Meadow Chapter 18
It was after ten o’clock at night. We’d returned from the compound not long ago. My sisters had to study, so they didn’t go with us. They were bummed. Iceman promised we’d go this weekend as long as I was up to it. I was determined to be. I enjoyed being there. I found it full of life yet peaceful, too.
Work was almost complete on the section of the wall that had been blown up. In a few days, it will be finished. I was shown pictures of what it was like, and the women told me how it felt to be in the middle. It was clear the club knew what to do, and they had been hustled to safety. There was a large room used as a panic area slash children’s room. According to them, it was blast-proof short of an airplane dropping a mega bomb on them.
While the men held church, I was treated to tales of things that they’d gone through. I found it incredible what many of them had survived, and they still found ways to smile and be positive. On the drive there, Iceman told me about his dad showing up. I was outraged for him. How could the legal system not warn him? He explained that church was to discuss his dad and what they should do. The key was to keep him out of Iceman’s life and to protect him and others from whatever scheme the man had in mind. I had no objections to that.
We were freshly showered and lying in bed together. He had me snuggled up against him, rubbing my arms. I was still tired sometimes, but otherwise, I was on the mend. Zara stopped by after Jocelyn did, and she examined me. She said that I was indeed on the mend. I asked her a few questions, and she answered them. I was about to broach one with him. The tension wouldn’t leave his body. I rolled over more to face him.
“Honey, you’re so tense. We need to do something to make you relax. I have an idea.”
He smiled at me. “What’s that?”
Reaching my hand under the covers, I moved it until I found his cock. He was wearing a pair of loose gray lounge pants. I held it there as he groaned and gave me a stern look.
“Babe, I’d love to do that, but we can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re still recovering, and I’m not doing anything to make you relapse.”
“It won’t,” I argued.
“It could, and I won’t chance it,” he answered.
“It won’t, and I have proof. I saw Zara today. She gave me the all-clear. We can have sex. All she said was to let my body tell me if we’re getting too crazy, and it’s making me too exhausted. Otherwise, nothing is a no, Jake.”
As I told him this, I kept my hand where it was. His cock was growing stiff underneath it. I saw desire on his face. I rubbed it back and forth. He closed his eyes and moaned.
“Meadow, babe, are you sure? I don’t want to jump you like a hungry beast, and then you get sick again.”
“But you’re feeling hungry, aren’t you? Just like I am. We had one night, Jake, and then we’ve been denied each other for a week and a half. I want to taste your cock again and then have you fill my pussy with your big hard cock. I want you to make me scream and come all over you. I want you filling my pussy with your cum,” I whispered.
I was in need. My nipples were hard and pressed against the fabric of my nightie. I wore barely there panties, and the crotch was already wet. His eyelids flew open, and he growled as he sat up and rolled over to trap me under his body. He’d landed so he was resting between my spread legs. I had to move my hand. One of his hands cupped my tit and kneaded it, plucking at the hard nub, making me cry out. He did it several times before moving to the opposite one.
His position also allowed him to press his straining erection into my weeping pussy. I whimpered when the head of his cock bumped my clit as he flexed his hips. He gave me my first instruction.
“Pull your gown down so I can see those beautiful tits.”
I fumbled to do it fast enough. Once the nightie was below my boobs, he lowered his head and sucked a nipple into his mouth. He sucked, thrashed, and nibbled on it until I was a quivering mess then he switched sides. The whole time he fed there, he was rubbing his cock back and forth across my clit. I was panting, and the tension inside of me was coiling together.
“Jake, if you don’t stop, I’ll come,” I warned him.
“Good. I want to see how wet you can make those panties before I peel them off and eat that pussy. Soak me, baby,” he rumbled.
Wanting him as crazed as he was driving me, I wrapped my legs around his hips and drove myself hard against his cock where I set out to rub myself into an orgasm. He groaned. I reached up and buried one hand into the back of his hair to hold him close to my boob while the other reached down to sink into his back muscles. The bite to his scalp and back turned him on more. I knew because he’d told me they did when I did those the other night.
He increased the speed of his hip thrusts and the suction of his mouth on my tit. It didn’t take long for me to be crying out his name as I orgasmed. My wetness soaked the crotch of my panties even more, and I knew it made the front of his pants wet. He didn’t have underwear underneath them. I hoped my cream was reaching his cock.
He kept going until I was about to beg him to stop, then he abruptly let go and moved away. My legs had fallen to the bed after I peaked. The covers got kicked to the bottom of the bed. I gasped when he reached down and tore my panties along the side seams and dragged them off me. As soon as my pussy was bare, he laid on his belly and latched onto it. I knew he was rock hard and in need of an orgasm himself, but it seemed he was determined to eat me first.
It was incredible how he used his tongue, teeth, lips, and fingers. He would twist, lave, flutter, thrust, nibble, suck, and more. He kept changing things, so I never knew what came next and couldn’t get used to one method. And the hungry sounds he made as he ate my pussy told me he enjoyed what he was doing and the taste of me.
He was thrusting his fingers in and out of my pussy, and I was working up to another release when he wiggled a wet finger back, and it pressed slowly into my asshole. The feeling of the burning and double penetration, as well as his mouth sucking hard on my clit catapulted me to the edge just like that. Then he bit down on my clit, and I exploded. As I thrashed on the bed, holding in as much of my scream as possible, drowning him with my cum, I swear I saw stars.
I was slowly coming down when he removed his fingers, sat up on his knees, and gripped my hips, jerking me toward him. I moaned as his cock sank into my pussy in one continuous thrust. The fantastic feeling was almost too much on top of the orgasm. He was panting. His eyes were intense, and his face gleamed with my cream.
“Fuck, you feel incredible, Frost. So goddamn tight and wet,” he growled.
He thrust a handful of times before he swore. “Shit, I need to go deeper. On your hands and knees,” he ordered as he withdrew.
I whimpered at his loss but rushed to do as he said so he would reenter me. I was barely up on them when he grabbed my hips, and I felt the head of his cock probe my entrance. Then he jerked me hard onto his shaft as he thrust forward. I collapsed to my forearms as the sensation hit me. His hips slapped into mine, creating a loud smacking sound. We were moaning and grunting along with the smacking. I could smell my scent.
“Hurry, Jake. I want to feel your cum filling me. I need to smell you and me together,” I pleaded.
He drove his cock into me extra hard, then a hand was around my throat, and I was being raised. I followed the pull of his hand until I was sitting on his lap. He was kneeling on his knees.
“Bounce that pussy up and down on my cock. Ride me,” he hissed.
With his hand on my throat and the other around my middle, I did what he asked. I was so close to coming I could taste it, but I wanted him to go with me, so I gritted my teeth and not only rode him, I squeezed his cock over and over with my inner muscles.
“Jesus Christ! Yes! Don’t stop,” he partially hollered.
Using my hands on his thighs to help myself move, I rode his cock faster and kept contracting around him. I was so deliciously full. I was breathing so hard, knowing that when the next wave hit me, I couldn’t stop it. I cried his name when the surge hit, and I started to come. His hand tightened on my throat, causing my pleasure to increase somehow, and then he was grunting as he jerked and spilled his cum inside of me.
He wasn’t content to do just that. In addition, he pinched my clit, which made me scream so loudly I knew my sisters heard me. I gasped as I squirted. I’d never done that before. Iceman was muttering “fuck” over and over as he bucked and grunted. His cock kept jerking deep inside of me, and more warmth filled me.
When we finished coming, he released my throat. I fell forward with my face buried in my pillow. He shifted, and I was rolled onto my side, still curled up with him behind me. He hadn’t removed his cock. I sighed in contentment as his mouth kissed up my shoulder to my neck.
“Again, you leave me without enough words, Meadow. This, us, it’s incredible. I never want it to end or to leave this bed. Can’t we stay like this forever and make your sisters bring us food?”
I giggled. “I agree it’s beyond amazing, Jake. But I highly doubt they’ll support and feed us so we can have sex all the time. God, I could sleep right now,” I said as I yawned.
I heard him inhale swiftly. “I’m an idiot. You’ve been sick, and I took you like a wild beast. Are you alright?” he asked anxiously. He went to withdraw, but I put my hand on his hip to stop him.
“I’m more than alright. I’m wonderful. You didn’t do anything to hurt me. Just wore me out with utterly delicious sex. However, before we can sleep, I need to change the sheet, and we need to clean up. I’ve never squirted before.”
“That was a surprise but a great one. As for changing the sheet, it can wait until tomorrow. I’ll put a dry towel over the spot. You stay here, and I’ll be back to clean you up.”
I protested, but he wouldn’t hear of me getting out of bed, so I lay there and let him do what he wanted. I was too tired to argue.
???
Today was my first day back to work. I’d been off for a total of three weeks, including the week in the hospital. I’d heard from most of the people I worked with, checking in to see how I was and if I needed anything. I hadn’t heard from Joni, which was not a surprise. And Scott had stayed away and quiet. I hoped it meant he got the message, but I wasn’t sure.
If Iceman had his way, I wouldn’t be returning yet or at all. He was convinced that Scott couldn’t be trusted and Joni would always be after me. He was puzzled when everything came back, showing no Salmonella had been found in the breakroom. They’d swabbed and tested every surface, including the fridge, toaster, and microwave. They were all clean. He was convinced I got it at work somehow and was worried I’d contract it again. I tried to assure him that it was doubtful. No one else had gotten sick with even food poisoning.
We’d debated it for a few days. He wanted me to find a new job. I told him I was still planning to do it. There was no way to do interviews while I was sick. However, with me back to work, I’d start pushing those resumes out again. I reminded him I had to work for my sisters and me to live. His solution was for me to let him financially support us until I found something else. I thanked him but refused.
Before I left for work this morning, he made sure I had drinks and food from home. He warned me not to drink or eat anything that was there. He made me promise to let him know if Scott bothered me in any way. As for Joni, he said if I punched the bitch and lost my job, that would be fine. He’d take care of us. I shook my head and kissed him goodbye after that one. The crazy man insisted on following me to work. Only when I was out of my car and in the building did he ride off. He was going overboard, but I liked it. I’d never had someone care like that. I was always the caretaker.
Honestly, I was more worried about him than I was about myself. I was concerned because his dad was in town, and although he hadn’t bothered Iceman since that first time, he seemed to run into his dad all the time. It was always in public, so there was no way to accuse him of stalking Iceman, but we knew he was.
When Iceman contacted the parole board asking why he hadn’t received notice that his dad was up for a parole hearing or been told he was getting out, it was brushed away as a clerical oversight, and they said sorry. If I could’ve reached that person’s throat through the phone, I would’ve choked the bitch. She was so insincere. It was clear she didn’t give a damn that they let a dangerous murderer loose, and he might come after his son. I kept reminding Iceman to stay alert and not to go places alone, which was impossible with his job. Maybe I should suggest I not work and be his shadow for protection. I knew that would be as likely as a snowball surviving hell.
I was one of the first to arrive. With Iceman around, I got up with my first alarm and even ate breakfast, and I was still at work early. I wanted to catch up on my cases and see how today would run. When I spoke to Director Higgins last week, he said they’d ease me back in. He’d been in contact the whole time, ensuring I was recovering. Higgins was the one who insisted that when I was ready to come back, I let him know, not Joni. I didn’t know what that meant, but I was happy not to have to deal with her. My colleagues didn’t mention her whenever they texted or called me, and I didn’t ask.
Walking into the office, I was struck by how much I missed it. I’d be happy to stay here if I didn’t have to deal with Joni and Scott. I didn’t waste time getting to the treatment gym. It was where the therapists hung out and did most of our work, plus charted. I didn’t spend hours last night on my laptop checking my schedule or studying medical records on my new cases and old ones. Iceman refused to let me do more than an hour, so I wanted to do that.
I should’ve known Omar would be there to greet me. He was like me. He liked coming in before everyone started to get the gym in order. When he saw me, he smiled and came over to hug me.
“It’s great to see you back. It hasn’t been the same without you. I swear, everyone has been in a terrible mood. How’re you feeling?”
“I’m feeling good and glad to be back to work. I hate being idle. Why has everyone been in a terrible mood? What did I miss?” I asked, taking a seat across from him after we finished hugging.
“They had to ask her Highness questions, and as usual, she had no answers, so she’d tell them to ask someone else or figure it out. I swear, she gets worse every week. While you’ve been gone, she’s either behind closed doors or running to Scott Harrison’s office and behind them there. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were an item.”
“How do you know they’re not?”
“Because he’s still got it bad for you. I don’t know what you said, but he constantly asks who has seen or talked to you. He wants to know what you said and if you’re okay and coming back soon. Someone asked why he didn’t see for himself, and he stormed off. What did you do?”
I wasn’t one to feed the gossip, but I knew Omar would keep it to himself. “He came to Knoxville to see me in the hospital. I’d had a problem with him and my boyfriend before that, and he was told to leave me alone. Iceman and I told him to get lost when he showed up with flowers. I might’ve told him to chase Joni since he knew she wanted him. He wasn’t happy.”
“Oh shit, I wish I’d seen that. And what’s this about a boyfriend? I heard a rumor some biker came looking for you right after you went to Knoxville, claiming to be your boyfriend. But I didn’t believe it. Someone mentioned it, and Scott told them you had no boyfriend. How did our sweet Meadow end up with a biker?”
“If you think I’m that sweet, you clearly don’t know me as well as I thought you did, Omar,” I teased.
He laughed. “You can be sweet, but I know not to mess with you. Listen, I want to hear all about your man, but I know you want to get prepped for the day, so let’s chat later. I’ll wait, and we can have lunch together, okay?”
“Deal.”
He wore a satisfied smile when he stood. I got up and went to get my tablet out of my bag. I had a schedule and medical records to review. The gym was orderly, so Omar must’ve gotten here super early. I was glad I didn’t have to waste time on it.
They had taken it easy on me. I only had four patients, and they were spaced out, so I had time in between. I would prefer to be busy the whole time, but I understood the caution. I’d do it today and tomorrow and then let them know it was fine to increase my load. All of them were new to me. From what I could see, my prior patients were mostly done with their therapy. I was sad not to be able to see them make their goals to be discharged, but I was happy for them.
While enjoying the work and reconnecting with my coworkers, a part of me was waiting for Joni and Scott to seek me out. Between patients one and two, Director Higgins dropped by the treatment gym to say hello and ask if I was well. I assured him I was recovered and happy to be working again. He told me to let him know if I needed anything or had concerns.
At lunch, I filled Omar in on Iceman. He was surprised that I met him while a patient, but he didn’t seem to think it was wrong that we were now a couple. I explained it was early in our relationship. We were still learning about each other. I kept the fact Iceman wanted me to help with his house, move in with him, and one day marry and have kids out of it. Omar said that he’d heard of the Warriors, and it had only been positive things.
After we talked that through, I asked him how he was doing. He was married and had two kids. I got the latest on his wife and kids. By the time we were done talking about them, it was time to get back to work.
I finished my last patient about a half hour before quitting time. In between treatments, I read up on the cases of my patients for tomorrow and, when able, those coming later in the week. It helped me to start thinking of possible treatment plans for them. Being so close to the end of my day, I was relaxed, which didn’t last. A quarter til five, I was alone in the breakroom. I went there to be alone to concentrate on what I was reading and jot down notes on modalities I wanted to use. I should’ve been prepared.
I saw the door to the breakroom open in my peripheral vision, but I didn’t pay attention to who it was. It wasn’t until my name was said that I knew. Lifting my head, I was facing Scott. I wanted to groan. Why wouldn’t he get a clue and stay away? What more could there be to say? When I didn’t say anything in response to him calling my name, he spoke again.
“Meadow, we need to talk. Come to my office. I waited all day so I wouldn’t disrupt your work.”
“Scott, it doesn’t matter if it’s the end of the day. We have nothing to talk about. Leave it.”
“Like hell, we don’t! You’re not being watched by that goddamn biker or his club. You’re free to speak to me. We can make a plan on how to get you and your sisters away from them. You don’t need to let him or his club rule you with fear.”
I stood up. “Oh my God, do you even hear yourself? The stuff coming out of your mouth is unbelievable. Let me say this again. I’m not being forced to do anything by Iceman or his club. They aren’t threatening me or my sisters. I’m with Iceman of my free will. He’s the man I want.” I said it louder than I should’ve, but I wanted him to hear me and let it sink into his hard head.
Snatching up my tablet, I marched closer to him since he was between me and the door. He tried to grab my arm, but I evaded him and left the breakroom. I was in the short hallway that led to the gym. I was hurrying when he came running after me.
“Meadow, come back here!” he shouted.
Ignoring him, I kept walking, only to have my elbow grabbed. He twirled me around to face him. My temper snapped, and I snarled, “Let go of me.”
When he didn’t, I followed up with a physical response. I grabbed his wrist and applied pressure to the pressure points, which caused him to let go. I followed that with a hard, open-handed heel thrust to his nose. It was a move guaranteed to break someone’s nose. The way he screamed told me I had succeeded, even if I hadn’t heard the crunch sound. He was holding his nose, tears streaming down his face, staring at me in disbelief and anger.
The murmur of multiple voices was behind me. I didn’t turn to see who was there. I refused to take my eyes off him.
“I told you we had nothing to talk about and to let go of me. You didn’t, so I made you. The next time someone tells you to let go, maybe you’ll do it,” I informed him.
“I’ll have you fired for this. You assaulted me,” he mumbled from behind his hand, which was holding his nose with blood dripping onto the floor.
“You assaulted me first by touching me. What I did was self-defense. If they want to fire me for it, so be it.”
“I need both of you in my office immediately,” Director Higgins said from behind us.
Moving so I could see Higgins and still keep my attention on Scott. I tried to gauge Higgin’s reaction. He wasn’t happy, but I couldn’t tell who he was upset with.
“Director, Meadow is out—” Scott began to say but was cut off by the director.
“I don’t want to hear a word from either of you until we’re in my office. Come,” Higgins ordered.
I began walking further away from Scott toward the other hall that would take me to the director’s office. I heard people muttering. I smirked when Higgins told them to go back to work. There were footsteps behind me, but they weren’t close enough that I was worried about being touched. Besides, Scott would be on his best behavior with the director with us. I wondered how he’d spin it to put himself in the good light and throw the trouble on me.
I walked past Ines’s desk. She was standing there with her purse in her hand. No doubt she was about to leave for home.
“Have a good evening, Ines,” I told her pleasantly.
“Uh, you too, Meadow.” There was a several-second pause, and then she added, “Director, do you need me to stay?”
“No, you can go home. I can handle this. Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he told her pleasantly.
I entered his office and sat in one of the chairs at the table. Moments later, the door closed, and Scott sat in another chair. Right behind him, the director took a third seat. He folded his hands together and rested them on the table. He scanned me and Scott before he said a word.
“I want each of you to tell me what happened out there. What was said and done to end up with you having a nosebleed? Who would like to go first?” Higgins asked.
“I would,” I said before Scott could. I wanted the director to hear the truth whether I was believed or not. He gave me a nod, which I took to mean go ahead .
“Director, do you recall I told you about Harrison’s visit to Knoxville when I was in the hospital? How he lied and said that you had asked him to check up on me. Iceman and I asked him to leave and stay away from me during that visit.”
“I do. So why are we sitting here three weeks later?”
“Because Harrison is under the misguided impression that I’m only with Iceman because he and his club are threatening me and my sisters. I’ve told him that’s not true before today. When he came into the breakroom, he was insisting we talk. He said that this was my chance to let him help us because Iceman and his club weren’t there. It was my chance to get away. I explained to him again that I wasn’t being forced to do anything by my boyfriend or his club.
“After telling him this and asking him to leave me alone, I walked out of the breakroom. He tried to grab my arm, but I got by him. Out in the hall, he was yelling after me, then he grabbed my elbow and swung me to face him. I told him to let go, and when he didn’t, I broke his grip and then applied a heel thrust to his nose, breaking it. Right after that was when you spoke to us.”
“Is there anything else you want to say before I let Scott speak?”
“Yes, there is. Before I went to Knoxville, he came to my apartment complex. I found him in the parking lot. He came there to see me but ran into Iceman. Harrison was informed then that he needed to go and that he wasn’t welcome there. That was the second time he’d shown up uninvited to my home.”
His eyebrows hiked. He glanced over at Scott, who had a bland look on his face. The sight of the blood drying on his face filled me with satisfaction.
“Is there more?” Higgins asked me.
“Not that I can think of, sir,” I answered.
“Fine, then it’s your turn, Scott. Why did you not listen to what Meadow said to you? And I mean not just the time at her home but at the hospital and today? I think she’s made herself clear if she’s said it three separate times.”
“Sir, I’ve been a friend to Meadow since I started here. In all that time, I’ve never heard her mention dating someone casually, let alone in a relationship. Suddenly, she’s coerced into taking on a patient who is somehow connected to Dr. Moretti. A man who is not only a member of a motorcycle gang, but he refused to come here to receive his treatment. She had to go to their community with a big gate, tall concrete walls, and barbed wire along the top. She was there with a bunch of savage bikers.
“This Iceman showed up uninvited to her home one night that I happened to stop by. He was bringing pizza. How did a patient discover where she lived, and how was that appropriate behavior for him? I voiced my objections. Then, right after he’s discharged from her care, which I was thankful for because I thought it would free her, he’s at her home again. They were going out to dinner on a date.
“These aren’t the actions of my rational friend. Despite what she’s said, I know that she’s in danger and this man has forced her to be with him. I think he’s using her sisters to do it. She’s so afraid of what he or his club might do that she continues to deny I’m right or to ask for help. I hoped by her being here with us, she’d finally confess. We can help her if she’ll allow it.”
The way he said it sounded very convincing, and maybe it did because, in his delusional mind, it was the truth. However, it was a lie, and I wouldn’t allow him to continue harassing me. Higgins sat there in silence, thinking over what we said. It was all I could do not to tell him it was ridiculous and that I was leaving. Finally, after several tense moments, Higgins spoke.
“I think we all appreciate when our work friends have our back. However, unless they come to us asking for help, you should’ve adhered to her wishes and left her alone. Your friendship has caused issues at work. A manager was seen arguing and getting into a physical altercation with an employee. I cannot have that.”
“Respectfully, sir, Scott is overstating our relationship. He makes it sound as if we’re good friends. The reality is that we’re friendly work acquaintances. We’ve never hung out or chatted outside of work. We don’t call each other or exchange information about our lives. Early last year, he asked me out, and I refused. I believe jealousy might factor into his refusal to believe I’m not with Iceman out of fear. In fact, I know it does. He told me he didn’t understand why I was with a man like Iceman, a biker, when I could be with him. I’m tired of him accosting me about my personal life, which is none of his business, and of being unfairly treated by my supervisor due to her infatuation with him. It’s like I’m caught in a soap opera I never asked to be a part of.”
“Director, Meadow is oversimplifying things and twisting them to fit the narrative her boyfriend has put in her head. We’re closer than she stated. And yes, I did ask her out early last year. At the time, we didn’t know each other well, so she said no. I waited for us to become better acquainted. She was receptive, and I was about to ask again when this Iceman came into the picture and turned her against me. He’s dangerous, and we must do something to rescue her and her sisters.”
“What about the situation with her supervisor?” Higgins asked.
Surely, he wasn’t buying this load of horseshit Scott was peddling. If he were, I would lose all respect for him.
“I think there might be a grain of truth to the story. Joni does appear to be interested in me, although I can’t say positively she is. However, I’ve only been cordial to her and not encouraged her possible infatuation with me. If she’s seen fit to mistreat Meadow, that is something I’ve not had a hand in nor knowledge of. Joni and I are mere work colleagues.”
“So, what about all the closed-door meetings you two have had while I was out? I was told of them by others when I returned. You expect us to believe they were all about work and nothing more? And you told me in the past you knew she was targeting me unfairly due to her crush on you,” I snapped.
“I wouldn’t think you’d listen to gossip,” Scott said with a smirk.
The urge to punch him again was growing. I was tired, and this was going nowhere. Ignoring him, I glanced over at the director. “Sir, it has been a long day for me. I’m tired. I’d like to go home. I’ve said all I need to say. You can make whatever decisions you must. However, it will be without me sitting here talking in circles with him. I’m leaving. If you want to speak to me more, I’ll be back in the morning unless I hear otherwise from you. I’m seeing why Iceman didn’t want me to return to work here,” I tacked onto the end.
“That’s because he’s afraid we’ll talk sense into you,” Scott said.
Standing up, I pushed back my chair to leave. Higgins stood. He looked concerned, but I wasn’t sure what was bothering him. The director walked me to the door and opened it.
As I left, he softly told me, “I’ll get to the bottom of this, I promise. Hang on.”
I didn’t respond other than to give him a single head nod, and then I left. The walk to my car was done with me deep in thought. I hated having to go home and tell Iceman what happened. He’d be furious, but we promised not to keep things from each other. I couldn't hide stuff from him if I wanted him to be honest with me. The drive was a tense one.