Sergeant Grafton: "Ms Bulower, this is all pretty unusual. Normally, the way it works with criminal offences is that we get a complaint made by a victim and then we investigate it. But this time what happened was that a set of pictures were sent to the police showing a woman being sexually assaulted. That's very unusual, very worrying -- and it's more alarming yet when the victim's name and address are put in with the pictures. Still, that's what happened and we're bound to follow it up. I'm here on your doorstep and I can see the photos we have are definitely of you. So, I have to ask, did you report this incident at the time it happened?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No . . . no. It's all very difficult to explain. I don't think you'd have believed me if I told you about it."

Sergeant Grafton: "I've worked in the sexual crimes area for quite a while, Ms Bulower. I've heard some pretty strange things in that time. So I think you should talk to me, whether or not you have legal charges in mind. Would this be a convenient time to clear the air? My first name is Julie, by the way."

Ms Amelia Bulower:"I don't know . . . "

Sergeant Grafton:"Is your husband in right now, Ms Bulower? Is this a bad time?

Ms Amelia Bulower:"No, he's away on a business trip. I guess it's OK. I'll make us some coffee and I'll tell you what happened. I know you won't believe me. But come in."

Ms Amelia Bulower:"That OK, Julie?"

Sergeant Grafton:"Tastes fine, Ms Bulower."

Ms Amelia Bulower:"Call me Amelia."

Sergeant Grafton:"Surely. Now, when did this happen, Amelia? And what was it that happened?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "It was eight days ago. I was jogging in a patch of woodland called Richmond Larches which is about ten miles out of the city. A deserted sort of place. So now you're going to ask me what the hell I was doing running around in a place an hour's drive from where I live and where I'd never been to before?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, yes, if that's so, why did you go there?

Ms Amelia Bulower:"This is where it gets weird, right from the beginning. I go jogging every day, but only in the local park. The day before the pictures were taken, some guy had waved me to a stand as I was running there. He seemed like just an average guy in a track suit but before I could take much notice of him he held up some kind of a spray can and squirted something in my face, some kind of a gas. Then I lost it, completely. What I mean is, whatever was in that container, one whiff of it and I felt as if I was sleep walking. As if my mind was way back there somehow while my body was still out in front: it was weird. But I still knew everything that was happening, and the really weird thing is that whatever this guy told me to do, I did. He told me to sit down on a bench and I just went with him and sat on the bench beside him. Have you ever heard of any kind of drug that could make somebody behave like that?

Sergeant Grafton: "There are plenty of drugs I've heard of guys trying to use on women and some of them are very effective, but I've never heard of anything quite like this. Excuse me, Amelia, but you come across to me as somebody with a pretty strong personality. It's hard to believe you could lose all your willpower just from a whiff of gas. But you're saying that's what happened?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "That's only part of it. The guy who'd sprayed me in the face started talking to me. He told me about Richmond Larches, he told me when to go there, and to be wearing my running suit. He told me what time to be there, and where to park my car and what track to go running down. He told me all these things and he even gave me a piece of paper with it all written down. And then he got up and walked away without even looking backwards. But one thing he did say before he went was that I shouldn't tell anybody else about going to Richmond Larches: not unless I was asked. And I haven't.

"Oh, the hell with it, I can see you don't believe a word of what I'm saying!"

Sergeant Grafton: "No, don't prejudge my reactions, Amelia. Like I said, I hear about some really strange things that go on. Just tell me everything you can remember, no matter how odd it seems."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Alright, I'll try. I suppose after about ten minutes of sitting on the bench I felt the same way as I usually do. Except that I knew I was going to have to make the appointment at the Larches next day. It didn't seem like any big deal, it was as if I was going to have to go to the hairdresser or something like that. I just wouldn't mention it to my husband or anybody else, that's all."

Sergeant Grafton: "I have to admit, Amelia, this is strange; the way, you're telling the story, it was as if you'd had some kind of hypnotic suggestion planted way deep in your mind. Have you ever been hypnotized previously? At a stage show or something like that?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Never. I don't believe in hypnotism -- or I didn't, anyway. I'm as certain as I'm sitting here that it was all due to that gas I got hit with. Have you ever heard of any kind of a gas that could put somebody in a trance in only a second or two?"

Sergeant Grafton:"No, absolutely not. There are three kinds of drugs you usually get associated with non-consentual sex: there's Rohynol, Ketamine and GHB. They're in liquid or pill format and almost always used to spike a woman's drink. They heighten the effect of the alcohol, to cause loss of inhibitions and often amnesia as well. The after effects are usually pretty bad too, like a magnified hangover. Did you feel that way?"

Ms Amelia Bulower:"I guess I lost my inhibitions, that's true, but it was like I had to do whatever I was told without argument. Unbelievable, I guess. But I remember everything, I never felt physically ill and the effects seem to linger on. I was told not to talk about what happened to anybody and if you hadn't come here I don't think I would have. How long do the effects of these other drugs last for?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Three or four hours at the most. Never for days."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "And you've never heard of a rapist using gas?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Not unless he's a dentist." . . . "Excuse me. Amelia, but I'm surprised you seem able to laugh about this matter. According to these photos you were treated pretty roughly."

Ms Amelia Bulower:"Julie, according to my memories, I was fucked hard and put away wet. What I want to know is why these guys sent the pictures to the police?"

Ms Amelia Bulower:"These guys?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yeah, that was another weird thing. The guy who sprayed me was there taking the shots but the guy who laid me first, I'd never seen before. But why the photos, and why send them to the cops?"

Sergeant Grafton:"If you're telling me the truth, I'd just about risk a totally off the wall guess. I'd guess that these guys have invented this gas or whatever it is, and it seems like they've hit on some kind of magic formula that lets them mess with people's minds as much as they like. So now they think they're the kings of the streets and they're proving it by sending their rape pictures to us. It's a way out notion, but if I'm right, God forbid, we can expect a whole lot of more cases like yours, Amelia."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "That's bad. I mean, I don't feel so bad for myself for some reason, maybe because my mind really has been affected. But I still wouldn't want it to happen to any other woman."

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, if these guys really have gotten themselves some kind of super rape aid I need to find out all I can about it. Amelia, would you be prepared to look through these pictures and tell me what you remember about how they were taken?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Sure, I'll do that for you. Another cup of coffee?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Uh . . . yes, please, Julie. And I think I'd better tell you at this stage that I'm wired. Everything you tell me is being recorded."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yes, I thought you might be. OK, so here I am running and I'm still brain dead. I mean, I've come here because I was told to by a total stranger a day ago and I'm doing everything he's told me to, and it just seems as if I have to be there because I have to be there. I don't remember ever asking myself why the hell I should be bothering. I'm just doing it. How could I have gone to the police afterwards with a story like that? Even though it's the truth."

Sergeant Grafton: "I can understand that, Amelia. And you weren't frightened at all, apprehensive about meeting this man again?"

Ms Amelia Bulower:"No. That never occurred to me either. All I felt was kind of annoyed that I had to take time off to handle this chore. I told you, it was just like having to do some shopping or to see my accountant, or something like that."

Sergeant Grafton: "OK, well, this first shot looks like it was taken with a long distance lens. Did you see the men waiting for you at this stage?"

Ms Amelia Bulower:"No. It seemed like there was nobody else around until the pair of them came out from behind a tree. If they hadn't shown up I think I'd have just run along the trail where I was told to and then gotten back in my car and driven off without thinking anymore about it."

Sergeant Grafton: "But they were there, waiting for you. In a concealed position, like an ambush?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, like I said, waiting behind a big tree, yes. The first one who stepped out was the one I hadn't seen before and when he tried to grab me, I tried to get away from him."

Sergeant Grafton:"Which is what's happening in this next photo?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yes. And then the first man came out from behind the tree. I mean the man who'd gassed me the day before and spoken to me. The one who'd told me to come to Richmond Larches. And he told me to relax because everything was going to be OK. He had a camera in his hands and aimed it at me as he was talking."

Sergeant Grafton: "What were your reactions when you saw him again and he spoke to you?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Everything seemed fine then. I just stood and waited as he walked up to me. He hung the camera from a strap around his neck and took a spray can from off his belt. It looked like the same can as he'd used on me before. He told me again to relax, and then waved the nozzle in my face and I heard a hissing sound, just like a regular aerosol can working. And then he told me to fall asleep. So I did."

Sergeant Grafton: "You fell asleep just like that? You mean you actually blacked out as soon as this man with the spray told you too?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "What do you want from me, a lie detector test? Yes, that's what happened and you were the one who was talking about hypnotism and stage shows before. You've seen the same thing done on stage by professional hypnotists, haven't you?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Yes, but I never understood how it could be done: I thought there had to be an element of trickery in it. Anyway, I'm only here to listen to your story, Amelia, not dispute it. Even if I wanted to I couldn't because there's a photo here which shows you're telling the truth. You were put to sleep and here's the proof."

I'll be asking you for a full description of this offender who gassed you before I leave, but just for now, can you give me some idea of what he looks like? How did he strike you when you first saw him? The first time he sprayed you, and also when you met him at the Larches."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Well, he was nothing special. Caucasian, early thirties maybe, long black hair, dark glasses, medium height, average build, casual clothes that looked as if they hadn't been pressed for days. He looked as if he'd just come out of a computer cubicle at some internet company."

Sergeant Grafton: "He never mentioned his name -- or the other offender's?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No. I've always thought of him as the Geek. And the other one, well, he was biggus dickus as far as I was concerned."

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, yes, Amelia. I can see what you mean, from the photos. So you can't recall what happened for a while after you were told to go to sleep?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No. Although I found out later they'd used either a knife or a pair of scissors to cut off my pants. I don't remember anything about that. What I remember next is still feeling half asleep and lying on my back on something which was very hard, like a rock. Which was what it turned out to be. And a voice, the Geek's, it was telling me to open my mouth. So I did."

Sergeant Grafton: "You were still pretty groggy from the gas at that stage? You didn't understand that oral intercourse was being demanded of you?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Oh, yes, I knew about that straight away. It was the other guy who spoke next, not the Geek, and he told me to start licking his cock."

Sergeant Grafton: "And you felt threatened enough to do it?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Well, it's like I've been telling you all along, I somehow didn't feel much of anything except that I had to do what I was told. I mean, it was kind of like being in a doctor's office. If he tells you to do something you sort of think there must be a good reason for it, so you do it. That was how I was feeling right then. It didn't seem like any big deal."

Sergeant Grafton: "So you did what he wanted?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "The photo's right there on the table: what do you need to ask that question for?"

Sergeant Grafton: "I'm trying to get it all into context, Amelia, that's all. I need to understand not only what happened but how it happened and how you felt about things at the time. Like whether your feelings changed as things progressed. For example, you still seem only partially conscious at this time. Is that right?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Just at first. To tell the truth and shame the devil, it seemed like quite a cozy sort of feeling, to have a man in my mouth and knowing he was a stranger. Like we'd just been introduced at a party: OK, OK, I know it sounds crazy but that's how it was. But he told me to open my eyes and look up at him, so I did."

Sergeant Grafton: "So how did you feel when you looked?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "In a word, impressed. I knew I'd landed a big one as soon as I started putting my lips around it, but when I looked along it at eye level it looked like a Presidential model. I even wondered if I'd recognize the guy's face. But it sure wasn't who I'd hoped it might be."

Sergeant Grafton: "So, Amelia, forgive me for being blunt about it, but how did you feel when you found out you were providing oral sex for a total stranger?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "I guess I felt sexy."

Sergeant Grafton: "Sexy?"

Ms Amelia Bulower:"Horny; you know what it's like when you feel horny, don't you? Even cops must get horny sometimes, don't they?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Sure, but under those circumstances . . ."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "You can see my circumstances. My bra had been pulled down to show off my tits to the guys and my panties had been adjusted to show off my pussy. They'd got me down on my back in the middle of a forest, three quarters naked and with a huge cock in my mouth. I didn't need to be a rocket scientist to know I was going to get fucked by that big cock I was pumping up. And it seemed like a nice day for it to happen, so yes, I felt sexy. Or is there something else you'd prefer me to say instead?"

Sergeant Grafton: "No, I don't want to put words into your mouth -- if you'll pardon the phrase."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "You've got a sense of humor there, Julie. I think you'll need to curb that if you want to become a success as a cop."

Sergeant Grafton: "Believe me, Amelia, this is one job where you can't get by without being able to laugh at yourself, and the job. I mean, look at me, right now. I'm supposed to be interviewing a rape victim, and so far she hasn't shown any apparent signs of anger at all about what was done to her. So am I wasting my time here because she's still drugged or hypnotized in some way, or did she go out looking for the experience and then enjoyed it?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "I've never been involved in anything like this before, and I certainly didn't go looking for it. I'm just saying that I felt very relaxed at the time and that afterwards I knew my story wouldn't make any sense to anybody like you. I'd just be making a lot of trouble for myself and my marriage if I went around telling stories which nobody like you would believe."

Sergeant Grafton: "And the photos? Did you remember them taking these photographs of you during the sexual assault? And did they influence you not to say anything about the offence?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "I'd forgotten about the camera when I first came to. I mean, what with being between a rock and a hard place, and so on. But then I realized that the Geek must surely still be around, watching me go down on his buddy, and then I remembered about the camera. And, anyway, he came and stood by me after a few minutes and told me to look up at him as he took some shots. They should be in there with the others, I guess."

Sergeant Grafton: "Yes, they're here. Do you want to see them, Amelia?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Why not?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yes, that's right. The Geek told the other dude to hold my head up while he took the shot. I remember that alright."

Sergeant Grafton: "Hmmm. You don't mind if I say that you seem to have been . . . . well . . . responding to the situation, Amelia."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "If you mean my nipples were all tightened up, you're right. I told, I was already feeling horny and then the two of them were talking about which way to have me for my first fucking, either on my back or bent over the rock. That's why I was perking up that way."

Sergeant Grafton: "OK -- and I suppose if somebody asked you if you were trying to scream, you'd say it was a stupid question."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yes, it'd be a stupid question, especially for anybody who'd seen these photos."

Sergeant Grafton: "Yes, I can see you'd have trouble just breathing, let alone doing anything else. So how do you feel about these guys sending these pictures to us? I mean, surely you must be upset at the thought of these prints being handed out around a squad room for a bunch of male detectives to leer at? Surely you must be angry with these two guys about doing that, after they'd already had their fun with you?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Is that what's happened -- have the men you work with been looking at these? I suppose they must have, mustn't they? You can't do an investigation without looking at the evidence, can you? So what did the guys say about them?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, let's just say that if you ever want some hefty young officers to go jogging with you as bodyguards, I can let you have several contact numbers. But that's not what we're supposed to be talking about. What we're supposed to be discussing is how a respectable woman like yourself got involved in this sort of situation."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "I keep on telling you how it happened, about the gas and everything. But listen, where the men really interested in those photos? As men, I mean, not as cops?"

Sergeant Grafton:"If I hadn't been available there would have been plenty of other volunteers to come over here and meet with you, Amelia. Now, can we talk about what happened next: the act of penetration?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "You mean, when he started fucking me?"

Sergeant Grafton: "If you want to put it that way."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "It's what happened. I was laid out on top of the rock and then laid by big dick. I have to give him his due, he eased it in gently enough. Little by little, and he was saying some nice things about what a great body I had. I guess even a rapist can have good manners."

Sergeant Grafton: "I'll pass on that. But how conscious were you right then, Amelia? To me, you seem to be still well out of it, what with the way you're lying there and all."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Oh, I knew what was happening. But it was like when my husband makes love to me while I'm still half asleep. When I'm happy to lie there for a while and just enjoy everything without moving. You know, those times when you imagine it's your favorite film star between the sheets with you. And the sun was shining down through the tree branches and it would have been dreamy, if only that rock had been softer. A pair of guys going to all that much trouble to screw me, you'd think that at least they'd provide somewhere soft to lie down on, wouldn't you?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Amelia, I'm probably way out of line here, but the way you're talking, you don't seem to have many inhibitions about casual sex. Do you have many lovers outside your marriage?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No, none at all. I've been married for ten years and I've never been with another man since. Except for this time, which I had no control over."

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, that was my initial impression of your character, Amelia. But the way you talk about this business in the woods, and forgive me saying so, but it often sounds like you're kind of loose about the whole deal. Do you feel yourself there's something strange about displaying a reaction like that?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Yes, maybe. To me it still seems like something that had to happen but you're right, somehow I can't get my mind around why I feel like that."

Sergeant Grafton: "Amelia, I have to say I don't know what to think either. This is certainly shaping up as the most unusual case I've ever come across. Anyway, looking at this next photo, it seems you came out of that comatose feeling you've been describing?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Oh, right out of it: I had to. The Geek told me to wake up and show some interest. And John Doe got hold of me feet and jammed them up against a tree so I was tighter for him. Not that it made any difference, I couldn't have ignored a cock that size much longer anyway, not when it got right into my cunt. I was already starting to come."

Sergeant Grafton: "You had an orgasm, Amelia? Then and there?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "I sure did. Once my legs were swung over and he was deep diving it was like a NASA lift off -- ten seconds and we had ignition. I did, anyway, lover boy just kept going."

Sergeant Grafton: "So that's why you're smiling in this next picture?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Believe me, it was worth smiling about. And I suppose now we get to see the shots the boys down at the office really enjoyed?"

Sergeant Grafton: "I've got them here in my briefcase but I wasn't planning to show them to you. I thought they might be too upsetting."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No, I don't think I'd find them upsetting. I'm just interested in seeing what I look like in that position."

Sergeant Grafton: "OK, if you're sure about that. Here you are then."

Ms Amelia Bulower: (laughter) "Oh my God, is that really me? All I need is a set of stockings and a suspender belt and I'd be walk in for a porn movie. Well, a bend over, anyway. See him squeezing me -- he had the nerve to tell the Geek I was a prime piece of rump meat. Maybe you should be looking for a butcher as a suspect."

Sergeant Grafton: "Did you get into that position willingly, Amelia? That's what I need to know."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "And that's more than I can answer. I was told to bend over for a doggy style fucking, and I didn't argue, but was that because of the gas or just plain common sense? I mean, there I was in the middle of the woods with two guys: what was I supposed to say, 'No thanks, I think I'll just wait here for a taxi to come by'? It was already too late to do much else but what they wanted."

Sergeant Grafton: "So they didn't use any force on you during the sexual acts."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Let's just say that I decided I'd sooner see firm cocks than cocked fists."

Sergeant Grafton: "So what were you thinking about just then? What was your state of mind?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Truthfully? I was having some of the best sex of my life. The guy behind had a huge shaft he was giving me all the way, it seemed so daring to be doing it where anybody might see us, and I was having another guy with a camera taking pictures of me being treated like an absolute whore. It was an experience I'll never forget. Hey, there should be a shot taken between my legs with me looking back. Is that there?

"Yes, that's it. I remember the Geek taking that shot and saying something about putting the meat into the sandwich. I can see now what he was talking about."

Sergeant Grafton: "And you were feeling fairly relaxed about having forced sex with this John Doe?"

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No, not relaxed, Julie. In fact he made me feel tighter than I have done for a long time. But if I'd known then what I know now I'd have been thinking that I'd never be able to look another policeman in the face. Not with them having the photos sent to them."

Sergeant Grafton: "We're not going to put them up on the precinct notice boards, Amelia."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Thank God for that -- have you seen this woman?" (laughter).

Sergeant Grafton: "Amelia, did either of the offenders ejaculate inside you at any time?'

Ms Amelia Bulower: "No. They seemed to make a point of getting me to blow them off. I guess it was the easiest way of making sure I didn't take any DNA samples home with me. Hey, that picture's there as well, isn't it?"

Sergeant Grafton: "I suppose you'd like to see it as well, wouldn't you, Amelia? Here you are, here's your complete souvenir set."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "You don't have to sneer, Julie. I'm sorry I can't rend my clothes and break down in tears for you, but I don't feel like it. My only real worry is that my husband might find out about this, and I certainly don't want that to happen."

Sergeant Grafton: "We could do it very discretely. A proper medical examination and perhaps you could talk to a psychiatrist. You do seem to have developed an odd kind of personality trait which may have resulted from the gassing you've described."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Thanks for the offer, Julie, but no. No more interviews, no doctors and certainly no psychiatrist. No more visits and no more talking. I've told you everything I can and that's the end of it as far as I'm concerned. Now it's up to you to catch the Geek and big dick."

Sergeant Grafton: "That has to be your decision, Amelia. But there's one thing I'm really curious about. Something I'd like to come around and ask you about in a few week's time."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "What's that, Julie?"

Sergeant Grafton: "Well, it seems to me like this gas really blew away all your inhibitions. I'd like to come back later on and see whether that effect has worn off or not."

Ms Amelia Bulower: "Julie, that's the most interesting question you've asked all day. I'm honestly not sure myself yet what the answer is going to turn out to be."