Sated they lay back and sighed.

"I love you Nicola Wade." Helen murmered.

"I love you too Helen Stewart." replied Nikki turning to Helen to kiss the tip of her nose.

After dinner that evening Nikki went to the club to find Trisha. She had deliberately left it to near closing time knowing that it would be the best time for them to talk. Upon entering Nikki felt an uneasy sensation sweep over her. Brushing it aside she went in pursuit of Trish. Trisha was sitting at the bar having a drink. As Nikki made her way over to her a feeling of dread past over.. This time it was too strong to ignore. Stopping she looked up to where Trish sat, a vision of horror met her. There stood the copper she had killed laughing at her.. Trish screaming and Nikki covered in blood, staring at the bloodied body lying before her a broken bottle in her hand..

The room began to swim and Nikki felt her legs betray her. Grabbing for the nearest chair she sat herself down.

"Nikki are you alright? came Trisha’s worried question.

Nikki couldn’t move or speak. She was paralized with fear and dread. Her heart was pounding, her breathing became short. She needed air, she needed to get out of there. She needed Helen. With all the strength she could muster she told Trish to call a cab as she had to get home.

"I’ll drive you." said a worried Trisha.

By now Nikki didn’t care how she got home. All she knew was that she needed to be with Helen.

"Fine" she said," Just get me out of here."

Trisha helped Nikki into her car and they drove in complete silence all the way to Helen’s flat. Pulling into the curb Trisha helped Nikki out of the car. By now Nikki had managed to get herself composed enough to thank Trish and tell her she would call her in the morning. Trisha watched a very unsteady Nikki walk up the steps to her front door.

The flat was in darkness bar for one lamp. Helen had already turned in for the night as Nikki had said she would be late and not to wait up.Nikki made her way to the couch and flopped down. Nausea spread through her body at an alarming rate.Holding her head in her hands she waited for it to pass.

Nikki had been in the club the day of her release. Trisha had thrown a party for her and the club had been full of all Nikki’s friends wishing her well . She had not felt any emotion that day other than relief at being set free. Why now had she felt like this? Reasoning with herself Nikki realized her horrific experience this night had been because of the time factor.. Walking into the club at closing time had been a replay of the night she had gone to pick up Trish and found the cop about to rape her.Nikki recoiled at the memory and knew then that she could not face going back. Ever.

Nikki forced herself to climb the stairs where she new Helen slept. Undressing and climbing into bed Nikki reached for Helen. Nikki’s body was still trembling as she drew Helen in to her. Feeling Nikki’s embrace Helen woke.

"Sweetheart what’s wrong? You’re trembling" Helen said concerned to find Nikki shaking beside her.

"Just hold me Helen." Nikki pleaded.

Helen had never seen Nikki like this before and was upset and needed to know what had happened. Pushing her for more information Nikki only withdrew.
"Please Helen leave it for now. All I need is to feel your arms around me. We will talk about it in the morning." Nikki begged.

"It’s alright sweetheart I’m here." Helen soothed as she held Nikki as tightly as she could.

Helen’s body melted into Nikki’s giving Nikki the comfort she craved. The beating of Helen’s heart, her breath on Nikki’s neck, the small kisses she planted on Nikki’s forehead all helped to ease away her fears. Nikki felt drained, she began to relax feeling Helen’s embrace cradle her she gave in to the peace that was beginning to fill her.

"Hold me Helen, don’t let me go." were the last words she spoke before sleep took over.