Sapphic Voices Romance

IMAGES

Part Four

This is a novel - it builds upon itself. We do not have the beginning, the middle and the end within a few pages. This is a journey - please settle back and enjoy it.

There are a very few mild references to heterosexual sex, some bad language [relevant to the Story] and references to new and old songs - mainly British. I hope my American friends recognise the songs, however.

Chapter 16

Storm woke the next morning after a restless night and found Kathryn was still in her bed, asleep. She was still desperately hurt by Kathryn’s cutting words and wasn’t prepared to face her yet. Grabbing some clothes, she went through to the bathroom, before leaving the room. On the walk that followed she permitted the anger to build up within her and she determined to become everything Kathryn thought she was already. ‘If she thought I was wild before, then she can just watch me now!’


Storm went to the little art gallery attached to the Ramambo Lodge and picked up her wood carvings. She contemplated collecting Kathryn's as well but decided against it, not wanting to face the other woman so soon. By the end of the day however, she still hadn’t seen Kathryn and her anger had dimmed a little, cooled; leaving mostly pain and tattered pride. She realised that if she were to behave as she’d intended doing, the only victim would be herself. She had to admit that she’d really enjoyed not having to act out her charade since she’d been in Harare and she didn’t want to go back to it, knowing the pretence must still entail the close proximity of men. She shuddered. She remembered the feel of Kathryn’s arms around her, the fragrance of her. She experienced again the shards of excitement within her, just at the thought of Kathryn’s lips on her skin.


An early night was Storm’s choice, there being no performance that evening. Lying in bed, wakeful, she thought about her past; realising that falling in love with Kathryn had given her a clear explanation for the previous incoherence of her life. ‘I can’t just let this die.’ she decided.


Unwilling to explain to Kathryn that the life she was reputed to have had was all a sham -- ‘an image’, she determined to say nothing. She knew that Kathryn would understand the concept; but pride still wouldn’t let her confess to anyone her fears of rejection, the reason behind the pretence. ‘No.’ Her eyes narrowed with determination. ‘I’m going to make her want me and love me – in spite of my supposed past!’ She drifted off to sleep in the middle of planning her campaign, not even hearing Kathryn come in and slip into bed.

***

On Wednesday morning, Kathryn awoke to find Storm sitting at the little writing desk. Still a little groggy from sleep, Kathryn determinedly raised herself on one elbow.

“About the other night ….”

“Let’s forget all about it, hey? I know that I, for one, had more than usual to drink.” Storm was flippant. “It’s over and done with.” Kathryn looked doubtful but Storm blithely continued. “Is the trip to Victoria Falls still on for tomorrow? I’m really looking forward to it.” Kathryn told her she’d got the tickets for the flight and tour the previous day.

“It’ll be an early start. 6.30 a.m. pick up.”

“I’ll have to go to bed straight after the show, tonight. Have you an alarm? I haven’t needed one so far.” Storm’s friendly, relaxed attitude puzzled Kathryn and she felt piqued that their shared passion had really meant so little to her. She assured Storm that she’d wake her in the morning and Storm went to the door, recognising Kathryn’s obvious wish to be alone to get up and dressed.

***

The alarm sounded shrilly in the darkness of the morning. Kathryn stretched a warm arm into the chill of the room and switched it off. The subsequent silence was broken by a groan from the adjacent bed.

“Not already! It can’t be morning yet!” The covers were grasped by a hand, hidden from view and pulled up even higher. The muffled voice sounded disembodied. “Just five more minutes, kd. …. Please?”


Kathryn swung her legs out of bed, her toes searching for slippers for protection from the cold tiles of the bathroom. She looked across at the humped figure and smiled at the child-like behaviour and words. She relented a little.

“OK, you’ve got until I’ve finished my shower. Ten minutes, tops! Then we go without you!” A small hand peeped out from the covers giving Kathryn a thumbs-up.


They all met in the foyer, the men looking tired and unshaven. The minibus arrived a few minutes late and then continued on the rounds of the major hotels, picking up all the passengers booked for the trip. After checking in at the airport they were shepherded across the tarmac towards their aircraft. Storm stopped, looking aghast at the small craft.

“We’ve got to go in that? It looks the size of a bus.” She wailed “And it’s only got two engines!” Her voice was light and jocular but her eyes showed the fear within. Kathryn was sympathetic but reserved, her passion and anger, from two nights before, still vivid in her mind. Her voice was cool but not unfriendly; the manner which she had chosen as her best policy in the uncomfortable situation.

“I’m sure Kenny will look after you on the flight, Storm.” Kenny nodded his agreement, throwing an arm around Storm’s shoulders as they walked up the steps. Kathryn fought down the feeling that she’d abandoned Storm.


The passengers were disappointed that they hadn’t flown over Victoria Falls before landing but the pilot had informed them that the flight paths of the commercial flights had been changed to avoid the falls, as there was so many other aircraft on charter specially to see them. The bus was waiting for them as they arrived and took them to their first stop, the Crocodile Farm. They split into two groups, with separate guides showing them the crocodiles, which were in various pools according to their ages. Storm and Kathryn listened attentively to their guide explaining about the very young crocodiles, while holding one. He told them of the softness of their skin at that age, while stroking the one in his hands. He held out the young foot-long crocodile to the group surrounding him.

“Who would like to hold him?” his deep, musical voice held a smile. Most of the crowd took a rapid step back but a few tentatively put up hands. Both Storm and Kathryn took a determined step forward.

“I will!” they chorused, before looking at each other, sheepishly. Everybody laughed good-naturedly. Cloud took the camera from Kathryn to capture the moment as the guide first handed the crocodile to Kathryn to hold with two hands, while Storm stroked the silky back. When it was Storm’s turn, she took it gently but surely from the guide, thrilled at her close contact with such an aggressive species of animal, albeit a baby one. After they’d reluctantly delivered the crocodile back to the guide, the women moved away; the stiffness between them, relieved a little, the barricades crumbling, inexorably being eroded by their pleasure in the surroundings.


Their next stop was to the Falls themselves. They all trooped along a shaded path to the first of the falls. Kathryn had the video camera on hand and was able to capture on film the small monkeys that scampered across in front of them. They approached the first viewing area just as the sun peeped through the clouds for the first time that day. They mingled with the throng of people already absorbing the view. Rainbows, caused by the spray of the water through the rays of the sum, were bright and colourful, joyful in their extravagance. Aware that the falls were about half a mile wide, growing more spectacular with each step, the throng was keen to hurry on.


Many of the tourists were holding brightly coloured umbrellas which were perpetually on hire, to protect from the spray. Neither Kathryn nor Storm had wanted one, welcoming the coldness of the spray to cool them down on this hot day, especially now the sun was shining brightly. As the group turned to follow their guide to the next viewing spot, Kathryn started slightly as Storm touched her hand, gesturing for them to step to one side. Their group began to walk along the designated path, with Jim, Kenny and Cloud along with them. Kathryn looked uncertainly after them.

“It’s OK.” Storm reassured her, “We’ll be able to catch them. We’re not going to get lost and I, for one, can do without the commentary.”

“Yes, it’d be nice to just watch, without having the crowds around.” Kathryn was agreeable, turning to look once more at the cascading water, at the top of the falls.

“I wanted to speak to you.” Uncertain, hesitatingly. Kathryn wondered what could possibly be in this woman’s unfathomable mind. She waited. “I’ve been really looking forward to today. I want to totally enjoy it.” Storm stopped and Kathryn smiled at her. She spoke, in encouragement.

“Me too. How can anyone not enjoy it?” Storm was still serious, considering her words.

“I don’t want it to be spoiled by anything, either for you or me.” Her voice came in a murmur, from deep in her throat. Kathryn leaned forward slightly, to listen.

“I’d like us to put the other night behind us. Forget it completely for this day. Can’t we go back to how we were before? We were getting on pretty good, I thought.” Kathryn was subtly but profoundly moved by the conviction in Storm’s plea. Her hand stretched out, touched the back of Storm’s hand.

“Of course we can, Storm. We’ll forget it ever happened. I’d like that.” The words were not quite honest! Kathryn threw up her arms. “Look at this! It’s marvellous!” She spun around, laughing out loud, shedding the aura of business woman, along with the severe clothes that had been abandoned at the beginning of the trip. Storm’s unreadable gaze lingered on Kathryn’s face, before her eyes crinkled into a smile.

“Come on then, let’s go and look at the rest of it.”


They overtook some of the other stragglers as they made their way from one viewing area to the next. Arriving at one point, made wet with spray, they stopped, transfixed, as the view swallowed them whole. They became part of a world of cascading blue-white, glittering jewels colliding, with a roar, against the rocks far below them. Kathryn blindly reached for Storm’s hand as they watched yet another magical, African spectacle in speechless awe. Storm came closer, putting an arm around Kathryn’s shoulders pulling her near, their heartbeats not in disharmony with the drumming beat of the water. Their heads were thrown back, welcoming the beads of water that fell in tiny droplets on their faces and bared arms and legs.


Kathryn took a step backwards, reluctantly breaking contact with the warmth of Storm’s arm. She held up her video camera, shouting above the noise that she needed to capture the view on film. Storm moved slightly to one side but was still in Kathryn’s line of vision, disturbing her absorption of the spectacular vista. As they turned in unison towards the next part of the falls, Storm leaned forward to brush the droplets of water off Kathryn’s nose, her fingers burning into Kathryn’s skin. Storm smiled again, a maddeningly private little smile.

***

Back at the bus, they all expressed their own feelings of wonder and amazement at the phenomenon. Some had gone as far as the bridge that formed the frontier between Zimbabwe and Zambia. There was constant pedestrian traffic over the bridge, a favourite place for bungy jumpers.


The bus drove them to the start of the next part of their tour, a cruise on the Zambezi River for a late lunch. Wine was served with the delicious food and Kathryn and Storm sat with the rest of the band, listening to the tour guide’s commentary. A herd of wild black elephants was spotted on the bank of the river so the captain steered the barge towards them, shutting off his engines as they glided towards the magnificent creatures, their black hides blotched with dust, their eyes small but alert. Their pungent odour wafted across the water to the rapt onlookers, barely forty metres away. There were at least thirty in the herd, with some youngsters clinging close to their mothers. The cameras on board clicked and whirred as the tourists captured the scene for personal memories. The barge paralleled the shore as the big herd meandered along it, before their huge leader signalled the order to head back inland.


It was a weary but contented crowd that boarded their flight back to Harare. Storm and Kathryn were chatting as they boarded the aircraft, yet again testing each other’s music knowledge. Storm’s ‘Tobacco Road’ was guessed correctly by Kathryn as being performed by 'The Nashville Teens' but Storm didn’t know that it was Paul Jones who’d sung ‘Sons and Lovers’. Kathryn was looking smug as they automatically sat together on the plane, with Kenny on the outside. Storm reached for Kathryn’s hand as they took off but, as they started the descent, gripped the hand to give comfort to Kathryn through the pain of landing.


Storm was casual as they prepared for bed that night, talking about the day in an easy manner. Kathryn was sure that the collision they’d had in the doorway to the bathroom was accidental but she’d been very aware of Storm’s skimpily clad body pressed up against her own as Storm grabbed her arm, preventing a fall and apologising profusely. Kathryn’s skin still tingled with the contact and she had to fight once more the desire that welled up in her. Storm stretched her arms above her head, accompanied by a huge yawn. Kathryn watched as the outline of the ample breasts strained against the thin T-shirt material. She felt the inner warmth rise to the surface of her skin as small beads of sweat formed on her brow. ‘Thank goodness there’s only the weekend to go, I don’t think I can take this for much longer.’ Storm bent over her bed, pulling the sheet back, straightening her pillow, her briefs riding up slightly. ‘Oh God, I wish …..’ Kathryn refused to continue with the thought.

“Goodnight Storm.” She spoke, shortly.

“Night, kd.”

Chapter 17

“Wakey, wakey, lazybones! I’ve got a hot cuppa for you and some great news!”


Storm fought her way through layers of sleep and chaotic dreams and surfaced into her comfortable bed. She squinted up at Kathryn who was standing by the bed with two steaming mugs of tea. Storm licked lips, dry and parched with sleep, anticipating the first sip. She struggled up onto one elbow.

“Terrific! Just what I need. What time is it?” Kathryn glanced at her watch.

“11.20 and time you were awake. I want to share the good news with you.” Storm saw that Kathryn’s eyes were shining with excitement and she paused to take in the rest of the picture that was Kathryn. Her hair was loose and cascading around her shoulders, red lights glinting in the sunlight, which shone through the window. The hair framed a tanned face totally devoid of make-up, a healthy, shining face with an unexpected sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of the nose. As Storm sipped her tea, her gaze strayed downwards; past the emerald green shirt, open at the neck, sleeves rolled up above the elbows; to the black form-hugging jeans which clung to well-developed muscles as Kathryn paced up and down the room, sipping her tea.

“Why the jeans? And why are you so bright and breezy after yesterday? It knackered me, I can tell you!”

“Yeah, it was pretty tiring wasn’t it? I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, though. It’s a bit chillier today, hence the jeans. You’ll find out yourself, when you finally get up!” Kathryn’s smile belied the sarcastic remark. She walked to the desk and picked up a couple of sheets of paper.

“This is the news.” She separated one of the sheets. “Read that one.” She sat on the side of Storm’s bed as she passed over the E-Mail.


Storm read out loud, “Thursday – 7th November – ‘West Australian’ – Entertainment Section.” She glanced up at Kathryn, a questioning frown on her face but she continued reading in silence.

“STORMCLOUDS REACH FOR THE SKY!!”

'Local band ‘Stormclouds’ have celebrated their change of name from

‘The Stormtroopers’ with a rip-roaring success in Harare – Zimbabwe.

A change of style and management has won over the clientele at the

‘Crown Hotel’ in Harare, sister to our very own ‘Crown Hotel’.

‘Stormclouds’ are building on their success with a homecoming tour of the Southwest, followed by a regular Sunday session stint at the ‘Crown’ here in Perth.

“Lead singer Storm’s performance, with a mixture of covers and original

material, has really wowed her audience” says David Torrance, manager of the ‘Crown of Harare’. “They’re going to make it big! Right to the very top.”

We look forward to seeing the sexy Storm and the revamped, talented band back in Australia next week!'


Storm finished reading and looked at Kathryn.

“How?” Her frown showed her perplexity.

“I haven’t been sitting twiddling my thumbs since we’ve been here. David’s PC has been running hot with E-Mails back and forward from Perth. I’ve got four bookings confirmed and a further possibility for your two week tour of the Sou’west and the gig at the Crown has just been confirmed.” She held up the second E-mail, “Thank David for the glowing reports – convincing Jon of your talents. What d’you reckon then?”

“I like the look!”

“What?” Kathryn questioned, aware of Storm’s eyes roaming over her body.

“I like the look – no makeup, hair loose and….” she paused, one eyebrow raised, a crooked smile on her lips, “the rather ‘butch’ clothes! I like it.” Storm saw the heat rise in Kathryn’s face, tingeing the cheeks, showing her embarrassment ‘or is it pleasure?’ Storm grinned but relented. “That’s great news kd, you’ve really done well for us. I hope you’re getting some decent material for your book in return. Though I can’t see that we’ve contributed anything!”


Kathryn had recovered her equilibrium following Storm’s unexpected compliment and was able to reply with composure.

“I’ve made copious notes; but the form of the book hasn’t revealed itself to me.” She laughed. “Maybe I’ll turn it into a novel!” She turned away from Storm’s watchful gaze as she continued with a forced joviality. “Come on! Up you get. We’ll go down and find the boys and tell them the good news. Then how about doing some shopping? I’ll get shot if I don’t bring souvenirs back for the nieces and nephews! Let’s shop and then have some lunch. I have to meet Shakehim this afternoon – why don’t you come along?”


Storm swung bare legs out of bed and shivered.

“Look at that!” Kathryn turned towards her and found a leg being held up for her perusal. “Look!” Kathryn looked at the shapely leg, browned by the African sun, covered with goose bumps.

“I told you it was chilly. Come on, it’s warmer out in the sun.”

***

The crumpled, well-read paper was picked up once more, the heading ‘Stormclouds reach for the sky’ carefully centred in the folded paper. The man smiled to himself, ‘Soon. Very soon, now!’ He looked across at the myriad of photographs pinned to his wardrobe. The same face looked out at him from different angles, different poses.

“I’ve missed you, Storm. Have you missed me? I’m waiting for you baby. Don’t keep poppa waiting too long, will you!”


His hand groped for the telephone as he glanced once more at a second cutting, from a different newspaper. Providence was certainly on his side.

“Good morning. Crown Hotel. How can I help you?” The voice asked.

“I’m ringing about the vacancy that was advertised in this morning’s paper….”

Chapter 18

Storm and Kathryn had spent an enjoyable day on the Friday, shopping for souvenirs, lunching together before meeting with Shakehim and discussing the possibility of a trip to Perth for his dance troupe. Kathryn was optimistic about getting them regular work but explained to Shakehim that nobody would book them without seeing them. She’d arranged to video their act on Sunday night and Storm had been enthusiastic about dining once more at the Ramambo, being sure that the rest of the band would join them.


Friday evening had passed with Stormclouds’ last but one performance at the Crown. Kathryn had chosen to have an early night and Storm had silently entered the room after her performance and had looked down at the sleeping Kathryn, her hands itching to touch her. She had refrained with an effort and had surprised herself by falling instantly into a dreamless sleep.

***

Storm and Cloud were enjoying an early evening meal with Kathryn, talking about their final performance that night. Cloud was enthusiastic about the whole experience and Storm didn’t argue with him. Kathryn was a little distracted from the conversation by the sight of David crossing the room with a frown on his face. He finished talking to Maitre d’ and walked disconsolately back to the door. He glimpsed Kathryn sitting in a corner table and veered towards her. He pulled back the fourth chair at the table and sat on it.

“What’s the matter? What’s happened?” Kathryn asked.

“Oh, nothing you can help with, my love. I’ve just had a phone call that the ‘Shasteens’ are holed up between here and Bulawayo. Floods across the road apparently. Dammit, I hate not giving the public what’s been advertised. ‘Live acts in the restaurant every Friday and Saturday’ the ad. promises.” His face was forlorn. “This is the first time we’ve reneged on that!”


Kathryn saw a thoughtful look cross Storm's face, before a gleam of excitement came into her eyes.

“How would it be…..?” David’s attention was transferred to Storm.

“Hmm?”

“What sort of act does it need to be?”

“Alive!” David laughed, the frown smoothing away from his brow. Storm gave an answering laugh, albeit a little nervously. She put forward her tentative suggestion.

“How about a solo singer?” She looked across at Cloud. “With acoustic guitar backing.” David got her drift immediately.

“Could you? Or rather – would you?” His voice was hopeful.

“Yeah, I reckon I could give it a go. If Cloud’s prepared to back me.” She received a nod from her brother. “Yeah, I reckon we could fill a half hour or so with some laid-back songs.” She looked at David. “That’s what you’d want isn’t it?” David was enthusiastic with the proposal.

“That’d be terrific guys. Are you sure it won’t be too much, what with performing later on in the bar.”

“Relax Max! We can handle it.” She turned to her brother. “C’mon then, bro. Let’s go get the guitars and work out a program.” Her smile encompassed Kathryn and David. “Back soon, guys.”

***

The diners were thoroughly enjoying Storm and Cloud’s music. Kathryn looked around and noticed that, though they ate their meals, there was a hush in the restaurant. Storm’s deep, smoky voice had given them unique renditions of old and new songs with ‘feeling’. Storm turned and murmured a few words to Cloud before turning back to the appreciative diners.

“I once promised to do a kd lang song for a friend. Maybe this is the time and place to keep that promise. So…. this is for you, kd.” She played a riff and, as her voice joined the chords, Kathryn recognised the old Hollies hit, ‘The Air That I Breathe’ that had recently been musically caressed by kd lang. On its conclusion, all the patrons put down their knives and forks and clapped as one. Storm bowed to the room, before catching Kathryn’s eye and giving a little bow in her direction.


Kathryn was still clapping as Storm and Cloud returned to the table, a little sheepish from the applause.

“Well, I think I’m ready for dessert now!” Storm was casual.

“That was terrific!” Kathryn wasn’t as ready to pass off the performance. They loved you!” Storm cocked her head, inquisitively, at Kathryn. Her unspoken question, ‘Did you love me?’ went unasked. Kathryn refilled her wineglass and took a long sip, to cover her discomposure.

“Are you going to watch us tonight, Kathryn?” Storm asked, “After all, it’s our last time, here.”

“Of course I’m going to watch. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Kathryn replied. Storm smiled at Kathryn, a secret smile.

“Well, we’d better be off then. See you in the bar.” They walked away and Kathryn’s eyes followed the sway of Storm’s hips. She absently sipped once more from her glass.

***

When the band’s final performance wound down to its finale, Kathryn joined with the other patrons in standing to applaud the three men and one woman. She was still at the bar when Storm approached it, bottle of water in hand.

“I think you should have a champagne after that performance!” Kathryn was enthusiastic.

“No. I think I need this more. Cheers anyway, Kathryn. Thanks for organising it all. It’s been fun.” Kathryn raised her wineglass and touched Storm’s bottled water.

“Congratulations. You were a real success. I didn’t do anything.” She was quiet for a while then suggested. “How about a coffee? We can have one sent up to the room if you’d like. I’d love a cappuccino.” Storm agreed the thought was tempting.

“Let me just help clear away a bit, then I’ll be up. I’ll bring them up – save the staff. No sugar, right?”


Kathryn entered the room, feeling her head swimming a little. She realised she must have had more to drink than she’d thought. ‘Oh well, a cappuccino will fix that.’ she decided. She’d just finished showering and putting on her night things when she heard the knock on the door.

“Only me! I can’t unlock the door, my hands are full.” Kathryn opened the door and stood back while Storm walked in carrying two steaming hot cups.

Chapter 19

Kathryn forced eyelids apart, a dull pain nestled in behind them. She emitted a soft groan as she lifted one hand to shield her eyes from the brightness of a typical African day.


Hazy memory returned and, this time, the groan was heartfelt. How could she have been such an idiot? The blood rushed to her face as some of her words and actions from the night before came back with full force. She gingerly turned her face towards the other bed and sighed with relief when she saw it was empty. With an extra effort, she lifted her head from the pillow, checking to make sure that the en-suite door was open and the room empty. She laid her head back, her immediate worries eased.


What had she done! Why had she done it?

“Oh, God! I’m never going to drink again! I swear!” The reason for the oath was twofold – the pure agony of the aftermath…..and the loss of self-control while influenced by the alcohol. Her attention was captured by a piece of paper under her bedside clock. With trepidation, she reached for it and found it folded, with her name on the front. She opened it up and read the brief note from Storm.


‘Will be out for the day.. I’ll meet you and the guys at Ramambo’s at 7.30 tonight.’


Kathryn lay back in bed, grateful that she wouldn’t have to face Storm for a while. She tried to evaluate the damage she’d done. Obviously she’d shown Storm that the attraction she felt for her hadn’t diminished in the last week. ‘Damn that song!’ Kathryn remembered how, as Storm had arrived with the hot drinks, the words to ‘The Air That I Breathe’ had been beating through her mind. The memory of Storm’s eyes meeting and holding her own in the restaurant while she’d sung the words that told of how making love to Kathryn would leave left her 'peaceful, warm and tired'. How there was 'nothing more to ask, nothing else to be desired – no sleep, no light, no sound, nothing to eat, no books to read'.


Lying in bed, Kathryn could feel again the satiny texture of Storm’s skin when she’d reached for the younger woman, telling of the need within her. Anguish hit Kathryn as memory rushed back of what had followed. Storm’s words, though gently spoken and sympathetically delivered, had still pushed her away, had still rejected her. Storm had told Kathryn that they must come together, without any outside influences. There must be no alcohol, no romantic setting. There had to be just the two of them, knowing that they needed and wanted each other.


In the cold light of day, Kathryn felt an enormous relief that Storm had not allowed the passion that Kathryn had felt, to dictate their actions. She was fully decided that never would she let that situation happen again and never, never, would she go to Storm in cold blood and ask for her love!


Kathryn consciously stirred the dying embers of the coals of anger within her. How could she even have thought of starting an affair with Storm, who was renowned for her callous treatment of lovers, her careless playing with their hearts before moving on to the next victim. Kathryn realised, belatedly, that it was her own very reluctance that had spurred Storm on to make a conquest of her. ‘As soon as I'd succumbed and she’d tried something ‘different’ she would’ve lost interest.’ Kathryn thought angrily, ignoring the insistent voice that asked ‘If that was the case, why did she stop me, last night?’


She threw back the covers and climbed out of bed, the dull ache in her head cutting off her thoughts as she found a couple of aspirins and washed them down with an orange vitamin drink, vowing once more to embrace abstinence in future!

***

Cloud, Jim and Kenny walked to Ramambo’s that night with Kathryn, unaware that their companion looked forward to the evening with misgivings. Kathryn had told them that Storm was meeting them there and Kenny had been the only one to look a little askance at Kathryn, sensing a tension in her voice. Cloud was busy ruing having to leave all the Zimbabwean women he’d met and he made everybody laugh with his comment that ‘Australian women just didn’t understand him!’ Knowing his reputation as a lady killer wherever he happened to be, Kathryn joined in the raillery, glad that she was, once again, clear-headed.


They had been shown to their seats by a courteous waiter and Kathryn had her video camera at the ready, when Storm hurried in.

“Sorry, guys!” She spoke to the table in general. “I must’ve just missed you at the hotel. I decided to nip back to shower and change.” Storm was wearing a summer dress and sandals and Kathryn realised it was the first time she’d seen Storm in a dress, while not performing and she had the fleeting thought that that was a shame.


Conversation became general as the newcomers were fulsome in their praise for the décor and, later in the evening, for the quality of food. When Shakehim and his troupe came on, they all took turns in capturing the performance on camera. Jim was unusually vociferous and had high praise for the act. He made a couple of suggestions as to venues in Perth, where he thought they’d be a hit.


Cloud gently teased Storm throughout the meal about her wearing a dress, asking who was the lucky man that she’d dressed up for.

“It can’t be Kenny. He’s in shock, just at the sight of you! I don’t think it’s Jim, even though you both seemed to have called a truce while we’ve been here. No, I don’t think it’s Jim. He looked around, as if looking for a suitable candidate and was rewarded by an unladylike punch on the arm from a grinning Storm who, nevertheless, still wore a slightly embarrassed expression.


Once dinner had been consumed with much relish, a singularly quiet Kenny asked if they would all excuse him as he had someone he was meeting. When he’d left, Jim said with an unusually perceptive sensitivity that Kenny was one person who wasn’t looking forward to their return to Perth.

“He’s in love!” Cloud made the statement. Kathryn was surprised, as she’d thought his regular disappearances were just his need to socialise in general.

“I haven’t seen him with anyone. Who is she?” She asked the table in general but neither Cloud nor Jim answered. Storm studied her for a moment before replying.

“Kenny’s a very private person. He doesn’t like mixing his personal life with business.” ‘Well, that put me in my place, didn’t it?’ Kathryn felt a little put out, even a little hurt. ‘He obviously classes me as a business colleague only.’ She didn’t allow her hurt to show in her face as Cloud smoothly changed the subject.


They all enjoyed their various desserts and, as Kathryn rose from her chair to visit the ladies room, she asked her dinner companions to order her a flat white coffee, if the waiter returned for orders.


When Kathryn returned to the table it was to find Storm alone.

“Cloud and Jim said to say good-bye, they wanted a last fling on the night-club scene. I think Cloud is worried he may have missed one or two women!” Kathryn guessed that Storm had had something to do with the timing of their leaving. This was borne out when Storm brought up the subject.

“About last night…...” She was interrupted by the waiter arriving with the coffees. Kathryn was able to compose herself so that, when the waiter left them alone, she put up her hand, stopping Storm from continuing.

“Hey! I was an idiot last night. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you and I promise you that it will never happen again. Never! I think, from now on, it will be strictly business between you and I. I presume that is agreeable to you?” Storm slowly shook her head.

“Kathryn, Kathryn. You know I don’t want that.”

“Well, that’s the way it has to be.” Kathryn drained her cup. “If you’ve finished, we’d better be going.”

***

As they left the restaurant, both women were preoccupied with their own thoughts. Kathryn noted subconsciously that the streets were very quiet, the police and security units having been stood down at the completion of the conference.


The women started the short block and a half walk back to the hotel with a gap between them that, in Storm’s mind, had become a gulf. She took a deep breath, once more ready for battle.

“Kathryn, please…..” Her voice trailed off as she saw that the young man, who had emerged from the alleyway in front of them and had walked past them, had taken Kathryn's attention. Storm got the fleeting impression of gleaming black skin, red shirt, black trousers; a clean cut young man. Her first inkling of danger was when a second man came out of the same alleyway in front of them, effectively bracketing the two women between them. Storm heard Kathryn’s voice, determined and unafraid.

“Oh no you don’t!” She turned towards the sound and then felt a sudden pull as her bag was dragged from her side. Her fingers gripped the strap tighter, determined not to let the thief have the bag. The man had purchase on the bag with both hands and was methodically jerking on it. Storm felt the pain of the strap as it dug into her fingers but continued the tug-of-war. She vaguely realised that she had been pulled around the corner into the alleyway and felt a frisson of fear being added to her anger.

“Let go, you bastard, you’re not bloody well having it!” Storm heard her own words and similar ones from Kathryn. There was no sound from the men, just a single-minded determination.


Kathryn knew they were in trouble from the start. She knew that prudence dictated that they should let go of their possessions but her attacker had hold of the video camera, the straps digging deep into her fingers. ‘Damn it! I want that tape!’ She wasn’t as worried about the camera as the memories it contained. The man in the red shirt pulled once more and, this time, Kathryn went with the pull, generating forward momentum. The man was caught off-guard and stumbled backwards and she caught him with a swift kick, missing the intended target area but hearing a grunt nevertheless as her foot caught his thigh. As she prepared for another kick on her off-balance attacker, she caught sight of Storm being pulled to her knees and heard the snap of the shoulder bag’s strap as Storm was left holding the thin strip of leather. The man turned and ran up the alleyway and, as Kathryn second kick landed on flesh, she felt the pull on her fingers ease as the man in the red shirt dropped the camera and chased after his more successful partner.


Storm was quickly on her feet, running after the men as fast as her dress and sandals would let her.

“Storm, no!” Kathryn’s voice echoed in the alley. They heard the sound of a car engine being gunned and headlights suddenly illuminated the far end of the alley. Kathryn watched as the two men jumped into the moving car and the tail-lights disappeared around a corner, leaving Storm slowing to a walk.


The pain in Kathryn’s hand was growing and she looked down to see swelling and the beginning of extensive bruising.

“Fuck!” Kathryn’s expletive was heard clearly by the returning Storm but not by anybody else, as there apparently had been no witnesses to the attack. “Are you OK?” She asked Storm, glancing down at the twin tracks of blood trickling down her shins. Storm shrugged.

“I’ve had worse. Jesus! I’m so jacked off! The bastards caught us on the hop!” She looked down at Kathryn’s hands. “You kept hold of the camera then. My bloody strap broke. Shit!” This last was aimed at herself as tears of shock stung her eyes. Kathryn didn’t see the tears, relief that they were safe beginning to be replaced by anger.

“Come on. Let’s get to the hotel and ring the police!”

***

“Everything! You had everything in there?” Kathryn could feel her anger growing and she didn’t make any attempt to curb it, wanting to hit out at someone – anyone! “Not just passport and money but your ticket home as well? For God’s sake, why? How many times did people warn you?” Kathryn’s hand was throbbing, the ache almost intolerable.


They had just spent two hours with a couple of policemen in the foyer of the hotel. They had recounted the incident and had even walked back to the scene with one of the policemen to re-enact what had happened. They had filled out, in triplicate, just what they’d had stolen. Kathryn had not wanted to go to a hospital in Harare at midnight to have her hand looked at and Storm’s grazed and cut knees had looked clean enough. David had not been located in the hotel, so they had dealt with everything themselves. Storm had just finished bathing her knees in their room when Kathryn had started her angry tirade.


Storm looked up from her seated position as Kathryn paced the room.

“My decision, my choice, my risk!” She answered shortly.

“Yes; and now everyone gets put out because of it! We’re going to have to spend all day tomorrow, our last day, trying to get a temporary passport for you, reporting the theft of the travellers cheques and hoping to God that Qantas issue you with another ticket! Great way to spend our last day!” Kathryn knew that the level of her anger wasn’t rational but it comforted her somehow, to have a shield of anger between them. She walked into the bathroom once more to run cold water over her fingers. Storm followed, curious as to why Kathryn was making the frequent trips. She caught a glimpse of Kathryn’s swollen, bruised hand and gasped.

“Kathryn, you need to have that seen to!” She looked more closely. “Those fingers look broken to me!”

“Nonsense! I can move them. Look!” A spasm of pain crossed her face as she bent the two middle fingers, which had borne the brunt of the battle for the video camera. Storm looked sceptical, unconvinced by Kathryn’s performance but sensing that Kathryn didn’t want to discuss it further.


“Jeez, I wish I’d thought of moving forward into the bastard, instead of trying to pull against him. Where did you learn that trick?” Kathryn wasn’t to be placated, however. She shrugged.

“Saw it somewhere, I guess. Look, it’s almost 1 a.m. I’m going to try to get some sleep. We’ll have to have an early start.” She brushed past Storm and climbed into bed.


Storm sat at the small desk and picked up the phone.

“I’ll try not to disturb you too much. I’m just going to ring the travel insurance company’s 24-hour number to report the theft and I’ll have to cancel my Visa card. A call to the Australian Consulate to report the stolen passport might as well be done now as well. I’ll try not to be too long.”


Kathryn was surprised by Storm’s practicality, once again being thrown by the young woman’s out-of-character maturity.

Chapter 20

The taxi dropped off a very weary Kathryn at her house at 4.30 in the afternoon of their arrival back in Australia. She turned the key and, with a sigh of relief, walked into the cool interior. The house was, as expected, tidy and clean. That was the beauty of having a house-sitter look after the house when she went away. Her musings were interrupted by a bored 'meaow' from the doorway as first George, then Mildred sauntered in from the bedroom. 'Hi Mum, glad you're home -- are you going to feed me?' Kathryn interpreted their greeting. She scooped them up for a cuddle, admonishing both on their weight gain.

"Lisa's been listening to you both way too much again, I can see." A kiss on each feline nose took the sting out of her threats of dieting!


Kathryn removed her jacket before relaxing into her armchair, thanking God that she was home and the turmoil of the last couple of days was firmly behind her. She admitted to herself that Storm had, in fact, done most of the work of cancelling or replacing the stolen documents. David had been shocked when he'd heard about the robbery and was most apologetic that he'd been unavailable when they'd needed him most.


They had boarded the plane with Storm's replacement ticket and passport in hand. A fruitless final day visit to the Harare Police Headquarters and then to the basement to look through recovered stolen goods had jarred already strained nerves, though Kathryn had itched to share with Storm her amusement at the market-like atmosphere in the basement. The President of World Vision had been grieved to hear that a visitor to his country had been treated so badly and had offered what help his organisation could give. Kathryn had had little time to worry about the pain in her fingers beyond wrapping them together with tape. They continued to throb however and Kathryn felt that at least one of them was broken.


Little contact between herself and Storm had been possible or even looked for. She had tried to maintain the frigid atmosphere between them and succeeded all too well, both on the last day in Harare and on the flight back to Perth.


Saying good-bye to David had been hard, especially when she saw the hint of tears in his eyes as he said his farewells to them all.

"Come and visit me in Perth." She'd impulsively offered. "Come on, make a promise that you'll come and stay with me very soon." David had nodded his agreement, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of a trip to Perth.


Now that Kathryn was home, there was plenty for her to do. The tour of the South West by 'The Stormclouds' was due to start the following Thursday night, giving them a week to recover from their trip and plan the repertoire for their performances. A few last-minute arrangements were needed for the season at the 'Crown' and the final contracts to be signed. Kathryn had some catching up to do with her athletes, Aaron Styles, Justin North and Pete Fleming. She'd have to see how their training was going, check on their various sponsors, see if the contracts were working out and check with their coaches as to what competitions they wanted to enter in the upcoming season, in order for her to arrange appearance money from the competition organisers. All three athletes were certain starters in the Olympics, barring injury and each one had a realistic chance of a medal so she had great bargaining powers for them.


Kathryn was glad of the busy schedule, as her plan was to throw herself into work to keep body and mind occupied so she could forget the feelings that had been awakened in Zimbabwe.

***

The man recapped how things were going. 'The new job's going pretty well. You arrived back in Perth today from your little jaunt overseas. Things are falling into place beautifully, my love. Shall I call you? Or maybe try to catch a glimpse of you at your house? Or should I leave it, draw out the anticipation? Just waiting until you come to me. What will you say when you see me at the Crown I wonder. Yes. I will wait. I can wait, you know. I know you'll be worth it. I know it.'

***

Kathryn did throw herself into work, forgetting to go to the doctors, ignoring the pain in her fingers and finally deciding that it was too late to do anything anyway. The swelling had subsided a little and the colours had lightened through purple to a yellow-tinged blue. There was a distinct kink to one of the fingers that looked as if she would have to live with. She shrugged. Her days were spent dealing with matters relating to the athletes and her evenings were taken up with going over old cases and writing up notes on them. She still hadn't found a formula for the book but knew that the background notes would be useful, however she planned the book.


The tour details were planned and booked to Kathryn's satisfaction. She had struck a hard bargain with the venues the band would be playing at, as she was determined not to sell the band short. She did not intend to accompany the band on their tour, citing a busy schedule for herself. She had, however, employed Joe, an old friend, as road manager for the two-week duration to help with the transport and setting up of equipment at the various locations. It would be his job to make sure each venue had enough room on stage and that the sound equipment was up to scratch. Kathryn had not been able to resist asking him to keep a weather eye on Storm as this was the first test of their new image on home soil and she was depending on them to pass it. She hadn't spoken to Storm since their return but in a telephone call to Cloud had learned that they had been rehearsing a couple of Storm's new compositions and they planned to try them out towards the end of the tour. Cloud had been excited with the pieces.

"They are so wicked, boss. Just wait 'til you hear them."


At the last minute, Kathryn decided to drive to Bunbury for the band's first gig on tour. She wanted to share in their public metamorphosis. She wanted to see for herself the reaction of the audience to their emergence as an entertainment band. She also wanted to give them the exciting news she'd received that day; that CBM Records, after showing an initial interest in the demo tapes and then requesting a video tape, had booked an appointment for Kathryn to meet with the legendary Judith Montgomery. Ms Montgomery was well known in the music industry as the 'star-maker' and her reputation of picking only the best -- and making that best even better was an exciting concept for The Stormclouds' manager. The guru's record production was first class and the final mixed product was always as good as it could get. Kathryn had heard that she was a hard task master and hoped that the trepidation she felt about possible upcoming battles between this woman and Storm was exaggerated and misguided.


Kathryn didn't once, on the two-hour drive down to Bunbury, admit to herself that she also just wanted to see Storm.

Chapter 21

The performance had started well. Over a hundred people were packed into the small back room at the Bunbury Seaview Hotel. Kathryn guessed that the majority of the audience were around her own age, as that had been the target group in the advertising. She was glad to see a good sprinkling of younger clientele however as they were the ones who actually bought the albums.


There was a small group of youngsters down at the front that she was a little concerned about, as they had seemed to expect the old Stormtroopers-type performance. There had been a bit of heckling already and the band had ignored them but when one of the young men shouted out.

"Come and fuck me, Storm. I'm big and hard for you." Storm stopped singing and walked to the edge of the stage where she hunkered down and leaned towards the heckler, bringing her mouth close to his ear. The microphone didn't catch her words but they brought a dull flush to the young man's face and a shout of laughter from his friends. They turned away from the stage just as the bouncers arrived to escort them out. Storm winked at the bouncers before standing and bringing the mike close to her mouth.

"Sorry about that folks. Just a case of mistaken identity."


Kathryn was impressed by the composure shown by Storm and the ease with which she'd carried off a potentially explosive situation. Later in the evening, however, she was discomposed to overhear a fan say to a friend that she would never have guessed that Storm was gay. Kathryn wondered just what Storm had done and the long drive home was spend wondering if Storm had just 'come out' as such or whether the remark to the ex-fan would be taken as an amusing put down and no credence put onto it.


Kathryn had no opportunity of talking alone with Storm but, when she told the band the news of her appointment with Judith, Storm was as pleased as the other guys. They all had questions that, in most cases, Kathryn didn't have answers for. Storm had demands.

"I'll e-mail you all with the details after the meeting. Trust me, I'll be working hard for you in all the negotiations and, yes Storm, you will be able to look through the contract before I agree to it. Yes, Storm, I'll make sure you have a huge say in the selection of songs on the CD and which will be the single release. Listen. You guys just concentrate on the tour and I'll concentrate on my job, hey?" This was said with a smile that took the edge off the words. She saw Storm hesitate for a second and feared an explosion but then saw the younger woman shrug and nod slightly.


Kathryn met Judith Montgomery in her own office and very soon realised that the facts she'd been given about the woman were somewhat lacking. It didn't need personal intuition to perceive that not only was Judith gay but she was a very 'out' gay. There was no self-consciousness about Judith. Her clothes, her voice, her actions all proclaimed 'I am a lesbian - take me as I am or .....'

"Call me Jude." was the first barked command as she strode around the room, her jacket swinging open, revealing a white shirt. She glanced perfunctually at the view from the window before resuming her pacing and her monologue. Her words were clipped and to the point. Kathryn turned her chair constantly to watch Jude roam the room, her hands gesticulating as she fired questions at Kathryn. She kept flicking an errant lock of brown hair out of her eyes, too impatient to use her hands, they had more important things to do.


"Now, Kate -- I can call you Kate can't I? Much quicker. As you know the studio time is at a premium. These guys must be prepared to work long hours. Way into the night, you know? We'll get the rhythm and the drums down first then get the lead in the bag before we start on the vocals. You sure they've got enough good material for a full CD? Don't want any crap you know." She waited impatiently for Kathryn's nod before continuing her pacing and questions. "OK. I liked the four tracks you sent me and I gotta tell you, that Storm is certainly something up there on stage. She writes all the material, you say?"


Kathryn answered slowly, trying to slow the tide a little.

"Yes, she writes the original material. She seems to be able to roll them out regularly enough. However they do excellent covers as well, especially songs from ....."

"Yes, yes: but these will all have to be originals. When are they due back? Next week isn't it? Well, the earliest I can get studio time will be a week Monday. We'll make it 6.30 in the evening. Warn them it'll be a long night. I'll just need Cloud -- God, what a name -- and ...is it Jim or Kenny? Yeah, Kenny, that's right.


"You get over to see Tony in the office tomorrow and work out all the contract stuff. Don't let him give you too hard a time with it. The bastard knows I want you. Talking of which, how d'you feel about coming out for a coffee with me sometime?" Kathryn was caught unawares. What did the woman mean? What was she asking? She didn't wonder for long.

"C'mon, Kate. We're big girls now. Come out for a coffee -- no, make that lunch. How about Wednesday? I promise not to make any unwanted moves."


Kathryn knew that her cover had been pierced and she felt a touch of intrigue and anticipation about going on a date and being able to act as herself again. She looked at the intense woman who was leaning over her chair and found herself agreeing to a time and place.

"Great, Kate. I'll see you there." Jude spun around, grabbed her keys and mobile phone from the table and strode out of the door. Kathryn felt as if a cyclone had just left. She tipped her chair back and tried to capture a picture of the woman but only came up with fragments -- medium height, a little stocky, late twenties at a guess and eyes that burned with an intensity that over-rode their colour. Overall the impression was of energy as opposed to substance and Kathryn felt drained. For a fleeting second she wondered what she had got herself into.


The meeting with Tony at CBM on the following day had gone well and Kathryn was quietly pleased with the results, sure that she'd got as good a deal as she could for her charges. The lunch date with Jude was also a success, surprisingly for Kathryn. When not talking work or music, Jude slowed her speech and lost the urgency of her movements a little. She was still a strong personality but was easier to cope with. She spoke a little about her own background and impressed Kathryn with her obvious resilience in the face of opposition and outright discrimination. She had been aware of and had broadcast her sexual orientation at sixteen years of age and she had battled in a male dominated industry since she'd entered the music world. She had subsequently earned the respect of her peers with a combination of hard work and natural talent.


Jude became bored with the subject of herself.

"What about you Kate? I get the impression you're a wee bit closeted. Why?" Kathryn gave her own potted history, skipping lightly over the pain and re-iterating her satisfaction with the current situation.

"Bullshit!" Jude was off and running, obviously over a well-worn path. "How can you deny your own self, Kate? It's part of your make-up. A big fucking part -- excuse the pun. Why are you so scared of what people will think? You've proved you can do your job, you have friends that like you. Why do you think that would change if people knew the real you?"


The questions and demands had continued through coffee, with Kathryn arguing a little, smiling a little but remaining adamant. Jude was exasperated and promised to change things. Kathryn was alarmed.

"Judith, don't out me. I would be really angry if you did. Not even a hint." Judith laughed.

"I didn't mean that, for God's sake. I'd never do that to anyone. No, I just thought a little seduction on my part may go a little way towards you wanting everyone to know." She punctuated the words with a comical waggle of the eyebrows. Kathryn thought of the strain between Storm and herself and, for a moment, was tempted to go along with the charade and use Jude to drive Storm away. She realised immediately that she couldn't do that to either Jude or herself. She shook her head.

"No. It's OK really, Jude. I'm quite content with the way I am."


"Hmm. I'm beginning to wonder about that. There's definitely something you're not telling me. I'll find out what it is, don't you worry.


Jude settled the bill and they both stood to leave. Jude leaned across and planted a firm kiss on Kathryn's cheek.

"Thanks for your company for lunch. Make sure you get your charges to the studio on Monday, week. Six thirty sharp." A quick wave of the hand and she was gone, leaving Kathryn with a feeling of uneasy camaradie.


Kathryn sent out a press release, giving some details of the recording contract with CBM and was gratified that it was reported in full. On Thursday she picked up the West Australian daily newspaper and the weekly music paper 'Music Xpress'. With a hint of anxiety she looked for the review pages, scanning down to find any reference to the band's tour gigs. She didn't have to look far in the Xpress, the headline grabbed her attention.

MAKE-OVER BAND MAKE MAGIC MUSIC

'Perth band 'Stormclouds' rocked into Albany and wowed the local audience with their seductive and stirring performance at the Albany Windsor Hotel on Sunday night. Gone was the hard-core rock sound of the old "Stormtroopers' and in its place we heard a versatile mixture of slow ballads, clever covers and some stirring up-beat material. The lead singer, Storm, was funky, sexy and raunchy in turn and had the audience wrapped around her little finger. Her cover version of the Shania Twain hit 'Man, I feel like a woman' had everyone on their feet, very glad that she was one. Including this writer!

The highlight of the show was the debut performance of the band's two new numbers. 'All Night with me', is a haunting silver-toned melody that seemed to be wrung from her heart. And 'Look into my Eyes', a slightly jarring in-your-face piece with unusual riffs and a beat that reverberates through to the soul!

If any band deserves a recording contract with CBM it's Stormclouds'. Watch out for their CD -- it'll be hot!'

Kathryn re-read the article with a feeling of fierce pride. She picked up the 'West' and, though not in such glowing terms, the revue was very positive and also mentioned the two songs. Kathryn was disappointed that she hadn't heard them on their first public airing but looked forward to Storm performing them at the Crown the following weekend. The image of Storm on stage brought with it a rush of desire that sprang out of nowhere, fast and feral; and a surge of dizziness rolled through her head before she could regain control of herself once more.

If you have enjoyed F.J. Davey's "IMAGES, Part Four", then please be certain to e-mail her at  francis7[at]bigpond.net.au  and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here to continue on to "IMAGES, Part Five"

Click here for a list of all of F.J. Davey's  Stories and Poetry at  Sapphic Voices Authoresses.

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