "And yer a wonderful man, Baldwin," she smiled. He leant over and kissed her passionately, fumbling for the lightswitch behind him.

The following morning everyone was woken by the intercom. Linda burst into Mike and Reet's bedroom. "It's the police!" she panicked.
Reet glanced at Mike who was still half-asleep. "Let them in then," she urged. "Then go and put the kettle on." Linda did as ordered. "Wakey-wakey, sweetheart," she said, gently shaking Mike.
"Hmm," he stirred. "What's going on? What time is it?"
Reet checked the clock. "Gone half seven. The police are here for some reason. Linda's letting them in. Come on, shake a leg." She pulled the covers back and reached for her dressing gown. Mike grabbed her. "Hey!"
"Can't we let Linda deal with them and we just stay in bed?" he grinned.
"No, we cannot," she said firmly. "It might be important. They never come round this early without a good reason. Now, get yer robe on and come on. We can always go back to bed after."
"Better get rid of them fast then," he winked.
Reet smiled coyly before joining Linda. "Good morning," she yawned. "What brings yer here at the crack of dawn?"
"You took the words right out of my mouth," Mike said, scratching his head. "I hope this is important."
"Mr Baldwin?" the man asked. Mike nodded. "I'm Detective Sergeant Wilson and this is my collegue, DC Smith. We're here about Mrs Penelope King."
"What's that bitch done now?" Mike snapped.
"She's dead, sir," Wilson told him. "She was found murdered during the night."
Reet collapsed on the floor, pretending to faint with shock. Mike rushed over to her while Linda just looked nervous. "Get her some brandy, Linda," Mike ordered. "Reet?" Linda handed him the glass. "Here, sweetheart," he said, cradling Reet's head. "Drink this."
Reet sipped then coughed. "What happened?"
"Yer fainted," Linda told her.
"Come on, sweetheart," Mike said, as he helped her up and onto the sofa. "What do you mean Penny was murdered?" he asked, looking at Wilson. "How? Where? Why?"
"The how and where we can answer, Mr Baldwin," Wilson replied. "She was murdered in the woods behind the nursing home I gather one Mrs Linda Baldwin currently resides. Only she's disappeared."
Mike shot a look at Linda. "It weren't me!" she defended. "I were with Reet."
"I take it then you're the Linda Baldwin we've been looking for." Wilson asked.
"She is," Reet said. "But she's right. She were with me last night. She were so depressed after her fiancé, Mike's son, had dumped her and taken their child away and were threatening to jump off a bridge. I managed to talk her down eventually and I brought her back here since I didn't want to leave her on her own. I gave her a sleeping tablet and she didn't leave all night."
"I see," Wilson mused. "I'll have to ask you both to come down the station and give a statement."
"Gladly," Linda said.
"Owt to help with yer enquiries," Reet concurred.
Mike was stunned and also curious since they'd never been so friendly in the past. He put his suspicions to the back of his mind. "Well, I'm not surprised she ended up being murdered. She gained a lot of enemies over the years over the lies she told people. I'll come down too and give a statement. I have a lot to tell you about how she conned me for over thirty years. But I didn't murder her either even though I was alone in the flat while Reet and Linda were out so have no witness or alibi I'm afraid."
"Hmm," Wilson mused again. "Perhaps it would be better if we did continue this down the station."
"We'll get dressed and follow yer there," Reet told him. "Unless yer planning on arresting us and carting us off in the back of yer car or a van?"
"Not at all, Mrs..." Wilson replied.
"King," she said. "Reet King. Soon to be Mrs Baldwin." She gazed lovingly at Mike.
"I see," he realised. "That's fine, Mrs King. You can all come down by your own means."
Reet smiled. "Well, we'll get dressed and be down there as soon as we can. I'll see yer out."
Mike went into the bedroom leaving Reet and Linda alone. "Reet, I'm scared," Linda said.
Reet put a reassuring hand on her. "Don't worry. Just remember what we agreed and everything will be all right. Come on. Get some clothes on. Sooner we get this over with, the better."
"I'm sure Mike suspects summat," Linda said nervously.
"Then we'll just have to make sure he stops suspecting then, won't we?" she replied. "And stop looking so guilty. That'll go down well with that lot who are happy locking anyone up whether they're guilty or not."

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 17

Several weeks later and things were on the up. Mike and Ken had successfully managed to get baby Meg back from Mark, much to Linda's joy, after they discovered he'd been arrested for the murder of Penny King. And Reet and Mike's wedding plans were in full swing. Reet and Linda were alone in the flat while Mike bossed his workers at Underworld.
"That was a great idea of yers, Reet," Linda was saying, as she rolled her cigarette. "I'd never have thought of framing Mark."
"Well, Mike always did say I were a wonderful woman," she replied modestly. "If only he knew how much brains I have to go with me beauty I doubt he'd wed me at all!"
"So we're off the hook," Linda said, as she lit up.
"YOU'RE off the hook," she corrected. "It were a terrible thing yer did, Linda. I understand yer motives. T'police wouldn't. To them, yer epilepsy and even pleading temporary insanity wouldn't have washed with them. I couldn't let yer go to prison. Penny had it coming and it's a wonder no one did it before."
"Yer'll never know how grateful I am to yer, Reet, for everything yer've done," Linda said, on the brink of tears. "I've always been so horrible to people I wouldn't have blamed yer of yer dropped me in it."
"We're quits now," she said. "Though yer were never horrible to me. I knocked yer down. An accident, I know. But I've more than made it up to yer."
Linda nodded. "It's more than I deserve."
"With Penny as a mother, I think yer've suffered anough anyway," Reet told her sincerely.
"What about Mike?" Linda asked.
"What about him?" Reet frowned.
"Does he still suspect summat?" Linda continued.
Reet shook her head. "I don't think so. Hasn't said owt about it anyroad. But if he does, I'll deal with it. Oh, is that the time? I promised that annoying employee of mine I'd go to work today. Will yer be okay on yer own for a few hours?" Linda nodded. "Good. I'll see yer when I get back then."

Later that evening, Mike and Reet returned home. "I wonder where Linda is?" Mike said, switching on the light.
"Maybe she's out or asleep," Reet suggested.
Mike searched the rooms as Reet took her coat off and wandered over to the kitchen to put the kettle on. "She's not here," he said.
Reet spotted an envelope propped against the kettle and picked it up. "I hope this in't what I think it is," she said, handing it over to him.
He looked at her before tearing it open. "It is," he said. "She's cleared off."
Reet leant back against the sink and folded her arms. "Did she say why?"
"Read it yourself," he said, handing it back to her. "That's gratitude for you(!)"
Reet stayed silent as she read the letter then slowly lowered it. "Yer can see her point, darling," she said, as she moved closer to him and put her arm around his shoulder. "She says here she's caused nowt but trouble since she arrived and it's best if she goes away. At least she will stay in touch."
"So she says," he snorted. "But we all know what she's like."
"I believe she means it, Mike," Reet said. "She's changed. What happened with Penny has affected her in more ways than yer know."
"What do you mean?" he frowned.
Reet shifted nervously, realising she'd almost dropped Linda and herself in it. "I spent a lot of time with her while she were here and we got talking, yer know. I can't quite decribe it but she has changed. She wishes us well and wants us to get wed, yer know, so can't be all that bad. And I trust her. So when she says we can have little Meg to stay any time we want, she'll let us."
Mike was sure she was holding something back but wouldn't risk another row and losing her, possibly for good this time, so let it go. He put his arms around her. "I hope your right. But, you have been right a lot of times so far so I'll believe you when we say we can trust her. Well, that's one less guest at our wedding I suppose. Put the numbers out a bit. Anyone you want to invite instead?" Reet shook her head. "Not even Norris?"
"Definititely NOT Norris!" she laughed. "I still say getting married in the Caribbean on a cruise ship is a bit extravagent."
"Nothing's too much for the woman I love more than anyone else I've ever known," he smiled and kissed her.
"Yer always were a smooth talker, Baldwin," she beamed.
"This is my last marriage-" he began.
"Mine an' all," she seconded.
He grinned. "I should hope so. And since it is OUR last, why not push the boat out-"
"So to speak," she quipped.
He ignored her, though it was fairly difficult. "And make one last, overblown, romantic gesture?" he finished. "This time next week, you'll be Mrs Michael Vernon Baldwin."
"Or yer could go all new man and become Mr Reet King," she winked.
Mike shuddered at the thought. "I'd rather stay chauvinist pig, if it's all the same to you, sweetheart."
"I wouldn't have yer any other way, Baldwin," she cooed as they kissed passionately and she led him to the bedroom.

The next morning, Reet was behind the counter in The Kabin, trying her best not to hit Norris with a jar of humbugs. "Will yer shurrup!" she snapped. "Yer NOT coming to me wedding and that's final! How many times do I have to say it before it sinks into that thick head of yers?"
Norris was peeved. "I thought you would have invited me out of gratitude," he said. "After all, I have been doing the work of two people for the past-"
She grabbed the jar of humbugs and hit him over the head with it. "Shurrup!"
He rubbed his head. "I've got a big lump coming up now," he whined.
"To go with the big lump that yer are!" she barked. "Only people that don't hack me off are invited and yer don't fall into that category."
"I see," he said, trying to put a front on. "So I hack you off, do I? Well I'm sure you'll be more hacked off when I walk out of here and tell you to stuff your job."
Reet laughed. "That won't get me to change me mind! Go ahead. Walk out. See if I care. I can always get someone else in who'll not moan and gossip all the time. I hope yer find a nice, cosy bedsit that's not full of dry rot, rising damp and has a matching, squelching carpet and mattress."
"Now what are you talking about?" he asked. "I don't have to do that."
"Not yet," she told him. "But Emily's not running a charity, yer know. No job equals no roof over yer head. Think about it."
"Emily wouldn't do that to me after all these years," he defended.
"No?" she raised an eyebrow. "Yer forget, I've known her longer than yer so know her far better than yer ever will. Yer'll see. So, yer going to quit?"
"I'll let you know after lunch," he replied pondering.
"I did go to prison because of you," he reminded.
"And at times I wish yer were still there," she replied. "At least that way yer wouldn't keep going on about it all the time."
He bristled. "When do I go on about it all the time? You've hardly been here and when you do turn up, it's usually a flying visit. This is the first time I've mentioned it since that day because you've never shown your face long enough to mention it before. Going senile in your old age?"
She picked up the humbug jar and hit him over the head again. "I'll give yer senile!"
Norris rubbed his head and felt another lump appearing. "I-if it's all the same to you, Reet, I think I'll take my lunch a bit early today."
"Ta-ra, then," she said, giving a little wave and smiling broadly. She snatched his coat from the peg out back and threw it at him. "And don't forget to start looking for dumps to live."
Norris said nothing as he left, bumping into Mike who was on the way in. "What's up with Happy?"
"He kept going on about not being invited to t'wedding," she explained. "I think he's got the message now."
"Why was he rubbing his head?" he asked.
"That were the message," she replied. "I gave it to him twice to make sure he understood it clearly."
Mike laughed. "Oh, I wish I'd seen that. Just don't go trying it on me."
"Don't need to," she said. "Yer don't aggravate me blood pressure. So what can I do for yer?"
"Er..." he began hesitantly, looking round at the door in case anyone came in. "Any chance of shutting the shop for half an hour?"
"And lose me profits?" she cried. "Yer must be joking. Can yer wait till Norris gets back? We can have the rest of the afternoon then if Adam can control that lot at the factory."
"It'll be hard," he said, "but I'll do my best. Give us a ring when you're available and I'll come right away."
"Not too fast, I hope," she replied. "But await my call sometime within hopefully the next hour. Though Norris may not get back early as usual today. Have to see."
"Okay," Mike smiled. "I'll see you later, sweetheart." He kissed her tenderly. "I'll think of Ken to keep my mind off you until you're free."
"Careful. Yer could end up enjoying those thoughts," she winked.
"Not much chance of that," he chuckled. "He's not as good looking as you. See you later, sweetheart."

The following week and Reet, Mike, Ken, Deirdre, Emily and Mavis had all flown out to Miami to board Explorer of the Seas, for Reet and Mike's Caribbean nuptials. Ken was Mike's best man, which was a shock to everyone. While Mavis was Reet's Matron of Honour, since she was her oldest and best friend. There were a couple of options for the wedding, but Mike had gone for the Symphony Onboard package since it seemed the most romantic to him and he wanted the whole thing to be something they all remembered for the rest of their lives, especially him and his beautiful bride. They'd arrived by chauffeur-driven limousine, which delighted Reet, since she hadn't expected it, while the others arrived by taxi, and were escorted to the Royal Suite on deck 10 after priority check-in for them all by their Royal Romance Wedding Coordinator. As the others found their Grand Suites, Reet whistled as she looked around their own.
"Yer booked THIS?" she said, completely stunned at the magnificence of it all.
"I did," he grinned. "Our wedding means so much to me, Reet. And I want you to be treated like a Queen."
"Did yer also book the limo?" she asked.
He shook his head. "All part of the package. And that's not all, but I let you be surprised. But this is their best suite and, as I love you so very, very much, you deserve the best." A tear ran down her face. "Hey," he said, taking her hands. "What's the matter?"
"I'm just so happy," she sobbed. "I never expected any of this. I'm overwhelmed. It's the most romantic thing anyone's ever done for me."
"They obviously didn't love you as much or thought you were a very special woman like I do, sweetheart," he told her tenderly before kissing her.
"Oh, Mike," she cried, throwing her arms around him, tears of joy rolling down her face. "I love yer so much. I'll be the proudest woman in the world when I marry yer in a couple of days. It all must have cost yer a fortune."
"It did," he said. "But you're worth every penny." He kissed her again. "Come on. Let's explore this suite of ours."
She reluctantly let him go. "Can you play?" she asked, indicating the baby grand piano in the centre of the room while wiping the tears away.
"Not even Chopsticks," he laughed, putting his arm around her. They went left. "Look at that bed!" he exclaimed. "Have you ever slept on a round bed before?" She shook her head. "I just hope we don't fall off whatever's meant to be the side," he remarked.
Reet laughed. "I'm sure we'll do our best to stay put. Is that the bathroom?" She dragged him through a door and whistled. "Look at this. A whirlpool bath. I've never been in one of them before either."
"That makes two of us," he winked, squeezing her gently.
"Oh well, we will have some fun on this holiday," she smiled. "Which way to the balcony?"
"Follow me," he said and led them back through to the lounge then around the piano. He opened the doors and stepped out. "What's that?" he asked, pointing to something in the corner. "Looks like another bath. Well I can tell you something for nothing. I'm not having a bath out here."
"It's not a bath, silly," she laughed. "It's a hot tub. Yer go in it usually wearing swimwear. Though I'm sure some people have gone in starkers."
They stood by the rail and surveyed the view. "Isn't it fantastic?" he grinned.
She put his arm through his and snuggled up. "It's breathtaking. I'm glad I'm here sharing it with yer."
"How long till we sail?" he asked.
"We go at five," she replied. "Why?"
"How about forgetting the rest of the tour and trying out that bed until we cast off?" he suggested.
"Well," she pondered. "We did say we'd meet the others half an hour before and go on deck. I can't think of a better way of passing the time till then."

To be continued....

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 18

The next day they were at sea between Miami and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Everyone was having the time of their lives and were surprised to find and English-themed pub aboard on deck 5 called The Crown and Kettle along The Royal Promenade, which was made to look like a real street complete with paving tiles and signposts where a lot of shops and bars were located. Deirdre decided to be daring and had a go on the rock climbing wall on deck 13 but failed to persuade anyone else to have a go. After lunch in the Windjammer Café on deck 11, they all changed and went up to the pool which was on the same deck. The girls, bar Emily, weren't too bothered about showing their cellulite in front of Ken and Mike since they were obviously not bothered by it, while Emily covered up as best she could in the sweltering heat.
"More lotion, sweetheart?" Mike asked Reet.
"Yer only put some on me half an hour ago," she noted, checking her watch.
"Dries out quicker in this weather," he remarked.
"Any excuse to get yer hands on me body more like," she winked. "Go on then." She groaned with pleasure as he rubbed it in, massaging her neck and shoulders much to the embarrassment of the others.
"Would you like us to leave?" Mavis asked.
"Why would I want that?" Reet frowned. "Thanks, darling," she said to Mike who kissed her.
"I must say," Deirdre, began, determined to change the subject. "This is a fabulous ship."
"I know," Reet agreed. "When Mike said we were getting wed on a Caribbean cruise, I were expecting it to be gaudy and ugly but it's not. Though it is nice to be formal at times, like on the QE2, I don't fancy getting all dressed up in this heat."
They all agreed. "It was nice on the QE2 though, wasn't it, Reet?" Mavis said.
"It were that, Mave," Reet smiled. "But this is better because of the company." She winked at Mike who was sunning himself on the sunlounger beside her.
"Apparantly, this is marginally taller than the Queen Mary 2 by ten inches," Ken added. "Roy told me that. He seems to know something about these things as well as trains."
"He would," Reet, Deirdre and Mike said in unison then laughed.
"Though maybe he gave me the Queen Mary 2's height to the base of the funnel instead of the top," Ken mumbled to himself.
"I must say, Mr Baldwin," Emily said, "I am quite surprised you wanted us along. It must be awfully expensive."
"It is," he admitted. "But we both wanted our dearest friends to share our big day. And you're a dear friend, Emily."
"Hear, hear," Reet added.
"I don't have many real friends, unlike Reet here who's extremely popular," Mike confessed. "Made too many enemies over the years, eh, Ken?" He chuckled. "And, as I'm going to marry by best friend, I can't very well invite her to witness it. So, don't worry about the cost. This is our big day so just relax and enjoy it."
"And enjoy the break from Norris," Reet remarked.
"Oh, I am," Emily smiled. "Isn't it wonderfully peaceful?"
"That disco makes less racket than he does and is less irritating," Reet replied, making everyone laugh.
"I must say, Mr Baldwin," Mavis now piped up. "I was very surprised to find Ken was to be your best man. I had no idea you'd become so friendly since I left."
"Oh, didn't I ever mention that?" Reet asked. Mavis shook her head. "Oh," Reet continued. "Never mind. Ken's now his second best friend. Right, I think I've had enough of lying here. Who's for a swim to cool down?"
"Me!" Mike leapt up from the sunlounger, grabbed Reet and threw her in the pool before jumping in and kissing her passionately.
"You'd never believe they're a couple of pensioners, would you?" Mavis observed, rolling her eyes.

Later that night, Reet and Mike were on the balcony of their suite watching the sunset. Mike held Reet tightly from behind, his head resting on her shoulder. "Isn't it beautiful?" she noted.
"Not as beautiful as you," he schmoozed down her ear then kissed it. "Just think, sweetheart," he said, turning his attention back to the burnt orange sky with a few wisps of cloud on the horizon. "This time tomorrow we'll be married."
She smiled. "I can't wait and wish the time would go faster. Although, I don't want this holiday to ever end."
"Me neither," he nestled his head into her neck. "Pity they only do week-long cruises out here. Maybe this winter, we could do a world cruise."
"Hmm," she said. "Just the two of us for three whole months. I can't think of anything I'd love more."
"Unless you've got sick of me long before then," he said.
"Not a chance, Baldwin," she told him, turning to face him. "This marriage is for keeps. We've been through so much already to get this far. So it must be meant to be." She stroked his face lovingly.
"I'm going to miss you tonight," Mike said, gazing into her brown eyes. "I hope Ken doesn't snore."
Reet laughed. "He did when I were with him so I wouldn't be surprised. I'm going to miss yer too. But it's only for one night."
Mike nodded. "And we can spend the rest of the holiday doing what all honeymooners do."
"Argue?" Reet quipped.
"Come here, sexy," he smiled, pulling her closer.
"I haven't been called sexy in a fair while," she noted.
"Madness," he smiled then kissed her passionately again.
"Well," she sighed heavily. "As much as I'd love to, we can't stop here all night. Yer've got to meet Ken in the Crown and Kettle for yer stag do-"
"Such as it'll be," he said sadly.
She stroked his face again reassuringly. "Some of the other passengers might join yer once they find out yer getting hitched tomorrow. And I have to meet the girls in the Champagne Bar for me hen do. Now don't look like like, Baldwin. It were yer idea to do it all traditional, yer know."
"I know," he nodded. "Come on then." They left the suite and took the lift down to deck 5 and made their way to the Champagne Bar, stopping outside where the others were waiting. "Until tomorrow then," he said.
"Tomorrow," she echoed. "And don't go picking up any young women."
"I was going to say the same to you about men," he chuckled.
"Not a chance," she beamed. They kissed passionately again.
After a while, Deirdre said, "Come on, you two. It's not a final farewell. You'll be seeing each other tomorrow when you get married." She took Reet's arm and pulled her away. "Say goodnight, Reet."
"Night, Baldwin," she cooed.
"Till tomorrow, sweetheart," he cooed back before Deirdre dragged Reet into the bar and he went with Ken down to the Crown and Kettle a bit further down. He walked backwards towards the pub, giving little waves and blowing kisses to his beloved until Deirdre hauled her through the doors. He sighed heavily. "She's a wonderful woman."
"You need several drinks to take your mind off her for the night," Ken said.
"Nothing will take my mind of her," Mike replied blissfully.
"We'll see," Ken said confidently.

Several hours later, Mike and Ken had retired to the Grand Suite Ken usually shared with Deirdre and made sure the beds were well separated. "It's just not normal to be sober the night before your wedding," he commented.
"It is with kids these days who have their stag and hen nights weeks ahead," Mike replied. "But I want to face the woman I love in the afternoon with a clear head."
"I bet she's not sober," Ken said.
"Doesn't matter," Mike dismissed. "I will be so that's all that matters. I told Reet I wanted her to be treated like a Queen. And if that means getting falling down drunk and having a lousy hangover in the morning, so be it. This is all for her because I love her. She can do what she likes. Now, which bed do you want?"

In the Royal Suite, Reet was indeed drunk. They'd got bored in the Champagne Bar so had decided to go to Reet and Mike's suite instead. "I'll just ring for the concierge and order some more booze," she announced poshly. "In't it great to be waited on?"
"Reet?" Mavis slurred, trying to keep her eyes open. "Tell me. What is it you see in Mike Baldwin?"
Reet looked blankly. "Yer know, I have no idea," she laughed. "All I know is he rings me bell." She winked at Mavis. "Oh yeah, and we're the same star sign. Apart from that," she shrugged, spilling her drink onto the carpet, "I can't tell yer."
The concierge arrived and deposited the new bottles. "Will that be all, madam?" he asked.
"Yes, thank yer," she replied then watched him leave. "Hasn't he got a nice bum?"
"Reet!" Mavis said, shocked.
"What?" Reet asked. ""He can't help if it he has. I bet yer used to think yer Derek did."
"I know what I saw in Mike," Deirdre piped up. "All that charm and great sex."
Reet burst out laughing while Emily and Mavis blushed. "Yer ain't kidding, Deirdre!" She topped everyone's drinks up. "Considering his bad heart, he hasn't half got some energy. Let's face it, kid. We've both been round the block a few times. But Mike's the best I've had any rate. How about yer?"
Deirdre nodded drunkenly. "He was insatiable while Ken-"
"Oh, say no more," she interrupted. "I remember it well. Far too well considering how lousy he is!" She plonked herself down on the arm of the corner sofa leaning against Deirdre. "So, come on. Honestly now. If yer had the choice out of all the men yer've slept with, who'd yer stick with till death do yer part?"
Deirdre thought for a while, screwing up her face. "Ken," she eventually said.
"Ken?!" Reet shrieked. "Tell me yer joking." Deirdre shook her head. "Why Ken? I'd go for Mike every time."
"I don't know really," she replied honestly. "Why Mike?"
Reet frowned. "Good question. Oh well. I suppose it'll have to be one of t'great unanswered questions in t'universe," she laughed.
"Well, it's getting terribly late," Emily said diplomatically. "And we all have to be up early in the morning for the wedding. Time we were all in bed."
"Bed..." Reet said wistfully, glancing towards the bedroom and thinking of Mike.
Mavis coughed, feeling embarrassed again. "Er, yes. I'm already having difficulty keeping my eyes open. Good night, Reet. See you in the morning."
"I wish Mike were here," Reet continued, oblivious to what Mavis and Emily were doing. "A whole night without him. Why does that daft Cockney have to have so many stupid ideas?"
Deirdre waved them to go. "I'll see her safely to bed. Night."
"Good night, Deirdre," Emily said.
"Good night," Mavis echoed before they both returned to their own suite.
"Come on, Reet," Deirdre said, trying to stand. "Time for sleep."
"What's yer suite number?" Reet suddenly said after being so quiet.
"Why?" Deirdre frowned.
"Ring it," she urged. "I must say good night to him. I want his voice to be the last I hear tonight so I can have wonderful dreams."
Deirdre rolled her eyes, then quickly wished she hadn't as the room spun. "All right. If it will shut you up." She went over to the phone and dialled the suite. "Ken? Sorry. Did I wake you? It's Reet. No, nothing's happened. She wants to talk to Mike. Yeah, hang on." She turned to call Reet over and jumped when she found she was right behind her.
"Is that my darling Baldwin?" she slurred. Deirdre nodded and handed the phone over. "Mike, darling," she gushed.
"You sound like you've had a good time tonight," he chuckled.
"Would've been better if yer'd been here," she said, beginning to cry.
"Hey, why the tears? I thought you were meant to be happy," he said.
"I'm not," she sniffed. "I miss yer. I want yer here."
"I miss you too, sweetheart," he cooed. "But it won't be long before we see each other."
"It's too long," she pouted. "Can't yer change yer mind about doing things right and come to bed?"
"I'm in bed," he replied.
"With Ken?!" she shrieked. "I thought yer only had eyes for me!"
"I do, sweetheart," he told her. "Ken's in another bed brushing his hair for the thousandth time. You go to bed and I'll see you in the afternoon when we get married, okay?"
"I want yer now," she yawned. "I hate being apart from yer."
"I hate it too, sweetheart," he said. "But it's not for long. The time will go faster when you're asleep then we'll be together forever. Reet? Reet?"
"She's fallen asleep," Deirdre said. "I'll put her to bed. Night, Mike. Give my love to Ken."
"Okay," he chuckled. "Better that way. I was beginning to give in. Take care of her, won't you?"
"You can count on it," Deirdre promised. "Night." She hung up and struggled to get Reet to bed.

In the morning, Reet awoke with a massive hangover and groaned. "I know the feeling," she heard.
"Who's that?" she squinted. "Oh, Deirdre. What time is it?"
"Gone ten," she replied. "Another hour and you'll be starting your wedding vows. Here." She held out a large glass of water which Reet took and drank in one go. "More?"
Reet shook her head gently. "Thanks. An hour?! I'm nowhere near ready."
"Only joking," Deirdre said. "We won't dock in San Juan for another four hours yet so you've got plenty of time."
"Don't do that to me," Reet said as she threw the covers back and forced herself to get up and into the bathroom. There was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it," Deirdre said. "Mike? What are you doing here?"
"How's Reet?" he asked.
"Hungover," she told him. "But she'll be there, don't worry."
"Is she fit enough to see me?" he asked.
"It's bad luck-" she began.
"I don't care about all that," he said, pushing past. "I have to talk to her. It's important. And private."
Reet came out of the bathroom totally dishevelled. "What's all the racket? Mike!"
"Go and see Ken," he told Deirdre. "Besides, your outfit's still in the wardrobe. I won't be long."
"What's going on?" Reet scratched her head. "Did yer have to barge in today of all days, Baldwin? I look like death warmed up."
"You still look gorgeous to me," he replied. "But yes, I had to barge in. There's something important I have to ask, Reet."
"If yer wondering if I'll turn up, course I will," she smiled.
"It's not that," he said mysteriously. "I've tried putting it to the back of my mind, Reet. But after this telegram came-"
"What telegram?" she asked, getting decidedly worried.
"It's from Linda," he told her. "Wishing us good luck and saying after we get back, we can look after Meg for a week."
Reet breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, that's wonderful. See? Told yer she'd let us."
He nodded. "Yes, you did. But I have to ask, Reet. Did Linda murder Penny?"
Reet stood there shocked. "Course not," she bluffed.
"Then it must have been you," he said.
"Now yer ARE being ridiculous!" she snorted. "Whatever makes yer think such a thing?"
"Oh," he said, "little things like the way you've been very pally since you visited her at the nursing home. The way you immediately leapt to her defence when the police came to say Penny'd been murdered. Reet, I'm not going to marry you until I know the truth. Did Linda murder Penny or did Mark really do it?"

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 19

Reet flopped down on the bed, totally deflated. "There's no guarantee yer'll marry me anyway even if yer knew the truth," she said, rubbing her forehead.
"So it WAS Linda," he sighed. "And how did Mark get blamed?"
"That were my doing," she confessed. "I still had contacts from when I ran King and Sons. Yes, Linda murdered Penny. That's why I rushed out that night. She weren't suicidal. She'd rang to tell me what she'd done and wanted me help. I'd nearly killed her so I owed her. She told me Penny didn't care about her. Just wanted her help splitting us up, which Linda refused to do. After Mark took Meg, I arranged for him to be framed to get her back." Mike was speechless. He crossed the room. Reet put her head in her hands. "I'm sorry," she sobbed, looking up at him. "I couldn't think of owt else to do since yer lawyers were getting nowhere." She looked hard at her engagement ring, slowly slid it off her finger with a heavy heart and held it out. "Here." He ignored her. She placed it sadly on the bedside table then went into the bathroom where she broke down.
Mike turned when he heard her sobs and noticed the ring glistening in the sunlight. He picked it up and thought for a few moments before barging into the bathroom, where he saw her sat on the edge of the whirlpool bath, head in her hands, crying. "Do you want to lose this or something?" he said, sitting beside her, taking her hand and sliding it back on her finger. "That cost me a fortune. Hey, we haven't tried this out yet. We'll have a go tonight."
"I don't understand," she sniffed.
"After we're married of course," he said, gently wiping her tears away with his finger.
"I thought-" she began.
"I know you did, sweetheart," he smiled. "Prison might do Mark good in the long run. Running out on Linda like that was unforgivable. He's always been a selfish, irresponsible spoilt brat. I blame his mother. Like Penny, he had this coming. I love you, Reet. I want you to be my wife. But we need no secrets, sweetheart."
"I'm sorry," she sniffed again. "I promised Linda no one would ever know."
He put his arm lovingly around her. "Well you don't have to worry, sweetheart. It will stay just between us. Linda need never know you've said anything."
She threw her arms around him. "I don't deserve yer," she sobbed.
"Hey," he chuckled. "Aren't I the one who always says that to you?" She looked up and nodded. "Now, hurry up and get ready. In less than six hours we'll finally have made it down that aisle." They kissed passionately then he stood. "I'll see you later. Don't be late!"
"I won't" she beamed, wiping her tears with the cuff of her dressing gown. He blew her a kiss and left.

Mike and Reet were married in the Skylight chapel on deck 15, which was situated at the base of the funnel above the Viking Crown Lounge. Reet wore a beautiful outfit in gold, while Mike wore a plain, dark suit. She walked down the aisle smiling all the way and never taking her eyes off Mike once, while Mavis followed behind half asleep. Mike blew her a kiss as she stopped beside him and handed her bouquet to Mavis then they faced the Officiator. Both had never been happier as they took their vows while gazing into each others eyes, oblivious to anyone else there. They exchanged matching rings and kissed when they were declared husband and wife. Reet was on cloud nine, convinced it was all a dream and she'd wake up in a minute to find herself in bed at her flat alone. They cut the cake and had a champange toast then everyone returned to the Royal Suite for a private reception. Outside, Mike opened the door then picked her up.
"What are yer doing, Baldwin," she shrieked in surprise.
"Carrying my beautiful bride over the threshold," he announced grinning.
"Yer beautiful, HUNGOVER bride yer mean," she chuckled. "Put me down before yer strain yerself."
He ignored her and carried her in, gave her a great big kiss then put her down. "Help yourselves to champagne," he told the others, not taking his eyes on Reet for a second. "How do you feel, Mrs Baldwin?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her as the others went to the lounge.
"Wonderful, Mr Baldwin," she grinned. "But pinch me. I'm sure this is a dream."
"It's no dream, sweetheart," he cooed. "We've really done it." They kissed passionately. "Did I ever tell you I love you?"
"Never," she laughed. "I love yer too, Baldwin." They kissed passionately again.
"Hey, save that for the honeymoon, you two," Deirdre said.
Mike and Reet looked round. "But we're now ON honeymoon," he grinned. "But she's right, sweetheart," he said to Reet. "We have plenty of time for all that later." He winked and she beamed then they joined the rest.

That evening, the happy couple took a stroll around the deck to help clear their heads. When they returned to the suite, they found chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for them. "What's this?" Reet asked.
"Part of the package, sweetheart," he grinned. "So, what do you say we take them and a bottle of bubbly into the bathroom and try out that whirlpool bath?"
"The chocolate will melt," she pointed out.
"It will anyway if it stays around us too long," he winked. "Come on."

Morning arrived and the ship had sailed from San Juan in Puerto Rico to Philipsburg, St Maarten. Mike stirred and checked the clock. He gazed adoringly at Reet who was fast asleep. He leant over and kissed her passionately. She began to stir. "Good morning, Mrs Baldwin," he grinned.
Reet rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?"
"Almost six," he said. "I was thinking we could go on deck and watch our arrival since we missed it yesterday and have spent a lot of time in here."
"Can't we just watch from the balcony then go back to bed?" she asked.
"We could," he mused. "But chances are we'll be on the wrong side. But I'm all for your idea of going back to bed afterwards," he grinned.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Okay then. Another five minutes?"
He grinned again. "Another five minutes."

Ken, Deirdre, Mavis and Emily went on the shore excursion leaving Mike and Reet on board. They all met up for dinner in the Portifino Italian restuarant that evening, Mike and Reet playing footsie under the table and acting like a couple of lovestruck kids.
"Do you mind," Mavis said, trying not to lose her temper. "Some of us are trying to eat here."
Reet glared at her. "Yer know yer trouble, Mavis? No romance in yer soul."
"I do have romance in my soul," she replied, deeply offended. "I just don't believe in displaying it in public, that's all."
Reet pulled a face then continued playing footsie with her husband. "Ignore her, darling," she cooed down Mike's ear.
"Ignore who?" he grinned, gazing deeply into her eyes.
"I have no idea," she shrugged, completely under his spell as she gazed deeply into his.
"Ever get the feeling you're a gooseberry?" Ken asked. Mavis, Emily and Deirdre nodded. "Maybe WE should have all come to dinner and they stayed in their suite." They watched in embarrassment as Reet and Mike fed each other.
"Pack it in, you two," Deirdre demanded. "Save it for the bedroom."
Reet and Mike looked round, a piece of pasta dangling from Mike's mouth making them laugh. "Are we embarrasing yer?" Reet said.
"Yes!" Ken, Deirdre, Mavis and Emily said together.
"Sorry," Mike said, as Reet wiped his chin with a napkin. "We'll try and pay attention. So, what did you all get up to today?" He chuckled as Reet's foot tickled his under the table. He coughed. "Sorry." He leant closer to Reet. "Stop it," he whispered.
"Not easy," she whispered back. "Yer just so irresistible."
"So are you," he grinned. "But we'd better try and control ourselves at least until we're alone."
"And that was..." Mavis was saying before stopping abruptly. "Am I talking to myself here?"
Mike and Reet looked round. "Sorry, Mave," he said. "What was that?"
"Obviously I was," she said, offended again.
"Weren't someone going to tell us what yer'd all be up to today?" Reet asked innocently.
"I was doing that as well," Mavis replied, getting more miffed by the second.
"As well as what?" Reet frowned. "Yer've completely lost me now, Mavis."
"Well," Mavis began, really irritated. "Perhaps if you paid as much attention to us as you do your latest husband then you'd be able to keep up."
Reet pulled a face. "Miaow!" she said. "Okay, Mave. I asked for that. I'm sorry. Forgiven?"
Mavis sighed. "Aren't you always?"
Reet laughed. "There's been times when it weren't looking that way down the years. I'm giving yer me undivided attention-"
"That'll be a first," Mavis retorted.
"Cheeky," Reet smiled. "Go on. Tell us about yer day."

After watching the ship's departure from on deck, they all returned to the Royal Suite and settled on the balcony. "You seen these?" Mike asked, as he held the wedding photo album.
"No," Emily said. Mike handed it to her then perched on the rail. "It's very nice. I do like the embossing."
"Careful, Baldwin," Reet warned. "Come down from there."
"I'm perfectly safe, sweetheart," he grinned. "There's also a ten by eight and a frame to put it in. That'll have to go in pride of place when we get home, sweetheart. Maybe I'll buy another to have on my desk at the factory. I want the world and his wife to know what I really lucky man I am."
They all looked through the fifteen photos in the album. "Did you get anything else?" Deirdre asked.
"A bottle of champagne with our name, wedding date and ship on the label," Reet replied. "And an eight by ten double-sided portfolio. They're around somewhere."
"You look very beautiful in these pictures, Reet," Ken smiled.
"She looks beautiful all the time," Mike grinned.
The ship lurched and Mike fell backwards and plunged into the sea hundreds of feet below. Reet rushed to the rail. "Mike!" she screamed. "Mike!"
"I'll ring someone and tell them there's a man overboard," Ken said.
"Can you see him?" Mavis asked.
"I can't see anyone," Emily said sadly.
"Mike!" Reet sobbed. "Mike! Oh, please, no. Not Mike. Not now. MIKE!"

To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 20

Reet couldn't take her eyes off the water, though could hardly see anything through her tears. The ship had stopped and a search party sent out to look for him or recover his body. "Come on, Reet," Mavis said. "You can't do anything here."
"I can't leave," she sobbed. "I have to stay."
"Mavis is right," Ken said. "Someone will come and tell you when they find him."
"Find his body, yer mean," she looked at him through narrow eyes. "If they ever do. In't there sharks in the Caribbean?"
"Enough of this talk, Reet," Emily berated. "I know you're upset and I apologise for talking out of turn. But don't make things worse."
"How can owt be worse?" she shrieked. "Me husband's fallen hundreds of feet to his death! Just like Tom were murdered t'day after t'wedding." Her eyes widened in fear. "Yer don't think they'll think I did him in, do yer? I mean, it's one hell of a coincidence both Mike and Tom."
"You've got nothing to worry about there, Reet," Deirdre assured. "We were here. We saw what happened."
"But they might think yer covering up for me," she reasoned. She leant against the rail and looked into the distance. "Mike's dead out there somewhere," she continued, her heart breaking. "I told him to come down but what did he do?"
"It wasn't your fault, Reet," Mavis told her. "No one knew what would happen."
"I should've made him come down," she insisted. She collapsed onto a sunlounger and broke down. "Why do these things always happen to me?" she wailed. "Why can't I ever be happy?"
Mavis put a comforting arm around her old friend. "Come on inside, Reet. You're only distressing yourself being out here."
Reet nodded and stood, allowing herself to be led by Mavis like a zombie. She glanced over her shoulder, wondering where in that vast ocean Mike was and if he'd ever be found. She surveyed her surroundings as she entered the suite. "Mike paid for all this. He wanted me to be treated like a Queen. He wanted this to be the happiest time of our lives. Oh, Mavis. What am I going to do without him?" She broke down again. There was a knock at the door.
"I'll go," Ken offered. "It's the Captain. Says he has some news."
"Oh, no," Reet cried, her heart in her mouth.
"Mrs Baldwin?" the Captain asked. Ken pointed her out. "We've found your husband, Mrs Baldwin."
"Is he...?" she choked on the words.
"Very nearly," she heard a voice reply as Mike walked in as large as life and twice as wet.
Reet rushed over and threw her arms tightly around him, sobbing. "Oh, Mike. I thought I'd lost yer forever."
He held her tightly too, unable to believe she was real. "You have no idea how scared I was out there, sweetheart. I was miles away and really thought I was a goner. These blokes are marvellous."
Reet looked up. "Thank yer so very much," she smiled at the Captain.
"Only doing our job, Mrs Baldwin," he told her modestly. "I'm glad we were able to find him in time. Good night and I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation."
"Thank yer," she sniffed. "We will and I'll make sure this one keeps out of trouble." The Captain smiled, nodded and let himself out.
"I think we'd better go to and leave you two alone," Deirdre suggested diplomatically.
"Thanks for being here," Reet sniffed. "And I'm sorry for the way I were talking at times."
"That's more than understandable given the circumstances, Reet," Emily assured. "You just get Mr Baldwin into some dry clothes, give him a hot drink and we'll see you both in the morning."
Reet nodded. "I will. Good night." She watched them silently leave then pulled away from Mike. "Emily's right, Baldwin. Get them clothes off. I'll find some towels."
He grabbed her hand. "Reet. I'm truly sorry for being such a prat, sweetheart. I should've listened to you and come down. I promise never to put you through anything like that ever again as long as I live."
"Yer better not," she smiled. "Never mind yer bad heart. I thought I were going to have a heart attack tonight. I'll get yer them towels." She went into the bathroom, picked one up and broke down, collapsing in a heap on the floor clutching the towel to her chest.
Mike was starting to undress but stopped when he heard her and went to the bathroom. "Hey, sweetheart," he said as he crouched beside her. "What's up?"
She wiped her eyes on the towel. "I really thought I'd lost yer and I couldn't bear it. I were numb from the moment yer went overboard. It were worse than when that bastard Bradley murdered Tom, or when Len and Ted died. Though at least with Ted I were expecting it to happen one day. I couldn't imagine going on without yer. I even had the urge to jump over and be with yer wherever yer were a few times. When I came in here, it suddenly hit me what I nearly lost and yer were safe."
He sat on the floor in front of her, taking a hand and stroking her face lovingly. "I'm always upsetting you. I said that before, didn't I?" Reet nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I'll make it up to you, sweetheart. That's a promise. I don't mean to upset you. And this is the worst I've ever done. I'm surprised you wanted to marry me at all the way I behave."
"So am I," she smiled weakly. "But I must love yer, mustn't I?"
"I hope so," he smiled back then kissed her wet cheek tenderly.
She threw her arms around him. "Don't ever do that to me again. I couldn't stand it."
"I won't" he assured. "That sea water's played havoc with my hair. I can't do a thing with it."
She looked at him and laughed. "What's left of yer hair, yer mean." She peered at his head closely and ran her fingers through it. "Oh, I see what yer mean. I never realised yer had so many bald patches before. Sure it's not a cheap wig and the salt's eaten away at it?"
"Hey, cheeky," he grinned. "This happens to be all my own. Well, what's left of it, as you say. We okay again then?"
She nodded. "We're okay, Baldwin. Now, get out of them clothes before yer catch pneumonia. I'll run yer a nice, hot bath."
"You gonna take one with me and scrub my back?" he winked.
She looked stunned. "Yer've just had a near-death experience and yer've still got a one-track mind."
"All the more reason to enjoy everything about life," he grinned. "Especially all the bits with you."
"Smooth talker," she smiled coquettishly. "We'll see. Now, strip."
"Your wish is my command," he grinned while she rolled her eyes.

The remainder of the cruise was fairly uneventful. Mike remembered they hadn't had the Perrier-Jouet Champagne with breakfast-in-bed, which was part of the wedding package, so arranged that for the day after he almost drowned to cheer them both up. Everyone went on shore excursions when the ship docked at Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas and Nassau in the Bahamas. On the final day, they all went on deck to watch as the ship slowly approached Miami.
"Back where we started, sweetheart," Mike said, cuddling Reet.
"I know," she replied wistfully. "In less than an hour we'll be docked then after breakfast, have to leave. Apart from one or two nameless incidents, I've really enjoyed meself. Thank yer, darling. It's been the best wedding and honeymoon I've ever had."
"Mine too," he kissed her head. "Apart from those one or two nameless incidents."
She looked at him and laughed. "I could stay here with yer forever, but I know we'll be back in miserable Weatherfield tomorrow morning."
"Well, when the weather's lousy, why not think of our wedding to cheer yourself up?" he suggested.
"I might do that," she nodded. "What about yer?"
"I only have to think of you, and I cheer up," he grinned.
"Yer soppy ha'porth," she smiled and they kissed.
"So, what about this world cruise next year then?" he asked.
"Sounds like an excellent idea. Three whole months alone with no annoying employees, snow, rain, cold-"
"And just us," he interrupted.
"Just us," she cooed. "I'm all for it on one condition."
"What's that?" he replied.
"Stay away from the railings," she told him
"Done," he grinned and they kissed again.
"Hey, Mave," she called over her shoulder. "Have yer enjoyed yerself?"
"Oh, yes, very much, Reet," Mavis replied. "Thank you for asking me to come along."
"Pleasure," she beamed. "After all, yer me oldest and best friend so I'd hardly get wed without yer, would I?" She winked.
"You did with your last one," Mavis pointed out.
Reet felt a pang in her heart at that comment. "Yeah, well. It were a whirlwind romance, weren't it? Probably would've gone wrong even if he hadn't got killed like they all do," she responded, trying to make light of it.
"This one won't," Mike chided. "I'll make sure of that. We've been through too much already so I'm sure we'll last the distance."
"It better, Baldwin," she smiled. "Or yer'll have wasted yer money. Incidentally, is all this tax deductable by any chance?"
"Reet Baldwin," he gasped in mock horror. "What are you suggesting?"
She winked at Mike. "Well, gang," she said, addressing the rest. "This idyllic little holiday of ours will soon be over. I hope yer all had a good time at me wonderful hubby's expense, spent as much as possible and put it on his account. I know I did."
"You did?" he squinted. She nodded. "I sense insolvency proceedings in the not so distant future."
She nudged him playfully in the ribs. "Yer fault, Baldwin. Yer said it were all on yer. Do yer think anyone would've come if they had to stump up for their own duty free?"
"Does that include you?" he asked.
"Um," she said, raising her eyes. He quickly kissed her. "Oh, well. Seeing as yer put it that way, Baldwin, yer wouldn't have been able to keep me away. Mind yer, as much as I love it here, I really could do with a lovely cuppa. Even one Norris makes which yer could tarmac roads with."
"Thank you, Mike," Ken said. "It has been a lot of fun."
"Apart from one or two nameless incidents, eh, Reet?" he winked. He noticed she was crying. "Hey, what's up, sweetheart?"
"Nowt," she sniffed. "I'm just thinking about what a great week we've had. And with our friends with us to share it all. We've all such a wonderful time, thanks to yer. Even Emily stopped covering herself up by the pool in the end. A week ago we hadn't got married, then I were nearly a widow. I'm so glad I'm not. Miami's getting nearer and we all have to go back to the real world. I wish this cruise would never end."
He kissed her. "I know what you mean, sweetheart. And as soon as we get back, I'll get down that travel agents and book our world cruise so we can do it all again." He looked at their friends. "But alone this time," he chuckled.
"Can't wait," she said softly as they cuddled up and watched the glistening Miami skyline getting larger.

They all arrived back early afternoon the next day to typical April showers in Weatherfield and took taxis back to Coronation Street. Mike and Reet got out at The Kabin to collect his car which he'd left in her garage, while the others got out by their front doors, Mavis staying a few days with Emily. They'd arranged to meet in the Rovers at eight to give them a chance to sleep off the jet-lag. Reet and Mike walked into the Kabin, arms around each other. Norris was busy reading the latest gossip and looked up when he heard the door open. "Oh, you're back," he sniffed casually.
"Nice to see yer too(!)" Reet replied.
"I take it you DID get married," he remarked. "Even though neither of you wanted me there to witness it."
Reet rolled her eyes. "Are yer STILL going on about that?" she snapped. "Yes, we did and it were wonderful, weren't it Baldwin?" She gazed into Mike's eyes.
"It was that," he grinned, gazing back.
"Anyway, Norris," Reet continued. "I just popped in to tell yer I might be in tomorrow."
"Oh, joy of joys(!)" he said, totally unimpressed. "I'm surprised you even remember you still have a shop."
"Stop trying to annoy me," she warned, pointing her finger at him.
"I thought as far as you were concerned," he began cockily, "I didn't need to try."
Reet picked up the magazine he'd been reading and hit him over the head with it. She sighed, smiling. "I feel much better for that. Now shurrup and listen. Soon as I've got over me jet-lag, I'll be in. But, and it's a big but, Norris, I decide how often I come to work."
"No change there then," he mumbled. "Ow!" he cried, as the magazine connected with his head again.
"I could always be a stay-at-home wife now, yer know," she pointed out. "I'm doing yer a favour so be grateful."
"Grievous bodily harm when you're here," he pondered. "Some favour(!)"
"No one else'll put up with yer," she replied, hitting him again, with the now tatty magazine. "And that comes out yer wages."
"Why mine?" he cried. "I didn't ask you to hit me with it."
Norris," she sighed. "Every time yer open yer mouth, yer asking for summat. Right, enjoy the rest of the day. See yer." He pulled a face as she and Mike strolled out, sighed then returned to his gossip fix.

Mike and Reet arrived back at Weatherfield Quays. Mike carried the luggage up to the flat while Reet put the kettle on. "Leave the unpacking, darling," she said, stirring the mugs. "We'll have this and go to bed."
He grinned. "What a wonderful suggestion."
"To sleep!" she emphasised. "Though going by that glint in yer eye, I can't imagine us getting much of that at the moment."
"I've got my second wind," he grinned, putting his arms around her waist.
"I was rather afraid of that," she remarked. "Mike, I'm exhausted."
"I'll soon wake you up," he winked. "Don't look at me like that, sweetheart. Can I help it if I find you irresistible?"
"No, because it shows yer have excellent taste at last," she beamed.
He kissed her. "As for your jet-lag, well, it has been known to affect people in different ways. You might not have recovered in a month."
"Hmm," she said. "Another month without Norris. Has it ever been known to last forever?"
"It has been known," he said softly, taking the mug from her hand then leading her to the bedroom.
"I love yer, Baldwin," she told him. "I just know this marriage is forever."
"Me too, sweetheart," he grinned. "Pity we wasted so many years. But we've already started to make up for lost time."
"Yer can say that again!" she laughed.
"Roll on that world cruise," he said, in-between kissing her neck. "I'll book it tomorrow. Come here." They kissed passionately and he kicked the bedroom door shut with his foot.

THE END

Patsy