Insight

by Jennis Slaughter

  “Could you move your right hand a little bit more around to my back?” Raelin requested. She was directing the healing to the worst spots.

  “Yeah sure. Anything you need.” Del let her fingers glide over smooth skin until they were resting where Raelin had wanted them. “Is it helping?”

  “It feels like it is, but you tell me. What do you see?” Raelin was keeping her eyes closed, concentrating on the healing.

  Del once again ran her eyes over the fit form of her lover. The bruises weren’t gone, but they had faded to the yellowish brown stage. “They look much better, the bruises that is. Are your ribs any better? Can you heal those a little too?”

  “We are, but they will take a bit longer. Can you put your hand under my right breast? It’s very tender right there.” A light sweat was beginning to break out on Rae’s skin.

  “I can, but after this I want you to take a break. Baby, you’re pushing too hard; I can see it on your face,” she whispered, her fingers finding the tender spot Raelin was talking about, her thumb rubbing soothingly over the skin.

  “We’re almost done...I need for you to go over my back.” Raelin was becoming breathless.

  “Raelin, you’re exhausting yourself. You keep this up and you aren’t going to be able to stand, let alone heal yourself.” Del stepped into the taller woman, taking some of her weight as she ran her hands lovingly over the strong back, delighting in the play of muscle over bone, despite the damage that had been done to it.

  Wrapping her arms around the blonde, Rae pulled her against her body, and gasped as the warmth of Del’s hands now spread out into her whole body. Lowering her head, she kissed the detective.

  Del immediately melted into the kiss, but kept it light, conscious of the cut on Raelin’s upper lip. She let her hands drift over the expanse of Raelin’s back providing whatever comfort she could until she couldn’t hold back and one hand drifted into the fine curls at the base of Raelin’s neck, holding her gently in place until they had to break away for air. “Better?” She smiled.

  Reaching up, Raelin covered her damaged eye with her own hand while keeping her other hand on the small of Del’s back, holding the blonde right where she was against her. After a few moments, she removed her hand and slowly opened her eye. Smiling down again at the blonde, Raelin whispered, “Much better.”

  “There you are. I was starting to miss those beautiful eyes of yours,” she rose to her tip toes to place gentle kisses on both eyes, the tip of her nose and then finally on Raelin’s lips, letting it linger before she pulled away again.

  “Thank you for helping me. Now how do I look?”

  “Gorgeous as always. I will say that the bruises don’t look nearly as bad. They should be gone within the week. Can you move a little better now you think?” she asked, not as worried about exploring the bronze skin under her hands. She let her fingers move, finally allowing herself to enjoy the sensations now that Raelin wasn’t hurting nearly as bad.

  Letting the blonde move her hands along her body, Raelin now pushed the love that she had for the smaller woman back towards the blonde, as she let her own hands wander over Del’s body.

  Del’s heart felt like it was going to pound right out of her chest as she felt Raelin’s love wash over her. Letting it soothe away the hurt she’d felt when she’d seen the damage the townies had caused, she let it take over, soothing the jagged edges inside until all she could feel was the calm sureness of the other woman’s feelings. She leaned in, kissing Raelin’s jaw before she whispered, “You’re amazing, and I love you.”

  Not letting the blonde pull away from the kiss, Rae murmured against her lips. “I’m not amazing. I’m just a woman in love for the first time in her life.”

  Del smiled against Raelin’s lips, wrapping her arms around the woman a little tighter. “With any luck, it will be the only time. You ready to hop in? The water is going to get cold, not to mention breakfast.”

  Pulling in a little bit of energy from the lines, the witch made sure that they wouldn’t be running out of the first. “The hot water we don’t have to worry about. Breakfast on the other hand; we’ll just have to reheat.”

  j

  Del threw her wet hair into a ponytail, watching Raelin dress through the mirror. They’d hopped into the shower together, but Del had been very careful to keep it gentle and loving. She knew that despite what she said, Raelin was still sore, and a little shy under the circumstances.

  Fastening the top button on her shirt, she reached for the pinstripe vest that matched her slacks, keeping it unbuttoned for the time being. She went to the head of the bed and grabbed her gun, clipping it in place against her shoulder out of habit. Seeing Raelin was already dressed, she guided her out the bedroom door with a gentle hand on her back ready to steady the witch if she had problems on the stairs. Having made it into the kitchen without any trouble, she pulled out a chair at the table and helped the witch sit.

  “Hey Jenny, did you and Rori leave us anything?” she asked, spotting Rori sitting next to Jenny at the table.

  Jenny laughed as she got up only to place two plates filled with eggs, bacon, grits, and toast in front of the detective and Raelin. “We kept them in the oven on low. Everything should still be edible.”

  “Did you leave any hot water?” Rori dryly asked.

  “What do you need hot water for?” Both Del and Raelin asked the cat at the same time.

  The brunette looked at her detective. ‘Her detective,’ Raelin liked the sound of that. “You can hear Rori?”

  “Yeah, it’s been an interesting morning to say the least. I’ve also learned that I need to remember to close the bedroom from now until forever,” she quipped; referring to the eyeful she’d accidentally given Rori that morning.

  “I guess that I should tell you that somehow, he can always get into locked rooms.” The brunette shook her head. “Never figured that out.” Taking a bite of bacon, Raelin moaned. “Mmm, this is so good. Thank you for fixing breakfast Jenny.”

  “That’s pretty impressive for someone without thumbs. I’ll keep that in mind though.” Del laughed scratching his head. Digging into her eggs, Del agreed with Raelin. ”Yes, thanks Jenny. It’s great.” Before she could get much further, her cell phone rang and she glanced at the caller display. ”Sorry Rae, I need to take this. Excuse me for a minute,” she got up from the table and left the room, answering the phone as she went.

  After Del left, Jenny just sat there, giving Raelin a wide grin, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “My, but don’t you look refreshed this morning.”

  The witch had the grace to blush. “I’m feeling much better, thank you very much. It’s amazing how much sleeping with someone who loves you is so good for you. And yes, we did use up a lot of hot water, and no, it’s not what you are thinking.”

  “Pity, then again, I get the distinct impression that your Del is a good Southern gentleman.” She buttered a slice of toast, taking a bite and swallowing before she spoke again. ”Are you really okay? You look like you’re in much better shape than you were, but I know there are things you aren’t telling me. You don’t have to say if you don’t want, I just want to know if you’re going to be all right.” She reached across the table and covered Raelin’s hand with her own.

  Raelin smiled at her friend. “I’m better now that Delaney is here. Things happened yesterday that I don’t want to go into right now, but yeah, I’m going to be just fine. And yes, she is a true Southern gentleman. I can barely believe how lucky I am.”

  “Well, you best be holding on tight to that one. You don’t find too many of those around. She was damned near beside herself when she barreled in here last night.” She patted Raelin’s hand, popping the last bite of her toast into her mouth.

  Bowing her head, Raelin sighed. “I know, and I didn’t help the situation much when I talked with her.” She looked up at her friend. “This relationship is unexpected for the both of us, and we’re still feeling each other out. I know that there will be a
lot of learning times where we’ll get on each other’s nerves, but I think that we can get through everything all right if we just talk to each other.”

  “I’m glad you are staying grounded at least. You’re right, I’m sure you guys can manage anything as long as you keep up the communication between you,” she was about to say more when Del came back into the room and crouched next to Raelin’s chair. She watched; smiling as the blonde placed a gentle hand on the brunette’s knee before speaking.

  “Raelin, you think you are up for company? Jasper and the two agents want to come out and talk some stuff over. I know you aren’t comfortable having that kind of energy in the house, especially since they will all have guns, but it’s not safe for you in town anymore.”

  Rae looked down at the detective, knowing what she was saying was true. She didn't know when she would be able to force herself to go back into town after what had happened, but she also knew that she didn't like being told what to do. “They can come on out. I'll do a cleansing after they leave. I know that you can't meet in town yet, and this is the logical place, but thank you for at least asking.”

  Del knew that Rae was only agreeing because she felt there was no other option. Not wanting her witch to be any more uncomfortable then she already was, and knowing how important it was to have a safe place untainted by the outside world, she decided that maybe there was another route. “Are there any sheds not being used on the property? Maybe we can set up a base camp of sorts in one instead of having them in the house.”

  Leaning forward, Rae kissed the blonde, letting her love pour through into the kiss. She knew what the detective was doing, and she was falling deeper in love with her by the minute. Finally pulling away she opened her eyes and caressed Del’s face with her fingers. “They are welcome into our home. I’ll do a cleansing afterwards; everything will be okay. Besides, the only shed that I have is filled with herbs and I'd rather keep that clean.”

  Del couldn’t remember a time in her life that she’d ever felt so complete just from a kiss. “Okay, I’ll call Jasper back and let them know they can head over. I’ll go lock my gun in the Jeep and be right back. Anything you need while I’m up?” she asked standing up.

  “No, keep your gun with you for now. It’s a part of you and I don’t want any of us at risk. I don’t need anything, thank you.” Rae smiled at the blonde, knowing that she had just made her feel more accepted.

  Del gave her a wide smile, leaning down to give her a quick kiss; she paused to whisper in her ear. “Thank you, I’ll feel better knowing I can protect you and Rori,” she paused her smile widening. “And our home.”

  Rae watched as the blonde left the kitchen to make her phone call, and then glanced over to her friend. “I’ve fallen hook, line, and sinker haven’t I?”

  Jenny offered a low whistle. “Yep, hook line and sinker. Then again, I’d say she has too considering the way she glows whenever you guys are within a few feet of each other.” Jenny laughed, honestly happy her good friend had finally found her own happiness.

  j

  Getting up from the table, Raelin set about washing the dishes. She couldn’t have guests seeing a messy home. Turning to Jenny, she asked. “Are you going to be all right with telling your story to Jasper and the agents?”

  Jenny got up to help, gathering the dirty dishes, and popping them in the sink. “I think I’ll be okay. It’s hard to talk about, but I know that a little discomfort on my part could save the lives of many more women. So I think it’s worth it. Besides, I know Del won’t stop until she’s nailed the bastards to the wall so to speak. I know what I say will matter, and that helps.”

  Leaning against the sink, Rae looked at her young friend and admitted. “That’s the one thing that really scares me...how passionate she is about nailing the bad guys. She thinks nothing of putting herself into a dangerous position if it means ending it, and I don’t know if I can handle that. I know that I don’t want to be without her, but I don’t know if I can be what she needs.”

  “I think you’re selling the both of you short. Think about it, when she went out to the camps, and got in the scuffle with those two jackasses, you hadn’t really talked about how you felt, you’d shared a few kisses, and that was it. Last night, she came barreling in here, and yeah she was terrified for you, but she was also enraged. I could feel it coming off her in waves. She could have gone on a hunt that very moment, but she didn’t. Because she loves you, and she respected the fact that you worry about her. I think she’s being a heck of a lot more restrained now that she knows she has you to come home to. Give her a chance to settle down a bit. This is new for both of you; she has habits that come with her job that will take her a while to break.” Jenny took a deep breath, surprised at her own words, but strong in her belief of them.

  Hugging her friend, the witch whispered into her ear, “When did you get so smart?”

  “When I started hanging out with you so much,” she laughed, holding the witch close.

  Del chose that moment to re-enter the room. Quirking a blonde eyebrow, she leaned against the doorframe. “Jeeze, I’m gone ten minutes, and you start putting the moves on my witch. You don’t waste any time do you?”

  Arching an eyebrow, Raelin moved like her familiar and went over to her detective. “Your witch is in love with her detective, and has eyes for no one else. Now shut up and kiss me.”

  Del laughed as she pulled Raelin down for a kiss, her fingers sinking into dark hair to hold her in place. Slowly she deepened the kiss, enjoying this moment of peace before the outside world intruded on them.

  “At it again I see. Think you two can keep your hands off each other long enough to change my water?” Rori brushed past them going out onto the back porch.

  “You drink out of the toilet, so what do you care,” Raelin quipped back.

  Del sputtered, laughing as the feline turned to give his witch a dirty look. “I think that’s our cue.” She glanced over Raelin’s shoulder, seeing Jenny working on the dishes, pretending not to be interested on the happenings on the other side of the room. “Besides, Jenny’s been washing the same plate since you slinked over here. We should probably give her a hand.”

  Pretending to be hurt, Raelin headed back to the sink. “I did not slink...I glided.”

  “Yes you did, you knew exactly what you were doing when you strutted the whole way across the room. You knew I’d be powerless to say no in the face of your feminine wiles,” she said seriously, bumping her hip against Raelin’s as she wiped the counter beside the sink.

  “Goddess help us. She’s a silver tongued devil.” Rae bumped her lover back.

  Del was going to respond when she heard the distinct sound of a vehicle pulling into the yard. Out of instinct, her hand went to her gun and she moved slightly in front of the two women with her. “Who is it Raelin? Please tell me it’s just Jasper.”

  Rori stuck his head in. “It’s Jasper and two other humans; and they are wearing guns. It’s going to take us forever to get the stink out of the house.”

  Relaxing, Del’s hand left the holster she was wearing and she shrugged at the cat. “Sorry Rori, I’ll try to only have them out here when it’s necessary.” She turned to the two women behind her. “You guys ready? I can always talk to them alone until you feel up to it.”

  Both of the women nodded, though Raelin paled a bit. She could feel the distrust of one of the agents while the other was a bit skeptic, but open.

  Jenny nervously wiped her hands on a towel, and straightened her clothes.

  “I won’t let them hurt you. They’ll behave or I’ll throw them out myself,” she whispered to Raelin noticing her face drain of color. “It’ll be okay. Besides, I’ll just ask Rori to camp out under the table with tacit permission to use them as scratching posts if they get out of line.”

  Raelin chuckled, quickly kissed the blonde. “I love you Delaney.” Taking a deep breath, she went out and opened the back porch door. “Hey Jasper, how are you feeling today?”r />
  “I’m sore, but I’ll live. How about you?” The older man looked at the young woman. He knew that she must have used her magic because the bruises were already fading.

  “I’m good. Come on in.”

  Del watched as Jasper came in, followed closely by the two agents. She could tell right away that they were studying the layout of the house, getting a feel for it, and its occupants. She let Raelin usher Jasper in, giving him a friendly greeting as he passed. Catching the arm of each agent, she gave them a serious look. “You do anything to hurt her, and you will be out that door so fast you won’t know what hit you.” Releasing them, she joined Raelin, Jenny, and Jasper in the kitchen, taking a chair next to Raelin and motioning for the agents to sit.

  “Raelin, Jenny, this is Agent Jake Sumners, and Agent Kasey Spaulding. They’ve come to give us a hand. Sumners, Spaulding, this is Raelin Montrose, the owner of this nice house, and Jenny LeBlanc, the young woman I was sent here to find.”

  The older agent didn’t beat around the bush, getting directly into the heart of the matter. “So Jasper’s already given us a report on the situation with the trafficking. What I’d like to know Miss Delacroix is what made you think it was a good idea to get involved with someone who is related with the case you are working. You’ve potentially ruined this case; it’s called a conflict of interest. I’m sure you know all about that.”

  Raelin abruptly stood up, causing her chair to topple over. “You do not come into my home and verbally assault someone. I will not stand for it. Do I make myself clear?”

  Del stood up next to her. “My relationship with Raelin has no bearing on this case and you know it. She hasn’t done anything except help a girl who was in trouble. It’s covered under the Good Samaritan’s law; you know the law that offers protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are injured. Don’t you think I already checked her out? I read her file. I’m not stupid.”