The Case

by Lee Cunningham

  Shane was completely fascinated by Kate’s performance. He thought this look of pretend anger was even more entertaining than the last one. This expression was also combined with an eye flash that emphasized Kate’s deep emerald-green eyes. Shane gazed into Kate’s eyes, grinning like a love-struck teen. He thought it possible that the martinis had completely destroyed his inhibitions.

  Noticing his silly grin, Kate quipped sharply, “Are you even listening? And by the way, I know you’re wondering, the car was a Reno ‘reported stolen’ with dealer paper plates. The jogger never returned to it so our team made an anonymous call to CCSO the next day. When the responding deputy ran the VIN and learned the vehicle was stolen, CSI responded to process the car. There were no latent fingerprints or any other evidence recovered.”

  Shane managed to quickly toss in, “Of course not,” which had no effect on Kate.

  She picked up her narrative again. “That night, fifty minutes after you left, Big John Galliano was murdered by a single gunshot wound to the head. We only had a two-man team left on the house, making sure you weren’t followed, and they weren’t in position to see the shooter, so we have no knowledge of the suspect’s identity or a motive for the hit.”

  Shane had to know, and said almost mockingly, “Where was the rest of my team?”

  Kate smiled, “They put you to bed. That’s surveillance-talk for ‘followed you home’ if you didn’t know already,” she teased.

  Shane asked quickly before she could start again, “So you knew that I was injured in the jump off the balcony?”

  As fast as lightening, Kate slugged him in the shoulder with a closed fist that rocked him, as she yelled, “No. We only knew you made a trip to Minden Urgent Care. But you walked in and out under your own power. And don’t do something that crazy again, now that you have me! Our relationship demands you act responsibly and safely! Jumping off balconies, at night, in the rain, in to trees, is not responsible in my book!” Kate shook her head in disapproval.

  She continued in a normal tone, as Shane grinned, “And if you’re wondering, your team only waits about thirty minutes at your house once you’re home. It seems your home patterns are fairly predictable, and the team never has to follow you out again, once you come home that late. By the way, Mr. Beckett, you can thank your lucky stars you weren’t dating anyone and bringing them home.” Kate shot Shane the look again, and he knew he would never bring anyone else home, wherever home was to be.

  Shane shrugged and gave Kate a boyish look. “Never, of course,” he smiled sheepishly. He rubbed his shoulder and winced, realizing that Kate’s punch had quite a bit of force behind it.

  “Shortly after you were hired here in Carson City, Grandfather and Pete realized this was this case you were hired to investigate. It took us a week to get your back-up team assembled, equipped and settled here. Some of them are the guards in the garage you saw when we arrived. The rest I hope you didn’t see, or the security isn’t quite as good as we think.”

  Kate waited for Shane’s honest assessment. “I’m good, and no one is perfect, but I think these guys are pretty damn good. I knew I was being watched when we arrived here, but I had no idea from where. More importantly, I never knew I was being followed at work, and I use counter surveillance techniques.”

  Kate reassured Shane. “They used a micro transmitter implanted in your car. You also have one in your belt, thanks to Uncle Pete, so it’s not difficult for them to hang back out of sight and never lose you. Plus, we rented a house near the Magadinno compound, so our team wouldn’t draw any attention to you. If you’re wondering, Lee says you’re the best he’s ever seen, at what you do.”

  Shane figured he had to ask, “And Lee is?”

  Kate couldn’t resist a sly smile. “He is the owner of our Private Investigator Company, and has been in charge of your protection teams for the last 16 years. He was one of dad’s friends, and he and Grandfather have become close since our parents’ deaths.”

  Seizing the opportunity at the first observed discrepancy in Kate’s story, Shane said, “Sixteen years, I thought it was five and a half years?”

  Kate shook her head disapprovingly and teased, “Shane Beckett, you really must pay closer attention. I said that we had full time surveillance teams for five and a half years. After that, we just had one part-time team each, until four months ago. I’m really surprised you missed that. Maybe you aren’t as good as Lee thinks after all!”

  Kate stood up and walked to a cabinet in the viewing room. She pressed on the wood panel, released it quickly and it instantly sprung open, revealing a hidden refrigerator. Kate opened the door, reached in and retrieved a cold dish, lavishly covered with peeled cooked shrimp, surrounding a boat of spicy cocktail sauce. She also removed a dish that contained ultra-thin crackers, shredded lobster, and a matching boat laden with gourmet roasted pepper and olive lobster sauce, and assorted cheeses.

  “Pete said you liked lobster and I love shrimp, so Jesse prepared this especially for you. You’ll meet him at breakfast.”

  “Shane inquired, somewhat hesitantly, “And Jesse is the chef?”

  Kate laughed, “Oh, no, he’s Lee’s surveillance equipment and communication expert, but he’s a great frustrated amateur chef, and constantly surprises us with special treats like this.”

  Shane shrugged, as if the answer was expected, “Of course he does.”

  Kate returned to the loveseat, knowing that Shane had followed every movement of her body to the refrigerator and back with his eyes. As she smiled and leaned over him, her perfectly formed full breasts stretched the robe to its limit, allowing Shane a glimpse of several inches of gorgeous cleavage.

  Kate smiled, and said, “Like something you see?” as she presented him with the plates.

  Shane grinned, and answered, “Yes, and the food looks great, too.”

  Kate loved that Shane couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. She appreciated his attention more than he knew, having dreamed and fantasized about him for so many years.

  They took a break from the recap of their lives since the tragic murders, and ate and talked about something they really cared more about now, each other. They took turns asking about favorite colors, movies, music, food and hobbies. Then they turned to each other’s turn-offs, pet peeves and dislikes. They were really getting to know each other, and they were falling more deeply in love with each passing moment. Each of them was amazed at how well they fit with the other, and how exciting the other was to them.

  Shane couldn’t help but notice that Kate devoured the shrimp. He thought back to the shy girl with braces who made a fuss about eating shrimp 16 years ago.

  Kate seemed already able to read Shane’s thoughts, and as he was wondering, she confided, “I’ve always liked shrimp. I just didn’t want you to see me with shrimp parts stuck in my braces. You would have never really noticed me then!” They both laughed.

  They shared secrets and dreams for at least an hour, and when the food was all gone and the plates were on the coffee table, Kate walked to the fire and put another log on the embers. She bent over and swiped her hands over the log bin to remove any wood dust. Shane was again instantly transfixed, just watching Kate move. He watched every movement, as if relishing a flowing masterpiece. He began to feel the growing warmth between his legs, as Kate turned to meet his eyes. She stared at this man she now loved, and wondered if he could really be this wonderful.

  “You may not realize it, Shane, but while you were pining away over me at the café, I was doing the same for you. I think I always knew that my girlish crush on you had to be explored someday. I secretly hoped and dreamed it would end up this way, with us falling madly in love, and together forever. We share a special bond that began with our parent’s friendship, and tied our families together with their murders. I couldn’t wait to see you every day in the café. My biggest dilemma was what to wear to keep you watching, waiting and wanting. What was your favorite outfit?”

  Shane looked at her an
d grinned, “You have to ask?”

  Kate returned a knowing smile, and said, “I guess I’m going to be in high heel sandals and stockings on a regular basis.”

  Shane let out a relieved laugh as he felt the red flush of embarrassment that gave him away. “If you don’t mind, that would be fine with me!”

  Kate said quickly, “Don’t ever stop wanting me, Shane. You just remember that I’ve been fantasizing about you since I was 12 years old. I wore that outfit just for you, hoping it would drive you crazy.”

  Shane confided, “It worked. I had to leave the café or die for lack of oxygen. When I got home, I had to work out twice and take a cold shower. And then I dreamed about making love to you. But the dream wasn’t even close to the real thing.”

  Kate made her flying, cross-legged entrance onto the loveseat once more, and facing Shane, grabbed him by the back of the head and drew her to him. They kissed and fondled each other until the robe could not conceal Shane’s’ arousal, and then they departed for Kate’s room.

  When they arrived at the bed, the new lovers repeated the events of earlier in the evening. They attained new heights of arousal and release they both previously thought impossible. Each secretly feared this great love might be too good to be true, and each committed silently they would do everything in their power to love the other as completely as they could, so they would remain together for the rest of their lives.

  They whispered, “I love you” many times. They asked each other new lovers’ questions for another hour. Too tired now to take another shower, they fell asleep slowly, still in each other’s arms, holding on tight, afraid to let go.

  The alarm went off as programmed six hours later, having affording just enough sleep to replenish their bodies, but allowing enough time for them to shower and dress for breakfast. Shane silenced the alarm with a touch allowing Kate to sleep a few more minutes. Shane had awakened still holding Kate in his arms just before the alarm sounded and smiled realizing she was holding on to him just as tight.

  He didn’t move his body, and soon lost himself in the day dreams of watching his new love sleep. He traced over the parts of her face and neck he could see with his eyes. Once again he drank in Kate’s incredible beauty. He gently stroked her dark brownish-red, flowing locks of hair, exposed her ear and kissed her cheek and lips so softly she didn’t awaken. Love and commitment swelled inside his soul.

  He looked down at the exposed breast he could see, and admired its firm perfectly formed shape. He wondered if God had personally sculpted the details, creating him a full-sized incredibly shaped masterpiece, covered with sumptuous flawless skin. Kate’s large nipple was erect and inviting, even as she slept.

  Shane resisted the urge to smother it in passionate wet kisses and make love to his beauty in the minutes before they had to rise. In the end, he remained motionless, in awe of how much his life had changed in 24 hours. He thanked God Almighty for these extraordinary events. He said a long silent prayer as he touched Kate’s temple, in the ancient way of blessing a loved one, his parents had taught him as a child.

  As he finished, the alarm sounded again and Kate opened her eyes. Shane was immediately lost in her smile. He gazed into her sleepy green eyes as they lit up in the golden refracted light the skylight admitted. There was a slight hint of blue in Kate’s eyes, courtesy of the streaming sunlight.

  Before he knew it, Kate’s lips were pressing against his and her tongue was in his mouth, as she greeted him as new lovers do. They kissed for several minutes and reluctantly pulled themselves apart to take their showers and get ready for the scheduled breakfast meeting.

  Shane discovered that he had three changes of new clothing already hanging in “his side” of Kate’s closet. She explained that, even if they hadn’t got together, the plan was for Shane to move from his apartment into the O’Leary house where it was safer, due to all the events of the last four months that culminated in Big John’s murder. Shane finished dressing and anxiously asked Kate if he looked all right. She fixed the back of his shirt collar, enjoying being needed for such a small task, and assured him he was perfect.

  As they strolled down the hall, hand-in-hand, Shane suddenly stopped. “What do I tell your grandfather? He’ll know I spent the night.”

  Kate loved the boyish look on Shane’s face, and the concern for her grandfather she heard in his voice. “Shane, have you noticed I’m all grown up now?” She playfully placed his hand on her breast and kissed him deeply.

  Shane said more assertively, “Kate, what about your grandfather?”

  Kate relented. “Grandfather has been one of your biggest fans since he started to know you. We even had a special seat behind your Uncle Pete at your graduations from college and the police academy. He was very impressed that you were co-valedictorian at the academy, by the way.”

  Shane pleaded, “Kate!”

  She assured him, “Do you remember what grandfather’s caution and advice was for you last night?” Shane remembered and smiled as they walked downstairs, still holding hands.

  When they arrived at the dining room, there were far more people present than Shane had been prepared meet. In addition to Kate’s grandfather, Pete, and Lee Sprague (the owner of the security company and PI firm), there were six bodyguards including Jim and Doug, 14 surveillance team members, Delores from last night, an accountant named Spencer Pinetta, and an assortment of staff and grounds keepers.

  Walter introduced Shane to everyone, and apologized to him, in his elegant manner, that everyone already knew Shane. After all the pleasantries were completed, seven remained for breakfast. The others had already eaten and were not needed for the meeting that followed.

  Walter and Pete took turns explaining that three members of the surveillance team would go to Shane’s apartment and clear it out, while two other members would conduct surveillance from the rented house near the Magadinno compound.

  Pete finally chuckled, “You won’t be going to work today, my boy. We have too much to do here now.”

  Shane and Kate sat together and held hands through most of breakfast, much to the delight of Kate’s grandfather and Pete, neither of whom could stop beaming wide smiles of approval.

  After breakfast, the group adjourned to a meeting room complete with audiovisual aids. The meeting began with each remaining surveillance and bodyguard shift supervisor recapping his team’s observations and intelligence, gleaned from years of working the death investigation of Kate’s dad and Shane’s parents. The recap culminated with the information that Shane’s “back-up” team had learned while shadowing his movements with the Magadinnos.

  Once the entire 16-½ year recap was presented and discussed at length, Lee narrated current photos and surveillance video, until everyone was familiar with all the players and had shared information with Shane, and then invited Shane to bring everyone up to speed on what he had learned. He complied immediately.

  “With your permission Shane, this will no longer be a one-man operation,” Walter declared.

  Shane couldn’t help but add, with playful sarcasm, “Not that it ever really was a one- man operation.” He then added quickly, “And I appreciate it being a team effort more than you know! Thank you all.” He gave everyone a genuine smile.

  Then Lee left with the other members of his team, leaving the families together for an intimate chat. The family afforded Shane a lengthy question and answer period to become comfortable with all that he had learned.

  Pete and Walter sat, smiling as if they had swallowed all the canaries that lived in the state, as they glanced back and forth from one another to Shane and Kate. Shane sat quietly, still holding on tight to his lover’s hand, eyes fixed on the table cloth, trying to decipher all the details.

  Finally Pete said, “Shane, I didn’t see any reason to speculate to you on our theories of what happened to your parents, until this last development. I wanted you to live life, not constantly chasing after ghosts or looking over your shoulder for assassins. Walter and
I tried to see that happen for both you and Kate. It just didn’t end that way. You landed smack in the middle of it all over again. I’m so sorry this happened.”

  Shane smiled at both his guardians and reassured them, “From what I heard last night, you two probably saved both of our lives.” He glanced lovingly at Kate. “I thank you for all you did for both of us. But, if this last development had not happened, I question whether I would ever have really met Kate.”

  Shane locked eyes with his beloved Kate, and the two stared intently into each other’s eyes until Shane recalled they had company. Somewhat embarrassed, he said, “Now I can’t imagine my life without knowing Kate.”

  Pete and Walter laughed almost uncontrollably as they told Shane about the reports they had received from Kate after his daily café meetings. Even Shane had to laugh.

  The two Cheshire cats across the room beamed with smiles so wide that finally everyone, looking from one to the other, was laughing.

  Walter couldn’t resist adding, “I just love it when my prayers are answered. If all goes well, you two should have a long extraordinary life together.”

  Shane looked at Walter and Pete in earnest, and said, “I would love for exactly that to happen someday, if Kate would. I mean…I can’t support Kate in this kind of lifestyle, with the security she needs. I just don’t see how it could work. I couldn’t ask her to take the chance of a life without the safety you can provide. I have to take these jobs and move around the country, you know.”

  Kate immediately scolded Shane, saying, “Shane Beckett, you’re not getting off the hook that easily. Don’t I have something to say about this after all these years of waiting for you to notice me? If we decide to be together, I have some income and savings, too, you know. At least you can relax while we date and get to know each other a little, without worrying how to fund the rest of our lives. We don’t need to be wealthy, we just need to be happy and in love.”