For King And Country (Updated! 05/12/04)

[charity]

For the first era of this story please visit the following link:

shewolf.proboards18.com/index.cgi?board=fan&action=display&thread=1084478797

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SATURDAY

Half an hour later and Tom arrives back at Holdgate Farm. He sits in his car for several seconds, pondering whether or not to enter the house or confront Charity about Matthew's revelation. He decides to cool off a little and go inside, hopefully nobody will be in so he can think to himself. However, upon entering the house Tom is immediately confronted with Sadie, in her bathrobe.

SADIE: Tom! Why aren't you still at the hospital? Is Jimmy with you?
TOM: Oh, erm, no I decided to come back and do some paperworrk, I was no use up there. Are you going out soon?
SADIE: Well I wasn't planning too, though Jimmy and I are going for a meal later...
TOM: Look, Sadie I want to apologise for last night, I was totally out of order and could see you were upset. It was wrong of me.
SADIE: It's OK Tom, yes I was shocked and it was uncalled for but I shouldn't have said those things I guess. If Charity is making you violent then I'm worried about you more than anything!
TOM: I know, I'm really sorry. That girl has been playing with me for too long, it's time to sort things out once and for all. I know you and the lads don't think much of her but there's a side to her I really like. I need to have a good think and decide on something before it tears us all apart.
SADIE: You do that, but remember that we'll always be here for you no matter what happens.

Sadie rubs Tom's arm affectionately and kisses him on the cheek. He smiles and walks off in the direction of the study, pleased that things are sorted with Sadie. Meanwhile Sadie smiles smugly to herself, happy that Charity may be on the way out. She still has the trump card to play yet, the fact that Charity is violent too.

Meanwhile, Charity is propping up the bar talking to Chas about her fight with Sadie. Chas is listening intently as Charity describes the events of earlier.

CHAS: I can't believe it's got that far, you're gonna have to watch your step, you know what Tom thinks of Sadie! And especially with Matthew and Carl knowing about the kiss, things are gonna get dangerous!
CHARITY: Don't you think I know that. Things have gotten so messy I think I'm just gonna go and crawl under a rock.
CHAS: Oh look who's here now...

Charity turns to see Carl come through the doors of the Woolpack, looking slightly unnerved.

CHAS: Alright lover?
CARL: Not now eh... might've thought you'd be here.
CHARITY: Well it is a public house.
CHAS: What's wrong with you?
CARL: In case you'd forgotten, my brother's in hospital.
CHAS: Sorry... come on, have a drink on me and we'll plan our next night out!
CARL: I'm not really in the mood for nights out, can we just have a few quiet nights in this week? I'll have a pint anyway.
CHAS: Whatever then, I can see you're not in the mood for talking. Charity, got anything to add to this conversation?
CHARITY: Not really... is your dad back yet Carl?
CARL: No idea, but I wouldn't risk it yet unless you want a rematch. I suppose you've heard?
CHAS: Charity was just filling me in... I've told her with this and Matthew, she's getting herself into hot water!
CHARITY: I'll handle it, don't worry.
CARL: Well just so you know, I'm not getting involved. You can all fight over each other I'll just stand back and get on with my own life.
CHARITY: Cheers then, I wish everyone else would just butt out and let me and Tom get on with it.
CHAS: Right then let's change the subject... any suggestions?

Carl and Charity both shrug and focus on their drinks as Chas rolls her eyes. Suddenly, Charity's phone rings and she scrambles to answer it.

CHARITY: Hello? Tom? OK... right. See ya later then!

Charity puts her phone down and turns to Carl and Chas.

CHARITY: That was Tom, he wants me to go over about 7-ish! Well, I'd better go back home and get me gladrags on eh?!

Charity quickly downs her glass of wine and hurries out of the Woolpack.

[snowy]

Great stuff but I would love to see more development on Jimmy and sadie's relationship ;D

[eithne]

That was very good.

But either my memory's failing or I didn't say to post seperate parts in seperate threads? I don't remember saying this.

Although I have to say that it is isn't exactly banned or anything, it is just I felt it would make navigation easier for newcomers and save them having to trawl through two or more pages for stories.

And you can also read the various comments on the story all in one go, and see how good it really is.

(Apologies in advance if I'm proven wrong)

[SheWolf]

Charity is a long time getting ready ;D ;D

[charity]

Apologies for the lateness of a new chapter of this story!

Part 18

Feeling excited that Tom has asked her to visit him at Holdgate Farm, Charity is hurriedly getting ready to see him. She applies her lipstick - the finishing touch to her now sexy image, and quickly leaves Pear Tree Cottage.

Meanwhile, Tom is sitting alone in his armchair. He's staring into space whilst fiddling with a small square box which he promptly puts into his pocket as Sadie enters the room.

SADIE: Tom? Are you OK?
TOM: Yeah, I'm fine. Listen Sadie, Charity is coming up in five minutes. I've asked her here to sort things out once and for all and I'd really appreciate it if it were just the two of us.
SADIE: OK, I'll make myself scarce. Just make sure you make the right choice Tom.
TOM: I will, thanks Sadie. Oh! Hang on a minute... I've left Jimmy at the hospital and he doesn't actually know I've gone so he'll have no way of getting home. You could always go and pick him up?
SADIE: I think I better had! Can I take your car?
TOM: Yeah, sure. I'll see you later then.
SADIE: Bye!

Sadie leaves and we hear her drive off in Tom's car. Tom withdraws the small box from his pocket and opens it up. We see a small ring inside, before he clasps it shut and jumps up from the chair.

Meanwhile, Charity is halfway to Holdgate Farm when she sees Cain walking towards her. She stops and puts her arm out as if to shield herself.

CHARITY: Stay where you are Cain.
CAIN: What you doin' that for?! I'm hardly gonna batter ya in broad daylight!
CHARITY: Yeah well after last night is it any wonder I don't trust ya!
CAIN: What, when boy wonder came to save you?
CHARITY: Have you heard what's happened to Matthew?
CAIN: No... what?
CHARITY: He was badly beaten last night, practically left for dead in his car!
CAIN: Oh dear... that'll teach him for being off his guard, you never know who's lurkin' in the bushes these days!
CHARITY: Cain, I'm gonna ask you this once. Was it you?
CAIN: Don't be daft! Do you think I'd be so thick to beat someone up hours after a scrap? Anyway, whoever did do it has saved me a job really!
CHARITY: You're sick. Well we'll soon find out who did it when Matthew talks to the police won't we?

Charity brushes past Cain and continues her walk to Holdgate Farm, leaving Cain with a look of wonder on his face. She approaches Tom's home and we see Tom looking out of the window as he waits for Charity. Tom quickly looks in the mirror, sweeping his hair back before there's a knock at the door. He opens it to see Charity standing there, with a sweet look on her face.

CHARITY: Hello Tom, can I come in?
TOM: Of course! Let me take your coat.

Tom hesitantly removes Charity's coat. The atmosphere is a little awkward as Charity turns to face him.

TOM: Erm, take a seat and I'll get you a drink.
CHARITY: White wine for me please.

Charity enters the lounge as Tom pours a drink in the background. She makes herself comfortable, quickly checking her reflection in her small vanity mirror.

TOM: Here we go, is that enough for you?
CHARITY: Plenty thanks.
TOM: Charity... I've asked you to come here because I just want to sort everything out. Do you?
CHARITY: Of course I do! Look, I'm really sorry for storming out yesterday, I guess I'm just a little sensitive over Noah at the moment.
TOM: Well I apologise for any upset I caused you. I just want us to be happy.
CHARITY: Me too!

Charity leans over to plant a kiss on Tom's lips but he stops her midway.

TOM: Wait... there is something I need to ask you and I want a totally honest answer.
CHARITY: What is it?
TOM: Did you and Matthew kiss last night?
CHARITY: What?!
TOM: Answer the question, when Matthew took you home, did you kiss him?
CHARITY: Tom...!
TOM: Look, stop with the games! Just tell me the truth!

Tom is now visibly angry and Charity jumps off her seat, ready to leave.

CHARITY: I am NOT staying here to listen to this!
TOM: No, Charity, wait! We'll never get anything sorted out if you keep running away!
CHARITY: Then stop shoutin' at me!
TOM: OK, OK... sit down, I'm sorry again but I need an answer.

Charity sits back down and avoids Tom's gaze while he asks her again.

TOM: Did you kiss Matthew?
CHARITY: Yes.

Charity turns to Tom and holds his face.

CHARITY: But it meant nothing. I did it because I was mad at you and I wanted to block you out of my mind.
TOM: But why Matthew?
CHARITY: He was there. It would've happened with whoever I'd been with. I was in a state Tom, and it really didn't matter to me, I just wanted to feel wanted by someone else!
TOM: Well what's to guarantee it not happening again?! Can I trust you Charity?
CHARITY: Of course you can! It'll never happen again! I've felt lousy the past day thinking about it, because it's you I love. I love you Tom!

Tom looks visibly stunned at Charity's revelation and she kisses him tenderly.

TOM: I love you too.

Tom gets down on one knee, to an astonished reaction by Charity.

TOM: Charity, will you marry me?
CHARITY: Oh... Tom! I will!

[charity]

Part 19

Sadie and Jimmy pull up outside Holdgate Farm just as Tom and Charity are opening the front door.

JIMMY: Oh what's she doing here again?
SADIE: I think Tom's been trying to patch things up.
TOM: Hello you two!
JIMMY: What are you playing at dad? I had no idea you were gonna do a runner and leave me stranded at the hospital!
TOM: Oh I'm sorry son, it was an emergency! Anyway, never mind that, we've got some news for you.
SADIE: Oh?
CHARITY: Tom... let me.
TOM: OK, go ahead.
CHARITY: Sadie, Jimmy... say hello to your future step mother!
SADIE: What?!
JIMMY: I... I'm stunned!
TOM: That's right, we're getting married!
CHARITY: I'm gonna make Tom the happiest man alive!

Jimmy and Sadie share a mortified look but decide to put on some fake smiles for Tom's benefit.

JIMMY: That's great news dad, well done!
SADIE: Oh I love a wedding!

Sadie leans over as if to kiss Charity on the cheek, though whispers in her ear.

SADIE: Over my dead body will you marry Tom.
CHARITY: Well, if that's what it takes... I'll consider it a bonus!
SADIE: You wait.
TOM: Come on then, I want to tell the world about this! Let's head down the Wooly!
JIMMY: Drinks are on you though dad!
TOM: Naturally... oh by the way, how's Matthew? Has he said anything?
JIMMY: Nah... he's keeping tight lipped until the cops arrive I reckon.
CHARITY: Well, he'll sort it out his way won't he!

Charity gives Tom a stare as if to ask him to change the subject.

TOM: Right, I'll just lock up and then we'll take a walk down! I'm sure Sadie will enjoy telling you all her wedding tips Charity!
CHARITY: Yeah... how lovely.

Charity smiles sweetly at Sadie who just scowls back.

[charity]

This will be updated with a new part tomorrow!

[eithne]

Can't Wait! ;D

[charity]

Finally I am able to write a new part to this story! So it's taken me so long, just been really busy! First, here's a recap of what has happened so far...

• Sadie announced she was buying Home Farm, only for Zoe to retract the sale.
  
• Tom and Charity argued over Noah coming to live at the King house.
  
• Still upset with Tom, Charity kissed Matthew after he rescued her from Cain's grip.
  
• The kiss was seen by Carl and Chas, who think Charity is getting in too deep.
  
• Matthew was beaten up and taken to hospital where he revealed the secret kiss to Tom.
  
• Charity and Sadie had a brawl in the King house which Carl broke up.
  
• Carl and Charity argued about her intentions towards Tom.
  
• Tom beckoned Charity up to Home Farm and confronted her about the kiss with Matthew.
  
• Charity confessed the kiss meant nothing, leading Tom to propose marriage.
  
• Charity accepted his proposal much to the annoyance of Jimmy and Sadie.
  

Now, here is the brand new part of 'For King And Country'...

Tom, Charity, Jimmy and Sadie enter an empty Woolpack. Bob stands behind the bar, fiddling with a beer pump while Len and Pearl chat quietly in the corner.

CHARITY: Well... looks like we've picked a great time to come in here!
SADIE: What a shame, nobody around to hear your announcement.
BOB: Oh, and what announcement might that be?
CHARITY: Me and Tom... we're getting married!
BOB: Congratulations!
JIMMY: Yeah, great isn't it. Come on love, let's grab a seat.

Jimmy takes Sadie's arm and leads her to the nearest seat.

JIMMY: This is one big joke Sadie, we can't let this happen!
SADIE: You're telling me! Tom has gone mad!
JIMMY: Look, she's bound to slip up somewhere along the line. We just need to give her a bit of assistance if you know what I mean.
SADIE: Oh I do! I've already got something lined up anyway.
JIMMY: What do you mean?
SADIE: Well, earlier today, Charity and I had a... well I suppose you could call it a fight!
JIMMY: You what? Are you alright?
SADIE: Yes, yes I'm fine. Carl came in and had to break us apart but my point is that she's already been seen acting violent towards me. One more trick like that and I'd be straight to Tom, with Carl as a "character witness".
JIMMY: She's dangerous, and we need rid ASAP.

Tom and Charity approach with their drinks and sit next to Sadie and Jimmy, who have quickly ended their conversation.

TOM: Well, not the crowd I'd hoped would be in here.
SADIE: Oh nevermind Tom, I'm sure it'll get busier soon.
CHARITY: So, Sadie, looks like I'm your mother-in-law to be eh?! Actually, considering our ages you'd think it'd be the other way around!
SADIE: Oh but I'm not the sort to give birth young.

Sadie and Charity give each other a dirty look and return to their drinks. Over in the other side of the pub, Len and Pearl are huddled together.

LEN: Look, if Frank Bernard has learnt from his mistakes and has become a reformed person then I'm happy for him to stay. If it's what you want then it's what I want.
PEARL: Oh Leonard... you're being so understanding, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you standing by me.

Pearl begins to weep quietly as Len comforts her by holding her hand.

LEN: Don't cry love! Now, shall we head back home and get the spare room ready?
PEARL: Go on then.

They both stand and walk towards the exit where Tom quickly stops them.

TOM: Len, Pearl. Charity and I would like tell you some good news.
LEN: Oh?
CHARITY: We're getting married!
LEN: Oh that's wonderful! Isn't it Pearl!
PEARL: Yes, congratulations!
CHARITY: Aww, thanks! You're both invited!
LEN: Cheers love, right we'd best be off.
TOM: Bye then!

Len and Pearl leave the pub and make their way home.

LEN: That's reminded me, I think we should set a date for our wedding.
PEARL: Oh, erm, well yes we could talk about that once Frank Bernard is settled in!
LEN: I was thinking sometime next year, just after winter maybe?
PEARL: Yes, maybe! Let's give it a while and then see how we feel?
LEN: You do still want to marry me?
PEARL: Oh of course! I just want to get Frank sorted and then think about the wedding. It's all too much at once Leonard!

Pearl quickly walks ahead of Len to avoid anymore wedding talk. Len stops and frowns, clearly frustrated with Pearl's manner. Meanwhile, Matthew has some visitors at the hospital.

INSPECTOR: So are you saying you don't have any idea at all regarding who could've commited the attack?
MATTHEW: Like I said, none. It could've been anybody.
INSPECTOR: You'd not had a run in with anybody that day? That week even? Anybody you specifically don't get on with in the village?
MATTHEW: Nobody. I really can't think of anybody it could be. I was asleep and the next thing I know I'm being kicked on the ground.
INSPECTOR: Right, well if you want us to find this person I'm afraid there's not much hope. There's no suspect and no DNA samples on your clothes to connect us to an individual.
MATTHEW: I'm just gonna have to get over it and be more careful in future then.
INSPECTOR: OK. We'll leave to to it. If you remember anything else, please let us know.

The inspector and his sidekick leave the ward as Matthew stares at the ceiling with a sly smile. Back in the Woolpack, a few more regulars have arrived and Charity is taking delight in telling them all about her forthcoming nuptials.

CHARITY: We're gonna have a big ceremony, everyone's invited and then a big bash back at Holdgate Farm. I'm telling you, it'll even outshine Tom's house-warming party!
EMILY: Well I'm very pleased for you Charity!
PADDY: Yeah, yeah, good luck and everything.
CHARITY: Thanks. Oh Louise! Could we have a few more bottles of champagne please!

Across the other side of the room, Jimmy and Tom are talking.

JIMMY: Are you sure about this dad? She's a nice girl, but... marriage?
TOM: Jimmy, I'm not getting any younger! If a girl like Charity agrees to marry me, I'm not gonna hang around! I love her, like you love Sadie. There's no difference. She's good for me and good for the family.
JIMMY: I just don't want you getting hurt. Charity's still young who's to say she won't get bored? And you know what happened to her last husband...
TOM: Oh stop all of that talk! Chris Tate commited suicide. Charity is innocent and she's moved on. I'm her new life now and believe me she's genuine. I won't let her get bored. I wish you could just be happy for me!
JIMMY: I am dad! Just worried at the same time, we all are.
TOM: Well there's no need to be. Really.

Suddenly there is a stony silence as everyone looks at the Woolpack door.

ZOE: Something I said?
CHARITY: Zoe... it's a celebration, here, have some champagne!
ZOE: No thank you. What's to celebrate, are you finally leaving the village?
CHARITY: Oh far from it! I'm getting married!

Charity grins widely at Zoe who glares back.

ZOE: You disgust me. You'll do anything for money, won't you!

Zoe turns to Tom.

ZOE: I feel sorry for you and if you had any sense you'd call it off now. She's nothing but a troublesome bitch and before you know it she'll drive you to an early grave like my brother!
CHARITY: Oi! Zoe, will you let it go?!
ZOE: Never!

Zoe turns and storms out of the door leaving Tom agahst.

[charity]

CHARITY: Right well... back to your drinks everybody!

Charity takes a seat next to Tom.

CHARITY: I might've known she'd react like that.
TOM: Zoe's just mixed up I suppose. She'll soon come round!
CHARITY: Well, who cares eh?! As long as I've got you it don't matter what anyone says.

Tom and Charity kiss as Sadie and Jimmy roll their eyes. Chas and Carl enter the pub and head straight for the bar.

CHARITY: Chas! Come and join us! And you Carl.
CHAS: Why, what's the celebration?
CHARITY: I'm getting married!
CHAS: To him!
CARL: (sarcastically) Oh great...
CHARITY: Oh well be happy for me why don't cha!
CHAS: Oh I am!

Chas hugs Charity and quickly grabs a glass of champagne, necking it.

CHAS: Right, anymore where that came from?

Carl sighs and turns away while Charity grins ecstatically.

In the meantime, Matthew has just been dropped off by a taxi outside Holdgate Farm. He hobbles to the front door and goes inside.

MATTHEW: Hello? Anybody in?

He looks up the stairs before making his way into the living room, plonking himself down on the sofa.

MATTHEW: Right... time to get down to business.

Matthew picks up the phone and dials, waiting for a few seconds before someone answers.

MATTHEW: Steve, it's Matthew King. I've got a job for you.

A sneer forms across Matthew's face.

Meanwhile, Carl and Chas are sitting at the bar. Chas gulps down champagne while Carl sips at his pint.

CHAS: What's up with you face-ache?
CARL: Do you need to ask? Them two - marriage?
CHAS: Charity's a big girl and Tom's knows what he's doing. Just leave 'em to it eh?
CARL: But...
CHAS: Look Carl, if all you're gonna do is sit here whining all night I'm gonna grab Katie and head off to a club. Now what's it to be?
CARL: Alright alright. But don't blame me if it all goes wrong.

Carl sighs and diverts his attention back to his pint as Chas mulls over his words in her head, giving Tom and Charity a quick glance.

TOM: Oh d'ya know what, I'm absolutely exhausted! I think I might head home and give the hospital a call, see how Matthew is.
CHARITY: Well I'm come with you eh?
TOM: No no, you stay here and have some fun! I'll only end up dozing off in the armchair.
SADIE: Plus we need to get working on your wedding plans hey Charity?!
JIMMY: Well if that's the topic of conversation, I think I'm join you dad!
TOM: Right, let's leave the girls to it then!

Tom kisses Charity, Jimmy kisses Sadie and they both leave the pub. Sadie and Charity give each other side glances, not saying a word. Outside the pub, Jimmy takes hold of Tom's arm.

JIMMY: Dad, just a quick word while I've got you alone. Are you sure about this?
TOM: Son, I've not been surer of anything in a long while! You mark my words, Charity and I will be happy - now stop worrying eh!

Meanwhile, Cain is walking down a lane towards Emmerdale when a black transit van quickly approaches and screeches to a halt. The side doors slides open and Cain turns and looks in shock before covering his eyes as a blinding light beams from the vehicle. Three men in black clothing and balaclavas tackle him and put a sack over his head before handcuffing him and dragging him into the van, speeding off into the night. Matthew King pulls the curtain shut and steps away from the window, silently grinning to himself...

[charity]

Matthew wakes up and wipes the sleep from his eyes. He casually steps out of bed and wraps himself in a dressing gown, picking up his mobile phone from the bedside table. He scrolls down to his messages and reads the newest one.

"IT'S DONE."

Matthew smiles and cheerily walks downstairs. Meanwhile, Tom and Charity are chatting in the kitchen.

TOM: Are you sure that everything's OK between you and Sadie?
CHARITY: Yes Tom, it's fine!
TOM: Well Jimmy's been on my back too, there's something they're not happy about and I want to know what it is.
CHARITY: They're probably just trying to get their heads around it all, I mean we are moving fast aren't we!
TOM: Isn't that what you wanted?
CHARITY: Of course it is, but to them it'll seem hasty. Not to me though!
TOM: Well in that case, I did want to talk to you about a date.
CHARITY: When were you thinking?
TOM: How about January?
CHARITY: What, as in this January?!
TOM: Yep!
CHARITY: Wow Tom, I know we want to move fast but what about all the organising? We need longer than a month!
TOM: No we don't - I've got someone on the case!
CHARITY: Who?

Matthew strolls into the room.

MATTHEW: Me!
TOM: Oh morning son!
CHARITY: What? You're organising my wedding?
MATTHEW: That's right, you don't mind do you?
TOM: I thought I'd get Matthew involved, it's a bit quiet at work for him so this would be perfect. He's going to look for a church today and get to work on the reception.
CHARITY: Oh well I'm sure you'll do a good job but isn't it a bit too much for one man to handle?
TOM: Well we can both lend a hand, and I'll try and get Sadie and Jimmy to do something too - if we all muck in there shouldn't be any problems!
CHARITY: Right then... I guess we'd better get started as soon as possible!

Charity looks in Matthew's direction, he is silently smirking and gives her a knowing wink.

Meanwhile, a figure is lying motionless under a lonely looking bridge with a shallow stream flowing under it, soaking the person's torn clothes. On closer inspection, it is obviously Cain Dingle's body and he is unconscious. A car drives over the bridge, but Cain is out of view from any potential helpers.