V
But when my eyes looked at her I learned,
That she was keeping a secret fire,
And if I got to close I'd burn- B. Welch
Jeremy Watts was a powerfully built man approaching the tail end of middle age. Tall, with graying brown hair and lively brown eyes. He heard the line go dead and slowly returned the phone he was holding to its place on the desk in front of him. Bailey Cameron. He finally had a name to go with the person he owed everything to. It had been nine years prior when he met the woman he would later find out was The Wraith. She didn't have to save him but she did, and for that fact alone he would put every effort into fulfilling her request, he couldn't imagine doing any less. He grimaced a bit at the memory of first laying eyes on her.
It had been a horrific insertion and they had lost one man immediately upon capture. The man had broken his ankle in the drop and rather than see to his injury or deal with transporting him they had executed him where he sat. There was no time for sentiment as he and his remaining four men were transported to the camp that had been their covert destination. Intelligence had determined the terrorist camp to be the current location of the group claiming responsibility for the recent bombing of a pub in Germany, that had killed among others, several British and American servicemen. The leader was to be eliminated and as many of the others as possible. However, bad weather resulting in the overshoot of the drop zone had made their objectives impossible and their survival improbable.
For two full days he and his men endured the brutality inflicted upon them and on the night of the second day their captors had apparently decided that there was no more sport to be had. They were dragged, with hands tied behind their backs, to the edge of the camp and forced to their knees, where without words a man started executing his men with a round to the back of the head. He never looked up from the sand as he waited for the fifth and final shot to ring out, and after the fourth he closed his eyes. Time seemed to stand still as he waited for the shot that never came and he felt the binds fall away from his hands.
"Can you walk?" came a female voice with an Irish accent.
He was so stunned to find himself alive he couldn't answer but he tried to stand and ended up flat on his back. From that point on he had only vague recollections and faded in and out of consciousness. He remembered coming to and finding himself lying upon a tarp being dragged across the sand. Looking up and around he saw a figure jogging just ahead and pulling him as a dog would a sled. An indeterminate time later, he found himself waking up in a helicopter to see a surprisingly young raven-haired woman telling the pilot to alter course. In a moment of clarity he saw the woman turn to face him, her black eyes meeting his.
"Hang on, we're almost there," she said and he again faded out.
When he woke again he found himself in a hospital bed and an American Air Force Colonel standing above him.
"Major Watts, you are at Diego Garcia. How are you feeling?" the Colonel asked.
He tried to speak but his throat was dry and his mouth felt like cotton. Seeing the dilemma the Colonel turned away and produced a glass of water.
"The woman…" he started after having had a drink.
"Excuse me, Major?"
"The woman who brought me here, where is she? I'd like to thank her," he said as his voice returned and his mind got up to speed.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, Major."
"A woman saved me, she was on the helicopter."
"Yes, you arrived on a black flight requesting emergency medical service, but other than the pilot you were the only one on board. I'm a little curious; that flight had one of the highest clearances I've ever seen, any chance you might enlighten me on how you ended up on that chopper?
Confused, he shook his head to the negative.
"I thought as much," the Colonel said amiably.
"I take it I'm going to live?"
"Your doctor should be here shortly, I'll let him explain."
"That bad?"
"Let's just say you're extremely lucky to be having this conversation. I'll check in on you later. Good day, Major," the Colonel said in parting.
He had laid there wondering if the woman had just been a figment of his imagination until a man that he assumed was his doctor came in and looked at his chart. It was then that he was informed that he would be partially deaf in his left ear and had more than likely lost the use of three fingers on his left hand. Most of his ribs had been broken and he would require further surgery on his left arm. The doctor informed him that he was actually rather fortunate; the internal bleeding would have killed him in a matter of hours had he not arrived when he did. He had agreed; he was indeed a lucky man.
His injuries guaranteed his discharge but it was a quick transition from Military Intelligence to MI6 and advancement was more than satisfactory. He became obsessed with the woman he couldn't prove to himself even existed and it was a year later that he discovered that the assassination of the man he and his team had been sent to eliminate was credited to an American operative known as The Wraith. From that moment on he became an avid fan and was always vigilant for more news or information. He soon learned that The Wraith was the author of a body of work that most of his colleagues thought imaginary, but he knew better and he had a hunch that his mystery woman and The Wraith was one in the same person.
It was two years later that he got the opportunity to confirm the theory to himself. In what was to be a collaborative effort between American and British intelligence to intercept and remove a group of Islamic radicals smuggling arms into Iran, he came across a coincidence he couldn't ignore. The arms embargo was of concern to both nations, but what attracted the ire of the Crown was the fact that a recent shipment of armaments had been of British manufacture. A strike team consisting of six Special Air Service operatives and one American observer was to be assembled at Waddington RAF for deployment. The addition of an observer was a source of great humor to the British. Despite the image the United States strove to display openly to the world, the international intelligence community was all too aware that the Americans played very effective and very ruthless hardball in the shadows. It was joked that the observer would be as formidable as the strike team and it was a surprise to many that currently enroute to Waddington was a female U.S. Marine Captain named Deirdre Brennan. As luck would have it the operation was canceled at the last moment, but upon learning that the observer was a female and had an Irish name, his alarm bells went off and on a hunch he found himself driving like a madman to Waddington. Upon arrival and after twenty minutes of being sent from one place to another he was informed that the Captain was on the tarmac awaiting an American transport. The sun was beginning to go down and any hope that he would find her was beginning to dwindle when he caught sight a figure sitting cross-legged on the tarmac just outside one of the larger hangers. As he approached from behind he saw that it was undoubtedly a woman and as he got closer he noticed with a sense of excitement that she had long black hair. He was about twenty feet away when he heard her voice and he knew that he had found her.
"Can I help you?" she asked without turning around.
"No, but maybe one day I can help you."
At that she stood up and turned around. She had a duffle bag on the ground beside her and she was dressed in the standard military fatigues. He walked up until he was about a body length away and he saw the black eyes that he remembered.
"You may not remember me, but you saved my life," he said noting that her face was completely devoid of any recognition or emotion. "You went through a great deal of trouble to do so and I wanted you to know that it was much appreciated, I'm in your debt."
She didn't answer and only her eyes, which never wavered from his face, gave any indication that she was aware of his presence at all. He reached out and handed her a card that she took without looking at and put in her shirt pocket.
"If you find the opportunity to let me try and repay the favor, you can contact me with the information on that card."
Never breaking her stare she just nodded.
He had said what he came to say but his curiosity forced him to take a chance he later thought was extremely foolish, but never regretted.
"I'm obligated beyond payment, Wraith. Again, thank you," he said as he turned to go. He wasn't sure what to expect or if he should expect anything at all. He had gone about ten paces when she spoke.
"You're welcome, Major."
He spun around but she had already turned her back and reseated herself on the tarmac. He nodded slightly to himself in understanding. He hadn't been in his uniform for over two years, she had known who he was all along.
"Richards and his team never stood a chance," Keith DeSilva said shaking his head.
Terry privately agreed but kept it to himself. The report from Mr. Phillips had been quite thorough and subconsciously he had been rubbing his neck for the last half an hour. She had effortlessly removed one of the best teams the Organization had and in the process made off with Satterfield and the file. What really bothered him was the fact that they now knew exactly where Satterfield was, but could do nothing about it. All afternoon he had been castigating himself; he was responsible for the current situation and he knew it. Despite his feelings on the subject, he should have seen to her removal years ago when it would have been a simple matter to set her up. Instead, he not only allowed her to go, but actually fought on her behalf, now the situation was becoming desperate. Not only for him, but for the Organization itself.
"What's with the sword anyway?" Bob wondered aloud. "Couldn't she have just as easily fired a round through the door?"
Terry winced internally at both the question and the image of their dead operatives. He was beginning to wonder if anyone in the room had really read her file. No one seemed to quite grasp exactly how formidable she was. He decided another lesson was in order.
"First off," he said. "A round being fired through an object to reach a target is by no means a guaranteed success. Secondly, if indeed the round struck its target it would have the opposite effect of what she was trying to accomplish."
He was glad to see that he now had the attention of everyone in the room. "Like you said yourself, Bob. The Wraith is one of the elite and she didn't become so by being stupid. In fact, she's far more intelligent than I think everyone here realizes. If our man at the door had been shot, he would have fallen or been forced backwards, thereby providing an alternative exit for escape. And since a four-story drop is not an option, her tactic assured that our man would fall forward and block the door. And after dispatching him it was a simple matter to walk into the next room and wait for Richards to choose the obvious. Richards would neither expose himself or an associate by attempting to remove a body from in front of a door where the enemy may be waiting, if another option existed."
He gave them a few moments to think about that before moving on. "What's the status of incoming assets?"
"We have two junior operatives that should be arriving in Atlanta as we speak. Their team leader is about a day behind them. As for the others, by tomorrow afternoon we should be close to having all our resources domestically available," Bob said.
"Why the delay on the team leader?"
"With the cancellation of all Ops, some of our assets were delayed in the recall to safely withdraw from ongoing operations."
"Understandable."
"Are we looking at putting everyone in Atlanta?" Bob asked.
"Yes, we'll need our surveillance people round the clock on Cameron and if it comes down to a confrontation we need to have the rest standing by to move on her."
"Should our people be made aware of who Cameron really is? With that many assets in one place they're gonna wonder why all the manpower is dedicated to one woman."
"I think that we should. If anything else it would make them far more cautious. If they respect their target they won't be so quick to make hasty decisions. Anyone disagree?" Terry asked and scanning the faces gathered at the table he saw that no one did.
"Okay, Bob. Get a dossier on Cameron to the people you have in Atlanta now. No history, just her Identifier and the information they'll need to begin surveillance."
"With that many assets in one place, how are we going to coordinate or shelter them?" Keith asked.
"Good point," Bob said.
Terry nodded. "Yes, that's a good question. I'll have Mr. Phillips look into finding a suitable base of operations, but for now let's centralize the surveillance teams in one location and the others we can spread out in the hotels closest to C-Corp. Let's make it painfully clear to everyone that Cameron is aware that she is being watched and that they are there to report her whereabouts only. Under no circumstances is anyone to engage her in so much as a conversation unless directly authorized to do so. If she feels threatened in any way, we could rapidly have a situation that we are not wholly prepared for."
Terry stood from his seat. "As of right now, Cameron has made no mistakes and that trend will continue, that is unless we can force her into making one. I believe that this should be our goal and we should bend our minds to achieving it. I've toyed with the idea of using her family as a catalyst to this end and everyone should take this into consideration as well, as it is the only card we currently have in our favor. But keep in mind it is a dangerous card to play. If it were to blow up in our face, the situation would swiftly turn into a free for all."
He picked up his mug and sipped his coffee as he slowly made a circle of the table. "Bob, anyone express interest in a contract yet?"
"It's in circulation, none yet," Bob replied.
"Damn."
"There aren't that many out there willing to take a risk that great. However, there is an Australian free lancer that might present her with a formidable challenge. I was going to ask for opinions regarding contacting him directly," Bob said.
"Have we used him before?" Terry asked.
"No, but several of our counterparts have. The Brits and the French have used him several times."
"Let's wait a couple of days and see if the paper on her draws any attention."
"Alright."
"Okay. Bob, get that dossier to Atlanta, and unless we get a priority, I'll see all of you in the morning."
Terry took up his chair and finished his coffee as everyone collected their things and exited the room. He had the inkling of a plan, but was reluctant to share it at the moment. He could make no more mistakes and dealing with her family was a potential firestorm if the walls fell in on him.
Well into the night he remained seated until finally, he rose and made his way back to his office.
"Heya, Pippy."
"Heya, Nanny," Piper said to her best friend and the person she shared her house with as she closed the door behind her and kicked off her shoes. She threw her purse on the coffee table and plopped down on the sofa next to her.
"Long day, kiddo?"
"Yep," Piper said with a sigh but brightened immediately. "Hey, where have ya been lately? I got all sorts of news."
"Ooo, gossip. I can't wait," Nancy said as she rearranged herself on the couch until she was sitting cross-legged facing Piper. "Some people called in sick and I got tabbed for duty. So tell me, what's up?"
"Well, first off I have a date..."
"No way!" Nancy interrupted loudly. "What's the occasion? You're not dying are you?" she asked, looking Piper up and down.
"No, I'm not dying," Piper said with a sigh and a slap to Nancy's arm.
"So who's the lucky girl?"
"I'll get to that. You remember me telling you that I might have to look for another job, because my boss was killed in that mugging?"
"Yeah, I left the day you went to his funeral. I take it you still have a job?"
"It's better than that. The day after the funeral, the owner called and asked me to be her assistant."
"The owner? That Irish chick that you say everyone calls the Princess of Darkness?"
"Yep, the Princess herself," Piper said with a wide smile.
"Hmmm, I sense something here."
"Anyways, yesterday I not only got to see her up close for the first time but she asked me to take over John's job and if I do okay, she said it might become permanent and…" She paused significantly. "… I got a twenty-four thousand dollar raise!" she finished excitedly bouncing up and down in her seat.
"Wow, that's great!" Nancy said giggling at her excitement. "I guess two years of doing most of your boss's job for him finally paid off."
"Yep, anyways that's not the best part."
"Ooo, there's more," Nancy teased.
"She's beautiful, Nanny," Piper said with a long sigh and fell dramatically against the cushions.
"The Irish chick?" Nancy asked. "What's her name?"
"Bailey Cameron."
"What's she look like?"
"Well, she's got to be about five-seven and she's got a figure to die for," Piper said as she sat back up. "She's got the most charming accent and gorgeous black hair to her waist. She's the most striking woman I've ever seen." She sighed again. "Oh, and she has completely black eyes that are really, really intense."
"So what's the scoop, she ask you out?"
"No, I asked her," Piper said with a slight blush.
"What a slut," Nancy laughed and Piper joined in.
"Well, I asked her to lunch yesterday…and well... I kissed her on the cheek after… and then…" she glanced up at shyly at Nancy, "…well, I bought her a rose and left it on her desk so she asked me to dinner tonight."
"You kissed your boss after a business lunch? Jesus, you must be desperate," Nancy chuckled.
"Be quiet, it wasn't like that." She paused and considered. "Well… it was like that but you don't understand."
"What's not to understand? You threw yourself at your boss. Did you fall over with your legs in the air too?" Nancy teased and was rewarded with a punch to the arm.
"No!"
"Then what?" Nancy asked still chuckling at the scowl on Piper's face.
"She's different, Nanny."
"How so?"
"Well, she's like so in charge and confident at the office but when I asked her to lunch I thought she was going to sink into the floor."
"Huh?"
"She looked totally lost but she went anyway, she sat at the table for like thirty minutes looking out of place and uncomfortable and she didn't say a word."
"Really? I find that kind of odd. How old is she?"
"She can't be much older than I am, early thirties I guess."
"Hmmm."
"Anyway, I started to feel insecure and asked her if she had a problem with me."
"What did she say?"
"You should have seen her, Nanny. She explained with great difficulty how she wasn't used to being around people and felt out of place. It took such an effort on her part to explain I thought she was going to cave and run from the restaurant. In a way though, it was kind of endearing. I got her to come out of her shell a tad and got her to laugh once. She's got the most attractive laugh."
"How does a woman who runs a corporation like that not be used to being around people?"
"She pretty much lets others run it and reaps the benefits I guess. You know I worked there for almost two years and just only recently saw her, she's very reclusive."
"Hmmm."
"Nanny, she's not like you expect at all. You approach her on a personal level and she's painfully shy, almost innocent like."
"Huh? A woman who looks like what you describe would be far from innocent I'd think."
"I don't know about that, she's certainly not worldly innocent, but I think she's relationship innocent," Piper said. "It's kinda hard to explain but she said she's had a pretty solitary life."
"Do I get to meet her?"
"She's coming to pick me up at 6:30 and you better be nice to her."
"Why wouldn't I be nice?"
"Because I know you, Nanny," Piper said with narrowed eyes.
"Well, I'll try my best," Nancy said putting on a smile.
"Look, Nan. Wait till you see her okay?" Piper said eyeing the nefarious smile. "She asked me to choose a place because she isn't familiar with many. I don't think she was lying."
"Alright, I'll be on my best behavior," Nancy conceded.
"You'd better, I get the feeling you don't want to mess with her."
"Really?"
"Yes. You'll see for yourself in a little while."
"You really like her a lot?"
"Very much, there's something about her," she said thoughtfully. "I'd like to see where it goes, but I think she's special."
"Alright, girly, you'd better get ready," Nancy said with a look to the clock.
"Oh, no. I should have said 7:00, I'm gonna be late," she said as she hopped from the couch and made for the bathroom.
"Hey, Pippy," Nancy called after her.
Piper stopped and turned around. "What?"
"Brush your teeth twice, your breath could bend a wrench."
Piper shot her the finger and tried to ignore the giggle that followed her into the bathroom.
VI
Can you feel me tremble when we touch?
Can you feel the hands of fate?- J. Peterik, F. Sullivan
Nancy was folding laundry when the doorbell rang for the second time and with a sigh she threw a half-folded shirt back into the dryer and padded down the hall. As she passed the bathroom she could hear the blow dryer running and realized Piper hadn't heard the door. Smiling and with a little spring to her step, she headed down the hall, happy for the chance to inspect Piper's date without supervision. Summoning the best smug smile she had in her inventory, she opened the door and felt her grin vanish as she was instantly captured in an arresting black-eyed gaze. All thoughts of a good-natured teasing suffered a rapid demise as she watched the smile the woman had been wearing change to a slight scowl.
"Is Piper here?" Bailey asked.
"Hmmm?"
"Does Piper Tate live here?"
"Oh, yes," Nancy said regaining her bearings. "You must be Bailey, come on in. Piper's running a little late," she said as she stepped aside to let her in. "I'm Nancy by the way, her roommate."
"Nice to meet you," Bailey said tonelessly as she stepped into the house.
Nancy led her into the family room and gestured toward a couch. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll go see if I can speed her along."
"Alright, thank you," Bailey said remaining on her feet.
Nancy tried not to look hurried as she left the intense woman's presence and made her way down the hall to the bathroom. The blow dryer was still going so she let herself in and closed the door behind her. Piper saw her enter and, with a confused look, turned off the hair dryer.
"What's up?"
"Wow."
"Huh? What's the matter?"
"Your date is here."
"Oh," Piper said with a smile. "Tell her I'll be out in a sec."
"No way," Nancy said shaking her head.
"What?"
"No way, she's so intense it's scary."
"What did you say to her?" Piper asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, just hurry up will ya."
Piper stared at her a long moment before putting the blow dryer on the counter and walking out of the bathroom.
She emerged from the hall to find Bailey standing uncomfortably in the living room; noticing with a smile that she had dressed in a white blouse and faded blue jeans. Although she wore a black leather half trench, she had even donned a pair of white tennis shoes. Her hair was tied up on the top of her head in a lopsided ponytail that Piper thought was unbelievably cute.
"Hey there, you look great," she said with a smile that became brighter with the light blush her comment produced.
"Thank you," Bailey said. "Uh… you look nice too," she added belatedly.
"Thanks," Piper said, amused. "I see you met my roommate. Please forgive her she's mildly retarded," she said gesturing at Nancy who was observing from the hallway.
Nancy, who was staring without trying to look like she was staring, had to do a quick replay upon hearing her name. "Hey!"
"See what I mean? She's just a little slow," she said with a wink at Bailey, noting that she was beginning to shuffle her feet a little.
"I just have to finish my hair and we can go, you can stay out here and watch Nanny try to stifle her chronic drooling or you can come keep me company if ya want?" Piper said with a quick glance at the now reddening Nancy.
She could tell Bailey was at a loss and caught her quick look at the door so she made the decision for her by walking up and taking her hand.
"Come on, we can talk about Nan behind her back," she said as she led Bailey down the hall and into the bathroom. Once the door was closed, Piper picked a brush up from the counter and began to run it through her hair.
"You said Cajun was alright?"
"Uhm… yeah," Bailey said not sure what to think. She felt terribly out of her element and the urge to run was incredibly appealing.
"Great, I know just the place if that's okay?"
"That's fine," she said a little distractedly as she watched Piper tie her hair back.
Piper was also in faded jeans and sneakers but instead of a blouse she had on a New Orleans Saints sweatshirt. Bailey observed the petite woman with what felt like attraction and she had the sudden and surprising impulse to reach out and touch her hair, but she quickly caught herself and stifled the urge. She wasn't sure what the hell was going on but she could feel herself staring and abruptly she had to know.
"Piper, is this…" she started but drifted off when Piper's blue eyes came up to meet hers.
"Hmmm?"
"Never mind," she said losing her courage.
"Never mind what?" she asked noticing that Bailey seemed more distressed than usual. "You can ask me anything you want, Bailey," she said sweetly to try and put her at ease.
Bailey took a deep breath. "Is this a date?" she asked in a rush.
Piper didn't know whether to be hurt or embarrassed, so she settled for a little of both. She had thought she had been rather obvious in expressing her interest, but one look at Bailey's expression told her that there was far more going on than met the eye and she should handle the situation as delicately as possible.
"Do you want it to be?"
"I don't know," Bailey said, eyeing her shoes.
"Are you attracted to me?" Piper asked, noticing a blush make its way across her features.
"Yes, I mean…" Bailey said quickly and then sighed. "…I don't know."
"Would it help if I said I was attracted to you?" she asked, feeling her way.
Bailey shrugged her shoulders.
"Does it bother you that I'm your employee? Because I'll quit if that's the reason."
"Why would you quit?"
"Because there are millions of jobs, but I've only seen one of you."
"You would quit your job to be with me?" she asked in wonder, her eyes raising from the floor. "You probably wouldn't like what you'd find if you got to know me much better."
"I would quit right now if you said you wanted me and I tend not to judge people so harshly, there are reasons for everything."
"I don't want you to quit," Bailey said her eyes returning to the floor.
"Is it the female thing? Have you ever been attracted to another girl before?" Piper asked crossing her fingers behind her back.
Bailey's eyes came up and she debated with herself furiously for a long moment. "It's more like I've never been attracted to anyone before."
Piper chewed on that one for as long as she thought she could get away with it. She thought for a second that she was being blatantly lied to, but Bailey's hand dog expression and her body language was too honest to be an attempt at deceit. She was definitely sailing on choppy waters. Finally, she hopped up on the counter and patted the space next to her.
"Come sit down, you're making me a little nervous with all your fidgeting."
Bailey frowned. "I do not fidget," she said and the conversation she had with Satterfield immediately crossed her mind, she closed her eyes.
Piper giggled at her and again patted the space beside her. "Come on, let's chat for a second."
Bailey swayed indecisively for a second before shrugging her shoulders and taking a seat next to Piper on the countertop.
"Well, Miss Cameron. It seems we have a bit of a problem here," Piper started. "Because I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I'm very much attracted to you," she said and watched as Bailey blushed again and started studying the countertop. "I would very much like to pursue a relationship with you," she said and paused. "Would you let me try something? I promise to stop if you want."
"Uhm… I guess," Bailey said, watching nervously as Piper slid off the counter and positioned herself in front of her, jumping a little when she put her hands on her knees.
"Scoot a little closer," Piper said tugging gently on the back of her knees.
"I… I don't…"
"It'll be okay," Piper soothed.
Piper moved her hands to the inside of her knees and applied a small pressure to move them apart. She could feel her trembling and knew she had better move fast. As soon as there was room, she stepped forward between her legs and placed a kiss on her lips. A little gasp from Bailey was her reward and as soon as she made contact, she stepped back in case it wasn't accepted as nicely as it was intended.
Bailey was stunned. As soon as Piper backed up, her hand went to her mouth and she noticed with irritation that not only was her hand trembling but her whole body was as well. She had never felt so powerless in her whole life; the little woman in front of her had walked right up and had changed everything. Her eyes took in the anxious expression on Piper's face and she realized that it had taken a considerable amount bravery to do what she had just done, an emotional bravery that she knew she herself didn't have. Should she pursue this? The thought of not doing so brought an unfamiliar pain to her chest and it dawned on her that for the first time in her life, she had let somebody in and she didn't want to let go. There would be hurdles and she winced at the thought of how high those hurdles would be. Would it be worth the risk? Another quick glance at Piper and the decision was made.
"Well? What do ya think?" Piper asked nervously.
"I… I think…I think I want you to do that again," she stuttered and this time felt the blush that scorched her face.
Piper smiled and stepped forward putting her hands on Bailey's hips. "Are you sure?"
Bailey nodded thinking she might pass out her heart was beating so fast, closing her eyes when she felt Piper's lips touch hers again. They snapped open in surprise a few seconds later when she felt a tongue gently trying to gain entry into her mouth. She let out a short gasp and her open mouth was instantly covered by Piper's and she felt the tongue enter and run itself over her teeth. Her mind began to overload as she tried to analyze everything at once, so she just shut down and enjoyed the sensation of Piper's explorations. She was disappointed when Piper broke the contact.
Piper pulled back a little and laid her hands on the top of Bailey's knees. She was a little breathless and decided she had better stop before she ended up more frustrated than she already was. She got the feeling that getting to know the woman in front of her was going to be a challenge and it was clear that she would have to take the lead. There were at least forty questions that were dying for answers.
"Did you like?"
"Yes, very much."
"Can I ask you some questions?"
"Okay."
"Have you ever been kissed before?"
"No."
"How old are you, Bailey?"
"I just turned thirty-one."
"How does a woman, who looks like you, get to be thirty-one and never been kissed?"
"I'm not ready to share that story at the moment."
"Fair enough."
"I… I would like to try and… well… I would like to try and…" she stammered, feeling stupid and knowing she was beginning to blush again. "…I mean… with you," she finished and gave up with a sigh.
"I'd like that too," Piper said with a bright smile.
"As you can probably tell, I…I'm… the concept is pretty new to me."
"The concept of a relationship or a relationship between two women?"
"Both. I've experienced neither."
"Well you're off to a good start, I mean I'm a pretty good catch if I do say so myself."
Bailey couldn't stop the grin at Piper's words.
"You ready for dinner?"
"Sure."
"Me too, let's go," Piper said and took Bailey by the hand again and led her from the bathroom, letting go of her at the front door. "Let me just get my coat."
Bailey nodded and waited by the door dutifully for Piper to return, which she did in just under a minute.
"Let's roll."
She opened the door for Bailey and followed her out on to the porch, where she turned and locked the door. Bailey went ahead to unlock the car and opened the passenger side door for Piper, who giggled a little upon being confronted by the big black muscle car parked in her driveway.
"My goodness, how butch," she said, amused.
"What?" Bailey asked, waiting patiently for Piper to get in the car.
"My brother would give his right arm for this car," she said inspecting it from bow to stern. "A HemiCuda no less, I had you figured for the small sporty kinda car. What year is it?"
"1971. Would you like to drive?" she asked impulsively, pleased when Piper's eyes lit up and she smiled.
"Can I?"
"Sure," Bailey said handing her the keys and surprising herself with a giggle as Piper performed a little jump and skipped around to the driver's side. She watched in amusement as she sat down and placed both hands on the wheel, bouncing up and down a little in her seat making engine revving sounds; smiling when Piper turned in her seat with a sly look.
"Can I peel out?" she asked with narrowed eyes.
"Sure," Bailey chuckled, reaching to put on her seatbelt.
"Heh, heh, heh," Piper cackled as the car rumbled to life and she backed out onto the street.
"Prepare for ludicrous speed!" she yelled as she stomped the accelerator and the car lurched violently forward.
Bailey placed both hands on the dash and laughed delightedly as Piper laid rubber for close to an entire block.
"Holy shit! Stay with 'em, Zack. Goddamn it!" Russell yelled to his partner as the Barracuda rocketed down the street.
"Relax, they're just goofing around, see?" Zack said, pointing at the car half a mile away.
Russell looked through windshield to see that the car they were following had indeed slowed down and had resumed a less reckless speed.
Zack slowed their car as well and maintained a good distance between the women in the Barracuda and themselves. Following them for close to a quarter of an hour before they pulled into a restaurant parking lot, he pulled into a lot across the street and parked, immediately producing a pair of binoculars to watch the women exit the car and walk into the restaurant.
Both Zack and his partner looked like college football players dressed in suits off the rack, the only difference being that Zack was dark-haired whereas Russell was blond.
"Who do you think the redhead is?" Russell asked, watching through his own pair of binoculars.
"No idea," Zack said with a shrug.
"Did you know The Wraith was a chick?"
"Nope, always figured it was a guy."
"What do you think they're doing in there?"
Zack lowered his binoculars and turned an unbelieving look on his partner. "Why, I would think they're getting ready to have dinner, you idiot."
Russell lowered his binoculars and laughed at himself. "Sorry, I'm a little worked up."
"Just take it easy, we're only supposed to follow her."
"Are they really recalling everyone to Atlanta?"
"Yeah, from what I understand. Mike will be here tomorrow, I'm sure they'll give him the scoop."
"I heard one of the guys with Mr. Phillips say The Wraith wiped out Richards and his team earlier today."
"No shit? Ben Richards?" Zack asked, surprised.
"Yeah, I figured it for the truth. Why else would Phillips be in town?"
"That's pretty fucking scary. Richards was a cool customer."
"No kidding, do you think they're bringing everyone in to take her out?"
"I dunno, possibly."
"You wanna know what I think is scary?"
"No," Zack said with a sigh.
"I think if that chick really is The Wraith, I don't want to be anywhere in the vicinity if they try to put her down."
"Why? It's just one woman?"
"Gimme a break, have you heard some of the shit The Wraith is responsible for?"
"Sure, but rumors tend to get exaggerated."
"Yeah, then why the hell are they bringing everyone in?"
"I guess you've got a point there."
"Plus I think if I was on the Organization's hit list, I wouldn't be out frolicking and eating dinner in public. Do you really think she knows we're out here?"
"I would assume so, the dossier said she was aware that she would be followed and not to approach her for any reason."
"I dunno, I'm getting bad juju vibes here."
"Just relax, we're only here to observe at the moment."
"Easier said than done."
"Gimme a break will ya? Get some sleep, they'll probably be in there for a couple of hours."
"I'm too wired to sleep," he said and then turned to look at Zack. "Would it bother you if I choked the chicken? It helps me relax."
"Not at all. Would you like me to hold a cup for you so you don't get any on your clothes?" he asked courteously.
"Why, that would be very thoughtful, thank you," Russell said, picking up a crushed coffee cup from the floorboard and offering it to his friend.
"Get the fuck out of here," Zack said, slapping the cup from the outstretched hand with a laugh.
VII
Time grabs you by the wrist,
Directs you where to go- B. Armstrong
Bailey had again requested a table in the back and at having found Piper's description of crawfish less than appealing, she had ordered the blackened fish and gumbo. As soon as the waiter left, she surprised Piper by starting the conversation.
"How long have you had a roommate?"
"Oh, Nanny. We've known each other since we were kids, she moved in with me about a year ago."
"Is she… uhm…well are you and her…" Bailey stammered not sure of exactly what she was trying to get at.
"No, Nanny is as straight as they come, we're just good friends," Piper said taking pity on her.
"Oh," Bailey said, relieved and a little confused.
"It was sweet of you to let me drive over here, I had a blast," Piper said. "I used to help my brother work on all of his old hotrods, but his cars were usually in a constant state of disrepair. It was a treat to drive one as nice as yours."
"Where's your brother now?"
"He's in the Navy but lives in New Orleans, with my parents actually."
"Is that where you're from?"
"Yep, born and raised," she stated proudly.
"Do you miss your family?"
"Sometimes. I go home about twice a year on the holidays and they call two or three times a month. How about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?" she asked and instantly knew from Bailey's expression that it was a sore subject. "I'm sorry, you don't have to answer," she added quickly.
"No, it's alright," she said a little surprised that she wanted to share. "My father and older brother were killed by the British fifteen years ago in Belfast," she said and jumped a little when Piper reached across the table to take one of her hands.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"It's alright, you wouldn't know unless I told you." She worked up a smile for Piper's benefit and continued. "My mother and little brother are supposed to be living in Britain, but I haven't spoken to them since the day father died."
"Why not?"
"It's… uhm…complicated."
"Okay, no pressure. I'm just curious about you. I usually like to get know people before I throw myself at them in my own bathroom," she said, chuckling as Bailey's face turned crimson.
"Have you…uhm…is that…" she stuttered and abruptly lost her temper with herself. "…Jesus, never mind."
"It's alright," Piper said reaching over to clasp Bailey's other hand. "Say what you're thinking."
Bailey lifted her eyes and glanced across the table at Piper who was looking at her patiently. She took a few quick breaths in an attempt to reign her temper back in and involuntarily squeezed the hands that held hers from across the table. It was comforting in a way she had never experienced and her eyes fell to the clasped hands in bewilderment.
Piper saw her eyes fall to their hands. "I'm sorry, does my holding your hands bother you?"
She took a second to answer. "No, I… I like it."
"Me too, I'm glad you're letting me." Piper smiled. "Now, you can ask anything you want of me, I won't laugh or poke fun. I'm interested in you and the fact that there are things you want to know about me is flattering because I hope you're interested in me too."
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't, Piper. It's just that this is all very new to me and…" She paused and let go of Piper to run her hands nervously over her hair. "…And well my life is very complicated and I'm more than a little afraid that…well if things don't work out..."
"Why don't we cross that bridge when we get there?" Piper interrupted. "But to put your mind at ease, I haven't seen anything but things I like and I believe the qualities I see in you now are by far the most prominent. Irregardless, of what I might find out later, I very much like the woman I see in front of me."
Bailey absorbed Piper's words carefully. Was there any truth to that? She knew that most of the time she didn't like who she was, but if there was anything that she had learned in the last two days it was that she liked herself when she was around Piper. Was it possible that Piper could see something that she didn't?
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"You're welcome and I meant it. So, what were you going to ask me?"
"I was going to ask if you made it a habit?"
"A habit? I don't understand."
"A habit of throwing yourself at people in your bathroom," Bailey said and watched as Piper blushed and giggled a little.
"No…uhm...that was a first for me as well."
"I see." She hesitated. "Have there been many in your life?"
"Between eighty and ninety, but they meant nothing to me," Piper said seriously and laughed at the sight of Bailey gaping at her with widening eyes.
"You said you wouldn't poke fun," Bailey said, scowling at both Piper and herself for how childish her statement had sounded.
"You're right, I'm sorry," Piper giggled. "I just couldn't resist, the look on your face was priceless."
Scowl still in place, Bailey folded her arms across her chest and focused her attention across the room.
"Oh my God, you look just darling when you pout!" Piper exclaimed and burst into another bout of laughter.
Bailey tried but just couldn't find anything about the situation humorous. She had just barely managed to put a damper on the impulse to shoot from her chair and exclaim 'I do not pout' but she had already learned her lesson on that twice, and Piper would no doubt have thought it hilarious if she had done so. She sighed as Piper broke into another fit of mirth and risked a sideways glance at her, which produced another round of laughter. Despite herself, she found Piper's behavior to be contagious and a small grin broke out on her face that soon blossomed into a full-fledged smile as she caved in and started to laugh herself.
"I'm sorry," Piper said after the giggles finally fled.
"Hmmm."
"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport," Piper chided. "I was just teasing."
"Are you going to answer my question or pick on me some more?" Bailey said rolling her eyes, an action that got another quick snort of amusement from Piper.
"No, there haven't been many," Piper said after getting herself together. "Two, in fact."
"I see," she said, not sure if she wanted to know more but still curious.
"My first was a boy I dated most of my senior year in high school, but that fizzled out pretty quickly. I think I was curious more than anything else. The second was a girl I met in college, we were together about a year."
"Did you love them?"
"The first no, but the second I think I did for a while," Piper said. "Unfortunately, it got pretty ugly."
"What got ugly?"
"Our separation. I found out that she was seeing other people behind my back and I left her, but she didn't let go easily and she ended up doing and saying a lot of hateful things when I refused to go back to her."
"Oh, I'm sorry." .
"It's fine, it was a long time ago. Anyways, I've dated here and there but nothing serious. Or more accurately, I haven't come across anyone I really wanted to be with, until recently," she finished with a shy look.
"Oh," Bailey said with a scowl but then a clue hit her in the head. "Oh," she added more enthusiastically and then blushed.
"You really do have a cute blush," Piper said with a grin that only made Bailey redder.
"I'm glad you like it, I've gotten a lot of practice at it lately," she stated sarcastically.
"It becomes you," she said and then mercifully decided to take her out of the spotlight. "So you said you traveled a lot, was it for your job?"
"Yes."
"What did you do?" Piper asked and noticed from Bailey's face that she had ventured into another avenue of conversation that wasn't going to be very informative.
"Nothing to be proud of."
"How long did you have this job?" Piper prodded gently.
"Way too long," Bailey said more to herself than to Piper. "A decade and change."
"Wow, that's a long time," she said cheerily, seeing that Bailey was going into a funk.
"Yes, it was. Can we talk about something else?"
"Sure, I didn't mean to pry."
Bailey's eyes shot up at Piper's tone and she was instantly sorry.
"No, it's okay," she said. "It's just something I'm not ready to discuss. I hope you understand."
"I think I do. There are things about me that I find hard to talk about as well."
Bailey sat in an uncomfortable silence for several minutes until fortunately their food arrived and allowed a distraction. Piper waited until the waiter left before she broke the silence.
"Would you like to try a crawfish?"
"Uhm…I don't think so," she said with a sour look.
"They really taste better than I described them. Besides, these are boiled, they look like little shrimp." She speared one with her fork and held it up for examination. "See?"
Bailey eyed it suspiciously.
"Come on. You can't even see it. It's covered in sauce, try it, I'm sure you'll like it."
"Oh, alright," she said, rolling her eyes.
Piper reached across intending to put it on her plate but it was intercepted as Bailey leaned forward and snagged it off the fork with her teeth, an act that Piper found to be incredibly sensual and she blushed powerfully.
Bailey noticed her reddening and looked at her with confusion. "What's wrong?" she asked innocently, chewing on the crawfish that was actually quite tasty.
"Hmmm? Oh, nothing. I just didn't expect you to do that."
"Do what?" Bailey said replaying the last few minutes.
"Uhm… bite the food off my fork."
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I embarrass you?" she asked looking around to see if anyone saw.
"Well, not exactly."
"I don't understand," Bailey said, her brows knitting.
"It…uh… just struck me as very sexy."
"Oh," Bailey said not completely understanding, but it dawned on her slowly and she smiled slyly.
"You really have no idea how attractive you are, do you?"
"I really never gave it much thought. But I'm glad you think so."
"I do, very much."
Bailey felt another blush coming on and decided to change the subject. "So where did you go to college?"
Piper grinned at the obvious tactic. "Louisiana State University," she replied. "I majored in communications."
"Ah, so how did you hook up with Clinton?"
"I responded to a want ad in the paper for an accounts receivable manager and eventually became the office manager until C-Corp bought the company. He made me his assistant when he was made Director of Operations."
"How long were you with TDE before the buyout?"
"Three years. Can I ask a question?"
"Sure."
"C-Corp is made up of eighteen different companies, usually when businesses are bought and sold they're usually scrapped aren't they?"
"Sometimes. But each one was profitable, some very much so. All provided services that will be profitable well into the future so why not combine them? By doing so and departmentalizing each one you manage to keep the successful infrastructure and personnel in place."
"Hmmm."
"Most of the owners were happy to go along because it provided them with the opportunity to continue working and share in the profits of a much larger company. And since several of the acquisitions were local, the personnel remained pretty much intact."
"You seem to take a very hands off approach to running the company, why is that?"
"Because I know very little about running a corporation, nor do I especially want to. Bringing the owners and managers over intact assured that every department could be run by the people who made it successful in the first place. All that was needed was personnel that could centralize the company as a whole and coordinate and manage the departments as one entity."
"So why did you pick John to be in the Captain's chair?"
"Several reasons, but mainly because he had no ego."
"I don't understand."
"If I had chosen any of the other acquired executives, they would have run things in the way that they were used to. John could differentiate between running his own company and being in charge of several others."
"I see. So why me?"
"Because John bragged about you often and you had the experience under him to run things in a way accustomed to the norm. In addition, if I had tagged one of the others for the job I would be in the situation I was trying to avoid in the first place. I don't want the company run the way they ran their own companies, C-Corp is bigger than that." She hesitated. "And because you weren't intimidated by me."
"Was John intimidated by you?"
"No, like I said John had no ego, he just sort of breezed through life but he was smart and ruthless when he had to be."
"Are those the qualities you see in me?"
Bailey stopped and considered. "I think you're the most unique person I've ever met."
"Thank you," Piper said demurely, dropping her eyes.
"You're welcome," Bailey said, unreasonably proud to have put Piper on the spot for a change. "Did things go okay today? I only stopped into the office for a few moments and you weren't there."
"Yeah, I was requested for opinions over a new account. I get the feeling some people aren't happy about my new status," she admitted.
"Did anyone say anything to you?" Bailey asked, her eyes narrowing.
"No, they were polite, it was just sort of an underlying attitude."
"Let me know if you have any problems, I'll straighten them out."
"I'd rather handle it on my own."
"Why?"
"Because they won't respect me unless I do."
"Alright, I can understand that," she said with a nod.
"Besides, it would be embarrassing to have my girlfriend, who also happens to be the big cheese, swoop in and save me. It would be counterproductive I think."
Bailey was silent long enough that Piper took notice and reviewed the last thing she had said. She cringed a little bit when she identified the word she had spoken without thinking but really hoped was true. She was at a loss for words so she waited uncomfortably for Bailey to break the silence.
"Is…" Bailey said, not sure how to proceed. "Is… that what I am?"
"What? The big cheese?" she offered brightly trying to sink into her chair.
Bailey just sighed and Piper bit the bullet. "You mean my girlfriend?"
"Yes."
"I guess I sort of jumped the gun," Piper admitted, embarrassed. "But I would very much like you to be, yes."
Bailey was extremely quiet for close to five minutes as Piper sat silently castigating herself and wishing that she would have a stroke or a sudden, fatal aneurysm that would alleviate the supreme awkwardness she felt.
"Uhm…" Bailey finally started. "…The whole …uh …concept is very new to me as you already know…but I think that I would be…honored …to be your… uhm… girlfriend," she finished saying the last word slowly to get her mind around it.
Piper, who was wondering if she could hold her breath long enough to pass out, sat up straight in her chair at Bailey's words and beamed her best smile across the table.
"Really?"
"Yes, I know enough to realize that you'll have to help me along, but I … well… I like the way I feel when I'm around you and… well… I would really like that, I think." She reviewed her words and winced. "That didn't come out right," she said and closed her eyes.
"I think I know what you meant," Piper said with a grin and mischievously added. "So, when do you want to meet my parents?"
Bailey went extremely pale and Piper experienced a twinge of guilt but their waiter approached before she could let her off the hook.
"Can I get you anything else?" he asked.
"A Southern Comfort and soda with a twist, a double please," Bailey said quickly and Piper laughed.
"And you, Miss?" he asked looking at the Piper.
"I'm fine, thank you," she said between giggles.
Piper waited for him to leave. "I was just teasing," she admitted and watched as Bailey slowly regained her color and started to scowl.
"I don't think that was very funny."
"Well…it was kinda," Piper offered, the ghost of a smile on her face.
Bailey had the urge to cross her arms over her chest but refrained from instigating a repeat of Piper's merriment from earlier. Instead, she tried her best to ignore Piper's little grin and concentrated on finishing the last of her meal.
Piper watched in extreme amusement as Bailey pouted while trying her best to look like she wasn't. It struck her that the woman sitting across from her was very much like a child in some regards and she wondered about the secrets that she so obviously harbored. It must have been hard to lose part of her family to violence at such a young age and why no contact with the remaining members since then? She did the math and realized that Bailey would have been on her own for fifteen years and she obviously had very little experience in dealing with people on a personal level. However, she was no fool and had to have money and smarts aplenty to acquire a business the size of C-Corp. The scuttlebutt around the office was that she was a ruthless negotiator and a razor sharp mind. She had a hard time comparing that image to the one pouting across the table. It dawned on her that this was more than likely the first time in Bailey's life that she had attempted to open up with someone and she was flattered to have been the one chosen. With that thought in mind, she again felt guilty for teasing her and resolved to try and be more careful in the future.
"I'm sorry," she said, just at the moment the waiter arrived with Bailey's drink.
"Will there be anything else?" he asked.
"Just the check, please," Bailey said.
The man pulled the tab from his apron and sat it on the table. "I'll be your cashier when you're ready."
"That's fine, here you go," Bailey said, handing him a credit card from her pocket.
"I'll be back in a moment," he said.
"Are you mad at me?" Piper asked as soon as the waiter was far enough away.
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"You seem mad."
"I'm not mad."
"You sure?"
Bailey pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I'm not mad, I just can't think of anything to say."
"Oh," Piper said and smiled. "Did you like your dinner?"
"Yes, I even liked the crawfish."
"Do you have plans for tomorrow night?"
"No, did you have something in mind?"
"Well, I was hoping we could do something together."
"Like what?"
"Would you like to come over for dinner? I could rent a video if you want."
"Okay," Bailey said as the waiter returned with the tab, which she signed and pulled a ten from her pocket to return with the receipt.
"Thank you, ladies. Have a good evening," he said in departure.
"What would you like for dinner, any preferences?" Piper asked.
"Not really. I'm sure I'd like just about anything."
"Alright, what kind of movies do you like?"
"Something funny."
"Consider it done. Is 7:30 good for you?"
"Yes."
"Great, are you ready to go?"
"Yeah," Bailey said as she finished her drink. "I'll let you drive back if you promise not peel out."
"Deal," Piper said with a grin as they both got up from the table and Bailey handed her the keys.
They walked out the front door and Piper quickly snuggled up to her and put an arm around her waist, feeling Bailey tense for a second and then relax.
"I really am sorry, sometimes I get carried away. I didn't mean to upset you."
"It's alright, you just threw me for a loop is all," Bailey said, tentatively putting her arm around Piper's shoulders, receiving a squeeze in return.
"You ready to rumble?" Piper said, releasing her so she could get in the car.
"You promised."
"Oh, alright," Piper said, climbing behind the wheel and leaning across to open the passenger door.
VIII
And I, I could see, That before too long,
I'd fall in love with her- J. Lennon, P. McCartney
Russell tried to keep from laughing because he knew the slightest sound would wake up his sleeping partner. It was hard to control the snickers as he stuffed another piece of gum in his mouth, for a total of eight, and chewed vigorously.
He had painstakingly crafted his device over the last half an hour and it was almost time to put it to use. The device being four soda straws attached end to end and two pair of wooden chopsticks that he had stuffed inside the straws to give them stiffness. He again fought the urge to laugh and he took several calming breaths before he reached for his apparatus. He stared at Zack for several long seconds to make sure he was still sleeping before he took the huge wad of gum from his mouth and placed it carefully on the end of his creation. Once attached to his satisfaction, he slowly deployed his device toward the sleeping Zack until it the gum was only a centimeter from his right eye. He took several more deep breaths before he was ready.
"Hey, Zack. Check this out!" he said loudly.
Zack awoke in an instant and turned his head in Russell's direction.
"What the fuck!" he yelled as his eye collided with the huge wad of wet gum and his hand went involuntarily to his face.
Russell dropped his device and laughed uproariously as Zack made it worse by getting it in his hair.
"You are so fucking dead," Zack said as he attempted to remove the gum from his eyebrow, eyelashes, and bangs.
Russell didn't hear the words over his own laughter, which was threatening to cut off his wind. Several minutes went by before he regained a little control and, breathing heavily, he blinked the tears out of his eyes so that he could focus in on Zack. One look and the laughter erupted again at full volume and continued until he thought he might pass out. Finally, he succeeded in stifling himself long enough to glance up and see Zack glaring at him dangerously. His laughter came to a trailing and rather pathetic end as he suspected he might have gone too far. He sat up in his seat as he considered his options and was tremendously relieved to see the women walk out of the restaurant and head toward their car.
"We've got movement," he said importantly, reaching for his binoculars.
Peering through the field glasses, he was excruciatingly aware that Zack hadn't moved and he could feel that the glare being directed at him had not subsided. He watched nervously through the binoculars as he observed the two women separate and get in the car.
"Zack, they're moving," he said, hoping to diffuse the situation.
He watched as the Barracuda made its way out of the parking lot and he could take it no longer.
"Zack, they're driving away, man," he said impatiently and turned in his seat to look at his friend. It took every once of willpower at his disposal and even at that he had to deplete his reserves not to collapse to the floorboard in helpless laughter. The man had completely covered his hands and had managed to coat most of the right side of his face and hair with the sticky pink substance. Summoning the Force, he removed all strains of humor and a stubborn strand of amusement from his voice.
"Zack, get on it. We'll catch hell if we lose them," he said as authoritatively as he could and was greatly relieved when Zack finally moved to start the car. A laugh threatened to escape when a long strand of gum followed Zack's hand from the ignition to the steering wheel and he mumbled a profanity under his breath. He quickly turned away and schooled himself not to look anywhere in the direction of his friend until he had achieved complete control over his hilarity.
Russell was extremely quiet as they followed the Barracuda back to the house where the redhead obviously lived and not once during the journey did he even so much as risk a quick glance in the direction of his fuming friend.
Zack pulled their car up to the curb and parked when he saw the Barracuda pull into the driveway. He turned off the car and slowly rotated his head in Russell's direction.
"You realize that we're stuck in this car until backup starts arriving tomorrow, don't you?" he asked frostily.
"Uh… yeah," Russell replied, not daring to turn around.
"Oh good. Then do you have any idea what Mike is going to do when he sees this car and myself, covered in fucking gum?"
"Not really," he said, keeping his eyes focused through the binoculars.
"I see, and do you have any idea how pissed off I am at the moment?"
"Uhm… I could probably guess," he said, wincing.
"No. No, I don't think you could." He paused as he took the gun from his holster. "I want you turn around and take a good look at your handiwork and if I so much as detect a glimmer of amusement in your eyes, I swear to God, I'll fucking pistol whip you."
Taking a deep breath and bracing himself, he lowered the binoculars and slowly turned in his seat to face his extremely angry companion. It was only divine intervention that kept a crack from appearing in his facade. The effort it took to keep from laughing was beginning to make him sweat as Zack's eyes stayed focused on him intently for several minutes.
"I'm impressed," Zack said finally. "Here's what's gonna happen. As soon as that chick settles down for the night, you're gonna walk your happy ass to the nearest open store and return with the supplies necessary to clean this shit up." He paused and narrowed his eyes. "And while you're walking along, it would be a good idea to pray that I don't have to shave my fucking eyebrow off or cut my fucking hair. Do you get where I'm coming from?"
"I got you."
"Good," he said and turned his attention back to the woman they were supposed to be watching.
"Would you like to come in for a bit?" Piper asked as she turned off the car.
"I'd like to, but I should probably go," Bailey said reluctantly.
"Okay," Piper said, disappointed "Would you like to get together for lunch tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid I can't, I… I've an overseas matter to look into tomorrow."
"That's alright," Piper said, reaching over to take Bailey's hand. "I just want to spend time with you is all."
"I… I want to spend time with you too."
"Well, that's all that matters. So, I'll see you tomorrow for dinner, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
Piper smiled and squeezed her hand a little tighter. "Thanks for dinner and for letting me drive, I had a great time," she said with another squeeze to Bailey's hand before she let go and collected her purse.
"I did too, and you can drive anytime," Bailey said as she got out of the car to walk around to other side.
Piper got out and waited for her to come around, noticing with a smile that she took the last few steps a little hesitantly. She shouldered her purse and closed the distance between them, placing her hands on Bailey's hips.
"Are you familiar with the traditional ritual that usually signifies the end of a date?"
"I… I'm…uh…familiar with the ritual. But have never experienced it," she admitted with a slight blush.
"Would you like to?".
"Not tonight, I've a headache."
"Wha… huh?" Piper said, caught completely flatfooted.
Piper's eyes narrowed and her hands went to her own hips as she listened to Bailey laugh quietly at her.
"Pretty amused with yourself aren't you?"
"Yes, I am, actually."
Piper promptly shrugged off the teasing with a look at the bright smile on Bailey's face. Observing the woman in a truly unguarded moment made her shiver a little at just how drawn to her she was.
"Just kiss me, you fool," Piper said, a little more seductively than intended.
Bailey leaned down without hesitating and captured Piper's mouth with her own. She followed Piper's lead and very softly conducted explorations of her own that soon resulted in the arms tightening around her waist as Piper began to press her body more firmly into hers. She became suddenly aware that her body was sending her unfamiliar signals that she found both very pleasant and extremely unnerving. She reluctantly began to disengage the contact until Piper's embrace gradually loosened and her hands came back to rest on her hips.
"Uhm…" Piper stuttered, fishing for her voice. "You're…uhm… a pretty quick study."
Bailey was busy trying to analyze everything her body was trying to tell her and didn't immediately answer. "I… I think I need to go."
Piper looked at her sympathetically and tried to remember how it felt to be so inexperienced. "Don't think so much, it gets much easier down the road a bit," she offered sagely, coming up on her toes to give her a quick peck on the lips.
"I hope so," Bailey said more to herself than to Piper. "Uhm… you'd better go in before your roommate gets worried."
"Why would she be worried?"
"She's been spying on us since we pulled up."
"Really? How do you know?"
"I just do, she's in the upstairs room over the garage. Is that her room?"
"No," Piper said and quickly turned to look at the window but didn't see anything. "I wouldn't put it past her though, she's always been a little nosy."
"I don't think she likes me."
"I'm sure that's not true, she just doesn't know you."
"Hmmm."
"Don't let it bother you. I think you're fantastic if that makes you feel better," Piper said, grinning.
"It does," Bailey said with a grin of her own.
Piper drummed her fingers on Bailey's hip. "I should go in, see ya tomorrow?"
"Okay."
Piper stood on her toes for another quick peck and padded toward the house. "Be careful on the way home, girlfriend," she said as Bailey watched her unlock the door and disappear inside.
As soon as the door shut behind Piper, she fished for the cigarettes in her pocket and lit up, inhaling deeply and turning a scowling gaze on the car that held the two men who had been watching her all evening. She knew it was inevitable that she would be watched but she hadn't planned on going out on any dates. And while it normally wouldn't phase her, she found it disturbing to share her time with Piper under the scrutiny of others. She stood in the driveway and stared at the distant car until she finished her cigarette and flipping the butt away, she got in her car and headed for home.
Russell, who had been watching through the binoculars and wondering how far he would have to walk to find an open store, suddenly came to full attention and leaned forward in his seat.
"Zack, you should take a look at this."
"I would, but I don't want to get gum on my binoculars."
"I think they're making out."
"Huh?" Zack said, forgetting the gum and bolting up in his seat to grab his binoculars.
"Where's the night scope?"
"In the trunk," Zack said, leaning forward in his seat and peering intently through the binoculars.
"Gimme the keys."
Zack dropped one hand from the binoculars to the ignition but stopped. "Forget it, the redhead is going inside."
"Oh, man," Russell whined as he watched the redhead disappear.
"Uh… is it just me or is she looking right at us?"
Russell focused in. "It sure looks that way. Do you think she can see us?"
"She can see the car for sure, but we're too far away for her to see inside."
"Wish I could see her eyes, it feels like she's staring right at me."
"No shit, it's kinda spooky," Zack agreed.
"So were they making out? I couldn't tell for sure."
"I think so."
"Let's keep the night scope inside the car from now on."
"Good plan," he said, dropping the binoculars on the seat and starting the car. "She's moving."