Alis girls Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Not to be taken at all seriously please please add to so it makes a good read (or not!!) Chapter 1 - Phillppe The sunset over the Leceistershire village of Cluckstone. Phillippe Resneau (known locally as "Big Phil") gazed at his land. Chickens too numerous to count pecked round his feet safely enclosed in their electric fenced domain. Phillippe was the Mad chicken lady's "Mr Darcy" His late father a Frenchman met his mother when rehomeing chickens in the 60's and they married and bought the farm. Passionate about animals they kept livestock to the highest standard and passed their love of all feathery beings to their son. Phillippe was tall at least 6ft 5 and had dark hair and eyes and was olive skinned and muscular. (swooon) Sadly he lived alone, his one love had eloped and gone to Cyprus with her new lover. His bed was cold at night despite 2 dogs and an old farm cat who slept there. He felt at 37 he was too old for the dating scene. The chickens made their way to the sheds and when certain none were still out he shut the doors to the pens. He loved his home but wanted to share it with someone special. His trusty assistant Beryl called "Ayeup Phil kettles on" - she was 50ish attractive in a blousey way, blond and cumley and if she was 15 years younger Phillippe would have married her. She was Cluckstone born and bred, divorced and had a few suitors. She ran the Farmshop with some of the teenagers from the village. All was not well in Paradise. Phillippe had heard that a competitor was setting up a few miles away. It was run by a woman called Sophie Pollo and she wasnt to be messed with. Rumours were she had associations with criminal underworld. Away in France a man in his 60's a well respected French detective was convalescing under the watchful eye of his English wife. He was getting morose. She wanted to go and see her relatives in the Midlands but he was not in the mood to travel, in fact he was itching to get back to work. Little did they know he soon would be doing just that................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 ............(Fabulous, I'm going to love reading this (at first I thought it was The Archers )) .................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 1, 2016 Author Share Posted December 1, 2016 you are supposed to add to it Plum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Philippe gazed glumly at the tea in his Omlet mug. 'Cheer up, me duck' said Beryl, pushing the plate of out-of-date mince pies towards him. 'It might never 'appen, ya know'. 'That's what I'm afraid of' replied Philippe. 'I wanted to expand the farm, get some rare breeds in - but if what I hear about Pollo Poultry is true, we're not going to be able to do it. Their farm shop is twice the size of ours, and I've heard they're buying in veg from outside the county and labelling it as local. How am I going to compete with that?' He picked up a pie and gazed at it bitterly before tossing it to his sheepdog. 'Look at those mince pies' he went on 'we keep having to mark down stock because it hasn't sold, or use it up ourselves. It took me weeks to get through those pickled onions''. 'Aye' said Beryl, with feeling. 'We won't be ordering those again'. Even Cringe the sheepdog had refused to enter Philippe's bedroom during that period. 'So, Phil - no use moping, what are you going to do about it?' Beryl challenged him. 'You're not going to let an incomer like her take away your business, are you? I hear she's even been in the Dog and Duck at weekends buying drinks, trying to get in with the locals. You need to do something to remind people that you were here long before her.' Philippe's eyes lit up. 'You're right, Beryl - I'm not going to let her win!' he exclaimed. 'But what can I do?' At this moment a knock came at the farmhouse door. Cringe uttered a low whine and his hackles stood up. 'Whoever can that be?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Standing outside was the most glamorous woman he'd ever seen. From the perfectly-set blonde hair to the polished scarlet six-inch heels, this was clearly no Cluckstone native. "You must be Ms Pollo" said Phil "Do come in" ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 2, 2016 Author Share Posted December 2, 2016 She smiled or snarled difficult to know which. "yes " she purred "you are correct, may I come in it is cold this evening" She minced into the room. Beryl rearranged her ample bosom and scowled - the urge to throw a stale mince pie was huge. Phillippe offered Sophie a chair and she sat. "what can I do for you Ms Pollo?" he asked, he looked at Beryl and nodded at the kettle. "we must offer our guest a warm drink I think" Beryl harumphed and filled the kettle resisting the urge to spit in it Ms Pollo smiled her even white teeth shining " I have come to make you an offer. I want to buy your farm, I dont need competitors what would you take?" Phillippe glared "its not for sale, never so if thats all you came for you had better go" Ms Pollo glared and stood up on her heels , Cringe growled in the corner " you will be sorry Monsieur Resneau " she said "very sorry" And with that she minced out of the door and slammed it behind her. Beryl flung a mince pie at the door where it fell in a crummy mess. "Bloomin tart" she hissed and she grabbed Phillippe to her chest and hugged him. Phillippe extracted himself from her arms. A sudden rap on the door made them jump. "what now?" said Phillippe The door opened and in walked Bert Shattergood. " Ayeup Big Phil my Janes not come home from your shop, she was working today, any idea Beryl duck where she might be? " Beryl replied "no she left at 5 and said she was walking home. Sorry Bert" An ominous silence fell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 There was something of the night about Sophie Pollo and a wicked little smile played on her lips as she sauntered through the village. She was a source of excitement for the teenagers who had been drawn towards her exotic appearance. Jane was in fact heading for Sophie's farmhouse at that moment. She just wanted a little peek through the windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 3, 2016 Author Share Posted December 3, 2016 Jane was a pretty 16 year old starting her first year of A levels and working as much as possible at the farm shop. Her family were not well off but Jane wanted to be a vet. She also spent time with Philippe watching him tend the animals and nurse and despatch those that were ill. She was described as bookish. She had long blond hair usually tied up in a braid, green eyes and pale English skin. She was about 5ft 5 and had a boyish figure but had no shortage of male admirers who she appeared to be oblivious to. She turned the corner into Villa Pollo. The yard was dark and the shop was shut up. Large planters full of winter planters stood like silent sentries. Jane shivered and wasn't sure why. She felt she was being watched. she walked quietly over to the shuttered windows and realised she couldn't see in. She knew then it was a fruitless exercise. She walked over to the darkened shop window and peered in. She could make out some plants, and garden stuff. The hairs on neck suddenly stood up when glancing her reflection in the glass she realised too late that the figure behind her clad in black was armed with a cosh. A voice said " you came i knew you would" and bought it down on her head. Jane slumped to the ground as blackness engulfed her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 3, 2016 Share Posted December 3, 2016 Meanwhile, Sophie Pollo drove her sporty 4x4 along the dark road, the headlights illuminating icy puddles and occasionally a pair of eyes in the undergrowth. A message flashed up on the mobile phone on the seat beside her, Sophie glanced at it and nodded with satisfaction. Accelerating, she drove on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 3, 2016 Author Share Posted December 3, 2016 "call the police Beryl" Philippe said taking control. "Bert ring your son's and anyone else and we'll take a look over the land" Bert rang his wife told her to stay put with the neighbour and his two sons little Bert and Barry prepared to ride over on their bikes. "Police are on their way" Beryl informed them. She made good strong hot sweet tea and found out torches and reflective jacketed that the farm lads wore. Two cars pulled up and Detective Inspector Sussex stepped out. He was tall, ruddy faced and a man of the world. He had daughters of his own so knew how worried Bert was. "Now Mr Shattergood have you a picture of Jane?" Beryl jumped into action and gave them a farm shop leaflet with Jane holding a chicken. Sussex looked at it "has she a boyfriend or friend she might have gone off to see" Bert spluttered tea over Beryl " nowt like that she's not got time for boys and we rang her school friends, she's a good gal" Sussex coughed so often had he heard how good these kids were only to find they were drug pushers, or ladies of the night. A squeal of bike brakes and little Bert, Barry and several mates and farm hands Ant,Luke,Henry and Sean fell through the door. More cars drew up with police dogs and dog handlers. The search had began. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 Jane came round to find herself in darkness. Apart from a thumping headache, she seemed to be ok but - she wriggled around to test - her hands were firmly tied together. She thought she could hear voices outside ... but was this the person who had attacked her? Would it be better to call for help or keep quiet? Jane struggled to sit upright but before she could do so, blackness overwhelmed her again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 4, 2016 Share Posted December 4, 2016 A landrover sat in the darkness of an old wood. It was hidden from the road and the evening sky. "What did you hit the kid for" "I thought it was HER didn't I!" "Did you think, did you? Why would SHE be peeking through her own windows? Good hit though, that kid was out cold". "Hah, yeah. She won't be happy when she wakes up. I reckon that old pig'll keep her warm though" "Thing is, what are we going to tell the boss?" The two men fell into an uncomfortable silence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 6, 2016 Share Posted December 6, 2016 Meanwhile, in France detective Georges Clunie watched glumly as his wife zipped up the suitcase. His hopes of returning to work had been firmly suppressed by his doctor. 'Take a holiday, Georges!' she had exclaimed (speaking, of course, in French) 'you deserve it! The team will manage without you. I forbid you to return to work for at least the next four weeks. Amelie was delighted. 'At last! I have been promising my cousin Philippe that we will visit. He lives on a farm in a beautiful part of England. You'll be able to walk outdoors every day, and enjoy the peace and quiet. It'll be so good for you.' A horn outside announced that their taxi to the airport was waiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted December 7, 2016 Share Posted December 7, 2016 The flight was not as smooth as it could have been and so the usual airborne dozing was out of the question. Consequently wide awake for the duration of the albeit short flight from Orly, Georges found himself dwelling on the fact the his previous, albeit brief, interaction with Phillipe had not been as harmonious as he would have wished. Somehow he was filled with a sense of foreboding in spite of the blue skies through which he and Amelie were flying. As the 'plane approached Heathrow Georges couldn't help but surpress a sudden shudder, as if in premonition. Would this really be the much needed holiday that he and Amelie had been hoping for or could it turn into something far more sinister? Georges tried to smile reassuringly at Amelie as the 'plane landed although his innermost feeling were less than positive . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 8, 2016 Author Share Posted December 8, 2016 Georges turned to Amelie "out of interest why arent we flying to East Midlands airport" he said " much nearer." Amelie replied"security alert, Phill is sending a car for us, his farmhands sister lives near here so he delivered Christmas stuff, stayed overnight and will pick us up." she didnt mention Soapdragon had forgot its based in Leicestershire (sorry Midland girl here!!) They landed - went very slowly through security with kids and babies screaming and people looking hacked off generally. Once through the other side they spotted a guy with a placard bearing their names. Sean a big burly lad greeted them. He took them and their luggage to the black SVU outside and settled them in. The journey was fairly smooth and they stopped once for a pee and coffee. By early evening they pulled into Cluckstone and Beryl greeted them at the door " eh me ducks what a time you've chosen to visit us, come in I'll put kettle on and fill you in on news, Phils out he'll be back soon ducks" She showed them into the warm kitchen and closed the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 Sorry feel free to get your own back!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Actually, I am prob the only person in the UK never to have seen The Missing so I should have just kept shtum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 ................ ................................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 I haven't watched it either so I don't know how it's supposed to go really. But anyway its fun. I thought I'd better see how the story goes before I contribute more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 10, 2016 Share Posted December 10, 2016 confessions time ... I've never watched it either! I sort of hoped I'd got the right genre. Im loving this, more instalments please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted December 11, 2016 Author Share Posted December 11, 2016 Writers block - normal service will resume soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 The voices that Jane had heard during the brief time she regained consciousness belonged to Sophie and two of her farmhands. Sophie was demanding information about their progress with the Poultry Enhancement Therapy, referred to as PET which could cause problems when they thought Sophie was being familiar in that Midlands kind of way. Sophie's chickens were well known for being big, strong and meaty, extraordinarily so. What had Jane heard and what would she remember? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 Meanwhile, as his glasses slowly de-misted in the warmth from the Aga, Georges took in the comfortable farmhouse kitchen. It looked lived-in, with poultry medication jostling with bills on the huge wooden dresser, and a mixture of old furniture and some more modern chairs. Somehow Georges felt instinctively, it lacked a woman's touch despite Beryl's presence. 'Now me duck, I've just made a pot of tea' she announced. Georges suppressed a shudder - what was it about the English and their tea? Before he could ask for coffee, Beryl went on 'we're all at sixes and sevens here. A young lass has gone missing, and Phils' out looking for her'. Georges felt another shudder run through him and this time it had nothing to do with the cup of strong brown tea that Beryl was handing him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 Georges and his companions chatted long into the night and he learned a lot about the village and it's inhabitants. The uncomfortable feeling that had swamped him grew in intensity. He recognised the feeling, he had felt it before, it was almost a premonition of a difficult, sometimes tragic case. The search for Jane swept wider across the dark countryside until some searchers reached Villa Pollo. It was in darkness and apart from the noises from various animals and the chuntering chickens was totally deserted. No sign of Sophie or the farmhands and no sign of Jane. The gangsters had been joined by more of their group after contacting the Boss. These men were altogether in a different league with tough, secretive faces and they had with them two female captives. (I sorry if I'm going off piste too much but I really am enjoying this) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
