Rating: NC-17 - for sexual context between consenting adult women.
            UBER J/7

Thanks to my good friends Glynis and Snowolf for helping me out betareading, and to Jay for helping me plot. I always appreciate your efforts and encouragement.

Back to "The Seven Women of Raven's Island" - part 4

The Seven Women of Raven’s Island

© GB

Part 5.

Janeway picked up a blanket from the couch on her way to the patio. The soft wool sheltered her from the early morning chill as she wrapped it around her naked shoulders. Wearing only a silk tank top and boxers, she still shivered in the wind.

It was only four in the morning and after a night of little sleep the CEO had finally surrendered and got up. Seven was fast asleep in their bed and Janeway had leaned over her fiancée, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving the bedroom.

The situation was not unlike how she had reacted on Raven’s Island a few days ago. She had left her partner alone in the house and wandered off to the cliffs, her mind reeling suddenly with unexpected feelings and thoughts. Right now, she was feeling stunned and overwhelmed at the latest turn of events.

Pulling her knees up under her chin, she huddled in the deck chair and watched the city lights. People were active in the city at all hours and even if she could hardly hear the traffic this far up, she knew it was down there, albeit not as busy as during the day.

Janeway conceded to herself that if she had not been involved with Seven, if she had not been influenced by the young woman over the last two years, she would have dealt with this matter in a very different way. She would have armed herself to the teeth, slammed through the procedures necessary to protect her company and not looked back. Now that she had someone other than herself to consider, she felt vulnerable and emotional to the extent that it threatened to paralyse her. Seven had helped connect her to her feelings and now they were rampaging and she was not sure she possessed the skills to deal with it.

The CEO thought about the information she had received from Adriana de Leon and was shocked at the strength of her hatred of the man responsible for it all. Avery … Reymers … Janeway sighed in exasperation at the name confusion, was going to be put away for the rest of his life, according to Adriana, with no chance of parole. The thought should be reassuring but instead it made her sick to her stomach that this man had not only hurt Seven, but also infiltrated her company in a way that she would not have thought possible.

She lowered the backrest of the deck chair and curled up under the blanket. The CEO knew that she was ultimately responsible for what went on in her company. This included all of Avery’s actions, the blackmail, the computer incursion, the sexual harassment of her employees …

She stiffened. What if there were other victims that had been afraid to report it, to come forward? Janeway cringed. She had always taken great pride in providing a safe work environment within the Stellar Corporation and now she knew that had not been true for some of her employees. The CEO was also aware of that some of her staff found her quite intimidating at times – had her professional command mask kept people from feeling safe enough to approach her other than the department managers? She made a mental note to take this up with Martha in the morning.

Yawning, she closed her eyes, the cool wind caressing her cheek as she relaxed inside the blanket. She would go inside in a moment, but she was very comfortable, if a little cold, in the chair.

Soft hands woke Janeway up by stroking her auburn hair from her face.

“Kathryn? What are you doing out here?” Seven asked, sounding worried.

“Mm? Oh, I must have fallen asleep,” the CEO murmured and sat up. The blanket fell down and she shivered in the wind. It was the beginning of dawn, she noticed, and Seven was kneeling next to her, wearing a white satin robe.

“You’re cold,” the blonde observed. “Come with me, I will run you a bath.”

Janeway got up and took Seven’s proffered hand, dragging the blanket after her through the patio doors. The blonde led her into the bathroom and after turning on the faucet she pulled Janeway into her arms, warming her.

“I was worried when you were not there when I woke up,” she whispered. “At first I could not find you, but then I saw the half open door to the patio. You were not easy to detect lying in the chair.”

The last sentence did not pass Janeway by and she wrapped her arms tightly around the younger woman, hiding her face in her neck.

“Did I frighten you?”

“Yes.”

Seven raised her hands and began to pull the tank top off her partner. Janeway lifted her arms to assist, her breath quickening as she stood half naked in front of the blonde. Kneeling, Seven pushed the silk boxers off Janeway’s narrow hips, placing a soft kiss on the other woman’s stomach as she pulled them all the way off.

The tub was filled with steaming water and Seven held Janeway’s hand as the CEO climbed inside, sitting down with a moan of delight. Her frozen limbs began to warm up and when she turned her head to look at Seven, she inhaled audibly at the sight.

She realised that she would never stop being amazed at the sheer beauty of the blonde woman who now let the white robe fall down her shoulders, off her arms only to land discarded on the floor. Standing there naked, all curves, all alabaster skin adorned with golden curls at the apex of her thighs and plump, pink nipples crowning her full breasts, Seven was smiling faintly towards her.

“Join me?” Janeway reached out her hand.

“Of course.”

Seven stepped into the large Jacuzzi and sat down behind Janeway, pulling her close.

“I thought I would assist you,” the blonde murmured in the older woman’s ear. “You seem like you could use my help. Just relax, Kathryn.”

Not sure why the soft alto voice made her shiver as if she was still cold, the CEO leaned back, enjoying the feeling of Seven’s soft skin against hers.

“I’m at your disposal, darling,” she murmured. “That feels great.” She was referring to the other woman’s hands that were roaming her skin under the water, slowly approaching her breasts with each caress.

Her nipples stiffened as Seven cupped her soft orbs and flicked her thumbs over them. Turning her head to the side, Janeway kissed the blonde’s neck and inhaled the familiar scent. Seven gently pinched the older woman’s nipples, making her arch into the touch. Little arrows of pleasure shot from her chest down her stomach. The auburn haired woman parted her legs, feeling the sensation of the water against her sensitive skin.

“Oh, God,” Janeway husked, closing her eyes as Seven’s right hand moved down her front, sliding in between the older woman’s thighs. Not able to restrain herself, the CEO pulled her legs up, spreading them as much as the tub allowed. “Touch me …”

Very slowly, barely touching, quick fingertips danced against her nubbin, driving her insane with desire. Janeway tried to move her hips closer to Seven’s hand but her fiancée moved it away, keeping the same maddening distance.

When Janeway thought she could not take it anymore, Seven shifted her hands and turned her lover around in her arms. Ending up on top of the blonde who lowered them both into the water by sliding down, Janeway dipped her head and kissed the full lips beneath hers.

Seven parted her lips, accepting the passionate assault on her mouth. She reached down and cupped Janeway’s bottom, massaging the twin globes. Parting the other woman’s legs with her left, she pulled it up and Janeway jerked when her intimate flesh rubbed against the blonde’s slick thigh. Seven’s hands on her bottom pressed her against the leg and flames of pleasure rippled through the CEO as she undulated into the incredible sensation. Looking down at Seven, she revelled in the sight of the long blonde hair floating in the water, framing the other woman’s full breasts.

“You’re so beautiful,” Janeway breathed, suddenly trembling all over and not able to move.

Seven sat up, pulling the auburn haired woman with her. Strong arms around her back held her tight as Seven moved both her legs between Janeway’s.

“I love you, Kathryn.” One hand slid between them and cupped the CEO’s swollen sex, the fingers encircling the hard ridge of nerves, making Janeway groan and throw her head back.

“Seven, please … oh, please … go inside …” she managed. “I need you.”

The blonde parted her own legs and by doing that, spreading Janeway’s legs even further. Pushing her fingers deeper, she entered her partner with two fingers. Janeway felt the stretching to the core of her being and wrapped her arms tight around Seven’s neck.

“Go on, Kathryn,” the blonde commanded gently, with a suggestive purr in her voice.

Knowing what Seven meant, Janeway began to move slowly up and down the long digits, impaling herself on Seven’s hand over and over. Riding the waves of passion, she could feel the largest of them approach and suddenly it washed over her, triggering needles of pleasure that arrowed their way through her body.

“Seven!”

Her body arched and she shivered as she sank down on the blonde’s hand, her inner muscles convulsing around the trapped fingers.

“Hold on to me, Kathryn. Just hold on to me.”

Seven waited a few moments and then carefully removed her fingers before moving to the side so she could submerge Janeway’s body in the warm water and cradle her there. Still gasping for air, the CEO held on to her fiancée with weakened arms. She could not believe how her entire being had exploded in an orgasm that almost sent her unconscious.

She kept her face hidden against Seven’s leonine neck, keeping her eyes firmly closed as she waited for her body to calm down, to descend from what ever place Seven’s love had taken her to.

“You will be all right,” Seven offered. “I will not let go.”

“You promise?” Janeway’s voice was small, almost inaudible even to herself.

“I swear.”

They stayed in the bathtub until the water became unpleasantly cool. Seven helped Janeway stand up and they showered together, the older woman taking great pleasure in washing her lover’s long, blonde hair. It reached well beneath Seven’s shoulder blades now and ran through her fingers like fine silk.

They put on terrycloth robes and entered the kitchen just as Phoebe was heading for the elevator doors.

“See you this evening!” she said and pressed the button.

“Wait, did you get Adriana home in one piece last night?” Janeway walked towards her.

“No, I left her by the side of the road to fend for herself. Of course I did.”

“And?” The CEO raised an eyebrow.

Phoebe gave a lopsided smile and paid unwarranted attention to her feet before looking back up at her sister.

“We talked. I mean, really talked.”

Janeway cupped Phoebe’s cheek, her even blue-grey eyes more grey then blue as concern for the other woman rose inside.

“You okay?”

“Yes, I am. We didn’t exactly solve anything but ... I’ll meet her for lunch today.”

“Good, I’m glad. Well, I’ll see you tonight, then.”

“Okay. Ciao.”

The artist stepped into the private elevator and the doors closed behind her. Janeway walked into the kitchen where Seven had a pot of coffee brewing.

“She looked both happy and nervous,” the CEO observed. “I hope they can remain friends when Phoebe goes home to Indiana.”

“So do I,” the blonde agreed. She eyed Janeway carefully. “Are you all right, Kathryn? I know you have the board meeting soon. Are you nervous?”

Janeway opened her mouth, prepared to dismiss her own trepidation but changed her mind when she looked in to Seven’s eyes and saw nothing but love and concern.

“Yes, I’m nervous,” she admitted in a low voice. “I’ll have to walk in to that meeting and disclose everything, lock, stock and barrel. I have to assume full responsibility regarding everything that has happened while Avery was employed at this company; the blackmail, the harassments, the fraud, the computer incursion – everything. I will have to tell them that I’ll hand in my resignation as CEO, if that’s what they deem necessary.”

“Oh, Kathryn.” Seven reached out for her fiancée and pulled her close. “I can not imagine how hard this must be for you. I have a meeting I have to attend, but if you want me to join you …”

“No, darling. Thank you for offering, but this is something I have to do alone. I will be in that meeting for quite a while and you can’t join me since you’re not on the board. When I see you later this afternoon I will be able to tell you if I still am.”

They stood in each other’s arms for another minute and then Kathryn peeked around Seven at the coffee machine.

“I think that mug over there has my name on it,” she said as she smiled.

Seven rolled her eyes at her partner as she reached for the dark blue mug with the name Kathryn painted on it in silver.

“Indeed.”

*****

Seven stepped out of the cab after paying the driver for the short trip to the uptown shopping mall. She looked around for Julia but could not see her yet.

They had agreed to meet to get some very important shopping done and Seven thought it would be a good opportunity to ask her friend how Marion was holding up after the recent development. Marion had also been quiet last evening, although the sales manager seemed a little more peaceful than she had been the last two months.

“Seven! Over here!”

Julia waved to her from the main entrance. Being a very busy interior designer at a prolific, award winning company, the blonde was happy that she had managed to get some of the day off to help Seven pick out the perfect gift.

“Hello,” she greeted Julia and gave her a quick hug. “Have you been waiting long?”

“No, I just got here. So where do you want to begin?”

“I thought we could go to the flower shop first. I would like to order a nice centre piece for the dinner table.”

“Does she suspect anything?” Julia frowned.

“No, nothing. She has so many other things on her mind these days and I hope I can make this day a really special one for her. She deserves it.”

“She sure does. Come on; let’s go and talk to the florist. I used these people when I was in charge of a magazine shoot not long ago – they do beautiful work.”

They walked into the mall and Seven was in awe over its décor of marble and gold. All the most famous and exclusive shops were represented in the mall that had only opened last year. It consisted of four floors and the florist was on the second floor.

Half an hour later, Seven had picked a centre piece and matching ensembles that would decorate the dinner table for the party she was going to hold for Kathryn. There were only three weeks left until her fiancée’s forty-sixth birthday and the blonde wanted to make it special for her.

“So where to now?” Julia looked around as if to judge which the best way to go was.

“I thought we would start with Toulaine’s.”

“Oh, Toulaine’s, huh? Well, Kathryn does have expensive taste, so why not. I think it’s this way.” They walked towards the famous jewellery store that was located on the third floor. “How’s Kathryn doing? She must be at the board meeting right now?” Julia continued.

“Yes, she is. I will go to her office when I come home to Stellar and see how it went. I know she had to brief them on everything that we have learned about Avery. It is important for many reasons.”

The interior designer sighed. “Let’s not talk about that contemptuous man,” she suggested. “Let’s just have fun and find something wonderful for Kathryn.”

Not about to argue with that suggestion, Seven gave her friend a smile and they approached the door leading into Toulaine’s. A doorman held the it up for them and Seven stopped in her tracks, amazed at the multitude of counters displaying jewellery and gifts.

“You have any idea what to start with?” Julia asked, making her way around the closest counter. “Or how much you want to spend?”

“I have been thinking of getting Kathryn a watch with an inscription on the back,” Seven offered. “She has a Rolex but I would like to give her a more feminine type of watch.”

“Sounds like a great choice,” the other woman agreed. “Come take a look over here.”

Julia took Seven by the arm and gently nudged her towards a counter further ahead. Three women attended the customers standing around it. Seven looked at the watches, at first not seeing anything of what she had in mind. She moved slowly around the oval counter, Julia following her, pointing towards a couple of watches here and there, only to have Seven shake her head. Then she saw it; a beautiful, thin gold watch with emeralds framing its face.

“That one!” She looked at Julia who followed her pointing finger and then nodded.

“Absolutely, it’s gorgeous. Oh, but Seven, it costs 3, 500 dollars.”

“I will buy this one.” Seven looked up at the lady that was waiting to assist her. “May I try on this watch?”

“Certainly, ma’am.” The shop attendant unlocked the counter top and pulled out the watch. She handed it over to Seven who put it on, holding her wrist up to see the light reflecting in the emerald.

“Oh, it’s so pretty.” Julia looked at it from all angles. “I think Kathryn would love it.”

“I think so too …”

Laughter from across the counter distracted Seven and her voice trailed off as a blonde woman caught her eyes. There was something about her, something about her eyes that seemed familiar. She had long, flowing blonde hair and Seven could not remember knowing anyone looking like that but there was something about her …

The woman turned her right side to Seven and began to walk away. She was wearing a short sleeve blouse and Seven saw an irregular, reddish scar on her upper arm.

“It is Cynthia!” she exclaimed, making the woman turn her head.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity and Seven saw that Cynthia had recognised her as well.

“Julia, it is her! It is the woman that worked for Avery; and guarded me!”

Cynthia had pivoted and was now running through the store. Not waiting for Julia to reply, Seven was hot on her heels.

“What are you doing?” Julia called out, but joined in the chase. “Who is that?”

“It is Cynthia! The guard!”

“Ma’am, you still have the watch! Stop right there or I’ll call the police!” the shop attendant yelled after the running women.

Seven realised that she had the watch, but there was no way she would let Cynthia get away. Not about to take her eyes of the fleeing woman, she called over her shoulder, “I will pay for it later. Indeed, call the police right away!”

Cynthia was approaching the door and desperate to get out, she simply kicked the uniformed guard in his midsection, incapacitating him enough to get through the door. He was still staggering, trying to get to his feet when Seven and Julia came running.

“Call the police!” Julia gasped as they passed him.

Seven could hear the shop attendant approach from behind as they slipped out through the door. Cynthia was running towards the escalator, turning her head over her shoulder as she pushed people aside.

“God, she’s going to hurt someone if she keeps that up,” the interior designer muttered as she had to run around a small crowd that had stopped to see what was happening.

“She is not going to get away,” Seven murmured, not slowing down. She grabbed the railing of the escalator and kept running. People were pressing themselves to the side as Cynthia carelessly pushed her way through. She reached the next level and was suddenly out of sight as she ran to the left.

“Don’t lose her!” Julia yelled.

Seven tried to judge the distance to the ledge next to the escalator, knowing that if she rode it all the way to the bottom, Cynthia might disappear into the crowd. She grabbed the left railing that moved with the escalator beneath her hands. Tossing her legs over, she heard Julia gasp behind her. For a dreadful moment, she hung in midair but then her feet landed securely but painfully on the marble floor, next to a bench. The woman sitting there while having an ice cream gave a sharp yelp and dropped the cone on her lap.

“Really!” she huffed as Seven looked around for Cynthia just in time to see the woman run into a clothes store.

“She is running into Celine’s,” Seven shouted, hoping that Julia heard her.

Pushing the door open she got a glimpse of Cynthia making her way towards the other exit. Several people were knocked aside as she ran past them. Suddenly a woman with a baby pram was in the woman’s way and Seven held her breath, expecting Cynthia to run into them and send the baby flying. To her relief, her former guard threw her to the side, in the process knocking over a clothes stand.

Shop attendants were now approaching from all directions and again there were voices calling out that someone should call the police. Cynthia had temporarily lost her balance but remained on her feet, and kept running. She did what she could to slow her followers down, pulling down furniture and clothes behind her as she ran. Cynthia was now approaching the other exit and people seemed to realise the wise thing to do was to stay out of her way.

Seven glanced over her shoulder and saw that Julia had entered the store. Pointing towards the fleeing Cynthia, the blonde tried to make the other woman aware of what direction she was going and Julia waved back.

Seven felt her foot begin to ache and she knew if they kept up the chase much longer; Cynthia would get away.

Julia caught up with her just as Seven ran through the door and out among the people who all seemed to stop and try to gauge what was happening.

“Look, that’s Annika Hansen!” Seven cringed at the female voice that carried through the crowd followed by a chorus, “Wasn’t she the one who …” … “… kidnapped by a …” … “… Kathryn Janeway’s lover …” … “… in all the papers …”

“Damn,” Julia muttered, “that’s all we need. And where the hell are the police?”

Cynthia had now reached the next descending escalator and Julia was closing in on her. Seven ran as fast as she could despite her hurting foot. She held her breath as Julia almost caught up with the woman, saw her extend her hand and grab for the long blonde hair.

Julia gave a short scream when she stood with her hand full of the long blonde wig. Cynthia was still running full speed ahead down the escalator, with a wig stocking on her head. It took the interior designer a few seconds to find her bearings, and then she kept running with the wig firmly in her hand.

Seven felt someone pull at her sleeve. She pulled free and rushed down the escalator, keeping her eyes locked on Julia and Cynthia. They rounded the railing and were out of sight for a moment but she spotted the other two again when she was on the first floor. Cynthia tried to get away from Julia by moving unexpectedly to the right. This put her right in Seven’s path and the blonde knew that she would not get this opportunity again.

Disregarding the throbbing of her newly healed foot, she leaped forward, grabbing her former guard by her tee shirt. Seven heard the sound of fabric ripping and then they were both falling, skidding along the marble floor in a bundle of arms and legs.

Their tumbling came to a halt when they reached the large fountain in the centre of the indoor square. As soon as they had stopped, Cynthia tried to get up, only to be hit by a smaller body when Julia came plummeting down on both of them.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” the interior decorator growled and wrapped both arms and legs around the struggling woman. “We need the police over here!”

Seven looked around, her eyes widening.

“I think they are here.”

*****

Janeway flipped open her laptop and started going through her files. Her mind was still reeling at the thought of the board meeting that had just taken place. She had walked into that meeting prepared to hand in her resignation, if they had asked for it. They had not telegraphed anything, only let her inform them of the recent events and let her explain how she was dealing with it.

Feeling like she was on shaky ground, but also certain that her chosen course of action was the only way out of this mess; she had talked herself hoarse for more than an hour. She had then told them to buzz her when they had reached their decision, not wanting to remain in the board room when they talked amongst themselves.

She had left the meeting with her command mask intact, but also with an inner turmoil that made her wander the corridors of her company. The Stellar Corporation was housed on the top thirty-three floors of the Stellar Building, as well as the two first floors. In between were other offices, restaurants and residential floors, making the large structure a living entity at all hours.

Passing through one department after another on her aimless stroll, Janeway had stopped to talk to the employees she ran into. She had noticed that after first looking apprehensive and even nervous to talk to her, they had all been quite enthusiastic at the opportunity themselves. The CEO found that it provided her with a much needed distraction at the time and for all she knew, depending on the outcome of the ongoing discussion in the conference room, this could in retrospect be a farewell of sorts. If the board members would decide to renew their trust in her, she would remember this inspiring feeling of meeting staff in the lower ranks and make roaming the hallways unannounced part of her routine.

When Martha had relayed a message to her through the switch board, she had returned to the conference room with a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Donald Caruthers had spoken on behalf of the members of the board when she returned. Janeway had been hard pressed not to shed tears when he spoke about her position as unique, her leadership as groundbreaking, and concluded that she was the heart and soul of the Stellar Corporation. She in turn had disagreed with the last part, stating that the soul of the company was its employees.

Donald had shook her hand and asked her to keep him and the others informed and not hesitate to call upon their service, if she required assistance.

Back at the office, Martha had only to take a look at her to open her arms and wrap her boss into a warm embrace.

“I knew it would turn out all right, Kathryn,” she had whispered. “I just knew.”

“I wish you had told me,” Janeway had replied throatily. “Although, knowing me, I wouldn’t have listened.”

Janeway scrolled down the document and tried to focus on the issue of who had purchased the fake stocks.

“The head of the IT company is on the phone on line one,” Martha buzzed her from the outer office.

Janeway picked up the phone and pressed a button. “Janeway.”

“Ms Janeway, Carl Lindstrom here.”

The CEO recognised the voice of the man in charge of the IT team working to detect any incursion of Stellar’s computer system. They were all working for M & B Forensic Accounting & Investigative Services.

“I hope you have some news for me, Mr Lindstrom.”

“I do. Once we logged onto your system at your IT department, we started making progress. We have come across software that has been installed without the special authorisation codes needed and at first I couldn’t understand how this could have been going on without anyone down here detecting it. It really wasn’t all that hard to detect. Then came the obvious answer to that …”

Janeway sighed.

“… someone in the computer department is involved.”

“Precisely, and it has to be someone reasonably high up the food chain. We have traced all the commands given to keep this software under wraps to a single terminal. I’ll get back to you when we know more.”

“Wait, Mr Lindstrom. Whose terminal is it?”

“The individual, Marlon Davis, is not here. He’s away on vacation and won’t be back until next week, his colleagues tell me.”

The name did not mean much to Janeway since she did not know all her staff personally.

“Have you talked to the IT manager?”

“We have an ongoing dialogue, but as we agreed, I only report any findings we make to you personally, ma’am.”

“Excellent, Mr Lindstrom. Keep me informed, and I want a complete written report when you’re finished so I can implement any changes.”

Janeway hung up and was just about to ask Martha to get her Personnel on the phone when her assistant walked into her office without knocking. The stunned look on the older woman’s face caught the CEO’s attention as her hand hovered above the buzzer.

“Martha?”

“Kathryn, I was listening to the radio and … I think you need to switch on the TV.”

“What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

“Just turn on CNN.”

*****

Julia regarded the media posse that had quickly set up cameras in a wide half circle around her and Seven. Cynthia was still lying on the floor, handcuffed and immobilised by two police officers, muttering passionate profanities.

At first she and Seven had been treated just as roughly until they had managed to provide their driver’s licences. Two units had arrived, weapons drawn and Julia doubted that she would ever forget the feeling of being at the wrong end of the barrel of a loaded gun.

Two policemen tried to hold the crowd and media at bay while another police officer was taking their statements. Julia glanced over his shoulder and cringed at the gawking faces.

“I think we better take this down at the station,” the policeman said after following her glance.

“We would appreciate that.” Seven nodded in agreement.

“Officer! This is the woman that ran off with a very expensive watch!” a voice broke through the noise of the crowd. “Have you arrested her?”

The policeman looked confused at the woman who approached together with a security guard from Toulaine’s. “Excuse me, ma’am?” he said, frowning at the woman.

“She ran off with a 3, 500 dollar watch. Look, there it is, right on her arm.”

Julia wanted to hide her face in her hands. Seven had obviously forgotten about the watch. There was a murmur rippling through the crowd as the media pulled in closer. Suddenly, microphones were right in their faces and questions rained over them.

“Can you tell us what’s going on, Ms Hansen?” … “Does this woman have anything to do with your kidnapping?” … “Is Ms Janeway aware of you taking matters into your own hands?”

Seven gave a sigh, raised her left hand as if to rub her temple, but then hid it quickly behind her back. The blonde turned to the Toulaine’s shop attendant with a polite smile.

“I have every intention of purchasing this item,” she vowed. “I would appreciate it if you do not mention it anymore in front of the cameras, since it will not be a surprise for my fiancée if she learned about it on national television.” She nodded pointedly towards the photographers’ clicking cameras and reporters holding tape recorders as close to them as possible. “Here,” she added, quickly digging through her purse with her free hand, “take my credit card and charge me for the watch. I will be by to fetch it as soon as I can.” Seven reached behind her and managed to take off the watch without looking, handing it surreptitiously to the Toulaine’s shop attendant. “I want you to inscribe ‘To Kathryn with all my love, Seven’, on the back. Can you manage this?”

The shop attendant looked stunned and Julia was hard pressed not to start laughing hysterically. The woman obviously decided to prioritise the commission she would earn and accepted the card and the watch with a stiff nod towards the accompanying guard.

Julia looked at the crowd and cringed at the sight of a reporter breaking through the lines, approaching them. The CNN label around his microphone made her realise that this was being filmed, perhaps broadcasted live. Nationwide.

Seven seemed to draw the same conclusion as Julia.

“I know she is watching,” the blonde said, leaning towards the interior designer.

Julia had the same distinct feeling.

“I think so too.” She fiddled with the blonde wig in her hands. “Oh, Seven, we’re in so much trouble.”

The police officer looked relieved when back up arrived to help keep the fascinated crowd at a distance. He began to round up Cynthia and his witnesses and led them out of the mall.

*****

Martha unwittingly held her breath as Janeway switched on the TV usually hidden behind oak doors in the bookshelf by the far wall. The CEO pressed the buttons on the remote until she reached CNN. A female news anchor came into view.

“Today there was an unexpected development in the aftermath of the Annika Hansen kidnapping case that shocked the country two months ago. With only one of the alleged instigators in custody so far and three others still at large, the police have very few leads to work with. I’ll hand over to our reporter on the scene at the Yellow Rose Mall.”

There was film footage of a handcuffed woman lying on what looked like a marble floor. Martha recognised the fountain of the famous shopping mall behind the woman.

“What the hell …” Janeway’s voice was cut of when the camera moved up and to the right, showing two familiar women standing together with a police officers.

Martha watched Janeway’s jaw lose cohesion. “Seven! Julia …” the CEO croaked.

The on site reporter continued the narration of what was apparently CNN’s new lead story.

“Earlier today, while shopping in one of the cities most exclusive malls, Annika Hansen and a female friend came across a woman they identified as one of the people who were responsible for her kidnapping two months ago. Ms Hansen and her friend soon found themselves in a pursuit on foot, chasing the woman in question down several floors before catching up with her not far from the large fountain just under the sky light. A witness took these photos and managed to catch some of the incident.”

Stills were shown of a woman running and Martha could make out Seven and Julia approaching her from two different angles. The next photo showed Seven in midair, reaching for the fleeing woman.

“She’s supposed to be around here somewhere, in the building. She was going to a meeting!” Martha heard Janeway murmur almost inaudibly. “God, what’s she doing?”

The next photo explained that question when a close up of Seven catching the other woman in what could only be described as a death roll.

“What’s that on the other woman’s head? A stocking?” Martha asked, leaning forward towards the TV set to get a better view. “Or is she bald?”

The next still added Julia to the equation. The interior decorator had her entire slender body wrapped around the other two, her lips pulled back in a feral snarl.

The screen changed back to taping and now the camera zoomed in on Seven and Julia standing next to a police officer, having a heated discussion with a third, formally dressed woman.

Janeway increased the volume but they were too far way from the microphone for any words to filter through. Martha assumed that they should be grateful for this.

The CEO reached for her phone and punched in a number on the speed dial.

“McDunn, get up here,” she barked and hung up, not bothering with niceties.

Martha’s squinted. The camera had zoomed in on an unexpected object.

“What’s that in Julia’s hands?” she asked incredulously. “Is that … hair?”

Janeway seemed as if she was at a loss for words. She cleared her throat.

“Martha, would you bring me a drink?” she managed. “Vodka. Make it a double.”

Reluctant to her eyes of the TV screen, Martha poured Janeway a drink from the small bar at the end of the bookshelf. After handing it over to the CEO, she stopped in her tracks.

“What’s she doing, Kathryn?”

Seven had been standing ramrod straight in the middle of the turmoil but it was now evident that she was determined to not show her left hand.

Janeway had downed her Vodka in one large gulp and now she looked positively horrified.

“If that’s the woman’s hair, or wig, in Julia’s hand … you don’t think Seven pulled of something more … sinister?” she hiccupped. “Like an ear, or something?”

Martha started shaking her head in denial but then hesitated. The blonde was looking very ill at ease, all the time glancing at the cameras. She even managed to hand the formally dressed woman next to her an item from her purse without exposing her left hand.

“God, Kathryn … but surely there was no blood?”

She watched in awe as Janeway allowed her head to flop down onto the desk, the disarrayed auburn hair spreading over her documents.

Martha rushed over, grabbing a folder from the desk, starting to fan her boss vigorously.

“Kathryn? Kathryn! Are you all right? Talk to me.”

“Kathryn? What’s happened? Is this about the board meeting? Did they want your head on a platter?” Marion interrupted, as she stormed in through the half open door.

The CEO raised her head and looked dazedly at her sales manager, her face pale and her lips narrow.

“The board meeting went well. This, however, is a … surprise.” Janeway pointed towards the TV screen and then resumed her position, her face flat on her desk.

Marion turned to watch and it took her a few moments to grasp what she was witnessing.

Like Janeway earlier, the dark haired woman seemed stunned, slowly backing up, feeling behind her for the edge of the CEO’s desk. Somehow the sales manager missed it by an inch or two, and Martha watched in total astonishment as the elegant woman disappeared behind the large piece of furniture in a jumble of arms and legs, flailing aimlessly.

A few seconds passed and then an immaculately manicured hand slapped the surface of the desk, to shortly be followed by its twin. The hands felt around, as if to get a good grip, and then Marion heaved herself up, peering over the edge.

Janeway raised her head again, staring right at Marion who met her boss’ gaze with eyes just as wide.

“What on earth are you doing down there?” the CEO murmured.

Marion looked like she was about to offer an explanation when suddenly she gazed up at Martha who stood as frozen with the folder she had used to fan Janeway with, still hovering in the air above the two women.

Looking like she thought the assistant was about to bring the large folder down on them with force, Marion raised a protective hand above her head.

Martha inhaled deeply, gave an innocent smile as she slowly put the folder down onto Janeway’s desk, smoothing it over and carefully aligning it with the edge of the desk.

The sales manager gave the assistant another suspicious look and then rose to her feet. They all watched the CNN reporter at the scene move in closer, directing his microphone closer to the two women.

“I know she is watching,” Seven said, leaning towards Julia, looking bemused.

The interior decorator nodded gloomily. “I think so too. Oh, Seven, we’re in so much trouble.”

The three women in Janeway’s office watched in silence as Seven, Julia and the unfamiliar woman were escorted out of the building by the police.

“What’s that you’re drinking?” Marion husked, looking at Janeway’s empty glass.

“Vodka.”

“You want another one?”

“Yes. How about you, Martha?”

“I don’t mind if I do,” the assistant sighed and sank down on the visitor’s chair.

Marion walked over to the bookshelf and had begun pouring their drinks when Janeway’s cell phone rang, making them all jump.

Janeway glared at the small piece of technology as if it was a cobra about to attack. She cautiously lifted it and flipped it open. Martha eyed her boss carefully as the auburn haired woman answered. Marion looked like she needed some distance and moved over to the couch.

“Seven? You’re where? The police station.” There was a brief silence. “Cynthia? You sure? I’m … stunned. Yes, on TV. CNN is still showing it. Yes. Seven? Now this might sound odd … but is Cynthia … intact?”

The CEO listened for a while and then said goodbye and hung up.

“They are on their way here in a while. They are just going to talk to Adriana first. They really have captured Cynthia, the woman who personally guarded Seven.”

Bringing her glass, Janeway rose and passed Martha on her way to the small bar. Grabbing the bottle she sat down on the couch next to Marion. She put down the glass and the bottle on the coffee table and ran her fingers through her dishevelled hair for the umpteenth time. Janeway shot the other two a blank look.

“This is turning out to be one hell of a day.”

*****

Continued in "The Seven Women of Raven's Island" - part 6