No Turning Back

by CJSxMPf

Summary:

What happens when Carla marries the wrong woman. How will Lisa react? How did Paula Martin get this lucky!
Was it luck or part of something much darker.

**this is a Swarla story… it will take time to get there but it does **

Chapter 1

Matrimony 

Carla removed the curlers from her hair, brushed it until it was the perfect kind of flirty. She stepped into the long emerald green dress which really brought out the colour of her eyes. She starred in the mirror 'not bad for a straight bird" Carla muttered through her grinning face. What a long way she had come. 

At the Rovers, Lisa paced. Betsy trying her best to keep her calm. 'She can't marry her, she can't marry Paula.' Lisa stammered. 

Paula pulled up in her Red soft-top, let herself in to Carla's flat. Walked to top of the stairs and to the front door, paused... inhaled and gathered her thoughts. She pushed the door ajar.

'You...look...incredible...' Paula was trying her best to get the words out but Carla mere presence captivated her. She was captivating, no doubt about it, and Paula was the cat that got the cream and didn't she know it.  'I was going to ask whether you were ready but you look... you are... you are everything.'

'Shall we?' Carla responded placing a gentle kiss on Paula. After Sophie, Paula had never thought she would fall in love again but, Carla Connor was a revelation. They both stepped in to the car and drove the short distance to the hotel. They wanted a basic wedding, nothing fancy, they had of course both done this before. They walked the three steps into the foyer. Lisa stood beaming.

'Carla you look amazing and Paula that is an incredible outfit,' she was trying to hold back on the jealousy 'everyone is here and they are ready for you. I will just go in and make sure the registrar knows you are here.’ 

"Lisa, thanks for all of this. You are such a good mate.' Carla said sincerely. Lisa felt the stinging in her eyes. A really good…mate she thought to to herself.

***

Lisa walked into the kitchen. Went over to the coffee machine as the cat danced between her feet. She turned the coffee machine on and set it to make her a double espressp. 

'Morning mum,' Betty said through a huge yawn 'you didn't seem yourself last night.'

'Oh Betsy, I am alright. Weddings just aren't my scene. Carla looked amazing didn't she?' She sighed knowing she had missed her opportunity.

'Toast?'

"Yes please Betsy that would be great, can you pass me the peanut butter?'

They sat in silence for a moment before Betsy made her excuses and headed back upstairs. Lisa's phone buzzed next to the coffee machine. CARLA. 

 

CARLA - Hey Swainy, thanks for yesterday. Paula and I can't thank you enough. We couldn't have done it without you!

LISA - Happy to have been able to help. You looked stunning! x

CARLA - Thanks - Wine Wednesday next week?

LISA - ALWAYS. See you there Mrs Connor-Martin. x

 

3 days to reconcile that there was no way back, she had missed her opportunity and now the love of her life was married to someone else. If only she hadn't forgotten Becky's birthday. If only their moment had ended in a kiss. If only she had told Carla how she felt. If only she hadn't called Carla a tourist. Perhaps then Carla wouldn't have gone on a date with Paula. 

 

 

Chapter 2

W(h)ine Wednesday

 

The sun. shone through the window of the flat and Paula sighed. She had got her girl. How she wasn't sure but Carla was everything she wanted and more. She didn't take herself to seriously. Was tough on the outside and a massive softie on the inside. She looked at Paula like she had hung the moon. She touched her like she was the most prized item. She adored every part of her. Paula adored Carla equally. They were equals. 

Carla had gone about her days between the wedding and the honeymoon with the ease of someone walking on a cloud. Blissfull happiness like she had never felt before. With Peter things had always been complicated. It had been about rebuilding and repairing the old rather then furnishing something new and exciting. She hadn't expected to fall in love and certainly not with Paula. The way Paula had matched with her on Bumble, Carla curious to see whether the attraction she had felt with Lisa extended to other women. She liked Paula. She was straight talking, no-nonsense. She had a career and was reliable. They got to know each other and the dating quickly turned serious. Paula introduced Carla to her children and even her ex-husband. They attend family events together, holidayed and cried together. Carla made Paula feel so incredible safe. Like she could just be and not have to worry. Like she wasn't a prize to be showed off but rather a women who she fiercely loved. She loved Paula. She loved her, like she never, ever thought was possible.

Tonight was Wine Wednesday. A tradition which her and Lisa had started all those years' ago. Lisa spoke about her grief and how she wasn't or was, at any given moment, coping with Betsy. Carla spoke about Peter, Alcoholism and her family. They had become such firm friends. An unbreakable bound formed with mutual understanding that they were never going to be more than 'good mates'. When Betsy had moved in with Mason, Carla and Lisa had helped move her. They had this lovely flat in the Northern Quarter nearest the nicest coffee bars and away from the 'boomers' of Weatherfield. At first, Lisa wasn't sure that this is what was right for Betsy but as Carla reminded her, 'It was better to be loved than to not know love at all'. This Wine Wednesday felt different, more loaded. The wedding was so stunning, Lisa had worked so hard to make sure it was everything Carla had wanted and more, but something was off. Something just didn't seem right. It was as though Lisa was saying goodbye and Carla needed to make sure that she wasn't losing one of the people most dearest to her. 

As she put on her trench and made her way to Rovers. The street was so quiet. Miles away from the pre-covid antics and so far removed from the disaster that was Stephen Reid. Perhaps though she was just further removed from the drama, settled and, dare she think it, growing up? Once in the rovers she proceed to their booth and order to large glasses of the house red. Standard, routine, familiar. Her mobile chimed in her pocket. 

LISA - Sorry, I am not coming tonight.

CARLA - Not even for a cheeky red?

Three blue dots appeared and then disappeared. Carla had been left on read.

Chapter 3

Mothering

 

Betsy relished the freedom. Moving out was about as good as she could have wished for. Mason took out the bins on a Tuesday or when she nagged him and he had found work at a new Gastropub a few minutes walk from the flat. Whilst, Betsy had enjoyed working at Underworld, she didn't want to be stuck in Weatherfield and turn out like David or Sarah-Lou. The world was a bigger place, even if she was staying in Manchester. She wanted her own life and her own future so, she worked additional shifts at a vintage clothing store in town, using her afternoons to check out the latest additions to Afflecks, in the hope of one day being able to sell her own designs there and who knows maybe Paris and London would come calling.

The relationship between her mum and her had been improving not least since Carla offered regular, informal and often ill-informed counselling sessions accompanied with a house wine on a Wednesday. It was nice to see her mum smiling again, she was allowing Betsy to breathe and in turn, Betsy no longer felt suffocated. She felt like she was starting to be able to determined her own life, something which felt a distant reality after Becky had died. The photos of Becky adorned the flat, the smiles for the whole world to see. Of course, she had learned to live with the grief and sadness and build a happier place for herself. A future with happiness, maybe a few sprogs and Mason. Memories of her mum would always be with her. She would keep them alive.

Carla and Betsy had grown closer. They had a mutual understanding, sometimes it felt like they were the same person. Mannerism aside, they both were loyal to the core and walk the tight-rope between the legal and the illegal. Betsy's designs were helping bring in new clients and her easy charm endeared her to the long-standing purchasers. The ladies at the fabric supplier loved her gossipy nature and the lads at the logistic depot liked her a little too much, to Mason's dismay. Betsy may have like, no, loved Carla but the same could not be said for Carla's wife. From the moment she met Paula she felt like she was in a constant battle. Paula undermined her. Too much milk in the mug of tea, fabric wasn't the same quality and why was her mum so keen to hang out with Carla every Wednesday.  Carla continued to believe in Besty, gave her advise, a hug when she needed it and helped her move in to the flat. It didn't go unnoticed with Paula that Lisa was there too. 

The wedding had gone off without a hitch, well sort of. She had found her mum crying in the toilets towards the end of the night playing with the ring on her right ring-finger. Whispering to Becky. Her eyes were so puffed and she looked so broken. Betsy had pulled her into a tight hug to try and comfort her, make she feel close and loved. Less lonely. 'Mothering my mother...again' she thought. LIsa hadn't noticed that Betsy wasn't drinking and that she had avoid both the cheese and fish starter at the Wedding Breakfast. A few more weeks and she would be out of the danger zone. She just had to hold on. 

BETSY - Mum, what ya doing on the 15th? Fancy dinner at the flat. NOT KEBAB THIS TIME!!!! 831xxx

LISA - At Rovers with C. 

BETSY -  Ah, wednesday! Have fun, tell Carla that i said hi and that i have a new design to show her. Mason said he would drop it in when he goes to see Tim and Sally on Friday. I don't think i am on shift until Monday. 831x

Betsy waited for her mum to respond but after a short while it was clear that she was too busy drinking wine and having chats. 

Chapter 4

No Turning Back

P - We have a small window of opportunity to pull this off. Recon has suggested that this is their regular night in the Local. Complete the task tonight and you will be rewarded.

P - Richly rewarded.

R - Understood. I will ensure Rooney is taken care of. Ensure McGregor is distracted for the next few days.

P - You are definitely onboard?

B -No regrets.

P - No Turning Back.

A car moved down the centre of the cobbles, it was quiet today. Less people around. Perfect.

A small blonde detective walked, phone in hand passed Sally's and crossed the Road. The car picked up, pace. The detective dodged the vehicle. A masked passenger got out. Syringe in hand and the blonde collapsed. The boot was opened and the limp body of the target was bundled in. Not a sign of a person, not a whisper off a mouse. This had gone better than planned.

R - No Turning Back

The passenger picked up the phone and drafted a quick message.

LISA - Sorry, I am not coming tonight.

The response came in quickly. A sign that they had to leave the street quickly.

CARLA - Not even for a cheeky red?

No time to respond. Time to get out and make sure everyone in the clear. Then another ping. Betsy. They hadn't thought about Betsy. They rounded the corner of Victoria Street and made a quick escape out of the area. Pulling over before the Trafford Centre. 

BETSY - Mum, what ya doing on the 15th? Fancy dinner at the flat. NOT KEBAB THIS TIME!!!! 831xxx

What did 831 stand for? Was this some secret code? It had to be a simple text. Not too dismissive. Just factual. Enough to buy them all time.

LISA - At Rovers with C. 

With that sent, the car once again picked up pace and headed toward the motorway. Next stop Liverpool and to the the hideout that they had been planning. Perhaps that would be able to get Lisa on a earlier ship. Get her out of the country as soon as possible. 

BETSY -  Ah, wednesday! Have fun, tell Carla that i said hi and that i have a new design to show her. Mason said he would drop it in when he goes to see Tim and Sally on Friday. I don't think i am on shift until Monday. 831x

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Hidden Meaning

Wednesday night dragged and with no sign of Lisa, Carla made her way back up to the flat. Paula was out with the work lot after winning a case. She had been invited, of course, but Paula was aware what a vital part of her life the Wednesday pub meet up had become, a chance to unwind and put the world to rights.

An early night would do Carla some good. The honeymoon was in a couple of days and she wanted to get some rest before their trip to Como. Carla chucked her jacket on the chair and popped her keys on the coffee bar. She checked her phone. Nothing from Lisa, not that this was unusual. Lisa often spent long hours on cases and tried to avoid letting anything impact their Wednesday plans but sometimes this just could not be helped. She got a glass, filled it with water and made her way to her room. De-robing, cleaning her make-up and getting ready for the sleep her body craved. Her phone pinged.

PAULA - I hope you had a lovely night. Mark is on the shots already. Could be a long one. I love you so much. You are MY wife. xx

Carla couldn't help but smile. This woman was everything she could have wanted.

CARLA - Sleep is calling for me. I love you x

She placed her phone down and started to drift off to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the northern quarter, Mason had come back from a long shift. He found Betsy curled on the sofa, a forgotten mug of decaffeinated tea on the coffee table and a book of baby names on the floor. Placing a kiss on her forehead, he woke her from her slumber.

'Babe, time to get you into bed. You look all cosy and I hate to move you but you will be even more comfortable in bed'

With that Betsy, barely opening her eyes, moved slowed upwards and toward their room.

'Mase, I love you, don't be long' she muttered as her eyes once again closed.

***

As morning dawned in Manchester, the effects of the night before were clear on Paula's crumpled face. The imprint of the duvet and pillows indicating a deep and much needed restful night. Carla could not divert her eyes. Paula was quite possibly one of the most striking people she knew and now they got to spend the rest of their lives together. Carla moved into the kitchen and made two generous mugs of coffee. The stronger the better, as today they needed to get the final bits for the honeymoon.

Paula stirred. Her eyes opened and she grumbled. "I am never drinking again."

"Coffee?"

Carla passed Paula the filled mug and crawled back under the duvet. 

"In two days, we are out of here. No factory, No court, No Bobby..."

"No Clothes" interrupted Paula before pulling Carla into a long, passionate and lingering kiss "I can't believe you are mine, I claimed you, I can't believe it. Now get that top off and do your wifely duties," Paula smirked and Carla, as always, obliged.

"That's right I am your wife and no-one else will ever, ever, ever get me."

 

Chapter 6

Summary:

~SMUT~

Coming Home.

Carla wasted no time to reach into her bedside drawer and find the thickest dildo. She knew exactly what she wanted and needed. She pulled Paula toward her. 

"On your knees, now, open your mouth" Carla proceeded to hold Paula by the neck. Bringing her closer to the big, thick, purple shaft of their most used sex toy. "Make this nice and wet for me baby, take it all into the beautiful mouth of yours." Paula sucked it and moaned as she felt the wetness between her legs begin to grow. Carla was just as turned on but Paula wasn't getting what she needed, this was all about Carla. Extracting the toy from Paula's mouth, Carla slowly raised herself off the bed. Search in the cupboard and found the handcuffs. Looking at Paula with darkening eyes, Carla planned her next move. "Lay down, face to the pillow," Paula quickly followed her spouse's command "Arms on the headboard, now this should be fun." Carla clipped the cuffs together. Paula's arse in the air. She teased Paula with kisses down her back, down on to the back of her thighs, lingering, tempting Paula to arch further into her. Carla carefully placed the dildo inbetween her thigh and started to fuck herself. Paula felt the motion and could hear Carla slowly building up to a climax. Paula arched trying to get to Carla, twisted her head to see her wife come undone but it was no good. Carla was out of sight.  Carla moved her hand to her clit, whilst pumping the shaft in and out, deeper and rougher. This was nothing to do with Paula. "Baby, please let me see you," Paula begged "Please let me touch you and lick you and make you mine."

Carla wasn't going to let this happen, she wanted this for her. Wanted to show Paula exactly who was in control "No, baby. It's all me, I am just going to come all over this cock and make you want me even more later. I going to make you wait so long that as soon as i touch you, you will explode and then i am going to make you keeping going until you can't remember your name. I want to make it so hard for you to walk. I am going to make that mascara run down your face and completely ruin you." Carla couldn't stop, she need Paula to fully submit to her. The thrusting became faster and her thumb was teasing circles on to her swollen clit. Imaging how difficult waiting must be for Paula and thinking of her face after she was wrecked sent Carla crashing over the edge. 

Exhausted she fell onto the bed, finally making eye contact with Paula. Paula looked tearfully at her. "I am going to need you to make me come so hard later, I need you tongue on me, your fingers in me. you can do whatever you want... whenever you want...Carla.." just then Carla's phone pinged.

BETSY - Have you heard from Mum? She isn't at the house. Assume she is crashing on your sofa after a heavy Wednesday session.

"It's Betsy," Carla stated, Paula responded with the standard eye roll.

"What did she want? Can you get me out of these cuffs?" 

"Two seconds, Lisa didn't make it home last night and she didn't come to the Rovers. Let me unclip you... there... i am just going in the lounge to call Betsy." Carla retreated out of the room drawing her black silk dressing gown together and called Betsy.

"Hey Betsy, love, how are you? So you mum isn't at the house, is that right?...okay... leave that with me...no i didn't see her at the Rovers last night. She sent me a text saying she couldn't make it...what do you mean?...Okay... hmm... she hasn't seem right since the wedding... she hasn't picked up another shift has she...call her work...sure, okay. Let me see if Sarah knows anything. Kit might have mentioned something about a case...I am sure she is fine Betsy. You know what she is like when a case is on. She can get... well... distracted. Okay love, let me know." Paula overheard the conversation as she made her way back to the coffee machine. 

"Want a fresh cup?" she enquired. 

"Erm... sorry... what did you say?"

"Coffee, do you want one," the frustration starting to build for Paula.

"No, i think i will have a shower and head to Roy's. I would love a bacon barm. Shall I get you something? Maybe an iced bun?“

Paula didn’t respond, Carla hadn‘t noticed that she had slipped out of the room and retreated to the comfort of their room.

 

 

Chapter 7

Escape

Betsy couldn't focus, the shop was eerily quiet and with no punters her over-imaginative brain was in full force. Her mum, her only left surviving, mum, was probably alright. She had thought ringing Carla would put her mind at ease but instead it had deepened her confusion. Her mum had not been at drinks with Carla, let the text had suggested. Carla, too, hadn't heard from her and assumed that she had over run with work on a case. Why would her mum be so sneaky. It had been hard watching her mum come to terms with the fact that Carla was dating Paula and then, when she found out about the engagement she was beside herself. False hope is what Betsy called it. Betsy knew she played a part in this outcome; it was her that was stopping her mum moving on. She thought it would eradicate Becky and their memories together. The grief had overwhelmed her and now her mum seemed even more unhappy that before. Lisa wasn't one for dating apps and gay bars, well, that's where she had met Becky. It just felt too raw. Perhaps, she was being so secretive because she had finally decided that she didn't want to be lonely anymore. Betsy knew that was what Lisa was, lonely, heart-achingly so. 

By lunchtime, Betsy still hadn't heard from Carla. A steady stream of customers browsed the rails and tried on the converse, with very little grip, and exclaimed at the sequined bodices on the mannequins in the window. Betsy has worked hard to adjust them, make them more cropped and bring the neck line down just a little. Her phone buzzed.

MASON - Dylan and I were wondering if you could bring us a couple of beers home? We have had some a busy day...
BETSY - A busy day... gaming... ah that is worthy of a few beers. I finish at 2pm.
MASON - I knew I loved you for a reason

She sighed; the domesticity was something she could really get used to. She wondered whether her mums had the same experience when they moved in together for the first time. She wished she could ask Becky. If only, she was just at the other end of a phone line and she could ask all the questions she had. Did dying hurt? Is there something after death? Is ok for Lisa to find love again? Were carrots something everyone put in the spag bowl or was it just a ploy to get her to eat more veg? She wanted to tell her about the baby and get advice about breast feeding and nappies. Show someone the scans and share the baby pictures.

She did still have a mum of course, but why was she avoiding Betsy.

BETSY - Hey Carla, any news from Sarah? And silly question, was mum dating anyone?
CARLA - No, Sarah is out with some suppliers. I haven't seen Kit this morning. Your mum's car is parked by the Kabin. Dating? Your Mum? You must be joking. 

Her mum's car was in the area and that was enough for Betsy to cool her brain. There would be a reason why she had been so dismissive last night. 

***

Carla morning whizzed by and it was soon the afternoon. Paula arrived at the factory dressed for an afternoon of trying on clothes and making sure she had enough hats to match the elegance of a Lake Como summer. Paula strutted into factory, she loved the empire which Carla was building and the gravitas with which she orchestrated her troops into actions. There was something decidedly sexy about this woman, let alone when she was ruling the roast at Underworld. Carla was at her desk finishing a few notes for Sarah and ensuring that clients knew exactly who to talk to whilst was in Italy. A small cough alerted her to the presence of her wife. 

"Nearly finished love, I promise...' she said without looking up 'just need to put my out of office on and we can get this party started. You couldn't just read out Betsy's mobile number. I need to add it for the people to contact her.'

Paula held Carla's pone and read out the number " Zero, Seven, Seven...Zero, Zero, One..One, Four, Six...One, Eight" 

"Thanks, lovely, that is me." She closed down the laptop. Placed it in the lockable drawer and returned the key to the safe.

"I am honoured; you aren't even taking the laptop home tonight."

"No, I am all yours. Now let's go and max out our credit cards..." with that she grabbed her bag and swept Paula in to a warm embrace, "I bloody love you and I bloody love that we can get out of Weatherfield for a few days."

"Two weeks of us, me and you, not many clothes and Italian wine. I am going to gauge myself with Carbs. I don't need to make an effort now I am wifed up."

Marching out of the factory, without so much of a look back, Carla felt the weight on her shoulders slowly dissipate. She really needed this break. She couldn't remember the last time that she had been on holiday. It was probably with Peter. 

"Sarah!" Carla called out. "How were the suppliers?"

"Yep, all good, this you off on you honeymoon?"

"Indeed, no laptop, no bobby and, as Paula keeps saying, no clothes" Carla winked in the direction of her wife, who had already made her way into the car. 

"Well have a lovely time. Don't do anything I wouldn't"

"Now that would be something... listen, is Kit bogged down with this case like Lisa?"

"What case?"

"Well, last night, sounds like it was a massive deal... I assumed Kit would have mentioned it to you?"

"Erm, no Kit is at home, sleeping off a hangover after going out with the lads last night"

"So, Lisa didn't call him in?"

"No, can't have been that big of a case..." Sarah responded. "You better be getting off, your 'wife', still think it is funny you have a 'wife', she looks desperate to get out of here."

With that Carla nodded, saying a quick goodbye over her shoulder to Sarah. She got into the car, placed her hand on Paula's thigh and they drove off. 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

Summary:

Shorter chapter today.

Exploring what’s happening with Lisa whilst her nearest and dearest go about their days.

Scuppered 

The motion was unbearable, the sounds overwhelming. A glimmer of light was all she could see. Why did her head hurt so much? She tried hard to focus, but her brain was awash with thoughts – a chaotic, unordered diatribe. Suddenly, there was a jolt, a screech, followed by a slamming, a collision perhaps. She was turned, spun, and shaken for five seconds.

 

The black vehicle lay crushed and unrecognisable at the side of the road. The driver hadn’t seen the lights change red. They were too eager to complete their task, too eager to get to Liverpool. Their head was slumped against the steering wheel, blood pouring from their nose. Their neck was broken, and their body was no longer a vessel for their life. This was it for them after everything they had done. This was their second death, but this time it was forever.

 

A siren blared in the distance. Fire, police, and an ambulance were all on the scene to unpick the metal wreckage that lay in front of them. This was going to be a long night, and it would be tragic for the family of the driver.

 

Something was cutting, something was breaking, something was being shredded. She banged as loud as she could, tried to make a noise but it was no use. The sound of the cutting disc was too loud. She waited for a pause in proceedings and banged louder, all of the energy she could muster. She called out but all she could manage was a whisper. There was a change in the pattern of noises outside, they were coming closer. She tried again. This was it, it was now or never.

 

“There is a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Permission to proceed with the investigation?”

 

“Permission granted…,”

 

The cutting started again.

Chapter 9

Jane Doe

She didn’t hear the final cut, out cold. Found in the boot, her leather jacket untouched, shirt untucked, and hair slightly out of place, it was clear she hadn’t put up a fight. A tiny puncture wound near her ear on her neck was evident. Despite her strong pulse, she was fighting, as evidenced by the pictures taken.

The paramedics assessed her vitals and swiftly transported her to the hospital under the blue lights.

The medical report read: “Jane Doe, 40-45, pulled out of an RTA. Her vitals were slightly off, blood pressure was up, and there was a sign of a puncture wound on her neck. She was conscious briefly but unconscious when pulled from the wreckage. A suspected head injury was found, along with no suspected breaks and potential internal injuries.”

“Any identifying features?”

“None that we can tell.”

That’s where she woke up – anonymous and in the hospital, her thoughts a muddle. The light was so bright, it stung. There was this beeping, like an alarm clock, no a monitor, a monitor of some kind. Her body ached. She wiggled her toes. Her eyes adjusted to the sterile room around her. Was this heaven? Was she dead? Just then a person came into view.

“Hello, love. I’m Shannon, your nurse. You’re at the hospital. You were involved in an accident. Can you tell me your name?”

She struggled to pull her thoughts together, but nothing came to mind. It was there that she could see it, but she couldn’t formulate her thoughts or the words. Who was she? She had no idea. Panic began to set in, and her heart rate spiked. “Who am I?” she responded, wide-eyed and raspy. “831,” that was all she could think of. “831,” she repeated.

“What was that, love?” the nurse said lightly, continuing to monitor her stats. “Can you say that again for me?”

“831.”

The nurse left the room, knowing it was crucial to give the patient some time and space to try and regain her memories, if they were ever to come back.

**

The passenger of the car had been removed, and her lifeless body placed in a black bag. Who was she, and why was someone in her boot? Two phones had been recovered from the vehicle. One was small, with a single number associated with a single letter – P. The other had considerable damage on the screen, but the information could be extracted, reassuring the investigating team.

**

It had been almost 24 hours since Betsy had heard from her mum. They never left it this long, especially after the incident with Joel. They always spoke and prioritised each other. Her phone lit up, and she hoped it would be her mum.

Carla - anything from your mum, lovey?

Betsy - No, nothing.

Chapter 10

Silk

Carla glanced down at her phone, her heart pounding as she read Betsy’s response. Lisa remained silent, not a single interaction and according to Sarah, there was no major case. Carla began to wonder if Lisa was dating a mysterious woman, explaining her strange behaviour at the wedding.

The curtain parted, revealing Paula in a stunning off-the-shoulder, knee-length cocktail dress. Carla gasped, “You look divine! It should be illegal to look so beautiful… I mean, no words.” It was rare for Carla to be speechless.

“You should see what else I have in here,” Paula said, gesturing towards her wardrobe.

“Well, I’m certainly not stopping you,” Carla replied.

A few hours later, the two lovebirds, exhausted but excited, re-entered the flat. They had been shopping and were now ready to celebrate  24-hour until their honeymoon adventure. They would be in the lounge at Manchester, sipping champagne and enjoying each other’s company.

While Carla was thrilled, Betsy confirmed that she hadn’t heard from her mum. It had been 24 hours, and Sarah had assured her that there was no case. While the idea that Lisa was dating and causing trouble was a possibility, it was definitely out of character.

Carla pulled her suitcase from the top of her wardrobe and began sorting her clothes into it. She grabbed her favourite kimonos and a couple of sleek black dresses perfect for sightseeing during the day. As she reached into her wardrobe, she pulled out a black shirt and, out fell the silk scarf Lisa and Betsy had gifted her a couple of Christmases ago. She picked her phone off the bed and called Lisa. “Your call can’t be connected,” she said. She tried again, but the same response came through.

She tried Betsy. It connected immediately, clearly her phone wasn’t experiencing any difficulties. “Carla, hi, is she with you? Is mum there?” Betsy asked. “No, no, sorry Betsy, I still haven’t heard from her,” Carla replied. “So, you haven’t heard from her either?”

“Nope, nothing,” Betsy said, her emotions starting to surface after she had tried to hold them together all day.

“Listen Betsy, why don’t you have dinner here tonight. We can have a chat and see what we do next” Carla didn’t want to mention that her call wouldn’t connect, it seemed something she should tell her face to face.

“Ok, yeah, Mason is on a late and I feel so lost. She will be alright won’t she?”

“Course, come round.”

**

P - 1435 embark. No. 72546. Bay 4

P - McGregor distracted

P waiting for a response. Nothing was forthcoming

In a police station incident room, a phone pinged. The best of the force on Merseyside had been assembled.

“We have contact with P.”

Chapter 11

The Body

“The body of the driver is being examined. DNA samples have concluded that this is the body of Rebecca Swain. Rebecca Swain, however, is registered as deceased. Date of death: October 2021. Six years ago. She was survived by her wife, Detective Sergeant Lisa Swain, now Detective Inspector, and a daughter, Elizabeth Swain. Died as a result of a drive and run following reports of interference in Stockport. The body was unrecognisable and was identified through dental and DNA records.” DI Blair informed the team. It had been a long but fruitful 12 hours, and they were working to pull the pieces of the puzzle together. The dead body, being that of an already presumed unalive police officer, made this more complicated. Corrupt or undercover, this would be hard to explain.

“Boss, to be clear, you are saying the driver was a dead woman,” stammered Mortimer.

“Not just a dead woman, a dead copper…”

“Right,” a constable, Jameson, said in the back of the room, yawning. “So, we need to get in touch with the DI and inform her.” The wait of the investigation was already taking its toll.

“Norton, assigning you as family liaison, let’s get someone over to the DI. Jameson, can you dig up everything on Rebecca Swain? Finally, Mortimer, you have an update on the phone we recovered from the wreckage,”

“Yes. Two phones were recovered at the scene. One, destroyed. We should be able to retrieve data from it, but it will take at least another 12 hours. It seems the phone is heavily encrypted. The second phone, potentially, a burner phone, has one number on it registered to a ‘P’. The messages are infrequent. Not necessarily coherent. These are the messages,”Mortimer proceeds to place a print of the messages onto the investigating board.

P - We have a small window of opportunity to pull this off. Recon has suggested that this is their regular night in the Local. Complete the task tonight and you will be rewarded.

P - Richly rewarded.

Outgoing - Understood. I will ensure Rooney is taken care of. Ensure McGregor is distracted for the next few days.

P - You are definitely onboard?

Outgoing- No regrets.

P - No Turning Back.

Outgoing - No Turning Back

P - 1435 embark. No. 72546. Bay 4

P - McGregor distracted

“We have labelled the outgoing messages as such. We can only assume that these are from Rebecca, don’t we? Do we need to do further work to ensure our hunch is correct?”Mortimer tuned back to Blair. “We need to identify who ‘P’ is?”

Jameson stood up and walked over to the board. “The word ‘embark’ strikes me on the penultimate message. Boss, I think we should contact ports to see if any ships were due to leave the docks at 1435. I know this was a few hours ago now, but they will have records.”

Blair nodded. “Follow that up and come back to me. Let’s regroup at 2200. We may have to hand over to a night shift. Make sure your notes are in order. We can’t afford to let this drag on long.”

The team busied themselves. Why was Rebecca Swain dead in a car, six years after she was declared dead? Who was ‘P’? What did 72546 indicate?

Chapter 12

Enigma

She carried on searching for her name, for memories, she remembered faces, some seemed more familiar than others. A young girl with wavy blonde hair, a striking brunette with a soft face, a very tall guy, in some sort of uniform. Nothing seemed to be sticking, all she kept repeating was 831. What did that mean?

The nurse returned, “would you like something to eat? It’s important we keep you nourished. Continuing to help you heal.”

“Will I get it back, my memory I mean, will I ever know who I am?”

“Well, what I can tell you is that you had an MRI and there doesn’t seem to be any long term brain injury, no swelling, no bleeding. It seems you had a very, very bad concussion. We also found a mark on your neck. Which may also be causing some of the memory loss. Now do you want a sandwich, that’s all we have at the moment but is there anything else you would like.”

“Irn Bru?” She asked out of no-where. “I am craving some Irn Bru”

“Well, that’s an unusual choice but I will see what I can do,” the nurse responded “I will be right back.”

**

Paula was not impressed when the intercom rung and Betsy was on the other end of the line. To what did she owe this? “Carla, any idea why Betsy is downstairs?”

“Can you let her in babe, I have invited her for food. I am just out of the shower. I will be there in two minutes.” Paula buzzed Betsy up leaving the door slightly ajar. She busied herself in the kitchen looking for the takeaway menu. She placed the bottle of fizz back into the fridge, flicking the kettle on and grabbing a mug. This wasn’t going to be the evening she had planned.

Betsy poked her head around the door searching for Carla. She didn’t like being in a room alone with Paula, it was always so passive aggressive. “Oh, is Carla not in? She told me to come for dinner”

“Yep, in the shower. Be out in a moment,” Paula responded slightly colder than she had intended “drink?”

“No, I am good at got me some water on the way over”

Just then Carla emerged from the bedroom, her hair still damped from the shower. Walked straight over to Betsy and pulled her into a hug. Carla hadn’t told Paula that Lisa hadn’t made their usual rendezvous and in turn that hadn’t heard from her in 24 hours. She thought mentioning it would distract from an otherwise beautiful day of honeymoon shopping and many stolen glances. “Thanks for the mug of tea lovely,” she said as listen placed down a mug of Yorkshire’s finest blend. “Betsy, so tell me again, your mum hasn’t been in touch for 24hr, last you heard she was at the pub with me. She didn’t arrive to the pub but sent me a text that she wasn’t coming.”

Paula overheard the conversation which peaked her interesting. “What’s this about Lisa? Is she missing?” She looked dead straight into Betsy’s eyes and could see the pain begin to build, her eyes starting to tear. Carla, too, was looking quite distressed. “So, let’s go over it again,” Paula said pulling out a chair at the dining table. Carla and Betsy recounted the story of the day before in as much detail as they could remember. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Paula enquired.

“It just didn’t feel like the right time.”

Betsy’s phone rang. Unknown number. “Let me just get this?”

“Betsy speaking…right… yeah that’s me. Ok. No worries. I can come in tomorrow at 9am? Great… see you then. I will try not to. Thanks, ok…. Bye” she places the phone back on the table.

“Alright?” Carla questioned Betsy.

“Yeah, just a hospital appointment tomorrow and Mason is working but I will get there. Nothing to worry about” Betsy was trying her best to be dismissive. Her eyes couldn’t keep a steady focus. The last 24 hours had been to much. She felt dizzy. She had forgotten about the 1st trimester check up that she would need. The sound of her phone hitting the floor drew her out of her trance. 

“Betsy, what’s going on?”

Betsy stared blankly before she knew it, the words tumbled out.

Chapter 13

Breakthrough

“Sir, we have confirmation that the victim we found in the back of the vehicle was in fact DI Lisa Swain. The second phone, which if you remember was heavily encrypted was hers. The traces of fingers prints belonged to Rebecca Swain, the deceased, on the phone. Phone records suggest that she sent two messages at circa 1730 on Wednesday. These were to a Betsy or Elizabeth Swain and to a number belonging to Carla Connor. DI Swain has regained consciousness in hospital but unfortunately will not be able to help us further with our investigations as she seems to be suffering from amnesia. Doctors suspect that this is from a severe concussion. DI swain was also found with a small mark on her neck and blood test have confirmed suspicions that she was in fact injected with Midazolam.” Mortimer concluded.

“Good work,Mortimer. Let’s get in touch with Swain’s daughter and find out more about Carla Connor.” Blair turned to Jameson “Anything from the ports about your hunch?”

“We have been in contact with Liverpool Port that confirmed a shipped container left at 1435. We suspect the other number may match that of a shipping container. We have asked them to send us details of what was on the ship when it left.” Jameson continued to tap through his emails, hoping to get the details as quickly as possible.

“We know now that DI Swain seems to have been the intended target but we still don’t have a motive. I did try and find out more about the deceased. She was approaching her detective exams, exemplary service, nothing out of the ordinary.” Blair’s continued “We need more on Rebecca and we need to find out if she was using an alias.”

Blair was about to leave the war room when a text came through on the burner phone.

P - McGregor distressed. Rooney retired?

Mortimer looked at Blair “should we respond?” This felt like a high risk approach but it could have high reward.

“Yes.”Blair responded. “Let’s try and craft something fairly neutral”

“How about ‘Embarked, payment?’” Jameson suggested.

“Simple, I like it. We need to work out how McGregor and Rooney are connected. A fighter and footballer, there doesn’t seem to be any obvious link…neither are from the same place.” Blair really was trying to work it through but he was stumped.

The text was sent. The team waited. Then the phone bleeped again.

P - Tomorrow. M10. 0935

“Let’s get a team together. Mortimer confirm M10 location. There must be a local team that know the area better than us.”

**

“Does your mum know? How long have you known?” Carla was shocked.

“No, mum didn’t know. I mean doesnt know. I meant to be taking her out on the 15th to tell her…” Betsy starting sobbing.

“Oh Betsy, love, what is it” Carla leaned in. Pulling Betsy in closer.

“What if mum is gone forever. I can’t lose another mum. Oh I feel so hormonal and I just feel so lost and out of control.” Tears were flooding her eyes and down her rosey cheeks. Carla looked across at Paula. She hadn’t moved or said anything.  “Carla, let me give you and Betsy some space.” Paula said warmly as she got up from the table and made her way to her room.

This was an unexpected turn of events. Lisa was missing, her daughter, Betsy, was pregnant and in less than 24 hours she would be on a place to Italy.

**

She was tossing and turning, crying out in her sleep “Becky, not my Becky, No…. Betsy… oh Becky.” She woke startled, covered in sweat. Her wife had been taken from her. She needed her wife and Betsy. Poor, poor Betsy. The nurse rushed in having heard the noise. “I need to see my daughter -Betsy, Elizabeth Swain.”

Chapter 14

Memory

My name is Lisa Swain, and I have a daughter named Betsy. My wife,  passed away three years ago. Betsy is all the family I have left. I need you to contact Weatherfield Police immediately. I’m a Detective Inspector there, and I’d like to speak to DC Kit Green. He can help us get in touch with her.”

The nurses carefully took down Lisa’s instructions. This was the most lucid she had been since her accident. She was eating mainly beige snacks and requesting a steady supply of Irn Bru and Twix. The investigating team saw this as their chance to get the unfiltered version of events. It was early in the morning, but they hoped this would lead to a breakthrough. They were acutely aware that Lisa and Betsy might still be in danger, so they needed to act quickly and avoid causing too much suspicion.

“Hello, DI Swain. I’m DS Blair, and I’ve been assigned to leave the investigation into your accident. I wanted to ask you a few questions.”

“Of course,” Lisa nodded. She knew how crucial it was to provide as much information as possible to help the investigation succeed and uncover the truth.

“So, ma’am, could you tell me about the accident?” Blair looked at Lisa, surprised by the strong-looking woman who was now the victim of a kidnapping.

“Please call me Lisa. I’m not here as a detective, but as a victim,” Lisa pleaded. “I remember a loud bang, followed by a jolt that almost catapulted me into what I assume was the boot of a vehicle. I think I lost consciousness, but it could have been a few minutes or even longer. The next thing I heard was the sound of metal cutting, and then voices, but they were indistinct.” Lisa searched for more details.

“That’s helpful. How did you get into the vehicle?” This was the key piece of information. As a trained police officer, Lisa would have been aware of her surroundings and noticed suspicious behaviour.

Lisa looked at Blair and shook her head, “I don’t know. I was on my way to the pub to meet Carla Connor. The Rovers Return is in Weatherfield. I was walking along the road when I heard a car. I was about to cross the road when…” Lisa paused, “Then I thought, well, this is going to sound crazy. But I thought I saw my wife.” Lisa gasped, “I think I need some rest. My brain feels so chaotic.” Blair glanced up from his notebook. He had recognised the driver of the vehicle. It was a slip-second decision, but he decided now was not the time to tell Lisa. It would only call more distress.

“Thank you for the information. I will let you rest, but I will have more questions. We will get in touch with Betsy. Is there anyone else we should contact on your behalf?” Blair wanted to keep this short, make Lisa feel like she was being listened to, and build trust. He felt he would get more information if he gave her more time and space to regain and re-order some of her thoughts.

“Erm, yes, could you also contact Carla Connor? I need her to know I’m okay.” Blair nodded and made a note to look into Carla Connor a little more. She had been at the pub, where Lisa was heading before she was intercepted. Blair said his goodbyes and made his way back to the station.

The team had deployed from M10. An increased number of police were on the street, trying to blend in with the usual comings and goings. Their focus was on Underworld, the Rovers, and the precinct, as these were considered to be the high-risk target areas.

Shortly before 9 a.m., a striking brunette left 15a Victoria Street with a younger blonde woman. They got into an Audi RS4 and made their way past Speed Daal and out of the immediate area. An unmarked police car picked up their trace as they drove on toward Freshco instead of pulling over, the vehicle continued toward Weatherfield General. The two pulled up, exited the vehicle, and made their way into the hospital. “Permission to follow targets into the hospital?”

“Granted, proceed with caution,” He continued following them as they made their way towards the antenatal unit. “Betsy Swain and Carla Connor are heading into the antenatal unit. I’m holding back here; it’s too risky to go any further.” He stood back and watched the pair enter through double doors, Betsy gripping Carla’s hand tightly.

Chapter 15

Package

It was 09:30 when the sign at Roy’s Rolls changed from open to closed. There had been a rush of people in and out since 7. It was a little odd that he had closed the café. The car driven by Carla Connor parked up outside, mere moments later. Betsy was no longer with her. She got out of the car, straightened her jacket and made her way into the closed café. Suspicious.

A blue car zipped past, on route to the precinct, and a motorbike stopped. The rider got off the bike and walked into the closed café, coming out moments later. The rider never so much as looked up. Completely focused.

P - Roy’s. Ask for the samples.

Carla left the cafe turning the sign round as she past. She emerged holding her phone, taking a look around and getting back into her car. She drafted a text for her wife.

Carla - check up with Betsy went okay. She will hear from her health visitor in the next couple of days xx

Paula - fab, I have finished the packing. Fancy an early brunch at the Bistro before we head off? Xx

Carla - I’ll meet you there xx

Paula picked up her keys and flung them into her handbag. She placed the passports and a sealed envelope on the breakfast bar. Looking back and smiling, she left the flat; this really felt like the start of forever.

The officers descended upon Roy’s. Blair walked in. “I believe some samples have been dropped for me?”  Roy handed over the large padded envelope. “I hope they’re to your liking?” He smiled. “Can I interest you in a new vegan sausage roll? The trick with the vegan sausage roll is to really crisp up the outside. I am a bit of a purist, so I like pairing it with a bit of Branson’s pickle. Morning, Ryan.”

Roy’s attention was drawn to the dark-haired man with scars on his neck.

“Hey Royston, just a builder’s please and a bacon barm.” He responded with a large smile. “Did I see Carla leave earlier? She and Paula off this afternoon?”

“She was bidding me farewell, and I reminded her of the great history of the area. It was, of course, the Goths and the Huns that taxed the area heavily during the Roman period. She thought ‘ huns’ was a modern term and suggested I looked into the singer Jane McDonald. Apparently, she is a loose lady, whatever she means by that. I assume not a woman of ill repute.  Anyway, I mustn’t stop you. Here is your  tea.” Roy finished his ramble and looked up at Ryan, who had tried hard to remain interested in his story.

Blair was still in the café, looking as though he was interested, when his phone pinged.

Mortimer - DI Swain is awake and wants to talk more.

Blair slipped out of the café, leaving the two men to themselves. He got into his car and radioed in. “DS Blair, package received. Stand down, stand down. Return to Merseyside.” Slowly, the throngs of undercover police and local bobbies made their way back to their stations. The operation had seemingly gone to plan.  Now, they just needed towork out who P was and what the motive.

Paula and Carla sat in the booth, the booth where they had their first date, their first snog, their first chat about moving in together, and when Paula had proposed, this is where they had come to celebrate. At first, it was strange that all their key moments had been shared in the restaurant that Carla’s ex-husband owned, but this was Weatherfield, and with the number of marriages Carla had under her belt, this was always going to happen. Avoiding it was always going to prove tricky.

Paula ordered two glasses of Prosecco and two smoked salmon bagels. “A toast, to us, forever. I love you, Carla Connor-Martin. So strange to call you that.”

“To happiness,” Carla said, placing a tender kiss on Paula’s soft lips. Slightly smudging her lips. “Eight hours, and we will be in the air.”

Chapter 16

Contact

By the time Betsy arrived at work, it was 11 a.m. Carla and she had discussed all the different scenarios at length. They had concluded that if they didn’t hear from Lisa before midday, they would formally notify the police that she was missing. They were both fairly convinced that she hadn’t run away with a mystery woman or was still at work. Carla had never felt more distant from Lisa, the last time being after ‘their moment.’ Betsy, on the other hand, felt something terrible had happened – that her mum was in trouble. She couldn’t afford to lose her.

The kettle boiled in the small back office of the retail store. Dehydrated, decaffeinated coffee granules stuck to the inside of the small metal jar. Betsy scraped the stained spoon against the side and sighed. Today was not the day. A number flashed on her mobile. In her rush to answer, the metal container toppled off the counter, the noise reverberating against the concrete floor.

“Kit? Hi. Erm, yeah, I have a moment, just in my break. Sat down? Two seconds, is it mum? Is she… uhuh… Merseyside? As a result of an accident, a car accident… but her car is still outside number 8… Right.” The sigh of relief was louder than she imagined. Her shoulders released the weight as she relaxed into the rickety chair. Her head started spinning with thoughts of what could possibly have happened. “I am at work. Yeah, okay. When are you calling her? Yeah. Questions? Sure. After 5 p.m.? When can I see her? Right, tomorrow then or tonight after we have had a chat. Mason is at work so… Uhuh. Thanks, Kit, thanks so much. Bye.”

She floated weightlessly, knowing her mum was fine and she would make it through. She would wait for Carla to call; she knew everything had to be done officially, but the police had been asked to contact Carla by Lisa. A good sign, perhaps her mum was coming to terms with Carla marrying someone else. Betsy knew that was it; if her mum could turn the clocks back, she would be the one who married Carla, and they would be on honeymoon together. Betsy would be telling them both that they were to become Nans. Betsy loved Carla, Lisa loved Carla, and Betsy was convinced Carla loved them both, however complicated that might be.

Carla’s brunch with Paula was a dream. The smudged lipstick was a testament to the lingering tension between them. Paula couldn’t wait to get her wife onto the plane and into the honeymoon suite. Paula leaned in and captured Carla’s lips once more, as she heard Carla’s phone ring. Carla ignored the ringing and continued to deepen the kiss, their tongues building the heat between them. Their phone rang a second time.

“You need to get that, baby; it might be something at the factory,” Paula said, glancing towards Carla’s black bag and the source of the vibration.

“DC Green, I wonder what he wants,” Carla said, lifting the phone and answering the call. “Good morning, Kit. How are you? Where is she? Merseyside? In hospital?” Carla was in utter shock. She mouthed to Paula - Lisa is in hospital. Paula’s breath caught in the back of her throat. “She asked for me to be informed? Betsy knows… okay… when can we visit… not today? I am on honeymoon from tonight. I understand… did you just say armed guard? Has she done something wrong? She hasn’t got a phone. I will speak to Betsy. Thanks, Kit, you take care. Bye.” The phone stayed glued to Carla’s ear for a good few seconds after the call had ended and Kit had hung up. She couldn’t believe what she had heard. How silly of her to think that Lisa had run away to be with another woman or because she was working.

Paula watched the scene unfold, feeling completely invisible to Carla. Lisa and Betsy had once again stolen her focus. Eager to find out what Kit had said, Paula touched Carla’s forearm and asked, “Carla, focus, what’s going on?” She gently teased out any information she could.

“It’s Lisa,” Carla replied. “She’s in Liverpool in the hospital. She had an accident, and it looks suspicious. There are some armed guards there. I need to get hold of Betsy, but she’s working.” Carla fidgeted with her napkin, unable to look up. She was in chaos. Her best friend was in hospital recovering, and while this was better news than she had expected, her mind raced with reasons why the detective was in hospital and under armed guard. She couldn’t reconcile going on her honeymoon while Lisa and Betsy clearly needed her support. “I think I need to see Lisa,” she stammered, her words jumbled. “I should drive to Betsy.” Paula tried to calm Carla down, urging her to focus on the facts before her mind spiralled away. “One step at a time, love,” she said. “What did they say?”

Chapter 17

Revelation

The burner phone pinged.

P - Shipping arrived at the port. No content. We need to talk.

*** 

Carla paced the flat, suitcases waiting by the front door. Paula’s passports lay on the dining table. The kettle boiled, and she poured herself a mug of tea. Paula had gone to the Rovers to give Ryan keys to her place in case of emergencies, which gave Carla too much time to think. Without a moment’s hesitation, she grabbed her keys and handbag and rushed to her car. She had to see Lisa.

***

Lisa was relieved when the beeping of the machines stopped. The silence was unsettling, however. She tried to recall more from that day to regain lost memories. One thing she couldn’t shake was Becky. She could smell her scent and hear her voice. It wasn’t tangible, though. Becky was dead as a result of a hit-and-run. It couldn’t have been her. Luckily, her thoughts were interrupted by the return of DS Blair.

“Blair, good morning,” Lisa said, her eyes avoiding Blair’s gaze. “Sorry I cut you short earlier. Hospitals, eh?”

“I definitely saw my deceased wife,” Blair said. “Who I now assume is not actually dead. I thought I was going mad, but I could smell her scent and hear her voice…It was crystal clear. So Blair, am I losing my mind?”

Lisa was strong and forthright. She wanted to get to the bottom of this and quickly.

“Well, you’re asking me to give you information about an active investigation. What I can tell you is that a female died on the scene of the accident following a collision with another vehicle. What I’m going to say next will be hard for you to hear: the deceased woman has been identified as Rebecca Swain.” Blair paused, looking at Lisa, who was dumbfounded, even though she had been certain it was Becky. “We believe she was working with another party, who is yet to be identified. I hope you may be able to help us with that.” Blair drew out his notepad and went back to some questions.

“DI Swain, please could you go back through your night before you were apprehended?”

Lisa recalled her day. She regularly met with Carla on Wednesdays, crossed the road to The Rovers, and then saw Becky. Becky had placed her hand over Lisa’s mouth, and then Lisa felt a prick in her neck and nothing. Blair probed more about Lisa’s relationship with Carla, asking how long they had known each other, what their relationship was like, who Carla was, how they had met, and how Betsy felt about Carla. The questions centred around Carla made Lisa uncomfortable. Surely they couldn’t think she had something to do with it. She had mentioned that Carla was due to go on honeymoon with her wife, Paula, a solicitor.

There was a knock at the door, and as if by magic, it was Carla. Blair looked up, “Carla Connor-Martin, I presume?”

Chapter 18

“DI Swain, I understand you want to keep this information private, but I must remind you that this is an open investigation. Please don’t mention Becky to anyone,” Lisa said, nodding. She knew what he was trying to say – keep it between them. “Thanks, Blair. If I recall anything else, I’ll call you.” She turned her attention back to Carla, who stood patiently in the doorway, unable to look away from Lisa’s vulnerable expression.

 

“Carla, hi,” she said, looking up into Carla’s beautiful eyes. “Lisa, are you okay? I mean, clearly not, but I’ve been worried about you. What happened? Does it hurt? Where’s Betsy?” Lisa’s mind raced, and she couldn’t answer Carla’s questions. This was typical of Carla when she was flustered.

 

“I’m feeling better with each passing hour. The nurses have been great, and I’ve been given plenty of Irn-Bru and even some chocolate,” she said, trying to calm Carla’s nerves and lighten the mood. “I don’t really remember much about what happened. I’m so sorry, Carla. You’re going on a honeymoon, and I’ve completely messed this up. You shouldn’t be here with me; you should be with Paula.” Lisa acknowledged the sacrifice Carla was making by being there.

 

“I have some time before I need to head back. Paula is running some errands, and I couldn’t leave without making sure you’re okay,” she said. Carla smiled. “I was so worried you were… well, not with us anymore. Although Betsy and I did think maybe you had gone on a mysterious date,” they both chuckled, knowing how unlikely that would be. 

 

“I can’t say much because it’s an active investigation, but I was in a road traffic accident and wasn’t exactly aware of it. I was on my way to meet you when I heard some metal being cut, and then I woke up here with no memory, not even my name. Carla looked at Lisa, who was trying to piece together what had happened, but there was nothing more she could provide in the way of detail.

 

“Listen, Carla, did you hear anything when you were in the Rovers? I was crossing the road, and I wondered if you had heard anything. Carla was trying to take in all the information, but it was overwhelming.

 

“No, you texted me saying you weren’t coming, so I chatted to Ryan for a bit, finished my glass, and went home. Paula was out with the work lot, so I just headed to bed. Look, Lisa, they will find who did this to you. We’ll get you out of here in no time.” Carla grabbed her friend’s hand and smiled.

 

“So, are you all honeymoon ready?” Lisa wanted to move the conversation on, but there was a lingering doubt after how Blair had questioned her. Maybe Carla was involved in some way, even if not directly. Perhaps someone had targeted Lisa to hurt Carla, but why would Becky be involved in that?

 

***

 

The trip to Weatherfield police was an overfamiliar one for Betsy, not just from visiting her mum at work. The less said about that, the better. Kit had been so vague on the phone, but he really did give her a sense that going in was non-negotiable.” 

 

“Betsy, we’re going to go in here,” Kit said, pointing towards interview room 2. He watched her sit down, clearly confused. “Betsy, I just wanted to check in and I’ve been asked to talk to you about something. What I’m going to say is difficult…” Kit tried to be gentle, but Betsy interjected, “You said Mum was fine, why did you lie to me, Kit? You said she was okay!” Tears welled up in her eyes as she couldn’t fathom why Kit hadn’t told her the truth.

 

“It’s not Lisa, it’s Becky,” Kit said, his voice rising. “Becky was found dead at the road traffic accident your mum was involved in.” He sighed, head in his hands, feeling the weight of his mistake. “Becky died in 2021. She couldn’t have been involved!” Betsy shouted, her fury palpable. “How dare you speak to me like that!”

 

“I need to get out of here. I need to see my mum,” Betsy said, her voice trembling. She opened the door and flung herself out, running without a second thought. She didn’t know where or what to run from, but she was determined to find her mum.

 

Kit texted her, urging her to come back, and then followed up with the address of the hospital where Lisa was. It was what she needed, she needed her mum. She grabbed a cab, despite the expense, knowing that Mason was working and Carla was obviously busy. After some time, she wasn’t sure how long, she arrived at the hospital. Still sprinting, she made her way to her mum’s room. She wasn’t looking where she was going, nor did she hear Carla call after her. She hadn’t even noticed Carla.

 

That’s when she saw her mum sitting up, reading a book and drinking an Irn Bru. The doors almost came off their hinges as she pushed her way through them. “Mum, I love you,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face as she lounged into her for a hug. 

Chapter 19

Carla returned to the flat to find Paula sitting surrounded by her luggage and a steaming mug of tea. “Carla, you look terrible. Is everything okay?” Paula said, pulling Carla into a hug. “It’s Lisa,” Paula continued, “she was abducted and involved in a car accident. She looks so broken.” Paula nuzzled Carla’s neck.

The intercom buzzed, “come up.” Paula addressed the people on the other end.

“Carla Connor-Martin, I’m Detective Blair. We met briefly earlier. I wonder if you could come down to the station to answer some questions,” Paula said, stepping aside to size up the detective. Why was he arresting her wife? What could Carla possibly have to do with this? “Of course, Detective,” Carla replied, “anything I can do to help Lisa. I’m on a bit of a deadline. We’re due to leave for the airport very soon for our honeymoon.” The quicker she answered the questions, the quicker she would be out of there. She followed them down the stairs and into the waiting police car, barely saying goodbye to Paula.

***

P – McGregor apprehended. This wasn’t the plan. No package received. Respond or your life wouldn’t be worth it.

***

When Betsy’s sobbed finally subsided, Lisa passed her a can and a Twix. “Like old times,” she said, smiling at her daughter. “Mum, I have so many questions. The police, Kit, said Becky is dead. I know you know that, but she died again.” Betsy searched Lisa’s face for shock, but instead found her nodding. “Yes, Betsy, it seems Becky was alive and tried to have me kidnapped or abducted on Wednesday. I am so sorry, Betsy.” Lisa broke down. All this time, she had tried to protect Betsy from drama and grief, but it had firmly come back to bite her. She had never suspected Becky was alive; she thought the last time she saw her was after the argument. She didn’t want to move on and put her heart on the line after everything that had happened. What a fool she had been.

“Don’t cry, mum,” Betsy said, trying to be logical. “She was dead, but she was actually alive and is dead again.” The more she dug in, the more confused she became. “Mum, there’s more. I’m not sure this is the right time to tell you, but I’m pregnant.” Silence fell in the room, like a pin drop. Betsy continued, “I thought I had lost you, that you weren’t ever coming back.” Lisa gripped Betsy’s hand tighter, letting her speak. “Carla and I were so worried, she was worried about you, mum. She took me to the hospital this morning, held my hand, and told me you would be okay. That the baby would have Nanna, and that you would be there.” Tears filled Betsy’s eyes once again. “I don’t want to live without you, mum.” Lisa pulled Betsy in tightly, as the tears continued to wet her hospital gown. “Oh, Betsy, I’m not going anywhere. And as for Carla, she’s right. I will be around to be a Nanna.”

Carla really was a rock, Lisa thought. The way she entered their lives with a gentle calm; made the darker days lighter. She was wonderful. “Mum, do you love Carla?”

***

As Carla was ushered into the same interview room as Betsy had attended earlier, the flickering lights cast a small beam of light through the thick glass of the window. The Detective Constable gestured at the seat across the table and Carla obliged.

“Mrs Connor-Martin, please take a seat,” he said.

“So, we’re going to record this interview,” he continued, switching on the typewriter and noting the time and date as he entered the room.

The questions came thick and fast.

“Do you know Lisa Swain?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“How did you meet?”

“She arrested my husband, my best friend, and my nephew. I employed her daughter,” she explained.

“What’s the nature of your relationship?”

“She’s my friend, my best friend,” she said.

“Where were you on Wednesday?”

“I was waiting for Swain at the Rovers. My nephew Ryan was behind the bar, and I had a glass of red wine,” she recalled.

“Why were you at the Rovers?”

“Lisa and I meet every Wednesday. We chat, and we provide each other with comforting shoulders when things are tough, and we celebrate together when things are going well,” she explained.

“Who knows that you meet DI Swain most Wednesdays?”

“The factory lot, Ryan, Roy, Betsy, and my wife Paula. Most of the street has met us there on a Wednesday, so it’s not clear who does and doesn’t know,” she said.

“Was anything different about this Wednesday?”

“No, we were catching up after I got married. She wanted to talk to me about Betsy, who had been distant,” she explained.

“Is there anything you’re not telling us, Carla? Any detail could be helpful,” he asked.

“Lisa was strange at the wedding. She was shifty, and she left early with Betsy. She’s been somewhat different since. I’m not sure how to describe it. She just hasn’t been Lisa,” she admitted.

“Did you have anything to do with Lisa’s abduction?”

“Absolutely not,” she firmly stated.

“You knew she was coming to the pub, and you knew what time she would arrive. It seems very much like you could have been involved!” he accused.

The tension in the room mounted.

“I put it to you that you sought an alibi by talking to Ryan while your so-called best friend was being picked up in the street,” he said.

“No, never,” she replied.

“You didn’t want your best mate to get in the way of your life with your wife. Getting rid of her would be the best thing you could do.”

“Absolutely not. I would never do that to the woman I love.”

Silence. Carla replied to her own words. The detective looked at her, stunned. They were clear Carla had nothing to do with this directly, but there was more to the story, and she was somehow entangled in this mess.

 

 

Chapter 20

Lisa stared at Betsy, her mind racing. “Me, love Carla? As a friend, of course,” she replied.

“Mum, you know that’s not what I’m asking you,” Betsy said earnestly. “You love her, don’t you?” Betsy didn’t need to hear the answer; she already knew. “She needs to know, you need to tell her. Mum, she’s been worried sick about you.”

Lisa knew resistance was futile. The whole situation with Becky, she had been alive this whole time. The whole abduction. She had been so foolish to let her head dictate her feelings instead of her heart. She did love Carla. A lot. Her feelings were so deep they were becoming increasingly inescapable.

“Oh, Betsy, love, sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself,” Lisa said, tears welling up in her eyes. “Carla is married.”

“It’s all so complicated, and this whole situation has made me so confused. I was almost abducted and taken from you. I’m just so glad to be alive and here,” she paused. “If I knew this was my last day on Earth, would I do something differently? That’s all I keep asking myself,” she said.

“Betsy, you’re having a baby…” Lisa remembered her earlier conversation. “And I’ll be the best grandparent. I’ll make up for all those times I haven’t been able to be good enough for you,” she said, looking at Betsy. She studied her face, the way her waves hung on her shoulders and how she held her expression. Warm and gentle, so far from the bratty teenager she had been. She had grown into an incredibly strong woman. “Oh, mum, I think it’s time you started to prioritise yourself. You being happy will only make me happier. You are so much happier around her. You walk with a spring in your step and a smile on your face,” Lisa said. She knew Betsy was right.

“Betsy, love, could you get me some food from the shop? I could just do with some time to process everything you’ve said. It’s a lot,” she smiled.

***

The phone pinged again, sending the Merseyside police team into a frenzy. They needed to identify P and prevent the news of Becky’s death from spreading. Surely P would flee as soon as they knew. Perhaps they could inform P and lead them into a trap. Regardless, the next step was crucial. The news from Weatherfield nick had been clear: Carla was not involved and had no prior knowledge. However, it had to be someone with links to Coronation Street.

Outgoing: Problem. Accident. Rebecca Swain - MIA.

It was a risky gambit. They weren’t sure P even knew the person as Rebecca, if she had used a different alias.

***

In the ginnel behind the Rovers, P received a phone call. Looking at the screen, they understood the gravity of the situation.

B - Problem. Accident. Rebecca Swain - MIA.

P - Where is Rooney?

B - Hospital. Alive.

B - McGregor.

P - Cuffed.

P paced, their heart pounding. They needed to get out now. They could be compromised.

***

Carla pulled her long brown hair through her hands. “Please, I can’t go. My wife and I are on honeymoon, and if I don’t let me go, I’ll miss the flight. I promise I have nothing to do with this.”

The detective looked down at his notes. “Mrs. Connor-Martin, one final question, if I may…” they locked eyes. “Have you ever made contact with Rebecca Swain?”

“Becky? Lisa’s wife?” She paused, trying to comprehend the officer’s implication. “She died in 2021. So, it would be impossible for me to contact her.”

A knock at the interview room startled Carla, who was passed a piece of paper by a police officer. The detective nodded, thanking her for her help and wishing her a happy honeymoon. She reminded her to leave her contact details so they could reach her if needed.

Carla sighed with relief as the detective closed the interview and opened the door.

***

Carla caught a cab back to her flat. They had only five minutes to grab her things and head to the airport. As she opened the door, she called out to her wife, Paula, “Let’s go…” but there was no answer. Her suitcase and passport were gone, and on top of it, a note read:

“I’ve gone ahead. I need to pop past Isla’s. See you at the airport. I can’t wait! Pxxxx”

Carla had a quick loo break, gathered her things, and made her way to Street Cars, the benefits of living above a taxi firm. Her phone rang. It was Betsy.

“Betsy, lovey, have you seen your mum? Oh, hi Lisa. Yeah, I can talk… no, I’m on my own. I just left the police station. They thought I had something to do with your abduction. No, absolutely not. Paula? She’s gone ahead… uhuh… well, if we thought like that, we’d be exhausted, wouldn’t we? We couldn’t live every day like it was our last.” Carla didn’t hear the rest of what Lisa said. It was what they say happens when you’re shocked.

“Carla, can you hear me? I’m sorry, I said too much. Carla, I needed to tell you. Please don’t get on that plane. Please, Carla. Carla… please don’t leave me hanging…” Lisa stared at Betsy. It was now or never. “I said, I have feelings… I’m in love with you.”

 

 

Notes:

That’s it! For the first one. The story does continue.

Notes:

My first attempt at fan fic for the fun of it. I left this as a one shot but I have been exploring whether there could be more to this story. Hopefully some twists and turns and maybe a happy ending. Feedback appreciated. I am learning as I go.

If there are any suggestions that let me hear them.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Switch