Chapter 51

John carted the clothes off to the wash room. He set them to spin in the washer and then put his suit into the dryer. Then he set off in search of some dry clothing.

The girl in Cindy’s arms opened her eyes. She peered into Cindy’s pale green ones with her sapphire blue ones. Suddenly she clung hard to Cindy’s neck and sobbed.

“It’s okay, baby. You’re okay. You’re safe now.” Cindy said, softly. Holding her tightly.

The girl just clung to her sobbing for a long time. Cindy comforting her as best she could.

She looked up and tears flowed from the older woman’s eyes. She still looked at the water. Slowly she pulled off her burlap dress and tossed it out. Then she removed her panties and bra, tossing them out as well. She moved over next to Cindy. To her surprise the woman pulled her head around and kissed her boldly on the lips. The kiss wasn’t sexual, but it was hungry.

When she pulled back, with tears in her eyes she said: “Thank you for saving our lives.”

Cindy nodded as she held the sobbing girl in her arms.

“Her name’s ... let’s see ... that’s Andrea. The one over there is ... Amy. That one there ... is Alice. I think Alice had the worst time.” Candice said, moving to the first girl. She gently brushed a wet lock from her forehead and then softly kissed it.

Amy stirred a bit and Candice moved to her, cradling her into her arms like Cindy cradled Andrea. Amy suddenly clung to her like Andrea had Cindy. Again she sobbed and Candice hugged back.

Cindy watched aghast as Candice softly caressed her young body to comfort her.

“We made it baby. These are good folk. We’re safe now.” Candice said, softly.

Amy just cried in her arms.

John entered and set a pile of clothes on a chaise. He was wearing some warm-ups and a sweatshirt. The pile contained much the same, with pairs of underwear from the girls stock. He had no clue if they would fit. He also carried a bottle and some plastic glasses.

He moved to the medical kit and pulled out a gadget. He stepped to the tub and stuck it into Alice’s ear. Pushing a button. A few seconds later it beeped and he looked at the display. Slowly he nodded, checked her pulse on her neck and then looked up to the others.

Cindy looked at him helplessly, cradling the still sobbing girl. John nodded to her.

“I’ll check to see if Sheila’s free.” he said.

“Can we get you anything?” he asked Candice.

She looked up at him and shook her head.

“Thank you, no. You’ve done more than enough.” she said.

“Whenever you’re ready, there’s dry clothing over there and towels.” he said. He opened the bottle and poured a shot of amber liquid into one of the glasses. He moved over by Candice and offered it to her.

She shook her head.

“Please. At least take a sip. It will help.” he coaxed.

Candice was reticent to even remove one arm from around Amy, but she took the glass and took a sip, she shivered a bit and then smiled as the brandy warmed her inside. She then offered a sip to Amy.

“Come on, baby. This will help a bit. Take a sip.” she coaxed.

Amy managed to take a sip. Her breath caught in her throat and she breathed hard as the strong liquor passed down her throat.

John poured another shot and held it for Cindy to take a sip. She nodded in thanks and then took it and tried to coax Andrea into taking a sip.

John moved around and poured just less than a teaspoon into another glass. Then he gently held Alice’s head and put it to her lips. Lightly slapping her cheeks to get her attention. Candice watched like a mother hen.

Alice moaned a bit and finally took half the teaspoon. She gasped as the liquid passed her lips, but she swallowed. John was patient as he coaxed her into sipping a little more. Finally he laid her head gently back against the seat. Slowly she seemed to breathe easier.