Partners: Beyond The Shadows

by Kira Chase

  “Frankie, this isn't just about you. This concerns all of us,” Trey said gently. “You and Johanna are like family…at least that's how Will and I feel. We couldn't bear it if anything happened to either of you. And what do you think it would do to Selma? She'd be devastated if anything happened to you.”

  Frankie adamantly shook her head. “Trey, I appreciate your concern. I love you both like brothers, but please—”

  “No,” Trey interrupted. “Quit being so stubborn and just admit that having Kate in the house is the right thing to do.”

  Frankie's jaw twitched. “Look, I haven't even had time to process all of this.” She rubbed her temples. “Let me think about it for a day or two. If Fellows hasn't been caught by then, I'll consider it.”

  “Are you out of your freaking mind?” Johanna stormed. All eyes turned to her. She normally wasn't one to have verbal outbursts, but this was pissing her off. This wasn't a game. Like it or not, this was their reality. “What do you not get? Fellows wants you and will do whatever he has to do to get you.”

  Frankie peered at Johanna with a surprised look on her face. “I said let me think about it,” she said firmly. “Now let's change the subject.”

  Kate lifted an eyebrow. “There isn't any time left, Frankie,” she said.

  Frankie bit her bottom lip. “What happened to the woman who survived his attack? Has she been able to give any insight into how he managed to slip by the police to get to her?”

  George swallowed hard. “She wasn't able to be questioned. She never regained consciousness.”

  White faced, Frankie's jaw dropped. “She's dead?”

  “I'm afraid so.”

  Johanna's lips trembled. “That does it. We need Kate to stay, Frankie. Now, more than ever.” Tears filled her eyes. “Please, Frankie. Maybe you won't admit it, but I don't think I've ever been this scared of anything in my entire life.”

  Frankie tilted her head and looked into her eyes. “I said, let me think about it,” she whispered hoarsely.

  Johanna let tears of frustration and fear roll down her cheeks, not caring how she appeared to their friends. The room had gone uncomfortably quiet as all eyes focused on Frankie and her. “The time’s up, Frankie. We've run out of time!” she cried. “Don't you care about what this is doing to me?” She felt the immediate tension that enveloped the room. She sniffed. “I'm sorry,” she said, blinking as she looked at her guests. “I just don't know how much more I can take.”

  “Don't apologize, sweetie.” Kate's jaw was set. “Look what you're putting Johanna through, Frankie. Think about her. I can't believe you're doing this to her. I'm talking as your friend now and not as a deputy, but this is not the Frankie I know and love. What the hell is going on with you?”

  “Frankie, we're your friends. You need all the help you can get,” Will stated. “Why are you shutting us out?”

  Frankie sat staring at them but said nothing. Johanna wondered what was going through her mind. No smart comebacks…nothing.

  “Tell us what Will and I can do to help, Sheriff.” Trey said. “We can't sit back and wait for something to happen.”

  George rubbed his jaw. “Just keep your eyes peeled for anything that appears out of the ordinary. And make sure you wait until the gate closes and locks behind you when you leave tonight. Even though law enforcement will be posted around the clock, we can't take any chances. Until we figure out how Fellows is gaining entrance to buildings without detection, everyone is suspect. Especially those you don't recognize. Someone could pose as an employee of the utility company…you know what I mean.”

  Trey nodded. “We'll be extra cautious.”

  “If he does show up, don't try to apprehend him by yourselves. I don't need to tell you how dangerous he is.” George looked again at Frankie.

  Johanna knew that George expected Frankie to make some sort of comment, but she still kept her silence. Whatever was going on in her mind, she didn't care to share it with anyone…not even her.

  Frankie abruptly pushed her chair back and rose. “Anyone want more coffee?” she asked stiffly.

  Kate immediately got to her feet. She glanced at George. He nodded. “I'll have some. Let me give you a hand, Frankie.”

  Johanna kept silent as she watched the two women leave the room. When she was certain that they were out of earshot, she turned to George. “I apologize for my outburst. You obviously know how terrified I am, George. Frankie needs to stay close to home until this monster's caught. And I definitely will feel more secure with Kate right here in the house with us.”

  “No need to apologize to us, Johanna. I agree with everything you've said. Hopefully, Frankie will, too. I'm sure Kate's trying to convince her.”

  Trey raised an eyebrow. “Maybe for a couple of days, but she won't stay put for long.”

  “She will,” Johanna promised. “I'll see to that. I don't care what I have to do.” She toyed with her napkin. “Something's going on with her. She's acting so out of character. She's trying to appear tough and invincible, but I've been with her long enough to know how frightened she really is. But these shifts back and forth between fear and bravado are unsettling.”

  Arlan patted Johanna's hand. “I've known her long enough to see that, too, Johanna. We'll protect her. Nothing will happen to either of you on my watch either. Even if she refuses to stay put, we'll have officers following the both of you to and from the office, stationed all around the strip mall, and out back in your parking area. No one will get near either of you.”

  Johanna breathed a little easier. “Thanks, Arlan. And I will feel better with Kate here in the house with us.” Some of the tension left her body. “Any leads yet on who could be helping Fellows? I was wondering if someone suddenly disappeared around the time he did.”

  George leaned back in his chair. “Nothing yet, but we're following every lead that comes in. We won't give up until we get him. The authorities are investigating anyone who has moved in or out of the area he was living in the past year before he took off, to see if there is a connection.”

  “I hope this is over soon for all our sakes.” She smiled weakly. “Now if everyone will excuse me for a minute, I'll go get dessert.”

  * * * *

  Johanna heard the hushed tones as she entered the kitchen. Frankie and Kate fell silent as she approached the island where they sat. She pretended she hadn't noticed that the discussion they'd been having suddenly ended upon her entrance. “How's the coffee coming?” She faked a smile she didn't feel.

  “A couple more minutes, babe,” Frankie said, turning in her direction. “I was just telling Kate that this is not a good time for us to take time off from work—”

  “What!” Johanna cut in. She fought for composure as her jaw twitched and her eyes narrowed. “Dammit, Frankie! This isn't a game. If Fellows gets to you then you won't have to worry about work. You'll be taking time off permanently.” Her resolve crumbled as her trembling hand reached for the dessert plates.

  Frankie immediately covered Johanna's hand with her own. “I'll be okay,” she said softly. “Honey, I've already told Kate I want her to stay here with us in the house until Fellows is apprehended.”

  Tears spilled from Johanna's eyes. “Thank you,” she choked. “Thank you.”

  Frankie enclosed her in her arms. “We'll get through this. I promise.” She rubbed Johanna's back. “I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I don't mean to upset you. I'll let the authorities do what they need to without interfering.”

  Johanna sniffed as she brushed the tears from her cheeks. She wished she could believe her, but she knew Frankie too well. Even now she still sensed that Frankie's words were only to pacify her. She wished she could go deep into Frankie's mind to see how she really felt.

  “Johanna, he's going to slip up. And when he does, we'll be there to catch him. He has to know he's cornered. There's no escape for him now.” Kate leaned against the counter watching them closely. She tucked a strand of escaped blonde hair behind her
ear.

  “He still manages to get by everyone,” Johanna reminded the deputy.

  “He won't this time.” Her eyes blazed. “That's a promise I intend to keep.”

  Johanna swiped at her eyes. “We need to stay at home for a while, Frankie. It's not safe to go out in public even though Kate will be with us.”

  “That's what I was just telling Kate before you came in. Even though it's not the best time for us to be taking off work, we have no choice. I'd never do anything to put your life in danger, Johanna. I want you to know that I am taking this seriously. Kate's convinced me that I can't do this alone no matter how much I think I can.” She looked sheepishly at Kate.

  Kate gave them both a hug. “If we have to, we'll go door to door in the entire city until we find him,” she said. “Now let me help carry one of these trays. The cake looks delicious, Johanna.”

  Chapter 11

  “I hope you'll be comfortable, Kate,” Frankie said as she opened the door to the guestroom. “We want you to make yourself at home. If there's anything you need, just ask.”

  Kate set her suitcase next to the large sliding closet doors. “This room is absolutely beautiful!” She ran a hand over the large four-poster bed and then looked at the matching bureau, chest of drawers, and small table and chair. “This room is bigger than my whole apartment,” she remarked. “I love the colors. It's so calming.” She eyed the queen-sized bed. “I can't wait to sleep in an actual bed. Beats my sofa bed. I'll feel like I've died and gone to heaven.”

  “Come on, Kate. You have a cute apartment. It's cozy,” Johanna said. She looked at Kate's small suitcase. “Now, would you like some help unpacking?”

  “I'll do it later.” Kate laughed. “As you can see, I didn't bring too much since I suspect we'll get Fellows before long. It's just a waiting game right now.” She fluffed her hair and stretched. “After I change out of my uniform and put some comfortable clothes on, I want to check out the rest of the house before I do anything. See for myself just how good Frankie's security measures really are,” she replied with a mischievous wink aimed at Johanna.

  “If you can find one inch that I haven't secured, then it'll be a new one on me,” Frankie said with a wry grin. She stood with legs slightly apart and her hands on her hips as she glared good-naturedly at Kate.

  Kate laughed as she patted Frankie's shoulder. “All kidding aside, you've done an amazing job. I can't believe it. I've been admiring your energy saving devices, too.”

  Johanna rolled her eyes. “Just don't mention solar energy or you'll learn more than you ever cared to know,” she teased. “In all seriousness, though, Frankie has saved us a fortune. She's even had some panels installed on Selma's place.” She grabbed Frankie's hand.

  “And all that money saved has enabled us to afford all of the remodeling projects,” Frankie interjected.

  Kate smiled at them. “Well, you two certainly have a fabulous place here. I'm envious.” She sighed wistfully. “I hope someday to have a house and a huge back yard out in the country where I can have nothing but peace and quiet.” She sighed again. “It must be amazing to come here after working in the city all day.”

  “It is. After living in Philadelphia, we knew we wanted a place where we had room to breathe and enjoy life.” Johanna slipped an arm around Frankie's waist.

  “And we found everything we wanted here,” Frankie added. “Of course, being with the one you love makes it perfect.”

  “I want it all! That's my goal. Now if I could only do something about my impatience.” She frowned.

  Johanna smiled as she grabbed Kate's hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. “I'm sure someday you will have it all, Kate.”

  Kate slid a hand into her pocket and smiled. “I just want it all now,” she admitted. “I hate waiting.”

  “Don't we all,” Johanna said as she walked to the door. “We'll get out of your way. When you've finished checking out the rest of the house, please join us in the living room. I'm going to clear up some paperwork and reschedule a few appointments.”

  Frankie followed, but stopped before exiting. She turned her head and looked at Kate, who, with her back towards Frankie, had removed something from her uniform pants pocket. Frankie quietly watched as Kate slipped a ring on her finger. She moved closer to the window as she held her hand up and admired it for a few seconds, then slipped it off her finger and placed it back into her pocket.

  Frankie smiled broadly as she silently closed the door behind herself.

  * * * *

  “I promise, Mom. I'll call you the minute I hear anything. Please don't worry. Kate is staying with us until that bastard is caught.” She caught Johanna's eye and raised her own eyes.

  Johanna grinned and whispered. “Tell Selma we'll be fine. Give her my love.”

  Frankie nodded. “We'll be fine, Mom. Johanna sends her love.” Frankie paused. “I'll tell her. Now don't worry. I love you, too, Mom. I'll call you tomorrow.” She closed her cell phone and then leaned back into the plush sofa. “Mom sends her love.”

  Johanna looked at her as she cocked an eye. “And?”

  “And what?” Frankie asked innocently.

  “Come on. What message did she want you to give me?”

  Frankie chewed her bottom lip. “She wanted me to tell you to make sure I don't run off half-cocked and try to bring Fellows down by myself.”

  “Ahh, she does know you well, sweetie,” she said with a laugh in her voice. “But she means well.”

  “I know.” She picked up her laptop, which sat on the end table next to the sofa. “I should try to get some work done. Have you checked our business emails?”

  “No. I was just going over the bills. Tomorrow I'll be working in the home office. We have a few invoices to send out. Anything interesting in the emails?”

  “I checked a few of the business emails. Nothing that can't wait. It looks like our new client is definitely going to want us to begin our surveillance next week. I'm going to check out some names she gave me. See what I can come up with.” She shrugged. “It looks like an easy case.”

  “Good,” Johanna said with her eyes still on her computer screen. “So, how's your mom doing otherwise?”

  “She's stressed.” She grunted. “I swear she's called at least ten times today to make sure we're okay. She said she's talked to George a couple of times, too.”

  “She means well. I'm sure it eased her mind at least a little to know that Kate is staying with us.”

  “I don't know if that made her feel better or if now she'll worry even more.” Frankie frowned. “You know Mom.”

  “And that's one of the things I love about her. She'll go to the ends of the earth to do what she can to protect you no matter how old you are.” Johanna was thoughtful for a minute. “Well, I know that Kate's presence certainly makes me feel better. I'm still on edge, but not as much as I was earlier today.”

  “Me, too,” Frankie admitted. She stretched and then yawned. “Maybe we'll be able to get some sleep tonight.”

  “That would be nice. I'm exhausted, but my mind is going about a hundred miles an hour.” She patted Frankie's leg.

  “Well, maybe we need to quit giving that scumbag all this power to interfere with our lives. We need to talk about something that doesn't involve him. Try to get some semblance of normalcy back in our lives.”

  “I agree.” Johanna kept her hand on Frankie's leg. “So what do you want to talk about? Work? Or do you have some titillating gossip to share?”

  “Definitely not work. And I'm not sure this would be perceived as gossip.” Frankie placed her hand over Johanna's. “Do you remember a couple of months ago when Arlan asked us about the Myers property?”

  “Uh huh. Why?”

  She ran a hand over her chin. “Well, when we left Kate in the guestroom, I held back for just a few seconds before I closed the door. Earlier I watched her as we were talking and she slipped her hand into her pocket and touched something. She had such an expression of happiness
on her face the minute she felt whatever was in her pocket.”

  Johanna nodded. “I noticed that, too. I didn't connect it to anything in her pocket, though. I just thought she was daydreaming about having a home of her own with peace and quiet.”

  “That's what I was thinking, too. Anyway, Kate didn't see me…she was facing the window. Now mind you, I was intending to leave, but I saw her reach her hand into the same pocket and pull something out. So, you know my curious nature wouldn't allow me to leave until I saw what it was.” She grinned. “At first I didn't know what it was, but when she put it on her finger, it was obvious. It's an engagement ring! Then she took it off and put it back in her pocket. I hurried out of there before she saw me. So now I'm putting two and two together. Kate and Arlan are engaged and thinking about buying the Meyers property.”

  “Wow! Wouldn't that be great?” Johanna squealed. “Should we tell her we know?”

  Frankie lifted an eyebrow. “Let's be subtle. We'll lead up to it.”

  Johanna cocked an eye. “Frankie, there's nothing subtle about you.”

  Frankie laughed. “Okay. Well, I'll try to be this time. Just follow my lead.”

  “Okay. I'm done working for the night. It was hard enough to concentrate before, but now with this exciting news it's impossible.” She sighed happily as she rested her head against Frankie's shoulder. “This is nice. Sitting here with the fire going makes it almost seem like any normal night.”

  Frankie drew her close and kissed her deeply. “We'll have those nights back again, baby. Real soon.”

  Johanna looked into her eyes. “I hope so.”

  Chapter 12

  “Looks like we're in for some rain,” Kate said as she moved away from the living room window and joined Johanna and Frankie. She seated herself in an easy chair facing the sofa where Frankie and Johanna were seated next to each other.

  Frankie stretched. “Maybe the rain will curtail Fellows' plans.” Her brow puckered. “Or does he intend to stay hidden somewhere here in Charlestown until he gets me?” She looked intently at Johanna. “Something's going to happen soon. I feel it.”