Disclaimers - See Part 1 for disclaimers.

Chapter Seventeen

Marika slowed her pace a bit to match the stride of her smaller companion. Despite a light drizzle, that was as much mist as rain, the women were walking the sea wall around Stanley Park. The waves of the Pacific slapped the concrete barrier on one side and stands of stately Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar, broken periodically with lushly cultured gardens, grew in profusion on the other. Almost a thousand acres, Canada's largest urban park provided many kilometres of walking trails through a verdant park set against a backdrop of ocean and mountains. As much as the lawyer enjoyed her own city, she had to admit that for sheer beauty, this city won out.

Marika was deriving a lot of enjoyment from Rhi's obvious pleasure in their trip. What would normally have been a routine business trip, had turned into an adventure as her assistant reveled in every aspect of the journey, not even minding the lengthy check-in lines or the long wait for their luggage and a cab once in Vancouver.

The lawyer smiled, recalling her wide-eyed assistant as the aircraft had taxied for take-off. At the time she'd wondered if Rhi would take to the experience or be a white-knuckle flier. Her musings had been answered once they were in the air. Rhi had turned to her with a big smile and said, "That was fun!"

Marika had laughed, something she'd found herself doing a lot of lately around her friend. "Glad you liked it, Rhi. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's not a long flight between Calgary and Vancouver."

The women had arrived in Vancouver late in the afternoon, and much to the lawyer's disappointment, she had found that the Symphony of Fire she'd wanted to take Rhiannon to at English Bay didn't start for another week.
Rhi hadn't seemed upset by their change of plans though, more intent on inspecting her room once they arrived at their hotel, the Sandler Arms.

With adjoining rooms, they'd immediately opened the connecting door. Marika had left her unpacking to lean against the doorjamb, watching her assistant eagerly examining all the features of her room. She'd grinned widely when Rhi picked up the price sheet for the courtesy bar. As she'd expected, the young woman had been outraged by the cost and vowed not to open so much as a bag of peanuts.

After unpacking, they'd gone out for dinner further down Burrard Street--to a restaurant that Len Owen had recommended when Marika had called him earlier in the week. As she strolled beside her companion, the lawyer made a mental note to congratulate her colleague on his recommendation. The women had dined on sweet basil crepes and pan-baked fresh salmon filet with a blackberry-tarragon sauce. She'd managed to conceal the cost from Rhi by putting everything on her corporate card, and the other woman's pleasure in the fine meal was untainted by price concerns.

Now they were ambling along the sea wall, walking off their dinner and enjoying the slapping of the waves beside them. Rhi had never seen the ocean, and she'd insisted on lying down on the wall to dip her fingers in the water. Marika had watched her closely, not quite trusting her exuberant companion not to fall in, amused by the face she made when she licked her fingers.

"It really is salty," Rhi commented, standing and wiping her fingers on her pants.

"Well, it is the Pacific," Marika agreed, then nodded out towards the bay where a catamaran was tacking to avoid a yacht under full sail. "Pretty, aren't they?"

"Yeah. There sure are a lot of them. I'm kind of surprised they'd go out in this weather."

Marika chuckled. "Living around here, you'd never get outdoors if you were afraid of a little rain."

Rhi nodded her understanding, then laughed as she pointed just ahead of them. Two seagulls were squabbling over a piece of bread that had been dropped on the path. The two women waited until the dispute was resolved and the victor flew off with the crust in its beak.

Resuming their walk, Rhiannon asked, "So what's the schedule for tomorrow?"

"I'd like to check in with the office by eight. The hearing is scheduled to start at 9:30, and Dr. Tsang and his wife will meet us at the IRB," Marika said, referring to the Immigration and Refugee Board. "Its office is also on Burrard and not far from the our branch office, so we'll be able to walk between our hotel, the office and the IRB. It's a fairly complex case so I expect it will take most of the day, but we should be done by dinnertime. I thought maybe we could go to Gastown for the evening and then, assuming the hearing doesn't go into a second day, we'll fly home the next morning."

"Gastown?" Rhi asked, looking at her curiously.

"Uh huh. It's a historic part of the city, complete with cobblestones and fancy lampposts. It's full of native craft shops, art galleries, and antique shops. It's a great place for people watching; and you can find anything from gourmet dining to bistros and sidewalk cafes, to pubs and comedy clubs." Marika smiled at her companion. "I thought you might enjoy checking it out with me."

"Sounds great," Rhi enthused, "but why is it called Gastown?"

Marika frowned slightly as she tried to recall, but finally shook her head. "I know it was named after a character named Gassy Jack, but I don't know the whole story. There is a statue of him right in Gastown, so maybe there's a plaque or something there that tells the whole story."

The lawyer could tell by the smile on her companion's face that Rhi approved of her plans, and she gave a little mental sigh of relief. Despite the fact that this wasn't a holiday, she'd wanted to make it more than just a business trip for the younger woman. She strongly suspected that her friend had never had a vacation in the traditional sense.

They walked along in amiable silence for a while until Rhi asked, "What is a hearing like?"

"Well, we'll be there representing Dr. Tsang, his wife and children. The opposing counsel represents the Minister of Immigration, and the board hearing the case generally has one or two members. We'll present our case for refugee status, and opposing counsel will try to find the holes in our arguments. The board may rule immediately, but more likely will reserve judgment for a few weeks."

Rhi nodded seriously. "Okay, and what are my duties?"

Marika was silent for a moment, until her assistant regarded her curiously. Then she sighed and admitted, "To tell you the truth, most of your work was done when we prepared the case. I'd originally planned to bring Marian along both as a reward for her hard work and as a training exercise. I think it's easier, when you're doing the research I need, if you have a clearer idea of what the end results are."

Her companion nodded slowly. "So, normally, I wouldn't have come?"

"No, normally only the lawyer goes, but when the hearing was first scheduled, I'd gotten permission for Marian to accompany me, so as her replacement you get the same consideration."

"Hmm," Rhi said, "are you sure it's okay with the firm?"

"Definitely," Marika reassured her. "I talked to Daniel myself."

Rhiannon nodded at the mention of one of the Calgary based senior partners, Daniel Cohen. "I guess it's all right then." She added with a smile, "Remind me to bring something home for Marian's baby."

The lawyer chuckled. "Yeah, the baby's timing was your gain, for sure...and mine."

Rhi glanced up sharply, then as quickly looked away. Marika realized what she'd said, and hoped that her assistant hadn't taken it the wrong way. Their friendship had been growing stronger, but she'd been concerned---especially since the night they'd gone dancing---that her companion not worry about her boss ever trying to take advantage of her. When Rhi had stayed the night with her, she clamped firmly down on any impulse to offer to share her bed with the young woman. She'd quietly made up the day bed for her guest and bid her goodnight before going to her own room.

Marika couldn't deny that her thoughts drifted more and more often these days to the young woman, and that her feelings for her assistant were deepening. However, quite apart from the impropriety of getting involved with her subordinate, given the lawyer's track record, she didn't want to endanger what was becoming a valuable friendship with romantic overtures.

Occasionally the lawyer caught Rhi watching her with a confused look in her eyes, as if the young woman was trying to comprehend something foreign to her. She suspected that if she were to make an advance, it wouldn't be immediately repulsed, but that made her all the more determined to keep their relationship platonic. Marika was sure that Rhiannon would never make the first move, so all she had to do was control her own impulses and all would be fine between them.

Deciding to interject a bit of professionalism to defuse any tension, she asked casually, "Do you think you have a good grasp on our case?"

Rhi nodded. "I think so. I spent quite a bit of time on the file last week."

"Okay, run through the high points for me."

Her assistant thought for a moment and then in a firm voice, began to lay out the case. "Tsang Ah-zhen was a doctor in southeastern China, and because he had seen countless infants he had newly delivered being murdered by regional family planning officers, he was well aware of the penalty for exceeding the official one child policy. When his wife, Wen Li, became pregnant for the second time, they tried to hide her at her mother's home in the country. Someone who saw Wen Li with her daughter while obviously pregnant turned her in, and she was forced to undergo a late term abortion. A year later, she became pregnant again, and this time she hid out in their home, never going out once she started to show. Wen Li was about six months along when Dr. Tsang was tipped off that not only did the authorities know of the illegal pregnancy, but because of his social status as a doctor, they planned to make a very public example of both of them once the child was born. With the help of relatives, they immediately fled to Hong Kong, and from there flew to Canada. They then went to Calgary where Wen Li's brother helped them get established and file a petition for refugee status through you. The hearing was transferred to Vancouver when they moved here eight months ago."

Marika nodded her approval of Rhi's precise recitation. "Good. Now what are the strongest points of our case?"

"Their very real fear of prosecution should they be returned, with the possibility that their younger daughter, who was born in Canada, would be subjected to persecution as an 'illegal birth'; the fact that as a physician, Dr. Tsang is a 'desirable' immigrant according to established government guidelines and has already begun steps to get Canadian medical certification while employed as an orderly at Vancouver General; the fact that they have a strong support system already in place and haven't drawn on Canadian social assistance programs." Rhi stopped and cocked her head curiously. "Will it be enough do you think?"

"I think with the supporting documents that Dr. Tsang brought with him, it should be. He provided statements from women who saw their newborns' skulls injected with formaldehyde, one from a woman whose baby's head was smashed against a wall in front of her and others' whose babies simply disappeared from the delivery room. He also smuggled out official documentation he got from his contact in the regional planning office showing that because family planners receive bonuses for the lower they can keep their numbers, infanticide is built into the system. Add in the fact that it was only last year that President Jiang Zemin urged the Communist Party to continue to treat population control and family planning as a protracted war, citing stats of 300 million births successfully prevented in the last twenty years, and that will go a long way to substantiate his case. I expect a favourable result, but you don't always know how the board will rule. We just have to present the strongest case we can."

Rhi walked along quietly for a few moments and then half turned to Marika. Very seriously she said, "Thank you for bringing me along. I'm really looking forward to watching the hearing tomorrow." With a little grin she added warmly, "Not to mention that I've been having a blast playing tourist. You're a great guide."

"It's been my pleasure, Rhi. You're a good traveling companion," Marika said appreciatively. "I think you'll get a lot out the hearing too, and once the work is done, we can enjoy the evening."

"Sounds great."

The women strolled on, and Marika found that despite the light rain, she felt an inner glow keeping her warm, a glow, no matter how she might resist it, closely linked to the small figure walking beside her.

*****************************************************

Marika stood and began to replace the papers in her briefcase. It had been a long day, but she'd been pleased with their presentation and felt optimistic for her client's chances. She smiled as Rhi took the briefcase from her to finish packing up the documents. Turning to the slight Oriental man and his wife sitting at the long table beside her, she offered her hand.

"I think it went well, Dr. Tsang. As soon as I get notification of the Board's decision, I'll contact you."

The man bowed his head slightly and smiled as he shook her hand. "Thank you, Ms. Havers. My wife and I are very grateful for your help. We will look forward to hearing from you."

The lawyer smiled at his shy wife, who lacked her husband's facility with English, and the couple made their departure. Turning to Rhi, who now had everything packed away, Marika said, "We just have to make a brief stop at the office, and then we're free for the evening, all right?"

"Okay. Maybe Mr. Owen will be back by now, too. I'd like to see him before we leave."

Marika knew that Rhi had been disappointed that her former boss had been out of the office when they'd stopped there that morning, and she too hoped Len was around. She was pretty sure that the man would be amazed at the change in his erstwhile assistant. There were times that the lawyer barely recognized the reserved, monosyllabic assistant Len had first foisted on her in the warm, amiable friend now walking at her side as they left the IRB. Marika was aware that the changes were mostly apparent when Rhi was with her, Lee and Dana, but even around others, much of the stark suspicion that had clung to the young woman like armour had melted. She doubted that even her fellow legal assistants still referred to her as Miss Ice.

A brisk ten-minute walk brought them to the doors of the firm's Vancouver branch, and after Marika left the pertinent documents with the office manager, they made their way to the ninth floor to check if Len had returned. He had, and greeted them with unfeigned delight.

"Marika! Rhiannon! I was hoping you'd make it back before you left town," the burly man exclaimed as he stood and came around his desk. Hugging Marika, he offered his hand to Rhiannon, who beamed at him and shook it vigourously.

"Hi, Mr. Owen. It's really great to see you again."

Marika almost laughed as Len's eyebrow shot up in surprise at the effusiveness of the young woman's greeting. He recovered, and grinned. "Great to see you too, Rhiannon. Are you enjoying Vancouver?"

"Oh yeah, and that restaurant you recommended was great. We had a wonderful meal there last night, didn't we, Marika?" Rhi had turned to the lawyer for confirmation and missed seeing her previous boss' jaw literally drop.

Suppressing a smirk, Marika nodded her agreement. "It really was, Rhi, and hopefully we'll find a place just as good tonight."

Her assistant grinned widely. "No kidding!" Glancing at the lawyers, she said, "Um, if you'll excuse me for a minute, I just have to make a quick stop before we head back to the hotel."

She headed out of the office, and Len turned to her in amazement. "What the hell did you do to my assistant!?"

Marika looked at him innocently. "Do? Whatever do you mean?"

The burly lawyer stared at her suspiciously. "In two years I couldn't get her to call me Len, and she sure as hell never went out for a meal with me. Did you do a personality transplant or something?"

"No, that's all her. I didn't do anything special, really." Marika smiled at the transparent disbelief in her colleague's eyes. Before he could grill her some more, a dapper man in his sixties stepped through the door.

"Ah, Marika. I'm glad I caught up with you before you left." He came towards them, holding his hand out.

"Harrison. It's nice to see you, as always," Marika said, politely greeting the Kurst segment of McGregor, Cohen and Kurst. They exchanged courteous chitchat on the disposition of her case and the latest news from the Calgary branch, before he turned to Owen.

"You'll be at the reception then, Len?"

The burly lawyer nodded. "Of course. In fact I was going to suggest that I walk over with Marika as she's staying in the Sandler Arms."

"Well, why don't you join us then, Marika? It's being held in one of their conference rooms at the top of the tower. Wonderful view of the city and the harbour from there."

Startled, Marika only knew that her planned evening with Rhiannon was slipping away. "Um, Harrison? I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about."

The senior partner smiled amiably. "Sorry, we did rather spring that on you, didn't we? But it would be an excellent idea to have a representative from the Calgary branch there too, and I can't think of anyone better than you. Right, it's settled then. I'll see you two over there." Leaving no opening for protests, he turned and strode out of the office, passing a silent Rhiannon who had slipped back in.

Marika turned on Len. "What the hell was that all about? I have plans for tonight, and I don't want to break them."

Len shrugged helplessly. "I'm sorry, Marika. I shouldn't have mentioned where you're staying. I never thought..."

The lawyer frowned angrily and crossed her arms. "So what is this stupid reception all about, and why is Harrison so keen on me being there?"

"It's just your basic suck-up assignment. Palmer DeAndre of DeAndre Shipping and Transport fame is one of the firm's biggest clients, and he and his wife Sandra put on this annual reception to thank the contributors to their charitable foundation. Attendance is pretty much mandatory for us since Kurst is on their board of directors, and a lot of McGregor, Cohen business is tied up with DeAndre Shipping." Len regarded Marika apologetically. "If it helps any, they do put on a terrific spread and it's an open bar."

"Don't care. I don't want to go," Marika gritted between her teeth, her eyes seeking out her quiet assistant who was watching the two lawyers.

Len shifted nervously. "Uh, I don't think it was a suggestion, Marika. Besides, all you have to do is make an appearance, schmooze for an hour and then you can slip out. Hell, there are usually over five hundred people there, so no one's going to notice. Just make sure that Kurst sees you a couple of times."

Rhiannon glided across the room, coming to a stop beside her irate boss. Turning to her ex-boss, she said politely, "Mr. Owen, would you excuse us for a moment?"
He looked at her gratefully and nodded, making a quick exit to leave the two women alone.

"Rika, it's okay."

"No, it's not!" the lawyer snapped. "I wanted to take you to Gastown."

The smaller woman laid a soothing hand on her friend's arm. "Look, we can do both. You go to the reception for an hour or so, and then come back and pick me up. We'll still have lots of time to go to Gastown. It's only 6:30 now, so even if we don't leave until eight or nine, the night will still be young."

Marika felt her agitation subsiding in the face of her assistant's calm logic. Sighing, she muttered, "This is not the way I pictured tonight."

Rhi smiled at her warmly. "I know, but sometimes you have to be flexible. He is a senior partner and he obviously expects you to be there, so go; and when you come back, we'll go out and have some fun, okay?"

The lawyer looked at her friend and shook her head in mild exasperation. "When did you get to be so darned persuasive?"

The smaller woman grinned. "Comes from hanging around lawyers so much."

That got a chuckle, and Len warily poked his head back in the office. When both women smiled at him, he grinned in relief. "So everything's all right then?"

Marika nodded. "Yes, I'll go with you and play the stupid schmooze game...but not for long! And if Harrison has a problem with that, he can take it up with Daniel or Ian."

Len ignored the pugnacious tone and cheerfully grabbed his suit jacket. "Let's go then. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can leave."

As they left the office, Marika had an absurdly childish urge to drag her feet over the thick carpet, but a small grin from her assistant let her know her recalcitrance would not go unchallenged. She glared at Rhi, but twinkling blue eyes told her that her assistant wasn't in the least bit intimidated. Finally, with a deep sigh, she accepted that she was going to the reception and all she could do was make the best of it and duck out as soon as possible.

*****************************************************

Marika had dropped her briefcase and purse off in her room, slipped her keycard into her pocket, and bid an envious farewell to her assistant, who'd already changed into jeans and a casual shirt. Reluctantly, she joined Len and the two made their way to the elevators to ascend to the twenty-first floor.

Not really interested, but feeling she should probably ask, Marika said, "So tell me about our hosts. What exactly is the reception about?"

Len leaned against the back wall and yawned. "Sorry, long day," he said apologetically. "Well, Palmer DeAndre has made billions from his shipping and transport empire, so he and his wife set up a charitable foundation to spread some of the wealth around. He has a couple of kids from a previous marriage, but they don't have any kids of their own, so maybe that's why they concentrate on children's charities. Anyway, she's the one who mostly administers the foundation, while he just keeps on making more billions. They're actually really low-key about it, tend not to seek out publicity or anything, and do most of their work behind the scenes. From what I understand, they've set up a number of foundation offices across North America and even into Europe and Asia. She does a lot of traveling on behalf of the DeAndre Foundation. They're a very highly respected couple in the city, and people clamour to work on their various projects. That's why you'll see the cream of Vancouver society here tonight."

The cream of Vancouver society paled in Marika's eyes beside one small assistant patiently waiting for her return, but as the elevator deposited them in a glittering foyer crowded with well dressed men and women, she reluctantly decided to make the best of it. She followed Len's lead, politely greeting and making small talk with people he knew as the two lawyers made their way through the foyer into the huge reception hall.

A long buffet table---done up with white linens, fresh flowers and heavy silver serving dishes---lined one wall, presided over by several men in tall chef's hats. A phalanx of black clad waiters circulated smoothly among the guests, offering hors d'oeuvres and drinks. The whole atmosphere was one of refined elegance, and the dignified, well-dressed crowd appeared right in their element.

Marika and Len snagged glasses of wine from a passing waiter and continued to circulate. Passing the floor to ceiling windows, Marika had to acknowledge that Kurst hadn't exaggerated the view. Outside, the sun still sparkled off the waters of English Bay, and white sails dotted the waves in profusion.

Quelling a desire to be out there, or anywhere but here, as long as it was with Rhi, she whispered to her companion, "Let's find Harrison so he knows we've made an appearance."

Len looked around, scanning the large and growing crowd. Finally he spotted their quarry. "Over there," he said, tipping his glass in the direction of a small stage at one end of the room. "In fact, he's talking to DeAndre himself, so maybe you'll be able to get this all over with at once. I have to corner Harrison on another matter myself, since I didn't get a chance to at the office."

"Good," Marika muttered. "Then lead on, Len!" Following in the burly man's wake, she soon found herself in front of the senior partner and a tall, attractive middle-aged man with bright blue eyes and thick, white hair. As they approached, Kurst broke off the lively conversation he'd been engaged in and smiled.

"Ah, good to see you two." Turning to the tall man, he said, "Palmer, I'd like you to meet two of our brightest associates. This is Marika Havers from our Calgary branch, and Len Owen from our Vancouver office. Marika, Len...this is Palmer DeAndre."

"It's nice to meet you," DeAndre said, extending his hand.

"Mr. DeAndre," Marika acknowledged politely as she took his hand.

He gave her a genuine smile. "Palmer, please." He nodded at Len, and shook his hand too. "I'm so glad you could join us this evening."

"Our pleasure," Len spoke for both of them. Marika remained diplomatically silent, but she had to admit to herself that the shipping magnate exuded a genial charisma. As the small group chatted, she found herself relaxing. Resigned to her delayed plans with Rhi, she decided she'd participate in the conversation long enough to satisfy the demands of propriety and Harrison Kurst, and then slip away.

Len chose that moment to say apologetically, "Palmer, would you excuse me if I borrow Harrison for a few moments? It's an office matter that unfortunately, can't wait."

DeAndre gave an amiable wave of the hand as the two men drew away, quickly engaged in an intense conversation. Palmer focused his warm blue eyes on Marika and asked, "So what brings you to our fair city...business or pleasure?"

"Business mostly," Marika smiled. "But I've also been enjoying a bit of playing tourist. It certainly is beautiful out here."

Palmer beamed as if personally responsible for his city's allure. "You know, I've traveled all over the world, and I've yet to see anyplace that can compare. My wife, Sandra, travels extensively on behalf of our foundation, and I know she misses home terribly when she's away. She's always so glad when she gets back." He shook his admiringly. "Don't know how she keeps up the pace sometimes, but that woman is just so dedicated! I wish I had half her energy."

"She must be a wonderful person to dedicate so much of her time and energy to philanthropic endeavours," Marika commented, impressed by the man's obvious admiration for his wife.

"Yeah, she's pretty incredible," he agreed with a fond smile. He nodded across the room to a group by the window. "She's just over there, no doubt gently twisting a few arms for her latest project. She's so good at it, that they never even know what they've agreed to until she turns up at their door to collect." He laughed, then said, "Oh, here she comes now. I'll introduce you two."

His eyes lit up as he looked over Marika's shoulder. The lawyer smiled, turned to meet the paragon he was so obviously devoted to-and froze.

Approaching her was an elegant woman of average height and build, her brown hair swept back in a chignon, a beautifully styled designer dress in black and silver, with diamond drop earrings and a matching pendant. Nodding courteously at the stunned lawyer, Sandra held out her hand to her husband, smiling sweetly.

"Hello, darling. Did you miss me?"

Palmer beamed at his wife and bent over her hand, kissing it lightly before drawing her to his side. "Always, my love. I trust you were successful in prying open our friends' wallets?"

The woman laughed. "Oh somewhat, but darling, do introduce me to your lovely companion."

"Sorry, love, where are my manners? Sandra, this is one of Harrison's lawyers, Marika Havers. Marika, this is my wife, Sandra DeAndre."

Sandra reached out a hand, and Marika forced herself to meet it, mumbling an inanity as she stared into familiar muddy brown eyes. Numbly her mind tried to wrap itself around the reality that Cass was standing right in front of her.

Palmer looked more closely at the lawyer and frowned. "Are you all right, Marika? You look terribly pale."

"I...I..."

Sandra cut in smoothly. "She does look unwell, darling. There is that flu going around. Perhaps she has a touch of it. Why don't I take her to the ladies room?" Wrapping a firm hand around Marika's upper arm, she began to guide the dazed woman away, as her husband smiled at his wife's consideration. Palmer turned away to greet other guests as Sandra nodded and smiled her way through the crowd to the corridor, never loosening her iron grip on the lawyer.

Entering the ladies room, Marika saw a middle-aged society matron touching up her make-up at the mirror. When the matron saw her escort, she said, "Sandra! I was going to come find you. I have to postpone our luncheon at the club on Sunday..."

Sandra broke in smoothly. "Helen, would you mind terribly if I found you a bit later? I'm afraid my friend here isn't feeling well and may have the flu, so if you would excuse us..."

"Of course, dear," Helen said sympathetically. "I'll give you a call tomorrow if we miss each other tonight." With those words, the matron left the room and Sandra locked the door behind her.

Whirling, she grabbed Marika's jacket front and slammed her against the door. Shocked, the lawyer blinked at the abrupt change. The benevolent philanthropist was gone, and in her place stood the woman who'd held her in thrall for almost a year. Flat, malevolent eyes pinned her, as the strong grip held her in place.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Cass hissed, rage flickering in muddy depths.

Marika shook her head. "I didn't know...my senior partner insisted I come."

"Jesus Christ! Of all the fuck-ups!" Cursing, Cass released Marika and paced back and forth a few steps. Marika didn't move, though her body vibrated with tension and fear. She knew from experience that she didn't want to be anywhere in the vicinity when Cass lost her temper.

Her eyes tracked the other woman warily, her mind reeling at the realization of Cass' double life. When the angry woman stopped and faced Marika, the lawyer instinctively tried to shrink back, but her back was already flat against the door.

Cass advanced on her, eyes glittering. Her left hand shot out and wrapped around Marika's neck. The lawyer gasped, but made no move to escape.

"You're not going to say a word about this, are you, Marika?" The words were almost casual, but there was no mistaking the implied threat as the pressure tightened around her neck. The lawyer shook her head slightly, unable to tear her eyes from the other woman's face.

"Good," Cass crooned. "That's my good girl. Because if you did, I'd have to punish you." Shuddering, Marika could see the rising excitement in the sadistic eyes. "And my baby doesn't like being punished, does she?"

Marika gasped as Cass' right hand unbuttoned her suit jacket and deliberately pushed it aside. A small grin crossed the other woman's face as she viciously twisted the lawyer's left nipple, leaving her hand clamped over the tortured breast. Biting back a groan, she held still, knowing it would be far worse if she resisted.

Behind her the doorknob rattled as someone tried to get in. Cass frowned. Narrowing her eyes at her victim, she instructed, "I'm leaving now. I don't care what you tell your boss, but you're going to get your ass out of here and I don't want to see you back again, got that?"

Swallowing against the constrictive hand, Marika muttered her acknowledgement. Cass released her throat and carefully re-buttoned the jacket. "Good," she purred, "just so we understand each other."

Her hand flashed out in a brutal strike across the lawyer's face. Marika cried out, and Cass grabbed her hair, yanking her head back. "We do understand each other, don't we?" she snarled in a low voice.

Unable to stop the tears welling in her eyes, Marika just ducked her head in agreement. Cass pushed her aside and, straightening her dress, unlocked the door. As she stepped out, the lawyer heard Sandra say, "Oh, Marge, do give it a moment, will you? I'm afraid someone's been a bit sick in there, and I think we should give her a few moments to clean up."

Marika heard the murmur of agreement and the door closed, leaving her alone. Trembling, she sank into a chair, clutching her arms around her body and trying desperately to regain control. It was only when she heard someone turning the knob that she stood, and on shaky legs made her way out of the ladies room, averting her face from the two women entering. Keeping to the edge of the corridor, she made her way to the elevators. Luckily one had just arrived, depositing more partygoers, and she hastily boarded it and punched the button for the fourth floor.

Riding the elevator down, she stared blindly at the doors. She felt her mind beginning to retreat into itself, protecting and hiding her. When the lift stopped, she stumbled down the hallway to her room, shaking fingers inserting the keycard. Once inside, she barely made it to the bed before collapsing and curling into the tightest ball she could. At a distance, she could hear a voice calling her name, but she shut it out and closed her eyes.

*****************************************************

Rhiannon was lying on her bed reading when she heard her boss' door unlock through the open connecting door. Surprised, she glanced at the bedside table. Marika hadn't even been gone an hour. Grinning, she sat up and tossed the book aside, delighted that they'd be able to head for Gastown sooner than she'd expected.

The grin vanished when she got to the door only to see her ashen-faced boss stumble past her, unfocused eyes staring right by her. Her mouth open, she watched in amazement as Marika collapsed on the bed, her knees rising tightly to her chest and her arms tucked tightly against her body.

"Marika?" Rhi advanced slowly into the room, her worried eyes fixed on the fetal form on the bed. "Rika? Are you okay?"

There was no answer from the stricken woman, and Rhi approached the bed carefully. "Rika? Hey, boss, what's going on?" She was shocked as she saw the dove gray eyes that had regarded her so warmly only an hour ago, horribly blank and unseeing. She was almost relieved when Marika closed her eyes, but then, studying her friend, she saw the angry red mark on her colourless cheek and frowned. She'd seen that mark on her own mirror image often enough to know that someone had hit the older woman--hard.

Dropping to her knees, she reached out tentatively to stroke the pale blonde hair gently. "Hey, Rika, c'mon talk to me. You're starting to worry me here, boss."

There was no response at all from the silent, unmoving woman, and after five minutes of coaxing, wheedling and caressing the pallid cheek, she looked over to the bedside phone and bit her lip nervously. This was way beyond her experience, and she wondered if she should be calling someone. The question was...who? Aside from the angry mark on her face, her boss didn't seem to be physically harmed, and she was pretty sure that Marika wouldn't appreciate anyone seeing her in her near-catatonia.

Deliberating for a long minute, Rhi came to a decision. Standing, she whispered, "Hang in there, Rika. I'm going to get some help."

Returning to her room, she half-closed the door, leaving it open enough to hear if her friend called. Crossing to the phone, she noted the instructions for long-distance and, blessing her eidetic memory, placed a call.

"Hello."

Rhi sighed in relief at the familiar hearty voice. "Lee? It's Rhiannon."

"Lady Mouse? Where the heck are you? Are you guys back from Vancouver already?"

"No, we're still here. But Lee, there's a problem, and I don't know what to do."

Lee's puzzled voice sharpened. "What's wrong? Is it something with Marika? Is she okay?"

"I don't think so." Rhi's voice began to tremble. "Lee, I think there's something really wrong with her."

The voice on the line soothed her. "Okay, hon. It's going to be all right. Now start from the beginning and tell me everything."

Rhi quickly ran through the events of the evening. "And all I can see is the mark on her face, but she isn't moving and she won't talk to me. It's like she's not even in there, sort of spaced out and all."

There was a long moment of silence, but Rhi took comfort in it, knowing her big friend was analyzing the situation and completely confident that her Madam Dragonslayer would come up with the right solution.

"Did you try touching her? Did she respond at all to that?"

Rhi shook her head, even though Lee couldn't see her. "No. I patted her hair and her cheek, but there was no response." She heard the deep sigh come over the line.

"Okay, Rhi, Dana and I have seen this before. I'm not sure if the cause is the same-I don't see how it can be-but if you do what we did, then it should work again."

Relieved, Rhi broke in, "What? What should I do?"

"Basically you're going to wait, but at the same time, talk to her, touch her, even hold her. Once she starts to come around, just let her know that you're there for her. Don't press her to talk about whatever it was unless she's ready."

"I can do that," Rhi said solemnly, then hesitantly she added, "Lee? Can you tell me what's going on? Why she's like this?"

"God, where do I start? Whatever happened tonight traumatized her, and this is just the way she protects herself mentally. She basically shuts down until she can handle it. The last time this happened, at least that we saw it, involved a woman who abused her. I don't see how she could've run into her out there, but if she did...Rhi, this woman is evil."

Rhiannon was startled at the depth of loathing in her amiable friend's voice. Shaken, she asked, "Should I be calling security or something, Lee? Do you think if it is that woman that she'll come after Rika?"

"No, that's not the way the bitch operates. She gets Rika to come to her, though damned if I know how!"

"What!?" Rhi couldn't believe what she'd heard. Rika went willingly to someone who left her in this condition? Something was very wrong with this picture.

"Look, I don't know if it's even the same thing, but when she starts to talk again, listen up for a mention of 'Cass', okay? Don't let her know you know what's going on, but tell me, all right?"

"Yeah, I will. I'm going back in there now. If I get a chance I'll call you later. If not, I'll talk to you when we're back in Calgary. And Lee...thanks."

"You did right to call me, Rhi. Rika is very lucky you're there. Now go look after our friend and I'll talk to you later."

Rhi bade Lee goodbye and walked quickly back to the other room. She discovered that Marika hadn't moved a muscle in her absence. Regarding her with a tiny frown, she contemplated her options. Finally, with a little shrug, she crawled up on the bed and curled up behind the rigid body. Wrapping one arm around the woman and settling her other hand on the soft hair, she snuggled close and began to talk. Keeping her voice low and soothing, she chatted about nothing and everything as she held her tight and stroked her hair.

It felt like hours later, but finally Rhi felt a relaxation in the body she held. Marika didn't say anything, but she did straighten out her limbs and settle back into the small, strong arms that held her.

"Welcome back, my friend," Rhi murmured, relief flooding through her. She fell silent then, her throat aching from the unprecedented marathon of talking. Mentally exhausted, she eventually dropped off, still pressed tightly to the slender relaxed body beside her.

When she woke hours later, she found that Marika had rolled to face her. Through half-open curtains, the city lights threw enough illumination for her to see soft gray eyes regarding her steadily. Still mostly asleep, she gave her friend a bleary smile. Marika reached a hand up and gently caressed Rhi's cheek, running a finger lightly down to her jaw line. She made to withdraw, but Rhi instinctively reached for her hand, drawing it to her and closing her eyes again. As she drifted back to sleep, she felt the long fingers curl around her own and tighten.

*****************************************************

"It went well this evening, don't you think, darling?" Palmer DeAndre laid his hand on his wife's shoulders as she sat at her dressing table, removing her diamonds.

She patted his hand and smiled into the mirror at him. "Very well, my love." She stretched and yawned. "It was a long night though, and you do have to be in the office tomorrow. Why don't you go pour us a nightcap?"

DeAndre dropped an affectionate kiss on his wife's hair and left their bedroom. She watched him go, then stared into the mirror unseeing. Her mind worked furiously, considering and discarding options until she settled on a course of action. She'd successfully kept her lives separate for years now, and the unexpected appearance of Marika at the reception had shaken her more than she'd thought. She'd known from the beginning that consorting with the refined blonde was not wise, but the woman was so far removed from the usual trash Cass used, that she hadn't been able to resist the challenge.

Her eyes narrowed in memory and a half smile lifted the corner of her lips. The lawyer had proved so...unexpectedly amenable to Cass' darker proclivities, and the predator has instinctively known how to exploit every hurt, every pain that the other woman had ever suffered to turn Marika to her pleasure.

She knew that now that Marika was aware of her other life, she should pull back, cut any further ties, but she found herself strangely unwilling to do so.
The blonde so...enlivened her periodic trips through Calgary. She was fairly certain that she had the lawyer cowed, but to cover her bases...

Pulling open a drawer, Cass quickly pulled out a cell phone and, glancing at the door to ensure that her husband hadn't returned, placed a call.

"I have a job for you. The instructions will be waiting for you tomorrow. And Gao---this job gets top priority."

Flipping the small phone shut, she rose and greeted her husband with a smile as he returned to the room with two large brandy snifters in hand.

Continued in Chapter 18