Without a noise, Without my pride,
I reach out from the inside- P. Gabriel
"McKraken," Terry answered, hitting the speakerphone in his office.
"Terry, would you come to the Situation room, please?" Bob said. "We've gotten two hits on Cameron's paper."
"Really?" Terry said surprised. "Give me ten minutes."
"Alright."
Terry leaned back in his chair and looked around his office, noticing for the first time in a week what a sty it was. There were clothes everywhere and enough used paper plates and Styrofoam coffee cups to cover every furniture surface in the room. He rubbed a hand through his hair and it came back greasy. He decided a shower was in order and he rose from his seat to grab his toiletry bag and some clean clothes from the closet.
Seven minutes later, he was looking in the mirror at the beard that he had let grow in unnoticed and decided to let it go for the time being. Since receiving the news that Cameron's family had escaped his grasp, he had avoided even minimal contact with everyone, retreating to his office where he had finally succumbed to depression. He knew he hadn't made an appearance in days and his staff must be more than a little concerned about his ability to lead them through this situation. If the truth were known, he had doubts about that himself.
In the elevator, he found himself praying that the individuals who had expressed interest in Cameron's contract weren't fools. He chastised himself for withdrawing from the situation and realized he hadn't read a movement report or an update for several days.
He swiped his card and punched in his pin number to enter the Situation room and walked briskly to his chair, ignoring the glances from his colleagues.
"What's the story, Bob? Can either of them pull it off?"
"Perhaps," Bob said. "Here's what we know," he added, sliding two manila folders across the smooth surface of the table to rest in front of him.
"What's the story on her movement?" Terry asked not looking at the folders.
"Her only movement from the building seems to be to and from the residence of Piper Tate," Keith said. "She spent last weekend inside the Tate home and has gone to dinner with her several times, a nightclub once, and shopping once. In addition, the Tate woman seems to be driving one of her cars. Cameron has only left the building twice this week that we are aware of; the last was to pick up Tate on Thursday morning where they both returned to C-Corp. No movement since."
"She found a friend?" Terry asked unbelievingly. "She's never let anyone near her before."
"We believe that Tate and Cameron are a little more than friends," Keith said. "Daytime surveillance reports that they were seen holding hands on several occasions."
"She's gay?" Terry blurted in surprise, more loudly than he intended.
"We suspect that Cameron and Tate are involved in a romantic relationship, yes," Keith said.
"I'll be Goddamned," Terry said totally flummoxed as he ran that through his mind for several minutes.
"Terry?" Bob finally braved.
"Yes, I'm sorry," Terry said, returning to the moment. "Tell me about our Free Agents."
"Everything we have is in front of you," Bob said gesturing to the folders he had given him.
"I'll read them later, give me your opinion."
"If it's a straight up fight only one has a chance," Bob said. "However, depending on the circumstances, either might be successful. No guarantees when you take into account who they're dealing with. But apparently they're willing to give it a try."
"Hmmm," Terry considered. "I'd like a current detail of her movements up to this moment and I'd like the night to consider some options. I'll see all of you in the morning," he said collecting the folders in front of him and taking another from Keith on the way out of the room.
"Nice beard," Keith commented when the door closed behind him.
"His eyes lit up," Bob said. "He has an idea and I'll bet you a hundred bucks tomorrow he has a plan."
"You think?" Keith asked.
"Yeah."
"Come on, girls," Liz said with a knock on Piper's door. "Dinner's ready, everyone's outside already."
"We'll be there in a minute, Mom," Piper said through the door.
"Hurry along," Liz said in parting.
"Let me redo your hair, you got it all messy while you were sleeping," Piper chided as she took a seat behind her on the bed.
"Okay."
"Bailey," Piper started as she worked on her hair, "I want you to think about talking to me, okay?"
"Piper..."
"No, whatever it is you're not doing a great job of hiding it and it's bothering you, so therefore it bothers me."
"What do you mean?"
Piper took a deep breath. "I don't know many women that can beat up two men twice their size or handle a weapon with a skill like you showed today. I also don't know anyone who can produce a knife in the blink of an eye to open a CD wrapper," she said bluntly with a peek at Bailey's face that gave away nothing. "I've seen the scars on your back and I know they were put there on purpose. You can get through a locked door and into my bed without any effort and you can hide from me and sneak around me in my own home. Did I miss anything?"
"Apparently not."
"I know I said I could wait for you to tell me, but I can't," Piper said softly. "I want all of you, Bailey. Everything. I don't ever want to look in your eyes and see the hurt and the fear I saw in them earlier. I want to share everything with you. I want to grow old with you. I want your heart and I can't have it if you can only trust me so far. How far do you think we can go together if you're not willing to trust me?"
"I do trust you, Piper."
"You may trust me to a point, but you don't trust me completely," Piper said as she fidgeted with the hairbrush.
"It's not a matter of trust, Piper," Bailey said. "It's a matter of fear."
"Fear that I'll leave you?"
"Mostly."
"What's the rest?"
Bailey took a deep breath and shook her head.
"Tell me," Piper said sharply and Bailey's head whipped around to capture her with her eyes.
"I fear that it'll kill me to see you hate me or to be afraid of me .And I fear that it would destroy me if you left me. All my life I've never let anyone in, anyone. I've survived a lot of things but I don't think I could survive a broken heart. I'm not strong enough," she finished the last in a whisper and turned away to study the carpet at her feet.
"Bailey," Piper said starting to sniffle.
"Don't cry," Bailey said horrified as she turned at the sound to face her. "I… I… don't know what to do."
"Don't you ever cry?"
"It's been so long I don't think I can anymore."
"Have things really been that bad for you?"
Bailey sighed. "Yes."
Piper's sniffles trailed off as she looked at the downcast face across from her. "It hurts me to hear you say that," she said. "It hurts me to think of you as so unhappy."
"You make me happy, Piper. I don't want to lose you."
"You're not going to lose me. No matter what."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I love you."
It took a second for her to find her voice. "You do?"
"With all of my heart, since the day I walked into your office," Piper said. "And if you told me that you've spent a lifetime tossing babies into an industrial wood chipper for shits and giggles, I'd still love you. I wouldn't be thrilled of course, but I'd still love you," she finished and leaned over to place a kiss on a mouth that had begun to smile.
"Just think about that, because I meant every word," Piper said quietly when they parted. "I'm going to go fix my makeup. Mother will have a stroke if she's forced to start dinner without us," she added on her way to the door.
"Piper," Bailey said before she could leave and she stopped in the doorway and turned to her. "Give me a little more time, okay?"
"Alright," Piper said. "Put on your boots, I want to show everyone what a good dancer you are," she added before vanishing down the hall.
Bailey sat on the edge of the bed and studied her socks. "She loves me," she said to the room and with a huge smile, she hopped happily from the bed to find her boots.
Piper led Bailey into the barn and as soon as they got past the door, she knew she was in trouble. Everyone but her mother and father were seated and Liz was glaring at her darkly.
"Hello, everyone," Piper said brightly. "Sorry we're late," she added as her mother pointed them in the direction of four empty chairs.
"You come sit next to me, sweetie," Liz said taking Bailey's arm and leading her to a seat.
Piper sat down next to Bailey and before Liz seated herself, she gave Piper a slap to the back of the head.
"Owww!" Piper yelped, blushing when everyone laughed at her expense.
Her mother sat down on the other side of Bailey and Jack stood in front of his chair, remaining on his feet.
Bailey looked around and guessed there were close to sixty adults and children seated at several six-foot long folding tables that had been set up in a rectangle to accommodate everyone. She noted that several tables had been erected in the middle of the square to hold the wealth of food available and there were space heaters placed randomly around the barn to keep everyone warm. She wondered what it would be like to be a part of such a large family.
Jack cleared his throat and everyone quieted down. Bailey felt her hands being taken on both sides by Piper and her mother.
"I had a prayer prepared but I think I'm just going to let everyone know how glad we are that you're here and that I hope to see all of us back again next year in good health," he said loud enough for everyone to hear. "I'd also like to welcome Bailey to our family and I would ask that if you already haven't met her to introduce yourselves later." He paused. "I think most of the guys are already well aware of who she is," he said with a smile and his comment generated laughter from both the men and the women. "I guess most of the women do too," he added and was met by a few more chuckles. "Anyway, we're very happy to have her so don't scare her off, we'd like to see her here again. Although, I feel I must mention that it has been decreed that our annual Thanksgiving contest shall be a male only event from this day forward." He smiled at the chuckles. "I've embarrassed her enough I think, so everyone enjoy yourselves and I don't want to see any leftovers. God Bless," he finished to a group 'Amen' and seated himself.
Bailey sat quietly through the speech in wonder, trying not to blush at all the attention but failing miserably. Her chest had tightened at Jack's words and the sense of belonging that she had experienced the night before threatened to overwhelm her. She couldn't fathom how Piper's family could so easily accept her into their ranks after only knowing her for such a short time and she was touched deeply by their generosity.
"Welcome, Bailey," Liz said and pecked her on the cheek.
"Thank you," Bailey said quietly. "That means a lot to me."
"You're welcome here anytime, Bailey," Jack said leaning across his wife.
"Thank you, Mr. Tate."
"You call me, Jack. I hate the sound of Mr. Tate."
"Alright."
"Piper," Liz said sharply. "Don't just sit there grinning like a retard. Go fix her a plate," she added with a shooing gesture.
"I can fix my own plate," Bailey said before Piper could get up.
"Nonsense," Liz said. "You're a guest here tonight. Please excuse my daughter's bad manners."
Piper rolled her eyes dramatically as she rose from her seat. "I'll be back in a minute," she said with a peck to Bailey's other cheek.
Liz waited until she left before she conspiratorially leaned over to Bailey. "Piper's a hard one to corral, you've got to keep her off balance," she said and Bailey grinned. "I suspected a long time ago that if she ever truly fell in love, it would be for forever and she's chosen you, sweetie. I hope you're prepared for that."
"Forever is a hard thing to believe in. But Piper gives me hope."
"Hope is all you need," Liz said sagely with a pat to her arm as she stood up and collected her plate. "Make sure you try the gumbo, it'll put hair on your chest," she added on her way to the food.
Bailey's brows knitted and she made a note to ask Piper about the gumbo.
Piper heard Bailey's relieved sigh as they walked arm and arm back to the house. She bumped her with her hips and beamed a proud smile at her that was tiredly returned. Piper knew that the evening had been a drain on her but she had slugged through it like a trooper.
After dinner and the tables had been cleared, Bailey had endured attention from everyone as they formally introduced themselves or just stopped by to say a few words. There had been a tense moment when Corey had approached her after dinner and embraced her with no warning. Piper had seen the muscles in her back stiffen and it was apparent in her body language that it took an effort to accept it. But she did and smiled at him uncomfortably when he let her go and thanked her for fixing his car. Corey had asked her several times over the course of the evening how she had done it but she just shrugged her shoulders and told him that it was magic, a tactic which to Piper's delight, had frustrated him to no end.
When the music had started up, Piper had kept her close as Bailey politely declined several offers to dance with her various relatives, being slightly disappointed that over the course of the evening she had only given in and danced with her once. However, she understood Bailey's reluctance when the second they began, every eye in the room tracked to and stayed riveted upon them. A situation that made Piper herself feel uncomfortable, so she could only imagine how hard it was for her. But surprisingly, Bailey had finally relented to Corey's repeated requests as the festivities were winding down and had danced a quick waltz with him. However, the majority of the evening had been spent leaning on one another and watching the crowd below as they sat with their legs dangling over the edge of the hayloft.
"You tired?" Piper asked as they approached the house.
"Yeah."
"Did you have a good time?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I did."
"I'm glad, next time won't be so hard on you," Piper said. "I know it wasn't easy for you to be under so much attention."
"Will there be a next time?"
"As far as I'm concerned there will be. I don't plan on letting you go, Bailey."
Bailey sighed. "I wish I could tell you how much this weekend has meant to me."
"You just did."
"You're family has been very kind," Bailey said in a whisper. "I used to dream about being part of a family. I had given up on it until you brought me here."
Piper's heart clenched at the barely audible words. "You have one now, Bailey."
Bailey just nodded and pulled Piper a little closer.
"Come on, let's go to bed," Piper said, leading her up the stairs and into the house.
Bailey followed her quietly through the house and up the stairs to their bedroom. As soon as the door closed behind them, she stripped down to her panties without her usual modesty and climbed into bed with her back to the door. Piper watched without saying anything as she slowly removed her own clothes. She suspected that Bailey was on the border of her emotional limit and when she crawled into bed she wasn't surprised to find her already asleep as she snuggled up to her back and held her tightly.
"I love you," she whispered into the ebony hair.
VI
Curl me up inside you,
And let me hear you through the heat- S. Vega
"Good morning, gentlemen," Terry said as he strode to his chair with a cleanly shaven face. "Bob, I want you to contact Mr. Nguyen and promise him employment or a long term association with the Organization. Offer him twice the amount he requested for taking on Cameron's paper, but set the following conditions. One, it must be a one on one confrontation without the use of firearms and out of the public eye. Two, it cannot take place anywhere near C-Corp or the Tate residence. And third, Tate must be present."
"I don't understand," Bob said, bewildered. "Why would he agree to such a constrictive contract?"
"He'll do it because he wants the reputation," Terry said. "He excels at close quarter edged-weapon encounters and any doubts he has will be heavily outweighed by doubling his requested fee and the promise of a future relationship or employment with the Organization."
"You're setting him up to die," Keith said.
"More than likely," Terry agreed. "There's a remotely small chance that he could pull it off, and if he does, the Organization will honor its promises."
"Why does it have to be done in front of the Tate woman?" Bob asked.
"Because one of the things that makes Cameron so formidable is a lack of weaknesses. A personal relationship is a weakness she's never allowed herself up to this point. Cameron is painfully aware that she can't afford personal ties. Yet for unknown reasons, she's developed a relationship anyway. The one thing that has kept her somewhat under our thumb is the axe we held over her family and with that gone, she has no cracks in her armor to exploit. It's my opinion that Tate is unaware of the situation or of who Cameron really is. Forcing Cameron to reveal herself in eliminating Mr. Nguyen in full view of Tate will upset the relationship, perhaps even destroy it," Terry explained. "Excuse me a moment," he added as he punched a number into the speakerphone and waited through four rings for an answer.
"Marland."
"Mr. Marland, I would like you to circulate a rumor Monday morning within C-Corp eluding to a lesbian relationship between Cameron and Piper Tate. Do this discreetly, you don't want it tracked back to you or any of the people under you. Understand?"
"Understood," Marland replied. "Anything else?"
"Not at the moment," Terry said. "Thank you, Mr. Marland."
"Gentlemen, Cameron effectively removed the only weakness we could exploit when she repossessed her family, but with Tate, she has given us another opportunity to take advantage of. If we disrupt her personal life, there's a chance she'll make a mistake. Cameron has never had a relationship of any kind that I'm aware of and she may not be emotionally prepared to deal with the repercussions any damage we inflict may cause. If we're especially fortunate, Cameron may even love the Tate woman. This would have the potential to turn her world upside down and she could become vulnerable."
"Why the rumor?" Keith asked.
"Cameron could care less about any rumor no matter how outlandish," Terry said. "But it could be extremely detrimental to Tate and subsequently to their relationship."
"And Mr. Nguyen?" Keith asked. "And why would it affect Tate if Cameron shot a man that approached or attacked her.
"Cameron will know immediately that Nguyen is free lancing. This shouldn't escalate any further antagonism between the Organization and Cameron, it's not our style and she's well aware of this. That and the fact that odds are, Mr. Nguyen will fail miserably. I believe that she'll consider it an attempt by an overzealous Free Agent looking for accolades and a reputation. As for your second question, she never carries a gun unless she has to, so Cameron will be forced to eliminate Nguyen with her hands or a knife. Either one of which will be brutal enough to reveal herself to Tate," Terry speculated. "Bob, contact Mr. Nguyen immediately. I want this to happen as soon as possible."
"I'll contact him now," Bob said, rising from his seat and exiting the room.
Terry sprang sharply from his chair and poured himself a cup of coffee, returning to sit in his chair and sip it gingerly.
"This may be a stupid question, Terry," Keith asked.
"Let's hear it."
"Why don't we just take her out with a sniper?"
"Mainly because she's very aware of her surroundings but also because we can't take any chances. Wounding her would only result in making her ten times as dangerous; she's a relentless adversary, once engaged you have to kill her because she won't stop until she's dead. She has a determination to survive like nothing I've ever seen. We could probably contribute this to the fact the she knew that at anytime while she was in our employ, if she had been killed or captured, her family would've been immediately disposed of. If the family hadn't been a factor, I believe she would have let herself die. It scares the shit out of me to think about how truly formidable she would be if she had nothing to lose," Terry said thoughtfully. "I'm sorry, I strayed a little there. Did I answer your question?"
"Yes."
Terry leaned back in his chair and returned to his coffee until Bob reentered the room and sat in his seat.
"I didn't think he'd buy it, Terry, but Nguyen agrees to our terms and requires a quarter of the fee to supplied in advance," Bob said. "As luck would have it, he's stateside and can be in Atlanta tonight."
"Fantastic," Terry said. "See that he gets what he wants, Bob. In addition, give him only the information needed to acquire Cameron, no history, no background."
"He wants to know if the Tate woman is to be killed after eliminating Cameron," Bob asked.
"He won't last a second," Terry chuckled but shrugged. "But if he manages to get past Cameron, we can't afford any witnesses."
"Very well," Bob said. "Can I ask what you hope the end result to be with this course of action?"
"I'm hoping to take advantage of the emotional distress the situation will inflict upon her," Terry said. "In the hopes that she makes herself vulnerable enough for us to catch her unprepared or in a moment of weakness."
"I see," Bob said slowly. "And if it doesn't affect her in the slightest? I mean she knows we're watching and hasn't tried to hide Tate in any way."
"If our machinations have no effect, it'll be time for another game plan. I very well could be wrong," Terry said. "But I don't think I am. And you're right, she knows we're watching and the best place to keep something important is out in the open. Another reason why I'm fairly confident that Tate doesn't know who she really is."
"Hmmm," Bob said, nodding. "Anything else?"
"Make sure our people can contact Mr. Nguyen if Cameron steps into suitable territory for an attempt."
"I'll see to it," Bob said. "And the second Free Agent?"
"He could prove to be very useful," Terry said, considering. "See if he'll accept a retainer to be on standby for the next thirty days."
"Will do," Bob said.
"Alright, contact me if the situation changes," Terry said. "I'm gonna catch some football and eat a decent meal for a change. Anyone know who's playing today?" he asked as he rose from his seat.
"Notre Dame," an anonymous voice said.
"The Fighting Irish," Terry murmured as he strode for the door.
Bailey awoke facedown with a giggle and a considerable weight resting on her thighs. She turned her head enough to see a panty clad Piper sitting up across her thighs with her back turned.
"What are you doing?" Bailey asked with a snicker as Piper ran something across the bottom of her foot. "Stop that."
"I'm waking you up, goofy," Piper said. "And people say I sleep like the dead," she added with another pass of a silk flower over Bailey's foot.
"Cut it out," Bailey said, starting to squirm a little.
"I dunno," Piper said. "Are you going to go get up anytime soon?"
"Am I not up already?"
"I guess so," Piper said hopping off Bailey's legs and scooting around to face her.
Bailey rolled over on to her side and lifted her head to glance at the clock. "Wow," she said. "You must wear me out. I've slept more since I've known you than I usually sleep in a month."
"I'm looking forward to wearing you out," Piper said, waggling her eyebrows and smiling as Bailey shyly cast her eyes away.
"Hush."
"It's all the experiences you're not used to dealing with. Stress tires you out faster than hard labor," Piper said with a note of authority.
"I see," Bailey said with a grin. "When did you become so wise, Esmeralda?"
"I should get you for that," Piper said with a little scowl. "But I'm feeling generous today."
"Really? What's the occasion?"
"No occasion," Piper said with a shrug. "Just woke up in a great mood."
"Is that a fact?"
"Yep," Piper said, nudging Baileys arm away from her chest with her chin so she could nibble on her breast.
"That feels good," Bailey said as Piper suckled her.
"Tastes good too," Piper said letting go and tracing little circles around the nipple with her tongue. "You have incredible breasts," she complimented as she moved on to the other one.
Bailey closed her eyes and gave in to the attention with a sigh but they snapped open seconds later with a knock at the door.
"Girls, you gonna get up today?" Liz said through the door. "It's almost one."
"We'll be down in a minute, Mom," Piper said dropping her head in frustration on Bailey's chest.
"Alright, I'll make lunch then. Hurry along."
Bailey brought a hand up to pet the head on her chest. "You want the shower first?"
"Will you take one with me?"
"No way," Bailey said and Piper's head raised with a little scowl. "I mean not with your parents downstairs," she corrected.
"So if they weren't in the house, you'd take one with me?" Piper said with a teasing grin.
"Perhaps," Bailey said with a raised eyebrow.
"Hmmm," Piper hummed thoughtfully.
"Quit plotting."
"Oh, alright," Piper said with a little pout and sat up on the bed beside her.
Bailey's eyes tracked from the protruded lower lip to rest on Piper's chest. "You have little freckles on your chest," she said casually reaching out to touch one.
"Well imagine that," Piper said pretending not to have ever noticed before. "Where did they come from? They weren't there yesterday," she said with an alarmed expression and Bailey chuckled.
"Stop."
"You can have the shower first."
"Okay, are you gonna go downstairs or wait for me?"
"I thought I'd wait…" Piper started but smiled mischievously, "…here and feed some urges," she finished and almost laughed when she saw Bailey's eyes widen.
"Really?"
Piper opened her mouth to tell her she was teasing but Bailey's expression intrigued her. "I was thinking about it," she said playfully.
Bailey eyes dropped to study the bedspread.
Piper looked at her carefully. "Would you like me to?" she asked and Bailey nodded bashfully with a powerful blush.
Piper blushed a little herself. "That would be a new experience for me."
Bailey glanced up at her quickly and didn't say anything for a long moment so Piper took the initiative and stood up from the bed to remove her panties.
"I'm kinda of embarrassed."
Bailey's eyes came up. "Show me."
Piper took a deep breath. "Sit up," she said and Bailey arranged herself cross-legged in the middle of the bed, her long hair covering her chest.
Piper crawled back into bed and sat with her back against the headboard, clasping her knees together and bringing them up to her chest. She waited until Bailey's eyes rose timidly to meet hers and she slowly spread her legs apart, admitting to herself that she found the situation exciting. Deciding to show off, she brought her hands up to cup her breasts and played with nipples, teasing at them until they hardened. She felt her heartbeat begin to quicken as she watched Bailey watch her with open curiosity and desire. She dropped a hand between her legs and ran a finger lovingly up the length of her sex, spreading her legs even further and emitting a soft moan.
Her inhibitions fading rapidly, and her excitement growing unimaginably as she observed Bailey watching closely, she let a finger tease at her growing wetness. She inserted the finger leisurely and moved it in and out several times, withdrawing it slowly and bringing it up to her mouth to taste herself. Bailey's mouth dropped open slightly in wonder and that was all the incentive she needed to go to work in earnest. She closed her eyes and dropped the hand back to her sex, gently spreading herself apart and excitedly manipulating herself with a finger. Breathing heavily, she began to feel the approaching the edge, so she gradually came to halt and teased at herself so she could gauge Bailey's reaction.
"Would you like to touch me?" she asked hopefully
Bailey scooted forward and snuggled up to her side, hiding her face in the crimson hair.
Piper waited patiently as she felt a hand feel its way down her belly to her pubic hair. She excitedly observed the fingers curiously investigate the crimson hair with trepidation before she heard a sigh and the hand was pulled away.
"I'm sorry," Bailey said. "I want to but I'm…" she stopped and buried her head further into Piper's hair.
"Would you like me to help?"
No sound but a slight nod was all she needed to take Bailey's hand and lead it down until it covered her. She gasped into her neck and Piper began to wonder about the wisdom of her actions when Bailey rubbed her hand over her clitoris. The hand paused there and she felt a finger touch her gingerly in discovery, a sensation that resulted in the release of a moan that surprised even herself in volume.
"Does that feel good?"
"Very much," Piper said with quickening breath as the finger softly rubbed back and forth over its discovery as it had been shown how to do.
"What would please you?" Bailey asked, her face still hidden.
Piper's breath began to come heavily. "Stay right there and just don't stop," she pleaded and Bailey's face finally came up to look closely at Piper's.
Bailey felt the hips under her hand begin to buck as Piper wrapped arms around her and buried her face between her breasts, breathing rapidly. She applied a little more pressure to her exploration and suddenly Piper's whole body went rigid as she groaned loudly and let out a long, guttural moan that raised gooseflesh down the length of her arms and hardened her nipples pleasurably. Piper's legs trapped her hand tightly between them and she emitted a series of rasping whimpers with such a startling loudness and intensity that it served to excite her indescribably. Involuntarily, she heard herself let out a pleased moan of her own in response. Piper suddenly put her hand on top of hers and gently led it away as she placed kisses on her chest and neck lovingly.
"I love you," Piper said gasping into her neck and Bailey smiled brightly.
She let Piper catch her breath as she ran a hand curiously over the smooth skin of her body until her face came up and placed a gentle kiss on her mouth.
"Was that okay?" Bailey asked uncertainly when Piper withdrew.
"That was more than okay. That was fantastic."
"It was?"
"Yes," Piper said with another kiss.
"It made me feel good to please you."
"That's why they call it making love," Piper said and smiled as Bailey's eyes began to study the blanket. "I'd like very much to do that for you."
"I…" Bailey started blushing. "…I don't think…"
Piper cut her off with a kiss that lingered for a long moment. "Whenever you're ready, love," she said as she hopped out of bed and walked to the closet.
"You're very beautiful," Bailey said with a timid look at the body on display before her.
"Thank you," Piper said, putting on a robe and sitting back down on the bed beside her. "You don't have to be shy, everything I have I want to share with you. That felt wonderful," she said with a kiss. "Now, I'm going to hop in the shower before mother comes up here looking for us again. Are you okay?"
"Yes," Bailey said with a dazzling smile.
"You're my heart," Piper said and stole another kiss on her way out.
Bailey waited for the door to close and dove under the covers excitedly. "That was amazing," she said to the room.
"Good afternoon, Bailey," Liz said as Piper led her into the kitchen.
"Hello," Bailey said as they sat down at the kitchen table to find Corey slouched over a bowl of cereal, his head leaning on one of his hands.
"Hi, Mom."
"Oh, hello," Liz said as if she just realized Piper was in the room.
Piper shook her head and sat down across from Corey.
"Looks like someone's hung over," Piper said to Corey who just grunted.
"Here you go, dear," Liz said as she put a plate in front of Bailey.
"Thank you," Bailey said, studying the large omelet on the plate before her.
Piper looked enviously at Bailey's omelet and narrowed her eyes when her mother put a box of Cheerios and a bowl in front of her. "Gee, Mom," she said sweetly. "Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Bailey grinned at Piper and silently offered to share her omelet but she shook her head with an amused smile and poured herself a bowl of Cheerios.
"Corey when's your leave up?" Piper asked loudly.
"End of January," Corey rasped, shooting a dirty look across the table.
"You must have a lot of time built up," Piper said with a grin at her brother.
Corey just grunted miserably.
"What are you gonna do today, girls?" Liz asked.
"No idea," Piper said with a shrug. "Just hang out, I guess."
"That sounds like a fine idea."
"Where's Dad?"
"He went out fishing with Marlon this morning," Liz said. "Your brother was supposed to go but he was worn out from spending most of the night kneeling on the bathroom floor.
"Awww," Piper said and then chuckled at her brother who didn't respond in the slightest.
"This is very good," Bailey said.
"Would you like another one?" Liz asked. "It's no trouble," she added with a quick grin at Piper who narrowed her eyes.
"No, thank you."
Alright," Liz said. "Why don't you take Bailey around the property when you're done slurping your cereal, Piper."
"Okay," Piper said and finished off her Cheerios with an exaggerated slurp. "That really hit the spot," she exclaimed, and with a look at her mother, threw in a loud burp for good measure.
Bailey chuckled and even Corey grunted in amusement.
"You make me so proud, Piper," Liz said dryly.
"Thanks, Mom!" Piper said as she got up and took Bailey's plate and her cereal bowl to the sink.
"You ready?" she asked Bailey.
"Sure," Bailey said, rising to her feet.
"Where's the truck keys, Mom?"
"They're hanging by the door. You girls have fun," Liz said as they exited the kitchen.
"Be back in a little while," Piper replied.
Bailey followed Piper outside and around to the back of the house where Piper hopped in behind the wheel of an old Chevy pickup truck. She started the car and immediately turned on the heater as Bailey came around to the other side and got in.
"It's cold," Piper said rubbing her hands together.
"Yes, it is," Bailey agreed rolling down the window and producing her cigarettes.
"It's freezing," Piper pointed out. "I can't believe you'd roll down the window."
"It'll take a minute for the car to warm up," Bailey said. "I roll it back up in a bit."
"Hmmm," Piper grunted.
"Where we going anyway?" Bailey said flipping ashes out the window.
"Gonna take you on a tour of the plantation and find a secluded spot to take advantage of you," Piper said as she drove slowly around the house and onto a little dirt road.
"Okay."
VII
The hurt doesn't show,
But the pain still grows- P. Collins
"You said you lived near Portland," Piper said, reclining in Bailey's arms and playing with the end of a black ponytail. "How long were you there?"
"About eight years, I guess."
"What did you do there?"
"I read a lot and watched the ocean mostly."
"Is that all?"
"Pretty much."
"So what made you decide to move to Atlanta and start C-Corp?"
"There's more than one answer to that question."
"Tell me the main one then."
A response wasn't quickly forthcoming but Piper suspected that the silence was leading up to an admission so she let her take her time.
"I saw an opportunity to give something back," Bailey said finally.
"Give what back?"
"Prosperity."
"I don't understand."
Bailey sighed and for a moment Piper didn't think she would continue.
"I once thought that if I used some of the wealth I acquired when I was younger and used it to help others, that it would make living with myself easier."
Piper digested the words thoughtfully. "Did it make it any easier?"
"No."
"You're a good person, Bailey."
Bailey just closed her eyes and pulled the body in her arms closer.
"Are you too warm? I can turn off the engine for a bit if you like."
"No, I'm fine," Bailey said. "Your parents have a lot of property."
"Yes they do," Piper said stretching her legs a little across the bench seat of the truck.
"Did you always live here?"
"Yep, my mother's family has owned this land for generations."
"I see."
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Alright."
"Why haven't you talked to your mother in all these years?"
"She doesn't know I'm alive."
"Why would she think you were dead?"
"My surviving family believes I died in the same gunfire that killed my father."
Piper considered that while she fidgeted in Bailey's arms. "I see," she said, deciding to let the questions surrounding that die. "Why haven't you told them you're alive?"
"Because they were hidden from me, I only just recently located them," Bailey said with closed eyes.
"Hidden?" Piper said slowly, her brow wrinkling in thought. "Where are they now?"
"At the British embassy in Washington."
"Are you going to see them?"
"I don't know," Bailey said. "Perhaps."
"Will you tell me where you got the scars on your back?"
"Not right now."
"Alright," Piper conceded, knowing that Bailey was done. "My Dad told me to take care of you."
"He did?"
"He told me that you haven't led a gentle life and to take care of you because he thinks you've earned it."
"Are you?" Bailey asked in a whisper.
"Forever," Piper said, snuggling close. "If you'll let me."
Bailey rested her chin on top of Piper's head. "I'd like that."
Piper sat scowling across the Monopoly board that her mother had produced after dinner. A game which Bailey had played reluctantly but had quickly immersed herself in after only a few minutes. Piper had observed with amusement as Bailey displayed an atrocious competitive streak as soon as she learned the in's and out's of the game and had rapidly gone about decimating the other players at the table with a childish delight and an occasional chuckle.
"No fair picking on me," she said sulkily. "I'll have to sell my houses to pay you."
"I'll overlook your debt if you give me Marvin Gardens," Bailey offered.
"But it's the only monopoly I've got left. You're just being mean."
"I am not."
"Piper, quit whining," Liz said with a chuckle. "You're the only one she hasn't busted yet."
"Fine," Piper relented, huffing as she sold her houses and Bailey snickered. "Don't rub it in."
"You have doubles roll again," Jennifer said and Piper rolled the dice.
"Awww," Bailey said happily. "You landed on Pacific. I believe you owe me…" she looked at the card.
"Here," Piper said, picking up and dumping all her money on Bailey's space. "You win, try not to gloat."
"Why, thank you," Bailey said as she arranged all of her money into neat little stacks with a grin.
Piper crossed her arms over chest and looked away as everyone laughed at her.
"What an ugly face," Liz said cheerfully.
"Nobody likes a poor loser," Corey added helpfully.
"That's a fact," Jack agreed as Piper tried her best to ignore everyone.
"Piper, I won't leave you in the cold completely," Bailey said and Piper turned cautious eyes in her direction. "Here, go buy yourself something nice," she said as she put a one-dollar bill in front of Piper who reddened as everyone chuckled at her.
"I'm going to bed," Piper announced as she stood from her chair and stalked through the doorway into the other room, grinding her teeth at the laughter trailing behind her.
"Somebody's in trouble," Liz said with a playful nudge to Bailey's arm. "The longer she has to wait for you to follow her, the harder it's going to be on you."
Bailey chuckled. "Alright," she said, getting up from the table.
"Goodnight, dear."
"Goodnight," Bailey said to everyone with a smile and followed after her sulking girlfriend.
Bailey stepped through the door to their room and closed it behind her, smiling at the form lying on the very far end of the bed with her back turned. She undressed quietly and put on her sleepwear before getting in bed next to Piper who still hadn't made a sound. She made to snuggle up next to her but she clenched her shoulders and scooted even closer to the edge of the bed. With a smile, she got up and walked around to the foot of the bed where she reached under the covers, grabbing her by both ankles and pulling her forcefully onto her belly, ignoring her indignant cry and jumping on her back to straddle her. She pinned her wildly flailing arms under her knees and began to tickle her mercilessly, happily turning a deaf ear on the tirade of foul language that erupted from the struggling form between her legs.
"Stop!" Piper squealed over her laughter but Bailey continued until she was forced to beg for mercy. "Bailey, stop or I'm gonna wet my pants!"
"Are you done pouting?" Bailey asked, giving her a reprieve.
Piper breathed heavily into the mattress. "Maybe," she said and shrieked when Bailey went back to work on her.
"Okay!" Piper pleaded. "Okay!"
"You sure now?"
"Yes," Piper breathed heavily into the mattress.
"Alright," Bailey said, placing a kiss on the back of her neck and rolling off.
Piper turned her head on the mattress to look at her while she caught her breath. "That was mean."
"Perhaps. But you're an awful sport."
"It's my mother's fault."
"Why is it her fault?"
"Well it can't be mine," Piper said. "I'm sweet."
"Is that a fact?" Bailey asked with a grin. "I've known sailors who would've blushed at that outburst you directed at me."
"I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else."
"Uh huh," Bailey said. "I should wash your mouth out with soap."
"Oh, please," Piper said. "Like you haven't ever said a bad word."
"Not to my knowledge."
"Really?"
Bailey shrugged. "Really. Not everyone is a potty mouth like you."
Piper huffed. "I am not a potty mouth."
"Could've fooled me."
Piper narrowed her eyes and sat up to capture Bailey's lips with her own. A kiss she let linger until she felt Bailey relax in her embrace and begin to return with equal enthusiasm.
"Well, Little Miss High and Mighty," she said when they parted. "It's seems you followed me right into the gutter."
"Hmmm," Bailey considered. "You might have something there."
"Damn right."
"Piper," Bailey whispered after a moment.
"Yes?"
"I don't want to be alone anymore."
"You're not," Piper said, burying her face in Bailey's shoulder.
"Do you have everything packed?" Piper asked as she fluttered around the room checking for anything she might have forgotten.
"Yes," Bailey said from her seat on the end of the bed.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Esmeralda," Bailey said with a sigh and Piper came up short.
"You be quiet," she said with a scowl.
"If we left anything, I'm sure your mother will send it to you."
"You're right, I'm just nervous, I don't like to say goodbye," Piper said, sitting down beside her on the bed. "Now, everyone will probably hug you so be prepared."
"Alright."
"We ready then?"
"Yeah."
Piper led the way down the stairs and to the front of the house where everyone was waiting, setting her bags down and giving everyone a hug and a kiss while Bailey stood uncomfortably.
"You call when you get home today, alright?" Liz said.
"I will," Piper said.
"And you," Liz said to Bailey. "Drop that bag and give me a hug," she commanded and Bailey did as she was told. "We were very glad to have you here, sweetie. You're welcome anytime."
"Thank you," Bailey said returning Liz's embrace.
"It was very nice to meet you, Bailey," Jennifer said giving her a quick hug after Liz let her go.
"I hope to see you soon, young lady," Jack said extending his hand when she escaped from Jennifer.
"Thank you again for having me," Bailey said as she shook his hand.
"It was our pleasure, dear," Liz said. "Now hurry along, Corey's waiting out in the cold."
Piper gave everyone another hug before she picked up her bags and Bailey waited patiently until she was ready, following her outside where Corey was waiting at the rear of his Jimmy to take their luggage. She noted Piper's shining eyes as she hopped in the back seat and she turned and smiled at Piper's family before she got in after her. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she was smothered in an embrace and she threw an amused arm over the sniffling form as Corey got in and drove away from the house. It was several miles down the road when Piper emerged from her shelter and wiped at her eyes.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," Piper said. "I always do that."
"Yeah she does," Corey said from the front seat. "When she left for college Dad thought he might have to tranquilize her."
"Shut up," Piper said, resting her head on Bailey's shoulder.
"You gonna tell me how you fixed my car before you take off, Bailey?" Corey asked.
"Nope."
"I thought so," Corey said with a sigh.
"The answer was on the Internet," Bailey relented. "There was an online FAQ that discussed the problem that you were having."
"No kidding?"
"No kidding."
"Are you coming for Christmas, Bailey?"
"Uh... I don't know."
"Thanks, Corey," Piper said sarcastically. "I was going to ask her later."
"Sorry."
"Just drive, Buttface."
"Well?" Piper said. "Will you come?"
"If you want me to."
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you to, goofy."
"Okay."
"Good."
They traveled the rest of the way in silence. Bailey noticed the occasional sniffle from Piper but by the time they arrived, she had gotten herself under control. Corey dropped them off in front of the terminal and got their bags for them. To Bailey's amusement, Piper began to sniffle again as she said goodbye to her brother and she accepted Corey's hug easily before taking Piper's hand and leading her inside.
They found Chris waiting for them and he rose from his seat when he saw them.
"Afternoon, ladies," he said. "There's a storm front coming in but if we hurry, we'll have you back just ahead of it."
"Great," Bailey said. "Lead the way."
Chris led them across the tarmac to the helicopter where Bailey helped Piper climb inside and tossed the bags in after her. Piper managed to get her seatbelt on without assistance so she stowed their bags as the engine started and fastened her own seatbelt. Once settled, she offered her hand to Piper who took it with a smile and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.
"I love you," Piper said into her ear as the helicopter began to rise off the tarmac.
Chris signaled Bailey as the Atlanta skyline came into view and she put on a headset. "It took a little longer to get here than I thought, I'll have to drop you off with the engine running."
"That's fine," Bailey said. "You can berth on the roof if you're cutting it close."
"Thanks," Chris said. "But I should make it. Sorry to hurry you along."
"Not a problem."
"Landing in about five," Chris said and Bailey removed the headset.
Bailey turned to Piper, who was looking out the window with interest and nudged her to get her attention. She put her ponytail inside her jacket and zipped it up, gesturing for Piper to do the same. Piper looked at her confusedly for a second before digging a band from her purse to tie back her hair.
"Keep your head down," Bailey said leaning in close to Piper's ear and she nodded nervously.
She waited for touch down and to receive a nod from Chris before she opened the door and stepped out on to the roof, grabbing their bags from under the bench and extending a hand to Piper who copied her actions in getting out. She closed the door and gave Chris a thumbs up as she led Piper to the elevator.
She could feel the helicopter lift off as she dug in her pocket for the key and by the time she opened the elevator, Chris and the helicopter were already gone.
"He left in a hurry," Piper said as the elevator began to drop.
"He was trying to beat the storm coming in," Bailey explained. "The trip back took longer than he thought it would."
"Oh," Piper said. "Will you stay with me tonight?"
"I have to be in the office early," Bailey said. "But as far as I know I'm yours for the rest of the week if you want."
"I want."
"Is Nancy gonna be home for you?"
"She said she would be," Piper said as the elevator doors opened on the lobby.
"Good."
"Evening, Miss Cameron, Miss Tate," Tom said.
"Hi, Tom," Bailey said and Piper smiled at him. "Did you get stuck with the weekend?"
"Just today. Traded with one of the guys."
"Ahh," Bailey said. "I'll see you in a bit."
"Alright," Tom said and went back to his magazine as Bailey opened the private door and the women vanished inside.
They walked down the stairs and Bailey opened the trunk of the Barracuda to deposit their bags, stopping on her way around to unlock Piper's door.
"Why, how mannerly," Piper teased as Bailey walked around to the driver's side.
"Anything for you, Esmeralda," Bailey said sitting down behind the wheel.
"You're not funny," Piper said with a frown as Bailey started the car. "I don't know what possessed me to tell you."
"Your mother would have told me."
"There's no doubt about that," Piper said. "She loves to embarrass me."
"She's a neat lady."
"Yeah, she is," Piper agreed. "As much as I sometimes hate to admit it."
"I liked your family, Piper," Bailey said. "Thank you for taking me."
"Anytime. They all liked you too."
"Really?"
"Really," Piper said. "They'd love to have you back and Corey thinks you walk on water."
"Hmmm."
"Everyone but you thinks you're a neat person, Bailey."
"I know better."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Never mind," Bailey said quickly but she heard Piper take a breath and braced herself.
"Do you mean to tell…" Piper started loudly but stopped herself. "I'm going to forget I heard that because I don't want to be angry at you or to fight with you."
"I don't want you to be angry with me," Bailey said. "I'm sorry."
"Me too," Piper said, reaching over and taking her hand.
They drove along in silence until she pulled up in Piper's driveway and Bailey put the car in park and started to get out.
"Wait," Piper said and Bailey stopped with her hand on the door handle. "Kiss me," she said and Bailey leaned over and met her lips. "See you tomorrow then?" she asked, breaking contact after a moment.
"Yes," Bailey as she got out and retrieved Piper's bag from the trunk and walked her to the door. "Are you sure Nancy's here?"
"I think so," Piper said, poking her head inside to check. "Yeah, she's around; the heat is on and I can hear the television."
"Alright then."
"I'll miss you," Piper said. "You sure you can't stay?"
Bailey nodded. "I will tomorrow."
"Okay," Piper said. "Gimme a smooch and be on your way."
Bailey leaned down a pressed her lips softly against Piper's. "Good night. Don't forget to call your parents."
"I won't," Piper said. "Goodnight," she said and watched until Bailey got in her car and backed out of the driveway.
VIII
No escaping what you sow you will reap
- W. O'Williams
"Good morning, Miss Cameron," Josh said jovially as he peeked in her office door and saw her sitting at her desk.
"Come in, Mr. Anderson."
Josh entered and handed her a set of keys. "These are the Gremlin keys. It's across the street like you asked."
"Thank you."
"I want you to know that while I was driving it, some guys pulled up next to me at a light and made fun of me," he said humorlessly. "It was humiliating."
Bailey chuckled. "I can imagine."
"Here," Josh said, tearing a piece of paper out of a little notepad.
"What's this?"
"I followed the bad guys to that address the day you left. They apparently have a day shift and a night shift. Two man teams. I trailed the night shift back to that address when they were relieved. It's a good sized two-story building. Not a lot of activity but if I was to guess, there appears to be at least fifty people residing inside twenty four hours a day. There's always between twenty and thirty cars in the parking lot.
"Well done," Bailey said. "Any problems?"
"None."
"Any progress inside?"
"A little. I concentrated on the areas you suggested first and I know of one for certain, two maybe. Give me to the end of the week and I'll have more to tell you."
"Alright," Bailey said. "Have you given any thought of what you would like me to do for you?"
"I have," Josh said. "I'd like to remain Mr. Anderson and if it isn't a problem I'd like to arrange to have some of the money set aside to take care of my wife. The old Josh can just disappear."
"I'll see to it," Bailey said. "Is there anything else? I need to make a phone call."
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"I overheard several rumors this morning pertaining to you and a Piper Tate."
"I see," Bailey said with narrowing eyes. "Go on."
"The word is that you're having a relationship with her."
"Is that it?"
"Yes."
"What seems to be the general opinion?"
"From what I gather most don't care, some think it's great," Josh said. "But there are some that think Piper got her job because of the relationship."
"I see," Bailey said. "Keep an ear open."
"Is it true?"
"Yes."
"That's great," Josh said, secretly glad that she was human after all.
"I'm glad you approve, Mr. Anderson."
"Oh, I heard some of the other talk," he said with a smile.
"And?"
"And I was wondering if I could call you Princess too?" he asked with a chuckle.
Bailey narrowed her eyes and lifted an arm to point to the door.
"I'll take that as a no," Josh said as he rose from his chair and ambled out of her office.
She waited until he was gone before she locked her desk and left the office. She headed for the elevators and when she got upstairs she went right for her computers, punching in a number and watching the monitor until it was picked up.
"Yes, ma'am," Thumper said. "Did everything go alright with your trip?"
"Yes," she said. "The pilot was excellent."
"Glad to hear it," he said. "What's up?"
"Take down this address, please."
"Hold a second," he said and she could hear him fumbling around. "Go ahead," he said and she gave him the address.
"What do I do with this?"
"I need the most recent blueprints for the building at that address and if it has undergone any very recent renovations. If it has, I need to know."
"Alright," he said. "Three days at least."
"That's fine," she said. "You need to keep any inquiries discreet.
"Trouble?"
"The building is occupied by government spooks. The highly classified kind. You don't want them to catch your scent. Understand?"
"Clearly," Thumper said. "Change that three days to the end of the week. Possibly early next week."
"That's fine," Bailey said. "As soon as is safely possible."
"Anything else?"
"Not at the moment, contact me as soon as you have what I need."
"Will do."
"Thanks, Thumper."
She shook a cigarette out of the pack but changed her mind at the last second and put it on the desk. She got up and padded out to the kitchen to find Martin browsing through the refrigerator.
"Good morning," Bailey said as she approached.
"Hi there. I didn't catch you when you got in yesterday. How did it go?"
"Very well," Bailey said. "Hand me a Pepsi, please."
He handed her a can and she took it to the kitchen table and sat down. "I take it they liked you?" he asked, grabbing one for himself and joining her at the table.
"I think so, they were very nice," she said. "Piper says they did."
"Piper your girlfriend?" he asked and she nodded. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
"I did," Bailey said. "Did you get along okay while I was gone?"
"Yeah," Martin said. "I'm going to have to take a night job when this is over so I can keep up with my stupid soap operas."
"That reminds me," Bailey said, reaching in her pocket. "Here," she added, handing him the keys to his Gremlin.
"Thank you," he said. "Soap operas reminded you of my car?"
"No," Bailey said. "Stupid did.
He laughed. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Alright."
"When you came to get me at the hotel room," he said. "You seemed to know exactly where everyone was. How did you do that?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was magic?"
"Probably. Was it?"
"Thermal Infrared. I had a visor in my bag."
"Oh."
"Debra?" Piper said into the speakerphone.
"Yes?"
"Could you come in here for a minute?"
"Sure."
Piper waited behind her desk as Debra entered the room and seated herself.
"What's the new gossip?"
"Excuse me?"
"Every time I've left my office today, I get the eerie feeling that I'm being talked about," Piper said. "Forgive me if I'm being silly, but if I'm the topic of discussion someone would've made sure my assistant would hear it."
"You're not being silly," Debra said. "Word is that you and Miss Cameron are a couple."
"I see," Piper said with a frown. "If it were true would it present a problem with you personally?"
"Of course not," Debra said dismissively. "Is it true?"
"Yes," Piper said. "But that's something that I would appreciate secrecy on."
"It won't leave this room."
"Thank you," Piper said. "I'm not sure how she'll handle this. She's a very private person."
"Give it a few days," Debra said. "It'll die down."
"Perhaps. Are the current polls in my favor?"
"Heavily."
"That's good to know," Piper said with a little grin.
"Don't let it bother you, Piper."
"Easier said than done," Piper said. "But I'll do my best. Have you had lunch yet?"
"No."
"Would you like to go? My treat."
"Sure, let me get my coat.".
"Okay," Piper said, rising from her chair.
"Cameron."
"Hey there," Piper said
"Hey."
"You still coming over tonight?"
"Yes."
"Goody," Piper said. "Wanna just ride with me?"
"Okay."
"If you make a stop with me, I'll buy you dinner."
"Where?"
"The mall," Piper said. "I need to get makeup and I need another pair of shoes."
"Shoes?" Bailey groaned.
"I promise to make it quick," Piper said with a chuckle.
"Okay," Bailey said with a sigh.
"Gee, you act like I'm taking you to a firing squad."
"At least a firing squad would be quick and relatively painless."
"Be quiet," Piper snickered. "Do you want me to come find you or do you want to swing by the office around five?"
"Why don't you give me a call when you're ready and you can pick me up out front."
"Sounds like a plan," Piper said. "I'll see you in a little while then."
"Okay."
"Bye, sweetie."
Piper hung up the phone thoughtfully and returned her attention to the computer in front of her until Debra's voice came over the speakerphone.
"Piper?"
"Yes?" Piper said without looking away from the monitor.
"I'm going home for the day," Debra said. "Is there anything you need before I go?"
Piper looked at the time with a little frown. "Gosh, I didn't know how late it had gotten," she said. "No thanks, Debra. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Have a good evening."
"You too," Piper said and returned to the computer for a few minutes before she logged off and stood up to collect her things.
She made it to the elevator encountering only a few people, one of which smiled brightly at her. She had a little grin on her own face as she waited, a grin that rapidly vanished when Julio appeared with the arriving elevator.
"Nice catch, Piper," he said, lapping his tongue at her as he passed.
She opted to ignore him and got into the elevator alone, scowling worriedly as she descended. She sighed a little as she emerged into the lobby, imagining Bailey's reaction to the current news. Her companion was far more sensitive than she let on and had more than her fair share of insecurities to deal with as it was. With a quick shake of her head, she dialed Bailey's number on her cell phone.
"Hey, you out front?" Bailey asked.
"Will be in a sec."
"On my way."
"Okay, see ya in a minute," Piper said, smiling at the excitement in Bailey's voice as she got into the Corvette.
"Okay."
"There's the girlfriend," Zack said looking through his binoculars at the little black Corvette that had just emerged from the parking garage.
"Is she alone?" Russell asked.
"Yeah."
"Should we follow her?"
"No, she's stopping out front," Zack said, watching the Corvette with interest. "I bet she picks up Cameron."
"Okay," Russell said, picking up his own binoculars.
"Yeah, here she comes," Zack said as he watched her come down the steps and get into the car.
"Call it in," Russell said as he pulled out and began to follow the Corvette. "They really got someone standing by to hit her?"
"Yeah," Zack said. "If she steps into a suitable location," he added as he dialed his cell phone.
"Think he'll pull it off?" Russell asked when Zack hung up.
"No."
"Why not?"
"I think it's just a chess move."
Russell considered that silently for a moment. "It would suck to be the guy going for her."
"Yeah, it would."
They followed the Corvette in silence until it pulled into a mall parking lot.
"Looks like they're going shopping," Zack said picking up the phone. "I guess we'll see what happens."