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html

JULIE MILLE

At !o"r Comman#

Contents

Chapter $

Chapter % ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Chapter &

Chapter '

Chapter (

Chapter )

Chapter *

Chapter +

Chapter ,

Chapter $-

Chapter $$

Chapter $%

Epilo."e

Chapter $

Ei.hteen months a.o

Marine Corps Captain /achariah Clar0 was so t"c0ere# o"t he co"l# barel1 p"t on his "ni2orm3 m"ch less spee# "p the process.

B"t3 oh3 man3 what a wa1 to .o.

4e ha# onl1 2ive ho"rs "ntil he ha# to report 2or #"t1 at the trainin. base in5"antico36ir.inia72ort1 miles awa1. A.ainst cit1 tra22ic. Thro".h the m"sh1 #re.s o2 the snowstorm that ha# blan0ete#8ashin.ton39.C.4e sho"l# be 0ic0in: his ass into .ear an# boo0in: it o"t o2 this hotel.

B"t as he tie# o22 his boots3 all he co"l# thin0 abo"t was the na0e# woman in the shower3 sin.in. a bl"es1 ren#ition o2 ;Too 9arn 4ot< that #ance# a.ainst his ear#r"ms li0e a se#"ctive whisper an# heate# his .roin li0e the to"ch o2 a slow3 2irm han#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;=eep #ressin:3 Clar0sie3< he chi#e# himsel2 as he care2"ll1 b"ttone# the 2l1 o2 his camo"2la.e pants.

A2ter nearl1 a wee0 in this room with Bec01 >wens3 he tho".ht he wo"l# have .otten the woman o"t o2 his s1stem. 4e:# alrea#1 ha# her six wa1s to ?"n#a13 an# she:# ha# him bac0.

Eno".h3 man@ 9"t1 calls. B"t she was in there.

Aa0e#.

Absol"tel1 his 2avorite version o2 the Bec0ster. 4e:# seen her in ever1 role 2rom b"ttone#B"p exec in a chaste .ra1 s"it to a#orable sex 0itten in her 2"n01 2lannel paCamas. 4e:# ha# 2"n with them all. B"t na0e#D 4e swallowe# har#3 #oin. his #amne#est to blan0 o"t the ima.e o2 so2t3

#eca#ent c"rves3 2lexin. an# bo"ncin. with each precise movement she ma#e. The pale3 per2ect s0in3 the res"lt o2 her ?can#inavian herita.e3 wo"l# be steamin. beneath the spra1 o2 the water.

Aa0e#.

/achariah reache# 2or the 0ha0i TBshirt he:# p"lle# 2rom his #"22el ba.. Ma1be i2 he 0ept p"ttin: his clothes on3 he:# E"it obsessin. abo"t ta0in: hers o22.

>2 co"rse3 he wo"l#n:t have to ta0e o22 an1thin. beca"se she was alrea#1F

Aa0e#.

?hit. 4is #ic0 stirre# in response.

;4ell"va pep tal03 Clar0sie.<

4e p"lle# the TBshirt over his hea#3 stretchin. the cotton over his chest an# arms "ntil the Corps tattoo o2 ea.le3 .lobe an# anchor pee0e# o"t beneath the sleeve on his le2t bicep. !eah. Goc"s on that. Thin0 ?emper Gi. Thin0 #"t1. 4onor. 4is responsibilit1 to his men an# co"ntr1. Ae"traliHin. threats aro"n# the worl#. An elevenB1ear career.

Aa0e#. ;IeeH.<

/achariah:s pants ti.htene#.

4e resol"tel1 t"c0e# in his T an# p"lle# his camo overshirt o22 its han.er as Bec01:s h"s01 serena#e en#e#. The p"lse o2 beatin. water #win#le# to a 2ew nois1 #rips an# then silence. Lor#1. I2 she wal0e# o"t here na0e#F

/achariah inhale# a #eep3 stea#1in. breath an# b"ttone# his shirt. 4e was a Marine3 #amn it3 not some lovesic0 p"pp1. Tho".h3 with his m".3 he ha#n:t ha# the same s"ccess as some o2 his posterBbo1 comra#esJ this wasn:t the 2irst time he:# come home on leave3 pic0e# "p a woman at a bar an# spent the ni.ht with her. It was the 2irst time he:# spent six ni.hts with the same ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html woman. The 2irst time he:# ever ha# an1 tro"ble 0issin. her .oo#b1e3 than0in. her an# wal0in. awa1.

4ell. 4e was be.innin. to 2eel li0e he was never .oin. to .et eno".h o2 her. The cool3 conservative attorne1 with the secretl1 sin2"l alter e.o wasn:t intimi#ate# b1 his crew c"t or brawn or ba#Bass brava#o. I2 an1thin.3 the challen.e o2 .oin. hea#BtoBhea# with him seeme# to excite her. It excite# him. Grom the moment she:# wal0e# into Iro"cho:s K"b in the heart o2 9.C. nearl1 a wee0 a.o3 an# re2"se# to let him b"1 her a #rin03 the .ame between them ha# been on.

4ow co"l# he leave be2ore the .ame was 2inishe#D

The bathroom #oor crea0e# open.

9espite his best3 sel2Bpreservin. intentions3 /achariah:s .aHe searche# the mirror over the hotel room #es0 where he was #ressin.. 4e Heroe# in on the clo"# o2 steam 2ilterin. into the archwa1

behin# him3 a temptin. prel"#e to the 6en"s who:# 2ollow.

The steam carrie# the exotic scent that was "niE"el1 Bec01:s7a hea#1 2ra.rance that remin#e# him o2 lon. ni.hts in the tropics. Ever1thin. in him tense# with anticipation. I2 she was na0e#F

;8hew@ Aow I:m awa0e.< The steam cleare# an# Bec01 appeare# in the #oorwa1.

Than0 Io#. 4e:# be able to wal0 awa1.

Ma1be.

?he wore a white3 2l"221 towel3 t"c0e# aro"n# her breasts saron.Bst1le3 coverin. her 2rom her armpits to her thi.hs. It was a #em"re eno".h loo0 i2 he #i#n:t alrea#1 0now what was hi##en "n#erneath. The s0in he co"l# see was pin0 2rom the shower:s heat3 an# tr1 as he mi.ht3 he co"l#n:t loo0 awa1 2rom the temptin. si.ht. ?he #rie# her hair with a secon# towel3 then tosse# it onto the marble vanit1 besi#e the bathroom sin0.

/achariah #roppe# his .aHe to the .limpse o2 ro"n#e# b"tt chee0 that appeare# beneath the e#.e o2 the terr1 cloth as she leane# in closer to the mirror r"nnin. the len.th o2 the vanit1. 4e .lance# bac0 "p as she 2in.erBcombe# her hair. 9amp 2rom her shower3 the whiteB.ol# waves ha# #ar0ene# to the color o2 wheat. >ne ten#ril st"c0 to her chee03 an# be2ore /achariah co"l# even i#enti21 the "r.e to #o the Cob 2or her3 she p"lle# it 2ree an# t"c0e# it behin# her ear. >nl1 then #i# her #eep cobalt e1es loo0 "p to meet his re2lection in the mirror. ;Ioo# mornin.3 bi. ."1.<

I have to .o3 he meant to sa1.

;Io#3 1o":re .or.eo"s3< he sai# instea#. That:s tellin: her3 Clar0sie. 8a1 to be lar.e an# in char.e. 4ow the hell was he s"ppose# to be.in this 2arewell conversationD 8here was that hooB1ah #rive to .et the Cob #oneD ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Twin #ots o2 ros1 color #otte# her cream1 chee0s7the ones "p top. B"t she neither than0e# him 2or the compliment nor ma#e an1 e22ort to p"t him o"t o2 his ineloE"ent miser1. Instea#3 Bec01 p"lle# a bottle 2rom her toiletr1 ba. an# #abbe# lotion onto her 2ace. ?he wor0e# an# converse# as i2 this was an1 other mornin.. As i2 the1 ha# a tho"san# more mornin.s to.ether instea# o2 C"st ho"rs.

;!o" wore me o"t last ni.ht. A.ain.< 4er low3 h"s01 la".h #ance# across his s0in. 4is #ic0 stirre# in a helpless response to the so"n#3 as i2 she ha# caresse# him there. ;I #on:t thin0 I:ve ever ha# this m"ch exercise on a vacation be2ore.<

?ettin. asi#e his .oo#b1e mission 2or a moment3 /achariah pla1e# the #o"bleBenten#re .ame3 too. ;I:ve alwa1s enCo1e# a .oo# wor0o"t m1sel2.<

;?oF< ?he e1e# his #"22el ba. on the be#. ;8here will 1o" beD<

The banterin. moo# bro0en3 he ret"rne# his attention to a#C"stin. his collar. ;8e tal0e# abo"t this last ni.ht.<

;I 0now 1o" have to ret"rn to base to report 2or #"t1 b1noon7$%-- ho"rs3 1o" sai#. I meant3

where will 1o" be statione# a2ter thatD<

?he wasn:t .ameBpla1in.. B"t he co"l#n:t .ive her the strai.ht answer she wante#. ;That in2ormation:s classi2ie#.<

K"llin. o"t a comb3 she ma#e a Cob o"t o2 smoothin. her hair into a slee0 st1le be2ore it #rie# into the loose t"mble o2 waves he pre2erre#. ;9o we tr1 to 0eep in to"chD 8rite lettersD 8ill 1o" have access to a phone or eBmailD<

;Kossibl1. B"t I:# have to contact 1o" 2irst to let 1o" 0now the when3 where an# how. Until then3 1o" won:t be able to reach me.<

?he no##e#. ;8ill 1o"r mission be #an.ero"sD<

?pecial >ps assi.nments alwa1s were. 4e wasn:t an i#iot abo"t his sa2et1 or the sa2et1 o2 his men3 b"t the ris0 inherent in his wor0 co"l#n:t be #enie#. ;!es.<

;Are 1o" hea#e# to theMi##le EastD<

;Can:t sa1.<

;A2ricaD<

;Classi2ie#3 #arlin:.<

;Are 1o" sta1in. statesi#eD Gi.htin. the war on #r".sD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;I can:t tell 1o".<

Bec01 h"22e# what so"n#e# li0e a c"rse3 tosse# the comb into the sin0 an# sp"n aro"n#. ;8hat can 1o" tell meD<

8as it the law1er in her3 as0in. all these E"estionsD 8as she pic0in. a 2i.ht to ma0e s"re there weren:t an1 lin.erin. emotions or 2oolish expectations once he wal0e# o"t the #oorD >r was this how she mas0e# her concernD ?ometimes3 his parents .ot 2"nn13 too3 over how secretive his wor0 co"l# be.

;I:m waitin..< ?he .rippe# the vanit1 on either si#e o2 her3 thr"stin. her tits 2orwar# in a #e2iant post"re that straine# the con2ines o2 the towel.

/achariah care2"ll1 consi#ere# her reE"est. Even the Corps co"l#n:t control the wa1 a man 2elt7b"t re."lations were re."lations. 4e hel# his han#s "p in moc0 s"rren#er. ;I can sa1 that 1o" ma1 well have the most per2ect set o2 breasts on the planet. Bi. eno".h that the1 can 2ill these han#s witho"t 2eelin: li0e I:m .onna brea0 somethin.3 1et so2t an# sass1 eno".h that I 0now I:m #ealin: with the real thin..<

A2ter a lon. pa"se3 the stern lines aro"n# her mo"th ease# an# she la".he#. ;!o" li0e these3 hmmD<

;>h3 1eah.< /achariah:s own mo"th shi2te# into a ca"tio"s smile. ;Are we o0a1D<

?he no##e#. ;It:s been 2"n3 hasn:t itD Certainl1 not how I was expectin. to spen# these last 2ew #a1s be2ore startin. m1 new Cob with the ?tate.<

;Aot what I ha# planne# 2or m1 leave3 either. B"t 1eah3 it was7< tho".h the wor# 2elt ina#eE"ate3 /achariah 2elt st1mie# to come "p with somethin. better ;72"n.<

;An# 1o":re leavin. in 2ive ho"rsD<

4e:# better leave now. >r he:# have a "nit o2 MKs on his tail to ha"l him bac0 to base. 9espite the #esire #r"mmin. thro".h his bo#13 an# the lon.in. an# ."ilt twistin. him "p #eeper insi#e3 /achariah .athere# his 0e1s an# bill2ol# an# st"22e# them into his poc0ets. ;I have to be at5"anticoin 2ive ho"rs. I:m leavin. sooner than that.< 4e pic0e# "p his #"22el3 b"t pa"se# when he note# how her 2ace ha# .one pale. This was what militar1 li2e was li0e. ?he ha# to "n#erstan# that. ;I tol# 1o" when this starte# it was .onna be short an# sweet between "s.<

;An# I a.ree# to that. I have a new Cob to 2oc"s on. I:m 2ixin. "p m1 own place. I:m not loo0in. to invest in a lon.Bterm relationship.< ?he p"lle# her l"sh bottom lip between her teeth as she slippe# into #eep tho".ht. /achariah 2o".ht to .et past the nee# to taste that sweet lip himsel23 an# listene# to what she ha# to sa1. ;?a1in. .oo#b1e is to".her than I expecte#.<

;!eah.< 8ow. That was pro2o"n#3 b"##1. 4e th"mbe# over his sho"l#er towar# the #oor. ;I ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html nee# to .o.<

Bec01 release# her lip an# strai.htene#. ?he:# chec0e# whatever emotion she:# been 2eelin.3

an# now he co"l# see the wheels ch"rnin. behin# those #eep bl"e e1es. /achariah brace# himsel2 to #eal with whatever she was thin0in. "p. ;4ow lon. #oes it act"all1 ta0e 1o" to .et to the base 2rom hereD<

;Abo"t an ho"r. Unless I hit some 2rea01 mi#mornin. tra22ic o"t o2 9.C.<

4er lips c"rve# into a serene smile. ;I C"st realiHe#7I:ve never seen 1o" in "ni2orm be2ore.<

K"llin. his sho"l#ers bac03 /achariah pro"#l1 .ave her a .oo# loo0 at what %+- po"n#s o2 bi.3 ba# Marine loo0e# li0e. ;Captain /achariah Clar0 at 1o"r service3 ma:am.<

Bec01 lappe# her sweet3 pin0 ton."e aro"n# her lips in an assessin.3 appreciative po"t that ma#e his entire bo#1 l"rch. ;!o" wear it well.<

;Than0s.<

?he scanne# him 2rom sho"l#er to sho"l#er3 2rom hea# to toe. Then she loo0e# him strai.ht in the e1e. ;Ta0e it o223 Captain.<

;Bec017<

;I sai# ta0e it o22.<

In a sin.le beat o2 time3 the atmosphere in the room ha# thic0ene#.

;The hotel cleaners C"st sent it "p3 starche# an# presse#.<

;?o we:ll ma0e a point not to wrin0le it.< ?he reache# 2or the 0not o2 terr1 cloth between her breasts an# #roppe# her towel.

Aa0e#. 9amn. /achariah:s coc0 throbbe# to shameless attention as he stoo# trans2ixe# b1 all her ab"n#ant .lor1.

;Ta0e it o22. An# .et over here.<

/achariah tosse# the #"22el onto the be#. ;At 1o"r comman#.<

4e strippe# in recor# time3 never even consi#erin. the be# as he swappe# his "ni2orm 2or their box o2 con#oms3 an# stro#e across the room with a sin.le p"rpose. 4er.

Bec01:s 0iss was waitin. 2or him as he li2te# her "p onto the bathroom co"nter an# sprea# her le.s to move between them. ?he smoothe# the 2riction between their lips with her ton."e3 then #elve# insi#e to to1 with his. Ever1 stro0e 0ic0e# "p the heat throbbin. thro".h him another ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html impossible notch. ?he lin0e# her arms behin# his nec0 an# p"lle# hersel2 "p a.ainst his bo#13 teasin. his chest with the br"sh o2 her nipples3 teasin. him #own below with her 2ra.rant3 #ampenin. heat. ?he was a #eca#ent #eli.ht 2or each o2 his senses72rom the contrastin. re2lection in the mirror o2 his s"ntanne# han#s movin. over her 2airer s0in to the mint1 taste o2 her bol# ton."e in his mo"th.

/achariah trie# to savor ever1 moment3 ta0in. note o2 ever1 sensation so he co"l# repla1 the memories months 2rom now when he was st"c0 in the mi##le o2 the #esert or in some 2orei.n

C"n.le72ar 2rom letters an# eBmails3 2arther still 2rom 0isses an# to"ches li0e these.

B"t patience wasn:t his 2rien# this mornin.. Bec01:s mo"th was pliant an# ea.er3 matchin. ever1 2ora1 he ma#e. ?he traile# her 2in.ers alon. his spine3 spar0in. an electric imp"lse in ever1 cell she to"che#. ?till anchorin. her atop the co"nter3 /achariah slippe# his han# #own between them3 see0in. her heat3 testin. her rea#iness. 4e stro0e# one 2in.er alon. her slic0 crevice an# she .aspe#3 tearin. her mo"th 2rom his an# b"r1in. her 2ace a.ainst his nec0.

;Mmm.<

An answerin. .roan 2rom #eep in his chest was all he co"l# mana.e. 4e #ippe# one 2in.er insi#e her3 then two. ?he writhe# a.ainst his han#. 4e 2o"n# her responsive n"b with his th"mb an# be..e# the cool3 calm3 controlle# attorne1 to .o wanton on him.

;Aot 2air3< she .aspe#3 nippin. at his collarbone. ;!o" have to7< her h"m vibrate# a.ainst his s0in ;7comeFtoo.< 4er 0nees 2lexe# conv"lsivel1 aro"n# his hips as she neare# her release. 4e 0new the 2eelin.. Un#erstoo# the nee#. 4is achin. #ic0 po0e# her hip an# thi.h as he roc0e# helplessl1 a.ainst her. /achariah was li0e a temperat"re tri..er on a bric0 o2 CB' explosive3 rapi#l1 heatin. "p to the point o2 #etonation.

Bec01:s 2in.ers #". into his bac0. ;/achariahD< ?he was breathin. har#. ;/acha7< breathin. #eepl1 ;7/achariFD< Breathin. E"ic0l1.

A2ter seven #a1s to.ether3 he reco.niHe# the so"n#. ?he was comin..

?o was he.

;Aot 1et.< ?he 0isse# his nec0. =isse# his chin. Irabbe# his wrist an# p"lle# his slic0 2in.ers 2rom her be2ore she climaxe#. ;To.ether3< she #eman#e#. ;This last time3 we #o it to.ether.<

Their 2in.ers tan.le# as the1 reache# 2or the con#oms he:# #roppe# besi#e her. There was la".hter. =isses. G"mblin. han#s.

;Eno".h.< 4e iss"e# the or#er be2ore he embarrasse# himsel2 ri.ht there on the co"nter. Ta0in. char.e o2 the race to their completion3 he rippe# open a pac0a.e an# t"rne# his bac0 on her to sheathe himsel2.

Aot to be le2t o"t o2 the action 2or even a moment3 she 0isse# his sho"l#er bla#e an# reache# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html aro"n# to tease his nipples into tort"o"s attention. ;Bec0sterF< 4e .roane# the warnin.3 then went bac0 on the o22ensive.

The1 were #amn well .oin. to 2inish this to.ether. /achariah t"rne# an# p"lle# her to the e#.e o2 the co"nter. ?he was more than a 2oot shorter than him. B"t tall eno".h that she was ali.ne# per2ectl1 with his strainin.3 nee#1 sel2. 4e p"she# her thi.hs apart an# n"#.e# her entrance.

8anton3 in#ee#. 8ith her han#s cl"tchin. his biceps 2or balance3 she arche# her nec03 thr"stin. her breasts "p li0e an o22erin.3 her l"scio"s .lobes bobbin. beneath his h"n.r1 .aHe. 4e st"#ie# the #elicate re# an# bl"e veins en.or.in. the har# tips3 then sE"eeHe# one in his bi. han# an#

#ippe# his hea# to s"c0le her. Bec01 b"c0e# a.ainst him as he p"lle# har#er an# har#er. ;Klease. Klease.<

4e #i#n:t want to leave her. 4is conscience sai# he co"l#n:t C"st wal0. The1:# been prett1 care2"l. B"t the1:# also been prett1 wil#. Krett1 intense. Krett1F2reE"ent.

8hat i2 her pill or his con#om ha# 2aile#D

8hat i2 he came bac0 an# she:# move# on to someone elseD

Co"l#n:t happen.

8o"l#n:t happen.

;/achariahF< she comman#e#3 lin0in. her heels behin# his thi.hs an# openin. hersel2 even wi#er. ;Ta0e me. Aow.<

The or#er alone was eno".h to sen# him ri.ht to the e#.e.

Kinpric0s o2 li.ht #ance# behin# his e1es as the inevitable co"nt#own towar# #etonation be.an. ;Marr1 me.<

;8hatD<

4e sli# his tip insi#e3 barel1 an inch7#en1in. 2or a moment what the1 both crave#. The1 were breathin. har# as he hel# himsel2 on the brin0 an# loo0e# #own into her bl"e e1es3 loc0e# onto

his. The wheels were a.ain spinnin. insi#e her hea#3 eval"atin. the timin. an# motivations behin# his imp"lsive71et s"rprisin.l1 serio"s7reE"est.

;9on:t let this en#. Marr1 me.<

4is bo#1 nearl1 spasme# as he re2"se# to in#"l.e his nee# "ntil she .ave him an answer.

;>0a1.<

;>0a1D< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Bec01 .rabbe# his ass an# "r.e# him in. 8ith one #eep thr"st3 /achariah explo#e# insi#e her. ?he shattere# aro"n# him an# crie# o"t3 ;!es@<

Chapter %

;/achariah@ 4e13 bi. ."1@ 8elcome home@<

Bec01 snatche# her han# o"t o2 the air an# p"lle# it into a 2ist near her stomach3 morti2ie# b1 her blin# enth"siasm. Than0 Io# the crow# o2 2amilies an# 2rien#s s"rro"n#in. her ha# cheere# lo"#l1 eno".h to #rown o"t her imp"lsive sho"t. Ilancin. E"ic0l1 aro"n#3 she wishe# she were tall eno".h to see over more o2 the men an# women near her.

;?mooth one3 >wens3< she m"ttere# "n#er her breath.

4a# she 2la..e# an1one:s attentionD Aot that she:# reall1 expecte# her least 2avorite 2an to 2ollow her the ei.ht1 miles 2rom ichmon#36ir.inia3 to the Marine Corps base at5"antico. 4e ha#n:t ha# the balls to "se his own phone or leave a name or traceable a##ress 1et3 so she #o"bte# he:# reall1 show his 2ace. B"t the letters an# phone calls7no #o"bt the ven.e2"l enterprise o2 one o2 the exBh"sban#s she:# p"rs"e# on behal2 o2 her clients7were comin. more 2reE"entl1 now. An# #ea# roses ha# been le2t on the win#shiel# o2 her car an# at the 2ront #oor to her con#o3 0ic0in. the anon1mo"s stal0in. "p another notch.

It starte# simpl1 with I hate 1o" clippe# 2rom ran#om ma.aHine letters an# sent to her o22ice3 alon. with some heav1 breathin. on her phone at home. Then he ha# trie# to show he was smart b1 switchin. to comp"ter printo"ts an# a##in. some bi. wor#s: I bet 1o" aren:t .ettin. an13 Krincess Kl"mpBass3 so 1o" have to emasc"late ever1 man 1o" meet to compensate. The latest note3 #elivere# to her o22ice 2ive #a1s a.o with an ille.ible postmar03 ha# containe# a new twist on the "s"al ins"lts an# h"rt2"l wor#s: !o" thin0 1o":re all that3 #on:t 1o"3 bitchD I:m .oin. to ta0e bac0 what 1o":ve stolen 2rom me. Even i2 it has to come o"t o2 1o"r hi#e. Incl"#e# ha# been a photo.raph o2 her wal0in. #own the co"rtho"se steps3 ta0en 2rom a #istance. In the pict"re3 her heart ha# been c"t o"t.

Tho".h she:# reporte# that last messa.e to her s"pervisor at the ?tate Attorne1:s o22ice3 an# the letter an# photo ha# been s"bseE"entl1 2ile# with the ichmon# K93 there was little the1 co"l# #o be1on# monitorin. the sit"ation an# wor0in. on i#enti21in. the c"lprit. It wasn:t as i2 Bec01 #i#n:t have plent1 o2 can#i#ates to choose 2rom. 8ith her wor07ta0in. #ea#beat exes to co"rt on behal2 o2 those who co"l#n:t a22or# le.al representation7she co"l# name a #oHen s"spects who were less than thrille# b1 the settlements she:# won. Iarnishment o2 wa.es. Termination or

alteration o2 c"sto#1 a.reements. In one case3 imprisonment. >2 co"rse3 there was the whole p"blicBh"miliation 2actor o2 bein. expose# as a "ser or loser3 in a##ition to the 2inancial costs. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bec01 was .oo# at her Cob. 9amn .oo#. 4al2Basse# ha# never been the >wens wa1.

?till3 tho".h she:# li0e to thin0 that someone was mo"thin. o22 beca"se he:# .otten his wallet or pri#e h"rt an# that the nee# to stri0e bac0 wo"l# event"all1 2lic0er an# #ie3 a smart woman wo"l#n:t ta0e an1 chances. Bec01 breathe# in #eepl1 an# c"rle# her 2in.ers thro".h the chainBlin0 2ence bloc0in. o22 the par0in. lot in 2ront o2 her. ?he nee#e# to p"r.e the moment o2 panic an# .ather her wits.

Catchin. a .limpse o2 a pair o2 sho"l#ers 2illin. a b"s win#ow so completel1 that she co"l# barel1 ma0e o"t the sE"are Caw an# li.htBbrown hair above them sho"l# not have her sE"ealin. li0e a school.irl who:# C"st been win0e# at b1 the senior bo1 on whom she ha# a cr"sh. ?o what i2 /achariah Clar0:s impressive bo#1 an# e22ortless stren.th ha# pla."e# her most erotic #reams these past ei.hteen monthsD

Ei.hteen months since she:# thrown >wens expectations to the win# an# #one exactl1 what she wante#.

?he:# #e2ie# her 2ather in or#er to lan# a Cob that allowe# her to act"all1 ma0e a #i22erence in the worl#.

?he:# share# a blisterin. a22air with a man she:# met in a bar7an "npe#i.ree# sol#ier who wor0e# with his han#s instea# o2 his 2amil1:s mone1.

?he:# marrie# him.

Bec01 exhale# that #eep breath between ti.htl1 compresse# lips. 4er conscience ha# been pa1in. a heav1 price 2or her impet"o"sness ever since. ?he wasn:t s"re she co"l# han#le it i2 her mother or 2ather3 or an1 one o2 her clients3 .ot h"rt

beca"se she was #istracte# an# 2aile# to live "p to her promises. Their sa2et1 an# wellBbein. came 2irst. That stal0er toa# an# her own #esires ha# to come in at a sel2B#iscipline# secon#.

?he co"l#n:t allow a man:s bein. in her li2e a.ain to .ive her a 2alse sense o2 sec"rit13 either. /achariah wo"l#n:t be aro"n# 2or lon.. An# people were #epen#in. on her3 not him. ?he:# #ealt with her problems while he was overseas3 an# she:# #eal with them a.ain a2ter he was .one.

Cool3 calm an# collecte# was also the >wens wa1.

4a@ ?o wh1 was she stan#in. on tiptoe3 tr1in. to steal another .limpse thro".h the win#ows o2 the approachin. b"sD Catchin. hersel23 Bec01 lowere# her heels into her Italian leather san#als.

;!o" #on:t #o .i##13< she remin#e# hersel2 on a m"ttere# breath. ?he .lance# 2rom si#e to si#e once more3 seein. nothin. b"t ea.er chil#ren an# anxio"s spo"ses an# parents.

Aothin. to 2ear. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Ao one who seeme# intereste# in her at all.

?he 2orce# an an.r1 breath 2rom her l"n.s3 hatin. that she:# .iven in to an1 #e.ree o2 paranoia. ?he was here alone. Kerio#. Iet over it.

?he 2oc"se# her attention bac0 on the b"s.

As the onl1 chil# o2 power bro0er Bertram >wens3 ;societ1<7meanin. politicos in ichmon#an# 9.C.3 the 2amil1 tree an# Bertram himsel27#eman#e# a certain #e.ree o2 #ecor"m 2rom her. 8hatever spontaneit1 that ha#n:t been bre# o"t o2 her b1 birth ha# been thoro".hl1 reine# in b1 1ears o2 trainin.7except 2or sixBan#BaBhal2 2ab"lo"s #a1s with one certain Marine.

In the co"rtroom an# at home3 the restraint that she exercise# almost #ail1 serve# her well. ?he nee#e# it now more than ever3 0nowin. her 2ather was home at the 2amil1 estate o"tsi#e o2 ichmon#3 waitin. 2or her to 2ail. 8aitin. to pic0 "p the pieces o2 what he consi#ere# her mis."i#e# a#vent"re into in#epen#ent livin.. 8aitin. to .ive her an IBtol#B1o"Bso3 letBmeBta0eBcareBo2BthisB2orB1o" h". an# steer her bac0 onto the path an >wens heiress sho"l# be ta0in. towar# sec"rin. the 2amil1:s 2"t"re. Aamel13 marr1in. one o2 the st"2213 "pperBcr"st bores on her parents: list o2 approve# s"itors3 an# settlin. #own to expan# the 2amil1 #1nast1 li0e a .oo# little .irl.

Claimin. she was seein. someone7who convenientl1 travele# a lot o"tsi#e o2 the co"ntr1 so she wo"l#n:t have to pro#"ce him 2or 2amil1 #inners or political receptions7ha# temporaril1 stave# o22 her 2ather:s obsession with marr1in. her o22 to ma0e mer.ers an# .ran#babies. I2 p"sh came to shove3 she:# even p"ll o"t the marria.e certi2icate. Tho".h the #eception wo"l# h"rt at

2irst3 it was C"st the sort o2 cra2t1 b"siness mane"ver her 2ather mi.ht event"all1 respect.

4owever3 Bec01 inten#e# to save that revelation as an absol"te last resort. 4er mother3 Lil13 was still recoverin. 2rom chemo an# ra#iation treatments to 2orestall an1 rec"rrence o2 the breast cancer she:# conE"ere# a 1ear a.o. Ca"sin. her mom stress b1 r"inin. her #reams 2or her onl1 o22sprin. wasn:t partic"larl1 appealin.. An# pissin. o22 Bertram >wens wasn:t somethin. that an1one7even his own #a".hter7#i# li.htl1.

It certainl1 wasn:t 2air to /achariah to thr"st him into the mi#st o2 the secrets an# lies that ha# become Bec01:s li2e this past 1ear.

In 9.C.3 his proposal ha# seeme# li0e the per2ect o"t to .et her 2ather o22 her bac0 abo"t settlin. #own with the ri.ht 1o"n. man. Kl"s3 she:# 2allen victim to the 2oolish i#ea that sa1in. 1es wo"l# somehow prolon. the wil# an# craH1 2ree#om o2 their wee0 to.ether.

B"t then her mother:s con#ition ha# worsene#. To be on han# 2or his wi2e:s treatment an# recover13 Bec01:s 2ather ha# le2t his a#visor1 appointment in8ashin.tonan# move# bac0 to ichmon#2"llBtime3 wor0in. as a political cons"ltant an# part1 2"n#Braiser. Aow he was close eno".h to chec0 on Bec01 ever1 #a1. Jo1. In person i2 he wante#. apt"re. 4e pla1e#

b"##1Bb"##1 with her s"periors in the ?tate Attorne1:s o22ice more o2ten than she l"nche# with ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html her .irl2rien#s. ?he was a twent1Bei.htB1earBol# woman3 2or .osh sa0es@

As m"ch as she love# her parents3 Bec01 re2"se# to s"rren#er her in#epen#ence. ?he "n#erstoo# her 2ather:s nee# to control an# protect was roote# in love. ?he "n#erstoo# her

mother:s #reams were eE"all1 altr"istic. B"t Bec01 wante# to live3 thrive7s"ccee#7on her terms. ?he:# 2in# a wa1 to be her own person3 a crac0erCac0 attorne17an# the >wenses: #a".hter.

B"t none o2 it was eas1.

/achariah #eserve# to 0now what he was reall1 .ettin. into as her h"sban#7what he probabl1 wo"l#n:t want to .et into i2 he #i# 0now.

An# he sho"l# hear it 2rom her72aceBtoB2ace.

B"t one loo0 at those tan0li0e sho"l#ers an# her hormones ha# overri##en ever1 sensible intention. ?wampe# b1 emotions3 she:# .otten carrie# awa1 b1 the cheerin. crow#. There was somethin. "niE"el1 inspirin. an# heartwarmin. abo"t welcomin. home a b"sloa# o2 Marines ret"rnin. 2rom a war Hone. Gla.s were 2l1in.. A ban# was pla1in.. 4er patriotism ha# 0ic0e# in3 that was all.

?he #i#n:t reall1 expect that 2allin. into /achariah:s arms wo"l# ma0e all her stresses .o awa1. Aot even 2or the ni.ht or two the1:# have to.ether.

/achariah Clar0 was a man3 not a m1th. 4e was a .oo# time. >0a13 a ver1 .oo# time.

Be honest3 .irl. 4e was the best time she:# ever ha#.

B"t he was a 2allbac0 plan3 a welcome chapter in her li2e7not the whole boo0. 4e was a Marine who:# le2t her to #o his Cob while she sta1e# at home an# #i# hers. ?he s"specte# he was

#amn .oo# at that Cob3 or he wo"l#n:t be .iven assi.nments abo"t which she 0new so little an# he tol# her even less. B"t he wasn:t a s"perhero. >0a13 so Captain Clar0 mi.ht be b"ilt alon. s"perh"man proportions3 b"t he was still C"st a man.

Bec01 breathe# #eepl17in thro".h her nose3 o"t thro".h her mo"th7steelin. hersel2 the same wa1 she #i# each time she steppe# "p to ar."e a case be2ore a C"#.e. ?he co"l# han#le this. ?he co"l# han#le him.

That was the >wens wa1.

The b"s p"lle# to a stop3 an# the liaison o22icer si.nale# the waitin. 2amilies to enter thro".h the .ate onto the par0in. lot. B"t as the crow# carrie# Bec01 2orwar#3 an anxio"s anticipation b"HHe# across her s0in3 raisin. .oose b"mps. 9espite her resolve to 0eep this re"nion at arm:s len.th an# impersonal "ntil she co"l# explain her sit"ation an# #etermine how /achariah wo"l# 2it into her li2e while he was home on leave3 Bec01 2o"n# hersel2 h"rr1in. ri.ht alon. with ever1one else3 tr1in. to spot him the instant he 2ile# o22 the b"s. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

8as he as tall as she remembere#D 4a# he been inC"re# in an1 wa1D 8o"l# he still overloo0 the extra po"n#s that stress an# .enetics wo"l#n:t let her lose3 an# show that same l"st1 #esire 2or her in his e1esD

>h3 m1. Bec01:s breath ca".ht in her chest. /achariah.

4e was leaner an# more tanne# than she recalle#. 4ar#er somehow3 thro".h the sE"int o2 her e1es. ?till3 /achariah Clar0 was impossible to miss. ?tan#in. a hea# taller than most o2 his comra#es3 he steppe# o22 the b"s with a war1 alertness3 alrea#1 scannin. the crow#.

;/achariah@< 9amn. 4er han# shot into the air a.ain an# she wave#.

Kla1 it cool3 >wens. Kla1 it cool. B"t his .reen e1es ha# alrea#1 Heroe# in on her. The1 wi#ene# with reco.nition. 4is r"..e# 2eat"res so2tene# with a lopsi#e# .rin. ;Bec0ster@<

?crew #ecor"m. Bec01 ran to .reet him.

The people between them parte# 2or those broa# sho"l#ers an# captain:s bars as /achariah p"she# his wa1 thro".h the crow#. ?he met him hal2wa1. 4e #roppe# his #"22el ba.3 an# his lon.3 stron. arms sna0e# aro"n# her as she leape#. 4e ca".ht her an# sw"n. her aro"n#3 sE"eeHin. her ti.htl1 an# wa0in. ever1 2eminine cell insi#e her with an instant remin#er o2 C"st how power2"ll1 b"ilt an# masc"line he was. 4is mo"th cr"she# #own over hers lon. be2ore the worl# stoppe# spinnin. an# her toes to"che# the asphalt beneath her a.ain.

8ho was she 0i##in.D ?he wante# this. Tal0in. co"l# wait. Bec01 wo"n# her arms aro"n# his nec0 an# hel# on3 0issin. him3 cons"min. him with a h"n.er that ha#n:t abate# one whit since 9.C. ?he inhale# his clean3 "n#octore# scent. Absorbe# his heat. Cl"n. to his har# stren.th. evele# in the evi#ence o2 his #esire 2or her3 "nabashe#l1 swellin. a.ainst her thi.h.

ational tho".ht 2le# as embracin. /achariah remin#e# her how "ncomplicate# this was between them. Karts o2 her bo#1 that ha# lain #ormant 2or ei.hteen lon. months roare# to li2e with a 2renH1 that shoo0 the >wens 2amil1 tree. 4er bloo# thic0ene# an# p"lse#. 4er breasts

tin.le# with excitement. ?he lost trac0 o2 the crow#3 o2 c"rio"s e1es3 o2 "npleasant realities7o2 ever1thin. except the #esire to b"rrow beneath this sol#ier:s starche# exterior an# wrap hersel2 "p in the raw3 sens"al man insi#e the "ni2orm.

?he was still reachin. 2or another 0iss when his mo"th with#rew be1on# her reach. /achariah ha# come to his senses sooner than she ha#. 8ith his han#s massa.in. circles at her waist3 Bec01 brace# her palms a.ainst the ra..e# rise an# 2all o2 his chest an# trie# to recover her own breath. ;8ow.<

Ben#in. to to"ch his 2orehea# to hers3 /achariah:s e1es spar0le# with am"sement. ;Aow that:s what I call a welcome home.<

Beamin. beneath the approval in his low3 r"mbl1 voice3 Bec01 twiste# her 2in.ers beneath his ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html collar. ;!o" haven:t seen hal2 o2 what I:ve .ot planne# 2or 1o" this wee0en#3 sol#ier.<

;It:s Marine3 #arlin:.< 4e p"lle# her hips 2orwar# into his3 remin#in. her that he was rea#1 2or action. ;B"t as lon. as 1o":ve ma#e plans3 I won:t E"ibble overF<

4e an.le# his 2ace as i2 he inten#e# to 0iss her a.ain. B"t he Cer0e# bac03 hal2wa1 to his #estination3 leavin. her lips p"c0ere# with anticipation. 4is .rip pinche# har# at her waist an# her mo"th ro"n#e# into a startle#3 ;>w@<

Bec01 twiste#3 tr1in. to 2ree hersel2. 4e:# never h"rt her be2ore. Aot once. Aot even in 2"n. ?o what was the #ealD

;/achF< B"t her protest #ie# at the 2ace 2roHen above her. ?tarin. strai.ht over the top o2 her hea#. 4er own warnin. Cets 2ire# an# she E"ic0l1 .lance# behin# her. ;8hat is itD<

Gamilies. Marines. Gla.s. La".hin.. Cr1in.. 4"..in.. Aothin. weir#.

Ao one watchin..

Bec01 t"rne# bac0 to the blan0ness chillin. his e1es. ;Bi. ."1D<

Irooves #eepene# besi#e his e1es an# mo"th3 twistin. his 2eat"res into a 2rown. 4is nostrils 2lare# with a #eep3 st"tterin. breath. 8hat was happenin. hereD

Bec01 s0ippe# c"riosit1 an# move# strai.ht to concern. ?he n"#.e# at his chest3 then reache# "p an# ca".ht his Caw between her han#s3 .ivin. him a little sha0e. ?he "ttere# his name with more 2orce. ;/achariah@<

4e blin0e# an# his e1es blaHe# bac0 into 2oc"s so s"##enl1 she tho".ht she mi.ht have ima.ine# the whole weir# #isconnect.

Except Bec01 >wens wasn:t .iven to i#le ima.inin.s. ;8here #i# 1o" .oD<

4e shoo0 his hea# as i2 con2"se# b1 her E"estion. ;I:m ri.ht here.<

;A secon# a.o3 1o" were a million miles awa1.<

;Gati."e3 I ."ess.< /achariah seiHe# her wrists an# p"lle# her han#s 2rom his 2ace. ;I:m prett1 wipe# o"t3 a#C"stin. to the time #i22erences an# all.<

;Are 1o" s"reD It seeme# li0e more than that.<

I2 it weren:t 2or the almost tentative restraint in his normall1 con2i#ent to"ch3 she mi.ht have believe# the coc01 .rin that sli# bac0 into place. ;It:s .oo# to see 1o" a.ain3< he sai#3 witho"t explainin. an1thin. to her satis2action. ;An# to to"ch 1o".< 4e br"she# the tip o2 her nose with his 2in.er. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

>0a1. Aose tappin. asi#e3 she:# .o alon. with the #iversionar1 tactic instea# o2 2ollowin. "p with a more probin. E"estion. A2ter all3 she co"l#n:t ver1 well 2orce the h"sban# she barel1 0new to "nb"r#en his secrets to her i2 she wasn:t rea#1 to #o the same 2or him.

B"t she co"l# care. ?he #i# care. K"ttin. her #esires on the bac0 b"rner3 Bec01 sli# her arms aro"n# his waist. ?he wal0e# into his chest an# h"..e# him ti.htl13 o22erin. him somethin. a little calmer3 a little saner than the health1 l"st that Hin.e# li0e perpet"al li.htnin. between them.

A2ter a moment:s hesitation3 /achariah 2ol#e# his arms aro"n# her sho"l#ers an# h"..e# her bac0. ;4e1. 8hat:s this 2orD<

?he t"rne# her nose into the crisp3 starche# scent o2 his "ni2orm. ;I:m sorr1 I wasn:t a better letter writer3 an# that I #i#n:t eBmail 1o" more o2ten. I:m sorr1 I:m not a betterF< >h3 cr"#. The wor# was stic0in. to her ton."e. ;8i2e.<

;4e1.< ?he 2elt him n"HHle the crown o2 her hair. ;There:s no blame here. It wasn:t li0e I was a #evote# penpal. Besi#es3 there:s no ."arantee I wo"l# have .otten 1o"r messa.es. Aot where we were.<

;?o where were7< 4is hol# on her ti.htene#3 #erailin. Bec01:s E"estion. 9eliberatel1D 4a# somethin. chan.e# between themD >r was he #ri2tin. a.ainD J"st what ha# /achariah an# his men been #oin. that he co"l#n:t7or wo"l#n:t7tal0 abo"t itD TheAK>a##ress an# militar1 #omain name that he:# sent her several wee0s a2ter his #epart"re ha# tol# her as little abo"t his location an# assi.nment as his brie2 messa.es ha#. >"tsi#e o2 the base hea#E"arters where his "nit ha# reporte# in between missions3 he an# his comra#es seeme# to have #isappeare# 2or wee0s3 even months3 at a time. ;Are 1o" o0a1D<

Captain ?omber here was so not pla1in. into the let:sBrecapt"reBwhatBweBha#Bb"tBIBreall1Bnee#BtoB0eepBitBli.htBsoBIBcanBwal0Bawa1Bwitho"tBeithe rBo2B"sB.ettin.Bh"rt scenario she:# planne# 2or this wee0en#. 8as he normall1 this moo#1D ?he ha#n:t seen an1 in#ication o2 a #ar0er si#e to /achariah Clar0 bac0 in 9.C.

Be1on# the militar1 in2ormation he co"l#n:t share3 tacit"rn an# evasive were har#l1 wor#s she:# "se to #escribe her conversations with /achariah bac0 then. Aot that the1:# ha# an1 #eep heartBtoBhearts. 4e:# been so re2reshin.l1 "p 2ront abo"t what he wante# 2rom her that Bec01 ha# 2o"n# his lac0 o2 an a.en#a as m"ch o2 an attraction as the brea#th o2 those m"scle# sho"l#ers an# chest. 4e:# been bl"nt. 4e:# been bol#. 4e:# worn his tho".hts an# emotions on his sleeve3 an# Bec01 ha# respon#e# to his eas1 2orthri.htness.

The /achariah Clar0 who:# .otten o22 the b"s this mornin. was too complex 2or her to rea#3

an# that le2t her at an "n2amiliar #isa#vanta.e. Bec01 co"l#n:t be s"re he wo"l# "n#erstan#3 m"ch less welcome3 the thin.s she ha# to sa1 an# #o7not i2 he was 2eelin. #own or preocc"pie# li0e this. An# her concern abo"t whatever was tro"blin. him complicate# her own promises to h"rr1 bac0 to the people who reall1 nee#e# her3 people she co"l# act"all1 help. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html This was s"ppose# to be a welcomeBhome celebration. Escapin. 2or a wee0en# 2rolic with herF"mFh"sban#.

9amn. Even thin0in. the wor# pinche# at her conscience.

>h3 1eah. This re"nion was .oin. reall1 well.

/achariah .ave her a E"ic0 bear h". be2ore p"llin. awa1 completel13 be1on# arm:s reach3 #istancin. himsel2 2rom her E"estions as well as her to"ch. ;I s"ppose i2 we:# ha# time to .o thro".h the newl1we# trainin.3 we:# have #one a better Cob o2 0eepin. in to"ch.<

Bec01 arche# one e1ebrow. 9i# she 0now an1thin. abo"t /achariah:s li2eD ;There:s newl1we# trainin.D<

;!eah. ?o the new spo"se 0nows what to expect when the h"sban# or wi2e is #eplo1e#. 8here to 2in# s"pport .ro"ps. 4ow to contact "s i2 there:s an emer.enc1. GamiliariHin. each o2 "s with what can be sai# in a messa.e an# what can:t. ?t"22 li0e that.< 4e li2te# his cap3 scratche# his 2in.ers over his "ltraBshort3 2awnBcolore# hair an# we#.e# the cap bac0 on. ;?orr1. I ."ess I cheate# 1o" o"t o2 all that b1 .ettin: hitche# so E"ic0. I 0in# o2 ran o22 an# le2t 1o" in the #ar0.< 4e t"rne# his le2t han# bac0 an# 2orth3 st"#1in. his spla1e# 2in.ers as i2 seein. them in 2ront o2

his 2ace remin#e# him o2 somethin. he #i#n:t li0e. ;4ell. I never even too0 the time to b"1 "s rin.s.<

Two small bo1s3 #artin. aro"n# the 2rin.e o2 a 2amil1 welcomin. home the 2ather3 acci#entall1 b"mpe# into the bac0 o2 /achariah:s le.s. 4e tense# instantl1. 4is han# 2iste# an# his sho"l#ers seeme# to expan# in a wa1 that ma#e Bec01 thin0 he was abo"t to t"rn an# attac0. >nl1 the /achariah she 0new #i#n:t have a temper.

The bo1s m"st have sense# the brewin. volcano3 too.

;?orr13 mister3< the little one chirpe#.

;4e:s a captain3 #or0Bb"tt. Loo0 at his collar.<

;?orr13 Captain.<

;Than0s 2or all 1o" #o 2or o"r co"ntr13< the ol#er one sai#3 in a wellBrehearse# voice.

;!eah3 than0s.< The 1o"n.er o2 the two bo1s steppe# between /achariah an# Bec01 an# crane# his nec03 sE"inchin. his mo"th into a tho".ht2"l 2rown as tho".h he was perplexe# b1 how 2ar he ha# to loo0 "p to see /achariah:s 2ace. ;9o 1o" 0now m1 #a#D<

/achariah blin0e# awa1 whatever ha# seiHe# him an# loo0e# over at the 2amil1 .atherin. be2ore lowerin. his chin an# m"sterin. hal2 an apolo.etic .rin 2or the bo1. ;!eah. ?ort o2. 4e:s in o"r s"pport "nit. 8e co"l#n:t #o o"r Cobs witho"t7<

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;C:mon3 Eric.< The ol#er bo1 p"t a han# on the 1o"n. one:s sho"l#er an# p"lle# him awa13 apparentl1 not tr"stin. /achariah:s siHe or moo#. ;9a#:s waitin. 2or "s. 8e .et to carr1 his #"22el ba..<

As E"ic0l1 as the bo1:s c"riosit1 ha# s"r2ace#3 it #isappeare#. 4e chase# his brother bac0 to their 2amil1. ;I .et to carr1 it 2irst@<

;UhB"h@<

/achariah scr"bbe# his palm #own over his 2ace an# m"ttere# a c"rse as he watche# them #isappear bac0 into the crow#. ;?o how ba# #o 1o" thin0 I scare# those 0i#sD<

;Aot hal2 as m"ch as 1o":re scarin. me.< Bec01 proppe# her han#s at the waist o2 her #enim s0irt. ;!o":re actin. li0e /achariah Clar0:s evil twin. Are 1o" .oin. to tell me what:s b"..in. 1o" or notD<

4is .reen e1es were the onl1 thin. that move# as his .aHe bore# into hers. ;Li0e I sai#3 I:m beat.< Leave it alone. ?he "n#erstoo# the messa.e clearl1 eno".h7#i#n:t li0e it3 b"t "n#erstoo#. An echo o2 silence passe# be2ore he shoo0 loose his sho"l#ers an# twiste# his nec0 2rom si#e to si#e3 2orcibl1 relaxin. his post"re i2 not convincin. Bec01 he ha# tr"l1 relaxe#.

;Then ma1be we:# better .et .oin.3< she s"..este#3 not 0nowin. what more she co"l# #o3 even i2 he were willin. to share. ?he pointe# towar# the 2ence. ;I:m par0e# in the visitors: lot. I can

#rive "ntil we can .et 1o"r tr"c0 o"t o2 stora.e.<

8ith a no#3 he heave# his #"22el ba. "p onto his sho"l#er. A2ter hol#in. bac0 2or a moment3 he len.thene# his stri#e to 2all into step besi#e her an# settle# his han# at the bac0 o2 her waist. ;?orr1. All the wa1 home I was thin0in. abo"t 2allin. into be#. 8ith 1o". I ."ess it was st"pi# to thin0 nothin. abo"t "s wo"l# chan.e a2ter ei.hteen months apart. This marria.e thin. ta0es a little .ettin. "se# to.<

;I 0now what 1o" mean.< It shame# her to thin0 o2 how she:# 0ept the news o2 her ;.ettin: hitche#< t"c0e# awa1 li0e a secret weapon in her bac0 poc0et7waitin. "ntil the moment was ri.ht to tell her parents3 "ntil now the secret wei.he# li0e an anchor aro"n# her nec0. It was becomin. more an# more clear that there was more to ma0in. a marria.e than a le.al #oc"ment. ;It:s as tho".h we have to .et reacE"ainte# all over a.ain.<

An# there was onl1 one wa1 the1:# reall1 0nown an# "n#erstoo# each other3 even bac0 in 9.C.

;I tho".ht I was #oin. the ri.ht thin.7ma0in. 1o" m1 wi2e7in case somethin. happene# to me3 or I .ot 1o" pre.nant. I C"st wante# 1o" to 0now that what we ha# meant somethin. to me.<

Bec01 halte# in her trac0s. ;I:m a bi. .irl3 /achariah.< ?he sna..e# his han# as he wal0e# past. At that sli.htest o2 t".s3 he stoppe# an# loo0e# #own over his sho"l#er at her. ;That wee0 meant somethin. to me3 too. B"t 1o" #on:t have to ta0e care o2 me. !o" C"st have toFbe with me. 8hile 1o":re here. 8hile we:re to.ether.< 4er own plans3 which she:# stewe# over 2or months3 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html were chan.in. even as she spo0e. ;8e:ll 2i."re o"t whatever we:ve misse# in each other:s lives

later. Gor now3 let:s C"st tr1 to sta1 in the moment3 shall weD<

4e consi#ere# the bar.ain3 then altere# his .rip to lace his 2in.ers to.ether with hers an# p"ll her to his si#e. ;In the moment. ?"re. I can #o that. Aow ta0e me to 1o"r car.<

?he pointe# towar# the .ate. ;>ver there.<

4e shi2te# #irection an# ."i#e# them thro".h the 2rin.es o2 the lin.erin. crow#. 4e #ippe# his hea# to her ear so she co"l# hear him as the1 h"rrie# past the ban#3 which was pla1in. a ?o"sa march. ;In 1o"r last eBmail3 1o" mentione# somethin. abo"t that hone1moon we misse#D<

4is lips sta1e# close an# n"HHle# the sensitive s0in beneath her earlobe.

4one1moon. ?he li0e# the so"n# o2 that. Bec01 wo"n# her other han# aro"n# /achariah:s an# h"..e# hersel2 a.ainst his arm. The br"sh o2 his lips an# heat o22 his s0in spar0e# somethin. pric0l1 an# nee#1 insi#e her. Ma1be this aw0war# tension between them was nothin. more than 2r"strate# ph1sical ener.1. Ma1be once the1 .ot the l"st7which ha# been simmerin. 2or ei.hteen months7o"t o2 their s1stems3 ever1thin. else wo"l# 2all into place. The1 co"l# tal0. 4e co"l# li.hten "p. ?he co"l# wal0 awa1.

Bec01 st"mble# over the momentar1 hesitation o2 her 2eet. 9on:t .o there.

B"t3 lin0e# to the brace o2 /achariah:s arm3 she co"l#n:t 2all. An# beca"se it ha# to be brie23 she #i#n:t want to retreat 2rom the time the1 co"l# be spen#in. to.ether. Aot wantin. to sho"t3 she waite# "ntil the ban# was behin# them be2ore she answere#3 ;I mi.ht have an i#ea or two in min# abo"t that hone1moon.<

;?prea# those i#eas o"t. >ther than a E"ic0 visit to m1 2ol0s o"t inAebras0a3 1o":ve .ot me 2or six whole wee0s.<

?ix wee0sD Um3 1eah. Abo"t thatF ;Unless 1o" want to come with meD< he o22ere#. ;The ranch sho"l# be .reen an# prett1 in the mi##le o2 s"mmer7the la0e water nice an# cool.<

Aebras0aD anchDLa0ewaterD ;9o 1o" .o sailin.D<

;It:s not that bi. a la0e. Gishin.3 mostl1.< 4e release# her han# an# slippe# his arm aro"n# her waist3 p"llin. her 2l"sh to his si#e an# h"rr1in. their pace. ;B"t I was thin0in. more alon. the lines o2 s0inn1B#ippin. a2termi#ni.ht.<

In la0e waterD ;Is that sanitar1D<

;?anitar1D Man3 1o" s"re 0now how to sweetBtal0 a ."1. 4ere I am3 ima.inin. the moonli.ht on 1o"r bare s0in3 an# 1o":re worrie# abo"t the .reeblies in the water.<

;?o there is somethin. in the water.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;Gish. 4ence3 the 2ishin..< 4e .rinne#. ;8here:s 1o"r sense o2 a#vent"reD<

?he tense#. In the moment. ?ta1 in the moment. ;!o" tol# me 1o" live on a ranch. 9on:t the cows "se the water3 too7<

;!o3 Clar0sie@<

Bec01 C"mpe# in her s0in as a man materialiHe# 2rom between two par0e# cars an# char.e# towar# them3 his arm o"tstretche#. 4e was bi.3 not b1 /achariah stan#ar#s3 b"t bi. eno".h that ever1thin. insi#e Bec01 Cer0e# with the "r.e to r"n in the opposite #irection.

/achariah brace# 2or an instant in a protective stance between her an# the man. Then the tension rolle# o22 his sho"l#ers alon. with his #"22el ba. an# he release# her to stic0 o"t his own han# to .reet the man with a han#sha0e. ;Action Man@<

8hile Bec01 sE"ashe# #own the startle# heartbeat that po"n#e# in her chest3 she too0 note o2 the #ar0 ro1al pants an# 0ha0i shirt that mar0e# ;Action Man< as another militar1 o22icer. The han#sha0e became a bear h". that involve# bac0slappin.3 ribal# nic0names an# seein. who co"l# sE"eeHe the other har#er.

Clearl1 an ol# 2rien#3 C"#.in. b1 the rapi#B2ire E"estions abo"t 2amilies an# wor0 an# the ;4ow:ve 1o" beensD<

Aot a threat.

Aot even an1thin. to #o with her.

8a1 to pla1 it cool3 >wens.

The #resse#B"p Marine p"lle# an athleticBloo0in. woman "p besi#e him an# t"c0e# her "n#er his arm. ;I:m as .oo#Bloo0in: as ever an# I:ve .ot some o2 the best prospects I:ve ha# in a lon.

time. This is Tess.<

;Tess3 ehD I:m /achariah Clar0.<

The woman name# Tess smile# an# too0 his han#. ;I:ve hear# a lot abo"t 1o"3 Clar0sie. Most o2 it3 I co"l#n:t repeat to m1 mother. B"t to hear Trav tell it3 it:s all .oo#. 8elcome home.<

;Aw3 sh"c0s. Than0s3 ma:am.< /achariah leane# 2orwar#. ;Is she the one 1o" eBmaile# me abo"tD<

The man name# Travis #i#n:t even hesitate. ;?he:s the one3 perio#. I:ve still .ot some #etails to wor0 o"t3 b"t7<

As embarrasse# b1 her 0neeBCer0 reaction as she was relieve#3 Bec01 too0 a #eep breath an# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html steppe# 2orwar# to be intro#"ce#. ;9o I have to han. bac0 li0e the paparaHHiD >r #o I .et an intro#"ction3 tooD<

;IeeH. ?orr13 #arlin:.< 5"ic0l1 shi2tin. his stance to p"ll Bec01 into the conversation3 /achariah reste# his han# at the small o2 her bac0 an# ma#e the intro#"ctions. ;Travis McCormic03 this is m1Fm1 wi2e.< The 2in.ers at her bac0 contracte#. An apolo.1D >r #i# the wor# 2eel as aw0war# on his ton."e as it ha# on hersD ;This is Bec01 >wens. Bec01 Clar0.< The 2in.ers ti.htene# another notch an# she 2elt his .aHe sweep across her 2ace. ;This is the Bec0ster.<

Li0e their missin. we##in. rin.s3 her new name was another topic the1:# never ha# a chance to #isc"ss.

A chees1 .rin split Travis:s 2ace. ;8hat3 1o" 2or.et 1o" were marrie# alrea#1D<

The1 move# past the aw0war# moment with more han#sha0es an# an intro#"ction to Travis:s .irl2rien#3 Tess Bartlett3 whom Bec01 learne# was a ph1sical therapist.

;?o how #o 1o" 0now /achariah3 Captain McCormic0D< Bec01 as0e#3 c"rio"s to meet one o2 his 2rien#s.

;It:s Travis3 an# #on:t worr1 abo"t the title.< 9espite the woman at his si#e3 Travis seeme# to be a bit o2 a 2lirt. ;Clar0sie an# I serve# to.ether on a ?pecial >perations team7"ntil I .ot wo"n#e#.<

At the mention o2 the wor# wo"n#e#3 the .oo#Bnat"re# camara#erie between the two men ebbe# as tho".h the1 were row#1 bo1s who:# been repriman#e# b1 their parents 2or too m"ch ro".hho"sin.. Bec01 co"l# sense the sti22ness that crept into /achariah:s post"re.

;I see 1o":re not in Charlie "ni2orm71o"r camo"2la.e wor0 .ear3< /achariah pointe# o"t. ;9oes that mean the top brass #enie# 1o"r reE"est to ret"rn to a ?pecial >ps teamD<

Travis wave# asi#e his concern. ;I #i#n:t .ive them the chance. I as0e# to be trans2erre# to the trainin. #ivision. Ieneral Cra##oc0 approve# it 1ester#a1. I:m .oin. to be teachin. the 1ahoos who:ll be ta0in. 1o"r place one #a1.<

;Con.rat"lations3 man.< Bec01 .lance# "p. 9espite a smile3 /achariah:s Caw ha# tense#. ;8hat chan.e# 1o"r min#D<

;I realiHe# I co"l#n:t .ive the h"n#re#Ban#Bten percent ?.>. teams nee# an1more. B"t I 2i."re I can e0e o"t abo"t a h"n#re#Ban#Bone percent to whip some o2 those new bo1s into shape. I:ve learne# I ma0e a prett1 .oo# coach.<

?eein. the bl"sh that #otte# Tess:s chee0s when Travis smile# #own at her3 Bec01 ha# to won#er C"st what 0in# o2 ;coachin.< /achariah:s pal was tal0in. abo"t. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;I .et to choose m1 own sta22.< Travis Cabbe# /achariah on the sho"l#er an# .rinne#. ;I co"l# "se a bi. har#Bass li0e 1o" on the team.<

/achariah:s han# 2iste# at Bec01:s bac0 be2ore he bro0e contact completel1. ;I:ll thin0 abo"t it.<

;9o. I can alwa1s "se a man with .oo# han#s.<

A2rai# she was witnessin. another reappearance o2 the secretive stran.er who:# been so intense that he:# 2ri.htene# two little bo1s3 Bec01 lin0e# her arm thro".h /achariah:s. ;Can:t we allD<

Tess an# Travis la".he# ri.ht alon. with her3 the #o"ble enten#re b"1in. a 2ew secon#s3 .ivin. /achariah:s moo# a chance to pass. 4is #eep3 r"mbl1 la".h 2inall1 Coine# in. 4e lin0e# his 2in.ers to.ether with Bec01:s an# li2te# her han# to claim it with a 0iss.

Li0e the la".h3 she co"l#n:t tell i2 his silent than0 1o" was 2or real or 2or show. ?till3 his wor#s so"n#e# sincere eno".h. ;9"t1 calls. Than0s 2or showin. "p3 Trav. It 2eels .oo# to be on home soil. Ioo# to see 1o".<

Travis no##e#. ;8ell3 1o":ve .ot a homecomin. I:m not .oin. to 0eep 1o" 2rom an1 lon.er. Ta0e care3 b"##1.<

;!o"3 too.< The two men shoo0 han#s. ;I:ll call 1o" soon3 I promise.<

Travis loo0e# at Bec013 then "p at /achariah an# win0e#. ;I:# .ive it a .oo# 2ort1Bei.ht ho"rs or so be2ore 1o" ma0e an1 phone calls. I expect 1o":re .onna be b"s1 2or a while.<

LLL

The man opene# his top ri.ht #es0 #rawer an# p"lle# o"t papers an# 2ile 2ol#ers "ntil he "ncovere# the photo.raph at the bottom.

A2ter a E"ic0 .lance aro"n# his b"stlin. o22ice to veri21 that he was alone an# "nwatche#3 he p"lle# on a pair o2 plastic .loves an# reache# in to to"ch the pict"re. Clari2ie# an# enlar.e# on his home comp"ter3 the photo provi#e# a remar0able li0eness o2 the woman capt"re# there. 4e trace# his 2in.ertip aro"n# the woman:s wi#e3 sli.htl1 croo0e# mo"th3 lin.erin. on the nat"ral po"t that was evi#ent even on this "nsmilin. .overnment I9.

4e li0e# that mo"th better when it was close#.

?he was prett1 eno".h3 in a "benesE"e 0in# o2 wa1. 4er hair was so blon#3 it nearl1 h"rt the

e1es to loo0 at it strai.ht on in 2"ll s"nli.ht. An# the expensive la1ere# c"t she wore it in spo0e o2 2amil1 mone1 rather than a .overnment salar1.

?he was class. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ?he was st1le.

;!o" bitch.<

A 2amiliar ra.e spar0e# thro".h his bloo#.

;!o" thin0 1o":re .oin. to ma0e the worl# 2all into place the wa1 1o" want it3 #on:t 1o"D< 4e spla1e# his 2in.ers over her 2ace an# sE"eeHe# his e1es sh"t3 breathin. #eepl1 to control the an.er. Breathin. #eeper to control the animalistic "r.es that 2ire# thro".h his bo#1. ;I .ave 1o" ever1 chance to #o ri.ht b1 me. To "n#erstan# the wa1 thin.s sho"l# be. B"t 1o" C"st li0e to screw with a man when he:s #own3 #on:t 1o"D Ma0es 1o" 2eel li0e 1o":re somethin. special3 #oesn:t itD Li0e 1o":re too hi.h an# mi.ht1 to ever 2all o22 1o"r throne.<

?till smotherin. her 2ace with his palm3 he opene# another #rawer an# p"lle# o"t the envelope he:# bro".ht 2rom home. ;I:m .oin. to p"t 1o" in 1o"r place3 Krincess. I2 1o":re .oin. to #en1 me what sho"l# be mine3 then I:m .oin. to #estro1 1o". I:m .oin. to ma0e 1o" s"22er. I want to see 1o" weepin.. An# i2 1o" still #on:t learn 1o"r lessonF

;I:m .oin. to 0ill 1o".<

Chapter &

/achariah 0new his Mama wo"l# have ha# his hi#e i2 she:# been there to see him in action that mornin..

As he 2ollowe# the enticin. bo"nce o2 Bec01:s bottom to her car3 he ha# onl1 one thin. on his min#. An# it wasn:t the apolo.1 he nee#e# to ma0e.

4e:# li0e to thin0 he ha# a 2ever7or blame it on ei.hteen months o2 celibac1 or on the memorial service he:# atten#e# two #a1s a.o at the base. B"t somethin. wasn:t ri.ht in his hea#. Grom the moment he:# spotte# Bec01:s #eep bl"e e1es3 he:# been #rawn to her li0e a moth to a bac0 porch li.ht. I2 he co"l# C"st .et to her3 .et a hol# o2 her7.et insi#e her7then ever1thin. wo"l# 2eel ri.ht a.ain.

The crap that ha# been pla."in. him since that last mission into AlBBaHan wo"l# 2a#e awa1. 4e co"l# repla1 the aw2"l wa1 he:# reacte# to those two 0i#s7actin. li0e the enem1 instea# o2 a collea."e to their #a##1. Ma1be he co"l# .et a la".h o"t o2 them instea# o2 instillin. in them the "r.e to r"n awa1. 4e:# be able to stan# bac0 2or a moment an# 2i."re o"t wh1 he:# snappe# at Bec01 2or callin. him on his behavior3 an# wh1 he:# hel# somethin. bac0 2rom his best 2rien#3 Travis McCormic0. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e was happ1 to be statesi#e. 4app1 to see Travis bac0 on the Cob an# loo0in. as

2it an# 2ine as ever. 4app1 to 2in# his woman7his new wi2e7waitin. 2or him now that he was

o22iciall1 o22 #"t1.

B"t 2rom the moment Bec01 ha# la"nche# hersel2 into his arms an# her sweet3 2"ll lips ha# so2tene# beneath his3 /achariah ha# been wa.in. a war insi#e himsel2. Gi.htin. to control a battle between a shameless har#Bon an# the seethin. emotions that itche# at him li0e intel o2 an amb"sh. 4e 0new all hell was .onna brea0 loose7he C"st #i#n:t 0now when or where it wo"l# happen. An# he wasn:t s"re he co"l# control the sit"ation.

4e ha#n:t controlle# a #amn thin. in AlBBaHan.

?hit. /achariah cr"she# the strap o2 his #"22el ba. in his 2ist an# slamme# the #oor on the memories that trie# to escape. 4e blin0e# himsel2 o"t o2 that #esert hellhole with the #ea# bo#ies an# acri# smo0e3 an# concentrate# ever1 bit o2 his consi#erable will on co"ntin. the n"mber o2 metal b"ttons r"nnin. #own the si#e o2 Bec01:s bl"eBCean s0irt. 4e hope# to hell that thin. ha# a Hipper on it.

4e #esperatel1 nee#e# to recapt"re the normalc1 o2 his li2e here in the ?tates. An# normal with Bec01 meant somethin. blesse#l1 ph1sical. The lac1 6Bnec0 blo"se she wore3 which covere# "p eno".h to loo0 class1 an# la#1li0e while still clin.in. in all the ri.ht spots to remin# him o2 the siHe an# wei.ht an# bea"t1 o2 her breasts3 #i#n:t help. Aeither #i# the #eep rose o2 her painte# toenails or the alabaster s0in showin. beneath the hem o2 her s0irt.

4e was horn1. 4e was simmerin.. 4e was 2"ll o2 a nee# that went be1on# basic sex an# ha# him rea#1 to b"st o"t o2 his s0in.

!et he ha# to ma0e nice. 4e ha# to be civiliHe#. A2ter all3 he was statesi#e. 4e was o22 #"t1. 4e was home.

B"t /achariah #i#n:t want to reminisce or #isc"ss new Cob opport"nities or listen to small tal0.

4e wante# Bec01.

Aow.

I2 he co"l# C"st recapt"re the min#less per2ection o2 that wee0 the1:# spent to.ether in 9.C.3 he co"l# .et this 2ever o"t o2 his s1stem. 4e co"l# 2eel li0e himsel2 a.ain. 4e co"l# cope.

;This is it. ?hall weD< 8ith a sweepin. 2lair as st1lish as an1 .ameBshow mo#el:s3 Bec01 pointe# to a silver3 lateBmo#el Aissan se#an. ?he p"lle# a rin. o2 0e1s 2rom her poc0et. ;!o" can p"t 1o"r ba. in the bac0.<

?he opene# the tr"n0 an# /achariah #roppe# his #"22el insi#e3 inhalin. a whi22 o2 her warm3 exotic per2"me as he bent besi#e her. The remembere# scent 2ille# his hea# an# his 2antasies3 an# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html he scoope# her "p into his arms as he t"rne# bac0 aro"n#.

;I misse# 1o"3 #arlin:.< 4e:# 0isse# o22 all her lipstic0 earlier3 b"t her n"#e pin0 lips seeme# to bec0on him all the more. ;I can:t wait "ntil we:re alone to.ether.<

4er mo"th was so2t an# hot an# ea.er beneath the claim o2 his lips. Bec01 wo"n# her arms

aro"n# his nec0 an# p"lle# hersel2 into his 0iss. 4er lips parte#. 4er ton."e #ance# a.ainst his. Breasts pillowe# a.ainst the ache in his chest3 her nipples bea#e#3 bran#in. him.

4"mmin. her nee#1 so"n#3 which was as potent as a caress3 she hoo0e# her ton."e aro"n# his an# p"lle# it into her mo"th. Aw3 .eeH. /achariah:s bo#1 l"rche# in response3 mimic0in. the same p"shBp"ll .est"re. 8ith one arm still anchore# aro"n# her waist3 he sli# his han# #own over the c"rve o2 her b"tt an# booste# her "p3 ali.nin. their bo#ies to.ether li0e sn". p"HHle pieces. 4er s0irt inche# hi.her as he 2o"n# na0e# s0in an# #ra..e# his palm over the bac0 o2 her velvet1 thi.h.

/achariah:s bloo# was h"mmin. ri.ht alon. with her se#"ctive moans. This was the wa1 it ha# been between them in 9.C. The wa1 it sho"l# be between them. J"st them. J"st this.

B"t with a breathless la".h3 Bec01 p"lle# her 2in.ers 2rom his hair an# slippe# them between their lips. ;8e:re not exactl1 alone 1et. Keople are watchin..<

;The1:re Cealo"s.< Tho".h a wea0 voice insi#e his hea# bac0e# her "p with the messa.e that this was neither the time nor the place to relieve their sex"al 2r"stration3 his bo#1 wasn:t listenin.. 4e 0isse# her 2in.ertips3 wor0in. his wa1 bac0 to her mo"th. ;Tell :em to .et their own .irl. !o":re ta0en.<

8ith a la".h that Ci..le# a.ainst his chest3 she p"she# his chin "p into the air. ;Aot 1et3 I:m not. B"t I tr"st 1o":ll see to that laterD<

?he was 0illin: him with her l"sh bo#1 an# na".ht1 #o"ble enten#res. B"t he #iscovere# he still

0new how to la".h as he lowere# her bac0 to the .ro"n#3 testin. that s"##enl1 sha01 will o2 his b1 en#"rin. the 2riction o2 her so2t c"rves alon. his har#er planes. >nce she was stan#in. on her own a.ain3 he a#C"ste# her s0irt to a more mo#est level an# trie# to breathe some sanit1 bac0 into his brain. 4e to"che# his 2orehea# to hers3 .rinnin. at the stain o2 passion he:# stampe# onto her swollen lips. ;4ave I tol# 1o" how happ1 I am to see 1o"D<

The bl"eBe1e# temptress palme# the har#est part o2 him thro".h his pants. ;I 0now how happ1 1o" are to see me3 bi. ."1.<

/achariah Cer0e# in her .rip3 sE"eeHe# his e1es sh"t an# silentl1 be..e# 2or stren.th.

;Bec0sterF< he warne#. A"#ience or not3 i2 she #i#n:t move her han#3 he was .oin. to 2inish what the1:# starte#. 4ere. Aow.

Bec01 release# him an# steppe# bac03 hol#in. her han#s o"t to either si#e as i2 she were ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html s"rren#erin. to his plea. B"t that clever3 #arin. loo0 in her e1es tol# him she was ta0in. char.e rather than .ivin. in. ;Iet in. !o" can nap while I #rive since I can:t ."arantee how m"ch sleep 1o":ll be .ettin. once we reach o"r #estination.<

;A woman a2ter m1 own heart.< 4e leane# #own to 0iss her a.ain3 b"t Bec01 was ma#e o2 stron.er st"22 an# his lips s0i##e# over her chee0 as she #o#.e# his mo"th an# n"#.e# him towar# the si#e o2 the car.

;Iet in.<

;!es3 ma:am.< A2ter closin. the tr"n03 /achariah climbe# #own into the passen.er seat. Even sli#in. the seat all the wa1 bac03 he ha# to 2ol# himsel2 in li0e a pretHel an# lean a.ainst the #oor to 0eep his sho"l#er 2rom b"mpin. into hers. 4e barel1 ha# room to sprea# his le.s 2ar eno".h apart to .ive his woo#1 a chance to relax. 4e remove# his cap3 b"t still ha# little clearance between his crewc"t an# the roo2. ;>h3 man. 8h1 #on:t 1o" C"st p"t me in a sar#ine canD<

4e ha#n:t 0nown how small a sport1 little Aissan co"l# be. 9e2initel1 no room 2or pla1in. in here. The crampe# space sho"l# be incentive eno".h 2or him to be a .oo# bo1 an# min# his manners a little while lon.er.

;I won:t as0 i2 1o":re com213< she apolo.iHe#3 bac0in. o"t an# p"llin. into tra22ic. ;B"t I #o promise it:ll be a short #rive.<

?hort was a relative term that ha# more to #o with time than #istance. The wa1 Bec01 >wens7ma0e that Bec01 Clar03 he amen#e#7p"t the pe#al to the metal3 she sho"l# be #rivin. at 9a1tona instea# o2 Hippin. alon. the hi.hwa1 that connecte# the Marine base in 5"antico to the o"ts0irts o2 8ashin.ton3 9.C.

;8e:re not hea#in. #own to ichmon#D< 4e 0new she live# in 6ir.inia:s state capital. 8ith his base ho"sin. s"rren#ere# an# his st"22 all in stora.e3 he:# C"st ass"me# the1:# be spen#in. the next several ho"rs at her place.

?he shoo0 her hea# as she chec0e# her mirror an# Hippe# between a semi an# a pic0"p tr"c0. /achariah .rippe# the #ashboar# an# hel# on. Gor.et 9a1tona. This woman co"l# be #rivin. on the battle2iel#3 #o#.in. incomin. 2ire. 4ow ha# he misse# her lea# 2oot ten#encies be2oreD 4a#

the1 reall1 not .one an1where besi#es hotel rooms an# the co"rtho"seD

;?o was 1o"r 2li.ht home reall1 that ba#D<

4e .rinne# as the1 spe# past a strin. o2 cars an# c"t over to catch the exit ramp. ;It laste# abo"t twent1Bseven ho"rs lon.er than this trip is .onna ta0e.<

Bec01 #ownshi2te# an# a#C"ste# her spee# to mer.e with the cit1 tra22ic. ;An# 1o" #on:t have to be an1where 2or a whileD<

This polite chitchat wasn:t on his toB#o list. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;As o2 tenBh"n#re# ho"rs this mornin.3 I:m on leave to #o whatever the hell I want 2or 2ort1Btwo #a1s. An# 1o" 0now what I want to #o.< 4e reache# over an# trace# a 2in.er alon. the line o2 her Caw be2ore win#in. it into her pale .ol#en hair. The chinBlen.th sil0 t"mble# over the bac0 o2 his han# li0e a tho"san# tin1 0isses. ?he:# c"t her hair since he:# seen her last3 b"t one thin. s"re ha#n:t chan.e#. ?he was still ic1 cool to loo0 at3 b"t 2ier1 to the to"ch. 4is to"ch3 at an1 rate.

4er 2"ll lips po"te# with a smile as she t"rne# to 0iss that 2in.er be2ore battin. him awa1 to 0eep her 2oc"s on the roa#. ;I want that3 too. I rente# a room at that same hotel we sta1e# at a2ter that 2irst ni.ht at Iro"cho:s K"b.<

!eah. The ni.ht the1:# 2irst met. The ni.ht the1:# 2irst ha# sex. The ni.ht /achariah ha# 2irst

starte# to won#er i2 the bachelor:s li2e was all it was crac0e# "p to be. Aot when he co"l# come home ever1 ni.ht to somethin. as smart3 sass1 an# sex1 as Bec01 >wens.

Bec01 Clar0. 4e wince# at the name that re2"se# to clic0 into place insi#e his hea#. Ma1be i2 she:# sa1 it. J"st once.

B"t tal0in. was 2or later. Tho".h he:# showere# an# .otten some sh"tBe1e be2ore boar#in. the b"s to the base3 /achariah was beat. Ei.hteen months on active #"t13 r"nnin. more missions than he co"l# co"nt7he swallowe# har# an# p"she# his tho".hts ri.ht on past that last mission that ha# .one so wron. so 2ast7an# an en#less 2li.ht #i# that to a man. Ao matter what 0in# o2 2i.htin. shape he was in.

;?ta1 in the moment3< Bec01 ha# sai#. ?o"n#e# li0e .oo# a#vice. Ao past. Ao 2"t"re. J"st now. J"st them. 4e leane# bac0 a.ainst the hea#rest an# let his e1es #ri2t sh"t.

?he:# warne# him he nee#e# to ta0e a nap be2ore she .ot him bac0 to the hotel. 4e inten#e# to #o her bi##in. in whatever she as0e# o2 him.

B"t the name iss"e wo"l#n:t seem to let him be. Ma1be it was his 2a"lt as m"ch as hers that it was an aw0war# point o2 #iscom2ort between them. ;4e13 sorr1 abo"t that whole con2"sion with the Mwi2e: thin. when I was intro#"cin. 1o" to Travis. I ."ess when he startle# "s3 I 0in# o2 lost m1 train o2 tho".ht.<

;Ao problem. It:s not somethin. we nee# to concern o"rselves with ri.ht now. I:m content to .o with plain ol# Bec01 >wens. 9on:t worr1 abo"t it.<

/achariah win0e# one e1e open. Ao problemD 8as her response to his apolo.1 C"st a little too .lib to be sincereD >r was his wear1 brain rea#in. somethin. into the 2ierce .rip she ha# on her steerin. wheelD ;!o" s"reD I mean3 it wasn:t an intentional st"mble. Bec01 Clar0. Bec01 >wensBClar0. 4owever 1o" want to sa1 it3 I:m pro"# to claim 1o" as mine.<

;I 0now.< 9i# her 0n"c0les C"st t"rn a little whiter aro"n# the steerin. wheelD ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html /achariah shoo0 his hea# an# let his e1e close once more. Too m"ch thin0in.. 4e nee#e# sleep. 4e nee#e# sex. 4e nee#e# Bec01. ;I:m not "se# to sa1in. it o"t lo"#. >ne min"te we:re in 2ront o2 a C"stice o2 the peace3 an# the next I:m on m1 wa1 to ea.an International to catch m1 plane toFhell.<

Even i2 he was cleare# to tal0 abo"t AlBBaHan now3 he #i#n:t want to sa1 the wor#s o"t lo"#. The memories were li0e poison stirrin. in the pit o2 his stomach. An# he was prett1 s"re it was the past 2ew months tr1in. to snea0 into his tho".hts7not Bec01:s spee#wa1 #rivin.7that was ma0in. him a ta# E"eas1.

?he shi2te# the car an# slowe# 2or a t"rn. Then he C"mpe# when she reache# 2arther across the 2ront seat an# sE"eeHe# his thi.h. ;9on:t sweat it. 8e:re .oin. to sta1 in the here an# now3 rememberD Let:s enCo1 the homecomin. be2ore we worr1 abo"t an1thin. else.<

/achariah:s e1es poppe# open. There was somethin. to worr1 abo"t.

B"t be2ore he co"l# as0 what it mi.ht be3 her han# sli# hi.her. Closer to the action. The electric

c"rrent that ha# been b"HHin. thro".h his bo#1 ever since that 0iss in the par0in. lot Hin.e# "p to a hi.her volta.e. J"st li0e that. 4e was har#. 4e was rea#1.

;Bec0ster.< 4is warnin. was a lowBpitche# .rowl in his throat. ;I can:t mane"ver in this car.<

?he #"ti2"ll1 ret"rne# both han#s to the wheel. ;Then 1o":# better lean bac0 an# relax. Li0e I sai#3 1o":re .oin. to nee# 1o"r stren.th.<

8ith that h"s01 promise lacin. her voice3 /achariah co"l# have #amn well 2o"n# a wa1 to mane"ver.

B"t he was smart eno".h to 0now when to a#vance an# when to retreat. It wo"l# be a .oo# i#ea i2 the1 act"all1 .ot to the hotel in one piece7an# witho"t havin. to explain themselves to a tra22ic cop i2 the1 .ot p"lle# over 2or rec0less3 erF#rivin..

4e co"l# 2or.et. Gor now.

4e co"l# wait. A little.

Closin. his e1es3 /achariah leane# bac0 a.ainst the hea#rest. B"t even with the #eep breathin. exercise that normall1 relaxe# him3 sleep wasn:t comin.. 8ith ever1 inhale3 his nose 2ille# with the spice o2 Bec01:s per2"me. 8ith ever1 exhale3 his min# 2ille# with ima.es o2 each #elicio"s thin. he was .oin. to #o with her once the1 reache# their #estination.

;Bec01D<

;!esD<

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LLL

Bec01 p"lle# into the 8ar#man Kar0 4otel:s circ"lar #rive. It was sentimentalit1 as m"ch as the #esire to p"t #istance between her an# the problems waitin. 2or her bac0 in ichmon# that ha# prompte# her to ma0e this reservation. B"t a momentar1 .litch in her co"ra.e trie# to s"r2ace as she tho".ht bac0 to the last time she:# been here with Captain /achariah Clar0.

Chec0in. into the posh3 #iscreet hotel with a man she:# C"st met in a bar7o0a13 a2ter .ettin. better acE"ainte# with his han#s an# mo"th in the par0in. lot o"tsi#e the bar7ha# to be the craHiest thin. she:# ever #one.

Correction. The secon# craHiest.

?he:# avoi#e# #ealin. with n"mber one on her craH1 list lon.er than she:# allow an1 o2 her clients to p"t o22 s"ch an important #ecision. B"t she #i#n:t inten# to r"in toni.ht:s 2estivities b1 a##ressin. the marria.e iss"e now.

?E"elchin. the na..in. mis.ivin.s over the conversation she 0new the1 nee#e# to have3 Bec01 par0e# the car. ?ta1 in the moment. That wo"l# be her treat 2or hersel2 this wee0en#.

Ao past. Ao 2"t"re.

Ao 2amil1.

Ao clients.

Ao messa.es 2or the bitch who was r"inin. her anon1mo"s 2an:s li2e.

Bec01 shivere# in the s"mmer heat as the tension 2ille# her3 then .ra#"all1 #issipate# with a mental a22irmation o2 her resolve.

?he was .oin. to #o this. ?he wante# to #o this. 8ith /achariah Clar0 she co"l# enCo1 the here an# now. ?he co"l# let o"t the sens"al3 #eca#ent si#e o2 her that ha# no place in the rest o2 her li2e. ?he ha# a man to welcome home a2ter servin. overseas in a war Hone. An# 2rom the loo07an# 2eel7o2 thin.s3 the bi. ."1 nee#e# some serio"s welcomin..

Bec01 loo0e# over at him #oHin. in the tin1 con2ines o2 her car an# smile#. ?he was torn between the so2t t". at her heart at his #eep3 so2t snore7in#icatin. C"st how exha"ste# he m"st be a2ter bein. on ."ar# ever1 wa0in. moment 2or the past ei.hteen months7an# the 2irmer t". at her libi#o. /achariah was an a#renaline r"sh to her hormones. There was C"st so m"ch o2 him. ?o m"ch m"scle. ?"ch broa# sho"l#ers an# lon. le.s7li0e tree tr"n0s. ?"ch bi. han#s with an amaHin. coor#ination that m"st re2lect in his wor0 as well as his lovin.. An# the whole o2 him was in 2ine3 2i.htin. shape. ?o m"ch man. ?o m"ch to want.

Tin1 m"scles3 #eep in her bell13 clenche# an# 1earne# C"st loo0in. at him. ?he lic0e# her lips3 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 2eelin. a s"##en thirst as she ran her .aHe over his wi#e3 2irm mo"th. 4is sE"are Caw. The b"mp on his nose7a remnant 2rom an ol# 2i.ht3 perhapsD >ne he:# no #o"bt won. ?he vis"all1 caresse# the stron. brow an# masc"line crop o2 san#1Bbrown hair that 2rame# his comman#in.3 i2 not han#some3 2ace.

Bec01 slowl1 exhale#3 lettin. the warm breeHe o2 her #esire #ance across his s0in.

>ne bol# .reen e1e opene# an# met her .aHe. ;I tol# 1o" I can:t mane"ver in here3 #arlin:.<

>h3 1eah. Conversations co"l# #e2initel1 wait. ?he wante# this. ?he stretche# "p an# presse# her lips to his chee0 in a mil# hint o2 thin.s to come. ;Then .et o"t. 8e:re here.<

?"##enl13 it was a race to .et chec0e# in an# carr1 their ba.s "p to the room. The1 scramble# to han. the 9o Aot 9ist"rb si.n on the 0nob an# then loc0e# the #oor behin# them.

An# then /achariah ha# her bac0e# a.ainst the #oor. The b"ttons o2 her blo"se 2lew b1 the wa1si#e. 4is han#s were on her breasts3 li2tin.3 sE"eeHin.3 2lic0in. the nipples to attention thro".h the sil0 o2 her bra. ?he .aspe# as the instant 2ire roc0ete# 2rom the tips o2 her breasts #own to the C"nct"re o2 her thi.hs. Ao man ha# to"che# her li0e this. Ever.

Ever. ?he .roane# alo"# as he #ippe# his hea# an# ."i#e# one strainin. pea0 to his mo"th3 swirlin. his ton."e aro"n# the #isten#e# tip. ;>hBh.<

Bec01 nee#e# somethin. to hol# on to as her 0nees went wea0. ?he nee#e# him.

8in#in. her arms aro"n# /achariah:s nec03 she s0imme# her palms a.ainst the pric0l1 .rain o2 his hair3 slippin. her 2in.ers "p beneath his hat an# tossin. it asi#e so she co"l# c"p his hea# an# #ra. his mo"th "p to hers.

?he pa"se# onl1 lon. eno".h to meet the h"n.r1 #esire blaHin. in his ver#ant e1es3 lon. eno".h 2or him to see that same h"n.er re2lecte# in her own. ;I:m .la# 1o":re sa2e. I:m .la# 1o":re with me. 8elcome home.<

Then their lips met. 4is3 har# an# #eman#in.. 4ers3 so2t b"t ea.er to ma0e some #eman#s o2 their own. 4e too0. ?he .ave. ?he be..e#. 4e #elivere#.

?he .ot his shirt o22 him3 his belt "n#one. 4er s0irt an# hal2Bslip were on the 2loor. ?he .raspe# at the hem o2 his TBshirt an# he reache# 2or her panties.

;9o 1o" have protection han#1D< he raspe# a.ainst her ear be2ore nippin. at the lobe. ;Mine are in the bottom o2 m1 #"22el.<

Bec01 no##e#3 p"shin. the TBshirt "p over ri#.es o2 m"scle an# a scar that ha#n:t been there ei.hteen months a.o. To"chin. the p"c0ere# s0in at the 2lat o2 his stomach3 she .limpse# a similar scar c"ttin. thro".h the ea.le:s win. tattooe# on his bicep. ;8hat are theseD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e ton."e# the si#e o2 her nec03 i.norin. her concern. ;8e nee# con#oms. 5"ic0.<

i.ht. ?ta1 in the moment. As0 E"estions later.

;>0a1.<

8ea0 with #esire3 Bec01 st"mble# to the #es03 where her overni.ht ba. ha# lan#e#. The shoc0 o2 losin. his heat an# his #etermine# to"ch le2t her breathin. "neven3 her 2in.ers "ncoor#inate#. B1 the time she:# "nHippe# her ba.3 spille# the box o2 con#oms3 c"rse# an# 2ishe# o"t one o2 the shin1 silver wrappers3 /achariah was na0e# an# loomin. in the mirror behin# her.

>h3 m1. Taller than she remembere#. Bi..er. 4ar#er.

4er bo#1 wet with an instant 2emale response to the potentl1 male si.ht.

;I:m h"rr1in.3< she whispere#3 her throat not wor0in. an1 better than her cl"ms1 2in.ers.

;Aow3 #arlin:.< 4is aro"sal n"#.e# a.ainst her bottom as he easil1 reache# over her sho"l#er an# pl"c0e# the wrapper 2rom her han#s.

Gine. 8hile he rippe# an# rolle#3 she co"l# "se the extra min"te to ta0e o22 her blo"se an# "nhoo0 her bra.

B"t /achariah #i#n:t .ive her an extra min"te.

4e po0e# her a.ain as he close# in behin# her. 4e loope# his ri.ht 2orearm

aro"n# her waist to absorb the bl"nt o2 the #es0:s har# e#.e as he p"she# her "p a.ainst it. ;I nee# this.< 4is le2t han# slippe# between her thi.hs an# parte# her. ;I:ll ma0e it .oo# 2or 1o" the

next time3 I promise.<

Bec01 a"tomaticall1 brace# her han#s on the polishe# maho.an1 s"r2ace as his chest met her bac0 an# the1 leane# 2orwar# to.ether. ;It:s o0a1. I:m rea#7<

4e entere# her in one #eep3 sharp thr"st. Bec01 .aspe# as the tip o2 his coc0 n"#.e# at her IBspot. ;AhBhF< ?he co"l#n:t spea0 as ten#rils o2 pain melte# into the prel"#e to pleas"re.

4e hel# himsel2 still insi#e her 2or several en#less secon#s3 2illin. her3 stretchin. her as her bo#1 a#C"ste# to accommo#ate him. ?he 2elt the vibration o2 ever1 m"scle he hel# in chec03 2rom the open mo"th wettin. the nape o2 her nec0 to the en.or.e# member b"rie# insi#e her.

;I:m sorr13< he pante# a.ainst her s0in. ;AextFtimeFpromiseF<

/achariah E"ic0l1 with#rew. 4e wi#ene# his stance3 a#C"stin. his hips to c"p her bottom. >ne han# sli# to her breast3 the other #own towar# her clit. ?he loo0e# "p into the mirror an# 2o"n# his .reen .aHe loc0e# onto hers. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Bec01 no##e#.

8ith onl1 one sleeve o22 an# a bra strap ri#in. #own her arm3 Bec01 2ancie# hersel2 a wanton woman as /achariah pl"n.e# insi#e her a secon# time. 4e .ro"n# his hips into her bottom3 li2tin. her toes o22 the carpet as he bent her 2orwar# an# ramme# himsel2 in to the hilt3 roarin. with his release. As he pinche# her nipple3 r"bbe# har# at her swollen n"b3 she writhe#

helplessl13 s"spen#e# between his bo#1 an# the #es03 trappe# between his han#s an# coc0.

>n a short 2"se o2 #esire hersel23 the press"re b"il#in. insi#e her #etonate#.

Bec01 crie# o"t. 4er arms went wea0.

Ioo#D It #i#n:t .et an1 better than this raw3 overwhelmin. nee#.

Aext timeD >h Io#3 1es.

An# when she collapse# a.ainst the #es0 in the sheer exha"stion at bein. so #esire#3 so ta0en3 so satiate#3 /achariah pic0e# her "p an# carrie# her to be#.

Chapter '

;F6iolate# the restrainin. or#er3 then callFslap his b"tt in Cail.< The #istant voice spo0e threatenin. .ibberish an# #isCointe# phrases in /achariah:s #ream. ;I #on:t care what ?li.h tol# 1o". I represent 1o" now. 4e:ll pa1 it3 9imitra. That:s what I:m here 2or.<

/achariah rolle# over onto his si#e an# nestle# his ro".h chee0 #own into a pillow o2 so2tness with a smile. !eah. 4e ha#n:t .enerate# a 2antas1 li0e this one 2or a while. It was a woman:s voice in his #ream. A sex1 woman3 C"#.in. b1 the blen# o2 con2i#ence an# h"s0iness in her tone7some to".h chic0 who wasn:t ta0in. an1 ."22 o22 an1one. 4e li0e# a woman who co"l# stan# "p to tro"ble. That meant she co"l# stan# "p to him.

;Call the cops. !es3 I 0now. B"t that:s m1 problem3 not 1o"rsFchec0 on 1o" as soon as I:m bac0 in ichmon#. ?ometime thisFcall them. >r I will.<

The woman went awa1 2or a while3 b"t when the h"she# tones ret"rne#3 he realiHe# it was Bec01:s voice. /achariah .rinne# as he #oHe#. 9e2initel1 a sex1 woman. Unexpecte#l1 bea"ti2"l in wa1s that ma#e his hormones craH1. ;9a#D !es3 it:s me a.ain. Aow tell me exactl1 whatF<

Bec01 was a to".h chic0. >h3 she mi.ht class "p the exterior with tailore# clothes an# tenB#ollar wor#s3 b"t there was nothin. b"t steel r"nnin. thro".h her .race2"l bac0bone. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

/achariah p"she# asi#e the covers an# 2lippe# onto his bac03 0eepin. his ear att"ne# to the 2a#in. voice3 hopin. she:# iss"e a comman# to him li0e she ha# be2ore the1:# 2allen asleep. ;To"ch me here. =iss me. I nee# 1o" in me. Aow@< >r ma1be he was coolin. o22 his bo#13 which a"tomaticall1 heate# "p as 2antasies t"rne# into memories o2 Bec01 an# the a2ternoon an# ni.ht the1:# share#.

!eah3 that 2irst time3 he:# shown all the 2inesse o2 a r"ttin. b"ll. It ha# been a catharsis 2or him7a blin#in. expression o2 lon.B#enie# h"n.er an# a #rivin. nee# to 2in# acceptance an# h"manit1 an# healin.. The secon# time ha# been a little more civiliHe#. It ha# involve# the be# an# some champa.ne an# "sin. each other as wine.lasses be2ore rollin. her onto her bac0 an# b"r1in. himsel2 insi#e her. B1 the time he:# carrie# her o"t o2 the shower an# the1:# #one it 2or a thir# time3 /achariah ha# been well an# tr"l1 exha"ste#. Time Hone chan.es an# sleepless ni.hts an# min#Bn"mbin. sex ha# all ca".ht "p with him an# he:# crashe#. The be# was clean an# com21J Bec01 was warm b1 his si#e. 4is ph1sical nee#s were sate# eno".h 2or the time

bein. that he co"l# 2all into a #eep3 lon. sl"mber.

Ma1be that heav13 restorative sleep was what ma#e him so .ro..1 now as he trie# to ro"se himsel2 eno".h to "n#erstan# Bec01:s "r.ent whispers. ?he m"st be on her cell phone3 pacin.3 C"#.in. b1 the ebb an# 2low o2 vol"me. Tal0in. so2tl13 b"t not tal0in. to him7"nless his sleepBa##le# brain was translatin. her wor#s into thin.s that #i#n:t ma0e sense. ;Is she o0a1D<

8as who o0a1D The 0in.BsiHe mattress shi2te# as she san0 #own onto the opposite e#.e. Bec01 was all ri.ht3 wasn:t sheD Even tho".h he:# been ro".her than he:# inten#e# that 2irst time3 she ha#n:t complaine# last ni.ht.

In 2act3 the onl1 one he 0new #e2initel1 wasn:t o0a1 was Lance Corporal 8atson. An# a hal2B#oHen rebel ins"r.ents with m"r#er on their min#s.

8atson.

?hit. 9reams o2 a b"st1 blon#e in his be# vanishe# in a poo2 o2 harsh realit1 as the 2amiliar ni.htmare crept o"t o2 a #ar0 corner o2 his min# an# seiHe# control o2 his tho".hts. /achariah twiste# on the be#3 b"t he wasn:t conscio"s eno".h to scare it awa1.

;8here the hellFD 8atson@ Gall bac0@ Gall bac0@< ;I can reach it3 sir@< ;Ae.ative@ 8e re.ro"p now@< ;J"st one more secon#.< ;Iet 1o"r ass o"t o2 there3 Marine@ It:s .onna blow@< ;I almost7< ;8atson@< All at once3 /achariah was .ritt1 an# .reas13 slic0 with sweat. 4is nostrils b"rne# 2rom the 2ier1 heat rainin. #own aro"n# him. 4is ."t an# sho"l#er b"rne# even hotter. The rebels were ne"traliHe#3 civilian cas"alties3 Hero. A s"ccess2"l mission b1 topBbrass stan#ar#s.

I"ts1 0i#. A real Marine. A real hero. ?t"nne# 2rom his own wo"n#s3 /achariah #ra..e# his 2eet3 carr1in. what was le2t o2 9arrell 8atson:s bo#1 bac0 to the chec0point.

It sho"l# have been him. Aot this .reen 0i# with the st"pi# Co0es an# a pict"re o2 his mom in his ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html poc0et. It was his bomb to #isarm3 #amn it@ 4is responsibilit1@ 8atson sho"l#n:t have ta0en the ris0. I2 onl1 the 0i# wo"l# have waite# 2ive secon#s as he:# or#ere#. Give secon#s@ 4e sho"l#n:t have been there. /achariah sho"l# have wrestle# the corporal:s s0inn1 b"tt to the .ro"n# an# blown the char.e himsel2 be2ore the timer tic0e# #own on them. 8atson sho"l#n:t be #ea#. /achariah sho"l# have 0ept the 0i# sa2e.

Ah3 hell. 4e co"l#n:t .et awa1 2rom the 2ire an# the ."ilt. 4e co"l#n:t escape. Ah3 hell.

;/achariahD<

A #istant voice blippe# thro".h his ima.ination as /achariah 2o".ht with the ha"ntin. sha#ows. ?eE"estere# to.ether li0e this3 nothin. sho"l# be able to .et to him or Bec01. AlBBaHan was tho"san#s o2 miles awa13 1et it ha# somehow inva#e# this ver1 room.

9arrell 8atson was #ea#. 4e sho"l# have 0ept him sa2e.

B"t all he:# been able to #o was stan# ."ar# over a close# cas0et an# watch 9arrell:s mother cr1.

;/achariah. Can 1o" hear meD<

4e 2elt a warm to"ch at his 2ace3 another presse# a.ainst his heart.

;/achariah. 8a0e "p.<

Clin.in. to the li2eline o2 that comman#in. voice3 /achariah str"..le# to obe1. 4is s"bconscio"s min# sorte# realit1 2rom ni.htmare3 an# he wo0e with a start.

8ith ever1 m"scle loc0e# on ."ar# a.ainst the terrors o2 that ni.ht3 /achariah opene# his e1es to 2in# Bec01:s 2ace hoverin. above him. 4er rich3 cobalt e1es were line# with concern. ?he:# climbe# onto the mi##le o2 the be# to sha0e him o"t o2 that #ar0 place where he:# .one.

;Are 1o" o0a1D< Those "nblin0in. e1es were #arin. him to #en1 the tr"th.

/achariah sat "p strai.ht an# s"c0e# in a #eep breath that n"#.e# his sho"l#er a.ainst her. ?he E"ic0l1 Cer0e# awa1 as i2 the contact ha# sin.e# her. 8hat the hellD

4e m"st have sai# somethin. in his sleep3 #one somethin. that alarme# her7hell3 he co"l# have scare# the crap o"t o2 her 2or all he 0new.

;I was havin. a ba# #ream3< he a#mitte#3 0eepin. an1 #etails abo"t postBtra"matic stress to himsel2. 4e 0ept silent abo"t his s"rvivor:s ."ilt3 an# his over#evelope# sense o2 responsibilit13 which the "nit ps1cholo.ist ha# #isc"sse# with him at his hospital #ischar.e meetin.. 4ell. 4e onl1 ha# a 2ew wee0s o2 leave to share with Bec01. 4e #i#n:t inten# to spoil an1 o2 his time with her b1 hashin. o"t the emotional ba..a.e l"r0in. insi#e him. These 2ew wee0s were the brea0

he nee#e# to .et his hea# bac0 in the .ame. Bec01 was what he nee#e#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;It:s more than that3< she insiste#.

4e 0new it. ?he 0new it. B"t he:# be #amne# i2 he was .oin. to waste one min"te o2 their hone1moon tal0in. thro".h his problems. 4e co"l# .o bac0 to base an# ma0e an appointment with the ps1cholo.ist 2or that. 4e ha# other thin.s he pre2erre# to #o with his wi2e.

/achariah reache# o"t to si2t her sil01 hair between his 2in.ers. ;I:m sorr13 #arlin:. I #i#n:t mean toF< That:s when he 2oc"se# in on the tin13 han#sB2ree cell phone hoo0e# aro"n# her ear. Leanin. over him3 her hair ha# mas0e# it. B"t now he saw not onl1 the phone3 b"t also the blac0 cor# lin0e# to the receiver in her han#3 an# the b"tton she was p"shin. to m"te their exchan.e 2rom whoever was on the line with her. K"llin. bac03 he no##e# towar# the earpiece. ;Ginish 1o"r call.<

?he e1e# him a 2ew secon#s lon.er3 an# /achariah ha# to loo0 awa1 be2ore she scoote# o22 the e#.e o2 the be# an# p"she# the b"tton a.ain. ;!o" still thereD Ao3 I ha# somethin. I nee#e# to ta0e care o2.< ?he wal0e# awa13 pacin. the len.th o2 the room as she res"me# her conversation. ;I sai# I was 2ine3 #i#n:t ID Aow tell me abo"t the call.<

/achariah hate# the i#ea that Bec01 tho".ht she nee#e# to ta0e care o2 him. It wasn:t so m"ch a matter o2 wo"n#e# pri#e as it was one o2 practicalit1. 4e nee#e# to .et past 8atson:s #eath an#

the ."ilt he 2elt witho"t #"mpin. on her. 4e nee#e# to han#le the ni.htmares himsel2. The men in his "nit were his responsibilit1. 4e was in char.e o2 not onl1 .ettin. the Cob #one3 b"t o2 0eepin. ever1one sa2e. 4e was in comman# 2or a reason7beca"se he co"l# #eal with the press"re3 the snap C"#.ments in the heat o2 battle. 4e co"l# cope with

whatever happene# in whatever wa1 it went #own.

As the o22icer in char.e o2 his ?pec >ps "nit3 with a specialt1 in explosives an# #emolition3 he wasn:t s"ppose# to nee# an1bo#1:s help. 4e wasn:t s"ppose# to 2ail.

9espite his t"rb"lent tho".hts3 the bri.ht s"nli.ht 2ilterin. thro".h the sheer c"rtains at the win#ow warme# his 2ace an# chest an# seepe# into the #ar0 corners o2 his brain. AlBBaHan was miles awa13 wee0s behin# him. /achariah release# the cr"mple# sheets 2rom his 2ists an# arran.e# the covers over his bare lap. 4e 2orce# himsel2 to breathe #eepl13 evenl13 an# let his .aHe #ri2t over his s"rro"n#in.s3 orientin. himsel2 to the l"x"rio"s3 antiE"e com2ort o2 the hotel room.

?o2t3 cream1 cotton an# air con#itionin. br"she# his s0in. The clean scents o2 soap an# Bec01:s 2amiliar exotic spice tease# his nose. 4e was in 8ashin.ton3 9.C. Bac0 in civiliHation. In a swan01 haven o2 a hotel room.

8ith Bec01.

;FoneBsi#e# #ialo."e here. Ao. All ri.ht. Gine3 I:ll tr1 m1 best. B"t I have a li2e.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

G"ll1 awa0e an# in control o2 himsel2 once more3 /achariah t"rne# his attention to somethin. m"ch more pleasant than his ni.htmares. 4isFwi2e.

4e smile#. It so"n#e# more an# more ri.ht each time he sai# or tho".ht the wor#.

4e watche# her t"rn an# pace bac0 towar# the be#. 8hen he ma#e e1e contact3 she win0e#. B"t her attention was still t"ne# to the conversation in her ear. ?he shoo0 her hea#. ;I have a sche#"le to 0eep. esponsibilities.<

;?o"n#s serio"s.< /achariah tosse# the sheet asi#e an# scoote# to the 2oot o2 the be#. 4e sna..e# her han# as she neare# an# .ave a little t". to p"ll her into his lap.

B"t she brace# a han# on his sho"l#er an# mo"the# the wor# please be2ore sE"eeHin. his 2in.ers3 o22erin. an apolo.etic si.h an# p"shin. awa1. ?he h"rrie# to the 2ar si#e o2 the room3 still listenin. to whoever was on the line with her.

9enie# a c"##le an# the chance to prove he was one h"n#re# percent 2it 2or 2i.htin.7or lovin.7/achariah breathe# a wist2"l si.h o2 his own. 4e scr"bbe# his 2in.ers over the itch1 sha#ow o2 his bear# an# #ebate# his next move. The be#si#e cloc0 rea# $%:&%. 4e was b"c0 na0e# an# Bec01 was 2"ll1 #resse#7in a blac0 patterne# s0irt an# iceBbl"e top that #rape# so2tl1 over her c"rves.

8hen the hell ha# she .otten "p an# #one the whole shower/hair/ma0e"p/.ettin: .or.eo"s thin.D 4ow lon. ha# she been on the phoneD

4e trie# to #istance himsel2 2rom the s"spicion that his new wi2e ha# been "p earl1 an# wor0in. 2or ho"rs alrea#13 on this3 the 2irst mornin. o2 their hone1moon. 8atchin. her in action ease# some o2 the stin. o"t o2 that notion. 9espite her la#1li0e 2aca#e3 Bec01 tr"l1 was that to".h chic0 2rom his #reams. 8ith his bac0.ro"n#3 no won#er he .ot s"ch a 0ic0 o"t o2 her tellin. him what was what3 where to p"t it an# when she wante# it.

?he was all sharpBe1e# an# in control3 an# ever1 step she too0 was as s"ccinct as the artic"lation o2 her wor#s. The onl1 thin. better than listenin. to that voice iss"e an or#er was watchin. that s0irt swish a.ainst her 2irm3 pale calves. An# the onl1 thin. better than watchin. wo"l# be ta0in. that s0irt o22 an# .ettin: b"s1 a.ain. All o2 a s"##en3 /achariah was 2eelin. a whole new worl# o2 reste# an# rea#1 2or action. B"t he was also .ettin. the #istinct impression that Bec01 was #one 2eelin. 2ris01. Ma1be he:# t"c0ere# her o"t last ni.ht3 too. >r ma1be these phone calls were what ha# her o"t o2 the moo# so soon.

;Ao3 o2 co"rse3 I #on:t want that.< ?he an.le# her bac0 to him an# lowere# her voice. ;9i# she tal0 to himD< 4er sho"l#ers sa..e# with a lon. si.h. ;8ell3 that:s somethin.3 at least. B"t it never sho"l# have happene#. !es3 it:s m1 2a"lt. I:m sorr1. I:ll ta0e care o2 it. I:ll ta0e care o2 it3< she repeate#.

8hisper or not3 /achariah:s ears wor0e# C"st 2ine an# he #etecte# a #i22erent sort o2 tension in her voice. Aot so artic"late. Aot so eas1 on the ears. Aot so to".h. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

/achariah:s concern clic0e# "p a notch. J"st on alert. There was nothin. he co"l# p"t a 2in.er on3 onl1 a sense that somethin. wasn:t ri.ht in Bec01:s worl#. ?omethin. besi#es him. 4e tho".ht bac0 to that "ncharacteristic 2linch o2 2ear when his pal Travis ha# sn"c0 "p on them

1ester#a1. /achariah ha# blame# the impression on his own h1perawareness o2 the worl# aro"n# him.

4e:# E"ic0l1 recovere#. It was Travis McCormic03 a2ter all3 his best 2rien#7a man he:# 0nown since basic trainin.. A man he:# tr"st his li2e with. Aothin. to 2ear.

!et Bec01 ha# also been a2rai#.

4e watche# her now as she t"nnele# her 2in.ers beneath the 2rin.e o2 hair at her nape an# massa.e# the bac0 o2 her nec0. 9i# somethin. still have her spoo0e#D

Aah. J"st his ima.ination. Bec01 >wens7#amn7Bec01 Clar0 was stron. in wa1s that ha# nothin. to #o with bein. ph1sical. ?he:# been startle#3 not a2rai#. This was 2ati."e. ?tress3 ma1be. B"t not 2ear. 4e was overthin0in. this. J"st beca"se he:# screwe# "p in AlBBaHan #i#n:t mean there was an1thin. to worr1 abo"t here. There weren:t #emons waitin. aro"n# ever1 corner. 4e wasn:t at war an1more.

4e was C"st o"t o2 sorts beca"se the o"tsi#e worl# ha# intr"#e# on their hone1moon. Last ni.ht ha# ta0en the e#.e o22 his 2ierce nee# to connect with his new wi2e7to 2eel h"man a.ain. Aow that he:# .otten the worst o2 it o"t o2 his s1stem3 he co"l# a22or# to be a little patient. I2 she wasn:t "p 2or mixin. b"siness with smoochin. ri.ht now3 then he:# hop into the shower an# wa0e himsel2 "p .oo# an# proper.

Give min"tes later3 the shower was beatin. clean an# health1 heat into his s0in while shavin. cream so2tene# his bear#. B"t he pa"se# a2ter the 2irst stro0e o2 his raHor. 8ait a min"te. Mixin. b"siness with smoochin.D 8hat happene# to sta1in. in the momentD 8as the hone1moon

alrea#1 overD

/achariah E"ic0l1 2inishe# shavin. an# rinse# o22. A2ter a 2ew E"ic0 2lic0s o2 his towel3 he wrappe# the white terr1 cloth low aro"n# his hips an# wal0e# o"t. 4e an# Bec01 ha# reverse# positions 2rom that last mornin. the1:# spent to.ether in 9.C. >nl1 this time3 /achariah ha# a sin0in. 2eelin. that to#a1 wasn:t .oin. to t"rn o"t to be an1where near as m"ch 2"n as #oin. her ri.ht on this ver1 vanit1 co"nter ha# been.

I2 he ha# more o2 an e.o3 he mi.ht be tic0e# to 2in# his newl1we# wi2e on the phone a.ain.

;Clear as m"ch as 1o" can3 Cher1l. These nee# to be m1 top priorities. >2 co"rse3 1o" can wait "ntil mornin.. EnCo1 1o"r #ate. B"t remember3 2irst thin. tomorrow. Than0s.< Bec01 #isconnecte# the call. B"t now she ha# a laptop comp"ter o"t on the #es0 an# was scrollin. thro".h pa.es on the screen.

=eep it cool3 Clar0sie. ;Tro"ble at wor0D< he as0e#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

4er sho"l#ers sti22ene# 2or an instant be2ore she sp"n aro"n# in the chair. 4er .aHe #arte# 2irst to his shrapnel scars3 then "p to his 2ace. A 2rown #imple# the mi##le o2 her 2orehea#. >h3 hell3 no. 4e was witnessin. somethin. he:# never expecte# to see on Bec01:s 2ace. A lie 2ormin.. >r at least a hal2 tr"th. ;!es. I:m sorr1. That was m1 exec"tive assistant on the phone. I as0e# 2or 2ort1Bei.ht ho"rs o22. Tol# m1 o22ice that I wante# to remain incomm"nica#o 2or the entire wee0en#. B"t somethin. came "p that can:t wait "ntil tomorrow. It:s a mess.<

Gort1Bei.ht ho"rsD ;!o" onl1 as0e# 2or the wee0en# o22 2or o"r hone1moonD<

8hat happene# to his six wee0s to rest an# recover an# .et to 0now his new wi2e in ever1 wa1 possibleD

Bec01 rose to her 2eet an# slowl1 close# the #istance between them. ;I wante# to tell 1o" when I pic0e# 1o" "p at 5"antico. B"t 1o" weren:t exactl1 in the moo# to tal03 an# it seeme# li0e the news wo"l# ma0e thin.s worse. I #i#n:t want to #o an1thin. to spoil 1o"r homecomin..< ?he stoppe#3 close eno".h 2or her scent to entice him3 b"t not close eno".h to to"ch. ;I wante# 1o"3 an# IFwell3 I #i#n:t want to #o an1thin. that wo"l# r"in last ni.ht 2or "s.<

?ta1 in the moment. 4e now "n#erstoo# that she:# meant that as m"ch 2or hersel2 as 2or him.

;?o"n#s li0e the wee0en#:s over alrea#1. 8hat abo"t visitin. m1 2ol0s in Aebras0aD<

?he lit "p at the s"..estion3 b"t not the wa1 he wante#. ;!o" sho"l# .o. I can travel bac0 to ichmon# an# ta0e care o2 b"siness3 an# then we can meet a.ain next Gri#a1 or ?at"r#a1 an# spen# the wee0en# to.ether.<

;!o":re m1 wi2e3 not m1 mistress. I wante# to show 1o" o22 to the 2ol0s. ?how 1o" where I come 2rom.< Bac0 to his roots. Bac0 to a time be2ore AlBBaHan an# the ni.htmare he nee#e# to 2or.et.

;I can:t ri.ht now. I:m sorr1.<

I:m sorr1D 4ow man1 times ha# he hear# her sa1 that this mornin.D

Bec01 seeme# .en"inel1 #istresse#. ;I have to .et bac0 to ichmon# an# see m1 own parents toni.ht.< ?he .est"re# to the laptop behin# her. ;An# there:s this emer.enc1 I nee# to han#le.<

;At wor0.<

?he proppe# her han#s at her hips an# p"22e# her sweet little sel2 "p into a #e2ensive post"re. ;I ma1 not be #e2en#in. m1 co"ntr13 b"t I #o #e2en# its citiHens.< Aow she was so"n#in. li0e a law1er. ;M1 Cob here is important3 too.<

;9i#n:t sa1 it wasn:t. J"st that the timin. s"c0s.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;!es3 well3 1o" can:t alwa1s pre#ict when the enem1 will attac03 can 1o"D I can:t alwa1s pre#ict when one o2 m1 clients will nee# me.<

Enem1D Koor choice o2 wor#s. A ."tB#eep reaction to 2ire an# 2l1in. metal3 the acri# smell o2 s"l2"r in the air7screams3 bloo#3 senseless #eath7steame# insi#e him. 4is breath lo#.e# in his chest. ;8atson@ Gall bac0@ Gall bac0@<

/achariah clenche# his 2ists "ntil his 2orearms ache#3 2i.htin. o22 the memories be2ore the1 co"l# ta0e hol#.

;/achariahD<

4e Cer0e# at the cool to"ch on his 2everish s0in an# snappe# his vision bac0 into 2oc"s. Blon#

hair. Bl"e e1es. Bec01:s 2in.ers on his chest.

;!o" le2t me a.ain.< 4er h"s01 voice an# "pt"rne# 2ace reveale# real concern. 4ell. Ma1be Travis ha#n:t spoo0e# her at all. Ma1be he was onl1 thin. that co"l# 2ri.hten Bec01.

?ha0in. his arms loose at his si#es3 /achariah retreate# 2rom her to"ch an# 2orce# himsel2 to breathe in clean air tin.e# with her s"btle3 exotic per2"me. 4e croo0e# the corner o2 his mo"th into a reass"rin. .rin. ;Are we havin. o"r 2irst 2i.htD<

;Ao. I thin0 we:re .ettin. a crash co"rse on who we reall1 are o"tsi#e the be#room.< ?he reache# o"t to him3 movin. slowl1 as tho".h she expecte# him to 2rea0 o"t on her a.ain. 8hen he hel# his .ro"n#3 she bravel1 move# 2orwar# an# wrappe# her arms aro"n# his waist3 t"rnin. her chee0 into the center o2 his chest. ;I:m sorr1 I have to leave so soon. !o" sho"l# .o visit 1o"r 2amil1. elax. EnCo1 them. I promise I:ll be C"st as anxio"s to see 1o" next time 1o" come

home as I was 1ester#a1.<

As h"mble# b1 her com2ort as he was aware o2 her warmth so2tenin. a.ainst his bo#13 /achariah 2ol#e# his arms aro"n# her an# hel# her close. ;I:m not rea#1 to leave 1o" a.ain.< 4e #ippe# his nose to the crown o2 her 2ra.rant hair. 8hatever she was #ealin. with7whatever mess he was brin.in. to the table7the1 co"l# wor0 past it. I2 the1 wor0e# to.ether. ;4ow abo"t we p"t Aebras0a o22 "ntil next wee03 an# I come with 1o" to ichmon# an# meet 1o"r 2amil1D<

;MeetFD< B1eBb1e3 warmth. Bec01 p"lle# awa1 an# ret"rne# to the #es0 in an almost ins"ltin. h"rr1. ;Ao. It:# be borin.. There:s a part1 ever1one:s b"s1 with7political st"22. !o" wo"l#n:t 0now an1one. An# I tr"l1 have to wor0 on a case. I co"l#n:t be with 1o" all the time. Krobabl1 not m"ch at all.<

Kerhaps he sho"l#n:t blame her 2or #evelopin. this s"##en pric0le in her attit"#e. 4e m"st have scare# her b"t .oo# more than once since comin. home. 4e wasn:t the same priHe a .irl wo"l# want to ta0e home to Momm1 an# 9a##1 that he:# been ei.hteen months a.o.

8ell3 she nee#e# to .et over it. 4e nee#e# to .et over it. An# that wasn:t .oin. to happen i2 the1 were h"n#re#s o2 miles apart 2or a whole wee0. There ha# alrea#1 been too m"ch time an# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html #istance between them.

J"st li0e that3 his #ecision was ma#e. /achariah p"lle# his #"22el ba. o22 the closet shel2 an# tosse# it onto the be#. 4e hope# his Ceans an# polo weren:t too wrin0le# "p to meet the inBlaws.

Cl"tchin. an o22icialBloo0in. 2ile in her han#3 Bec01 watche# him or.aniHe his thin.s an# pac0 his ba.. ;8hat are 1o" #oin.D<

/achariah #roppe# his towel an# p"lle# on a clean pair o2 boxers. ;!o" tol# me 1o" were a bi. .irl 1ester#a1. 8ell3 I:m a bi. bo1. I:m prett1 .oo# at ma0in. 2rien#s. I a#apt well to #i22erent sit"ations. I can occ"p1 m1 time i2 1o":re b"s17catch "p on m1 sleep3 hoo0 "p with some b"##ies3 see the si.hts. Loo03 I 0now we:re #oin. this whole relationship thin. bac0war#7we ha# a hell o2 a hone1moon ei.hteen months a.o3 then we .ot marrie#3 an# now we:re .ettin: to 0now each other.<

;That:s C"st how it is 2or "s. I #on:t min#7<

;I #o.< /achariah shoo0 o"t his Ceans an# p"lle# them on3 well aware that those wheels were ch"rnin. insi#e her hea#3 thin0in. har#7thin0in. o2 exc"sesD7as she watche# ever1 movement. ;Event"all13 we:re .oin. to have to meet each other:s 2ol0s. ?o wh1 not nowD 8e nee# to learn more abo"t what we #o with o"r lives3 who we care abo"t7o"tsi#e this hotel room. I:ve onl1 .ot a 2ew wee0s3 #arlin:. I2 I can:t see 1o" #"rin. the #a13 then I want to be there ever1 ni.ht to tal0 abo"t what:s .oin. on in 1o"r worl# an# to welcome 1o" home3 not C"st to the be#room.<

The one place where it seeme# the1:# alwa1s 0nown ever1thin. the1 nee#e# to abo"t each other.

;B"t I can be more e22icient3 an# .et ever1thin. #one 2aster3 i2 1o":re not there to #istract me.< A reasonable ar."ment. B"t he wasn:t b"1in. it. ;Besi#es3 m1 mother isn:t 2eelin. well.<

;Then I won:t tire her o"t or expect her to entertain me.< 4e p"lle# his bill2ol# o"t o2 his camo pants an# t"c0e# it into his Ceans. ;Loo03 I promise to be m1 ol#3 charmin. sel23 not that battleB2ati."e# monster 1o" pic0e# "p at 5"antico 1ester#a1.<

;/achariahF<

;This isn:t a #ebate3 #arlin:.< 4e rolle# "p his "ni2orm an# st"22e# it into the ba.. ;I:m comin. with 1o".<

Chapter ( ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

8hen Bec01 p"lle# "p to the c"rb3 she co"l#n:t help b"t chec0 her rearview mirror to ma0e s"re the tan ?U6 that ha# been behin# her 2or the past two miles #rove on past.

8ith the .lare 2rom the a2ternoon s"n re2lectin. o22 its win#shiel#3 she co"l#n:t ma0e o"t the #river. The same man who:# le2t messa.es in a tinn13 mechanicall1 altere# voice on her answerin. machine at wor0D The heav1 breather on her home phoneD 8as it the man who ha# #are# to call her parents: ho"se late last ni.ht3 as0in. 2or Bec01 an# then han.in. "p on her 2ather when he:# ta0en the phone 2rom her mother to as0 the caller to i#enti21 himsel2D

As the vehicle Hippe# on b13 she wante# to believe it was C"st a soccer #a#3 late to pic0 "p his son or #a".hter 2rom practice. B"t little abo"t her li2e seeme# that simple an1more.

?lowl1 releasin. the breath she:# been hol#in.3 Bec01 "nclampe# her 2in.ers 2rom the steerin. wheel an# sh"t o22 the en.ine. ?he sat there 2or several min"tes lon.er3 ba0in. in the J"l1 s"n that blaHe# thro".h her win#ows3 .ivin. the ?U6 plent1 o2 time to circle the bloc03 in case it wasn:t a coinci#ence an# the #river ha# been 2ollowin. her3 a2ter all7tr1in. not to wish that she was still cocoone# in be# with /achariah wrappe# possessivel1 aro"n# her wear13 wellBlove# bo#1.

Ma1be she sho"l#n:t have been so ea.er to #itch her3 ahem3 h"sban#3 2or the a2ternoon. ?he:# nee#e# some time an# space to thin0 abo"t the best wa1 2or her to procee# this wee0. ?ince he:# alrea#1 #"bbe# her sport1 little car the ;sar#ine can3< she:# s"..este# that he mi.ht enCo1 a more com2ortable ri#e #own to 6ir.inia:s capital cit1 i2 he .ot his pic0"p o"t o2 stora.e an# #rove himsel2.

B"t with his blac0 tr"c0 ri#in. her tail 2or two ho"rs alon. Interstate ,( all the wa1 to the par0in. lot o2 her #owntown ichmon# con#o3 it ha# been next to impossible to concentrate on

wor0 or her 2amil1. Instea# o2 "sin. the #rive time to come "p with a sensible plan3 the web o2 hal2 tr"ths she:# create# abo"t her marria.e72irst to appease an# then to protect her parents7ha# seeme# stic0ier with ever1 passin. mile. 4ow #i# she intro#"ce a m1ster1 h"sban# she barel1 0new hersel2D

4e13 Mom an# 9a#3 this is /achariah. 4e:s a hero home 2rom a war Hone. 4e:s the most incre#ible lover I:ve ever ha#. B"t then3 1o" #on:t want to hear that abo"t 1o"r .oo# little .irl. Kroper societ1 women #on:t #isc"ss s"ch thin.s. 8ho is this m1ster1 man3 1o" as0D 8ell3 I can:t tell 1o" m"ch abo"t him7tho".h I s"spect he:s s"22erin. 2rom some 0in# o2 postBtra"matic stress so he ma1 .et 2rea01 on 1o" at "nexpecte# moments. 9on:t let his scars or siHe or the 2act 1o" haven:t met three .enerations o2 his 2amil1 scare 1o" o22. An#3 b1 the wa17a2ter I pic0e# him "p in a bar an# slept with him3 we sn"c0 o22 to a C"stice o2 the peace an# .ot marrie#. Ei.hteen months a.o. Aever tol# 1o". Aever tol# an1one. ;?"rprise.< Bec01:s stomach twiste# into 0nots3 C"st ima.inin. the bac0lash i2 she lai# o"t the whole tr"th. i.ht. That wo"l# .o over real well.

8ith some 0oo0 sen#in. hate mail an# callin. her almost ever1 #a1 now7even "sin. her parents: "nliste# n"mber to tr1 to harass her7Bec01 #i#n:t nee# the p"blicit1 o2 s"##enl1 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html anno"ncin. a political heiress:s secret marria.e to Captain America. 4er pisse#Bo22 2an #i#n:t nee# the tabloi# 2o##er. 4er parents #i#n:t nee# to be wo"n#e# b1 the taw#r1 #etails. /achariah

#i#n:t nee# to .o to that aw2"l place insi#e his hea# that ma#e her thin0 o2 a tic0in. bomb3 rea#1 to explo#e.

?till3 there was a lot to be sai# 2or broa# sho"l#ers an# that to".h3 #on:tBmessBwithBme set to his Caw stan#in. between her an# the 0oo0s in her worl#. B"t /achariah ha# a.ree# to .ive her some time to #eal with the b"siness an# 2amil1 calls she:# receive# this mornin.. 8hile she went to her o22ice3 met with a client an# chec0e# in on her parents3 he was .oin. to hoo0 "p with some Marine b"##ies in the area. Then the1:# meet bac0 at her con#o 2or a late #inner. >n a ?"n#a13 there wo"l#n:t be an1 s"spicio"s mail #elivere#7an# she hope# li0e hell that the #ea# 2lowers on her #oorstep were a thin. o2 the past.

?he was pra1in. the1 co"l# .et bac0 to the b"siness o2 their hone1moon 2or at least one more ni.ht. Ma1be the1:# #iscover that the1 co"l# ma0e ma.ic in an1 be#. >r ma1be the1:# #iscover that seE"estere# awa1 2rom realit1 was the onl1 place their relationship wor0e#.

;9on:t .o there3 .irl.< Bec01 loo0e# in the rearview mirror an# chi#e# hersel2. ?he nee#e# to s"btract her emotions 2rom the eE"ation an# thin0 lo.icall1.

?tep oneD Iet o"t o2 the car an# #o her Cob. 9on:t let that anon1mo"s creep:s vile invective rattle her con2i#ence. A2ter all3 messa.es li0e ;4ello3 bitch. 8here are 1o" hi#in.D 9on:t thin0 I can:t 2in# 1o". !o" can:t #en1 me the thin.s I want< were C"st wor#s. I2 the cowar# #i#n:t have the balls to #o more than tal0 to".h3 or even "se his real voice3 then she wasn:t .oin. to be intimi#ate#.

?he ha# more tan.ible #an.ers to worr1 abo"t. Li0e Aic0 C"nnin.ham:s violatin. the

restrainin. or#er Bec01 ha# 2ile# to protect his exBwi2e.

?ince the tan ?U6 seeme# to have #isappeare#3 Bec01 #eci#e# she:# ma#e it sa2el1 to her client:s ho"se in the ichmon# s"b"rb o2 Chester2iel#. A2ter crac0in. open the Aissan:s win#ows3 Bec01 climbe# o"t. Thro".h the mas0 o2 her #ar0 s"n.lasses3 she stole a moment to chec0 "p an# #own the si#ewal0. ?he was in the heart o2 s"b"rbia. Matchin. ho"ses an# 1o"n. trees line# the street. Men mowe# lawns3 women chatte# over 2ences an# he#.es3 an# chil#ren pla1e# in nearl1 ever1 1ar#.

Except this one.

Bec01 t"rne# to st"#1 the eeril1 E"iet splitBlevel home with its pro2"sion o2 #eep re# roses bloomin. a.ainst the pale .ra1 si#in.. 9imitra C"nnin.ham was an expert .ar#ener who:# bro".ht her s0ills to the U.?. when she:# emi.rate# 2rom the U0raine with her h"sban#3 American Aic0 C"nnin.ham. A2ter ei.ht 1ears o2 marria.e3 one bri.ht3 sensitive son3 an# constant intimi#ation an# ab"se3 9imitra ha# 2ile# 2or #ivorce.

?he:# .otten what she:# been able to a22or# on her own7c"tBrate attorne1 o.er ?li.h. ?li.h ha# ha# eno".h complaints 2ile# a.ainst him to limit his client list to a variet1 o2 pett1 criminals ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html an# #esperate wives who tho".ht some representation was better than no representation.

This wasn:t the 2irst o2 o.er ?li.h:s cases she:# ha# to clean "p since .oin. to wor0 2or the ?tate. B"t it was b1 2ar the messiest.

?li.h sho"l# have ar."e# that 9imitra ha# several American connections be1on# her

exBh"sban#7a #esi.n Cob with a 2lorist3 vol"nteerin. with her son:s 0in#er.arten class3 wor0in. partBtime as a translator with the ?tate commerce o22ice. B"t her ex:s attorne1 ha# convince# the C"#.e that 9imitra was a 2li.ht ris0 bac0 to her homelan# an#3 conseE"entl13 she:# been #enie# all b"t s"pervise# visitation with her own son. 8hile the sc"mba. ex ha# re2"se# to pa1 his alimon13 9imitra ha# been let .o 2rom her ?tate Cob an# threatene# with revocation o2 citiHenship3 #eportation an# loss o2 her home an# her son.

That was when Bec01 ha# steppe# into the pict"re.

?he wo"l#n:t p"t "p with that 0in# o2 crap 2rom an1 man3 an# she wo"l#n:t let 9imitra p"t "p with it3 either. Bec01 ha# sec"re# her client:s citiHenship an# her home3 as well as c"sto#1 o2 Aic03 Jr. ?he:# 2ile# all the paperwor0 to .et mother an# son the missin. pa1ments owe# them3 an# the1 were waitin. 2or a co"rt appearance to see0 2"rther #ama.es an# to t"rn thin.s aro"n# so 9imitra:s ex wo"l# win# "p with the s"pervise# visitation ri.hts.

Two #a1s a2ter Bec01:s 2irst co"rtroom appearance a.ainst Aic0 C"nnin.ham an# his s"##enl1 o"tmane"vere# law1er was when the 2irst anon1mo"s letter ha# arrive#.

Coinci#enceD 4a@ As soon as she co"l# prove Aicholas C"nnin.ham3 ?r.3 was behin# the threats3 she:# have him arreste#.

B"t "ntil she ha# the evi#ence she nee#e#FD Bec01 .lance# "p an# #own the street one more time3 ma0in. s"re the #river o2 the tan ?U6 wasn:t the threat she:# ima.ine#.

8ith the strap o2 her leather attachN case t"c0e# neatl1 over her sho"l#er3 Bec01 circle# her car

an# steppe# over the c"rb into the 1ar#. Tho".h 9imitra:s home loo0e# as pict"re per2ect as an1 other ho"se on the street3 insi#e the woman:s haven ha# been violate#. 4er call this mornin. ha# been weep1 b"t to the point.

A .aspin. sob an# then3 ;I am sorr1 to call 1o" on a ?"n#a13 Ms. >wens. !o" sai# 1o"r cell was 2or emer.encies onl1. B"t I co"l# not reach an1one at 1o"r o22ice3 an#7< she sni22e# bac0 another sob ;7Aic0Fhe was here last ni.ht. Aic01 was .one to a 2rien#:s3 than0 Io#. B"t it is ba#3 Ms. >wens. 4e was so an.r1. 8hat sho"l# I #oD<

?o m"ch 2or a restrainin. or#er. 9imitra C"nnin.ham ha# so"n#e# li0e she nee#e# more than an attorne1. The poor woman70ept isolate# 2or 1ears b1 her h"sban#7nee#e# a 2rien#. Gollowin. the c"rvin. bric0 wal0wa1 "p to the 2ront #oor3 Bec01 steele# hersel2 2or an1thin. an# 0noc0e#.

A 2ew moments passe# be2ore she hear# movement behin# the #oor. Then she hear# the sli#e o2 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html a chain3 a #ea# bolt an# another loc0 bein. t"rne#. 8hen the #oor opene#3 it seeme# there was no one there. ;9imitraD<

4er client was hi#in. behin# the #oor. Aot a .oo# si.n. ;Come in3 Ms. >wens.<

8hen she:# 2irst met the sh13 #ar0Bhaire# woman in her o22ice3 Bec01 ha# been charme# at the wa1 9imitra:s accent t"rne# Ms. into MeeH an# Aic0 into Aee0. B"t there was nothin. charmin. abo"t the warm3 m"..1 air insi#e the ho"se3 or the #ar0 sha#ows 2rom which 9imitra appeare# as she p"she# the #oor sh"t an# loc0e# it three times behin# Bec01.

;Are 1o" h"rtD< Bec01 as0e#. ;9i# Aic0 h"rt 1o"D<

9imitra C"nnin.ham was a co"ple o2 inches taller than Bec01:s 2ive 2eet3 2o"r inches. B"t with the wa1 the slen#er woman shoo0 her bowe# hea#3 Bec01 2elt li0e a .iantess. ?he wante# to reach o"t an# com2ort her3 b"t she wrappe# both han#s aro"n# the strap o2 her ba. an# hel# on. 9imitra loo0e# as tho".h she mi.ht brea0 i2 an1one7even a wellBmeanin. 2rien#7to"che# her ri.ht now.

;8h1 is it so hot an# h"mi# in hereD< Bec01 as0e#3 while a E"ic0 onceBover helpe# her veri21 that her client #i#n:t appear to have been ph1sicall1 harme#.

;Klease.< 9imitra .est"re# towar# the livin. room an# politel1 invite# Bec01 to ta0e a seat. ?he wor0e# a wrin0le# han#0erchie2 between her han#s as she 2ollowe# Bec01 insi#e. ;I wo0e at three in the mornin. to the so"n# o2 Aic0:s car #rivin. awa17I #o not 0now how lon. he was here be2ore that. I can:t believe I slept so so"n#l1. I s"ppose3 with Aic01 sta1in. the ni.ht at his 2rien#:s 2or a birth#a1 part13 I was not so worrie# abo"t 0eepin. watch.<

;Is Aic01 sa2eD<

;!es. The mother o2 his 2rien# has a.ree# to 0eep him "ntil I can 2ix thin.s.<

Kerspiration bea#e# beneath the elastic waistban# o2 Bec01:s s0irt. ;Li0e the air con#itionin.D<

;!es. I thin0 Aic0 #i# somethin. to the "nit o"tsi#e7c"t a pipe or t"rne# o22 a switch.< ?he perche# on the so2a across 2rom Bec01. ;An# I #o not want to open the win#ows beca"se7<

;!o":re a2rai# he:ll .et in that wa1. Is that wh1 the li.hts are o"t an# the sha#es are #rawnD ?o he can:t tell that 1o":re hereD< 9imitra no##e#. ;9i# 1o" chec0 the #ama.e 1o"rsel2D I2 it:s C"st a switch3 we can #oc"ment that he was on the premises an# then easil1 .et the air t"rne# bac0 on. I2 he #i# some ph1sical #ama.e3 we can call someone to 2ix it.<

9imitra:s bottom lip E"ivere# as she str"..le# to contain some emotion. An.er3 Bec01 ."esse#7hope#7C"#.in. b1 the color stainin. her client:s chec0s. 9imitra:s #ar0 brown e1es were too re#Brimme# an# bloo#shot to have man1 tears le2t to she#. ;I cannot .o o"t there.<

A bolt o2 alarm E"ic0ene# Bec01:s p"lse. ;!o" sai# Aic0 has .one3 ri.htD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

9imitra no##e#. 4er 2in.ers nearl1 rippe# the white han#0erchie2 in two. ;I have not been into m1 0itchen to prepare brea02ast or l"nch. I cannot .o into the bac01ar#. I cannot loo0 o"t m1 win#ows or .o into m1 .ar#en to see it a.ain.<

Cannot so"n#e# li0e somethin. emotional rather than an1 ph1sical barrier. 4a# Aic0 #one somethin. else besi#es c"t o22 the A/CD Bec01 was alrea#1 on her 2eet3 on her wa1 to the bac0 #oor be2ore 9imitra h"rrie# a2ter her.

?he reache# the bac0 #oor o22 the 0itchen3 chec0e# it 2or si.ns o2 2orce# entr13 chec0e# 2or .ra22iti on the win#ows7chec0e# 2or a cr"#e3 2ol#e#B"p note3 slippe# insi#e the #oor li0e the 2irst ones she:# receive#.

8hen nothin. more tan.ible than 9imitra:s 2ear2"l rel"ctance to loo0 o"tsi#e spo0e o2 #an.er3

Bec01 "nloc0e# the #oor an# steppe# o"t onto the #ec0. ;That son o2 a bitch.<

Tho".h 9imitra t"rne# awa1 2rom the a2ternoon s"nshine3 Bec01 crosse# strai.ht to the railin. an# too0 in ever1 vicio"s3 #eliberatel1 h"rt2"l #etail. The bac01ar# ha# been r"ine#. 9imitra:s elaborate .ar#en3 with man1 o2 the blooms at the pea0 o2 their season3 ha# been van#aliHe# be1on# what an1 anon1mo"s c"lprit mi.ht #o. Ever1 2lower ha# been behea#e# or trample# "n#er2oot. Ever1 pot an# piece o2 stat"ar1 ha# been shattere#. A white trellis3 covere# with rose vines ha# been tippe# over an# hac0e# at with an ax or machete. Be1on# the #estr"ction o2 9imitra:s sanct"ar17the .ar#en she too0 s"ch metic"lo"s pri#e an# Co1 in7the .rass in the 1ar# ha# been .o".e# "p. Even Aic01:s swin. set ha# been attac0e#. It was bent into a shallow 6 across the top3 an# its swin. #an.le# 2rom a sin.le chain.

;I am so sorr1.< >"tra.e# b1 the violence be2ore her3 Bec01 #i#n:t waste time with more ina#eE"ate apolo.ies. ?he close# the #oor behin# her an# ."i#e# 9imitra bac0 to the livin. room. ;8e nee# to have pict"res ta0en o2 the #ama.e. 8e:ll call 1o"r ins"rance man an# the police. I:ll nee# this on recor# 2or o"r case.<

9imitra:s steps slowe# st"bbornl1. ;!o" 0now it #oes no .oo#. Even i2 the police come3 the1 will sa1 van#als #i# this. Teena.ers. The1 will sa1 I cannot prove Aic0 is responsible.<

Bec01 halte# besi#e her. ;9i# 1o" see Aic0 o"t there last ni.htD Are 1o" s"re it was his car #rivin. awa1D<

;8ho else wo"l# #o this to "sD<

;I2 1o" #i#n:t see him3 I can:t have him arreste#.<

9imitra:s #ar0 e1es wi#ene# li0e sa"cers. ;It was #ar0 o"tsi#e3 b"t I saw his car in 2ront o2 the nei.hbor:s ho"se3 spee#in. awa1 in the mi##le o2 the ni.ht.<

Bec01 ha# no #o"bts abo"t who ha# #one this3 either3 b"t 9imitra:s testimon1 so"n#e# wea03 even to her. A .oo# law1er wo"l# easil1 pic0 apart her stor1. ;9o 1o" 0now what 0in# o2 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html vehicle Aic0 #rives nowD<

Klease sa1 blac0 pic0"p tr"c0. 8ith her s"spicions abo"t the calls an# letters3 Bec01 ha# the ma0e an# mo#el memoriHe#. 9i# 9imitraD

The other woman:s hesitation .ave awa1 her answer. ?he co"l#n:t ma0e the positive I9. ;9on:t 1o" believe meD<

;!o" 0now I #o.< ?he s"ppose# Aic0 co"l# have borrowe# another vehicle easil1 eno".h. A tan ?U63 perhapsD 4i#in. the shiver that ran #own her bac03 Bec01 prie# 9imitra 2rom her han#0erchie2 an# sE"eeHe# her han#. ;9on:t worr1. I:ll call the police m1sel2 to report it.< ?he p"lle# her cell phone 2rom her ba.. ;!o"D Io pac0 some thin.s 2or 1o" an# Aic01. 8e:ll pic0 him "p an# then I:ll ta0e 1o" both to a hotel. I #on:t want 1o" sta1in. here "ntil we .et that mess cleane# "p3 the air bac0 on an# some 0in# o2 sec"rit1 s1stem installe#.<

9imitra sE"eeHe# bac0. ;Than0 1o"3 Ms. >wens. I #i#n:t 0now who else to t"rn to. Than0 1o".<

8ith a reass"rin. smile that wasn:t E"ite as con2i#ent as she wo"l# li0e3 Bec01 shooe# 9imitra

"p the stairs an# #iale# the ichmon# chie2 o2 police. 8hen Ieor.e 8esle1 answere#3 she swallowe# her pri#e an# i#enti2ie# hersel2. ;That:s ri.ht3 Chie2 8esle13 I:m Bertram:s #a".hter. I:m an attorne1 2or the ?tate now.<

;I:ve 0nown 1o"r 2ather 2or thirt1Bsome 1ears. Call me Ieor.e3 not Chie2.< A2ter a polite inE"ir1 abo"t her mother:s health an# a teasin. re2erence to the #a1s when ;>l# Bertie< ha# wor0e# 2or the 9.A.:s o22ice3 Ieor.e ha# been a patrol o22icer an# the two met in the same ca2N 2or co22ee3 the police chie2 .ot serio"s. ;?o3 what is it I can #o 2or 1o"D<

Even i2 it meant "sin. her 2ather:s in2l"ence3 Bec01 was .oin. to see that 9imitra .ot the help an# protection she nee#e#. ;I:# li0e to tal0 to 1o" abo"t one o2 1o"r o22icers3 Aicholas C"nnin.ham. I have reason to believe he:s been terroriHin. his exBwi2e.<

Bec01 rela1e# the #etails o2 the bac01ar# #estr"ction an# .ave the chie2 a brie2 histor1 o2 Aic0 an# 9imitra:s #isastro"s marria.e an# p"nitive #ivorce. 8ith a hearin. on settlement an# c"sto#1 iss"es sche#"le# 2or later this wee03 his motive was obvio"s7p"nish 9imitra 2or ta0in. a stan# a.ainst him.

;?he:s a2rai# to report him to the local police. ?he believes the1:ll ta0e his si#e.<

;I can:t ma0e an1 ."arantees3 b"t I:ll #e2initel1 loo0 into it3< Chie2 8esle1 promise#. ;?a1 hi to 1o"r mother an# 2ather 2or me.<

;I will. Than0 1o".<

Bec01 #isconnecte# the call an# pace# the 2o1er3 waitin. 2or 9imitra to 2inish pac0in.. Tho".h

she:# helpe# more than one victim in the past 1earBan#Bhal2 .et the mone1 or propert1 a 2ormer ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html spo"se owe#3 she alwa1s ha# the ants1 2eelin. that there was somethin. more she co"l# #o. That was the >wens wa13 a2ter all72in# a ca"se3 s"pport it7become a part o2 it. Attac0 it with ever1thin. she ha# insi#e her3 ever1 tool she ha# at her #isposal.

Gor her 2ather it was politics. ?"pportin. the ri.ht can#i#ate3 promotin. his or her i#eas3 .ettin. them electe# to o22ice3 a#visin. them to help create "se2"l3 e22ective lea#ers.

Gor Bec01:s mother3 the ca"se ha# alwa1s been to s"pport her h"sban#. Tho".h as the 1ears passe#3 her in2l"ence7more on the iss"es than the politicians themselves7ha# become as val"e# an# respecte# as her 2ather:s.

It was one hell o2 a le.ac1 to live "p to. Ma1be it was that inBbre# "r.e to be #oin. somethin. more that le2t her 2eelin. so trappe# insi#e the loc0e# #oors an# covere# win#ows o2 9imitra:s ho"se7as tho".h she were a helpless victim3 too3 instea# o2 the stron. a#vocate her clients nee#e#.

A .limpse o2 s"nshine wo"l# snap her o"t o2 this nervo"s state. A breath o2 2resh air wo"l# be even better. Combin. her 2in.ers thro".h her ban.s to li2t them o22 her stic01 2orehea#3 Bec01 "nloc0e# the 2ront #oor an# p"lle# it open. ?he t"rne# her 2ace into the breeH1 s"nshine po"rin. thro".h the screen #oor3 expectin. to 2in# relie2.

B"t instea# o2 bl"e s013 her .aHe went strai.ht to the bri.ht white rectan.le o2 paper t"c0e# beneath the win#shiel# wiper on the 2ront o2 her car.

4er whole bo#1 ti.htene# li0e a 2ist. ;Ao. Aot here. Aot now.<

Bec01 shove# the screen #oor open an# #arte# onto the porch3 #esperatel1 loo0in. 2or someone3 an1one3 that #i#n:t belon. on this peace2"l street. 4ow ha# he 2o"n# herD 8as it Aic0 C"nnin.hamD 8as he still hereD >r ma1be this terror was the wor0 o2 9imitra:s 2ormer lameBass attorne13 o.er ?li.h. 4e co"l#n:t ma0e an exBh"sban# pa1 in co"rt3 b"t he:# have no problem

.oin. a2ter the woman who was alrea#1 appealin. his 2o"rth exc"se 2or a case.

Up an# #own the bloc03 little ha# chan.e#. Men wor0e# in their 1ar#s. Chil#ren still pla1e#. 9i# the1 all belon.D 8as an1thin. besi#es that envelope o"t o2 placeD

Tho".h a part o2 her wante# to #"c0 bac0 insi#e the ho"se an# loc0 the #oor3 she nee#e# answers more.

8ith a warnin. to 9imitra3 Bec01 sh"t the #oor an# h"rrie# o"t to her car. The envelope was the same as the others. Crisp white. 4er name was t1pe# on the 2ront with no ret"rn a##ress or postmar0. ?he .lance# over each sho"l#er3 b"t no one ha# pa"se# a .ame to watch her3 no one seeme# c"rio"s eno".h to pee0 thro".h a win#ow. ?o Bec01 li2te# the wiper bla#e an# pic0e# "p the envelope.

As soon as she remove# the press"re o2 the wiper3 the envelope be.an to tic0. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;>h3 m1 Io#.< Bec01 C"mpe# bac03 #roppin. the hate# .i2t as i2 it ha# sin.e# her 2in.ers. ;>h3

Io#.<

?he meant to r"n b"t 2roHe with 2ear. 8ith shoc0. 8ith an increasin. paranoia that ha# her loo0in. 2rom ho"se to ho"se3 person to person.

9own at her 2eet the "nseale# envelope ha# spille# its contents across the pavement. A watch witho"t a ban#3 sportin. a shattere# cr1stal now. The bac0 ha# poppe# open an# a batter1 ha# 2allen o"t. The tic0in. ha# stoppe#. There was a small metal #is03 abo"t the siHe o2 a E"arter3 pl"s 2o"r colore# wires7an# the inevitable messa.e3 personaliHe# C"st 2or her.

Bec01 sE"atte# #own an# p"lle# the 2ol#e# paper the rest o2 the wa1 o"t o2 the envelope3 smoothin. it open across her lap. Even as the a2ternoon s"n b"rnt into her 2air s0in3 her bloo# ran col#.

I 0new I:# .et 1o" to come to me3 bitch. 9o ri.ht b1 me or I:ll have to teach 1o" a lesson. !o"r time is r"nnin. o"t.

LLL

;To Lance Corporal 9arrell 8atson.<

;To 8atson.<

/achariah raise# his bottle an# clin0e# it a.ainst the other two. ;To 8atson.<

Then he tippe# the ic1 bottle an# swallowe# a lon. #ra".ht o2 the tan.1 beer past the l"mp o2

emotion clo..in. his throat.

Lie"tenants Thomas M"rph1 an# 9e0e ?tahlnec0er ha# been in AlBBaHan with /achariah. The1:# been at the 0i#:s memorial service3 too3 wearin. their #ress bl"es with new ribbons an# service me#als that matche# /achariah:s.

B"t the1 ha#n:t hel# that 0i# in their arms. The1 ha#n:t watche# him #ie.

?till3 he mi.ht not be here now3 #rin0in. a toast to their 2allen comra#e3 i2 bl"eBe1e# M"rph1 ha#n:t 2lown in with the resc"e chopper3 an# tacit"rn 9e0e ha#n:t lai# #own cover 2ire so their ?pec >ps "nit co"l# loa# "p an# .et the hell o"t o2Fhell.

The crow# aro"n# them at the Capitol Bar O Irille pic0e# "p as patrons be.an to arrive 2or #inner. B"t the three o2 them E"ietl1 sat at the hi.h ro"n# table in the corner o2 the bar area 2or a 2ew moments lon.er3 lettin. the increasin. b"HH cocoon their b"bble o2 silent respect.

B"t M"rph1 ha# never been able to stan# the E"iet 2or ver1 lon.. 4e set #own his bottle besi#e the empt1 one in 2ront o2 him an# la".he#. ;!o" two remember that waitress who ha# o"r table when we ha# that 2ort1Bei.htBho"r pass in Ierman1D< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

9e0e no##e#. ;8iesba#en. Aovember. 9a.mar.<

/achariah #i#n:t 0now whether he was .rinnin: at 9e0e:s aversion to len.th1 sentences or the 2act his memor1 never 2aile# him. Ma1be he was C"st .rinnin: beca"se sittin: with en an#

?timp1 here remin#e# him o2 times be2ore AlBBaHan.

;!eah.< M"rph1 brace# his elbows on the table an# leane# 2orwar# to share a conspiratorial whisper. ;9a.mar the 4a.mar.< 4e pointe# his bottle towar# /achariah. ;I swear to Io#3 Captain3 she co"l# have ta0en 1o" in a 2i.ht.<

/achariah no##e#3 rememberin. the siHe o2 the ;.aHon.as< p"shin. at the top o2 her 2rill1 white blo"se3 i2 not the 2ace. ;?he nee#e# horns on her helmet.<

M"rph1 contin"e# the trip #own memor1 lane. ;8hen I or#ere# that last ro"n#7<

;A2ter seven m".s3< 9e0e clari2ie#.

;I tho".ht she was .onna #o me some mischie2.<

Mischie2D 4ow co"l# a man not la".h when a Aew !or0 Irishman3 har#ene# b1 li2e on the streets an# hone# to be C"st as ph1sicall1 to".h b1 the Corps3 "se# a phrase li0e thatD ;9i# 9a.mar scare 1o"3 M"rph1D<

The lie"tenant leane# bac03 rattlin. his stool with a #ramatic moc0 shiver. ;8ell3 when she sai# she was .onna c"t me o223 I crosse# m1 le.s.<

Even 9e0e:s stoc01 sho"l#ers shoo0 with a la".h. ;Too m"ch woman 2or 1o"3 h"hD<

;Too m"ch woman 2or all three o2 "s p"t to.ether.< M"rph1 raise# his bottle to ma0e another toast. ;To 9a.mar.<

/achariah shoo0 his hea# while 9e0e an# M"rph1 #ran0. 4e ha# plent1 o2 woman waitin. 2or him bac0 at Bec01:s con#o. Ao horns. Ker2ect breasts. To".h an# sensible the wa1 9a.mar ha# been3 b"t 2eminine an# so2t an# sex1 in a wa1 that ha# him chec0in. his watch an# won#erin. i2 it was too soon to h"rr1 bac0 to her place an# christen the be#.

>r the 0itchen table.

An# ma1be the livin. room 2loor i2 he co"l#n:t .et this itch1 h"n.er to be with her o"t o2 his s1stem.

B"t3 no7it was ):%-. ?he:# sai# to .ive her "ntil *:-- p.m. to p"t o"t all the 2ires that ha# ta0en her awa1 2rom their hone1moon lon. be2ore he:# ha# his 2ill o2 her.

;4e:s loo0in: at his watch a.ain. 8on#erin. i2 it:s too soon to call.< M"rph1:s smartBass ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html comment interr"pte# /achariah:s tho".hts.

;8oman tro"ble3< 9e0e a.ree#.

/achariah too0 one 2inal #rin0 an# ploppe# his bottle #own on the table. ;There:s no tro"ble3< he insiste#3 shr"..in. o22 their teasin.. ;Can I help it i2 I:# rather spen# m1 time with a bea"ti2"l woman than with 1o" two ".l1 1ahoosD<

M"rph1 .rabbe# his heart. ;I:m wo"n#e#. 9e0e:s twice as ".l1 as I am.<

;I2 I .rew a pair o2 tits3 1o":# ma0e a pass at me3< 9e0e co"ntere# with his "s"al #r1 h"mor.

M"rph1 p"c0ere# his lips an# blew him a 0iss.

;?h"t "p.<

Even with 9e0e:s "r.in.3 the Irish chopper pilot co"l#n:t 0eep his mo"th sh"t. ;?he:s that 2ine3 is she3 CaptainD<

;Gine eno".h that I as0e# her to marr1 me.<

;8hoa@< M"rph1 ma#e a cross with his 2in.ers an# hel# them "p near /achariah:s 2ace. ;!o" propose#D<

;An#FsirD< 9e0e prompte#.

/achariah loo0e# 2rom man to man. Comra#e to comra#e. Grien# to 2rien#. 4e co"l# tr"st them with this.

;8e:re marrie#.<

;Con.rat"lations3 sir.<

;8h1 1o" sl1 ol# son o2 a bitch@< M"rph1 m"st have 2i."re# the c"rse wasn:t catchin.. 4e smac0e# /achariah:s sho"l#er. ;8hen #i# this happenD<

;Ei.hteen months a.o.<

9e0e:s nearl1 bal# hea# wrin0le# with tho".ht. ;?ir3 we #eplo1e# ei.hteen months a.o.<

/achariah no##e#. ;The ceremon1 too0 place the mornin. o2 the #a1 we reporte# 2or #"t1.<

;?o 1o" haven:t ha# a hone1moonD<

M"rph1 threw "p his han#s. ;Then what the hell are 1o" #oin. here with "sD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;8e promise# to #rin0 a toast to Corporal 8atson.<

;9one. Io.< 9e0e3 o2 co"rse.

M"rph1 was more vocal. 4e p"she# bac0 his stool an# stoo#. ;4ell3 9e0e an# I were .onna see i2 we co"l# .et some tail toni.ht7<

;8e were .oin. to see i2 we co"l# meet some la#ies.<

;7b"t i2 we nee# to throw 1o" a bachelor part17<

;?h"t "p3 M"rph1.< 9e0e p"lle# o"t his wallet an# threw a bill onto the table. ;?ir3 it was .oo# to see 1o". It was .oo# to be statesi#e with 1o".<

;I appreciate the hometown histor1 lesson.<

9e0e climbe# o22 the stool3 stan#in. not too m"ch taller than he:# been sittin. #own. ;Aot a problem. I:# be .la# to .ive 1o" a to"r an1 #a1.< 8as that a smileD ;B"t not toni.ht. The #rin0s are on me3 to celebrate the n"ptials.<

;Than0s.<

;I:ll 0eep an e1e on Lie"tenant ?t"# Man toni.ht. !o" .o home to Mrs. Clar0.<

Mrs. Clar0. !eah. 8as that the 2irst time he:# hear# it sai# o"t lo"#D ?o"n#e# weir#. ?o"n#e# ri.ht.

/achariah stoo#. ;!o" can:t .ive me an or#er3 Lie"tenant.<

;Ao3 sir.<

;I:m o"t o2 here.<

Chapter )

;MomD< Bec01 rappe# so2tl1 a.ainst the painte# #oor 2rame3 won#erin. whether the so2t strains o2 a 4an#el s"ite meant her mother was in#"l.in. a passion or i2 the lac0 o2 li.ht in the be#room meant she:# #ri2te# o22 to sleep. ;Are 1o" awa0eD<

Iivin. her e1es a 2ew moments to a#C"st to the sha#ows3 Bec01 waite# in the #oorwa1 2or an

answer. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;Bec01D< ?he hear# the whisper o2 sil0 sli#in. a.ainst sil03 the so2t th"# o2 somethin. hittin. the r".3 an# a pair o2 clic0s be2ore the m"sic abr"ptl1 stoppe# an# the lamp besi#e the be# came on. Even at its lowest watta.e3 the li.ht was shoc0in. in the #ar0ness. ;>h3 sweetheart. !es3 come in. Come in.<

Bec01 blin0e# her e1es into 2oc"s an# saw her mother shiel#in. hersel2 2rom the li.ht with one han# while she trie# to 2l"22 her pillows an# p"sh hersel2 "p to a sittin. position with the other. ;4ere. Let me help.<

4"rr1in. past the 2amiliar #ecor o2 cream an# .ol# Grench co"ntr1 2"rnit"re in what Lil1 >wens calle# her ;restin. room3< Bec01 stoope# besi#e the be# to pic0 "p the .lasses case that ha# 2allen to the 2loor. ?he set it in her mother:s lap3 then reache# behin# her to prop the pillows "pri.ht an# help her mother lean bac0 a.ainst them.

Lil1 spare# onl1 a moment to t"c0 her sil0 robe "p aro"n# her nec0 be2ore stretchin. o"t her arms an# welcomin. Bec01 with a h".. ;Come here.<

Bec01 willin.l1 bent #own an# wrappe# her arms aro"n# her mother:s 2ra.ile sho"l#ers. ;It:s .oo# to see 1o". I:ve misse# 1o".<

;Me3 too.< Lil1:s hol# ti.htene# with a s"rprisin. stren.th be2ore she leane# bac0 an# patte# the cream sil0 coverlet besi#e her. ;9o 1o" have a min"te to chatD >r have I slept thro".h 1o"r visit a.ainD<

Bec01 smile# at the ol#er woman3 who was a slimmer3 more #elicate version o2 hersel23 ri.ht #own to the bl"e e1es an# strai.ht3 sli.htl1 "pt"rne# nose. >ther than a 2ew extra lines aro"n# her e1es an# mo"th3 an# the stri0in. snowBwhite color o2 her hair as it ret"rne# an# thic0ene# a2ter losin. her .ol#en loc0s to chemotherap13 the1 co"l# be twins. The1 were certainl1 best 2rien#s.

Bec01 to"che# the canop1 o2 2ilm1 .reen sil0 that soare# above the be# an# slippe# "n#erneath it to sit on the e#.e. C"rlin. one le. beneath her3 she too0 one o2 her mother:s ele.ant3 i2 sli.htl1 bon1 now3 han#s in hers. ;I:m later than I planne#3 .ettin. awa1 2rom the o22ice3 b"t I wante# to chec0 in an# see how 1o":re #oin..<

;In 1o"r o22ice on a ?"n#a1D< Lil1 arche# an e1ebrow an# clic0e# her ton."e behin# her teeth. ;9i# 1o"r 2ather call 1o"D<

;It:s been a 2ew #a1s since I:ve been o"t to the ho"se3 an# I wante# to see 1o".< The e1ebrow arche# another notch. A partial mastectom13 chemo an# ra#iation ma1 have sappe# her mother:s stren.th3 b"t nothin. co"l# #"ll that int"ition. Bec01 la".he#. Bertram >wens ha# been 2o"n# o"t. ;>0a1. ?o he calle#. 4e was worrie# abo"t 1o".<

;4e worries too m"ch.< Lil1 release# her #a".hter to mar0 an# close the boo0 l1in. on the other si#e o2 her. ;I m"st have 2allen asleep rea#in. a.ain. I s"ppose 1o"r 2ather t"rne# o"t the ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html li.ht.< ?he set the boo0 on the be#si#e table besi#e the C9 pla1er an# lai# her .lasses on top. ;Aot that I #on:t appreciate relaxin. with a .oo# romance3 b"t I swear I:m .oin. to .o star03

ravin. craH1 i2 he #oesn:t let me o"t o2 this be# to #o somethin. more invi.oratin. than rea# an# sleep all #a1 lon..<

;I tho".ht 1o"r E"arterl1 2ollowB"p shot 0noc0e# 1o" 2lat. The last one #i#.<

Lil1 no##e# with a si.h. ;Tr"e. The1 #o. I was at the oncolo.ist:s to .et m1 shot on 8e#nes#a1 an# I slept almost all #a1 Th"rs#a1. B"t b1 Gri#a1 a2ternoon I was rea#1 to .o 2or a wal0 or shop 2or the linens I want to "se 2or ?enator Barcla1:s reception next ?at"r#a1. I 0now I:m not 1et able to .o 2"ll tilt all #a1 lon. li0e I "se# to. B"t 1o"r 2ather won:t even let me sit #own an# .o over the men" with the caterer.<

The press an# two .enerations o2 politicians li0e# to tal0 abo"t what a steelBspine# c"rm"#.eon her 2ather was3 b"t Bec01 0new where her own st"bbornness reall1 came 2rom. ;Mom3 9a# has been marrie# to 1o" 2or thirt1B2ive 1ears. 8e tho".ht we were .oin. to lose 1o" last 1ear. 9on:t .ive him too m"ch .rie2 2or wantin. to 0eep 1o" aro"n# a .oo# while lon.er.<

;I 0now he loves me. An# I love him. Aever #o"bt that3 m1 #ear.< ?he smoothe# her 2in.ers thro".h her ele.antl1 short hair. ;B"t the cancer has been .one 2or six months. Ever1thin. is healin. the wa1 it:s s"ppose# to. I #o what the #octors tell me. I eat well3 ta0e m1 me#s3 0eep ever1 appointment.< ?he reache# over an# .ave Bec01:s han# a li.ht sE"eeHe. ;I have m1 2amil1:s pra1ers an# s"pport. B"t part o2 m1 on.oin. recover1 sho"l# incl"#e m1 mental health3 as well. Bertram:s heart ma1 be in the ri.ht place3 b"t he can:t 0eep #oin. ever1 little thin. 2or me3 or shiel# me 2rom the o"tsi#e worl#. I2 he:s not care2"l he:ll over#o it3 an# then he:ll be the one in the hospital.<

Bec01 2rowne#. ;Aothin.:s wron. with 9a#3 is itD<

A hint o2 concern #eepene# the lines besi#e Lil1:s mo"th. ;J"st some mar.inall1 hi.h bloo# press"re. The #octor sa1s it:s stressBrelate#3 which probabl1 means me.<

?tressD 4i.h bloo# press"reD >ne more reason s"rprisin. her parents with news o2 her marria.e to /achariah wasn:t the best i#ea. Even i2 her mother was 2eelin. stron.er3 as she insiste#3 she still loo0e# small an# 2ra.ile in this bi. be#. Even i2 she co"l# ph1sicall1 han#le a bi. anno"ncement3 she:# nonetheless be h"rt that Bec01 ha#n:t con2i#e# the news to her sooner.

;F#oesn:t even li0e 2or me to answer the st"pi# telephone. 4elloD Earth to Bec01D<

Bec01 Cer0e# her chin "p3 won#erin. how lon. she:# been starin. at the spine o2 that boo0. ;I:m sorr1. 8hat were 1o" sa1in. abo"t a phone callD< The phone callD Bec01 p"lle# her le. 2rom beneath her an# sat "p strai.ht. ;9a# sai# someone 2rom m1 o22ice calle# 1o"D It wasn:t m1 assistant3 Cher1l3 was itD<

The matchin. bl"e e1es were 2rownin.. ;Ao3 I:# reco.niHe her voice. ?he:s alwa1s so pro2essional7she i#enti2ies hersel2 ri.ht awa1. Tho".h I #i#n:t .et to sa1 two wor#s be2ore 1o"r ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 2ather pic0e# "p the line an# tol# me to han. "p. Be1on# thatF<

;?o the caller #i#n:t sa1 an1thin. to "pset 1o"D<

;!o"r 2ather "pset me. I can answer the phone an# ta0e a messa.e.<

;8as it a man who calle#D<

;I:m not s"re.<

;8as there an1thin.Fweir#Fabo"t his voiceD< 9i# it so"n# li0e a T6 robotD Threaten pa1bac0D As0 2or the bitchD

;Li0e I sai#3 I reall1 #i#n:t .et to spea0 to him.< 4er mother shi2te# closer on the be#. ;Is there somethin. wron.3 sweetheartD<

;8ron.D< she mimic0e#3 as i2 she were the small .irl who:# once bro0en a vase while #ancin. thro".h the ho"se3 not the .rown woman who was #oin. ever1thin. she co"l# thin0 o2 to 0eep 2rom brea0in. her parents: hearts. Gor hal2 a secon#3 she wante# to be that little .irl a.ain. ?he wante# to rewin# the cloc0 to a time when she #i#n:t have to worr1 abo"t ".l1 notes an# ab"se# clients an# secret h"sban#s.

B"t win#in. bac0 the cloc0 wo"l# mean no /achariah. Ao per2ect passion. Ao 2eelin. bea"ti2"l an# sex1 an# ri.ht in her s0in3 C"st 2rom the loo0 one partic"lar man co"l# .ive her.

;Bec01 L1nn >wens.<

All three names. ?nap o"t o2 it@ I2 she stewe# abo"t thin.s too m"ch lon.er3 her mother wo"l# #e2initel1 worr1 that all was not well in Bec01lan#.

Bec01 .athere# her compos"re. ?he smoothe# her s0irt an# stoo# with the serene smile she:# also inherite# 2rom her mother. ;It:s nothin.3 Mom. I:m C"st a little tire#.< That3 at least was tr"e.

?pen#in. an1 len.th o2 time with /achariah ten#e# to leave her exha"ste#. 4app1. ?atis2ie#. B"t exha"ste#. ;I2 I:# 0nown I ha# to .o into wor0 this a2ternoon3 I:# have .otten more sleep last ni.ht.<

;?o what was 0eepin. 1o" "p so lateD >r sho"l# I as0 whomD<

;I wasF< 4er hope2"l smile 2a#e# as Bec01 hesitate#.

Lil1 2ol#e# her arms across her chest an# tilte# her chin. 4er e1es anal1He# Bec01:s ever1thin.:sBh"n01B#or1 expression. ;!o" 0now3 #ear3 there:s nothin. 1o" can:t tell me. It seems li0e somethin.:s wei.hin. heav1 on 1o"r min#. It:s not me3 is itD<

;Ao. Ao more than I "s"all1 worr1 abo"t the people I love.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;UhBh"h.< 4er mother wasn:t completel1 b"1in. her ar."ment. ;I ma1 not be a h"n#re# percent3 an# Bertram ma1 worr1 li0e a mother hen when I tr1 to .et o"t o2 be#3 b"t m1 ears wor0 C"st 2ine. Is it man tro"bleD Lac0 o2 a manD<

;Mom@<

;Is it 1o"r CobD I 0now ?tate wor0ers aren:t alwa1s properl1 compensate# 2or the ho"rs an# stress the1 p"t into their wor0. An# 1o":ve 1et to "se 1o"r tr"st 2"n#.<

;It:s not mone1.<

Lil1 searche# her #a".hter:s 2ace 2or answers. ;8hatever it is3 I:m alwa1s here to listen to 1o".<

;I 0now. It:s C"st somethin. I nee# to wor0 thro".h 2or m1sel2. >0a1D !o" #on:t nee# to worr1.<

;I:m a mother. I can:t help it.<

Bec01 leane# in an# tra#e# another h".3 hol#in. on a little lon.er since she wasn:t s"re she sho"l# sE"eeHe an1 har#er. ;I love 1o".<

;I love 1o"3 too.<

The instant she 2elt her mother:s arms be.in to wea0en3 Bec01 p"lle# awa1. !et even tho".h she san0 bac0 into the pillows as i2 she was .rowin. wear13 Lil1:s e1es contin"e# to assess. ;I 2eel that 1o":re torn in a #oHen #i22erent #irections3 #ear. This is abo"t a man3 isn:t itD< Lil1 1awne#. ;Is that wh1 1o" as0e# abo"t that callD 8ere 1o" hopin. someone special was tr1in. to 2in# 1o"D Is it that man whose wor0 ta0es him awa1 2rom 1o" so o2tenD<

Bec01 presse# her lips to.ether3 silencin. the .asp in her throat. ?he waite# to spea0 "ntil she was s"re she co"l# .et the wor#s o"t with a teasin. smile. ;!o":re scar13 sometimes3 Mom. I:ll han#le m1 own man tro"ble m1sel23 tho".h. Than0s.< ?he 0isse# her mother:s 2orehea#3 then reache# over an# t"rne# o"t the li.ht. ;Ioo# ni.ht.<

;There are #oHens o2 .oo# men in this worl# 2or ever1 ba# one. I2 a .oo# one loves 1o"3 1o" .rab him an# hol# on ti.ht. That:s wh1 I marrie# 1o"r 2ather. 9i#n:t want him to .et awa1.< 4er

mother:s sleep1 voice 2ollowe# her thro".h the sha#ows as Bec01 tiptoe# bac0 to the hallwa1. ;4e:s .oin. to as0 1o" to help with the senator:s reception3 b1 the wa1. !o" sho"l# invite that m1ster1 man o2 1o"rs to come i2 he:s in town. I:# li0e to meet him an# see i2 he:s worth 1o" p"ttin. 1o"r li2e on hol# 2or him.<

LLL

;9i# 1o" sa1 .oo#Bni.ht to 1o"r motherD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bertram >wens p"lle# o22 his rea#in. .lasses an# waite# 2or Bec01 at the bottom o2 the .ran# staircase that le# 2rom the secon# 2loor #own to the marble# entr1wa1 o2 their riversi#e estate on the o"ts0irts o2 ichmon#. ?he smile# an# 0isse# his chee0. ;!es. 8e chatte# 2or a while an# I .ave her a h".. ?he was no##in. o22 when I slippe# o"t o2 the room.<

;9i# 1o" #isc"ss that phone callD<

?he br"she# a loc0 o2 saltBan#Bpepper hair o22 his 2orehea# an# no##e#. ;I #on:t thin0 she was as "pset as 1o" tho".ht. ?till3 I reass"re# her it was nothin. to be concerne# abo"t. To be honest3 she:s more worrie# abo"t 1o".<

4e sco22e#.

;Mom thin0s 1o":re #oin. too m"ch 2or her. Ma1be at the expense o2 1o"r own healthD<

;It was a oneBtime 2l"ct"ation in m1 bloo# press"re. I:m 2ine.<

;?he will be3 too.< In 2act3 Lil1 >wens was probabl1 2"rther alon. in her recover1 than Bertram .ave her cre#it 2or. B"t Bec01 "n#erstoo# how impossible it was not to ma0e sacri2ices 2or the people 1o" love#. ;I3 2or one3 however3 am not a2rai# to a#mit I:m poope#. Aow that I:m s"re ever1thin.:s cool here3 I:m hea#in. bac0 into the cit1.<

Bac0 to her con#o an# the h"sban# she was hi#in. there.

8as he the 0in# o2 .oo# man her mother was tal0in. abo"tD 8hat wo"l# her mother #o i2 she reall1 bro".ht /achariah to the reception an# intro#"ce# him as the man in her li2eD 8ith his lon. absences an# recent moo# swin.s3 wo"l# Lil1 thin0 /achariah was a man worth twistin. her li2e into 0nots overD

Ma1be she co"l# 2orestall the inevitable revelations o2 all her secrets an# the conseE"ences that wo"l# s"rel1 2ollow b1 #istractin. /achariah with some I:mBsorr1BIBmisse#B#inner sex. Bec01 .rinne# as she strolle# past her 2ather. ?he:# p"rchase# a bran#Bnew mattress an# box sprin.s to .o on her antiE"e 2o"rBposter C"st last month. /achariah co"l# help her test C"st how st"r#1 the new be# was.

Bec01 pic0e# "p her p"rse 2rom the cre#enHa near the 2ront #oor. ?he loo0e# thro".h the bevele# .lass linin. either si#e o2 the #oor an# saw the oran.e an# pin0 s"nset t"rnin. the s01 to #"s0. 9amn. Better ma0e that I:mBsorr1BIBmisse#Bo"rBwholeBevenin.Bto.ether sex. ?he:# phone# him earlier an# warne# him she:# be late an# to .o ahea# an# 2in# somethin. to eat on his own.

>nce she .ot o"t to her car3 she:# better call him a.ain. ?ee i2 she co"l# brin. him a bottle o2 wine or some ice cream7or her own willin. bo#17to help with her apolo.1.

;Ioo# ni.ht3 9a#.<

?t"bbornness she mi.ht have inherite# 2rom her mom3 b"t as0in. E"estions was a .i2t 2rom her #a#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;I .ot an interestin. call 2rom Ieor.e 8esle1 this evenin..< 4er 2ather:s lowBpitche# voice stoppe# her at the #oor. ;Are 1o" .oin. to tell me what:s .oin. onD<

?o close to escape. An# 1et so 2ar.

elaxin. the tellin. pinch o2 her bottom lip between her teeth3 Bec01 t"rne#. ;?orr13 9a#. It:s wor0Brelate#. I can:t #isc"ss it.<

Bertram sli# his 2in.ers into the poc0ets o2 his charcoal slac0s an# relaxe# his stance. ;Ieor.e seeme# to thin0 1o" were in some 0in# o2 tro"ble.<

;There:s a woman I:m #e2en#in. who:s in tro"ble. Chie2 8esle1 is loo0in. into somethin. 2or me in re.ar# to her case. I con2ess3 I #roppe# 1o"r name so that he:# ta0e m1 call at home on a ?"n#a1 a2ternoon.<

;Ieor.e will #o ri.ht b1 1o" i2 he can.< Instea# o2 loo0in. please# that Bec01 ha# allowe# his in2l"ence to be o2 even that m"ch "se to her3 her 2ather:s brow 0nitte# with a 2rown. ;I as0e#

Gre#eric0 to open a bottle o2 wine 2or me in the st"#1. Care to Coin 1o"r ol# man 2or a ni.htcap be2ore 1o" .oD<

The >wenses: b"tler ha# place# #rin0s in her 2ather:s st"#1 almost ever1 ni.ht o2 the twelve 1ears he:# wor0e# 2or the 2amil1. Toni.ht was nothin. special. ;I better not3 9a#. I haven:t eaten #inner 1et.<

;Gre#eric0 can 2ix 1o" somethin..<

;Ao3 than0s. I:m meetin. someone in town.<

;8hoD It:s not Keter Cass3 is itD The new partner at Ja22re13 Mac9o".al3 81n#ham an# CassD Arth"r Mac9o".al sai# 1o" an# Keter seeme# to reall1 hit it o22 when 1o" interviewe# with them.<

That meetin. ha# ta0en place more than a 1ear a.o. Even tho".h she love# her Cob with the ?tate3 she:# interviewe# 2or the position at the ichmon# law 2irm to h"mor her 2ather3 who:# been spen#in. most o2 his time at the hospital an# ha# nee#e# some h"morin. bac0 then. B"t the Cob ha#n:t intereste# her3 an# neither ha# Keter. ;Ao3 9a#. Keter is nice eno".h3 b"t he #i#n:t exactl1 2lip m1 switch i2 1o" 0now what I mean.<

4er 2ather wince# at her choice o2 wor#s. ;There:s more to a relationship than havin. 1o"r switches 2lippe#.< ?a.e a#vice 2rom a man who:# ma#e his marria.e last. Ma1be it was a#vice she sho"l# ta0e to heart with /achariahD ;?o3 who are 1o" meetin.D<

;A 2rien#. !o" #on:t 0now him.<

;4imD< The e1ebrows arche#. ;Is 1o"r bea" statesi#e a.ainD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

B"ste#.

?he co"l#n:t let one wor# slip aro"n# the master. ?o she "se# one o2 his own tric0s a.ainst him7show how m"ch he meant to her so he wo"l#n:t min# i2 she chan.e# the topic. Lin0in. her arm thro".h her 2ather:s3 Bec01 .est"re# towar# the blac0 #oors lea#in. to his st"#1. ;All ri.ht. >ne #rin0. I can tell somethin.:s on 1o"r min# beca"se 1o" 0eep pesterin. me with E"estions. It:s not Mom3 is itD ?he sai# she was initiall1 2eelin. tire# 2rom her last ro"n# o2 me#ication3 b"t that she:s rearin. to .et bac0 to her li2e now.<

Bertram patte# her han# on his arm an# wal0e# her into the st"#1. ;I 0now. 4er sixBmonth chec0"p went C"st 2ine. There:s been no rec"rrence o2 the cancer. 4er K?A co"nt contin"es to #rop. B"t she still nee#s her rest.<

Bec01 too0 a seat on the blac0 leather so2a while her 2ather po"re# her a .lass o2 merlot. >nce "pon a time she:# c"rle# "p in his st"#1 to eat coo0ies an# #rin0 mil0 while he wor0e#3 b"t she 0new there:# be nothin. E"ite so beni.n abo"t this partic"lar 2atherB#a".hter time.

?he accepte# the .lass3 too0 a sip o2 the #eep3 rich liE"i# an# waite#. ;8ellD<

4e swirle# an# sni22e# his .lass be2ore ta0in. a #rin0. ;8hen 1o"r assistant calle# ?at"r#a1 mornin. loo0in. 2or 1o"3 I #i#n:t thin0 m"ch o2 it. I ass"me# 1o" simpl1 ha# 1o"r cell phone t"rne# o22.<

;I #i#.< ?he ha#n:t wante# an1thin. to interr"pt her re"nion with /achariah.

;An# then this man calle# last ni.ht.< Ah. Let the real inE"isition be.in. The wine in her mo"th so"re#. ;I tho".ht 1o"r mother ha# alrea#1 .one to be#.<

;?he tol# me she was still "p3 rea#in..<

4e no##e#. ;I thin0 it:s "n"s"al that he never i#enti2ie# himsel2. Lil1 sai# the caller I9 was similar to 1o"r wor0 n"mber7tho".ht it mi.ht be a cowor0er. That:s wh1 she pic0e# it "p.<

A cowor0erD Ao wa1. 4er mother ha#n:t mentione# that. ;9o 1o" still have the n"mberD<

;I calle# it bac0 an# all I .ot was an o"tBo2Bor#er si.nal. I2 he ha#n:t as0e# speci2icall1 2or 1o"3 I wo"l# have #ismisse# it as a wron. n"mber. >"r caller I9 box m"st be 2a"lt1. I:m havin. sec"rit1 replace it tomorrow mornin..< 4e sat on the so2a on the opposite si#e o2 the co22ee table 2rom her3 an# pa"se# lon.

eno".h to a#C"st his slac0s an# the "nb"ttone# collar o2 his ox2or# shirt be2ore contin"in.. ;I calle# 1o" this mornin. beca"se 1o"r mother was worrie# that she:# b"n.le# some wor0Brelate# messa.e 2or 1o"3 an# I #i#n:t want her to have that stress.<

;?he sho"l#n:t. I:m .la# 1o" calle#.< Bec01 set her .oblet on the table between them. ?he:# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html have to explain this next E"estion3 b"t she nee#e# to 0now. ;Mom #i#n:t remember m"ch abo"t

the caller. B"t 1o" were on the line lon.er. 8as the voice on the phone mechanicall1 altere#D<

;Ao. 9i# 1o" expect it to beD<

;!o":re s"re it was a man:s voiceD<

;!es.<

;B"t 1o" #i#n:t reco.niHe itD<

;Ao.< Bertram leane# 2orwar#3 bracin. his elbows on his 0nees. ;!o"r visit toni.ht will appease 1o"r mother:s concerns. B"t I expect 1o" to tell me exactl1 what:s .oin. on. Girst 1o"r own sta22 can:t locate 1o"3 an# now 1o":re tal0in. abo"t mechanicall1 altere# voicesD<

Better .ive him at least a little bit o2 the tr"th an# let him 0now she ha# the problem "n#er control3 or 9a##1 wo"l# be rall1in. the troops to protect her at the expense o2 her clients. ;I #i#n:t sa1 an1thin. to Mom3 b"t I:ve .otten a co"ple o2 threatenin. phone calls. Most li0el1 relate# to a case I:m wor0in. on.<

;The one 1o" tal0e# to Ieor.e 8esle1 abo"tD<

;Kossibl1. I:ve reporte# ever1thin. to m1 s"pervisor an# the police. I:ve ta0en all the sec"rit1 preca"tions I:m s"ppose# to.<

;Is someone tr1in. to .et 1o" to E"it the caseD<

;The threats aren:t speci2ic3 b"t that:# be m1 ."ess.<

;An# 1o" haven:t E"it 1etD<

;I won:t. M1 client nee#s me.<

;Ioo#. I #on:t want to hear o2 an1 >wens E"ittin. an1thin.. Aot 1o"r mother an# her treatments. Aot 1o" an# 1o"r wor0.<

Bec01 co"l# onl1 stare while he .ot "p to re2ill his .lass. ;!o" are Bertram >wens3 ri.htD I tho".ht 1o" wante# me to Coin a partnership3 not #e2en# misrepresente# women an# chil#ren on behal2 o2 the ?tate. !o":ve alwa1s sai# m1 Cob #i#n:t pa1 me what I:m worth an# that m1 clients wo"l#n:t appreciate me. An# now 1o" #on:t want me to E"itD 8h1 aren:t 1o" tr1in. to smooth thin.s o"t 2or meD<

;!o" sai# 1o":ve ta0en the necessar1 preca"tions.<

This was too eas1. ;I have.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;Ioo#.< 4e 0isse# her 2orehea# be2ore ret"rnin. to his seat. ;I2 1o" #o nee# me to step in3 sa1 the wor#3 an# I:ll p"t in a call to >liver ?herwoo#.<

;9a#7he:s the ?tate Attorne1 Ieneral.<

;4e:s 1o"r boss3 isn:t heD<

;A #oHen times remove#. 4e #oesn:t mess with cases li0e mine or #eal with cran0 phone calls.<

;4e will i2 I as0 him to. ?ho"l# ID<

;Ao.< Bec01 pic0e# "p her .oblet an# ret"rne# it to the bar sin0. ;I mean3 I tho".ht 1o" wo"l# as soon as 1o" hear# abo"t the calls3 b"t I want to ta0e care o2 this m1sel2. I can ta0e care o2 this m1sel2.<

;>2 co"rse3 1o" can. !o":ll be 2ine.<

Bec01 #"mpe# the #rin0 she ha#n:t reall1 wante# an# t"rne# to 2ace him. ;>0a13 what:s .oin. on hereD The 2ather I .rew "p with wo"l# alrea#1 be po0in. his nose into m1 b"siness3 even i2 I as0e# him not to. !o":re stan#in. on the si#elines3 actin. li0e 1o":re o0a1 with ever1thin. I:m tellin. 1o".<

4e stoo#. ;Ma0e no mista0e3 I will #o whatever is necessar1 to protect 1o"r mother. Until she:s stron.er3 I inten# to shiel# her 2rom the stresses o2 m1 wor03 an# I will shiel# her 2rom 1o"rs3 as well.<

Bec01 tippe# her chin3 stan#in. as tall as her hei.ht wo"l# allow. ;I #i#n:t tell her abo"t the calls. I:m protectin. her3 too.<

;I 0now.< 4e ma#e a placatin. motion with his han#. ;Listen3 I:m tr1in. to ta0e to heart the eloE"ent speeches 1o":ve .iven me on more than one occasion7abo"t bein. an in#epen#ent woman who wants to ma0e her own wa1 in the worl#.<

;An#FD< There ha# to be more.

;An#3 i2 1o":re stron. eno".h to stan# "p to me an# be 1o"r own person3 see to 1o"r own sa2et13 ta0e care o2 1o"r clients3 then 1o":re stron. eno".h to #o 1o"r ol# man a 2avor.<

Bec01 la".he# at his sheepish smile. ?he 0new there ha# to be a catch to Bertram >wens:s reinin. in his #esire to control the lives o2 the people aro"n# him. ;Aow we:re .ettin. to what this meetin. is reall1 abo"t. This has somethin. to #o with that 2"n#Braisin. part1 next ?at"r#a13 #oesn:t itD<

4e stretche# his arms o"t to either si#e. ;I"ilt1 as char.e#. Tho".h I:# be willin. to postpone or cancel it3 1o"r mother is most insistent that we carr1 on. 8e:re raisin. mone1 2or Barcla1:s reelection campai.n to the ?enate.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html alph

;An# ?enator Barcla1 has been an avi# s"pporter o2 2"n#in. 2or breast cancer research3 an# mammo.rams an# treatment 2or women witho"t ins"rance. I 0now those pro.rams are important to Mom.<

;It:s her pet proCect. The reception is extremel1 important to her. ?he:s been p"shin. hersel2 too har# to ma0e it come to.ether3 an# that:s probabl1 wh1 she:s havin. s"ch a har# time .ettin. her ener.1 bac0 to normal this time.<

?he 0new where this was .oin.. Bec01 2inall1 realiHe# that her 2ather wasn:t above tra#in. one

consi#eration 2or another. 4e:# bac0 o22 2rom 2ixin. what he tho".ht was wron. in her li2e i2 she rewar#e# his e22orts b1 helpin. her mother. ;9a#7<

;I:m #etermine# that Lil1 ta0e the wee0 o22 to rest. The reception will be here at the ho"se. ?he co"l# still atten# i2 she 2eels "p to it3 b"t 1o" an# I wo"l# ta0e over the lastBmin"te #etails3 s"ch as coor#inatin. with the event planner an# Barcla1:s campai.n mana.er3 an# 2ollowin. "p on the ."est list.<

Bec01 crosse# the room. ?he:# been pla1e#. ?he #i#n:t li0e it3 b"t she ha# an i#ea that she was alrea#1 on the losin. en# o2 this ar."ment. ;!o" mean M1o" an# I: as in mostl1 me ta0in. over this part1D<

;!o":# ma0e a bea"ti2"l hostess. An# I 0now 1o" can wor0 a room the wa1 1o"r mother #oes to ens"re we .et .enero"s contrib"tions.<

;I hate all that schmooHin..<

;B"t 1o" love 1o"r mother.<

;Aot 2air3 9a#.< ?he ha# as0e# her assistant3 Cher1l3 to clear as m"ch o2 her calen#ar this wee0 as possible. B"t Bec01 ha# wante# the time to prepare 2or the C"nnin.ham case. An# i2 there sho"l# be a 2ew moments le2t3 to spen# a little extra time with /achariah. ;That wo"l# mean some late ni.hts. An# a lot o2 travel 2rom wor0 to m1 con#o to here an# bac0.<

The protest so"n#e# wea03 even to her own ears.

Bertram >wens3 a c"tthroat ne.otiator himsel23 C"mpe# on the openin. she .ave him. ;Then C"st sta1 here. !o" 0now we alwa1s 0eep 1o"r ol# room rea#1 2or 1o". >ther than a 2ew phone calls an# a l"nch meetin. or two3 an1thin. 1o":# nee# to ta0e care o2 2or the part1 co"l# be han#le# a2ter ho"rs.<

/achariah ha# alrea#1 lai# claim to her a2terBho"rs time. ;8hat abo"t m1 social li2eD<

;8ell3 since this CetBsettin. bo12rien# o2 1o"rs is o"t o2 town7a.ain7I ass"me# 1o":# be 2ree.< 4e #roppe# an arm aro"n# her sho"l#ers an# h"..e# her to his si#e. ;A man who leaves 1o" alone 2or this lon. isn:t .ivin. 1o" the attention 1o" #eserve3 i2 1o" as0 m1 opinion.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;I #i#n:t.< 4e let her p"ll awa1 an# she went to retrieve her ba..

Bertram polishe# o22 his #rin0. ;James En#erle is wor0in. with ?enator Barcla1 now. 9i# 1o" 0now thatD<

;I:# hear#.<

;Mana.in. his campai.n. I:m s"re he:ll become Barcla1:s a#visor once he wins reelection. 4ell3 with his ambition3 I ima.ine he:ll be a senator himsel2 one #a1. 4e was wor0in. ver1 closel1 with 1o"r mother on this reception. The En#erles are .oo# people.<

;I 0now.<

;I2 1o" ta0e over the hostess #"ties3 it:# be a chance 2or 1o" an# James to reconnect.<

?he:# stoppe# connectin. with James En#erle a2ter the thir# month o2 #atin. the M.I.T. honors .ra#"ate. As the son o2 one o2 her 2ather:s colle.e 2raternit1 brothers3 he ran0e# hi.h on her parents: list o2 prospective h"sban#s. B"t James ha# prove# to be more intereste# in the 2amil1 name than in the 2amil1:s #a".hter. An# tho".h he ha# eno".h charm to se#"ce an entire room o2 political s"pporters3 he 0isse# li0e a col# 2ish an# ma#e love li0e a col#er one.

Bec01 ha# 0nown there was somethin. more 2or her o"t there. /achariah Clar0 was somethin. more.

;I:m not intereste# in James.<

;4e alwa1s as0s abo"t 1o".<

;?top matchma0in.3 9a#. 8e:re C"st 2rien#s. I:ll wor0 with him3 b"tF< ?he loope# her ba. over her sho"l#er an# shr"..e#. ;8hat abo"t the cran0 calls I:ve been .ettin.D 8hat i2 the1 a22ect the s"ccess o2 this part1D 9o 1o" want to ris0 thatD<

;!o" sai# 1o":# hire# sec"rit1.<

Aot exactl1. ;I sai# I:# ta0en care o2 it.<

A E"iet 0noc0 on the st"#1 #oor interr"pte# them. The .ra1Bhaire# b"tler ac0nowle#.e# Bec01 be2ore t"rnin. to her 2ather. ;Ioo# evenin.3 miss. ?ir3 there:s a /achariah Clar0 at the 2ront

#oor.<

4ereD This 2ront #oorD The bloo# #raine# 2rom her hea# to her toes. 4owFD

;I #on:t 0now an1 /achariah3< her 2ather answere#.

;4e:s here to see Miss Bec013 sir.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;>hD<

>h3 no. ;Than0 1o"3 Gre#eric0. I have to .o3 9a#. Love 1o".< ?he was alrea#1 r"shin. towar# the #oor.

;I love 1o"3 too3 sweetheart. B"t who is this manD<

Um3 that wo"l# be him. Bec01 s0i##e# to a halt as /achariah s"##enl1 appeare# behin# Gre#eric0. 4is broa# sho"l#ers 2ille# the #oorwa1 an# the ."ar#e# s"spicion ti.htenin. his Caw 2ille# the entire room.

4ow ha# he anno"nce# himsel2D ;I:m Bec01:s h"sban#. 8hat #o 1o" mean 1o":ve never hear# o2 meD< or ;I:m 1o"r #a".hter:s secret lover an# she:s late 2or o"r latest tr1st. ?een her aro"n#D<

Apparentl13 he:# sai# somethin. to connect them to.ether3 or else he:# simpl1 i.nore# social protocol an# ha# 2ollowe# Gre#eric0 in to locate her 2or himsel2. ;?o this is where the part1 is3< he #rawle#. ;8hen 1o" #i#n:t show "p when 1o" sai# 1o" wo"l#3 I .ot worrie#. !o" leave a

har# trail3 woman. I:ve been all over town trac0in: 1o" #own.<

?he trie# to rea# those narrowe# .reen e1es. 8as that .en"ine relie2 at 2in#in. her that colore# his voiceD >r sarcasmD

;Bec01D< As Gre#eric0 #ismisse# himsel2 2rom the room3 Bertram wal0e# "p behin# her an# c"rle# a protective han# over her sho"l#er3 p"llin. her bac0 towar# him. ;8ho is this manD 4e #oesn:t have an1thin. to #o with those cran0 phone calls3 #oes heD<

Bec01:s stomach 2lipB2loppe# an# she wante# to sin0 into the polishe# pecan woo# 2loor. Than0s 2or mentionin. that3 9a#. Let:s alert the Marine Corps. This was not the 0in# o2 stress /achariah nee#e# ri.ht now. ;Ao3 he #oesn:t.<

;Cran0 phone callsD<

?he co"l# 2eel /achariah:s .aHe on her3 b"t her 2ather answere#. ;I2 1o":re part o2 her sec"rit1 #etail3 I insist 1o" .et all the 2acts so 1o" can protect her properl1. 8hom #o 1o" wor0 2orD 8hat 0in# o2 arran.ements have been ma#eD<

/achariah:s lon.3 silent exhale warme# her chee0 with its tellin. pa"se. ;I:m a2rai# there:s been a mista0e3 sir. I:m with the Unite# ?tates Marine Corps. I:m on leave ri.ht now.<

;>h.< Ma1be she co"l# crawl beneath the 2loorboar#s be2ore her 2ather piece# to.ether the tr"th. ;?o 1o":re wor0in. in#epen#entl1D<

; i.ht now3 spen#in. time with 1o"r #a".hter is the onl1 wor0 I:m intereste# in. I:m /achariah

Clar0.< 4e exten#e# his han# an# .rinne#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Trappe# between her 2ather an# the h"sban# she 0new so little abo"t3 Bec01 tilte# her chin an# sent ever1 silent plea in her arsenal3 be..in. /achariah to t"rn aro"n# an# wal0 awa1. Klease3 please3 please@ ;I:m sorr1 1o" ha# to #rive o"t all this wa1 to 2in# me. 8e can #isc"ss thin.s once we .et bac0 to town.<

4er 2ather s"rprise# her b1 reachin. aro"n# her to sha0e /achariah:s han#. ;Bertram >wens. I li0e that 0in# o2 #e#ication. ?o 1o":re ta0in. .oo# care o2 m1 #a".hter3 Mr. Clar0D<

;I:m #oin: m1 best. As .oo# as she:ll let me.<

>h3 no. The1 were bon#in.. Ma1be "n#er 2alse pretenses3 b"t there seeme# to be some sort o2 m"t"al respect alrea#1 2ormin. between the two men.

;!es3 well3 she can be a bit hea#stron..<

;!o" thin0D<

Apparentl13 that bon# excl"#e# her. ;4ello3 I:m ri.ht here. 5"it tal0in. abo"t me.<

The two men share# a ch"c0le.

?he almost reache# 2or /achariah3 almost to"che# him to #eman# he ac0nowle#.e her "nspo0en messa.es be2ore he sai# somethin. that wo"l# .ive them awa1. L1in. to her parents abo"t him

wasn:t the most noble thin. she:# ever #one3 b"t her reasons were .oo#. ?he nee#e# an opport"nit1 to convince him o2 that so he wo"l# "n#erstan#7an# hope2"ll1 2or.ive7the lie.

B"t at the last secon#3 Bec01 c"rle# her 2in.ers into her palm. 8h1 she ha# the ri.ht to to"ch the bi.3 strappin. stran.er in her 2ather:s st"#1 wo"l# be somethin. else she:# have to explain. ;It:s time to leave3 1esD<

;Aow that I:m here with 1o"3 there:s no r"sh.<

/achariah:s .aHe swept over her "pt"rne# 2ace. >h3 crap. 4e 0new #amn well how "ncom2ortable she was to have him here7how he:# ca".ht her o22 ."ar# b1 showin. "p o"t o2 the bl"e. 4e:# receive# ever1 silent si.nal she:# sent his wa13 an# was pla1in. alon. with her "r.in.s to 0eep his comments as brie2 as possible. B"t whether he was #oin. her a 2avor or .ivin. her 2ather time to reveal in2ormation that she ha#n:t 1et3 she co"l#n:t tell.

Bertram crosse# his arms an# p"22e# "p behin# her. ;!o" certainl1 loo0 capable eno".h. This isn:t 1o"r "s"al attire 2or wor03 tho".h3 is itD<

Ga#e# Ceans h"..e# /achariah:s thi.hs an# hips li0e a so2tl1 worn .love an# #i# won#er2"l thin.s to show how power2"ll1 he was b"ilt. The weathere# .reen polo shirt he wore emphasiHe# the color o2 his e1es. 8hile Bec01 co"l# appreciate those partic"lar #etails3 the1 wo"l# #o little to impress her 2ather. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;Ao3 sir.<

;I2 1o":re .oin. to be on han# 2or next ?at"r#a1:s part13 I:ll expect to see 1o" in a t"xe#o.<

;A part1 ?at"r#a1D< /achariah no##e#. ;I:ll 2in# somethin. appropriate.<

;6er1 .oo#. !o" #on:t want to 0eep m1 #a".hter waitin..<

;Ao3 sir.<

Than0 Io#3 the tort"re was en#in..

;Ioo# ni.ht3 9a#.< Bec01 stretche# "p on tiptoe to 0iss her 2ather an# scoote# aro"n# /achariah into the 2o1er3 hopin. he:# ta0e the hint an# 2ollow C"st as E"ic0l1. B"t the bi. ."1 re2"se# to b"#.e. ;/achariahD<

4e t"rne# an# win0e# at her be2ore sha0in. han#s with her 2ather a.ain. ;Aice to meet 1o"3 sir.<

;Ioo# ni.ht3 Mr. Clar0.<

/achariah retreate# one step an# then another. >nce the1 were o"t o2 si.ht o2 the st"#13 Bec01 .rabbe# his arm an# t"..e# him o"t the 2ront #oor.

;Than0 1o". I 0now that was aw0war# an# I have some explainin. to #o3 b"t than0 1o" 2or not sa1in. an1thin. abo"t "s to 9a#.< As she release# him an# trotte# #own the steps to where her car an# his tr"c0 were par0e#3 she co"l# sense that her than0s were hittin. a wall o2 slowBbrewin. an.er. =eep movin.. =eep tal0in.. ;4ow #i# 1o" 2in# m1 parents: ho"seD The1:re

not exactl1 on ichmon#:s main #ra..<

4e 2ollowe# at a slower3 more #eliberate pace. ;Gin#in. thin.s is hal2 o2 what I #o 2or the Corps. !o"r 2amil1 is prett1 well 0nown aro"n# town3 I #iscovere#. I can as0 a 2ew E"estions an# rea# a map.<

;I see.< ?he #". her 0e1s 2rom her ba.. ;8ell3 what abo"t 1o"r 2rien#sD I tho".ht 1o" were spen#in. the #a1 with them.<

;It:s a2ter nine o:cloc03 Bec01.< 4e wal0e# past his tr"c0 an# 2ollowe# her to her car. ;I #i# .rab a beer an# some b"r.ers with M"rph1 an# ?tahlnec0er. B"t I le2t them two ho"rs a.o. The1 wante# to hit the bar scene toni.ht. I 2i."re# havin. an ol# marrie# man ta..in. alon. wo"l# cramp their st1le.<

>1. Ma1be she sho"l# stop tal0in. be2ore she ma#e this tension between them an1 worse. ?he "nloc0e# her car #oor an# tosse# her ba. across to the passen.er seat. ;>0a13 Mr. MapB ea#er. Can 1o" 2in# 1o"r wa1 bac0 to m1 apartment on 1o"r ownD >r #o 1o" nee# to 2ollow meD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bec01 climbe# in behin# the wheel. B"t when she reache# o"t to close the #oor3 a bi. arm brace# it open. A bi..er bo#1 2ille# the .ap between her car an# the #oor an# leane# in. ;C"t the chitchat3 Bec0ster3 an# answer two E"estions 2or me. !o"r 2ather #oesn:t 0now 1o":re marrie#3 #oes heD

;An# wh1 the hell #o 1o" nee# a bo#1."ar#D<

Chapter *

Bec01 p"lle# her 0e1 2rom the loc0 an# opene# the #oor to her con#omini"m apartment. ;4e #i#n:t exactl1 sa1 he tho".ht 1o" were m1 bo#1."ar#.<

/achariah wal0e# in ri.ht behin# her3 close eno".h 2or her to 2eel the heat o22 his bo#1 i2 not the man himsel2. J"st a sha#e closer than his blac0 tr"c0 ha# 2ollowe# behin# her all the wa1 home 2rom her parents: ho"se. At least he:# a.ree# to let her .et home an# be1on# the hearin. o2 c"rio"s stran.ers be2ore answerin. his E"estions.

;Cran0 calls. ?ec"rit1 assi.nments. 8or0in: a part1. Krotect 1o" properl1.< 4e bloc0e# her path to the #oor an# loc0e# the 0nob an# sec"rit1 chain himsel2 be2ore t"rnin. an# .larin. #own at her. ;8h1 #oes 1o"r 2ather thin0 I:m some sec"rit1 ."1 1o" hire# an# not 1o"r h"sban#D<

;It:s complicate#.< A heav1 si.h that was hal2 2ati."e3 hal2 2r"stration whooshe# between her teeth. ?he tosse# her attachN case onto the 0itchen table an# toe# o22 her san#als. ?he nee#e# sleep. ?he nee#e# peace. ?he nee#e# a 2ew E"iet min"tes to thin0.

As she hea#e# #own the carpete# hallwa1 towar# her be#room3 /achariah carrie# one o2 her 0itchen chairs to the 2ront #oor an# we#.e# it beneath the 0nob. ;!o" thin0 I:m too st"pi# to "n#erstan# wh1 1o":re embarrasse# to tell 1o"r 2amil1 abo"t meD Abo"t "sD<

;8hatD< ?he t"rne#. Li0e she:# #ate7correction3 marr17a st"pi# man. ;I:m not embarrasse#.<

Aow he was chec0in. the win#ows above the tapestr1 co"ch in her livin. room. ;?o I:m marrie# to a chronic liarD<

;/achariah7<

;Ma1be i2 1o" tal0 nice an# slow an# "se little wor#s3 the bi. .aloot will be able to 2i."re o"t what:s .oin. on here.<

;9on:t blame me. 9a#:s the one who ass"me# 1o" were a bo#1."ar#.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;An# 1o" #i#n:t correct him.< /achariah proppe# his han#s at his hips3 sprea#in. his arms an# sho"l#ers in a stance that impossibl1 ma#e him seem bi..er an# broa#er. ;I tol# people we were marrie#. Travis McCormic0. Grien#s 2rom m1 "nit. I eBmaile# m1 parents an# tol# them I:# met someone special. A cit1 .irl. An attorne1. A la#1 with real class.<

;B"t not that 1o":# marrie# meD<

;9on:t loo0 so relieve#. M1 2ol0s #on:t r"n in the same social circles as 1o"rs3 so I:m s"re the news that 1o" an# I are an item hasn:t .otten bac0 to M9a##1: 1et.< 4is sarcasm st"n.. Intimatin. she an# her 2amil1 were snobs h"rt3 too.

;I #i#n:t tell m1 parents that we elope# beca"se I wante# to protect them.<

;Iettin: marrie# to me was ba# news3 h"hD<

;Iettin. marrie#3 perio#3 is the problem.< Bec01 mirrore# his stance3 matchin. him in attit"#e i2 not siHe. ;>"r a22air was the 2irst7most7imp"lsive thin. I have ever #one in m1 li2e. 4ere was this bi. h"n0 o2 man who .ot the woman I was. The woman I am. I wasn:t too 2at3 too smart3 too rich3 too boss1. !o" weren:t intimi#ate# b1 me3 an# 1o" #i#n:t want an1thin. 2rom me b"t me. 4ow co"l# I resist thatD<

;An a22airD !o" an# I si.ne# a marria.e license3 #arlin:.<

Bec01 co"l# slin. her own arrows3 too. ; i.ht. 8e:re so marrie# that 1o" #isappeare# 2or months witho"t a sin.le wor#.<

;I was on a mission. 8e weren:t allowe# to ma0e o"tsi#e contact so that o"r location wasn:t compromise#.<

;!o" apparentl1 2o"n# a wa1 to eBmail 1o"r parents. An# Travis.<

4e scrape# his palm over the top o2 his hea# be2ore sE"eeHin. his han#s into 2ists an# sha0in. the air. ;A2ter the blac0o"t perio#. As soon as I co"l# .et to a comp"ter3 I eBmaile# 1o"3 too.<

;Three months3 /achariah. I waite# three months.<

4is han# settle# at the scr"22 o2 evenin. bear# on his Caw. ;That:s the wa1 a special operations "nit wor0s. ?ometimes we:re .one 2or a wee0en#7sometimes3 it:s ei.hteen months. Us"all13 we .et a#vance notice as to when we:re shippin: o"t3 b"t sometimes3 the colonel C"st calls an# we

.o. 8hen I:m #eplo1e#3 I can:t ."arantee when I can pic0 "p the phone an# .ive 1o" a call. !o" have to 0now what it:s li0e to be marrie# to a Marine.<

;8ell3 I #on:t. I was alone. I nee#e# to tal0 to 1o" b"t I #i#n:t 0now how to reach 1o" "ntil 1o" sent that 2irst messa.e. Apparentl13 that:s part o2 that newl1we# trainin. 1o" convenientl1 2or.ot to tell me7< she sni22e# ;7abo"t.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

>h3 m1 Io#. 8as she .oin. to cr1D Bec01 E"ic0l1 t"rne# her hea# an# blin0e# awa1 the .rit stin.in. her e1es. ?he re2"se# to let an1 emotion .et the better o2 her. ?he nee#e# to 0eep this #isc"ssion rational an# 2oc"se#.

;9arlin:3 I:m sorr1. I #i#n:t 0now 1o" were worrie#F. I #i#n:t 0now 1o" were 2eelin: li0e that.< The atmosphere in her livin. room chan.e# in a heartbeat3 as tho".h the an.r1 tension that ha# arce# between them ha# been shot #own o"t o2 the s01. /achariah:s post"re so2tene#J he seeme# to ta0e "p less space. 4e too0 a step towar# her3 reache# 2or her.

B"t Bec01 h"..e# her arms aro"n# her waist an# bac0e# awa1. To"chin. wo"l# be ba# ri.ht now. To"chin. wo"l# ma0e those tears 2all. 4is han# 2ell bac0 to his si#e an# he hel# his .ro"n#.

;I:m sorr1.< 4is apolo.1 was a lowBpitche# r"mble in his throat.

Bec01 no##e#3 2eelin. too spent to #o more to ac0nowle#.e a re.ret that probabl1 matche# her own. 4er voice was E"iet when she 2inall1 spo0e3 b"t she artic"late# ever1 wor# that ha#

2estere# in her conscience 2or months now. ;I2 I ha# been able to contact 1o" bac0 then3 I wo"l# have tol# 1o" that m1 mother went in 2or her ann"al exam the same Jan"ar1 we were marrie#. The #octor #iscovere# a l"mp. An# a2ter mammo.rams an# sono.rams an# biopsies3 she was #ia.nose# with cancer.<

;Ah3 .eeH. !o" sho"l# have sai# somethin. sooner.<

;I:m sa1in. it now3 o0a1D< That sE"are Caw no##e#. ;I:m an onl1 chil#. ?ocial events an# bi. celebrations have alwa1s been ver1 important to m1 parents. Ma1be it has to #o with .enerations o2 bein. sociall1 an# politicall1 prominent3 ma1be it:s beca"se the1 co"l#n:t have an1 other chil#ren an# so the1Fspoil me.<

/achariah retreate# to the co"ch an# sat3 ma0in. himsel2 seem less li0e an a#versar1 an# more li0e aF2rien#. It was a weir# concept to process thro".h her brain when she:# alwa1s tho".ht o2 him as her lover7one she mi.ht be #esperatel1 a##icte# to3 b"t a lover all the same. Kerhaps3 i2 she co"l# .et to 0now him3 learn to tr"st him as a 2rien# as well as the per2ect be#room partner 2or her3 then ma1be the term h"sban# co"l# become more than C"st a wor# on a piece o2 paper.

;Is 1o"r mother .onna be o0a1D< he as0e#.

Bec01 no##e#. ; e."lar sel2Bexams an# chec0"ps are somethin. she:ll have to be 2aith2"l abo"t the rest o2 her li2e3 in case it comes bac0. B"t the s"r.eon remove# the cancero"s tiss"e an# she:s ha# chemo an# ra#iation to help ma0e s"re it:s completel1 .one an# #oesn:t rec"r. ?till3 there:s

alwa1s a chance it co"l# start .rowin. somewhere else in her breasts or bo#1.<

;I2 she:s hal2 as stron. as 1o"3 1o"r mom will .et thro".h it C"st 2ine.<

/achariah:s r"..e# 2ace loo0e# so calm3 so matterBo2B2act3 that Bec01 2elt a warm reass"rance ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html easin. thro".h her3 E"ietin. her insi#e. The i#ea o2 bein. com2orte# seeme# at o##s with the sti22 "pper lip that she:# maintaine# 2or ei.hteen lon. months. !et acceptin. /achariah:s com2ort was so temptin. that she wante# to crawl into his lap an# 2eel his arms aro"n# her. ?he wante# to sin0 into the stren.th that was .reater than her own. B"t then she:# probabl1 #o somethin. lame3 s"ch as cr1.

An# her problems were too 2ar 2rom bein. resolve# to ris0 s"rren#erin. her own stren.th.

C"rlin. her toes into the #ar0 ma"ve carpet3 Bec01 2inishe# her con2ession 2rom where she stoo#. ;At an1 rate3 to s"m it all "p3 I #i#n:t tell m1 parents abo"t "s beca"se Mom has alwa1s tal0e# abo"t .ivin. me this bi.3 .ran#iose we##in.. The social event o2 the season3 the most important part1 she wo"l# ever plan. An# here I:# alrea#1 r"n o22 an# .otten marrie#7to someone the1 #i#n:t even 0now. I2 the shoc0 #i#n:t set bac0 her recover13 then 0nowin. I cheate# her o"t o2 that #ream we##in. probabl1 wo"l#.<

;An# now that she:s recoverin.D<

;?he:s better. ?he has reall1 .oo# #a1s3 b"t some ba# ones3 too. ?he:s still not that stron.. An#

m1 #a# wo"l# #o an1thin. to protect her. I #on:t want m1 0eepin. "s a secret 2rom her to be a b"r#en on him3 either.< Ta0in. the 2irst 2"ll breath she:# ha# since wal0in. thro".h the 2ront #oor3 Bec01 wal0e# into the 0itchen an# p"lle# o"t a ba. o2 chips 2rom a c"pboar# an# opene# the 2ri#.e to 2in# items to ma0e san#wiches 2or them. ?he stren.thene# her voice to carr1 thro".h the open archwa1 over the co"nter between the livin. room an# 0itchen. ;Aow the lie has been .oin. on 2or so lon.3 it:# be even more o2 a shoc0 an# #isappointment. 4ow #o I tell them witho"t h"rtin. themD<

;The same wa1 1o":re tellin. me.< /achariah:s voice3 comin. 2rom the other si#e o2 the re2ri.erator #oor3 startle# her.

4e:# 2ollowe# her a.ain.

Bec01 close# the #oor3 o22ere# "p a than0sBb"tBit: snotBthatBeas1 smile3 ploppe# the loa2 o2 brea# in his han#s an# p"t him to wor0.

Their san#wiches were #i.estin. in their stomachs be2ore /achariah bro".ht "p the other secret she:# wor0e# so har# to 0eep to hersel2. ;4ow m"ch #o 1o"r parents 0now abo"t these phone callsD<

Bec01 too0 the plate he han#e# her an# loa#e# it into the #ishwasher. ;9a# intercepte# a call this wee0en# when Joe ?tal0er7that:s what I:ve #"bbe# him7calle# the ho"se3 tr1in. to 2in# me. It:s the 2irst 9a# has hear# abo"t them. I con2irme# that I:# receive# a co"ple o2 #ist"rbin. calls.<

;B"t it:s been more than a co"ple3 hasn:t itD<

Bec01 no##e#. ;8e #eci#e# not to tell Mom. I #on:t li0e her worr1in. abo"t me. An# she:# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html sense it i2 he 0new somethin. worse was happenin. to me.<

;8o"l# havin. a bo#1."ar# aro"n# alleviate that worr1D<

;I s"ppose.< 4is 2in.ers br"she# a.ainst hers when he han#e# her their #irt1 .lasses an# Bec01 shivere# at the contact. 4e m"st have 2elt the same vibe beca"se he 2roHe 2or an instant. ?he loo0e# "p3 their e1es met. An# then he blin0e# an# wal0e# awa1 to retrieve the 0nives an# spat"la the1:# "se# to prepare their meal.

The moment o2 awareness Bec01 ha# 2elt became a real chill. Ao matter what secrets an# con2essions came between them3 that ph1sical connection was still there3 simmerin. C"st beneath the s"r2ace.

B"t 0nowin. /achariah wasn:t as ea.er to act on that attraction as he:# been ei.hteen months7hell3 even twent1B2o"r ho"rs7a.o 2orme# a l"mp o2 sel2Bin2licte# #isappointment in the pit o2 her stomach. Bec01 E"ic0l1 2inishe# loa#in. the #ishes an# close# the #oor. Then she wet a #ishcloth an# be.an wipin. #own the 0itchen. ;I #i#n:t mean to stic0 1o" into the mi##le o2 all the lies witho"t warnin. 1o" 2irst. I:ll strai.hten it o"t with 9a#. !o" #on:t have to pla1 alon..<

/achariah leane# his hips a.ainst the e#.e o2 the sin03 crossin. his arms over his chest in a #eceptivel1 relaxe# pose. 4e #i#n:t b"#.e when Bec01 trie# to wipe the co"nter behin# him.

;4ow real are these threats a.ainst 1o"D<

Bec01 loo0e# at one b"l.in. 2orearm3 #"ste# with 2ine hair that ha# t"rne# almost .ol#en 2rom the amo"nt o2 time he:# spent in the s"n. ?he li2te# her .aHe past the a..ressive line o2 his Caw be2ore meetin. the E"estion narrowin. his #ar0 .reen e1es. ;!o" serio"sl1 want to #o this3 #on:t 1o"D<

;?erio"sl1.<

The1 mi.ht be able to tal0 li0e civiliHe# people a.ain3 b"t the rawness was still there3 leavin. her emotions strippe# bare an# her "s"al con2i#ence on sha01 .ro"n#. Gor the 2irst time3 Captain /achariah Clar03 U?MC3 2ri.htene# her almost as m"ch as she s"specte# he 2ri.htene# the enem17whether it was on the battle2iel# or in her own hometown. This wasn:t a man who wo"l# #o an1thin. hal2wa17be it ma0in. love or 0eepin. her sa2e.

8ith a #"ti2"l no#3 Bec01 tosse# the cloth into the sin0 an# went o"t to the antiE"e rollBtop #es0 she 0ept in the corner o2 the livin. room. ?he 0new b1 his heat an# scent that /achariah was 2ollowin. her a.ain. K"shin. "p the #es0 top3 she p"lle# a short stac0 o2 papers 2rom one o2 the c"bb1 holes insi#e an# han#e# them over. ;4e le2t a #ea# rose on m1 win#shiel# at wor03 an# one at m1 2ront #oor. I threw those awa1 an# erase# the phone messa.es. B"t I ma#e copies o2 these. The police have the ori.inals. I copie# them beca"se one o2 the men I 2orce# a settlement 2rom3 an# am sche#"le# to meet in co"rt a.ain this wee03 is an o22icer with ichmon# K9. I2 he:s

#oin. this3 I tho".ht it:# be too eas1 2or him to .et his han#s on the notes an# #estro1 them.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;Aice connections.<

;I2 he:s the one. I ."ess I:ve pisse# o22 plent1 o2 men in m1 wor0. Tho".h >22icer C"nnin.ham #oes have a histor1 o2 violence a.ainst his exBwi2e.<

The m"scles in /achariah:s Caw seeme# to ti.hten as he rea# each new pa.e. ;Is she the client who calle# 1ester#a1 mornin.D<

Bec01 no##e#. I2 she approache# this #isc"ssion the wa1 she #i# a case3 she co"l# 0eep her emotions in chec0. ;These were han#B#elivere# to m1 o22ice an# here. There were no postmar0s on an1 o2 the envelopes.<

/achariah swore as he rea# the note that promise# to ta0e what a man #eserve# o"t o2 her hi#e i2 he co"l#n:t .et it an1 other wa1. ;That means he:s in the area. >r he has an accomplice who has access to 1o". ?omeone he:s either #"pe# or who has it in 2or 1o"3 too.<

;!o":re not one 2or pep tal0s3 are 1o"D<

;This isn:t a Co0e.< I2 that scowl was an1 in#ication3 she wo"l#n:t be seein. another lopsi#e# .rin an1time soon. ;8hat else has this n"tcase #oneD<

I2 she was .oin. to tell him3 she ha# to tell him ever1thin.. Bec01 opene# her ba. an# p"lle# o"t the envelope she:# receive# that a2ternoon. ;4e p"t this on m1 car while I was in 9imitra:s ho"se to#a1. 4e was that close to me3 an# I never saw him.< ?he watche# as /achariah emptie# the contents into his han# an# st"#ie# them. ;The watch bro0e when I #roppe# the envelope. I

#on:t 0now what it means other than the re2erence to time in the note.<

;I 0now what it means. It:s a timer.< 4e pic0e# "p the coinBshape# #is03 an# 2anne# the 2o"r wires o"t3 hol#in. them "p to see. ;K"t these to.ether an# a## some t1pe o2 explosive an# 1o":ve .ot a bomb.<

;A bombD< Bec01 2elt li.hthea#e#. ?he nee#e# to sit3 b"t she co"l#n:t seem to move. A bomb was more than wor#s. It was more than hate an# threats. A bomb meant she wasn:t the onl1 one who:# .et h"rt i2 he #eci#e# to 2inall1 ma0e .oo# on his threats.

;Tell me abo"t the calls.<

;I:ve receive# them here an# at wor0. 4e hasn:t calle# m1 cell n"mber.<

;!et.<

That ma#e her 2eel better. Thin03 Bec01. 9on:t C"st react. ;M1 calls are screene# b1 m1 assistant at wor03 so he m"st have the abilit1 to t"rn the voiceBalterin. thin. on an# o22. ?he #i#n:t reco.niHe the voice3 an# the phone recor#s tol# the police nothin.. 4ere3 I let ever1 call .o to the machine 2irst.< ?he pointe# to the phone on the en# table besi#e the co"ch. ;>h3 Io#.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ?he was reactin..

The re# messa.e li.ht was blin0in..

?he r"bbe# her han#s "p an# #own her arms as the chill trie# to reclaim her. ;It:s probabl1 C"st 9a#3 callin. to ma0e s"re I .ot home o0a1. >r a client.<

;!eah3 1o":re h"..in: 1o"rsel2 li0e that beca"se 1o" thin0 it:s 9a##1 callin:.<

/achariah too0 his warmth across the room an# p"she# the b"tton. A2ter her recor#e# messa.e an# the reE"isite beep3 a voice that was more anno1in. than 2amiliar came on. ;Bec01D ?li.h3< blare# 9imitra C"nnin.ham:s 2ormer attorne1 2rom the answerin. machine in his bombastic3 almost cartoonish voice. ;>ne o2 these #a1s 1o":re .onna have to answer 1o"r own #amn phone an# tal0 to me. !o"r secretar1 can tell me ever1 stor1 in the boo0 abo"t wh1 1o" can:t meet with me3 b"t 1o":re #amn well .onna listen to m1 si#e o2 the case.< o.er

;8ho is this ."1D< /achariah as0e# while

o.er ?li.h rante# on.

;A blowhar# with a law #e.ree.< Tho".h o.er certainl1 ha# reason to carr1 a .r"#.e a.ainst her3 she co"l#n:t see him havin. eno".h 2oresi.ht to plan a relentless assa"lt on her sense o2 sec"rit1 an# wellBbein. the wa1 Joe ?tal0er ha# #one. ;M1 assistant3 Cher1l3 nic0name# him M?li.hBme.: Tr"st me3 it 2its. 4e:s a cheap attorne1 who "s"all1 represents lowli2es an# pett1 criminals. 9imitra hire# him 2or her initial #ivorce procee#in.s. 4e b"n.le# it so ba#l1 I 2ile# a 2ormal complaint with the ?tate Bar a.ainst him. It:s the 2o"rth case he:s botche# eno".h that I:ve ha# to step in an# clean "p his mess.<

;Co"l# he lose his license to practice lawD<

;I2 we:re l"c01.<

/achariah:s steel1 expression #are# her to 2in# an1thin. am"sin. abo"t li0e a .oo# motive 2or stic0in: it to 1o".<

o.er:s call. ;?o"n#s

o.er bl"stere# on. ;Fma1be i2 I ha# a rich #a##1 li0e 1o"3 I co"l# b"1 m1 own set o2 morals3 too. Iet o22 1o"r hi.h horse3 la#13 an# retract that complaint. ?ome o2 "s have to wor0 2or a livin..<

The slam o2 his phone en#e# the call.

;That wasn:t too ba#.<

;An1 other ravin. l"natics in 1o"r li2e 1o" want to tell me abo"tD<

;/achariahF<

B"t then a secon# beep so"n#e#. There was a moment o2 silence an# then a si.hin. so"n#3 li0e ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html the win# blowin. thro".h the leaves o2 a 2orest.

Ever1thin. in Bec01 tense#.

;It:s him.< ?he 0new the so"n# o2 his breathin. b1 heart. It crawle# across her s0in.

There was a brie23 so2t b"HH o2 static. ?he brace# 2or the voice that mi.ht have so"n#e# li0e a chil#:s comp"ter .ame i2 the wor#s ha#n:t been so personal.

;9i# 1o" .et m1 messa.eD I miss o"r little chats. I:ll be seein. 1o" soon. Tic0. Tic0. Tic0.<

Then it was over.

/achariah swore a pith1 bl"e strea0 that wo"l# have #one an1 Marine pro"#.

;8hat 1o" sai#.< Bec01 ha# clenche# ever1 m"scle so ti.ht3 it almost h"rt to spea0. ;The cowar#. That:s what I:m #ealin. with. That:s what I:m tr1in. to protect 1o" an# m1 parents 2rom.<

;That:s wh1 1o" were so C"mp1 aro"n# Travis. Gor all 1o" 0new3 he co"l# be this ."1.<

;Ao. I realiHe# ri.ht awa1 Travis was a 2rien# o2 1o"rs. That 1o" tr"st him.< /achariah breathe# #eepl13 tr1in. to control his an.er. Bec01 ha# lost co"nt o2 how man1 times she:# #one the same thin. the past 2ew months. ;Up till now3 it:s C"st been a lot o2 hot air an# min# .ames. M1 client is the one who:s in real #an.er. ?omeone #estro1e# her .ar#en ?at"r#a1 ni.ht3 sabota.e# her AC s1stem. I:m s"re it was her exBh"sban#3 Aic0.< ?he 2orce# the tension 2rom her crosse# arms an# co"ntere# /achariah:s pacin.. ;I2 that was him3 so help me Io#7<

;8ait a min"te. That:s where 1o" went this a2ternoonD >n 1o"r ownD< The bi. ."1 move# amaHin.l1 2ast when he wante# to .et in her 2ace an# comman# her attention. ;An# 1o" #i#n:t thin0 I nee#e# to 0now abo"t thisD<

;8hen was I s"ppose# to tell 1o"D Be honest3 /achariah. !o":re a #i22erent man now than 1o"

were ei.hteen months a.o. 8hen 1o" .ot o22 that b"s7when 1o" ha# that 2irst 2lashbac07I 0new 1o" ha# iss"es o2 1o"r own 1o" nee#e# to #eal with. !o" #on:t nee# to #eal with mine3 too.<

;I:m to".her than I loo0.< Impossible. ;I can han#le an1thin. 1o" throw at me. I C"st nee# to 0now ever1thin. I:m #ealin: with.<

;?o 1o" expect me to spill m1 ."ts to 1o"3 b"t 1o" won:t tal0 abo"t whatever it is 1o":re .oin. thro".hD<

;8e:re s"ppose# to be on o"r hone1moon3 Bec0ster. I:m not .oin. to r"in o"r time to.ether with an1 o2 m1 crap.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;9itto.< ?he circle# the immovable wall an# hea#e# 2or a hot shower an# cool paCamas.

;!o" .o on to be#.< /achariah:s voice was s"rprisin.l1 calm an# #ismissive.

?"rprisin. eno".h that she t"rne# to 2ace him. ;!o":re not comin.D<

;I nee# some #istance i2 I:m .oin. to come "p with a plan o2 action.<

;I sai# the police are ta0in. care o2 this.<

;An# 1o"r prime s"spect:s a copD I #on:t thin0 so.< 4e p"lle# his cell phone o22 his belt an# opene# it "p to scroll thro".h the n"mbers. 4e "ntie# his #"22el ba. an# #"mpe# the contents o"t

on the co"ch3 pic0in. "p the holstere# pistol that ha# been b"rie# in the bottom. ;I:ll nee# all the #etails 1o" can .ive me on this C"nnin.ham case. 8hatever:s p"blic recor#. Aames. A##resses. Kolice reports. An1thin. 1o" can show me. I want the names o2 an1bo#1 else who mi.ht have a bee2 a.ainst 1o"3 too. !o" have a comp"ter with Internet access I can "seD<

Bec01 #ri2te# bac0 towar# her co"ch3 a little "ns"re an# a lot alarme# abo"t the Marine 2ormin. some 0in# o2 battle plan in her livin. room. ;I have a laptop in m1 attachN case. 8hat are 1o" #oin.D<

;I:m bein. the bo#1."ar#.< 4e opene# her leather ba. an# #". insi#e. ;I:ll call in some 2rien#s. I2 M"rph1 an# ?tahlnec0er aren:t too b"s1 .ettin. lai#3 the1:ll help. The1:re .oo# men 2rom m1 "nit. The1 can 0eep an e1e on this client o2 1o"rs3 too72in# o"t i2 it:s her ex who:s responsible 2or the #ama.e at her place.<

;8ait a min"te. This is a woman:s li2e7a 2amil1:s 2"t"re we:re tal0in. abo"t. 9imitra an# her son aren:t some .ame 1o" can pla1 at.< ?he to"che# his arm3 stillin. his metho#ical movements as he set "p some 0in# o2 comman# center at her 0itchen table.

4is m"scles 2linche# beneath her 2in.ertips be2ore he p"lle# awa1. 4e circle# the table to 2in# a pl".Bin 2or the comp"ter. ;Aeither is protectin. 1o" 2rom the bastar# who wrote those notes an# collects bomb parts. I2 I:m .oin. to pla1 the role 1o"r #a##1 assi.ne# to me7<

;!o" #on:t have to7<

;7then I:m .oin. to pla1 that part the onl1 wa1 I 0now how. An# that:s not to pla1 at all. I2 this ."1 wants to h"rt 1o"3 he:s ?>L. I:m not .onna let it happen.<

;That:s a little nean#erthal o2 1o"3 isn:t itD<

The1 2ace# o22 over the table. ;It:s who I am3 #arlin:. !o":re in #an.er7I 0eep 1o" sa2e.<

;The Marine Corps wa13 h"hD ?emper Gi an# hooB1ah an# all thatD 8hat i2 1o" p"t m1 parents or clients in #an.er b1 .oin. all ."n. ho on me li0e thisD< /achariah s"##enl1 went so still that he seeme# to s"c0 all the ener.1 o"t o2 the room. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

9on:t ma0e 2"n o2 the Corps. That 2elt too m"ch li0e ma0in. 2"n o2 the man. An# she wo"l# never3 everFBec01 .rippe# the chair in 2ront o2 her. ;I:m sorr1. That was below the belt. I 0now the wor0 1o" #o is important to 1o" an# vital to o"r co"ntr1. I C"st thin0 1o":re overreactin.. This ."1 hasn:t #one an1thin. 1et b"t blow hot air.<

;4is messa.es have pro.resse# 2rom a whin1 complaint to a speci2ic threat to #o 1o" bo#il1 harm. I2 this was chatter 2rom a terrorist3 I:# be arme# an# rea#1 2or an attac0.<

;4e:s not a terrorist. 8e:re not at war here.<

;4e is.< I2 /achariah:s expression blan0e# an# he went into one o2 those 2"."e states where the ni.htmare seiHe# control o2 him3 Bec01 wo"l# be well an# tr"l1 scare# o2 the warrior ta0in. comman# o2 her 0itchen7an# her li2e.

B"t his expression remaine# stern3 his e1es clear. ;This ."1 is not .oin. to h"rt 1o". En# o2

#isc"ssion.< Three steps bro".ht him aro"n# the table. 4e too0 her b1 the elbow an# wal0e# her to her be#room #oor. ;!o" .o rea# a boo0 or soa0 in the t"b or .et some sleep. I:ll clean "p m1 mess an# catch 2ort1 win0s o"t here on the co"ch. I:ve .ot wor0 to #o.<

4e t"rne# his bac0 on her an# stro#e bac0 o"t to the 0itchen.

9isc"ssion over.

Apparentl13 so was the hone1moon.

LLL

It was a2ter one in the mornin. when Bec01 sense# the presence 2illin. her be#room #oorwa1.

?he p"she# her hair o"t o2 her e1es an# sat "p3 r"bbin. at the #ent in her chee0 2rom where she:# #oHe# o22 on top o2 the 2ile she:# been reviewin.. ?tan#in. still an# silent3 he seeme# more apparition than man. Even a2ter blin0in. the sleep 2rom her e1es3 /achariah:s 2ace3 hi.h above the circle o2 li.ht cast b1 the lamp on her be#si#e table3 was wreathe# in sha#ows. B"t 2arther #own3 other than the neat3 white boxer shorts he wore3 ever1 inch o2 him3 2rom sho"l#er to toe3 .leame# li0e a bronHe# .o# in the lamp:s circle o2 so2t li.ht.

9e2initel1 a man.

Bec01:s s0in pric0le# with heat. 4er lips an# ton."e were parche# with thirst. ?he smoothe# the tan.le# nec0line o2 her sil0 shortie paCamas3 catchin. a stran.le# .asp in her throat when she

acci#entall1 br"she# a responsive nipple. ?he c"rle# her le.s beneath her in an instinctivel1 protective .est"re as her womb be.an to throb. It was as tho".h she ha# awa0ene# to a 2orbi##en lover come to li2e 2rom her #reams. A 2amiliar lover.

>nl13 loverBbo1 wasn:t movin. an1 closer. 4e #i#n:t spea0. ?he co"l#n:t rea# an1 .leam in his ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html e1e or ."ess his intentions 2rom his na".ht13 bo1ish smile. 4e C"st stoo# there3 waitin.. 8atchin..

The s"btl1 erotic morphe# into somethin. "nsettlin.. 9i# his ni.htmares incl"#e sleepwal0in.D ?ha0in. o22 her bo#1:s illBtime# aro"sal3 Bec01 scramble# to the e#.e o2 the be# an# sw"n. her le.s over the si#e. ;/achariahD Are 1o" all ri.htD ?a1 somethin..<

;I #on:t 2it 1o"r co"ch.< Ir"22. Ca"stic.

9e2initel1 awa0e.

;>h.< Ao ni.htmare. Ao #an.er. Ao se#"ction3 either. Embarrassment at wantin. somethin. he wasn:t here to #eliver heate# her chee0s as m"ch as the relie2 she 2elt. Bec01 .athere# her papers an# sh"22le# to the #oor. ;9o 1o" want to switchD<

;Ao.< 4is arm sna0e# o"t an# capt"re# her aro"n# the waist as she trie# to s0irt past him. ;I want to share.<

8ith no more ceremon1 than that3 he pic0e# her "p on his hip an# carrie# her bac0 to the be#.

4e pl"c0e# the 2ol#er 2rom her arms an# t"rne# o22 the li.ht be2ore #roppin. her onto the 2ol#e#B#own sheets an# climbin. in besi#e her. Kroppin. himsel2 "p on one elbow3 he threw his heav1 thi.h over her le.s3 pinnin. her on her bac0. 8ith his chest presse# to her si#e3 her le2t arm trappe# between them3 his han# went strai.ht to the b"ttons o2 her shirt3 his a.ile 2in.ers ma0in. E"ic0 wor0 o2 openin. the 2ront an# p"shin. the material to either si#e. Expose# to the airBcon#itione# atmosphere3 her nipples ti.htene# an# pearle#. B"t the chill #i#n:t last. 4is palm was soon there3 coverin. one breast an# then the other3 smoothin. awa1 the .oose b"mps on the s"r2ace3 0in#lin. a #i22erent 0in# o2 warmth 2rom the insi#e o"t.

;I hate 2i.htin. with 1o".< 4e spla1e# his han# across her bell1 an# leane# over her to 0iss the swell o2 her breast3 to wet the tip with his ton."e. 4e r"bbe# his san#paper1 Caw over the strainin. bea# an# she b"c0e# at the sharp bolt o2 electricit1 that shot strai.ht #own between her thi.hs. 4er 2ree han# came "p to his sho"l#er3 .ivin. a to0en p"sh a.ainst too m"ch3 too 2ast. The crisp c"rl o2 his chest hair abra#e# the nipple 1et a.ain as he raise# his hea# to capt"re her tort"re# cr1 with his lips.

8ith a si.hin. s"rren#er3 her worl# 2allin. into place once more3 Bec01 welcome# him into her mo"th an# c"rle# her 2in.ertips into the cor#e# m"scle o2 his tricep3 tr1in. to p"ll him closer.

As his wei.ht an# warmth presse# into her bo#13 his han# slippe# beneath the elastic waist o2 her sil0 shorts to c"p her center. 4is lips an# ton."e per2orme# a leis"rel13 thoro".h exploration o2 her mo"th3 b"t his han# was on a #i22erent3 more "r.ent mission.

K"shin. #own a.ainst her with the heel o2 his palm3 he stro0e# his 2in.ers alon. her lips3 once3 twice3 then thr"st them insi#e her. Kinne# beneath the restrictin. ban#s o2 his thi.h an# bo#13

Bec01 writhe# helplessl1 as he massa.e# her #eep insi#e3 slic0in. his 2in.ers with her essence3 p"llin. o"t to tan.le them in her thatch o2 .ol#en hair an# tease the insi#e o2 her thi.hs be2ore ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html thr"stin. them in a.ain.

?he trie# to li2t her hips to meet him hal2wa13 b"t all she co"l# #o was sli#e her han# "p to his nec0 an# hol# on as her p"lse race# an# her breathin. .rew shallow. Li0e 2lint an# steel stri0in. to.ether3 an ember was lit an# Bec01 co"l# onl1 wait an# won#er as the blaHe sprea# an# cons"me# her. 4e ca".ht her n"b between her pelvic bone an# his han#3 b"il#in. the press"re 2rom both insi#e an# o"t7"ntil she climaxe#3 an# tin1 spasms o2 m"scle #ance# aro"n# his 2in.ers li0e spar0s poppin. 2rom a 2ire.

Bec01 whimpere# into his mo"th3 at once replete 1et 1earnin. 2or more. >nl1 then #i# he li2t his hea#. Even in the #im ill"mination 2rom the moon an# streetli.ht o"tsi#e her win#ow3 she co"l# see a matchin. heat still smol#erin. in his #eep .reen e1es. 4e p"lle# his han# 2rom her pants an# reste# it on the rise an# 2all o2 her stomach as her breathin. be.an to even o"t. 4er own m"s01 scent tinte# the air with sex an# intimac1 an# a m"t"al nee# that 2ri.htene# her with its power 1et h"mble# her ri.ht #own to the core.

4e:# ha# his wa1 with her an# she:# love# ever1 min"te o2 it. B"t it wasn:t eno".h. 8ith /achariah3 she wante# somethin. more. ?omethin. that an or.asm alone co"l# never satis21.

An# then she 2elt the roc0Bhar# evi#ence o2 all he was hol#in. bac0 p"sh a.ainst her hip.

i.ht

next to her trappe# han#. 4er 2in.ertips br"she# a.ainst the moist cotton o2 his shorts where the 2irst #rops o2 his #esire ha# soa0e# thro".h.

A slow smile blossome# on her lips.

Aot so helpless3 a2ter all.

Mane"verin. the onl1 wa1 she co"l#3 Bec01 wrappe# her 2in.ers aro"n# him an# sE"eeHe#. /achariah l"rche# in her han#. ;Eas13< he warne#. 4e br"she# awa1 a hair that ha# ca".ht in the corner o2 her mo"th an# bent #own to place a .entle 0iss there. ;Am I 2or.iven 2or bein. a b"llhea#e# ?>BD<

?he to"che# his han#some mo"th an# caresse# his scr"221 Caw3 2rownin. at the .ravell1 so"n# o2 apolo.1 in his tone. ;There:s nothin. to 2or.ive. J"st a lot le2t to learn abo"t each other. I:m sorr1 I 0ept so man1 secrets.<

4e t"rne# his lips into her palm an# 0isse# the ten#er 2lesh there. ;Lo.icall13 I "n#erstan# wh1 1o" #i# it. !o" tho".ht 1o" were #oin. what was best 2or 1o"r 2amil1.<

?omethin. small an# ti.ht3 col# an# lonel1 insi#e her7that ha# nothin. to #o with sex an# ever1thin. to #o with a #eeper3 emotional connection7be.an to "n2"rl li0e a tin1 b"#3 rea#1 to bloom "n#er /achariah:s honest3 ten#er attention.

;I hate 2i.htin.3 too. Lovin. is ever so m"ch better.<

4e .rinne#. ;At 1o"r comman#.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

There were no more wor#s. In a 2l"rr1 o2 han#s an# nee#s3 his shorts an# her paCamas E"ic0l1 #isappeare#. A2ter sparin. a moment to sheathe himsel23 /achariah an.le# her across the be#3 stretche# her arms above her hea# an# ."i#e# her han#s to the be#post. Bec01 hel# on as /achariah n"#.e# her thi.hs open an# covere# her bo#1 with his.

The be# roc0e#3 the new mattress hel#. /achariah li2te# Bec01 "p to that platea" o2 pleas"re onl1 he co"l# create be2ore the1 t"mble# over the precipice to.ether an# lan#e# sa2el1 in each other:s arms.

?ome time later3 when Bec01 co"l# catch her breath an# thin0 clearl1 a.ain3 she c"##le# "p a.ainst /achariah in the mi##le o2 the be#. L1in. s0in to s0in3 their le.s entwine#3 she nee#e# no other pillow than his sho"l#er3 no other cover b"t the warmth o2 his bo#1 wrappe# aro"n# hers.

8hile she breathe# in the salt1 2ra.rance o2 maleness an# perspiration o22 his s0in3 she trace# absent lines "p an# #own the len.th o2 his throat. ;5"estion.<

;!eahD<

?he savore# the #rows1 vibration o2 so"n# beneath her 2in.ertips. ;8hat i2 this t"rns o"t to be the onl1 wa1 1o" an# I can comm"nicate with each otherD 8hat i2 the be#room is the onl1 place where 1o" an# I .et alon.D<

4e capt"re# her rovin. han# an# p"lle# it #own to his chest3 hol#in. it over the stron. beat o2 his heart. ;I:ve been won#erin. that m1sel2.<

8ith a wist2"l resi.nation3 she 2ollowe# "p with another E"estion. ;8e can:t base a li2elon.

commitment on the l"st we 2eel. 8hat i2 it b"rns o"t an# there:s nothin. else thereD<

;I 0now.< C"rlin. his arm behin# her bac03 he br"she# a ten#ril o2 hair o22 her chee0 an# t"c0e# it behin# her ear. ;I:ve been #oin. some strate.iHin. abo"t "s.<

;!o":ve been thin0in. abo"t thisD<

;!es. I:ve been loo0in: at this 2rom #i22erent an.les3 an# I thin0 this is somethin. we sho"l# tr1.< ?he waite# expectantl1 to hear his battle strate.1. ;8e nee# to shi2t o"r relationship into everse. 8e:ve alrea#1 ha# the we##in.3 an# we #on:t seem to have an1 problem cons"mmatin. it. 8hat i2 we #o somethin. ra#ical7li0e .o on a #ateD<

?he smile# a.ainst his s0in. ;!o" mean3 preten# li0e we:ve C"st met an# we:re .ettin. to 0now each otherD<

;8e #on:t have to preten#. 8e #on:t 0now each other all that well when 1o" thin0 abo"t it. !o":ve never been s0inn1B#ippin.. I:ve never been to an ABlist political .ala.<

;!o":ll hate it.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;More than 1o" 0now. B"t I loo0 prett1 sharp in m1 #ress bl"es. Unless 1o" pre2er me in a t"xe#o li0e 1o"r #a# sai#D<

Bec01 was alrea#1 salivatin. over mental ima.es o2 /achariah in his #ress "ni2orm with a swor# an# white hat vers"s a coalBblac0 t"x3 tailore# to 2it those sho"l#ers. ;I s"ppose it:s not

help2"l i2 I sa1 I pre2er 1o" in 1o"r birth#a1 s"itD<

4e la".he#. ;?eeD I:ve learne# somethin. alrea#1. I2 I were to ta0e 1o" to l"nch3 where wo"l# we .oD<

;Italian 2oo#. I:m a s"c0er 2or pasta7almost an1 0in#. Tho".h the siHe o2 m1 hips 2orces me to limit how o2ten I in#"l.e m1sel2.<

4is han# sli# 2rom her bac0 to her b"tt an# sE"eeHe#. ;!o"r hips are .or.eo"s.<

;B"t 1o":re a boob man3 ri.htD<

;I thin0 I:m more o2 a Bec0ster man. It:s the pac0a.e3 not the parts.<

It was her t"rn to la".h. ;Are there 2ish an# slim1 thin.s in that la0e o2 1o"rsD<

;>h3 1eah. The 2ish li0e to nip at 1o"3 b"t the1 #on:t reall1 bite. It:s more li0e little 0isses.< 8hen she crin.e#3 he .ave her r"mp a .entle swat. ;!o":ll pic0 a stran.er "p in a bar an# marr1 him3 b"t 1o" won:t ta0e a #ive into a la0eD<

;Aot i2 there:s slim1 involve#. I:ll have to wor0 "p to that one.<

;8e won:t tr1 ever1thin. all at onceD< 4e 0isse# the crown o2 her hair an# settle# bac0 more com2ortabl1 onto the pillows. ;>h3 an# we:re movin. this show to 1o"r parents: ho"se. Grom what I co"l# see3 the sec"rit1 s1stem on their estate is a hell o2 a lot more mo#ern an# reliable than the set"p here at 1o"r apartment complex. I onl1 have a 2ew wee0s to I9 this ."13 an# I

want 1o" someplace sa2e while I:m #oin: it.<

A 2ew wee0s. Then he:# be .one. 8o"l# their relationship withstan# another len.th1 separationD 8o"l# it even s"rvive this short time the1 ha# to.etherD

I.norin. her own 2ati."e3 Bec01 p"she# hersel2 "p besi#e him. ;?ta1 at Mom an# 9a#:sD 8e won:t have m"ch privac1. An# since the1 thin0 we:re not marrie#3 the1 won:t let "s sta1 in the same room.<

;Even better.< 4e 0isse# awa1 her po"t o2 protest. ;That will ma0e it that m"ch har#er 2or "s to 2all into be# to.ether7not that I:m a.ainst that i#ea7b"t I #on:t want to .ive in to the eas1 2ix i2 we have another #isa.reement.<

;!o" thin0 we willD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;In#epen#ent womanD 4ar#hea#e# MarineD I 0now we will. 8e:ll have to act"all1 tal0 thin.s o"t3 2in# other wa1s to .et close.<

?he settle# bac0 #own besi#e him. ;I li0e a challen.e.<

;I want "s to wor0. Aot C"st 2or a 2ew ni.hts. B"t 2orever.<

;Me3 too.< There was a lon.3 lon. pa"se. Their breathin. s1nchroniHe# an# slowe#3 b"t a terrible3 na..in. tho".ht 0ept Bec01 2rom 2allin. asleep. Ginall13 she ha# to as0. ;8hat i2 we #on:t wor0 o"t3 bi. ."1D 8hat i2 Joe ?tal0er or m1 parents7or "s70eep that 2rom happenin.D<

Tro"blin. tho".hts m"st have 0ept /achariah awa0e3 as well. ;I:ll ta0e care o2 Joe. !o" ta0e care o2 1o"r parents.<

;8ho ta0es care o2 1o" an# me not screwin. "s "pD<

The 2in.ers #rawin. circles at the small o2 her bac0 was the onl1 si.n that he was still listenin.. B"t he ha# no answer 2or her.

;Ioo# ni.ht3 Bec0ster.<

Chapter +

;I2 I ha# 0nown I was reportin. 2or #"t1 this mornin.3 I:# have ha# 9e0e c"t me o22 a 2ew beers sooner last ni.ht. Those ?o"thern .irls s"re 0now how to part1.< Thomas M"rph1 ha# provi#e# almost all o2 the conversation since meetin. Bec01 an# /achariah o"tsi#e her o22ice b"il#in. at a E"arter to nine that mornin.. 8ith blac0 hair3 bl"e e1es an# a .i2t 2or .ab3 /achariah:s 2rien# 2it his Irish roots #own to a tee. A lan01 pac0a.e o2 perpet"al motion3 he shi2te# bac0 an# 2orth on the balls o2 his 2eet3 watchin. the n"mbers li.ht "p as the elevator carrie# them to the twel2th 2loor. ;4ow m"ch are we .ettin: pai# 2or this .i.3 an1wa1D<

A 2lic0 o2 a .lance 2rom /achariah seeme# to .ive him his answer.

;>h. It:s one o2 those vol"nteer #etails3 ehD<

8ith /achariah stan#in. between them3 Bec01 co"l#n:t see the "nspo0en messa.e that passe# 2rom Captain to Lie"tenant. B"t 2rom M"rph1:s wiseacre tone3 she .ot the 2eelin. he was a man who li0e# to p"sh the limits o2 #ecor"m an# a"thorit13 almost as m"ch as the /achariah she was .ettin. to 0now li0e# to 0eep thin.s7an# people7in a ti#13 pre#ictable or#er. Thomas M"rph1 wo"l# #rive her 2ather craH1. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Bec01 li0e# him imme#iatel1.

?he leane# 2orwar# on the toes o2 her ta"pe Gerra.amo p"mps to spea0 to M"rph1. ;4ow m"ch wo"l# 1o" li0e to be pai# 2or 1o"r services3 Lie"tenantD<

Aow that .reenBe1e# .lance slante# her wa1 an# /achariah .rowle#3 ;4e co"l# have sai# no.<

Bec01 won#ere# at the bon# o2 respect an# brotherhoo# that wo"l# prompt M"rph1 an# a stoc0ier man3 Lie"tenant 9e0e ?tahlnec0er3 to .ive "p their leave time to .rant /achariah:s reE"est 2or assistance. Ma1be i2 she st"#ie# M"rph1 lon. eno".h3 she:# be.in to "n#erstan# somethin. abo"t how militar1 men interacte# with each other. ?tahlnec0er3 a ichmon# native who:# "ttere# little more than a co"rteo"s ;Klease# to meet 1o"3 ma:am< #i#n:t .ive her the same chance to .et acE"ainte#. At /achariah:s #irection3 he:# Cotte# #own 9imitra C"nnin.ham:s a##ress an# #riven awa1.

; i.ht. Li0e he:s .oin. to t"rn #own an or#er 2rom a s"perior o22icer. I 0now that m"ch abo"t militar1 li2e. Besi#es3 1o":ve .ot 1o"r .ro"ch1 2ace on3 an# nobo#1 wants to sa1 no to that.<

M"rph1 la".he#. ;I li0e 1o" alrea#13 Mrs. Clar0. !o" can start b1 callin. me Thomas. >r M"rph1. B"t not Lie"tenant. Aot while I:m on home soil.<

;Mrs. Clar0D< The name so"n#e# stran.e to Bec01:s ears3 b"t it ha# rolle# ri.ht o22 M"rph1:s ton."e as tho".h it was the ri.ht thin. to call her. 8ell3 technicall13 it was the ri.ht thin. to call her. B"t no one ha#. An# no one wo"l# now that3 2or her parents: sa0e3 she an# /achariah were preten#in. the1 weren:t marrie# at all. ;Ma1be 1o":# better C"st call me Bec01.<

;8ill #o3 ma:am.< M"rph1 #i#n:t seem to reco.niHe an aw0war# moment3 or else he was polite eno".h to let it pass. ;?a13 1o" .ot an1 co22ee in this placeD<

;M1 assistant3 Cher1l3 brews a mean pot ever1 mornin.. >r i2 1o" pre2er somethin. 2anc1 li0e a latte3 there:s a co22ee shop abo"t a bloc0 #own the street to the west.<

;M"rph1 will #rin0 whatever 1o"r assistant has prepare#.< Bec01 rolle# her e1es as /achariah:s prono"ncement came #own 2rom above. ;I nee# him to ta0e a loo0 at 1o"r comp"ter an# phone set"p. Kl"s3 I can "se an extra pair o2 e1es aro"n# 1o"r o22ice.<

Bec01 tilte# her chin. ;!o" "n#erstan# there are 2iles in m1 o22ice 1o" can:t have access to3 ri.htD Attorne1Bclient privile.eD ?tate b"sinessD An# 1o" can:t inter2ere with the o22ice ro"tine. There are other attorne1s an# their sta22 who share the s"ite with me. ?ome o2 them ma1 have clients comin. in.< ?he po0e# her 2in.er a.ainst the sleeve o2 the tan s"it coat he wore. ;?o #on:t wal0 in there with 1o"r bi. sho"l#ers an# 1o"r combat 2ace3 loomin. "p behin# innocent people an# scarin. the crap o"t o2 them3 o0a1D<

The temperat"re in the elevator rose in #irect proportion to the narrowin. sE"int o2 /achariah:s

e1es. There was no answerin. ;o0a13< no #eal str"c0. M"rph1 loose# a low whistle between his ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html teeth3 2eelin. the 2allo"t 2rom the battle o2 wills.

;M"rph1F< /achariah warne#3 never ta0in. his e1es o22 Bec01.

The n"mber twelve lit "p as the elevator #in.e#. ;?ave# b1 the bell. I:ll let 1o" two wor0 this o"t.< M"rph1 #arte# o"t be2ore the #oors ha# 2"ll1 opene#.

?ha0in. her hea# at the m"leBhea#e# Marine besi#e her3 Bec01 move# 2orwar# to 2ollow M"rph1.

B"t /achariah .rabbe# her arm an# p"lle# her bac0 insi#e as he p"nche# the #oorBclose b"tton with his other han#. Gor one secon# she tho".ht he meant to steal a 0iss. B"t when she t"rne# to 2ace him3 it wasn:t passion that blaHe# in his e1es. ; emember. I:m the bo#1."ar#3 not 1o"r h"sban#3 now. I2 I sa1 r"n3 1o" r"n. I2 I sa1 #"c03 1o" #ive 2or cover. >therwise3 I:ll tr1 to sta1 in the bac0.ro"n# as m"ch as I can to .et some research #one on those names 1o" .ave me.<

;I 0now 1o" #on:t mean to ma0e thin.s #i22ic"lt3 b"t7<

;Aow:s not the time 2or an attit"#e3 #arlin:. !o":ve .ot to ta0e this ."1 serio"sl1.< 4e h"nche# #own as tho".h brin.in. that h"morless scowl to her level wo"l# #rive the point home. ;!o" #on:t .o an1where witho"t me. !o" #on:t open 1o"r mail on 1o"r own. !o" #on:t answer the phone "nless I:m there to listen in. Iot thatD<

Bec01 #rew on all the ice o2 her Aorwe.ian roots to 0eep her temper o"t o2 her voice. Un#erstan#in. that he was motivate# b1 a nee# to protect her helpe#. Un#erstan#in. wh1 the 2"nBlovin. man she:# imp"lsivel1 marrie# ha# to .o awa1 in or#er to #o this CobFD 8ell3 there was no "n#erstan#in. this har#er3 more #riven version o2 her h"sban#. Instea# o2 losin. her cool3 however3 she strai.htene# the 0not o2 his tie an# patte# the s"mmerBwei.ht wool o2 his lapel. ;9o 1o" see bars on m1 collar or stripes on m1 sleeveD 8atchin. m1 bac0 is 2ine7or#erin. me aro"n# li0e one o2 1o"r men is not. Iot thatD<

?he t"rne# awa1 an# opene# the #oor.

LLL

Bec01 2inishe# the Mon#a1 mornin. sta22 meetin. with the 2irst ten#rils o2 a hea#ache spi0in. thro".h her temples. A2ter 2iel#in. a barra.e o2 E"estions abo"t the leviathan in the s"it an# tie an# "nsmilin. 2ace l"r0in. aro"n# the o22ice3 she was more rea#1 than ever to .et #own to wor0 on an1thin. that remotel1 resemble# a le.al case3 instea# o2 2eelin. as i2 she:# been p"t on the witness stan# hersel2 to be pic0e# apart b1 wellBmeanin. cowor0ers.

!es3 at her 2ather:s insistence3 she:# hire# a sec"rit1 cons"ltant. 8h1D Beca"se she:# receive# some threats. Ao3 the1 #i#n:t seem to be tar.ete# at the p"blic a#vocates: o22ice3 b"t speci2icall1 to her. !es3 he an# his assistant mi.ht be as0in. other attorne1s an# sta22 2or in2ormation3 b"t no3 he #i#n:t thin0 an1one else was in an1 sort o2 #an.er an# the1:# be as conscientio"s as possible abo"t not "psettin. an1one:s ro"tine. In a##ition to the b"il#in. ."ar#s an# chec0points the ?tate ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html alrea#1 provi#e#3 Mr. Clar0 an# his men wo"l# be "p.ra#in. sec"rit1 meas"res to ens"re that

ever1one on the entire 2loor was 0ept sa2e.

4er assistant3 Cher1l3 contin"e# the inE"isition7a2ter the meetin. ha# en#e# an# she:# bro".ht two ib"pro2en an# a stac0 o2 phone messa.es into Bec01:s o22ice. 4er copper1 c"rls bo"nce# aro"n# her 2ace as she pee0e# o"t the #oor into her a#Cacent o22ice to ma0e s"re /achariah an# M"rph1 were still en.rosse# with the comp"ter 2iles the1:# been rea#in..

The 1o"n.er woman boppe# over to Bec01:s #es0 an# #"c0e# closer with a conspiratorial whisper. ;Those two are hot3 aren:t the1D I #i#n:t see a rin. on either o2 them. !o" #on:t thin0 the1:re marrie#3 #o 1o"D I mean3 men li0e that #on:t .et marrie#3 ri.htD< Bec01 opene# her mo"th to comment3 b"t Cher1l save# her the tro"ble o2 tellin. a lie b1 r"shin. on to her next tho".ht. ;This isn:t li0e that movie3 is itD !o" aren:t sleepin. with one o2 the bo#1."ar#s3 are 1o"D I mean who wo"l#n:t want toD Especiall1 that Mr. M"rph1 with the bl"e e1es. !"m.<

Gei.nin. a bit o2 shoc0 at the i#ea o2 her .oin. to be# with a man she:# C"st met3 Bec01 pic0e# "p the stac0 o2 messa.es an# t"rne# her bac0 on the open #oorwa1 an# the ;hot< bo#1."ar# she was3 in#ee#3 sleepin. with.

;Goc"s3 Cher1l.<

;>h3 come on.< Cher1l scoote# aro"n# to Bec01:s si#e o2 the #es0. ;!o" mean to tell me it #oesn:t .ive 1o" a little bit o2 a thrill to have those two pa1in. s"ch close attention to 1o"D That bi. ."1 has that whole scar1 en2orcer thin. .oin. 2or him3 li0e he:s with the mob or somethin.. B"t that Thomas M"rph1F< >h3 m1. 9i# Cher1l C"st lic0 her lipsD ;4e sai# m1 hair remin#e# him o2 his l"c01 penn1. 9o 1o" thin0 he meant an1thin. b1 l"c01D<

;I #on:t 0now either one o2 them ver1 well.< The 2act that her wor#s were tr"er than she:# li0e them to be pin.e# at her hea#ache. 9ismissin. the #iscom2itin. tho".ht as well as her assistant:s ea.er spec"lation3 Bec01 #roppe# the messa.es onto her #es0 an# reache# 2or her co22ee m". to swallow the pills. ;Kl"s3 I have wor0 to #o3 so I #on:t have time to be thrille#. I2 Ieor.e 8esle1 or m1 2ather calls7or someone relate# to the Barcla1 2"n#Braiser7p"t them strai.ht thro".h. >therwise3 ta0e a messa.e. I nee# to .et ca".ht "p on m1 paperwor0. I:# also li0e 1o" to .et those notes t1pe# "p 2or the C"nnin.ham hearin. tomorrow.<

;>0a1.< Cher1l:s #isappointment that the conversation ha# en#e# was palpable. ;I ."ess those phone calls #o have 1o" spoo0e# i2 1o" can see Mr. M"rph1 an# Mr. Clar0 as onl1 the hire# help. 9o I nee# to be worrie#D<

Kerhaps her ton."e ha# been too sharp an# her nerves too 2raHHle# to remember that Cher1l was her 2rien#3 that the1 ha# shot the breeHe be2ore over the pl"sses an# ne.atives o2 eli.ible men who came into the o22ice. I2 Bec01 wasn:t behavin. eno".h li0e hersel2 that her closest 2rien#s E"estione# her3 then ma1be Joe ?tal0er:s messa.es were a22ectin. her more than she realiHe#. An# she re2"se# to let him have that m"ch power over her.

;I:m sorr1. It:s the hea#ache. An# no3 I #on:t thin0 this 0oo0 is an1 threat to 1o" or an1one ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html else.< Bec01 2orce# hersel2 to smile. ;An#3 Cher1lD< 4er assistant:s haHel e1es wi#ene# expectantl13 no #o"bt bracin. 2or another impersonal wor#. ;Mr. M"rph1 will be wor0in. at the spare table in 1o"r o22ice to#a1. Tr1 not to #rool on 1o"r #es0.<

Cher1l .i..le# as the tension #i22"se#. ;Ao ."arantees on that one. I:ll brin. in those notes as soon as I .et them t1pe# "p.<

;Than0s.< Bec01 sat an# rolle# her chair over to her #es0.

B"t her smile #i#n:t last be1on# the closin. o2 her #oor. Mostl1 beca"se her #oor #i#n:t close. A bi. sho"l#er3 easil1 reco.niHable3 even in a slic0e#B"p cit1 s"it3 n"#.e# its wa1 insi#e. /achariah carrie# in a thic0er than normal attachN case. 8itho"t so m"ch as a ;4ello< or ;Exc"se me< or ;Min# i2 I come inD< he pa"se#3 scanne# threeBh"n#re#Ban#Bsixt1 #e.rees aro"n# the shelves an# 2ile cabinets an# spotte# his tar.et. Then he crosse# the room in three lon. stri#es an# procee#e# to clear her potte# plants an# law school awar# o22 the boo0shel2 behin# her #es0. 4e opene# the case3 which wasn:t an attachN at all b"t rather some 0in# o2 portable comm"nication set"p3 complete with #ials an# hea#phones an# a telephone receiver. 4e pl"..e# somethin. in3 exten#e# an antenna an# then sE"atte# besi#e her chair to p"ll a b"n#le o2 cor#s 2rom "n#erneath her #es0.

8hen he p"lle# o"t a poc0et0ni2e an# slice# thro".h the plastic rin. bin#in. the cor#s to.ether3 Bec01 #eci#e# one o2 them nee#e# to spea0. ;I:m not in 1o"r wa13 am ID<

There was barel1 a 2lic0er o2 an e1ebrow as he contin"e# to wor0. ;Li0e I promise#3 M"rph an# I are sta1in. in the bac0.ro"n#.<

;!o":re sixBan#BaBhal2B2eet tall3 /achariah. There:s no bac0.ro"n# 2or 1o".< ?he swivele# her chair towar# Cher1l:s o22ice an# pointe#. ;An# M"rph1:s bl"e e1es have alrea#1 #isr"pte# the

ro"tine aro"n# here.<

;M"rph1 can .et more in2ormation in one #a1 b1 win0in: those prett1 bl"es than a platoon o2 interro.ators can .et in a wee0. 8hat little he can:t accomplish with a comp"ter3 that sweetBtal0in: Irish b"ll o2 his can. >nce 9e0e reports in with his reconnaissance o2 the C"nnin.ham place an# a co"ple o2 #emolition s"ppliers in the area3 M"rph1 will 2ee# the in2ormation into the pro2ile he:s creatin.. 4e:s m1 best shot at narrowin. the list o2 Bec01 >wens 2ans witho"t involvin. the police.<

4i.hBtech eE"ipment.

econnaissance. Interro.ations. A nervo"s s"spicion twiste# in the pit o2

Bec01:s stomach. ;8hat exactl1 is it 1o" an# 1o"r 2rien#s #o 2or the MarinesD<

;9etection3 intervention an# s"ppression o2 hostile tar.ets. 8e also provi#e ancillar1 s"pport 2or air an# .ro"n# "nits as nee#e#.<

Militar1 .obble#1.oo0. ;8hich meansD<

;8hich means I can:t tell 1o" abo"t m1 Cob.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

8hich meant .ettin. to 0now this man7.ettin. closer to him in other areas besi#es the be#room7was .rowin. more #i22ic"lt b1 the min"te. The more time she spent with him3 the more she realiHe# she:# marrie# a stran.er. Gor instance3 she:# 0nown /achariah was .oo# with his han#s3 b"t the spee#1 e22icienc1 with which he strippe# the plastic o22 two #i22erent wires an# clippe# on an attachment 2rom the box be2ore tapin. them o22 an# placin. them bac0 beneath her

#es0 ma#e her won#er what else he:# "se# those han#s 2or besi#es ri..in. eE"ipment an# ma0in. love.

;8here #i# 1o" .et all this .earD<

;Travis McCormic0.<

;!o"r 2rien# at 5"antico who:s .oin. to train special Marines to #oFwhatever it is 1o" #oD<

4e no##e#. ;I explaine# the sit"ation an# he o22ere# to help in an1 wa1 he co"l#. As o2 tenBh"n#re# ho"rs this mornin.3 M"rph13 9e0e an# I are con#"ctin. an "no22icial test r"n to ma0e s"re all this eE"ipment is in wor0in. or#er.<

Bec01 watche# him .o bac0 to the box an# 2lip a switch. 4e p"t the hea#phones to one ear an# a#C"ste# a #ial. ;Aone o2 this is ille.al3 is itD< she as0e#.

;I:m a man o2 honor3 #arlin:. Exc"se me3 Miss >wens.< 4e t"rne# o22 the machine an# p"t #own the hea#phones. ;This isn:t some topBsecret protot1pe. All this #oes is allow me to listen in on 1o"r phone3 an# recor# it i2 it t"rns o"t to be o"r 2rien# so we can anal1He the eE"ipment he:s "sin. an# possibl1 #econstr"ct the messa.e to .et a voice print an# i#enti21 him.<

;That:s allD<

4e "n#erstoo# the sarcasm3 b"t he #i#n:t la".h. ;I tol# 1o" I:m not pla1in. at this. I inten# to stop this bastar# be2ore he can h"rt 1o".<

/achariah towere# above her. Bec01 tilte# her hea# bac03 searchin. 2or some si.n o2 his bo1ish smile or the ten#er h"n.er that ha# blaHe# in his e1es last ni.ht. B"t the loo0 re2lecte# in his "nblin0in. .reen .aHe was 2ar closer to the #istant #esolation o2 his 2lashbac0s an# ni.htmares than to the sex"al a#vent"rer who:# swept her o22 her 2eet at Iro"cho:s K"b so man1 months a.o.

?he:# tra#e# her lover 2or a protector. An# the C"r1 was still o"t on whether or not she:# ma#e a smart #eal. 8hat i2 this .etBacE"ainte#Bo"tsi#eBtheBbe#room plan 2aile#3 an# the1 co"l#n:t 2in# an1 other wa1 to connectD The1 came 2rom #i22erent bac0.ro"n#s3 share# little in common. ?he re2"se# to ben# an# he was in2lexible. 4ow #i# the1 b"il# a lon.Bterm relationship on that sha01 2o"n#ationD 8hat i2 the1 co"l#n:tD 8hat i2 she:# alrea#1 lost himD

The possibilit1 hit her li0e a blow to the ."t. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bec01 lowere# her .aHe an# sp"n in her chair to stare si.htlessl1 at the wor#s on her comp"ter screen. Losin. /achariah. That tho".ht scare# her more than a robotic messa.e on her answerin. machine.

The telephone at her elbow ran.3 Can.lin. into her tho".hts3 an# Bec01 C"mpe# as tho".h the mechanical voice ha# alrea#1 sho"te# somethin. vile into her ear. ;9amn@ I hate that thin..<

?he presse# a palm over her po"n#in. heart an# snatche# the receiver.

?"##enl13 /achariah:s han# was there3 coverin. hers. ;Eas1.<

Gor a moment3 she recalle# his .entleness3 his "tter care to alwa1s ma0e thin.s ri.ht 2or her. The phone ran. a.ain3 b"t she barel1 hear# it. ?avorin. /achariah:s warmth3 nee#in. it more than she care# to a#mit3 Bec01 breathe# o"t her tension an# no##e# her than0s.

B"t his to"ch ha# been abo"t b"siness3 not com2ort. As soon as he saw she was thin0in. an# not C"st reactin.3 he p"lle# awa1. 4e t"rne# on his listenin. machine3 p"t the hea#phones over his ears3 then pointe# to her to pic0 "p the call.

4i#in. her #isappointment7in hersel2 2or carin. too m"ch abo"t his intentions7she answere# the phone. ;Bec01 >wens.<

;Ieor.e 8esle1 here.<

;Ieor.e.< A real live h"man bein.. ?omeone who act"all1 wante# to have an honest conversation with her. ;Ioo# mornin.. !o":re .ettin. bac0 to me a lot sooner than I expecte#. 8hat #i# 1o" 2in# o"t abo"t Aic0 C"nnin.hamD<

Bec01 an.le# her chair awa1 2rom /achariah so she co"l#n:t see the 2oc"se# intensit1 that trans2orme# his expression as the1 #isc"sse# their prime s"spect 2or Joe ?tal0er.

;I:ve .ot ba# news an# worse3< the chie2 o2 police contin"e#. ;Girst3 that tan ?U6 1o" as0e# abo"t #oesn:t belon. to him. C"nnin.ham #rives a pic0"p.<

;I 0new that. I tho".ht he mi.ht have p"rchase# a secon# vehicle3 or borrowe# it. Can he acco"nt 2or his whereabo"ts ?at"r#a1 ni.htD<

?he alrea#1 0new the answer in her ."t3 b"t let the chie2 spea0 so that /achariah co"l# hear it3 too. ;4e claims he was asleep at his apartment. Alone. Aot m"ch o2 an alibi3 b"t then there:s no evi#ence to p"t him at the scene o2 the crime3 either. I #i# tell his TAC s"pervisor to restrict him to #es0 #"t13 pen#in. 2"rther investi.ation o2 the inci#ent.<

;TACD The Tactical Assistance Comman# "nitD< As in bomb sE"a#D 8eapons #isposalD 4osta.e stan#o22sD ?he .lance# "p at /achariah. ?he co"l# tell b1 the tic in his Caw that he reco.niHe# the term3 too. ;Are 1o" 0i##in.D Last I 0new3 C"nnin.ham was a plainclothes o22icer. 4ow #i# he .et into a tactical "nitD< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Chie2 8esle1:s si.h so"n#e# eE"all1 as #is."ste#. ;4e p"t in 2or the move abo"t six months a.o. 4e too0 the classes. Kasse# the test. Krove# competenc1 in each o2 the s0ills an# was .rante# the trans2er.<

;9on:t 1o" have to pass a ps1ch exam to .et an assi.nment li0e thatD<

;4e passe# with 2l1in. colors. 4is #ivision ps1cholo.ist sai# he complete# the an.er mana.ement co"rse an# has 0ept all his sche#"le# 2ollowB"p appointments. 4e:s even Coine# AA.<

8as it possible 2or a violent man li0e Aic0 C"nnin.ham to tr"l1 re2orm himsel2D 9imitra C"nnin.ham #i#n:t believe it. An# "p "ntil now3 Bec01 ha#n:t even consi#ere# it a possibilit1. B"t Aic0 ha# alrea#1 prove# himsel2 one hell o2 an actor. Gor 1ears3 he ha# p"nishe# an# controlle# his wi2e witho"t .ivin. an1 hint o2 his br"talit1 to the o"tsi#e worl#.

Aot "ntil 9imitra ha# 2o"n# the co"ra.e to stan# "p an# testi21 a.ainst him. Aot "ntil she ha# Bec01 stan#in. with her to ma0e that testimon1 stic0.

I2 Aic0 C"nnin.ham was a .oo# eno".h actor to convince a C"#.e that he ma#e a better parent 2or his son in the initial #ivorce procee#in.s3 then he mi.ht be a .oo# eno".h actor to convince a police ps1cholo.ist that he was a chan.e# man now. >ne who co"l# be tr"ste# to help3 not h"rt. Aot threaten to ma0e Bec01 pa1 2or h"miliatin. his male pri#e.

;?o 1o" #on:t thin0 Aic0 C"nnin.ham is capable o2 trashin. his ex:s most priHe# possessions to scare her awa1 2rom spea0in. o"t a.ainst him in co"rtD I2 the C"#.e r"les in o"r 2avor3 he:ll owe her tho"san#s o2 #ollars in bac0 alimon1 an# chil# s"pport.<

;I can:t sa1 what I #on:t 0now.< Bec01 hear# another voice across the line 2rom Ieor.e:s o22ice3 an# 0new he ha# to en# the call. ;9espite C"nnin.ham:s histor13 there hasn:t been a sin.le complaint 2ile# a.ainst him in two 1ears. Aot "ntil 1o"r report this wee0en#. 8itho"t concrete evi#ence to arrest him3 m1 han#s are tie#. I have to .ive him the bene2it o2 the #o"bt.<

;I "n#erstan#3 Ieor.e. Than0 1o" 2or 1o"r help.<

;I:ll see 1o" at the part1 on ?at"r#a1. I hope ever1thin. has smoothe# over 2or 1o"r client b1 then.<

;Me3 too. Ioo#b1e.<

Bec01 h"n. "p the phone an# loo0e# to /achariah. ;8ellD I was so s"re Aic0 was the man

harassin. me. ?ho"l# I be .ivin. him the bene2it o2 the #o"bt3 tooD<

/achariah hoo0e# the hea#phones over the top o2 his machine an# proppe# his hip on the corner o2 her #es0. ;I2 C"nnin.ham:s a TAC o22icer3 he:# have access to the technolo.1 "se# to #istort a phone messa.e. 4e:# have access an# the 0nowBhow to "se a variet1 o2 weapons an# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html explosives an# ps1cholo.ical tactics3 as well.<

;?o"n#s li0e the per2ect pro2ile 2or Joe ?tal0er.< Bec01 shoo0 her hea#. ?he hate# when she ha# a p"HHle to solve3 b"t co"l#n:t ma0e the pieces 2all into place. ;I2 Ieor.e 8esle1 is ri.ht3 tho".h3 Aic0 ma1 not have been the one to h"rt 9imitra this time. An# i2 he:s not tr1in. to intimi#ate her3 then wh1 bother comin. a2ter meD<

;J"st beca"se a man is innocent o2 one crime #oesn:t mean he:s not ."ilt1 o2 another.<

Bec01 t"rne# her chair awa1 2rom the c1nical wor#s o2 wis#om. ;!o" reall1 nee# to wor0 on 1o"r pep tal0s.<

/achariah ca".ht the arm o2 her chair an# sw"n. her bac0 to 2ace him. 4e leane# in3 reache# o"tFan# claspe# the bac0 o2 her chair C"st above her sho"l#er. ?o close an# 1et so 2ar awa1 2rom the com2ortin. to"ch she crave#. ;I C"st want 1o" to be smart. An# sa2e. I:m not rea#1 to eliminate an1 possibilities 1et. !o" sho"l#n:t be3 either.<

;I:m not.< ?he stare# har# at the center o2 his chest3 avoi#in. another .limpse o2 the #istant3 #etache# expression he invariabl1 wore in his bo#1."ar# role. ;B"t I wish 1o" weren:t #oin. as

.oo# a Cob o2 scarin. me as he #oes.<

An# C"st when she tho".ht she mi.ht never see the warmer3 more intimate si#e o2 /achariah a.ain3 he stro0e# the si#e o2 her nec0. 4er breath ca".ht an# her e1es #ri2te# sh"t as she savore# the welcome contact. 4e c"ppe# her 2ace an#3 with .entle 2in.ertips3 massa.e# circles at her temple. Gor a blesse# moment3 the bo#1."ar# #isappeare# an# the man ret"rne#. ;4ea#acheD<

Bec01 t"rne# her chee0 into his palm3 p"rrin. in her throat li0e a cat bein. pette#. ;?tress3 I:m s"re.<

4is caress calme# her3 centere# her3 tappe# into somethin. #eeper than the nee# to be to"che#.

;I lost somebo#1.< 4is voice was so low3 less than a whisper. Bec01 hel# her breath an# listene#. ;A man in m1 "nit. I:ve lost men be2ore b"tF< 4is 2in.ers 2l"ttere# a.ainst her s0in3 then stoppe# movin. alto.ether. ;This was m1 2a"lt. I trie# to save him.<

Bec01 covere# his han#3 hel# it a.ainst her chee0 an# waite# 2or him to tell more.

;I 0now I:m bein: a har#Bass abo"t this.< 4is chest expan#e# be2ore her e1es with a #eep3 sha01 breath. ;B"t I nee# 1o" to be sa2e.<

I.norin. the roles the1 were pla1in.3 Bec01 p"she# to her 2eet an# move# closer. The o"tsi#e o2 her thi.h br"she# a.ainst his. 4er breast n"#.e# his arm. ?he reache# "p to to"ch his 2ace3 to com2ort him3 to reass"re him. To 0eep him tal0in. abo"t this ni.htmare b"rie# in his so"l.

;/achariah3 I7<

4e hear# the intr"sion be2ore she #i#3 stoo# an# wal0e# awa1. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;Bec013 there:s a James En#erleFoops.< Cher1l steppe# in the #oorwa1. ;?orr1.<

Cher1l probabl1 ha# misse# /achariah:s hast1 escape3 b"t Bec01 was a beat slower to p"t a mas0 bac0 on an# remember how to smile. ?he wishe# she co"l# t"rn her bac0 on the ten#er moment an# preten# it ha# never happene#. /achariah alrea#1 ha#. ;8hat abo"t JamesD<

;4e:s on line one. ?a1s he:s an ol# 2amil1 2rien#. I #i#n:t 0now i2 1o" wante# me to p"t him thro".h.<

Bec01 no##e#. ;It:ll be abo"t the reception ?at"r#a1. I:ll tal0 to him.<

/achariah was b"s1 with his .a#.ets an# #ials a.ain when Cher1l pointe# to him an# mo"the# the E"estion to Bec013 ;!o" o0a1D<

Ao. ?he was wear1 o2 bein. a2rai#3 lonesome 2or the man behin# her an# anxio"s to p"rs"e his revelation. ?he was ."essin. that was the 0e1 to his ni.htmares. Gor an instant3 his 2ace ha# trans2orme# into an expression o2 s"ch torment that she:# wante# to weep. 8ith him. Gor him. B"t as he:# in2orme# her last ni.ht3 he wasn:t reall1 intereste# in #isc"ssin. an1 o2 his crap with her.

Instea#3 Bec01 smile# so Cher1l wo"l#n:t worr1. ?he carrie# on with the tas0 at han#. It was

the >wens wa1. ;Line oneD<

Cher1l no##e# an# close# the #oor behin# her. Bec01 t"rne# to /achariah. 4e alrea#1 ha# the hea#set on. ; ea#1D<

>2 co"rse3 he was. 4e was a Marine7ri.ht #own to the bone. 4e was a man o2 action3 "se# to .ivin. or#ers an# expectin. them to be 2ollowe#3 "se# to ta0in. them an# #oin. the same. 4e 2o".ht har#3 love# har# an# hate# mixin. the two. 4e co"l# t"rn his emotions on an# o227he co"l# even #en1 the #emons insi#e him i2 that:s what it too0 to .et the Cob #one.

Ma1be she an# /achariah ha# somethin. else in common3 a2ter all.

8h1 wasn:t that #iscover1 s"ch a com2ortin. tho".htD

?moothin. her s0irt beneath her3 Bec01 sat an# pic0e# "p the phone. ;JamesD Bec01 here. 8hat can I #o 2or 1o"D<

Chapter ,

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html /achariah sat two tables awa1 2rom Bec01 at the Ienerals o2 the >l# ?o"th resta"rant3 polishin. o22 his l"nch with a #ish o2 appleBpeach cobbler that3 in his opinion3 #i# a lot more to earn the resta"rant its 2o"rBstar rep"tation than the 2anc1 white tablecloths an# historic repro#"ction china that was a little too #elicate 2or his bi. han#s.

?eate# so that she remaine# in his line o2 si.ht an# wearin. an earpiece to hear her conversation7in case she spotte# one o2 the Joe ?tal0er possibilities on the list M"rph1 ha# p"t to.ether7/achariah be.an to spec"late on Bec01:s comment 1ester#a1 that blen#in. into the bac0.ro"n# wasn:t m"ch o2 an option 2or him. In the Corps3 on a mission3 bein. a bi. ba# bo1 with an e1e 2or tro"ble an# the abilit1 to ne"traliHe that tro"ble in an1 n"mber o2 wa1s was an a#vanta.e. B"t here in the civilian worl#3 bi. an# ba# ma#e him stan# o"t in a crow# li0e this one3 where the political movers an# sha0ers o2 ichmon#:s Capitol 4ill area stole .lances at him as tho".h he were the tro"ble the1 nee#e# to 0eep an e1e on.

4e #i#n:t be.r"#.e Bec01 her social stan#in.7nah3 she ma#e the conservative s"its she wore 2or wor0 loo0 sex13 an# her sharpBe1e# con2i#ence beneath the ."ise o2 her c"lt"re#3 la#1li0e exterior was one o2 the thin.s he a#mire# abo"t her. Aot to mention how hot it was to 0now that the coolest3 to".hest la#1 in the room ha# a secret passionate alter e.o.

B"t the #i22erences between them in a settin. li0e this one seeme# to p"sh them even 2arther apart than their ei.hteenBmonth separation ha#. 4e was the hire# help3 the o## man o"t in her #a1BtoB#a1 worl#. ?he was ri.ht at home with her a2terBmeal co22ee an# 2ine china3 chattin. "p part1 plans with her ol# 2amil1 2rien#3 James En#erle.

James En#erle with an en.ineerin. #e.ree 2rom M.I.T. an# a masters in political science 2rom Ieor.etown. James En#erle with the .ol#en hair an# price1 s"it an# manic"re# nails. James En#erle who was neither ol#3 nor7i2 the n"mber o2 times he 2o"n# a wa1 to to"ch Bec01 was an1 in#ication7intereste# in bein. C"st a 2rien#.

This James En#erle was hittin: on his woman. B"t beca"se o2 the role /achariah ha#

vol"nteere# to pla17the bo#1."ar#3 not the h"sban#7he co"l#n:t #o a #amn thin. abo"t it.

It was more important that he concentrate on the Cob at han#. 4e ha# to nail the bastar# who wante# to h"rt Bec01 be2ore his leave was "p. An# he #i#n:t even want to consi#er what mi.ht happen i2 six wee0s wasn:t lon. eno".h. Ao wa1 co"l# he .o bac0 to a war Hone with his hea# on strai.ht i2 he 2aile# to ens"re her sa2et1 here at home.

?o /achariah ha# to sit here an# listen an# watch as the 1o"n. names

ep"blican clone #roppe#

o2 9.C. power bro0ers an# comm"nit1 lea#ers between stro0in. the bac0 o2 Bec01:s han# an# as0in. i2 she remembere# the time when the1 were in mi##le school an# the1:# ba0e# coo0ies in the 0itchen with his 2amil1:s ho"se0eeper3 Alberta. Apparentl13 Bec01 ha# .otten some o2 the coo0ie #o".h in her hair an# James ha# ta0en the opport"nit1 to p"t his han#s on her then3 too3 to help clean her "p. 4e was to"chin. her hair now3 reachin. across the table3 commentin. on the c"t an# how slee0 an# sophisticate# it loo0e# compare# to the teena.e# .irl with #o".h1 c"rls.

/achariah ret"rne# his co22ee c"p to its sa"cer be2ore he cr"she# it in his 2ist. Ireen was not a ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html .oo# color on him. ?ettin. asi#e the wi#e possessive strea0 he:# C"st #iscovere#3 /achariah 2orce# himsel2 to scan the sta22 an# patrons o2 the b"stlin. resta"rant one more time to see i2 an1one was pa1in. more attention to Bec01 than he sho"l# be.

Besi#es the han#s1 Mr. En#erle.

Bec01:s re2ine# la".h in his earpiece wasn:t its normall1 soothin. tonic to /achariah3 b"t it #i#

#raw his attention bac0 to her table. ?he shoo0 her hair 2ree 2rom En#erle:s 2in.ers an# sat bac0 be1on# arm:s reach.

Bravo3 #arlin:. ;I promise we:ll #o more than serve coo0ies 2or ?enator Barcla13< Bec01 sai#. ;The caterer is .oin. with a b"22etBst1le service with hors #:oe"vre versions o2 appetiHers3 entrNes3 sala#s an# #esserts. That will ma0e the seatin. arran.ements more open an# relaxe#3 more con#"cive to conversation than settin. "p 2ormal tables an# servin. co"rses3 I thin0.<

;I li0e it3< En#erle a.ree#3 sittin. bac0 in his chair a2ter bein. #enie# the opport"nit1 to .rope. ;9ownBhome ?o"thern hospitalit1 with a cosmopolitan 2lair.<

;I hope the senator will be please#.<

B"t Iol#en Bo1 wasn:t .ivin. "p on the 2lirtation. ;I sho"l# have 0nown the part1 was in .oo# han#s when Bertram in2orme# me 1o" were ta0in. over the arran.ements. >"r ."ests with #eep poc0ets won:t be able to resist the hostess with the prettiest bl"e e1es in all o2 6ir.inia.<

Bac0 o223 b"##1. Those bl"e e1es are mine. ;I 0now alph Barcla1 an# Mom .o bac0 a lon. wa1. ?he:s been a s"pporter o2 his since he 2irst ran 2or ?tate o22ice.< Bec01 was too smart to miss the personal connections En#erle 0ept tr1in. to ma0e3 b"t3 than0 .oo#ness3 she was i.norin. his overt"res. Even a2ter onl1 a 2ew #a1s o2 watchin. an# learnin. abo"t her3 it was clear to /achariah that when the woman .ot #own to b"siness3 she 2oc"se# on b"siness. James3 who:# 0nown Bec01 2or at least 2i2teen 1ears or so3 ha# 1et to cl"e in on that 2act.

; alph appreciates that. I hope this late chan.e in plans #oesn:t mean Lil1:s ta0en a t"rn 2or the

worse. ?he:s been a vital part o2 ichmon# politics 2or so man1 1ears. I 0now worr1in. abo"t her has been a b"r#en on 1o".< ?o ol: James was tr1in. a #i22erent tactic to 0eep thin.s personal.

?omethin. abo"t Bec01:s smile ti.htene# as En#erle 2o"n# a chin0 in her armor. /achariah ha# 1et to meet Lil1 >wens7the1:# .otten to the ho"se so late the ni.ht be2ore that she:# alrea#1 retire# to be#. B"t there was no #o"bt abo"t the love Bec01 ha# 2or her parents3 no #o"bt that she:# #o an1thin.7#o"ble her wor0loa#3 move bac0 home3 even hi#e a marria.e7to protect them.

/achariah sat 2orwar#3 watchin. the "ncharacteristic hesitation to Bec01:s response. Jac0ass. I2 En#erle steppe# over the line in an1 wa1F

B"t Bec01 was a trooper. ?he s"c0e# "p whatever sa#ness ha# brie2l1 .otten to her an# contin"e# as tho".h there was no reason 2or concern. ;Mom is hol#in. her own. B"t the ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html recover1 #rains a lot o2 her ener.1. ?he:s still loo0in. 2orwar# to atten#in.. I:m C"st helpin. o"t so she can rest "p this wee0. I:m s"re she:# love it i2 1o" as0e# her 2or a #ance. I thin0 she:s worrie# abo"t bein. re#"ce# to a wall2lower. !o" 0now how she loves to chat "p her 2avorite ca"ses.<

;Tell her I:m co"ntin. on her. An# she:ll be the 2irst name on m1 #ance car#.< En#erle motione# 2or their server to brin. them some more co22ee an# "se# the .est"re to stretch his arm across the table an# silentl1 as0 2or her han#. ;A2ter 1o"3 o2 co"rse.<

/achariah Hoome# in on that prett1 bo1:s han# an# waite# 2or Bec01 to show him she was too

smart to ta0e the bait. B"t there m"st be somethin. abo"t polite societ1 or preten#in. to be sin.le he #i#n:t "n#erstan#. Beca"se she smile#7smile#@7an# place# her han# in his.

En#erle:s b"tt was save# b1 the vibratin. h"m o2 the phone on /achariah:s belt. An# the ever so sli.ht3 b"t important #istinction in Bec01:s response. ;?he:ll loo0 2orwar# to it.<

!eah3 Iol#en Bo13 1o" #ance with Mama an# I will escort Bec01 to the #ance 2loor. >2 co"rse3 in realit13 that wasn:t .onna happen. A2ter a lateBni.ht #isc"ssion with Bertram >wens re.ar#in. coor#inatin. /achariah:s sec"rit1 team with the senator:s contin.ent on ?at"r#a13 it was clear that /achariah wasn:t .oin. to .et the chance to #ance with his own wi2e. 4e:# be wor0in.3 not min.lin. with the ."ests. 4e:# be rele.ate# to the bac0.ro"n#3 which was s"ch a lo"s1 2it 2or him.

4is phone b"HHe# a.ain. 4e p"lle# it o22 his belt an# opene# it. ;8hatD<

;It:s 9e0e3 sir.<

Even tho".h he:# reco.niHe# the n"mber3 he:# snappe# at his 2rien# all the same. ;?orr1. This hoit1Btoit1 l"nch is startin: to wear on m1 nerves a little. 8hat:s "pD<

;I:ve .ot the in2ormation 1o" wante# on bomb parts in the area.< 9e0e swallowe# a c"rse at somethin.7ma1be he:# #roppe# his notepa#7be2ore reportin.. ;>ne constr"ction compan13 Matalin7the1:re a prett1 bi. #eal here in ichmon#7has some missin. inventor1 o2 #emolition s"pplies. 8ires3 tri..ers3 blastin. caps3 CB'.<

;8o"l# C"nnin.ham or an1one else on that list have access to Matalin:s st"22D<

;4is TAC team #i# a sweep o2 the constr"ction site where the eE"ipment went missin.3 b"t that was a2ter the the2t ha# alrea#1 been reporte#.<

;4e co"l# have stolen the .oo#s3 then "se# the TAC sweep to cover his trac0s.<

9e0e:s breath hisse# in a ti.ht3 controlle# so"n# be2ore respon#in.. ;Kossibl1. There:s another #istant connection3 a oc01 AlvareH who wor0e# in #emo be2ore the Matalin 2oreman 2ire# him.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html /achariah scrolle# thro".h the memoriHe# list o2 s"spects in his hea#. ;I #on:t remember Bec01 prosec"tin. an1one name# AlvareH.<

;Ao3 b"t AlvareH is a twoBbit p"n0 with a histor1 o2 pett1 crimes. The attorne1 who:s represente# him more than once is o.er ?li.h.<

9in.. The1 ha# a hit on their list. ;Bec01:s assistant calls him M?li.hBme.: Bec01 2ile# a complaint a.ainst him with the ?tate Bar 2or .ross incompetence.<

;Iettin. #isbarre# wo"l# be reason eno".h to have a .r"#.e a.ainst her.<

/achariah no##e#3 .la# to see Bec01 p"llin. her han# bac0 into her lap. 4e switche# his 2oc"s awa1 2rom 9e0e lon. eno".h to hear En#erle #isc"ssin. the senator:s appearance at the reception a.ain. ;I want to create a little #rama.<

4e:# .ive Iol#en Bo1 some #rama i2 he #i#n:t #o a better Cob o2 0eepin. his han#s to himsel2 on ?at"r#a1 ni.ht.

;!o" still there3 CaptainD< 9e0e:s ti.htlippe# .r"nt #rew /achariah:s attention bac0 to the phone call.

;?li.h co"l# be the soBcalle# brains o2 the operation3 terroriHin. Bec01 an# throwin. s"spicion onto C"nnin.ham3 while AlvareH or some other lowli2e he:s #e2en#e# p"ts to.ether a bomb 2or him.<

;>2 co"rse3 i2 it is C"nnin.ham behin# this3 he:# have access to bomb eE"ipment thro".h the police #epartment.< Another .r"nt en#e# 9e0e:s sentence.

;!o" o0a1D< /achariah .lance# awa1 2rom Bec01 an# En#erle. 9e0e ?tahlnec0er ha# never been one to complain3 even when he ha# been carr1in. a piece o2 shrapnel in his le. an# was slowl1 blee#in. towar# "nconscio"sness. All the more reason to chec0 on his man. ;!o" have a r"nBin with C"nnin.ham when 1o" were chec0in. o"t the ho"seD<

;Ao. B"t we ma1 have a sit"ation with Mrs. C"nnin.ham.<

;Explain.<

;?he came home to .et a bac0pac0 2or her 0i# at school while I was snoopin. aro"n# the place.<

;9i# she see 1o"D<

;I .ot o"t o2 the ho"se3 b"t I ran into her comin. #own the 2ront steps. I thin0 she tho".ht I was a cop7acc"se# me o2 wor0in. with her ex an# that I was there plantin. evi#ence or somethin. li0e that. I co"l#n:t "n#erstan# ever1thin. she was sa1in..< There was another hiss o2 breath. ;?he was bac0in. awa1 2rom me the whole time7sometimes tal0in. En.lish3 sometimes some ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html "ssian lan."a.e.<

;!o" show her 1o"r I9D Mention 1o" were helpin: Bec01D<

;?he wasn:t in the moo# to listen. ?he 0ept cowerin. awa1 li0e she tho".ht I was abo"t to smac0 her. I:ve never hit a woman in m1 li2e3 Captain. I swear.<

;That:s C"nnin.ham:s le.ac1. I:m not .onna let him #o the same to Bec01.< /achariah hear# the #istant so"n# o2 classical m"sic3 an# realiHe# he was hearin. Bec01:s phone rin.in. thro".h his ear piece. ?he exc"se# hersel2 2rom En#erle an# bent #own to p"ll her phone 2rom her p"rse. /achariah ha# one more E"estion 2or 9e0e. ;?o what:s with the hisses an# .r"ntsD<

;8hen Mrs. C"nnin.ham was bac0in. awa1 2rom me3 she .ot too close to the e#.e o2 the steps. I reache# o"t to catch her be2ore she 2ell o22 an# bro0e somethin.. The min"te I to"che# her3 she pepperBspra1e# me. I:ve been hit with worse3 b"t it stin.s prett1 .oo#.<

/achariah co"l# ima.ine his practical3 m"scleBbo"n# b"##1 bein. completel1 bambooHle# b1 the woman:s "npre#ictable behavior. 4e trie# not to .rin. ;8as Mrs. C"nnin.ham h"rtD<

;I #on:t thin0 so. A2ter that3 she ran to her car prett1 2ast. Loc0e# hersel2 insi#e. ?he:s on the phone now. A2ter what she acc"se# me o23 I #on:t thin0 she:s callin. the cops.<

Bec01 loo0e# at her phone3 loo0e# strai.ht across the resta"rant at /achariah3 then t"rne# awa1 with a h"22 an# answere# the call. ;Ao. ?he:s not3< /achariah con2irme# to 9e0e.

In one ear /achariah listene# to Bec01 explain who 9e0e was to 9imitra C"nnin.ham3 an# that he was there to help .ain evi#ence a.ainst Aic0 an# to protect her an# the ho"se sho"l# Aic0 ma0e a reappearance. ;Io on bac0 to school3< Bec01 a#vise#. ;!o" an# Aic01 will be C"st 2ine.<

In the other ear he hear# 9e0e be..in. o22 his assi.nment. ;!o":# better .et someone else to watch the la#13 boss. There:s no wa1 she:s .oin. to tr"st me now.<

;9imitra3< Bec01 was tal0in. a.ain. ;!o" #on:t have to be alone in the ho"se with Lie"tenant ?tahlnec0er3 b"t ma1be 1o" co"l# brin. him a #amp cloth to wash his 2ace. Ao3 1o" #on:t have to sta1. B"t I promise he:s onl1 there to protect 1o". Ao. 4e:s not a 2rien# o2 Aic0:s. All ri.ht. I:ll meet 1o" at the co"rtho"se tomorrow.<

Bec01 #isconnecte# her phone an# sent another pointe# .lare that spo0e o2 C"st how m"ch she tho".ht /achariah an# his men were #isr"ptin. her wor0 with all their preca"tions. 4e silentl1 replie# that he wasn:t bac0in. #own one step3 an# neither were his men.

;?he:s .ettin. o"t o2 her car3< 9e0e whispere#.

;I thin0 1o":re st"c0 with the Cob3< /achariah a#vise#. ;J"st 0eep 1o"r #istance i2 she comes

a2ter 1o" a.ain.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;6er1 2"nn1.<

;=eep me poste# i2 1o" see an1 si.n o2 C"nnin.ham on the premises.<

;8ill #o. ?tahlnec0er o"t.<

Arme# with new in2ormation on Aic0 C"nnin.ham an# o.er ?li.h that he co"l# 2ee# to M"rph1 once the1 .ot bac0 to Bec01:s o22ice3 /achariah clippe# his phone bac0 to his belt an# as0e# the waitress 2or his bill. Tho".h he wo"l#n:t let #own his ."ar# "ntil he .ot his han#s aro"n# the throat o2 the bastar# who wante# to h"rt Bec013 it ma#e the mission a little less #a"ntin. to 0now the1 co"l# narrow #own the list o2 Joe ?tal0ers to onl1 a han#2"l o2 men /achariah an# his team nee#e# to watch.

?pea0in. o2F/achariah watche# as James En#erle rose 2rom his seat to 0neel besi#e Bec01:s chair. ?it 1o"r ass bac0 #own3 pal. ?he can pic0 "p her own nap0in an# p"t it bac0 in her own lap. Iet 1o"r #amn han# o22 her thi.h@

>nce /achariah .ot Bec01 alone in a room where the1 #i#n:t have to 0eep "p this #amn chara#e3 the1 were .oin. to have a little chat. 8hether it was 2or her own sa2et1 or the salvation o2 their marria.e3 this .ame ha# a 2ew r"les she nee#e# to 2ollow.

?he belon.e# to him. An# tho".h he wante# li0e craH1 to sho"t that 2act to the worl#3 he respecte# her wishes to 0eep their marria.e a secret. B"t their relationship was s"ppose# to be

pro.ressin.. The1 were s"ppose# to be .ettin. to 0now each other. >thers sho"l# see them becomin. a co"ple.

The1 weren:t s"ppose# to be havin. all these ar."ments an# lettin. other men to"ch her an# #ri2t 2"rther an# 2"rther apart 2rom the ma.ic that was them.

The1 were s"ppose# to be 2allin. in love.

J"#.in. b1 the "ncom2ortable ti.htness sE"eeHin. his chest3 /achariah 0new he was #amn well 2ollowin. that last r"le.

B"t was sheD

LLL

;!o":re Cealo"s.< Bec01 climbe# o"t o2 /achariah:s tr"c0 an# hea#e# #own the si#ewal0 towar# her o22ice b"il#in.. It #i#n:t ta0e a tall sha#ow 2allin. over her sho"l#er an# bloc0in. the a2ternoon s"n 2or her to 0now that /achariah ha# 2allen into step behin# her. 4is ti.htl1 coile# ener.1 alerte# her lon. be2ore his masc"line scent tease# her nose or his 2in.ers br"she# the small o2 her bac0.

;!eah3 well3 i2 Mr. Irabb1 4an#s "n#erstoo# the concept o2 a b"siness meetin.3 I wo"l#n:t have an1 reason to be3 now wo"l# ID< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Bec01 .rinne# as she hastene# her step to el"#e his to"ch in p"blic where the1 mi.ht have an a"#ience that co"l# reco.niHe them an# mention somethin. to her parents. ;It:s 0in# o2 c"te that 1o":re worrie# abo"t James.<

;I #on:t #o bac0.ro"n# an# I #on:t #o c"te. !o" have to respect that we ma#e a commitment to each other. Even tho".h I never .ot aro"n# to .ivin: 1o" a rin.3 I haven:t been with an1bo#1 else. I #on:t want to be with an1bo#1 else.<

The1 pa"se# 2or a crosswal0 li.ht an# 2ell silent. As a .ro"p o2 pe#estrians .athere# to wait with them3 she sense# that /achariah too0 note o2 each an# ever1 person3 E"ic0l1 assessin. whether or not someone stoo# too close to her or co"l# pose an1 0in# o2 threat. 4is attention lin.ere# 2or a 2ew secon#s in one #irection. 4is post"re seeme# to ti.hten3 expan#3 b"t then 2orcibl1 relax as his searchin. .aHe move# on. 8hen the li.ht chan.e#3 his 2in.ers were on the strap o2 her ba.3 hol#in. her bac0 "ntil the others ha# passe# on b1.

8as his almost obsessive nee# to see to her sa2et1 all abo"t the ."ilt he:# mentione# 1ester#a1 in her o22iceD A man he:# lost. ;Fm1 2a"lt. I trie# to save him.< >r #i# he care abo"t her so m"ch that he co"l#n:t stan# to see her h"rtD 8as this bo#1."ar# role abo"t savin. her or more abo"t savin. his own so"lD

;I haven:t been with an1one else3 either3< she whispere# once the1 were wal0in. a.ain. ;I #o respect o"r vows. !o" #i#n:t see me bein. Miss Irabb1 4an#s3 #i# 1o"D< ?he .lance# "p to see hersel2 re2lecte# in the s"n.lasses he wore. ;9i# 1o"D<

?he co"l#n:t rea# his e1es3 b"t the corner o2 his mo"th hitche#3 exposin. a hint o2 a #imple

alon. his Caw. ;Ao.<

;Ao3 1o" #i#n:t.< Ioo#. That was the closest thin. she:# seen to a 2"llBo"t smile since the1:# ma#e love at her apartment two ni.hts a.o. I2 /achariah tr"l1 tho".ht she:# been enCo1in. James:s e22orts to re0in#le a romance that ha# never reall1 .otten o22 the .ro"n#3 then he was less observant than she:# been .ivin. him cre#it 2or. ;James has alwa1s been a to"ch1B2eel1 0in# o2 ."17sha0in. han#s3 0issin. chee0s. It #oesn:t mean an1thin.. An# tr"st me3 it has no e22ect on me.< The1 reache# the .ranite steps in 2ront o2 her b"il#in. an# she #arte# "p the 2irst two ahea# o2 him. As he came "p behin# her3 she t"rne# her chee0 to his sho"l#er an# whispere#3 ;Aot li0e when 1o" to"ch me.<

;!o" mean li0e thisD<

>oh. 4e ran a sin.le 2in.er "p her spine3 2rom waistban# to nape3 elicitin. a shiver that ra#iate# across her s0in beneath her clothes.

;/achariah@< ?he halte# in her trac0s3 chi#in. him with a hal2Bhearte# repriman#. ?he ha#n:t seen this 2"n si#e to Captain Clar0 2or a #a1 an# a hal2. ?he misse# it. ?he misse# him. ?he misse# them. B"t throwin. hersel2 into his arms an# enco"ra.in. him to 2inish what he starte# was o"t o2 the E"estion. Aot in broa# #a1li.ht3 not here in p"blic. ;8atch it3< she mo"the#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;>h3 I:m watchin:3< he answere#.

8hen he .est"re# 2or her to procee# him "p the steps3 she ha# a 2eelin. she 0new exactl1 what

he was watchin..

;Bac0 when James an# I were #atin.3 I 0ept waitin. 2or the thrill to 0ic0 in3 b"t it never #i#.<

;>h3 that helps. !o" #ate# that clownD< 4e hel# open the 2ront #oor 2or her an# motione# her to one o2 the sec"rit1 chec0points where she opene# her attachN ba. an# he emptie# his poc0ets an# han#e# over the blac0 steel pistol he wore at his bac03 alon. with his permit to carr1 it.

A2ter bein. cleare# b1 sec"rit13 the1 .athere# their thin.s. ;James En#erle:s 2ather has been 2rien#s with 9a# since the1 went to colle.e to.ether. I thin0 he alwa1s hope# that James an# I wo"l# hit it o22 an# become this "nstoppable political co"ple. B"t I C"st co"l#n:t stomach the tho".ht o2 spen#in. a li2etime with blon#3 blan# an# borin.. ?o we #eci#e# to remain C"st 2rien#s.< The1 hea#e# to the ban0 o2 elevators. ;!o"3 bi. ."13 are neither blon#3 blan# nor borin..<

;?o there:s hope 2or me 1et3 hmmD< 4e t"c0e# his s"n.lasses insi#e his Cac0et3 an# Bec01 instinctivel1 reache# "p to strai.hten his lapel. That sli.ht smile reappeare#3 reachin. his e1es now. 4e wa..e# a 2in.er at her. ;UhB"h3 Miss >wens. Ao to"chin.. 8e:re still .ettin. to 0now each other3 rememberD<

?he crosse# her arms to 0eep her han#s pinne# beneath them an# concentrate# on the elevator:s brass #oors. ;8ell3 i2 we:re learnin. new thin.s abo"t each other3 1o" sho"l# 0now that Cealo"s3 controllin. men are a real t"rno22 2or me. Aow3 a little minor possessiveness is sweet3 b"tF< ?he tippe# her chin so he co"l# rea# the #o"ble meanin. in her wor#s. ;9on:t be Cealo"s.<

James En#erle means nothin. to me. /achariah no##e#7"n#erstan#in.3 she hope#. Than02"ll13 he move# on to a new topic. ;?o3 1o" li0e #oin. that 0in# o2 thin.3 Miss >wensD Klannin. partiesD aisin. mone1 2or can#i#atesD<

;To paraphrase m1 2ather7what I li0e is helpin. m1 mother. alph Barcla1 is a bi. s"pporter o2 pro.rams that 2"n# breast cancer research an# treatment. 8ith m1 2amil1 histor13 I:m a s"pporter3 too.<

Elevator #oors opene# an# a .ro"p o2 people 2ile# o"t. As the1 steppe# asi#e to let them pass3 /achariah sl1l1 pointe# to her breasts. ;Is there an1 chance that 1o"FD<

;There:s been nothin. to in#icate that 1et. I .et re."lar exams an# tr1 to #o the thin.s that help prevent it. B"t it:s ca"se# b1 .enetics as m"ch as an1thin.3 so there:s alwa1s a possibilit1.< 4e 2ollowe# her onto the elevator3 loo0in. a little concerne# b1 that partic"lar revelation. ?he reache# in 2ront o2 him to p"sh the twel2thB2loor b"tton. ;!o" sai# we ha# to .et to 0now each other. The possibilit1 o2 #evelopin. breast cancer is somethin. I have to live with. !o":# have to3 as well. Co"l# 1o" han#le bein. with a woman who has an above avera.e chance o2 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html #evelopin. cancer at some time in her li2eD<

4e waite# lon. eno".h to answer that she loo0e# "p3 an# saw nothin. b"t the o"tline o2 his Caw above her hea#. 8hen he #ippe# his chin an# met her .aHe3 she co"l# see there was no teasin.3 no 2lirtation3 no pretense in his answer. ;Co"l# 1o" han#le bein. with a man who #isarms bombs3 carries a ."n an# 2aces #own the enem1 2or a livin.3 an# who3 Io# 2orbi#3 wo"l# most li0el1 have to .o o22 to war a.ain at some time in his li2eD<

Bec01 t"rne# into his bo#1 an# wrappe# her arms aro"n# his waist. ;8e never tal0e# li0e this be2ore.<

4is #eep breath matche# her own an# she sn"..le# closer to his har#ness an# warmth as his arms 2ol#e# aro"n# her. ;I want to #o better b1 1o" next time we:re apart. =eep in contact. I #on:t want to beFstran.ers ever1 time I come home.<

;Me3 either.< ?he #ran0 in his warm masc"line scent. 4is ph1sical impression was alrea#1 a vibrant memor1. B"t there was still so m"ch to learn abo"t each other. ;This is har#er3 isn:t itD This is st"223 #eeper insi#e3 that we never .ot aro"n# to sharin.. It:s har# to tal0 abo"t the parts o2 "s that aren:t soFstron..<

?he 2elt his lips at her temple. ;8antin. 1o" is eas1. Aee#in. 1o"F<

Ma0es me v"lnerable. ;I 0now.< Gor two wills as stron. as theirs3 acceptin. their own v"lnerabilities7an# allowin. someone else to have access to that wea0est part within them7mi.ht be the bi..est h"r#le o2 all. Bec01 t"rne# her hea#3 see0in. his 0iss. ;I promise 1o"3 I ta0e ever1 preca"tion the #octor tells me to. B"t there are no ."arantees.<

4is 2in.ers were beneath her chin3 an.lin. her mo"th towar# his. ;Ao ."arantees here3 either. B"t I:m incre#ibl1 well traine# an# I ta0e ever1 preca"tion I can3 too.<

Bec01 was va."el1 aware o2 the n"mber three li.htin. "p in her peripheral vision. B"t ever1 cell in her bo#1 was potentl1 2oc"se# on /achariah:s har# mo"th claimin. hers.

B1 the time the 2o"r lit "p3 she:# p"she# him a.ainst the bac0 wall o2 the elevator an# #roppe# her ba.. B"ttons were poppin. b1 2ive3 an# b1 six3 she wasn:t noticin. the n"mbers an1more. ;I nee# 1o".<

/achariah pic0e# her "p an# st"mble# across the elevator. ;At 1o"r comman#.<

4e set her on the brass railin. an# presse# her bac0 into the panele# wall. 4e speare# his ton."e into her mo"th as he shove# her s0irt "p to her hips to slip his han# beneath her panties an# sE"eeHe a han#2"l o2 her bottom. ?he taste# co22ee an# man an# somethin. sweet3 b"t wante# more. 8itho"t loosenin. his tie3 Bec01 pl"c0e# at the b"ttons o2 his shirt an# 2o"n# her wa1 insi#e to sear her palms a.ainst hot s0in an# the s"pple m"scles "n#erneath. 4is ab#omen spasme# beneath the sweep o2 her han#s. ?he tease# each male nipple into roc0Bhar# n"bs an# he .aspe# her name. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

4e we#.e# his 0nee "p between her thi.hs an# Bec01 moane# as her wei.ht concentrate# press"re at the apex o2 her moist3 sensitive openin.. The almost pain2"l pleas"re pinpointe# there ma#e her 2l"i# an# heav1 an# prime# 2or more. ?he brace# one han# on his chest3 the other on the bar besi#e her an# ro#e his thi.h3 helplessl1 claspin. her le.s aro"n# him as he li2te# her a.ain an# a.ain.

;/achF/achF< ?he was 2loatin.3 2l1in..

?he nippe# at his chin. 4e p"she# his th"mb beneath the elastic o2 her panties an# #ra..e# it

a.ainst her swollen 2ol#s. 4er breath came in har#3 E"ic0 .asps. 4e bo"nce# her on his thi.h one more time3 then leane# in3 p"shin. the har#ness o2 his bo#1 into her achin. center an# #rivin. her over the brin0.

?he was still 2eelin. li.hthea#e# with the spee# an# intensit1 o2 her climax when /achariah lowere# her to the 2loor. 4e plante# one last E"ic0 0iss on her mo"th be2ore retreatin. to the 2ar corner o2 the elevator where he be.an to b"tton his shirt an# t"c0 it bac0 into his slac0s. ;I:ll bet ol# blon#3 blan# an# borin. never .ot 1o"r cloc0 tic0in: li0e that in C"st twelve 2loors.<

;I ."arantee 1o" he #i#n:t.< Bec01 t"..e# her slip an# s0irt bac0 into place. ;I wish we ha# twelve more 2loors so I co"l# ret"rn the 2avor.<

;I can Cam the b"ttons i2 1o" want.<

The 2loatin. sensation ha# as m"ch to #o with the elevator slowin. its ascent as it #i# the a2tershoc0s still p"lsin. thro".h her bo#1. Twelve more 2loorsD Gor the 2irst time3 she was than02"l the b"il#in.:s elevators were on the slow si#e. ;>h3 m1 Io#.<

An ol# /achariah .rin split his 2ace. ;I enCo1e# .ettin. better acE"ainte# with 1o"3 Miss >wens.<

The n"mber twelve lit "p. ?he combe# her 2in.ers thro".h her hair an# p"lle# her Cac0et sh"t to mas0 what she ha#n:t ha# time to t"c0 in. ;Ma1be 1o" sho"l# as0 me o"t sometime3 Mr. Clar0. I:# sa1 1es.<

;I thin0 1o" C"st #i#.<

Bec01 la".he# as the elevator car Cer0e# to a stop. ;9ecor"m3 Mr. Clar0. This is where I wor0. K"t 1o"r e.o bac0 in 1o"r pants an# p"ll 1o"rsel2 to.ether or people will tal0.<

;Let them tal0.< There went the teasin. banter. ;This chara#e isn:t wor0in.. Let:s tal0 to 1o"r parents abo"t "s. Tell them abo"t C"nnin.ham. Let:s E"it hi#in. in elevators an# hotel rooms an# .ive o"rselves a real chance.<

;!o" 0now I can:tF< The #oors opene#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;9on:t sa1 it.< /achariah loope# the ba. she:# 2or.otten over her sho"l#er. The bo#1."ar# was bac0. The h"sban# in him was "n#o"bte#l1 2r"strate#3 most li0el1 h"rt. That ma#e her h"rt3 too.

B"t he hi# it all behin# that to".hB."1 2aca#e. Li0e she hi# it behin# her s"it an# ic1 exterior. >ne step closer to each other an# two steps bac0.

;!o":re r"mple#3 Miss >wens.<

?he .lance# behin# her be2ore blottin. her smeare# lipstic0 with her 2in.ertips an# steppin. o22 the elevator. Mr. M1B8a1BorBtheB4i.hwa1 wasn:t as p"lle# to.ether as he seeme#. ;An# 1o":re "nHippe#3 Mr. Clar0.<

LLL

In his si#eBview mirror3 he watche# them both comin. "p the si#ewal0 across the street.

As soon as the Ioliath loo0e# awa13 he #roppe# his han# 2rom the si#e o2 his 2ace. 4e spare# one lon.in. .lance at the m"tilate# photo.raph in his lap3 then t"rne# to loo0 his 2ill o2 the real thin. as the li.hts chan.e#.

There she went3 str"ttin. her pl"mp little ass over the crosswal0 as tho".h she owne# the cit1. Trompin. over men:s e.os probabl1 .ave her that in2late# sense o2 importance that allowe# her to hol# her chin so hi.h. ?"re3 she wore the ri.ht clothes that ma#e her loo0 conservative an# pro2essional. ?he sai# the ri.ht wor#s that ma#e her so"n# smart. B"t she was a spite2"l bitch thro".h an# thro".h. Un#eservin. o2 all she ha#72amil13 wealth3 stat"s.

Ta0in. awa1 what a man wor0e# har# 2or7what a man #eserve#7.ave her a taste o2 power she ha#n:t earne#. ?he st"c0 her nose where it #i#n:t belon.3 an# ma#e #ecisions that weren:t hers to ma0e. ?he ma#e other women thin0 the1 co"l# stan# "p an# screw over a man3 too.

8ell3 Miss Bec01 >wens7he was .oin. to p"t a stop to that.

4e co"l# tell he was .ettin. to her. >h3 she trie# to be all cool an# priss1 an# act li0e he #i#n:t. B"t he:# seen her at her client:s ho"se on ?"n#a13 l"re# there as he:# planne# b1 his violent catharsis 2rom the ni.ht be2ore.

8hen she:# r"n into the street to rea# his note3 he co"l# have ta0en her then. B"t he hate# to stra1 2rom his wellBconstr"cte# plan. 4e was controllin. her li2e now7an# he wasn:t abo"t to relinE"ish that control. Besi#es3 watchin. her 2ear escalate ha# .iven him 2ar too m"ch pleas"re. 4e:# sat bac0 an# watche# her t"rnin. ever1 which wa1 an# bac03 thin0in. she:# see him an# con2ront him an# p"t him in his place. Aever a.ain. ?he 0new he ha# the "pper han# now.

?he 0new it was her t"rn to pa1.

4is nostrils 2lare# with a #eep breath an# he savore# a r"sh o2 excitement in his loins. 4ell3 he ha# her so rattle# that she:# hire# a bo#1."ar# 2or protection. Ioo#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

4e smile#3 stro0in. his 2in.ertip over his lips3 thin0in. o2 all the #elicio"sl1 wic0e# thin.s he co"l# #o to her to #estro1 that e.o3 to rob her o2 that arro.ance3 to p"t her in her place 2or #e.ra#in. him so. ?he tho".ht she was in char.e o2 her li2e3 b"t he wo"l# be the one callin. the shots in the en#.

4ol# on. ;8hat:s thisD<

Bec01 an# her bloo#ho"n# o2 a bo#1."ar# ha# stoppe# on the steps lea#in. "p to the ?tate Attorne1:s b"il#in.. ?he was la".hin.. 4e was to"chin.. Tho".h she E"ic0l1 p"she# him awa13 Bec01 an# her Ioliath seeme# to be a little 2rien#lier with each other than an emplo1erBemplo1ee relationship calle# 2or.

Gor a split secon#3 he consi#ere# warnin. the man abo"t all she wo"l# event"all1 ta0e 2rom him. B"t that wo"l# tip his han#. An# Ioliath #i#n:t stri0e him as someone who wo"l# listen to reason3 an1wa1.

Ao3 the bo#1."ar# was C"st another obstacle the bitch ha# thrown into his path. Kerhaps havin. what she consi#ere# 2eelin.s 2or that man co"l# wor0 to his a#vanta.e. The bo#1."ar# mi.ht be

a challen.e3 b"t he co"l# ta0e him o"t3 as well. Be2ore he 2inishe# with Bec01 >wens. Let her 2eel the pain o2 loss the wa1 he ha#. A2ter she:# s"22ere#3 while she was #own7then he:# 2inish his wor0.

4e smile#. ;?ince 1o":re "ppin. the sta0es in this .ame3 so will I.<

4e t"rne# an# e1e# the present on the seat besi#e him. 4e 0isse# his 2in.ers3 then to"che# them to the #ea#l1 .i2t.

?o will I.

Chapter $-

/achariah ro"se# himsel2 the next mornin. an# won#ere# i2 he was an i#iot 2or .ettin. so twiste# "p insi#e over a woman.

Aow this mess with Bec01 was a22ectin. his sleep.

4e was tire# an# .ro"ch1 an# har# as a roc0 2or the woman sleepin. in the room next to his. B"t hell3 instea# o2 a mere twent1 2eet3 Bec01 mi.ht as well be miles awa17with a wall3 her parents3 Joe ?tal0er an# ei.hteen months: worth o2 secrets stan#in. between them. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html B1 the time he shippe# o"t in a 2ew wee0s3 he nee#e# to have a better plan in place than an

imp"lsive proposal an# a ;?ee 1o" later.< B"t his leave time was a tic0in. cloc07he co"l#n:t report bac0 to the Corps "ntil he 0new his wi2e was sa2e. An# "ntil Bec01 an# the rest o2 the worl# "n#erstoo# that she was his wi2e.

4ow the hell was he s"ppose# to be a better h"sban# the next time he was overseas when he co"l#n:t even be a h"sban# to her while the1 were sharin. the same ho"seD

/achariah rolle# over in be# an# let his e1es a#C"st to the pearlescent li.ht o2 #awn 2ilterin. thro".h the sheer c"rtains at the win#ow. This be#room was bi..er than his entire ol# baseBE"arters apartment ha# been. An# hell3 this was C"st the spare room. 8ell3 one o2 them.

Li0e the rest o2 the sprawlin. >wens estate3 this room ha# been #ecorate# in what his mom wo"l# call ;ma.aHine st1le.< 4ar#woo# 2loors3 lots o2 antiE"eBloo0in: 2"rnit"re an# 0nic00nac0s li0e Bec01 ha# at her place. Ins"late# .lass3 blin#s an# two t1pes o2 c"rtains at the win#ows. 4e s"ppose# i2 he care# abo"t s"ch thin.s3 it was a bea"ti2"l room. To loo0 at7s"re7he:# conce#e the class an# com2ort o2 the place.

B"t it was empt1.

4is be# was empt1.

4e was empt1.

Care2"ll1 pl"c0in. the tan.le o2 covers 2rom between his le.s3 /achariah sat "p. ;Ah3 hell.<

Ma1be it was C"st as well that he s"22er another mornin. o2 this so"lBrobbin. emptiness alone.

4e s"re as hell wasn:t an1 0in# o2 a catch when he 2elt li0e this. The ni.htmare m"st have hit him sometime in the ni.ht3 C"#.in. b1 the wrin0le# mess he:# ma#e o2 the be# an# the pillows he:# 0noc0e# to the 2loor.

B"t the b"rnin. vision o2 9arrell 8atson:s #eath ha# .iven wa1 to an eE"all1 cr"el 0in# o2 2r"stration. Memories an# 2antasies ha# blen#e# to.ether in his hea# to torment his sl"mber7ima.es o2 Bec01:s bo"ncin. breasts an# clear bl"e e1es bec0onin. him. 4er sweet lips on his coc0. 4er sass1 comman#s in his ear. 4er hea# thrown bac0 in ecstas1 as he watche# her come with his han# or on his 0nee. 4er l"sh3 hot 2lesh welcomin. him in a #oHen #i22erent wa1s an# places.

The so2t press o2 her bo#1 as she wrappe# his bi. 2rame "p in a h". an# .entl1 to"che# his 2ace with a promise o2 com2ort he #i#n:t #eserve.

;9o"ble hell.<

4e sli# to the e#.e o2 the be# an# slowl1 sw"n. his le.s over the si#e. The chaos o2 the 2anc1 room an# the tent at the 2ront o2 his boxer shorts moc0e# his abilit1 to cope with the ten#er 2eelin.s wrea0in. havoc insi#e him. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

/achariah raise# his nic0e#B"p3 call"se# le2t han# an# r"bbe# at the empt1 thir# 2in.er with his th"mb. 4e:# as0e# Bec01 to marr1 him in that 9.C. hotel room 2or a reason7an# not C"st

beca"se he wante# to claim her sex1 sel2 2or him alone an# 0eep the li0es o2 James En#erle with those prett1Bbo1 han#s awa1 2rom her. ?ix #a1s wasn:t a hell o2 a lot o2 time to 0now somethin. 2or a 2act3 b"t he sho"l# have tr"ste# his instincts with her the same wa1 he "se# to tr"st his instincts on the battle2iel#.

4e:# 2allen in love with Bec01 >wens.

Aow that was a hell o2 a thin. to snea0 insi#e a man:s brain be2ore he .ot his ."ar# "p in the mornin..

4e:# shown the Bec0ster how m"ch he wante# her3 b"t he:# #one a lo"s1 Cob o2 showin. C"st how m"ch he nee#e# her. 4e ha#n:t let her into the #ar0 places insi#e him. 4e ha#n:t let her see into his heart.

An# now there was so m"ch collateral #ama.e between them that she mi.ht not even want to loo0. 4e mi.ht lose her. Aot to Aic0 C"nnin.ham or o.er ?li.h or whoever Joe ?tal0er mi.ht

be7he wo"l#n:t allow that bastar# an1where near her.

4e co"l# lose her 2rom his own inabilit1 to stan# "p an# tell her exactl1 what he 2elt. 4e was a man o2 actionJ he co"l# ma0e love to her those #oHen #i22erent wa1s3 he co"l# p"t himsel2 between her an# a n"tcase with a bomb. B"t he nee#e# to step "p an# sa1 the wor#s. ?he nee#e# to hear them. Believe them. Tr"st that she was more than an a22air3 more than a Cob3 more than a salve 2or his battleB2ati."e# brain. 4e nee#e# to p"t that rin. on her 2in.er to show her3 himsel23 an# an1bo#1 who:# listen3 that he love# her.

Then pra1 to Io# he ha#n:t screwe# thin.s "p so ba#l1 that she co"l#n:t love him bac0.

4e:# never have another peace2"l ni.ht:s sleep "ntil he #i#.

=nowin. what the problem was3 however3 wasn:t the same as 0nowin. what to #o abo"t it. Until he came "p with a #ecent plan that wo"l#n:t ma0e thin.s an1 worse3 /achariah inten#e# to #eal with the iss"es that he co"l# han#le. 4e co"l# clean "p the evi#ence o2 his ni.htmare3 ta0e a col# shower an# .et #resse# so that he co"l# .et a C"mpBstart on contactin. M"rph1 an# 9e0e to set "p some extra sec"rit1 2or Bec01:s appearance in co"rt that mornin.. To#a13 she was representin. 9imitra C"nnin.ham in her 2inal settlement an# c"sto#1 hearin.. /achariah wante# to 2inall1 .et a .oo# loo0 at Aic0 C"nnin.ham. 4e wante# to loo0 #eep into the b"ll1in. ?>B:s e1es to see i2 he co"l# spot the enem1 there.

8ith his Cac0et tosse# over his sho"l#er an# his tie loosel1 0notte# aro"n# his nec03 /achariah steppe# o"t into the hallwa1. 4e too0 the ten steps to Bec01:s room an# stoppe#. 4e spla1e# his 2in.ers at the center o2 the #oor an# leane# in3 listenin. 2or an1 so"n#s o2 wa0in.7or wantin. him. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html The ho"r was earl1. The room was silent. The i#ea o2 stealin. in an# wa0in. her with a 0iss warme# his bloo# an# sent it ch"..in. thro".h his veins.

B"t a more rational tho".ht slamme# the bra0es on his libi#o an# sent him on #own the hall to the staircase. I2 he:# coache# her ri.ht3 in#epen#ent Bec01 wo"l# wa0e with a scream at an

"nexpecte# man in her room3 th"s alarmin. her parents an# tri..erin. a whole slew o2 E"estions an# acc"sations. 4e #i#n:t want to .et himsel2 0ic0e# o"t when she still nee#e# a protector7he #i#n:t tr"st that an1one else wo"l# be as committe# to the Cob o2 0eepin. her sa2e as he was. Even i2 he mana.e# to m"22le her3 pre2erabl1 b1 coverin. her mo"th with his own3 there:# still be that aw0war# voice in his hea#3 na..in. the pleas"re 2rom the moment7I want more than these clan#estine ren#eHvo"s 1o":re allowin. me3 Bec0ster. I nee# somethin. more. Is there an1 chance 1o" nee# more than that3 tooD

I2 her answer was an1thin. b"t a reso"n#in. 1es3 he:# be totall1 screwe#. /achariah Clar0 mi.ht be rea#1 2or battle3 b"t he wasn:t s"re he:# ever be rea#1 2or another 0in# o2 heartbrea0.

/achariah circle# the 2oot o2 the staircase an# hea#e# strai.ht to the 0itchen at the bac0 o2 the ho"se. Gre#eric03 the b"tler #"#e who #i#n:t sa1 m"ch b"t alwa1s seeme# to 0now when someone nee#e# somethin. aro"n# there3 ha# in2orme# him that the coo03 9elia3 preppe# a 2resh pot o2 co22ee 2or the sta22 each mornin.. As lon. as a .oo# ni.ht:s sleep contin"e# to el"#e him3 /achariah wo"l# rel1 on the ol# Marine s"rvival strate.1 o2 catnaps an# ca22eine to 0eep him alert when he was wor0in. near enem1 lines.

4e 2o"n# the co22eema0er easil1 eno".h3 an# tr"e to Gre#eric0:s wor#3 the aroma o2 2reshBbrewe# beans .ave his senses a Colt. B"t /achariah never .ot aro"n# to 2illin. his m"..

Be2ore he reache# the co"nter3 he hear# the chirpin. o2 bir#s echoin. thro".h the stillness o2 the empt1 0itchen an# brea02ast noo0. The so"n# #rew his .aHe to the bac0 exit. A slice o2 #apple# s"nli.ht po"re# thro".h the crac0 where the c"rtaine# #oor stoo# sli.htl1 aCar. In a ho"se where

he was the onl1 person ma0in. an1 noise that mornin.3 his ra#ar went on instant alert. /achariah #roppe# his Cac0et over a stool an# reache# behin# him to "nholster his ."n.

8ith C"nnin.ham:s police trainin.3 he:# 0now how to #isable the estate:s alarm s1stem an# .et onto the propert1 witho"t passin. thro".h the 2ront .ate where /achariah ha# le2t his name an# pict"re so the ."ar# co"l# 0eep an e1e o"t 2or him. I2 Aic0 C"nnin.ham co"l# trash his own 2ormer bac01ar# to terroriHe his exBwi2e3 he mi.ht be balls1 eno".h to tr1 inva#in. Bec01:s territor1 in an attempt to 2ri.hten an# intimi#ate her. 4e mi.ht alrea#1 be insi#e the ho"se.

>nl13 a closer examination reveale# no #ew1 trac0s 2rom the #amp lawn on the linole"m. Ao so"n#s b"t the bir#s an# the b"bblin. co22ee. This wasn:t a brea0Bin. This was carelessness. 8ith his initial alarm easin. 2rom re# alert to mil# ca"tion3 /achariah lowere# his .'( to his si#e an# steppe# o"t onto the patio to s"rve1 the .ar#en3 C"st in case his instincts were as o22 as the1:# been the ni.ht o2 Corporal 8atson:s #eath.

4e Heroe# in on the woman at the .lassBtoppe# table3 ta0in. her brea02ast beneath an arbor o2 .rape vines. ?ittin. with her bac0 to him3 she h"mme# a t"ne alon. with the bir#s. Loo0e# li0e ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html someone who belon.e# here3 not an intr"#er. Krobabl1 Gre#eric0:s 9elia. Ma0in. a mental note to have a wor# with the sta22 abo"t closin. an# loc0in. #oors3 /achariah t"rne# to slip bac0 into the ho"se.

;Ioo# mornin.3 Mr. Clar0.< The woman calle# a2ter him. ;Is an1thin. wron.D<

/achariah t"rne# to 2ace her.

Ah3 hell. 8a1 to .o3 Clar0sie. Even witho"t an intro#"ction3 he co"l# tell 2rom the shape o2 that serene smile that this was Bec01:s mother. The invali# whose #elicate health the1 were all l1in. to protect.

;Ioo# mornin.3 ma:am.< /achariah hi# his ."n behin# his bac0 an# slippe# it bac0 into its holster as he approache# her. ;Uh3 no3 C"st a preca"tion.< 4e:# better as0. ;Are 1o" alone o"t hereD<

;I was.< 4er e1es #ri2te# sh"t an# she tippe# her 2ace to the .entle s"nli.ht. ;J"st me an# the m"sic o2 the bir#s.<

Ireat. Bi. man3 bi. ."n3 creepin. low an# E"ic0 aro"n# the .ar#en he#.e. 4e was l"c01 he ha#n:t .iven the woman a heart attac0.

;I saw the bac0 #oor was open an# tho".ht I:# better chec0 it o"t. ?orr1 to #ist"rb 1o"3 ma:am.< 4e retreate# bac0 towar# the 0itchen.

;8o"l# 1o" li0e to Coin me 2or a bite o2 brea02ast in the .ar#enD It:s lovel1 o"t here in the s"mmer.< 8hen he t"rne# to ma0e his exc"ses3 her bl"e e1es were open a.ain an# she hel# o"t her han#. ;I:m Lil1 >wens. 8e haven:t ha# a chance to meet 1et. I "n#erstan# 1o":re watchin. over m1 #a".hter.<

;/achariah Clar0.< 4e too0 the han# she o22ere#3 cra#lin. it li.htl1 in his 2in.ers3 worrie# that its slen#er boniness wo"l# snap in his .rip. 4e co"l# see wh1 Bec01 #escribe# her as 2ra.ile. ?he

was pencilBslim an# small3 swallowe# "p insi#e the sailin. Cac0et she wore. 4er s0in was as pale as Bec01:s3 b"t there were 2aint bl"e sha#ows "n#er her e1es. 4er hair was onl1 abo"t a E"arter inch lon.er than his own3 b"t it was as white as the snow1 2lowers bloomin. in the he#.e.

9espite the ol#er woman:s 2railties3 tho".h3 he reco.niHe# a brain as sharp as Bec01:s. Mama wasn:t s"ppose# to 0now abo"t an1 cran0 calls or hirin. a bo#1."ar#. As 2ar as Bertram an# Bec01 ha# tol# her3 he was here to oversee sec"rit1 2or ?enator Barcla1:s reception.

;Ao than0s3 ma:am. I was C"st loo0in: 2or co22ee.<

;9elia has a 2resh pot ri.ht here.< ?he pic0e# "p a m". 2rom the brea02ast tra1 at the center o2 the table an# po"re# a c"p. ?he set it in 2ront o2 the chair besi#e her. ;I:# appreciate the compan13 "nless 1o" have to r"n o22 with m1 #a".hter.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html !eah3 "m3 that was an aw0war# choice o2 wor#s. ;Miss >wens isn:t .oin. to the o22ice to#a1. ?he has co"rt later this mornin..< 4e th"mbe# over his sho"l#er. ;There:s co22ee in the 0itchen. I can entertain m1sel2 while I:m waitin: 2or her.<

Lil1 wave# asi#e the i#ea. ;!o":ll be entertainin. 1o"rsel2 2or an ho"r or more3 then. ?he:s C"st li0e her 2ather. Aeither one o2 them is a mornin. person b1 nat"re. Krobabl1 beca"se the1 tr1 to .et too m"ch #one #"rin. the #a1. Ai.ht owls3 both o2 them. I can:t tell 1o" how man1 mornin.s I:ve ha# brea02ast b1 m1sel2 over the 1ears. Aormall13 I appreciate the peace an# E"iet. B"t I:ve ha# 2ar too m"ch o2 that latel1.< ?he pointe# to the chair besi#e her. ;?it. !o":re .ivin. me a cric0 in m1 nec0.<

;?orr13 ma:am.< /achariah p"lle# bac0 the wro".htBiron seat an# san0 onto the #ar0 .reen c"shion. ;Ma1be I co"l# sta1 2or C"st one c"p.<

/achariah was be.innin. to thin0 he was #ealin. with a rin.er here. 9eceptivel1 2ra.ile on the o"tsi#e3 b"t stron. o2 spirit. Lil1 >wens was a closet to".h chic0. 9aint1 an# petite3 s"re3 he co"l# tell she:# been str"..lin. with her illness.

B"t no sooner ha# he pic0e# "p his #rin0 than she p"she# a plate o2 2oo# in 2ront o2 him7e..s3 cinnamon rolls3 slices o2 ham3 2resh 2r"it. ;Eat. I 0now the 0in# o2 snac0s 9elia p"ts o"t in the mornin. 2or the sta22. The1 won:t 2ill "p a stron. 1o"n. man li0e 1o". An# she alwa1s serves me 2ar too m"ch. I thin0 she .ives me a little o2 ever1thin. to ma0e s"re there:ll be somethin. on the plate that will whet m1 appetite.<

4e 2o"n# the corner o2 his mo"th c"rvin. into a smile. ?it. Eat. The comman#s she .ave so"n#e# pleasantl1 2amiliar72rien#l1 s"..estions that .ave him permission to #o what he reall1 wante# to. ;M"ch obli.e#3 ma:am. I went strai.ht 2rom mess hall meals an# M Es to resta"rants an# room service. It:s nice to .et a taste o2 homeBcoo0e# 2oo#.<

The smile that lit her 2ace remin#e# him o2 Bec01 #"rin. those 2irst six #a1s to.ether. Be2ore the war. Be2ore the threats. Be2ore this #amn chara#e.

;The than0s .o to 9elia. B"t I:m .la# to see the 2oo# isn:t .oin. to waste this mornin..< ?he sat an# watche# him eat several bites be2ore she as0e#3 ;9o 1o" #ance3 Mr. Clar0D<

;I:m passable. M1 mother ma#e m1 brother an# sisters an# me all learn how. Aothin. 2anc13

tho".h.<

;8hat 0in# o2 m"sic #o 1o" li0eD<

;I2 1o":re as0in: whether or not I:ll be waltHin. at the reception on ?at"r#a17I can:t. I:ll be wor0in:.< B"t that wasn:t what she:# as0e#3 an# her anno1e# expression tol# him so. The woman wasn:t proCectin. into the 2"t"re or worr1in. abo"t the past. ?he wante# to be in the moment. ?he C"st wante# to tal0. ;Co"ntr13 ma:am.<

;I alwa1s wante# to sin. li0e Kats1 Cline m1sel23 b"t I E"ic0l1 learne# that m1 talents la1 more ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html in the instr"mental area.<

;!eahD 8hat instr"ment #o 1o" pla1D<

4e polishe# o22 the e..s an# she p"she# a c"p o2 1o."rt an# some .ranola his wa1. ;?everal. Kiano. Gl"te. BanCoF<

/achariah was st"22e# to the ."nwales an# la".hin. alon. with Lil1 when the patio #oor opene#. 4e #i#n:t have to t"rn to 0now who was behin# him. 4e reco.niHe# Bec01:s exotic per2"me an# his p"lse instantl1 E"ic0ene#. ;Ioo# mornin.3 Mom.<

;Ioo# mornin.3 #ear.<

;4ow #i# 1o" sleepD Are 1o" warm eno".hD< As mother an# #a".hter exchan.e# a mornin.

h". an# health report3 /achariah ret"rne# his plate an# "tensils to the servin. tra1 an# stoo#. Time to res"me the chara#e. 8hen Bec01 tippe# her chin towar# him3 her polite smile was as brittle an# 2orce# as Lil1:s ha# been warm an# invitin.. ;/achariah. Co"l# I see 1o" insi#e 2or a min"teD<

4e no##e# #"ti2"ll1. 4e 0new what was comin:3 an# he #i#n:t care one #amn bit. 4e ma1 have resiste# sittin. #own in the 2irst place3 b"t he:# enCo1e# his brea02ast an# his compan13 an# he wasn:t .oin. to apolo.iHe 2or it. 8ith a no# to Lil13 he exc"se# himsel2. ;Than0s 2or brea02ast3 ma:am.<

;I:m "p earl1 ever1 #a13 Mr. Clar0. !o":re welcome to Coin me as lon. as 1o":re here.<

4e .rinne#. ;?ee 1o" in the mornin:.<

Bec01 cl"tche# his arm as soon as the #oor close# behin# him an# t"..e# him into the 0itchen. The 2alse smile ha# vanishe#. ;8hat were 1o" #oin. o"t thereD<

;Ma0in. nice with the motherBinBlaw.< /achariah easil1 twiste# his arm 2rom her .rasp an# went bac0 to retrieve his s"it coat an# p"ll it on. ;!o" never 0now when 1o":re .oin. to nee# brownie points with her.<

;Aot when she #oesn:t 0now she:s 1o"r motherBinBlaw.<

;Gine. I ha# brea02ast with m1 boss:s mother. ?he 0nows I:ve .ot a thin. 2or Martina McBri#e an# that I pre2er m1 e..s over eas1. 9i# 1o" 0now either o2 those thin.s abo"t meD<

Aow that he ha# his sleeves an# collar a#C"ste# com2ortabl13 he slowl1 2ollowe# her "r.ent retreat into the 2ront entr1wa1.

;This isn:t abo"t "s3 it:s abo"t protectin. her. 8e:re easin. her into the 1o" an# me possibilit1. As 2ar as she 0nows3 we:ve C"st met. ememberD<

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html >"ch. 4e stoppe#. ;8e:re C"st a possibilit1 nowD<

;9on:t p"t wor#s in m1 mo"th.< ?he snatche# "p her ba. 2rom the 2ront table.

;Then sa1 what 1o" mean.<

;Gine.< Bec01 whirle# aro"n#. ?he marche# ri.ht "p to him an# po0e# a 2in.er at the center o2 his chest. ;?ta1 awa1 2rom m1 mother. A"mber one3 she:s s"ppose# to be restin. this wee03 not servin. 1o" brea02ast an# entertainin. the troops. An# two3 1o" #on:t 0now the int"ition that woman possesses. I2 1o" .ive her too m"ch opport"nit1 to observe an# anal1He "s3 she:ll 0now that we:re hi#in. somethin. 2rom her.<

;I thin0 1o":re sellin: her short3 #arlin:. 4er bo#1 ma1 be wea03 b"t there:s not a thin. wron. with that brain o2 hers. I #i#n:t sa1 a wor# an# she 0new that I:m here speci2icall1 to protect 1o"3 not wor0 the part1. 9i# 1o" or 1o"r #a# sa1 an1thin.D<

;I #i#n:t. An# I:m s"re 9a# wo"l#n:t.< 4is #e2ensive an.er ease# as she twiste# her 2in.ers into his lapel. ;I #on:t want 1o" ta0in. a ris0 li0e that. I:m not rea#1 2or her to 2in# o"t abo"t "s. I want it to be a .oo# s"rprise3 not somethin. she 2eels re.ret over or worries abo"t.<

4e wante# to p"ll Bec01 into his arms an# hol# her "ntil that 2ear2"l anxiet1 le2t her e1es. B"t she #i#n:t want to be hel#. Aot here. Aot b1 him. ?o he .entl1 p"lle# her han# 2rom his chest an# move# aro"n# her to open the #oor.

;!o":re not rea#1 2or an1one to 2in# o"t7<

;Co"l# we not start that a.ain this mornin.D< ?he #ashe# past him an# h"rrie# #own the 2ront steps. ;I have to be in co"rt in an ho"r. I can:t mess this "p to#a1. 9imitra:s co"ntin. on me.<

/achariah p"lle# the #oor sh"t an# 2ollowe# her #own to her car. ;Gine. I:ll sh"t "p. B"t I:m meetin. Lil1 2or brea02ast a.ain tomorrow. ?he:s awa0e when I am. ?he:s pleasant compan1. ?he has co22ee. An# she:s the one person in this ho"se who isn:t livin. a lie.<

LLL

8ith an ento"ra.e o2 three Marines either lea#in. the wa1 or 2ollowin. behin# her an# her client3 Bec01 p"she# open the #oors o2 the co"rtroom an# steppe# into the marble# hallwa1.

;Con.rat"lations3 9imitra. !o" won.< ?he h"..e# the slen#er woman3 then p"lle# bac0 to see the 2irst hint o2 a hope2"l smile so2tenin. her 2ace.

;?o he cannot ta0e the ho"se or Aic01 awa1 2rom meD<

Bec01 shoo0 her hea#. ;An# i2 he 2alls behin# in his alimon1 or chil# s"pport a.ain3 the ?tate will a"tomaticall1 .arnish his wa.es. Gail"re to compl1 with the co"rt or#er co"l# a22ect even his

s"pervise# visitations with Aic01.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Ta0in. note o2 the people movin. "p an# #own the hall3 Thomas M"rph1 chime# in. ;In other wor#s3 Mr. Aic0 better min# his manners or there:ll be hell to pa1.<

;M"rph1.< 9e0e:s .r"22 voice repriman#e# his 2rien#.

M"rph1 win0e# at 9imitra. ;I #i#n:t mean an1thin. b1 that3 ma:am. Con.rat"lations. I hope ever1thin. wor0s o"t 2or 1o" an# the 0i#.<

;Than0 1o".< Tho".h a little bambooHle# b1 M"rph1:s charm3 an# more than a bit sh1 aro"n# the b"l0 o2 /achariah an# 9e0e3 9imitra nonetheless t"rne# to each man3 loo0in. them strai.ht in the chin. ;Than0 1o" all 2or helpin. me.<

ather than tra#in. than0s3 /achariah was more intereste# in the m"22le# voices the1 co"l# hear thro".h the thic0 woo#en #oor behin# them. Aic0 C"nnin.ham wasn:t the onl1 ichmon# police o22icer who:# shown "p 2or the hearin.. Ieor.e 8esle1 an# a pair o2 internalBinvesti.ation o22icers ha# been on han# to observe the case. 8itho"t s"22icient evi#ence to prove he was behin# the threats to hersel2 an# 9imitra3 Bec01 #i#n:t 0now i2 there wo"l# be an1 criminal char.es 2ile# a.ainst him. B"t a stern tal0in.Bto 2rom the bi. boss co"l#n:t h"rt.

?E"at3 boxerBb"ilt 9e0e3 however3 ha# plent1 o2 attention to spare 2or Bec01:s prett13 #ar0Bhaire# client. 4e still sporte# a re# rash aro"n# his nose3 chee0s an# le2t e1e 2rom the b"rn o2 Mon#a1:s pepper spra1. 4is strai.ht mo"th wor0e# aro"n# a smile almost as aw0war# as

9imitra:s. ;It was nothin:3 ma:am. 8e were .la# to help.<

9imitra:s .aHe sta1e# 2irml1 2ixe# on 9e0e:s sE"are chin. ;Than0 1o"3 too3 2or cleanin. m1 1ar#3 Mr. ?tahlnec0er.<

Bec01 hi# a smile as even more pin0 s"r2ace# beneath 9e0e:s rash. ;!eah3 well3 it nee#e# to be #one.<

It wo"l# be a lon. time be2ore 9imitra C"nnin.ham wo"l# be rea#1 to ris0 another relationship with a man. B"t 2rom the loo0 o2 thin.s3 it mi.ht ta0e 9e0e abo"t that lon. to wor0 "p the nerve to as0 her o"t.

;Ma1 I wal0 1o" to 1o"r car3 ma:amD< 9e0e as0e#.

;I7< 9imitra t"rne# her startle# loo0 to Bec01. ;I ro#e with Miss >wens.<

A lon. time be2ore 9imitra wo"l# be rea#1 2or a relationship. Bec01 #rape# her arm aro"n# the other woman:s sho"l#er an# resc"e# her. ;8h1 #on:t we all wal0 o"t to the par0in. lot to.etherD<

Bec01 ha# barel1 ta0en a step when the co"rtroom #oor b"rst open an# Aic0 C"nnin.ham storme# o"t. A han#some3 trim man o2 six 2eet3 he wore his #epartmental "ni2orm an# a m"r#ero"s scowl that 2l"she# his 2ace with an.er. ;!o" snea01 little 2orei.n bitch.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;Mr. C"nnin.ham3< Bec01 snappe#. ;I:ll as0 1o" not to a##ress m1 client.<

Even as Bec01 t"rne# awa1 with 9imitra3 /achariah an.le# himsel2 in 2ront o2 Aic0. ;Bac0 o223 C"nnin.ham.<

;!o" thin0 1o":ve hit the .rav1 train3 #on:t 1o"3 9D< Aic0 twiste# aro"n# /achariah:s warnin. han# an# char.e# strai.ht at his ex. ;!o":ve .ot m1 ho"se3 m1 mone13 m1 son7<

The blin#in. e22icienc1 o2 a traine# Marine ta0in. #own a man while two others move# innocent civilians o"t o2 harm:s wa1 was a thin. to behol#.

In mere secon#s Bec01 was cl"tchin. at the ban# o2 M"rph1:s arm across her stomach3 catchin. her breath.

9imitra3 even tho".h she:# 1elpe# at the "nexpecte# contact3 was o"t o2 si.ht behin# the wall o2 9e0e ?tahlnec0er:s chest.

Aic0 C"nnin.ham was 2lat on his 2ace3 c"rsin. into the marble 2loor3 his arms twiste# behin# him with /achariah:s 0nee pinnin. him at the small o2 his bac0.

;?o m"ch 2or an.er mana.ement class3< M"rph1 E"ippe#.

Ao one la".he#. B"t it ease# the tension o2 the moment eno".h to ma0e Bec01 aware o2 the a"#ience stan#in. in the co"rtroom:s open #oorwa1.

Kolice Chie2 Ieor.e 8esle1 2lashe# his ba#.e an# wave# o22 the b"il#in. ."ar#s who were

r"nnin. "p to ta0e control the sit"ation. 4e was 2lan0e# on either si#e b1 the Internal A22airs o22icers Ieor.e ha# intro#"ce# her to earlier3 be2ore the hearin..

C"nnin.ham:s law1er3 a competentBeno".h attorne13 was le2t with the "nenviable tas0 o2 h"rr1in. 2orwar# to protect his client. ;I #eman# 1o" release Mr. C"nnin.ham at once3 sir. Be2ore I 2ile assa"lt char.es a.ainst 1o".<

In one 2l"i# motion3 /achariah rolle# to his 2eet3 p"llin. Aic0 "p with him. 4e shove# the o"tmane"vere# cop into his attorne1. ;Aot "nless I press char.es 2irst.< 4e no##e# at the law1er. ;!o" 0eep him awa1 2rom these women.< 4e t"rne# that same narrowBe1e# warnin. on C"nnin.ham. ;?ta1 awa1.<

;Brin. it on3 bi. man.< Aic0 b"mpe# his chest a.ainst his attorne1:s bac03 0noc0in. the ol#er man 2orwar#.

/achariah #i#n:t b"#.e an inch. ;9o 1o" reall1 want to ta0e a swin. at meD<

Usin. his law1er:s "r.in. as a han#1 exc"se3 Aic0 wisel1 retreate#. Instea# o2 ta0in. on /achariah3 he pointe# an acc"sin. 2in.er at Bec01. ;This is 1o"r 2a"lt. 9imitra 0new her place. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ?he "n#erstoo# the or#er o2 thin.s be2ore 1o" came alon..<

8ith one step3 /achariah bloc0e# her view o2 Aic0. ;Koint 1o"r 2in.er at her a.ain an# I:ll brea0 it.<

There was a beat o2 silence be2ore a breath1 h"22 o2 air tol# her C"nnin.ham ha# relente#.

Bec01 p"she# asi#e M"rph1:s arm an# move# "p besi#e /achariah. Aot as close as she wo"l# have li0e#3 tho".h. 8hatever #an.ero"s ener.1 ha# 2orce# Aic0 C"nnin.ham bac0 still lin.ere# in the air aro"n# him. ;Are 1o" all ri.htD< she as0e#3 not reall1 expectin. an answer.

Aone came. /achariah the bo#1."ar# was too intent3 too 2oc"se# to #eal with an1 concern 2or himsel2.

;I believe this has t"rne# into a police matter3 .entlemen.< Ieor.e 8esle1 steppe# 2orwar#3 the calm a"thorit1 o2 his presence .ettin. thro".h to /achariah where she co"l# not. ?he 2inall1 saw her h"sban# breathe. 4is sho"l#ers expan#e# an# then relaxe#.

?ort o2. At least he 2inall1 t"rne# his 2oc"s awa1 2rom Aic0. ;!es3 sir.<

;>22icer C"nnin.ham3 I believe I:ll have 1o" come with me.< Ieor.e no##e# to the two I.A. investi.ators.

;This ain:t ri.ht. !o" can:t brin. m1 boss #own on me.<

;B"t I can3< Ieor.e answere#. ; ichmon# K9 is one o2 the most respecte# police 2orces in the co"ntr1. I won:t have one ba# apple spoil o"r rep"tation 2or all o2 "s. I:# li0e 1o" to come #owntown with "s an# answer a 2ew E"estions.<

;?ho"l# I brin. m1 law1er with meD<

Ieor.e loo0e# to the law1er3 then to Bec01 be2ore a##ressin. C"nnin.ham a.ain. ;That:s probabl1 a .oo# i#ea.<

8hile the two I.A. men escorte# Aic0 C"nnin.ham towar# the bac0 #oor an# par0in. lot a#Cacent to the b"il#in.3 Chie2 8esle1 spare# a .lance at /achariah an# his compatriots. ;I:m a 2ormer Aav1 o22icer m1sel2. I appreciate 1o" steppin. in as concerne# citiHens 2or Miss >wens an# Mrs. C"nnin.ham:s wel2are. B"t I tr"st I won:t see that sort o2 violence 2rom an1 o2 1o" a.ain in m1 cit1D<

;Ao3 sir3< 9e0e an# M"rph1 answere# to.ether.

Chie2 8esle1 raise# his #ar0 e1es to /achariah3 waitin. 2or a response.

Ginall13 it came. ;Ao3 sir. Unless extreme circ"mstances call 2or it.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;>2 co"rse. Aicel1 #one3 .entlemen.< 4e shoo0 each man:s han#3 no##e# to 9imitra an# 0isse# Bec01:s chee0. ;I:ll leave 1o" in .oo# han#s3 then.<

;Than0 1o".< ?he .rate2"ll1 ret"rne# the 0iss. ;=eep me poste# on Aic0 C"nnin.ham.<

;8ill #o. I:ll see 1o" the ni.ht a2ter tomorrow.<

>nce Chie2 8esle1 an# the other o22icers were on their wa1 o"t the #oor3 /achariah no##e# over the top o2 Bec01:s hea# to M"rph1. ;4ea# on bac0 to Bec01:s o22ice. I still want a twent1B2o"rBho"r monitor on the line there an# on her home phone in case an1 more calls come

in.<

;!es3 sir.< M"rph1 Co..e# on ahea# o2 them.

Bec01 2ell into step besi#e /achariah3 with 9imitra 2ollowin. close at her elbow. 9e0e bro".ht "p the rear.

;8on:t the calls stop now that the1:ve ta0en Aic0 awa1D<

;I #on:t 0now3 #arlin:.< 4e twiste# his hea# bac0 an# 2orth as i2 he was loosenin. a sti22 nec0. B"t his tension was mental3 not ph1sical. ;?orr1. I mean3 Miss >wens.<

4e wal0e# ri.ht besi#e her3 b"t the #istance between where the1:# starte# bac0 in 9.C. an# where the1 were now 2elt li0e an ins"rmo"ntable ."l2. ;Thin.s will .et better now3< she promise#. ;I:ll be able to concentrate on "s. 8e can sit #own an# tal03 an# come "p with a better plan. 8ith a timetable so 1o":ll 0now how serio"sl1 I want to ma0e "sF< ?he spare# a .lance at 9imitra who 2ell bac0 a step to avoi# eaves#roppin.. Bec01 tilte# her chin "p to the stern man besi#e her. ;I want "s to wor0. I want to tell people abo"t "s.<

8hen the time is ri.ht. ?he #i#n:t have to sa1 the wor#s. /achariah alrea#1 0new them b1 heart.

4e hel# open the #oor 2or her. ;Let:s C"st .et home.<

Bec01 p"lle# o"t her rin. o2 0e1s an# #onne# her s"n.lasses as the1 #escen#e# the bac0 steps an# crosse# the street to the par0in. lot. M"rph1 hon0e# his horn an# wave# as he #rove awa13

an# in the 2irst row o2 reserve# par0in.3 she saw Ieor.e 8esle1 an# the I.A. #etectives han#c"22 Aic0 C"nnin.ham besi#e their "nmar0e# police car.

/achariah saw ever1thin.3 too. B"t while Bec01:s spirits seeme# to li.hten with a renewe# hope in the earl1 a2ternoon s"nshine3 /achariah:s war1 moo# seeme# to .row #ar0er an# more introspective.

8hat ha# happene# to the 2"nBlovin. Marine who loo0e# at her with s"ch #esireD 8ho ma#e her la".hD Ma#e her 2or.et ever1 r"le o2 common sense an# #ecor"m in her lonel13 b1BtheBboo0 li2e3 an# 2all scaril13 passionatel1 in love with himD ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bec01 st"mble# as the last revelation 2ell into place insi#e her hea#. ?he 2elt /achariah:s han# at her elbow3 instantl1 stea#1in. her. ?tea#1in. her3 protectin. herFlovin. her. /achariah ha# .iven her ever1thin.7his bo#13 his wit. 4e:# p"t his li2e on the line3 an# ma1be he:# even p"t his heart o"t there 2or her3 too.

9"rin. those six #a1s in 9.C.3 there ha#n:t been time to learn the extent o2 /achariah:s sense o2 honor. ?he ha#n:t completel1 "n#erstoo# that he wo"l# ris0 his li2e 2or a ca"se3 2or his co"ntr13 2or someone he believe# in. ?he ha#n:t realiHe# how #eepl1 this bi. man:s eE"all1 bi. heart co"l# 2eel.

B"t she:# sense# it.

?he:# marrie# him beca"se she:# sense# that he was more than a be# partner. 4e was

ever1thin. she wante#.

B"t a2ter the secrets an# lies3 the threats an# #an.er3 the mista0es an# h"rt2"l wor#s between them3 how co"l# she ma0e him believe that she love# himD A2ter all those months apart it ha# been too eas1 to b"il# walls3 to place blame3 to ma0e exc"ses. As stron. an# in#epen#ent as she appeare#7as circ"mstances ha# 2orce# her to be7how #i# she convince him that she nee#e# himD That he ma#e her v"lnerable in a wa1 Aic0 C"nnin.ham:s sic0 threats never co"l#D

8hat i2 she co"l#n:t convince him that it was nee#3 not C"st want3 that she 2elt 2or himD

Bec01:s moo# crashe# an# b"rne#. ?he co"l#n:t solve an1thin. here. ?he nee#e# to .o home. ?he nee#e# some time alone. ?he nee#e# to thin0.

T"..in. her elbow 2rom his .rasp #rew /achariah:s attention awa1 2rom Aic0 C"nnin.ham an# the police. ;C:mon. M1 sar#ine can is C"st a co"ple o2 rows over. !o" can loc0 me in3 an# then I:ll wait 2or 1o" to p"ll "p in 1o"r tr"c0 so 1o" can 2ollow me home.<

;!o" sho"l# have let me #rive 1o".<

;Gace it3 /achariah3 even tho".h she 0nows 1o":re one o2 the .oo# ."1s3 9imitra is terri2ie# o2 1o". Can 1o" ima.ine the three o2 "s sE"ishe# to.ether in the cab o2 1o"r pic0"pD ?he:# have been a nervo"s wrec0 b1 the time we .ot to co"rt. I ha# to #rive her separatel1.<

8ith the tension between "s3 I nee#e# some #istance 2rom 1o"3 too. ;I:m not a complete bastar#. I:m .la# 1o" won the case 2or her. B"t I:# li0e to .et 1o" home3 where I have a better chance o2 ."aranteein. 1o"r sa2et1.<

;Internal A22airs is ta0in. Aic0 C"nnin.ham awa1. !o" hear# the threats he ma#e. 4e has to be Joe ?tal0er. Iive 1o"rsel2 a brea0.< ?he pointe# her 0e1less remote at her Aissan. ;I thin0 1o" can ease "p on the worr1.<

ChirpBchirp. Bec01:s e1es wi#ene# at the ball o2 bri.ht li.ht that bloome# beneath the hoo# o2 her car. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;?hit.< /achariah reacte# a splitBsecon# sooner. 4e slamme# his arms aro"n# her an# sp"n as a roar o2 s"perheate# air threw them to the .ro"n#.

The impact as she hit the .ro"n#3 san#wiche# as she was between man an# concrete3 br"ise# her l"n.s an# robbe# her o2 breath. 4er ri.ht le. b"rne# 2rom 0nee to an0le3 an# her palms st"n.. /achariah shiel#e# her with his bo#1 as ch"n0s o2 .lass an# metal an# 2ire raine# #own.

An eternit1 passe# in secon#s be2ore /achariah ease# himsel2 o22 her bac0 an# rolle# over besi#e her. Bec01 s"c0e# in her 2irst pain2"l .asp o2 air. ?he p"she# hersel2 "p onto her han#s an# 0nees3 her brain processin. all that was happenin. aro"n# her in #isCointe# bits an# pieces.

Keople were screamin.3 r"nnin.3 pointin..

4er ri.ht le. was blee#in.. ?he was missin. a shoe.

9e0e an# 9imitra were h"##le# behin# a car. 4e was helpin. her to her 2eet.

A shre# o2 b"rnin. car part smac0e# the concrete besi#e her3 an# she Cer0e#.

/achariah:s han#s roame# over her in a har#3 E"ic0 exploration. ?he co"l# see his lips movin.3 ;Are 1o" all ri.htD Are 1o" h"rtD<

Then she was sittin. on her bottom an# his raw 0n"c0les move# alon. her inC"re# le. as he pl"c0e# her torn stoc0in. 2rom the scrape#B"p s0in.

It was ma1be a min"te be2ore her brain 0ic0e# in an# her ears "npl"..e# to the so"n# o2 la".hter. Col#3 heartless3 wic0e# la".hter.

;Ka1bac0:s a bitch3 ain:t it3 la#1D<

Aic0 C"nnin.ham swallowe# his la".h the instant /achariah rose to his 2eet. 4e bac0e# into the 2en#er o2 the investi.ators: car3 #esperatel1 searchin. 2or a hi#in. place as /achariah:s lon. le.s ate "p the #istance between Bec01 an# the rec0less cop.

;/achariah@< she sho"te#3 i.norin. the sti22 ache o2 her bo#1 as she climbe# to her 2eet to tr1 to stop the loomin. #isaster. ;I:m all ri.ht@ /achariah7stop@<

9e0e move# 2aster than Bec013 reachin. his b"##1 be2ore he co"l# .et his han#s on Aic0. There was a brie2 str"..le. ;Captain@ It:s 9e0e. !o" .otta stop.<

/achariah shoo0 o22 9e0e:s m"scle# .rip an# st"mble# a 2ew steps awa1.

As Bec01 limpe# "p to him3 she hear# Ieor.e 8esle1 on the phone3 callin. in the explosion. ;Fnee# a b"s3 a TAC "nit an# some crow# control behin# the co"rtho"se on *th.< 4e shi2te# his attention to /achariah. ;?onD !o" all ri.htD Mr. Clar0D< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

B"t Bec01 co"l# see /achariah wasn:t hearin. the police chie2 at all. 4is blan0 e1es an# harsh expression tol# her he was tho"san#s o2 miles awa13 in a war Hone where one o2 his men ha# #ie#. Alon. with his abilit1 to 2or.ive himsel2F.

Chapter $$

The ni.htmare pla1e# in his min# an# showe# /achariah a whole new .limpse o2 hell.

;8here the hellFD 8atson@ Gall bac0@ Gall bac0@< ;I can reach it3 sir@< ;Ae.ative@ 8e re.ro"p now@< ;J"st one more secon#.< ;Iet 1o"r ass o"t o2 there3 Marine@ It:s .onna blow@< ;I almost7< ;Bec01@< /achariah was .ritt1 an# .reas13 slic0 with sweat. 4is nostrils b"rne# 2rom the 2ier1 heat rainin. #own aro"n# him.

B"t ni.ht ha# t"rne# to #a1.

9esert 2ati."es ha# become a s"it an# tie.

8here was the cla1 h"t with the battere# carD

8here were his menD

8here the hell was 8atsonD

/achariah .roane# in his sleep3 thrashin. 2rom si#e to si#e3 willin. himsel2 to wa0e "p.

B"t he was in too #eep. The p"nishment 2or 2ail"re was never wa0in. "p. 4e wrestle# with the #emons who la".he# at his pain.

;Ka1bac0:s a bitch3 ain:t it3 la#1D< Ao. Klease. ?top.

B"t the #emons weren:t listenin..

9octors co"l# patch "p his shrapnel wo"n#s. Karame#ics co"l# treat his c"ts an# scrapes.

B"t there wasn:t me#icine eno".h in the worl# to chan.e the ima.es in his hea#.

It wasn:t 9arrell 8atson:s slac0 bo#1 he carrie# in his arms this time.

It was Bec01:s. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4er clothes torn3 her le. bloo#ie#. A swath o2 blac0 .rease in her .ol#en hair3 her bl"e e1es "nseein..

The bastar# ha# h"rt her. 4e:# ma#e .oo# on his wor#. An# li0e that 2ier1 ni.ht in AlBBaHan3 he:# been too late to save her.

4elp me. 4ell3 no. 4e #i#n:t want to see this.

;Bec01@< 4e roare# in his sleep3 #esperate to escape the cr"el trans2i."ration o2 his memories.

/achariah stoo# ."ar# over a cas0et an# watche# Bec01:s mother cr1.

The cas0et was open. Bec01 la1 insi#e3 pale an# still.

4e:# lost her. 4e:# lost her.

9on:t .o. 9on:t leave me. I nee# 1o". I nee# 1o". I nee#. ;/achariah.< An an.el:s voice.

;9on:t ta0e her.< The #emons were comin. to steal her 2rom him. ;9amn it3 #on:t ta0e her@<

;/achariah@< An an.el who co"l#n:t sta1 with him.

4e reache# 2or his wi2e3 the woman he love#. ;9arlin:.<

The1 wrestle# with him3 the1 trie# to pin him #own. 4e ha# to save her. 4e ha# to save Bec01.

The1 p"she#. 4e p"she# bac0 har#er.

;!o" can:t have her. ?he:s mine@<

;?4E:? MIAE@< Bec01 2roHe beneath /achariah:s wei.ht pressin. her #own into the be#.

?he trie# to call o"t his name a thir# time3 b"t his 2orearm was we#.e# a.ainst her throat. ?he:# sn"c0 into his room when she:# hear# him cr1in. o"t in wor#less a.on1 in his sleep. ?he:# trie# to wa0e him3 trie# to 2ree him 2rom the aw2"l trap o2 his ni.htmare.

8hen wor#s ha#n:t wor0e# she to"che# his sho"l#er an# shoo0 him. 8ith little #i22erence 2rom the wa1 he:# ta0en Aic0 C"nnin.ham #own at the co"rtho"se3 /achariah ha# pic0e# her "p an# 2lippe# her onto the be#. Trappe#3 as tho".h she were the enem1 insi#e his hea#.

In the haH1 li.ht 2rom the moon o"tsi#e3 his e1es above her opene#3 re#Brimme# an# wil#.

An# she co"l#n:t #raw in a breath. ;/achariah.<

4e blin0e# a hal2B#oHen times3 E"ic0l1 scanne# the room3 then loo0e# #own at her. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;Can:t breathe.< 4is e1es narrowe#3 assessin. her 2ace. I#enti21in. herD

?lowl1 he p"lle# bac0 his 2orearm an# Bec01 s"c0e# in a blesse# l"n.2"l o2 air. ?he inhale# an# exhale# two more times3 beca"se there was little else she co"l# #o in this v"lnerable position.

Even cla# in nothin. more than a pair o2 boxer shorts3 he was a 2ri.htenin.3 2ierce warrior. B"t she also 0new him to be a .enero"s3 ten#er lover.

?he ha# to reach him. ?he nee#e# to .et thro".h to the .oo#3 .entle man loc0e# "p insi#e.

;Are 1o" awa0eD< she whispere#3 pra1in. she:# see the li.ht o2 conscio"s reco.nition spar0 in his e1es. ;!o" were havin. the ni.htmare a.ain. 9o 1o" 0now meD<

;Bec01D< 4is racin. heart po"n#e# a.ainst her chest. 4is #eep3 ra..e# breaths p"she# her #eeper into the be#.

?he no##e#.

;!o":re aliveD<

;!es. I:m ri.ht here. I:m 2i7<

/achariah blotte# o"t her answer with a .rin#in. 0iss. 4is mi#ni.ht .rowth o2 bear# raspe# a.ainst her chin. 4is ton."e sna0e# into her mo"th.

8hen she trie# to 0iss him bac03 he went still.

;>h3 shit. An# I:ve .ot 1o" li0e thisD<

?he became aware a.ain o2 his han#s bearin. #own on her sho"l#ers3 her le.s sprea# an# pinne# beneath his thi.hs7her bo#1 tremblin. an# open an# helpless beneath the heav1 wei.ht o2 him cr"shin. her 2rom breast to toe.

4e scramble# o22 her almost as E"ic0l1 as he ha# pinne# her #own. 4e sli# all the wa1 to the 2ar si#e o2 the be#3 plantin. his 2eet on the 2loor3 bracin. his elbows on his 0nees an# #roppin. his 2ace into the cra#le o2 his han#s.

;>h3 Io#3 #arlin:3 I:m sorr1. 8e:re in 6ir.inia3 ri.htD At 1o"r parents: ho"seD<

;!es.< Bec01 crawle# over besi#e him3 c"rlin. her le.s beneath her an# a#C"stin. her white .own over her lap. ;It:s not E"ite one in the mornin..<

4e ra0e# his 2in.ers bac0 across his scalp an# r"bbe# his chee0s3 ro".hl1 #ispellin. the last o2 his terrors. ;An# 1o":re in m1 roomD I tho".ht 1o" wante# "s to have separate E"arters.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Bec01 #ebate# whether to move closer to com2ort him3 or move 2arther awa1 2or her own sa2et1. 4e was raw an# e#.1 an# #an.ero"s to to"ch. B"t in the en#3 she rallie# her co"ra.e an# listene# to her heart. ?he inche# closer an# la1 her han# a.ainst his bare sho"l#er3 care2"ll1 avoi#in. the scattershot o2 tin1 c"ts that #otte# his "pper bac0 a2ter this a2ternoon:s explosion.

4e 2linche# beneath her to"ch. B"t a2ter a moment3 when he #i#n:t p"ll awa13 she .entl1 stro0e# her 2in.ertips across his sho"l#er3 almost pettin. him. ?he wante# him to 0now he was sa2e. 4e was care# 2or. ;!o" crie# o"t in 1o"r sleep. Li0e be2ore.<

?he wante# him to 0now she was sa2e an# that he co"l# t"rn o22 his obsessive nee# to protect7to ma0e thin.s ri.ht 2or the 1o"n. li2e he 2elt he ha#n:t protecte# well eno".h. Aic0 C"nnin.ham was in police c"sto#1 2or ma0in. threats3 even tho".h he:# insiste# he ha#n:t

carrie# o"t an1 o2 them. 4ell3 he co"l# have been 0ille# b1 that car bomb3 too3 he:# ar."e#.

Ao one ha# been serio"sl1 inC"re#3 than0 Io#3 b"t her car ha# been #estro1e#.

4er con2i#ence ha# been sha0en to the bone.

An# /achariah:s tro"ble# conscience ha# ta0en a #irect hit.

Bec01 climbe# "p onto her 0nees3 balancin. her wei.ht to ta0e the press"re o22 the abra#e# an# ban#a.e# s0in alon. her ri.ht 0nee3 cal2 an# an0le. =eepin. her to"ch as .entle as she co"l# ma0e it3 she c"ppe# the bac0 o2 his hea# an# slowl1 stro0e# his short3 crisp hair. ;I hear# 1o" even thro".h the wall in m1 room. I co"l#n:t stan# to let 1o" s"22er.<

;I:m all ri.ht now. !o" can .o bac0.<

4e swallowe# har# an# she watche# the pla1 o2 m"scle an# sinew at the si#es o2 his nec0. Bec01 move# her .entle massa.e 2arther #own3 "sin. both han#s now to r"b the 0nots o2 stress in the C"nct"re where his nec0 an.le# o"t to his sho"l#ers. 4er voice was as E"iet as the h"she# ni.ht o"tsi#e the room. ;I:m not leavin. 1o".<

Gor several min"tes she wor0e# the 0in0s 2rom his m"scles3 which were as sti22 an# sore 2rom the t"rmoil insi#e him as m"ch as 2rom their 2l1in. #ive to the pavement this a2ternoon. J"st as her own 2in.ers be.an to ti.hten3 the balls o2 tension "n0nit themselves an# his sho"l#ers li2te# in a heav1 si.h7li0e a bi. C"n.le cat stretchin. as it awo0e.

B"t C"st as E"ic0l13 he shr"..e# o22 her to"ch an# scoote# to the en# o2 the be#3 #amnin. himsel2 with ever1 wor#. ;I ha# 1o" sprea#Bea.le# on the be# an# completel1 at m1 merc1. I co"l# have cho0e# the li2e o"t o2 1o". I:m no better than C"nnin.ham.<

;Ao.< Bec01 crawle# a2ter him. ?he matche# his position3 sittin. "p an# #an.lin. her le.s over the si#e3 tho".h her 2eet #i#n:t to"ch the 2loor. ;The /achariah Clar0 I 0now wo"l# never h"rt me. !o":re not well. !o" weren:t 1o"rsel2.<

;That:s a lo"s1 exc"se. I tho".ht 1o" were the enem1. I treate# 1o" li0e7< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;!o" #i#n:t h"rt me.<

;Liar.<

;!o" startle# me3 1es. B"t 1o" #i#n:t h"rt me.<

4e t"rne# his hea#3 then reache# o"t to br"sh asi#e a ten#ril o2 hair 2rom her chee0. ;!o":re s"reD<

?he no##e#3 leanin. into his to"ch "ntil he p"lle# awa1. Ao. 4e co"l#n:t reall1 believe he:# ab"se# her3 co"l# heD

Bec01 scoote# o22 the be# an# came to stan# between his 0nees. ?he ca".ht his scr"22e# chin in her han# an# tilte# his 2ace to loo0 #eep into the sa# ."ilt ha"ntin. his e1es. ;I am not a victim.

Aever have been. Aever will be. I:m too m"leBhea#e# to ever stan# 2or that 0in# o2 thin. in m1 li2e. >r haven:t 1o" learne# that abo"t me 1etD<

It wasn:t 1et a smile3 b"t the #eep .rooves brac0etin. his mo"th so2tene#. ;!o":# come a2ter me with a baseball bat i2 I trie# to h"rt 1o"3 wo"l#n:t 1o"D<

?he #i# smile. ;I:# at least come a2ter 1o" with a co"rt or#er.<

/achariah move# his han#s to her waist3 restin. them at the c"rve o2 her hips b"t not tr"l1 hol#in. on to her. ;I:m a bi. ?>B3 #arlin:. I co"l# #o some #ama.e even i2 I #i#n:t mean to. I co"l#n:t 2or.ive m1sel2 i2 I ever h"rt 1o" or 2ri.htene# 1o" the wa1 I saw 9imitra loo0in: at C"nnin.ham this mornin:.<

Bec01:s .rip on his Caw ti.htene#. 4er tone .rew stern. ;9on:t ever compare 1o"rsel2 to Aic0 C"nnin.ham a.ain. 4e:s a cowar#. Keople have choices. 4e chose to ab"se his wi2e beca"se it ma#e him 2eel li0e he was stron.er than somebo#13 li0e he was a man 2or havin. that 0in# o2 power. Instea# o2 2ixin. what was wron. in his li2e3 he too0 it o"t on her.< ?he .entle# her to"ch3 trace# the line o2 his b"HHBc"t hair aro"n# his 2ace an# presse# her th"mb a.ainst his bottom lip. ;!o" are no cowar#. I thin0 it m"st ta0e a ver1 brave man to carr1 the memories o2 all 1o":ve been thro".h an# sho"l#er the responsibilit1 2or the men an# women in 1o"r comman#7an# still la".h an# charm an# ma0e sweet3 won#er2"l love to me.<

4is 2in.ers ti.htene# at her hips. 4e was hol#in. her now. ;9o 1o" thin0 I wo0e 1o"r parentsD<

?he stro0e# her th"mb across his lips3 coaxin. the be.innin.s o2 a smile. ;The1:# be here b1 now i2 1o" ha#. The1:re at the 2ar en# o2 the hall on the opposite si#e o2 the lan#in..<

;?o 1o" sn"c0 into m1 room "n#er 1o"r parents: noses. That:s 0in# o2 teena.er1 o2 1o".< 4is mo"th wi#ene# with a 2"llB2le#.e# .rin. ;That:s 0in# o2 hot. Ma1be 1o":# better .o bac0 to 1o"r room be2ore I .et 1o" in tro"ble.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ?he appreciate# his e22ort to ma0e her smile. B"t she wo"l#n:t let him p"sh her awa1 an# preten# the ni.htmare ha# never happene#. Aot this time.

;9o 1o" want me to .oD<

The .rin 2a#e#3 an# /achariah co"l#n:t seem to spea0. Then he shoo0 his hea# no3 wrappe# his arms behin# her waist an# p"lle# her in to b"r1 his 2ace between her breasts. 4e h"..e# her har#3 inhalin. the scent at her cleava.e3 nestlin. his .riHHle# chee0 a.ainst the so2t swells. 4e shoo0 his hea# a.ain.

Bec01 sli# her han#s behin# his nec0 an# hel# him close to her heart. ;Then I:m here. I:m 1o"rs. An1 wa1 1o" want me.<

;!o":ll sta1D< he whispere#3 0issin. her breast as he spo0e.

;I2 1o" want me to.<

;Ao. I nee# 1o" to.< 4e reache# 2or the hem o2 her ni.ht.own an# leane# bac0 eno".h to p"ll it o22 over her hea#. Then he 2ell bac0 a.ainst the covers3 p"llin. her on top o2 him3 hol#in. her ti.ht3 one han# on her b"tt3 the other in her hair. ;I nee# 1o" to sta1 with me.<

4e simpl1 hel# her li0e that 2or several min"tes an# Bec01 2elt the .entle rise an# 2all o2 his chest. The air con#itionin. was cool at her bac03 b"t her temperat"re was risin. #e.ree b1 #e.ree 2rom this simple s0inBtoBs0in contact with /achariah.

>nce he was ass"re# that she wasn:t .oin. to leave him toni.ht3 the tension in his bo#1 ease# an# the atmosphere in the room be.an to chan.e. It .rew s"ltr1 an# close. The o"tsi#e worl# 2a#e# awa13 leavin. Bec01 an# /achariah cocoone# in a b"bble o2 nee# an# #esire. 4e 2rame# her 2ace3 0issin. her once3 twice. 9en1in. her a thir# 0iss to spea0. ;I nee# 1o" to have 1o"r wa1 with me. 8hatever 1o" want to #o to me. It:s onl1 2air to .ive 1o" the a#vanta.e a2ter scarin. the crap o"t o2 1o".<

;!o" #on:t owe me an1thin..<

;I nee# to let 1o" #o this. I nee# toFs"rren#er control.<

;!o" want me to se#"ce 1o"D<

;It #oesn:t have to lea# to that.<

B"t the1 both 0new it wo"l#.

I.norin. the stin. in her le. as she shi2te# her wei.ht3 Bec01 0nelt on the be# besi#e him. ?he 2elt a little shiver o2 anticipation3 a little Colt o2 h"milit1 at the power he was han#in. over to her. ;An1thin.D<

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e sE"eeHe# her han# be2ore sprea#Bea.lin. himsel2 on the center o2 the be#. ;I:m at 1o"r comman#.<

Than0 Io# 2or the moon an# sec"rit1 li.hts o"tsi#e the win#ow. Gor a 2ew moments3 all she co"l# #o was sit there an# st"#1 him. /achariah:s e1es watche# her intentl13 b"t he hel# himsel2 still beneath her scr"tin13 except 2or the #eep3 lon. breaths that li2te# his chest.

4e la1 there3 a bi.3 primal male specimen7ran.13 m"sc"lar3 tanne# all the wa1 #own to the waistban# o2 his boxers3 an# a.ain 2rom the hem #own to his toes. Ever1 inch3 ever1 m"scle3 was completel1 at her merc1.

That .i2t7that tr"st alone7was eno".h to ma0e her sE"eeHe her thi.hs to.ether a.ainst the ribbon o2 warmth that spirale# #eep insi#e her.

A2ter loo0in. her 2ill3 Bec01 be.an to to"ch. J"st a c"rio"s inspection o2 the thin.s that ma#e him "niE"el1 a man3 "niE"el1 /achariah. ?he #rew her 2in.ertips alon. the thic03 cor#e# sinews o2 his thi.hs. ?he examine# the #imple besi#e each 0nee3 tease# her palms over the crisp3 c"rlin.3 2awnBcolore# hair on his le.s. ?he #iscovere# he was tic0lish beneath the c"rve o2 his toes3 an# altho".h he clenche# them at the overl1 sensitive to"ch an# possibl1 wante# to pla1 the same .ame with her3 one loo0 2rom Bec01 an# he #"ti2"ll1 stille#.

4is breathin. E"ic0ene# ever so sli.htl1 an# his nostrils 2lare# as she shi2te# positions an# t"rne# her exploration to other parts o2 his bo#1. ?he too0 note o2 the b"l.e swellin. at the 2ront

o2 his shorts3 b"t chose to i.nore that temptation 2or now. Instea#3 she trace# the 2lat o2 his stomach alon. the elastic waist o2 his boxers3 smilin. when she br"she# another sensitive spot an# he s"c0e# in his ."t.

B"t he co"l#n:t .et awa1 2rom her to"ch that easil1.

8ith a throat1 la".h3 she #ippe# her 2in.er into his bell1b"tton an# swishe# it aro"n# one3 two3 three times. 8hen he wante# to la".h3 she sh"she# him3 an# when he limite# himsel2 to a smile3 she rewar#e# him with a 0iss at that tic0lish spot. Then Bec01 move# hi.her3 over the m"scle# swell o2 each 2inel1 hone# m"scle that covere# his ribs "ntil she c"ppe# the 2irm rise o2 each pectoral with the heel o2 her palms.

4e was so wellBb"ilt3 so bi.3 so 2ine. Ever1 cell she to"che# heate# beneath her han#s. ?he loo0e# "p to 2in# his #eep3 ver#ant .aHe loc0e# on her 2ace3 st"#1in. ever1 reaction she ha#. ?he almost ma#e him close his e1es so that he co"l# respon# to her thro".h to"ch alone. B"t she co"l#n:t #en1 hersel2 the pleas"re o2 their bea"ti2"l color or the m1ria# sensations re2lecte# there.

?he watche# his e1es #ar0en as she swirle# her 2in.ertips aro"n# his 2lat3 bronHe nipples. ?he watche# his nose crin0le when she .entl1 pinche# the t"r.i# little b"ttons between her th"mb an# 2ore2in.er.

A .roan vibrate# beneath her 2in.ers as she spla1e# her han#s 2lat3 marvelin. at the #istinct ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html contrast o2 her 2air s0in a.ainst his #ar0er3 .ol#en tone. Bec01:s own breath ca".ht an# she

wri..le# her sho"l#ers into a new position to ease the ache that was poolin. in the tips o2 her breasts. /achariah:s .aHe #arte# to her breasts as she stretche#3 an# she hel# them "p pro"#l1 as he watche# the a"reoles swell an# nipples pearl into aro"se# n"bs.

4is E"ic03 #eep breath #rew her attention bac0 to his bo#1. Bac0 to the 2o"rBinch p"c0er o2 scar tiss"e on his le2t 2lan0. =nowin. he:# been h"rt3 ma1be in the same explosion that ha# 0ille# the 1o"n. corporal whose #eath ha"nte# his #reams3 tri..ere# an ache insi#e Bec01 that was #i22erent 2rom the pleas"re "n2"rlin. insi#e her.

?he to"che# the scar an# he 2linche#.

;9on:t.< 4is voice was a croa0in. whisper.

Bec01 move# the 2in.er to his lips. ;?hh. !o" sai# an1thin..<

Closin. his e1es3 he t"rne# his hea# awa1 as she to"che# the heale# wo"n# a.ain. Then she shi2te# bac0 on her 0nees3 bent 2orwar# an# 0isse# the mar0.

;Ah.< 4is whole bo#1 constricte#.

?he 0isse# it a.ain3 r"nnin. her ton."e a.ainst his s0in. 4e twiste# on the be#3 b"t #i#n:t move awa1 or tr1 to stop her. ;8hat happene# hereD< she as0e#.

;Car bomb.< Tal0in. seeme# to be #i22ic"lt 2or him. ?he 0isse# it a.ain. ;?hrapnel wo"n#.<

;An# hereD< ?he move# to the tattoo on his bicep7the Marine Corps s1mbol3 where another

scar .ave his pro"# ea.le a wo"n#e# win..

;?ame explosion. Late at ni.ht. 8e trie# to #e2"se it. It was too late.<

Bec01 0isse# the scar. 4e was har#er here3 a.ainst the b"l.e o2 m"scle. Bec01 massa.e# the arm3 b"t he was ti.ht. An# .ettin. ti.hter. ; elax.<

B"t it was a comman# he co"l#n:t obe1.

4er heart warme# at his intense will. 4e:# promise# to let her have her wa1 with him. An# no matter what it cost him7whether it was #en1in. himsel2 the expression o2 a ph1sical nee#3 or corrallin. the #emons insi#e him so that she:# "n#erstan# he:# never h"rt her7he was .oin. to let her be the one in "ltimate control this ni.ht.

?he ha# no intention o2 .ettin. o"t a whip or chainin. him "p. B"t there were other wa1s she co"l# have the stron.er han#. >ther wa1s her stren.th co"l# ta0e over his an# .rant him the reprieve he nee#e#.

8ith a bol# new con2i#ence an# a plan that ma#e her own p"lse C"mp in anticipation3 she iss"e# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html an or#er. ; oll over.<

?he accepte# the tr"st he waril1 s"rren#ere# an# vowe# to ma0e this as .oo# 2or him as she inten#e# it to be 2or her.

5"ic0l1 p"llin. his shorts o22 him an# tossin. them asi#e with her panties3 Bec01 stra##le# his

na0e# bac0. ?he reache# "p an# speare# her 2in.ers thro".h his short crop o2 hair an# massa.e# his scalp3 r"bbin. at his temples3 pressin. her th"mbs a.ainst his nec0 "ntil she hear# the 2irst si.h o2 contentment.

?he contin"e# the massa.e #own his bac03 over his sho"l#ers an# #own his arms. ?he wor0e# each han# "ntil he #roppe# them limpl1 at his si#e. Bec01 move# lower3 0nea#in. the bi..er m"scles o2 his thi.hs an# b"ttoc0s3 his calves3 his 2eet. ;>h3 Io#3 that:s .oo#3 #arlin:.<

;8hen I want 1o" to tal03 I:ll as0 1o" to tal0.< ?he .rinne# behin# his bac0. Then she went bac0 to the be.innin. an# s0imme# her tirin. han#s over ever1 inch o2 him3 2ollowin. each to"ch with a 0iss or a taste. ?omethin. clenche# here3 a m"scle E"ivere# there. 4is breathin. .rew nois1 an# erratic3 b"t he hel# himsel2 still beneath the onsla".ht o2 ten#er3 erotic a22ection.

Bec01 #iscovere# new wa1s to tantaliHe her own sensitiHe# nerves witho"t rel1in. on his to"ch or h"s01 wor#s. 4is clean3 earth1 scent intensi2ie# the more she caresse#. ?he lappe# the salt 2rom his s0in an# revele# in the heat o2 his bo#1. 4is moans were #eep in pitch an# vibrate# the responsive tips o2 her breasts as

she bent over him. ?he was breathin. har#er hersel23 an# #r"mbeats o2 anticipation throbbe# in her veins. ?he was slic0 insi#e. ?wollen an# 2everish. B"t still she #enie# hersel2 the eas1 completion she 0new he:# o22er. ?he wante# him C"st as hot3 C"st as helpless in his #esire 2or her as she was 2or him.

4er breasts 2lattene# a.ainst his bac0 as she leane# "p to his ear an# whispere#. ;?prea# 1o"rsel2 a little wi#er 2or me.<

;Bec07<

;9o it.<

4e opene# his thi.hs3 sprea#in. her le.s apart at the same time. ?he sti2le# a .aspin. response in her throat as she opene#3 2i.htin. the "r.e to shi2t an# sE"eeHe her own satis2action 2rom aro"n# his thi.h as she ha# that #a1 in the elevator.

B"t no3 she wante# this a certain wa1. ?he wante# to come with him insi#e her. B"t she wasn:t #one with her massa.e 1et.

Geelin. her own #ampness a.ainst her wrist3 she reache# beneath her3 reache# between the C"nct"re o2 his thi.hs. ?he 2in.ere# his balls .entl13 then c"ppe# them in her han#3 hol#in. on an# sE"eeHin. li.htl1 as he Cer0e#. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;>h3 Io#.< 4e .roane#3 2istin. his han#s into the pillows as she massa.e# him there. ;Ao more. Klease. Ao7<

; oll over.<

4is har# thi.hs an# crisp hair abra#e# her clitoris in an "nexpecte# ro".h caress as he 2lippe# beneath her. Bec01 ca".ht her lip between her teeth an# breathe# thro".h the b"llet o2 pleas"re that shot to her core. Aot 1et. Aot E"ite 1et.

4is bea"ti2"l aro"sal C"tte# to attention an# bobbe# be2ore her. 4e was thic0 an# #ar0 with en.or.e# #esire.

?he sat bac0 with a smile an# loo0e# her 2ill o2 that3 too. ;Bec01F< he .roane#.

;?hh.< ?he caresse# his erection3 stro0in. it 2rom base to tip3 tracin. its p"rplish hea# "ntil that 2irst #rop o2 preBcome .listene# at the tip.

;Ah3 .eeH.< 4is han#s 2iste# in the covers.

Bec01 watche# the pla1 o2 m"scles strainin. 2rom Caw to chest to coc0. ;Loo0 at me.<

Tho".h he .ritte# his teeth3 he opene# his e1es an# watche# her bow #own to taste him. ?he lic0e# awa1 the salt1 #rop. 4is chest l"rche# with a #eep3 E"ic0 breath. ?he swirle# her ton."e aro"n# the tip. 4e tilte# his hea# bac0 an# moane#. ?he bent #own lower3 openin. her throat an# ta0in. as m"ch o2 him in as she co"l#. ?0immin. over his .roin m"scles3 she sE"eeHe# her han# at the base. ?he lic0e# him li0e a lollipop3 onl1 his "niE"e taste was strictl1 a#"lt can#1.

4e .roane# an# writhe# beneath her 2east3 an# when she sense# that he was abo"t to explo#e3 Bec01 sat "p an# stra##le# him. ?he capt"re# him between her slic03 swollen lips an# lowere# hersel2 #own "ntil he presse# a.ainst her #eep insi#e.

4e move# his han#s to her thi.hs an# .rippe# them har#. ;9arlin:3 there:s no protectionF.<

;?hh.< ?he brace# one han# on his chest an# silence# his lips with the other. 4er voice came o"t as h"s01 an# "neven as his. ;!o" sai# an1thin. I want.<

;An1thin..<

?he showe# him an eE"al amo"nt o2 tr"st b1 ta0in. him insi#e her3 raw an# nat"ral. B"t she was on the pill3 the1 were both health13 an# he 2elt oh3 so .oo#3 hot an# p"lsin. insi#e her3 2illin. her "p.

;Comman# me3< he be..e#3 his mo"th a wet 0iss a.ainst her 2in.ertips3 his hips sha0in. with the e22ort to 0eep still beneath her. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;To"ch m1 breasts3< she or#ere#.

4is bi. han#s were there at once3 c"ppin. the 2"ll3 heav1 .lobes3 li2tin.3 sE"eeHin.. 4e 2lic0e# his th"mbs over the tips an# she threw bac0 her hea#3 stretchin. her bo#1 o"t to combat the shar#s o2 rapt"re arrowin. thro".h each pea0 an# stri0in. #eep insi#e her throbbin. center.

Bec01 p"she# hersel2 "p sli.htl1 with her 0nees an# be.an to move3 sli#in. "p an# #own his sha2t3 sin0in. lower3 sE"eeHin. ti.hter each time.

;4ar#er3< she or#ere#3 closin. her e1es an# sli#in. 2aster. 4e pinche# the pebble# tips between his th"mb an# 2in.ers. Kleas"re h"mme# in her throat. ;?it "p.<

4e #i#. Bec01 roc0e# bac0 onto his thi.hs3 0eepin. him sheathe# insi#e her.

;Taste them.<

8ith his han#s beneath her bottom3 he hel# her impale# on his lap as he lave# his ro".h ton."e aro"n# one nipple an# then the other.

;More.< ?he cl"tche# his hea# a.ainst her as he nippe# at the strainin. tip. ;More3< she breathe#. 4is mo"th close# wet an# hot a.ainst her. 4e s"c0le#3 #rawin. a spi0e o2 electricit1 strai.ht 2rom her womb. 4is hips b"c0e# beneath her as he neare# the brin0 o2 his control. ;Ao. Aot 1et.< ?ha2ts o2 heat swirle# "p into her brain3 o"t into her 2in.ers3 #own to her toes.

;9amn it3 womanF.<

;Aow@<

/achariah thr"st his hips har# an# p"mpe# himsel2 insi#e her. ?he an.le# his mo"th "p to hers an# screame# her release into his mo"th as he #evo"re# her rapt"re with his 0iss.

LLL

/achariah p"lle# the sheet an# coverlet "p over their bo#ies when he 2elt the 2irst pric0le o2 .oose b"mps #ot Bec01:s bac0. The 2ever ha# been slow to leave his bo#13 too.

4e:# never 2or.et the .lorio"s si.ht o2 her l"sh3 pale breasts bobbin. above him3 their ros1 tips #ar0 an# har# with her #esire. 4e:# never 2or.et the slic0 2eel o2 her hot center3 p"lsin. aro"n# him3 sE"eeHin. him with her bo#1 an# mil0in. ever1 last o"nce o2 pleas"re 2rom him "ntil he

was exha"ste#3 sate# an# l1in. there with her na0e# an# #amp3 sn"..le# a.ainst his si#e. B"t now that the1:# ha# a chance to #oHe an# recover their senses3 he la1 awa0e in the #ar0ness3 starin. into the sha#ows witho"t seein. an1 2amiliar #emons there.

4e wasn:t so i#ealistic to thin0 that one 2orbi##en ni.ht insi#e the healin. haven o2 Bec01:s #eca#ent bo#1 wo"l# c"re his battle 2ati."e an# chase awa1 the ni.htmares 2orever. B"t p"ttin. himsel2 into her han#s an# havin. E"ite possibl1 the most incre#ible sex o2 his li2e went a lon. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html wa1 towar# restorin. other parts o2 him that ha# been wo"n#e# an# 2or.otten.

There was no E"estion in his min# now that he ha# marrie# Bec0ster 2or the ri.ht reason. 4e love# her. The passion the1 share# was a bon"s3 b"t he love# her all the same. 8hatever #o"bts he mi.ht have concocte# a2ter so man1 months apart7that their ma.ic ha# been a 2l"0e o2 timin.3 that a Aebras0a 2arm bo1 an# East Coast heiress ha# little in common to s"stain a relationship o"tsi#e the be#room3 that she wasn:t mentall1 or emotionall1 eE"ippe# to #eal with li2e as a militar1 wi2e7ha# been lai# to rest toni.ht.

Kart o2 /achariah still nee#e# to hear her claim him as her h"sban#3 to vali#ate that she was C"st as committe# to him an# a 2"t"re to.ether as he was to her. B"t he was be.innin. to realiHe that comin. home a2ter bein. awa1 2or so lon. an# missin. so m"ch o2 each other:s lives reE"ire# time to a#C"st. Time to .et reacE"ainte#. Time7an# patience7to #iscover the chan.es that ha# occ"rre# while apart3 an# to learn to accept an# #eal with those chan.es.

8hile he:# blame# her 2or 0eepin. secrets an# tellin. lies3 he:# been 0eepin. the bi..est one o2 all7the ."l2 between them since his ret"rn was his 2a"lt as m"ch as hers.

8hat reason ha# he .iven her to believe in themD

Ao rin. or other tan.ible si.n o2 his commitment to her.

Brie23 spora#ic comm"nication.

Ao consi#eration o2 her i.norance re.ar#in. #eplo1ment. Ao a##ress to sen# a care pac0a.e to. Ao phone call on their anniversar1 or her birth#a1. 4ell3 he #i#n:t even 0now when her birth#a1 was.

9eman#in. that she .o p"blic with the news o2 their hast1 we##in. witho"t 2"ll1 "n#erstan#in. the heav1 responsibilities she:# been sho"l#erin. on her own 2or s"ch a lon. time ha# been as0in. too m"ch.

/achariah traile# his 2in.ers "p an# #own Bec01:s spine as she snore# so2tl1 a.ainst his sho"l#er. To".h as she was3 in some wa1s she was more v"lnerable than an1 woman he:# ever met. 4e 0new that beca"se the more he .ot to 0now her3 the more he realiHe# she was a lot li0e him.

It was his Cob to protect. It was his callin. in li2e. J"st as it was Bec01:s callin.. ?he #i#n:t carr1 a ."n. ?he wasn:t traine# in m"ltiple #isarmament proce#"res or han#BtoBhan# combat. B"t she was a warrior all the same. 9imitra C"nnin.ham ha# nee#e# her3 an# C"st as /achariah reporte# 2or #"t1 when he was calle# to serve3 Bec01 ha# ris0e# her li2e a.ainst a violent man to 2i.ht 2or her client:s ri.hts to a sec"re3 peace2"l li2e.

An# while she was ta0in. a stan# an# bein. so brave an# ta0in. care o2 others7who was ta0in. care o2 her 2or ei.hteen monthsD Ao one. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e wo"l#n:t E"it the Corps so he co"l# be with her %'/*3 threeBh"n#re#Ban#Bsixt1B2ive #a1s a 1ear. B"t thin.s were .oin. to chan.e. 4e 0new how to be a Marine. Aow he vowe# to learn how to be a h"sban#3 too7even 2rom tho"san#s o2 miles awa1.

4er 2in.ers #rew a circle across his chest an# he smile#.

;!o":re thin0in. aw2"ll1 lo"#l1 "p there.<

;Ioo# tho".hts.< 4e h"..e# her close an# 0isse# the crown o2 her hair be2ore res"min. his leis"rel1 scrollin. a.ainst her bac0. This was bliss. This was nirvana.

This was peace.

;Tell me abo"t 8atson.<

4is ."t clenche# at the mention o2 the corporal:s name. It was still a har# topic to #isc"ss. B"t the cr"shin. ."ilt an# impotent ra.e that "s"all1 cons"me# him ha# mellowe# into sorrow.

Ma1be he co"l# tal0 abo"t this now. 4e ha# t"rne# all his tr"st over to Bec01 ph1sicall1. 8as it possible he co"l# tr"st her with this3 tooD

;4ow #o 1o" 0now abo"t Corporal 8atsonD<

;!o" mentione# that 1o":# lost a man. That 1o" 2elt responsible 2or his #eath. I hear# 1o" call his name toni.ht.<

;4e was a lance corporal in o"r "nit. 4e #ie#.<

;There:s more to it than that.<

;4e was a .oo# 0i#. 4is mother wo"l# have been pro"# o2 him. I am.<

?he presse# a so2t 0iss to his chest. ;9i# he #ie in the same explosion where 1o" were h"rtD<

;!eah.<

;!o" nee# to tal0 abo"t this. I2 not with me3 then with someone who can help. A therapist. I:m not an expert3 b"t I:m s"re 1o":re #ealin. with postBtra"matic stress #isor#er.<

;I am.< The maCor who:# anal1He# him ha# sai# that he s"specte# /achariah was #ealin. with s"rvivor:s ."ilt an# a mixe#B"p 2atherBson complex7more than the avera.e o22icerBenliste# man relationship7probabl1 beca"se 9arrell 8atson ha# remin#e# him o2 his 1o"n.er brother3 which ha# ma#e him extremel1 protective o2 an# overl1 attache# to the 0i#. It mi.ht be #i22ic"lt3 b"t with Bec01 b1 his si#e3 he believe# he co"l# 2in# a wa1 to #eal with his ."ilt an# .rie2. Learnin. to cope an# movin. 2orwar# with his li2e wo"l# be a better wa1 to honor his 2allen comra#e than to stew in the ni.htmares o2 the past. ;I:ve ha# a 2ew conversations with a ps1cholo.ist bac0 at ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

the base.<

;Io bac0 an# tal0 to him some more. It 2ri.htens me when 1o" .o to that #ar0 place insi#e 1o"r hea#.<

/achariah la".he#. ;!o":re 0i##in.. There:s somethin. in this worl# that scares 1o"D<

4e was teasin.3 b"t she was not. ;There:s plent1 in this worl# that scares me3 /achariah. Losin. m1 mother to cancer. 9isappointin. m1 ambitio"s3 lovin. parents who expect so m"ch 2rom me an# 2or me. =nowin. there are men o"t there in the worl# who hol# women hosta.e in their own homes.< ?he b"rrowe# even closer. ;I:m scare# that I:ve #one irreparable #ama.e to what 1o" an# I ha# to.ether.<

;Let:s sta1 in the moment3 #arlin:. Ao re.rets. Ao as0in: 2or tro"ble. Let:s C"st sta1 in the moment.<

;That:s not realistic3 tho".h3 is itD Keople chan.e an# .row. >"r worl#s chan.e aro"n# "s. 8e have to evolve accor#in.l1 orF<

;>r we .row apart.< ?he wante# to 0now how he:# chan.e#D ;I relive 9arrell 8atson:s senseless #eath ever1 ni.ht in m1 #reams. I ."ess that bomb to#a1 tri..ere# somethin.. It was worse than ever toni.ht.<

;4ow soD<

;I #i#n:t C"st lose 8atson. I lost 1o".< An ima.e o2 her #eath trie# to claw its wa1 into

/achariah:s min# a.ain. B"t he 2o".ht it bac0. ;It tears me "p insi#e to thin0 I mi.ht not have 1o" in m1 li2e an1more.<

?he proppe# hersel2 "p on her elbow an# loo0e# #own into his 2ace. ;!o" haven:t lost me. 9o 1o" 2eel me3 /achariahD I:m ri.ht here. I:m real an# I:m alive an# I:m ri.ht here.<

4e t"nnele# his 2in.ers into her hair. Those #eep bl"e e1es promise# so m"ch an# he trie# to believe. ;I 0now. B"t there are other wa1s to lose 1o".<

;Aot toni.ht.<

8hen she leane# in to 0iss him3 /achariah met her hal2wa1. Then he rolle# her onto her bac0 an# procee#e# to se#"ce her with the same care an# ten#erness with which she:# se#"ce# her wa1 into his heart.

LLL

;LaB#a3 laB#a3 laFshit.< The 2amiliar ?tra"ss waltH twan.e# to a stop insi#e his hea# as he twiste# the last two wires to.ether an# cappe# them o22 be2ore he acci#entall1 crosse# them. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e wipe# the sweat o22 his 2orehea# with the bac0 o2 his han#3 hatin. that that ice E"een o2 an attorne1 was s"ch 0in#lin. 2or his temper. 4is nostrils 2lare# as he breathe# in #eepl1 an# 2oc"se# on the s"ppose#l1 soothin. orchestral m"sic pla1in. on his stereo. A vivi# ima.e o2 Bec01 >wens screamin. in pain3 be..in. him 2or merc13 blotte# o"t the next step o2 the assembl1 process in his brain.

Aot 1et.

B"t soon. 6er1 soon.

?crew her 2or messin. with his hea#. ?crew her.

4e was in control. 4e was the man.

?he was nobo#1.

>r she #amn strai.ht was .oin. to 2eel li0e a nobo#1 b1 the time he was #one with her.

A 2amiliar h"m o2 power swept thro".h his bloo# an# evene# o"t his p"lse.

;That:s ri.ht3 bitch. !o":re nobo#1.<

?"re o2 himsel2 once more3 he sli# the entire tri..er assembl1 into its casin. with care2"l precision3 smilin. once the mechanism clic0e# into place. ;Aicel1 #one.<

>2 co"rse3 it was. 4e was .oo# at what he #i#. 4e:# learne# to wor0 with his han#s lon. be2ore he:# #iscovere# his 2"ll potential. 4e was a man with a #estin1.

An# she tho".ht she co"l# #en1 him that #estin1D ;Aot this time.<

4e pic0e# "p a cell phone 2rom his wor0bench3 #iale# the n"mber an# waite#. A 2ew secon#s

later3 the mechanism:s re# li.ht blin0e# on an# he smile# at his s"ccess.

Tomorrow ni.ht he:# be 2ree an# "n2ettere# b1 Bec01 >wens:s emasc"latin. control over his li2e.

Tomorrow ni.ht3 she:# bow #own to his power. 4e:# strip ever1 arro.ant cell o22 the bitch:s ic1 hi#e. ?he:# 0now her place be2ore she .ave him ever1thin. he #eserve#.

4e reset the tri..er3 then place# it in his brie2case besi#e the pristine white envelope an# the last two bric0s o2 CB' explosive his contact ha# misappropriate# 2rom the Matalin #emolition site. Then he close# an# loc0e# the al"min"m case. 4e #roppe# the phone into the poc0et o2 his t"xe#o Cac0et an# stoo# an# stretche#.

4e pl"c0e# #own her pict"re 2rom over his wor0bench an# caresse# the "n2latterin. shot o2 her sprawlin. on the pavement in the co"rtho"se par0in. lot. The brilliant shine o2 her hair was ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html #"lle# b1 .rime. 4er le. an# han#s were bloo#ie#3 her expression #aHe# an# a2rai#.

?he loo0e# wea03 v"lnerable. 4e love# it.

A 2amiliar power waltHe# thro".h his veins as he stro0e# the photo o2 her pale3 2earBline# 2ace. ;I2 I:# wante# 1o" #ea# 1ester#a13 1o":# be #ea#. B"t I:m a reasonable man. I:ll .ive 1o" one more chance to ma0e thin.s ri.ht.< 4e p"lle# a cra2t 0ni2e 2rom his toolbox an# set the photo.raph #own on the wor0bench to carve the h"l0in. Ioliath o"t o2 the pict"re. ;9ance with me3 Miss >wens.<

4e cra#le# the photo in his han#s an# #ance# in the empt1 hal2 o2 the .ara.e besi#e the tan ?U6 he:# rente#. ;LaB#a3 laB#a3 #aB#aF<

A2ter blowin. "p her car3 she wo"l# ta0e him more serio"sl1. ?he co"l#n:t .et awa1 with treatin. him the wa1 she #i#. Li0e she was better than him. Li0e he wasn:t a real man.

Tomorrow ni.ht3 he:# ma0e her "n#erstan# that livin. or #1in. was her choice. Iive him what he wante# an# live. >rF

4e 0isse# her pict"re3 then cr"mple# it in his 2ist.

;9ie.<

Chapter $%

The 2ollowin. mornin.3 /achariah hel# o"t his m". 2or Lil1 >wens to top o22 his co22ee. 8hen she o22ere# him the plate o2 9anish rolls3 he ha# to hol# "p his han# to re2"se an1 more 2oo#.

;Ao3 than0s. I 0now it loo0s li0e I:ll hol# a lot3 b"t even with m1 siHe3 there:s a limit.<

Lil1 la".he# as she set the co22eepot on their brea02ast tra1. ;!o"r mother m"st have 2e# 1o" well to .row 1o" that bi..<

/achariah no##e#. ;!eah3 she:# .ive 9elia a r"n 2or her mone1.< 4e was loo0in. 2orwar# to his

2li.ht to Aebras0a on Mon#a1 to see his 2amil1. 4e C"st hope# he wo"l#n:t be 2l1in. alone.

Lil1 "nwrappe# an arm2"l o2 2reshBc"t 2lowers Gre#eric0 ha# bro".ht to the table earlier. ;4ow #i# 1o" sleep last ni.htD<

8ith a b"st1 blon#e an# a har#BonD /achariah E"ic0l1 too0 a #rin0 to hi#e his wic0e# .rin. !eah3 li0e he:# share that ti#bit with this .entle woman who #i#n:t 0now she was his ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html motherBinBlaw.

4e opte# 2or a bit o2 selective honest1. ;M1 sho"l#er:s still a little sti22. B"t m1 #reams have been sweet an# I haven:t been tossin: an# t"rnin: as m"ch as I sometimes #o.<

;I:m .la# to hear that.<

>ver Bec01:s protests3 /achariah ha# been "p 2ront with her parents abo"t the car bomb7as m"ch to ma0e them aware o2 their own nee# to be ca"tio"s as to spare his conscience o2 an1 more lies. Tho".h he:# avoi#e# mentionin. how lon. the threats ha# been .oin. on an# that the explosion was a c"lmination3 not a oneBtime thin.3 he 0new the1 wo"l#n:t be able to 2ool Lil1 2or lon.. 4e was E"ic0l1 learnin. that she was 2ar too int"itive 2or them to .et awa1 with preten#in. nothin. at all ha# happene#. ?he:# notice Bec01:s scrape# le. an# br"ises7an# the sti22 wa1 he:# been carr1in. himsel2 a2ter their har# lan#in. on the "n2or.ivin. concrete. Leavin. her in the #ar0 wo"l# onl1 worr1 her more.

Lil1 trimme# another spri. o2 the col"mbine 2lowers she was arran.in. in a vase. ?he set her shears #own with a heav1 si.h. ;Gri.htenin. what the worl# is comin. to. It:s li0e when Bec01

was a little .irl an# I:# C"st 2o"n# o"t Bertram an# I wo"l#n:t be able to have more chil#ren. I:m almost a2rai# to let her o"t the #oor. >r to let an1one else in.<

/achariah to"che# her wrist in reass"rance. ; ichmon# K9 has 2ile# 2ormal char.es a.ainst Aic0 C"nnin.ham. 4e ma1 be o"t on bail3 b"t Chie2 8esle1 ass"re# me he:ll have an o22icer watchin. him ro"n# the cloc0. Kl"s3 m1 team an# I will be wor0in. the part1 toni.ht3 alon. with ?enator Barcla1:s sec"rit1 contin.ent. I promise 1o"3 C"nnin.ham won:t .et close to 1o"r #a".hter a.ain. >r an1 o2 1o". I:ll 0eep Bec01 sa2e. I promise.<

Lil1 patte# his han# an# smile#. ;!o":re s"ch a #ear 1o"n. man. I 0now we:re well protecte# with 1o" here. Ioo#ness 0nows 1o" watch over m1 #a".hter li0e a ."ar# #o.. I:m s"re 1o":re the most #evote# sec"rit1 man we:ve ever hire#.<

Um3 1eah. Abo"t thatF4ell3 i2 Lil1 ha#n:t alrea#1 ."esse# the #epth o2 his 2eelin.s3 she:# certainl1 be able to int"it that he an# Bec01 were3 at the ver1 least3 attracte# to each other. I2 he co"l# lea# men into enem1 territor1 an# hol# his own in an ar."ment with Bec01 >wens3 then he sho"l# have the ."ts to 2ace this petite slip o2 a woman. ;Lil13 wo"l# 1o" chan.e 1o"r opinion o2 me7I mean3 wo"l# it be totall1 o22 the wall or "nacceptable i2FI as0e# 1o"r #a".hter to .o o"t with me sometimeD<

?he p"she# the 2lowers asi#e an# t"rne# in her chair. At the arch o2 her snow1Bwhite e1ebrow3 /achariah sat "p strai.hter3 won#erin. i2 he:# misC"#.e# their earl1 mornin.s to.ether. 4e:# tho".ht a bon# ha# 2orme# between them3 b"t ma1be their #ail1 brea02asts ha# been more abo"t a lonel1 woman see0in. companionship7even with the hire# help i2 he was the onl1 one available7rather than a real 2rien#ship.

B"t the >wens women alwa1s s"rprise# him. ;Than0 Io# one o2 1o" 2inall1 sai# somethin..< ?he swatte# his arm as tho".h he:# been a #olt 2or not presentin. the i#ea sooner. ;I won#ere# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html when 1o" were .oin. to .et aro"n# to that.<

;!o" notice#D<

;That 1o" have 2eelin.s 2or herD Bec01 is smart an# bea"ti2"l an# has an attit"#e to".h eno".h to .o hea#BtoBhea# with 1o". 4ow co"l# 1o" resist thatD<

/achariah #i#n:t 0now whether to h". the woman or be ver13 ver1 scare# that she alwa1s seeme# to 0now what was .oin. on3 no matter how her 2amil1 trie# to shelter her. 4e hastene# to reass"re her that 2ollowin. his heart #i#n:t mean he:# be ne.lectin. his Cob here. ;Bec01:s sa2et1 still comes 2irst. I won:t #o an1thin. to compromise that3 I promise.< 4e narrowe# his e1es an# st"#ie# her as she res"me# her wor0 on the bo"E"et. ;4ow #i# 1o" 0nowD<

;!o" are man1 thin.s3 Mr. Clar03 b"t a .oo# actor is not one o2 them. I:ve seen the loo0s 1o" .ive her. 8hether anno1e# or concerne# orFintereste#7C"st the 2act that 1o":re loo0in. so m"ch is a #ea# .iveawa1. An# I 0now m1 #a".hter. ?he:s pic01. 4as hi.h stan#ar#s 2or hersel2 an# the people she cares abo"t. Ao matter what she sa1s or how she acts7which has been a little erratic latel13 min# 1o"3 so I can tell somethin.:s "p7she:s .ivin. 1o" those same loo0s bac0. Er.o3 there:s somethin. .oin. on between 1o". ?omethin. 2airl1 serio"s i2 I:m an1 C"#.e o2 character.<

;Er.o3 ehD< 4e co"l# stri0e one worr1 o22 his list. Aews o2 a marria.e itsel2 mi.ht still be a shoc0er3 b"t 0nowin. he was the sonBinBlaw wo"l#n:t be. ;!o":re one sharp coo0ie3 aren:t 1o"3 Lil:D<

Lil1 smile# an# he co"l# see wh1 Bertram >wens ha# 2allen in love with her7wh1 he was still in love with her a2ter thirt1 1ears o2 marria.e. 4e hope# to be so l"c01. ;I was sic03 /achariah. B"t I was never st"pi#.<

;Ao3 ma:am.< 4e co"l#n:t help .rinnin. as he p"she# bac0 his chair an# stoo#. ;8ell3 I:# best .et to wor0. Lots o2 thin.s I nee# to #o"bleBchec0 be2ore the part1 toni.ht.<

>n imp"lse3 he bent #own an# 0isse# her chee0. ?he to"che# the spot as it bloome# with color. ;4eavens.<

;Than0s3 Lil1.<

/achariah hea#e# 2or the #oor3 b"t pa"se# as another imp"lsive tho".ht hit. ;>h3 an# co"l# 1o" recommen# a .oo# Cewelr1 store in ichmon#D<

LLL

;Ginall13 i:# li0e to than0 o"r hosts7Bertram an# Lil1 >wens3 an# their #a".hter3 Bec01. 8hat a #eli.ht2"l repast an# what an a"spicio"s .atherin. o2 0nowle#.eable3 civicBmin#e# 2rien#s. 8itho"t people li0e them3 we co"l#n:t ma0e the important thin.s happen in 8ashin.ton. I than0 1o" all. An# #on:t 2or.et to vote.< alph Barcla1 2inishe# his obli.ator1 speech to a nois1 mix o2 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html la".hter an# appla"se3 then #escen#e# the staircase to start sha0in. han#s with the ."ests who:# bac0e# "p their verbal s"pport with the tho"san#s o2 #ollars raise# toni.ht.

Bec01 stoo# at the bac0 o2 the crow#e# entr1wa1 near the 2ront #oor3 an# won#ere# how r"#e it wo"l# be 2or the hostess he:# C"st than0e# to slip o"tsi#e an# r"n awa1 li0e Cin#erella 2rom the ball. ?he:# be happ1 to toss both her slippers7the strapp1 hi.hBheels weren:t meant 2or 2o"r ho"rs o2 min.lin. an# #ancin.. An# the noise level o2 more than one h"n#re# people tal0in. all at once ha# alrea#1 worme# its wa1 into her s0"ll to .ive her the be.innin.s o2 a hea#ache.

?he inche# towar# the #oor. Ma1be 2ive min"tes o2 2resh air was all she nee#e#. An# i2 she 0ic0e# o22 her shoes an# 0ept on r"nnin.FD 8ell3 her Cob was #one here3 ri.htD

;I 0now what 1o":re thin0in..< /achariah:s #eep voice so"n#e# li0e a whisper beneath the crow# noise. ?he loo0e# across to the other si#e o2 the #oor where he was stan#in. ."ar#. Cla# in an or#inar1 blac0 t"xe#o an# crisp white shirt that loo0e# an1thin. b"t or#inar1 on his bi. 2rame3 he was #e2initel1 the most st"nnin. #ecoration aro"n# the ho"se toni.ht. The earpiece he wore3 wire c"rlin. #own beneath his collar3 the b"l.e o2 the ."n holstere# at his bac0 an# the stoneB2ace# alertness o2 his expression3 sho"l# have been more o2 a #eterrent to her stealin. .lances at him 2rom across the room all ni.ht. ;!o":# li0e to #itch this shin#i..<

?he t"rne# her 2oc"s bac0 to the millin. crow#. ;8anna come with meD<

;I:m wor0in:3 Miss >wens. I #on:t 0now i2 the la#1 who hire# me wo"l# thin0 too hi.hl1 o2 me

r"nnin: awa1 be2ore the part1:s over.<

;8hat i2 the la#1 who hire# 1o" or#ere# 1o" to r"n awa1D<

;8ell3 I #on:t min# ta0in: or#ers 2rom herFin the ri.ht settin..<

?he shr"..e#3 shi2tin. the satin strap o2 the iceBbl"e .own she wore o22 one sho"l#er. ?he let him .et a .lance o2 the bare s0in there be2ore sli#in. it bac0 into place. ;The #ance 2loor isn:t the ri.ht settin.D The chamber orchestra will start pla1in. a.ain in the ballroom now that the speeches are #one.<

;I was thin0in: more alon. the lines o2 one o2 the "pstairs be#rooms. >r the cab o2 m1 tr"c0. I2 m1 boss or#ere# me to.<

Bec01 2inall1 t"rne# to him an# smile#. ;8ell3 she mi.htF<

;!o" have them eatin. o"t o2 the palm o2 1o"r han#3 ?enator.< James En#erle3 the senator:s campai.n mana.er3 ha# steere# the senator to a 2ew 0e1 s"pporters in atten#ance. An# now3 C"st as the part1 was 2inall1 startin. to .et interestin. 2or her3 James c"ppe# her elbow an# t"rne# Bec01 2or the senator to sha0e her han#. ; alph3 this is the little la#1 1o":ll want to than0.<

?he trie# to pa1 more attention to the senator:s sincere than0s than to the han# that contin"e# to rest at the small o2 her bac0 as tho".h it belon.e# there. /achariah ha# been sweetl1 Cealo"s o2 ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

James:s han#sBon approach to a conversation3 b"t now she was be.innin. to .et a little anno1e# hersel2. ?he ha# no problem with a 2rien# to"chin. her3 b"t there:# been somethin. almost possessive abo"t James:s attention to her toni.ht. Tr"e3 the1:# wor0e# si#e b1 si#e to ma0e this reception happen3 b"t the part1 was win#in. #own now. James co"l# ta0e his han#s an# .o hit on one o2 the eli.ible women in atten#ance.

;!o":re most welcome3 ?enator.< Bec01 accepte# his than0s3 then steppe# awa1 2rom James to search o"t her mother. >nce she spotte# Lil1 >wens hol#in. co"rt in the sittin. room3 Bec01 lin0e# her arm thro".h the senator:s an# escorte# him in. ;M1 mother:s the real inspiration behin# all this har# wor03 ?enator Barcla1. I 0now she:# enCo1 the opport"nit1 to chat with 1o" 2or a 2ew min"tes.<

;I:# love to.< The senator than0e# her a.ain3 then shooe# awa1 James3 who:# 2ollowe# them. ;James3 1o" .o enCo1 the part1. A2ter I spea0 to Lil13 I:ll hea# on bac0 to m1 hotel. !o" an# I can #ebrie2 in the mornin..<

;!es3 sir. I:ll see 1o" then.<

8hen the senator le2t the conversation3 Bec01 hope# to #o the same. B"t she ha#n:t ta0en a step be2ore James too0 her han# an# lin0e# her arm thro".h his. ;Let:s #ance.<

?"re. 8hat was one more #ance when her toes were alrea#1 .oin. n"mbD ;I:# rather not. M1 2eet7<

;Even better. Let:s .o 2in# someplace E"iet to have a chat an# catch "p. I:# li0e to tal0 to 1o"

abo"t another event 1o" mi.ht li0e to host.<

?he la".he#. ;>h3 no. >nce ever1 six 1ears is plent1 o2ten 2or me.<

;I:m not tal0in. abo"t

alph Barcla1:s campai.n.< The1:# move# be1on# the #inin. room an#

ballroom an# en#e# "p at the blac0 #oors lea#in. to her 2ather:s st"#1. James opene# one 2or her. ;Toni.ht was a terri2ic s"ccess3 Bec01. !o":re a nat"ral at this.<

8hile he close# the #oor behin# him an# sh"t o"t the noise 2rom the part13 Bec01 too0 a moment to plop onto one o2 the leather so2as an# simpl1 soa0 "p the blesse# silence. ;>h3 I can still hear the po"n#in. in m1 ears.< ?he bent #own to "nb"c0le her shoes an# p"ll them o22 her 2eet. ;I:ll never .et those bac0 on3 b"t who caresD The part1:s win#in. #own3 ri.htD<

?he .entl1 massa.e# aro"n# the scab on her an0le3 completel1 absorbe# 2or the moment in .ettin. com2ortable an# 2inall1 .ettin. the strain o2 this wee0 over with. Until she hear# the clin0 o2 ice in a .lass an# loo0e# over to see James at her 2ather:s bar3 po"rin. two #rin0s.

;Ma0e 1o"rsel2 at home3< she tease#3 tho".h she was more anno1e# than am"se# at the libert1 he:# ta0en. 8hen he o22ere# a bo"rbon to her3 she shoo0 her hea#. ;Ao than0s. I alrea#1 have a hea#ache comin. on. That:# be the last thin. I nee#.< Bec01 close# her e1es an# leane# bac0 on the co"ch. ;I2 1o":re loo0in. to #o somethin. else li0e this 2or ?enator Barcla13 co"nt me o"t. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 9on:t .et me wron.7I inten# to vote 2or the man3 b"t this C"st isn:tF<

The leather crea0e# besi#e her on the co"ch3 startlin. her e1es open the instant be2ore James:s thi.h b"mpe# a.ainst hers. ?he scoote# over another co"ple o2 inches to .ive him the room he nee#e#.

; alph Barcla1 is not the onl1 .reat lea#er o"r co"ntr1 has3 Bec01.< It so"n#e# li0e a 2ormal anno"ncement.

;?enator Barcla1 is Mom:s pet proCect. B"t between m1 wor0 an# her health3 I #on:t thin0 we can 2"n#Braise 2or an1 other can#i#ates ri.ht now.<

;The >wens name is s1non1mo"s with s"ccess2"l politicians in both ichmon# an# 8ashin.ton3 9.C. !o" can:t i.nore 1o"r birthri.ht.<

James sli# closer "ntil his le. to"che# hers a.ain. Aot b1 acci#ent3 not when he:# cornere# her at the arm o2 the co"ch li0e this. Iive it "p3 alrea#13 she wante# to sa1. 4er ol# 2rien# was no #i22erent than her mother or 2ather or even her7he ha# a ca"se that inspire# him. ?he co"l#n:t 2a"lt him 2or bein. as enth"siastic abo"t his wor0 as she was abo"t hers3 so instea# o2 callin. him on the to"ch1B2eel1 thin.3 she too0 a polite o"t an# p"she# to her 2eet. There were two co"ches in the st"#13 an# an1 o2 a #oHen rooms in the ho"se she co"l# move to i2 she wante# her space.

;>ne #a13 the name James En#erle will be C"st as bi.3 C"st as in2l"ential3 I:m s"re.< I2 he wante# a 2ew stro0es to his e.o3 she co"l# conce#e that. ;Ma1be even more so.< ?he bent #own to scoop "p her shoes. ;I wish 1o" all the l"c0 in the worl#3 James. Than0s 2or the brea0. B"t I:# better .et bac0 on #"t1.<

?he crosse# to the #oor an# opene# it. ?he:# have never s"specte# James co"l# move so 2ast3 b"t when she wo"l# have steppe# o"t into the hallwa13 an arm reache# over her sho"l#er an# slamme# the #oor sh"t 2rom behin# her.

9ecor"m be #amne#. Bec01 whirle# aro"n#. ;8hat the hell are 1o" #oin.D<

;I:m havin. a conversation here. An# I expect 1o" to listen.<

The .rin#in. clench o2 his Caw as he spo0e was neither 2rien#l1 nor #ecoro"s.

Bec01 raise# a #istancin. han#. ;I:ve ha# eno".h politics 2or one evenin.. I:m sa1in. .oo#Bni.ht to m1 parents an# I:m hea#in. to be#.<

?he t"rne# to leave.

James:s 2in.ers #". into her arm as he sw"n. her aro"n# an# shove# her a.ainst the #oor.

;8hat are 1o"7< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ;!o" have to learn to respect me3 Bec01.<

;I "se# to.< ?he we#.e# her han#s between them an# trie# to p"sh him awa1. ;4ave 1o" .one n"tsD Let .o o2 me.<

4e leane# in 2arther3 loc0in. the #oor behin# her an# ren#erin. her han#s "seless tho".h she

contin"e# to str"..le. ;8h1 #i# 1o" brea0 "p with meD 8h1 #i#n:t 1o" marr1 meD<

8hatD ;!o" never as0e#.<

;I:m as0in. 1o" now3 bitch.< >h. M1. Io#. Bec01 went still. ?he nearl1 blac0e# o"t as the bloo# in her hea# #raine# to her toes. 4er wobbl1 0nees mi.ht have collapse# i2 James ha#n:t we#.e# her so ti.htl1 a.ainst the #oor. ?he co"l# onl1 stare at the thin3 artic"late lips3 spittin. what sho"l# have been a romantic reE"est in her 2ace. ;8e are s"ppose# to be to.ether. The En#erles an# the >wenses. It:s o"r #estin1.<

Ginall1 rememberin. to breathe3 Bec01 trie# to thin03 trie# to reason. B"t all that came o"t was3 ;James7we were 2rien#s. 8hat have 1o" #oneD<

4e snatche# her b1 the wrist an# sl"n. her bac0 onto the so2a har# eno".h that the 2"rnit"re move#. ?he 2elt the stin. on her le. as a wo"n# reopene#3 b"t i.nore# the pain an# scramble# to her 2eet. B"t she ha# nowhere to .o. James ha# a#vance#3 2orcin. her to retreat.

;There:s another bomb3 Bec01.

i.ht here at the part1.< 4e p"lle# a cell phone 2rom the poc0et

o2 his t"x an# hel# it "p besi#e his col# bl"e e1es. ;8hen I sai# I inten#e# to create a little #rama toni.ht3 I wasn:t 0i##in.. All I have to #o is #ial a n"mber an# the co"nt#own be.ins.<

;!o" can:t blac0mail me into marr1in. 1o".<

;!o":re not listenin. to me@ 9on:t 1o" "n#erstan#D I:m the one with the power here.< 4e tappe# the phone a.ainst his temple an# too0 a #eep breath to calm himsel27as tho".h s"ave

an# artic"late insanit1 was an improvement over his temperamental o"tb"rst. ;I2 1o" weren:t s"ch a 2ri..in. "pti.ht bitch we co"l# have #one this the eas1 wa1. B"t I wasn:t .oo# eno".h 2or 1o". !o" C"st wante# to be 2rien#s3 1o" sai#. 9on:t 1o" "n#erstan#D !o" can:t treat a man that wa1. !o" can:t inter2ere with the nat"ral or#er o2 thin.s. I slept with 1o" so that 1o":# marr1 me. I #i#n:t want to3 b"t that:s the wa1 it:s s"ppose# to be between "s.<

;Ao.< Bec01 reache# behin# her3 0noc0in. papers an# 0nic00nac0s o22 the #es0 as she trie# to 2in# somethin. to arm hersel2 with. All she 2o"n# was the chair. ?he move# it between them as he circle# the #es0. ;James. !o" nee# help.<

;9on:t sa1 that@< 4e pic0e# "p the chair an# h"rle# it across the room.

Terri2ie# b1 his "nexpecte# stren.th3 Bec01 screame# an# ran. ;/achariah@ /acha7<

James tac0le# her 2rom behin#3 0noc0in. her #own to the r".. ?he 0ic0e#3 clawe#3 hit. An# ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html when his wrist came within reach o2 her teeth3 she bit.

;!o" bitch@< 4e c"rse# an# rolle# awa13 cra#lin. his wo"n#e# arm.

;/achariah@< ?he trippe# over the lon. hem o2 her #ress as she trie# to stan#.

It was all the a#vanta.e James nee#e# to seiHe her wrist an# wrench her to her 2eet. 4e cl"tche# the phone in his other han#3 wave# it in her 2ace. ;I:ll #o this3 Bec01. 9on:t thin0 I won:t. That br"iser who 2ollows 1o" aro"n# li0e a p"pp1 will #ie. !o"r mother. !o"r 2ather. A national

senator. All #ea#. All on 1o"r hea#.<

;Ao@<

;Come with me now or I:ll ma0e this prett1 li2e o2 1o"rs all .o awa1.< 4e p"nche# in a n"mber. ;Ao@< ?he reache# 2or the phone b"t he hel# it easil1 be1on# her reach. eason with him@ ;I

mean7wh1 #on:t we .o #ance an# #isc"ss itD 8e can anno"nce o"r en.a.ement at the part1 toni.ht.< ?he attempte# a sha01 smile.

;That:s not .oo# eno".h. 9on:t 1o" "n#erstan# abo"t #estin1D !o"r 2ather an# mine met an# became 2rien#s 2or a reason. 8e:re li0e omeo an# J"liet. Thin0 o2 ever1thin. we co"l#

accomplish i2 o"r two 2amilies were Coine#. !o" an# I co"l# .o all the wa1 to the 8hite 4o"se one #a1.<

omeo an# J"liet #ie#. ;9on:t #o this3 James.<

;Bec01@< 4er name roare# 2rom the other si#e o2 the #oor. /achariah. ?a2et1. 4ope.

James p"nche# in the secon# n"mber.

;Are 1o" craH1D< she 1elle#.

;Bec01@ Iet awa1 2rom the #oor@<

?he Cer0e# a.ainst the vise o2 James:s han# an# #roppe#3 0noc0in. them both o22 balance an# t"mblin. to the 2loor. ;8e:re clear@<

;I:m #ialin..< James presse# the thir#3 the 2o"rth.

Bec01 C"mpe# at the two rapi# explosions o"tsi#e the #oor. Aot bi. booms. I"nshots.

?he scramble# 2or the cell phone3 b"t James was stron.er.

;I:m alrea#1 marrie#3 1o" 2r"itca0e@< she sho"te#3 #esperate to stop him 2rom completin. that call. ?he 0ic0e# him3 b"t her bare 2eet were "seless. ;I am Mrs. /achariah Clar0. I have a h"sban#@< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html The #oor b"rst open. Bi. han#s close# aro"n# Bec01:s sho"l#ers an# p"lle# her to her 2eet. ;Are 1o" all ri.htD<

;!es3 b"t7<

The same han#s p"she# her behin# the wall o2 blac0 t"xe#os. 9e0e an# M"rph1. /achariah levele# his ."n at James.

;Ao@< ?he 2o".ht to .et aro"n# them. Time was r"nnin. o"t. ;4e has a bomb@ 4e:s #ialin. the tri..er@<

/achariah p"nche# James sE"are in the Caw an# 0noc0e# him o"t col#. 4e pic0e# "p the phone 2rom the cr"mple# ma#man an# t"rne# to his men. ;Clear the ho"se. Aow.<

LLL

The moonli.ht co"l#n:t compete with the spinnin. re#3 white an# bl"e li.hts o2 a #oHen police cars. Li0e the 2aca#e o2 a s"rreal #isco3 the >wens ho"se was capt"re# in an eerie .lare o2 spotli.hts an# the strobe e22ect o2 cars 2rom the police3 ?ecret ?ervice an# GBI.

B"t Bec01 barel1 saw an1 o2 that.

Even 0nowin. a .ro..1 James En#erle was C"st a 2ew 1ar#s awa1 2rom her3 han#c"22e# in the bac0 o2 one o2 the police cars3 wasn:t eno".h to #istract her 2rom watchin. Marine Corps Captain /achariah Clar0 in action.

?he stoo# o22 to the si#e with her parents an# the remainin. ."ests o"t be1on# the 2ront #rive:s sec"rit1 .ate3 wrappe# in blan0ets 2rom EMTs3 an# loo0in. li0e a ban# o2 re2".ees 2rom some hi.h societ1 war Hone. ?he watche# as her bo#1."ar# #onne# a 2la0 vest an# tool belt an# .rabbe# a helmet 2rom the bac0 o2 a TAC team tr"c0. 8ith precise3 metho#ical movements an# clippe# or#ers3 he was t"rnin. 9e0e3 M"rph1 an# a team o2 police o22icers into his own private arm1.

4e .ave a comman# to Kolice Chie2 8esle1. ;T"rn o22 all cell phones. ?ir3 I:# li0e 1o" an# 1o"r men to collect ever1 phone3 Blac0Berr13 pa.er3 an1thin. electronic3 C"st in case it can be tri..ere# b1 another n"mber or an1 ran#om satellite si.nal.<

The ol#er man le2t to #o /achariah:s bi##in.. >ther men were sent o"t to search the .ro"n#s. 4e tol# 9e0e an# M"rph1 the1 wo"l# 2ollow some plan calle# ;?"nshine 4alo< an# the1 no##e# as tho".h it ma#e sense.

B"t even i2 she #i#n:t "n#erstan# the lin.o3 she "n#erstoo# the actions. The1 were .oin. into that ho"se where James ha# p"t a bomb. The1 were .oin. to search it 2rom attic to wine cellar to ma0e s"re there was nothin. else remotel1 insane that James mi.ht have plante# on the premises.

An# /achariah was .oin. to ta0e that bomb apart. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

;All ri.ht3 men. 4elmets on. Move o"t.<

;!es3 sir.<

;Ao.< 4"rr1in. be1on# the cl"tch o2 her 2ather:s han#3 Bec01 she# her blan0et an# ran a2ter him. ;/achariah@<

4e no##e# to the o22icer who trie# to stop her3 an# once 2ree to approach3 she #"c0e# beneath the 1ellow Crime ?cene ribbon3 hi0e# "p her #ress an# ran bare2oot across the .rass to meet her h"sban#. ?he #i#n:t stop "ntil she co"l# wrap her arms aro"n# his waist an# hol# him ti.ht3 b"r1in. her chee0 a.ainst the slic0 n1lon shell o2 his vest. ;!o" can:t #o this. It:s too #an.ero"s.<

4e #roppe# the helmet at his 2eet an# 2ol#e# his arms aro"n# her. ;This is what I #o 2or a livin.3 #arlin:. I have to .o in.<

?he leane# bac0 a.ainst his arms. ;8hat i2 1o" have another 2lashbac0 while 1o":re in thereD 8hat i2 1o" 2or.et where 1o" are an# what 1o":re #oin. an# 1o" ma0e a mista0eD<

4e 0isse# her on the top o2 her hea# an# release# her. ;I won:t.<

8hen he pic0e# "p his helmet an# starte# to move awa13 she stoppe# him a.ain. 4e ha# to listen to reason. ;/achariah Clar03 I love 1o". I #on:t want to lose 1o".<

;9i# I stop 1o" 2rom #oin. 1o"r Cob when that prett1 bo1 bastar# was sen#in. 1o" threats an# ma0in. callsD 9i# I 0eep 1o" 2rom protectin. 9imitra C"nnin.hamD<

;Ao3 b"t7<

;Then 1o" can:t 0eep me 2rom this.< 4e h"n0ere# #own to her level an# loo0e# her strai.ht in the e1e. ;9on:t 1o" thin0 I was scare# to #eath when 1o" were st"bborn eno".h to .o to wor0 ever1 #a17to 2ace that ab"ser in co"rt7to let 1o" o"t o2 1o"r apartment to ris0 1o"r li2e 2or someone elseD<

;I 0now 1o" were. B"t that:s #i22erent.<

4e strai.htene# pro"#l13 towerin. over. ;The "ni2orm:s #i22erent71o" wear a s"it3 I wear 2ati."es. B"t I ha# to tr"st that 1o" were smart3 1o" were well traine#3 1o" too0 the preca"tions 1o" nee#e# to7an# then I ha# to let 1o" .o #o 1o"r Cob.< 4e reache# o"t to br"sh asi#e a ten#ril o2 hair the breeHe ha# swept across her chee0. ;!o" nee# to #o the same 2or me. Tr"st me that I:m C"st #oin: the Cob I nee# to #o.<

Bec01 hel# on to his wrist an# leane# into the ten#er caress. ;B"t I ha# 1o" to protect me. !o" were alwa1s there to watch m1 bac0.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e no##e# to 9e0e an# M"rph1. ;8hat #o 1o" thin0 I 0eep these two 1ahoos aro"n# 2orD< 4e t"c0e# her "n#er the croo0 o2 his arm an# t"rne# to his men. ;4ea# o"t. I want a topBtoBbottom sweep. 8hen we spot the #evice3 1o" #o not7I repeat3 #o not7tr1 to #isarm that thin. "ntil I .et there.<

;!es3 sir.< 9e0e3 loo0in. all b"siness3 no##e# an# was o22.

M"rph1 .rinne# aro"n# /achariah:s sho"l#er. ;4e 0eeps me aro"n# beca"se I:m so .oo#Bloo0in:.<

/achariah p"t his han# in the mi##le o2 M"rph1:s 2ace an# shove# the 2lirt awa1.

B"t as M"rph1 Co..e# on "p to catch his b"##1 an# enter the ho"se3 Bec01 wasn:t la".hin.. ?he co"l# see the lo.ic o2 /achariah:s ar."ment3 b"t somethin. ver1 illo.ical 0ept her arms wrappe# ti.htl1 aro"n# him.

;I 0now 1o" have to #o this3 b"t it:s a bomb3 #amn it. An# James clearl1 isn:t thin0in. with a 2"ll #ec0. There co"l# be somethin. else in there3 an# 1o" won:t 0now where it is.<

;Li0e the enem1 at ni.htD<

;Aot 2"nn13 bi. ."1.<

;4ere.< /achariah prie# himsel2 2ree. 4e p"lle# a small box 2rom his poc0et an# p"t it in her han#3 wrappin. her 2in.ers aro"n# it. ;!o" hol# on to this "ntil I .et bac0. 9on:t open it. Aot "ntil I:m with 1o" to #o it proper.< ?he no##e# an# cl"tche# it ti.htl13 carin. less abo"t the .i2t than the man. ;An# b1 the wa13 the next time 1o" want to sho"t to the whole worl# that 1o":re m1 wi2e3 let:s #o it in a ch"rch.<

4e leane# #own an# 0isse# her har# an# E"ic0.

4er mother an# 2ather ha# come to stan# with her b1 the time he:# strappe# on his helmet an# #isappeare# into the ho"se.

>nl1 then #i# Bec01 loo0 at the .i2t in her han#.

It was a rin. box.

LLL

?he:# calle# hersel2 Mrs. /achariah Clar0. ?ho"te# it to that whac0BCob En#erle

li0e it was a name to be pro"# o2. Li0e it 2it. Li0e she was all his an# nobo#13 not even a man with a bomb3 co"l# ma0e her sa1 an1 #i22erent.

4e sho"l#n:t be thin0in. abo"t that ri.ht now. Aot while he still carrie# the #isassemble# 2irin. ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html mechanism in his han#. Aot when he sho"l# be .ivin. a sit"ation report to Kolice Chie2 8esle1.

The threat ha# been ne"traliHe#. The1:# 2o"n# the bomb in one o2 the bathrooms. /achariah:s han#s ha# been stea#1 an# his min# clear as he too0 the bomb apart. The >wenses an# their ."ests were sa2e. The senator was sa2e.

Bec01 was sa2e.

Mrs. /achariah Clar0. 4e co"l#n:t stop .rinnin..

A man o2 #"t13 he #i# stop to brie2 Chie2 8esle1 an# in2orme# the TAC "nit7min"s Aic0 C"nnin.ham3 than0 1o" ver1 m"ch7o2 the bomb:s location so the1 co"l# sa2el1 remove the CB'.

Then he starte# wal0in..

4e tosse# the helmet3 lost the toolbelt an# strippe# o22 the vest3 never brea0in. stri#e as he crosse# the police barrier an# hea#e# 2or his wi2e. Keople than0e# him an# patte# his bac0 an# move# asi#e3 respectin. the wal03 respectin. a man on a mission.

4e marche# ri.ht "p to Bec01 >wensBClar03 #"ste# the blan0et o22 her sho"l#ers3 pic0e# her "p an# 0isse# her. 9eepl1. Ten#erl1. Thoro".hl1. 4e savore# her wei.ht in his arms3 her breasts a.ainst his chest3 the h"m in her throat an# the cl"tch o2 her han#s aro"n# his nec0.

4is bloo# was p"mpin. stron. an# 2ast when he 2inall1 set her on her 2eet an# went #own on one 0nee in 2ront o2 her.

;I:m #oin. it ri.ht this time.< 4e too0 her han#3 wrappe# both his bi. ones aro"n# hers an# the

box she hel#. 4e tippe# his 2ace "p to those bea"ti2"l bl"e e1es. ;Bec01 >wens. I love 1o". !o" 0now how m"ch I want 1o"r bo#13 b"t I nee# 1o"r heart. I want it with me3 ever1 #a1 o2 m1 li2e3 no matter where I am in this worl#. I nee# 1o". ?o3 be2ore an1thin. else happens that can 0eep "s apart3 will 1o" marr1 meD A.ainD<

>h3 #amn. That po"t1 mo"th tremble# with a croo0e# smile an# tears welle# "p in her e1es. ?he:# 2ace# #own a whin1 attorne13 an ab"sive exBh"sban# an# a prett1 bo1 with a bomb 2etish an# ha#n:t batte# an e1e. ?he:# ar."e# with him3 #one battle with his ni.htmares an# love# him o"t o2 his min#. 8itho"t she##in. a sin.le tear. ?he was one to".h chic0.

;?o now 1o":re cr1in.D<

There was a .entle n"#.e at Bec01:s bac0. ;?he sa1s M1es3:< Lil1 sho"te#. ;A.ain.<

Bec01 la".he# an# 2ell into his arms. ;I:# marr1 1o" an1 #a1. An1where. As man1 times as 1o" want3 bi. ."1. There:s no lo.ic to it3 b"t m1 heart is 1o"rs. It alwa1s has been. I love 1o".<

;I love 1o" bac0.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html 4e 0isse# her .oo#3 h"..e# her ti.ht an# 2antasiHe# abo"t all the wa1s the1 were .onna celebrate this per2ect moment. 4e p"lle# them both to their 2eet3 p"lle# the #iamon# solitaire 2rom its box. 4e pa"se# a moment be2ore slippin. it onto her 2in.er.

;?a1 it3< he comman#e#.

Bec01 .rinne#. ;!es.<

The1 .ot more appla"se than the senator:s speech.

An# as his soonBtoBbeBwi2eBa.ain .rabbe# his collar an# p"lle# him #own 2or a 0iss to reseal the #eal3 /achariah saw Bertram lean over an# whisper to Lil1. ;8hat #i# 1o" mean7a.ainD 9i# I miss somethin.D<

Lil1 c"rle# her arm thro".h his an# .ave /achariah a win0. ;I:ll explain it to 1o" later3 #ear.<

Epilo."e

; "n3 #arlin:. I:m #own to 2i2teen min"tes.<

Bec01 hel# on to /achariah:s han# an# h"rrie# her steps into #o"ble time to 0eep "p with her h"sban#:s lon. stri#es across the par0in. lot. A tas0 ma#e extra #i22ic"lt b1 her e22orts to reb"tton her blo"se as the1 ran.

B"t she was la".hin.. ;8ell3 hell3 i2 I:# 0nown 1o" ha# that m"ch time le2t on 1o"r leave3 we co"l# have spent another 2ive min"tes in 1o"r tr"c0.<

;Care2"l3 Bec0ster3< he .rowle# with a promise. ;>r I will #o 1o" ri.ht here "p a.ainst the barrac0s wall where Io# an# an1bo#1 wal0in: b1 can see.<

;>Boh. ?ex in p"blic. 8e haven:t trie# that one 1et.<

4e nearl1 st"mble# as he stoppe# with a .roan. 4e ca".ht her "p in his arms an# 0isse# her be2ore restin. his 2orehea# a.ainst hers. ;An# here I tho".ht three months was a short #eplo1ment.<

?he c"rle# her 2in.ers into his collar. ;The1:re .oin. to be the lon.est three months o2 m1 li2e "ntil I see 1o" a.ain.<

;Me3 too. I:ll eBmail 1o" as soon as I can. An# I:ll call an# tal0 abo"t Travis:s o22er to wor0 with him here at 5"antico trainin. the new recr"its.< ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Bec01 no##e#3 0nowin. he was still torn abo"t .ivin. "p his ?pecial >ps assi.nment an# ta0in. a statesi#e Cob. B"t the1:# #isc"ss it7li0e the1 sho"l# have #isc"sse# the other bi. #ecisions an# problems the1:# 2ace# in their lives. The1:# #o better this time aro"n#. ;?o"n#s li0e a plan.<

4e .rinne# an# reache# #own to re2asten the misali.ne# b"ttons on her blo"se. ;Aow 1o"r mom will see those an# 0now we:re r"nnin: late beca"se I ha# to have 1o" one more time be2ore the hone1moon was over.<

Bec01 hel# him close when he wo"l# have p"lle# awa1. ;It:s never .oin. to be over 2or "s3 bi. ."1. Ever1 time 1o" come home3 it:ll be li0e the 2irst time all over a.ain.<

;There mi.ht be more chan.es to .et "se# to.<

;I 0now. B"t we:ll have new i#eas3 too. Aew thin.s to learn abo"t each other. Aew wa1s to ma0e "s wor0.<

;?o"n#s li0e a plan3< he a.ree#. 4e win0e# an# .rabbe# her han#. ;Let:s .o.< 4e pointe# to the crow# o2 people waitin. insi#e the 2ence "p ahea# o2 them. ;There are 1o"r 2ol0s. 4ell3 the1:re chattin: "p Mom an# 9a#. 8hich remin#s me3 three months 2rom nowD Aebras0a. ?0inn1B#ippin.. !o" promise#.<

;In three months it:ll be 2all. The water will be col#.<

;8e .et a lot o2 In#ian s"mmers #"rin. harvest time. An# i2 the weather is col#3 1o":ll C"st have to c"##le a little closer.<

;I was .ame 2or that ha1lo2t i#ea3< she co"ntere#.

;!o":ll #o both i2 I 0now 1o".<

An# then there was 2ive min"tes o2 h"..in. an# tears an# sha0in. han#s an# h"..in. some more as /achariah sai# .oo#b1e to his 2amil1 an# to hers.

As /achariah:s comman#er s"mmone# the "nit to line "p 2or chec0in. in an# loa#in. "p the b"s3 her newBa.ain h"sban# threw his arm across her sho"l#ers an# t"c0e# her to his si#e.

;Aow #on:t 2or.et abo"t contactin. the militar1 s"pport .ro"p3 #arlin:.<

;I won:t3< she reass"re# him. ;9e0e:s mother is .oin. to call to .ive me a sche#"le o2 the ichmon# .ro"p:s events. Kl"s3 she wants to ta0e Mom an# me to l"nch so we can .et to 0now each other.<

;That:s all Lil1 nee#s7a new ca"se.<

Bec01:s mother3 loo0in. pin0 an# health1 2or this mornin.:s sen#Bo223 steppe# "p to pat ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html ABC Amber LIT Converter http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html /achariah:s chest. ;I hear# m1 name. Aow #on:t worr1 abo"t that we##in. reception I:m plannin.. I promise to 0eep it as small an# taste2"l as 1o"r ceremon1 was. I mean the secon# one3 o2 co"rse. It:ll probabl1 be a little 2ancier than 1o"r 2irst e22ort.<

;!es3 ma:am.< Lil1 stretche# "p on tiptoe3 comin. nowhere close to reachin. /achariah. ?o he obli.e# her b1 stoopin. #own to 0iss her chee0 an# tra#e h".s.

;Gall in@<

Their 2amilies #ri2te# a 2ew polite 2eet awa1 as /achariah t"rne# Bec01 in his arms. ;This is it3 #arlin:. I:m o22 a.ain. Be s"re 1o" .o to the #octor an# .et that mammo.ram li0e we #isc"sse#. I2 breast cancer is a 2amil1 histor1 thin. then I want 1o" to sta1 on top o2 it.<

;!o" reall1 love these p"ppies3 #on:t 1o"D<

;I reall1 love 1o".<

4er rin. spar0le# in the s"nli.ht as she 2rame# /achariah:s 2ace an# p"lle# him #own 2or one

last heart2elt 0iss. ;I love 1o". 9o 1o"r Cob. 9o it well. Then come home to me3 bi. ."1.<

4e .rinne#. ;At 1o"r comman#.<