by Karen Legasy
“I thought you agreed to limit this to the three of us.” Marlee almost rolled her eyes in exasperation.
“We could wait until she comes back from Canberra,” Tyler said.
Abigail shook her head. “I can’t keep this from Hannah. She’s worried about me and has a right to know.”
“Then do what you have to do and tell her.” Marlee stood up and grabbed a few dishes. “I’ll clean up.”
Abigail reached over to Marlee. “I didn’t mean to put it like that. We can certainly wait until she returns from Canberra if you prefer.”
“I think I’ll go for a little nap and leave the two of you to sort it out.” Tyler got up.
Marlee dropped back into her chair as he went inside. “I feel like I’m going to explode. I’m so excited and worried about you at the same time. I can’t believe what happened last night and how good I feel inside, but I don’t want to lose sight of the fact I’m responsible for protecting you.”
“No, you’re not.” Abigail straightened her shoulders. “I can look after myself. Just because you’re a police officer back in Canada doesn’t mean you have that responsibility here.”
Marlee leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I consider myself responsible for protecting you because I’m your lover now and that’s what lovers do for each other.”
Abigail smiled. “You’re right. I want to kiss you, but Josh might see us. I’m not ready for that yet.”
“I’ll take a rain check then, which I plan to cash in on tonight.” Marlee tapped Abigail’s knee then stood. “I’ll clean up out here. Why don’t you get whatever work you need to do out of the way now?”
“Thanks. That’ll be helpful. I’m hoping you and Tyler can work with me a bit later.”
“Sure, but won’t you want to put that aside while Josh is here?”
“Yes, but he’s not staying overnight. Keith is taking him to a net ball game this evening. I’m thinking once he leaves we can get our workroom set up in the den. If there’s time, I’ll give you and Tyler a tour of the grounds you’re supposed to be looking after.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Marlee said. “Now go get your work done. I don’t want it interfering when it’s time for bed.”
Abigail pecked her lips toward Marlee then went inside.
They spent the rest of the day apart, with Marlee tidying up and strategizing next steps for the investigation into AbTay Biosystems. Now that her primal hunger for Abigail was satisfied, she could focus on finding out who was messing with Abigail and her company.
* * *
Later in the evening, after Josh had gone and they’d set up a common workspace with a table and chairs, Abigail gave Tyler and Marlee a tour of the grounds. A few cockatoos squawked as they flew between power lines, bushes, and grass in the big block of land. Mature deciduous trees interspersed with a variety of evergreen shrubs, including ones projecting dark yellow flowering spikes, surrounded Abigail’s property.
“These remind me of corn on the cob,” Marlee said, fondling the flowers.
Abigail laughed. “I never thought of corn on the cob, but they do kind of look like it.”
“What are they?” Marlee asked.
“Banksia. They’re endemic to Australia and a member of the protea family, with a genus of about seventy-five species.”
“What about these over here.” Marlee touched a deep pink spike flowering on another shrub. “They’re gorgeous.”
“They are, aren’t they?” Abigail said. “We call them bottlebrush. Don’t you think they look like one?”
“They do,” Marlee said.
“They’re another Australian genus belonging to the myrtle family.” Abigail ran her fingers over the soft flowers.
“I hope I’m not expected to remember all this,” Tyler said. “I know you’re a geneticist, but I didn’t realize you’re a botanist too.”
Abigail laughed. “I’m not, but I wanted to give some context. I expect your focus to be on my network rather than my garden.”
“Whew, that’s good,” he said.
“I smell eucalyptus.” Marlee inhaled. “I have some cuttings in my place back in Ottawa. I love the scent.”
“Doesn’t it smell heavenly?” Abigail fondled a bluish-leaved shrub. “They’re also from the myrtle family and native to Australia.” She smiled at Marlee. “I’m glad they make you feel at home.”
“Me too.” Marlee snuggled up to her.
“Would you like me to leave the two of you alone?” Tyler asked.
Marlee and Abigail giggled.
“Sorry,” Abigail said. “I’m behaving like a teenager. It’s a good thing you’re around, Tyler. Hannah and Josh could pick up on this and we can’t have that right now.”
“I think I have a bruise on my back from Tyler’s slap with the ball,” Marlee said.
“You were getting out of hand so I had to take drastic measures,” Tyler said.
“Why don’t we call it a day?” Abigail said. “It’s been a long one and we need to get some rest so we can get to work first thing in the morning.”
“Sounds good to me.” Tyler chuckled as he turned toward the house, “I don’t imagine the two of you’ll get much rest tonight though. Toodle-oo.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Marlee trembled with anticipation as she slipped into Abigail’s inviting bed, naked and about to make love with the woman she could only fantasize about the day before. There was no hesitation on either part, the joining of their bodies a perfect fit as though a long lost puzzle piece had finally been found and put into place to complete the picture.
“I just want to hold you for a minute,” Abigail said.
“A minute?” Marlee said. “I want to hold you forever. Will you move to Canada with me?”
“What have we started?” Abigail brushed her lips against Marlee’s. Their tongues met for a devouring kiss.
“This can’t be real.” Marlee spoke through their smooches. “I’m afraid to wake up from this dream.”
“I was so nervous last night when I stood outside your door,” Abigail said. “I raised my hand three times before finally knocking.”
“Are you kidding?” Marlee said. “With the way I’ve been lusting after you? What were you afraid of?”
“Me.” Abigail shifted. “I’ve never felt this way about another person. It doesn’t make sense. I never thought of myself as a lesbian.”
“And how do you feel about being one now?” Marlee caressed Abigail’s ponytail.
“It seems so natural with you,” Abigail said. “I’ve spent my life studying genetics, mapping DNA profiles related to cancers and disease, and looking for cures to make life better. I’ve never given any credence to the genetics of love and claims of love at first sight.”
“I’m a big believer in love at first sight,” Marlee said. “I call it chemistry and think it has everything to do with how we’re made up as individuals. I know my chemistry matches yours.”
“How can you be so sure without comparing our DNA profiles?”
“I don’t need some DNA test to tell me when it feels right,” Marlee said. “I either have chemistry with someone or I don’t. Take Hannah. The two of you could be sisters. You’re both beautiful, smart, and sexy, but I don’t have any chemistry whatsoever with her.”
“That’s because you met her under different circumstances,” Abigail said. “Hannah’s a lovely woman.”
“So why aren’t you lovers?”
Abigail snorted. “I’m not attracted to her in that way.”
Marlee chuckled. “Now do you understand? There are lots of gorgeous women I like, but am not attracted to. They just don’t turn my crank.”
“What do I have that turns your crank?”
“Chemistry.” Marlee rolled onto Abigail. “Think of a beaker with sizzling vinegar and baking soda that’s about to overflow. You turn me on like that.”
“I didn’t know you were an expert in chemistry.” Abigail reached between Marlee’s l
egs and fluttered her fingers. “You’re so wet. You must have already overflowed.”
“Please don’t stop.” Marlee moaned. “I’m about to explode. It’s time to get my beaker off the burner.”
“Like this?” Abigail quickened her pace.
“Yes.” Marlee stifled her gasp as an orgasm erupted and her body convulsed.
Their lovemaking overtook conversation and they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms, exhausted and satisfied, but not satiated.
* * *
Marlee heard the knock at the bedroom door first. She tugged at Abigail then slid under the covers.
“Who’s there?” Abigail called out, her voice groggy.
“It’s me, Tay,” Hannah whispered as she opened the door and leaned in. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
Marlee held her breath and squeezed onto Abigail’s waist while hoping Hannah didn’t notice the extra mound under the covers.
“Of course I’m okay. It’s the middle of the night. What time is it?”
“Sorry, it’s just after three.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m worried about you, Tay. I know something’s going on and I don’t like being kept out of the loop.”
“There’s no need to be worried. Go home and get some sleep.”
Marlee stayed still, her head resting on Abigail’s stomach as she snuck a breath and strained to hear over her thumping heart.
“Let me turn on the light so we can talk,” Hannah said.
“No.” Abigail raised her voice. “Don’t turn it on. It’s too bright for my eyes. I’ll get up and meet you downstairs. Just give me a minute.”
“Sure, okay.” Hannah closed the door.
Marlee stayed still. She heard Hannah’s footsteps move away and waited for Abigail to make the first move.
“Oh my God,” Abigail whispered as she pulled back the covers. “I feel like I’ve just been caught doing something naughty.”
“That’s nonsense. This is your house, your bedroom, and you shouldn’t feel like that.” Marlee sat up and wrapped the sheet around her. “Who the hell does she think she is, coming here in the middle of the night?”
“She’s my concerned friend and I don’t blame her.” Abigail put on a robe. “Letting you and Tyler stay here doesn’t seem rational. Now of all times is not the time for me to act irrationally.”
“But to come to your bedroom in the middle of the night? Has she done that before?”
“No. There’s never been a need to,” Abigail said. “She’s always respected boundaries and only used her key to let herself in when I’m not here. I’ll have a chat and try to ease her mind.”
“What are you going to tell her?”
“Shhh. I won’t tell her anything tonight. I just need to make sure she leaves and it doesn’t happen again.” Abigail pecked Marlee’s lips. “I’ll be right back.”
Marlee listened to the scuffle of Abigail’s feet disappear down the hallway. She felt defenseless, as though back in the water with a shark readying to attack. Hannah was now the menace, circling in the kitchen for Abigail to fight off on her own. Marlee had to help. She snuck to the bedroom next to Abigail’s, tousled the bed sheets to make it look like she’d been sleeping in it, pulled on shorts and a T-shirt, and went downstairs.
Hannah and Abigail stood close together near the kitchen counter, quietly talking, casting shadows on the floor in the low lighting of the range hood. They both looked up as Marlee entered. Hannah snapped her tongue, turned away, and wouldn’t face her.
“I thought I heard noise down here,” Marlee said. “What’s going on?”
“It’s nothing,” Abigail said. “Why don’t you go back to bed?”
“Okay, but don’t hesitate to wake me if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Marlee retreated upstairs and into the room she was supposed to be sleeping in. She got into the bed, turned out the light, and waited. When Abigail finally climbed the stairs, Marlee lurched to the door and met her in the hallway.
“Is she gone?”
“Yes.” Abigail sighed. “Let’s get some sleep.”
“Should I stay here instead of your room?”
“Of course not.” Abigail reached for Marlee and ushered them back to her bedroom. “I want you beside me.”
“What if Hannah comes back?”
“She won’t.”
“How do you know?” Marlee undressed and crawled into bed.
“She told me she wouldn’t and I trust her.” Abigail switched off the light then wrapped her body around Marlee’s. Can we try to get some sleep now and talk more in the morning?”
“Sure.” Marlee snuggled against Abigail, rattled about Hannah’s visit and concerned about her lover’s unwavering trust for the annoying woman. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t get back to sleep and lay awake in the dark for a long time afterward.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tyler sat hunched at his computer as Abigail and Marlee entered the workroom, coffee in hand and ready to work. It was only nine o’clock on Sunday morning, but they’d already shared a swim, shower, and healthy breakfast of fresh strawberries mixed with granola, cereal, and yogurt.
“We heard movement and figured you were already in here.” Marlee handed him the mug.
“Thanks.” Tyler took a sip without moving his gaze from the computer screen.
“How are you going Tyler?” Abigail asked.
He glanced at her. “Hannah was on the network late last night, snooping around your email account.”
“I know.” Abigail sat down. “She told me, but good on you for spotting it.”
“What was she doing?”
“Hannah’s concerned about us staying here,” Marlee said. “She came back late last night and told Abigail she was looking through her email to see if she could find out more about us. You didn’t hear anything?”
“No.” Tyler rolled his chair back to face them. “What time was that?”
“Around three in the morning,” Marlee said. “She came right up to Abigail’s room and knocked on the door.”
“No shit?” Tyler shook his head. “That must have been stressful. Did the two of you get caught?”
“Caught doing what?” Abigail asked, her face straight.
“Nothing.” Tyler’s cheeks reddened.
“I take it you had a good night then if you didn’t hear anything?” Abigail winked at Marlee. “I hope the room was fine.”
“Perfect,” he said. “I had a really good sleep.”
“It’s a wonderful room, isn’t it?” Marlee said. “I had the best night of my life in that bed.”
“I didn’t know you slept in it,” he said.
“Who said anything about sleeping?”
Abigail cleared her throat. “I, uh, think it’s time to get to work. Where should we start?”
“Let’s take stock of what we know,” Marlee said. “I find it useful jotting information down and then taking a step back to examine the notes.”
“I’ll open up a new file and be your scribe.” Tyler swung back around to his computer.
“Perfect,” Abigail said. “Maybe we should get Hannah over here now to help us.”
“You filled her in last night?” Tyler looked back over his shoulder.
“No,” Abigail said, “but I’m thinking this would be a good time to include her. I’m sure she’d come over now if I asked.”
“I don’t like the fact that she was snooping around your email last night,” Marlee said.
“She was just concerned about me. Hannah’s a good friend. I appreciate that she’s looking out for me.”
Marlee tried to ignore her feelings of jealousy and get back to the job. “Let’s jot our thoughts down now that we’re here. We need to get moving on this and she can always add to the document later.”
“Whatever you think,” Abigail said. “Where do we start?”
“With the facts.” Marlee turned to Abigail. �
��Why don’t you start by telling us what you know for sure?”
“Company research is being tampered with,” Abigail said. “I found proof of it in one of our experiments related to chromosome mutations in birth defects. Instead of preventing embryonic flaws, the research had been modified to propagate physical deformities affecting the face in fetal development. Hannah was devastated when this was discovered because it was one of her research projects. She was totally opposed to the modifications.”
“Let’s get this down,” Marlee said. “One of Hannah’s research projects was tampered with to promote birth defects. There are no suspects. Got that Tyler?”
“I do now.”
“Who would’ve had access to this research?” Marlee asked.
“No one,” Abigail said. “Hannah likes to work alone on studies in the lab so she can be in complete control of inputs.”
Marlee resisted the urge to scoff at Hannah wanting to work alone. She believed research should be based on sharing and suspected Hannah was somehow undermining Abigail’s authority by doing this. “Who discovered the tampering?”
“I did,” Abigail said. “I monitor company studies and offer support wherever I can.”
“How was the research impacted?” Marlee didn’t like this.
“I spotted microscopic genetic abnormalities in the specimens right away.”
“Could it have been done, perhaps erroneously, by Hannah?” Marlee struggled to give her the benefit of the doubt.
“No.” Abigail’s nostrils flared ever so slightly. “Hannah doesn’t make mistakes like that.”
“But who else could have accessed the lab to alter the research?” Marlee asked.
“It could have been anyone.” Abigail frowned, as though trying to convince herself it was someone else. “Unfortunately there was a malfunction in some of our security cameras in the building so nothing was recorded for a few hours the night it happened.”
“Someone must have shut down the cameras through your network,” Tyler said. “Another fact I’ll add is that the company has been hacked by me so therefore could be hacked by somebody else.”
