Chapter 11

Amelia felt herself squinting through the small rimmed spectacles she wore to read small print. Her eyes flashed over the additional notes she’d made after listening to the recorded sessions with her final client of the day Mary Christian. The woman had serious confidence issues but at least now, she wasn’t talking about suicide. If she wanted to kill the guy who had lied to her that would be, a whole new ball game and probably a more normal reaction.

Her pen scribbled jealousy on the note pad as she listened to the final minutes of the session. There was that familiarity about the whole situation once more that plagued her thoughts. The question was, why?

There was a knock on the door and it opened slightly to reveal a dark familiar head. She smiled warmly and motioned for Olivia to step inside.

“Hi, I’m nearly done. Want to take me out to dinner? I could use some personal time with you right now. It’s been one heck of a week.”

Olivia opened the door wider. Amelia saw the valise she held in one hand and the apologetic expression on her partners face. “I’m sorry Amelia. There’s a case that’s just blown up and I promised to help this couple several months ago if things turned sour.”

Amelia felt the euphoria of seeing Olivia drift away at the words. They’d barely shared more than breakfast and the odd supper together during the week because of their combined commitments. She’d been really looking forward to spending down time and hopefully moving their relationship on to another level. Hope was probably the wrong word–yearn was more like it. “I guess it’s too much to ask if it can wait until tomorrow.”

Olivia wanted desperately to take Amelia in her arms and sooth away the tension she not only saw in the woman but also heard in her voice. If she did, she’d never make it to Tucson in time. “I would if I could but I made a promise and …”

“Can I come along? I might be of some help. Exactly where are you going?”

A frown appeared above the bridge of Olivia’s nose before she replied. “Nowhere special. I’ll be home Sunday night. We can go out to dinner then…my treat?”

There it was–the prevarication. Olivia never told her where she was going or what the case was about anymore. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

Olivia smiled and turned her back to leave then heard Amelia call her name. Swiveling back, she said, “Yeah?

Amelia with a placid expression on her face that defied the annoyance that hit the pit of her stomach, said, “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

Olivia frowned hard as a puzzled look took residence on her face. “No, what would that be?”

“Forget it,” Amelia said as her body sagged in disappointment. “Have a safe trip. I’ll expect that call.” Olivia was going to go without a proper goodbye. So much for taking our relationship to the next level.

For a few seconds Olivia stood watching the crestfallen expression on Amelia’s face. Then it dawned on her. Crap. Stealthily she walked over to where Amelia sat and placed her hand gently under her chin. Lifting her face so that they made eye contact, she said, “I love you. Behave, be careful and most of all stay my best girl.” She kissed Amelia passionately for the briefest of moments and then left the room.

In a dream like repose, Amelia felt her world rock back on its axis again. Then she turned her thoughts back to the Christian woman’s case. As she did, it dawned on her why this woman’s life was so familiar. With an exclamation, she dropped her pen and notebook, pushed her chair away from the desk, and stood up as if she burnt. “Oh my god this is my life!”

+

Parker couldn’t believe her good fortune. Olivia was unknowingly solidifying her plans. A peel of glee escaped from her lips as she saw the look on the nun’s face when she finally realized that Mary’s life was her own.

“Can this get any better?”

Olivia was off on another case that Parker had contrived. If the operatives at the other end lived up to her expectations, Olivia would be gone for at least a week. Judging by past actions, Olivia would find herself a prostitute. Parker wanted to use one of her disguises and be that prostitute but, she reconciled herself to the fact that she’d come too far to blow the sting now.

“She’d know it was me.”

She turned her attention to the monitor that was tracking Olivia’s moves. “While the cat’s away Mary will play.”

+ + +
Chapter 12

Teal watched as Amelia sluggishly entered the office and walked over to the counter. It was a few minutes past eight. Without speaking, she quickly retrieved the coffee she’d made moments earlier and handed it to her friend. “Good morning Amelia, lovely morning isn’t it?”

The cheery welcome made little impact on Amelia’s tired brain. She merely smiled and mouthed, “Thank you,” as the coffee cup reached her lips, and she savored the first mouthful.

With a concerned expression, Teal continued to watch her friend devour the coffee. She knew that once Amelia had her caffeine she would begin to respond. The work regime she’d taken on had been grueling. In particular, the client Mary Christian, who seemed to demand more and more of Amelia’s time. Teal stayed one evening to catch up on some paperwork and was surprised when the woman left at seven-thirty–the one hour session began at five. The bill the Christian woman was going to receive would be astronomical–she saw Amelia five days a week for over a month.

“How was the weekend? Did you and the big O make it to the farmer’s market I told you about?” teal asked after Amelia placed her empty coffee cup on the counter.

Amelia frowned and replied, “No. I didn’t want to go on my own. Olivia was busy. She’s been busy for the last four weekends.”

“I see, I didn’t know. You should have called. You could have come over to dinner with Phil and I.”

“Thanks Teal, but you deserve your free time with Phil. I just wish I were as fortunate with Olivia. We appear to be ships that pass in the night. During the week, I’m so busy that I hardly do more than go home to sleep and eat. When I do have some free time, she’s off on one of her mystery cases. We can’t seem to catch a break.”

Teal nodded. She’d seen the workload of both of the partners–the business was mushrooming over the last couple of months. It wasn’t good to have a life filled with work when they had a relationship to nurture. “Why not agree to take time off. I know it might seem ludicrous with all the work you two have, but if you don’t make the time you’ll both burn out.”

Amelia smiled at her friend. “You’re right, of course you’re right. And she wants to bring a child into the mix,” Amelia mumbled as she picked up her briefcase and headed for the inner door.

Teal blinked rapidly. Child what child? Why don’t I know about this? “Hey, you can’t go off like that when you drop a bombshell. Come on Amelia spill the beans.”

Amelia shook her head and gave her friend a warm smile. “Later Teal. If I don’t get started now I’m not going to be ready for my first client. Lunch ok.” She stepped into the small corridor leading to her office. 

Teal, still in shock, whispered, “Wow the big O and a child. I’d pay to see that scenario.” She retrieved the used coffee cup, went to the small kitchen at the back of the counter, and placed it in the sink. She retrieved a new cup and filled it. Returning to the reception area, she saw the mail carrier arriving with the morning mail bundle. She grinned at him and asked, “How is your day going?” 

+

Teal smiled at Olivia Santos when she appeared in the office. She looked like she hadn’t slept in a week and that was probably the case if she knew her dark brooding boss. “Hey, it’s good to see you. Amelia didn’t say you’d be back today. Did you wrap up your current case?” 

There was a low mumble and Teal shook her head, “I take it you’re in need of a caffeine fix?” She walked over to the coffee machine and within seconds had a steaming black brew ready for the morose looking woman who stood towering over her.

“Here take this. I wonder how you and Amelia live together in a morning. You’re both the most amazing sour pusses when it comes to lack of caffeine. I had the same reaction from Amelia this morning. She wasn’t fit to speak to until she had her coffee.”

With a faint smile at the mention of the woman she loved, Olivia drank thirstily from the cup and drained the contents in one go. “I haven’t had a chance to speak with Amelia for a few days. I was out of cell range and when I did get a signal I figured she’d already be with a client.”

Teal retrieved the coffee cup and filled it again along with one for her. As she handed it over to Olivia, she asked, “Don’t you think that's odd.”

“What’s odd?” Olivia sipped on the beverage this time her eyes capturing Teal’s in cautious enquiry.

“Oh that you both have this sudden influx of work and we haven’t advertised.”

Olivia contemplated her answer carefully, “Maybe the church put Amelia back on their lists and are sending her folks again.”

Teal mused over that for a few seconds. “Could be, but the people that are new are more affluent. If you ask me, most of them don’t need a shrink–they don’t have that crazy vibe about them. If you know what I mean.”

This time Olivia threw back her head and chuckled–she could always rely on Teal to make her laugh, “Crazy vibe? Now, if the good doctor caught you saying that about her client base, you’d be running for the hills. However, I must admit she barely has any free time and when she gets home she’s exhausted and eats very little and then goes to bed early.”

Teal caught the look on Olivia’s face that meant she was seriously considering the situation. “What about you? For every weekend for the past four weeks, you’ve been gone on different cases. Not to mention the other week long cases that has flooded your way. Not that I’m one to complain for it keeps us in a job but …”

Olivia remained silent for a little while as she sipped her coffee.

Teal saw the furrow on her forehead, which indicated from previous knowledge of her boss that Olivia was thinking hard about their discussion.

“You have a valid point Teal. Leave that with me. Now don’t you tell me I have lots of other weird cases waiting for my personal attention?”

“You do, but first can you fix this darn computer it’s having a hissy fit.”

+ + +
Chapter 13

Mary Christian sat in the outer office of When Heaven Meets Hell and listened as the diminutive office assistant cursed out her computer. “They never are fast enough or work the way you want do they,” she said in an upbeat manner.

Teal glanced up at the woman. She wanted to scream but held her tongue. “Yes, it seems that way. I’ll buzz Amelia again. Unfortunately, we’ve had a busy day and I was late with some urgent mail.”

Mary made her way over to the counter that hid the woman from view. “I’m pretty good with computers. Would you like some help?” She peered over the counter and let a smile cross her face.

“Thanks, we have an engineer due here anytime.” Teal continued to buzz Amelia who appeared to be ignoring her.  

Amelia glanced at the phone and saw that Teal was buzzing her again. It was two minutes after five and she knew who was waiting for her–Mary Christian. She could do without that particular client. Her hand reached for the small package marked urgent and for her eyes only. Ripping open the envelope, she was surprised to find another envelope marked photos. She reached for the phone and connected with Teal. “Can you bring in Ms. Christian?” As soon as she said it, she dropped the receiver on its cradle.

Opening the second envelope, she gasped. Clearly, Olivia was the center of attention but the other people in the photos made Amelia’s insides rage–other women. There were twenty photos with each picture showing various stages of nakedness. One very explicit scene left nothing to the imagination.

Pushing back her chair, Amelia grasped the photos and strode out of her office. In her peripheral vision, she saw Teal opening the door to the inner corridor. She barked, “Give me one minute Teal.”

Then, without knocking, Amelia barged into Olivia’s office and threw the damning photos on the desk.

Olivia looked up and her lips curled into a familiar smile until she saw the look on Amelia’s face –it resembled a thundercloud. Her smile froze on her lips as she looked at the scattered photos on her desk.

“You and I are over!” Amelia screamed. She turned around and exited the office slamming the door behind her.

With a carefully controlled smile, she opened her office door and walked into the room. “Hi Mary, how are you today?”

When she saw the doctor storm out of her office and go into another one, Mary raised an eyebrow. Hmm seems as though there’s trouble in paradise she thought as she went into the doctor’s office and sat down.

 “Oh Doctor West, I had a fantastic weekend. John actually stayed home and we went out both Friday and Saturday nights.” She beamed a smile in Amelia’s direction. “He told me he loved me,” she gushed.

“Really, how nice and convenient.” Amelia couldn’t help her sarcasm. The effect of the photos caused an emotional meltdown leaving her vulnerable and less than professional. 

“Oh no…do you think he didn’t mean it?” Mary said as she let her tears fall.

Amelia gazed at the woman. Right now, that’s exactly what I want to do. She wanted to run away to lick her wounds and find some answer to her current dilemma. Instead, she shook her head. “I’m sure he meant it. Look, I’m afraid I’ve a migraine coming on.”

+

Olivia sat stunned as she looked at the pictures. “Where the hell did these come from?” She studied each one. There were clearly marked with a time and date. “I can’t let this happen,” she said as she stood up and made her way out of her office. She ignored the session in progress sign on Amelia’s door and grabbed the knob.

When the door to Amelia’s office crashed open and a tall formidable figure filled the entrance, both women turned to look.

Mary’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, my goodness…what’s happening,” she cried as she shrunk away from the enraged woman.

Amelia stared hard at Olivia and then down to the bundle in her hands. “I’m busy get out of here.” Turning to Mary with an apologetic smile, she said, “We can schedule a double session tomorrow Mary. I really do need to leave right now.”

Grabbing at her pocketbook, Mary stood up as she kept an eye on the dark haired woman standing in the doorway. “O…Ok,” she said. “The same time?” When she saw the doctor nod, she carefully maneuvered around the angry woman and left the office.

“You can go too. We have nothing to say to each other.” Amelia glared at Olivia who moved further into the office to allow the other woman to leave. 

“This isn’t true,” she said holding up the photos. “I don’t know who is responsible for this hoax but trust me, I’ll find out.”

“Give me at least the benefit of some intelligence. They have a time and date stamped on them. I can see it’s you…right down to that tattoo on your back.” Amelia grabbed her purse and moved to within inches of Olivia’s position.

Olivia grabbed Amelia’s arm. “Did you ever consider that there are people out there that make a living out of doctoring photos,” she growled. “The thing that really gets me is that you didn’t even give me the courtesy of asking me if it really happened.”

“People like you?”

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

Amelia felt her anger surface even more at the calmness of the Olivia’s words. Had she been wrong in her accusation? “Why don’t you ever tell me where you go and what cases you’re working on anymore? You never discuss anything. Right now it’s clear to me that the reason you don’t is because of those,” she said pointing at the photos still clutched in Olivia’s hand.

“You think so little of me that you believe that I’d do this?” Olivia swiped at a tear that threatened to fall. “Do you have any idea how hurt I am by your lack of trust?”

The words took Amelia off guard for a few seconds. Am I wrong? Did the sessions with Mary Christian spark my own self doubt in my relationship with Olivia? Did I allow that to color my judgment? There was only way to find out. With chin held high, she faced Olivia and captured her eyes. “Can you truthfully say you’ve never had a carnal relationship with anyone since we decided to commit to a permanent relationship last year?” 

With a steadfast gaze, Olivia looked directly at Amelia. “I’ve never betrayed our love.”

“Prove it?”

Without a word, Olivia attempted to pull Amelia into her arms but was thwarted as Amelia held out her hand and shouted hoarsely, “don’t.”

Frowning at the rejection Olivia quietly entreated, “Let’s go home and I’ll show you just how much I love you.”

Amelia hesitated. It was what she wanted to hear but wasn’t that the point. Then she recalled Mary’s words a few minutes earlier and it all came flooding back. She needed more than physical actions she needed the truth. “I can’t. I’m going for a drive. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Dumbfounded, Olivia took a step back. “Ok. I’ll be there whenever you chose to come home.”

Defiantly Amelia stared long and hard at Olivia. It was as though she was seeing her for the first time. “Maybe one day you’ll get pictures like that of me and you’ll understand what I’m going through.” She walked away her heels clicking on the polished floor.

Teal looked up in surprise as Mary Christian reentered the reception area. “Is something wrong?”

Mary, with wide eyes replied, “I’ve never been treated so unprofessionally in my life. I’ve never so terrified in my life. Oh my, I really hate myself,” she wailed as she exited the building.

What the heck is going on? Teal left her desk, opened the inner door, and heard raised voices. For a second, she was going to intervene but decided against it. From the odd word she could decipher, it was personal rather than business. It’s definitely not a good time to interfere. She retreated to her desk and waited.

Moments later, Amelia shot out of the door and stalked past her with a vague, “Good night Teal.”

With hands on hips, Teal shook her head and muttered, “Well I guess they don’t call this place heaven meets hell for nothing.”

Olivia stormed back to her office, picked up the phone, and dialed a familiar number. “Dan, this is Olivia Santos. I need your help.”

+ + +
Chapter 14

In a car parked outside of When Heaven Meets Hell, a woman chuckled as she listened to the exchange between the two women. “You’d throw your grandmother under the bus if it was to your advantage Olivia–save your ass at all cost.” When she saw the white Element move out of the parking lot, she turned the ignition key on and began her pursuit. What she missed seeing was the black Harley that sped it’s rider in the opposite direction.

+

Amelia drove along the streets caring little for where she was going just as long as it was away from Olivia. A part of her had hoped that her partner would follow but she didn’t. When she finally stopped the car opposite a large recreational area, she stared blankly out of the window and allowed her tears to fall.

Finally, she gulped back the lump that had lodged in her throat and took in her surroundings. Green grass stretched out before her with a tree lined boundary. Several women pushing buggies were chatting and Amelia surmised that they were sharing stories of the children under their care. Beyond them, other kids were playing with balls, sliding down a slide, swinging, and going through the tall maze-like structure that was made of wood. In the distance, she saw older kids playing soccer.

The more she looked at the park, the more she realized how far away from being a family entity she and Olivia were. There was no way they could have children either of their own or through a surrogate. In a nutshell, their lives were too complicated. Yes, that’s the correct description–complicated.

As the content of the photos flashed in her mind, she knew without a doubt that it had been Olivia in them. Her partner was right. The pictures could have been from a long time ago. That would mean that the time and date were false. How did I lose my trust in her so quickly and effectively? Perhaps her workload had finally taken its toll and she was heading for a breakdown. It happened more than she cared to admit in her profession. Listening daily to other people’s problems and paranoia had to leave its mark and no more so than with Mary Christian’s case.

As she thought of the woman, Amelia groaned. “Darn it Olivia, you’ve made me look a complete idiot in front of one of my clients. I don’t do that to yours,” she cried to the confines of an empty vehicle.

Snorting her disgust, she realized how impossible that was. “How could I do that–I’ve never meet any of your clients. You won’t let me.” She blew her nose before shaking her head. “It just brings it all back home again doesn’t it? If she can’t trust me how can I her.”

Her cell phone rang and she picked it up and looked at the caller ID, it was Teal.

“Hi Teal. Is there a problem?”

There appeared to be a grateful sigh at the other end of the line before Teal replied, “No. You did kind of rush off and I just wanted to check that you were ok. Well, you know me.”

Amelia felt her lips twitch into a tiny smile. “Yes, I do and thanks for your concern. Something came up and I needed a break.”

“If you need a friend’s shoulder to cry on or just to listen you know I’m here for you Amelia.”

Choking back a sob of gratitude, Amelia quietly said, “Yeah I know. Is…look I’ll be in the office bright and early. You don’t need to worry. Ok?”

Teal didn’t need to be a mind reader to know what Amelia was going to ask. “She’s gone. Left like a demon on the Harley shortly after you. I figured maybe she was going to catch up with you.”

“No, she’s not here Teal. Look, I need to go. I think an early night is what I need. See you in the morning and thanks again for your concern. I appreciate it.”

Teal softly replied, “Anytime. Sleep well Amelia.”

The call ended and Amelia stared at the phone in her hand for what seemed to be hours rather than a few minutes. Finally replacing it back in her purse, she fired the engine of the car and reversed out of the parking space. As she did, she saw a K-Mart across the street and knew what she was going to do– at any rate for the night.

Tomorrow was another day and she’d handle whatever came when it happened. For the moment, she was going to do what she told Teal. Have an early night. As she maneuvered out into the traffic, she saw the imposing steeple of St. Agnes and remembered her old friend Father Michael.  

+ + +
Chapter 15

Parker stopped her vehicle and watched as the nun entered a Catholic church. “What an idiot she is,” she said to the empty car. “She is seeking guidance from an organization that thinks what she wants to do with Olivia is abhorrent and against all its teachings.”

She laughed as she punched in a number on her cell phone. “What’s happening with the target?”

“She’s stopped on Vincent. She went inside an apartment building about five minutes ago.”

“Which apartment?”

“Don’t know.”

“You don’t know? How the hell did you ever get into DOCO without the basics of surveillance?” Parker closed her phone, opened a metal case, punched in a series of numbers, and settled a headset in one ear.

+

“Dan, this is Olivia. Something is happening and I need your help.”

“What’s the problem,” the male voice asked.

 “Am I in DOCO’s sights?”

“What do you mean?”

“Someone has taken pictures of me.”

“What kind of pictures?”

“Me and a whore.”

“Are you familiar with the Hogarth Arms on Vincent?”

“Yes.”

“Find the super’s office–the door will be open–go inside and wait for me.”

“They’re watching me aren’t they?”

“Just meet me there,” the man said.

+

When Parker heard the man suck in a deep breath, she knew he was going to warn Olivia. “Fuck!” She felt her heart pounding. “I’ve come too far to let you fuck it up for me now Dan.” She punched in another number and code. When she saw the blip from Dan’s vehicle moving, she opened her cell, pressed four then the star button and waited for an answer.

“Yeah,” Dan said.

 “Where are you?” Parker asked.

“Armstrong and Fifth.”

She looked at the street name on her monitor and confirmed that was his location. “Can you get to the place where we took down O’Donnell?” Shamus O’Donnell was a hired assassin that Dan had killed when a DOCO team that Dan and Parker organized had him surrounded. The assassin shot Parker and that caused her to go deep undercover when the organization faked her death. 

“Yeah.”

“I’ll meet you by the boulder where he died as soon as you can. From your current location it should take about ten minutes tops.”

“But…”

“No buts. Just get there.”

+

From her vantage point, Parker watched as Dan arrived in the park. A grin filled her face as she watched him make his way to the boulder. After he stood in position for ten minutes, she joined him.

“Are you stupid Dan?” she asked. She could see the sweat beading on his forehead and detected a slight tremble in his body.

Dan swallowed hard. “What do you mean?”

Parker pulled a Sig Saur out of her jacket and made a circle on the man’s chest. “You were going to warn Olivia weren’t you?”

“No!” Dan exclaimed. “I was going to meet her and tell her what we scripted if she ever contacted me.”

“You know Dan, I’ve spent a lot of years studying people, their voices and their body language,” she said as she continued circling the man’s heart with the gun. “You gave yourself away.”

Dan closed his eyes. The woman was crazy and that made her extremely dangerous. “I’m telling you the truth.”

Parker lowered the gun. “No, you’re not but since this situation has already been set in motion, you will have to see it to its end.” She eyed the man and the sweat that was freely streaming down his face. “When you meet with Santos, you will tell her that DOCO isn’t involved and ask her if she wants you to ask around about the pictures. Tell her that helping her needs to be kept on the QT.”

Parker lifted the gun and pressed it between Dan’s eyebrows. “Do you think you can do that Dan or do I need to monitor your activities?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“Good, we’re on the same page then.”

Once they arrived back to where they parked their vehicles, Parker asked, “Those twin girls of yours, how old are they now?”

“Almost six,” Dan said as his heart rate sped up–he knew it was a threat. “You leave them out of this.”

“You’re all they have aren’t you? It’s a pity how your wife died leaving you to care for them alone. Oh, that’s right you have a nanny. Her name is Lena, right? She’s on a visa from Slovakia, right?” She nudged Dan. “You getting it on with that pretty young thing?” She saw Dan frown. “Oops touched a nerve did I? Hey your wife is dead so why not.”

“Shut up. Shut the hell up!”

“Don’t go getting your boxers in a knot,” Parker said with a chuckle. “Is it true that you are leaving DOCO after this assignment? You’ve already scheduled your exit interview haven’t you?” She ran a finger down the man’s cheek. “You can’t go until we finish with Olivia and the nun.”

“I only signed on because I think Olivia is an asset to the organization. She’s a good operative…” Dan stopped when he saw Parker look at him with interest. “Otherwise, I’d be gone.”

“One last hurrah for a friend, how touching.” She patted the man’s chest and smiled. “If you decide to say anything to Olivia about what we are doing, your girls will be toast.”

Dan watched as Parker got in her car and drove away. “She’s insane. I’ve got to find a way to tell Olivia that she’s still alive and what her plan is.”

+ + +
Chapter 16

Ten minutes later, Dan parked in front of the Hogarth Arms. He saw the Harley and knew that Olivia had already arrived. He sat there for a while as he tried to figure out what to do. Olivia was all business when he worked with her. During the down times, she didn’t engage with the others but she always had time for him. Of all the DOCO operatives he ever worked with, Olivia was the only one he knew unequivocally had his back.

Finally, pounding on the steering wheel, he got out, walked up to the door, and entered the apartment building. Once he opened the super’s door, he spotted Olivia and smiled. He held out his hand and shook the woman’s as he spoke. “What made you think I’d know who took the pictures?”

“I didn’t. Why did you choose this place?” Olivia glanced round the virtually empty room. The only furniture, if one could call it that was a chair and an old melamine table that sat opposite a grimy window.

“I chose it because it is the one place I know that’s safe,” Dan said. When Olivia looked around the room again, he covertly scanned the ceiling for any sign of monitoring devices. There’s no way. I didn’t know I was coming here until forty minutes ago. Not even Parker can get a place bugged in that amount of time.

Olivia didn’t comment immediately then she caught his gaze with a penetrating stare. “Take a look at these and tell me if they come from DOCO?” she passed over the envelope containing the damning photos.

Dan sorted through the pictures before handing them back to Olivia. With a fixed gaze of his own, he said, “This isn’t DOCO’s style–you should know that.”

“Worth a shot, thanks.” She turned her back and began to leave the room.

Dan shook his head. “Olivia, why does it matter? In the old days, a thing like this would have been high amusement for you. Besides, you always said that no one gave a shit about who you were fucking. What’s changed?”

Olivia squared her back as the question hit home. “It doesn’t matter. Thanks for your time.” Her hand reached out of the door knob then she spun around. “I’ve changed at least I want to change. I got another chance and these pictures have screwed that all up. Is that all you wanted to know,” she asked with a face that barely disguised her anger. 

  Dan fought the need to tell the woman everything. Parker had let him off the hook too easy. All she did was to threaten him and that confused him. Why didn’t she wire me? This doesn’t feel right. When he looked above the door, he saw a miniscule flash and swallowed his words. “Maybe you can make it right.” He inwardly cringed as he picked his words carefully. “Sometimes things happen for a reason Olivia. Remember when Parker died we talked about that?”

Olivia scowled. The last thing she wanted to remember was Parker and the circumstances surrounding her demise. She supposed it was fitting for just like then, she was losing everything all over again. “How do you go about regaining someone’s trust after you’ve been arrogantly stupid and selfish? Do you have a way because I’d sure like to know?”

Dan moved closer to Olivia. “Look, we’ve known each other for a long time. You know I’ve always thought of you as one of the good ones. The business we’re in doesn’t lend itself to successful relationships.” He thought of Parker’s warning and a shiver went down his spine. “Look at me, I took a chance and got married only to have my wife die when I was off on a mission. Now, I’m the only parent to twin girls, I’m getting out of this game,” Dan bowed his head and whispered, “The truth is always the best way.”

“Yeah, I’m one of the good ones all right. I left that business and thought that part of my life was over. Now, I get these,” she said holding the pictures in the air. “Remember that when you try and leave the bastards. As to the truth, who the hell knows what the truth is anymore.” She turned her back and reached for the door again.

“Stop–I know you left the business and have gone on to make a new life. Surely, you realize that not all your training disappears. Like it or not, you are still bound to that–it is for a lifetime.”

“Yours maybe, I’ve affiliated mine these days with a higher cause.” Olivia snorted. “If I was, we never would be having this conversation–you’d be dead.” When she saw the hurt look on his face, she closed her eyes. “Look, I’ve had a really rotten day. I thought you might be able to help me find out who is trying to intrude on my life. Obviously, I was wrong. I’m sorry I bothered you Dan…I didn’t know who else to turn to,” she whispered before focusing on his face. “I always knew I could depend on you.”

Dan put his hands on Olivia’s shoulders and looked straight into her eyes. “Remember to look outside the box. You’ll find the answers there.”

“I’m not interested in riddles.” She allowed her gaze to remain focused on the man. When his eyes moved fractionally, she understood and listened carefully to his next words.

In a low voice he said, “It’s not a riddle. Things aren’t always what they seem. You of all people should know that.”

Olivia dropped her gaze for she had her answer. “I do Dan. Thanks for meeting me on such short notice. If you find anything out…” she left the sentence unfinished knowing he would understand.

Dan nodded. “Since this has nothing to do with DOCO I’m fairly certain I won’t discover who sent you the pictures. But…I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for you,” he said in a louder voice.

“Thanks, you take care of yourself out there. It’s a dangerous world…you don’t want those kids of yours to become orphans.” She left the room without a backward glance.

As she exited the building, Olivia considered everything that Dan said. More importantly, what he didn’t say. Then, it dawned on her. “God help us all–I’m being monitored. Nothing I do or say is secure. What I need to find out is why and I will no matter what it costs.” She mounted the Harley and headed off in the direction of home. No one was safe. All those she held dear were in danger.  

+

Listening and watching a remote monitor, Parker watched Olivia leave the room. Her attention turned back to the man who stood alone and growled. “You’re a dead man.”

+ + +
Chapter 17

Parker paced the floor of the command station across the street from Olivia’s warehouse. Dan had seriously compromised everything she had been working on for almost two years. Dan would pay for not heeding her warnings but a more pressing matter was how to get her plan back on track.

She stubbed out a cigarette and looked at the monitors. Thanks to the monitoring device implanted in Olivia’s head years before, she knew that Olivia was on to the surveillance. The question–would she discover the extent. Pulling out another cigarette and lighting it, she began pacing again. When she heard the door open, she turned and saw Dan Estevez entering the room.

“It took you long enough to get her,” Parker said.

“I had to sign some papers for my lawyer,” Dan said as she approached the woman.

“Is everything cool with Olivia,” she asked.

“You listened to the conversation didn’t you?”

“Why would I listen to your conversation Dan? Is there some reason I shouldn’t trust you?” Parker carefully scrutinized the man noting the beads of sweat on his forehead.

“Get real Parker. You don’t trust anyone.”

Parker nodded. “Perhaps you are right. That doesn’t change the fact that you fucked up.”

“Why do you say that?” Dan looked at the woman’s eyes that seemed to be boring into him.

“Apparently, you think I’m stupid. I know how close you and Santos were in the past. You’re stupid and a slow learner Dan. I wanted you on this team because I thought you were going to help me not go behind my back and screw me.”

The low ominous tone of the woman’s voice had Dan wiping a hand across his brow. “I didn’t tell her anything. I told her that taking those pictures wasn’t DOCO’s style.”

A maniacal laugh filled the room as Parker closed in on the man. “Did you really think that Olivia wouldn’t get the meaning behind things aren’t always what they seem? Did you think mentioning my name wouldn’t start her wondering why you brought it up?”

“I can’t control what she thinks or doesn’t think,” Dan said fixing his eyes on the woman. “She doesn’t know anything.”

Again, Parker laughed as she moved to within a fraction of an inch of the man. “Know what she said after she closed the door?” Dan shook his head. “She said, I’m being monitored, nothing I do, or say is secure. Now tell me Dan, does that sound like you didn’t tell her anything?”

The realization that the monitoring of Olivia went farther than he knew made Dan close his eyes and shake his head. “How do you know that?”

“Do you think that luscious nanny of yours will survive the accident she’s about to have?”

“You leave her and my kids out of this! My family has nothing to do with this operation.”

An evil smile formed around Parker’s lips and she was about to say something when she saw the Harley pull into the warehouse.

“Now let’s see which of us is right shall we Dan,” she said as she turned the volume up and zoomed in on Olivia.

+

Olivia skidded to a stop in the warehouse ignoring her usual meticulous parking of the machine. It was precariously standing on the bracing leg in a haphazard position as she threw her helmet to ground giving the silent area a hollow echo. She strode past the object as it spun around before it finally came to a stop when Olivia reached the console.

“If you scum are listening to me I’m going to hunt you down like the pack of dogs you are. When I’m done with you, there will be nothing left but ashes. Her finger punched in several keys and she walked up and down the area waiting impatiently.

A bleep sounded on the console and ignoring the comfortable chair, she leaned over to look. “Thank you for nothing! That tells me exactly squat.” She closed her eyes and shook her head, “Come on brain give me a sign. Tell me what to do.” Then an idea occurred to her as she punched in another code and the DOCO emblem came on screen. “Now let’s see if I’m thinking outside the box shall we.”

Her eyes scanned the feed she’d called up. It was an old contact link, which she was sure would have been erased–it wasn’t. Another question popped into her head. Why is it still active? She knew she hadn’t accessed the files in over a year, but clearly, someone else had. Only she and one other had the password. Punching in more keys she download the log of the last year, it was going to take a while but she’d find out exactly what information was being stored in the private files. “That little shit Dan lied to me.” Her lips pulled into a sneer as she spoke. 

+

The smile on Parker’s lips expanded as she watched what was enfolding on Olivia’s monitor. “Seems as though she’s found you out Dan,” she said with a chuckle. “Who are you more afraid of–Olivia or me?”

“How does she have access to those files? Weren’t they purged when she left?”

Parker let out another chuckle. “She sees exactly what I wanted her to see.”

Dan stood frozen in place. He suddenly realized the enormity of Parker’s hold over Olivia. She controls everything. I’ve got to do something before it’s too late for Olivia.

As if she heard his thoughts, Parker said. “If you’re considering warning her I’d think about the consequences of those actions long and hard. You have two daughters don’t you?”

Dan swallowed hard–nothing was worth the lives of his family. Calm came over him as he thought about the files he put on a disk and gave to his lawyer to mail to Olivia if anything happened to him. “If anything happens to them or me I promise you that she’ll know you’re still alive.”

 

Olivia walked over to the answering machine–there were two messages. Uneasily she pressed the recall. The first message was from Amelia’s mother, asking if they wanted to come for dinner next month. The second was a terse message from Teal.

“O, you need to talk to Amelia. She sounds depressed to me and a depressed shrink isn’t good for business.” Simple and to the point.

If Teal knew why Amelia was depressed she certainly wouldn’t be asking her to intervene. However, she needed to hear Amelia’s voice even if it was no more than a blast of anger. “I need to know she’s safe.” She picked up the phone and pressed the short code of Amelia’s cell. After several rings, her voice mail answered.

“Amelia will you call me please.”

She then headed back to the console and the long session she knew she was in for to solve the puzzle that was as far as she was concerned about to be unraveled.

+ + +
Chapter 18

Parker sat watching a monitor that lead directly to the one that Olivia was scanning. “Keep looking,” she whispered. “It’s there. If you want a reward you have to dig deeper.”

“I’m going to my apartment,” Dan said. “I’ll be back after I’ll be back for the midnight shift.”

In a low threatening voice, Parker said, “I don’t think so.”

“What do you want me to do? Sit around here and watch you?”

With a swivel of her chair, Parker fixed her eyes on the man. “I can’t trust you anymore Dan. On top of that, you threatened me with retribution.” She shrugged. “I think the one that needs retribution is you for sidetracking the plan that took me year to develop.”

“I told you I didn’t do anything. Do you think she would have said that about me if I had?”

Parker got up, walked to the coffee pot, and poured some in a cup. “Here, drink this it will calm your nerves,” she said handing the man a mug. “You take it black right?”

“I don’t want coffee. I’m going home.” The wild look in the woman’s eyes made him shiver–Parker was certifiable. I need to get out of here. The chief needs to know what she’s really doing with all the resources he’s made available to her.

Parker grabbed his arm. “I said drink the coffee. You’re not leaving here until you do.” When she saw the look on the man’s face, she brought the mug to her mouth and sipped the coffee. “It’s not poisoned if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Dan nodded and took the cup. He knew she was up to something but obviously, it wasn’t poison in the coffee. “I need some sugar,” he said. He would play along and placate her until he had an opening to leave or figured out what she was going to do next. She might be crazy but she needs me if she’s going to pull this operation off.

 “Oh, right, you don’t take it black do you?” She picked up two packets of sugar, handed it to him, and watched as he stirred it into his coffee. “I think I’ll have some too.”

After gulping the coffee, Dan looked at Parker who was drinking the coffee. “Look, I think we should get in touch with the chief and see if we are going in the right direction with this operation.”

“Not necessary. He’s given me carte blanche. We are to get Olivia back in the fold at any cost.”

Dan found it incredible that the chief had put his stamp of approval on what she was currently doing. He rubbed his eyes before he swallowed more coffee. “I think if he knew how far you’ve gone he’d…” The man looked at Parker then back to his mug. He said, “Why?” before he fell to the floor.

“Because you pissed me off,” she said as she kicked the body. Once she was certain he was dead, she rolled a dolly to the body and put on gloves. After loading the man on the cart, she wheeled him to the elevator and took him to the parking area under the building. She fished in his pocket, took out the keys to his car, and unlocked the trunk. The man was quite a bit larger than she was, and weight at least a hundred pounds more. The cart had an automatic lifting device and getting him into the truck was a breeze.

“Now where do you want your last resting place to be Dan?” she asked with a cackle. “The river it is.”

Parker stood on the bank of the same river where she and Olivia had made love on many occasions. It was somehow fitting that Dan the traitor would rest there for eternity. Not even DOCO would find him for she removed his tracking device before rolling the vehicle into the river’s murky depths. She remembered his veiled threat and laughed. “They have to know your dead before your lawyer will act. Pity they will never know.”

She walked quickly back to the highway and entered a small diner. Ordering coffee and pie, she let out a happy sigh. Soon Olivia would start piecing together the parts of the puzzle she had left for her. “It won’t be long now O.”

The woman standing at her table with the pie in hand asked, “What was that hon?”

Parker looked up and smiled. “Nothing, I was just thinking out loud. That pie looks delicious.”

When she finished the last bite, Parker pushed the plate away and smiled. Olivia would be back in her arms before she knew it.

+ + +
Chapter 19

Amelia smiled as she watched Father Michael Bright listen with an intent expression to one of his parishioners. It was an elderly woman who had a weathered look to her features that would rival any rocky range. As her lips moved, her small shaking hand brought a handkerchief to her eyes. It made Amelia’s sensitive nature respond to the compassionate appeal of the priest. Quietly, she knelt and began to pray as she waited for her friend to finish.

Time had no meaning to Amelia until a peaceful voice interrupted her contemplation of her life.

“Do you need any help Miss…” The man’s kindly eyes flared open as he recognized Amelia. “Amelia what a surprise,” the priest said as his face beamed as he held out his arms.

Amelia moved from her kneeling position and flew into the priest’s arms. Moments later, she smiled warmly at the priest. “I wasn’t sure if you would recognize me after all this time. How long is it been–ten years?”

The priest chuckled. “More like fifteen and yes you don’t look the same without the habit. However, it never did suit you. As I recall, you were always in trouble for having a less than tidy appearance at vespers.”

Amelia laughed. “You make it sound like I’m kin to the Julie Andrews character in the Sound of Music.” She felt like a heavy weight lifted as the man dug up one of the many memories they shared of their early days in the church. It also made her realize that when she’d left for good, she also had to leave behind many of her friends. “Yes and if I recall you were never on time. I remember father Johansson chastising you most evenings and always on Sunday. We never did find out what you were up to.”

They both lapsed into silence at the mention of the deceased and exorcised old priest.

“Have you time for a pot of tea or did you just happen upon my parish by accident and felt the need to pray.”

Amelia smiled her thanks. “I was hoping you’d say that. You were the only person I know who made a decent pot of tea. Although, I still don’t know how you can take it with milk.”

The sandy headed priest smiled and bowed his head at the compliment. “English roots my dear Amelia. My grandmother taught her children who then passed the knowledge onto their own children. Now step into my parlor and you can tell me what’s been happening since you left.”

Amelia knew he wasn’t prying. The question, how much should she dare share with the priest? Then, as they walked toward a room at the side of the church, she realized that she could share anything.

Three hours later, Amelia laughed at the anecdote of Michael’s last trip to the Vatican. He fell down the steps to land at the feet of the current Pope.

“Well at least he’ll remember you. Not many can say they’ve done that.” Amelia felt so much better just talking about old times and both their present working situations. They’d progressed from late afternoon tea to sharing a home cooked dinner by his very competent and able housekeeper. The woman had growled her welcome and given Amelia a look that Olivia would be proud. When the priest had introduced her as a friend from his early church days and that she was an eminent psychiatrist, the woman had thawed a little. At least the meal she’d been given hadn’t been laced with poison. She’d heard some strange stories about the possessive housekeepers of priests.

Michael nodded then his brown eyes caught hers and he smiled slowly. “So are you going to tell me why you came to my church? I think we’ve skirted around the issue most of the evening.”

Amelia shook away his glance and stared at her almost empty coffee cup. “I’m not sure now why I came. I guess I was feeling lost and I hoped you’d still be here and seeing an old friendly face might help and it did.”

The priest nodded and then reached out and placed a hand on hers. “Do you want to take confession Amelia?”

“I…no…not at this time. When I do, I’ll be back for sure. Thanks it means a lot to me.” Amelia turned her hand enabling her to squeeze the man’s gently.

“Right, so if it isn’t to confess your sins what’s eating at you? Do you remember when you’d been at the parish only two weeks? Sister Claudine banished you from the dinner table because you arrived late and Father Jo had already prayed for our supper. Your face was a classic as it is now. ‘Deep waters’ Father Jo used to say of you.” Michael’s eyes never wavered from Amelia as he saw the cringe on her face and assumed that she was recalling the memory.

Amelia frowned. She and Michael were both in their early novitiate years when the incident occurred. They were effectively under supervision at the parish. Neither one of them could be called the perfect trainee. “Yeah the battle axe was Father Jo’s right hand for years. He called her his conscience. It makes you wonder doesn’t it?”

Michael nodded. “Yes, he missed her dreadfully when she died after that break in at the church. What was it now…oh must be ten years plus. The police never found out who did it but I have a suspicion Father Jo knew.”

The sadness of that episode, which neither of them had been present for, brought a dark cloud to the table.

“I’m in love,” Amelia whispered. The bland statement probably surprised her as much as the priest who raised his eyes at the announcement.

“Do you want to discuss banns?” Michael asked although he was certain that she didn’t want to make a public announcement of marriage.

Amelia shook her head. “I wish it was that easy. We…we’ve had a particularly nasty argument. I said it was over.”

The priest didn’t say anything for a few minutes then smiled slightly. “You make it sound so pragmatic. I suspect it wasn’t that. Love is often like a roller coaster–filled with highs and lows. Did you mean it when you said it was over?”

“No, of course not but I can’t understand the lying. It makes no sense. We agreed to be honest when we realized how we felt about each other. I can’t build a relationship when I have serious doubts about the other person’s veracity.” Amelia stood up, walked over to the window. She realized for the first time how late it was getting. Olivia will be freaking out.

“Is this the first time you’ve been in love Amelia?”

Amelia hesitated. “Yes, it makes the emotional commitment that I once gave to the church seem insipid to how I feel now.”

Michael had always felt that Amelia hadn’t placed her heart in the hands of God. She gave him her body and mind but never the true passionate embrace that enabled a person to give up everything in sacrifice to the Lord’s work. “Could you consider spending the rest of your life without this person in it…no matter what they’ve done?”

Can I? The question swirled around in her brain. She could go through the motions of living but how would she feel if she lost the magical connection that she had with Olivia. “No.”

“Then you go back and patch it up with your young man. When you do want the banns read, remember that I’m the priest that would be honored to do that.” He grinned and stood up walking toward her as they both gazed out of the window.

“I will,” Amelia answered softly. “I guess I’d better go. Thank you again for everything Michael.”

The man shook his head. “I didn’t do anything. Now don’t leave it so long before you come see me again. Next time bring your young man. I’m fascinated to meet the person who can replace God.” He chuckled as he felt Amelia’s arms go around him and hug him tightly.

A few minutes later, after saying their goodbyes, Amelia began to push the door open then suddenly stopped, turned, and added, “I’ll bring her next Sunday if she’s in town.”

Father Michael stood at the door of the house long after Amelia had driven off as his brain finally registered that Amelia said ‘she’.

+ + +
Chapter 20

A blank expression took residence on Olivia’s already morose features. The hours she’d spent at the computer console had revealed a big fat zero. Along with that, Amelia hadn’t returned her calls all night and it was after ten, which made the situation even more fraught in her mind.

Slamming her fist down on the hard table next to the screen, she cursed. “Damn you! I know you’ve left me a trail now where the hell is it.”

Parker watched Olivia’s outburst and laughed. “It is so obvious O. If it were a snake, it would have bitten you long ago. The nun has made you soft.”

Punching in the final set of codes that she and Kate Edstrom her old handler at DOCO had used to communicate, she waited for the computer to show her the last three months activity. As she waited, her eyes dropped to the photos strewn on the table where she’d thrown them in temper earlier in the evening. “That’s it! That’s the key–the dates on those photos,” she announced to the empty room.

Shaking her head, Parker chuckled. “Good for you O now you’re thinking but as always, you need to look outside the box. The key is there just go back to the screen and see what isn’t there that should be.”

Olivia manipulated the dates and times on the photos in every way she could–nothing. “Ok, so that didn’t work. What the hell am I missing?” Olivia snaked a hand through her untidy hair and glared at the screen in an attempt to intimidate the information from the memory core. 

“I guess I need to show you the way.” Parker did several keystrokes before she began to type. Olivia, the path is as familiar as your name. She pressed send and watched for Olivia’s reaction.

“What the fuck!” Olivia’s eyes widened as the instant message floated on her screen. “My name, talk about cryptic. Ok dumbo, think, think.” She furiously typed in the name She Devil with the date and waited. A slight smile tugged at her lips as a file appeared on the screen. Then she entered a line on the instant message pad.

Who are you?

Parker could tell Olivia was rattled and that caused a peal of laughter to echo around the room. “How wonderfully delicious this is,” she said as she typed another message. That’s for me to know and you to find out. You’ve had so many clues that you’ve missed. Are you getting soft? You always were able to pick out the sublime. What’s happened to you Olivia? Lost your edge?

Olivia growled and typed, don’t be so sure you know me or what I’m capable of.

Immediately, Parker typed, be sure you are ready for the answers you seek before you open that file.

Ignoring the taunt, Olivia accessed the file. Then her head hit the desk as she digested the surveillance footage–someone was watching her everywhere and that meant everywhere. “God help me you’re in my home.” Her voice barely carried as she raised her head and stared at one piece of a video stream that showed her in the shower.

Again Parker laughed. You’ve gone soft in the head Olivia. With your past, nothing should surprise you. The question now, is what are you going to do about it?

Soft am I going soft? True she didn’t have the edge she once had but she gave that up freely when she and Amelia grew closer. Amelia. The thought of her partner being in danger at this level made her stomach muscles tighten so hard she felt like they were going to burst through her skin. It finally dawned on her that not only had she been watched twenty-four seven but whoever had the direct feed into her home could hear and probably see exactly what was happening. Sucking in a deep breath, she gave the last message a long hard stare then typed, why?

While she waited, Olivia made a few keystrokes and opened up the IP tracking program that Phil had installed.

You know why Olivia. You’ve always known why. Amelia isn’t safe. As she watched Olivia’s attempt to trace the IP address, Parker shook her head. Do you really think that will work?

Closing her eyes at the reference to her partner, Olivia knew she was in big trouble. Whoever was doing this not only could see and hear her, but also apparently could read her mind. That meant either one of two things–the other party was a telepathist or they knew her as well as she knew herself. She could count on the fingers of one hand how many knew her that well–no one at DOCO was on that list. Her parents, brother, and Parker were all dead. That left only Amelia–no way was she responsible. Ok so I’m soft. Exactly what do you want from me?

What they’re doing to you is wrong. There’s no way to stop it. No one can alter what has been set in motion. You and those you love are in grave danger. With a maniacal laugh, Parker added, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!

Typing furiously, Olivia realized that the tone of message meant the onlooker was ready to cut the connection. You’re not DOCO are you? If you are, prove it.

Parker took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. The time had come to sever the connection. All will be revealed when the time is right.

Olivia snorted as she returned the message immediately. You want me to leave town, the state, or the country maybe. Come on, you have to do better than a dire warning on a computer screen. How do I know, other than some sophisticated surveillance equipment, that you can do anything damaging to people I care about. You could be a geeky kid in high school who hacked into something they shouldn’t and are having fun. Olivia felt the adrenalin rush of the situation perhaps she had been going soft but not anymore.

Pushing back from the monitor, Parker lit a cigarette and watched the smoke she blew out dance lazily over the screen. The fact that Olivia was taunting her made her smile. You learned your trade well Olivia. Attack the messenger to get the upper hand. It won’t work this time. If you think about it, a geeky kid wouldn’t know about the nun.

For a second, Olivia considered the comment then shook her head as a feral smile laced her lips.

Nun? 

Parker considered her next move. She swiveled in her chair and activated another monitor. With several key strokes, she activated the warehouse’s alarm and watched a startled Olivia.

You have no control. They have all the power.

Is that it? All you have is trickery with a few bells and whistles. You have to do better than that. Olivia walked over to the panel on the wall closest to the vehicles parked there and opened the casing. Then she removed the circuit breaker and effectively doused the sound and the flashing lights

The game needed to end–it was a stalemate. Olivia was back into She Devil mode and that was all that mattered. In that frame of mind, the nun’s power had diminished and that was exactly what Parker wanted. She typed, all you need to do is to put the pieces together, then severed the connection. As a parting shot, Parker allowed Olivia to see what she did. She watched as the image of Olivia filled the woman’s screen before she shut down Olivia’s computer.

Olivia briefly saw the final message and her own image before the screen went blank and her computer began to reboot itself. As it did, she sat back in her chair contemplating the events of the evening. There really was only one thing to do. If it meant that Amelia was safe then that’s all that mattered. With a heavy sigh, she shook her head. “I guess I always knew my life was forfeit from the moment I pulled the trigger on the DA. Taking revenge isn’t the solution it never was, I should have allowed the authorities to do their job instead of becoming a vigilant over my brother’s murder. An eye for an eye doesn’t always payoff.”

Her cell phone rang at that moment and she looked at the caller ID. For a second it made her smile as she allowed her feelings for the caller to impinge just for a second on what was going to be the rest of her life–hell. Then, she powered down the phone. She needed to leave the warehouse before she talked to Amelia. When they did talk, it wouldn’t be what she originally planned–it would be totally different. A few minutes later, the roaring sound of her Harley filled the warehouse with a squeal of rubber to tarmac.

+ + +
Chapter 21

A knock on the door to the motel room that Amelia had rented for the night broke the silence of the room. She stepped out of the shadows to peer through the spy hole to check who the visitor was. Her fingers shakily lifted the security latch and she opened the door to the darkness of the night and the visitor.

Olivia’s heart pounded as the door opened and she ventured inside the comfortable remarkably spacious room. When she’d finally returned Amelia’s call, her partner had agreed to see at the motel. It seemed odd to meet there but considering her current situation it was what was right for her.

“Hi, thanks for seeing me so late,” Olivia said as she entered the room and passed close to Amelia.

Amelia wanted desperately to fling her arms around the taller woman and simply hug her but refrained. With a slight incline of her head, Amelia nodded toward the small table with two chairs. The tiny neon clock next to the bed read midnight.

Composing herself, Amelia quietly replied, “You said it was important.”

Olivia’s eyes flew around the room refusing to make contact with the woman standing near her. “I think it’s time I was honest with you about my previous life.”

“I thought we’d done the honesty bit a long time ago,” Amelia clipped.

Fishing in her pocket, Olivia produced the packet of pictures. “You need to know why I did what I did.”

Amelia’s eyes dropped to the packet as she silently conjured up the images of a naked Olivia with several strangers. Her lips twisted in distaste. “Ok.”

Seeing the look of disappointment on Amelia’s face, Olivia wanted to reach out to the woman–she didn’t. “I love you more than anyone I’ve ever known. When you said you loved me it turned my world upside down.” Olivia fixed her gaze on Amelia. “I’m not good enough for that love. You deserve so much better.”

“Shouldn’t I be the judge of that? If these…” Her eyes once more bounced off the packet in the middle of the table. “You lied to me. You were intimate with other women and you think by telling me now that you love me will make it all go away-it’s not enough?” Amelia shot her glance back to Olivia and saw the tell-tale twitch an eyebrow as she digested the words.

“Will you at least let me explain?”

Although she was seething inside, Amelia schooled her features to show no sign of her inner emotional struggle. “Go ahead you have the forum. I’m a captive audience.”

“You already know that after my brother was murdered I appointed myself judge, jury, and executioner and killed the man responsible.” Olivia’s eyes searched Amelia’s face for any sign of repulsion. When she saw only a blank expression, she continued. “As you know, I didn’t go to jail but went to work for a covert government organization. What you don’t know is that I was an assassin for them. I’ve lost track of how many lives I took.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I stopped working for them two years ago because I wanted to have a life with you.” She looked into Amelia’s eyes. “Do you want me to go on?” 

The room became eerily silent as Amelia tried to equate the woman she knew with the other beast Olivia professed to be. That was the only word that came to mind when Olivia called herself an assassin. True, she knew about the original taking of a life along with others committed in the line of duty. Although she didn’t condone them, she did understand the reasoning behind the act. Yet, Olivia’s confession to the taking of lives for no reason other than a cold blooded murder chilled her to the bone.

As the silence extended, Olivia felt her stomach rebel. If she couldn’t make Amelia understand, she didn’t know what she’d do. “I don’t want a life without you in it,” she said. “I know what I was is inexcusable but I’ve tried. I really have tried to make amends.”

“The people you killed, were they bad people? Did you kill them to protect someone as you did for Sister Marie and me? Or, did ordinary people like me become your targets?” Amelia asked in a strangled voice. It took all of Amelia’s self control to hide her emotions, but the tenor of her question betrayed her as she fought the urge to bury her head in the sand. I want to wake up and find that this nightmare has disappeared.

Olivia hung her head. “They were drug dealers, assassins, traders of children. Basically, they were the scum that resides in the underbellies of society.” She lifted her head and looked directly at Amelia. “I never killed anyone who didn’t deserve it.” When she saw the question in Amelia’s eyes she added, “At least that’s what my handlers told me.”

The sadness that shrouded Olivia’s whole demeanor, made Amelia’s heart fill with pity. “I was always taught that if people were truly repentant of their sins they would be forgiven.”

Olivia cautiously reached across the table and took Amelia’s hand. When Amelia allowed the gesture, Olivia said, “I love you. Every day since you came into my life I’ve prayed for the strength to leave that life behind and work only for good. You’ve been my guiding light out of the ugly darkness that I once lived in.”

The hand felt warm but it didn’t remove the icy chill Amelia felt. “I can forgive your past Olivia but those,” she said with her eyes focused on the packet in the middle of the table. “You said you left that life behind and yet you can still do that to me. Do you have any idea how seeing those made me feel? I feel inadequate.” 

Swallowing hard, Olivia said, “Every time I’m near you I’ve wanted you.” She lifted one hand and caressed Amelia’s cheek. “You are so pure and good. How can I defile you in that way? It just wouldn’t be right. That’s why I went to prostitutes.”

“You’ve asked me to forget and forgive your past yet you can’t do that with mine. I’d call that selfish Olivia. You’ve condemned me to spend my life on a pedestal because you can’t see me as a woman to share your bed.” Amelia rolled her eyes as she dragged her hand from Olivia’s grasp and stood up. 

Olivia got to her feet and pulled Amelia into a hug. “I don’t want any of the ugliness of my life to spill over onto you. Right now, someone is watching everything I do. I fear for your safety,” she whispered.

For a few seconds, Amelia felt the security and love she had for Olivia wash over her–it was a cleansing experience. “I love you Olivia and until the day I die I will always love you. I know it’s a melodramatic statement and one you will no doubt shy away from as you usually do. However, it’s the truth. What I want from you in return is that you love me as you would if we each had ordinary pasts. Can you do that? Can you stop using prostitutes for sex? If you can’t, it won’t matter if someone is watching me or you–we will no longer be together.”

Olivia pulled back slightly and looked into the face she loved before they kissed. The kiss they shared out of mutual desire deepened. This time, Olivia wouldn’t stop–she would make Amelia hers in all ways. Picking her up, she carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. With patience and love, she pulled Amelia’s nightgown over her head. Her eyes took in the firm round breasts where puckered nipples protruded. Once she took off her leathers, she slowly lowered her body and gently kissed Amelia. “I want to make love with you,” she whispered.

All uncertainties and doubts evaporated as Amelia felt Olivia’s naked body sensuously skim across her skin. She was in heaven and the hell that might be knocking on the door would simply have to wait. She drowned in the kisses that Olivia placed on her body. 

+

Parker screamed, “NO,” as she listened to what was obviously sex between Olivia and Amelia. “I will not allow this to happen.” She jotted down the address of the hotel, stood up, picked up her car keys, and rapidly left the observation room.

+ + +
Chapter 22

Parker sat outside the motel and cursed. “Fuck, how could I be so stupid?” In her haste to stop Olivia from making love with Amelia, she forgot a disguise. Now, she couldn’t pound on the door and that angered her. It was her first mistake and it had to be the last.

Formulating a plan, she quietly got out of her vehicle and moved closer to the one the nun owned. With a key protruding from between her fingers, she scratched WHMH. She then returned to her vehicle, parked across the street, and waited.

+

Amelia knew she was staring but she couldn’t help it the goofy smile that had been a permanent fixture on her face since she and Olivia made love. Her grin intensified when she saw Olivia’s eyebrow move in a quirky motion.

“Have I developed a zit overnight because you haven’t stopped staring at me since we got out of bed?” The skin at the corner of Olivia’s eyes crinkled as she smiled back at her lover.

“No, definitely not zits. Are you coming home with me or do we go separately?”

Olivia shook her head and pulled Amelia close. “I don’t think it’s safe for you.”

The body close to hers had an immediate effect as Amelia rested her head on the broad shoulder. It was the same position she’d ended up the night before after Olivia broke all her previous notions of what making love was all about. Sated, she would be happy to stay within the circle of those loving arms forever. However, stark reality proved to be the immovable object after Olivia explained the current predicament they faced.

“I need to get some things…clothes and a few documents. I’ll be in and out of there before you know it. If you recall, you encouraged me to put the important things all in one place in case we had to make a quick getaway. I never understood why until now.”

“I’m sorry it has to be this way,” Olivia said. “Believe me, I want to go with you but since I’m a target you might end up in their sights too and I can’t allow that. I’ll need to go undercover and silent for a while until this is over.” She kissed Amelia and wanted to do more but time wasn’t on her side. She needed to expose whoever was watching her before she and Amelia could get on with their lives.

Amelia sighed heavily. In the space of seven hours she’d run the gamut of life–the highs and lows of a relationship in a short space of time. Although Olivia was trying to be gentle with her over the situation, she knew from the telltale lines of strain still evident on her lover’s face. It wasn’t something she could sweep under the carpet and hope it went away. It might well be with them for the rest of their lives.

 “Ok, I understand. Will you be able to contact me when you go silent?” Am I losing it? Silent means silent right?

Olivia closed her eyes briefly. Amelia didn’t need to know the extent of the threat–not yet anyway. “Once I go undercover there can be no contact.” When she saw worry cross Amelia’s face she said, “It won’t be for long. I just need to flush the person out.”

“If you can’t what happens then?”  

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know.” She gnashed her teeth and looked away. “Someone is out there monitoring my every move.” She saw Amelia’s eyes widen. “Well not every move. I’m pretty sure we’re safe here. I need to discover who it is so I can know what I’m up against and how best to proceed.”

Amelia struggled with the emotional storm brewing in her body as she realized that this could be the last time they were ever together. It was hard to take but even harder to remain calm. “If it’s DOCO…they can’t tempt you back can they?” 

Shaking her head, Olivia said, “No. That part of my life is over.” She sucked in a breath. “It doesn’t feel like something DOCO would do. They have better things to do then focus their resources on harassing me.” She eyed her lover. “Remember Dan Estevez?” When she saw Amelia nod, she said, “I met with him and he told me they weren’t directly involved, although he indicated that indirectly there was something going on and I believe him.”

“He seemed an ok guy and you trust him?”

“Yeah I do. He and I worked together on a number of missions. I always knew he had my back.”

“We’re in a bad place right now aren’t we? Please don’t spare my feelings…I can take it.” Amelia frowned as she caught Olivia’s eyes and waited.

“I think I am in a situation that’s out of my control. I won’t know the why until I know who is behind this.” She pulled Amelia close again. “Yeah, we’re in a bad place.”

“Then you go do what you have to do and I’ll be waiting.” Amelia kissed the skin closest to her and felt Olivia’s heart rate increase.

After a few minutes of complete silence as they relished the closeness of their bodies, Olivia broke the calm.

“I want you to promise me two things?” Olivia said as she fought her own feelings.

Amelia heard the serious tone and replied, “If I can I will?”

“Don’t waste your life waiting for me. Move on and be happy. If I don’t come back after a year, please find someone else to share your life. You have so much love to give.”

A gasp of incredulity escaped before Amelia answered. “I can promise that I won’t waste my life. I’ll never love another person as I do you. I’m going to wait until the day I die for you and that’s a promise.”

Olivia allowed her emotions to show slightly as tears welled in her eyes. “Ok.”

Amelia nodded then replied, “I want you to promise me two things as well.”

With a slight smile, Olivia nodded, “ok.”

“Don’t become an assassin to save my life–it would be worthless if you did. Don’t get killed. I’d rather spend the rest of my life visiting you in prison or spending my life with you on the run then to have that happen.”

Swallowing hard, Olivia nodded. “I can promise you I won’t become an assassin. The rest is in fate’s hand.”

Amelia looked at the clock on the bedside table. “We have to go don’t we?” She didn’t wait for the reply as she disentangled from Olivia and reached for her possessions.

+

Opening the door partially, Olivia’s eyes scanned the area for potential threats–she saw none. Pulling the door open further, she allowed Amelia to exit the motel room.

“Stay between me and the building,” she cautioned. Her eyes continued to survey the area as she walked Amelia to her car. When she saw WHMH scratched into the side of the vehicle, she immediately shielded Amelia.

“What’s the problem?”

“Someone’s vandalized your car,” Olivia said as her eyes widened their scan. Olivia felt bile rise in her throat. The situation had taken on a new twist. “I need to get you to somewhere safe,” she said.

Amelia heard a tremor of panic enter Olivia’s voice that she’d never heard before. “I’ll find a safe place and you go find out who’s behind all this.”

Olivia’s eyes rested on a dark sedan with heavily tinted windows parked across the street from the motel. “Amelia,” she said in a low serious tone. “I want you to go back inside and stay there until I come back for you.”

“Why?”

“Just do as I say. I’ll explain later.”

Petulantly Amelia responded, “I’m not a child Olivia. I can take care of myself. Besides, graffiti on a car is hardly uncommon. I can get it repaired.”

“Damn it Amelia, will you just do what I say?”

“Actually, no I won’t. This is a partnership. Give me the keys. I’m going to collect my stuff. I can’t live my life in the shadows like you Olivia and you wouldn’t want me to.” She reached up and kissed the startled expression of Olivia’s face away. 

Olivia responded by pulling Amelia closer. She whispered, “I’ve spotted someone watching us. I need you to go into the room and lock the door. Will you do that for me? Give it a half an hour and then leave.”

Amelia felt a chill run down her spine at the words and saw the worry etched on Olivia’s face. “Ok, be safe.” She did a u-turn, went back to the room, and locked the door.

Crouched down in the seat of her car, Parker looked at the monitor that picked up the picture from the small camera mounted on the door. She watched Olivia pull the nun behind her while she surveyed the area. “So you’re going to flush me out are you? Be careful of what you wish for O.” Her laughter filled the car. “You won’t see it coming.”

Just as she said those words, she heard Olivia whisper to the nun. “Fuck, she’s made me.” When she looked out of the window, she could feel Olivia’s eyes on her vehicle. Reaching for the ignition key, she turned on the engine and pulled away just as the Harley began to leave the motel parking lot.

After making two sharp turns and pulling into a parking garage, Parker stopped her car. She watched as the Harley passed by and sighed in relief. “I can’t make any more mistakes…I just can’t.” She needed to get a grip on her emotions before her plans spun out of control.

+ + +
Chapter 23

Amelia’s journey back to home had been a potent mixture of wonder and pain. Wonder at the love making she’d shared with Olivia who had been infinitely tender as she felt the tumultuous passion rise inside her body just before her first ever orgasm. When she tentatively and somewhat shyly began to make love to Olivia, she was surprised at how natural it felt. Olivia’s responses had been remarkable.

After their first session of love-making they talked for a short time and Olivia had admitted that her body had been so tightly strung in frustration she’d almost collapsed over the edge once Amelia had suckled her nipples for the first time. After that, it had been several more hours of exploration and sensual appreciation of what they both enjoyed.

Pain had come later much later when Olivia had explained the full extent of the trouble they could possibly be facing. There had been no time for tears. She dearly would love to shed some, as she felt the happiness they had walked the fires of hell to achieve again wrenched back out of her grasp. They agreed that their office code would be the sole contact, no more no less and only in dire emergency. Other direct contact would be impossible until this was all over.

As they lay wrapped in each other’s arms prior to their last passionate encounter, Olivia made one request. If the worse happened and they found her body, she wanted Amelia to have her remains cremated and placed next to her dad. It had been a poignant request and one Amelia had agreed upon reluctantly. The look in her lover’s eyes when she’d finally said yes, made her own anguish at the prospect lessen.

As the warehouse came into her line of vision, she sighed deeply. The only words rolling around in her head were, I love you Olivia, stay safe and please God let her come back to me.  

+

Olivia roared out of the motel’s parking lot in pursuit of the black sedan. She turned in the direction that the vehicle did only to lose it. She traveled several more blocks before she backtracked to the motel. The dust cloud she created as her wheels skidded to a halt looked like she felt–bemused and angry.

In the space of twenty-four hours, her life had changed completely. The love she shared with Amelia had been more than she’d ever experienced in her life. The deflowering of her lover had been for her a special gift that she had taken and tenderly unwrapped adoringly with every movement and sound that emanated from the woman. The love that Amelia showed her made her realize what true love was all about. In the moment that Amelia reached her first orgasm, she knew that all the other times in her life that she thought was in love paled in comparison. She was amazed at her responses when Amelia had made love to her for the first time. It was like the first time all over again–this time it was more intense and inside, she felt that at last, she’d come home.

She was angry that she had to leave Amelia behind. The thought that they might never see each other again was as if she were deprived of oxygen–she eventually would die. Amelia’s calmness and understanding helped her focus on what had to happen. That focus would ensure she found not only who was playing games with her but why. As far as she was concerned, this was the last game they’d play with her. One way or another, it would end.

Olivia pulled her phone from her jacket and pressed a contact number on her list. When the phone at the other end connected, she said one sentence then ended the call without waiting for a reply. “Darker than dreams.”

+

Back in the room in the building across from Olivia’s warehouse, Parker tried to steady her trembling hands. She’d made some major errors that almost caused her plans to crumble. “I’ve got to get a hold of my emotions,” she said to the screen that showed the white Element come to a stop inside the warehouse.

Her fingernails drummed on the table as she watched the nun get out of her vehicle and walk toward the living area. “You need to be dealt with first.” When she picked up the sound of the nun’s phone ringing she switch to the monitor that would allow her to hear the conversation. Olivia’s voice speaking darker than dreams, reminded her of the conversation the two women had the night before. “They’re still using the same code names. How touching.”

As she formulated a new plan, she emitted a low growl. Moving to another computer, she brought up the folder where she kept all the voice recordings of both Olivia and the nun. Rubbing a hand across her chin, she contemplated how to proceed. “Their only contact is with those stupid names.” Mysteries of the universe, was the nun’s code, small but mighty denoted the midget and darker than dreams was for Olivia.

“Perfect,” she said as she began to piece together a new recording. When she finished her first attempt, she clicked play.

“Darker than dreams…Amelia, I’m in trouble.”

Parker laughed. “It’s a little rough but when I’m done the nun will believe it is Olivia.”

Conclusion -->