THE CURSE OF REVENGE (closed for scooter1970 and myself)

THE PAST: Hawick, Scotland. 1530.

The Armstrong's relationship with the Scottish kings was turbulent to say the least. The most notorious event in this uneasy relationship occurred in 1530. John Armstrong, a reiver or border raider known in history as 'Gilnockie', was persuaded to attend a meeting at Carlingrigg with King James V who, unknown to Gilnockie, had the malicious intent to silence the rebellious Borderers. The ruse succeeded as Gilnockie and fifty followers were captured. The Royal order to hang them was issued and despite several pleas for the King to lenient in exchange for obedience, it was carried out. Defiant to the last, Gilnockie said these words directly to King James V: "I remain unquished". Becoming the clan motto. Legend has it that the trees at Carnlanrig, where Armstrong and his followers were hanged, withered, and none have grown there since.

Robert, the 5th Lord Maxwell, was Scottish West March Warden. The six Marches consisted of three on the Scottish side of the border and three on the English. The Marches were established by the Scottish and English rulers to supervise the unruly border provinces. Each March was run by a warden appointed by royal command, and both countries agreed to deny refuge to outlaws and rebels from the other side of the border. Unfortunately, the system worked better on paper than in practice.

Maxwell, one of Scotland's great feudal barons, was embroiled in an on-going feud with the Johnstone Clan. Having engaged the Armstrongs as extra troops in that dispute, he now owed them protection. Although responsible for keeping the reivers under control, he turned a blind eye when, in alliance with their old pals, the Nixon, Elliot and Crosier Clans, the Armstrongs went looting and raping across the frontier. Effectively, the Armstrongs of Liddesdale operated outside the law. Maxwell was given the rights of the Armstrong lands after what many saw as a direct betrayal of those who served him well.

katherine armstrong

Katherine Armstrong
red haired
5ft6"

THE PRESENT: Leith, near Edinburgh. 2006

I was the newly appointed manager of the cinema complex within Ocean Terminal down by Leith docks. Today was no different to any other for me. Getting up when the alarm went off, a quick shower then dress for work. Always making sure I wore the silver locket my grandmother had given me before she died. Taking time only to have a cup of coffee before leaving for the short walk from my flat at Harbourside. Just a matter of minutes from work it was worth every penny of the mortgage.

I arrived at work today as normal , everything was going smoothly that was until around 6pm. Casino Royale had just started and there was no other film due to start for forty five minutes. Lunch time at last, I headed to my office with the takings so far to place in the safe. I had no sooner locked it and set the timer than I felt a pair of hands grab me from behind.

"We want that money bitch, all of it if you know whats good for you! Now open the damned thing up" The male voice was loud and menacing in my ear as his hand tightened around my throat.

"I can't, it's on a timer. I can't open it for another five hours now."

I gasped as the fingers squeezed my larynx. I could see two of them reflected in the glass of the picture in front of me, similar in build, looks and mannerisms. So similar in fact they could be brothers. I could also see through the crack in the door that Sharon had seen what was happening and had scurried off. Hopefully to call the police.

"Lothian and Borders police department , how can I help?"

Sharon makes the call

Sharon had made it to the 'phone and got through to the Police, successfully.

"My name's Sharon Metcalf, I'm the Assistant Manager at the Cinema at Leith Ocean Terminal. We're being robbed."

She just poured all this out down the 'phone, just like she'ds been trained to do.



Police Dispatcher: "Calm down, Miss. Help's on the way!"

Sharon: "But they have guns! I don't think they've seen me yet, but I'm scared!"

Dispatcher: "How many of them are there?"

Sharon: "I've seen two men, dressed all in black, with guns."

Dispatcher: "Are there only two?"

Sharon: "I don't know! I only saw two! Please hurry!"

Dispatcher: "OK, Sharon, you're doing very well.....now find somewhere safe and hi....."


At that point the line went dead.

Will Maxwell

Will Maxwell was a young officer, not long promoted to Sergeant, which was unusual at his tender age of thirty.


This had been attributed to his calm action under fire whilst attempting to arrest a suspected terrorist who had taken a car from Leith Docks car park and driven it round the town, shooting the place up.

It turned out to be a local lad, drunk after his girlfriend finished with him, out to cause mayhem, but the local mood was such that the Police had to be seen to come down hard.

They had, through Will Maxwell.

After forcing the car of the road they challenged the driver to drop his gun out of the window and step out of the car with his hands out to his sides.

He slowly did so, and then in a blur of motion he reached behind his back and produced what looked like another gun.

Will had fired twice, as trained, at the central body mass, as he feared for the safety of his colleague and those around him.


His aim was true and the lad fell to the road, dead.

His colleague, Jim Macauley, had made the two weapons safe and checked the lad, who was dead, as they could find no pulse.

He called for an ambulance, and tried to revive the lad - but to no avail.

After picking the guns up, Jim commented:

"Bloody starter guns - just blanks in 'em!" He shook his head in disgust. It eas almost as if the lad had wanted to die at someone else's hand.

That seemed so long ago now. After the standard suspension from duty while the investigation was carriedout by another force, and the inquest after, when he was confronted by the dead man's family (which was very difficult for him) he was assigned back to active duty.

Will & Jim on call

Will was relaxing, with a cup of tea, reading the local newspaper, when Jim Macauley burst through the door into their 'Ready Room' making him jump.

"Bloody Hell, Jim! Where's the fire, pal?"

"Come on Lad, we've got a job at the Cinema at Leith Docks...armed robbery in progress!" Jim replied.

With that, Will almost smashed his cup of tea into the table, and jumped out of his chair, to follow Jim to the ARV. (Armed Response Vehicle).

Moments later, they were weaving through the traffic towards the Cinema...

katie

I glanced at the clock , 630pm....almost ten minutes since Sharon had seen what was happening. Cops should be here shortly. I heard the one behind me grab my spare blouse and rip the sleeve off to make a blindfold for me. He tied it round my eyes, letting his hand drift down and brush against my breasts. Taking the other sleeve he gagged me with it.

"Right thats her sorted . What are we going to do with the safe......cops will be here before 5 hours are up . You told me that she would be able to open it! Someone will miss the red head."

His partner replied "Yeah ok I got it wrong! Just lemme think. There has to be some way to over ride it we just have to figure out how! Besides you can have some fun with her while we wait. She is a pretty thing , nice looking tits on her too bet her pussy tastes just as good . Why don't you make busy and leave me in peace."

The first just laughed as I began to squirm in my seat, his hand tracing a path down to my chest. bringing the other round her grabbed and pulled. The buttons went flying. I was starting to panic now, my chest heaving as I tried to gain some semblance of self contol. Very hard to do when you can't see whats coming next. In this case his hands cupping my breasts and lifting them out of my bra...his fingers rolling the nipples between them. I close my eyes behind the blindfold to try and block the tears forming there. Please let the police get here soon!

As we got closer to the Cinema I asked Jim to kill the siren.

"We don't want these guys getting away, do we pal?" I asked him cheekily.

He grinned before switching the multi-tones off. Right round the corner, I got him to drop me off.

"I'm hoping there's a getaway car in front. Sneak up and stop the guy, will ya?" I say before disppearing round the back.

I climb up some back stairs and find a door ajar...the lock busted off. Maybe that's how the robbers got in?

I remember the layout from a plan I saw at the Station, just before we left. I know this place anyway, I've seen a few films here in my time in Scotland.

I know that the Manager's office and projection rooms are all upstairs.

I slowly and quietly make my way through the dimly lit coridoors until I get to the stairs. Creeping up, I see a silhouette cross the coridoor into another room, I assume where the robbery is taking place.

I duck back round the corner and make sure, again, my weapon is armed and safety is off, before creeping back around the corner. I can see a door open about halfway along the coridoor and light spilling out through it.

I am about twenty feet up the coridoor when the silhouette crosses back again. I freeze. I can hear my hear beating in my ears. It sounds so loud!

I slowly creep forward testing every footfall, before allowing my full weight to settle, lest I should find a squeaky floorboard.

I then hear a couple of different voices, although not what they're saying.

I do catch:

"She is a pretty thing , nice looking tits on her too bet her pussy tastes just as good . Why don't you make busy and leave me in peace."

'Oh no!' I think, the worst sort of situation - they have a woman in there and are going to rape her or worse!

I have to act - now!

I continue edging forward and make it to the doorway. I can see a guy standing next to the woman, who is tied up and seated. He has his back to me and another guy is working on a safe in an adjoining room.

I am trying to figure out my next move, when the guy at the safe turns and sees me creeping into the room.

"Shit!" He shouts and draws his pistol at me.

I fire instinctively, twice and see both shots hit him, and he slumps to the floor.

I turn toward the other guy and then feel something slam into my side. Only then do I hear the bang.

I am thrown back into the wall and as I look up, groggily, I see the other guy take off, through the door I came through.

I hear him shout:

"If you talk, Bitch - you're dead! We'll be back!"

God, it hurts, but thanks to the body armour, all I'll have is a big bruise.

I crawl over to the woman in the chair and loosen the blindfold and untie her.

"Are you OK?" I ask, wincing as my ribs start to protest at the pounding they just took.

katie

I try to scream when I here the one beside me shout out followed by two bangs I can only assume were shots.I feel something splatter against my face.....warm and wet. OH MY GOD ....BLOOD!! I here him slump to the floor. Over to my side I here another loud bang followed by another thump and a groan.

Oh my ! I try to move my chair, the leg catching on the robbers body, tipping me over. I am petrified . Not knowing if it is the other bad guy that has fallen or if god forbid, a policeman. When I hear a smooth deep voice ask if I'm okay, feeling nimble fingers start to unfasten the tape, gag and blindfold.

"Yyyess...I am .....at least I think so. "

I suddenly become aware that my bare breasts are on show to this young cop. Replacing my bra in position I pull my torn blouse together before the door bursts open again and another three armed cops come in. Someone shouts clear and they leave. I put my hand down to push myself up and touch the body beside me. Flinching I jump up and move towards the officer.
I look again at my knight in shining armour, he seems in pain as he stands up, favouring his left side. He has a pair of eyes that are just drawing my gaze to them. Damn woman snap out of it..he just saved your life!

"Are you alright officer? You seem to be hurt! "

I allow my eyes to wander over this beautiful woman, for a second or two, marvelling at her luscious figure and gorgeous breasts, before my professional
detachment takes over again. Her red hair is like a beacon....'for god's sake, man!' my conscience intercedes. 'Help her!'


I help her to her feet and then to cover up, with my jacket, complete with bullet hole. I gingerly touch my side and am relieved when my hand comes away dry.

"Thank god for body armour!" I smile at her.

"Are you alone up here? Is there anyone else who could be in danger?" I ask her.

Damn! Those bruised ribs are going to smart tomorrow!

"Where are my manners? What's your name and what do you do here?" I ask.

"Sergeant Will Maxwell at your service!"

I then re-check my weapon, to make sure I'm ready for another encounter, should there still be another criminal in the building.

katie

"Sharon , my deputy manager was the only other person up here. I take it she was the one who called you? Other than that it was just me and the two of THEM!

I'm Katherine Armstrong, Katie, manager of the cinema complex. Thankyou Sergeant Will Maxwell, for saving me. They just bust in as the timer reset on the safe.......I was just a few minutes early tonight ....no distractions on my way up here for lunch. It's the only time Sharon and I get a chance to discuss anything that is going on here. We work opposite shifts with the one day a week lap . Thank goodness she wasn't early or god only knows what would have happened. No one else has access up here....it's just our offices.

"You don't think there was any more of them do you? Oh shit ..you shot him!....he's....he's ...DEAD!!!!!!"

The shock of it all was sinking in fast, my legs begin to buckle as it dawned on me I could have been raped and killed. I feel a pair of strong arms wrap themselves quickly around me as blackness engulfs me. Going into a dead faint.......a barely audible groan coming from beside me.

I lift my head woosily a short time later , a hand stroking my forehead and side of my face. A deep sexy voice saying my name , over and over again. I force my eyes open and look up into a handsome face, those eyes .....that smile as he sees me awaken. I feel faint again , this time from the instant feeling of attraction.

"What happened to me? Why am I on the floor?"

"What happened to me? Why am I on the floor?"

Click to expand...

"Katie - you fainted. You've had quite a shock and I think it might be best if we got you checked by a Doctor."

Just then my radio crackles to life and Jim's voice comes through.

"Tango Charlie One-Seven from Two-Nine, Over?"

I reply: "One-Seven, go ahead."

"Are you OK lad, I heard shots?" Jim asks.

"I'm hit, but the vest stopped it, and I have the Manageress with me who was held hostage....bring the car round the back and we can get her back to the Station, to the on-duty Doc."

"Thank God for small mercies. I'll be round in a minute. Oh, and you'll be pleased to know the getaway driver stalled, trying to escape. The other ARV lads have him and he's not going quietly!"

I grin as I reply: "Thanks mate, I'll see you in a minute! Ummmm....can you ask for a SOCO, as I shot one of the guys and the other escaped."

I turn back to Katie and ask:

"Shall we find Sharon and check she's OK?"

katie

"Yes I think that's a good idea if I can get my legs to work. Could you give me a hand up please sergeant I'll see if we can go. "

He takes a firm hold of my hand and slips his other arm round my waist as he helps me up. His coat slipping from my shoulders to the floor. My cleavage clearly on view, I could see him glance and his gaze linger just that bit before he averted his eyes once more. Still feeling a bit dizzy I lean into him, my own arm going round his waist too. We must lave looked like lovers after the act .Me with my dishevelled look , him with the grin of someone who has just done himself proud!

"Right I'm just about set , better cover up again, last thing I need is for my staff and customers to see me semi dressed. Or half the lothians police force....I have a feeling there are more than two of you out here for this. Do you think you'll catch him? The other guy I mean....before you came in they were talking. They said if need be they could collect me later from home and bring me here........it sounded as if they knew where I stayed. I live alone and have no real friends so to speak that can stay with me nor I with them. What if he comes back....I know he has a gun...I'm scared."

The tears start to fall down my cheeks as the reality of it all began to sink in. I could have been killed if it were not for this handsome policeman I was almost squeezing to death. Feeling him stiffen in pain I suddenly realise just how much pressure I had been puting on him. I get him to lift his shirt and show me the large red area turning to my desk drawer I rumage through it.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry , I forgot you were injured. Here let me see ... I have some arnica gel I keep around to stop the bruising. I'm a clumsy clot and keep bumping into things in the darkness of the cinema. "

As Katie was trying to find this 'Arnica gel' whatever that was, I unstrapped my vest and lifted my shirt, so she could see...

"Ummmmm, if I'm gonna call you Katie, at least call me Will!" I said, wincing again as I twisted, to give her a better view.

"I can't see, as they're too much clothing in the way - how's it look....aaahhhh?"

As she sniffed back her tears, she gently rubbed some of the gel onto my skin. She had a cool, sensual touch and it felt relaxing, after the initial shock, although a part of me certainly wasn't relaxed!

I just prayed she didn't look at my crotch.

To take my mind off it I said:

"I'll have to speak to the Chief Super, she'll have to decide what we do about your protection. Personally I would think we'll keep you in a safe house, as a credible witness, you can identify him and bring him down. When the CPS brings all the paperwork together, they'll want to talk to you."

My god, her touch really is good, coupled with her great looks and that sultry accent, I'm going to have to play the strong, silent type or make a fool of myself!

Will thinks to himself: 'Why did she have to be a redhead? I have such a weakness for redheads!'

katie

The bruising was starting to form already, As I bent over slightly and rubbed the cooling herbal gel on it I could feel him wince in pain. He would be in a great deal of pain over the next few days. HIs body felt so good under my hands , not realising it my hnad had slid round the front to his abs...............firm and toned with just a sprinking of hair forming a line down towards his trouser waistband. Standing upright again my and drops brushing against the bulge forming at the front of his trousers. I guess the adrenaline has to have some effect on him too after all he could have been killed too!


"Ummmmm, if I'm gonna call you Katie, at least call me Will ! I'll have to speak to the Chief Super, she'll have to decide what we do about your protection. Personally I would think we'll keep you in a safe house, as a credible witness, you can identify him and bring him down. When the CPS brings all the paperwork together, they'll want to talk to you"

"Will , do you think they would let someone stay with me at my place? I hate strange places to stay in......I just can't sleep. That and I'd hate for my cat to be left on her own. I don't know the neighbours well enough to ask them to care for her.She just hates the catterys...pines for me so much. So what are the odds do you think of it?"

"I really couldn't say....the Chief Super is a bit of a stickler for the rules. Normally you'd be assigned an officer not on the case and posted to a safe house. I can talk to her and see if I can 'sway' her at all."

As she finishes rubbing the cool gel into my skin, I feel a little better already - must be her hands!

I tuck my shirt back in and make myself presentable once more, before making sure my jacket is zipped up over Katie's smaller, but luscious form. It swamps her a bit, but she looks cute in it.

I hand her a tissue, for the dispenser on her desk and say:

"Come, on, we should go....Jim'll be waiting downstairs!"

As I escort her downstairs, we bump into Sharon.....

katie

"KATIE ! thank god your alright ! I heard the shots and someone say there was a body in the office. Head office says we are to close early tonight so once these are finished showing I'll lock up if you want...you should head home and rest. I'll do your shifts till he end of the week then you can do mine for the couple of days. Recovery time for you."

That was one thing about Sharon I did like . When it came to a crisis she did tend to switch into automatic pilot and take charge Even if it was as if she acted like a headless chicken flapping around, she always got things done.

"That would be great doll, I have to go with Will to the station anyways and give a statement and such .....get checked over by their doc too. I will give you a call at home later when I get back fill you in on whats happening.

Right Will we better go, would you mind if we swung by my place so I can grab a change of clothes to change into. Your lot might want to keep these for DNA or something.......the blouse is knackered anyway and I'd feel better if I was covered up. You'd get your jacket back too then."

We headed down to the back door where we met with another couple of armed cops. Will was talking to the one named Jim, his partner, once they were finished I walked over to say thankyou for his help too.

Jim was a few years older than Will, mid-forties, although he had the grizzled manner of a veteran officer. He seemed gruff, but he had a heart of gold.

When Katie thanked him, he smiled and replied simply:

"You're welcome lass!"

Then he indicated to Will & Katie to get in the car, which they did, Will in front, Katie behind.

As soon as they were rolling, Will got on the radio to ask the Duty Sergeant to get the Doctor ready, as we were coming in. Could they also have a member of the forensic team sent over, as well?

After a moment's thought Will cheekily added: "Together with 3 lots of bacon sandwiches and coffees, please?"

Both Will and Jim laughed at the profane response, but the Sergeant relented and said he would see what he could do, once he knew the young manageress was with them...

Will turned round to Katie and asked:

"Where'd you live Katie, if we're gonna get some more clothes for you?"

katie

I laughed at the response from the operator 's answer to the bacon butties. Mmmmmmmmm just reminded me that I hadn't eaten yet.....all this had interrupted my dinner break.

"Just round the corner at the Harbouride flats. Won't take me more than a few minutes to feed the cat and grab a couple of bits of clothing to shove in a bag.You guys wouldn't mind coming up with me would you........after what that guy said earlier I don't want to go alone in case he's there."

Jim said he'd stay in the car since we wouldn't be gone long, "I'll let the young 'un here do that he can manage the stairs better than my weary old legs. Take yer time lass we're in no hurry."

Will and I walked up the two lights to my door, on opening it we're met by Jasmine my long haired black cat. I ask Will if he'd fill her dish in the kitchen, the food under the sink in the blue tub while I grab my clothes.

"Sure." I said, a little surprised that Katie would want me feeding her cat. But 'Jasmine' seemed nice enough, for a cat.

I went into the kitchen and got the cat food as Katie had asked and as soon as I had started opening the tin, Jasmine was winding her way between my feet.

I placed the dish in the floor for her, next to the water bowl and she was in it like a shot.

I watched her eat for a few seconds, then feeling a little guilty, I went to go into into the hallway. I then remembered I didn't have an evidence bag, so I gathered a few carrier bags and shouted out as I walked through:

"I'll bring you some carrier bags, for you to put your new clothes into. The forensic people will probably want to take the garments right off you in the station."

I didn't mean to stare, but as I glanced up I saw into Katie's bedroom. She even looked sexy rummaging through the cupboards for things to wear.

katie

I heard him shout through about carrier bags and such.....I had a look for some clean undies picking a few out , holding them up until I decide on a nice pale lavender satin set. Grabbing a scoop neck khaki t shirt and pair of combats I was about to stuff them in a bag when I had a thought.

"Will ,do you think it would be ok if I changed now and just put everything in one of the carrier bags? I just feel so dirty and used. I promise not to wash or anything, I just want out of these clothes."

He shouts back that it should be ok as long as I don't let the clothes removed touch the floor or bedding or anything in case they become contaminated by any other DNA that might be in there.

"You better come in and hold the bags then, don't want that to happen.....not if it meant that swine gets away with what he did."

I wander into Katie's bedroom, with the carrier bags in hand.

"It should be OK, if we're careful! Are you sure about this? You wouldn't rather do this in the station with a female officer to help you?"

I look at her, and stop spellbound, by her stance and manner. She seems ever so matter-of-fact, more so than I would be in her shoes!

After I gather my thoughts again:

"We best be quick, then, as the Chief Super will have a shit-fit if she finds out I was in here with you. Possible professional misconduct charges and all...."

katie

"I won't tell if you won't besides you've see a naked woman before haven't you? Just don't perv on me for too long and we'll be fine. Besides the quicker I get out these the better I'll feel. Now just you hold that bag open , turn away if it makes you feel more comfortable."

I couldn't help but be amused at his coyness as I start to undress. Placing the blouse and bra in first, then skirt and panties. I quickly redress in my clean clothes, still smiling to myself as he had turned away . Only problem being I had seen him looking in the mirror at my reflection. Not that I minded, after al he was cute!

"Right I'm done and ready to go when you are Will."

I had to play the gentleman and turn away...although I think she might have seen me looking at her reflection in the mirror.

I wish she'd caught me red handed, as then I could have admitted I had the hots for her and be done with it, come what may.

She had a great body, though. I had been single for too long and this line of work was hell for a relationship!

What was that quote from that film I was watching the other night? It could have been written for her!

Oh, yeah: "She had a head for business and a bod for sin."

She certainly has the body...can't comment on the mind just yet, but she seems pretty sharp!

katie

I swithered whether to say anything or not and thought dammit what could happen anyway.

"Will, I just want to say thankyou again for everything again, and that it's alright ........I saw you watching in the mirror . Let's just say a little reward for my hero ........ and here's another before we head back to the public picture of hero/hostage once more."

I stop and pull him towards me and kiss him on the lips. Long and lingering, unable to deny that spark that started when they met.

Her forceful kiss belied her innocent appearance.

I was initially shocked and then my body reacted.

As she was about to finish the kiss, with her lips mashed against mine, I kissed her back, insinuating my tongue between her lips. I had to let her know hot she made me feel.

I grasped her back, holding her into me. If she pulled away, she would break contact easily.

She had made me hard in an instant. I loved and hated her at the same time!