by Mimi Barbour
The call on the computer interrupted and they all watched as Lisa’s beautiful face appeared. Tiredness showed instantly and so did the lingering sadness. Her soft brown hair curled in crazed ringlets all around her face, broken loose from a ponytail she’d formed. Her brown eyes sent messages of love and kindness to everyone who automatically smiled their pleasure at seeing the girl.
“Aurora, I can’t tell you how relieved I am that Lily is safe. I’ve worried myself sick about not being able to work with you. I’ve sent countless prayers into the universe so the energy would help to find her and it obviously worked. Hi Cory. Hey Ham! I’ve missed you all like hell and… Aurora, who’s the bald-headed, good-looker with his arms around you? If it’s that Kai Lawson, you tell him I’ve got a few chosen words to say when we finally meet. Bastard’s got some nerve—”
Aurora couldn’t take any more. “Lisa, what’s going on there in Seattle? Did you get all the arrangements made?” She had to interrupt or the babbling could go on and on and…
“Almost. We held the ceremony for my sister yesterday, everything’s packed, and I’m making plans to bus it home tomorrow.”
“Bus it? Didn’t my friend Jeff find you? I sent you the e-mail telling you he’d be arriving and would act proxy for me and help you move back with Noel.”
“You didn’t tell me he’d be flying his own plane. And you didn’t tell me the man is stinking rich and is the owner of Cascades. I’m making my own way home on the bus. I can’t stand being in the same room with that guy.”
“Are you crazy?” For the first time since Aurora met Lisa, the girl had truly stunned her. “Lisa, he’s a nice man.”
“Maybe to you he seems nice. I don’t like him.”
“Why the hell not?”
Lisa spit out the words, embarrassment obvious in her expression. “Because! The dude makes me tongue-tied.”
SPIN THE WHEEL
Chapter One
Lisa Jordan had a hard time accepting that her partner, Aurora Morelli, was getting married to the same dude who’d abandoned her when she was pregnant. He’d left her for almost a year while on an undercover assignment in Los Angeles. Not that Aurora had been aware of what had kept him from claiming her and the unborn child. She’d suffered and everyone close to her had seen her fight through her grief. It wasn’t until their baby had been kidnapped that Kai had returned. Thankfully, just in time. Now they were moving forward.
Hands clapping caught Lisa’s attention. She stared with delight and envy as Aurora paraded on the raised dais in the exclusive Las Vegas bridal shop. Mirrors surrounded the curved platform and provided a view to every aspect of the white satin and lace magnificence that Aurora wore so well. Being a tiny person and feminine to her core with her dark hair French-braided, Aurora resembled the princess every little girl envisions while reading her fairy-tales.
First, scowling at their fussy friend Rikki who tried to fix the train on her slim-fitting, gorgeous gown, Aurora sent Lisa a look that spoke volumes. Call her off, or I’ll hurt her.
“Rikki, you adjust that veil one more time and Aurora will get her gun.”
Rikki who had more class than any other person Lisa knew, unfortunately, didn’t have the brains to match. Street wise yes, due to her many tribulations because of her gender switch, but Rikki still maintained a big mushy heart under her new double-D bra and a belief that the world reacted according to her needs.
“She’s so annoying, Lisa.” The falsetto in Rikki’s voice might’ve sounded false to some, but Lisa knew it had become second nature for her friend. “I only wanted to apply a hint of blush,” Rikki continued. “And some eye color. The brat slapped my hand and then threatened me with some drastic pain.”
Lisa laughed. “I warned you not to fuss. Aurora’s only going through this torture because Kai expressly asked for a traditional wedding. Seems his mom has had her heart set on some form of celebration and he can’t disappoint her.” Lisa saw that Aurora was listening. On purpose she added, “And Aurora’s too soft-hearted to say no. It must be true love.”
A grunt from the princess let her know she’d scored a hit. Happily, Lisa settled more comfortably in her pink velvet chaise to enjoy her partner’s discomfort. The store manager, who’d learned her lesson to stay back earlier, tiptoed forward to gush.
“That dress is perfect for your figure, dear. It doesn’t overwhelm you at all. You were right when you insisted on a strapless model. The other with the puffy sleeves wouldn’t have done at all.”
“Puffy sleeves?” Lisa laughed and winked at Rikki. “Why didn’t you model that little number, Aurora?”
“You know damn well why. Do you know how many racks I had to search through to find a dress without ruffles or bows?”
The chagrined manager piped up. “It’s the style today.”
“It’s ridiculous,” Aurora griped while she surveyed herself from every angle. “Maybe we could cut off the train.”
Rikki and the sales lady groaned while Lisa acknowledged Aurora’s ploy with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll get some scissors. Hell, if we left the hem ragged, it would make its own ruffle.”
Knowing Aurora so well, Lisa totally got it that the wail from the two horrified onlookers gave her partner some measure of payback for having to undergo the torture of being on display. Mind you, Lisa did catch a glint in Aurora’s eyes every so often of interest and even pleasure. She sensed that Aurora just didn’t know how to let loose and rejoice openly in having the traditional ceremony, or as traditional as an Elvis chapel can get.
Close as they’d become, not once had Aurora ever shared any of her childhood experiences with Lisa. She only knew they must have been horrific from some of the comments Aurora let out from time to time.
After all, you don’t work that closely for a year with someone and not get to know intimate things about each other. One case that stuck out in Lisa’s memory involved a seven-year-old boy they’d found locked in a closet. Visible belt marks marred the skinny body and a haunting terror glinted from eyes that were dry.
When Lisa had mentioned that fact, Aurora, who’d held onto the child until his harsh stiffness had vanished and who now clung like an undernourished child-victim should, had answered knowingly. “It’s all about survival, and tears never help.”
Chapter Two
Driving back to the precinct after the dress fitting, Lisa relaxed in the passenger seat. “Aurora, you can be such a meanie when you’re in the mood. I thought we’d have to get smelling salts for those two back at the shop.”
“Naw, only for the dippy salesgirl. Rikki was cool. In fact she had fun working the other one and playing along with us. In her own way, she’s pretty sharp.”
“So you didn’t mind me bringing her along?”
“Not at all! In the end, it was Rikki who found the dress. I’d given up long before she’d let me. Kept saying the perfect gown had to be there… she could feel it.” Aurora chuckled, and Lisa loved the sound. It was warm and husky and full of good will. When Aurora felt happy, man it was contagious.
“I’m so sorry about Debbie. I know the maid of honor is supposed to have the privilege of helping the bride choose her dress. It broke Debbie’s heart to have to back out at the last minute. Hope her parents get out of the hospital soon. Damn freaky accident but black ice can put the best of drivers off the road.”
“Last I heard they were both only suffering minor bruises and the aftermath of concussions. Those mountain roads can be treacherous this time of the year. She did promise that Cory would get her back in plenty of time for the wedding on Saturday. Thankfully, I don’t have any plans for you two to wear matching dresses. You can each choose whatever you want as long as they aren’t fluffy pink with frills.”
“You trust us to shop without you there?”
Aurora grinned. “You mess around; it’ll be you who has to wear the dress all night, not me.”
Lisa gave up the fleeting thought of sheer netting or feathers a
nd figured she’d leave the shopping details up to Rikki who knew both her and Debbie’s coloring and sizes. “You sure take the fun out of things.”
As was her custom, Lisa contemplated her surroundings while they’d been chatting. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something that made her stomach roll over with dread. “Pull up around this bend, Aurora.”
At the small bank where Lisa dealt as a customer, the drapes were closed. Normally, the ugly, improperly styled window coverings were tied back out of sight.
“What’s up?” Within seconds, Aurora had pulled the car to the curb. Lisa’s tone had obviously gotten through to her. As partners, they knew each other well.
“The curtains at the bank are closed. I’ve got to go. Do me a favor and check out any cars hovering near the entrance for a get-away vehicle. If you see one, call it in.”
“What the hell do the curtains have to do with a hold-up?” Lisa ignored the question but before she could leave the car, Aurora snapped, “Hey! Get back here and put on your vest.”
“Can’t. I don’t want them to know I’m a cop.”
“Look, Kai left his hoodie in the back, use that. And Lisa, before I let you go, you’d better tell me what triggered this notion.”
Lisa talked as she stripped off her snug t-shirt to show a sports bra underneath before covering it with her vest, t-shirt and then the oversized hoodie. “Last week, when I mentioned to the cashier about the ugly curtains, she told me a story about a cheating bank manager whose wife had been hired as the interior decorator. Once the missus became aware of his cheating ways, those curtains were payback before she cleaned out their joint account and had the guy fired. Thing is, the girl said the only time they’d ever been closed was last year when bank robbers had wanted privacy.”
“They’re closed now.”
Lisa made sure her side holster was inconspicuous. “Yep! Do you have your hair pick?” She whipped off the scrunchie she’d used that morning to control her hair, and the abundant curls cascaded past her shoulders. Reaching for the comb and bending over, Lisa tugged and pulled it through her mop and magically it increased the bulk. Once she shook it out and then stood, her hair surrounded her head like a halo of amber silk, twisting and twinning, making her appearance like that of a model in a shampoo commercial.
“Oh girl, that’s glorious!” Aurora sounded awestruck.
“It’s hideous and annoying as hell. If I walked around looking like this all the time, no one would take me seriously.” Since childhood, Lisa either had a love or hate relationship with her nuisance hair. Lately, she detested how time-consuming it was when a persistent little nephew who was her ward needed her attention in the morning.
Covering the mess with the hood once again, she asked. “Do I look like an ordinary customer?”
“Hell, Lisa. You’ll never look ordinary.” Aurora snorted at the impossibility of her partner’s comment. “Take care.”
Lisa moved nonchalantly and approached the bank door to find it locked. Shit! Okay, they won’t want a disturbance, so if I start one, maybe they’ll open up.
She pounded on the door and yelled. “Hey!! It isn’t closing time. Let me in.” Sticking her face close to the door with hands on both sides she spied two people in plain sight and figured they must have the customers gathered on the right, where there was a lounge area.
Remembering the rent deposit money she’d gotten back from the apartment manager where her sister Carly had lived before she’d passed on, she pulled it from her wallet and waved it in the window. “I need to cash my check.”
Finally, her antics paid off and one of the people, who resembled her in a hoodie, hiding a bulky object behind his back, came to the door and opened it just a smidge. “Bank’s closed due to a sewer leak.” Beady eyes and unwashed dreadlocks added nothing to an already ugly face.
“The cashiers are there. I can see them. I need my check cashed. It’ll only take a minute, man. I got rent to pay. You gotta let me in.” Her griping voice rose with each statement.
“Take a hike, lady.”
“Let her in before she attracts attention.” A harsh woman’s voice demanded and the immediate action from the doorman let Lisa know who was boss.
Chapter Three
As she stepped into the dimly lit area, Lisa spied the horrified customers huddled together on the floor. Before she could do or say anything, the gun-carrying prick pushed her toward them.
“Just couldn’t take a hint, eh? Had to get in here. Stupid bitch. Sit down before I shoot you for being such a pain in the ass.” All pretense ended, he lifted his firearm and aimed it into her face.
“What’re ya doing?!” Lisa went along with his bullying and let him shove her. Playing at being terrified, she whined, “You can’t get away with this.”
“Shut the fuck up.” Now that commanding voice demanded to be heard and obeyed.
Lisa stared at the infuriated, middle-aged woman who carried a high-powered rifle as though she’d been born with it as her personal accessory. “Get over with the rest of the hostages, or I’ll shoot you myself.” She pivoted from Lisa as if she had no significance and stalked toward the row of tellers. “Get those bags filled and no dye packs or you’ll be sorry. We’re checkin’ before we go. Any of you touches your alarm and your boss is a dead man. Got it?”
Hearing her words, Lisa automatically turned in the direction of the manager’s office and her blood froze like teardrops in an Alaskan storm. Aw fuck! Jeff Waters, the one guy she hoped never to see again, a man who’d twisted her in knots from the first time she’d laid eyes on him just happened to be at the same robbery. The handsome devil crouched beside a body whom Lisa took to be the manager.
It looked as if the poor bank man had been worked over by the huge gorilla of a guy hovering nearby. The ape aimed another kick at the injured man while Lisa watched. Jeff thwarted him by grabbing the foot and shoving it aside. “He’s told you that if he unlocks the safe before the timer allows, it’ll set off a special alarm. Look, just take the money from the tills and go.”
Pissed, the woman lost her cool and stomped toward Jeff. “You! Get over with the others.”
Unafraid, or at least acting confident, Jeff stood and faced her. “Lady, don’t you get it? If he fiddles with the combination, it’ll alert the authorities. Not that I wouldn’t like to see you arrested, but these people don’t deserve to get hurt. Why don’t you just take the easy money and leave?”
The livid female sauntered up to Jeff and lifted her weapon in his direction. “My favorite kind of asshole, a businessman who thinks he owns the world.”
Agitation attacked Lisa while she streamed scenarios through her panic and came up with zip-all. It was as if unexpectedly her powers for making judgments had shut down, not something that had ever happened to her before. If only she could get their attention away from Jeff, calm the hostility and stop the impending action from happening.
Trembling, not faking it, she yelled. “For God’s sake! Stop it. Do you know what you’re doing? Scaring ordinary folks half out of their minds. Look at them!”
As if cued by a stage manager, all eyes turned toward the group Lisa pointed to. The dozen or so people huddled together included a pregnant lady, a woman with two small children, various middle-aged adults, and an older gentleman.
Most showed their fear. Some through tears, others by praying. The kids wept and clung to their mother, trying to get so close it appeared their aim was to crawl inside her body. The only one who seemed fearless was the oldest. This bearded gentleman sat aside from the rest, calmly watching the proceedings.
In the meantime, Jeff had identified Lisa. Her voice must have alerted him. She watched his eyes narrow while his earlier authoritative demeanor underwent a complete transformation. His hands went up as if in surrender and he moved to where Lisa kneeled away from the rest and sat down next to her. “Sorry.” He voiced the word in a low conciliatory tone, even looked apologetic. Unbelievably, concealed from the others
, his hand caressed hers. Pulling away was automatic. Intensifying heartbeats took her by complete surprise.
The youngest of the three thugs, the doorman who already had a beef with her, came closer and grabbed at her arm, intending on teaching her a lesson. “Come ‘ere, yappy. You’re really beginning to piss me off.”
Pulled off kilter, the hood to her sweatshirt fell back. Her hair caught his attention and she saw his reaction. Before she could elude his hand, he’d sunk it into the mass of curls and yanked.
Jeff’s growl was the only indication he’d be interfering but Lisa’s warning glare shut him down.
Acting scared, she screamed. “Stop it!” Girlishly, she slapped at the crook’s arm.
The loser shook her like a dog with a sock. “You’ll be the first to die if there’s any more bullshit, got it?”
Chapter Four
Aurora gave Lisa a few minutes to get inside and then wandered past the bank entrance, scanning the area carefully. Sure enough, a black Honda civic idled with a young woman behind the wheel. While chomping her gum, the chick coolly kept up a surveillance of the area.
Aurora pulled out her cell to call for backup and then walked along the sidewalk as if she hadn’t a care in the world. In the window of one of the shops, she spied on the vehicle and from the corner of her eye she spotted her own slim reflection. Tight black pants, high-heeled boots, a casual lightweight jacket and a hidden revolver made up her ensemble.
Strands that had escaped from her braided hair blew in the slight breeze that wasn’t normal in the sun-baked city of Las Vegas. Surreptitiously, she removed her badge from her hip and slid it into her pocket. She noticed her intense expression, forced a smile and then sauntered along.
The car parked next to the Honda finally left. It was time for her to make her move. She strolled past the bank and hesitated while she looked both ways before crossing the street. Soon she’d made her way behind the Civic and edged forward to lean into the open window. “Got the time?”
