Possessing Morgan:
A Matter of Conviction
by Aurelia
Part 20
See Part 1 for Disclaimers
Chapter 20
Morgan couldn’t wait to get home. Brennan’s visit had stirred up a number of emotions, not the least of which was her curiosity. As soon as she walked through the door she went straight to the closet and pulled down a large box from the shelf. She had never bothered to go through all of her dad’s papers because it was just too hard, but she didn’t have the strength to throw them out either. Thank God for small miracles.
Now she wished she had gone through the piles of paper earlier. She found several marked envelopes in handwriting she barely remembered. She even found a bank letter concerning the account Brennan had mentioned. So, he was telling the truth.
What made her heart skip a beat was an envelope with her name on it. She studied the script, tracing the letters as if drawing his memory from it. Nervously, she broke the seal, almost hesitant to read it. Would this reveal all? Was this going to destroy all the good memories and reveal things she would have rather not known? Will this answer 'why'?
Morgan decided to hit the refrigerator first and grab a beer, taking a healthy swig to calm her nerves. She looked down to see her hand shaking.
No. As much as she wanted to leave it alone the letter was in her hand before she realized she had even picked it up. She took in the deep bold strokes that her father used that spoke of his strong determination.
“My Sweet MoMo…” Tears welled in her eyes. She could hear her dad saying her name. Quickly she wiped her eyes on the hem of her shirt and began again.
“My Sweet MoMo,
If you are reading this then it probably means that… well, you know. I have some things to say and I hope that you can understand why I did what I did. You are my pride and joy, honey. I was never prouder of you than the day you graduated the Academy.
Now I know that you are upset with your brothers. Please, don’t be. They only did what they thought was best by leaving. I can’t be angry at them for trying to find their own lives. I know I never told you but the boys kept in contact with me. I knew where they were even if you didn’t.
I can just hear you now. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Why? Probably for selfish reasons I’m afraid. I knew if you found them you would be gone too. I would be alone, Morgan. I couldn’t stand that. I needed you, and not for a housekeeper or a cook (God forbid!) but as my daughter, my sweet MoMo, and my buddy.
We had some pretty good times. Watching the Yanks lose. Watching you whip me in poker more frequently. Sitting back with a beer and watching the TV. Those were some of the best times of my life, Morgan.
I know I put you in a position by choosing your career for you but I thought that you loved the force as much as I did. If I was mistaken, then I am truly sorry. I know I didn’t give you the opportunity to find your own way.”
What could she say? It was like hitting a brick wall as her senses just stopped, waiting for the rest of her to catch up. This letter was changing all her preconceptions about her life. Was she angry about what he did? The jury was still out on that one.
“The boys also sent money monthly to me but I put it aside for you. You had sacrificed so much for me it was the least I could do. Enclosed is a bank letter that should let you access the account when you feel ready to do so.
Please don’t forget me, Sweet MoMo. You really were the only one I could count on. Please don’t think bad of me for what I did.
I love you,
Dad.”
She looked at the official letter from the bank, detailing account details and current balance at the time of writing. Her jaw dropped. That couldn’t be right, could it? The amount said almost seventy-five thousand dollars. Holy crap! Ten years they had been supporting her and her dad and she didn’t even know it.
There were a number of letters bound together by a rubber band which caught her eye. She opened the first one seeing it was from Brennan. Time flew by as she caught up on ten years of her brothers’ lives. When she finally returned to the present she glanced at her watch. Damn! She was late for the hospital. Carefully she rebound the letters, putting them and her dad’s letter in her bedside drawer. In the next few weeks she suspected she would probably reread them a dozen times more.
* * *
Morgan didn’t know whether to be happy or scared making this one final trip to the hospital. Tomorrow Andrea was coming home. She had been able to take refuge in the starkness of that room but in the privacy of the counselor’s hotel room she was fair game. And she knew very well that she was expected to visit… often. Time was fast approaching when she was going to have to make good on all those kisses and all those... those...lovey-dovey words.
She stood at the familiar door, strangely feeling like she was losing a long-lost friend. How many times had she crossed this portal in the last few days? Too many times for her liking. She would have preferred that Andrea wasn’t here at all. Pushing gently, Morgan peeked around the edge of the wood to see if Andrea was sleeping. To her surprise the counselor was sitting on the edge of the bed studying her own feet. The sound of the door drew dark eyes up to meet her, a sweet smile crossing those sweet rosy lips.
“Well hello there, Officer.” That melodious voice was filled with joy and promise. A black hole seemed to open in front of her, swallowing time, space and Morgan’s very being.
“Hi.” The tall redhead was barely able to voice the word as her mind was slowly being drawn into the nothingness. One parting thought crossed her rapidly disintegrating brain. Oh dear God. I am soooo lost.
As if the blonde had complete control over her body, Morgan shifted slowly, her feet resisting the forward movement in one final act of defiance. Her will was gone and she was left facing her destiny, looking down into those dark depths.
“How are you feeling?” She didn’t know where her voice came from and was proud of herself for sounding so nonchalant.
“Pretty good, in fact. Still a little sore but I suppose that’s to be expected.”
“Are they still discharging you tomorrow?”
“Looks like it unless, of course, something happens in the meantime.”
“Then you’re home free.”
“Yep.” The conversation was inconsequential and it worried Andrea. “You okay?”
“Fine. Why?”
“You seem a little distracted.”
“Do I? Sorry.”
“What’s up, cupcake?”
“Just a lot going on at work, that’s all.” At this point there was no need to dredge up all the confusion she felt about her family. That was better left to a time when she had a better handle on things.
“So nothing else is bothering you, hmmm, like say... me?”
“Why would you say that?”
“Well, first of all, you’re not denying it. Secondly, you haven’t kissed me yet. And thirdly you’re standing there like you have a stick up your butt.”
“Ah... I didn’t realize that you were counting.”
Andrea patted the space next to her on the bed. “C’mon. Tell Auntie Andy what the problem is.”
“Auntie Andy? So now you’re an advice columnist?”
“Yeppers! By night I slum as a masked super hero do-gooder.” Andrea was pleased to hear the deep chuckle of her companion, worried that perhaps she was having second thoughts. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” Morgan whispered as she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the counselor’s soft cheek. “Stop worrying.”
“Okay,” but she was not convinced. Even a blind man would know that the detective was nervous and apprehensive. While Morgan presented herself as a more than competent police officer there was an almost shy quality to her courting. Andrea felt a tugging at her heart at the thought that this strong woman felt more than just a passing infatuation.
“So what time do I pick you up tomorrow?”
“You’re going to take me home?”
“Well... of course. Who else... would... do that?”
“I can catch a cab, you know.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“Err, not much for me, unless you were in there with me.”
“Can I trust you?”
“Trust me? What do you think I’m going to do, Detective? Jump your bones?” Green eyes dropped to the floor. “Oh, come on. I’m not going do that… yet.”
“Yet?”
“Can’t wait?”
“Errr… ahhh… Of course I... I was not suggesting anything.” Morgan could feel the hole she was digging getting deeper and deeper.
“Yeah, sure.” Andrea was enjoying the tease, watching the redhead squirm in embarrassment. Her hand reached over to wind through larger fingers, slowly sliding against soft skin. “Stop worrying, will you?”
“Me?” Morgan’s voice rose to a tight squeak. “I’m not worried.”
“Errr... yeah, right.”
“I’m not. Stop it!”
“You’re taking me home. How about we go out for some lunch after that? I’m dying to get out into the world again.”
“What’s the doc say?”
“Who cares what he says?”
“Hey! If he says rest, you rest.” Morgan didn’t dare look to see an accusing eyebrow lift.
“Like you did you mean?”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“I’m a police officer. My job comes before an injury.” Yeah, right. God, next time try saying something that doesn't sound so friggin' stupid.
“Uh huh.” There was that damned phrase again. “I’m fine, really. The wound is healing beautifully and I’m eager to get the hell outta here before I climb the walls. Just humor me, okay?”
“Fine,” Morgan said tightly.
“Please.” The soft plea tore at Morgan’s heart. She looked into dark eyes pleading for forgiveness. “Let’s not fight. You and me, kiddo, we've come a long way. Found something pretty good too. Let’s not mess that up.”
She sighed deeply. “You’re right. I am so not good at this relationship stuff.”
“No kidding?” A soft chuckle brushed Morgan’s ears, gently admonishing her for such an obvious statement. A delicate finger touched her chin, pulling her eyes around to meet a soft inquiring expression. “Everything will be fine… baby.”
Baby… oh God. Her breath trembled as the blonde closed in on her lips, touching with infinite care and gentle entreaty. There was no escalation in the kiss only seeking solace in the touching of skin on skin.
So for the next half an hour the two women sat perched on the bed talking about work, family and hopes and dreams, slowly learning about each other.
* * *
Morgan collapsed on her bed with uncharacteristic clumsiness. They had talked and talked to the point of exhaustion. She had forgotten how hard this relationship thing was. A gentle smile graced her lips at the thought. A relationship. Found in the most unlikely of places. Her long-held convictions were slowly fading into the mists of time, replaced by an almost giddy joy at finally finding someone to share her life with. Sleep brushed the edges of her mind, slowly infiltrating her thoughts until she drifted off into peaceful slumber without realizing that she had done so.
* * *
The melodious tones of her cell rang through the night air, slowly drawing Morgan out of her sleep. Disoriented, it took her a few moments to realize where she was. A long hand flew out to the bedside table, fumbling around for the elusive phone. “Yeah?” She answered, her voice roughened with sleep. Jade eyes flew open. “Say that again?” She threw her long legs over the mattress to the floor. “Shit,” she muttered. “Okay, I’m on my way.”
She hung up the cell, tossing it to the mattress. Her hand came up to her face, rubbing it slowly as her head dropped to her chest. “Damn…”
The cell was in her hand once more, anxiously punching out a number she knew by heart. “Henry? We have an emergency. Can you pick me up on the way to the hospital? Someone tried to kill Andy… again.”
* * *
“I don’t get this. I thought we had the hired man.” Henry’s confused expression mirrored Morgan’s own.
“We had the hired man, not the person who wants her dead. They've just hired someone else to finish the job.” Stepping out of the elevator they were met by Markham. “How is she?”
“She’s fine. The duty nurse was doing her rounds and walked in just as the guy was about to put a pillow over her head. She screamed. He took off.”
“What kind of description did she give?”
“He looked like, and I quote, ‘the Empire State Building’.”
“Oh, good. We’re looking for a tall moving building in Art Deco?” Now was not the time for jokes but the image was just so ludicrous Morgan couldn’t stop the comment passing her lips.
“Ah yeah. Something like that.”
“Can I see her?”
“Sure. She’s been asking for you.” Morgan didn’t dare look at the two men watching her benevolently, quickly crossing the distance to the door she had only left a few hours before. Gently she pushed the door and slowly entered. Andrea was sitting up while a nurse was taking her blood pressure.
Beautiful eyes, the color of melted chocolate, rose to meet her own. “I can’t leave you alone for a moment, can I?” Her voice was soft and low, flowing over the counselor like a soothing balm.
“Looks like it. I may just have to have you around me all the time.”
Morgan waited for the nurse to leave before she approached the bed. “How are you… really?” The words barely touched her lips, holding a fear that they would burst like bubbles in the cool air.
“I’m fine. Stop worrying. I didn’t even know he was there until the nurse screamed and woke me up.”” Lines of concern were etched deep on the redhead’s face. Andrea extended her hand, silently asking for her companion to reciprocate. Fingers intertwined, holding firm like a clinging vine. “I’m fine,” she repeated. Green and brown eyes mingled, absorbing the connection between them.
“I thought you had the guy.”
“So did we.”
“What’s going on?”
“It seems that someone wants you out of the picture, Andrea. Permanently.” Morgan tried to think of a more eloquent way of putting, finally opting for the whole truth. “Look, I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the Vaughan case at all. It's like someone is using all this as a means of diverting the true reason behind all of this.” She watched closely as the small blonde absorbed what she had just told her, taking in the twitch of the jaw and the pursing of lips.
“So…” Andrea swallowed hard. “So, where do we go from here?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to the Captain.” Morgan could feel a slight tremor thought the entwined fingers. “You okay?”
“About as well as can be expected knowing that someone out there wants you dead!”
“I’m sorry, Andy, but know this. I will protect you with my life.” The counselor looked deep into those eyes seeing the conviction of her statement.
“I know you will.”
“Give me a minute and I’ll find out what’s going on.” Morgan leaned over and kissed Andrea’s cheek. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Go and do what you have to do.”
“Don’t go anywhere.”
* * *
They congregated around the coffee machine in the hall, visibly agitated at this turn of events. Henry stood back a step, allowing Markham to try and calm the restless redhead. “O'Callaghan, listen to me. They're obviously stepping up their campaign to get to the counselor. We’re just going to have to take more drastic measures to protect her.”
“Drastic?” She looked over at Henry but his eyes were firmly fixed on the floor.
“Are you up to it?”
She sighed deeply. “What do you want me to do?”
“Get Worthington out of here… tonight. Find some motel and hole up there until we can set up a safe house. You lay low while we get to the bottom of this.” Morgan knew what the plan was even before the Captain opened his mouth. If he hadn’t suggested it, she would have.
“Okay. I’ll call Henry once we’re settled.” Morgan turned to her partner. “You've got the counselor's bag, right? Get her cardkey and check her out of her hotel. No point in paying for a room she’s not using.” Henry nodded. “Take Velasquez with you and she can pack up her personal things. Take them to my place and get Velasquez to pack some things for us, okay?”
“You got it.” Henry silently breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t want to be sorting through Morgan’s underthings. “What else to you need?”
“Nothing for the moment. Tell Velasquez there’s a duffle bag in the closet she can put our stuff in.”
The Captain reached for his wallet, extracting a number of bills. “Here, take this.”
“Am I getting a raise or something?”
He glared at her. “Stop making jokes about this. This is serious.”
She sighed deeply. “Yeah, I know. But if I don’t joke I’m gonna stress out.” There was no point hiding her feelings at this point. They knew it was all a façade. “So, what’s this for?”
“Do not use your cards, got me? Pay cash for everything. We don't need you getting traced. Oh, and save the receipts, you know, for Accounting…” Morgan inwardly chuckled. Always the administrator.
“Gotcha.”
“Well, that’s it then…” Markham was about to leave when strong fingers wrapped around his wrist. “Now, who’s gonna tell the counselor?” Twin sets of eyes turned to Morgan, who shifted unsteadily under their constant gaze.
“Alright! Alight. I’ll do it. Before someone chokes on a damn chicken feather...”
“Damned straight!” Henry was not keen on being on the receiving end of Andrea’s ire. “I’ve heard her have a go at it before. You ain't catchin' me anywhere near her.” Markham chuckled at the banter between his two detectives, wondering if they could give lessons to the rest of the precinct.
“Okay then. We’ll get things moving our end. I’ll speak to the doctor on the way out to arrange any medical needs for you two, and sign out an unmarked a car for your use. Check at nurse’s station on your way out.”
Markham left in search of his officers for a report on the search while Henry hung back. “So…”
“So… I hope to see you soon, Chinatown.”
“You too, Red. Take care of our girl, won’t you?”
“Sure will Henry.” Inconsequential chatter covered the real emotion flowing between them. Henry stepped into Morgan’s personal space, pulling her into a hug that had the sergeant floundering. It took a moment for her to react, wrapping long arms around her partner and giving a squeeze in comfort.
“You take care, alright? I don’t want to have go looking for another partner.”
“Me either, Henry. I’ve finally broken you in and I don’t want to have to train another one.”
“Yeah, right.” He looked up into those verdant eyes. “Please… take care. I know Suzie and the kids are looking forward to Thanksgiving.”
“I will, partner.” She thought for a moment. “And you were right, dammit.”
“Right?” He looked at her quizzically, taking in her shy smile. “Ooooohh…” He laughed gently. “Knew you’d come around to my way of thinking sooner or later.”
“G’wan, get out of here.” She shoved him in the arm towards the elevators. “I’ll be in touch soon, okay?”
“Okay, until then… Mo.” This time, she smiled a sweet, sweet smile, showing him all that she felt for her partner. He walked off, looking back once when he reached the corner, lifting a hand in goodbye before disappearing out of sight.
Morgan squared her shoulders and strode into the counselor’s room, her mind sifting through an assortment of explanations as to why they would be leaving tonight.
“Where did everyone go?”
“Errrr…” Morgan couldn’t keep eye contact with the woman on the bed.
“Alright. What are you not telling me?”
“We’re gonna have to go into hiding for a while.” She closed her eyes, waiting for the explosion but was met with silence for quite some time, and her curiosity got the better of her. A slow, sweet smile touched the young woman’s features, dark eyes pinning the detective in place with the promise that resided in them. Oh… Morgan hadn’t thought of that. Oh crap.
“Now you listen to me….”
“Why not? It’s the perfect opportunity.”
“Because, my dear Counselor, you were shot and I have a broken arm. Besides, just because what’s his name knows doesn’t give you carte blanche to jump my bones, young lady.”
“Joel? Your enemy’s name is Joel.”
“He is not my enemy.”
“No?”
“Alright, he is, but this isn’t a competition, Andrea.”
“Andrea?” She chuckled at Morgan’s defensive posture and attempts at keeping her verbal distance. “You can do better than that.”
“I can? Like what?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Honey? Sweetheart?...” Andrea looked shyly at the woman. “Lover?”
Morgan could feel the sweat on her brow at the words, knowing she was in deep, deep trouble. Things were moving so fast that her mind was in a spin. Lover? She so desperately wanted that to be true but now fiction had become fact she was decidedly nervous about the next step.
“I think you are in too much of a hurry, Counselor. I’m not that sort of a girl…” Morgan gave her a sly smile, her face at odds with the words just spoken.
“Oh, but I think you are… Detective. You strike me as the sort of woman who takes what she wants.”
“I am?”
“Yes, you are.” In those three words, spoken with a huskiness that cut through the redhead’s indecision, the counselor had given Morgan permission. There was no longer an ‘if’ to the unspoken question but a ‘when’.
“Well, you’re gonna have to wait, oh impatient one.” Morgan tried very hard not to laugh at the pout crossing her friend’s features.
At that moment Andrea’s doctor entered holding a bag. “As per your Captain’s request, Detective” His dour expression told them what he thought of the arrangements being made around him. “I must protest at you moving her. She should be resting quietly at home. You’re running the risk of opening up the wound.”
“I know that, Doc, but we have no choice. You want us to guard her there and risk the chance of another attack and someone else getting hurt?”
“Oh…” He hadn’t thought of that. As much as he wanted his patient to rest easy, a pitched battle in a busy hospital or an uptown hotel was not what he had in mind.
Morgan peeked inside the bag to see bandages, bottles of pills and antiseptic. “There’s a lot of stuff in here, Doc.”
“They’re in there just in case you have an accident. There are pain killers and antibiotics in there as well. Keep it dry and keep it clean. The stitches can come on in a few days.” He handed over a card. “Here’s my number in an emergency.”
“Thanks, Doc…” She relented. “… Doctor Andrews.” The young doctor smiled, finally happy to have reached a truce with the angry detective.
“You’re welcome, Detective O’Callaghan.” With those final words, he walked away. At the door, he turned, “Oh, by the way, there’s a message at the nurse’s station for you from your superior.”
“Thanks… Doc.” She smiled at him, imparting a friendly warmth in that smile. “I suppose I better go and find out what the Captain wants.” Morgan was glad to get out of the room. The conversation had gotten way too personal at such a tense time. Keep your mind on the job at hand, woman! But that was easier said than done. She wants you! You can have it all! She was terrified, not only for herself but also for Andrea. What if the woman didn’t like it… like her? She had to laugh at the thought. She had always felt it was the guys who suffered from performance anxiety, but here she was thinking just that very thing. She was going to have to lead this novice with great care and understanding, and she wasn’t sure whether she was up to it.
“You’ve got a message for me?” Morgan looked down at the young nurse, feeling decidedly old and jaded at the fresh-faced teenager handing over the piece of paper. “Thanks.” She sauntered back to the room, taking in the Captain’s words, her mind shifting to allow for the change in plans.
At the door to the room Morgan hesitated, watching silently as Andrea stared out the window oblivious to her presence. Emerald eyes studies the small woman, not thinking anything in particular but just absorbing the monumental changes in her life and Andrea’s place in it.
“Hey…” the soft burr drew Morgan from her introspection and she was embarrassed that she had been caught daydreaming.
“Hey…”
“What did the Captain want?”
“There’s been a change of plans. We’re staying here tonight.”
“Why?” Morgan looked into those eyes for some hidden meaning but found none.
“Because he forgot that neither of us can drive. He’s arranged for Velasquez to pick up us first thing.” The tall detective hesitated. “Look… I’ve arranged to have your things moved to my place. No point in paying for a room you’re not using.” There was silence. Oops. She looked to the floor “Sorry,” she mumbled. “I should have asked you first.”
“Yes, you should have.” The voice was firm, the Southern accent strong and compelling. Andrea let Morgan stew for a few seconds. She should be angry for her doing such a thing but the crestfallen look on the redhead’s face washed away the indignation. “But…”
Green eyes rose to capture deep brown. “But?”
“But… you’re right, it is a waste. It wouldn’t have worried me Morgan. I’m rich, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember.” The strange tone of the detective made Andrea look closer.
“Come here.” She patted the bed, inviting the redhead to perch her ass on the edge. “Now, what is wrong?”
“Nothing.” There was a sound of defeat in that voice. “Nothing is wrong.”
A small delicate finger touched her chin, tipping up the freckled face to meet the counselor. “You have a problem. Let’s sort this out now.”
“I don’t have a problem.”
“Stop this!” Andrea’s accent got thicker. “Y’all talk to me, woman! I know it involves me so I have a right to know why you are acting like this.” Her voice softened and the twang died away. “Talk to me… honey.”
“You have money.” Morgan felt so embarrassed about talking about this.
“Yeah, so?”
“I don’t.”
“Again, yeah so?”
“It’s just… we’re too different. This isn’t going to work.”
“Are you still on this? I thought we had sorted this problem out. Honey, will you stop worrying about this? It WILL work. Fate has brought us together. This was meant to happen.” Dewy jade eyes looked at her, like a small child looking for comfort and support. “Haven’t you felt we were being drawn to one another despite all the denial?” There was no answer. “Well, haven’t you?”
“Yeah.” Morgan sighed deeply. “Yeah, I have. Damnit.”
“Why aren’t you happy about this? What’s wrong?”
“Because I thought I knew myself and what I wanted. I had a plan for my life and it centered around my work.”
“That’s not much of a life, Morgan.”
“For me it was. I was happy, I was focused and I was committed. I… I just don’t know what I want anymore. I’m confused and I’m scared and I don’t like living that way. I need to know who I am, Andy, and I’m not sure of that anymore.”
“Well, look at this time we’re together as learning about one another. Nothing needs to happen. I can wait. I want you to be sure. This is too important to rush into, okay?”
“Okay.” Morgan smiled, happy with the compromise, her dimples emerging and drawing an answering smile from her friend.
“Better?”
“Yeah, much.” She paused. “Thanks.”
Andrea patted her hand. “It’ll work out fine. Just give it time, and when you’re ready you just give me the sign.”
“The sign?”
“Don’t leave home without it.”
“Ha. Very funny. I better think about getting one then.”
“Nah,” Andrea started to yawn, the sleeping tablet slowly kicking in and making her drowsy. “You can always borrow mine…” Dark orbs slowly disappeared under long eyelashes, leaving Morgan sitting on the bed holding her hand as the young counselor slipped into peaceful slumber.
Feedback is always appreciated. You can contact me at aurelia_fan@yahoo.com.au