Fatal Hesitation

JM Dragon & Erin O’Reilly

Second story in the When Hell Meets Heaven Series

When Hell Meets Heaven Series

When Hell Meets Heaven

Fatal Hesitation

Echoes of the Past

Paradox of Love

The End Game

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Staring at the sign, When Heaven Meets Hell, above the moderately comfortable building it adorned, the onlooker sighed. She had to admit to a degree of trepidation at the name of the agency, which she’d located from the numerous ones in the phone book. It didn’t exactly give peace of mind in ones hour of need. Shaking off the initial doubts the woman opened the door to the office area and walked in as confidently as she could muster.

Inside, she was amazed to see how normal it looked. Perhaps too normal, maybe this was the catch to knock you off balance before reality set in. Glancing around she saw a couple of desks opposite each other and what appeared to be a small reception counter, unmanned as far as she could see. The walls were covered in small landscape paintings, nothing too elaborate, but soothing in their own way. There certainly wasn’t any of the angry depictions of waves crashing over gigantic rocks or stark and lonely scenery. No, these depicted more gentle scenes, babbling brooks and colourful cottage garden types. The colours adorning the walls were done in pastel greens and yellows, producing a feeling of calmness to wash over one’s soul.

A phone rang and a voice appeared from nowhere, or, at least they must have been hiding because she never saw anyone. Waiting a few minutes until the call had ended the woman neared the reception counter and in a soft tone responded, “Hello.”

Virtually jumping out of her skin when the head of a woman peeked over the top of the counter and with an engaging smile replied a greeting back.

“My goodness I didn’t realise you were hiding behind the counter,” the potential client remarked. Her voice initially breathless, gaining her composure soon after by catching her breath, after the surprise of seeing the woman.

Teal grinned warmly, a faint expression of apology in her eyes, “Sorry about that. I like to work at my level for all the normal duties. I’m a dwarf you see,” cheerfully explaining. As seconds later Teal appeared from behind the counter and motioned her to the desk on the left. “How can we help?”

How they had stumbled across such the name for the agency baffled her, as the place seemed far removed from a troubled scenario. Instead she had been greeted by soothing ambiance and now a woman though of tiny stature, was certainly big on personality and abundantly cheerful. “I’d like to book an appointment with a private detective, today if possible. I’m in town from the country.”

“Of course, I’m sure we can arrange that. Detective Santos is free… let me see now. Ah yes, she’ll be available for a consultation at one or four o’clock this afternoon, take your pick.” Teal announced in an upbeat professional manner, while flicking through a diary on her desk.

“One will be better for me then I can travel by train back home.” The woman accepted the appointment gratefully.

“Teal grinned as she picked up her pen, “I need a few details…” Upon noticing a flicker of caution enter the woman’s eyes, amended, “nothing too personal.” Hmm wonder what she’s got to hide, Teal pondered as she took down the woman’s contact details for the file. With the formalities over, the woman stood up and wished Teal a polite goodbye.

Taking only a few minutes over the relevant particulars, Ms. Agnew was ready to leave until her appointment later that day.

“See you at one o’clock Ms. Agnew.” The door closed quietly behind the woman. It left Teal to speculate, which was a small game she played, as to what type of case this would be. Perhaps an affair gone wrong… no she’s too timid. Maybe the husband doesn’t understand her syndrome and all that went with it. Then again it could be…

The inner door of one of the offices adjoining her domain opened and crashed shut behind the person leaving the room hastily. From Teal’s position it looked like the session wasn’t very productive, as the man left the building without a word, his face red and angry. A few minutes later that same door opened and an exasperated woman stood there with a frustrated expression on her face, “Teal, any chance of a decent coffee? I think I’m in need of an OD of caffeine.”

Teal chuckled softly as she saw one of her bosses and good friend, look none to relaxed. “I think you need more than an overdose my friend. I see Mr. James was his usual bubbly self after your session.”

“Teal, how can you equate bubbly and Mr. James in the same sentence? Hmm, well at least we’re making progress.” Doctor Amelia West walked into the calming atmosphere of the room and lounged against the desk that Teal was sitting at.

“I’ll take your professional word for it Amelia,” Teal stood up placing a friendly hand on her friend’s shoulder, which she could only just reach. Fortunately, Amelia wasn’t as tall as her other employer. Because there was no chance of the same action being taken with the private detective, no matter how much she dreamed of touching the muscles in that well sculpted body. Eat your heart out Theron, Teal thought as she left to make the requested coffee.

Amelia glanced down at the diaries of both hers and the private detective, amazed to see that the detective had more appointments than she did for the rest of the week. Although in truth since moving away from her old neighbourhood and taking up residence in a district a couple of miles away, her clients had been severely reduced. The detective’s on the other hand had increased dramatically. Perhaps she should rethink her profession along with her old lifestyle. Not that she had completely cut herself off from her Order, she hadn’t. In fact, with the recent changes and the need to find out what she really wanted in her life, be it the church or… To be honest, she hadn’t decided yet. She’d had wonderful and meaningful conversations with Mother Sara, every Saturday late afternoon now for six months. Perhaps one of the Mother’s suggestions that she take a vacation wasn’t such a bad idea, especially with such a small amount of work on her books at the moment.

A visit to the ocean with her folks, who were heading to Maine next week for a month, might be a good tonic for her. Had it really been so long since she’d visited the old haunt by the Ocean. Amelia’s memory kicked in big time as she recalled the last summer she had been there. The weather had been glorious and life had been beckoning her to do something great with her life. As all adolescences think of it as being their right and as her parents had often told her she would be wonderful at whatever she chose to do. Then there had been Don, Don Clayton Jr. he had been her long time pal through the summers of her childhood and on through her teenage years, everyone thought they would eventually end up together when they grew up. Smiling at the old memory of the young man as she recalled with warm affection she wondered what he would look like today. Had he changed in any way and where his life had taken him? Yes, yes she would take a vacation it would be the ideal solution for her at this time, the old familiar places might be the tonic she needed to know where her path should lead her.

Concentrating on the diary in front of her, she shouted softly to her associate. “Teal, do you think it would be possible to rearrange my calendar for next week, no maybe two weeks, without any hassle?”

A voice that wasn’t Teal’s answered her as she guiltily looked up, her eyes moving in the direction of the only person who had a voice like that, Private Detective Olivia Santos. “Darn it Olivia do you have to creep up on people like that?”

A glimmer of something, and Amelia decided it was mischief, that glowed in Olivia Santos’ eyes, as she neared her business partner’s position. “All part of the training my dear Sister Amelia, are you going someplace nice Doc?” Knowing the reference to her nun-days would rile the woman, she was so very easy to tease.

Amelia’s head moved from side to side as she pursed her lips about to retort something smart back, but she knew it would be futile. Olivia Santos could be so childish sometimes. Take the flicking of her nose as an example, which she still did from time to time, why, she’d never fathomed, but one day she would. It was all part of her own agenda to find out how the detective ticked. “I’m considering taking a vacation; therefore the answer would be yes.”

Dark eyes followed the doctor as she moved away from her locality and headed towards Teal. “Doesn’t always equate in my book, however each to their own, any place special or… perhaps with someone special?”

Teal had listened to the banter between the two of them, it always fascinated her. Mainly because of the chemistry that ignited when they were close to each other. As to if that chemistry was good or bad, she hadn’t figured it out yet, but it was early days yet. “I can clear your schedule Amelia for as long as you need.”

A laugh erupted from the detective at Teal’s remark and through the laughter Olivia remarked, “No clients to keep you occupied Doctor? Want to take one or two of mine and lighten my load?”

Slightly angry at the reference to her lack of cliental, Amelia wanted to respond harshly, but fortunately her invaluable church training took over and decided she would suffer in silence. Finally, taking a deep breath, she answered her insufferable-at-times business partner, “I’m taking a vacation with my folks, any objections?”

Olivia’s dark eyes smouldered at the reply and she was about to say something else when Teal interrupted her. “Olivia, I’ve booked you another appointment at one, don’t be late. Great idea Amelia, don’t your folks go boating in Maine this time of the year?”

Amelia smiled at her friend thankful that at least Teal was on her side. Laughing inwardly as the detective groaned at having to go through another meeting. One thing the detective hated was the initial interviews, oh yes and the paperwork. “Yes they do, it’s been a while since I last took a vacation with them.” Her eyes were in a far distant place as she was given her coffee and ambled in a better state of mind back to her office.

“What are her folks like Teal?” Olivia asked nonchalantly.

Teal smiled warmly, she knew Olivia’s tactics. She was interested in Amelia’s background but refused to ask the doctor personally. “Great, wonderful people you couldn’t ask for more stable parents. I think deep down they were disappointed that Amelia went into the church like she did, they thought she had the promise of being a high flyer in her profession.”

Olivia pondered that a moment and then asked, “What do you think they think of her decision to join up with me?”

With her hands behind her back and fingers crossed she answered cheerfully, “Oh they think it’s great.” They didn’t however, far from it, but Olivia didn’t have to know that. It wasn’t as if she was ever likely to meet them.

For a few moments Olivia digested the information and with a shake of her head glanced down at her solid looking appointments, “What was the new potential client like, in that role-playing mind of yours, Teal?”

They both laughed as Teal’s supposed secret musings were revealed. As she began to describe Ms. Sharon Agnew and her own thoughts on what the case might entail.

The smell of the sea breeze as Amelia gulped in another lung full was a cherished memory. One she recalled when the overpowering dryness and at times dirty air of the city invaded her life. Amelia smiled as she waved to her parents who were about to take out their small boat for a couple of hours. They had been overjoyed at her decision to join them for a couple of weeks. She had arrived earlier that day and hadn’t told them about her decision to vacation with them. Turning up on the doorstep of their rented condo had been a gamble, but one that had paid off - they had been there. Tonight they were going to the sailing club on the marina, a place she hadn’t been in for over fifteen years. The last time had been the summer before she’d entered the Order. She had just turned eighteen and her decision to enter the nunnery had been in part made up that summer. Turning to leave the jetty, Amelia strode towards the house finally settling into a wicker chair with a book at her side. She closed her eyes, relishing the peace and quiet of her surroundings. She had missed this place when she had left this life behind. As she let the smells and sounds of the area permeate into her body, it felt that another load had been lifted from her shoulders by just being here.

Then her thoughts drifted to the office. Teal had arranged her diary to allow her as much time as she needed, the whole month with her parents if she required. That she felt wasn’t an option though surprisingly even her business partner had been, for once, enthusiastic about her leaving. To much she felt, as the woman had almost frog marched her out of the building on that last Friday. Anyone would think she wasn’t wanted at work, though work was a debatable expression at the moment. As her work with the church had virtually dried up and she had only a handful of old clients, and soon they would be gone too, leaving her with a very light maybe one would say non-existent caseload. Not even the compulsive Mr. James would be with her forever.

Her goal must be to make new contacts and start all over again. All she had to do was remind herself that she was good at what she did and her previous results proved it. Although the church had been rather stubborn in lending their support at the moment, and it wasn’t because she was taking a break from the nunnery either. Nope, the leaders hadn’t forgiven her involvement in the death of Father Johansson. They had chastised her at length for not involving them earlier in her doubts and allowing him to die at the hands of Detective Santos. Even though there had been no time and the detective’s actions had been in self-defence, they failed to hear her explanation and had closed ranks on her. Only Mother Sara still had any time for her, but after six months she knew that the Mother would want her to decide which road she wanted to take in the future. At the moment, she was still at the crossroads she had been at months earlier, with each road offering her parts of life she wanted and other parts she didn’t.

A noise woke her from her thoughts as she heard the crunch of gravel on the side drive and the sound of footsteps could be heard getting closer. Standing up, she walked the few feet to the gate at the end of the drive and peered over it to see who was visiting. As she saw the figure of a man approach, she put her hand to her mouth in disbelief.

A handsome tanned athletic looking man returned her gaze as his lips curved into a warm smile as he neared the gate.

“Well, my folks were right. They did see you arrive this morning. How are you doing Amelia? You look fabulous.” The man’s voice had a deep timbre full of rich tones. One of those voices you could listen to for hours and never really care what was being said.

Amelia returned the smile with a surprised but pleased one of her own. Quickly opening the gate and closing the gap between them, she hugged the man warmly.

“This is a wonderful surprise. I never thought we’d meet here again. Don, you look as marvellous as always. You’ve become even more handsome than you were at twenty-one.”

Don Clayton Jr grinned down at the petite woman in his arms and then pushed her gently at arms length so he could look at her properly. His glance taking in every aspect of her face and figure and from the smouldering look in his eyes he still liked what he saw today, as he had when they had been growing up. “You haven’t changed a bit Em. I wasn’t sure if being a nun would have been good for you. It obviously has been, but what are you doing here?”

Gently disengaging from his grip on her arms Amelia smiled at the pet name he had for her, he had always shortened her name to Em from the first day they met when she had been six and he had been nine. He had been her friend during each summer vacation and each year they had been inseparable. Don had been her first and only boyfriend and she had shared her first teenage kiss with him. For her it had been growing up, learning and experiencing new things, but she had never been serious about him. He had been and that last summer he proposed. Trying to let him down gently hadn’t been easy; eventually he’d wished her well, although at the time she had a feeling that he hadn’t meant it. Still that had been years ago and he was probably married now.

“Taking a vacation, my parents probably told yours that I’m taking a break from the convent?”

“Yes, isn’t that a little strange? I didn‘t think that was allowed.”

Amelia laughed as she motioned for him to follow her to the veranda. “We are not prisoners just because we take our vows Don, but you’re right it isn’t common practise. Anyway what about you did you finally settle down and have a family? I remember that’s what you always wanted.”

There was silence for a moment and she thought she’d hit a nerve, maybe he was divorced or something along those lines.

“Nope, never found anyone like you. I guess you spoiled me for anyone else. He grinned at the remark and Amelia wasn’t sure if he was teasing her or not. She decided that he was. No way was she going to have her professional mind kick in, she was on vacation.

“Oh, there’s a girl out there for you Don, you just haven’t found her yet.” Amelia smiled warmly as they engaged in small talk. Now it really did feel like she was part of her old life again.

Teal had left for the evening as Olivia sank down into her leather chair behind her paper strewn desk. Contemplating the assignment she had set up for tonight. She was going to tail a guy whose wife was suspicious of his frequent evenings late at the office. Classic affair type experience in her book, though she could be wrong, but rarely was. Next weekend she was going to travel to the country, a small town called Ransomville. A place she had never heard of until Sharon Agnew had arrived at her office with her assignment. Certain aspects of the case had interested her or she would have declined the work. Travelling out of town for three hours wasn’t her idea of fruitful work and she had plenty to choose from here.

Picking up several folders she tossed them into the filing basket thinking that tomorrow morning Amelia would have been in her office and cleared away the old files into the filing cabinet. A job she hated and Max had always taken care of. Except, now that she thought of it, Amelia wasn’t here and wouldn’t be back for at least two weeks. The information registered in her brain and it made her feel deflated. As much as she loved to tease the doctor, it was a defence mechanism too, because she didn’t want Amelia knowing that she was important to her. In her mind the doctor had replaced Max in some ways in her life, especially here in the office. Standing up, she walked over to the window and watched the rain splash against the pane groaning at the prospect of her work tonight. Hopefully Amelia was enjoying much better weather, the ex-nun deserved the break and when she returned maybe her work load would increase for the better. Or, maybe she’d return to her old job as a nun if things didn’t look up. That particular thought caused her to sigh heavily. Shaking away the depressing notion, she switched her phone to the service. Picking up her outdoor gear, she left the office for the evening, as her mind now concentrating on the work at hand.

Amelia laughed at her parents knowing looks as they shared a light snack prior to dinner. “Okay, out with it, you’re both dying to say something, what do you want to know?”

Pearson West winked at his daughter as he buried his head back in the local newspaper, allowing his wife to elaborate if she chose.

“Darling, whatever do you mean?” Shirley West had to mask the smile that threatened to engulf her features and give it all away.

“I mean that smug I told you so look. I might have been out of the family unit for a while now, but trust me it’s something a child never forgets.” Amelia crossed her arms across her chest waiting for the response. She knew her mom would cave in she always did and right on cue her mother’s voice chipped in.

“Amelia really, we just happened to notice, your father and I, that is, you’ve been spending a great deal of time with Don. Will you be having dinner together tonight too?”

She might have known, although she could hardly blame them for their interest. Six months away from the convent and her vows, and she was gallivanting around the area with one of the most eligible bachelors around. “Don and I are catching up that’s all. We haven’t seen each other since the last time I was here. I had to be around eighteen then. It’s no big deal.”

Shirley West held a hand to her face, wiping away the comment silently she was about to add. Her daughter, for all her professional expertise, was a novice when it came to men, and Don Clayton Jr. certainly wasn’t a novice. For the past ten years he’d brought a different companion for his vacation time here. Even his poor parents had given up on him settling down. “Please remember, Amelia, you are still a nun and you need to follow some form of decorum. Don isn’t exactly the shy retiring type.”

In the week she’d been back in Don’s company she hadn’t gained the impression he was a Don Juan, far from it. He appeared, to her anyway, tentative and shy in the emotional stakes. Did this mean he was holding out on her? Or, was he watching out for her regarding critical remarks heading in her direction from other than family members? “Mother I’m old enough to know what I can and can’t do, and trust me, nothing sinful is going on.” Amelia winked as her mother blustered and walked away from the table. Her father’s chuckle from behind the newspaper indicating he’s enjoyed the retort.

“What do you think of Don these days Dad?”

Pearson lowered the paper he was reading and smiled gently at his only child, “Some people are never satisfied with what life has given them. Don’s one of those people. Maybe your coming back into his life will provide him with a direction.”

Amelia scowled, “Dad I’m not thinking of a serious relationship with Don. No way is that in the cards now or in the future.” The very thought made Amelia’s stomach churn. She wasn’t ready for any kind of commitment except for the ones she’s already taken on board.

“Have you told him that?” Pearson’s voice rose in a serious tone. He hoped Amelia knew what she was doing. Don had always had a thing about her and it looked to him as if the torch hadn’t extinguished over time.

With a chuckle, Amelia grinned at her father as the ridiculous nature of the conversation finally sunk in. “I’m sure he’s under no premise that we are anything other than old friends. Look, I need to get changed he’ll be here in an hour.” Noticing that her dad looked slightly worried she kissed his cheek on the way past. “Okay, just for you I’ll make sure he knows that there can’t be anything other than friendship. Will that satisfy you?”

Pearson didn’t reply immediately and Amelia was out of ear shot when he did, “Works for me darling but I doubt it will for Don.”

Teal watched Olivia mooch around the reception area. It was Friday and normally at this time of day the detective and the doctor would spend an hour over coffee at the end of the day discussing, as much as they could without divulging any privacy of their respective clients, their current and prospective case loads. The session was as formal as Amelia had managed to pin the detective down over how their mutual business partnership was working. As Teal watched the uncertain movements of the detective she considered what action if any she should take to bring Olivia out of her funk. In truth she had been like this all week, ever since Amelia had left for her vacation. God help them if her friend decided to go back to the convent and leave this life behind her, because there was no way the convent would allow her to continue with this existence.

“Any plans for the weekend Olivia?”

Full lips pursed in the olive skin of the beautiful woman who towered over her like an avenger. Then intelligent emotionless eyes stared hard into Teal’s warm green ones, and, as she spoke, they lit up fractionally, “I’m going to Ransomville in the morning to look into the Agnew case.”

Teal looked down at the diary and a faint smile flooded her small mouth as she shook her head at the statuesque woman. “Don’t you do anything but work Olivia? I bet even Amelia is having fun and she’s a nun. Not that a nun can’t have fun, because they do of course, but in their own way if you know what I mean.”

“I’m sure the good Sister will appreciate your understanding of her sense of humour. Though it’s been my experience that the personnel attached to religion in general are bereft of a decent belly laugh in their arsenal,” Olivia remarked drolly.

Teal laughed at the comment because, of course, Olivia wasn’t far short of the mark in her humble opinion. “You didn’t answer my question, are you going too?”

The slight drop of her eyelids over her eyes had Teal for a moment wondering if Olivia was teasing her with a wink, however her next words disproved the notion. “No time for a private life in my situation it causes too many casualties.”

Pondering the solemn words, Teal had to agree that perhaps in the detective’s case she did have unfortunate accidents happen to those she loved. Though that didn’t mean you couldn’t keep trying, she was proof of that. “Oh I don’t know Olivia, believe me, being a dwarf isn’t the easiest when it comes to having a stable romantic attachment. Now look at me, I can honestly say the last three months have been the happiest in my life and it’s all thanks to you.”

Olivia gave a mocking laugh, “I hardly think you meeting the architect for the changes we had to this place was my doing.”

Walking around her desk, Teal stood next to the detective who was three times her size. Raising her hand and extending her index finger she stated, “One, did you not recommend the company?” Not waiting for an answer, she extended another finger. “Two, who was it that brought Phil in on the project?” Not missing a beat, a third finger was added to the other two. “And third, who owns the company, but Phil.”

“Don’t split hairs Teal, if it makes you happy to think that way go ahead, I’m pleased for you. Have you told my business partner about your love affair yet?”

Teal this time looked the more hesitant of the two of them as she mulled over that question. It shouldn’t have been difficult to talk to Amelia about her love life she was her oldest friend. Although they had never talked seriously about romantic attachments, Amelia being a nun made Teal hold her tongue when it came to romantic dalliances. Except this was different, totally different, she was in love. Currently at this crossroads in Amelia’s life she didn’t want to throw her another curve ball. “Not yet there hasn’t been the right moment.”

Olivia gave Teal a long hard look and then directed her glance away to the window. It was bright sunshine and the weekend was going to be the same. “Okay, don’t leave it too long, because friend or not, she’ll wonder why she wasn’t taken into your confidence. Right now she needs all the bolstering she can get into believing she belongs with this life of ours. Changing the subject, the last of the changes are due next week are they still on schedule?” Olivia decided to move on as Teal was looking out of her comfort zone.

Grateful for the conversation switch, Teal grinned. “They sure are. Amelia’s going to be stoked when she returns. I’m glad I mentioned that particular item to you by accident.”

Olivia smiled at the buoyancy that exuded from the pint-sized woman. “Yes, so am I.” Although, initially when told, Amelia had loved the ambience in Olivia’s private quarters at her warehouse, in particular the soothing music. She had been somewhat annoyed that her domain had been invaded. Eventually she had shrugged off the notion that the doctor had been spying on her, and decided to incorporate similar aspects into the doctor’s room at the office and her own apartment. Things had worked out perfectly when Amelia had wanted a vacation. It meant that the work could be carried out when she wasn’t here, thereby creating a surprise for her return. In a way, it was Olivia’s way of saying thank you for being there. Sometimes actions speak louder than words and she hoped that it would swing the doctor to remaining there permanently rather than returning to the convent.

“We are having a party Saturday night, want to come over for a couple of hours?” Teal decided that as there were no clients due, and it was Friday, closing the office half an hour early wouldn’t be a problem. Teal returned to her desk and began placing her work in the cabinet to be locked until her return on Monday morning. “Anyway I thought I’d call it a day now.”

“I’m not sure I can make it Saturday. Ransomville is three hours away and I’m not sure what to expect. I’ll take a rain check Teal, thanks all the same.” She had been thinking exactly the same about leaving the office early. She needed a change of scenery and a drive on the Harley out of town for a few hours would be refreshing.

“You have it. Anything you need before I leave?” There had been no need for her to ask if it was okay to leave early she was in charge of the administration. If she closed the office early, or opened it late, neither partner would say anything. It was all in the way they split the work load.

“Have a great weekend, I’ll see you Monday.” Olivia walked back towards her own office space and then swung around speaking again. “Have you heard from our vacationing doctor, Teal?”

Without thinking, Teal excitedly narrated her last tentative contact. “Not exactly. However her mother answered the phone when I needed to check up on something. Would you believe it Amelia was out… with a man!”

The cheerful words seemed to jolt Olivia bodily as she tried to find something to say about the situation. Turning on her heel, she muttered, “Good for her.” As she closed her office door with a sharp click of the hinges.

Teal was so engrossed in leaving the office tidy she failed to notice the detective’s pallor at the news. If she had, interesting thoughts would have been rumbling around in her head to match up with the others she already speculated upon.

The evening had been wonderful. From the delightful meal at the sailing club to the friendly banter she and Don had always shared. To top it off, the glorious sunset they now looked upon from the small bridge close to her parent’s condo.

Breathing in the scent of the evening, she could smell the sea lapping at the shore to her left and the pungent but not unpleasant aroma of the flowers that were growing beneath the trees lining the road to the beach. Another fragrance assailed her senses and she smiled as she figured out what it was, Don’s aftershave. At least she suspected it was the lotion. “Isn’t it a beautiful sight?” Amelia turned to her companion and blushed slightly as she locked glances with the man at her side who wasn’t looking in any direction but straight at her.

“Oh yes, it never fails to amaze me.” His flashing, white teeth against the tan-bronzed skin glistened as the moonlight caught them. Her thoughts shifted for a moment to her business partner and wondered how she was doing without her to keep up on the filing. “Penny for your thoughts?” Don remarked quietly as he saw something in her eyes that he was sure didn’t have anything to do with where and whom she was with at that moment.

With a faint chuckle, Amelia looked down to the beach from the bridge as she shrugged slightly. “Nothing to tell, I was thinking about work.”

Don gave her a hard look as he considered that for a moment before replying. “I see. You mean me and this marvellous evening cannot distract you from thinking about the job? It must have a powerful hold on you… or maybe it isn’t the job, but someone who works with you?” He didn’t know a great deal about her associates but he was sure she worked predominantly with women, gleaned from various things mentioned by his parents.

For a second Amelia wasn’t sure how to answer him, his voice had taken on a bitter edge and she wondered why. “Oh Don, please you can’t be serious. Tonight puts everything else including the work in the background. I can’t tell you when I’ve enjoyed an evening so much, thank you.”

What happened next had Amelia reeling, although she should have known it might happen. Don bent down and kissed her gently at first then with mounting passion. It was that passion that had the alarm bells ringing inside Amelia’s head. This wasn’t exactly how she had planned to tell him they could be no more than friends. Pulling away from the embrace, she was thwarted by his strength. It wasn’t until she pummelled him on the chest to drag him out of his emotional out-pouring that she was able to get free. Oh great this was way out of my league. Moving away from him she saw his eyes glazed with passion and he was struggling to keep control of his emotions. Amazingly he did, almost as quickly as he had fallen foul of them.

“Amelia I’m so sorry I don’t know what got a hold of me. No, that wouldn’t be right. I do know, you have. You enchanted me as a child, then as a young woman, and today the feelings haven’t changed.” He spoke softly as though she was a child as he reached out and took hold of her hand before she could prevent him.

Swallowing hard, she smiled gently. This isn’t going to be easy. “Look Don, you and I have known each other for years it’s natural that you have feelings for me, but…” she was prevented from finishing at that moment as he held his fingers to her lips.

“Don’t Amelia. Please don’t give me all that psychological babble. I know how I feel, have always felt about you and now you’re free. I want you to know that I’m waiting for you… have always waited for you. I knew you’d return to me one day.”

Oh my goodness, Amelia’s thoughts crashed around her this wasn’t what she expected. Had he carried a torch for her all those years? Their romantic liaison was never a possibility in the past and it certainly wasn’t in the future. “Don, I’m flattered…of course I am. However, I took some serious vows years ago and it might look like I’ve left that life behind, but it’s always going to be part of me. Whatever I decide to do with my life in the future, I can’t be anymore than a friend to you Don.”

Don Clayton would not be thwarted. He’d waited for her all these years and now she was free and no matter what she said he intended to make her his. She’d agree in the end, he’d make sure of it. “Hey Amelia look, I’m sorry for coming onto you so strongly. Let’s call it a night shall we and see what tomorrow brings. We have that invitation to go sailing with the Courtney’s in the morning at nine. Let’s get you home for your beauty sleep.”

In a way it was a relief to Amelia that he appeared to be taking her words seriously. Although, she felt that there was an undercurrent in his manner that gave off an emergency signal. Tomorrow was another day and being in the company of another couple was a relatively safe option. After that she’d ensure she was never alone with him again.

“Good idea, it has been a long day.” They walked towards the condo at a pace that would have had people wondering if rain was on the way instead of a perfectly balmy clear night.

Sharon Agnew waited pensively for Detective Santos to arrive at her home. The detective had called yesterday to confirm her visit and an hour ago had indicated she was on schedule, the 9:00 am meeting would still be good. It was a relief that at last someone had understood her plight and was going to help. Having lived in this town for most of her life it was hard to stomach that no one believed her protestations about the predator who was stalking her. If not stalking her at least making a good job of pestering the life out of her with their messages and strange gifts left on her doorstep, mailbox, or at the school.

Even the Principle of her school had written the events off as a prank by one of the kids, indicating they would stop it when they became fed up with the trick and move on. However, they hadn’t! Whoever was doing this had continued to send the objects for the last eight months and now the situation was escalating. From small insignificant items like a comb, toothbrush, hair ribbons, the items had changed to offal from cattle and pigs. The last one had been a pig’s ear and with it a note-this could be yours. She had taken the offending item and the note to the sheriff, but the police had been embroiled in the antics of teenagers threatening business’ in town so she’d been relegated to going on the list when they had the time. That had been the last straw; she knew then only outside help could rid her of this problem.

Finding someone who could take on the case had been the difficult part. Several well known local agencies in the state had declined her business. Finally, beyond desperate, with eyes shut tightly, she blindly stuck a pin in the phone book. Was it luck or divine intervention she didn’t know. All she knew is she found an agency that would take her case. Looking at the concise printing on the detective’s card, she had to admit that the name of the agency had been off-putting, who in their right mind would call a business, ‘When Hell Meets Heaven’? Whatever bizarre things the mind conjures up when faced with the title, she had to admit the private detective she’d seen appeared capable and interested, which was the main criteria. Now she was sure things would move along and this situation would be put to bed at last.

The sound of tires crunching on the side drive of her house had Sharon quickly appearing at the window and looking out. A silver jeep was now parked in the driveway and the vehicle door opened. A black booted foot appeared followed by the lithe figure of the private detective she had been waiting for. Twitching back the curtain she waved at the detective who gave her a small barely discernable acknowledgement as her eyes surveyed the surrounding area. Leaving the window, Sharon headed to her front door and opened it to allow the detective inside. Now that the woman was here she wasn’t at all sure it was a good idea, what would folks think in town if they found out? What did it matter they had no interest in her or what happened to her that was blatantly obvious.

“Welcome to Ransomville, Detective Santos. May I offer you refreshment after your journey?” Sharon held out her hand and Olivia who had quickly surveyed the area around the house before shaking the hand in greeting.

“Sure, I’ll have a lemonade, very cold if you one?”

There was a tinkle of laughter from Sharon Agnew as she motioned for Olivia to enter and led her to the study. “No country girl would be worth her salt if she hadn’t detective.”

Not sure how to answer that one Olivia merely nodded and followed her client. Inside she noted that there wasn’t a piece of furniture out of place or evidence that anyone used the room she was shown into. A vast majority of the furniture looked brand new and barely out of the packing, others hadn’t even had the cellophane taken off, notably the chairs. “Have you just bought these?”

Sharon looked at the objects in question, hesitating for a moment before replying. “I guess you could say that.”

Olivia turned her head to the side and gave the woman a long hard look as she digested not the words but the manner and tone of how they had been delivered. Sharon Agnew was lying, now why would she do that…interesting. “If you want a hand to unpack I’ve been told I’m pretty good in that department.”

Sharon sucked in a deep breath as she saw the muscles ripple in the strong arms of the detective, I just bet you are and others too no doubt, she thought as she shook her head instead. “I’ll take care of it later. Let me fetch you that cold lemonade, where are my manners.”

Olivia carefully observed every item in the room, having a great memory for that kind of thing had held her in good stead for years. As she did so her instincts kicked in big time, something about the place wasn’t right, she couldn’t place a finger on what exactly but it wasn’t. Maybe the fact that the woman was spooked had a great deal to do with it. In the next few hours as she delved into the gifts and messages that Ms. Agnew had saved perhaps her intuition would solve the puzzle for her.

Walking over to a desk, which was the focal fixture of the room she picked up one of the two photos there. It was a group photo of what appeared to be a graduation. She had one herself. Except hers was hung on the kitchen wall, appropriate for her as it was the only place bar the central computer console that she spent any length of time. Placing the picture back in exactly the place she had taken it she selected the second photo, this was more personal. It showed Sharon Agnew when she was a little younger with two other women, perhaps her siblings, though there weren’t any noticeable similar features. They all looked happy and Sharon in particular. A sound behind her had Olivia replacing the photograph carefully and turning towards the noise. A faint smile played over Olivia’s lips as she saw the expression on Sharon Agnew’s face, she wasn’t happy. “I have a graduation picture displayed at home, is this from yours?”

“Yes, I was top of my year and had the teaching world at my feet. Or so my lecturers said at the time.” There was an underlying bitterness that permeated her voice as she placed the lemonade on the highly polished coffee table.

Olivia digested every movement and gesture from the woman, she was certainly edgy. “Know what you mean, right, how about we look over your… keepsakes.”

At the mention of the items Sharon seemed more cheery, another oddity Olivia supposed. Where was a shrink when you needed one? As she thought that, a genuine smile crossed her lips as the face of Amelia West flooded her mind. A thought she banished into the background as she opened the large box stuffed with various objects and letters.

Teal laughed as she replaced the receiver of her phone. Phil was going to arrive later today to check that all the alterations that had been completed were as the doctor order… or in their case the detective. The mere mention of Phil had Teal’s senses going into overload as she thought of the weekend they had shared. It had been nothing short of perfect and all she wanted was to be held in those strong yet gentle arms again. Argh, who said working kept you alive in this mercenary world, she’d settle for love anytime. As she continued to wallow in her own daydreams she failed to hear the phone at first, but then had to scramble to lift the receiver and sound professional when her whole body felt like jelly.

“Hello this is the WHMW agency how can I help?”

A familiar voice that held amusement answered. “You can help by not spending the whole day, daydreaming about a certain party.”

“Oh darn it Olivia how did you know… I wasn’t anyway!” Teal spluttered out in self-defence. A huge grin plastered on her small face, the detective was good, way too good.

“Teal, can you do some leg work for me please?” Olivia asked politely. She would normally have asked Amelia but as the doc was on vacation it was the next best thing.

“Sure, how can I help?” Her adrenalin received a burst that had nothing to do with sex at this unusual and rare request.

Olivia smiled into her cell at the surprised but excited tone and that was good. “I need to have a background check done on Sharon Agnew at this address. If you can’t find anything give Captain Tourney a call, his number is…”

“Oh hold it right there Olivia. How can I ask a police Captain to do that for me?” Teal was astounded at the request. She knew that Olivia had friends in strategic places and apparently, according to Amelia, the Captain and Olivia went back years. However, that didn’t mean she could ask for that kind of information. “What if he asks me why?”

There was a loud chuckle at the other end of the line. “David and I go back a long time Teal. Trust me if he knows it’s for me he’ll find out. It will cost me a dinner date with him, but I’ll survive.”

“Oh he’s sweet on you, now I get it. No problem at all.” Teal announced pleased to find out that Olivia wasn’t as alone as she appeared.

There was a profound silence at the other end and then Olivia spoke quietly. “Just find out what you can about my new client. By the way are the alterations to Amelia’s office and her apartment complete?”

Teal had a six-month learning curve of knowing when Olivia wanted to change the subject and this was that time. “Yes, Phil will be here this afternoon to check out the finished product.”

Drolly, Olivia remarked as she ended the conversation, “I suspect that isn’t all Phil is checking out. Call me when you have the information… sooner rather than later Teal, bye.”

The mention of Phil’s name did that somersault thing to her stomach again as she drifted off for a few seconds into her own dream-world that existed just for her and Phil, oh if only. Then she pulled herself back to her professional mode and began the task of finding out as much as possible about Ms. Sharon Agnew. A question tumbled in Teal’s mind as she did so, why hadn’t Olivia done this research earlier?

Amelia sat comfortably in the window seat of the conservatory of the condo. She had a book resting on her lap apparently in the process of reading however the pages had not been turned. To anyone looking, she gave the impression of serene peacefulness, except that was far from the truth.

Although yesterday had been a relative success in that she hadn’t been alone for a second with Don, it was clear he thought that nothing untoward had happened between them. His demeanour had been relaxed and cheerful. A visage she may have wore for the public at large, but not when she returned home later that afternoon. Feigning a headache as an excuse to reject dinner with Don for that evening, he had taken it well, though she was sure he was suspicious of the well used excuse. Fortunately she hadn’t had to fabricate an excuse for her parents who had seen her lacklustre smile when she’d greeted them and they had discreetly mentioned that it would be nice to have a long bath and relax after her day out. Dutifully she had done that and in many ways it had been good for her… except for one thing. Her thoughts had drifted to work, or rather the agency, and the two people she missed the most, Olivia and Teal.

It was becoming clearer through this haze of indecisiveness she had worn like a mantle since leaving the convent, that very soon now she had to make a choice. There was no diverting the issue for much longer and after this vacation she had to decide what was best for her and the people involved in her life. Be it the convent and her order, or the agency and her friends. At times like these she wished she had someone to confide in- someone like Sister Marie. Although they hadn’t been in each others company any great length of time she had felt that spiritual aura the Sister had wielded reach into her soul at times and make her realise she had a say in what her life should be and not hide behind the mantle of the order she had thought for so long to be her place in life. Still she couldn’t quite divest herself of either of the lifestyles she had indulged in. If only there was a halfway house that she could happily attach herself to and live her life that way in both camps.

Her parents had decided to spend the evening in and they had a pleasant enough meal and watched TV together, a past time that was gentle on all of them. Her parents recognizing she had decisions to make that they couldn’t help with, which was a particularly hard thing to swallow for any parent watching their child flounder and being unable to help in any way. Right now all they could do was wait for that moment when their child decided to trust them with her problems, which might be never. The evening slid by and they all decided that an early night would be beneficial on them all, but particularly on the young woman who appeared to be fighting her own brand of demons inside her head.

The next morning Don phoned and Amelia had pulled a face, duly noted by her mother who immediately explained to him that today they were going to enjoy a family session together, after all he couldn’t monopolise their daughter for all of her vacation. Apparently he had taken it well - even her Mother had a slightly worried expression in her eyes for a few seconds.

“You know Don is a lovely boy darling but don’t you think that you should tell him that you’re not interested in him romantically?”

Amelia scowled at her mother, something she hadn’t done in years and all her convent preparations and training hadn’t diminished her ability to be upset with her parent. “Mother, I tried he doesn’t seem to want to listen.”

Shirley West was pleasantly pleased at the outrage on her daughter’s face; it meant that her petulant child was still inside that public serene image she had shown to the world since adopting the church and God as her life. “Well you didn’t try hard enough, the boy is clearly besotted. What do you think Pearson?”

Pearson West slid the newspaper down slightly and looked at the two women in his life, just like old times, his grin evident as he answered finally. “I think Amelia is old enough and wise enough to deal with this situation. Now if you two don’t mind I’m checking out my shares.” He pulled the paper back up and immersed himself in the ups and downs of the share market.

With a puffed out sound that wasn’t comprehensible Shirley continued her act of preparing more toast.

That had been three hours ago and now Amelia was alone with her thoughts again. What she wouldn’t give for a couple of therapy sessions with one of her patients right now to take her mind off her own problems. Perhaps that was another avenue, instead of Sister Marie; maybe she should see one of her own. As the idea permeated her thoughts she shrunk from it. I am a physiatrist after all, surely I can figure out my own problems. Finally opening the book her mother had given her, a romance, well of course!

Olivia had reluctantly left Sharon Agnew, who was attending a meeting at the local school, to take stock of the small town. From what the woman had cautiously said, there were plans well on the way to closing the school in town and bussing the children to the larger town twenty miles away. Maybe this woman had more on her mind than the person or persons who were sending her the obnoxious messages.

As she crossed the main street to check out the local sheriff’s office, she was amazed that people still lived in places like this. Talk about a one horse town, the placard outside the town indicated that a mere 800 people lived here. As she scanned the main street there were the prerequisite barber, hotel, diner, doctor’s office, sheriff’s office and a local store selling everything under the sun from the cursory glance she took as she passed the building. A small bank flanked the end of the street on the left and to the right was the railroad depot, if you could call the three metre square building a station. Inside she suspected was the last of the Western Union telegraph offices, a completely out of date method of communication and was she glad of the new technology. On the western edge of the town was a church, traditional in style, wooden structure probably from the 1800’s. The local school was on the eastern edge of town and in a completely opposite direction from where Sharon Agnew lived. Not that significant a point really as everything was in walking distance of anyone living in the town’s vicinity.

As she reached the sheriff’s office, she stood for a moment deciding on her approach to the local law enforcement. She could be adversarial, which wouldn’t take much effort from her or she could actually be nice, which would take a great deal of effort. Well, I’ll decide once I met the guy. Opening the door, she stepped inside and was slightly surprised when a female voice asked her how she could help.

Olivia had made the same assumption most did about her that the sheriff was a man. Quickly displacing her surprised expression with a slight smile, “Hi, I’m looking for the sheriff.”

The woman stood up from behind her desk and motioned Olivia forward a beaming smile on her attractive, fresh looking features. Her bright glossy brown eyes held a spirit within them that held Olivia’s attention. Usually that meant that the person was intelligent at least. “Well you’d be looking for me. I’m Sheriff Mason, how can I help?”

At least this seemed like it was going to be a pleasant experience. One thing she did know was that bright attractive women were a bonus when it came to her job. Usually she came across the dregs of society and the police she met were usually world weary men. Holding out her hand, Olivia offered it to the sheriff. “I’m Olivia Santos a private detective from out of town. I’m working for Sharon Agnew.”

Although the sheriff took Olivia’s hand she dropped it quickly as her client’s name was mentioned. “I see. She finally decided to do something on her own about that nonsense she’s been spouting about around town.”

Having seen the notes and gifts the sheriff’s summing up of the situation appeared totally wrong to her. Perhaps she isn’t as intelligent as it first appeared. “Have you seen the items she’s been receiving, especially the new ones?”

“Ms. Santos, I don’t think there is anyone in town that hasn’t seen the box of mementos she carries with her everywhere. However, I did offer to have my deputy look into her case as soon as he was free from the trial in the next town.”

Olivia pondered that statement for a moment. “I’ve seen this kind of thing before when I was on the force myself and it usually means trouble in my experience.”

Sheriff Mason digested her comment and then motioned for her to sit at the desk. “How about we have a coffee and I’ll give you a little background and you can do the same for me.”

The words didn’t hold any sting but Olivia knew that the sheriff was going to attempt to gain more information from her than she was ever going to receive regarding Sharon Agnew. Glancing at her watch, she decided time wasn’t on her side for a lengthy friendly chat with the local enforcement officer. “Sorry Sheriff I have other things to do right now, but if you want to know if I’m good at what I do call this number.” Olivia selected a card and tossed it on the desk of the sheriff who picked it up immediately. Before she could respond the private detective had left.

Turning the card over, Sheriff Mason pulled at her lower lip deep thought.

After leaving the sheriff’s office, Olivia decided the diner was always a good source of local gossip especially in a town this size and anyway she was in dire need of lunch. Crossing over the street, she entered the diner, which had a quaint feel to it much like the rest of the place. As she did so she glanced at the clock on the wall, it was lunchtime and by the looks of the place it was filling fast. Finding a booth that was empty, she sat down and checked her surroundings. The place wasn’t proportional to any she had used in the city but you didn’t need it in a town this small. It wasn’t exactly the heaving metropolis of the countryside either. Picking up the menu, she would have been amazed to see other than the general basic meals offered by any small outlet. The place was clean and tidy if a little shabby around the edges but that wasn’t a bad thing, it gave the place character.

“Hi there what can I get you?” A waitress had appeared at her shoulder, pen poised over a note pad waiting as they did. How was it they had a knack of doing that? Maybe she’d have to take a course because it sure would be handy in her particular line of work.

“What do you recommend?” Olivia peered up into the misty grey eyes of the waitress, who was of average height and weight, pretty much nondescript after that.

The waitress took on that bored expression as she recited the regular menu items and then a couple of the chef’s specials.

“Okay thanks. I’ll have the scrambled eggs with hash browns and a side order of fries. Coffee black and thanks for your help.” Though it would be difficult to say the woman had been any help at all. Maybe it was her tone of voice or the fact she said thank you, because the waitress appeared to shoot out of her boredom and grin back more enthusiastically. “Sure thing, I’ll bring that coffee.”

With a wry smile, Olivia gazed around the place, in particular the people seated inside. They all looked normal-or as normal as you could ever term a human being. Mentally sifting through the items Sharon Agnew had shown her, Olivia created in her mind a plan of action of how to find out who was doing this to the woman. The only thing that kept popping into her head was that she needed to stay overnight and take up a surveillance point near the house, maybe more than one night. Hopefully the perp would make themselves known over the weekend or she was going to have to call Teal and cancel her schedule until the middle of the week and have her call Andy to step in for her on the smaller cases.

Andrew Garcia had been a young man in need of direction eight years ago. She and Max, Max in particular, had entered the breach and bailed the youngster out of trouble putting him on the straight and narrow before he became a lost cause. In that time he’d gone back to school and even ended up with a college degree. Where he graduated in psychological studies and entered the nursing profession. From time to time to supplement his training income he had done a few simple odd jobs for them. Now a fully trained nurse he was working in the main city hospital psych ward, having returned from a year’s sabbatical in Eastern Europe shortly after Max’s death. As she thought about the young man she supposed she should mention him to Amelia sometime, they had something in common. As she pondered that she wondered why she hadn’t before, interesting. Teal was going to be surprised too; she hadn’t been informed of Andy either.

“Here’s your coffee, anything else you need give me a holler.” The waitress disappeared as silently as she arrived.

Sipping the steaming coffee, she pulled a face as the gravely mixture entered her mouth. Wow this is worse than any I’ve had from a vending machine. Replacing the cup on the saucer she felt eyes looking at her. Lifting up her eyes to see who was looking, it wasn’t just one pair of eyes but several; they looked at her in curiosity rather than any animosity. As it was a small town, the gossip mongers would be out in strength if they found out who she was working for and why. As with many people when confronted, they looked away and these country folk did just that. Olivia considered trying the coffee again, but decided against it, instead pouring herself a glass of water. Her lunch turned out to be a rather interesting event no more for the fact that she received more furtive glances than a Hollywood star. As she left she gave the waitress a large tip and a wink of the eye as the woman said, “Anything she needed to head in her direction.” Hmm wonder what ‘anything’ meant. Still she had no time to dwell on such things and decided to head back to the Agnew home and make plans for her stakeout. Tonight she was going to get the sucker who preyed on lonesome women.

Teal knew Amelia was going to love the new additions to the office, hers in particular, not to mention the addition Olivia had arranged to her apartment. It would have been so easy for Amelia to go home with tail between the legs and live with her parents again once she’d effectively left the convent. However, Amelia being Amelia, she didn’t want that, her words, “Who wants to go back to living with parents when you’re in your thirties.” Teal had offered her a place to stay as she had a spare room in her apartment, but that was declined too. This time the excuse was living and working under the same roof with a person was too much; she needed her personal space. The notable person who didn’t offer her a place to stay had been Olivia. It was true the detective didn’t know Amelia that well, but even so from what Amelia had indicated from her view of Olivia’s home she hardly used her place except to sleep anyway. Not that it would have mattered, Amelia would have used the same stock phrase she’d used on her offer to Teal. Though Teal had the distinct feeling Amelia would have taken up Olivia’s offer and a part of her had been a little jealous of that aspect of her friend’s surmised relationship with the detective. What had happened had been better all round as Olivia knew of an apartment. The death of Max Anderton caused a vacancy that Amelia was happy to fill. Olivia also didn’t appear aggrieved that her deceased partner’s home was now being taken over by the new partner; she had called it the right choice. Although as it was close to the office it had its good and bad points, but Olivia living in close proximity was a major plus, even if the detective rarely made her presence known on the weekends. Amelia had spent a fortune on changing the décor and generally upgrading the establishment, so much so it was hard to associate the old place with the new. Now the new addition to the apartment would be a wonderful surprise for Amelia and one Teal knew the doctor would love immediately.

The insistent sound of the phone ringing had Teal heading towards her desk and retrieving the instrument. “Hello this is the WHMH agency, how can I help?” They had decided from the early days, at least she had, that reducing the agency name to initials was a good idea, and less intimidating.

“Teal, how are you doing?” Amelia’s voice sounded reassured to hear her voice.

“Amelia wonderful to hear from you, how was your first week?” Teal was really pleased to hear from her friend she was worried about her. All these changes had to be taking their toll in more ways than her friend would probably accede.

There was a few moments silence and immediately Teal knew something wasn’t right, Amelia was such a spontaneous person. “For the most part great, my folks were pleased to spend some time with me.”

“Oh, there’s a, but, right?”

“Can’t sneak anything past you can I Teal?” Amelia smiled at her end and shook her head ruefully. The sound of Teal’s voice was what she needed.

“You never were a very good liar and I’ve known you for a few years now Amelia. Do you want an excuse to come home?” There was no point pussy-footing around the issue she knew her friend too well. The renovations to the apartment were done anyway so it was safe for her to come back.

With a relieved sigh at the end of the phone Amelia breathed out her reply, “Yes.”

“Great, well I think I can say that you’re needed here. Even our intrepid detective would agree if she was around. Pack your bags. Want me to book you on a flight out of there?”

“No, I’ll make my own travel plans thanks Teal. How is Olivia, busy as always I suspect?”

Teal smiled; yep there was more going on under the deep waters between those two than even they probably didn’t understand. “At the moment I actually think she’s taken on a job she isn’t quite happy with. I’ve even had to call the police captain friend of hers for information. If you ask for my opinion she could probably do with your expert help.”

“Oh you’re only saying that Teal, we both know she’d never admit that she needs m…y help. Though it’s nice to think she might at some stage.” Amelia sounded resigned to the fact Olivia would probably never say she needed her partner’s help.

Teal’s brow furrowed as she dwelt on that comment, stranger things could happen. “Call her cell and say you’re free and does she need any help with any leg work?”

“You know I might just do that Teal, thanks for the information. See you when I get back, should be late afternoon tomorrow.”

The call ended and as it did Teal wondered if Amelia really would call Olivia, it might be one of those moments when ice is broken and things change forever. Thinking of which, her mind returned to her own dreams and a certain party.

Sharon Agnew watched the detective she’d hired from her kitchen window. The evening was drawing in and the woman was settling down to a vigilance of her property for the night. When the detective had told her what she planned to do it had worried her at first. What would the neighbours think? As she thought that she dismissed the neighbours, they weren’t interested in her problems. Only old man Randall ever gave her the time of the day, and his ogling of her chest was the only reason for that. Certainly not for any repartee that might pass between them. Although she’d offered to make dinner for the detective, it was the least she could do in the circumstances. The detective had declined but finally accepted a flask of coffee for during the night. As in all the good movies the night watch was by far the hardest or she would have perceived it to be anyway. Switching back the curtain she’d pulled when observing the detective she walked over to the lounge and put the TV on. At least she could lose herself in her favourite regular soap.

Olivia shifted in her vehicle for a few seconds to get the right posture for her night-time surveillance. As she found the right spot she settled back and replayed the information Teal had found out about her client. There was very little data and even David Tourney hadn’t been much help. It was at times like these when she missed her connection to the Fed’s. Although there was a tentative line of communication between them, it was tentative at best at her choosing. Basically Teal had pretty much stated what was obvious at this end. The woman was a school teacher, had a blemish free career and no criminal record. She had never defaulted on a payment for anything in her life according to the records and was by anyone’s standard a law abiding citizen working through what life had to offer her. A dead end there then, pity because she was sure there was more to Ms. Sharon Agnew than the lily-white information on public record. What she needed was someone like Amelia around to give her opinion, it would be a bonus, one of the reasons she’d had no trouble accepting the doc as her business partner. In many ways she felt their respective career paths melded together well. Not that she’d ever tell Amelia. Not right now anyway, she had too many other questions running in her head that she had to answer first. If the doc decided to go back to being a fully-fledged nun then it would be pointless even mentioning it. That particular thought made her cringe inside, a bad taste surfacing in her mouth. Picking up the flask Sharon Agnew had given her she poured herself a liberal amount of coffee and drank it quickly. Replacing the cap on the flask she glanced over to the nearest neighbour’s house, a guy called Randall lived there. He was harmless according to Agnew, a bit of a pervert in a small way she said. Well small or not, tomorrow she’d make his acquaintance unless he was the perpetrator of the current misdeeds.

Her cell rang at that moment and normally she would have ignored it but as it was in the early stages of her vigilance she looked at the caller ID. Interesting she must have been listening to my thoughts.

“Hi doc how’s the vacation?” Olivia was pleased to take the call, it made her feel somehow whole again, not that she’d realised something was missing.

There was a splutter at the other end. “How did you know it was me?” An accusing voice echoed in her ear piece.

Laughing softly at the idiotic remark, “Ever heard of caller ID in the convent Doc?”

Shooting a hand to her forehead or that’s how Olivia imagined the gesture would be from the doctor, “Of course, stupid of me.”

“Not stupid doc. One thing I would never let anyone say about you is that you’re stupid. In my book you are far from it. Now of course there are other things I might describe you as being… but tell me, why am I honoured with a call at this time of the evening? I thought you’d be out gallivanting all over town?” Olivia grinned as she teased Amelia.

“I don’t gallivant as you call it!” indignation heavy in her tone.

Olivia heard the annoyance building and she reigned herself in as she calmly apologised and asked what the doctor wanted, adding please into the conversation. It mollified Amelia apparently as the doctor replied.

“Teal tells me that you’re away on a case and I thought… well I was thinking.” Darn this was harder than she thought it would be. Olivia would be laughing at her right now and who wouldn’t blame her.

Olivia heard the frustration at the other end and it made her smile, I guess I’m not the only one who has difficulty asking for help. “You know something doc, I was thinking that right now I could do with some of your insight into this case. Pity you’re on vacation.”

There was a sound at the other end that Olivia found hard to describe, it almost sounded like a yelp, but that couldn’t be. Then Amelia replied and the upbeat sound almost had her laughing hard down the cell.

“That’s just it Olivia, I’m not on vacation any more, I can help you out. In fact I’m on the road travelling home, why don’t I take a detour and meet up with you?” Amelia was thanking God silently that he’d heard her prayer.

Olivia grimaced at the thought of Amelia driving through the night on her own… then again maybe she wasn’t alone. “Are you driving alone or do you have someone to help you on the drive?”

“Oh don’t be silly Olivia; I’ve driven in the dark before I’m not a child. Anyway you do it all the time!”

“Yeah I do, but I’m better prepared for any eventuality. Look I’m in a place called Ransomville; it’s a three hour drive north of town. If you’re on the main highway you can probably take a by-pass road that leads here rather than go into the city first. Did you have the garage put that navigational system in the car that I bought you?”

There was a silence for a few seconds, “Okay, I’ll take that as a no. When we go home I’ll see to it myself. Where are you now?”

The censure evident in Olivia’s voice had Amelia glancing furtively to the side roads hoping for a sign, but there wasn’t any. “I passed a place called Baron’s Creek about ten minutes ago if that helps.”

Using the car’s navigational computer system, she entered the name and located Baron’s Creek. Several key strokes later, she had in hand a detailed route for Amelia to follow. Modern technology, you gotta love it; it’s so much simpler than using those fold-out paper maps, which took you forever to map out your route from point A to point B.

According to this the doc should arrive around mid-morning barring any traffic hold ups. “Pull over to the side I want you to note this down.”

Amelia decided there was no use in arguing and anyway she was too happy about being allowed near Olivia’s case. She didn’t want to break the lucky streak she had going. Safely taking a rest area exit, which was fortunately for her coming into view, she dropped the car down the ramp and pulled over at the first chance she got. “Okay I’m stopped let me get some paper.”

Scrambling around in the car Amelia found a pad and pencil and quickly began to write down the details Olivia narrated precisely.

“Do you understand all of that?”

“Sure do, I’ll see you soon, who knows I might be earlier than you think.” Amelia announced cheerfully and was dumbfounded at the caustic response.

“You’ll get here at the time I said, I don’t want to hear about you ending up in jail or worse a body bag because you decided to speed, got me?”

“Okay, okay I’ll do the speed limit. Do you know something?”

Exasperated and now wishing she hadn’t taken the initiative in the conversation by inviting the doc to help her in this case. “And that something would be?”

“You’re worse than my parents; I know how to look after myself.”

Olivia breathed out a silent expletive, “I’m sure you can. I’ll see you tomorrow, drive safely. Bye Amelia.” She ended the call abruptly.

Yawning as she replaced her cell in the holder next to the wheel, Olivia felt suddenly bone weary, which was not like her at all as this kind of work was the bread and butter of her part of the agency, maybe she was the one who needed a vacation. Closing her eyes for a moment she knew usually worked, a slight catnap on duty wasn’t unheard of. And Sharon Agnew by the looks of the TV flickering in the window was still up, which meant it was probably as good a time as any. Reopening the flask she poured a large cup of coffee this time, a shot of caffeine was a wonderful pick-me-up for tiredness, gulping the hot coffee down almost in one draining drink. There she was set for the night and before Amelia arrived she’d book motel rooms for them, if she found one in town. Strange thing was she hadn’t seen one on her travels yesterday; maybe just maybe she was losing her edge and her heavy workload was taking its toll. Yawning once more she settled down in the leather comfort of her car seat and took that catnap.

Amelia had had several hours of mindless driving on empty roads through the night that had given her one bonus, nope strike that two. The first, and for her the most important, had been the fact she was travelling towards helping her partner in their joint business venture for the very first time. The second, she’d had time to sift through all the things that were causing her to doubt who she was and her vocation. At the end of the day the prime factor had been what motivated her now, not what had been the motivator when she was a teenager. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to follow God’s path and help others and worship him, she still did. No one could ever place doubt in her faith, not even the fall from grace of Father Johansson, though that had been a tough one to take. She knew that at the end of it all the boundaries she’d vowed to keep as a nun were for her anyway too restrictive. She watched Teal blossom over the years and change as ones does when they grow older. A part of her had always wanted to join in the fun that Teal enjoyed.

Going back to the convent every evening if she wasn’t out of town on a case had been initially easy, but as the years passed she felt irritated by that factor. The seed had been sown and she had known certain aspects of becoming a nun would be a strain. Although after 15 years should she still be feeling this way, worse in fact? Then Sister Marie, and ultimately the detective had crossed her path, in what she perceived at first to be a normal case scenario. It had ended up far from that, and when the detective needed her most she had been holed away in a convent in seclusion at her choice. When she’d finally been told Olivia needed her support, it had broken all her attempts to cleanse herself of the real world. She had known deep down then her only path was to leave the convent for good. The Mother Superior knew that, however hadn’t wanted to be the one to close the door permanently on that life, even though she herself knew it was slowly closing. Like a slow moving tortoise. It was time to face up to the fact she was no longer a nun and had to come to terms with that and all it meant in her life. One thing she knew for sure she’d never go on vacation with her parents if there was any chance Don Clayton Jr. would be there. That had been a bit of a shock, his attempts to… what she didn’t really know. Her romantic experience level had been far from honed at eighteen when she’d joined the convent. Well who knew, she might make her parents happy after all and marry someday. Yeah right, after all, wasn’t she already married to God?

Turning at the last direction note Olivia had given her last night, she drove onto a tiny street with about four residences there and she didn’t need to look at the address because she saw Olivia’s SUV in a driveway. Heading towards it she pulled up at the side of the road, careful not to block the SUV’s path, or the detective mode in Olivia would be riled big time. The dashboard clock blinked out seven am, which was a good time and she didn’t speed at all or not that she’d noticed anyway. Climbing out of her vehicle she felt the muscles respond slowly along with the odd creaking of a bone as she stretched her whole body after driving for over five hours without a break. Fresh air how wonderful!

Glancing at the driver’s side of the SUV she was astonished to see the profile of Olivia in the vehicle and it looked to her like she was asleep. Curious!

Tapping on the side of the window she tried to catch Olivia’s attention but to no avail, the detective didn’t rouse how odd, very odd indeed. Returning to her car she opened the trunk selecting the first aid kit, which inside she found a small compartment and took out a set of keys. Returning to the SUV she inserted the key in the lock and opened the door. Another of Olivia’s ideas, they each had a set of spare keys for all the vehicles, even Teal’s, though it hadn’t made sense to her at the time, it certainly did now.

As Amelia opened the door the action revealed a deeply sleeping detective. Amelia took a few seconds to gaze openly at the detective. In repose Olivia looked younger than she would have imagined the lines that furrowed her brow most times and around her eyes, were either gone or hardly discernable. There appeared to be almost a gentle aura around her belying the woman’s professional and awake demeanour. The only thing Amelia could equate to Olivia at this moment was that she looked like a beautiful princess. As the thought struck her she pulled herself from her daydream just in time. Her hand had been about to touch the soft facial structure of her business partner. Instead she placed a gentle hand on Olivia’s shoulder and shook her. There was no immediate response. This time she used both hands and mustered as much strength as she possessed and this time really shook her. For her efforts, there was a groggy reaction, thankfully!

“Hey sleepyhead I didn’t realise you slept on duty?” Amelia smiled, teasing Olivia gently, as dark long lashed eyelids blinked slowly at first then staring at Amelia as if she didn’t know her.

“What the hell!” Olivia sat up in her seat dramatically and then groaned as she placed a hand to her head. It was aching like she’d spent the night on hard liquor.

Amelia gave the detective a puzzled frown, “Well I was hoping you’d be a little more civil to me as I’m here to help. However, it looks like you could do with a shower and breakfast, which is on my agenda too.”

Olivia didn’t understand any of this; the last thing she recalled was actually talking to Amelia and giving her directions. After that everything else was a blur, so much so she doubted she had done her duty as the doctor had pointed out. Hopefully for her the culprit hadn’t struck again or she was going to have to come up with a slick cover-up. “I was going to book us into a motel in town, but haven’t managed that yet. Let me check on the house and we can go together when I find out what my client’s plans are for this morning.” Climbing out of her vehicle Olivia felt her legs buckle and if it hadn’t been for the quick observation of Amelia who lent her support by providing a steady arm to hold her up she would have ended up on the damn sidewalk. How embarrassing would that have been for her?

Amelia was worried now, what was wrong with Olivia? She looked terrible as if she’d been sleeping in a car, well that was true, but she hadn’t been sleeping all night or had she? “Okay, want me to come up to the house and meet your client?” Deciding to ignore the fact that Olivia wasn’t herself at the moment, she’d broach that after the detective had showered and eaten.

“No! Look, let me fill you in over breakfast on the case and then you can do your shrink thing, deal?”

“Sure. I’ll wait in my car for you,” Amelia replied softly and left without another word.

A hand reached out preventing her from leaving as Olivia stared into Amelia’s intelligent eyes. “Thanks.” Amelia gave her a quiet smile they both knew the thanks were for more than the explanation just given.

Olivia groggily managed to walk unsupported up Sharon Agnew’s drive. As she did so her head hurt like hell and how to explain her current situation was hard, real hard. Mainly because she didn’t have a clue why she felt like she did and what had happened to the intervening hours since her phone call with Amelia last evening. Arriving at the door she groaned inwardly as she saw a small symmetrically square package about the size of her hand. Peering down at the object she perceived the now familiar scrawl of the author of the letters and other items that Sharon Agnew had received in the past. The only thing that went through her mind at that moment was that she had failed dismally in her efforts to find out who the perpetrator was. The proceeding thought was the person responsible must have known who she was and why she was in town and had somehow taken her out of the equation. Without another second lost she retrieved the package just as the door opened and Olivia deftly placed it behind her back.

“Why detective I was just about to check if you needed any coffee as a reviver after your all night vigil? I slept like a baby knowing you were out here protecting me.” Sharon Agnew beamed a warm genuine smile at Olivia. Who cringed inside, if only this woman knew just how unprotected she had really been.

Olivia gave what she hoped was a reciprocal smile in return though as her lips moved fractionally she felt the headache give her another major jolt as her lips forced themselves into a smile rather than a grimace of the pain shooting through her temples. “Thanks but I’ll have to decline. My... a business associate from town has arrived unexpectedly and I promised to discuss her visit over breakfast.”

There was no denying the disappointment on her client’s face as Olivia tried to move tentatively backwards, however she was stalled as Sharon spoke again.

“I take it there wasn’t any activity last night or early this morning?”

Now that was a question and a half to answer, should she lie? Who would know and would it benefit her client if she knew that another package had arrived? At least this time around, she could have the chance to open it first and check out the contents before she had to admit its existence, if indeed she ever had to do so. Closing her eyes briefly for she knew one person in the vicinity who wouldn’t take kindly to her bending the truth, but she’d deal with that later. “Nothing you should worry about. What are your plans this morning?”

“In an hour I’m due at a church finance meeting. We’ll have lunch afterwards and then I’m normally home by two.”

Olivia considered her options, she needed to speak with the doc and have her opinion about what was happening here, especially in light that she had somehow been compromised because that’s all she could think of and the only place she had eaten had been at the diner. Maybe the waitress had been too friendly, but it would be a good place to take Amelia and have her give it the once over, or rather the waitress if she worked that shift. “Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll follow you there and have my business meeting while you’re in church. Call my cell when you are on the move and I’ll be right behind you watching your every move.”

Olivia didn’t know what she’d said but the woman beamed out a brilliant smile as she accepted the instructions. As the door closed softly behind Sharon Agnew, it brought a sigh of relief from Olivia, who retraced her steps back to the two cars parked off the drive. Amelia had taken refuge in her vehicle waiting for her to return.

Amelia’s window wound down as she popped her head out fractionally. “Are we going now?”

Regretfully, because she sure could do with a shower and change of clothing, she shook her head no. “Can you hold on for an hour or do you want me to meet you at the diner on Main Street?”

Amelia saw the white lines around the detective’s face, she really didn’t look her usual boisterous self and that worried her a great deal! “Why don’t I go book us a couple of rooms at the motel, wherever that might be of course and I’ll catch up with you at the diner? On Main Street you said, right?”

Olivia felt a sense of loss that Amelia wanted to leave her. It must be the effect of the headache and the disorientation she was feeling. Well she couldn’t let the doc know right at this moment she wasn’t quite up to full strength. No way did she want the doc practising her shrink techniques on her. “Yeah, that sounds great. The motel according to the town plan is, go to the end of Main Street, turn right and it’s about a half mile down the road.”

Nodding her head slowly Amelia gave Olivia the once over in a long serious glance that had the detective’s hackles rising slightly. “Meet you in an hour at the diner.” The vehicle’s throaty engine roared into life and Amelia set off in search of the motel.

Standing and watching the receding vehicle with a blank expression on her face, she realised she still had the package. Well she’d open that while she waited for her client, at least she could be useful in that at least.

Settling back into her car seat, she slowly and carefully noted every detail of the package. Once she completed her observations and mentally catalogued in her mind the object’s characteristics she cautiously began the process of opening the box to see what lay within.

Amelia checked her watch and then the clock on the wall of the diner. It was well over an hour since she’d spoken with the detective, where was she?

The friendly waitress had brought her a second cup of coffee and at the refill had appeared a little sceptical when she had said she was still waiting for a friend to arrive before ordering. Pulling out her cell phone she was about to dial the code for the detective when the woman appeared at the doorway and glanced around obviously looking for her. The detective saw her just as the waitress struck up a conversation with Olivia; it appeared way too friendly for a casual encounter. Something Amelia found strangely annoying though why she couldn’t figure at this time. As she waited her impatience grew as the two were apparently involved in a deep conversation. What seemed like ten minutes when in fact it was barely a couple Olivia climbed into the bench seat opposite her. “Sorry I was delayed.”

“I could see that! I thought you would have at least acknowledged my presence before you idly chatted with some waitress.” Amelia retorted sharply and then closed her eyes briefly as she heard the words pass through between them. The detective’s head shooting up at the caustic tone she thought she heard, but that couldn’t be, this was Amelia. No way did a nun speak in such a tone, well not this nun anyway. If it hadn’t sparked another jarring motion in her head Olivia would have thought it amusing.

“Ok, I’m sorry for not acknowledging you first. Let’s order breakfast I need to replace this bitter taste I have in my mouth.” Clearly ignoring the caustic element of Amelia’s comment, which the doc was thankful for as they ordered breakfast. Before Amelia could finish placing her order a cold shudder went down her spine as the waitress took an inordinately long time over writing down Olivia’s order. It niggled at her so much she had to ask after the waitress left, “Do you know her?”

“Not really, why is there a problem?” Olivia waited and a perverse thought went through her head, which she pushed away it was far too ridiculous anyway.

Amelia felt foolish at that moment as she peered reluctantly into the dark eyes of her business partner; a change of subject was needed. “I think you should tell me what you need me for?”

Olivia wisely agreed with the change of subject somehow the other conversation was taking a strange road and neither at this moment wanted to pursue it, whatever it was. Duly the detective gave the psychiatrist a run down of her client and what had transpired thus far. Mentally debating with herself, she hesitated, but decided to gloss over the events or lack of them on her behalf last night.

“You say the police in town didn’t appear worried about your client’s claims, is that right?” Amelia found that kind of strange. In this day and age, statistically single women were most vulnerable and usually the local law enforcement would have taken cautionary action.

Olivia smiled so discreetly it wasn’t observed by Amelia, clever girl, “appeared that way to me. The local sheriff was more interested in me than my client.”

“What did you do to deserve that, break a minor law in town?” Amelia smiled at the detective and they exchanged a warm glance.

Olivia broke the connection as she felt it tugging her towards a situation that could never be. “No, merely asked a few pertinent questions of the good sheriff. She wasn’t…”

“She?” Amelia squealed out and several pairs of eyes looked in their direction as she bent her head in embarrassment.

Oh it was a shame she wasn’t in the mood to tease the doc, because she sure placed the morsels on the plate far too easily. “Yep she! They do have women in those positions, it isn’t the dark ages. Anyway she wasn’t helpful.”

“When did Ms. Agnew receive the last communication from her… stalker?”

The food arrived conveniently at that moment and they both began to consume their respective meals in earnest. Several minutes ticked by and Amelia spoke again, “I’ll need to see the items Ms. Agnew received. It helps to get to know what’s going on.”

“That isn’t a problem; I have them in my truck. When we visit the motel you can look them over while I shower. Incidentally, you did book us rooms at the motel?”

This time Amelia hesitated. “Yes I did. Now finish your meal you look like you need it. Although a bowl of muesli and a yogurt aren’t exactly what the doctor would order.”

Olivia caught Amelia’s gaze in a powerfully searching one and began to speak but changed her mind. “My doctor would approve trust me.” Her doctor would too for more reasons than merely health ones.

Half an hour later they were finished and as time was vitally important they dispensed with a leisurely coffee to end the meal and departed in their respective vehicles to the motel. Arriving there shortly afterwards, Olivia turned to Amelia with an outstretched hand.

A blank expression crossed the doctor’s face until she realised what Olivia wanted, the key to her room-hmm this is going to be interesting. “We only have one key.”

Stunned at the simple statement Olivia blinked rapidly, had she heard correctly they only had one key, which meant…? “We’re sharing?”

“They only had one room free. Apparently there is a fishing competition in the area and… look I took it, we both needed a shower!” Amelia felt that she was explaining herself needlessly. What was wrong with sharing a room? They were both women, it wasn’t as if they were of the opposite sex. Although the blood rushed to her face as she looked at the tall woman standing in front of her. There was something primitively provocative about everything about her.

Softly Olivia replied, “A shower sounds good. Lead the way.”

Stuttering slightly over the number of the room, Amelia walked decisively if not in a straight line towards their allocated room. Olivia shook her head in wonder as she watched Amelia walk in the direction of the room. Life is certainly never boring. Opening the trunk of her car she took out an overnight bag, which she slung over her shoulder and then reached for the box of accumulated letters and items from Sharon Agnew’s home.

Amelia listened to the shower in the next room. The splatter of the water against the screen was a peaceful sound to her. From her first memories she had always loved water. Her dad had bought her water wings when she was one year old, much to her mother’s annoyance. By the time she was two she could swim like a duck and made other children twice and three times her age look like a fish out of water. She had been the top swimmer in her group for several years and when she had decided to commit herself to God it had been the first of what had deemed to be frivolous actions in her life at that time to dispense. It brought a faint tinge of regret when she remembered her school coach hanging his head in major disappointment when her plans had been disclosed. He shouldn’t have been too surprised, but he had been, after all she did attend a church education establishment. No point in thinking about what might have been she had to concentrate on the here and now and right at this moment she was delving into the box of items Olivia had given her before she’d taken to the shower.

“Within ten minutes the items were categorized by type and date order beginning with the letters, followed by the packages, and then the various trinkets if you could call some of them that.” The bed was now what one could call a tidy mess, a little like her head at this moment. The thought brought a smile to her face and she laughed at her strange analysis of herself.

“Want to share the joke?” Olivia remarked laconically as she stood in the doorway of the bathroom towelling her damp hair.

Amelia had to admit being a nun even one allowed as much freedom as she had did not prepare her for the woman standing there in a pair of… were those boxer shorts? Surely not! A woman didn’t wear boxer shorts, or, had things changed so much these days? She also wore a cropped T-shirt with a slogan she didn’t recognise on the chest. As before her thoughts were definitely chaotic and all she could manage was a strangled sound of no joke in reply.

“Hope you’re not going to hog that bed, I was hoping to take a short nap before I go back on duty.” Olivia smiled as she said the words because right now Amelia looked as if she had never seen a half naked woman before in her life. The thought careered in her head, maybe she hadn’t! Wow that would be some weird situation, especially as the only room they had been able to rent had a king sized bed as the central feature.

Flushed Amelia began to remove the items she had carefully correlated together and was stopped when a strong arm with an equally strong hand pressed lightly on hers. “Amelia it’s fine I was teasing you. Look, let me put on some clothes and we’ll go over anything you can bring to the table on this case.”

“Okay,” taking a shuddering breath as Olivia left her to re-enter the bathroom to change. A few minutes later the detective was back fully clothed in another of her dark mainly leather outfits.

“Right, let’s get down to business. What can you tell me doc about this crackpot?”

In her element more so because her business partner was asking for her professional help she immediately gave a general view of what she perceived as crucial tell points in the character of this person.

“Whoever is sending these items feels very antagonist towards your client. Though nothing specific, as a first pass everything your client does is wrong. From the brief initial correlation of the details, the evidence is mounting that the ‘attacks’ for want of a more technical description at this time will escalate, even possibly a physical attack. Is that your take on this too detective?”

Olivia pulled at her lip in thought before she answered, “I agree. Take a look at this.” she handed Amelia the package that had been left that evening/morning when she had lapsed in her duty.

Amelia took the package and looked at the writing; it was the same as all the others down to what she thought was the identical ink used. Carefully unwrapping the package she pulled out a black plastic zipper lock bag and was about to open it when a hand paused her action. Looking up she was in very close eye contact with the detective as a quizzical expression filled hers.

“You might want to take a deep breath and get ready to visit the bathroom in haste if you don’t like body parts disengaged from the whole,” Olivia stated matter-of-factly. In her business she was use to this type of thing but the doc… well exish-nun, would she be prepared.

Wide-eyed, Amelia dropped the small plastic bag on the bed and jumped up from her sitting position. “There are body parts in there? Meaning human ones?”

Picking up the offending bag Olivia zipped open the bag and peered inside and stated calmly, “Looks that way to me. Some poor schmuck has lost an ear I’d say. Or it could be the very person we’re looking for.”

Swallowing hard, Amelia’s breakfast making a fast track back up her throat, which was a disconcerting and unpleasant feeling. “I’ll take your word for that, old or young?”

Dropping the bag on the dresser after zipping it back up she sat on the bed and motioned for Amelia to do the same. The doctor resumed her sitting position on her side of the bed as her stomach began to settle down. “Old, I’d hazard a guess it hasn’t been detached for too long, maybe twenty-four hours at the most.”

Staring at the detective Amelia was amazed she could assess that and said so. “How would you know all that, have you a degree in medicine or something?”

With a chuckle Olivia reclined on her side of the bed and several of the neat piles moved around and slipped out of position much to Amelia’s chagrin. “Nope, but I’ve seen a few items in my time. I guess that means that the escalation you talked about is upon us.”

“Yes it does. When did that arrive?”

Now should she save face and tell her it arrived before or after her surveillance began, tricky. “Does it matter when?”

Exasperated, why was Olivia prevaricating about such a thing, unless… “It was last night wasn’t it and you were asleep?”

Olivia felt her hackles rise; it was the first time she’d screwed up on a job since moving into the private detective business and having this naïve nun state it in such accusing terms was a hard thing to take. “Yes.”

The one word answer was given out like an angry hiss from a snake made Amelia feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. “I was going to ask you about that, you didn’t look well when I arrived, was that the problem?” Not wanting to pry because this was obviously a sensitive area with the detective Amelia held her breath waiting for a reply.

“I was drugged… at least that’s what I think happened. How it was administered is something I’m working on.” Olivia bit out reluctantly.

The silence stretched out before them and Amelia was hesitant to offer her help in trying to analyse how it could have happened, but after all wasn’t this the reason why she was here anyway, to help! Taking a deep breath she began, “If we go over your movements, particularly if you ate anything in the time you’ve been in town maybe two heads might be better than one, what do you say?”

There were another few moments of silence then Olivia glanced at her watch, “I need to go over to the church hall now. We can have that conversation later.”

Amelia watched Olivia stand and straighten her clothes. Moving towards the door Olivia picked up her truck keys, she heard Amelia softly say, “It might be too late if we leave it.

“It might, but I’ll take my chances. I usually do.” The simple reply was infuriating to hear as Amelia stood up too and strode towards the detective.

“Is that your idea of funny? No one is invulnerable detective, not even you! Okay, if you don’t care about your own personal safety, what about your client’s?” Amelia’s tone was explosive, totally out of character.

Peering down at the pint sized doctor Olivia felt the urge to crush her like she would a bug. It would be so easy; the damn woman was far too maddening to have around. What had she been thinking to allow her to come here, it had been stupid. Instead she did something she might live to regret the rest of her life. Without thinking she placed her strong arms around Amelia and bent her head and gave her a crushing kiss on the lips, as the kiss ended Olivia immediately stormed out of the motel room without a backward glance. In any event it was as well she left the room because Amelia was reeling from the kiss and in shock her legs buckled and she landed ignominiously on the floor in a heap. How embarrassing would that have been?

From her position on the floor she pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips, which seemed like they were burning where Olivia’s had touched hers. The strangest thing was she was not outraged as she thought she would have been, or people would have expected her to be. No, she felt elated with the sensations the kiss had created, in marked contrast to the kiss she’d shared with Don Clayton. She wanted to know one thing and one thing only… why!

A crash of gears and a screeching of tires had Olivia’s truck hurtling up the drive of the church hall, fortunately she had the presence of mind, but only just, to slam on the breaks and stop the vehicle before it hit anyone or anything.

Standing and watching the rapid entry to the church property Sharon Agnew’s poise appeared calm. However inside the woman was seething, she had been waiting like a lemon for the detective for over half an hour. She was paying this outsider good money to provide her with a solution to her problem and not being around didn’t help her at all!

The private detective climbed out of her vehicle as if she didn’t have a care in the world and Sharon moved quickly to confront her. “Glad you decided to make it Detective Santos. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me.”

Olivia heard the belligerent tone and cocked her head slightly to one side to take in her client’s demeanour. Then deliberately glanced at the broad strap on her arm, which held her watch, noting she was exactly on time. The time as the Agnew woman had indicated in an earlier conversation. “Sorry if you think I’m lapsing in my work Ms. Agnew, I can assure you that I’ve been working on your behalf since I left you. Now, do you need to go elsewhere or is it straight home?” She hadn’t changed her attitude or stance. It was purely professional and right now she would have preferred to be a thousand miles away, particularly if Agnew was going to be a pain in the butt. Even more so now, with the chaotic thoughts that were streaming through her head regarding Amelia West and what had just happened between them.

“I think I’d best return home in the circumstances.” The way Agnew intoned circumstances, had Olivia puzzled. The inflection held more than the word appeared to convey.

“Anything I need to know?” Maybe she had received another communication here at the church. It didn’t sound plausible; however the doc had indicated that an escalation was possible.

A hand went to Sharon Agnew’s mouth as she sighed heavily, “You haven’t heard? No, no why would you; you’re a stranger in town. My neighbour, John Russell, I told you about him last night if you recall? He’s been found at the edge of the lake… dead.”

“Is it a suspicious death?” Olivia was deeply interested now, her thoughts completely with the case at hand. It could confirm where the ear had come from, it would make morbid sense.

Sharon shook her head, “I’m not sure. The Sheriff hasn’t given any specific details. The only reason I know this much is because the caretaker of the parish is his only living relative, and was informed this morning.”

Olivia consumed the brief details. This shed a different light on the situation altogether. She needed to speak with the sheriff and take that damn ear with her. As she thought about the ear she realised that in her haste to leave the motel she’d left it behind. “I need to speak with the sheriff, Sharon; however, first I need to speak with my colleague who arrived this morning. She’s an integral part of the agency, in fact my business partner. We’ll leave your car here in the lot. From now on, until we find this person who is harassing you, you don’t go anywhere on your own, is that clear?”

Sharon beamed a bright smile, possibly too bright as she agreed eagerly.

On the short drive to the motel Olivia debated in her head if she should call Amelia and inform her about the impending arrival. Then decided against it, besides what would it achieve? Although as the few short miles disappeared and the motel hit her line of sight she wished she had. What if Amelia had cut and run out on her, it was infinitely possible. As she cornered the bend she saw Amelia’s rental vehicle and a small smile of relief lingered on her lips as she stopped the vehicle and climbed out, failing to notice that Sharon Agnew left the vehicle and was immediately behind her. Olivia knocked on the door waiting for a reply.

Hearing a shuffle of feet in the room the door was opened and Amelia stared wide eyed up at the detective. Her mouth tried to find some words but they never transpired.

“Hi Amelia, I need your help.” Olivia knew that the two key words, your help, would always be the doctor’s undoing, no matter what she was feeling inside.

With a faint movement of her head she replied, “How can I help you Olivia? Is this you… our client?” motioning to the woman standing behind the much taller figure.

With a start of surprise, Olivia wondered why she hadn’t noticed the woman in her personal space. This whole situation wasn’t in her control and she needed to wrestle it back from the impending abyss. With a wry glance behind her, Olivia nodded. “Sharon Agnew, I’d like to introduce you to my business partner Amelia West.” Deciding at this point to remove the doctor tag, it might make the woman jumpy.

Sharon Agnew moved slightly and held out her hand as she was formally introduced to the petite woman who didn’t look like a detective. She certainly wasn’t built like the woman who had taken on the case. Neither was she as beautiful, quite the opposite really, plain being the more apt description, “Pleased to meet you Ms. West.”

“Hi, do you mind if I call you Sharon? I’m Amelia; it’s less of a mouthful.”

As Olivia listened to the platitudes it irritated her as she jangled her truck keys in her hands. “Sorry to cut the pleasantries short, but I need to see the sheriff now! Amelia, will you take care of Sharon while I do that? Is the package we were discussing earlier still here?”

Amelia heard the urgency in the detective’s tone as she peered back in the room. The offending article on the dresser just where Olivia had left it, “Sure, it’s where you left it.”

Clearly Amelia wasn’t going to fetch it for her and brusquely brushed past the doctor and retrieved it herself. “Amelia, will you take Sharon home and I’ll meet up with you both after I’ve seen the sheriff.”

It wasn’t a polite question, it was a directive. Amelia’s hackles rose at that, why should she take on baby sitter duties! At the same time she could see the logic of the proposal. “Sharon, here are my keys, the car is right there. I’ll be with you in a moment; I need to have a quick word with Detective Santos.” Amelia smiled warmly at Sharon, who she noted, with her speculative expression, had noticed the body language between the two partners were highly charged, you could ignite a forest fire from them, she felt it herself and with good cause.

“Okay. Good luck with the sheriff detective, she isn’t usually very cooperative I’ve found in the past.” Sharon walked away from the pair. They waited until she was in the car before Amelia began to speak.

“What’s so urgent that you want me involved directly with your client? I thought you didn’t want me to meet her face to face?”

Olivia looked at the door of the motel, which was ajar and realised what a mess she was making of all this. Now it was as clear as the nose on her face she worked much better alone, always had, and suspected always would. “I know I owe you an explanation, can it wait until I get back from the sheriff’s office? Then I promise to be straight with you… please.”

Amelia caught a flash of dark eyes as Olivia finally looked in her direction. There was something going on between them that she didn’t understand, and frankly with everything else was happening in her life she didn’t want to understand either. Life was far too complicated as it was. Although she would expect some kind of explanation if only an apology for her behaviour, she was still technically a nun after all.

“Olivia you owe me more than one explanation for your behaviour. Although right now I can wait. Make sure I don’t wait too long though. I might not be as worldly as you, but I know when I’m being made a fool of.”

The weight on Olivia’s shoulders lost a few pounds as she realised the doctor had let her off the hook, for now anyway. With a warm smile she responded, “You got it Doc. One more thing, don’t begin a shrink session with Agnew, not unless I’m there is that clear?” Flicking Amelia’s nose in that rather odd way she did as she turned and hastened to her truck.

Amelia grimaced at the action, wondering if she preferred the gesture of a kiss to the embarrassment of the other action. Shaking her fist at Olivia who grinned widely as her truck sped out of the motel parking area. Turning back to the motel room she reached for her purse and locked up the room. Seconds later she was walking towards her car and the waiting Sharon Agnew.

Sheriff Susan Mason began allocating details to several officers who had been assigned to her from the larger town thirty miles away. A murder in her town wasn’t something she had ever expected on her watch. In the hundred and eighty years since the town had been established, they had been proud of the town’s remarkable record, as in this case the lack of major crimes. Particularly, as today’s world wasn’t much better than back in the 1800’s. In her view the only difference today were the tools to help people commit terrible crimes, being much more sophisticated. Human nature was still as dangerous as it had ever been. Fortunately for her, in the past two years since she’d been sheriff the biggest misdemeanour had been a bungled attempt to rob the local bank. Bungled being the operative word, as the two locals had been drunk as skunks; perhaps on reflection it was more comical than criminal.

Finally having dispatched the officers to various areas to follow up on what leads, or lack thereof in this case, she walked over to the crime scene photos on the wall depicting the deceased and all reviewed the information they have found to date. Gruesome came to mind as she looked at the head shot showing the open wound where once an ear had been, another mystery.

John Russell as far as she could tell didn’t have any enemies in town. He had lived in the same house for much of his sixty-five years, excluding his time in military service when he was a young man. He had worked at the local sawmill for the length of his working life and had retired eight months ago. He was unmarried and like many of the older timers hadn’t been bright enough or confident enough to go into the city to find a bride. Women in these out of the way rural areas were as rare as hen’s teeth. The local doctor had confirmed in the autopsy he’d carried out earlier that Russell had died from poisoning. No water was evident in the lungs; therefore he had been dead when he was placed in the river. The ear had been cut off prior to death. If the man had suffered, or he was unconscious at the time, only the murderer knew.

“Hi sheriff sorry to bother you…”

“Hey, how did you get in here?” Sheriff Mason growled out as she faced the private detective who had arrived in town recently. Interesting.

Olivia gave a shrug and motioned to the open door and the lack of personnel in the small outer office. “I was looking for you and there wasn’t anyone to ask.”

Mason gave the woman a hard stare, she’d not received a call back from the contact on the business card this woman had given her yesterday and right now she was the only oddity that had turned up in town. Supposedly working for Ms. Agnew who just happened to live in the same street, if not a direct neighbour of Russell… curious very curious.

“I see. What can I do for you Ms...?” feigning the recollection of the private detective’s name.

Olivia ground her teeth silently. The sheriff knew her name she was just being awkward, well two could play at that game. “Santos, Olivia Santos, I came to see you yesterday about a client of mine.”

A faint smile crossed the sheriff’s thin lips. “Sure you did, I recall now. As a city private detective, have you solved your client’s problems so fast?” Her tone bordered on malicious. Mason walked towards Olivia, purposely preventing the detective from viewing any more of the wall photos than she already had of the latest crime in town.

“Not exactly, have you solved yours?” Tit for tat, she could eat this woman for breakfast if she had a mind too. Fortunately for Sheriff Mason she didn’t have that kind of time to spare. “Look Sheriff I might have information pertaining to my client’s case that might be of help to you in yours.”

Hands on hips Mason gave a cynical laugh, “Really, I find that hard to believe, but I’m all ears.”

Olivia gave a feral smile of her own as she tossed the small black polythene bag towards the Sheriff, “Actually no. I think I have all the ears… or should I say one in particular you might find of interest.”

Susan Mason was astonished as she zipped open the bag and peered inside, her face creasing in distaste as she saw the offending appendage. Her eyes turned suspicious as she glanced at the tall imposing woman in her office. If she was the murderer then right now, alone in the station, she wasn’t sure that she would have a fighting chance if things became messy, her hand slowly reaching for the gun in the holster on her left hip as she waited for more information.

“I’m not the threat sheriff. Therefore pulling a gun out on me will not instil beneficial conversation would it?” Olivia had seen the woman go for her gun, it was a natural knee-jerk reaction. She would have done the same in the circumstances. “Oh and incidentally, if you did shoot me you’d be shooting an innocent woman.” For this crime at least way, Olivia added to herself.

“How did you get this? Where did you get this?” Susan Mason had been a good judge of character all her life, or so she told herself, and although she was as wary as hell about the private detective, a part of her told her she wasn’t responsible for Randall’s murder.

Olivia didn’t waste any more time she informed the sheriff of the circumstances and waited for her reply.

“Sharon Agnew’s place you say? When was this?”

Olivia knew the sheriff was interested and there was a note in her voice that indicated she knew something else relevant as well. “This morning, I was supposed to be on surveillance.”

The sheriff’s head cocked slightly as she heard the word supposed, “Sorry to be intrusive, but supposed to be? Did you have to leave?”

“Not exactly, I think I was drugged. Either something I ate or drank… drank now that’s interesting.” Olivia had been so preoccupied with her own failings it had taken her away from the issue at hand. When had she been drugged and who could possibly have had access to her food or drink?

“Are you sure it was a drug? It might be poison, have you been checked out by a medic?”

Olivia had been too upset at her own weakness of being in the situation of not doing her job efficiently; she’d not had time to think it could be any worse than a mere sleeping draught. “No time for that right now, I can do it later if necessary.”

Mason nodded, “Do you recall something that might identify who drugged you?”

“Yesterday when we talked you didn’t appear to be too worried about the situation my client was experiencing. Care to share your views, it might prove pivotal for us both.” Olivia wanted to drag the woman out and force her to tell her everything if she didn’t agree, because right now she felt she had, through her own disregard for anything other than her own needs put the doc in danger.

Susan Mason considered the request and wasn’t intimated by the flashing cold dark eyes that dared her to say no, well at least she wasn’t totally browbeaten by the woman. She had to admit, the detective did have a style all her own, which set off warning bells in her head. “Sharon Agnew has a record of delusion paranoia. Doctor Smith, her physician, could relate more of her case if it wasn’t confidential. All I can say is that when she was growing up she’s was in and out of various mental institutions. Folks around here thought she’d grown out of it as she hasn’t had an episode for years. She is after all a teacher at the local school and an upstanding member of the community, even a member of the church board. When she began her stories about a year ago, I did my duty and looked into the situation, however it appeared unfounded, there wasn’t any hard evidence that anyone was leaving her messages or threatening her in any way. Then of course, I was told in confidence she had a history back when she was younger of having a very active imagination shall we say. I decided as the woman was under a certain amount of emotional stress, having been told the school was closing and that she was losing her job at the end of the year, maybe she had lapsed and it would go away when she sorted herself out.”

Closing her eyes briefly Olivia was angry; angry as hell. Not with this local law enforcement officer, no sir, but with herself. If she had done her homework on this woman then perhaps she wouldn’t be here now and have put Amelia in potential danger.

“I think you were wrong Sheriff Mason. Agnew hasn’t allowed it to go away, she’s gotten worse. The victim Randall, lived next door to her?”

“Yes. Are you thinking she’s responsible for his death?” Although she had fired the question as an impossible situation it wasn’t really. It was becoming more and more plausible as her conversation with the private detective continued.

Olivia nodded, “Worse thing is sheriff my partner is alone with her at this moment. How do you want to deal with this?” She knew how she wanted to deal with it. Drag Amelia kicking and screaming if necessary out of the Agnew house and let the sheriff deal with the woman. Although she knew that was impossible now that Amelia was involved. Even though Amelia hadn’t decided which life she wanted to lead there was one thing that would never change, Amelia’s need to help people and that was anyone regardless of how bad a person was and Agnew fit the bill perfectly.

Blue eyes flashed at Olivia, “Can she handle herself as well as I imagine you can, because right now we are looking at a potential serious suspect for our murderer. Fortunately she isn’t a psychiatrist because she hates doctors generally, but can be pretty violent towards that sector according to Doctor Smith.”

“Let’s go,” Olivia ground out through clenched teeth as she was half way out of the building.

“Have you lived here for a long time Sharon?” Amelia asked interested in her companion. The drive to the Agnew home had been relatively quiet, except for Sharon’s rather active interest in the detective, too active in the circumstances particularly about her health. Olivia wouldn’t have told the woman much about herself. Even after six months she had barely scratched the surface of who Olivia Santos really was.

Sharon Agnew gave the friendly stranger a non-committal shrug as she walked agitatedly towards the kitchen. However she didn’t ask about making a drink, she merely touched a few items and then stepped back into the study where Amelia was standing looking over some photographs. “I don’t like strangers prying.”

Amelia calmly replaced the photo where she had taken it for a better look. “Sorry about that, you look like you’re having a great time. Is this your family?”

“No!” Sharon once more left the room and walked towards the kitchen area, this time Amelia moved so she could see what the woman was doing. Her initial thought in the car was the woman was beside herself with worry, talking about anything but what was happening to her, and who wouldn’t be in the circumstances. However, as soon as they had entered the house Sharon had gone from reasonably affable to downright negative. Right now Sharon was rearranging her kitchen utensils, particularly the chopping knives. Maybe she was one of those house proud people and it kept idle hands happy. The next words shredded that thought completely and put Amelia on cautious watch. “Why are you spying on me? Is it you that’s been sending those awful letters and objects? Why can’t you leave me alone?”

Sharon Agnew pulled several faces that would have made a contortionist proud, as she paced the kitchen area with a small paring knife in her hand. “I’ll just sit in the lounge and wait for Detective Santos, would that be okay?” Amelia had one thought on her mind as she tentatively returned to the safe harbour of the lounge, classic paraphrenic tendencies.

Sharon Agnew was about the right age, mid-forties, appearing to have ideas people were persecuting her and/or doing her harm. That being the case, the letters and objects she had supposedly been receiving could be in fact manufactured by her. As she pondered the classic symptoms a thought struck her, and it wasn’t a very good thought either, the mutilated ear. If Sharon had done this to a person, which one had to assume had been alive fairly recently, then she could be progressing into violent dementia. And right now being in the same room with her could be sensibly classed as dangerous. Not that she hadn’t experienced being alone with a mentally deranged person before; she had although none she could recall had ever committed such an act. However she could be jumping the gun and assuming things. Darn it, she wished Olivia had allowed a discussion about who she thought might have drugged her. If this woman had given Olivia any kind of food or drink during the day that could be the answer, which would mean that Sharon Agnew had no scruples about who she hurt or used in her paranoia episodes. It was clear that outside her domain she could function normally or at least appear that way. Once she stepped inside her house it was a totally different situation. Which begged the question, had Olivia noticed something wasn’t quite right when she had met the woman here, and consequently requested her professional assistance if unknowingly. It was an interesting gambit and the safest course of action would be to leave and take refuge in her car until Olivia arrived. Except that would mean abandoning someone who needed her help and she was amazingly the right person in the right place. This was exactly what she felt God’s work was all about.

Walking back over to the photo of a happy time for the woman, Amelia considered how to approach asking about it without having a knife thrown at her. As if on cue Sharon appeared, apparently without any weapon of any kind.

“Hey Sharon I don’t like to pry, but you and your friends look like you were having a great time, were you on vacation?” Amelia watched the glazed look that clouded the woman’s eyes flash brightly for a moment, but only a moment, and then they glazed over again. She didn’t get angry though she was calm, perhaps too calm for Amelia’s sensibilities.

“I was in college, they were my roommates. We had fun. It was a time when friends meant something.”

Quickly using her expertise Amelia smiled warmly and nodded her head. “I know what you mean.”

Accusing eyes flashed angrily at Amelia as Sharon moved menacingly towards her, “You can’t know what I mean; you weren’t there. How can you possibly know anything… unless you’re a spy?”

With a gentle smile Amelia shook her head, “I’m not a spy Sharon, and I’m here to help. We have to keep you safe from the people who want to hurt you remember? I work with Detective Santos.”

The explanation appeased the woman as she paced the room and finally stopped in front of a crucifix and began to pray. It was the Lord’s Prayer and Amelia began to silently chant along with Sharon. Some people sang along with popular tunes, but Amelia could never resist the Lord’s Prayer. That was certainly not going to be a titbit she shared with the detective because she could imagine the teasing she would receive if that became public knowledge. However, it did allow her another avenue of conversation and whilst Sharon was talking she wasn’t doing anything nefarious.

When the woman had finished Amelia quietly spoke again,” Detective Santos informed me that you’re a member of the church committee. It’s a very noble and selfless act to help others.”

There had been a bristling of the hairs on the back of Sharon Agnew’s neck. Amelia had anticipated that type of reaction as Agnew turned to stare in her direction. Facing her was the Sharon Agnew who she had first been introduced to at the motel. “I consider myself very fortunate that I’m able to help others. Are you a member of a church in the city?”

Was she a member of the church-oh yeah big time, “Yes. God’s work is never done is it? There will always be lost souls waiting for us to help them or so the Mother Superior of the local convent relates to me frequently.”

“Us, yes I like that. We have means to help and everyone should do their part, but so many do not. They should be punished for not doing so.” Sharon was lapsing back into her delusional state. It had always fascinated her that those in the grips of paranoia and schizophrenia had a propensity to manifest God or religion in some form or other as the voice calling to them.

Very carefully Amelia answered the woman, “I’m afraid not everyone shares our faith in God Sharon. However that does not mean that those others are not charitable. I know of many non-believers who are very generous. For some people they do not require to hold an institution such as God as their inspiration to do good works.”

“Evil people! They are all evil people who do not believe in God. We should cleanse the world of them all! Don’t you agree?” Flashing eyes, which turned cold and hard pierced Amelia, and she was finding it difficult to hold the gaze.

Hands settled on her shoulders as Sharon shook her to answer the question, “Don’t you agree Amelia?”

Attempting to create a springboard where she could stop this situation, Amelia tried to change the subject, “I’d love some tea and we can talk about this some more.”

Sharon didn’t at first release her then she moodily agreed and stomped off towards the kitchen area.

Raising her eyes heavenwards Amelia sent up a silent prayer of thanks to God, at least she was reprieved for a short time. Where was Olivia?

Olivia had parked her vehicle around the corner from the Agnew house, if things became difficult and she suspected they might, especially as the sheriff had opted to bring along the local doctor. They had lost precious minutes waiting for him to secure the drug he wanted to inject into Sharon Agnew to sedate her until she could be located into a secure facility. Questioning would come later. Sheriff Mason had parked her vehicle effectively blocking the drive should Sharon bolt at the sight of them arriving at the house.

Sheriff Mason nodded to Olivia as she headed towards the front porch and tapped on the door. Mason and Doctor Smith would be right behind her when she gave the signal. It wasn’t wise at this stage to put the private detective’s partner in any more danger than she already was.

The door opened slightly, and a wild-eyed Sharon Agnew stared at first her, and then at the police vehicle blocking the drive. Her eyes scanned the outer perimeter of her yard trying to perceive where the police were located but she failed to notice any other officers. “Did you arrive in that?” Sharon pointed to the offending car in her driveway.

Olivia smiled at the woman, “Nope. Sheriff Mason is at the Russell place hoping to find some clues. Looks to me like she misjudged the parking area, no harm done though, right?” Her nonchalant reply seemed plausible to the woman as she opened the door wider and allowed Olivia inside.

“Actually I needed to have a private word with Amelia, business you understand.” Olivia wanted Amelia out of harms way and this was the only thing she could think of. Once she’d secured Amelia’s safety she could let the local people take over, it was no longer any of her concern, and this particular case had been strange enough.

Sharon Agnew’s gaze narrowed as she furtively flashed her glance once more around her front yard. “She’s about to have tea. Don’t take too long!” The demand in Sharon’s voice angered Olivia but she kept her temper in check, it wouldn’t help if she agitated the woman unduly.

“No fear of that, in fact I’d love a tea myself if that’s possible? Your coffee last night was delicious.” One lie on top of another was all grist for the mill when she met her maker but she didn’t care at this moment.

Amelia appeared at the door after being called by Sharon. Her face wreathed in a smile as she saw Olivia. “Hey there, you’re just in time for tea.”

Making eye contact and trying to convey the danger Amelia was in although it wasn’t one of Olivia’s strong points she preferred action instead of subtlety.

“Yeah I heard. I need to speak with you privately, will you please step outside for a minute.”

Amelia was as grateful for that request as she would have been if Mother Superior had given her praise for a job well done. “Of course, Sharon I’ll be right back for that tea.”

A hand flashed in front of them and Sharon caught Amelia’s wrist in a tight hold that would have done justice to a vice. A hissing tone accompanied the next words, “See that you are or the tea will get cold.”

Bracing herself to face the deranged woman Amelia gave a warm smile, “I’ll be back in time.” She felt the grip loosen and fall away as Sharon walked briskly away towards her kitchen.

Olivia didn’t waste any more time. Grasping Amelia’s hand she dragged her out of the door and virtually pulled her across the yard to the relative safety of the end of the drive. There she rapidly signalled to Sheriff Mason, Doctor Smith and a couple of deputies who had been at the Russell house to move in.

The next ten minutes were a blur for Amelia as she watched the disturbed woman dragged out of her house and pushed face down on the ground where the doctor administered the drug to sedate her. The violent sounds that followed the action weren’t lost on Amelia. Sharon Agnew’s eyes began to waver in their sedated state, and she saw the lost expression appear and an appeal for help. It cut into Amelia’s heart as she felt she was the ideal candidate to help Sharon. The woman had appeared in the short time they had been in each others company to trust her.

“Let’s go,” Olivia announced abruptly as she watched the deputies load the woman into the back of the Sheriff’s vehicle. Her job was done now, except for the statement she was going to make about her part in today’s events. Eventually it would lead to a court appearance unless Sharon confessed to all her miss deeds and there was a very real chance with the medication and counselling that would happen.

Amelia turned shocked eyes towards the detective, “We can’t just leave her like that. She needs our help!”

Here we go again, Olivia thought as she traded glance for glance with the doctor. “No she certainly doesn’t need our help. We’ve done our part by bringing her to justice. Eventually she’ll receive the proper care she needs in a medical facility.”

“No! She needs my help if not yours. She trusted me, and I know I can help her get through this.” Amelia appealed to Olivia’s better nature, which the detective had, but hid it remarkably well behind a wall of indifference at times.

“She killed a man for no reason Amelia. She’s a basket case, and yes I know that’s your field, but she’ll be placed in public care. Take my word for it even in the public system they have good shrinks. Or do you think only private professionals like yourself Amelia are the best?” Olivia gave a shrug as she headed for her car. Amelia’s rental was free of the Sheriff’s vehicle and they could both go to the precinct and make their individual statements and go home. It really was as simple as that.

Duly chastised for her notion that she thought she was the only one who could help a patient. It wasn’t the first time and wouldn’t be the last that her self-importance had come to the fore. After all it was one of her biggest faults. Olivia had clearly made a point and one she was going to heed… this time. “Let’s make that statement and go home.”

Hearing the resignation in the doctor’s voice Olivia wondered if she had been too harsh in her last statement. There was no doubt Amelia never gave up on cases, Teal had assured her of that, indicating it had been one of the character traits of hers that had caused much of her irritation with her role at the convent. If Amelia now felt that same pressure building in their business relationship then maybe she’d go back to the convent-better the devil you know-though that was hardly a phrase she’d allow Amelia hear her use regarding the convent. “Hey, look, let’s make our statements and then next week after the dust settles we’ll return and check on how she’s doing. How does that sound?”

The beaming smile that followed from her business partner had Olivia’s heart rate soaring not that she was going to admit it. The doctor’s delight at the words hit home with her in a big way. In fact she’d even go so far as to say it made her happy too. How weird was that? She watched for a few moments as Amelia headed for her car and then with a shrug of her shoulders she returned to her own vehicle and the journey back across the small town.

The insistent ringing of the telephone brought Olivia out of her heavy sleep. She had ensured Amelia had arrived safely at her apartment and then left her at the door. Refusing the offer of coffee, she’d have taken up the offer normally, except she wanted to be scarce when the doctor went inside her apartment. The surprise she had arranged for her return had been set to announce itself five minutes after her arrival inside the hallway. When she’d arrived at her place she’d felt the weariness of the last forty-eight hours take its toll. Maybe she’d go for a check up with her doctor, who knew what Agnew had spiked the coffee with that had taken her out for the night. Sheriff Mason might be right it might be poison rather than a sleeping drug. Flopping down on her bed fully clothed she closed her eyes knowing she was beat and sleep wouldn’t be far behind. Now glancing at the clock next to her she saw it was two hours after leaving Amelia as she picked up the receiver on the bedside cabinet.

“Hello,” Her voice laden with sleep, she cleared her throat for clarity as she repeated the greeting.

“Olivia is that you? You sound strange, are you okay?” Amelia’s voice was the opposite of the detective’s, not in the least tired.

A faint smile crossed Olivia’s lips as she replied, “Yep I’m okay. Tired sure but who wouldn’t be after our little adventure. Though from the sound of you I’d say you were very mellow and rested, what’s your secret?”

A chuckle at the other end forestalled any conversation for a few moments then Amelia gushed out dramatically, “Oh Olivia you know why I’m mellow as you put it. It’s ALL your fault, and I’m very, very grateful.”

Olivia positioned herself more comfortably on her bed as she smiled slowly, “All, my fault, huh? And how do you deduce that my dear doctor?”

Amelia laughed at the words, “Because you’re the only person I know who has a system like this. How did you know I loved that particular feature? No, no don’t tell me let me have one guess… Teal?”

“Ah, not only a talented doctor I see, but becoming a very gifted detective too! Yes Teal. I thought it might help you relax from the stresses of your particular profession.”

In the time they had shared together over the past months the detective could hardly be called the most caring person she had ever met. However, there were times like this one, when a small chink appeared in the armour of indifference to others that she wore effortlessly, and it made the detective ever more endearing to her. “Thank you Olivia. I know the words are inadequate, particularly after last week I really did need the stress reliever.”

Olivia heard the pent up emotions in Amelia and gave herself a slap on the back, she’d made an excellent deduction. “Yeah well maybe for a while you can forget the convent, forget your cases and enjoy a little down time when you get home in the evening. What was more stressful about last week you were on vacation?”

Amelia hesitated over what she might say next. She hadn’t been remiss in imparting the reasons for her leaving her parents and the vacation early, because they really hadn’t had the time to discuss what was going on with her. Besides Don wasn’t an issue anymore, he’d get over her like he’d had to do fifteen years ago. He was probably only being nice anyway, making her feel like a woman again rather than a nun. At least that’s the only way she knew how to handle it. “Oh nothing more than usual, it never quite leaves you does it. Thanks Olivia, I’ll wish you goodnight then. Want to catch up for breakfast tomorrow morning before we go into the office?”

A smirk crossed Olivia’s face as she digested the offer, it was a good one but Teal had plans and it involved Amelia finding the second part of the surprise. Her office outfitted exactly the way her apartment had, and Teal had promised English muffins drizzled in butter just the way she liked them to celebrate. “Sorry doc I have another appointment for breakfast, but I’ll take a rain check, okay?”

Although disappointed Amelia understood, at least one of them was busy, which meant the agency wouldn’t be failing anytime soon. “I understand perfectly sleep well Olivia.”

“Goodnight Amelia,” Olivia replaced her receiver and sank back down into her pillow. The question was did she need anymore sleep or not… not came to mind, as she decided a shower was a much more plausible option. Her mind filled with the thoughts of Amelia West and she would have been ostracised by the church if anyone read them.

The working week had started well. Amelia had been over the moon with her apartment and office additions. The smile she wore for most of the week didn’t wear down until they went to visit Sharon Agnew. They had a brief discussion in the car travelling to the city prison hospital, which now held Agnew, pending her trial for murder. Amelia was going to offer her services if the institution doctors were over-worked, assuming the authorities and Sharon Agnew would allow it. However, things don’t exactly go the way we want them in the real world as Amelia found out. Sharon Agnew had pleaded guilty to the murder of her neighbour Randall and had been placed in the city prison hospital under minimal supervision. Which had been their undoing as Sharon had escaped a long prison term by committing her final act in this world her own death. She’d hung herself in her room hours prior to their arrival. For all of Olivia’s attempts to relate that it was Agnew’s state of mind that had made this possible rather than anything Amelia could have done to save her, it hadn’t helped. For two days now the doctor had basically locked herself in her office rarely venturing out except for brief consultations with Teal.

Olivia’s frustration increased with each passing hour and now she was about to enter the lion’s den.

“It won’t help Olivia.” Teal announced quietly from her vantage point behind her desk.

“Says who?” Olivia snarled more to herself than the diminutive woman who had spoken.

Teal gave a woeful smile, “Says someone who has known her for years. Normally she would have gone to Mother Superior and talk her problems over with her. Now she has no one or at least nobody she thinks will understand her dilemma.” Changing her tack quickly as Teal noticed the flare of the nostrils that her comment had enflamed.

“Look she can’t run away from this… shit happens. If she wants to function in the real world –our world, then she has to take the rough with the smooth. If you as her friend won’t tell her that then I will!”

“I have told her that she needs to understand situations occur that she can’t do anything about or save everyone she meets. Amelia is Amelia; she thinks she’s failed if she at least doesn’t give it her best shot. And, right now I think she feels she abandoned the Agnew woman to her fate. You have to remember Olivia that Amelia will always have that strong affinity to God and it’s a sin in God’s eyes to commit suicide. We have to handle her for the moment with kid gloves.”

Olivia was thoughtful for a moment and then she gave Teal a long look, “Is that why you’ve not revealed your relationship with Phil to her?”

Teal’s eyes went heavenward, “Damn, you would say a thing like that Olivia. Actually I was going to invite her tonight…”

The door to Amelia’s office opened and she stepped out her eyes cautiously glancing at each of the women, “Invite whom and to where?”

Olivia moved away from Teal’s desk as she waited to see what the woman would say. This was going to be interesting.

“Hey Amelia, how are you doing? I was going to invite you of course.” The self-conscious laugh that followed had Olivia smirking behind her hand that she placed over her mouth.

“Okay. Where are you inviting me Teal?” Amelia’s eyes drifted slightly to the detective who appeared to be enjoying a private joke. Something she saw with Teal’s body language wasn’t going down well with her friend.

Clearing her voice slightly, “A few of us are meeting at my place for a couple of drinks and nibbles. We’re going to watch the whole first series of The L Word, or at least as much as we can before we all fall asleep.”

Olivia choked on the laughter she had held back, the L Word, wow that was going to be a blast. She wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall for that session.

Distracted by Olivia’s laughter Amelia turned to the detective. “Is it a good series? I’m afraid I haven’t heard of it before.”

Teal ducked down behind the reception counter praying that Olivia wouldn’t be her usual non-diplomatic self.

“I’ve heard of it, I might even have seen the odd episode; however I think it’s always best to judge for your self. I’m sure you and the girls will have a great buddy time together.”

“Hey, I was hoping you might join us too Olivia.” Teal announced as she sucked in a deep breath waiting for the response.

This time Olivia moved stealthily towards the counter and her tall frame lounged over the top as she came face to face with Teal. “Sorry Teal, other plans.” She replied loudly and whispered for Teal only. “Oh, I’m going to love seeing you two together after the weekend. The L Word, great idea for a sleep over Teal.”

Teal gave an exasperated sigh as she resigned herself to not being top of Amelia’s list. Particularly as Amelia was being thrown, figuratively speaking, into a pride of horny lesbians watching one of their favourite programmes on TV.

“Are you going to be there Amelia, tonight, my apartment at seven?”

Amelia smiled, “I’d have liked that Teal perhaps another time. Tonight I’m pretty drained and a good night’s sleep is the only thing I’m up for this evening.”

With a sigh of relief, and a memo to herself that she had to do better next time Teal smiled and nodded her understanding. Taking the opportunity to close up the office for the weekend, she wished them a goodnight.

Olivia waited for a few moments as they silently watched Teal leave and then Amelia remarked in surprise, “I didn’t know Teal had arranged for a pick up in the evenings. It’s a great idea, though I wish she’d learn to drive.”

“Yep she’s been taken home in style most evenings for several months now.”

Amelia became thoughtful. “I guess I’ve been preoccupied with my own problems and haven’t paid attention to what’s happening around me, especially my friends. Anyone special do you think? I always hoped that she’d meet a great guy and settle down, have kids and all that, she deserves it.”

Olivia shook her head slightly as she considered how to reply to the comment. She could take the matter into her own hands and relate that Teal’s idea of a great guy needed translating to girl. Then again why should she bother, it really wasn’t anything to do with her. “You’d have to ask Teal.”

“I will. Perhaps I’ll call her over the weekend and arrange to have coffee together and a friendly chat. It’s been a long time since Teal and I have done that.” Amelia remarked absently. Her thoughts drifting to the mess she was making of her life at the moment and how she could prevent it spiralling even further out of control.

Olivia watched several expressions cross the doctor’s features; it didn’t take a degree to know she was battling inside about something or in Amelia’s case more than one thing. Hesitating for a short time she decided against the confrontational stance. Besides she still owed Amelia an explanation for her own behaviour at the motel, thankfully the doctor hadn’t pressed the issue. Anyway Teal was right, that kind of attitude wouldn’t work with this woman and a part of her was glad. There had to be people out there who cared about those that appeared not to help themselves even if she herself felt it a pointless exercise. “Do you feel better?” Okay it wasn’t the most compassionate of questions in the circumstances but it was the best she could do.

Amelia’s eyes flared open wider as she gave Olivia a startled expression; it struck Olivia that the doctor had forgotten she was in the same room with her. “Yes I’m fine thanks for asking. I haven’t anything else to do today so perhaps I’ll call it a day myself, what about you?”

“Oh you know me always things to do and actions to plan for. Plus the paperwork is piling up again and we both know how I hate that part of the job.” Olivia smiled briefly as she headed towards her own office.

“If you want some help I’d be happy to do the filing for you, after all it is my usual Friday evening pastime isn’t it?” Amelia hoped Olivia would take up her offer, it would be better than going home to an empty apartment with the prospect of spending the rest of the weekend alone. At least at the convent she was never alone and if she wasn’t working on a case she had her general chores to take care of. In a strange kind of way she missed the kinship of her fellow nuns and the stability of the convent. Had she been too hasty with her decision to quit and leave it all behind? No one had said it would be easy to integrate into the outside world again, but frankly she hadn’t expected it to be this difficult either.

“Not tonight doc you need the rest it’s been a hell of a week; however, don’t expect that to last. When you have any free time next week I’d appreciate the helping hand.” Olivia could have done with the help but the woman’s bleak expression was enough to make her chose the alternative. Amelia wasn’t the most attractive woman on the planet physically, not that it mattered to her. Although right now the darkness encircling her eyes and the pallor in her skin gave her an even uglier façade indicating clearly she needed to go home.

“Yes you’re probably right, well goodnight Olivia. Have a wonderful weekend.” Amelia had found in the months since she and the detective had become partners that there wasn’t any use in trying to ask about her activities concerning the weekend she gave literally nothing away. Even if she had a romantic attachment she probably wouldn’t mention it, even direct questioning, something you didn’t undertake with Olivia unless you wanted to be scorched by the flames of hell, because that’s how she’d make you feel.

“Sure thing Doc, have a good one yourself. I’ll see you on Monday.” Olivia with a faint smile left Amelia standing in the middle of the open reception area.

Leaving her nothing to do but collect her things and go home.

Olivia answered the phone and at the same time glanced at her watch, damn; it was 9.30 pm. Where had the time gone?

“Hello, Santos speaking. How can I help you?” Her clipped voice sounded harsh as it echoed slightly around her office.

The next few minutes on the phone had Olivia grabbing her jacket as soon as the call ended. Then with a quick flick of the button on her answering machine switched it to auto and locked up her office. She checked the outer office and windows as she set the alarm system and locked the main door to the agency leaving it behind her.

The roar of her motorbike was the only sound in the otherwise quiet area, as she sped off into the night and a destination only she and the unknown caller knew about.

Amelia had settled herself in her apartment in a rather listless fashion. Even the soothing sounds that greeted her didn’t have the effect they were supposed to have. Summing up her current lifestyle as she showered and changed from the office had left her with the basic fact she was still trying to be both, a nun and an ordinary member of the community. She of all people knew that wouldn’t work. There were times she was so sure living like Teal or Olivia was what she wanted. Then a crisis occurred shaking her resolve, making her yearn for the security of her order and her fellow brethren, particularly the guiding hand of Mother Superior. Perhaps she had made an unwise decision by going into business with the detective. Olivia’s work from what she had gleaned briefly from the records she’d filed over the past few months and her own personal experience wasn’t exactly the most glamorous profession. Kidnappings, acrimonious divorces, brutal behaviour to ones fellow man, and in the last case murder! Although she shouldn’t have been surprised, wasn’t that how they had met.

Flicking on the stainless steel kettle placed on the counter top in the kitchen, Amelia pondered over those events and the conversation she’d had with the detective soon after they had begun their agency together…

Olivia glanced at Amelia as the woman lost in a world of her own. The doctor had volunteered to help out with the dreaded paperwork that abhorred her perhaps she had even read the last case file. It hadn’t been that pleasant of a case, a battered wife and kids to help escape the tyrannical spouse, “penny for your thoughts doc?”

Amelia’s head shot up and she gave a sheepish smile, “Sorry I was kind of daydreaming. You never did tell me what was really going on behind the scenes at the convent.”

With a faint smile Olivia walked over to the desk Amelia was using and sat on the edge as she considered the comment. “That’s true I never did. I take it you want to know all the facts?” Amelia nodded her head and Olivia continued. “Father Johansson had been using the convent as a breeding ground for drugs, a fairly low key affair, but nonetheless profitable. A Sister called Mary Claire was his accomplice inside. That’s the nun we saw that evening we were outside the convent walls. Apparently according to the good Sister who rolled over nicely and confessed all to the police later, Sister Marie had stumbled onto the weed growing by accident a couple of months before. At first she’d remained silent, probably didn’t know what the plants were. Then eventually curiosity got the better of her and she carried out some research.”

“Why didn’t she ask the Mother Superior?” Amelia interjected thoughtfully.

Olivia chuckled, “Sure and who around any convent knows everything?”

“You mean Mother Superior was in on the drugs too?” Amelia’s eyes nearly popped out of her head her naivety one of the things Olivia liked best about her new partner. It helped her put perspective on a world gone mad, at least the world she inhabited.

“No, at least not knowingly, as we know the good Father was a slick talker. He was very convincing the plants were for medicinal use within the church, and it would be a great service for the convent to help. What she didn’t know was Sister Mary had been brought into the convent to ensure only she knew the real story and kept everyone out. Our friend Sister Marie became suspicious and began asking questions, obviously too many. Rumours began to surface but not the rumours you’d expect, the ones regarding the Sister’s insanity. Thereby bringing you and me into this playground, except it never played out the way Father expected.”

Amelia’s eyes flashed upwards to meet Olivia’s as she whispered, “He never expected us to see the meeting between his henchman and the nun and have your suspicions roused.”

With a wink Olivia nodded, “Yours too of course. Because you did something he didn’t want to happen. You removed the one person who was overly suspicious out of the convent and into a potentially dangerous open arena, the real world! He wasn’t to know that you were following your training and instincts and your only interest was the welfare of the nun and the baby she carried. Once Sister Marie had left the confines of the convent she was as good as dead in the eyes of the priest.”

“Oh my God you mean I was ultimately responsible for all those people being killed?” Her voice choked over the words as tears filled the doctor’s eyes.

“Sorry doc you give yourself way too much credit. There was only ever one person responsible for the deaths that day, Father Johansson. You and I were merely catalysts for events to occur. Needless to say Sister Marie from her safe house later gave her full account of what was happening at the convent as she saw it. No one but Sister Mary has been charged. To give the church its due it did help out in convincing the law that the Mother Superior, in particular, wasn’t responsible. I believe she’s been retired and good old Sister Agnes has taken over.” The sarcasm at the nun’s name wasn’t lost on Amelia.

With a faint smile Amelia replied, “Hmm Sister Agnes, thankfully I’m not in that order or convent.”

Olivia moved away from the desk and back to her own, her voice barely a whisper in the still air of the room, “Thankfully for me you’re no longer a nun.”

Amelia thought she heard the words but could have been mistaken, “What was that Olivia?”

Making as much noise as possible dragging several files across her desk Olivia gave a blank look, “I didn’t say anything.”

…Amelia was shaken out of her thoughts as the door bell insistently peeled around the walls of the hallway. Pouring the water into her coffee mug she trotted towards her door and without a second thought opened the door wide. Big Mistake!

Her eyes grew wide as she saw the person standing at her doorway, how had Don Clayton Junior managed to find her?

“Don, what are you doing here?” Her voice shook slightly as the man who towered over her gave a sneer, quickly replacing it with a sickly smile.

“Amelia why your parents of course, they knew if ever I was passing this way I’d want to look you up. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

No way! There was absolutely no way her parents would have given her address to this man, they knew it was over between them and leaving as suddenly as she had from her vacation had been because of this man. “I’d love too but…”

Amelia was unable to hold back the door she was about to close in his face as he stepped forward and virtually forced his way inside. What could she do now? Okay, okay he was an old friend and probably wanted to know why she’d left so suddenly. Well that was easy, work related and she wouldn’t be telling any untruth.

Walking down the small hallway towards her kitchen Don glanced around and made noises Amelia decided were approving, not that it mattered to her what he thought about where she lived.

“You have a great place here Amelia looks like you’ve settled down well since leaving the church.” His voice, where once she had thought attractive sounded hollow and sarcastic to her now.

“Thanks I’ve had a lot of help. Don, why are you here at this time of night?”

The desperation in Amelia’s voice must have communicated itself to Don Clayton as his lips curled into a cruel smile. “It isn’t late Amelia, why it’s only seven. Time enough to have a long chat with a long lost friend, wouldn’t you say. If I didn’t know you better Amelia I’d think you wanted to get rid of me.” His laughter mimicked his mocking expression.

Hesitating for a moment Amelia wanted to shout at him, that as far as she was concerned she never wanted to see him again in her lifetime. “Really Don, you know it’s lovely to see you but I have another invitation tonight.”

“Why don’t I tag along and you can show me off.” He stared at her and she was unable to prevent the displeasure she felt at the thought appearing in her eyes.

“I’ve had a hard week Don and my friend is expecting me in half an hour, why don’t we catch up tomorrow morning for coffee?”

Amelia’s fatal mistake had been in believing this man was still the boy she had grown up with, as he turned to her unexpectedly and grasped her arm in a vice-like grip, almost stopping the flow of blood to the limb. His eyes never faltered and Amelia wished fervently that they had looked away as they hardened with what she would have said was a predatory evil expression.

“Oh no Amelia from now on you and I are never going to be out of each other sights. I can’t have you running away like you did last week. I told you that you were always on my mind Em, and you are, and always will be the only woman for me. Now that you’ve left the church we can be together and I intend to not allow a second go by without you by my side. Don’t you see Amelia it’s our second chance and I know that you love me.” His feverish words frightened Amelia as she wondered how she had ever allowed herself to forget all she’d learned from her profession and the months since meeting the detective. Here was a classic case of obsession and she hadn’t seen it coming… or maybe she had but hadn’t considered how dangerous it could be. For years she had been coddled by her order and once inside the convent walls she had been secure in the knowledge that it was rare anything dreadful happened behind the religious walls.

Attempting to break away from Don’s grip she felt it tighten as his face moved closer to hers. Sure his next action was to kiss her and no way was that going to happen. “Don, look I’ll cancel my visit to a friend tonight, but I’ll have to call her first. Then we can go out to dinner and talk, how does that sound?”

Fleeting hope was dashed as he shook his head. “No calls to friends, not tonight. Dinner sounds good but later. Right now I think I’ve waited long enough to consummate our relationship Amelia. Tonight is going to be the beginning of the rest of our lives together and you’ll feel better once we’ve made love, trust me.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she realised she was woefully inadequate to be out in this world. As he dragged her towards the nearest closed door looking for what he thought would be her bedroom. This shouldn’t be happening to her she was stronger than this. She had faith in God, and right now more importantly she needed it in herself. As he opened the door leading to her bedroom he cruelly pushed her inside and slammed the door shut on them.

Teal stood in her kitchen listening to the laughter of her friends enjoying the simplicity of just being together socially. One friend she would have dearly loved to have here wasn’t, Amelia. They had known each other for over ten years and had shared the highs and lows of college life and business events. When most people would have been politely friendly towards her Amelia had been genuinely so. Although they had completely different goals and backgrounds it was clear their friendship was the real deal.

“Hey babe you look pensive anything I can do?” Gentle arms encased the small body and warm soft lips kissed the top of her head in tenderness.

Teal smiled slowly as the meditative state she had been in dropped away immediately as Phil’s voice invaded her senses. Her lover’s words no matter what they were did that to her. “I was thinking about my boss.”

With a warm chuckle Phil gently turned the diminutive body around in her arms so that they faced each other. “Really, should I be jealous? Tall, athletic and dangerously sexy is a hard bench mark to follow, but I’ll try.” In response, she stole a gentle kiss from Teal.

“Oh no worries there Phil, Olivia is one of those women you dream about like a fictional heroine always out of reach. Actually I was thinking about Amelia. She’s so messed up at the moment and all I want is for her to be as happy as I am. I even invited her tonight can you believe that? She’d have picked up her habit and run screaming back to the convent after a few hours with our crowd.”

Phil gazed seriously at the woman in her arms. She’d spent so much time working like a demented fool that relationships had hardly entered into her mind. Teal had broken her down subtly as she worked on the renovations at the agency. And she couldn’t have wished her life had taken any other turn, they were made for each other or so she thought. “Does she know about us, does she know about you?”

That was a loaded question but shouldn’t have been. Somehow she and Amelia had never really discussed romantic attachments. It hadn’t been appropriate after all, Amelia had been a nun, and was still a nun to all intents and purposes. “I don’t think she knows I’m a lesbian, we never discussed that part of our lives. Besides she’s been so preoccupied in the last few months it’s highly unlikely she’s noticed much going on around the place. Olivia wants me to tell her and get it out in the open. I don’t want to lose her friendship Phil she needs my support at this time not another problem!”

“You think who we are and what we share with each other is classified as a problem? Teal give the woman some credit she might be a nun, or was, but she isn’t totally innocent of what happens around her. She’s a psychiatrist right?” Phil was astonished at Teal’s lack of trust in her friend’s judgement.

“No! No Phil, I guess I think she’s going through too much trauma in her own life that my choices are basically irrelevant in the big picture.” Teal lifted her small arms and pulled Phil’s head closer to hers as they shared a deep satisfying kiss.

“Tomorrow, you and I are going over to see Amelia and tell her that we’re in love. In fact we’ll go one better. Teal, will you marry me?”

The squeal that followed from Teal almost deafened Phil as she laughingly lifted Teal off her feet into an embrace that told each other exactly how they felt about each other.

“Are you sure she won’t mind Olivia, its late maybe she’s gone to bed early.”

Olivia glanced at her wristwatch as they headed towards Amelia’s apartment the detective rapping on the door firmly ignoring the doorbell before she answered, “Oh don’t worry she’d kill me, figuratively speaking, if I didn’t bring you over immediately.”

Two women stood at the door one impatient for the door to be answered the other apologetic wondering if tomorrow morning wouldn’t be a better time. Receiving no immediate answer Olivia ground her teeth as she this time pressed the doorbell but instead of taking her finger off the object she kept it there.

“Olivia I really think tomorrow would be more convenient. Perhaps she’s gone out, she is a free agent now isn’t she? No Mother Superior to atone too.”

“I know she’s in there. Didn’t you hear that noise?” Olivia had heard a faint noise from inside but it could have been anything and not necessarily Amelia. Maybe she’d relented and gone to Teal’s party after all.

This time Olivia tried the more direct approach, not only did she rap harder on the door she shouted for Amelia to open up or she would be sorry. The door opposite Amelia’s apartment opened and a young couple peered out wondering about the commotion. Then as the noise in the corridor increased Olivia heard definite footsteps inside the apartment. Well she sure wasn’t going to be the doc’s best friend after tonight. Although the visitor she brought with her would help smooth the ruffled feathers for disturbing the neighbours.

The door opened slightly and Olivia’s eyes almost fell out of their sockets as a man as tall as she was stood there, his shirt open wide revealing a mass of hair on a bronzed body. Nice body. After that derelict thought Olivia glanced around the bulk of the man to see inside, where was the doc? She’d been keeping secrets obviously.

“What do you want?” Don Clayton asked, his voice showing the annoyance although his bland expression didn’t.

“Who are you?” Olivia’s voice accused, as she felt the urge to punch him, but didn’t know why.

The woman at Olivia’s side intervened as the two protagonists eyed each other suspiciously. “We’re friends of Amelia’s and we thought we’d drop by and visit, obviously it’s inconvenient. We’ll call back tomorrow; say hi to Amelia for us. Come on Olivia you can take me to dinner.”

No way, no damned way was she leaving without seeing Amelia. If this had been the cause of moroseness for months instead of everyone thinking it was the nun business then she owed them an explanation. Her at least! “Sorry, but I need to speak with Amelia it won’t take a minute.”

Pushing past the man she entered the hall and was then grabbed from behind by a grip even she would have been proud of. It dragged her viciously backwards into the sinewy body of the stranger. “She’s indisposed; try back tomorrow or in your case never.” Don Clayton snarled into Olivia’s ear as he gave her a dark malevolent stare.

A muffled noise escaped Amelia’s bedroom where the door was slightly ajar and that was all Olivia needed as she kicked back at the man and hit him squarely in his manhood. There’d be no lovemaking on his part for a while. He howled in pain and released the grip he had on her as she sped to Amelia’s bedroom. The room swam in front of her for a few short moments as she saw the doctor tied to the bed, her clothes were ripped partially with a piece of duct tape placed over her mouth. Just as she knelt to help the woman she felt a piercing pain in her back as a foot viciously kicked the small of her back.

With the agility of a cat Olivia rolled away from the bed as another blow headed her way and she began a tussle with the man who in theory should have been too much for her. Well, she had more moves up her sleeve than any man would expect, even those that knew her prowess in the art of self defence. The anger that fuelled her was a frightening thing to watch as she and Don Clayton thrashed around the room. Amelia watched helplessly as she saw them fighting and knew there wasn’t anything she could do to help not even cry out for assistance.

The woman who had arrived with Olivia heard the commotion and decided to follow the noise and as she peered through the bedroom door a gasp escaped her as she saw Amelia’s present condition and the two people fighting and rolling around the room. This was no consensual act as far as she could see and the fear and desperation she saw in the eyes of Amelia had her reaching for her cell and calling 911.

Don Clayton fuelled his own energy reserves with the mind set that no one on this earth was ever going to take Amelia away from him. If he couldn’t have her then no one would. He directed a telling punch to Olivia’s nose, which had the detective reeling. Blood began trickling at first from her nose, and then more profusely. Holding a defensive hand to her face she saw the blood seep through her fingers onto the beige carpet. Clayton chose that moment to reach for the knife he had used to threaten Amelia into submission. She had been no match for his strength and he had felt her fear increase as each moment passed until she was as pliant in his hands as a willing participant in the act that had been about to follow.

Moving swiftly to the bed he lunged at Amelia with the knife in an attempt to do her harm, but was thwarted in his actions as a book flying through the air hit the hand that held the knife, which dropped at the impact from the pain in his wrist.

Olivia had by this time seen what was happening and the horror etched in her mind before the book had hindered the event was something she never wanted to happen in her life ever again. Leaping to her feet and with grim determination decided Clayton was going down, hard. With a few quick steps Olivia was airborne as she tackled Clayton. As they hit the floor, one could hear the whoosh of breath escape. For a split second, no movement was seen but then as if in answer to prayer, in a few quick moves Olivia was able to manoeuvre Clayton into a secure, lock-down position. A position she was willing to hold until the police arrived, which wouldn’t be long as she could hear the sirens in the background coming closer.

It was midnight as Olivia quietly sat drinking coffee in Amelia’s apartment. The police had taken away Don Clayton whose rage reminded her of a caged demented animal, and that was being cruel to the animal kingdom. Statements had been taken and Amelia had refused to be checked at the local hospital. Olivia’s eyes strayed to the two women talking in the kitchen area and she felt tears sting the back of her eyes, although she refused to allow them free reign. What had just happened here had been beyond her expectations for this area of the city and reminded her clearly of how deceptive low life scum like Clayton represented. Amelia had been violated and threatened to within an inch of her life. If it hadn’t been for Sister Marie and her skills with flying books the doctor would have suffered an injury or worse.

The maelstrom of the events threatened to overwhelm her to such an extent crying was on the top of her list and she hated that particular weakness.

All she could think of was Sister Marie’s impeccable timing. If she hadn’t called to say she was in town and at the railway station, wanting to catch up with her and Amelia. It might have been, no it would have been too late! Too late to save Amelia the ultimate violation and whatever else that bastard had decided to do with her.

A hand placed on her shoulder had Olivia’s eyes rising to its owner.

“Olivia, how do you feel?” Amelia asked quietly and calmly. Though it was clear to any one the terror she had just experienced hours before would live with her for the rest of her life.

“I’m good Amelia. Sister Marie arrival was a bit of a surprise wouldn’t you say?” What the hell kind of answer was that Santos! Knowing in her heart all the hopes she had Amelia would stay with them at the agency had been shredded with the events of this evening. There was no way the doctor would stay besides the safest place for her was the convent. Tomorrow she’d help her partner pack and take her home where she belonged… the convent.

Amelia had long since realised Olivia would never likely admit to anything that exhibited any sign she was hurt, even the heavy beating she had received, she’d shrug off as nothing. “Yes, she looks wonderful. I thought we’d never see her again. How and why is she here?”

Olivia winced as she shrugged, the ache in her back acute. Tomorrow she was going to be black and blue with bruises everywhere. “She called out of the blue earlier this evening and said she wanted to see us both.”

Sister Marie walked into the hearing range with the smile that gave her an ethereal quality covering her face. After all that she had seen this evening it was hard to understand she could remain so innocent of the world or appear so.

“I had a feeling you both needed me. It’s been nagging at me for days and finally I gave in to the calling and made the journey.” The quiet words echoed in the room.

Sceptical as always, Olivia shook her head, “You just wanted a change of scenery from the domestic life in the country; I’ve heard a few things.” Olivia winked teasing Sister Marie.

Amelia turned with a surprised look on her face to stare at Olivia, “You knew all along where she was and how she was?”

Sheepishly Olivia had to admit she had known those things, from a distance of course. She had the contacts and they had given her comprehensive information on a weekly basis. “Well…”

“Why don’t we dissect all that in the morning, I think we could all do with some sleep.” Sister Marie answered before the two embroiled themselves into a discussion that was best left for another day.

Amelia’s body shook for a moment as she thought of her bedroom. Sister Marie and Olivia were going to stay the night to keep her company but she didn’t want to go in her bedroom alone. “I’m going to stay up for a few more minutes, you both go onto bed. I’ll be fine.”

Olivia heard the hesitation in Amelia’s words. That was the essence of what had gone wrong today between them, but not just today, since they had become partners in the agency. They had been hesitant in what they asked of each other and what they gave away. It had almost been a fatal hesitation for them and one she certainly wasn’t going to allow to happen again.

“You go onto bed Marie, I have the sofa. I’ll keep Amelia company until she’s ready for bed.”

Ten minutes passed in silence and then Olivia saw the fatigue, coupled with fear in Amelia’s eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

The softly spoken words reached into Amelia’s heart as she finally realised there had always been someone she could talk too in this new life she had chosen. That person was sitting pensively opposite her waiting for a reply. If she chose not to say anything Olivia would not force the issue, but maybe she should. Perhaps that was the problem between them. The detective could give the impression of complete imperviousness to the situation around her when perhaps she wasn’t, but didn’t know how to show she cared at least she hadn’t until very recently. At the end of the day that was all anyone wanted, someone who cared enough about them to listen to their woes, however trivial they might appear.

“I’m scared Olivia. I didn’t realise someone I’d considered a friend and grew up with could turn into a monster. How can I ever feel safe again?”

The impassioned words hit Olivia squarely in her heart; she’d been there and done that. Her brother had been her world for so long it was hard to equate his death as reality. When she finally admitted to his death, although broken in spirit, she tracked down the person who was instrumental in his death to find it was a trusted friend. She had never felt entirely safe either since his death. Max was my saviour and now he is gone. Where did she turn when things weren’t working out now? Her heart knew and her mind did too, but she dare not admit it. Not yet, and probably after today not ever. “You will feel safe again Amelia I promise you that. Perhaps not tomorrow or next week, maybe it will be a year from now, but eventually you will feel safe again!”

Amelia gave a faint smile the first since her ordeal, “Marie said much the same to me. She looks fabulous doesn’t she? She told me her daughter is a scary handful but Danielle has helped her. Did you know she and Danielle live together? Oh what a stupid thing to say; of course you knew.”

The words trailed off and Olivia sucked in a deep breath, which was as pain-filled physically as it was emotionally for her. “You have to understand Amelia it’s a very special programme they went into. Danielle’s husband still isn’t in police custody and until he is they are all in danger, even the children.”

“I see. Would you ever have told me?” Amelia asked quietly.

Olivia moved slowly out of her chair, injures she’d sustained earlier now making a massive claim on her body’s inner strength. “Eventually, anyway you probably know more than I do now or will before she leaves tomorrow.”

Wistfully Amelia said, “Does it have to be so soon?”

“Yes, she shouldn’t really be here. What she did today was remarkable. Great timing I guess.”

Amelia had known from that first meeting with Sister Marie that the nun was important in her life, and she had felt that the woman would enter her life again. Never could she have imagined in quite these circumstances, but perhaps that was the only way. The Sister had saved her life much as she supposed they had saved the Sister’s life previously. “I guess it was payback.”

Olivia knew what the doctor was referring to as she stood next to Amelia’s chair, “I think my dear doctor you are right. However, I also think you need some sleep.”

Amelia didn’t dare look into Olivia’s eyes from the seat she had taken earlier, “Maybe I’ll sleep in the recliner tonight and keep you company.”

There were a few moments of silence as Olivia contemplated the suggestion. “I think that’s a great idea, except I have a better one.”

Amelia genuinely smiled this time, just being here with Olivia in the same room made her feel safe, “You do? Go for it.”

Reaching out her hand for Amelia to grasp and pull herself out of the chair, “How about we both share your bed? My body is protesting at not having any rest and sleeping on a sofa will only irritate it further. You can keep me company while I sleep, how does that sound?” It was the only ploy she knew to get Amelia to accept what had happened in that room and move on.

Thoughtfully Amelia considered the suggestion and placed her hand in the much larger outstretched one. “Thank you Olivia.”

Fully clothed they climbed into the freshly made bed within seconds Amelia began to shake and couldn’t stop. A strong yet gentle arm extended itself and encompassed her in a warm friendly hold. “My shoulder is pretty good to sleep on, please take it Amelia.”

The essence of the words and the way they were spoken had Amelia’s heart thumping as she accepted the comfort of the woman at her side. “Thank you again.”

“No thanks necessary, Amelia. You will always be safe with me.” Olivia meant every word with every fibre of her being.

Amelia pondered that for a few moments and then the image of the kiss they shared popped into her head. After all she’d been through with Don Clayton sharing a kiss with anyone should have been locked and bolted behind a ten-foot thick door. However her feelings regarding the action were in sharp contrast to how she thought she should feel. “You know you still owe me explanation from our last case, particularly that kiss.”

Olivia groaned inwardly this was clearly not the time to dwell on her actions during the Agnew case. Now looking at the situation in retrospect she was no better than the Clayton beast. “We can do that tomorrow. I was thinking perhaps after Sister Marie has gone home you could go home too.”

Olivia felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach although knew this was the only action she could recommend in the circumstances. What she hadn’t bargained on was the strain in the voice of Amelia as she replied quietly.

“I can’t go home; my parents are still away, what would be the sense of going from one empty apartment to another.”

“Actually I was thinking of your other family… you know the convent.” Amelia stiffened in the secure and gentle hold Olivia had on her and she waited for the answer from her tense companion.

“Olivia I’m no longer a nun. I rescinded my vows two days after we came back from Ransomville. The only family besides my parents that I have now is Teal… and you.” Amelia hesitated over admitting she regarded Olivia as family because she knew what the detective was like when it came to close ties and relationships.

Life had a way of providing a silver lining when you least expected it and it had just arrived as far as Olivia was concerned. Sighing deeply and holding Amelia a little closer, “I guess you can always spend the weekend with me and if you can’t face living here again we’ll make other arrangements.”

Amelia smiled to herself at the offer, in the circumstances it was a very generous one from the solitary detective. “Might that include sharing your apartment?” she knew she was teasing Olivia but did the detective know that.

She knew she was teasing Olivia, but did the detective know that?

A slight splutter was the initial reaction. “Tomorrow ok, I don’t know about you but I’m shot to pieces right now.”

With all that had gone on Amelia felt remarkably relaxed as she decided it was because right now, right here was the safest place in the world to her. Devilment flared in her thoughts as she turned slightly on her side and did something as daring as she had thought the detective’s action when she’d done something similar, she chastely kissed Olivia on the cheek and settled quiet happily down into the crook of the detective’s arm.

Olivia for her part didn’t know what to make of the gesture, was she that tired she’d dreamed it had happened. Lamely she replied, “Sweet dreams Amelia.”

“Thank you Olivia, it’s sure to happen now. I’ve replaced Don’s vicious lips with yours instead, and believe me I know which ones I prefer. Although that doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook you still owe me an explanation.”

Deciding it was best to say something though what had her stumped for the moment, “How about the simple version will you go to sleep then?”

Amelia smiled into Olivia’s shoulder, “yes.”

Clearing her voice slightly Olivia decided on the truth, “I was frustrated with you and that’s what happens when I become that way.” Yes perfect that should do it.

“Frustrated? When you become frustrated you kiss people? Do you treat everyone you’re frustrated with like that?” an incredulous noted entered Amelia’s voice as she tried to sit up but Olivia prevented her with a gentle tightening of her arms and pulling her closer into her shoulder.

“Actually for the record no I don’t I usually shoot em! Now will you go to sleep?” The whole conversation had a surreal feel about it but a nice one.

There was silence between them for a few moments then Amelia murmured exhaustedly, “I guess I was one of the lucky ones, goodnight Olivia.”

Before Olivia could respond she heard the low breathing of the woman laying on one of her shoulders, exhaustion taking its final toll on the doctor. Whispering into the virtually silent room, “You were the only one. My goodness this really has been a day when hell meets heaven!” Her eyelids dropped and she fell into a comfortable healing sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a glorious day for the agency and their continued partnership.

Next story Echoes of the Past

When Hell Meets Heaven Series

When Hell Meets Heaven

Fatal Hesitation

Echoes of the Past

Paradox of Love

The End Game