Radclyffe - Safe Harbor 02 - Beyond The Breakwater

by Beyond The Breakwater (lit)

  "What's this investigator like?"

  "I can't say for sure. She seemed confident, and the fact that she picked Bri to question also suggests that she's clever."

  "Because Bri is a beginner, and she thought Bri was a likely source of information?"

  Reese nodded. "I'm sure she knew she wouldn't get anything from me."

  "It could be she was just using it as an excuse to see Bri socially, you know. Did she look like the type who might be interested?"

  "I didn't really notice."

  Tory smiled fondly. "How lucky for me. Describe her for me."

  "I thought that didn't work," Reese protested. "Besides, wouldnt you have to see her to get...you know, some kind of vibe or something?"

  "Talk about old wives' tales." Tory laughed out loud. "Just tell me about the way she looked and what she said when the three of you first met."

  Reese complied as Tory listened intently. When she finished, Tory shook her head knowingly. "Just what Bri needs is another woman interested in her. She sounds cute, too."

  "I don't know." Reese shrugged and clipped her badge to her left breast pocket. "I guess so."

  "Do you think there's an arsonist at work?"

  Surprised by the sudden change in topic, Reese turned from the mirror and regarded her lover. "I don't have any evidence to suggest that."

  Tory sat on the edge of the bed and patted the place next to her. "Sit down for a minute."

  Immediately, Reese moved to her side and took her hand. "What is it?"

  "We haven't talked about this very much," Tory began carefully, holding Reese's left hand in hers. Absently, she turned the wedding band on her lover's ring finger. "You know I wouldn't change anything about you, don't you?"

  "Tor," Reese breathed. She turned her head and kissed the tip of Tory's shoulder, which at the moment was exposed where the night shirt she still wore had fallen down her arm. "What is it, love?"

  "I'm not sure what it is exactly. I don't know if it's my pregnancy making me a little sensitive or the fact that..." She swallowed and waited a beat to make sure her voice was steady. "Or the fact that you almost died less than three months ago."

  "Ah, love, it's over now." Reese turned fully and drew Tory into her arms, cradling her as she rested her chin against the top of her head. "I don't want you to worry."

  "That's just it. I do worry. I've always worried a little about you getting hurtI don't think anyone whose lover does what you do for a living doesn't. If you'll recall, sweetheart, it was a gunshot wound that finally brought us together."

  "Tor"

  "My point is, Reese, that you do have a dangerous job. It would scare me under any circumstances, but now..." again, she drew a shaky breath. "I keep thinking how important you are. You're everything to me. I wouldn't want to live without you. But now, it's even more important that you're safe, because there's going to be another life depending upon you."

  Reese's chest tightened, and she drew Tory near. "I'll be careful. I promise. You don't have to worry about that, Tor. My family means more to me than anything in the world. I won't do anything to risk it."

  Swiftly, Tory wrapped both arms around Reese's waist and pressed against her, needing to feel her. Needing to know the solid reassurance of her unwavering presence. "I love you so much."

  "And you can count on it," Reese whispered.

  "Good, because I do."

  "Don't we have a doctor's visit coming up this week?" Reese asked gently.

  "You don't need to come with me every time."

  "What about your blood pressure?" Reese tried not to ask her about it very often, but it was on her mind every day.

  Tory sighed. "There's still a persistent elevation, but nothing approaching critical."

  "I'm going with you." Reese tried hard to sound unconcerned, but her insides turned to ice.

  "Reese"

  "Im going with you. Friday, right?"

  Tory threaded her arms around Reese's neck and kissed her. Amazingly, as her breasts and stomach brushed against Reeses hard body, she felt a swell of arousal. She kissed her longer than she had meant to, because Reeses lips were soft and full and her mouth was so warm. The strong hands moving the length of her back and gently rubbing the muscles below the swell of her hips urged her blood to run faster and her muscles to tense. When she reached the point that she knew she needed to stop or go forward until she had satisfied her rapidly escalating desire, Tory pulled her mouth away. Gasping shallowly, she murmured, "Can you be late?"

  Breathing rapidly herself, Reese shook her head regretfully. "I shouldn't. Bri will be expecting me."

  Tory tightened her hold and rested her face against Reese's shoulder. "I suppose this is good practice."

  Aware that her thighs were trembling faintly, Reese laughed hollowly. "Practice for what?"

  "Coitus interruptus." Tory leaned back, her eyes dancing. "I have a feeling that we're going to be experiencing that a little more often once we have a third person in the house."

  Reese quirked a brow. "You know, maybe there are a few things about this baby thing we should have discussed in a little more detail."

  "Regrets, Sheriff?" Tory kissed Reeses chin.

  Smiling softly, Reese ran one finger along the edge of Tory's jaw, ending with a light caress along her lower lip. "Not a one, Dr. King."

  *****

  Beyond the Breakwater

  by Radclyffe

  Part Four

  Chapter Thirty-one

  When Bri walked into the station house thirty minutes before her split shift was due to begin, her father and Gladys were the only two people present.

  “ Hi, sweet cakes, Gladys called. Shed called Bri that all Bris life and apparently wasnt about to stop now.

  Bri grinned and sketched a small wave in the air. “Yo, Gladys.

  “ What say we take a ride, Nelson suggested mildly before Bri had a chance to sit down.

  “ Yes, sir, she responded, trying to hide her surprise as she followed him out to the cruiser.

  “ Caroline called me this morning, Nelson announced without preamble. He spun the wheel and turned into the lane that led to the rangers kiosk at the entrance to the parking lot at Herring Cove.

  “ Is she okay? Has something happened? Bri exclaimed, unable to keep the alarm from her voice.

  “ Shes okay, as near as I can tell. He fixed his attention straight ahead, his hands curled around the steering wheel. “She sounded pretty upset.

  “ Dad

  “ I didnt get you out here to lecture, Bri, Nelson said gruffly. “God knows, Im no expert at this kind of thing. She asked me if she could live with me this summer.

  “ What? Bri shot up straight in the seat, staring at him in amazement. “She has a job in Manhattan this summer! Shes not coming home. Thats how this whole thing got started.

  “ What whole thing?

  Bri blushed. “This whole...mess...between Carre and me. I thought she was coming home for the summer before she went to Europe, and then she told me that she was going to stay in Manhattan. When I heard that, I...I got a little crazy.

  “ A little crazy?

  “ Iwe had a fight. It was my fault. It was stupid.

  “ Well, Nelson said, finally turning to watch her, “she wants to come home now. She said she got a job with one of the artists in town...something about a special deal she arranged with the chairman down there.

  “ Shes coming home, Bri whispered, her heart sinking as she tried to understand what that meant. And she didnt call me.

  “ You know, Bri, I think a lot of her. Hell, I love her. He cleared his throat again and searched his shirt pocket for his Tums. When he found one, he pulled it out, tore off the wrapper, and chewed it vigorously. “I know she doesnt have anywhere else to stay here, not with the way her old man always treated her. But...youre my daughter. If its going to be a problem“

  “ No! Bri shook her head. “No, its no problem. Its fine.

  “ I dont know whats going on betwe
en the two of you, Bri. But if you...if you love her, you should try to make it right.

  Bri was momentarily speechless. It was the most hed ever said about her and Carolines relationship. Hed given them a home and given them his protection when theyd needed it, but hed never really said very much about their being together. Him saying it now brought unexpected tears to her eyes, and she had to look out the window and blink.

  “ I love her, she whispered, watching a gull bank steeply toward the oceans surface and disappear under the crest of a wave.

  “ Thats good then, he said as he started the engine and backed out of the parking place. “Good shes coming home.

  *****

  When Bri and Nelson returned to the office, Reese was there at her desk leafing through a stack of papers. She motioned to Bri to join her and said, “Were getting some feedback from the feelers you sent out.

  “ Oh yeah? Bri pulled over a chair and raised a questioning eyebrow. “Whats up?

  “ There have been three suspicious fires on the Cape in as many months. Reese pulled out several sheets of paper and passed them to Bri. “In addition, there were four in lower Massachusetts, all in clusters around Providence in the last six.

  “ So, Bri muttered as she rapidly scanned the pages, “do you think we have a serial arsonist?

  “ I dont know. But I think we should pay a visit to Ashley Walker. Would you happen to know where shes staying in town?

  Bri blushed. “Yes.

  Reese stood and settled her cap down over her brow. “Then lets go, Officer Parker.

  Ten minutes later, Reese knocked at the address Bri had given her. Ashley, barefoot in a sleeveless red T-shirt and grey gym shorts, opened the door after the second knock. She had obviously just gotten up. Her hair had been hastily finger-combed, and her eyes were still hazy with sleep. Looking from Reese to Bri, she grinned lazily and said, “Come on in.

  Reese removed her cap and tucked it under one arm. Bri did the same.

  “ Sorry I cant offer you coffee, the redhead remarked, “but this place doesnt have a kitchen.

  “ No problem, Reese replied. “Sorry to disturb you so early, but there were a couple of things I wanted to check with you.

  Ashley carried her coffee to a worn overstuffed chair and regarded her visitors, who were both still standing. “Somehow I dont think you came here to fill me in on the investigation.

  “ Actually, Ms. Walker, Reese said seriously, “we were hoping that you could provide us with some assistance.

  “ Now, how could I do that when I dont know anything about this occurrence?

  Reese smiled. “Were you a lawyer in a previous life, Ms. Walker?

  “ No, Ashley replied carefully, “as a matter of fact, Sheriff, I was a cop.

  “ Then you appreciate our situation, Reese said without missing a beat. “It would help us if youd share whatever pertinent information you might have.

  Ashley blew out a breath. “I dont know that I have any. I called the fire captain first thing this morning, and he promised me a look at the fire marshals report tomorrow. If I learn anything that has any bearing on your case, Ill let you know.

  Reese raised an eyebrow. “That easy?

  Ashleys gaze flickered to Bri and slowly traveled the length of her body. “Lets just say its a favor.

  *****

  As they walked down the street toward the patrol car, Reese asked, “Is there anything you want to tell me about you and Ashley Walker?

  “ No, maam, Bri replied stiffly.

  “ This isnt personal, Bri, Reese said softly. “This is business.

  Meeting her eyes, Bri said steadily. “Theres nothing going on of a personal nature. I told you everything that happened the other night.

  Except what you were doing out until quarter to four in the morning. Reese drew a long breath and let it out slowly. “Good enough.

  Once they were settled in the car, Bri said quietly, “Caroline is coming back for the summer after all.

  Reese looked to her quickly in surprise. “When did this happen?

  “ She called my dad this morning. Shes going to stay with him.

  “ How do you feel about that arrangement?

  “ Im okay with it.

  “ And how do you feel about her coming back here for the summer?

  Bri turned her cap aimlessly in her hands. “I wanted her to come before, but she said she couldnt. Now shes coming, and were not even speaking.

  “ Theres a fairly simple way to change that.

  Bri cast Reese a questioning glance.

  Reese shook her head with a small smile. “Call her on the phone, Bri.

  *****

  Bri hooked a boot heel over the bottom rail of the split log fence that ran between the Meeting House and the building next door. Leaning a shoulder against the side of the payphone kiosk, she listened to the repetitive ringing in her ear. Her heart pounded and her palms were damp. She couldve called from Reese and Torys, but she wanted to be alone. In the middle of Commercial Street at 8:00 at night, she was hardly alone, but somehow the anonymous faces passing by made her feel invisible.

  “ Hello?

  For a second, Bri couldnt speak.

  “ Hello?

  “ Carre? Her throat was so dry it came out barely a whisper.

  “ Bri? Uncertain, hopeful.

  “ Hey, babe.

  “ Hi, baby.

  There was silence again, and Bri thought she could hear Carre breathing. Finally, she forced herself to speak. “My dad told me that youre going to stay with him this summer.

  “ Uh-huh.

  “ I thought...I thought you had a job in the city? Bri cradled the phone between her head and shoulder and stuffed her hands into the pockets of her leather motorcycle pants.

  “ I did. I mean, I was going to have one.

  “ So, what happened?

  Caroline laughed shakily. “ You happened, Bri.

  “ Huh?

  “ You happened to meabout four years ago. I took one look at you, and I thought you were the hottest girl Id ever seen in my life.

  “ Jesus, Carre, Bri murmured, barely breathing. From two hundred miles away, the sound of Carolines voice made her skin flush.

  “ And then these last few months, youve been different. Gone, sort of. And I didnt even realize that Id let you go.

  “ No, you didnt...I...

  “ But youre there, and Im here. Isnt that what you said would happen when I went to France? Carolines voice was stronger now. “That Id be there and youd be here, and everything would change? Well, it already has changed, Bri.

  “ I dont know how it happened, Bri said desperately.

  “ Neither do I. But its not going to get any better unless we do something to change it.

  “ But what about school? Your job?

  “ I talked to my adviser and the chairman. I told them that I had a family emergency and that I needed to be home for the summer. They found me someone to work witha preceptor kind of thing.

  Bri blinked, her eyes suddenly burning. Unconsciously, she brushed moisture from her cheeks with the back of one hand, reaching for the phone with the other and gripping it tightly. “Im sorry. I didnt mean for you to have to do that.

  “ What did you mean, Bri? For me just to go away and that would be the end of it?

  “ I thought... She ran a shaking hand through her hair and tried to ignore the queasy roiling of her stomach. “I thought you would go away and when you came back, if you still wanted me, then it would be like it was before.

  “ If I still wanted you. Carolines voice was cold. “You didnt think I would?

  “ I was afraid you wouldnt.

  “ It hurts to know you didnt believe in me, Bri. That you didnt have any faith in what we have together.

  “ Thats not it, Bri protested sharply.

  “ Isnt it? Think about it, Bri.

  Bri was silent. Eventually, she said in a low, broken voice, “Can I see you when you come home?

  �
� Not if youre seeing anyone else.

  The pain and tears in Carres voice that couldnt be disguised made Bri bleed inside. “Im not. I swear.

  “ Ill be moving to Nelsons the second Saturday in June. Call me sometime.

  “ I love you, babe, Bri said softly.

  “ Take good care of yourself, baby.

  The soft click signaling that Carre had hung up was like a lifeline being severed. Adrift, Bri stood for a long time listening to the dial tone, thinking about faith.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Bri leaned back in the large overstuffed chair, her hands resting on the threadbare arms, her legs spread to make room for the woman kneeling in front of her. She wore only an unbuttoned shirt, parted down the center. A pale arm stretched upward over the length of her abdomen to enclose her right breast. Fingers rhythmically squeezed her stone-hard nipple as a soft tongue encircled the swollen prominence of her clitoris, working her slowly and carefully, keeping her on the edge but not allowing the release she ached for.

  Her irregular breathing was the only sound.

  The room was nearly dark, and it was difficult to see more than shadows shifting in the hazy half-light. The chair where she sat, however, was speared by a shaft of moonlight, and when she looked down, she caught glimpses of the woman's eyes gazing upward, avidly watching as the effect of what she was doing with her mouth rippled across Bri's face in the flickering illumination.

  As the pressure coalesced into a fist deep inside, Bri's thighs quivered and her fingers clenched. With each long sweep of the warm tongue, the muscles in her abdomen contracted. She arched her neck and groaned softly as the escalating strokes beat against a particularly sensitive spot. Staring into the mesmerizing eyes, Bri watched the golden head rock between her thighs.

  "Carre," she whispered.

  There was no answer.

  Relentlessly, the perfect rhythm drove her ever closer to explosion. When her hips lifted and white heat spiraled along her spine, she muttered hoarsely, "I'm gonna come in your mouth."