Castle In The Clouds, Chapters 33 & 34 (standard:drama, 2904 words) [17/21] show all parts
Author: Brian Cross	Added: Aug 15 2010	Views/Reads: 2248/1597	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Gibbings and Veronica take shelter from a demented pursuer. Continuation of my drama.

Chapter Thirty Three 

Veronica clung to Gibbings. She had seen a way out. 'Come John, the rear
door,' she said forcing him up. 

She pushed him forward, pointing her finger towards the end of the
eastern isle; Gibbings responded by running towards it, Veronica 
following, watching anxiously as he twisted the handle without success 
as Dawson's steps quickened behind, and then the door shuddering as 
Dawson's hand thumped against it. 

'No you don't.' 

'Get off!'  Gibbings abandoned his grip on the handle, rounding on
Dawson, thrusting the palm of a hand into his chest. 

Dawson grabbed him, cuffing him with the back of a hand as Veronica's
anger boiled. She lashed out, her fist catching Dawson on the lip and 
producing a red trickle. 'I warn you Dawson, I am not some helpless 
woman you can confine against her will - I am not Llewellyn's 
possession and if you persist with your present course I will fight you 
-' 

Dawson had been knocked back a step, as enraged, he wiped blood from his
lip. 'You will do as I say, woman,' he growled, advancing quickly, 
snatching Veronica roughly by the thighs and hoisting her to his 
shoulder. 

'Leave her be.' Gibbings shouted above the wind buffeting the rafters,
and then a shout from the vestibule laced with the authority of a 
clergyman. 'What in God's name is going on here? Unhand that woman; 
have you no respect for the House of the Lord?' 

'It is not your Lord that I am responsible to, but my master, Thomas
Llewellyn.' Dawson's heavy brows levelled; 'Mind your tongue and stand 
aside.' 

As Dawson faced Reverend Robertson, his back exposed, Gibbings clenched
his fists together, drawing back his arms and swinging them as one into 
the core of Dawson's spine. 

Dawson roared in anguish, lost his grip on Veronica and she tumbled from
his shoulder towards the church floor. Gibbings gaped in that instant, 
expecting Veronica's head to hit the ground but somehow she protected 
it with her arms, rolling away from him. 

The fissures on Dawson's cheeks cracked like porcelain as he recovered,
scowled and launched himself at Gibbings. 

'Get off him you oaf!' Veronica sprang to her feet, leapt on his back,
tightened both arms around Dawson's neck, heard him choke as in 
desperation he whirled, swinging her against the wall. 

Winded, Veronica slid to the floor as Dawson bent low, clasping his
knees, panting for breath. She grabbed Gibbings' outstretched hand and 
he pulled her to her feet; she looked up to find the Reverend heading 
for the rear door, keys jangling in his hand. 'Quick, through here -' 

Gibbings and Veronica plunged through the vestry door, Dawson close on
their heels. 

*                              * 

Llewellyn spared no remorse for his dead sister, she had contrived
against him from the outset. This situation was her doing and she had 
paid the penalty; she'd had the opportunity to leave the castle with 
ample remuneration and refused - preferring instead to conspire against 
him. So justice had been done but it wasn't fully effected yet - there 
was another equally abhorrent figure to deal with - the gardener 
Gibbings, a most treacherous servant who had contaminated the pure mind 
of his beloved Veronica - 

His objectives were twofold - to account for Gibbings, but
overwhelmingly to rescue Veronica, so that their future happiness would 
be sealed forever. Gibbings must never again be allowed to taint the 


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