The Auction

Erica and Franky listened spellbound as Vera Bennett the prim and proper (on the outside at least) secretary told them everything she knew. It was like the gusher being blown off the top of an oil well. They could only imagine the relief the woman facing them must be feeling as she finally unburdened herself of all the details surrounding the goings on at the offices of Joan Ferguson. They heard about how when Vera first went to work for Ferguson her boss had befriended her . The two women had met up socially outside of work for a drink or a meal , never being out too late or too long but just enough to build up a camaraderie between themselves. Vera had found Joan particularly supportive in regard to her mother who had been terminally ill. She had been a particularly difficult patient as she was forever insulting Vera with a continuous stream of offensive comments telling her how useless she was and how ashamed she was to have someone like her for a daughter. Ferguson had initially appeared sympathetic to Vera's plight but her suspicions about her boss began when one evening she had called to Vera's home on the pretext of a friendly drink. As the evening went on , and after having being given too much alcohol, Vera had inadvertently revealed some personal details and circumstances about her co-workers little realising that they would be used to blackmail her with. The result was that in the weeks, months and even years that followed and her suspicions were aroused by the going - on's in the business she was in no position to do anything about it. When Franky and Erica asked her why she just did not leave Vera replied that Ferguson had told her that if she did she would make sure she never worked anywhere else again . According to Vera she had said it with such menace that she did not even begin for one second to doubt that she would.Erica had then asked her why she had finally decided to speak out

"Because I can't sit back any longer and watch as all these tenants have their lives ruined in the same way that mine has been for the last number of years. And when that detective friend of yours, Mr Jackson, told me that there were two women who were prepared to go public and bring a complaint of harassment against Joan Ferguson then I felt I had to do something."

"So what exactly do you know?" Franky had asked.

"Well I know that she has been receiving illegal payments from the head of the local council Derek Channing; that she has two sets of accounting books .One that she keeps for the tax returns at the end of the year and another set that she keeps locked away in her personal safe. I've never actually seen what's written in this second set but i would guess that any similarities between the two books are negligible."

"But where does Channing fit into all of this ?" wondered Erica aloud."Why on earth would he be bringing money to Ferguson ? Surely it should be the other way around? Unless....."

" Unless ,she has got some incriminating evidence on him" exclaimed Franky "Shit Erica ,we've got them.What's our next move?"

" Well , from the information that Miss Bennett has supplied us with we are totally within our rights to obtain a warrant to enter Ferguson's offices and take away anything that we feel may build up our case against her for tax evasion and blackmail. We can start to get the necessary legal paperwork processed right away."

Erica had then explained what was going to happen next to Vera Bennett

"The next few weeks and even months are not going to be very pleasant for you Vera. This will probably turn out to be a high profile case and your name along with those of Bea Smith and Allie Novak are going to be on everyone's lips.If you like we can organise protective custody for you until the case comes to court"

"Are Ms Smith and Miss Novak availing of this offer ?" Vera asked

"No they're not" answered Franky."Their view is that they've done nothing wrong so why should they be the one's hiding away"

" My sentiments exactly" said Vera." I'll take my chances. Just do one thing for me Miss Davidson, Miss Doyle"

"What?"

"Nail the bitch"

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

That meeting with Vera Bennett, now referred to in the media as The Whistleblower, was still fresh in Erica's mind as she sat in court waiting for the jury to return with their verdict. The trial had lasted for just on two weeks and had seen a number of other tenants coming forward to tell their tales of mistreatment and harassment at the hands of Joan Ferguson. When it had come to the turn of the landlord herself to enter the witness box Erica had observed how she had sat straight edged, with her hair back and her face stern. Dressed as she was everyday in black Erica could well imagine the dangerous and sinister figure she must have cut to her tenants.Her answers had been brevity themselves sometimes only murmuring a mono syllabic yes or no when she felt she could get away with it. But the evidence against her at least from Erica and Franky's point of view was overwhelming. The trawl of the office and the opening of Ferguson's secret safe had indeed revealed a second set of accounting books. It had also uncovered a thick brown manila envelope in which were incriminating photographs of Derek Channing as he came and went from various massage parlours located in the seedier parts of the city.It was these that Ferguson had been able to use as a means of blackmailing the council leader not only in terms of turning a blind eye as to how she ran her business but also as a way of securing more properties to rent out. Her terrorising of her tenants was able to be carried out without any chance of criticism being levelled or investigated. Well, that was until Bea and Allie had stuck their heads over the parapet and decided that enough was enough. Their bravery , their agreeing to talk to Erica and the information supplied by Vera had helped to build a compelling case against Ferguson . As for Channing, Erica had realised early on that he was just a weak sleaze ball, prepared to sacrifice just about anyone to save his own hide. His turn to be charged would come but for now it was only Ferguson's fate that interested her. A nudge on her arm from Franky told her that was going to happen right there, right then as the jury returned to the courtroom after several hours of deliberation.

" All rise" the court official called out

The judge re-entered and took his seat,followed by the rest of those present

"Will the accused please rise"

They watched as an expressionless Ferguson stood

"Foreman of the jury , Have you reached a verdict on which you are all agreed ?"

"We have m'lord

" And how do you find the accused Joan Ferguson ?"

Erica felt her hand being gripped by Franky , them both together hearing the single word

"Guilty"

Erica felt the grip on her hand tighten as she heard Franky whisper an exultant "yes". There was wild cheering from the gallery above their heads and as they glanced upwards they could see Bea and Allie embracing the red head in particular overcome with emotion as tears ran down her face. When she had momentarily composed herself Bea looked down to where Erica and Franky were standing and simply mouthed the words "Thank You". The courtroom had regained some degree of order as all eyes turned to the judge

"Joan Ferguson" he began "You have been found guilty today of a long and systematic harassment of your tenants .I will defer sentencing on this case until another day but I must warn you that you should absolutely expect a custodial sentence. Rarely have I come across a case as bad as this where the mistreatment of people who relied on you was so blatantly and flagrantly carried out. "

The judge then instructed the court officials to take Ferguson away.The now ex-landlord left the dock without saying a word but before disappearing out of sight she glanced in Vera's direction the merest hint of a smile playing on the corner of her lips as if to say this isn't over yet. To her credit Vera met the stare head on, no longer afraid, and now ready to get her own life back.As for Erica there was still one more task to perform

" Lot of media outside Erica " Gareth said to her as they gathered up their possessions and prepared to leave the courtroom."You okay to handle it . If not I've got a prepared statement to read that our publicity team have drawn up."

"No . I'll be fine , Gareth " the blond replied "There's some people I must thank"

"I thought you'd say that " her boss replied placing a kindly hand on her arm."Oh and don't be rushing off afterwards . I need a word.......No need to look anxious . A little reward for all your hard work"

"Okay ...I'll find you outside" Erica replied more than a little curious as to what Gareth was referring to.

She turned to find Franky standing beside her

"Brilliant result boss" the brunette grinned " Feeling is almost like having great sex wouldn't you say?"

"I'll tell you later" smirked Erica " Let me get through this press conference and then we can go and check out your theory"

Outside the courtroom as Gareth had said there was a great deal of media interest in the case . A microphone stand had been placed at the top of the steps .Erica stood in front of it flanked on her right by Franky and Vera and to her left by Bea and Allie.The blond proceded to speak for a couple of minutes about the key facts concerning, and the main lessons to be learnt, from the case.She concluded her remarks by saying

"That this case was able to be brought to court was only possible thanks to the bravery of Joan Ferguson's tenants who came forward to testify against her.I would like to place on record my sincerest thanks to three women in particular Bea Smith, Allie Novak and Vera Bennett without whose testimonies this conviction could not have been possible. There is one other person who I wish to thank"

Erica turned to stare directly at her brunette lover

" My associate in this case Francesca Doyle has worked tirelessly and selflessly throughout . She may be new to the legal world but her work on this case has been an inspiration to us all."

Tears were welling up in Franky's eyes as Erica concluded her comments.As soon as she got the chance she hugged Erica whispering into her ear

"Thank you so much baby.Those were the nicest things anyone's ever said about me "

"I meant every word " the blond replied."Now what were you saying inside about great sex"

Very quickly the cockiness and bravado of Franky returned . She swiped her tongue along her lower lip and was just about to start heating up the conversation between them when she noticed Gareth approaching

"Big boss man at 10 o'clock " she warned Erica

Erica turned to face her boss a frustrated smile painted on her face

"Gareth ?" she inquired

" Yes the good news I was going to tell you earlier. Well in light of our, or rather your, success in this case we've all been invited to the big horse race meeting this afternoon with the use of our own private box , free champagne ,the works in fact.It's the biggest race day of the year all very swanky and posh and all that crap.Everybody dressed up in their finest. Hope you don't mind but I've already accepted on your behalf . That is okay isn't it?"

A brief glance passed between Erica and Franky before the blond spoke on behalf of them both

"No Gareth . That's fine .Should be a lot of fun"

"Great" replied her boss "I've organised transport for us all. Franky, you're going to be collected first and then you'll pick up Erica. We'll all meet up again at the race course."

With a final wave he was away as Erica turned to Franky

"I'm sorry baby but I didn't know how to say no to him"

"Actually "the brunette replied a sly grin on her face "I'm looking forward to it. Doing it at a racecourse. One more scenario off my bucket list. Just make sure you wear something incredibly sexy with not a lot underneath"

"Oh I think that can be arranged "the blond huskily replied."Until later then lover" she said as she turned away from the brunette swaying her ass in an exaggerated fashion as she felt Franky's eyes burning into her.

The limo collected Franky at 1.30 precisely.She had chosen a white sleeveless blouse, with a beautifully tailored pair of navy slacks and a pair of her favourite heels. Her outfit was completed by a long line maxi duster jacket with pockets to the hips and a smoking kick split at the back. On her head she wore a Fedora style hat on which rested her favourite Ray Ban Aviator sun glasses. She hopped into the vehicle and gave the driver the directions to Erica's apartment.On their arrival Franky jumped out to hold the door open for her blond lover a sense of excited anticipation as she waited to see Erica again despite having been in her company only a couple of hours earlier.Her levels of excitement were more than justified as the blond beauty appeared from the front door of her building. Erica had chosen a white casual short sleeve mini dress with possibly one button too many undone so that the tops of her firm breasts were peeping out . The length of the dress also allowed her to showcase her wonderfully toned legs which seemed to Franky to stretch forever until they ended in a pair of gold metallic ankle tie heeled sandals. She had accessorised her outfit with a Panama hat and like Franky a pair of sunglasses with Erica's pair of choice being Prada.As she walked towards the waiting cab Erica could tell by the look on Franky's face that her outfit had hit the mark. As she prepared to climb into the limo Erica seductively pushed the glasses down to the end of her nose and turned to the speechless brunette saying alluringly

" Put your tongue away Francesca. Drooling is so unbecoming"

Franky regained her senses quickly enough to give Erica a slap on her peachy ass as she slipped by her into the taxi a squeal of delighted laughter coming from her blonde lover.

Arriving at the racecourse Erica and Franky made their way to the box that had been put at their disposal. They were pleased to see many of their colleagues from work in attendance but it was the presence of Bea and Allie which gave them the most pleasure. The two witnesses from the trial were not surprisingly looking a little bit lost being surrounded by so many people whom they barely knew. As ever it was Franky who seized the opportunity to put them at their ease.

"Red, Blondie " she exclaimed drawing each of them in for a warm and genuine hug."How great is it that you decided to come. We were afraid that you wouldn't make it."

With a step back Franky continued "And just look at the two of you. You both look absolutely gorgeous.Tell you the truth " she went on "If I wasn't such a smitten kitten " now glancing in Erica's direction "neither of you would be safe from the charms of Franky Doyle."Bea and Allie burst out laughing both grateful for Franky's attempts to let them relax.Erica who had been talking to some other colleagues now moved across to join them

"From all this laughter I can only assume ladies " directing her comments to Bea and Allie" that my legal associate is keeping you amused in her own inimitable style"

"Yeah , you could say that" replied Allie "But I have a fair idea what she'd rather be doing Erica, especially with you dressed like that."

Erica glanced at Franky who stared right back at her as ever her lower lip snaking across her lower lip. Feeling herself at risk of losing control of the situation Erica turned to Bea asking the redhead

"So Bea what are your plans going forward.?"

"Well it's been such a whirlwind last while "responded Bea "that I've hardly had time to think of the future.Other than being with Allie and hopefully getting my own premises for my business my ambitions are really very simple."

"Well" replied Erica "For the next few hours at least you're here as our guests so enjoy yourselves. Let's not worry too much about the future and instead treat ourselves to a few winners.I think we all deserve it."

The afternoon carried on with everyone having a whale of a time. The only problem for Erica and Franky was the lack of opportunity they had to be alone. Smoldering looks were passed between the two at all times; bodies would be brushed up against each other and fingers momentarily intertwined before an another interruption would come upon them. Soon it was time for the last race of the day .It was also the main race so the crowd which had been swelling all afternoon was now at its peak. Erica and Franky had had a mixed success with their bets but as they decided on their pick for the race they worked out that they were approximately 200 dollars up for their afternoon's work.

So babe ,What's it to be for this big race ? asked Franky

Erica scanned the names of the horses till she spotted one that seemed to jump out of the page at her.Pointing at it with her finger she looked and Franky and said "That one"

"You sure gorgeous " replied Franky "It's a rank outsider"

"Yeah I'm sure "Erica smiled "200 dollars Franky on the nose"

"Okay baby" the brunette replied "I'll place the bet and then" as she moved closer to whisper into Erica's ear" you and I are going to have some fun"

As she returned from placing the bet Franky saw that Erica had been drawn into discussion with Gareth

"No fuckin way " she said to herself "This is our time"

Franky walked up to where Erica and her boss were talking and simply grabbed the blond by the arm ."Sorry Gareth " she smiled to the bemused boss "but I need Erica badly .It's an emergency"

As they walked out of the box Erica asked "What emergency Franky ? What's wrong"

"What's wrong gorgeous" the brunette replied "is that I need my hands on your body A.S.A.P. and if it doesn't happen then there really will be an emergency.

Erica gasped ,a mixture of anticipation and excitement. She had no doubt about what was soon to happen ;it was the how and where that had got her pulse racing. The two women entered the finish line enclosure and via a mixture of gentle pushing and shoving and downright brass neck cheek they got themselves into a position standing at a right angled barrier exactly beside the finishing line. There was nobody therefore to their left and those to their right were packed in all around them like sardines all waiting with feverish anticipation for the big race to begin . Erica was feeling the heat rising within her at a rate of knots as she waited for Franky's next move . When it came she was almost rendered speechless as Franky took the two sides of her maxi coat and deftly pinned them to Erica's dress thus creating a clothing barrier between them and anyone to either side of them.

"You've planned all this haven't you " a panting Erica said

"Down to the last detail" purred Franky "A few pins and a hole in the pocket of my coat.Now hang on baby, you're about to have the ride of your life."

Suddenly the P.A. announcer was calling "And they're off".As the champion horses bolted from their stalls Erica felt Frankys fingers start to trail ever so slowly up the outside of her leg.With all the surrounding noise from the crowd Erica's soft moans were easily drowned out .As the pace of the race started to speed up then so also did Frankys fingers. They moved from the outside to the inside of Erica's leg and started to work their way so skilfully up the inside of her thigh. Erica's whole body by this stage was in a state of hyper sensitivity. Every touch of Franky's wonderful fingers piled goosebump upon goosebump .She grabbed the rail in front of her and started to push her body back towards Franky encouraging her to go to the place where she wanted the fingers most. The race by this time had reached the half way point as Franky 's travels found their way to Erica's soaking and red hot centre The brunette by this stage was also incredibly wet and knew that her own climax was not far away. As the horses reached the long finishing straight Franky plunged two then three fingers into Ericas pussy and immediately felt the blond tighten around them .The crowd by this stage were shouting and roaring at the top of their voices as Franky moved her fingers with ever increasing speed and force . Her thumb searched out and found Erica's throbbing clit and started to rub on it vigourously. The cries of the blond at this stage were becoming ever more loud as she felt the huge orgasm begin to build with increasing speed inside her.She opened her legs as far as possible giving Franky as much access as she could whilst being rewarded for her pushing backwards by feeling the brunette start to grind her own body against her . There were only yards to go in the race as Erica felt her whole body start to shudder and spasm as the orgasm ripped through her . She was vaguely aware of the winning horse racing past her but as Franky continued to delve deep inside her she gripped the rail in front of her like a white knuckle roller coaster ride as she savoured every last moment of ecstasy. It was only when her lover removed her fingers that she started to regain some semblance of her surroundings.

"Oh my god Franky . Oh my god " was all she could mutter as her heartbeat began to return to normal.

Franky leaned forward and put her arms around her lovers waist.

"You okay baby?" she asked "Ready to return to the land of the living?"

"Just about "the blond replied . "I wonder who came first"

"Think it was a dead heat between you and the horse that won " roared Franky now back to her usual self.

Erica looked at her lover as a huge smile came over her face . The kiss that was about to follow was interrupted by the announcement of the race winner

"First was number 7 Always and Forever at 100/1." The 2nd and 3rd places were ignored as the realisation of the result hit home

"Always and Forever" the two women cried out in unison

"Holy fuck Erica " screamed Franky "Do you know what this means .We've just won 20 thousand dollars." The huge crowds which had been surrounding them during the race had moved rapidly to the winners enclosure allowing Erica and Franky the opportunity to take a seat on a nearby bench to allow themselves to recover mentally as well as physically from what they had just experienced

"I know it's really early days " said Erica" but any immediate thoughts as to what you'd like to do with the money"

"Well actually yes " responded Franky again delighting Erica with her ability to switch so quickly to the matter in hand "How about we help Bea with her plans to find a new building for her business. One that will be her's alone"

"Oh Franky that is such a sweet thought " cooed Erica as she laid a loving hand on the brunettes leg.

"And what about for us " asked Franky a hint of mischief in her voice "Any ideas ?"

"What would you say to a holiday for two " her lover replied "One with lots of sea, sand, sun and sex"

"I'd say maybe " grinned Franky " but I'd definitely say yes to lots of sea,lots of sand,lots of sun and lots and lots and lots of sex"

"Oh I think Miss Doyle that that can certainly be arranged " rasped Erica .

With that the two women started to walk back towards their colleagues in the box the brunette a couple of paces ahead.As she watched Franky from behind Erica realised as if receiving divine intervention that this was the moment.So far they had kept their relationship a secret from all but Bea and Allie but Erica just knew that this was the moment to go public .She realised that the ramifications could be awkward to say the least but she also knew that she wanted everyone to know just how madly in love she was with Franky Doyle

"Hey Franky,one second "she called stopping the brunette in her tracks. "There's something I need to do"

"What ?" replied a bemused Franky

With all her colleagues as well as Bea and Allie watching Erica whispered "this" as she moved in to place a slow ,long and passionate kiss on Franky's lips leaving nobody in any doubt as to the nature of their relationship. As their lips parted Erica could see tears in Franky's eyes.

"I love you Franky Doyle " she whispered gently brushing away the tears from her girlfriends eyes.

Any further comment between the two was made redundant by the roar of cheers that greeted them from all in the box. Even the normally phlegmatic Gareth gave a little thumbs up and a smile in their direction- a small gesture perhaps of professional acceptance but one that gave Erica and Franky so much pleasure.

" Nothing to say Francesca " teased Erica as their fingers intertwined.

"Only that I love you too Erica .You have made my life complete."

"Well then " said Erica reaching for two glasses of champagne so as to toast each other."Here's to us"

"Always and Forever" said Franky as their glasses gently clinked together

"Yeah " replied an adoring Erica fixing Franky with a stare that melted her "Always and Forever"

"