Chapter 1
Looking out of a grimy pane of glass to the warehouse across the street, a small satisfied smiled wreathed Parker’s feature. Her eyes slowly moved to the monitor to the right and watched the flash of a small blip moving toward the center. “Soon my love, soon we’ll be together again,” she whispered.
Parker Davis met Olivia Santos when they both were police officers for the Portsmouth PD. It wasn’t long after that initial meeting that they became lovers in a tumultuous affair. Their intimate moments just as their arguments were passionate and intense. For Olivia, Parker was in her blood like an opiate that never satisfied her sexually, however unconsciously she wanted a more fulfilling relationship and Parker wasn’t that person. When a crooked District Attorney arranged for the killing of Olivia’s brother, an undercover cop, she became judge, juror, and executioner.
When the light reached the middle, she turned to the window again. A black Jeep sat in front of a bay door of the warehouse as it folded upward. Soon the vehicle disappeared inside the building and the door rolled closed again.
The woman moved from the window to stand in front of one of the many large plasma screens and watched as the Jeep came to a stop and the driver exited. A hand went to the back of the driver’s head and released hair from captivity. When the woman shook her head, much as a lion did to its mane, the observer held onto a table to still the raw emotions the scene evoked. “You always did that to me O.”
When Olivia took a seat in front of her computer, Parker hit a few keys and the screen showed Olivia at her computer. As she watched what Olivia saw she said, “Yeah yeah, I know what you did today…give me something interesting.”
When a rattling of the door signaled someone was entering the room, the woman didn’t turn–she knew who was there. “Have they started on the office?” she asked.
“Not yet,” Dan Estevez said. “They had to wait for the shrink and midget to leave. Shouldn’t be long now.” He opened his phone and read a message. “They just signaled that the coast is clear and they’re going in.”
“Is the plumber at the switching station?”
“Yes. Once he gets the signal, the power will go out. The team needs about forty-five minutes max.”
“Did you reiterate that every room must be monitored…even the bathroom?”
Dan’s face scowled. “I still don’t agree with that.”
The woman spun around and fixed the man with her eyes. “I didn’t ask if you agreed only that you followed my orders.”
“Look, I was about to retire when you called me for this job. If you don’t want my input then I see no reason to stay.”
Parker ignored the man’s comment. She knew there was no way he’d leave. Once again, she watched the warehouse and the monitor where a new blip appeared. When the white Element pulled up to the bay door, she gritted her teeth. “How apropos…virginal white for the nun,” she said as the vehicle disappeared into the building.
Dan joined the woman who was now standing in front of a monitor. He watched as the woman in question got out of the car and joined Santos who greeted her with a hug. “Are they lovers?” he asked.
“No.”
“How do you know that?”
The woman turned and looked at the man. “Olivia is many things but she has some sense of valor. She’d never defile a nun. It isn’t in her nature.”
Dan watched as the women on the monitor embraced tightly before they kissed in a way that wasn’t chaste. “From the looks of things I’d say they are.”
The woman chuckled. “Olivia was out whoring three times this week. If they’re lovers the nun isn’t satisfying her.”
“Hard to believe. The Santos I know always takes what she wants.”
“Not this time.”
“Do you think she knows about the cameras?”
“Santos has gone soft since she left the company and taken up with that woman. She still thinks she has the most up to date security.” The woman laughed. “She only has what we want her to have. We can breech her security at anytime.”
For two years, Parker worked through a multitude of scenarios to come up with the best way to bring the woman back into the fold. After Olivia killed the DA, a covert government agency known as the Department Of Covert Operations recruited her. No one ever walked away from DOCO and that included Olivia Santos.
For Parker, the mission was personal. She’d lost track of Olivia after her arrest and spent years looking for her. Once she found that Olivia was working for DOCO, Parker joined the organization. Olivia blamed her arrest on her lover and refused to have anything to do with Parker after that so Parker shadowed Olivia until an opportunity arose that allowed Parker to reunite with the woman she loved. As it turned out, it was necessary for Parker to fake her death. Once her plan worked, she would reveal herself to Olivia so they could be together forever.
“All we need to do is plant the smallest doubt in her little friend there. She will fill in all the holes and then walk away. Once that happens, Olivia will be ours.
Dan’s phone rang and when he completed the call he said, “Everything is in place.”
A peel of devilish laughter echoed around the room. The woman in front of the plasma screen trailed her fingers over the outline of Olivia Santos. “Now the game begins.”
+ + +
Chapter 2
Black boots covered half way with a film of light brown dust stepped up to the door of a building that was typical for the area. A leather gloved hand reached out and opened the door. The person’s steps increased as they walked across the polished wooden floor of a reception area–a trail of boot prints followed in its wake.
With a confident gait, the person moved to the reception counter. With a sharp tap on the pristine surface fingers ran across its length and saw a small head bob up from behind.
A diminutive woman glared at the tall black leather encased woman. “Christ Olivia, you nearly gave me a heart attack! Do you always have to do that?”
With a curl of her lips, Olivia gave a mock sardonic laugh. “I’m keeping you on your toes…although, in your case, it’s the tiptoes. How have you been Teal?” Olivia Santos removed her gloves and placed them inside the black leather jacket that she wore like a second skin.
Teal chuckled at the reference. Usually accompanied with a hint of teasing, as she suffered the pet name Olivia had for her. In most cases, she’d have been angry, but with Olivia, she knew it was a familiar term as close to an endearment she would get.
“I’m great. Phil wanted me to tell you that she’s finished the work you wanted. Give her a call whenever you’re free.”
Nodding Olivia considered the message then replied, “Thanks.” Blue eyes traveled to the closed door leading to the When Hell Meets Heaven inner sanctum.
Without waiting for any words, Teal smiled brightly and said, “She’s in, but working–booked solid for the next month. Suddenly there’s been an epidemic of paranoia. I hope it’s not catching.”
“I see,” Olivia’s hand reached over the counter top and deftly stole the appointment book from under Teal’s nose. When the small woman frowned, she winked. Flickering over the pages of the ledger, Olivia kept a bland expression on her face. “Book me in for her last appointment this evening. Tell her it’s a consultation for a new client.”
“Oh Olivia I can’t do that! She’ll freak.” Teal relented when she saw the penetrating gaze she received. “Ok, but she’s going to be mad if after a month away you don’t at least pop your head in and say hello.”
Olivia gave a wry twist of her lips. “It builds up the suspense Teal. You should try it. Phil will love you all the more for it.”
“She will not and she loves me anyway. Amelia feels the same way about you Olivia,” Teal stated quietly. Olivia could be so weird–even more so now that she and Amelia were an item. Though over the past year her two bosses hadn’t spent that much time personal together as you’d except from a newly in love couple. They were both so busy. Amelia clammed up when she broached the subject. As for Olivia, Satan himself wouldn’t ask her about the relationship.
With a wave of her hand and retrieving her gloves from her pocket, Olivia headed back out the door without another word.
Five minutes later, Amelia wandered out of her office and ushered her client to the door. “Goodbye, I’ll see you next week.”
Once the door shut, Amelia turned to Teal and sighed. “I must be going mad Teal. I could swear I smell engine oil and Olivia’s perfume. She’s been away too long. Ok. How long do I have before my next patient?”
The words were hardly out of Amelia’s mouth when the door opened. “Ms. Lewis, it’s good to see you again.”
Teal was thankful she hadn’t had to lie to Amelia. Olivia owes me big time–again.
+ + +
Chapter 3
Arriving at the warehouse home she shared with Amelia, it didn’t take Olivia long to gravitate to what her partner laughingly described as the first love of her life–the central control panel. It housed the inner workings of her toys and security equipment. With a flick of her head toward the main monitor, she reached out and switched it on.
She watched as a stream of numbers and ciphers filled the black void as she waited for the prompt for a password. Duly delivered, the screen then filled up with a log of how the equipment had functioned. She noted a minor glitch that didn’t seem serious but would require further investigation. Otherwise, everything was secure.
She’d check out the glitch later. There’s an explanation…there always is. Amelia was and always would be her first priority in the security stakes. She needed a shower more than she needed to find what would probably turn up as a meaningless system error.
She made her way to her bedroom that still maintained the stark decorative features it always had. There was nothing personal there–it was a place to rest a weary head. Her room was unlike Amelia’s, which had become almost a shrine to the many trinkets she avidly began to collect over a year earlier. Not that she minded. Most of them she’d bought for her–how could she complain.
Divesting herself rapidly of her clothes, she opened the shower door, got in, and turned the knobs. A cascade of cold water immediately engulfed her body. A feral smile of delight crossed her face when she felt the adrenalin rush the cold made her feel. She basked in the pleasure of ridding her body of the grime of her month long surveillance. That particular journey had reached its end.
Gradually she let the water turn hot then began lavishing her body with D&C, her favorite body wash that Amelia bought for her just before she left. She relaxed and allowed her sense to indulge in the perfume of the soap when she suddenly felt a chill go down her back–instinctively she felt that someone was watching her. Her eyes scanned every inch of the shower stall and the ceiling. She saw nothing and laughed. “I’ve been gone too long,” she said glad that no one was there to witness her ridiculous imaginings.
Soaping her breasts she lingered on the pointed nipples, knowing that self-pleasuring would sustain her for a while. It would help keep her frustration in check when Amelia was finally in her arms. She wanted to make love to Amelia but something–her past–always held her back.
“Maybe now is a good time to put the past finally behind me.” If need be, she’d find a shrink and work all her kinks out. Then, she could make love with the one person in the world who literally held her heart. As she thought of Amelia, her hand slipped down her belly before the pleasuring began in earnest.
+
Amelia West pulled off her reading specs and flexed her aching back muscles. Whoever said that sitting all day listening to people was a cushy job didn’t know what they were talking about–it made a mess of her posture. Olivia was going to be mad. She had neglected the exercise regime her partner had set up for her before she left and now she was paying for it. At the thought of Olivia, a warm feeling settled in her belly while her lips tugged into a half-smile. It was the same smile she always had when her thoughts drifted to the woman she loved. “I’ve got to hand it to you Olivia. You’re never out of my mind longer than the professional sessions. Every private thought these days is about you these days.”
Placing her specs on her desk, she stood up and groaned softly. Yep, annoyed wouldn’t be the expression from Olivia’s lips–she’d probably curse when she finally arrived home, whenever that would be. Each trip was getting longer and longer. If she had a complex, she’d think her partner was trying to avoid her. Since their mutual confession of love over a year earlier, the only base she ever reached with Olivia had been first. Beyond kissing and cuddling, she never managed to persuade Olivia to go any further and the frustration level was becoming harder and harder to control. Since she had no experience in making love she could only surmise that Olivia must be silently going up the wall–she did have a track record of bedding other woman. That blonde bimbo who came to the office one day was an example. Maybe it’s me. She needed to have to have that serious talk with Olivia when she came home–it was time.
Walking through her office door and going down the corridor, she went through the inner door to the reception area–silence. Glancing in the direction of the counter there was no activity. She’d told Teal to leave for there was no reason for them both being late. Although, she was slightly miffed at Teal for adding another appointment on her already full schedule. It was seven-thirty and she was tired. She was looking forward to a hot shower, takeout from the local Chinese restaurant, and a glass of chardonnay in front of the TV.
Moving around to the counter, she sat down on Teal’s chair and bent to look at her appointment book for the next day. She groaned–it was another full day. Her clientele had increased dramatically and she wondered why. She hadn’t taken on an advertising campaign yet people kept looking her up. Not that she was unhappy about it for the extra income was helping her to make inroads into the loan her folks gave her when she opened her practice after she’d left the nunnery.
+ + +
Chapter 4
The peel of the electronic bell that announced the last of her clients had Amelia taking in a deep breath as she lifted her head. Startled, her eyes caught the woman she loved before they flashed rapidly as she silently drank in every feature of the dark, beautiful woman. Olivia had captured her life and heart catapulting her into a maelstrom of one of life’s richer experiences.
Olivia felt her heart rate increase radically as she felt the warm scrutiny of her partner. She asked, “Nothing to say?”
Blinking and realizing she hadn’t released the breath she held, she rushed out of the chair and went around the counter before throwing herself into the much larger frame of her partner. “Olivia you should have called me. Oh, this is wonderful. Were you reading my mind? I was just thinking about you,” she said as her arms tangled possessively around Olivia’s neck.
Chuckling warmly, Olivia placed her much longer arms around Amelia’s smaller body and lifted her off the floor. Holding her easily a few inches off the floor she rasped, “I missed you too.” Her lips captured Amelia’s in a kiss that demanded yet, at the same time, gently explored until they were both out of breath.
Locking her gaze with Olivia’s, her expression told the taller woman all she needed to know. “You do pick your moments Olivia. I have a client, who is late.” Her eyes dragged themselves from Olivia to glance at the time on the wall clock–seven-forty.
A lean finger turned Amelia’s head. “Not late, but right on time to take her best girl out to dinner. Teal tells me that you’ve been working hard,” she said eyeing Amelia. “Maybe too hard.” Her eyes caught the dark circles under her partner’s eyes. “Is that true?” Amelia glanced at the floor, and Olivia understood her wish to bring her back down to earth–although she didn’t remove her arms from around the warm and inviting body. Her instinct with the petite woman in her arms was to ravish her.
“There’s been an influx of work and I have to admit it’s been a challenge, but I’ve coped. Can I take a rain check on dinner and …” At the surprised and somewhat hurt expression on Olivia’s face, Amelia tenderly stroked a finger down her olive skinned cheek and felt the muscles under her touch flicker slightly. “I’d rather have takeout and have you hold me at home in private. What do you say?”
“I guess I can accommodate that. You must be beat anyway. Come on Doc let’s get you home. A snuggle sounds like a wonderful alternative to dinner in public.” Olivia bent her head and kissed Amelia again. She wasn’t sure if the thunder she heard was her own heart beat or Amelia’s–probably both.
Amelia nodded. “I’ll get my things and be right back.”
Olivia didn’t bother to go with her. There would be the temptation to go to her office and check on what things required her attention. It will wait until tomorrow. As she looked around the reception area, the hair on the back of her neck rose for the second time that day. She had the same feeling–someone was watching her. Maybe I’ve been working too hard too. We both needed to relax.
Amelia, sporting a wide grin, came back to the reception area. They left the office together and when they got to the street, Amelia pointed to her vehicle. “I guess I’ll see you at home.”
Olivia glanced at the car and then at her Jeep beside it. “Not a chance Doc. You’re with me. I’ll bring you back in the morning.”
Amelia chuckled. “Thought you’d never ask.” She walked around the Jeep, stepped into the vehicle, and moments later they were homeward bound.
+
Both women were ravenous after their long work day. They demolished the Chinese takeout without much in the way of conversation.
“I need to take a shower,” Amelia said.
Smiling, Olivia said, “I’ll make some coffee and meet you in the lounge later.”
Amelia excused herself and once in the bathroom took one of the quickest showers in history. Now that Olivia was home, she wanted to spend as much time as she could with the woman. Dressing in casual slacks and t, she walked back into the main center of the warehouse and headed toward the lounge.
When she heard a muttered oath, she shook her head. “Nothing changes.” Padding softly toward the console she smiled wryly as she saw her partner’s head bent over information streaming onto the computer screen. As she reached within three foot of Olivia, she chuckled.
“I know you’re there. I can smell you a hundred yards away.” Turning, Olivia’s blue eyes crinkled the skin around them in tiny laugh lines as they pierced Amelia’s brown ones.
“Hmm, now that’s an interesting thing to say to your best girl.” Amelia stepped closer but not in the line of sight of the computer information. They ironed out a personal space issue when they first began living together.
Olivia grinned, waved her forward, wrapped her long arms around Amelia’s waist, and hugged her close. With her head pillowing directly below Amelia’s breasts, Olivia said, “I love you.”
Amelia sucked in a deep breath at the admission. In her opinion, people used the simple statement more frequently than they should. Often it was merely lip service. In this case, it was heartfelt from the enigmatic woman she had fallen in love with. She still marveled at her good fortune. Bending her head, she kissed the top of the dark head and replied, “The right words in the right place. Who can ask for more? Except… for the coffee you promised.”
The love Olivia had for the small woman in her arms grew exponentially. Over the time they’d spent together, they’d grown to understand each other’s quirky ways and because she hated over the top emotion, Amelia pandered to that by quietly accepting her words. It was just another aspect of the ex-nun that amazed her. If it weren’t for her hang up about the final hurdle in their relationship, she’d never want to leave again. Any other profession in the world and she’d have gone with the flow but a nun, something stopped her in her tracks. She quietly contemplated her life now and was surprised when Amelia spoke again.
“Amelia to Olivia…are you there? You mentioned coffee.” Amelia had seen the muscles tighten and flex in Olivia’s face. She was thinking and whatever it was, it had the taller woman perplexed.
“Yes that coffee. Take a seat, relax and I’ll be with you before you can find us some music to listen to.” Olivia moved out of her seat and as she did, she gently pulled Amelia toward her and kissed her soundly. With a wink, she was gone taking the stairs to the upper level and the kitchen.
Amelia chuckled and began to walk away then curiosity got the better of her and she glanced at the console. What she saw it didn’t make any sense to her. About to turn away, a program completed its cycle and the words BREACH FOUND etched the screen with a prompt flashing as it waited for additional input. Amelia sighed heavily. “I’ve never seen that before. This might squelch my plans for a cozy evening in Olivia’s arms.” A sound from above had Amelia looking in that direction and the object of her thoughts was confidently walking down the iron staircase with two steaming mugs in either hand.
“Hey I thought I was the only one who had a fascination with the small screen,” Olivia said. Seconds later, she was standing next to Amelia and passed her a coffee mug.
“We might have to take a rain check on the cuddling. Looks like you have a problem.” Amelia sipped her drink while waiting for the reply. When Olivia flicked the screen a look and then switched it off, she was flabbergasted.
“That can wait. You, me, and a cuddle needs to happen now.” Olivia snaked a hand over the smaller woman’s shoulders and they headed for the lounge.
Half an hour later, Amelia felt her world was at peace. Resting her head against Olivia’s chest, she listened to the rhythmic beating of her partner’s heart. “Hmm this is good. It gets harder every time you go away. Next time you leave on a long mission I’m coming with you.”
Olivia kissed the top of Amelia’s head and rested her lips there. If her life ended right here and now, she’d be contented. Her fingers gently caressed Amelia’s belly and unconsciously slid under the bottom of her t and felt the soft skin. “I think that would create more problems.”
“Why?” Amelia asked. Her breath began to grow shallow as Olivia’s fingers touched her body. Does she have any idea about what she’s doing to my libido?
Olivia removed her hand from Amelia’s belly then placed both her hands around her partner’s face. Turning it tenderly to look deep into her eyes she said, “You and I can easily be distracted these days. Just take a look at us now.” She moved her hand and gently tickled Amelia’s belly. There was another reason that was far more critical. Parker’s entrance into her life and subsequent death made her realize that losing Amelia wasn’t an option. Placing her in danger on one of her cases was no longer acceptable.
“I know.” Amelia giggled in reaction to Olivia’s hand but her words held a tinge of regret.
Seeing the disappointment on Amelia’s face, Olivia added, “For the record, it isn’t that I don’t think you can take care of yourself or you’d be a burden.”
Amelia nodded and snuggled back down into the muscular yet infinitely comfortable body pillow, Olivia had become. In fact, even before they’d admitted their love for each other, personal space hadn’t been a problem with either of them from the beginning. “I was thinking that maybe if you have a few hours this weekend we could spend it together. What do you think?” Amelia sighed. “I know you’ll want to catch up, so it if it isn’t convenient…”
Amelia’s words stopped as a very satisfying deep kiss with their tongues entwined cast her adrift in the sensations that flooded her body. When their mouths unlocked, Olivia said, “All weekend…from tomorrow evening through to Monday morning, I’m all yours and I hope you’ll be all mine.”
Still gliding back to earth after the kiss, Amelia was unable to reply until she said, “Yes.” Then her eyelids flared as she remembered something. “Darn, I promised to have lunch with my parents on Saturday. I can cancel…”
Olivia placed a finger to silence her and smiled. “Lunch with your parents sounds good. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them formally and I think it is about time.”
Amelia, with her eyes wide open, stared at Olivia. “You want to meet my parents?”
With a short laugh, Olivia replied, “Yeah I do.”
“I…I can’t believe it! Oh Olivia, I love you. Thank you.” Amelia threw her arms around the lean muscular body and hugged her hard. Kissing her collarbone where the skin was exposed, she nuzzled the musky scented skin. Soon she was lost in an exploration of lips against olive flesh.
Olivia closed her eyes as she allowed her raging senses to relish the touch of her love for a few precious moments. Then, in a move worthy of a gymnast, she deftly flipped Amelia over. They ended up on the floor as Olivia’s eyes bore into Amelia’s and in an act of possession she dipped her head and captured willing lips as they spent some time lost in the luxury of a long deep kiss. Then as they parted she placed small kisses along Amelia’s jaw line and whispered, “For you anything,” before capturing the kissable lips again and spending a long, long time indulging in that expression of their love.
As Amelia’s senses reached the point of no return, her hands began to tear desperately at the shirt Olivia was wearing. The taller woman stopped the kisses and moved fractionally away to look deep into Amelia’s glazed eyes.
Frantically Amelia gasped, “What, what’s wrong?”
Olivia felt ashamed. Her own raging emotions had her ready to tear Amelia’s clothes off and take her on the floor–it wasn’t right. “Nothing’s wrong but it isn’t the time.” Olivia slid of Amelia’s body and she sat beside her on the floor.
Amelia felt angry and frustrated all at once and screamed, “Isn’t the time? When will it be the time Olivia? We’ve been together as a couple now for almost two years and we never do anything more than kiss and cuddle. Tell me which one of us is the nun?”
Sighing heavily, Olivia ran a hand through her hair. Quietly she said, “That’s the point. When you and I make love for the first time I want it to be right.”
Frowning heavily, Amelia replied, “You’ve just got back after several weeks away. We are in the comfort of our own home. Look around you Olivia, no one else is here. We are two consenting adults and you don’t think it’s the right time? So help me Olivia, I know you aren’t the easiest person to fall in love with but at least I thought you and I would have at least gone to second base. Or, is there something I should know? You don’t want to have sex with me. Is that the reason? I don’t turn you on.”
Olivia burst out in her own frustration, “You know that’s not the case.”
Amelia moved to sit opposite Olivia and knew that the moment had passed. Tonight, once more, she was going to be in bed alone. “Actually right now I don’t. In fact you and I could be strangers.”
“That’s complete nonsense and you know it. I want you Amelia. I love you. All I want to do is make it special when we make love. Is that so wrong?” Olivia realized she was out of her depth. It had been a long time since she’d had a serious discussion about relationships and it hadn’t been with Amelia–not on this level. No, that discussion had been with Parker many years ago and it had turned out to be a disaster.
Amelia shook her head. “I love you Olivia. I’m in love with you and that means you get the entire package. I want to live with you, grow old with you, and share my whole life with you. That includes my bed. If you can’t say the same, then I think we need to reevaluate exactly what kind of love you have for me. Because right now, I’m so frustrated I could even have a cold shower and you know how much I’d hate that.”
Olivia didn’t know what to say. It would be so easy to take Amelia to bed but she couldn’t –there was something stopping her and she didn’t have the answer. “Will you give me a little more time? Please. I promise that soon you and I will share everything.”
Standing up, Amelia snorted. “Yeah you can have time. I know you Olivia and I’m hardly likely to share everything with you. You on the other hand, I’m offering you exactly that. It’s going to have to be your choice which path you take. Unless you’re coming with me to bed I’ll say goodnight.”
Olivia listened as angry steps took Amelia away and the slamming of her bedroom door hurt her more than she’d anticipated. Softly she said, “Goodnight Amelia.” Then she looked down at her shirt and the puckered nipples that protruded. She was ready. She could feel the heat between her legs and as she stood up, she felt moisture. That night, as most nights, she was going to have to have a session of self exploration. She headed for the bedroom to do just that and wondered if Amelia pleasured herself. That thought alone made her even wetter.
Amelia stood opposite the bathroom mirror and allowed her eyes to wander down her body. Her nipples were large and pointed and she felt her stomach contract as a hand moved over one of them. The frustrated feeling between her legs increased and she allowed her free hand to wander and touch the mound that pulsed with pleasure at her touch. Then, as she had at other times of intense frustration with her partner, she allowed her fingers to roam as they eased the pressure inside her. As she came to the brink, she mouthed out one word in ecstasy–Olivia.
+ + +
Chapter 5
Olivia flicked on the console and selected the program she’d been running earlier and concentrated on the words. BREACH FOUND
As she did, she couldn’t help but smile as the memory of the evening she’d spent with Amelia invaded her thought patterns. “God she’s hot.” Then she lifted her eyes heavenward and rolled her eyes. “You knew that right.” Taking the seat opposite the console, she returned her attention to the message. It didn’t last long. She recalled the heavy kisses and the small hands that had gripped her back as their passion increased. It would have been so easy to go all the way.
Punching in an instruction on the screen, she waited for the information to display. Her senses clouded as a sensual wave of what Amelia looked like after spending an hour indulging in kisses and touching each other’s skin. It soon became clear that Amelia was winning the battle of their passion as she’d felt the first tentative touch of her lover’s hands on the underside of her breasts. It had sky rocketed her own passions and she began grinding her leg between Amelia’s thigh causing her to moan in ecstasy. Then she’d stopped as she tried to take control of the situation and diffuse the passionate flare up.
Amelia had given her two options in the equation. She either gave in allowing them to go onto the next level of their relationship, or, she had to come clean as to why she couldn’t then they’d have to decide what to do next.
The screen flashed in front of her with the information she requested. “How the hell has that happened?” Reluctantly pushing away the thoughts of Amelia, she rapidly began to key in sequences of code. “This is going to be a long night. Maybe someone is watching me…us after all.” Her eyes flashed around the semi-lit area for a few seconds then she concentrated on what was happening with the computer.
+
Amelia woke up the next morning to the sound of voices. Definitely more than one–Olivia didn’t talk to herself that she knew of. Glancing at her radio alarm clock, she frowned–it was only seven am. Admittedly, her partner was an early starter going out for a run before setting off to work but hearing voices was strange.
Walking into her bathroom, she stretched and frowned. The night before had been a reawakening of her senses all over again. It made her more determined that Olivia and she needed to be closer. It made her confront Olivia in her frustration–she needed to know the truth and solve what was at the root of the problem. She knew she would eventually figure it out –no, they would.
Turning on the jet of water, she walked into the warm water and soaped her body looking down at her full breasts and picturing Olivia’s lips on the alabaster skin–her nipples puckered. She was sick of self-pleasuring. She wanted Olivia to take her and make her a woman in every way. The books she’d read early in her frustration had helped for she learned how to pleasure herself. But, the only one that could solve her dilemma was Olivia. She slowly soaped the sensitive skin of her breast and felt the heat between her legs. With a shake of her head, she groaned in frustration and let her fingers do their magic–getting to work on time took a back seat.
Fifteen minutes later, showered and ready for the last day of the work week, she left her room and walked toward the two figures at the console. Her smile widened when she saw Phil, Teal’s wife. Closing in on them, she figured they were so engrossed in what they were doing that they wouldn’t know she was there–wrong.
“Morning Amelia, did you sleep well?”
Blue eyes caught hers as Amelia saw a ghost of a tender smile on the lips that had just spoken. She shook her head. “Can’t get past you can I? I did thank you…and you?”
Olivia shrugged. “Oh hit and miss. I had things on my mind.”
“Figures with Phil here.” She grinned at the woman who was furiously typing on the computer keyboard. “Good morning Phil.”
“Morning Amelia. Teal says you owe her big time for getting me out of bed so early,” Phil said, never raising her head.
Shaking her head vigorously, she captured the attention of Olivia who gazed at the motion in silent appreciation.
With a chuckle Amelia replied, “Me? She needs to speak with the big O here not me.”
Phil did look up this time. “The big O?”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Let’s get on with this and then we can have breakfast. What time do you need to be at the office?” Her eyes wandered back to Amelia.
“My first session is at eight-thirty. I’ll need to leave in half an hour.” Amelia smiled apologetically.
Nodding Olivia pursed her lips. “I’ll spring for breakfast at the office. Phil, I’ll need you to continue to work on this until you’re done. Then the office computer needs purging too. Are you up for it?”
“Sure, though you’ll owe me big time. Do you know the other love of my wife’s life?” When Phil saw the questioning looks on the two women’s faces, she said, “The computer system at work. She’s not going to be happy with anyone that takes over her baby and tinkers with it.”
They all laughed at the thought–Teal was definitely going to be pissed.
Phil went back to her task and Amelia walked past them toward the kitchen. Hot tea was on her agenda. “Anyone want something to drink?”
Phil mouthed no thanks and Olivia didn’t reply. Then, with a quick glance at Amelia, she smiled. “A caffeine fix would be great.”
Amelia frowned slightly but didn’t say what was on her mind. “You got it.”
Minutes later, she busied herself in the kitchen making the drinks when the door opened and then shut behind the visitor. Looking in the direction of the doorway, Amelia wasn’t surprised to see Olivia there. “Hi.”
Olivia’s eyelids dropped in such a way that it sent Amelia’s pulse rate through the roof. “Hi yourself…I just wanted to say sorry about last night and I promise to fix things. I really will..” She left the doorway and wrapped her arms around Amelia kissing her slowly.
Amelia felt her world rocket into the stratosphere at the touch and relaxed totally into the kiss. When they broke for breath, she gently traced a finger over Olivia’s face, feeling that familiar muscle movement at her touch. “I love you. You should know that this is getting harder and harder every time. I want to rip your clothes off and take you regardless of your doubts.”
“Amelia I’m shocked,” Olivia said as she chuckled. “I love you too.” Olivia’s lips captured Amelia’s once more for further exploration.
The tea kettle whistling dragged them back to reality.
“You haven’t slept have you?” Busying herself with making the drinks, Amelia didn’t look directly at Olivia.
There was silence for a short time. “I could lie and say I did like a baby but…”
“But we don’t lie to each other, right. That was the first rule we made a year ago.” Amelia smiled at the old conversation that stemmed from the disasters of Parker’s stay with them.
“I was about to go I swear. However, that message you saw earlier in the evening called to me and I thought I’d check it out and before I knew it. Well time simply disappeared through my fingers.” Olivia said with a shrug as she flexed her fingers.
“What time did you call Phil?”
Olivia didn’t answer immediately as a hint of embarrassment tinged her face. “Around four-thirty.”
Amelia turned and glared at her partner. “Oh no Olivia, Teal is going to be like a rampant bull all day. You can most definitely deal with her today.”
Olivia chuckled at the picture of Teal as a rampant bull. “I will. I promise.”
Passing a mug of coffee to Olivia, Amelia sipped on her tea and stared into the liquid. “Do we have a problem?”
Understanding perfectly the question, Olivia replied, “We may. I can’t confirm it yet but I think our security system was breached.”
Amelia’s eyes flared opened. “We’re compromised? When?”
“That’s the hardest part. I can’t pinpoint it. Whoever did the hacking is good…maybe too good. Phil is a genius in this field but even she’s struggling.”
The words floated between them like a mist.
“What exactly does this mean?” Amelia finally asked.
Olivia shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. It could have been a lucky break by a kid or…,” Olivia stopped speaking and looked directly at Amelia. “Well, let’s see what Phil finds out first. Right now, I need to take you to work and battle the bull in my best matador fashion.”
The light teasing made Amelia smile as she placed her cup on the drainer before moving to within a few inches of Olivia. She kissed her thoroughly the pulled back. “Now that’s what I call a spectacle and can’t wait to be a witness to what happens. See you in a few minutes.” She walked out the door and down the iron steps.
Olivia stood there for a few moments simply watching and enjoying the closeness they were developing. She frowned and whispered to the empty kitchen, “My god, I’ve just realized I really can’t live without her in my life.”
She left the kitchen and took the steps two at a time to reach Phil and check on her progress.
+ + +
Chapter 6
“Mom, how are you?” Amelia listened with a smile to her mother’s voice and checked the time. It was five-thirty on a Friday evening and she knew her parents would be home.
“I’m good as is your father darling. You’re not going to cancel our lunch date tomorrow are you?”
Amelia felt her lips tug into a wide smile. “No, not at all. On the contrary. I’d like to bring along a friend.”
There was silence for a second until her mother asked, “Really, well I see no problem with that. Any one we know?”
Wanting to laugh at the curiosity but refraining from doing so she said, “Well you kind of know her. You’ve spoken to her on numerous occasions. It’s Olivia.”
“Really? I never quite seemed to have her down as the lunch with the parent’s type.”
It was an innocent remark but had Amelia’s cheeks stinging with color. “Mom, the reason she’s never…look is it ok?”
There was a chuckle at the other end of the line. “Of course darling. I know your father wants to meet her personally. He’s never quite forgiven himself for what happened to you over that Clayton boy. He’s wanted to thank her personally for her timely intervention during that terrible episode.”
Amelia had shelved that episode and its memory. Don Clayton, a friend from childhood, refused to believe she didn’t love him. He held her captive and if it hadn’t been for Olivia’s arrival, he’d have raped her. Strangely enough, once she’d gone to live with Olivia her life seemed to take on a surreal safe mode as if nothing could touch her. She only felt that way around her partner. “Great, I…we’ll see you at one, love you Mom bye.”
Replacing the receiver on its cradle, Amelia touched her cheeks. She still felt the slight heat from her reaction to her mother’s words. Does she know? Surely not. They’d gone to great pains to keep that distance and information from her parents. Not that they were embarrassed or ashamed–they agreed it wasn’t the time. Maybe now it is. Certainly, Olivia’s rapid agreement to join her for lunch, knowing full well her parents would do their own kind of interrogation, hadn’t seemed to bother Olivia.
There was a soft knock at her door and at her come in, the dark head of the person she was thinking about appeared around the door. “Hi.”
The rest of the body encased in her classic all over leather look stepped inside. “Hi yourself. I wasn’t sure if you were done yet.”
“Teal didn’t tell you? Isn’t she there?”
Scratching her chin and frowning Olivia replied, “I had to give her a couple of hours extra leave this afternoon. Call it saving me from more headaches.”
Amelia sighed and saw the chagrined expression on the beautiful face staring at her. Stepping from behind her desk, she walked up to the taller woman and wrapped her arms around her lithe figure. “Has Teal made it tough for you darling?” Exaggerating her concern, Amelia tried to stifle the giggle that threatened to pop out at any second.
“Tough isn’t the word. She was like a Minotaur! Next time I want to call Phil at some ungodly hour, please explain to me the folly of my deeds.” Olivia gave a wry smile then bent her head and kissed the lips close to hers. “Are you done yet?”
Amelia lost all sense of time and place for the few heady seconds that the kiss lasted. She shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Since I knew I was going to my folks for lunch tomorrow, I called the clients I’d scheduled for the morning and brought them forward. Now that you’re back, I figured you’d be busy for hours today and I wanted a clear calendar for the weekend.” Amelia shrugged. “Except for lunch with my folks tomorrow, I’ll be all yours.”
Their gazes locked and both women sighed deeply when the buzzer on her desk broke the spell. “That must be my next client. Are you done?”
Reluctantly, Olivia released Amelia. “No, not really. I just…,” she said with a shrug. “When’s your last client?”
“You just what?” Amelia reached up and tenderly touched the cheek that felt like velvet under her fingertips.
“I’ll tell you later. Now scoot Doc or your next client will become impatient.”
Amelia grinned and walked toward her door then turned and answered the earlier question. “Nine, do you want to do something afterwards?”
Olivia smiled. “Let’s see how you’re feeling at the end of the day.”
“Yeah good call,” Amelia left the room.
Olivia gazed around the comfortable office that, if they knew her, no one would ever say belonged to anyone else but Amelia. Then she left the room and headed for her own office and the encrypted file Phil had couriered over.
+ + +
Chapter 7
Olivia knew Amelia’s parent’s address but she’d never been there before. As they drove up the sweeping drive flanked by pencil conifer trees and neatly cut lawns, she was impressed. When she saw the three storied building that probably was built in late eighteenth or very early in the nineteenth century, she felt her mouth open. It had that affluent look about it of the early wealthy settlers. That type of building in its present condition was as rare as hen’s teeth. It would cost a fortune to buy in today’s market. The ivy climbing all over the building gave it that old colonial feel that was intimidating.
Turning to her passenger, she said, “I didn’t realize you lived in such a prestigious house. How old is it? I bet it has some stories to tell over the years.”
Under most circumstances, Amelia could detect the envy and surprise in people’s manner and voice when they saw where grew up. However, Olivia’s tone had been quizzical and interested and that was refreshing. She hadn’t brought anyone home in years. Once she’d gone into the convent full time, the worldly goods of her previous life became trivial baubles that she’d given up.
“Do you have tennis courts?” Olivia asked as they pulled up to the front door.
“What…yes, yes we do. I’ll give you the ten cent tour after lunch,” Amelia replied absently as her eyes flashed to the entrance and her parents who had opened the door just as the car stopped.
“I’ll look forward to it.” Olivia reached across and squeezed Amelia’s hand. “I promise to behave.”
Amelia grinned. “Yeah right. Let’s go meet the parents Ms. Santos.”
Olivia wanted desperately to kiss Amelia but she controlled the urge and nodded. “After you, Doctor West.”
Amelia rushed to greet her parents before hugging and kissing them warmly. Then she swiveled around to gaze at her partner who was indulgently watching the affectionate reunion. The only way Amelia knew Olivia was nervous was that she constantly threaded the Jeep’s keys between her fingers. The love she felt at that moment for the beautiful woman standing waiting silently threatened to overwhelm her. Then she motioned Olivia forward. “Mom, Dad this is Olivia.”
Olivia moved forward and held out her hand to Amelia’s mother who was the older version of her daughter down to the quirky half smile they shared. So this is what you’ll look like in thirty years. I like it. “Hi, good to meet you Mrs. West.”
“Don’t you go Mrs. Westing me. It makes me sound ancient. Shauna is good enough for me. It’s good to meet you in person Olivia. You’re as stunning as my daughter described.”
Olivia gave Amelia a furtive look. “I’m glad we’ve finally had this opportunity to meet Shauna. Thank you for inviting me to lunch.”
“Away with you Olivia, Bill here has been waiting to meet you ever since that terrible business with Don Clayton.”
Amelia sucked in a breath and Olivia turned to her and saw the look of shame on her face. Two years later and it still had an effect on her. Why did she have to bring it up? Before she could say anything, Amelia’s father moved forward and pumped her hand.
“Good to meet you at last Olivia. Come on inside. Lunch will be in half an hour. What do you want to drink?” The man pushed her gently toward the door to the house.
Amelia closed her eyes and looked at her mother shaking her head. “Why did you have to mention that?”
Annoyed, Amelia’s mother asked, “What, exactly what are you upset about?”
“Nothing, forget it.” She walked rapidly after her father and Olivia but a hand on her arm waylaid her. “Yes Mom.”
“She’s a keeper. Now come on we don’t want them to drink on their own.”
Amelia stood like a statue on the drive trying to understand what her mother was saying. The stupid thing was that she made it obtuse and her mother had been crystal clear. Shaking her head, she drew a deep breath and muttered, “Olivia you’re now part of the West family I hope you can cope with that,” as she followed the others.
+
“Shauna you have a beautiful garden, how much is original?” Olivia asked as they wandered through the three acre property after a sumptuous lunch, which would keep her going for the rest of the week she thought.
“We’ve been lucky, it’s been in the family from the beginning, all the trees are original and even some of the shrubs and flowers. Over the generations, there have been additions. I planted a Zen garden near the pony paddock ten years ago. Do you like gardening Olivia?”
“My mom was the green fingered one. I was a grease monkey. I can appreciate the love that’s gone into this property. Is it your family’s line or Bill’s?” Olivia glanced over to where Amelia was talking animatedly with her father and a tender smile crossed her face.
Shauna lifted her head and proudly replied, “Mine. It sparked from the civil war. The male line ended in the war and that left only two daughters. The eldest who never had issue willed her part of the house to her younger sister’s first born female. Strange back then but I think it was a flick in the eye to the colonial male dominance, although there were rumors.”
Olivia shifted her attention back to Shauna. “Rumors don’t tell me there are skeletons in the family.”
“Every family has skeletons. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar or worse living with their head in the sand. I don’t do either, nor does my child.”
Swallowing hard, Olivia felt disconcerted. Shit I was, or, was up until recently, an ace assassin. That’s a whole lot of shaking bones in my cupboard. “Amelia is the most open and honest person I’ve ever met in my life.”
Shauna caught Olivia’s eyes and kept contact with them for a short burst of time. “She loves you. Before you do the stupid thing and deny it, you should know that I know you love her too. Life isn’t always that easy though, particularly with her background.” The woman gave Olivia another long look. “I suspect yours could probably match it in different ways.”
Olivia, in partial shock at Amelia’s mother’s announcement, managed to reply, “Is that a problem?”
“With me? Hardly. Think about what my ancestor did and you’ll understand. We’d like grandchildren. One will be great two would be wonderful.”
Olivia felt her real world slip as she digested the words. Frowning, she replied, “Does Amelia know any of this?”
“My goodness of course not, and you’ll not tell her either. All I want to know before I tell my husband is, do you love my daughter enough to marry her?”
Amelia and her father walked up to them at that moment. “Hi have you seen everything? Dad said he invited you sailing one weekend?”
“Great…just great.” In all her years, Olivia had never felt so out of control. She felt certain that her expression was one of shock and Amelia was going to ask why–she didn’t.
Bill West cleared his throat and then looked at his wife who winked at him. “It will be good to have grandchildren.” He spun Shauna toward the house leaving the two women alone with similar expressions of disbelief on their faces.
Olivia made a decision, rash perhaps, but she knew deep down it was right. She gazed like a faithful puppy into the shocked expression of Amelia and whispered, “I love you. We’ll make it happened.”
Amelia felt the tears threatening, as she shook her head. My parents know. How do they know? Grandchildren what on earth had Olivia said to my mom. “I don’t understand any of this.” With a puzzled look she drew out a heavy breath, “It isn’t that simple.”
“Yes it is,” Olivia replied as she took hold of Amelia’s hand.
“Did you tell my mom we were together? How on earth did they make the leap to grandchildren? That amazes me. What’s going on Olivia?” Amelia asked as she glanced wildly in the direction of her parents who seemed oblivious to the bombshell they’d exploded on their child.
Olivia saw the demented air of her partner and wanted to calm her down. The whole thing was weird –it should be the other way around. “Your mom told me you loved me and that I loved you. She said she wasn’t surprised and that your parents would like a grandchild or two. That is the honest truth Amelia I never said anything.”
Amelia digested the remarks and she shook her head. “I guess they never expected grandchildren when I was a nun. Now they’ll take a chance that it’s a remote possibility now I’ve fallen in love. This is all crazy of course.”
“Is it?” Olivia had actually taken to the idea of having kids with Amelia. Sure, it had been a bolt out of the blue and it was something she never considered before. However, to see kids with her partner’s smile and eyes what could be better? The idea of bringing life into the world instead of distinguishing it added a poetic symmetry to her life.
“I think the meal and family trappings have gone to your head Olivia. Of course it is,” Amelia said emphatically.
Deflated, but not giving in, Olivia nodded. “Ok, right now it’s out of the question, but can we talk about it another time. What do you say?”
Amelia closed her eyes tight. This was everything she wanted and at the same time impossible. “We can’t even make love to each other Olivia. How can we bring up a child when we don’t understand our own relationship?”
Knowing she was the cause, Olivia gulped back tears at the heartfelt admission. She couldn’t remember the last time she shed any real tears and that disconcerted her. “It isn’t a child or children it’s our children that makes all the difference.”
Amelia shifted her gaze to her parents and then back to the woman she loved. “When you make love to me as any woman should be made love too, we’ll consider our first child.”
“I think that’s a good idea. How about I show you what a Saturday, Sunday and the rest of the weekend means to you and I…oh and let’s not forget junior.” Olivia smiled. Somehow or another she needed to cross the line and she would. Now more than at any time in her life, she was prepared and ready to commit her life totally to one person–Amelia West.
“We’ll talk about it another time. Come on, we’d better go play happy family of they might think we’re arguing.” Amelia felt her heart race at the options that had miraculously opened up for her. She wouldn’t compromise. Their lives had to be together on all levels or it was a sham. “Next thing you know they’ll be booking a wedding venue.”
Olivia, with a half smile, refrained from commenting as she walked alongside Amelia back to her parents.
+ + +
Chapter 8
The rest of the day had been a blur. They left Amelia’s parents at around five and then strolled around the Saturday evening market, browsing the cd’s, trinkets and suspicious looking items termed antiques. They finally decided to have a drink at the bar down the block from their home. Once inside, the owner of the bar recalled Amelia and a drunken night of karaoke. After the initial embarrassment, they lapsed into quiet conversation with the owner. After that, they spent some time there alone enjoying the time together.
Finally, they arrived home around ten, with the security system screeching alarms and lights flooding the building.
“What’s going on?” Amelia asked, as Olivia’s expression grew grim as she slid the jeep into its parking space.
“Not sure. Must be a glitch in the system I didn’t get the cell phone notification that I programmed into the system. I’ll be a minute ok.” Turning off the engine, she swung open the door and about to jump out turned to Amelia. “Stay inside until I give you the all clear, ok?”
Nodding Amelia gave her a brief smile as she watched Olivia race across the open area to the console station, her eyes flicking in every directions as she did so. Within a minute, the room was silenced and the lights had dimmed to their normal operation. Olivia then waved her inside.
Moments later Amelia stood beside Olivia who sat on the chair in front of the computer screen. “Is everything alight?”
Olivia didn’t reply immediately and then she glanced up with a satisfied expression on her face. “Yes everything is just great. The hacker tried to interface with the computer again and it set off the bells and whistles Phil set for it. I now have the details of what the hacker was trying to do.”
“I’m glad. I guess I’ll make us a hot drink and then go to bed. I’m figuring that right now you’ll be engrossed in finding out who the culprit is.” Amelia began to turn away until a hand caught her arm.
“It can wait. I promised you a weekend and a weekend it shall be. How about we make the drink and then…” She trailed of a half smile tugging at her lips.
Amelia had seen that look before it sent mini waves of pleasure to the pit of her belly. “And then?” She curled her arms around the muscular shoulders, bent slightly, and placed butterfly kisses all over the bare olive skin.
Olivia lifted her head slightly and captured the lips in a light kiss as she said, “You’ve got the message.”
Half an hour later, both cradling their cooling drinks, Amelia sighed heavily. “We need to talk don’t we?”
Olivia felt her heart miss a beat as she tenderly kissed the top of Amelia’s head. In a muffled voice she said, “Hmm I guess we do. It kind of makes you feel that way and at the same time actions would help.”
“Makes you feel what and what actions?” Amelia asked unsure that Olivia had quite grasped what she said.
“Love. Falling in love and being in love. I can honestly say I’ve thought I’ve been in love before, but never has the emotion been this powerful. My dad was right.”
“Your dad? What did he say?” Bewildered, Amelia turned and gazed at Olivia’s far away expression. It was clear that whatever memory she was reliving it was a good one.
“He said something along the lines of when you meet that special one, you’ll know and when it happens you’ll never let them go.” The words tripped almost glibly from Olivia’s lips except she continued, “I never really understood that until now.”
Amelia’s breath caught. It was yet another completely out of character statement from Olivia. Their visit to her parents, talking about children and now this admission, made her take pause. Has she taken a knock on the head recently? Not, that she didn’t bask in everything that was happening, but it was strange. “Well, I agree with him wholeheartedly? I wish I could have met your parents.”
“Yeah I wish you did. They would have loved you. Although I’m kind of glad that you didn’t meet Nicky. He’d have swept you off your feet before I had a chance to understand what I wanted.” Her soft chuckle didn’t disguise the pain the mention of her late brother still caused her.
Olivia and her brother Nicky followed their father’s footsteps and became police officers. Nicky chose a life as an undercover cop and that was his undoing along with changing Olivia’s life forever. When a crooked DA had Nicky killed, Olivia avenged her brother’s death by killing the man responsible. That revenge killing set her on the path she was on now.
“He never would have stood a chance once I’d met you Olivia–no one does. I think I can categorically state with some confidence that your mine and I don’t share.” They kissed deeply and it was sometime before they came up for air.
As they sank into each other’s body, Olivia mulled over what Amelia's mother had said to her. ‘Do you love my daughter enough to marry her?’ The question ran deep as she kissed the top of Amelia’s head and then it became crystal clear to her. Allowing a chuckle to escape her lips, she whispered, “Of course.”
“Of course? Is there more to that statement?” Amelia asked.
Shifting slightly, so that she could capture Amelia’s gaze, Olivia nodded. “I haven’t been completely honest with you and the reason for that is because I didn’t understand myself. I do now. I’ve placed you on a pedestal because of what you were before. You know–the nun part. To make love to you completely would have been like …well I didn’t think I was the right one. Even though I know you love me and I certainly do you.”
“That’s why you haven’t slept with me you think I’m untouchable because I was once a nun?” Amelia had inkling this was the case but to have it out in the open smarted more than she anticipated.
Knelt on the floor, Olivia gently pulled Amelia forward to hold onto her hands as she spoke directly to her. “Yes. I guess I didn’t feel worthy of taking your innocence.”
“And now?”
Olivia gave a wry grin, “I might still not be worthy, but I love you and the one thing that will make me happy and allay some of my fears is if you, Amelia West will marry me.”
Amelia felt her eyes bulging out of the sockets they must be. She’d dreamed of this very thing but never for a moment expected it to become reality, especially after the Parker episode. “You’re serious aren’t you?” she touched a finger tenderly to the full lips of her love.
There was a faint smile as Olivia nodded.
“If I said can I think about it, would you be upset?” Amelia asked. She desperately wanted to say yes but she felt she was missing something and needed time to figure it out.
Slightly disappointed, Olivia smiled. “Sure as long as you need. I guess I was getting carried away.”
Amelia smiled tenderly. “No, never think that. Your getting carried away is a rather wonderful thing. I love you Olivia and being married to you wouldn’t change the strength of that love I have, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
“It isn’t. I figured that if we have kids, we would want them to have a stable background. I want them brought up in a happy family home as we both had. Is that too much to ask for?”
There was silence for a few seconds and then Amelia shook her head. Before she had time to change her mind, Amelia said, “Yes.”
Perplexed, Olivia asked, “Yes? As in yes there’s a problem with having a stable home together?” Olivia’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my god, you didn’t mean that did you?”
“Yes, Olivia Marie Santos, I will marry you.” Amelia grinned and saw a reflection of her smile cross her partner’s lips. Then everything blurred as their lips came together to seal the vow.
A part of Amelia was feeling the frustration arise once again, but at least now, she had an explanation. They could move forward from there.
+
Parker Davis paced the wooden floor as she listened to the declarations of love between Olivia and the nun. When she heard Olivia ask the nun to marry her, she scowled at the screen. “Not going to happen.”
She smiled that the small, untraceable program they put in Olivia’s computer as a ruse finally wormed its way to the top echelons of the system file–it was easily discovered–what a brilliant move. It allowed Olivia to concentrate on a phantom hacker and not on the actual surveillance system, which DOCO placed in both the residence and the office. Not that Olivia or the so called expert that scoured the computer for the intruder would ever discover the true nature of the intrusion–it was too sophisticated. Even if someone stumbled onto the program, there was no way anyone would recognize it as something that didn’t belong there.
That wasn’t her problem–the nun was. Come Monday, she would become a patient of Dr. West and then the fun would begin. She flicked through the photos of Olivia and her many liaisons with prostitutes dated as late as days earlier and smiled. “It will be so much fun to mess with the nun’s head.”
In a moment of clarity, Parker remembered the first time she met the nun and how taken she was with her. Even after they met formally, she still found the woman charming. “When did that all change? Ah yes, when she stood between me and Olivia.”
The woman laughed as she initiated a sequence of numbers that began a countdown. “No way are you two making love tonight.” Her eyes flicked to the screen and watched with glee as the alarms inside the warehouse began blaring and Olivia broke contact with the nun and scurried off to her control console. The bells and whistles that Olivia’s so called expert installed came in handy after all. Until Olivia disabled them, they would go off ever hour.
+ + +
Chapter 9
The woman tapped her fingers until she heard a diminutive voice say into the receiver, “When Heaven Meets Hell, this is Teal, how may I help you?
“Yes, I need an appointment with Dr. West.”
“I’m afraid Doctor West is rather busy at the moment, is it urgent?”
“Yes, this can’t wait. I need to see her immediately,” the woman said with a tremble in her voice.
Teal frowned as she flicked through the pages of Amelia’s diary. “As I indicated, she has a full schedule for the next few days. However, I can slip you in for a brief consultation on Thursday around noon.”
“That won’t do. This is a matter of life and death.”
Silently Teal rolled her eyes–how many times had she heard that before. He gently said, “Tomorrow morning at eight is the best I can do. I’ll have the Doctor arrive early just for you.” Yeah that usually appeased them and Amelia would be mad but at least it wasn’t four in the morning.
Sighing heavily, the woman said, “Are you sure that is the earliest I can see her?” To make her case more believable the woman began to sob. “I really need to speak with her.”
“I’m sorry it really is. I can refer you to another professional in this area if you like. Doctor West has many colleagues who she personally recommends.”
“I don’t want to see anyone else.” Once again, she sighed. “I guess I have no choice then. I’ll be there at eight tomorrow morning.”
Teal smiled. Yep she was good–it worked every time. The inner door to the reception area opened as she replied, “Good, I’m sure Doctor West will be happy to see you. I’ll need a few particulars. Name, address contact details, Ms.?”
“Teal, do you have my mail?” A deep voice echoed in the background.
The woman felt her body tremble when she heard the voice and had to catch her breath before speaking again. “My name is Mary Christian and my phone number is five-five-five-four-six-three-eight.”
“Ok Mary, and your address?”
“I live at three-nintey-six Baker Street.”
“Thanks.” Teal wrote the address in her neat script before passing the mail to an impatient Olivia. “Just a second Mary.” Then she glanced at Olivia with her hand over the receiver, she said, “That’s the first batch. I have at least a box full for the last month. When I’m done here I’ll bring it in.”
With a grimace, Olivia nodded and walked back through the inner door.
“Sorry about that Mary, but right now it’s murder here. Both sides of the operation are busy. There must be an epidemic.” She chuckled and realized that perhaps her comment wasn’t appropriate.
Watching the monitor, Mary saw the exchange between the midget and Olivia. Affecting a sob, Mary said, “Oh my, what epidemic? I’m I going to catch whatever it is?”
Teal shook her head. This woman certainly needed Amelia’s help. “Don’t worry Mary it was a figure of speech. I can assure you nothing is catching.” Teal glanced at the small switchboard that indicated she had three other calls to field.
“Ok, if you’re sure I’ll be safe.” Flipping through her Blackberry, Parker noted that one of the DOCO operatives had a five o’clock appointment with the good doctor. Wiping the grin off her face, she said, “If you have a cancellation for today will you call me?”
“Yes, I’ll be sure to do that. Have a nice day Mary. We’ll see you tomorrow bright and early.”
Once the connection with the nun’s receptionist ended, Parker dialed another number. “Rudy, it’s me. I see you have an appointment with Dr. West today.”
“Yeah I do. How much longer am I going to have to keep seeing her?”
“Depends on what story you gave her,” Mary said with a laugh. “Cancel your appointment for today and you’ll be done with her.”
Hanging up the phone, Mary laughed. “Now all I need to do is to wait for the midget to call.”
+ + +
Chapter 10
Teal heard the bell peel as a figure appeared tentatively in the reception area. She had to prevent the amusement that she felt show on her face. The woman was standing nervously wringing her hands through the strap of the purse she held. From top to bottom, she was out of a retro movie. The big lacquered hair, with not a hair out of place was in a style that Teal had never seen before. The woman’s clothes were frumpy with tiny pastel flowers dotting the matching blouse and pants. The only time I’ve seen that getup is on the old shows on TV. The highly polished shoes made nurse’s footwear trendy. A pasty complexion, hardly enhanced by the over use of makeup completed the picture perfectly.
“Hi, can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Mary Christian,” the woman said adjusting her large framed black glasses. “I have an appointment with Dr. West at five.”
Teal gulped back her surprise. From her getup, Teal surmised that the woman was from the south, maybe Texas, but she second guessed herself when she didn’t hear an accent. “Mary, great you have perfect timing. Amelia will be with you shortly. In the meantime, I need you to fill in these forms. She passed the forms attached to a clipboard and a pen to the nervous looking woman with a gentle smile. Teal let curiosity get the best of her and asked, “Did you by any chance live in the south at one time?”
With owl-like eyes, Mary stared at the woman. “How do you know that? It said outside on the sign that this is also a detective agency–did you have me investigated?”
The inner door to the reception opened and a tall formidable presence seemed to fill the room as Teal glanced at Olivia, who was staring at Mary Christian as if she were on exhibit. “Perfect timing, Mary, this is Ms. Santos she heads the detective agency. Ms. Christian was wondering if you’d ever had her in your sights.”
Olivia took several seconds before she turned to Teal after her observation of the strange looking woman who had dropped her gaze and began scribbling away on the forms. Amelia certainly had some strange people share her day. “No.”
Mary let her eyes dart around the room when Olivia arrived. Her heart was pounding by the proximity of the woman. She held her breath as Olivia’s eyes focused on her. When she didn’t see any recognition in the woman’s face, she tentatively smiled. “Oh,” she said grasping at the buttons of her shirt. “That’s a relief.”
“Yeah that’s what we do here–give relief.” Olivia replied sarcastically. “Teal is this Amelia’s last case for the day?”
Teal smiled at Mary then turned her attention to Olivia who looked tired. She knew that her boss hated office paperwork and she’d been doing that all day. “Yes, Mary’s new today.” With that information, Teal knew that Olivia would work out that the session wouldn’t take more than an hour.
“Good. When she’s done, ask her to drop by my office. Ms. Christian, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Turning on her heels, she moved back through the door and almost collided with Amelia. She instinctively placed her hands around her partner’s waist. “Hey, be careful. You never know what you might bump into.”
Amelia feeling drained suddenly got a new lease on life as she soaked up the sexy whispered words Olivia spoke in her ear. The feeling of those strong arms on her body gave her a new lease on life. With a dreamy smile, she softly replied, “Oh some things are just too wonderful not to bump into.”
Olivia gave a heartfelt chuckle and released Amelia as she allowed her inside the reception area.
Mary closed her eyes as she felt the room become suddenly cold and lonely. Olivia standing close to the nun and mooning over her made her want to vomit. When Olivia finally left the area, she gave the nun a cautionary look. Not the time to make waves. I have plenty of those for her later.
“Doctor West this is Mary Christian,” Teal announced as Amelia walked into up to the counter.
Amelia had hardly caught her breath from her close encounter with the leather kind when Teal introduced her new client. With a warm professional smile she used on her clients until she got to know them, she held out her hand. As she did, she scrutinized the woman and had to stifle a grin. A thought came to her that it reminded her of Parker and that idiot get up she’d been wearing when they first met. She allowed the thought to disperse as spoke to the woman. “Mary, hello.”
Mary took the doctor’s hand and gave it a limp shake.
Amelia looked closer at the woman. “Have I met you before? You seem familiar to me.”
“I don’t think so. Besides, no one ever remembers me,” she said in a trembling voice.
Amelia smiled reassuringly. “Well then, let’s get acquainted shall we. Teal how about a drink, Mary what would you like?” Amelia turned to Teal with a slight perplexed expression.
“I…I’m not thirsty. Can’t we talk…I need to talk to you.” Mary’s wildly eyes darted to Teal. “Alone.”
“Yes, of course. Teal forget the drink. Come this way Mary.” Amelia pointed to the door leading to the corridor of the offices.
Teal watched them leave her sanctum and shook her head. Whispering to the empty room she said, “Wow has Amelia got her work cut out for her with that one.” Her attention turned back to her own role as the phone lights flashed into action.
Mary took the chair the doctor offered and fixed a wet gaze on the woman who sat near her. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Mary sobbed. “My whole world is crashing down around me and I have nowhere to turn.” She covered her face with her hands and began to cry softly. “Sometimes I think I’d be better off dead.”
Amelia had hardly opened the door to her office and brought them inside when this woman seemed to emotionally spill out. Didn’t happen often but when it did it usually meant big trouble and long sessions. “Hey, don’t speak like that. You did the right thing coming to see me. We’ll work it out.”
“I…I don’t think we will.” Mary swiped at the tears that coursed down her cheeks. “How can you stand by and watch the one person you love most in the world cheat and lie? Just tell me how I do that!”
Amelia didn’t reply at first and then smiled gently. “Mary, why don’t you start at the beginning and tell me what happened.”
Sucking in a cleansing breath, Mary began her story. “I gave someone all my love and trust and in return all I got was lies. Oh Mary that doesn’t involve you, he said and I’d believed him until I’d found evidence of what he was doing behind my back.”
“Mary, tell me how you met this man and why you fell in love with him?” Amelia needed to find the cornerstones of the relationship to decide on how to approach the problem.
“Ok. I own a small bookstore in the middle of town. One day a man came in, flashed a badge, and said he needed to observe the business across the street. He asked if he could do it from my store.” Mary swallowed hard. “I let him use my apartment that is upstairs from the store.” Mary felt her heartbeat slow as she gathered her emotions. “At first he was so standoffish and acted like he didn’t want anything to do with me. But I could feel his eyes following me everywhere I went. After someone tried to break into the store, he moved into my spare bedroom. We live together but it’s not sexual.”
After blowing her nose, Mary continued. “He goes away for days and I don’t know where. He says he loves me but he doesn’t trust me enough with what he does and where he goes. “Do you think he doesn’t want me because he has someone else? I just don’t know what I’ll do if he leaves me.” Mary began to wring her hands. “I think he has someone watching me through the television. I know it is some kind of coded message.”
Amelia nodded. “Carry on.” For the next forty-five minutes, she listened to the emotional ramblings of Mary Christian. She’d heard a similar story before but this one seemed to strike a personal note as she watched the pitiful emotional destruction of the woman in the room with her.
Through watery eyes, Mary watched the doctor’s face for any sign of recognition that the woman saw the parallel to her own life. Several times, she saw a twitch and inwardly she smiled. Score! “All I know is that my heart is breaking.”
Amelia nodded and discreetly checked her wrist watch. The session had lasted longer than she anticipated. It was already six-thirty. “Mary you’re doing wonderfully. How about we carry on with the session at the same time next week?”
“A week…can’t it be sooner? Just talking with you has given me so much hope. I don’t think I can wait another week to see you.”
The pleading and the woman’s watery eyes played havoc with Amelia’s promise to Teal and Olivia that she would be more businesslike in her appointment structure. Didn’t they know that some things didn’t conform to a plan? “Mary, until you’re feeling more confident, how does this time for the rest of the week sound. Then we can review the situation at the end of the week. How does that sound to you?”
Relieved, Mary smiled slightly. “Oh, thank you, thank you so much. You’re so wonderful. I just know with your help I can get better.”
“I’m sure we can. Now, if you’ll give this to the woman at the desk she’ll make you an appointment for tomorrow.” She would let Mary deal with Teal who she knew would be upset that the schedule would include someone else.
+
Amelia felt decidedly jaded after her session with Mary Christian. What was it about the woman and her story that had rung so many bells in her head? Now she had an even longer week that she anticipated and that wasn’t going to go down well with either Olivia or Teal. Sighing heavily, she stood up from her seat, glanced through her window to the street, and saw Mary Christian leaving the building. “Now where is it that we’ve met before? Darned if I can remember. I must ask her again if we’ve met before.” The door to her office opened and she grinned and let the worries of the day simply wash away. “Hey, you in for a nice cuddle and candlelit dinner at home?”
Olivia returned the grin as she moved to take Amelia in her arms. “As long as it’s with you…any time.” She dropped her head and eased in for a kiss.
+
Once she was out the door, Parker disguised as Mary smiled broadly. Her campaign to discredit Olivia in the nun’s eyes had begun. She laughed during her drive to the building across the street from Olivia’s warehouse. “The nun was like putty in my hands,” she said chuckling as she got out of her vehicle. “I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she puts all the pieces together.
She opened the door to the ‘observation’ room and saw Dan along with another operative, Ruta, looking at the bank of flat screens.
“What did you think of my performance?” she asked as she crossed the space between them.
Ruta nodded before she said, “If I didn’t know better I wouldn’t have recognized you.”
“Yeah,” Dan said. “You gave her pause. Wait till you listen to what she said about you.”
Parker frowned. “You mean Mary. What exactly did she say?”
“That her initial diagnoses–paranoid with a sever psychosis.” Dan silently added, isn’t that the truth.
The laugh echoed throughout the room “Perfect,” Parker said unable to curb her laughter. “Absolutely perfect!”
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