CHAPTER FIVE - Three Ceremonies

Eleven days later … Saturday 22nd January …

9:00 am

Saturday the twenty-second of January was, by coincidence, to be a day of three ceremonies: A funeral, a wedding, and a birthday party to be exact. For Roger it was also something a little bit special. It was the day when Mimi was due to return to Littlesea.
At nine o'clock in the morning Roger was waiting at the main gates for Mimi's car to appear. He looked to the skies whilst he waited. All the indications were, that the weather was going to hold out for the wedding. At least it was not raining, and the temperature was quite reasonable for the time of year. There were clouds about, but also a few blue patches could be seen above the horizon out at sea. A light wind was blowing from a south-westerly direction and it looked like the brighter weather was heading his way. Roger returned his focus to the road outside the main gates, then looked to his watch. Mimi should be along at any moment.
The last eleven days had gone quickly for Roger. He had been very busy all throughout that period. To begin with the basement had been cleared of all the old display items and unwanted junk, and now everything was safely stored away in farmer Godfrey Brookes' barn. That was the easy part. It was afterwards when the real chaos started. No sooner had the basement been cleared when six lorry loads of exhibition items had appeared, and so had a whole lot of workmen.
From the very start Roger had booked all the workmen into a local guest house. At this time of the year there were plenty vacancies, and the lady proprietor had been only too grateful to accept them. She had eight rooms and Roger had eight workmen. Her entire guest house was now fully booked for the next six to seven weeks, so no wonder she was happy.
Since today was a very special Saturday, Roger had given all the workmen the weekend off. He had explained to them that he was going to a wedding and that his girlfriend was coming down from London to join him for the ceremony. In other words, get lost; he did not want to see them around. Since all had been working for nine days now without a break, it came as a welcome relief to most. Six had opted to go home to London, whilst the other two, who were young men without any family commitments had elected to stay and see the sights; and more importantly, chat up the local talent. But whatever they did it made no difference to Roger, as far as he was concerned they were out of his way for the weekend and he would have Mimi all to himself for two days. But just to make certain he had instructed the two men who had opted to stay in Littlesea not to venture anywhere near the place for the next two days. He had assured them that the main gates were to remain firmly locked until Monday morning, and only he and Mimi were ever going to pass through them.
Mimi arrived possibly a little late. Roger saw the car and waved as it headed towards him down the side street past Alf's Café and circled the small roundabout at the end of the road. Roger held the gates open until Mimi's car was through and into the premises. He then closed and locked the gates behind her. Mimi stopped immediately on entering the gates and Roger climbed into the passenger seat to be driven the short distance back to the main building of the complex. But first they hugged and kissed. Eleven days had been far too long to be apart for both of them.
"I missed you Mimi," said Roger as their lips parted.
"And I missed you too Roger," affirmed Mimi.
They hugged and kissed again.
After a while the car moved on to park outside the main building and alongside a very muddy Mercedes. Roger had not had time to clean it, and the many trips to Carrowbank Farm had left their telltale mark.
"That car will need cleaning before the wedding," Mimi told Roger as they got out of the car and walked around to the boot. "I'm not going to be seen at a wedding in a car like that!"
Roger looked at the muddy Mercedes parked alongside and agreed. Mimi was right, it was filthy, and he had his new top executive image to maintain. However the wedding was not until two o'clock and they did not have to leave here until one o'clock. So they had four hours in which to sort everything out. But first he intended to spend a little time with Mimi. They would have a hot drink together and then look through the photographs she had brought with her. This was something he had been eagerly awaiting. Mimi had with her a copy of Lenny's photo-shoot, and he could not wait to see the results. Mimi had told him over the phone that they were all fantastic.
Mimi unlocked the boot of her car and raised the lid. Inside lay her travel bag, a brand new pale blue dress for the wedding, a large wide brimmed hat in a matching colour, and most importantly, a large parcel all wrapped up in plain brown paper.
"Those are the photographs from Lenny," said Mimi pointing to the brown paper package.
"What are they like?" asked Roger.
"They're brilliant," Mimi assured him.
Roger had ordered six copies of everything. Five were to be sent directly to Madame Troudeau's, and the sixth was to go to Littlesea. He had spoken to Lenny over the phone and it was agreed that Mimi would bring his copies down with her when she returned for the wedding. Of the other five sets, it was now up to Miss Elkington to arrange for one complete set to be despatched to Australia. The printing of the brochures was now out of Roger's hands. Mr. McTavish had agreed to liaise with London over the final wording and layout, and all the printing was to be done by the Company's established publishers in London who handled this sort of thing on a regular basis.
Roger picked up the parcel along with Mimi's travel bag, then left her to handle the dress and bonnet. Once all loaded up, they set off up the steps and into the building.
"Well what have you been doing with yourself for the past eleven days?" Roger asked Mimi as they crossed the foyer to the service lift.
"Not a fat lot," replied Mimi honestly, "but Lenny's kept me busy so that I didn't get bored. But what about you Roger? I guess that you've been very busy down here."
"You're right there Mimi. It's been a bit hectic this last week. I've got eight workmen here full time and the place has now becoming a bit of a shambles," Roger told her.
"You've got workmen here?" queried Mimi.
She did not like the sound of that. She wanted to be alone with Roger.
Roger quickly allayed Mimi's fears.
"Don't worry Mimi," he assured her, "I sent everybody home last night, and we've got the entire weekend to ourselves. There won't be a sole around to disturb us for the next two days... I promise."
Mimi greeted the news with a great big grin. This return visit had been something she had been looking forward to for many days now. She guessed that Roger felt the same. The next two days together were going to be fun. In a strange sort of way she was also looking forward to the wedding that afternoon, even though she did not know anybody, and had only met the bride and her father once before. All the same she still found the whole idea of attending a wedding very exciting. Somewhere hidden at the back of her mind lurked further thoughts of weddings, and one of those was to be her own. Becoming Mrs. Mimi Downton however was still a long way off. But she was sure that one day in the future it was just something that was bound to happen. She and Roger were now a pair, and nothing was going to break up that partnership.
After depositing Mimi's clothes and travel bag in Mr. McTavish's bedroom, they eventually made their way back down to the kitchen. Mimi elected to put the kettle on and make the hot drinks whilst Roger looked through Lenny's photographs.
The photographs were bundled and wrapped into five separate packages as instructed. Four of those packages involved the girls. These were the rack, the thumbscrews, the cell, and the alcove scenes. The fifth package being made up of just general shots of the dungeon, alcoves and tunnels.
Roger sorted out the ones that involved Mimi on the rack and looked through these first. He whistled softly at the pictures. They were very erotic, especially those taken nearer to the end of the shoot when she wore very little or ultimately nothing at all. Mimi also appeared to be very convincing in her role as victim. Her face looked tortured and twisted, and all the photos projected an atmosphere of accuracy and realism. Furthermore he could not avoid noticing the role played by himself in all of this. He appeared as a sinister and faceless hooded figure on all of the shots.
Roger thought back to the time of the shoot. How enjoyable that day had been. He wondered if it would be possible to repeat those actions this weekend in a sort of private photo-shoot of his own? He recalled how he and Mimi had joked about doing it again whilst Mimi was strapped down on the rack. At the time he had said those things to cheer her up. But now he was wondering if she meant what she had said.
Perhaps once the wedding was over he would suggest a private photo-shoot to Mimi. He felt certain that she would agree. He also had a very good camera which he intended to use at the wedding today. It was not as expensive as any of Lenny's, but it was also not cheap; it had a zoom lens, tripod and all the expensive trappings that went with it.
Roger had fantasised many times in the past about taking nude photographs of his many conquests, and then keeping an album of them afterwards. But up until now he had never done anything about it. This was mainly due to fact that he did not know where to get the films developed without causing a certain amount of embarrassment. But that problem was now solved. He now had a solution to all that. Mimi could take them away with her and get Lenny to do the developing for him. It was all so simple now. He would offer to pay Lenny for doing it of course. After all they were the best of friends now. All the same he could see Lenny rejecting the money and ending up being paid in bottles of whisky instead. But either way, Lenny would end up doing the developing for him, he was certain of that.
Roger returned to looking through the rest of the photographs, including those of Judi. He felt very pleased with everything that had been achieved. All his efforts had paid off, and his chance meeting with FotoPix Studios had been a great success. Lenny was a true professional and had taken the most perfect of shots. The two girls had also played their part and not let the side down. He felt positive that Mr. McTavish would enjoy seeing these results, and as a consequence produce some very good brochures and advertising literature for the forthcoming summer exhibition.

11:00 am

The first of three ceremonies to be held that day was a funeral. Roger had been informed by an internal Company memo of his predecessor's funeral, but had spoken to Miss Elkington on the phone and given his apologies. He had the perfect excuse, he had a wedding to go to instead.
Malcolm Smith's body had been held by the coroner for two weeks awaiting the post-mortem results. The official verdict in the end had been: 'Accidental death through misadventure'. A verdict not unexpected seeing the circumstances surrounding the case. All police files on the matter had also been stamped: 'No further action required'. As far as they were concerned the matter was closed and they were looking for no-one else in connection with the incidents both at Littlesea and Muddleton Morton.
Malcolm Smith's funeral was due to take place at the local parish church near to his mother's home in north London. It was a lavish affair all paid for by the teenager's employer's. As eleven o'clock arrived a solitary bell began to toll from the steeple calling everyone to church.
Of those attending, Mr. Alfred Harrison led the delegation from Madame Troudeau's. He had made sure that there would be a large turn out by issuing an internal Company memo and reminding them of their loyalties to former employees, but more importantly their loyalty to him and the Board of Directors.
The press were there too in great numbers. The Sunday tabloids were still running articles on Littlesea Castle and still finding things to say about Malcolm Smith's notorious exploits. The television companies were also there to add their little bit of footage to the hourly news bulletins.
All in all, there was quite a crowd. But for those that really knew Malcolm and were there at the church for personal reasons rather than just adding to the hype and sensationalism, there were but a handful of people. Malcolm Smith's mother was there obviously, along with a few neighbours. But of those that had travelled far for this auspicious occasion, there were but three, and all were from the Littlesea area on the south coast of England. They were a café owner by the name of Alf, and a chauffeur by the name of Jimmy Jones. These two had travelled up to London together in Jimmy Jones's company Jaguar. There was also a Detective Inspector Hawkins there somewhere amidst the crowd representing the South Coast Constabulary.
Amongst the wreaths however, there were two from distant Lancashire. One was from a social club that went by the name 'Bows and Ties', the other was from a couple who went by the names 'Katie Brown and Brian Bensen'. There was also a third wreath there that was a bit ambiguously labelled. It read: 'From four girls from Littlesea - Our deepest sympathies - It was not meant to end like this'.
All three anonymous faces however remained firmly to the back of the media seeking masses, and the three obscure wreaths had all been placed on the perimeters of the display and well away from the dominating central sprays of lavish flowers sent by Malcolm Smith's Company, Madame Troudeau's. At the centre of these tributes stood two large wreaths. One was from a Hamish McTavish, who sadly could not be present today, and the other one was from Alfred Harrison himself.
During the ceremony, Mr. Harrison had read a piece from the scriptures, and the vicar had concentrated on Malcolm Smith's good points and deliberately avoided saying anything embarrassing about the circumstances leading up to his death.
After it was all over Mr. Harrison gave a quick interview to the press, and managed once more to get a little bit in about the new Dungeon Exhibition at Littlesea now opening on the fourth of March.
All in all it had been a good day for everyone concerned.
And the late dearly departed Malcolm Smith had received a good send off.

12:00 noon

Roger drove the Mercedes around the complex and into the courtyard to the rear. Whether he liked it or not, Mimi had instructed him to clean the car first. She was not going to go anywhere with him in a car looking as filthy as that.
They had an hour to go and Roger had left Mimi to change into her new dress and get herself ready. He could never understand why it took women over an hour to get ready when he could be changed and into his best suit in less that ten minutes. It was, according to him, one of the world's greatest mysteries.
He unlocked the rear door to the loading bay and wound up one of the roller shutter doors. Inside the loading bay there was parked a gleaming and almost brand new Jaguar, and a more aged Ford Transit van decked out in the Company's 'LAPWAM' livery. He noted that Mr. McTavish had changed his car since he was last here. But as ever the Scotsman had opted for yet another Jaguar.
Roger looked around. He had never cleaned a car on these premises before and was uncertain as to where everything was situated. Outside in the courtyard he had found a tap and hose pipe and parked up alongside. But from now on he was at a little bit of a loss. Inside the loading bay somewhere there just had to be the cleaning materials he required. He searched around and finally found a bucket and sponge. At least that was a good start. But what he really needed was the shampoo and wax. He knew that the items were in here somewhere. Mr. McTavish was always cleaning his car, even if he had not been out in it since the last wash.
Roger moved around the loading bay looking in all the cupboards and on top of all the shelves. There were plenty of storage places to look through and also many nooks and crannies scattered about the place where things could be hidden. Eventually he made his way to the back of the bay and opened up a cupboard set beneath a workbench. As the door swung open a bottle of car wax fell out. The bottle was made of squeeze-type plastic and did not break. He looked in the cupboard and smiled. All the things he needed were in here. At last he had found what he was looking for.
He bent down to pick up the fallen bottle. There was a small gap beneath the cupboard and floor and as he stooped down something caught his eye. It was only a small object, but he was attracted to it by a faint glittering of light. He slid his fingers beneath the small gap and managed to inch the object to the front. He scooped it out into his hand, then held it up between a thumb and finger. It was a gold wedding ring. Strange, he was thinking, that on the very day of a wedding he should find a ring for himself. He wondered if it was an omen? Perhaps it was telling him that it was time for him to settle down and get married himself? He smiled as thoughts of getting married to Mimi filled his mind. He guessed that it would only be a matter of time before that great day arrived, but for the present he had something else to think about. Whose wedding ring was this?
He looked inside the rim and found an inscription. It simply read: 'Davina & John'. Roger tried to think. He was pretty sure that he had read the name Davina somewhere before. It was an uncommon name and there were not a lot of Davina's about. Then it came to him. One of the girls abducted by his predecessor Malcolm Smith had been named Davina. This ring must have been hers. Somehow it must have got lost in the loading bay when she got captured, and subsequently overlooked by the police when they searched the premises.
Roger tossed the gold wedding ring up and down in his hand a few times and then put it away in a pocket. He would hand the ring into the police later, but not right now, he had a car to clean and a wedding to go to.

2:00 pm

The second ceremony to be held that day was a wedding in the little village church of St. Michael's and all Angels in Carrowton on the south coast of England.
Once more the church bells were ringing. But on this occasion they were much more joyous. The little village church of Carrowton was packed.
Roger and Mimi had arrived in good time for the ceremony. The Mercedes was also looking spotlessly clean. They were seated near to the back on the brides side of the church. Roger knew a few people, but not very many. Mimi did not know anybody except the bride and her father. Roger pointed out Marion's elder sister Joyce. She was an airline stewardess and had flown back from some exotic location to be with her sister today. He also pointed out a few aunts and uncles that he knew. But to be quite honest, most of the people attending the ceremony were a complete mystery to him. But all the same he was glad that he was there. He liked Marion and her father, and they had always been good to him as a lodger. He was even thinking of moving back to the farm for a while as soon as Mr. McTavish returned from Australia. He liked the peace and solitude the place afforded. But more importantly it would be a better place for Mimi to come and visit him on her weekends off.
Suddenly the old squeaky church organ burst into tune and started playing 'Here comes the bride'. Everyone in the church rose to their feet.
Then the rear doors opened and all heads turned to the back of the church. First came the vicar followed by the bride and her father. The bride looked very pretty as she walked down the aisle in her long flowing dress with four bridesmaids and two pageboys in tow. Stood at the front of the church, the groom himself looked very nervous as he waited to greet the arrival of his bride.
The ceremony went well. Outside the church afterwards there were the many photographs to be taken and the obligatory scattering of confetti as the bride and groom climbed into the stretched limousine ready to carry them away to the reception. Roger did manage to take a few photographs of his own, but most of the time he and Mimi stood together at the rear of the gathering simply holding hands and observing everything that went on.
Eventually the crowd broke up, to head for their own cars and follow the bride and groom to the reception. It was to be held at the 'Grande Hotel' in the centre of Littlesea. Roger and Mimi made their own way to the Mercedes and set off amidst a convoy of cars.
On arrival in Littlesea the convoy moved down a road that ran parallel to the sea front. The 'Grande Hotel' was in sight at the end of the long wide avenue when the Mercedes glided past Littlesea Police Station. Roger suddenly pulled over to park up alongside the building.
The sudden change in direction came as a bit of a shock to Mimi and she pulled a face of confusion. Her body had gone way and her stomach the other.
"What are you doing Roger?" she asked and looking very puzzled.
Roger had not told Mimi about the wedding ring he had found in the loading bay. Somehow he had never really found time to tell her all about it, and especially after returning to the bedroom to find Mimi still undressed and doing her hair. At that point there was only about fifteen minutes to go, and Mimi was insisting that she would never be ready in time. Roger had also thought the same and wondered what she had been doing for the past forty-five minutes? On return to the bedroom he had found Mimi looking exactly the same as when he had gone down stairs to clean the car.
However, strange as it may seem, come one o'clock and time to depart, miraculously Mimi was ready. Roger reckoned that she had done it all in the last ten minutes when he had been changing into his best suit.
Roger collected his thoughts and turned to Mimi seated next to him in the car. The look on her face suggested she demanded an explanation.
"I found a wedding ring in the loading bay this morning Mimi," he informed her. "I think it belongs to one of the girls captured by the previous caretaker… Remember I told you all about what he got up to?… Well I'm just going to hand it into the police and get them to return it to the owner… I won't be long… Just wait here for a minute."
Mimi remained a little confused, but did not protest. She had found out from bitter experience that when Roger had his sights set on doing something, then there was not a fat lot she could do about it.
"Carry on then," she told him as he got out of the car, "but try not to be too long, the bride and groom will be waiting."
"I won't," he replied as he shut the door.
Roger entered the building and made his way to the reception desk. He was dressed in his smartest suit and had a carnation flower in his buttonhole. There was no-one around and he rang the bell. A tall policeman arrived to stand behind the counter. He had the name 'PC D. Grantford' on a badge pinned to his blue shirt.
"Can I help you sir?" asked the policeman.
"Yes, I've found this ring and want to hand it in," said Roger, and showing the man the ring. "I'm the new caretaker at the amusement park and I found it in the loading bay beneath a work bench. I think it belongs to one of the girls abducted by the previous caretaker. It's got the name 'Davina' inscribed inside."
The policeman looked interested and took the ring from Roger. He read the names 'Davina & John'  written inside the rim.
"Where did you say you found this ring sir?" asked the policeman.
"It was beneath a bench in the loading bay at the amusement park," Roger repeated.
"And you say that you are the new caretaker there?" he asked again.
"Yes, and I'm the new caretaker there," Roger confirmed.
The policeman looked at the name on the ring once more.
"You'd better fill a form in then sir," he told Roger.
"Look, my name is Roger Downton, you know exactly who I am and where I'm staying. I'm currently on my way to a wedding reception and I don't particularly want to hang around here very much longer. Can you please just take the ring and return it to the rightful owner, and if you need to contact me later, can you please do it after the weekend?" said Roger trying to be tactful yet forceful at the same time.
The policeman looked thoughtful for a moment or two.
"I shall be seeing the woman in question later today sir," the policeman informed Roger. "I will show it to her and see if it belongs to her… If so you may be due for a reward,… or at least a special thank you… So can I just have your name and address again sir…"
"It's Roger Downton and I'm currently living at the amusement park," said Roger, "and you can forget the thanks… I'm only too pleased to see it gets back to its rightful owner."
Roger watched the policeman write down his name and the words: 'New Caretaker, Amusement Park'.
As soon as he had finished Roger asked: "Can I go now?"
"Yes sir," replied the tall lanky policeman. "We may be obliged to contact you later to fill in a form… but I'll leave that to the Inspector in charge of the case… but he's away at a funeral today and won't be back in the office until Monday morning."
"That's fine, just give Davina my kind regards when you see her," said Roger.
And with that he turned and headed for the door before the man could say anymore.
"Goodbye sir," he heard a voice call from behind the reception desk.
By that time however, Roger was heading out of the doorway and making rapidly for his car. He felt like a boy scout doing his good deed for the day. But all the same he was happy that the wedding ring was soon to be returned to its rightful owner.
Back at the Police Station PC Grantford stood studying the ring. He had been invited to a special birthday party at five o'clock that very afternoon. It was Wendy Bartlett's eighteenth birthday today, and he was going with his partner Georgina Watkinson. The party was being held at Wendy's home on Castle Point. He was also aware that both Davina Townsend and her husband John would be there. He thought what a surprise this would be to return the wedding ring to her at the party.
At the back of his mind David Grantford was also thinking of another future wedding; namely his own. But first he needed the courage and the right opportunity to propose to Georgina. They had booked a holiday together in Spain this coming summer. Perhaps that would be the best time to pop the question?
He looked to the clock on the wall of the reception area. It was just after three o'clock now. He was off duty in about an hour's time, at four o'clock. He then had to go home, get changed into civilian clothes, and then head for Georgina's to pick her up on the way. He reckoned that he would have to rush somewhat to get there on time.
Another person in a rush was Roger. He and Mimi were the last to arrive in the hotel's car park, and the last couple to sample a small glass of welcoming sherry before being introduced to the patiently awaiting bride and groom.
After that everyone sat down at a table. A three course meal was served and consumed. The cake was then cut, the speeches made and a champagne toast offered to the bride and groom. The gathering then broke up and the tables were cleared away to leave a dance floor at the centre of the room. A disco was then set up and loud music soon began to fill the huge banqueting hall.
It was at this point Roger decided it was time for him and Mimi to leave. They kissed goodbye to Marion, said their farewells to Godfrey and everyone else they knew, then slipped quietly away from the hotel. The wedding had been great, but to spend the rest of the evening leaping about on a dance floor just did not appeal to Roger. Especially when he could think of better things to do.
As the Mercedes slipped out of the car park Mimi asked: "Can we go back to the old castle for half and hour Roger?.. I'd like to just sit on a bench for a while and let that big meal go down… And what could be nicer than to sit on top of those cliffs, next to the old castle, and look out to sea?"
Roger could think of something much nicer, but did not disagree. He looked to the clock on the dashboard of the Mercedes. The time was about half past five. The sun was setting, but there was still another half hour or so before it got dark.
"Why not Mimi?" he replied. "We can sit up on the cliffs until it gets dark."
"And after that?" asked Mimi with a wicked glint to her eye.
"After that Mimi!.. I'm sure we can think of something to do to pass the time away," he replied.
The Mercedes headed out of the town and turned left to circle Littlesea Bay and follow the winding road amidst the sand dunes. Before reaching the steep rise to Castle Point however, Roger came up behind a slower moving Land Rover. The road at this point was narrow and twisting and he had no choice but to stick behind and follow the Land Rover up the hill. As the vehicle in front changed down to scale the steep rise a great cloud of thick black smoke belched out from the exhaust. It was at this point Roger recalled that he had seen this Land Rover somewhere before. It was at Carrowbank Farm the first time he had paid a visit on his return to Littlesea. It belonged to a doctor who had been visiting Godfrey Brookes. He wondered if it was the same Land Rover?
As the Mercedes passed a row of old cottages on the right, Roger could not help but see a large number of cars parked outside. He guessed that something was going on in one of the cottages. As he passed a dwelling with a number three on the gate he saw that the front door was open and that there were a great number of people inside. There was also pop music blaring away, and it looked like a party was going on.
The Land Rover pulled up at the end of the row in front of the cottages. Roger carried on slowly past. As he glided alongside the Land Rover he had a chance to take a good look at the driver. He smiled. It was as he thought. The driver was the same person he had seen at Carrowbank Farm.
Looking down from the cab of the Land Rover, the doctor also recognised Roger, and he gave a little wave. Roger returned the wave and continued on his way, to pull up the Mercedes in the old castle car park.
"Who was that back there? The person you waved at?" asked Mimi once they were parked.
Roger recalled that Mimi was not with him when he first visited Carrowbank Farm, so she would not know who that person was.
"Oh, he's the doctor that's treating Godfrey back at Carrowbank Farm," he explained.
"Treating Godfrey? For what?" asked a puzzled Mimi.
She was not aware that Godfrey was suffering from anything. He looked so fit and healthy.
Roger was aware of the truth. Marion had told him all about her father's suicide attempt during a quiet moment. He decided it was best to tell Mimi, especially if he was going to move into the farmhouse once Mr. McTavish returned from Australia.
"I don't think I told you Mimi," said Roger, "but Godfrey tried to commit suicide last year. He was suffering from depression and took an overdose of sleeping pills."
"And that's the doctor who's treating him?" asked Mimi.
 "Yes, that's Godfrey's doctor," he confirmed. "He's a psychiatrist and his name is Dr. Gabriel Lang if I recall correctly."
"Oh," said Mimi, "and is Godfrey okay now? Is he cured?"
"By all accounts he is," said Roger, "but I'm told any serious disturbance bringing on stress could trigger it all off again."
"Well I hope nothing happens then," stated Mimi.
Roger looked to Mimi. He had talked enough about Godfrey Brookes and Dr. Gabriel Lang.
"Shall we go and find a bench somewhere?" he asked.
It was starting to get dark and there was only about another fifteen minutes of proper daylight left.
"Let's go and find the same bench we sat on last time," said Mimi. "The one over on the other side of the castle. It was nice and quiet over there."
Roger looked around. It was nice and quiet on this side of the castle too. At least no-one was around, not even those two girls who seemed to hog the bench next to the car park were here. However he tended to agree with Mimi. The bench on the other side of the castle was quieter and had some pleasant views.
"Okay, let's go and find our bench," he said and stepping out of the car.
Roger and Mimi held hands and started to walk slowly around the castle ruins.
 
5:30 pm

The third ceremony to be held that day was an eighteenth birthday party. It was to be held at the home of Wendy Bartlett, at No. 3, Cliff Top Cottages, Castle Point, Littlesea.
Dr. Gabriel Lang was late as usual. Wendy Bartlett's eighteenth birthday party was meant to start at five o'clock and he had promised to be there on time. As he drove along the coastal road and skirted the sand dunes he looked to his rear view mirror. A large Mercedes was drawing up behind him. He thought that he recognised the car. There were not many top of the range Mercedes to be seen around the Littlesea area, but he had seen one about a couple of weeks ago when he had been visiting Godfrey Brookes. It belonged to the new caretaker at the amusement park.
As he pulled up outside the row of cottages where Wendy Bartlett lived, he looked to the driver of the Mercedes. He was correct in his assumptions. It was the new caretaker from the amusement park. He recalled his name. It was Roger Downton. He gave a little wave of recognition and the driver waved back. The Mercedes then carried on to park up in the old castle car park. He noted that he had a female passenger with him.
Dr. Lang closed up the driver's door of the Land Rover and walked up the garden path towards Wendy's cottage. The place looked packed with people spilling out of the front door, and there was also pop music playing loudly somewhere in the house.
The doctor found Wendy dancing with a group of other girls her own age. He guessed that they must all be old school friends. Tracy Goodyear was there too, but she appeared to be sulking and sat in a corner all by herself. He did not disturb anyone and moved on through the house to the back. Here he located a group of older people. At least in the sense that they were no longer bopping teenagers. They were all sat in a veranda at the back of the house. It was also much quieter here. There were two couples that he recognised. They were Georgina Watkinson and her boyfriend David Grantford, and Davina Townsend with her husband John. He smiled and joined them, and from somewhere a can of lager was thrust into his hands. He flipped the ring-pull and took a sip before speaking to anyone.
"Good afternoon ladies," said Dr. Lang addressing Georgina and Davina who were seated together on a settee.
Their men folk were talking in the open doorway to the terrace and stood a short distance away. They waved their recognition to the doctor and resumed their conversation.
Davina held up her left hand.
"Look doctor, I've got my wedding ring back," she said and accompanied the statement with a beaming smile.
Dr. Gabriel Lang saw the ring on her finger and felt pleased for Davina. He was only too aware that the loss of certain sentimental items could in some cases lead to traumatic stress. Davina had taken the loss well, but every little thing like this would aid to a quicker recovery.
"Where did you get it from Davina?" asked Dr. Lang.
"It was handed in at the police station this afternoon," she informed him, "and David just brought it over with him."
"Someone handed it in you say?" queried the doctor.
"Yes, someone from the amusement park… He's the new caretaker there and he said that he found it in the loading bay," she explained.
"The new caretaker!" exclaimed Dr. Lang.
He was thinking what a coincidence. He had just this minute waved to the guy outside the cottage.
"Yes, the new caretaker… He handed it in to David at the police station this afternoon," confirmed Davina.
Dr. Gabriel Lang had a thought. If David had brought the ring with him, then perhaps she had not met or spoken to the new caretaker. He decided to ask.
"Have you spoken to the new caretaker?… Have you managed to thank him Davina?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"I've not had a chance as yet doctor… David's only just given it to me… but I intend to speak to this new caretaker as soon as I can… my ring was insured for a start, and there's sure to be a reward for finding it…," she explained.
Whilst Davina had been speaking, David and John had moved inside the veranda to join them and were listening to the conversation.
David joined in: He said: "His name is Roger Downton, and he said if we needed to contact him then do it after the weekend… He was going to a wedding today and seemed to be in a bit of a rush."
Davina followed on with the conversation. "So I shall be there first thing on Monday morning to thank him," she said added.
Dr. Lang thought for a moment. Should he tell Davina that the person who had handed in the ring was right outside the cottage as they spoke? He was more concerned about disturbing Roger Downton's privacy than anything else. But then he thought again. The man had just been to a wedding and was probably just visiting Castle Point with another guest. Possibly to show her the wonderful views from the cliffs. He decided to tell Davina what he knew. After all she intended to meet him on Monday morning anyway, so what harm could it do?
"I think I might have some good news for you Davina," said Dr. Lang. "I've just seen the new caretaker… he's somewhere round the castle now… we drove up here together."
"What!" exclaimed Davina. "The guy who handed my ring into the police station is here now?.. Out by the castle ruins?"
"I believe so Davina," confirmed Dr. Lang. "I happened to meet him a couple of weeks ago when I was with a patient… so I'm pretty sure it's the person you want."
Davina jumped to her feet. Georgina who was seated next to her and listening intently did the same. Davina held out a hand to hold her husband's.
"Well we'd better go and thank him now, hadn't we John?" she said and sounding very determined.
John Townsend nodded his head. He did not have much choice in the matter, but he tried to sound convincing.
"I think we ought to Davina," he told his wife, "let's go and find him."
Georgina grabbed David's hand too.
"We're going with them," she told him.
"Do you know what he looks like?" asked Dr. Lang.
He was not sure whether anyone of the four had ever seen the guy.
"Yes, I was there when he handed in the ring," explained David.
"Fine then," said Dr. Lang, "I'd like to stay here and speak to Wendy and Tracy if I may… I don't want to stop too long anyway… I'm meant to be back on duty at the hospital shortly."
"That's all right doctor," said David, "you stop and speak to Wendy… I'm sure we can find him."
"He's got a Mercedes car… If it's still in the car park, then he'll be around somewhere," he told them.
David nodded his head.
"Thanks doctor," he said.
Suddenly there was a tug on David's arm and he found himself being dragged through the door to the living room by Georgina. Davina and John had already left the veranda area and were fighting their way through a crowd of dancing teenagers in the room beyond.
"Might see you later then doctor," added David as he found himself being yanked through the door.
"Yes David… might see you later," replied Dr. Lang.
He was wondering if he had done the right thing by telling them?

5:45 pm

Roger and Mimi were sat on their bench and looking out to sea. To the west a red sunset was beginning to fill the skies. Out in the English Channel lights could be seen on the passing ships. It was not dark yet, but it would be in about fifteen minutes time.
Mimi rested her head on Roger's shoulder and cuddled up to him. He placed an arm around her and pulled her even closer to his body.
"Lovely here isn't it Roger?" said Mimi. "Look at that red sky and the ships… If I had a camera I'd take a photo."
"I've still got my camera in the car," he told her. "It won't take a minute."
Mimi snuggled up closer.
"It doesn't matter, I'd rather you stayed here with me," she said.
Roger thought about his camera. With the wedding and everything else, he had completely forgotten about taking photos of Mimi in the dungeon when they got back to the amusement park.
"Perhaps I can use the camera later then. Perhaps in a little private photo session of our own. What do you think Mimi?" he asked.
Mimi looked up into Roger's eyes and smiled.
"I guess you mean with my clothes off?" she queried.
"Is there any other way?" he asked.
"I don't suppose there is Roger!.. Not with you anyway!" she replied with a giggle.
"Naked and with a bit of bondage thrown in, I was thinking," added Roger.
Mimi chuckled.
"Why not Roger," she agreed. "At least it'll be nice to have someone else behind the lens for a change."
"And doing the tying up?" added Roger and reminding her of his intentions.
"That too!" confirmed Mimi.
Just then Roger turned his head towards the castle ruins. He could see four people approaching. They looked like two couples who were walking hand in hand. He felt a bit aggrieved at having their solitude broken.
"What is it?" said Mimi and looking up.
"Looks like we've got company," he told her.
Mimi turned to see two men and two women walking towards them.
"Let's hope they walk right by," she remarked.
But Roger was aware that there was not really anywhere else to go beyond the bench, apart from a two-hundred feet drop to the rocks below. He began to fear the worst. As the two couples drew closer it was obvious that they were heading his way. He also recognised one member of the party. It was that tall policeman he had seen behind the reception desk on his way to the wedding. He guessed that this little delegation had something to do with the ring he had handed in.
The policeman took the lead and stopped in front of the seated Roger. He was no longer in uniform, but his tall lanky frame was unmistakable. This was most definitely the same person he had seen at the police station just a few hours ago. The other three people in the party gathered around behind him and waited for the initial introductions to be made. Roger smiled warily towards him and Mimi looked confused.
Roger let the policeman speak first.
"Sorry to bother sir, but the ring you handed in at the police station earlier today,… well, I have the owner with me, and she'd like to say a personal thank you," he explained.
"No bother," replied Roger.
There was not a lot more he could say, and he hated embarrassing moments like this. He honestly did not want any fuss. He knew what they were here for, and he just wanted them to get on with it and then go away.
"Davina… this is Mr. Roger Downton,… Mr. Downton this is Davina Townsend,.. the owner of the ring," said David Grantford in order to officially introduce them to each other.
David Grantford turned his head and Davina stepped forward. Her husband John came alongside and leaving the other two to step back out of the way. It was now up to Davina and John to say their thanks.
Roger nodded his head in recognition.
Davina held out her hand with the ring now firmly on one finger.
"I'm Davina,.. Davina Townsend,.. and this is my husband John," she said and introducing themselves properly to Roger. "We'd just like to thank you for what you did... I hope you don't mind us coming out to see you, but we're so grateful… we really are… Knowing that you were here, we couldn't just go away without giving you a special thank you."
Roger guessed it must have been that doctor in the Land Rover that had told them.
"It was nothing," he said, "I just happened across it whilst I was cleaning the car, and I handed it in to the police… that's all."
"Is there anything we can do for you in return?" asked John Townsend.
Roger shook his head.
"I guess just knowing that the ring was returned to its rightful owner will be enough," said Roger. "I certainly don't want any reward or anything."
John Townsend held out his hand.
"Then can I just shake your hand and say a big thank you from both of us?" he said. "We really do appreciate what you did."
Roger was really starting to get embarrassed. But he stood up from the bench and shook hands. He then did the same to the awaiting Davina, who also gave him a little peck on the cheek.
"We really do appreciate it," said Davina, and echoing her husbands sentiments.
"It's like I said, I'm just glad that you got the ring back," returned Roger and not knowing what else to say.
John Townsend took a business card out of his pocket and handed it to Roger.
"This is our home address and telephone number. We live in a small village not far from Littlesea. If you ever want to make contact then please do so. You're welcome to pop in at any time," said John.
Roger took the card and read the address. The couple lived in a village called Canterford. He also noted that the man installed burglar alarms for a living and this was his personal business card. Not wanting a burglar alarm fitted anywhere; the amusement park already had an elaborate system installed; and with no intention of ever going anywhere near Canterford, he hoped this would be the end of the matter.
"Thank you, if I'm every in your village, or want a burglar alarm fitted, then perhaps I'll pop in," he lied.
Roger held out his hand again and the two men shook. He then turned to Davina and shook her hand too.
"Thank you," she said once more. "I'm just so glad I was able to thank you personally, that's all."
"It was nothing!" protested Roger once more.
John Townsend then turned to Georgina and David stood at the back.
"I guess it's back to the party then?" he said.
They both nodded.
"I bet they wonder where we've got to?" added Georgina.
"Goodbye then Roger," said John Townsend.
"Goodbye," said Roger.
"Goodbye," added the other members of the party in unison.
"Goodbye," repeated Roger again.
The four then turned and started to walk away. They gave a little wave and Roger and Mimi waved back. Soon they were walking back along the path that circled the castle walls. Seconds after that they had turned a corner and were out of sight.
Roger breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to Mimi who was still seated on the bench.
"Come on, let's get out of here, before they come back," he said.
Mimi rose from the bench and held Roger's hand.
"You were saying something about taking photographs before we were rudely interrupted," she reminded him.
Roger smiled and placed the card John Townsend had given him into the top pocket of his suit.
"Yes, we were weren't we Mimi?" he replied. "I was thinking of adding a few more dungeon scenes to my collection."
"And you need a model of course?" suggested Mimi.
"I guess I do Mimi,… do you know anybody I could ask?" he joked.
"You could try me for a start," she replied with a little chuckle.
And with that they held hands and set off back to the car.

6:15 pm

Dr. Gabriel Lang took one last look around the room for Tracy Goodyear. He could not see her anywhere. She had disappeared from the corner where she was seated. He decided this was not the right opportunity to delve into her secrets anyway. He would just depart the party quietly and hope for another chance to come his way.
He managed to put a hand on Wendy's shoulder and stopped her dancing for a moment.
"Goodbye Wendy," he said, and shouting a little so as to be heard above the loud disco music. "You've got a fabulous party going on here, but I've got to get back to work."
Wendy smiled.
"Goodbye doctor," she replied and started dancing on the spot again, "thanks for popping in anyway."
The doctor kissed her on the cheek and headed for the door. He was glad to get away.
As he walked down the garden path he passed Davina and the others returning to the house.
"Did you find the new caretaker?" asked Dr. Lang.
"Yes we did doctor," replied Davina, "and we managed to thank him for returning the ring… and thanks for pointing him out to us… we're grateful for that."
Dr. Lang smiled and nodded his head.
"Only too willing to oblige," he replied.
"You leaving us now doctor?" asked Georgina.
"Afraid so,… I've got to get back to the hospital… I've got patients to see," he explained.
With a final wave, Dr. Lang moved on down the path, and the other four returned to the cottage. As he reached his Land Rover he looked across to a bench situated on the other side of the castle car park. Someone was sat out there, and all alone. It was getting dark now, but he was sure the lone figure seated on the bench was Tracy Goodyear. She had a very unmistakable hairstyle since shaving her head, and he was certain that this was her.
He walked across to confront her. Perhaps he could put a few things right. He had already diagnosed the problem. If Richard Davies was right and Tracy had turned to fancying people of her own sex, then she would be jealous of Wendy mingling with all those other girls of her own age and not paying enough attention to herself. It was a classic symptom. At the group meeting last week it came across that Tracy and Wendy had something going between them, and now his suspicions were confirmed.
The doctor sat down by Tracy's side.
"Hello Tracy," he said, "nice out here at sunset, isn't it?"
Tracy pulled the lapels of her coat together. It might be a pleasant sight but it was starting to get chilly. She did not turn to face the doctor, instead she just continued to stare out to sea.
"Very nice," she told him and trying to be polite.
Dr. Lang saw his opportunity. Events could not have turned out better if he had tried. Perhaps now he could get to the bottom of Tracy's hang-ups, and also discover what big secret these girls were hiding.
"Tracy," he said, "I know you've got a problem and I'd like to help. I want you to relax and listen to my voice, and perhaps I can do something for you."
Tracy lay back on the bench and closed her eyes. She did not know why she wanted to listen to the doctor, perhaps it was just the tone of his voice. It was strange and compelling.
"That's fine Tracy,… now just relax a little more and let your body grow heavy,… keep listening to my voice… keep listening to what I say," came that same deep entrancing voice, and repeating the words over and over again..
Tracy relaxed her muscles and let her body sink heavily into the bench. She did not care what the doctor did or said. It would not make all those old school friends of Wendy's go away.

6:45 pm

Half an hour later Dr. Gabriel Lang and Tracy Goodyear walked back to the cottage. At the gate at the bottom of the garden they stopped briefly and the doctor snapped his fingers before Tracy's eyes. She blinked a few times, and for a moment wondered where she was. Then everything fell into place and she was feeling on top of the world.
Dr. Lang smiled and they continued on up the garden path. As they passed through the front door and entered the lounge the party was still going at full swing.
"Just wait here a moment Tracy whilst I have a talk with Wendy," said the doctor.
Tracy did as she was told and waited in the doorway for the doctor to return. She felt wonderful and eager to mingle with the crowd. She was bursting with energy and could dance all night if the need be.
The doctor pushed his way through the crowd to Wendy who was dancing somewhere near to the centre of the room. He snapped his fingers before her face, then placed his hands on her shoulders. Then leaning forward he began to whisper something in her ear. The conversation was not long, just a few words spoken before the doctor snapped his fingers once more and set off back to find Tracy.
"Go on then Tracy,… join in the dancing,… Wendy is waiting for you… enjoy each other's company,… and have a nice party," said Gabriel Lang on his return.
Tracy's face beamed with delight.
"Thanks for everything doctor," she replied.
She did not know what she was thanking him for, but it just felt right that she should do so.
"Just go and join in the fun Tracy," said Dr. Lang.
Tracy pushed her way through all the dancing bodies to Wendy, and immediately they started dancing together.
From the edge of the room Dr. Gabriel Lang gave a wry smile. He hoped that the small hypnotic suggestions implanted in the two girls minds would sort things out between them. It did not always work, but with both girls now mildly responsive to his suggestions, then he could foresee no problems.
 The doctor waited until he could see the two girls dancing together, then turned and walked out of the room. It was time for him to depart. He had pressing appointments to keep at the hospital. As he walked down the garden path he pondered further. Apart from Tracy's hang-ups concerning Wendy, he had learned a few more interesting facts involving her relationship with Georgina and Davina.
As Dr. Gabriel Lang drove away from the party he decided that one more private session with Tracy was required in order to get to the bottom of this little mystery.
 
8:30 pm

Later that evening Roger and Mimi made their way to the basement. On reaching the foot of the steps Mimi looked around. The once empty exhibition hall was now filled with packing cases. Some were empty whilst others still had their lids sealed and remained waiting to be opened. Right in the very centre of the hall stood a massive glass case. Inside was a model of Castle Point, complete with sea, rocks, cliffs, castle ruins, car park, road, and local cottages. Beneath all this there were cutaway sections of the cliffs, and revealing the full extent of the network of catacombs below.
Mimi headed straight for the model. She stopped and began to peer inside the glass casing. Slowly she began to walk around the model until eventually she had completed one full circle. All this time Roger was content just to stand and observe Mimi from a position alongside the glass casing. This was the first time a member of the public had seen this display and he was fascinated to watch her reactions.
Eventually Mimi turned to Roger. She placed a finger against the glass and pointed to a spot just beyond the castle. Her furrowed brow gave a look of concern.
"Roger, we're not sitting on our bench," she said, "but you've got those two girls sat over there!… And you've got the Mercedes in the car park."
Roger laughed.
"Perhaps we're making mad passionate love in the back of the car!" he suggested.
Mimi dug him in the ribs with her elbow.
"I want us to be on that bench Roger," she told him and sounding a little serious.
Roger studied the display.
There were about half a dozen benches on the model, and all had been placed in their exact positions according to an aerial photograph. To add some life to the display several little models of the public walking around the ruins had been added. Roger himself had placed models of two girls seated on a bench next to the car park. He had recalled this scene from memory the first time he had taken Mimi up to Castle Point. There had been two girls sat there then, and he considered this to be authentic. As for the car, then probably a little bit of vanity had come into play there. He had found a model of a Mercedes and had placed it there amongst several other cars. But all the same, Mimi was right. The bench they had chosen to be their own was empty. He decided to do something about it.
He leaned forward and kissed Mimi on the cheek.
"The management of Madame Troudeau's would like to thank you for pointing out the inaccuracy. I will make sure that we are to be seen sitting together on our own bench before the exhibition opens," he promised her with a wink of the eye.
"I should jolly well think so!" replied Mimi with a little chuckle.
They hugged and kissed, then arm in arm they set off for the dungeon. Roger had his camera and equipment with him. It was time for the promised photo-shoot.
On reaching the dungeon they stopped and looked around. The workmen had not done anything to this area as yet. Apart from moving out a whole load of old packing cases the place looked exactly the same as it had done some eleven days earlier. However, some evidence of the photo-shoot still remained. The remnants of the various dresses that had been used by the girls had all been bundled up and dumped in a pile, and Roger's monk's habit was also there waiting to be cleared away.
"Well where do you want me Roger?" asked Mimi and already starting to unbutton a blouse.
"On the rack again I was thinking," hinted Roger.
Mimi frowned.
"Can't we do something different this time Roger?" she asked. "You've already got about a hundred photos of me up on there."
Mimi was right of course. He would only be repeating something Lenny had done already. But Roger was a bit stuck at what else there was left to do. Somehow the thumbscrews did not appeal to him. He decided to leave it to the expert.
"What do you suggest then Mimi?" he asked.
Mimi turned to the long chain hanging down from the high vaulted roof. She had ideas of her own.
She began to explain: "Lenny does occasional photographs for a magazine that specialises in showing naked women hanging upside down by the feet. We've got another shoot coming up again this week. So I reckon I should get some practice in, don't you Roger?"
Roger rubbed his chin thoughtfully and nodded his head. It seemed like a good idea to him.
"What do we need then Mimi?" he asked.
"Rope for a start," replied Mimi. "Some good strong stuff to bind my feet together and fasten it to the end of the chain is what's needed."
Roger put his camera and accessories down on the surface of the rack.
"I'd better go and find some rope from somewhere then," he told her.
"You do that then Roger, and in the meantime I'll get myself undressed," said Mimi.
Roger moved off to collect some rope. He returned some five minutes later to find a completely naked Mimi standing by the chain.
"Are we ready then?" she asked.
Roger showed her the ropes he had found. They were of a bigger diameter than those used in the bedroom and looked a lot stronger. In all he had about six lengths of rope in his hands all of varying sizes. The longest was about ten feet in length, the shortest no more than three feet.
"Will this little lot do then?" he asked.
Mimi saw what he had collected and nodded her head.
"They'll do nicely Roger," she confirmed, "so let's get started shall we?"
Mimi sat down on the floor and Roger moved to kneel at her feet.
"You better tell me what to do," said Roger.
"Just bind my feet together to start with. Go round and round the ankles several times, then go the other way afterwards to hold everything together tightly," instructed Mimi.
Roger took the end of one rope that was about six feet in length and followed Mimi's instructions. First he took one end and made a lasso. He then threaded Mimi's feet through the loop and pulled the rope tight. He followed this up by wrapping more of the rope about the legs. After applying about half a dozen turns of the rope he changed direction to do the same between the ankles. Finally he tied a knot between the feet to hold everything in place.
Whilst all this was going on, Mimi was quite content to just sit there with hands resting on the floor behind her back to support her.
"How's that feel Mimi?" asked Roger when he had finished.
Mimi leaned forward and tested everything.
"That's all nice and tight Roger," she said, "I don't think I'll fall out of that."
There was about two feet of rope left when he had finished. Roger held the end and asked: "And I now tie this to the end of the chain I suppose."
Mimi nodded her head.
"Lower the chain down as far as you can Roger, then tie my feet to the end. Best do up my hands at the same time. Then you'll be ready to lift me up after that," Mimi told him.
Roger moved across to the winding gear and lowered the chain to its lowest limit. At this point the end was no more than about two feet from off the ground. In the meantime Mimi had been helpful and shuffled across the floor on her backside to position her feet directly below the chain
Roger returned to raise up Mimi's bound feet and tie them to the end of the chain. She now found it easier to lie on her back with feet suspended just a little way off the floor. From that position she raised up her hands and held them together in front of her.
"It's easier if you tie my hands together before you start," she told him.
Roger selected the shortest piece of rope and did as he was told. He tied Mimi's hands together in front of her body in much the same manner as he did for the legs, passing the rope first around the wrists, and then several times between the hands to finish it off.
When he was done he looked down at Mimi lying on the floor and said: "That's it then I guess… are you ready to be wound up?"
Mimi nodded her head.
"Go ahead Roger," she told him, "if I have any problems I'll tell you, and you can wind me down again."
Roger smiled.
"Better you than me Mimi!" he remarked and moved back across the floor to the winding gear.
He set to work and slowly Mimi's feet began to rise up from the floor.
"Comfortable?" he asked at about the halfway stage, and with just her shoulder blades and head resting on the floor.
"Carry on Roger," she said, "the ropes are not going to break."
Roger continued winding until eventually Mimi's body was entirely  suspended by the chain. He kept the winding going for a little bit longer until there was a gap of something like two feet between hands and floor. He then locked the winding gear in place. Everything was now ready for his own private photo-shoot.
To begin with Roger simply circled the suspended Mimi taking shots as he went. He did not have the professional lighting used by Lenny, but he did have the flash, and he hoped that this would yield the same results. After completing a full circle he looked around the chamber and spotted his old monk's habit lying on the floor. This gave him an idea. His camera had a tripod and a time-delay shutter. Before letting Mimi down he would take several more shots of himself stood alongside Mimi. Maybe even threatening her with something.
Roger slapped Mimi on the backside.
"Ouch!" she yelped. "That hurt!"
The blow had landed rather harder than intended, but Roger had his mind on other things. He had an idea.
"Just wait there a minute!" he told her. "Don't go away!"
"What?" exclaimed an upside down Mimi.
"I said don't go away!" repeated Roger.
"A fat chance of that happening," muttered Mimi.
Roger smiled and placed his camera on the rack. He looked across to Mimi to check that she was in no discomfort, then quickly made off to the storeroom.
 Five minutes later he returned with a bullwhip in his hand. Quickly he slipped into the monk's habit and set up his camera on the tripod.
"What are you doing Roger?" asked Mimi.
From her upside down position she could not see clearly what Roger was doing.
"The mad monk strikes again!" Roger told her.
Mimi managed to twist herself round to see Roger now dressed in his monk's habit and setting up a tripod. She also saw a viscous looking bullwhip resting on the floor.
"What are you planning to do Roger?" she asked.
"Whip that pretty little ass of yours and capture it all on film!" he informed her.
"You'd better fuck me afterwards then!" she told him.
"All in good time… all in good time!" Roger answered back.
Mimi giggled. Roger could be so much fun.
Roger set the camera to the maximum repeat of twelve shots and to the maximum delay of twenty seconds. He then moved around to stand in front of the lens. He covered up his head with the hood, then raised up his arm with bullwhip poised and waited to hear the shutter go off. He saw the flash go off and took up another pose. The camera was due to go off at twenty second intervals from now on until a total of twelve photographs had been taken. At least if he had set the camera up right that would happen. He crossed his fingers and waited. If it worked he had eleven more to go.
Roger saw the second flash go off and relaxed a little. He had not used the camera like this before, but it seemed like everything was working correctly. He was not a camera expert and the instruction booklet that came with all the equipment had made the entire operation look very complicated indeed.
Mimi saw what was happening and was aware of these delayed action sequences.
"How many have you set it up for Roger?" she asked.
"Twelve," he told her.
"Well if you want to make it look good, then you'd better strike me with the whip a few times," she told him, "but do it softly please won't you Roger?"
At that point the camera flashed for the third time.
Roger considered that to be a wasted shot, but Mimi's suggestion sounded right.
"Okay, if you don't mind Mimi," he told her.
"Carry on!… I don't think I'm in any position to object anyway," reasoned the upside-down Mimi.
Roger raised up the whip once more and waited for the next flash. This would be number four in the sequence. He therefore had eight more to go after this one. Hopefully he could make something decent out of the rest of the shots.
Immediately the fourth flash went off Roger began to count the seconds. As twenty approached he swung the whip and caught Mimi across the backside. The flash went off just as he was swinging the whip. There was nothing viscous about blow, but all the same Mimi did give out a little yelp as the whip struck home.
Roger was enjoying this and he had another idea. He quickly stepped forward and set Mimi into a slow spin. Counting all the time he stepped back and swung the whip again as the count of twenty approached. This time he struck her lightly across the stomach. Again there was nothing to the blow, but hopefully the effect caught by the camera would depict something with a little more venom in the stroke.
Roger continued until the sequence came to an end. He then tossed back his hood and knelt down to come face to face with Mimi. He arrested her slow spinning movement and they kissed with upside down lips.
"Thanks Mimi… I love you," he told her afterwards.
"And I love you too," she replied.
Roger rose up from the floor and went to the winding gear. He lowered Mimi to the floor and untied her bonds. There were rope marks about her wrists and ankles, but there appeared to be no evidence of any vicious whip marks. Just a little reddening in places.
Mimi threw her arms about Roger's neck and they kissed hard and long.
Eventually they broke and came up for air.
"Take this thing off and lay it on the floor," Mimi told him and referring to the monk's habit.
Roger did as he was told.
"Now take off the rest of your clothes and set that camera up to face the habit on the floor… I want it to take another dozen photographs of you fucking me on the floor," she told him.
Roger started to remove his shirt.
"Will a dozen be enough?" he asked. "This could go on all night! Shouldn't I set it to three or four hundred instead?"
"No, a dozen will be enough!" giggled Mimi. "We don't want to get Lenny too jealous when he develops the film do we now?"
"I guess not Mimi," answered Roger.
But by now he was finding it very hard to concentrate. Mimi was unzipping his trousers and lowering herself to her knees. She removed his rapidly growing erection and took the end in her mouth.
Roger moaned. He grabbed hold of Mimi's hair and pulled her head towards him. His penis glided into her mouth to touch the back of her throat. He wondered if he would ever find time to set the camera up again?
Somehow he doubted it.

End of Chapter Five