Krystal arrives empty handed

Krystal turns up later than she did the previous weeks, and she looks frazzled.

“What’s up?”

“Firstly, no knickers. Sorry, the place is locked down so tight, especially the women’s changing rooms. You know someone’s been sneaking in and trying to steal women’s underwear? Well, they’ve got an employee permanently sitting in the women’s changing rooms, keeping an eye on things. And I didn’t feel safe sneaking another set away.”

“Oh well, you tried. I forgive you.”

You lean in and kiss her, and her lips taste of tea, and her tongue tastes of cream.

“Yes, well, they’ll probably be locked down even tighter now.”

“Why?”

“Some jerks from the Altobello Estate decided to crash our game. They saw four attractive, fit women playing with no male escort and thought they could have some fun.”

“Is everything ok?”

“For us, yes. For them, no. Blair can handle herself. And Layla is a lot more dangerous than she looks. Let’s just say by the time the authorities turned up to sort everything out, they were regretting their decision to interfere. A couple of them won’t be walking straight for a few days.”

“If they were overfamiliar, you should press charges.”

“No point, they’re from the Altobello Estate.”

“The what estate?” You’ve never heard of that.

“Oh, that’s what the locals call it. The north end of town. Was all bought up by the Altobello family when they moved in, for his people. They’re a bit seedier than the rest of the populace, but in the past a number of them have given me a good time. Anyway, as soon as they realised we were associated with St Perpetua’s, they were all apologies, well those who could do more than squeak were all apologies. They realised they’d messed up. They can ignore the law, but they won’t escape Mr Altobello’s wrath.”

“Altobello?” The name sounds familiar.

“Yes. If I recall correctly his eldest daughter is in your class, Upper Sixth ‘C’ Stream.”

Ah yes, you remember her now. She’s the one everyone says is Ellie’s chief tormentor.

“Anyway, sorry. It looks like I won’t be able to get you anymore knickers until they relax their vigilance.”

Unfortunately, if that’s the case, then that’s the case.