Crossing Lines E-Book

KD Williamson

• Herausgeber: Ylva Publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 374

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

Love tested by danger, loyalty, and old wounds—can Kelli and Nora's relationship survive the storm threatening to tear it apart? Nora Whitmore has been through the ringer both professionally and personally. Now, her life is more than she ever thought it could be, especially with Kelli McCabe in it. The walls have come down, and she is open to new people and experiences. Kelli McCabe watched all the broken pieces of her life come together. The situation with her family settled down, and she's right where she wants to be back at work and in Nora's arms. For both of them, this quiet time is just the devastating calm before the massive storm hits and brings with it the violence of a vengeful enemy and the reality of drug abuse. The chaos surrounding them exposes old wounds and individual vulnerabilities that seem to multiply when they are together. Is it too much for them to withstand? Or is what they have strong enough to overcome it all?

Leseprobe

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Table of Contents

Books in the Series

Dedication

Acknowledgements

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

About KD Williamson

Other Books from Ylva Publishing

Blurred Lines

Collide-O-Scope

The Red Files

Next of Kin

Coming from Ylva Publishing

Four Steps

Books in the Series

Cops and Docs

Blurred Lines

Crossing Lines

Dedication

To my Michelle—I’m at my best because of you. Thanks for putting up with me, asshole mode and all.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Jove Belle for her continued guidance and honesty. To the fans, both the old and new...thank you for the boost. Last but not least, thanks to my family for the support.

CHAPTER 1

Kelli took a long swig from her beer and flipped through the channels on Nora’s TV. She stopped on Sex Sent Me to the ER. She had to give it to The Learning Channel; there was always something interesting on. Despite that, Kelli yawned. She was tired as hell and still getting used to marching the concrete trail through the city for work. Thank God, she didn’t have a lot of open cases. Or maybe the lieutenant was going easy on her. Good thing Nora’s bed was the expensive kind of comfortable. Not that they did much sleeping… Not at first, anyway. They had settled into a routine over the past couple weeks, especially with Kelli back on active duty. No matter how late Kelli worked, they made time to be together. As far as Kelli was concerned, it was the best way to end her nights, especially after dealing with the shit stains of Seattle.

Dinner smelled incredible. She didn’t know what it was, but the aroma made her mouth water. She was smart enough to stay out of the kitchen. Anything Kelli touched usually turned out like hot garbage. She was fine with take out, but cooking was Nora’s way of taking care of her. Kelli should have felt smothered by all the attention, but she didn’t. There were times when she still wanted more…more touching, more laughing, just more. Twenty-four hours wasn’t long enough to fit it all in. Kelli had no problem admitting that she was a greedy fucker when it came to Nora. Needing…wanting…someone like that was definitely new.

The doorbell rang.

Kelli glanced toward the kitchen and called out, “You expecting anybody?”

Seconds later, Nora poked her head out. She looked surprised and a little confused. “No. I have no idea who it could be. Would you take care of it, please?”

Kelli nodded and stood, but she instantly went on alert. It could be family dropping in, but that was unlikely, so she checked the camera feed on Nora’s iPad.

Taylor Fuller, the intern who had sued Nora for sexual harassment, was standing at the front door. “Holy shit.” Kelli wished she could melt her with heat vision or, better yet, drop a piano on her, cartoon style. She enlarged the image to get a better look. Fuller was very fidgety. She couldn’t decide whether to cross her arms over her chest or leave them hanging. Taylor shifted from foot to foot, and her hands were balled into fists. She sure as fuck wasn’t coming over for high tea. Kelli studied Taylor, searching for obvious weapons and bulges in her clothes. There were none, but her mouth was moving. It looked like she was muttering “bitch” over and over again.

Dammit all to hell. No one could be this stupid. Nora didn’t need this. For the first time in weeks, things were going well for her. Kelli would deal with this herself. She retrieved her gun from the lockbox Nora bought for her and clipped the holster to her belt.

Seconds later, she jerked the door open. “Have you lost your goddamned mind?” Kelli didn’t wait for a reply. She grabbed a handful of Taylor’s shirt, dragged her back a few steps, and closed the door behind her.

Taylor’s eyes went wide and, for a minute, she looked scared as hell. Good.

“Didn’t count on me, did you?” Kelli gave her a little shove.

Taylor pushed Kelli’s hands away and put her nose in the air. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care that you’re here.”

“I’m a cop, dumbass. You’d better care. Now, get the fuck outta here.”

Taylor’s face reddened, but she had the balls to stand her ground. “No…no! She was always on my ass. She ruined…everything. I made friends here! Now I have to—”

If she didn’t think Taylor coming here was dumb as fuck, Kelli might have been impressed with her nerve. “Listen here, little girl.” Kelli deliberately got in her face and thoroughly enjoyed watching her flinch. “Grow the fuck up. Sometimes you have to work for shit. Obviously, you didn’t want to. That’s not Nora’s fault. Get your shit together and move on. You lied. You were caught. Now you have to pay for it.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are? You don’t touch me. And you don’t tell me what to do.” Taylor took a step toward Kelli.

“I’m going to touch you all the way into a pair of handcuffs if you don’t back the fuck up.” Kelli crossed her arms over her chest and smiled.

“Don’t you fucking laugh at me. I’m not going to just let this go. This is the last time someone treats me like shit.” Without warning, Taylor lashed out and threw a punch at Kelli’s face.

Kelli dodged the swing and almost laughed when Taylor pitched forward. Before she could try again, Kelli caught Taylor, twirled her around, and wrenched her arm behind her back.

Taylor cried out in pain.

“Assaulting a police officer is up to five years in prison. Is that what you want? Is it worth it? Is it?”

“No, please!” She turned to look at Kelli. The pain and fear in Taylor’s gaze was obvious, but Kelli didn’t expect the tears.

She wasn’t moved at all. “You sure? I’d be more than happy to oblige. If you come anywhere near Nora… Let’s just say I’m not a good person to cross.”

Taylor stopped struggling, and Kelli let her go.

“Believe me?” Kelli asked.

Taylor wiped at her face with the back of her hand. Kelli had no doubt that the tears were real, but Taylor didn’t look all that scared now. She glared at Kelli, but had the common sense to step away. “Yes, I believe you.” She smiled, and Kelli expected to see a snake’s tongue flick out. It was that slimy. “But you should believe me, too.”

Kelli threw her hands up in the air. “Oh come on! Don’t be so fucking clichéd. Let it go. You’re young enough to start over. Be smart and be done with the dumb shit. It didn’t work out the first time, and it won’t now. You probably wanna tell your boyfriend too.”

Taylor laughed. “He got me into this mess. He can rot in hell for all I care.”

“Well then, you got a shit load of enemies, little girl, and there is just one of you,” Kelli continued.

“Whatever. I think I’m going to do just fine on my own.”

“Uh-huh, it’s good to have high self-esteem. Now, get outta my face,” Kelli said. This fake sparring match had gone on long enough. Kelli had won, hands down.

Taylor backed away and continued to glare.

Kelli waved and smiled. That girl was a bad egg, but they were easy to get rid of… Just throw them in the trash. Taylor was full of shit, but there was always a chance that she was serious. Kelli was just going to have to stay here every night to make sure she didn’t come back. She snorted. Like she needed an excuse in the first place. Kelli watched Taylor’s car disappear up the road. After a few more seconds, she turned back toward the door. When she opened it, Nora was waiting just inside. The soft look in her eyes made Kelli’s heart turn over in her chest. “I’m not sure if we need to watch out for her or not, but I didn’t want her to ruin—”

Nora interrupted her with a kiss.

Kelli smiled and pulled Nora closer to deepen the caress. Slowly, they parted.

“I can go smack around a few more people if that’s what it gets me,” Kelli said teasingly.

Nora grinned. “Dinner’s ready.”

“Mmm, don’t know if it’s gonna be this tasty,” Kelli said, as she nibbled on Nora’s neck.

Nora laughed even as she turned her head to the side to give greater access. “Did you just say—”

Kelli groaned and steered them toward the kitchen. At least she could help dish everything up…maybe. That didn’t really take skill. “Yes, I did. Who knew I was so goddamned corny?” What was next? Poetry? She remembered a couple dirty limericks.

“It’s not the first time, but I won’t complain,” Nora said.

“Good to know. What’s for dinner? Because that smell—”

“Flank steak with chimichurri sauce, fingerling potatoes, and honey-glazed carrots.”

“I have no idea what a chimi-what’s-it is, but you had me at steak and potatoes.”

“I knew I would.”

Nora had her even if she’d made gruel.

* * *

Nora was not one to cuddle, but that didn’t keep her from snuggling closer to Kelli. She certainly wasn’t prone to waxing poetic, but that didn’t keep her from taking advantage of the tiny bit of moonlight that filtered inside the bedroom to watch Kelli in slumber. She was an ugly sleeper. Kelli’s mouth was wide open, and Nora even saw a glimmer of drool. Her forehead was wrinkled as though she was deep in thought, even while asleep.

Nora smiled into the semidarkness. That she thought it was truly adorable said volumes about how deeply Nora was wrapped up in Kelli. She traced the contours of Kelli’s face with her gaze and then reached out with her fingertips to do the same over the crinkle in Kelli’s forehead, to her nose and her cheeks.

Kelli mumbled, “Wassit…huh?”

“Shhhh.” Nora made comforting noises, hoping to lull Kelli back to sleep.

Kelli grumbled, fidgeted, and threw a leg over one of Nora’s before she stilled again. Nora wiggled to adjust, until their naked bodies were flush against each other. Even in her sleep, Kelli shivered and moaned in reaction.

Nora took a deep, shaky breath. She had never affected someone like this before and vice versa, but that was obviously what led them here…now. She wasn’t sure why she was awake. Perhaps, she just wanted to bask in what she had, something incredibly special. As a lover, Kelli could be commanding, but she was gentle when Nora needed her to be, which helped to ease Nora’s fears of losing herself in this thing between them. As a result, Nora felt safe enough to let Kelli into the deeper parts of herself. Kelli was also a generous, caring person and, somehow, she always knew what to say…what to do to make things better, to make Nora laugh, to make Nora feel. All of this was starting to be too good to be true. She pressed her face into Kelli’s neck and refused to allow doubt to creep up on her.

* * *

Nora covered her mouth as she yawned. Residual sleepiness was a small price to pay for her late night pondering. She rounded a corner in the ICU. The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps caused a moment of trepidation layered with irritation. Rader was gone, and Taylor was…she didn’t want to think about that. Kelli didn’t seem too worried, so she wouldn’t be either. When she realized it was Kelli’s brother, Sean, trying to get her attention, Nora’s nerves settled. She waited for him to catch up to her.

“This is ICU.” Nora deadpanned.

Sean rolled his eyes. His sister, however, had perfected that gesture. “Yeah, I know. I was just going to see Travis. I was gonna come find you after, but here you are.”

Curious. “Do you see anyone else running and yelling in the hallway?” Nora bit the inside of her cheek and attempted to keep a straight face as she continued her teasing.

His eyebrows shot upward. “Uh no.” Sean grinned. “Do I get a spanking?” He paled. “Um…I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

Nora sighed. The McCabe charm… It just oozed. “I’m sure.”

“You could get one of the nurses to do it.” He smirked.

Nora tried to glare at him, but she couldn’t hold her smile back. “I think your sister has probably sullied the McCabe name.”

“She always steals the show. Speaking of…” Sean pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Saw her at the precinct. She was sure it was gonna be late when she made it to the hospital. Said something about not breaking the pattern?”

Nora melted, and her face heated as she took the letter.

“I was really tempted to read it, but I was scared it was going to be something dirty.”

So much like his sister. “I appreciate that.”

“Thought you would.” Sean smiled and stood there.

“Was there something else?” Nora looked at him and waited.

“You’re not gonna read it?”

“In the privacy of my office,” Nora said, and started walking again. Sean fell into step beside her.

“Aww, where’s the fun in that? I would love to see the look on your face. I need ammunition for the next time you come to dinner.”

“That’s… I’m not sure how to respond.”

Sean laughed. “Very carefully.”

Nora grinned. “Yes, you McCabe’s are very dangerous.”

“You’d better believe it.” He paused and moved toward an open doorway. “This is my stop.”

Nora peered into the room. Gerald Travis Jr. waved at her, and she smiled in return. “I see.”

“Later, Nora,” Sean said.

“Have a good day, Sean.”

She really did like him, but it was odd, in a way, to engage with a man…with anyone, really, whom she had no intention of having sex with. Yet, she was enjoying the process. Nora looked at the letter in her hands. Anticipation got the better of her. She walked quickly toward the on-call rooms at the other end of the hallway.

A few minutes later, she opened the envelope carefully. There were only a couple lines written on the paper.

I must really like you. That’s the fourth time I’ve caught you watching me while I’m sleeping, and I don’t mind it at all. Tell you what, though, I know for a fact that you look way better.

Nora laughed as the habitual warmth she associated with Kelli filled her. It was amazing how she could be amused and so completely touched at the same time.

* * *

Kelli glanced at her watch as she entered the hospital. She only had thirty minutes until visitation hours were over, but it was better than nothing. She had talked with Travis throughout the day. It was their own little ritual, and it made her feel better to see him. Kelli had to know he was getting better and witness it with her own eyes. Williams had always been a good partner, but Travis fit her perfectly. She wanted to show her appreciation by visiting him daily. Kelli crinkled the bag in her hand. This time she came bearing gifts—chili-cheese fries.

When she got on the elevator, Kelli was pretty much alone. She pressed seven and leaned against the railing. She was glad to be back at work. Really, she was, but she was tired as fuck. Getting shot had taken the wind out of her, and she needed some time to get back to where she used to be. She hadn’t done much today besides some canvassing and evidence review, but that was enough.

Kelli exited the elevator and made her way down the hall. She didn’t bother looking for Nora, because she was at home. Kelli smiled. How weird and great was that? There was a woman at her place…waiting for her. Shit was awesome. More than she ever thought it could be. Kelli waved at the wary-looking nurses when she passed their station. She leaned against the doorway to Travis’s room and watched him for a few seconds. He was sitting up and flipping through the channels on TV. In other words, he looked supremely bored, but the eye roll and the sigh really sold it.

“They should have DVD players in this place,” Kelli said, as she walked in.

Travis smiled. “I know, right? Or porn. It’s kinda like a hotel. Why don’t they have porn?”

Kelli chuckled. “There’s a suggestion box right outside your room. You want me to get you one of the forms to fill out?”

“We’ll see. You must be going full steam at work. You’re visits are getting later. You don’t have to come, you know?”

Kelli held up the white paper bag and tossed it on the bed. “Yes, I do.” She sat down.

“You can if you’re bringing contraband of the greasy variety.” Travis reached into the bag, took out the Styrofoam container, and opened it. He stuffed a fry in his mouth. “Seriously though, Kel, I’m fine and you have better things—”

“You give Sean this speech when he comes to visit?” Kelli stared at him. She knew the question would give him pause.

Travis shrugged. “Well…no, but he doesn’t have a life. You do.”

Kelli was slightly aggravated by his statement. “So I must be coming here out of obligation, right? You know me better than that.”

He shook his head and looked her right in the eyes. “I do. I just want to make sure that I’m not doing anything to hold you back.”

“I’m living my life, and you’re a part of it. Understand?” She knew what it felt like to see life just go on, so Kelli had to reassure him.

“Yeah, I got it.” He ate another fry. “These things taste better with beer.”

Kelli snorted. “Yes, they do.”

“You’re taking it easy, right? Getting enough downtime? And I don’t mean just with Nora.”

Kelli smiled sheepishly and scratched at the back of her neck. Nora relaxed her really, really well. “I don’t have time to bar hop right now.”

“Bullshit. I know Sean and Williams have been trying to get you to go out. It’s a beer, Kelli, and some laughs. You have to reconnect with these guys.”

Maybe he was right…a little, but it wasn’t the same. “Yeah, probably, but you’re not there.”

Travis brought a hand to his chest. “You’re waiting for me? Aww, that’s sweet and everything, but no fucking excuse. Put a beer and some cheese sticks in front of an empty seat. I’ll be there in spirit. Hell, until these holes in my head heal, I could probably get you on radio too.”

He really was an ass sometimes. She laughed. That medieval contraption they’d had him in after his surgery saved his life, but at least they could laugh about this part now. “Whatever.”

“I’m serious, and you can bring Nora along.”

Kelli glared. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

“That’s not her scene. Those places are a little low rent.”

“So are you, and she likes you,” Travis said wryly.

Well…damn. “True.”

“You’ll be there. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. She’ll be fine.”

Nora would brighten any cop bar. Could be an interesting experience. “Something to think about.”

“Mmm-hmm. You do that. We’ll talk about it tomorrow when I’m in my new room.”

“Your new room?” Kelli was a little confused.

“Yep, I’m done with ICU. I should have been moved last week, but they were being overly cautious.”

“Well shit. It’s about time. You tell your dad?”

“Yeah, he’s back to his stoic routine, but he was here. I guess that’s all that counts. He’s leaving next week.”

“Don’t forget, you have my mom to smother the crap outta you. Balances shit out a little.”

“I know, right? I’m not worried, but let me put this bug in your ear. Tomorrow, when you come to visit, just know that these fries are lonely without a bacon cheeseburger.” He looked at her with hope shining in his eyes.

Kelli laughed. “You’d better start kissing my ass now then.”

CHAPTER 2

On autopilot, Kelli drove toward their latest crime scene, in the Holly Park area. There was no need for GPS; she knew every bump and turn in this city. Kelli’s mind was free to roam, and her thoughts went straight to Nora. Things between them were going good, and Kelli wanted to believe that she’d earned a reprieve after all the shit she’d been through. That didn’t stop the creepy, little voice in the back of her head that warned that the other shoe always dropped. Shit was ridiculous. It had to be. The way Nora touched her…the way she looked at her. All that was real. So that voice? Didn’t know what the hell it was talking about.

Taylor Fuller’s surprise visit, though, that made the voice even more persistent. Fuck it. Just because she was a cop didn’t mean she had to be cynical about everything. Yeah, she’d seen some heinous shit and had even lived some of it. That made going home every night to a woman like Nora, so much sweeter. Thinking about it brought a smile to her face.

Williams cleared his throat in the most loud and obnoxious way possible.

“We’re on our way to a crime scene, and you’re grinning like an idiot. Are you aware?”

“Yep.” Kelli smiled wider.

“Well, unless you’re going to share, can you stop? It’s kinda freaky,” Williams said.

“Maybe.” Kelli glared at him. “Was there something you wanted?”

“I’ve been staring at you the past ten minutes. You’re in your own little world.”

“That staring thing? So not healthy,” she said.

“Uh-huh. Thought you were going to drool on yourself a time or two. I was concerned.”

“Were you always like this? I don’t remember you being this annoying.” Kelli tried to take her enthusiasm down a notch, but she couldn’t. She was too damn happy. Her next best option was to distract Williams by going on the offensive.

“A man can change.”

“Do you have a point?”

He shrugged and grinned. “So…you can tell me. Dirty thoughts about that doctor of yours?”

Poor guy. He was putting himself through an unnecessary identity crisis, trying to act like Travis. But Travis’s shoes were way too big to fill. There was nothing young and hip about Williams. He was more like Old Faithful. It was a nice gesture, though, and amusing as hell. “I want the boring old Williams back, please.”

“Hey now, I thought I was doing pretty good. If you squint hard enough, I’d pass for forty-five. Isn’t that the new thirty?”

“No, it’s the new forty-five.”

She stopped at a red light. Williams glared at her.

Kelli’s mouth twitched.

“I saw that.” His grin was triumphant. “I must be doing something right.”

Kelli rolled her eyes. “Listen, I know what you’re trying to do and thank you. You can stop now, before you strain yourself.”

Williams didn’t say anything.

Kelli glanced at him to see that he was looking out the window.

Shit, did his feelings just get hurt? “Bruce?”

“Hmm?” He looked at her, but he had his poker face on.

“Just be you. I know it’s been a while since we’ve done this, but when we were partners, you were the boulder to my rock. That’s who I need you to be now, too.”

He smiled slightly. “Yeah?”

Kelli smirked in his direction. “Yeah.”

Williams nodded and looked out the window again. “Okay, I can do that.” He paused. “Just because I’m a middle-aged man doesn’t mean I can’t suddenly be into the whole lesbian fantasy thing. So…spill.”

“Jesus Christ.” Kelli sighed and looked heavenward. Instead of responding, she turned the radio up.

* * *

Kelli glanced at her watch. It was time to go. Her eyes were starting to cross. The case they’d caught earlier had pretty much solved itself. There were way too many stupid people in the world. The phone records she was combing through for one of last week’s cases weren’t going anywhere, and she had a feeling in her gut that it was a dead end anyway. Her gut was usually right. Kelli stood and stretched. As she moved from side to side, something popped, followed by another crack farther down in her back. Felt good as hell. Kelli opened her desk drawer to get her keys, gun, and cell.

“You cutting out?” Williams asked.

“Yeah, nothing is gonna come from this.” She nudged the stack of papers.

Williams shrugged. “Probably.” He closed the thick folder that he had been looking through. “Beer?” He held up a hand. “And if you say no, I’m probably going to shoot you.”

“Aim for the shoulder.” Kelli smirked.

Williams rolled his eyes. “Oh c’mon. What is with you? Is she that good?”

God yes. Kelli glared instead of answering him.

Williams glared right back and laughed. “You’re going to be one of those people, huh?”

“What people?” Kelli posed the question, but she had a pretty good idea what he was about to say.

“One of those people who gets in a relationship and forgets about everybody else.”

Well, he was never one to mince words. “Ouch, goddammit.”

He shrugged. “Needed to be said.”

“It’s not that. Going out like that… It’s not the same without Travis.”

“We’ll put a beer in front of an empty seat and get him on the phone if we have to.” Williams looked at her expectantly.

Kelli chuckled. “Travis pretty much said the same thing. This little posse has been together too long if you two are thinking alike.

“Well, he’s fucking right.”

Kelli threw up her hands. “Okay, fine. Just not tonight. I need to prepare Nora for something like that.”

“Really? We’re not that bad. It’s just me and Sean for christsakes. Didn’t she have dinner with your mother?”

“Yeah, she did. I definitely had to get her ready for that, too.” Kelli didn’t think he needed to know that it was the other way around.

“All right then. We’ll be at Beck’s if you change your mind,” Williams said.

He sounded disappointed. Why the hell did Travis always have to be right?

* * *

Kelli leaned against the kitchen island and watched as Nora bent over in front of the open refrigerator. The skirt she wore tightened around her hips and ass, giving Kelli quite the eyeful. Yes, she was indeed a pervert, and she loved every second of it.

“What do you want?” Nora asked.

Kelli chuckled and kept on looking.

A few seconds later, Nora glanced over her shoulder at Kelli. Her eyebrows shot up on her forehead as she tracked Kelli’s gaze. She smiled slightly. “To drink.”

Kelli laughed out right. That statement didn’t improve matters any. “Surprise me.”

Nora pulled out a bottle of Sweetwater 420.

“Good one.” The brand was Kelli’s beer choice at the moment…anything Sweetwater. Except for the blueberry kind. There was something about fruit in beer that didn’t sit well with her.

“Thank you.” Nora slid the beer across the counter toward her.

Nora watched her as she popped the cap with the opener on her keychain and took a swig. Kelli set the beer on the counter and stared right back. Nora looked a little ruffled. Her face was red and there was a faraway glint in her eyes. She’d seen that expression several times the last couple weeks. “What is that look for?”

Nora cleared her throat. “I’m sorry? What are you referring to?”

“When I…” Kelli glanced down at her beer then back to Nora. A light bulb turned on. “You get off on watching me drink beer?”

Nora’s face reddened even more. “Just out of the bottle.”

Kelli smirked. “And here I was thinking I was the pervert.”

Nora walked around the island and reached for the beer. “Not at all.” She took a small sip and grinned.

“Thank God.”

Nora took another drink.

“Can I have my beer back?”

“I actually like this one,” Nora said.

“I know. You drank half of it last time.”

Nora took a larger swig. She looked so damned dainty, but then, it hit Kelli. Nora may appear delicate, but she wasn’t some wilting, fucking flower. Somehow, Kelli knew she would fit into her life wherever she wanted her to and dress it up real nice. With that notion in mind, Kelli said, “The guys have been bugging me about going out. You wanna come with me?”

Nora just stared. “Have you been rebuffing them because of me?”

“Well, no.” Kelli smirked. “Trust me when I say, I like what you do so much better, but that’s so not the point.”

Nora’s lips quirked into an almost smile. “When?”

“Well, Travis bitched at me about ‘reconnecting with the guys,’” Kelli made air quotes, “a couple days ago. Williams and Sean are actually out having a drink right now. So I guess tonight. It’s early still.”

“You mean…right now? Are you sure you want me there?” Nora sounded and looked a little reluctant.

Kelli chose her words carefully. She wanted Nora to feel welcome, and she wanted her to understand that her life and the people in it were open to Nora if she wanted it. “Hell, if you were with me sifting through dumpsters for evidence, it would be a good time, and I hate that.”

Nora laughed, and her expression changed to something soft and full of wonder. “How do you do that?”

“What?” Kelli asked.

“Know what to say.”

Kelli shrugged. She didn’t. But this was Nora. Somehow her words just came out that way.

Nora picked up the beer and took a long pull. Then, she gave the bottle back and bent forward to brush her lips against Kelli’s. In turn, Kelli deepened the kiss, chasing the flavors of two of her favorite things…beer and Nora.

Nora pulled back slightly and said, “Let me change my outfit and feed Phineas. Then, let’s go.”

“I got him. You go ahead.”

“Okay, give me ten minutes.”

A few seconds later, Kelli stepped outside and into Phineas’s fenced-in habitat. It was large and clean, but Nora had a guy for that, so it wasn’t surprising. There were a few bales of hay in the corner, and his huge-ass bowl was next to it, similar to the one in the house. Phineas, himself, lay nearby on a huge, cushy mat just like the one in his room. Kelli held up the bag filled with vegetables and grass pellets, and shook it.

“What’s up big guy? Look what I got.”

Phineas didn’t waste any time. He got up and trotted toward Kelli. He was a fast fucker for his size. He nudged Kelli’s leg and brushed against her.

Kelli laughed. Phineas made a huffing sound and headed back toward his bed.

“You can’t tell me you’re not hungry.”

Kelli watched as he picked up one of the large stuffed toys that was near his bedding. He came back toward her. Phineas pressed the stuffed frog against Kelli’s leg. She’d learned a while back that he wasn’t into playing catch, but it was his way of sharing and being social. Kelli scratched him on the snout.

“Even trade? But why don’t you keep both?” She filled his bowl. He abandoned his toy for the food.

“He’s always more playful with you. I’m really glad you two get along.”

Kelli turned to find Nora behind her. “Probably because he knows I’m a big-ass kid.” Kelli smirked.

“I think you could be right about that,” Nora said.

Kelli glared.

Nora grinned. “I might have to keep the video feed and put it up on YouTube.”

“Uh-huh.” Kelli headed for the door, but as she walked past Nora, she smacked her on the ass. “Let’s go.”

Nora laughed.

* * *

Nora stood outside and glanced up at the Beck’s Bar and Grill sign. There was nothing ostentatious about the building itself. The brick construction blended in with the others next to it. Even the sign was plain. She didn’t know what she was expecting. Someone exited, letting out the sounds of laughter and low strains of music. This was sure to be an experience, and she wasn’t worried in the least.

“You okay?” Kelli asked, as she snaked her arms around Nora from behind.

Always protective. Nora turned to look at her. “I am. Are you?”

Kelli smirked. “Touché, but yeah.”

Kelli stepped away but kept a hand pressed to Nora’s back. When they entered, the smell of stale beer and fried food wafted toward her. It was a potent combination, but not unexpected. Rock music filtered in from the sound system, yet it wasn’t overwhelming. Nora scanned the area. A majority of the tables were full, and there was no space left at the bar. Everyone looked as if they were having a good time. Most of them seemed to be laughing and in various stages of conversation. The mood was instantly contagious. Nora wanted to be part of the revelry as well, especially with Kelli present.

A familiar figure stood and waved.

Nora waved back. “There’s your brother.”

“I see him.” Kelli guided her forward.

When they arrived at the table, both men stood.

Kelli chuckled. Nora glanced over her shoulder to see Kelli rolling her eyes.

“What?” Nora asked as she sat down.

“They suddenly have manners. Last time I checked, I’m a woman too.”

“I prefer to think of you as just McCabe.” Williams tipped his beer toward her.

Sean laughed and drank from a bottle of Blue Moon.

“The name’s Bruce Williams by the way.” He offered his hand to Nora. “Heard a lot about you, but we’ve only met in passing.”

Nora shook his hand and smiled. His skin was warm and calloused. For some reason, he reminded Nora of an older, distinguished looking walrus—big, but seemingly harmless. “Nice to meet you.”

“Would you look at this? More manners. Aren’t you supposed to be burping and leering at women half your age by now?” Kelli couldn’t help but to tease.

“Shut up, McCabe. I can be nice.” Williams glared, but his smile showed through.

“Yeah, only when you want something.” Kelli smirked, scooted closer to Nora, and threw an arm over her shoulders. “So, she’s mine. Remember that.”

Williams roared with laughter. “Doesn’t she have a say in this?”

Nora didn’t expect their antics to start so soon, but she was enjoying the banter, nonetheless. “Yes, doesn’t she?” Nora asked and looked at Kelli, who was grinning and her gaze was full of affection.

“Oh, look out. This one is quick.” Sean pointed at Nora.

“She has to be around you assholes,” Kelli said.

“Yep, she does.” Williams nodded.

A waitress appeared.

Nora asked for a bottle of Sweetwater. When everyone was done with their drink order, Kelli leaned closer and said, “You didn’t have to order beer.”

Discreetly, Nora looked around the table. She wanted to fit in. “It’s appropriate. And you’ll drink whatever is left over.”

Kelli shrugged and smirked. “Probably.”

“What kind of food do they serve here?” Nora asked.

“Burger, fries, wings…stuff like that.”

“I thought so. I’m starving.”

“You’re gonna eat this shit?” Kelli was surprised.

“If it’s good.”

Kelli shrugged and grabbed a menu from the middle of the table. “Decent, but the bacon-wrapped, red jalapeños are excellent.”

“Let’s start with that then.” Nora didn’t mind spicy.

“Share some fries? You’re not a ketchup person are you?” Kelli stared at her as though the answer would decide the fate of their relationship. Her mouth was in a grim line, but her eyes held a sparkle of amusement.

“Not at all.”

“Knew there was a reason I liked you,” Kelli said.

Nora smiled.

A throat cleared rather loudly.

Nora looked up to see Williams waving and grinning. “Forget about us?”

Truthfully? She had. Sometimes it was like they were in their own little world. Heat rushed to Nora’s face, but she powered through it. “Get your own jalapeños.” Nora gave him a mock glare.

Williams blinked.

“Well damn,” Sean said.

Kelli laughed.

Their drinks arrived, and they put in food orders.

From the corner of her eye, Nora watched as Kelli drank from a bottle of Sweetwater IPA. This was a fairly recent obsession for Nora, and she had yet to figure out what exactly appealed to her about the act. Kelli smirked in what Nora assumed was quiet acknowledgement as she set the beer down and glanced at her.

“We should just get our own table,” Sean said to Williams.

“I know, right?” Despite agreeing, Williams made no move to leave.

Kelli rolled her eyes for the hundredth time. “What are you trying to say? I can’t help it if I got a life.” She grinned.

“You implying that I don’t?” Williams’s eyebrows shot upward.

“Yup that’s exactly what I’m doing.” Kelli turned to Nora. “Hell of a grip he has there, isn’t it?”

That was certainly a fascinating question.

Williams’s mouth dropped open.

“Ohhhh shit.” Sean laughed.

“Did you…did you just insinuate that I masturb—”

“Draw your own conclusions,” Kelli said with a smile.

Williams glanced at Nora and leaned forward to whisper to Kelli. “There’s a lady present. It’s not okay to talk about a man’s—”

“Are you kidding me?” Kelli asked through her laughter.

“Ah hell, she’s used to Kelli’s mouth by now.” Sean waved his hand, fanning the topic away.

Yes, she had to agree. Kelli’s mouth was capable of such interesting things. Nora glanced at Sean, only to realize Kelli and Williams were staring at him, too.

Sean took a swig of his new beer. “Wha—” He turned bright red. “Dammit, you know what I meant!”

Williams and Kelli laughed uproariously.

Sean hid his face in his hands.

Nora smiled and decided to add to the madness. “As a doctor, I can recommend a regular masturbatory schedule. Research shows it prevents cancer and strengthens the penile muscle.”

Kelli laughed even harder. She banged her fist against the table. Sean looked away, but not before Nora saw his smile.

Williams groaned.

“The more you know,” Kelli said between chuckles.

* * *

“Fuck!” Kelli cried out. She almost choked when water filled her mouth. That little incident didn’t stop the way her body was quivering. She felt that particular orgasm all the way to her toes and back. The warm pulsing jets of water all around her made it worse…or better. Kelli couldn’t decide. But it was Nora…doing that thing with her tongue that was really dragging things out. Blessed be. Instead of holding Nora’s head between her legs as she had been a minute ago, Kelli tried to pull her away. She didn’t think she could take anymore.

“Fuck…stop. Don’t touch it.” Kelli looked down, but she couldn’t see a damn thing. It was like they were in the clouds or something. Next thing she knew, Nora rose out of the steam like some sort of pagan goddess, brushing every inch of her naked, damp skin against Kelli. Blessed fucking be. Kelli moaned. Nora’s lips grazed her neck, before Nora nipped at her chin.

Kelli could see her now, blond hair slicked back and positively dripping. To make matters even more interesting, Nora was smiling.

A residual tingle shot through Kelli, but she still smirked. “You…ah, like watching me drink…that much?” She asked breathlessly.

“Mmm.” It was the only sound Nora made before kissing her.

Kelli wrapped her arms around her and held on.

* * *

Kelli stood at the printer, waiting for her two pages—a witness statement to add to a current file. She looked at the stack of paper already in the tray and the shit ton still printing. Kelli picked up a few pages and glanced at the number at the bottom to see how much was left. She groaned.

“Dammit, Johns! You couldn’t print this shit out in the morning?” Kelli stared him down from across the room.

Johns picked up the can of Coke off his desk and took a long swig. He burped and said, “Nope.”

Kelli shot him the finger.

Johns grinned.

“I would like to go home early at least one night this week.” Kelli scanned the room. There were still quite a few people around, and she really didn’t want to be one of them. She was surprised to see Sean walk through the door. He glanced at her and then made a beeline for her desk where he practically threw himself into a chair.

Kelli abandoned the paperwork and walked toward him. He didn’t look right. She sat down and stared, waiting for him to lift his head and look at her. Kelli couldn’t take his silence anymore. “I thought you were going to see Travis.”

Sean cleared his throat. “I did.”

He sounded horrible, as if there were rocks in his mouth and it hurt to talk.

“You and Travis fight about something?” Kelli asked. That didn’t make sense, but it was all she had at the moment.

He shook his head.

“You gotta give me something to work with. What’s going on with you?” A sinking feeling started in her stomach. “Is Travis okay? Is it Mom?”

Sean shook his head again and finally looked up. His eyes were red rimmed and swollen. “They’re fine.” He sucked in a breath. It was loud and shaky. “I wanted to come here and tell you myself.”

Antony.

This had to be about Antony.

Kelli stood. She had to do something to get rid of the crushing weight sitting on her chest. “No, no, no.” Each instance of the word got louder. The sudden blast of misery that shot through her was almost a physical pain. It tore through her chest and landed in her stomach, sitting there like a block of cement. She hovered over Sean. He looked up at her. She hadn’t seen her little brother look this helpless since their father died. “He…left, didn’t he?”

Sean nodded once.

“Fuck!” Kelli banged her hand against her desk. For a fraction of a moment, she wished him dead. He would be at peace. They all would. Guilt smacked her hard. She didn’t mean it. She didn’t. Kelli desperately wanted things to be like they were before their dad died. They were all happy. Weren’t they? Suddenly, Kelli was aware of everyone’s eyes on them, but she just didn’t give a damn.

“I know a security guard there. He…called me. Tony didn’t even discharge himself. He just walked out.” Sean wiped at his eyes.

On second thought, maybe they shouldn’t do this here. If she was going to lose her shit, she didn’t want it to be in front of everybody. Kelli grabbed Sean. “Let’s go somewhere we can talk in private.”

After making sure they were alone, Kelli closed and locked the door to one of the interrogation rooms. She took a deep breath and tried to center herself or at least give the illusion that she was okay. “We don’t have time to wallow.” Kelli sat on the edge of the table and squeezed Sean’s shoulder.

“I know. I wanted you to know first. No more secrets. I’m gonna go check out his old haunts.”

“Good, I’m coming with you,” Kelli said.

“No, you’re not.” Sean’s tone was firm.

“Yes, I fucking am!”

“Fucking listen to me for once! I got this. He has to be somewhere binging. I did it before and I can do it again. You don’t need to see—”

“Sean, I was in the Drug Enforcement Unit, for God’s sake.” Kelli knew that world well. She didn’t need to be sheltered.

“He’s our brother! It’s different. You’ve never seen him like that. I have.”

They quieted, but continued to stare at each other.

“I know,” Kelli said. “That’s why you need—”

“No, I’ll do the canvassing. You can see if anyone in the DEU has some info. We’re doing this together, just from different angles.”

Kelli nodded. They were so much alike. Just like her, when Sean wanted something, he got it. She was counting on that determination. It was pretty much all they had. What he said made sense. They could cover more ground that way, and if Tony was dealing, someone in her old unit would know who the big players on the street were now. “Please be careful.”

“I’m not gonna go near the dealers. Not ’til we get something solid. Tweekers have their favorite places. You know that.” Sean sniffed. “What are we gonna tell Mom? We can’t keep it from her. Not this time.”

“No, we can’t. I don’t think we’ve been helping him by hiding things. This is the third time he’s left rehab. She needs to know. Like you said, no more secrets.”

“She’s working late. It gives us time to figure shit out. I’ll find him.” Sean stood.