by Mckoy, Cate
About mid-shift, Catlyn waited on Agents Sharonda and Jabaria and then later detective Tyron Anderson and who she assumed was his partner, a light skinned black man who was a little older than Anderson. Anderson smiled and winked at her. She flirted and smiled with all the customers trying to be as visible and memorable as possible. It certainly helped with the tips, which was the up side. The down side was all the pats to her ass and caresses to her arm. With one of the more lecherous older men she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from breaking his hand.
Other than the occasional groping the atmosphere was very nice. Good noise level meant people were having a good time. On her break Catlyn sampled the food and it was mouthwatering good. She knew why people came back to BJ's. Its food was amazing and magazine worthy.
Near the end of her shift and closing Sanchez came in with Tasha of all people. Catlyn served them with grinding teeth. Tasha took her little digs by sending her back repeatedly for little things. It was 'Oh, miss can I have a glass of water with no ice' and 'Excuse me miss but I asked for this to be well done' and 'Miss can I have some extra napkins?' and Catlyn's favorite 'Miss can I please have some hot sauce?'
Catlyn slammed down the bottle of hot sauce and said with a forced smile. "Will there be anything else this evening?"
"Uh, yes-"Tasha started only to be overridden by Sanchez, "Just the check please."
Catlyn threw him a grateful glance. "Right away, sir."
Over all it was a good evening. She made good tips, made herself very visible and mentioned more than once her new boyfriend was white, she lived alone and locally. She did everything but put a sign on her chest that read: come get me next Mr. Killer.
Most of the staff had left. Only the night manager and two kitchen aids remained. Because she had been late Catlyn offered to close the two main dining areas. She wiped down all the tables and chair, swept and mopped both floors. She was just turning out the lights when the night manager, Steve Odly came over to her. Catlyn couldn't say what it was about him that pushed all her alert buttons but the manager made her antsy.
He had bright blue eyes and stringy bright red hair and his voice was low, very low. One had to really listen close to understand him. She tensed as he touched her hand, supposedly to get her attention. "Cat, you did real well tonight, even though you were late." He gave her a stern look.
"Thanks Steve. I am heading out now. Was there something else I can do before I go?"
He took a glance around the darkened dining room. "No, you did good in here. I just- just w-wanted to t-t-tell y-yyou…"
Catlyn realized why the skinny red-headed manager barely spoke and spoke low when he did. He was a stutterer. Catlyn gave him a gentle smile, waiting patiently for him to finish his sentence.
"…t-t-that I s-s-saw y-y-you w-w-with th-tha-that g-guy."
"Guy? What guy?"
"Y-y-y ou we-re holding h-his hand, k-k-kis-kissing him on th-the s-steps."
"Oh, you mean my boyfriend, Jack."
"J-J-Ja-Jack?"
"Yes, I told you my car broke down and I had to call him to give me a ride."
"A r-rid-ride is ok. Bu- but no mak-making out on the s-steps."
Catlyn took umbrage to the description of the peck on the cheek she gave Jack. "We were not making out! I gave Jack a good bye kiss on the cheek."
"D-don't do it again. Here at Buh, buh B.J's we keep a p-positive image." He finished with a schoolmarm voice.
Catlyn regarded him closely. After a few seconds, she deemed him a weird guy rather than a threat. "Ok, got it. No orgies on the front steps."
His face turned as red as his hair. He started to say something but Catlyn decided she didn't have time to listen. "Goodnight." She went to the employees lounge to collect her jacket and purse. She took her cell phone out of her purse, seeing there were no missed calls or texts she clipped it to her waist. Waving bye to the kitchen help she pulled her jacket on and exited through the back door.
Catlyn looked at the lights all along the waterfront, all different colors, sizes and shapes. It was stunning. The Hudson River spread out as far as the eye could see to the left and right but directly across the pier the city of Beacon's pier could just be made out in the darkness. Beacon's lights twinkled and glittered off the water in the distance. The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge was a huge looming specter, looking as though it rose from the aqua depths of the Hudson. It's unique construction giving the illusion of two bridges parallel to one another. Catlyn took in a deep breath, savoring the view and the cool air. The waterfront really was beautiful.
She walked as far as she could on the waterside before switching to the sidewalk and street-side. It was dark and the waterfront was almost deserted with the exception of Gully's bar. Catlyn could hear the Jukebox playing and laughter as she neared the first parking lot. For the endeavor of making herself more of a target Catlyn decided to walk home at night. It increased her vulnerability. Besides, Jack knew she was walking and hadn't mentioned picking her up. It was a short walk, with ninety percent of it being up hill.
Catlyn was entering the second parking lot when a sound behind caught her attention. It sounded as though someone was dragging something, slide, bump, slide bump. Halting, she turned, surveying the landscape behind her, eyes following the tree line and bushes. She didn't see anything and the sound had ceased. Giving her surroundings another once over, Catlyn turned to continue her walk across the second parking lot.
She was tense, readying her body for flight or fight if necessary. She was unarmed, which was decided at the start of this job thinking it prudent not to be caught carrying a firearm. It would seriously compromise her cover.
Again the nefarious slide-bump started. This time she continued to move as she looked behind her. The once breathtaking view now appeared ominous, taking on a sinister tone. The trees weren't lovely any longer but menacing overhangs for evil monsters to hide. The deep shadows became havens for ravenous animals to spring from. Catlyn's quick walk became a faster walk, then a trot to a full out run. All the while Catlyn took looks behind her to ensure she was not being pursued.
While her attention was in back of her several things happened at once. She was struck, hard, from in front of her, the cell phone at her waist began to ring, she screamed and a knife was put to her throat as she and her assailant hit the ground. Catlyn's arm came up reflexively, blocking the knife. She forced her body and the attacker's into a roll along the concrete. He was surprised enough to lose his grip on her neck. Seeking greater distance from the dark figure, Catlyn slammed her forehead into the dark figure's face as their roll came to a sudden stop with him on top of her. An animal like howl came from the man but he didn't release her. He swiftly gained his feet, forcing Catlyn to stand, just so he could fling her back down. Catlyn's knees took the brunt of the fall, the pain so jarring that it reached to the back of her teeth.
Swiftly Catlyn regained her somewhat shaky stance. The man came at her with the knife. The silver blade gleamed off the parking lot lights. It was a good tell when he moved his hand. He swung the knife towards her. Catlyn blocked and aimed her fist towards his face, seeking contact with his nose. "Bitch!" She hit her mark.
The man began to circle her. Catlyn kept him in front of her as she too circled. "You, stupid bitch, I wanted your money. Now I am gonna take much more." He advanced, swung the knife. Again Catlyn blocked, swung her fist and hit her mark. The moron tried three more times with the same results. His nose should be gushing by now Catlyn thought.
"Ready to call it quits genius?" She panted out. The man gave a roar and lunged at Catlyn, it was too quick for her to sidestep. She went down with enough force to steal her breath. The man was on top of her, all his weight making it even harder to breathe. The man lifted his fist, holding the knife. Catlyn put her arms up to block as his downward motion aimed at her chest.
A fraction of a second before she could completely block the downward stroke another animal like howl sounded and remarkably Catlyn was
freed, her assailant gone. Catlyn sat up to see what had happened. Jack struggled with the blackclad figure. Both he and the attacker came swiftly to their feet and faced off. Jack's superior body and training showed instantly. Jack had him disarmed in seconds. His hands flashing too quickly for the eyes to follow as he forced the man into submission. When the man was out cold on the tarmac, Jack rushed back to Catlyn, who was still on the ground.
He knelt beside her. "Catlyn, are you alright?" He gently touched her cheek, pushing her hair back so he could better see her face.
She tilted her chin towards the unconscious idiot. "Nice moves, chief."
"Oh, thank, God." He pulled her into his arms then his lap as he sat on the ground. "My heart nearly stopped when I heard you scream and then struggling with that asshole."
"Jack, I know you move like Superman and kiss like Superman, but I didn't think you could hear like him." Catlyn joked to help ease her shakes as the adrenaline rush seeped from her body.
Jack's quick intake of breath had Catlyn tilting her chin, looking into his eyes. "Kitten, you think I kiss like Superman?" His smile was wide. He trailed soft kisses from her cheek to her ear.
Catlyn shuddered and moaned, lifting her chin more to give him better access. "Well, if you don't, then he should definitely kiss like you."
He licked the side of her neck before seeking her lips in a quick but substantial kiss. "Your cell must have been on 'any-key' answer, because it barely rang once before I heard your scream and then you struggling. I was on my way to meet you. I just wanted to talk while we walked towards each other."
"I am so very glad you did." Catlyn whispered, leaning her head against his chest as he held her close to him.
"Me too." Just then an ambulance, patrol car and an unmarked pulled into the parking lot. The vehicles surrounded them in a semi-circle. Jack, Catlyn and her attacker were displayed in bright lights.
Detective Anderson reached them first. "Jag, you guys ok?"
Jack nodded. "I am fine. Catlyn needs to be seen by the medic."
She started to protest. "No arguments, Agent Lyte." Jack's tone brooked no argument. It was obviously his C of Ds voice.
"Ok, I will get looked over." She conceded.
"Thank you, sweetheart." He whispered into her ear. Jack stood with her still in his arms. His biceps flexed as he moved to the ambulance.
One of the patrolmen had cuffed, Mirandized and placed the perpetrator in the back of the squad car. "Chief Gard, you ok?" The other officer asked.
"We're good officer, thank you. After a medic sees him, take that piece of garbage to lockup. Miss Lyte will give her statement in the morning."
"Yes, sir."
"Thanks for showing Detective Anderson." Catlyn smiled at him as he gave a slight bow.
One of the paramedics was checking her for injuries. He then began to clean the bloody scrapes on her knees. Jack stood next to the open doors of the ambulance, holding Catlyn's hand.
"Is it him, Jag?" Anderson asked, watching as the patrol car pulled out of the driveway.
Jack shook his head. "No, but I think we just apprehended the guy that has been grabbing purses down here for the past few months. He even got one of our victims' purses before she was murdered."
"Well, that's good we got him." Anderson looked at Catlyn. "You gonna be alright?"
Catlyn smiled and started to answer. Jack spoke first. "Dude, take those smooth moves somewhere else. The lady isn't interested and she is fine."
Anderson winked. "She is hella fine!"
Catlyn laughed and once again Jack answered. "The lady is also taken. Beat it punk."
Anderson laughed and walked over to the gawkers that had assembled across from Gully's. Catlyn squeezed Jack's hand that was holding hers. "Why do you speak to him that way?" He was only looking out for me, this afternoon too. He helped me again by helping you bring in all that furniture."
Jack turned his watchful eye from Anderson, looking at Catlyn. "The guy is so irritating. I mean his success with the ladies is legendary around here and in my special ops unit. He flashes his pearly whites and women drop their panties."
Catlyn looked over at the seasoned detective. "He is very handsome and has a body that doesn't quit. I can see why the ladies are dropping their panties."
Jack came to his full height. "What?!"
Catlyn laughed at the stricken look and added in a whisper, mindful of their surroundings. "But, he doesn't have unbelievably gorgeous green eyes, an even more impressive body that won't quit, and isn't over all an incredibly sexily put together package that can make me cream my panties with a look or make me come so hard I thought I died and gone to heaven."
As she continued to list all the things she liked, Jack became relaxed, leaning his forehead against hers, pulling her close. "Ah, sweetheart, what you do to me."
Catlyn leaned back and looked up into the unbelievably gorgeous green eyes. "Don't worry chief, he does nothing to my panties or my heart beat."
Jack gave a very male smile cupping her rib cage on both sides just under her breasts, leaning down he softly kissed her lips and whispered against them. "Mmm, that's right. This beautiful body only responds to me."
Catlyn laughed out loud. "Careful, Jack, I do believe your smugness is showing."
"Damn, right! I have every reason to be smug. Have you even looked in a mirror? Any guy would be smug if he had you as his own."
Thoroughly charmed, Catlyn kissed him, initiating one of their heated exchanges for the first time.
He gently pulled back. "Can I take you home, Agent Lyte?"
Smiling she nodded and whispered. "Please, Chief Gard, take me." Jack look at her in wonder at the double entendre.
His eyes got smoky and his voice dropped an octave. "I – "
Before he could finish the paramedic spoke. "She's cleared. Her vitals are good, no internal injuries detected. Just a little banged up and scrapes to her knees. The other guy isn't so lucky. He needs a trip to the emergency room."
Jack gave the paramedic a glare. "Actually, he's very lucky. Lucky I didn't break his neck for daring to put a finger on her."
The paramedic looked from Jack to Catlyn and back again. "Wow, really?"
Jack took a deep breath and started to spew some form of wisdom Catlyn was sure but she quickly placed her hand over his mouth. "Thank you so much. Have a good night."
Catlyn stepped down from the back ledge of the ambulance with Jack's assistance. "Come on, Chief Gard, you are taking me home."
Jack put his arm around Catlyn's shoulders, giving the paramedic one last glare he led her to the unmarked Anderson had arrived in. He settled her on the back seat. "I will be right back."
He shut the door and went over to Anderson talking to some of the crowd. Catlyn watched them exchange a few words. Anderson handed Jack her purse and phone. Jack nodded and headed back to the car. He called a uniform officer over, indicating the front seat. Jack got in the back, taking Catlyn into his arms. He told the officer where to go and settled back against the seat for the very short ride.
Once inside Catlyn's apartment Jack checked all the windows and doors, ensuring they were secure. Catlyn watched him as he went from room to room, checking and re-checking the windows. When Jack saw her watching him, he shrugged. "Better safe than sorry, two of the victims were taken from their apartments in the middle of the night."
Catlyn gave a small smile. "I wholeheartedly agree. Carry on, chief."
Jack walked to her, stopping directly in front of her. "We need to talk."
Sensing the change in him, Catlyn tensed, "What about?"
Holding her gaze he said, "Us."
Catlyn's brow furrowed. "What about 'us'?"
He turned and started a short pacing from the doorway to the coffee table. "Sorry unspent energy I need to burn off."
Catlyn nodded her understanding. Waiting for him to speak, it was obvious he was picking his next words very carefully. "Catlyn, have you thought about what I asked you
to before you went to work?"
Sighing deeply she answered. "Yes, I did."
Jack came back to her, once again stopping directly in front of her. His eyes were intense, deeply probing as he tried to see her thoughts. "Catlyn, I want you to know that I-I want you." He said it as though he were imparting a great secret.
Catlyn turned towards the sofa. "Yes, I know. I felt how much you wanted me this afternoon on my bed."
He swung her back to him, his teeth clenched. "That's not what I meant and you are deliberately misunderstanding me."
Catlyn glared at him. "I don't like being man-handled, Chief Gard." She pointedly looked at his hand still on her arm.
Jack instantly released her. "God, I hate when you do that. Make me feel like a first class jerk for touching you."
Catlyn continued to the sofa and sat. "So don't touch me."
