It was nearly 1100 hours when Dean’s phone rang.  Hoping it was Lieutenant Green with good news, she picked up the receiver before the second ring.

 

“Colonel Peterson,” she said eagerly into the mouthpiece.

 

“Good morning, Colonel.  I’m glad I was able to catch you in.”  Dean’s mind raced trying to place the voice on the other end of the line, finally assigning it to the mysterious Martha Lewistan.

 

“Good morning, Mrs., or is it Miss, Lewistan.”  Dean obviously caught the caller a bit off guard as she heard a chuckle on the other end.

 

“My, you certainly have good recall,” the woman acknowledged.  “Actually, it’s Reverend Lewistan, but please call me Martha.”

 

Feeling the hairs prickle on the nape of her neck, Dean countered, “What can I do for you, Reverend Lewistan?”

 

Not surprised by the formal use of her title, the woman began, “Well, I was hoping I could come by and talk to you.”  Before Dean could speak, Martha quickly continued. “I promise I won’t take up much of your time, but you see, I promised a dear friend that I would look you up, and I do so hate to disappoint my friends.  I will only be in town until tomorrow morning when I have to catch my train back home.”

 

“And, who is this friend that wants you to see me?” Dean inquired, knowing now that this woman must have a connection to her father.

 

“Ah, well, that would be your father, Colonel.”

 

Mentally searching for options, Dean started to talk, “I’m afraid that….” she was cut off by a persistent plea.

 

“Please, Colonel.  All I ask is five minutes.  Please allow me that much.  If you still have objections after five minutes, I will leave immediately.”  The sincere tone in the woman’s voice somehow managed to reach into Dean’s sense of right and wrong and gently pulled at her.  She had no interest in her father, or what connection he had with this woman, but decided five minutes of her time could be spared if it meant an end to his desire to see her.

 

“All right, Reverend.  But I am tied up all day today.  What time does your train leave?”

 

“Oh, well… it leaves at 6:30 in the morning.”

 

Well, I guess we can go car shopping tomorrow, Dean thought before making her decision.  “Okay.  Would you be able to meet tonight?”

 

“Yes.  Yes, that would be best.  I have meetings myself this afternoon.  Perhaps I could come to your home?”  Martha knew that if she could just get her foot in the door, she would be able to extend that five minutes a bit longer.  “I mean… if that would be all right with you… I’m sure I could find it.”

 

Sighing, Dean capitulated.  “Yes, that would be fine, but I would be happy to pick you up at your hotel.  Or if you’re tired, perhaps we could just meet in the lobby?”  Great Dean, if she accepts, you’ll have to listen to the woman all the way out to the house and all the way back into DC!

 

“No, your house would be fine, and no need to pick me up.  Really.  I can get there on my own.”

 

Relieved, Dean gave Reverend Lewistan directions to the house and set a time of 8:00 PM for the meeting.  At least Katie and I can have a quiet dinner before she shows up.  Dean’s conscience stepped in and the words came out of her mouth before she thought about them.  “Why don’t you join us for dinner?”  Where the heck did that come from? She thought, hoping the woman would refuse.

 

“Oh, that would be lovely.  Thank you, I accept.  I’ll see you at 8:00 then.”  Martha quickly hung up before Colonel Peterson had a change of heart.

 

“Well, if it puts my father out of my life for good, then an hour or so of my time will be worth it.”  Dean was still mumbling to herself when she left her office to meet General Carlton for the Joint Chiefs meeting. 

 

Returning to her office at 1530, Dean checked her voice mail and was concerned that there was no message from Lieutenant Green.  Maybe he’s staking the place out waiting for her to return?  Or following up on information he got from the staff there?  Dean kept running over possibilities in her head as she picked up the remaining four photos and placed them in her briefcase before snapping it shut.  As she walked over to the closet to get her coat, the phone rang.  Crossing quickly to the desk, she picked up the receiver on the second ring, heart pounding as she recognized Lieutenant Green’s voice on the other end.

 

“Any luck?” Dean queried.

 

“Sorry, Colonel.  The lady is long gone.  The staff did remember her though, and their description matches the one of the woman in the video, only now we know she’s a brunette with dark eyes, about 5’10”, weighing about 130.”

 

“Well that fits about thirty thousand or more women in this town,” Dean sneered.  “What about any distinguishing marks?”

 

“None that they saw.  They mostly saw her going out or coming in, so she was covered up by her coat, hat and gloves.”

 

“Any peculiarities of speech?”

 

“The day clerk said she had a heavy southern drawl.”  He paused.  “That doesn’t fit in with the woman that posed as a gas company rep to get in your house.”

 

“No, it doesn’t.  But, she could have been faking the accent.  I’ve used many voices during undercover operations.  It wouldn’t surprise me at all if she were doing the same.  How did she pay for the room?”

 

“Cash, in advance.  She was there for six days.  Checked out the day of the car bombing.  No one saw anyone with her either, but the day maid said there were used condoms in the trashcan, so she must have had company at some point.  I’m sending some guys back to check with the evening and night shifts.  Maybe they’ll come up with something.”

 

“Well, let's hope so.  I’d like to nail her before someone else gets hurt.”

 

“Me too, Colonel.  I’ll let you know what I find out from the other detectives.  By the way, our homicide division found a body down by the river yesterday.  It was listed as a ‘John Doe’ until today.  Seems the guy was an employee of the utility company.  A guy by the name of Felix Waxmann.”

 

“That’s interesting.  Too bad you don’t have the condoms to run a DNA check.”

 

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.  We’re going to get pictures of the guy and have the guys take it with them when they visit the evening and night shifts at the motel.  The autopsy report should be ready tomorrow.  If anything interesting turns up, I’ll give you a call.”

 

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”  Almost as an after thought, Dean added, “Say, fax me a picture of Waxmann to my office.  I’d like someone to take a look at it.”

 

“You got it, Colonel.  It’ll be waiting for you when you get back to the office on Monday.”

 

“Thanks Lieutenant.  And don’t forget, you can call anytime … night or day.”  Dean replaced the receiver, frowning as she went over the information Lieutenant Green had uncovered, thinking that maybe this Waxmann character was one of the utility people that entered her house.  Maybe, she thought, we’ll be able to get some additional information on our mystery woman by tracking this lead.   Out loud, Dean whispered, “Okay … you may have slipped through for now, but I’ll find you.”  Dean slowly nodded her head with the solid resolve she felt coursing through her body.   

 

* * * * *

 

 

Chapter 11

8 December, 1930 Hours

 

“I don’t know what came over me, Katie.  One minute I’m backing out of even meeting the woman, the next, I’m asking her over for dinner.”  Shaking her head, Dean continued to put together the ingredients for one of her killer salads.

 

“Oh, don’t be so hard on yourself, Dean.  I’m sure eighteen years of being a preacher’s daughter taught you to be respectful to the clergy.”  Katie hugged the tall woman as she continued chopping peppers and tomatoes.  “Besides, maybe deep down inside, you really want to know what happened to your father over the years.”

 

Dean stiffened and smacked the knife down on the cutting board.  “Look, I may still show respect for a minister, but I DON”T give a flying rat's … behind … about my father!  To me, he died over sixteen years ago along with Thad.  Nothing will change that for me now, nothing!”  She hung her head and felt Katie’s warmth seep through the tense muscles of her back, calming her.  “How dare he think he can just waltz right back into my life?”  She inhaled sharply to keep the tears she felt coming at bay.  Katie slipped her arms from around Dean’s waist and moved them up to her shoulders, gently kneading the tense muscles until she felt Dean begin to relax.  “We’ll just be courteous and listen to this woman, then send her on her way.  Okay?”

 

“Mmhm.  No problem, love.  Now, just go relax okay?  I’ll finish the salad.”  Dean turned to face her lover, eyes searching for understanding.  Katie reached up behind Dean’s neck, gently pulling her down into a loving kiss.  As their lips separated, Katie whispered, “Everything will be okay.”

 

Dean remained in Katie’s embrace a few moments longer before taking her lover’s advice, heading to the living room to put on some quiet music.  Returning to the kitchen, she checked the lasagna in the oven, picked out a bottle of Cabernet, and peeled off the protective seal to uncork it.  She placed the bottle in the proper position for the cork remover mounted on the side of the cabinet and worked the device, pulling out the cork neatly.  She set the bottle aside to breathe and gathered the plates, glasses, and utensils to set the table.  By the time she was finished, she felt more relaxed and found herself humming along to the music.  At exactly 8:00 PM, the front doorbell chimed.  Dean lifted her eyes to the clock in the kitchen, then found Katie’s emerald eyes warmly focused on her.  Her lover smiled and reached out for Dean’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

 

“I’ll get it,” Katie offered, releasing Dean’s arm.  Nodding, Dean stayed in the kitchen with her thoughts, while Katie answered the front door.  What’s wrong with me?  Why am I dreading this so much? Shaking her head, her mind raced on.  Could it be that Katie’s right, and I really want to know what’s happened to him over the years?  Her self-questioning ended as Katie brought their guest into the kitchen.

 

“Dean, meet Reverend Lewistan.”  Katie ushered in the gentle woman, then left to hang her coat in the hall closet.

 

“Oh, please, just call me Martha,” the minister replied with a soft voice.  “I’m very glad you had time to see me.”  She walked over and extended her hand to the tall woman who was staring at her, obviously appraising her.

 

Pulling herself out of her visual evaluation of the woman approaching her, Dean reached for the hand towel on the cupboard and wiped her hands before accepting the proffered hand.

 

“Uh, yeah.  Nice to meet you,” she spoke hesitantly as she shook the reverend’s warm hand.  “Can I offer you something to drink?  Um, we have just about anything you’d like,” Dean added as she waved around the kitchen feebly.

 

During that quick handshake, Martha could feel Dean’s discomfort, so she looked around the kitchen and spotted the bottle of wine on the counter.  “I suppose a small glass of wine would be just right.” 

 

Dean nodded and slipped three wine glasses off of the overhead rack, setting them on the counter.  As she picked up the bottle to pour, Katie returned to the kitchen.  Dean sighed inwardly, glad to have the silent support of her partner at her side.

 

“The dinner will take a little longer to bake.  Let’s take our wine into the living room,” Katie offered smoothly, noticing Dean’s hand shaking slightly as she poured.  Taking the two glasses already filled, Katie winked at her partner before turning to offer one to Martha and leading the way to the living room.  Dean remained in the kitchen for a moment longer, took a healthy gulp of her wine, refilled the glass, then joined the women in the other room.

 

“You have a beautiful home, Colonel.”

 

“Thank you.  We like it very much.”

 

“Dean worked very hard to capture the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house on this piece of property,” Katie offered, smiling proudly at her lover.

 

“I’m a great fan of Frank Lloyd Wright.  I’ve actually been to Falling Water,” the minister admitted as she looked around the room.  “I see you did away with the boulder,” she chuckled softly. 

 

Dean couldn’t help but smile at the comment.  That boulder was one of the first things she'd eliminated in her attempt to duplicate the home.  “Yeah, wouldn’t do to be tripping over a boulder in the middle of the night.”  Feeling a little warmth rush up her neck from the gulp of wine in the kitchen, Dean relaxed a little.  “I tried to fit as much of his style as possible from that home, into this one.”

 

“Well, just from what I can see, I think you captured it very well.”

 

Dean smiled proudly at the compliment.  “It’s going to be a few more minutes before the lasagna is ready.  Would you care to see the rest of the house?”

 

Martha nodded vigorously as she set her wine glass down on the coffee table.  Good move, Martha, the reverend thought, mentally giving herself a pat on the back, you picked the right topic to get her to relax.  She obviously takes great pride in her home.  “Please, I’d love to see it all.”

 

Dean stood and began describing her search for the right contractors, the huge amount of time she spent researching Wright’s various homes, and the months she spent looking for the perfect lot.  By this time, they were headed to the stairs for the lower two levels. Dean cast a glance back at Katie who was still seated on the couch.  “Aren’t you coming?” she asked cautiously.

 

“Um, no.  You go ahead.  I’ll keep an eye on dinner.”  Katie winked at her lover and shooed her off with a flick of her hand.  Dean smiled and returned the wink before joining Martha on the next level.  Katie sat watching her partner descend the stairs, marveling at how quickly the minister was able to find Dean’s soft spot for her house.  “I think everything is going to work out just fine,” she whispered softly to herself.

 

Dean led the kindly minister through a complete tour of the house.  Every room’s design and function was discussed in detail, receiving appreciative “Oooh’s and Ahh’s” at the proper times.  When the tour reached the master bedroom, the petite minister stopped and gasped at the open-air feeling of the room.  The expansive curtain-less windows raised questions, but the demonstration of how they turned from clear to opaque cleared the lack of curtains question.  Dean explained that the skylights were not part of Wright’s plan, but added much to the ambiance of the final product.

 

“Katie and I enjoy our bedroom immensely.”  Dean put a slight emphasis on the word ‘our’ to see what kind of a reaction she would get from the minister.

 

Not one to miss a beat, Martha raised an eyebrow at her tour guide and smiled sweetly.

“Very nice indeed, I’m sure you both do,” she replied, and quickly followed with, “How long have you and Katie been lovers?”

 

Touché, Dean thought to herself before replying.  “A little over a year, but we just moved in together shortly after the house was completed this October.  Katie was on assignment in the Midwest for most of the time though.”

 

“Well, from what I can see, you two seem to be made for each other.”  She took Dean’s hand and gently squeezed it.  “I could feel the love between the two of you the minute I entered the kitchen.”

 

Somehow, that gentle touch and simple statement lifted a weight off Dean’s shoulders that she hadn’t noticed until just then.  “Thank you, Martha.  We do love each other very much.  Now, how about some dinner, and then we can talk about my father.”  On the way back to the kitchen, Dean couldn’t help but feel that this woman was more than she seemed, and she liked what she was feeling.  Maybe her coming here will resolve the conflict I’ve had all these years and help me to forgive Dad.  Katie started the process last year, and maybe now it’s time to finish it.  In a much better mood, Dean entered the kitchen and found a knowing Katie waiting there.

 

The meal was accompanied by conversation about Katie’s job, how they met, and minimal disclosure about Dean’s life during the past seventeen years.  The reverend sensed the hesitation in Dean’s voice when she shied away from speaking about her past and did not try to pry for any details.   She was just glad to see the woman before her talking openly about her love for Katie.  Realizing that she had the capability to love after all that had happened in her life, gave Martha hope that she would be able to convince Dean to see her father.  By the time dinner was over, they were all on a first name basis and were genuinely enjoying the evening.  The three women made short work of the clean up, and soon found themselves in the living room once more, enjoying rich espressos.

 

“Dean, I think it’s time to talk about your father,” Martha suggested as she set her coffee cup down.  Dean nodded as she sipped her espresso.  Katie stood to leave, when Martha shook her head and asked her to please stay.  “I think Dean will want you here,” she offered sagely.

 

“Yes,” Dean stated, almost pleading with her eyes for her lover to stay by her side. “Please, stay with me?” 

 

Katie took one look at the beseeching face and smiled gently, returning to her seat.  She could sense Dean’s apprehension, so she took hold of the tall woman’s hand and slipped it into her lap, softly stroking it with her thumb.

 

Martha began her well-rehearsed speech, starting with her first interview of Joshua Peterson during visiting hours at the penitentiary.  Martha omitted her ‘visions’ of Joshua’s pain, not wanting to upset the delicate balance established between her and Dean.  She talked about the many hours of counseling she had spent on Joshua, and how she had decided he was a soul in need of saving, and that just maybe, his coming to the city mission would be a means to continue his journey toward healing and salvation.  The small woman painted a picture of Joshua that Dean had never envisioned before tonight:  a picture of a man traveling through hell on earth for the wrongs he had committed.  The loneliness endured by a man who destroyed everything he cared for.  His time spent in alcoholic oblivion, the stabbing pain delivered by the death of his wife, and the ultimate loss of his soul for the taking of his son’s life.  Last but not least, the toll on his tattered existence by the estrangement of his daughter.  She sketched his first steps toward forgiveness: turning himself in for his son’s death, his life in prison, the healing process of dealing with his anger and alcoholism, the eventual counseling certifications he earned, and his work for the past eighteen months at the city mission. 

 

“Dean, I’m not condoning what he did.  It was an act of raw anger … where his pride overruled reason.  In the eyes of the law, he’s paid for his crime, but in the eyes of the Lord, he is still paying and paying.  But, he is a man.  A mortal being that makes mistakes, just like we all make mistakes.  And he’s slowly returning to productivity as a humble man who is able to help others because of what he has gone through.”  She stopped, trying to read Dean’s thoughts about how she was now feeling about her father.  “We’ve all done things we regret.  Taking another human being's life is not an easy thing to live with.  Taking your own flesh and blood’s life is a soul-crippling deed.”

 

Dean closed her eyes and let Martha’s words soak into her soul.  She knew all too well, the act of taking someone’s life.  She knew all too well, that she herself had acted in anger and rage as she terminated a life.  And, she knew that she too, had taken the life … lives … of innocents, even though there may have been no way to determine guilt or innocence at the moment she executed her orders.  She knew Martha was right.  He deserved forgiveness, and so did she … but could he forgive her?  How can my actions be judged different from my father's?  I’ve done things more horrible.  I did them fully aware of my actions, not blinded by emotion.  Dean thought of her life and her father’s life, then wept for his soul and for hers.  When the tears began to streak Dean’s cheeks, Katie moved closer, pulling her lover into a tight embrace, all the while whispering soft words of comfort into her ear.

 

Martha sat back, confused by Dean’s emotional reaction. Her words were meant to pull at Dean’s conscience, but she was totally surprised by her depth of sorrow.  She looked questioningly at Katie.  “I’m sorry … ”

 

Katie held her lover, gently rocking her.   “Dean has her own demons to deal with,” she said softly.  “Would you mind making some tea?  The pot is on the stove, and the tea is in the cupboard next to it.”  Martha quickly agreed and left for the kitchen, glad to give them the time they obviously needed alone together.  When the teapot started to whistle, Katie entered the kitchen carrying the espresso cups from the living room.  Dean had regained her control and left for the bedroom to wash her face. 

 

“Katie … what did I say?  I knew I planned a powerful speech, but..” The minister looked at Katie, still quite concerned over Dean’s reaction.

 

“You just brought up a past that Dean had pushed out of her mind.”

 

“I’m sorry.  I had no idea,” the concerned woman offered.

 

“No, don’t be sorry.  It’s actually a very good thing--a healing process that she needs too.”  She began assembling the teacups and tea bags on a tray while Martha poured the hot water into the cups.

 

Starting to fit the pieces together, Martha asked,   “And forgiveness?”

 

“Yes.  She needs to forgive herself, as much as she needs to forgive her father.”  The two women smiled at each other and returned to the living room to find a quiet, but very composed Dean waiting for them.  Finishing their tea in silence, the three women sat in the living room, each with a cat in their lap, looking for attention, and, in their own way, providing the women with an outlet for the stress of the past half hour.  Dean was the first to break the silence.

 

“I’ll put in a request for leave on Monday morning.  I should be able to catch a flight to Kansas City by Wednesday at the latest.”

 

“That will be wonderful, Dean.  I know your father will be anxious to see you.”  She looked over at Katie.  “Will you be able to come too?”

 

“No.  I can’t leave my training program right now.”  She looked over at Dean, placing her hand in Dean’s.  “Besides, I think she needs time alone with her father.”

 

“One thing, Martha.  Why now?  Why has he waited so long?” Dean cocked her head to the side with the question.

 

“That’s mostly my doing,” she conceded.  “There’s never a right time to reconcile, but the sooner the better.  He’s been wanting to do this for so long, but was afraid, and now he’s running out of time.”

 

“Running out of time?” Dean echoed.  “I don’t understand.”

 

“I hadn’t intended to divulge this, but since you have agreed to see him, perhaps it’s best if you know what to expect.”  She paused, seemingly searching for the right words.  “There’s really no way to say it, except to just say it.”  Dean and Katie both looked at her questioningly.  “The man you remember will not resemble anything you can conjure up from your memories.  Prison is a hard life.  Add that to physical failings of the body, and you have further complications.  Your father has been diagnosed with an inoperable tumor.  The doctors have given him six to eight months.  The last month will be the worst.  The doctors fear seizures will begin toward the end and he won’t know anyone by then, so time really is of the essence.”

 

“A tumor?  They’re sure?” Katie asked sensing Dean’s turmoil at this new piece of information.  Martha nodded.  “When … how much time is left?”

 

“Two, maybe three months.”  She paused again.  “It took me a bit to get him to work up his courage to call you.  When you refused to talk to him, he was extremely depressed.  He finally came to see me the other day, when he found out I was coming to DC.  That’s when he asked if I would try to contact you.  He desperately wants to make peace with you before his time is up.”

 

Dean sat there speechless, reeling with the emotions brought up from her past, her feelings about her father, and now, the fact that he was dying.  Finally finding her speech, she thanked Martha for her persistence in making contact.  The three women rose from their seats and walked toward the front entrance.

 

“Will you be able to find your way back to your hotel?” Katie asked as she helped Martha put on her winter coat.

 

”Yes, I have a very good map in the car and the route isn’t very complicated.”  Reverend Lewistan turned and looked at her hostesses.  “Thank you for allowing me into your home.”  She reached up and hugged Katie and felt a warm glow of love emanating from the woman.  Then she turned to Dean and cautiously wrapped her arms around the tall woman.  The graphic visions that assaulted her mind nearly caused her knees to buckle.  The smell of death and the cries of sorrow overwhelmed her senses and would have caused her to collapse had it not been for Dean’s strong grasp. 

 

Dean sensed the small woman nearly collapse in her arms and turned concerned eyes toward Martha.  In that brief moment when their eyes locked, Martha’s vision changed to one of light.  A light that was very bright and golden and full of goodness.  It was just a pin prick of light, trying to pierce through the darkness that surrounded it.

 

“Are you all right?” Dean asked as she helped hold Martha up.

 

Concerned that her body’s reaction to Dean’s embrace would give her away, Reverend Lewistan shook her head and mumbled some comment that was barely audible about new shoes and a long day.  She convinced the two women that she was perfectly fine, just a little clumsy, and a quite a bit tired, than quickly left to compose herself in the quiet of her rental car.  She now had a better understanding of the ‘demons’ that Dean had to deal with on her own.

 

As Katie and Dean watched Martha pull out, they both hoped that the woman would be okay for the thirty-minute drive back to her hotel.

 

* * * * *

 

After Reverend Lewistan left, the two women finished cleaning up in silence before heading to the bedroom for the night.  Katie slipped into the living room first, to retrieve a book, and Dean opted to boot up her computer and check on air travel to Kansas City.  After preparing for bed, Katie propped up her pillows and situated herself to read a textbook she had been given by Dr. Prokov.  Earlier in the day, Katie had stopped by the psychologist’s office to discuss some questions she had regarding profiling criminals.  She did not go into details with the DEA psychologist, but she was trying to profile the person who was currently plaguing their lives.  Meisha recommended she start with the textbook “Murder, Mayhem, and Madness: Getting Into The Criminal Mind” that she had written, and eagerly gave Katie a copy to take home with her.  She was starting on the second chapter when Dean finally came to bed.

 

“Studying?” the tall woman asked as she slipped under the covers.

 

“No, not really.  Just doing some reading on criminal profiling.  Maybe I can pick up some clues about our mystery woman.  Dr. Prokov loaned me this textbook.”  She held up the book so Dean could read the title.

 

“Hmmm.  Murder, Mayhem and Madness … sounds like a fun read,” she raised an eyebrow, smirking at her lover.

 

“Well, I’m certainly glad to see your sense of humor returning.”  She gently poked Dean with the book before opening it to where she'd left off.

 

“What can I say?  You bring out the best in me.”  Dean returned the poke with a soft kiss on Katie’s cheek before lying on her back to study the night sky through the perfectly positioned skylights.

 

Katie closed the book once more, turning her head to face her lover, examining her strong profile before speaking.  “Dean?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Are you going to be okay going to Kansas City?”  Her voice conveyed the concern that was in her mind.

 

Dean thought about that for a few seconds before replying.  Sighing heavily, she answered, “Yeah, I think so.  It’s time my Dad and I get everything out in the open.”

 

Katie marked her place in the book and set it on her nightstand.  Rolling over to face her partner, Katie reached out to gently stroke Dean’s face and brush aside a few wayward strands of hair.  “I’m glad you have decided to go.  I just wish I could be there for you.”  She rolled over on her back once more and stared out the skylights along with Dean.  “But,” she sighed, “since I can’t, I’m glad that Martha will be there.”

 

Dean pondered that statement for a bit before replying.  “Yes, I am too.  I’ve got to admit that I like the woman.  She just seems to have this way about her.  I felt very comfortable in her presence.”

 

“I know what you mean.  I’m amazed at how much information I gave up about myself tonight without realizing it.”  Katie turned her head once more to face Dean.  “I noticed that you didn’t say much, but then, your life has been--and needs to be--on a … a…”

 

“Need to know basis,” Dean added, helping Katie find the words.

 

“Yeah, I guess you could put it that way,” the blonde agreed.

 

“We’ve never spoken much about your family,” Dean considered as she reached over to pull the young woman into her arms.  “I didn’t realize that you lost your parents at such an early age.”

 

“It’s been nearly fifteen years, and I still can picture their faces.  Dad was always smiling, and Mom… well, I think Mom and I had some kind of a cosmic connection or something.  We always seemed to tune into each other’s thoughts, especially when it came to caring about Dad.  It used to drive Dad crazy the way we would both dote after him.  We both adored him, and he us.”  Katie snuggled deeper into Dean’s embrace, exhaling deeply.  “I often wondered how my life would have turned out, if that avalanche hadn’t buried them.  I mean, my aunt did a great job raising me, but, I just question where I would be now, if Mom and Dad had lived.”

 

“Well, we most likely wouldn’t be in each other's arms right now.”

 

“Yeah, and that’s one of the things that makes me feel at ease about the way things turned out.  You, and of course, Aunt Lois.”  A silence permeated the room while the two women held each other, tuning in to each other’s heartbeats and body rhythms. 

 

Thinking about Martha’s near collapse as she hugged Dean good-bye, Katie said, “I sure hope Martha gets back to the hotel okay.”

 

“Yeah, I wonder what brought that little episode on?”  Dean hesitated then asked,  “You don’t buy the tripping in new shoes thing do you,” she said, more as a statement than a question.

 

“Nope.  If those were new shoes, than our cats are really panthers in disguise.”

 

“That’s what I thought too.”

 

They each thought about the incident as their bodies slipped into sync, matching heartbeats and respirations.  Soon, they were both sound asleep, unaware of a third party that was tuned in to their conversations during the course of the evening, compliments of a miniature transmitter sealed into the spine of Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.

 

* * * * *

 

“Oh, how touching.  And if it hadn’t been for you… well, I could be ruling my own little country by now.  Oh well, sleep my little pretties,” the listener cackled with a fairly good imitation of the wicked witch of the west.  “Now, let’s see.  What shall I deliver tomorrow?  Murder?”  Answering herself, she said,  “No, not yet.  Madness, then?”  Tapping her index finger from her gnarled hand against her temple, she thought out loud, “Oh, that will come in time.”  Smiling broadly, she finished with, “I guess it’ll have to be Mayhem then!”  Chuckling at her own cleverness, the woman removed the headset and flipped off the receiver, before starting up her car and heading quietly down the lane.

* * * * *

 

Chapter 12

9 December, 0800 Hours

 

The ringing phone woke the duo from their heavy slumber.  Extricating herself from her lover’s arms and legs, Dean reached for the phone on her nightstand. 

 

“Peterson,” she croaked groggily into the mouthpiece as she tried to wake her senses.

 

“Morning, Colonel.  Hope I didn’t wake you.”  When the caller didn’t get a quick response, he added, “This is Lieutenant Green.”

 

“Ah, Lieutenant.  No, I’m awake.”  At least, I am now, she thought as she swung her legs out from the covers and sat on the side of the bed.  “Any news from the night staff?”

 

“Yes … and no.  We did find out that the woman who was on night desk duty may be able to provide a description of our mysterious woman, but unfortunately, she’s on vacation and won’t be back until Wednesday.  We’ll be able to contact her on Thursday, and get back to you with a sketch if all goes well.”

 

“Okay, that sounds good.”  Then, remembering she’d be catching the 9:00 AM flight to KCI on Wednesday, she informed the Lieutenant that she would be out of town, but he could send the sketch to Katie.  She gave him her cell phone number so he could contact her if anything more definite came up.

 

“Roger that.  Well, I’ll be in touch then.  Have a safe trip.”

 

“Thank you, Lieutenant.  Good bye.”  She replaced the receiver and shook her head once more in an effort to wake more fully.  Turning to see if her lover was wakened by the phone call, Dean found Katie fully awake and smiling.

 

“I take it Lieutenant Green wasn’t able to get a description?” Katie inquired as the tall woman slid back under the covers and scooped the blonde into her arms.

 

“Not yet.  The night clerk is on vacation and won’t be back until Wednesday.  They’ll catch up to her on Thursday and try to get a sketch of the suspect made by the police artist.  He’ll get it over to you as fast as he can.”  Dean gently ran her fingers through her lovers sleep messed hair.  “Maybe I should put off the trip to Kansas City until this is all over,” she said somberly as she searched Katie’s face for an excuse to stay here.

 

“Nonsense.  You need to go see your father.  That wacko will still be here when you get back,” Katie replied a bit forcefully.  “Besides, I’ll be fine.  In fact, I could even stay at the training center until you come back.  No one in their right mind would try to penetrate that place to get at me.”

 

“What about the cats?”

 

“No problem.  The veterinarian at the center gave me a new medication for Shug that will last a week.  And, as long as they have food and water, they’ll be good for at least three days.”  Katie looked up at Dean seeking approval for her quickly thought out plan.

 

Peering into the sparkling green eyes, Dean considered that Katie would certainly be safer at the center than alone in the house.  She didn’t doubt Katie’s ability to take care of herself, but agreed that her lover would be safer in the company of hundreds of DEA agents, FBI agents, Marines, and all the others at Quantico, than alone.  “Okay, that sounds like a plan.  I’ll try to be home on the first flight Sunday.  Maybe by then, we’ll have more information on our mysterious woman and will be able to flush her out.”

 

“Good.  Now that we’ve got that settled … “ Katie reached up and pulled Dean down until their lips were a breath apart, “I think we have some time before the car dealers open for business.”

 

A seductive purr rumbled from Dean’s throat, “Mmmhmm.  And what would you like to do with it?”

 

In response, Katie sensually licked her lips and smiled as she pulled herself on top of the taller woman, straddling her.  Sliding her hands up Dean’s arms then back down across her breasts, she could feel the sexual tension building in her lover.  Slowly, she lowered herself until she meet soft lips with her own, gently coaxing them to part to allow her tongue entrance into the warm, sweetness of her lover.  Each kiss deepening and lengthening until bonds of restraint could no longer hold, allowing the love they held for each other to flow from one to the other until they were consumed by their passion.

 

* * * * *

 

“I really like the red one,” Katie crooned, letting her fingers trace the line of the spoiler as she walked around the vehicle.

 

“But,” Dean offered seriously, “statistics show that the police stop red cars more than any other color.  I think the black one would be much better.”

 

“Maybe that’s because there are more red cars on the road than any other color?” Katie countered as she walked up to the driver’s side door, checking her reflection in the window.  She noted the look of dejection on her friend’s face and bit her lip.  She had already decided to get the arctic silver metallic one, but couldn’t help taunting Dean, knowing that black was her favorite color.  Deciding that she had teased her lover long enough, she turned to face Dean.  “How about a compromise?  Let’s go talk to the salesman and see how long it will take to get the arctic silver one ready.”  Eyes twinkled as she caught Dean’s approving nod as she checked her watch. 

 

Two hours later, they were winding their way along the back roads, enjoying the power of the new Porsche Boxster S, as Katie expertly drove through the countryside.  Dean slid a k.d. Lang CD into the player and cranked up the sound, crooning along with the powerful singer as they belted out Big Boned Gal.  After the first hour at the wheel passed, Katie pulled over and turned the car over to Dean.

 

“Are you sure?” Dean asked hesitantly.  “I mean, you just laid out over eighty thousand dollars for this baby.  I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it while I’m driving.”

 

“Oh come on, Dean!  You and I both know you’re a better driver than I am,” Katie winked.  “Besides, that’s what insurance is for.”

Grinning, Dean quickly slid out of her seat and walked around to the driver’s door, holding it open for Katie.  By the time Katie snapped her seat belt on, Dean had all the mirrors adjusted, the seat moved to accommodate her longer legs, and was checking for traffic.  Not seeing anything in sight, she gave Katie a feral grin, a waggle of her eybrows, and then slipped the car into first gear.  Before Katie blinked, the car was smoothly accelerating to ninety miles an hour, whipping past barren pastures, scenic horse farms, and an occasional stream.  It was too cold to put the top down, but the two women thoroughly enjoyed the feel of the Boxster.

 

“Did you know that the top track speed of this car is 161 mph?” Dean marveled as they neatly thread their way through a gentle ‘S’ curve in the road.  “That’s a lot of power you have under the hood.”

 

“Umhm,” Katie responded as she reached over and gently placed her hand on Dean’s thigh giving it an affectionate squeeze.  “Thought you’d like it.”  I wonder what she’ll say once she sees the black on in the garage on Christmas Eve?    Katie had ordered that Porsche on-line, and it was going to be delivered on Christmas Eve.  She had already worked out a plan with Bill to get Dean out of the house long enough to have the Boxster delivered.  Good thing it’s a three-car garage, she mused as they headed back toward home.  I certainly hope she won’t balk at accepting it.  After all, if you can’t use your inheritance to make someone happy…  Katie adjusted her seat back so she could recline a bit giving her a better view of the rear view mirror and the glee in her partner’s eyes as she maneuvered the sports car home.

 

* * * * *

 

“That, love, is one awesome automobile,” Dean commented as she hit the button to lower the garage door.  She looked at her watch and noted that it was almost 1700 hours.

 

“Glad you approve.  I really like the color.  It’ll be a lot cooler in the summer than a darker color.”

 

“Yeah, that’s true, but a black one looks really sharp when it’s clean,” Dean persisted.

 

“Unhuh,” Katie agreed, “but I don’t want to spend all my spare time cleaning and waxing it.”

 

“I could have gotten you one of those duster thingies.  As small as this car is, it wouldn’t take long to dust it off each night.”  Dean pretended to dust off the Boxster as she quickly stepped around the car.  “Voila!” she said bowing to Katie.

 

Oooo, good idea.  I’ll look for one of those while she’s gone, Katie bit her lip trying to remain neutral during this discussion so she wouldn’t arouse any suspicion about her Christmas gift.  She chuckled at Dean’s antics, reaching out for her lover’s hand.  “Oh Dean, you certainly are in a playful mood today.  Maybe we should go out and buy a new car every day?”

 

“Not at that price, love.  No way, no how.  But, I guess you’re right.  The drive did pick up my spirits a bit.”  She entwined her hand with Katie’s as they exited the garage and headed up the path to the house.

 

Dean was first inside and noticed the red light blinking on the answering machine.  After hanging her coat up on the coat rack by the door, she walked over to the machine and hit the play button, surprised to hear Dirk’s voice.

 

“Hey gals … are you there?  Listen, it’s almost three o’clock.  Please call my cell phone as soon as you get in.” 

 

Dean frowned as she recognized the sounds in the background of Dirk's call.  She quickly picked up the phone and dialed.  The other end was answered almost immediately and Dean identified herself.  After a brief conversation, she replaced the phone and went looking for Katie in the kitchen, finding her feeding the cats.

 

“What did Dirk want?” Katie inquired as she finished dividing the food between the three felines.  When she didn’t get a response, she turned to look at her partner and was shocked to see tears spilling from concerned blue eyes.  Tossing the spoon and empty can into the sink, she quickly closed the gap between them, reaching up to wipe tears from Dean’s cheeks.  “What happened?” she asked as she pulled her lover into an embrace.

 

“It’s Bill.  He and Dirk were out jogging in Rock Creek Park … a car … hit and run.  Bill’s in GW Hospital,” she said in gasps, regaining control of her emotions.  “He’s stable right now, so they’re going to transport him to Walter Reed.  Dirk said they’d be there in about an hour.  I told him we’d meet him there.”

 

“Oh, Dean.  You don’t think this is related to our mystery woman do you?”

 

“I’m not ruling it out, but I’ll have to wait until I can talk to Dirk and Bill first.”  Dean searched her lover’s eyes, finding the support and calm she needed.  “We have got to find this woman, Katie.  Before she does any more damage.”

 

Katie nodded, knowing that the circle was getting smaller, and sooner or later, they would be the targets of this mad woman.  They needed a break.  Maybe the night clerk would be the key.

 

* * * * *

 

The two women were sitting in the emergency waiting room when the ambulance pulled in.  As the doors opened, Dirk exited the ambulance to allow the EMT’s access to the gurney.  He followed the gurney into the ER, then was directed to the waiting area.

 

“Hey,” Dean called as Dirk entered the room.  “You okay?”

 

Nodding, he replied, “Yeah, just a bit tired.  I hate all this waiting.”

 

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” came the dual response from the two women.  Katie stood, putting her arms around Dirk in a fierce hug, while Dean put her hand on his shoulder.

 

“So, is he going to be okay?  I mean, do they know how bad he’s hurt yet?” Katie asked softly as the three friends sat in the chairs by the door.

 

“Yeah.  He’s got a fractured pelvis and femur, sprained right wrist, and a concussion.  Plus a few scrapes and bruises.  They’re not sure if his spleen or kidneys are damaged.  They’ll do more testing here.”  He sighed heavily before continuing.  “He’s conscious, but in quite a bit of pain.  They couldn’t give him anything for it yet because they’re shipping him off to surgery as soon as the doc arrives.”

 

Dean nodded as she flashed back to one of her trips to the hospital after an op turned nasty.  It was just supposed to be a quick insertion to pick up a field agent who was about to be compromised.  All the intel reports came back clear for the pick up, but somewhere along the line, someone had dropped the ball … badly.  The insertion went smoothly, but the extraction became complicated when thirty uniforms showed up with guns blazing.  Her team took cover in an abandoned warehouse as bullets streamed through the broken windows.  They had almost made it out the back when the floor gave way, sending her and the field agent into the basement, along with several floor beams and discarded machinery.  When the soldiers carefully crept into the building and looked down into the gaping hole, they assumed that no one could have survived the fall.  After waiting for nearly thirty minutes to see if they heard any moans from the rubble, they finally cleared out thinking Dean and her team were dead.  They didn’t realize that most of Dean’s team had made it to cover in the nearby jungle and were waiting for the soldiers to leave.  As soon as the area was clear, the team returned to the warehouse and began the laborious process of digging out Dean and the field agent.  They found them protected by some of the flooring that had formed a shelter by falling against the back [TK15] wall of the basement.  Dean’s leg though, was pinned under a heavy beam and just by looking at its position in conjunction with the rest of her body, they knew it was badly broken and would require surgery.  By the time they got them out and back into the jungle, the pain was excruciating.  Dean endured the pain all the way back to the States where she finally found relief in the anesthesia administered as she went into surgery.

 

Coming out of that memory, Dean nodded her head and commented, “Yeah, the pain’s a bitch, but he’ll be okay once the surgery is over.”  She looked up at a worried Dirk.  “He’ll be okay.  He’s as tough as they come.”

 

Dirk and Katie smiled and nodded in agreement, before Katie spoke next.  “Tell us what happened.”

 

“Well, we were out for our regular Saturday run.  We drove over to the park, did our stretches and then started out on the jogging path.  We were jogging in place at the crossroad waiting for the traffic to clear, when a beat up Chevy came barreling up the shoulder of the road.”

 

“The car came down the shoulder?” Dean asked for clarification.

 

“Yeah, it just veered off the roadway as it came to the crosswalk.  Bill saw it first and pushed me out of the way.  Next thing I knew, I saw his body bounce off the front fender and land about thirty feet from me.”

 

“Did you get the plate number?”

 

“No, it all happened too fast.”

 

“Okay, how about a description of the car?”

 

“Yeah, I already gave that to the police.  It was a two door Chevy Malibu, about a ’69 model, cream colored, but it had a lot of rust.  The roof was one of those fake leather look jobs, but the cover was flapping on the right front.”

 

“That’s a pretty good description,” Dean drawled.  “What about the driver?  Did you get a look?”

 

“Nope.  Didn’t have time to look.”

 

“Okay,” she said, patting Dirk’s shoulder.  “The police have a good description.  Hopefully they’ll be able to find the car.”

 

The three-some looked up as a familiar face came into the waiting room.  A grim faced Captain approached the group. 

 

“Hello Colonel, Katie.”  They nodded at Captain O’Brien as he took a chair across from them and pulled it up closer.  He looked over at Dirk, “You must be Captain Jarvis’ friend Dirk.”

 

“Yes,” Dirk nodded.  “Have they taken him up to surgery yet?”

 

“He’s on his way now.  I thought I’d fill you in before you go up to the surgery waiting room.”  He cleared his throat before continuing.  “He’s a very lucky guy.  He could have been in a lot worse shape, but he’s in excellent physical condition, and he must have had time to react some, because the damage should have been more severe.  Right now we’re looking at some pins for his femur and a few more for his pelvis.  The abrasions will heal with very little scaring and the concussion is mild.”  Peter maintained a serious look as Dean waited for the ‘bad’ news.  “Unfortunately, he landed very forcefully on a concrete park bench before he hit the ground.  His left kidney took the brunt of the blow and it looks like it will have to be removed.”

 

Dirk paled at the news.  “Oh…,” he stammered, “but… he’ll be okay?  Won’t he?”

 

“Yes.  He will.  But, he’ll only have one functioning kidney.  If he loses that… “

 

“I understand, Doctor.  How long will the surgery take?” Dirk inquired.

 

“About three hours, give or take.  Then, he’ll be in recovery for about another two hours.  The Colonel,” he nodded in Dean’s direction, “arranged for a private room.  I’m going to observe the surgery and when it’s over, I’ll come out with Colonel Adams to speak to you.”

 

Captain O’Brien stood, leading the group to the surgical waiting room before he left to scrub for the observation.  Dean, Katie, and Dirk sat at a table by the window, ready for the long wait.  Conversation was minimal as they waited, but each felt the comforting support of the others as the clock slowly ticked off the minutes.  After three hours and forty-five minutes passed, Captain O’Brien and Colonel Adams entered the waiting room.  They informed the group that the surgery went well and Captain Jarvis should be out of the recovery room in about two more hours.  After the doctors left, the three friends headed to the cafeteria.

 

* * * * *

 

It was nearly mid-night by the time Dean and Katie crawled back into bed.  Exhausted from the long wait for surgery to be completed and Bill to be transported to his room from the recovery area, the duo was quite content to hit the sack without pursuing any ideas of play to sidetrack them from getting some needed sleep.  Katie was already in dreamland, and Dean was just about there herself when the phone rang.  Both bodies jumped at the sound, frightening two slumbering cats from the bed in the process.  Katie was the first to reach the phone, picking it up quickly.  As she spoke her name in the receiver, she heard an electronically disguised voice laughing.  She immediately hit the speaker button so Dean could hear the caller too.  Once the forced laughter subsided, the caller spoke in quick concise sentences.

 

“Oh, Katie… good to hear your voice for a change.  Nice to see the colonel allows you to answer the phone once in a while… or is she indisposed?  Hmmm?  Have a little late night tête-à-tête?

So sorry to interrupt...” Laughter again.  “And here I thought you’d be too tired to play after sitting at the hospital all night!”

 

“You bitch!” Katie shouted.  “You did that didn’t you?”  Dean reached over to hold Katie, and try to get her to calm down, but managed to get smacked in the face as Katie’s anger became more... expressive.

 

“Of course I did!  Silly question!”

 

“And Tom too?” Katie bellowed at the phone’s speaker.

 

 

“…And your car… and the email and flowers…”

 

 Maniacal laughter could be heard on the other end as Dean finally managed to put her arms around Katie.

 

“Why?  Why are you doing this?” Katie croaked as Dean’s embrace brought her calmness.

 

“Why?  Oh, that’s simple… to get the colonel’s attention.”

 

Dean bristled at the comment.  “You’ve got it.  Now, what the hell do you want from me?” came her forceful reply.

 

“Ah, ah, ah … not yet dear colonel.  But, don’t worry… I’ll be… in touch.” 

 

The phone line went dead leaving Dean and Katie staring at each other in disbelief.

 

“That bitch ‘touches’ another one of my friends and I’ll do some ‘touching’ of my own when I find her,” Dean growled.

 

* * * * *

 

Chapter 13

10 December, 1300 Hours

 

Sunday morning began with a flurry of activity as the two women completed their household chores and spent a little extra time on their exercise routines having missed their Saturday session.  After a light lunch of Caesar salad and grilled chicken breasts, the women were now catching up on some reading.  Katie was in her favorite chair with her feet propped up on the ottoman, totally engrossed in Dr. Prokov’s book.  Dean was in the den surfing the net, trying to gather as much information as she could on cancer before her trip to Kansas City.  The three cats, as usual, were on the floor in a pool of sunshine, and sound asleep.

 

Dean dropped her head to her chin, and then began slowly rolling it in a clockwise direction as she tried to work the kinks out of her neck from her hour at the computer.  “Don’t think I can handle much more of this sitting,” she mumbled softly.  She logged off her computer, swiveled the chair out from the desk and headed to the living room and Katie.  Taking the stairs two at a time, she entered the living room and slipped behind Katie’s chair, reading over her partners shoulder.  Whispering, Dean questioned, “So, you find anything interesting that can help us find our woman?”

 

Katie marked her page, closed the book and looked up into Dean’s clear blue eyes.  “Nope, not yet.  But I do find this field very interesting.”

 

Dean shifted from her position to a seat in the recliner next to Katie.  “Well, what have we got so far?”

 

Katie reached over and picked up her notebook from the end table next to her chair.  She had been taking notes as she read and now went back to read the ones she had circled.  “Okay.  First we know we are dealing with a female, and I’d guess she’s probably in her thirties.”

 

A raised eyebrow asked the question.

 

“That’s just my guess from the reports by the motel staff so far, and just a feeling I have.”

 

Dean nodded in understanding.  “What else?”

 

“She’s intelligent, organized, competent, highly skilled and … arrogant.  She seems to have a variety of skills that includes an advanced knowledge and competence in computers, bomb making, disguise, information gathering, and is very motivated.  She also seems to be a bit over the edge psychologically.”  Katie looked up from her notes and found Dean nodding in agreement.  “Her vocal tone, even though it’s disguised, and her laughter are without doubt a bit maniacal.  Then there’s the hurting of others just to hurt you...”

 

“Yeah, I think you’ve pegged her,” Dean drawled.  “What about motive?”

 

 “The only motive that I can figure is revenge for something you did to her.”  Katie looked over at Dean.  “Remember that last phone call?”  Dean nodded.  “She said she was trying to get your attention.  Can you think of anyone who would want to do these things to hurt you?”

 

Dean shook her head thinking back to the last call.  “You know, I’ve been trying to come up with someone since that call.  Katie… it’s just that I … I don’t know where to start.”  She dropped her head and looked at her hands.  “I’ve been at this so long.  I can hardly remember the ‘whys’ let alone the ‘who’s’ I’ve dealt with.”  Katie reached into Dean’s lap and gently took Dean’s hands into hers, surprised at the unusual coldness of them.  She covered both with her hands, allowing them to absorb the heat radiating from hers.  “Mmm, your hands are very warm,” Dean replied as she looked up smiling into Katie’s emerald eyes.  “That’s unusual for you.”

 

“Yeah,” Katie returned the smile.  “I was just thinking the same about your hands.  Are you feeling okay?”

 

“Mmhm.  Just restless I guess.”  Dean looked at her watch.  “Let’s take a run into town and check on Bill.” 

 

That brought a big smile to Katie’s face and she asked, “do you suppose he can eat regular food yet?  I know how he loves truffles.”

 

“He sure does, but I don’t think they’ll let him have any just yet.  But we could take him some for later.”  Dean rose, taking Katie with her.  They went to the closet, donned their winter gear and headed out.

 

* * * * *

 

Dean poked her head around the door and was relieved to see a wide-awake Bill lying on his side, conversing quietly with Dirk.  “Hey, you guys want some company?”  She swung the door open to allow her and Katie entrance into the room.

 

Bill flashed a valiant smile as he saw his commander enter the room.  Katie looked around noticing several vases of flowers, balloons, and … a stuffed teddy bear?  “Hey, check out the big tough army captain… he has a stuffed teddy bear!” Katie giggled as she picked up the aforementioned item wiggling her eyebrows as she walked it through the air over to Bill’s bed.  “Awww, isn’t this a cute picture?”  She turned to face a grinning Dean as she placed the bear next to Bill.

 

“A real Kodak moment,” Dean responded as she watched Bill and Dirk blush.

 

“Hey, just because I’m a big tough army captain doesn’t mean I don’t have a soft side too.”

 

“Yeah, besides … I’m the one who gave him that bear,” Dirk added confidently.

 

“Hey … you don’t have to explain anything to me.”  Dean held up her hands waving off the verbal assault before changing her expression to a more serious one.  “So, Pooh … how are you feeling?”  She neatly ducked the empty water cup that was tossed at her and took a seat in the other empty chair by the bed.  Katie was laughing so hard, she excused herself to the bathroom before she wet her pants, while Bill tried to control his laughter so as not to pull on his incision and cause pain.  Dean set the box of truffles on the bedside table informing Dirk that Bill wasn’t supposed to have any until the nurses okayed it.  This got a quick pout from the big man.  “Well, you still look a little green around the gills, but not bad for a day after surgery.”  Her tone took on a more serious quality.  “Do you remember anything else from the accident yesterday?”

 

“Not much to tell, colonel.  I heard the car before I saw it, grabbed Dirk and pushed him out of the way, then got hit.  Next thing I remember clearly is waking up here after the surgery and seeing all your cheery faces.”

 

“How about the driver?  Did you get a good look at the driver,” Katie asked as she returned to the foot of the bed.

 

“Only thing I remember is that she was laughing.  I thought that was pretty strange and I remember thinking that it would be just my luck to meet my end getting hit by a crazy civilian.”  He thought a minute longer.  “Nope, not much else to give you.  I guess her laughing was what I focused on.”

 

“No hair color, eye color, or approximate height?”  This time the question came from Dean.

 

“Short hair… or it could have been in a pony tail.  She had a baseball cap on.  At first I thought it was a young kid, but then I saw the red lipstick and hoop earrings.”  He smiled, “Of course, it still could have been a guy … kids these days …”

 

“Can you remember anything written on the baseball cap?” Katie asked.

 

“Nope.  Sorry.”  He sighed deeply.  “Like I said, I just focused on her laughing at me.”

 

“Well, it definitely was a female that hit you.  I’m sorry to say that she’s the same one that has been causing all the havoc in our lives lately and you just happened to be one more of her targets to get at me.”  Dean reached over had gently placed a hand on Bill’s shoulder.  “I’m sorry you had to get involved in this.  If there is anything I can do…”

 

“Don’t worry Colonel.  I’m not blaming you so don’t feel guilty over this.”  Bill smiled a tight smile at his commander.  “I just hope the loss of my spleen won’t interfere with continued service in the army.”

 

Dean nodded, knowing full well that it probably wouldn’t interfere with his performance of duty, but he would have to be very conscious of exposure to infections, especially right after surgery.  “We won’t worry about that now, Bill.  Let’s just concentrate on you getting better.”

 

The three visitors stayed until the duty nurse came in to give Bill his pain medication.  Shortly after that, Bill started to drift off.  Dean and Katie said their good-byes and were walked to the lobby by Dirk before he returned to Bill’s side.

 

* * * * *

 

“Will Bill be able to stay in the service?” Katie inquired as they rode back to Occoquan.

 

“Probably shouldn’t affect his performance once he’s recuperated, so I don’t see a problem.  He’ll just have to be a bit more careful about exposure to bacterial infections.

 

“That’s good.” Katie replied with a sigh of relief.  “I know you’d miss him if he had to leave the service.”

 

“Yes, he would be a hard man to replace.”  Dean smiled as she thought of the young, brash second lieutenant she met six years ago.  She could still hear his challenge that he could take on anyone in the obstacle course and beat them by at least five seconds.  Dean had been observing the field training exercises in hopes of finding a young officer that would be able to measure up to the high standards she set for her assistant.  His boasting drew her attention, so she challenged him, eager to see what he was made of.  He eagerly accepted the challenge, grinning with self-confidence.  Dean took off her field jacket and did a few stretches to warm up.

 

“So, care to make a wager on the outcome?” the young lieutenant queried.  He had heard the rumors about Major Peterson being a hard core field operative, but had no doubt he could beat every man in the training squad, let alone this female officer.

 

“What did you have in mind?” Major Peterson asked.

 

“Loser has to buy a round for all the trainees at the officer’s club tonight,” he stated loudly to the hoots and cheers of his fellow trainees.

 

“Done.  But let’s give you a little personal incentive,” Dean offered as she strode up to the starting line.  “If you win, you can pick any assignment you want after finishing your training.” 

 

Second Lieutenant Jarvis nodded his head in agreement, thinking of all the choice assignments he would have to select from.

 

“But … if you lose,” Dean drawled, “you get to work for me.”

 

Bill’s fellow trainees became very silent hearing the last part of the wager, and a few shook their heads and began to shout encouragement to Bill hoping he didn’t bite off more that he could chew.

 

The two challengers stepped up to the line, sizing each other up as they waited for the training officer to begin the challenge.  “Ready?”  Two heads nodded in affirmation as the officer raised his hand, knowing in advance that the young lieutenant was probably going to be serving the devil when he lost this bet.  The major and the lieutenant assumed the ready position, waiting for the arm to drop.  When it did, both were off to a very fast start, taking the dash to the first obstacle neck and neck then diving to crawl under the rows of barbwire.  Dean had the advantage here with her smaller frame and agile moves, but out of the corner of her eye, she noted that the big man was moving extremely well for his bulk and was only a half body length behind her.  The next obstacle was the mud pit.  Dean was up and leaping for the rope just a fraction of a second in front of the young lieutenant.  She flew over the pit easily and landed on the firm ground.  Bill’s weight carried him to the other side, but not quite onto firm footing.  Slipping on the edge of the pit, he quickly recovered and sprinted to the climbing wall.  His muscular strength had him back in the running as he caught up to the major at the top of the wall, giving her a broad smile as he started climbing up the netting to the drop line platform.  His mistake came with that smile.  He lost contact with the net and slipped sideways towards the edge of the rope net.  They were about twenty feet in the air and a fall from this height may not be deadly, but would result in some damage.  Dean caught the slip with her peripheral vision, and adjusted her direction in time to reach out and grab the lieutenant’s belt from behind, stopping his fall over the edge.  Once he regained his balance, Dean released her hold, made sure he had recovered, and grinning, returned to the race.  Reaching the drop line platform, Dean grabbed the rig, and swung off the platform, lifting her legs straight out in front of her so her body descended through the air in a perfect ‘L’ position.  Glancing to her left, she noted that the young lieutenant was almost even with her descent.  They both stretched the ride to the maximum, releasing the rig only three feet above the water.  Surfacing, the two officers swam the short distance to the shore and headed to the last set of hurdles, easily clearing them for the final sprint to the finish line.  When they were twenty-five yards from the finish, they could hear the trainee’s cheers of encouragement for their comrade.  Bill was inches behind the major, but the cheers were just enough to give him the incentive to push harder.  As they crossed the line, they were virtually tied.  Slowing down and finally coming to a stop, the two competitor’s bent at the waist with hands on knees, sucking air greedily into their oxygen-starved bodies.   When their bodies returned to normal, Bill looked over at the major grinning. 

 

“So, Major … do we go it again, or settle for a draw?” Bill stated as he stood, extending his hand to Dean.

 

“Think a draw will be just fine,” Dean replied as she accepted the proffered hand. 

 

“Guess we could both buy the drinks tonight,” They agreed as they walked back to the group of trainee’s who were still hooting and clapping.

 

“That was a good run you gave me Lieutenant.  At least I can still say I’ve never been beaten.”  Dean looked over at the young man, making up her mind.  “I’d still like to offer you an assignment of your choosing.  Just let me know after you’ve had time to think about your choice.”

 

“Thanks, Major.  I appreciate that.”  Nodding as he thought about the opportunities that were now available, he turned and faced her.  “I have something in mind already.”

 

Surprised, Dean lifted an eyebrow waiting for him to continue. 

 

“I’d like to be assigned to you, ma’am.  If that meets your approval.”  Bill had made up his mind on the rope net, that win or lose, he wanted to be assigned to the Major, no matter what the rumor mill had said about her.  He knew that she was more than she appeared.

 

This request had both Dean’s eyebrows into her hairline.  Dean had heard the rumors about her.  How she was referred to as the bitch from hell that had ice in her veins, how she would rather work alone than with a team, and how ruthless she was in the field.  Shaking her head in disbelief, she asked him why he would choose her when he could have any assignment he wanted. 

 

His reply was simple and honest.  “Well, ma’am.  I’ve heard that you’re a hardcore loner and that you demand perfection when you work with others.  And that’s just fine with me.  But, when you stopped to keep me from falling off the net up there, well, that tells me a lot more about the real you.  I know that if anything happened to me in the field, you wouldn’t leave me hanging, or left behind.”  His eyes searched the ice blue ones across from him.  “Besides, how else could I get the chance to challenge you again?”  He broke into a wide grin as he watched the ice blue in her eyes warm and a sliver of a smile appear on her face.

“Consider it done, Lieutenant,” Dean said softly.  “But, you better finish at the top of your class, or, I’ll retrain you myself.”

 

“Yes, Ma’am,” Lieutenant Jarvis replied sharply.

 

“Now, how about those drinks at the officer’s club?” Dean said as they returned to the waiting group of trainee’s.

 

“Earth to Dean,” Katie called as she waived a hand in front of Dean’s face, glad that she was driving and not Dean.

 

“Huh?  Oh, sorry.  I was just thinking about how Bill and I first met,” she offered as she returned her focus to Katie.

 

“I bet that was quite a meeting.”

 

“It certainly was,” Dean commented and began to tell Katie the story.

 

* * * * *

 

Chapter 14

10 December, 1800 Hours

 

Dean and Katie stopped at the Golden Swan in Occoquan for dinner on their way back from Walter Reed.  Ling Soo, the elderly owner, greeted the couple with a big smile as they entered their favorite restaurant.  Her wizened old face melted into a greeting of genuine warmth as she watched the two women enter.  Stepping from behind the cashier’s counter, she slowly moved toward the door to greet them.

 

“Ah, Missy Dean and Missy Katie.  You want usual table?” the elderly Chinese woman asked as she bowed with her greeting.

 

“Sure thing, Ling Soo.”  Dean was truly fond of the old woman, and she placed her hands on the elder’s stooped shoulders.  “How’s business?”  Concerned blue eyes captured the old woman’s dark ones.

 

“Ah, it go good since you chase bad man way.  You look.”  She turned toward the crowded room and waved her hand around.  Dean followed the motion with her eyes while her mind went back to the day she’d stopped a two-bit punk from collecting “protection” money from the newly established immigrants.  For five months now, she had been coming back regularly, just to make sure he didn’t try to return.  “Been busy all day.  Chang have to call in number two son to help in kitchen,” she said in her clipped Oriental accent.  Looking back at the women, she added,  “You go now.  Table ready.  I have Chang make you special dinner.”  Ling Soo called instructions to her daughter in Chinese, quickly clapping her hands twice as she finished.  Smiling, she added, “Number one daughter bring you nice plum wine, okay?”  Both women nodded their heads in approval, smiling as they made their way through the crowded establishment toward their usual table.

 

Dean’s favorite table was in the rear of the establishment. There, she could put her back to the wall and watch everything that went on.  At first, Katie thought this  precaution  was a bit over the top for their now-friendly neighborhood, but she soon began to appreciate the advantages of being able to watch the clientele as they came and went.  As avid people watchers, Katie and Dean often played a little game of trying to guess the backgrounds of the people they observed.

 

“Okay, the lady in the navy sweater by the window,” Katie began as they focused on the partial profile the woman presented.  “Looks like a teacher to me.  The back of her head reminds me of Ms. Lumpetti, my seventh grade math teacher.”

 

“Nah.” Dean looked closer at the woman in question, catching the target’s reflection in the window for more clues.  “I’ll bet she’s a minister.  Just look at the dowdy outfit, and the old fashioned shoes.”

 

“Yeah, right,” Katie chortled and looked the woman over one more time, trying to picture her in front of a math class, then in front of a congregation.  “Nope, still looks like a math teacher to me.”

 

Within seconds, the woman in question removed the napkin from her lap, picked up her check and pocket book, and stood.  As she turned towards them to head to the cashier, the clerical collar she was wearing stood out clearly.

 

“Holy cow!” the blonde groaned as she turned to face Dean.  “You’re good!”

 

“Not really.” Her partner grinned back at her, eyes twinkling mischievously.  “I caught the reflection of her clerical collar in the window.  Just pays to use everything at your disposal to supplement [PC17] your powers of observation.”

 

Katie just shook her head and filed that information away for retrieval the next time she found herself on a stakeout.  They continued with their little game as they waded through each course of their excellent meal.  As the owner brought the fortune cookies and check, Katie caught a movement in her peripheral vision.  When Ling Soo left the table with Dean’s credit card, Katie was surprised to see Dr. Prokov standing at the cash register.

 

“Hey, that’s Dr. Prokov by the register,” Katie whispered as Dean looked up for a view of the forensic psychologist.  “I sure didn’t see her when we came in, did you?”

 

“Well, considering I didn’t know what she looked like, I’d have to say no to that one, love.”  They watched as Ling Soo’s daughter brought a bag of carry out to the register and handed it to Dr. Prokov.  Dean looked over at Katie and winked.  “Guess that answers that question, doesn’t it?”

 

“Would you like to meet her?  I can catch her before she leaves.”

 

“No, not tonight, I have more important things to do tonight.”  Dean lowered her gaze and spoke in a sultry [PC18] voice. “ I was thinking that maybe we could find something better for dessert than these fortune cookies.” [PC19] 

 

Just listening to Dean’s voice sent shivers up Katie’s spine, and she felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she caught the passion in her lover’s sparkling sapphire eyes.  Finding her voice temporarily missing, Katie grabbed the fortune cookies and stuffed them into her pockets, slipped her right hand into Dean’s left, and pulled her partner to her feet.  Dean grinned at the eager response to her suggestion, picking up their coats from the backs of the chairs with her free hand.  They stopped long enough at the cashier’s counter for Dean to sign the credit card slip, put on their coats, and exit for the parking lot, leaving a grinning Ling Soo behind.  In ten minutes, they were pulling into their garage, eager to explore dessert possibilities.  By the time they reached their bedroom, either woman had an article of clothing left on her body. 

 

Dean stopped by the bed and pulled Katie into her warm embrace.  “I’ll never tire of loving you, Katherine O’Malley,” Dean whispered as she drank in her lover’s beauty. 

 

Katie’s arms wrapped around her back and began a slow dance up and down, finally settling on Dean’s buttocks and giving them a gentle squeeze.  “Mmmm, and I’ll never tire of receiving your love,” Katie answered seductively as she nuzzled her head between Dean’s breasts, inhaling the welcome scent of her partner.  “I don’t know what I did to deserve your love.”

 

“I think that should be the other way around, sweetheart.  I certainly don’t deserve to have someone as wonderful as you.”  Dean bent her head and sought the comfort and confirmation of mutual love in Katie’s soft lips.  Finding what she was seeking, she deepened the kiss, her tongue seeking permission to explore further.  Katie moaned as she parted her lips to allow Dean’s tongue complete access, beginning an exploration of her own as she dueled with Dean’s thrusting tongue, intent on matching the passion she felt from her partner.  Soon hands began to move, exploring every inch of skin, kneading breasts and teasing nipples until they were taut and begging for attention from lips and tongues.  As their passion rose with each stroke of their hands, press of lips and lick of tongues, [PC20] Dean slowly backed toward the bed, falling in a controlled motion, bringing Katie down on top of her.  During the entire descent, she never lost contact with the breast she was attending to. 

 

Katie moaned again in pure joy as she felt her body react to her lover’s touch.  “Oh, Dean,” she whispered, “please…don’t ever stop loving me.”

 

Her reply came in a deep timbre as Dean barely removed her mouth from Katie’s nipple.  “I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me, my love.”

 

“Then you’re mine for eternity,” Katie breathed into Dean’s ear as she was gently turned onto her back.  Dean moved over Katie’s body, where she resumed her efforts to bring her lover to a complete, satiated climax.  

 

* * * * *