Erin and Becky-A Peril Free Weekend?

Conclusion

Erin O'Malley awoke feeling a tad weird. She was warm everywhere with the exception of her back. She slowly opened her eyes, then immediately wished she hadn't.

She was resting her head on Becky Carter's shoulder.

Erin jerked her head up off Becky, face blushing. She was also hugging Becky, and Becky's own hands were at the small of Erin's back. Erin tried jerking her hands around, then realized her slender wrists were locked together in handcuffs.

Around Becky's waist.

Oh boy.

She was basically sitting in Becky's lap, her legs were folded and tied snugly to Becky's own, right leg to Becky's left, and vice versa. Rope wrapped around both their waists insured they stayed in this uncomfortable position. This was quite embarrassing. Becky was still conked out, her thin pink lips parted ever so slightly. Her long blonde hair was tousled around her shoulders, and Erin could smell strawberry conditioner on it. Erin sighed, realizing that for the second time since she met her she was close enough she could count the freckles on Becky's small nose and cheeks.

She stared at her friend's freckled face for a moment.

They would never live this down if their respective boyfriends found out.

All this passed through her mind very quickly, and Erin glanced around the room, even more embarrassed she had let worries distract her. They weren't in the mall anymore, that was for certain. It was a mostly empty, small warehouse, with marina equipment scattered about, even a small broken rowboat in the corner. Several bare bulbs lit up the room, support pillars scattered about the old structure. Large glass windows above head height had a few broken panes, resulting in a chill breeze flowing through.

Erin shivered, her pantyhose clad legs felt cold wherever they touched the floor. She imagined Becky had to be freezing her legs off. Down by the docks, she guessed. Manchester was next to a very large lake. She had to wake up her friend.

"Becky, Becky wake up!" Erin said urgently.

Becky moaned softly, stirred a little, but did not wake up.

Erin pulled gently on her handcuffs, which then dug into Becky's back. "Becky, wake up!"

A door slammed, and three young people entered the room. Two were guys, both tall, one a bit pudgy with a square jaw, light brown hair, blue eyes, and the other skinny with a hook nose, long brown hair, and green eyes. Jeans and dark windbreakers were the choice of apparel.
The girl was in a pink tracksuit, with a white beanie on top of curly black hair. She had a sharp nose, pouting lips with hazel eyes. Her chin was a bit weak, yet her face was attractive enough. At least Erin imagined guys and other women being attracted to her. She certainly wasn't attracted to what had to be their captors.

"So," the woman planted her hands on her hips, her cherry red lips parting to speak, "Two little girl reporters who think they can solve the case of their missing friend? Tush. So predictable."

"Since you took such great pains to catch us, why not tell us why the heck you went to all this bother? And Becky and I are not 'little girl reporters', we've solved quite a few cases on our own." Erin's ire was rising, and she glared at the arrogant sounding brat who looked to be her age. She subconsciously tugged at her cuffs, willing Becky to wake up. Becky's head lolled to the side, then her forehead fell forward, resting on Erin's shoulder.

The girl looked at her with amusement, "Oh my gosh, you really think you can escape that? Tush."

She is really getting on my nerves, Erin thought.

"You still didn't answer my question." Erin said flatly.

"Wake up Becky Carter first," the girl commanded, "I want to hear her noisy demands too."

One of the guys, rather eagerly in Erin's opinion, rushed forward with a small bottle. He smelled strongly of cologne, and he gently took Becky's long blonde tresses to hold her steady, then held the bottle up under her nose.

Becky coughed and sputtered as her eyes opened to see Erin and the pudgy guy staring at her, "What the heck?" she yelled, "Gordon?"

***********************************

Becky couldn't believe her eyes, Gordon Trombone, the boy who had a crush on her for as long as she could remember, stood over her holding a bottle of spirits. The guy had been trying for ages to take her out on a date, using all manner of ways to coerce her. Gordon was a nice guy in school, just not her type. She was always kind to him though. Maybe that was why he never quit.

"What the heck is this?" Becky realized she was tied up to Erin, her wrists cuffed around behind Erin's back.

You've gotta be kidding me, again?'

Erin looked as embarrassed as she felt, the way they were pressed against each other. It was a very close hug, not the kind she normally gave her friends.

At least not for this long

Becky squirmed uncomfortably, then glared at Gordon.

"So she's awake."

Becky turned her head towards the voice, and her jaw dropped, Angel Trombone

"Angel?" Becky said aloud, "And Sid and Gordon? What the hell guys?"

"You know them, Becky?" Erin said softly, wiggling in Becky's lap, clearly edgy about being forced to sit there.

"Know them?" Becky said loudly, "I went to grade school with them!" She couldn't believe they'd done this though.

"That's right, Becky. The miss smarty pants who never went out with my handsome cousin Gordon. And Sid here, he likes redheads. A lot. He's been following Erin's work for quite some time. I owed them a favor and this is what they wanted. I planned it, with their input." Angel smiled wickedly at them.

"Let's hope you planned it right, cuz," Gordon folded his arms across his chest.

Erin was looking Sid over with an eyebrow raised, the skinny youth smiled back at her. She shivered in Becky's lap, then frowned at her friend, "Becky, what the heck is this?"

Becky felt her lips pucker up into a grimace, "I call bull crap on your pat answer, Angel. This isn't some game. You forcibly abducted us and now we're being held against our will. And where is Cass?" Her temper was flaring, her face probably redder then Erin's hair, which was so close she could smell the citrus conditioner her friend used. Becky was keenly aware of the weight on her lap, Erin's curvy body wasn't fat at all, but unless you were a toddler it generally got uncomfortable very quick if someone sat on your lap. She was also aware of Erin's pantyhose clad legs pushing softly against her own.

Totally embarrassing

"And do you really think Becky and I will go out with you two stalkers? I mean, really? Admiring my work is one thing, but kidnapping me is a completely different ball game," Erin said sternly.

Sid smiled, "Ball game! You're a Mets fan! I am too! We should go to a game!" he stopped, seeming to realize how abrupt it sounded, "That is, after I take you out for some fudge. You do love fudge, right?" Sid clasped his hands together eagerly.

"Is everyone in this town but the Carters and Cass psycho?" Erin tugged self consciously on her cuffs which pinched Becky through her sweater.

"Ouch, easy there girl," Becky snapped a little.

Erin opened her mouth to give a retort, but was interrupted.

"So Becky, now that we have Cass as a bargaining chip, will both of you go on a date with us?" Gordon asked, trying to hide his eagerness.

"Sure," Becky growled sarcastically, "We'll go out on a date and I'll call the cops. Or break a plate over your head," her voice turned a bit softer, "Gordon, just let us and Cass go, and we'll forget this whole incident."

Erin frowned at this but kept her mouth shut.

"I hate to do this Becky, I really do, but you're continually refusing to at least give it a try." Gordon pouted, and Becky began remembering why she didn't go out with him in the first place.

"Here's the plan," Angel said, looking smug, "You have two options my Neanderthal cousins haven't told you. Option one. Go out with my cousins, Becky with Gordon, Erin with Sid, then post pics of you guys on Facebook having a grand ole time. Should ruin your current relationships. Then you do whatever my cousins want. They want to watch the whole Star Wars saga in one setting, you do it. They want you to play video games, you play it. Whatever they want to do from here on out, you help them."

Becky yanked on her cuffs in anger, causing Erin to yelp this time and glare at her. This close Becky could see Erin's brown eyes so clearly, and their noses were almost touching, "You guys are freakin crazy," Becky spat.

"Not a chance in hell!" Erin snapped.

Both of them said this simultaneously, to which Angel smiled.

Gordon and Sid looked somewhat distressed, thought Becky, which almost made her smirk. Here her and Erin were the ones who were supposed to be in distress.

Gordon cleared his throat, "Becky, I've had a crush on you for a long time, which you already know. My cousin is being demanding and mean, maybe we could just, you know, hang out? At least for starters?" He took a deep, steadying breath.

Becky took a deep breath too, but not for the same reasons. She wanted to laugh and yell at him at the same time. I cannot believe the gall of this guy. When will he take a no? She could not believe him! He had been hounding her since eighth grade, and Becky had always been polite, but about a year ago he had cornered her and got very insistent that she at least give him a try. It had been when she was in college, so she had a couple books which had come in handy to hold up as weapons. After that she refused to give him the time of day.

"Listen to me," Becky clenched her teeth, "Let us go, and I won't bring all my considerable resources and friends down on you and your brother's heads."

"My dad's a police chief, and her mom is a lawyer," Erin growled. Her indignant expression further flushed her already red cheeks.

"Our boyfriends, not to mention, and Erin and I totally have more people we can call on," Becky said smartly as she narrowed her eyes at Gordon, and she could see Erin doing the same to Sid.

"We're probably much smarter than any of your boyfriends, but I see your point," Sid said in a thin voice. He smiled down at Erin. Becky could feel Erin shiver a bit in her lap at Sid's statements.

"Becky and I are formidable too, if you guys would just uncuff us we could demonstrate," Erin retorted, jiggling her cuffs for emphasis as her auburn ponytail swished.

"Boys boys, we shall not keep trying to convince them, shall we?" Angel looked down at her phone, obviously bored.

Sid looked earnest, "Erin, please! I am a huge fan of you and your work, a most tenacious reporter, and a lovely lady like you deserves our attention. We're Trombones, and we always get what we want."

"I don't care if you would kiss the ground I walk on, this is weird and creepy," Erin looked concerned with the guy's obvious heroine worship.

"I hate to do it, but we should gag them, Sid. Let them dwell on the error of their ways," Gordon said with a solemn face.

"Hate?" Angel laughed, "Gordon, you love tying girls up, I have been playing your stupid tie up games since I was a kid."

Becky intently watched the three of them talk, trying to get a bead on the weak link. Sid, probably.

"Yeah, if you want Cass freed, you two had better agree, otherwise we'll give her to the Perfume Lady. You have two hours to think about it," Sid informed them.

"What the hell does 'give her to the Perfume Lady' mean? And who is she?" Becky demanded.

"We were gonna wait until after they were gagged, you idiot. That way they can't argue," Gordon snapped.

Sid is definitely the weak link. She'd have to target him. Becky intuitively sensed Erin had come to the same conclusion.

"Listen Sid," Erin began, but was interrupted.

Angel's phone began ringing. She held it up to her ear, "Yes?"

Gordon and Sid started arguing about how to proceed. "They won't like us, Gordy. I say we take them back to our hidey hole and keep them tied up until they listen. It's the only way it will work, and if Angel argues we'll tie her up too."

Gordon frowned, "I don't know, Sid. We'd have to use that sleeping draught, or blindfold them. I'm not sure about taking them there just yet. This place is fairly safe for now."

Becky and Erin were both listening intently, trying to get as much information as possible. Gordon and Sid were oblivious to them.

"The Perfume Lady only helped us because we had some people higher up she owed a favor. She wants Cass, but we may need her to coerce these two into staying with us," Gordon continued.

"That Perfume Lady creeps me out, I don't want to go there again. Her voice is weird. Plus I didn't want Erin to go near her," Sid whined.

"I say we take our girls to the hideout I guess. There we can think of something to make them listen, or someway they can see," Gordon said.

That sounds ominous, Becky thought.

Gordon looked at the two of them listening, then grabbed his brother's arm and led him a little distance off, their voices droning.

Becky leaned her head in close to Erin, their noses almost touching, "Erin, got any ideas? I think we should target Sid, maybe you could try to make him feel guilty?"

"Becky!" Erin whispered urgently.

"And I'll try to pump him for information, like find out for starters who this 'perfume lady' is, and where they have Cass stashed."

"Becky!" Erin said again.

Becky ignored her, her mind going as fast as her tongue, trying to come up with a solution to this problem, that's what she was, wasn't she? A problem solver? She glanced around, taking another quick look of their situation.

Totally, girl, that's why I'm here in the first place.

"Becky! Becky! Becky!" Erin's nose touched Becky's own small, freckled one, and they both jerked their heads away, blushing.

"What?" Becky whispered.

"I have a ha-"

"What are you two talking about?" Angel yelled, hanging up her phone.

"Tell me Erin, quick!" Becky murmured emphatically, "What is-mmmmmmm?" she was quite suddenly interrupted by Erin's lips closing over her own.

Erin Catherine O'Malley just kissed me on the lips, Becky thought in shock.

***********************************

It was quite possibly the most embarrassing moment of Erin's life.

Becky's lips were a little thin, but soft and warm, and Erin tasted berry, Chapstick, maybe? The worst thing was when Becky tried to pull away, and Erin had to lean in to keep her lips firmly pressed against Becky's.

Talk about embarrassing.

What could she do? Erin could not get Becky to shut up for one minute, and with her hands wrapped around Becky's waist and cuffed, well, she couldn't clap a hand over her blonde friend's motor mouth.

If only Becky had given me a sec to tell her about the handcuff key in my back skirt pocket, Erin thought, in mild irritation. A few months back after her first encounter with Lunas, her big brother Colin, who was a police officer, had insisted that she carry a handcuff key, and at the time she had naively insisted that she usually got tied up with rope. She was certainly glad for it now, if she could have just gotten her good friend Rebecca Lillian Carter to shut up for one minute, Erin could tell Becky about it. But then Angel had hung up the phone, and Becky's continual, insistent questioning would very likely have resulted in them searching her or somehow figuring out she was up to something.

So Erin had done the only thing her quick brain could think of, the thing that likely resulted in her face feeling and looking as bright as lava. She pulled away from Becky, releasing her closed lips from her friend's. Erin looked meaningfully at her friend, still blushing but trying to get her point across.

Becky's grey eyes were wide, and she raised an eyebrow. "Erin?" the one word question was loaded.

"It's not what you think Becky," Erin whispered frantically.

"That's enough out of you two," Angel said. She walked right up to them and pinched Erin's cheek, "Oh, a secret crush?"

Erin pulled away, glaring up at her, "It's not what you think!"

"Sure. Boys why haven't you shut them up yet?"

Gordon stopped lecturing Sid, who in turn stopped whining. They looked at each other, then at Angel.

Angel motioned with her hand, "Code anarchist."

Gordon and Sid paled.

What does that mean? Erin thought.

"Are you sure?" Gordon asked.

"I'm sure. Your guy's project here will have to wait. Shut them up and we can come back to this later."

"All right then," Gordon said. He grabbed several large rags off an old table, that Erin realized belatedly, had two rolls of grey duct tape.

Erin knew what was coming next.

"I'll gag Erin!" Sid volunteered.

Erin winced, still red faced from her kiss with Becky.

Gordon looked apologetically at them, "Sorry but we have to keep you two quiet. Emergency to take care of."

Becky had a quizzical look on her face, she raised an eyebrow at Erin, as if to say, what's your play?

Erin mouthed the word, handcuff key, but suddenly Sid was kneeling right next to them and there was no more time for secret messaging.

***********************************

"Ccmmmnn nnnnn!"

Becky Carter was irritated. Her mouth had been unceremoniously stuffed with two large rags, and she hadn't even been able to get her lips to close all the way over the wad. Then strip after strip of duct tape had been slathered over her protesting mouth, silencing any more smart comments she wanted to make. Tape from ear to ear covered the lower half of her face, and a few strips under her chin for good measure. Across from her, Erin attempted to say something, but her mouth had been stuffed with two rags as well. Erin had a slightly smaller mouth then Becky, so Sid had a bit of a time cramming the rags in, and Erin had mumbled her complaints, to no avail of course. Duct tape had been pasted over Erin's mouth in a similar fashion, and now the both of them couldn't even talk with their captors.

"Now that we have your undivided attention." Angel said, "I will magnanimously answer your questions about our plans, or my cousins' plans."

Becky tried to say that 'magnanimous' was a bit of a big word for Angel, but it was hard to, gagged as she was.

"Just listen to her Becky, it's important." Gordon said in a serious tone.

Becky glared at him, but refrained from a muffled reprimand.

Angel began talking, "So I told you your first option, go out with my cousins and so so. Second option, if you refuse, we give your friend Cass to the Perfume Lady."

"Mmmmffrrgg?" Erin growled out a question.

"Ffkkkmmmm ccssmmm!" Becky half yelled, or attempted to.

"My god, you two just can't seem to shut up. I don't know much about the Perfume Lady, but I do know she's dabbles in some experimental chemistry, and I'm sure she'd love the kind you two seem to have."

At this Becky and Erin both blushed and protested as loudly as possible.

Angel merely smiled while Gordon and Sid looked despondent. Angel continued, "So you have two hours or so to snuggle together and decide, either go out with my cousins, or all three of you can get to know the Perfume Lady. It's always been a bit nebulous to me as far as who she is, and what exactly she does to her victims, but I can assure you she gets her products from corporate organizations like LlamTech, and a certain doctor was up here a couple months ago selling some sleeping formula, which is quite popular in the criminal underworld. So I'm sure her concoctions work."

Becky glanced at Erin when the 'certain doctor' was mentioned. Erin raised an eyebrow at her, wondering something, she had no idea what of course.
Becky wondered who all Dr. Lunas had sold the sleeping draught to. Not like she can tell me, Becky thought.

Sid looked eager, "So just think about it, ok, Erin? I don't want to see you get experimented on by the weird mall woman."

"Rrrfffmmm!" Erin sneered, which almost looked funny with her blush.

"Listen now girls, Gordy and I can make this up to you," Sid smiled weakly, but with determination, "We promise."

"Rrrnnnn ggrrnnss, wrrr llllddmmnnss," Becky snapped, trying to say they were ladies, not girls.

"Yeah just follow our proposal and all will be fine, we can play some video games or something." Gordon toyed with his windbreaker zipper.

"Now we need to go," Angel said, checking her phone, "Why, you're probably wondering? That is certainly none of your business. One last thing, I think you two should share a kiss. To seal the deal," she picked up a roll of duct tape.

"NNNNMMMMNNN!" Becky and Erin both shook their heads, while simultaneously mmmphing into their gags.

This is getting too embarrassing, I really hope nobody finds out about this, totally ridiculous, Becky thought, and she realized another thing, How the heck are we going to escape if-

Her thoughts were interrupted as Gordon gently held her head, while Sid held Erin's. Her redheaded friend was snarling, but neither of them could do much.

"Now for the kiss!" Angel smirked

Without much fanfare, Becky and Erin's gagged mouths met and were held in place while tape was wrapped around their heads, holding them secure against each other. Surprisingly their three captors made sure to keep it out of their hair. Becky's right cheek was pressed up against Erin's at an angle, and if they wouldn't have been gagged she would have been kissing her friend again. She looked at Erin, who glanced at her, then they both looked away. She could feel a blush spread out across her face, and Erin's warm cheek told Becky that she was doing the same.

Yeah, Erin and I are good friends but this is taking it a whole new level.

"Make the right choice, Becky," Gordon commanded, as the three of them were leaving.

Sid smiled at Erin.

She looks fit to be tied, Becky thought, then rolled her eyes at her own pun.

"Mmmpppphhhhh!" Becky and Erin both chorused after them in equal parts angry and embarrassed protests.

Totally yeah, Erin comes to Manchester for a rope free visit, and somehow on her first night we end up tied together, in a verrry uncomfortable position. Not to mention my right eyelash can brush against her left, Becky thought. Becky gave a little indignant tug on her cuffed wrists, making Erin squeal.

"Ggrrmmppfffkk!"

"Mmmfffpp!" Becky apologized.

Somehow, we are going to have to get out of this.

***********************************

When Cassandra Fair woke up for the second time, she discovered she had been moved into an old office, still tied in the same position.
Her limbs ached, and her bead gag had been replaced with a large scarf tied tightly over her mouth and nose. Whatever these idiots had stuffed in her mouth had been left in and packed with more stuffing, resulting in her jaw feeling tender.

She was sick of this shit. Unfortunately, her current position tied resulted in little movement, she'd have to figure out something.

Wish Beck was here.

At least she could listen to her friend's angry grunts, it was awfully silent by herself. There had to be a way to get to the knife in her boot. With her feet tied as they were it was all but impossible. Her long blue fingernail scratched against her wrist bonds, could she work it loose?

Suddenly it hit her.

Her choker collar. It had a clasp, that if she could undo it, use the sharp point to pick at her bonds.

Everybody's got one shot, Cass quoted a song in her mind. She has weird habits, she knows, but what the hell. Life was full of weirdos. Consider her friend who snoops in impractical heels, skirt and tights, refuses to see the hinderances of such attire, and blithely refuses to call it snooping. As she unlatched her choker collar, barely reaching it with her fingers, she snorted at the thought of Becky being tied up like this. Her bff didn't normally wear chokers, so she would be quite helpless and pissed in this situation. Good thing Cass was ready. She giggled again, then sobered as she began picking away at her ropes. Wouldn't do to drop it, no way she could pick it up with her hands fastened to her neck.

Slowly and methodically, not all Metallica like, Cass reminded herself.

***********************************

Erin O'Malley had a temper, she knew this. Getting tied up as often as she did meant that she got the chance to embrace her fiery Irish roots fairly often. So being forced into a hug with her friend, pressing against Becky too close for comfort, meant that tempers may flare on both sides.
The icing on the cake, in a purely facetious sense, was the fact that were it not for the duct tape slathered over her lips and holding a mouth crammed with rags, she would be in another embarrassing smooch with Becky Carter.

Like the first one wasn't embarrassing enough.

She couldn't talk, could barely move, and Erin was getting more then a little irked about the whole situation. She looked right into Becky's right grey eye with her left, blushing, then got ahold of herself. She needed to tell her friend about the key. Becky was smart, but talking with her mouth stuffed was never easy.

"Mm. hhmmff. kmmmpp." Erin's words sounded indecipherable even to her ears, and she was speaking right into Becky's mouth.

This was so embarrassing.

"Wmmmppff?" Becky asked, looking earnestly into Erin's liquid brown eyes.

Becky was blushing too, it really was awkward for both of them. Not the time to focus on that though. Becky knew she had tried to say something after the kiss, so Erin just had to get her point across. Her brown eyes flashed triumphantly when she thought of it, simple, but it would unfortunately tick her friend off.

Erin pulled on her cuffs, digging into the small of Becky's back, while murmuring "Kmmmmyyn!"

***********************************

Becky Carter had been tied up more times then she cared to admit, but this time was by far the most humiliating. Not only trussed up helplessly, but also trussed up and kissing Erin O'Malley.

Two times, she corrected herself. Which brought her to another thing, Erin was obviously trying to stop her from going down a certain line of questioning. Her vivacious friend's cherry red face told her that. While it could have meant something else Erin had looked Becky meaningfully in the eyes, in spite of having just kissed her. That told her Erin was trying to stop her from talking and ruining whatever plan she had.

Always running your mouth, girl. First Cass and now you almost ruined something else.

Her relationship wasn't ruined with Cass though. At least not yet. Whatever had brought Cass to the mall, it wasn't shopping as that was not her bf's hobby.

Put your nosy nature away, Carter, focus

Another problem, she absolutely did not know what to do with her hands. The way they were cuffed she had to keep them hovering just above Erin's shapely rear. Becky Carter constantly moved her hands. When she talked, they moved with a mind of their own. So she currently was clasping them together, and pulling them close against Erin's back, very gently though.

Would hate to brush my fingers along Erin's butt, Becky thought nervously.

So when Erin murmured, "Mm. hhmmff. kmmmpp," right into Becky's mouth, she gave a little start and accidentally dropped her cuffed hands onto Erin's rear. She jerked them up quickly.

Becky blushed an even deeper scarlet, then looked Erin sincerely in the eye while mumbling, "Wmmmppff?"

Focus on what Erin's trying to say, Carter. That way we can get out of here.

Erin looked down at the tape adhering their mouths together, then rolled her eyes at Becky.

"Whmmnnnn?" Becky tried asking again.

"Kkkmmyymmmm!" Erin was trying to draw the word out, then she gave a hard jerk on Becky's back. Her handcuffs dug sharply into Becky's slim back.

"Ffkkk, Rrrmmnn!"

That hurt!

Becky resisted the urge to repay Erin in spades, realizing it was part of whatever she wanted to tell her.

Erin looked to her side, gave another small tug, then her eyes glanced at Becky apologetically.

Becky stared in earnest contemplation at her auburn haired friend. Something to do with the handcuffs, Erin's dad is a police chief, she keeps pulling on them like there's some way to get loose...... a key or hair pin? Key more than likely, going by Erin's attempts at speech.

Becky was totally embarrassed to do it, but she reached out with one long, elegant finger and gently tapped the waistband of Erin's skirt, while looking at her friend, questions in her eyes. Her small freckled nose rubbed against Erin's cheek as she mmphed into her gag, "Kkmmmnn?"

Erin attempted to nod her head, and her brown eyes told Becky she was on track.

Here goes nothing. If Erin ever breathes a word of this I'll tape her mouth shut. Becky tentatively patted Erin's waistband down, feeling for a secret pocket. Erin shifted ever so slightly, shoving Becky off balance a bit, causing her to dig her fingernails into her friend's back. Erin squealed and pushed her face further into Becky's, to which Becky 'mmphed' back and jerked at the same time. This resulted in them falling over amidst muffled screams. Becky and Erin lay on their sides, breathing heavily through their noses, staring at each other.

Totally amazing, we should do acrobatics together, Becky thought wryly.

She was still trying to catch her breath, and Erin was panting as well, her eyes glancing around the room. Erin's handcuffs dug into Becky's soft knit sweater.

Both of them were blushing again with their position on the floor.

Definitely worse that we can't talk

"Wmmmm ffrmmm?" Erin asked, raising her eyebrows, question marks in her eyes.

Right

Becky once again gently felt along Erin's waistband, until she came to a small slit with a tiny zipper. She stared at Erin's luxurious auburn hair as she concentrated.

"Mmmmfffppp!" Becky mumbled triumphantly.

She slowly pulled the zipper open, feeling for......

Where was it?

Panic momentarily ensued, then Becky felt a small metal shape, and sighed in relief.

"Mmpphhh?" Erin asked hopefully.

"Mmmppphhh! Fffnnnmm fmmnndd nnmm!" Becky's attempt at a nod and excited speech endeavors resulted in her pushing Erin's head back.

Erin's eyes were smiling in relief and Becky almost thought her mouth attempted to smile, at least it felt that way against her own mouth.

Now to get out of this ridiculous not to mention totally embarrassing position.

It didn't take them long to unwrap themselves once Becky unlocked her cuffs. Once free they both sat on the floor, breathing freely through their mouths, red marked faces grinning sheepishly at each other. Becky did a quick examination of her tights and skirt. Her clothes had gotten a little ruffled up what with Erin chilling on her lap, and she stood, stretching her impossibly long legs. She straightened out her tights that had bunched up a bit in several places.

Always concerned about your looks, girl.

Erin was giving her clothes a good dusting too, though she hadn't gotten quite as dirty as Becky.

She even didn't get as dirty as me

The surprising jealousy reared its ugly head again, and Becky couldn't believe her train of thoughts.

It's true, Erin has it a lot nicer then you, is even better at her job, did you have a handcuff key tucked in your back pocket? Did you? Hmm, girl, did you? Becky shook her head, frowning. Now was not the time to be jealous, they had to find Cass. And what about Cass? In your haste and worry to protect her you tried shutting her off. Sure you don't know why she came to the mall exactly, but bet you can make an educated guess, can't you?
Not to mention you took Erin with you when you just told Cass you wouldn't do so again. Stop right there. Becky's frown deepened, she had to stop internally berating herself. Cass was depending on her to find her, she could apologize later.

"Becky, you ok?" Erin's arm was on her shoulder, and concern showed in her brown eyes.

"Yeah I'm all right. Let's find Cass," Becky put on her 'determined' look.

Erin grinned, "That's MDT's best reporter!"

Becky smiled back, then the two of them examined the boat warehouse, now that they weren't forced to stare each other deeply in the eyes. It was largely empty and decrepit, with support pillars dotted about. Becky spotted another doorway, different from the one their captors had come through.

"Let's check here."

Erin nodded, her ponytail swaying, then she scooped up both their purses and winter coats lying several feet away. Becky pulled her cheap purple flashlight out, and watched as Erin flicked on a small, powerful Maglite. It was navy blue. Girl, when are you going to buy a better flashlight? For Pete's sake you make plenty of money and yet have a cheap crappy flashlight. Not to mention it's about time to upgrade your tights and skirts. She turned hers on, then the two of them entered the hallway, with Erin opening the creaky door.

Lakeside's finest reporter grimaced at the sound.

At least she's the finest in my totally unbiased opinion, Becky thought wryly.

It was in that moment Becky Carter got over her jealousy of Erin. Erin's been nothing but nice to me, is an awesome friend, and who cares if she has it better? I am who I am, and even if losing Dad was the toughest thing I ever faced, at least it helped make me who I am today, the balancing one in my family. There was more to it then that, which she could think on later, but the heavy jealous feeling disappeared, and Becky surprised even herself by stopping in the hallway and spontaneously hugging Erin.

"What are you doing?" Erin whispered ferociously, her spunky nature showing.

"Thanks for being awesome, you know that you're awesome, right?"

They were interrupted by a triumphant half-yell two doors down. The hall had rows of doors, leading into offices, maybe?

"Cass!" Becky said.

***********************************

Cassandra Fair gave a happy yell into her gag as she untied her wrist bonds.

Her choker collar clasp idea had worked. She was just untying the large rag tied over her mouth and nose, when Becky and Erin of all people walked in. Erin switched the light on and Becky dropped her flashlight upon seeing her. The cheap plastic shattered.

At least Beck seems a bit happier this time, Cass thought sagely.

"Cass!" Becky shouted.

"Bkkyymm!" Cass mumbled back, still fumbling with the knot. These rags in her mouth tasted like shit.

***********************************

Becky was elated, Cass was ok. Thank heavens

She darted forward, kneeling, uncaring of the dirty floor for once, and bear hugged her blue haired friend.

"Oommff!" Cass mumbled.

"Here let me help you out of that. I'm so glad you're safe. I'm so, so glad you're safe. Did they do anything to you? Are you hurt?" Becky hastily picked at the knots with her elegant fingers, while Cass's blunt fingernails sought purchase on the rag. The gag was untied and Becky tenderly helped Cass pull the rags out.

"Bout time you showed up Jones," Cass smiled, her dry lips looked chapped.

I put her through this, the accusatory thought sprang into Becky's mind. Becky wrapped her arms around Cass, hugging her close. Cass was still frog tied, so she wobbled a little, but Becky held her steady.

"I'm so, so sorry, totally, horribly sorry," Becky's statement ended in a sob, and she could feel Cass's chest heave a bit.

"Now you finally get it, right Beck?" Cass's voice was hoarse.

Cass never cries.

"I get it. I totally get it," a few tears ran down Becky's cheeks, and her mouth was right next to Cass's ear, "I'll never leave you out of my life again. I promise."

"When Becky Carter promises something, she means it." Cass said softly, "And that's all I ever want, Beck."

"You deserve better," Becky said softly.

"No. You're my hero, Beck. Just don't push me away because of someone like Marta Alfonsi," Cass clung to her like the first time they had met, when Becky had found Cass crying, locked in a janitor's closet.

"I promise, Cass. Never again."

***********************************

Erin O'Malley watched the scene unfold before her, impressed with the depth of emotions displayed.

Just like Stef and I, she thought.

It must be said she hadn't been overly happy with how Becky had handled Cass, but her friend sure was making up for it now. She noticed her own eyes were watering a bit. Erin O'Malley really cared about people, it was one reason why she wanted to expose criminals, who preyed on the good.
These were some of those good people. Strike that, some of her good friends. Especially Becky, who she was glad to have helped through this trying time for her.

As long as we never get tied up like that again, she thought, face blushing for the umpteenth time that night.

Becky was helping Cass get untied, and Erin decided to check the hallways.

Shining her light up and down the corridor, the coast looked clear.

Becky poked her freckled face out, "Everything good girl?" Becky squeezed her arm happily. Her eyes were red rimmed.

"Coast is clear."

***********************************

They called the police after Cass's rescue, and the three of them gave statements to the police on the troublesome Trombone boys and their cousin.

Becky spoke with Lieutenant Cooper for the first time in weeks, explaining everything, hands flying as she told the story. She could tell Erin didn't quite know what to think of the gruff, bulldog like cop with a pot belly.

"We'll be picking them up, of course. Sid is wanted for a burglary that took place the other night. Strange of those two boys to have such a fascination with you and Erin."

"We tried to explain that we had boyfriends, and how would anyone even want to go out with them after something like that?" Erin gave an indignant huff when she finished.

Cooper got Cass's version then told them they were free to go.

Lieutenant Cooper eyed Erin's Mets beanie, "A Mets fan? You guys have excellent choice down at Lakeside, Miss O'Malley."

Erin beamed at this, "That's right! The Mets are awesome, I can't wait till baseball season starts.

Becky could tell Erin liked the wannabe Nero Wolfe after that.

***********************************

"I had a wonderful time, Becky. Aside from having to kiss you to shut you up," Erin teased.

Becky blushed, "Totally not cool, girl. Don't you dare put that in your write up!"

"Why not? Who's gonna stop me?" Erin asked sassily.

"Me! Isn't that enough?" Becky's long blonde hair whipped about her face in the cold breeze. She was grateful for the coffee.

It was Sunday afternoon, Becky and Erin had decided to go chill, literally as a matter of fact, on Manchester's longest pier before Becky dropped her friend off at the train station. Cups of coffee and slices of fudge in hand, to which Erin, who was a fudge connoisseur, found positively delish. They strolled along casually, Becky's grey boots clipping on the wooden planks, while Erin's soft purple pumps made no sound at all. Becky was in her grey peacoat, with warm black leggings, black and green checkered skirt, black turtleneck, and soft black leather gloves. Her beret, the same color as her coat, kept her head and ears warm. She glanced out at the lake, Burnley Lake to be exact, and noticed the white caps. The water looked rough, in spite of the sunny day a storm was probably blowing in.

Erin skipped to the railing overlooking the water, then turned to Becky, leaning against it, "Nope! 'You definitely would not be enough." Erin looked quite chic, in her navy blue peacoat, purple skirt, black leggings, and lighter blue sweater. Her long auburn ponytail swayed in the wind, and her Mets cap kept her warm.

Erin suddenly turned serious, "Where do you think Sid and Gordon are holed up?"

Just as ever inquisitive as me, probably a good thing we don't live in the same city.

"Good question, other then that old hideout I remember hearing about back in grade school and telling Cooper about, I can't think of anywhere else," Becky sipped her coffee.

"I hope the police catch them, those guys were weirdos. Especially Sid, the way he kept looking at me. Crazy to think of him stalking me," Erin shivered.

"I think they'll pop up again, they weren't exactly the brightest. I wonder where they went, to pay the Perfume Lady? She's another one that doesn't fit the puzzle. That accent sounded off, like they learned English via text only, know what I mean?"

Erin nodded, "Sure do, girl. She disappeared too, which is a little odd how she pulled it off, taking everything with her."

"I hope she's caught before too long."

"Just be careful, once I leave Gordon and Sid might just focus on you, not to mention Angel" Erin took a small bite of her fudge.

"I'll keep a sharp lookout," Becky promised, "And watch out for Maddie Midnight and Doctor Lunas. And now you also have another mystery to go home to."

Erin had told her about the break in that had happened to Divya and Bridget over this very same weekend, her friends having alerted her via instant messaging.

"I can take care of myself, it's you I'm worried about. Don't go lone wolfing it again, will you?"

"I promise. You really helped me out Erin, more than I can say. Anytime you need help with a case, say the word, and I'll be there."

Erin smiled, turned to the water, leaning out, looking at the small waves on Burnley Lake.

Becky got beside her, smiling back at her. Then she pulled back her coat sleeve, checking her black leather wristwatch, "Wow, we better go to make sure we catch your train. Traffic here on Sundays can be busy. Selfie before we go?"

"Sure!" Erin's smile widened, and they turned with their backs to the lake. The sun shone down on them, highlighting Erin's shiny auburn hair, and reflecting Becky's long golden locks. Becky held up her phone, and the both of them put their heads together, smiling.

"To strong friendships, new and old, and a totally awesome friend."

"Absolutely! I've got a great friend right here, who's quite dear to me already," Erin smiled softly.

Girl, you truly have some wonderful friends.

Becky's face broke out in a huge grin, and she clicked the pic.

***********************************

The announcer informed them over the intercom it was time for the passengers to board, and Becky helped Erin with her luggage.

"Well O'Malley, this is it. 'Thank you so much, for everything, girl. You have been so totally nice to me, and I can never repay you for cheering me up like this and helping me see a few things about myself," Becky fiddled with her gloves.

Erin responded by throwing her arms around Becky, "Girl, I enjoyed it! Sooo much! This was a great weekend, and you need to come down sometime."

"I will!" Becky promised.

It was time for Erin to go then, and with several more goodbyes, smiles, and maybe a little mist in both girls' eyes, Erin was gone. Becky already missed her, and immediately began concocting schemes to get her back up here again, though she supposed she should head down her way.

Becky waved until the train was gone, then checked her watch.

Still time to swing by Cass's house, I definitely need to play some 'vidya' games with her, then it's my turn to pick a movie.

It was high time she caught up with Cass, and she'd start by doing something her blue haired bf loved.

'Vidya' games.

***********************************

The hideout was in disarray.

Gordon was playing Metal Gear Solid, while busy thinking. They had come back from their business only to find the girls gone, and the police surrounding the building. The three of them had kept a safe distance, melting back into the shadows.

It really sucked.

All the planning, hell they only had put hours of thought into it, to capture what he and his brother obsessed over. Now it was all ruined.

Gordon's brother Sid sat on the ratty couch, typing away at his laptop. Probably looking for Erin O'Malley articles.

"Gggggdddnnnn!"

Gordon half turned, to look at his cousin Angel, who sat tied to a chair. Thin white rope held her wrists behind her back, and her ankles were tied to the legs of the chair. Gordon had stuffed as many socks as possible in Angel's mouth, then tied an old PS2 controller cord around her head. He paused his game, then pointed a finger at her, "You were supposed to search them. Those handcuffs couldn't have been easy to get out of. Somehow they did, either with some kind of pick or an actual key. Nice going cuz."

Sid looked up from his laptop, "Yeah Angel. Erin could be tied to that chair, and if you ask me you're a sucky replacement."

Angel rolled her eyes, mumbling into her gag.

Gordon hated it, he really wanted to bring Becky here, but what the hell, life could throw curveballs, but maybe they could fix that. He stood up, an idea had finally occurred to him.

He smiled devilishly, "What about a marriage with our two girls?" Gordon announced.

Sid grinned, "Like a forced one?"

"Yeah, we could get a certain person, the Freak, to do it."

Angel nodded approvingly, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

"Sid ungag our cuz, it's time we all had another chat."