It is with respect for the artists that I quote "Ghost," by the Indigo Girls, "The Letting Go," by Melissa Etheridge and "Fool To Fall" by Pearl River. An excerpt from Sarah McLaughlin's song, "Hold On," is also being used without permission or knowledge of the artist.

Violence Disclaimer: This story contains scenes of violence, implied rape, and graphic crime scene detail. While this is necessary to the plot and tastefully done, if this sort of thing bothers you, you might not want to go any further.

Tenderness Disclaimer: This story also contains scenes of extreme love and tenderness that may force your knees to go weak or your heart to pitter and then patter. In some cases, you might even find yourself exclaiming... "Awwwww? ain't that sweet?"

The author wishes to thank: Jennifer for giving me the courage and the inspiration to start this project and see it through. Pati, Jess and Gin for reading this in the beginning and then allowing me to use them in the story. I hope I portrayed you all as you want to be seen. Thanks too to the dogs for jumping on the bed and drooling on the keyboard during all the crucial parts, trust me, eight really is enough!

Thanks to My Warrior, who has become my wife; your beta reading talents were sorely tried during the writing of this book. I still haven't mastered comma placement, periods or dangling participles and I doubt I ever will *G*, but thanks for loving me and keeping me well fed anyway. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, I'll never be able to thank you enough for all the love and encouragement you've given me.

Comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated at : mac10k@earthlink.net

Part 1

The incessant chirping of the phone on her bedside table woke Kate from her coma-like sleep.

"Mmrph Hello?" she asked, trying to shake the cobwebs from her brain.

"Kathryn did you plan on joining us at work today or do I need to reschedule your appointments?"

"Shit, what time is it Maria?"

"8:30, kiddo."

Kathryn groaned. "I'll be in, just a late night working on the Hawthorne house. Cover for me until I get there, will ya?"

"Make it quick. Mr. Peterson has already been in once looking for you."

"Did he say what he wanted?"

"No, he just thought you'd be here by now. I'll stall him if he comes back. Now get out of bed and get a move on."

Kate swung her short legs over the side of the bed and walked to the closet. "Let's see, board meeting at 10, better wear something conservative," she muttered to herself as she plucked a navy blue pin stripe suit and a white silk blouse from the bar. Grabbing her blue pumps from the shelf she headed for the bathroom.

Shucking her Marvin the Martian boxer shorts and skimpy tank top, she hurriedly slid on a chemise, pulled the silk shirt on and tucked it into the skirt. Glancing around the bathroom, she tried to remember where she had left her stockings. Not finding them, she ran a brush through her waist length platinum blond hair and quickly brushed her teeth.

A frantic search of the room refused to divulge the location of the elusive stockings. Finding an old pair of black hose she wondered if she could get away with a fashion faux pas. Any day but today, she thought. That witch of a Vice-President Sheridan Daniels would point it out in her oh so subtle, don't you know how to dress at your age, way. Probably in front of the entire board, knowing her. Kathryn didn't know what the woman had against her, but she was getting very tired of her attitude.

Stepping into the livingroom she saw the blueprints she'd worked on until 2 a.m. laying shredded on the dining room floor, the cardboard tube now just wet brown wads on the carpet. Fighting back the urge to break into tears, she calmly picked up her cell phone from the table as she walked across the room and booted her PC. She was glad she'd worked out the designs on the laptop before committing them to paper.

"Peterson, Peterson and Boyd. Kathryn Peterson's office," Maria said as Kate walked into her small kitchen. Pouring water in the coffee maker she answered.

"Maria this is Kate. I've got a slight problem here; well, actually, several. Casey ate my blueprints; I'm emailing them to you now. Get graphics to print them priority one; I need them by 9:30."

Searching the shelves in her refrigerator and not finding any coffee she turned to the pantry and pulled out a new can of Folgers.

"Okay, coming through to me now," Maria said. "I'm forwarding it to graphics with a red flag. Now what else can I help you with?"

Sliding the can under the opener she inhaled deeply as the rich aroma of the newly released coffee assailed her nostrils.

"Would you mind going into the tunnel and buying me a pair of stockings? I'm wearing my blue pin stripe suit so try to get navy or maybe a sheer color. Oh and in a petite please, regulars just bunch up at my ankles."

"Sure, no problem. Anything else?"

"Umm, let me think." She turned, can in hand, and tripped over Casey, falling to her knees and watching her coffee fly across the kitchen. "Jesus Christ," she hollered to the dog, "Why the hell do you have to sneak up on me all the damn time? Now look what you've done! I'm already late, you ate my project and now I have no coffee! Sometimes I wonder why I don't have you stuffed!"

The tawny colored Cocker Spaniel looked at her with a mix between shock and chagrin. The apologetic expression was soon lost as she took in the position of her owner and decided that what she really needed was a sloppy kiss.

Reaching down to scratch the pup's ears she said, "You know I didn't mean any of that right? You know I love you, don't you?" A resounding lick followed by an intense butt wag was her answer. Patting her one last time she stood and retrieved the cell phone from the floor.

Hearing Maria's excited voice repeating hello over and over, she chuckled. "I'm here Maria; guess you should put some coffee on to brew as well."

"Geez what was that racket? You scared ten years out of me!"

"Just Casey deciding that a full can of coffee would look good on my parquet floors. Anyway I can't think of anything else, just the hose. I'm going to make a quick stop at the neighbors then I'll be there. Give me a call in the car if you need anything."

"Okay Kathryn just hurry!"

Glancing at her watch she had to stop herself from breaking into a dead run. "Damn," she muttered. She was going to be so late. Knocking on little Timmy's door she pleaded silently for the boy to hurry. The door opened and she quickly asked the youngster if he'd walk Casey.

"For five I will." Timmy stated.

"Yeah, yeah okay," she said as she dug in her purse for her wallet. Finding it she pulled the last of her cash out and handed him the five and a spare key to her apartment. "For an extra ten would you clean up the coffee grounds on the kitchen floor and the paper she shredded in the dining room?"

Spying the 20 he said, "Nope but I'll do it for 20."

Sighing, she handed over the last bill in her wallet and asked if he knew what extortion was.

"Nope never heard of it," he said grinning at her.

Tousling his curly red hair she smiled at him and took off for the elevator.

Unlocking the door to her Mercedes 450 SL convertible she glanced at her watch again; she was going to have to hurry. Easing into the stream of traffic headed downtown on I45 she flipped the CD player off to catch the traffic report. Tuning into Mix 96 she listened to the banter between her 2 favorite morning DJ's as Larry was telling Schelby what his wife thought of his drag routine for the movie marathon that they'd hosted the previous day on the WB network. Kate had caught part of their act and had to admit it been pretty humorous.

The traffic and weather report began blaring from the radio when the car beside her had a blowout and slammed into the car next to it. Shaken but happy that she hadn't been hit, she continued on, glad that it hadn't happened before she got there. Houston traffic was a bitch every morning, but when the idiots played bumper tag it made her wish she could stand to ride the busses.

Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed the office.

"Peterson, Peterson and Boyd," came Maria's much-too-chipper-for-a-Monday-morning voice.

"Maria, this is Kathryn. I'm almost there. Did dad come back? Did graphics bring the plans up yet? Do I have any urgent messages?"

Nope, no urgent messages for you yet. Yes your father came back, I told him you were stuck in traffic but on your way. Yes graphics delivered the plans. I got your stockings and there is a rather tight-lipped young man sitting here with a packet of papers waiting on you. How much longer until you get here?"

"Tight lipped? Meaning you don't know what he's doing there or he won't tell you what he's delivering?"

"Exactly. Said he had to hand deliver these papers to you and he'd wait. He's sitting in your office tapping his foot against your desk."

"I'm pulling into the parking garage now; I'm going to stop off at Starbucks in the tunnel and grab a cup of coffee then I'll be up. Perhaps the nice young man would like a cup of coffee?"

"Perhaps he would, and if he asks I'll point him towards the coffee pot."

Chuckling, Kathryn said, "Tsk, tsk, Maria be nice. I'm sure he would appreciate a little hospitality."

"Maybe he would get that if he would at least say what company sent him here or what his business is."

Kathryn had to laugh; she knew Maria's curiosity was eating her up. She wasn't the gossip queen of the Architectural firm for nothing. If she couldn't get any information from this man, she had to be seething.

"Maria, I'm getting on the elevator. I'll be there in 10."

Shouldering her purse and laptop, she exited the elevator on the ground floor of the Chase Center and quickly traversed the lobby to the escalators.

The most magnificent thing about downtown Houston was the tunnel system. It stretched for miles in all directions and had just about anything and everything you could imagine from doctor's offices to restaurants and shopping. Stepping off the escalator she threaded her way through the early morning pedestrians and made a beeline for Starbucks. Seeing the long line she changed directions and headed for the Wall Street Deli.

At least one thing was turning out right, she thought, as she handed over her MasterCard, forgetting she had spent her cash on housecleaning and dog walking. Signing the charge slip and picking up her coffee cup she turned and ran straight into Mitchell. Juggling purse and laptop she tried to remain standing, and watched helplessly as her coffee fell to the floor, splattering her shoes and legs with the steaming liquid.

"Dammit Mitchell what the hell are you doing standing so close?"

"Hey it's not my fault daddy's little protégé can't put one foot in front of the other." Mitchell said.

"I am not Daddy's 'little protégé', you pompous bastard. I worked my way up just like everyone else. Perhaps if you'd stop trying to score brownie points and actually do some work you might be able to move beyond junior executive. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do, not to mention cleaning up yet another of your messes," she stated, looking at her legs and shoes.

For Kathryn Peterson, the week was not starting out well.

Morgan moaned as she reached out to silence the beeping of her alarm clock. "Ugh I can't believe I set the damn thing on my day off," she muttered to herself.

Rolling over and stretching her 6-foot frame out across the California King, she decided a shower and coffee then a nice 8 mile run along the beach would be just the thing to start her Monday off on the right note.

Sliding out of bed and stepping over the black lab/rott mix rug stretched out on the floor, she glanced out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Orient Bay beach. Waves were gently lapping the light tan sand as the barest hint of a breeze stirred the sea grass growing along the edge of her property. Turning away from the window, she reached down and stroked the belly of her sleeping pup. "Come on J.D., let's go get the coffee started and see to your breakfast. What do you think about joining your old mom for a jog to the Sound?"

"Woof!"

Morgan smirked at the dog, "Guess I'll take that as a yes?"

Morgan reached into her closet for the hunter green colored silk robe hanging on its hook and slid it over her nude body. Padding her way to the kitchen she asked the dog, "Were you a good girl for Mildred while I was away or did you eat all her coffee table books again?"

J.D. looked up at her with soulful eyes bright and innocent, "Woof?"

"Yeah, Woof to you too. Guess you got her again huh?" she asked as she scratched the dog's head. "What am I going to do with you? Looks like we get to make another trip to Prestons to buy her some more huh?"

"Woof, Woof!"

"Yeah, bet you wouldn't be so happy about it if I started taking that expense out of your rawhide allowance, now would you?"

Properly chastised, J.D. laid down on the blond hardwood floor by the island watching Morgan getting the coffee beans out of the freezer, ever alert to the possibility of some stray piece of food escaping her mom's grasp. As Morgan closed the freezer door and moved to the grinder, J.D. exhaled a small "whuff," realizing nothing was coming her way this morning. Reaching in the fridge for milk Morgan realized she'd have to make a trip to the A&P as well; the cupboards were bare.

As Morgan waited for the coffee to brew, she took stock of the house. She was glad to see that Tessa had been in to clean and dust over the weekend. She'd been gone longer than usual this time, almost a month, but was pleased to see everything tidy. She had gotten in so late the night before, or actually early this morning, she had barely taken her clothes off before falling limply into bed. She almost missed the whisk of the doggie door signaling J.D.'s arrival before Morpheus swept her away.

Leaning against the island, she let her mind wander to the events of the past month. Her latest assignment had been mentally, as well as physically, exhausting. This case was dragging on longer than any in recent memory. She had no idea when she decided on this line of work that chasing serial killers across the country would be so time consuming or mentally draining.

Shaking off her thoughts she filled her mug with the rich smelling French Vanilla coffee she had picked up from Starbuck's, and walked into the master bath to start the shower running. Slipping out of her robe and cocking a cynical eyebrow, she appraised herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door. "Not too bad, a few bruises and scrapes but mostly none the worse for wear. Though I could use a little TLC right about now." She whispered as her thoughts drifted to Megan.

She was still having a hard time adjusting to Megans' sudden departure; even though it had been 6 months there were times when it felt like yesterday. Coming home from a 2-week stint at Quantico to find a note on the kitchen table had left her without the closure she needed. Short and to the point, that was Megan. Although after 2 years together, Morgan expected a little more than, "I can't take this anymore, I need you here with me, not always running off to God knows where. Don't come looking for me I don't want to see you again, I just need to get on with my life. Megan"

Setting her mug on the counter and opening the glass shower door, Morgan stepped under the steaming water.

Kathryn sighed as she stepped on the escalator leading to the Chase Tower. Sometimes she really hated her life. If wishes came true, she'd live on a remote island with no phones or electricity. Reality, though, is never as kind as wishes. And as such, Kathryn found herself at 22 being the youngest architect at her Daddy's firm. Now at 28, she saw no way out of the life that was slowly draining all the vitality from her. She'd had the usual struggles with junior execs like Mitchell belittling her abilities, and the partner-want-to-be's trying to get in good with the boss's daughter to advance their own careers. Kathryn felt she'd been fighting an uphill battle from the beginning, and it showed no signs of relenting.

Biting her lower lip to keep from falling into a depressive funk, she reached out and pressed the button on the elevator for the 70th floor. She watched with a satisfied smile as Mitchell ran for the door and it closed in his face.

She exited the elevator on the top floor and walked down the long hallway to her office.

"Good morning Maria, where are the hose?"

"Good morning Kate." Maria handed over the package. "You might want to do this in the bathroom; that man is still in your office."

"Mmm good point, I'll be right back. Can you get me a cup of coffee and spread out the plans for the Hawthorne house on the drafting table? I want to take a look before the meeting." Kathryn deposited her laptop on Maria's desk and dug the key for the executive washroom from her purse.

"Sure thing." Maria answered to Kathryn's retreating back.

Unlocking the door and setting the package on the counter she reached for the paper towels. Wetting them in the sink she leaned over and slipped her pumps off. Wiping the sticky mess from her legs she thought, Well at least I wasn't wearing hose, which would have made it even worse. She finished with her legs and feet and wetting more towels in the sink began scrubbing the coffee from her shoes.

Kathryn had her skirt pulled up and was adjusting the top of the hose when Sheridan walked in.

"Not enough hours in the day for you to get dressed at home Katie?" Sheridan asked sarcastically.

"Oh plenty of time for that," Kathryn replied sweetly, "Some of us even sleep in our own beds."

"What a pity you poor dear, can't get anyone to spend time with you?"

"You know Sheridan, that's never been a problem for me. Least I don't have to pay people to spend time in my presence." Whoa Kate, claws in, she thought. No sense taking your bad day out on her; you'll just make it worse for yourself in the meeting. Sheridan was one of the deciding factors on the Hawthorne house and she didn't need her making waves on this project.

"I'm sorry Sheridan, it's been a bad morning, I didn't mean to insult you. Please forgive me."

"Humph, you meant what you said, no sense in apologizing for it. I just hope for your sake you did better than your usual mediocre job on the Hawthorne house." Score one for me, thought Sheridan as she watched Kathryn's face fall.

"Well, you have a nice day too Sheridan." Kate replied, walking out of the bathroom.

"God I hate that woman." Kate muttered as she walked back to her office. "What in the hell did I ever do to her?"

Sheridan had it in for Kate since her father turned down the marriage proposal she'd offered him. She couldn't get to him so she'd taken to venting her hostilities on Kate. The bad part was, she liked the kid. She was an excellent architect and she'd worked hard for her position. Henry Peterson didn't believe in promoting anyone not worth his or her salt, and Kathryn had proven herself worthy of her penthouse floor office many times over. She hated to admit it to herself, but she was excited to see what Kate had come up with for the Hawthorne house. She knew whatever it was it would be good and the owners would love it. Everyone loved Kathryn's designs; the kid had a knack for finding out things people liked and incorporating them into the final plans.

Kathryn breezed past Maria's desk with a slight frown creasing her brow. She opened the door to her office and came to a quick stop, startled by the young man standing there.

"Ms.Peterson?" He asked in a deep soothing voice.

Glancing at the man now towering over her, she said, "Yes and you are?"

"Sorry, my name is David, David Adams. I'm from the law firm downstairs. I have some papers I need to go over with you if you can spare a few minutes."

Looking at her watch as she sipped her coffee and moved to the designs on her drafting table she answered, "I've got five minutes for you then I have to be in a meeting. Can you cover it in that amount of time?"

"No ma'am but I can wait until your meeting is over, that is if you can see me after that."

"How long is this going to take?" she inquired.

"Probably an hour at least. It concerns the inheritance your aunt left you in her will."

"Who's will?" she asked, flipping through the plan pages.

"I'd really rather wait until we can go over this all at once. Can you see me after your meeting?"

"Yeah I have the rest of the day open unless I have to change any of the designs. Do you want to wait here or should I call you? The meeting shouldn't take more than an hour and a half at most."

"If you don't mind I'd like to wait. I'm heading out of town as soon as I finish here; if I go back to my office they'll try to keep me there." He chuckled.

She grinned in return. "I know how you feel, it happens to me all the time. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee or something while you wait?"

"No thank you, I'll be fine."

"Okay." she said, rolling up the blueprints and slipping her jacket on. "If you change your mind ask my secretary Maria; she'll get anything you need. I'll try to rush the meeting along." Pulling her hair from under her collar she walked away.

"Whew Maria you neglected to mention he was so cute," she whispered as she breezed past the secretary's desk.

"Humph well I didn't think so!"

"That's only because he wouldn't give you any information. By the way he's from the law firm on the 17th floor and he's here to talk about some will or something like that. I told him if he wanted coffee you'd get it for him, so be nice. Maybe I can get a date out of this; he is so fine." She muttered dreamily.

"Ack! Get to your meeting; I'll take care of your potential suitor."

Grinning, Kate walked into the large conference room.

Morgan turned off the water and stepped from the shower. Reaching for the extra long bath towel hanging on the rod, she briskly dried her deeply tanned skin and long raven hair. She looked in the mirror, and with a critical eye she studied her face. She had small laugh lines starting to show around her intense blue eyes and a dimple accenting her strong jaw line. Her white teeth were set off by her tan and framed by soft full lips. She had a natural beauty that never needed help from cosmetics. Pleased with what she saw she ran her brush through her hair and grabbing her robe stalked naked back to the bedroom.

The phone rang as she was taking her jogging clothes from the dresser.

"Sumners."

"Morgan, thank God you're home. I woke up this morning and J.D. was gone. I thought I'd lost your dog." Mildred's voice sounded relieved.

"Nope, she's here with me." Morgan pulled on her panties and Speedo's. "She showed up early this morning; I guess she heard the truck pulling in."

"Good, good. Well you'll never guess what's been going on while you were gone." Mildred was off and running.

With a sigh Morgan wedged the phone between her shoulder and ear as she bent over and pulled her socks and tennis shoes on. Mildred could gossip for hours and knowing she was in no danger of stopping anytime soon, Morgan laid the phone on the bed and pulled her black sports bra over her head. Pulling her waist length hair out of the bra she walked to the dresser and thought about whether she should put on a tank top. Deciding she was more covered than most of the women on the beach she put the shirt back and retrieved the phone.

"And then?"

"Mildred I hate to cut you short but I was on my way out. We'll catch up when I bring your new coffee table books by okay?"

"Okay dear. She only got one this time, the 'Lighthouses of the East Coast' book you got me for Christmas."

"I'll stop by Prestons and pick you up a new copy in a few days. Talk to you later, and thanks for keeping the baby for me."

"Baby? Humph that's no baby dear, that's a mini horse!" Mildred giggled and hung up the phone.

Morgan ran through a few warm up exercises before grabbing J.D.'s Frisbee and pulling the sliding door open to step out on the deck. Calling through the open patio door to her bedroom for the dog she looked out over the bay watching the sunrise over the brownish water of the Atlantic. J.D. nuzzled her hand and she closed the door, breaking into a light run once she hit the sand.

Walking around the large mahogany table to the projection machine, Kathryn leaned down and whispered in her father's ear.

"Sorry about this morning, Daddy. I had a late night working on the plans. Wish me luck."

Henry squeezed her arm. "You don't need any luck; I'm sure you'll knock their socks off."

Kathryn turned and smiled at the Hawthorne's. "Good morning. I've added a few things to the design I think you'll like. They don't alter the outside appearance but they do take advantage of some interior dead space. I've also made some changes to the kitchen and master bathroom."

She motioned the projectionist to dim the lights and started her presentation.

"Mr.Hawthorne, your wife indicated to me that you had an interest in the hidden tunnels and passageways of the White House. I've taken the liberty of adding a hidden stairway that leads from the downstairs study into an upstairs private study/office. The upstairs addition," she pointed at the screen, "Can't be seen from outside or inside the house and unless you know where the stairway entrance is located there is no other access. To this end I've incorporated a safe built into the wall as well as electronic surveillance equipment and stereo/T.V. systems. If the power to the house is cut for any reason this room is self-sustaining. It has it's own small generator capable of running the outside lights and security cameras along with a hard wired panic button to the local police department in case of a break in."

Kathryn ran through the additional changes and took her seat as the conference room lights came up, looking at the couple across from her she held her breath waiting for their opinion.

"Katie," Sheridan spoke, "This is simply unacceptable; the plans you designed will put us way over budget. Where do these hair-brained ideas of yours come from?" She asked incredulously.

"Kathryn. Sheridan, my name is Kathryn." God she hated it when that bitch called her Katie. She'd always hated the name Katie; it made her sound like she was 5. "The actual cost of the room will add five thousand to the budget and the cost of the generator, safe, and surveillance equipment another ten thousand. The decorating costs will be figured when our clients decide what to put in the room."

Kate looked to the Hawthorne's. " What do you think, Mr.Hawthorne?"

"I love it Kathryn," Mr.Hawthorne stated emphatically. "I don't care if it adds fifty thousand dollars to the budget. Build it. I like the changes to the kitchen and master bath as well. The whole thing is better than I imagined it would be. I want to get started building right away." He leaned across the table and shook her hand. "You've outdone yourself Kathryn. Thank you."

"You're welcome Mr.Hawthorne. I hope you enjoy your new house for years to come."

"I'm sure we will little lady, I'm sure we will." He shook hands with her father and left the office, followed by the rest of the executives.

Henry raised his voice as Sheridan walked to the door.

"Ms.Daniels join us for a moment please."

She turned and looked at the unreadable mask that was Henry Peterson's face. Smiling at him she said "Sure Henry, what can I do for you?"

"You can empty out your desk and pick up your severance check from payroll."

"What? Are you firing me? You have no reason to fire me."

"I have a reason Ms. Daniels," Henry said, advancing in her direction. "Your childish antics had the potential to lose this company a multimillion dollar account. You never speak before a client has their say and you never belittle a fellow employee's work in front of said client. I expected better from one of my senior executives. I'm not going to sit idly by and watch you talk to my employees the way you just did. Now clean out your desk and take that sniveling assistant of yours with you."

Sheridan stood in shock as the news settled over her, then turning on her heel stalked from the boardroom.

Henry turned his eyes on his daughter. "Sorry about that Little One, but don't worry you pulled it right out of the fire. Those prints were the best you've ever done, and I am so proud of you," He said, pulling her into a hug.

"Thanks daddy, I put a lot of work into them. You know she's going to cause problems don't you?"

"There's nothing she can do. I had the tape machine running in here the whole time. I kinda figured she'd be trying more of her games and I've reached my limits with that woman."

Kathryn stood and placed a kiss on her father's cheek. "I love you daddy."

"Love you too Little One."

"I have to run. I've got a lawyer sitting in my office. Can we do lunch today?"

"Sure baby let me know when you're free."

Grinning, Kathryn walked back to her office.

Morgan enjoyed the early morning solitude the bay beach offered. Most people on the North Fork were either retired older couples or summer people. That was the deciding factor for Morgan when she settled here. She needed solitude and a place she could come and go without too much notice. She hadn't counted on Mildred and Delores, two of the nosiest old women she'd ever met. Both were widows, having lost their husbands to heart attack and stroke respectively. Now with nothing else to do they watched the comings and goings of the natives.

Morgan smiled as she remembered the day she'd snuck up behind Mildred, gun drawn, when she heard someone breaking into the lab building skirting her property. She figured Mildred would faint dead away at the sight of the six-foot woman training a weapon on her. To Morgan's surprise the older woman merely put her hands on her hips and stormed over to her, taking the gun from her hand.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack young lady?"

"No?uh no ma'am, I was just protecting my property. What are you doing breaking into my building?" Morgan stammered. She'd never had anyone stand up to her the way the hunched over grandmotherly figure standing before her had done. She was shocked to find herself meekly asking if she could have her gun back.

Mildred handed over the gun and raised her eyebrows at Morgan. "Now I wasn't breaking in young lady I was just taking a look around. No one else has a building on their property and we was just a wondering what you might be a doin' in there," she said, gesturing over her shoulder.

"By the by my name is Mildred Tuttle and I live 2 houses down on the left." Mildred held out her right hand.

Morgan shook her hand and said, "Morgan Sumners, pleased to meet you."

"Now what might you be hiding in there?" Mildred asked.

"I'm not hiding anything Mildred, I use it for my work; it's a lab of sorts."

"A lab you say, what do you do? You some kind of scientist?"

"Well sort of. I work free lance for the government, kinda bounce back and forth between the FBI and the CIA. I do psychological profiling on murderers and kidnappers for the FBI and sometimes I get called in on terrorist activities for the CIA."

"Well now isn't that impressive, not mind you, that I know what any of that means, but it sounds impressive. Was wondering what was going on out here when they put this building up. Now how about inviting me in for a cup of tea and showing me what you've done with the inside of this house? Sure was a lot of activity going on round here the last few months."

That confrontation had started a friendship between the two women that spanned almost 5 years. Morgan always left J.D. with Mildred when she had to go off island for work and she trusted Mildred to look after the place in her absence. She knew Mildred would keep an eye out for intruders as well as anything else that might take place while she was gone.

Morgan ended her reverie as she neared the sound and slowed to a walk, waiting for J.D. to catch up. She'd have to increase her time on the way home; she was due for a debriefing at 10:30.

Kathryn walked into her outer office and asked Maria for a cup of coffee before continuing on to her meeting with David.

"Sorry for the delay David. Now what was this about an inheritance and a will?" Kathryn asked.

"Well, as you know your Aunt Janice passed away and she named you as her sole beneficiary. The will has passed probate now and we're ready to finish up the reading and distribution of property. Do you want me to read the entire will or just hit the highlights?"

"What Aunt Janice? I don't have an Aunt, Janice or otherwise. Both my parents were only children."

"You are Kathryn Dawn Peterson?only child of Henry and June Peterson?"

"Yes that's right, but I still don't have an Aunt," Kathryn said, somewhat perplexed.

"This is a bit unusual. I don't quite know what to do here. You do have, or did have an Aunt. Your mother's sister; her name was Janice Covington." At the confused look on Kathryn's face he asked, "This isn't ringing any bells with you is it?"

"No, I'm afraid not, but if you'll hold on a minute I know someone who can clear this up immediately," Kathryn said as she reached for the phone.

"Daddy, can you come to my office? David Adams is here from the law firm downstairs and says I've just lost my Aunt Janice and inherited her estate. I've tried explaining to him that I don't have an Aunt but he's insistent. Can you straighten him out for me? ?. Yes we can do that?Okay thanks Daddy see you soon."

Hanging up the phone she turned back to David. "Come with me. We're going to meet him in his office."

David waited as she took the coffee from Maria and followed Kathryn down the long carpeted hallway to a set of dark double doors and into a lavishly decorated office. A stocky gray haired gentleman extended his hand and gestured for them to sit.

"David is it?"

"Uh yes sir it's David."

"David, Kathryn tells me Janice died. Is that true?"

"Yes sir, she passed away about a month ago. You weren't notified either?"

"No David, I wasn't. Janice and I were never close. After June died she stopped all contact with the family. We had?differences I guess you could say. I haven't heard from her in must be 25 years or better. Not since Kathryn was a baby anyway. So you say she passed on and left her estate to Kathryn. Do you have the papers?"

"Yes sir," David said handing them over to Henry.

Kathryn was stunned; she didn't even know she had an Aunt and her dad was going on like it was no big deal that she'd died, it was like he didn't even care. Kathryn didn't know if she were more upset that he seemed to have no concerns over this whole thing or that he'd kept someone out of her life because they had differences. This was a link to her mother, someone she could have talked to about her death. Maybe even someone she could have been friends with. She felt a profound sadness as she considered what had been lost.

Kathryn's mother died when she was 2 and nannies and sitters had raised her. Her father had always been a loving presence in her life but he couldn't be a mother to her. He had never remarried and probably never would. He told her once that no one would ever live up to her mother in his eyes. Now 26 years later he was still single and still not looking. He loved Kathryn and she knew it, probably more than most fathers. He went to all her activities growing up and still attended her softball games to this day. She'd never lacked for love and attention growing up and was probably still single herself because of it. Her father had given her an ideal of what married life should be through the tales of his own courtship and marriage to her mother. Kathryn knew if she ever married it would have to be a man that would love her as much as Henry loved June.

"Kathryn!" her father said loudly, snapping her from her daydreams.

"Sorry Daddy." she said a bit sheepishly "I was just trying to remember?" Well, it wasn't exactly a lie; she had been wondering about her.

"I was saying," her father continued, " That this is quite an estate and perhaps you should consult with David's office to decide what to keep and what to sell off. I hadn't realized she had amassed the fortune she has, but it appears that you are now worth more than your old man. You're going to need some sound legal advice on this and I don't think our lawyers can handle an estate this large."

"Worth?. Uh, worth more than you?" Kathryn sputtered. "How can that be?"

David cleared his throat, finally something he could cover. "Well, Kathryn, she made some very sound investments. It seems that in the early 80's she bought quite a large block of stock from a then relatively unknown company called Microsoft and for many years kept reinvesting. During the Internet stock boom earlier this year she again invested wisely. She had quite varied interests; she liked archeology as well as computers. She acquired a consulting firm and turned it into a thriving enterprise, but she sold that off shortly before her death so that is liquid capital for you. Though I would suggest investing it in your portfolio. We've already had the names changed on the stocks as well as the various land deeds. As soon as we get your checking and savings account information, we'll have your Aunt's accounts closed and transfer the funds to your existing accounts."

"Whoa David, slow down, I need time to adjust. You're saying she left her entire estate to me? An estate worth millions?"

"Well yes, she left the bulk of her estate to you. She donated some of her archeology finds to various museums, but houses, land, cars, stocks and bonds, things like that she left to you."

"Why? She didn't know me; how could she just leave me all this stuff? Isn't there anyone whom she could have left it to besides me?"

"There was another will drawn up splitting everything between you and her lifelong companion Mel Pappas, but Mel preceded her in death so that leaves you her sole beneficiary."

"Am I under any obligation to keep these things? Can I donate them or sell them?"

"You're under no obligation to keep any of the items listed in the will. You are free to do anything you want with the property left to you. If I might suggest, you could sell the apartment in Greece and the flat in Cairo, unless you think you would have a use for them. I would keep the stocks and bonds, and reinvest. That property in New York will only increase in value so I suggest keeping that. From what your aunt told me, it was her main residence but it's a great vacation spot as well. Now this is only my opinion and you don't have to follow my advice. You're free to do whatever you like with your inheritance. "

"Thank you, David. I appreciate your advice; Daddy and I will talk it over and decide what to do. If I have any questions I'll call you. In the meantime if you stop back by my office Maria will give you the account information you need. Close my aunt's accounts and transfer the money to my savings account."

"You're welcome Ms. Peterson; I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances and you have my condolences on the loss of your aunt. I'll have someone in my office transfer the funds from your aunt's accounts into yours and when you decide what you'd like to do with the land holdings if you'll let me know we'll try to expedite matters. " David stood and extended his hand to Henry. "Mr. Peterson, I would also like to extend my condolences on the loss of your sister-in-law and I am deeply sorry to have been the one to break this news to you. If there is anything anyone in my office or myself can do for you please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you David; we'll be in touch."

David walked from the office and Kathryn closed the door behind him, turning on her father.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, anger flooding her voice. "I had a right to know I had an aunt. What possible reason did you have to keep her from me?"

"As I told David, we had differences. You'll just have to trust my judgement on this. I'm not going discuss my decisions with you or anyone. I do what I think is best, then and now. Don't you dare presume that I do anything on a whim young lady, nor do I expect you to ever again question my judgement. Is that understood?"

Kathryn stood stock-still and appraised her father's reddened face, the bulging vein in his forehead testament that she had pushed him too far. "Yes sir, I'm sorry I questioned you. Maybe I just need some time away. This has been a pretty bad month; do you think I can get some time off? I think maybe I'd like to fly up and check out the house in New York."

"I think that would be a good idea. With the Hawthorne house finished you don't have anything pressing, right?"

"No sir, actually I don't have anything else. I've been working solely on the Hawthorne house."

"Good, good. Yes a vacation sounds like just what you need. Why don't you take the summer, decide what you're going to do with your Aunts stuff, and come back when you're rested."

"You're talking four months! How can you expect me to be gone for four months? What will Maria do while I'm gone? What about our clients? I can't be gone that long!"

Henry chuckled at the exasperated look on his daughter's face; he could almost see the wheels turning behind those expressive eyes. So like her mother, he thought, everything about her reminds me of June. "I'm sure we won't go under if you're not here for a few months. As for Maria I'm sure she'll have plenty to keep her busy, and if not she can take a vacation as well. Look honey, you don't have to stay gone that long; if you want to come back earlier you can. I just think it would do you some good to get away. You do realize you haven't taken a vacation since you started here, don't you?"

"Yes sir, I know. I appreciate the time off. I'll have my laptop with me so I'll keep in touch." She wrapped her arms around his waist." I love you Daddy; I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too Little One," he said, pulling her tighter to him, "Always remember how much I love you, and how very proud I am of you."

"I will Daddy, I will." She said, breaking the hug and kissing his cheek as she turned to leave his office.

The walk back to her office suite seemed to take forever as she thought about what her dad had said. She wasn't to question his judgement period, and it had almost seemed to her that he was sending her away even though it was her idea to take a vacation. She only wanted two weeks but he was telling her to go for four months, longer if she needed it. She couldn't remember a time when he'd ever raised his voice at her the way he'd just done. She knew she'd stepped over the line with him, but it still hurt to have him yell at her. Maybe they both needed some time apart; she had to understand why he'd shut her aunt out. Until she had answers, things would always be tense between them.

Barely controlling the tears that threatened to spill over, she stepped into her office.

"Maria I'm leaving on vacation; I'll be gone for about four months. I need you to book me a one way flight into MacAuthur airport in Islip New York, set up a car rental, no actually set me up with a lease car. I'll be taking Casey with me so arrange that with the airport. Call the vet for me and get a health certificate for her faxed to the house, put a call in to David's firm and get the keys to my aunt's New York house. Am I forgetting anything?"

"What about your apartment?"

Oh yeah, I'll arrange it with the super when I get home; call and leave me a message on my answering machine so I don't forget. I'll need to get someone in there to clean and check on things for me while I'm gone as well. Does your daughter still do that type of work?"

"Yeah she does, I'll get her to do it for you. What kind of car do you want?"

"I'm pretty partial to my Mercedes so try to get me one like it or a BMW if you can. I talked to Dad and he said you can take a vacation too if you want. He thinks he can give you enough to keep you busy while I'm gone but I think a few weeks off is in order."

"Thanks Kathryn, I'd like that too. I'll get your reservations made and let you know the details. Are you going to stick around or should I just fax you the information?"

"I'm going home. Have a messenger bring the keys and plane tickets by the house. I'm going to pack up my laptop and clean off my desk then I'm leaving."

"Okay Kate, have a good vacation," Maria said, picking up the phone to make the reservations.

Kathryn dropped her purse and laptop just inside the doorway, pleased to note that not only had Timmy cleaned up Casey's mess he'd also vacuumed the carpet under the dining room table. Good, she thought, For twenty bucks he should have vacuumed the entire apartment. Sighing, she picked up the phone and informed the super of her vacation plans and that she would have someone stopping in weekly to take care of the place.

Hearing a plaintive wail from the utility room she grabbed the leash from the bar and walked through the kitchen to her little wash room. Casey was clearly glad to see her mom, her little snub tail was wagging her whole body ecstatically. Kathryn leaned over the child gate and pulled the pup into a warm embrace. "Did you miss me Case? Mama missed you too baby." She didn't realize she was crying until she felt the cocker licking the salty drops from her face. This was what she needed, she thought, unconditional love and understanding. It didn't matter that the pup had no idea what was wrong just that she was her comfort after what was decidedly the worst day she could remember having in forever.

She walked back to the livingroom, cradling the squirming puppy in her arms, and sat on the overstuffed gray leather sofa. She thought about the day and what had occurred in her father's office. He'd all but sent her away and why? Because she'd questioned him about an aunt she didn't know? She couldn't believe he had refused to answer any questions. It was so out of character for her normally open and honest father. He had never shied away from her questions before, even the embarrassing questions the puberty stricken teen had asked about what he'd called "woman stuff."

Her curiosity peaked; she put the pup down and walked to the wet bar. She poured herself a gin and tonic and booted her desktop. She opened the patio door to let the dog run outside; the promised walk forgotten as she logged into her ISP and set off for AltaVista.

Her query on Janice Covington returned 130,170 hits and she started with the first on the list.

Amid a flurry of activity a woman sits calmly in a brown beat up old hat sporting what appears to be a bullet hole right in the front. This is Janice Covington, daughter of the famed grave robber Harry Covington and the woman who has made what amounts to the greatest discovery to date in Macedonia.

Dr. Covington and her friend, Professor Mel Pappas, translator of Ancient Writings for the University of Georgia Atlanta, have uncovered the scrolls long believed to be fantasy of "The Destroyer of Nations". According to Papas a woman known as Gabrielle of Potadeia, personal bard to the Destroyer, wrote these scrolls.

This discovery marks not only the change from fantasy to fact of the rumored "Destroyer" but also marks Dr. Covington as the leading Archeologist in the world. Fighting opposition from all sides she continued her dig uncovering not only the scrolls but also possibly the tomb of the God of War, Ares himself.

Though seemingly unfazed by all the uproar around her, Dr. Covington did offer these words to the press. "I am happy to bring to a close this chapter of Ancient Greek history; however, I would like to state that none of this would be possible without the help of Professor Pappas. The professor proved unbelievably helpful in locating the scrolls and the tomb of Ares. In the coming days we will have more information concerning the scrolls as Professor Pappas translates the ancient writings."

Professor Pappas stated only that the person known as the "Destroyer" appeared to be a woman, and had changed in later life from one who wanted to rule the known world to one who did things for the greater good.

The authenticity of the scrolls has yet to be determined but to the archeologist and the translator this discovery is already authentic. Pappas has said the scrolls vaguely reference more scrolls hidden in Thrace and the duo will be breaking camp to head there within the following weeks.

Dr. Covington has also been credited with uncovering writings of Sappho as well as Homer and other Greek scholars. She has also found the remains of several temples to the Gods scattered throughout Ancient Greece. One of these discoveries, the temple of Artemis, led her to search for the Destroyer scrolls.

Dr. Covington has graciously agreed to allow us to follow her to Thrace and we will be following up this story as soon as we have something to report.

The reporter's name wasn't listed with the article, but it was dated early 1940's, and as the search engine showed there were plenty more articles on this woman. Kathryn scanned several more sites all saying about the same thing, Noted Archeologist, credit to her field blah, blah, blah. None really helped her to know the woman that was her Aunt. The only highlight of her search was the site that had a picture of her aunt prominently figured; Kathryn had been astounded by the resemblance; in her younger years her aunt looked just like her. Her hair was a bit shorter and though it was hard to tell in the faded black and white photo, appeared a bit darker than Kathryn's own platinum locks. Nevertheless, it could have been a picture of Kathryn herself; now she knew where her looks came from. She'd always wondered about that; she didn't really take after either of her parents. Her mother had sported reddish blond hair and brown eyes, while her father had medium brown hair and brown eyes. She wondered if her Aunt had green eyes as well.

The ringing doorbell and Casey's answering bark brought her back to reality. She opened the door to the office runner and took the envelope marked in Maria's distinctive handwriting.

Dumping the contents on her desk, she picked up the house keys and a note from David.

Kathryn,

I hope things go well for you on the island. Enjoy your vacation. I have taken the liberty of sending some of your Aunt's journals out there for you to look over. If you don't want to keep them the University of Atlanta has requested they be donated to the school. Mel Pappas was a professor there for a number of years and they'd like to preserve the journals.

If you need anything while you're gone don't hesitate to call. Again have a good time. I'll be in touch. The directions to the house are on the back.

David

Sifting through the rest of the contents she came across a letter from her father and another from Maria. Deciding to hold off on her Dad's note she picked Maria's from the stack.

Kate,

I couldn't book you on a flight tomorrow so you'll have to leave today. I've enclosed the tickets and the confirmation on the car. Have a great time, and don't worry about a thing here.

Maria

Kathryn put aside the notes and picked up the tickets. "Ohmygod, ohmygod, what was she thinking? Booking me on a flight that leaves in less than 2 hours? I haven't even packed yet!"

Kathryn made a mad dash around the apartment, shutting off the desktop and grabbing Casey's leash from the desk she sprinted to her bedroom. Pulling her suitcases from the closet she began throwing clothes in the direction of the bed. She ran into the bathroom and sweeping her arm across the counter deposited her toiletries in the cosmetic case. She reached into the shower for her shampoo, conditioner, and bath pillow, adding the items to her case. Taking a quick glance around the room she grabbed her robe from the door and headed back to the bedroom. She didn't bother trying to be neat she just threw the clothes and leash in the large suitcase and started for the dresser. Taking panties and bras along with her shorts tank tops and socks in her arms she walked back to the bed and dropped the items unceremoniously into the suitcase.

Hoping she hadn't forgotten anything she hurriedly stripped the pin stripe suit off and dropped it in the dry cleaning pile on the closet floor. Selecting a pair of starched, faded blue jeans from the rack and a lightweight long sleeved T-shirt she quickly changed, grabbing her tennis shoes from one of the cubbyholes lining the closet walls. Pulling her hose off she threw them in the general direction of the open dresser drawer and put her socks on. Yanking on her jeans and T-shirt and running her belt through the loops she closed the suitcases and pulled them into the livingroom.

"Now what?" she muttered to herself.

"Oh yeah, Casey," She said, walking to the fax machine and picking up the letter from the vet's office. She tucked it into the envelope and scooping up everything but the airline ticket closed the flap and set it by the suitcases. She folded the ticket and stuffed it in her back pocket and called a cab. No sense in leaving her car in long term parking for 4 months; the bill for that would be enough to pay her car note for a month.

Walking out on the patio she called for Casey and grabbed her travel cage, loading it with various fleece toys she saw lying around. She'd have to give the pup some Benadryl the vet had suggested for travel sickness. After she chased her around the apartment that was; the pup hated the cage and tried to hide every time she saw it.

The doorbell rang just as she'd gotten Casey drugged and in the cage, opening the door to the cabby she pointed out the suitcases and left to make one last sweep of the apartment. Satisfied she'd not forgotten anything important she shouldered her purse and laptop as the cabby reached for the cage. Locking her door she followed the driver to his cab.

Taking a last glance at the now sleeping pup she handed the cage over to the skycap and headed for the United terminal. She'd just finished checking in her bags and the pup when her flight was called. Racing to the gate she handed the stewardess her ticket and was shown to her seat. With a sigh of relief she settled in, sliding her laptop under her chair just as the seat belt light came on. She buckled her belt and slid her father's note from the envelope as the flight attendant went through the safety speech.

Little One

I am truly sorry for the argument we had this morning; please forgive me for raising my voice. In hindsight I realize that what I thought would be best for you may not have been that at all. I'm sure the truth will come out eventually, I only ask that you not judge an old man harshly for the prejudices of youth. I love you Kathryn; your happiness and welfare have always been foremost in my mind. I always tried to do the best by you and now I feel I've failed the person I love most in the world.

Have fun, get a tan, walk on the beach, do something for yourself for a change. Things will be back to normal when you get home, just enjoy your vacation and don't worry so much about things past.

Love you,

Daddy

Kathryn dried the tears from her face and reached for her laptop. The seatbelt sign had gone off and they had reached cruising altitude. She booted and reached for the skyphone, plugging in her modem line she swiped her credit card and once again dialed into her ISP.

Accessing her email she typed in her Dad's address.

Daddy,

I'm sorry as well for our argument; I know you only have my best interests at heart. Sometimes I feel you don't see me as a woman, but as the child you still want to protect. I think I'm old enough and mature enough to handle the truth, although it is still your decision and I respect your judgement on that issue I do feel that I have a right to know. I don't have any hard feeling towards you if that's what you're worried about. It's just a little confusion on my part, and I'm sure as you say it will all work itself out by the time I return home. I love you too daddy with all my heart. I promise to come back with a killer tan and some souvenirs for you as well.

Love you,

Kate

After scanning and answering the various emails that had come in since this morning, she briefly considered continuing her search for her aunt. Naw, she thought, plenty of time to do that from the house. She did admit to herself that her dad's cryptic note concerning prejudices of youth and of things past had piqued her curiosity, but maybe her aunt's house would turn up some clues to that mystery. With a small sigh she disconnected her laptop, putting it away and reclined her seat for a nap. With any luck she'd sleep through the rest of the flight. She'd always hated flying and wished she'd had something to knock her out like Casey. Closing her eyes she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

She awoke to the dinging of the seatbelt warning. Stretching, she raised her seat and glanced out her window seeing the airport approaching. She was glad Maria had been able to book her in first class; the seats made it easier for her to sleep and she felt rested for the first time all day.

Disembarking, she made her way to baggage claim and then to the car rental counter. Signing the lease she took the keys and pulled her luggage along to the rented Mercedes convertible waiting at the curb. After the lecture on the car she opened the cage letting Casey out in the front seat and pulled the directions from the envelope. Satisfied she'd be able to find the place, she put the top down and turned onto the Long Island Expressway for the hour and a half drive to what would be her home for the next four months.

Feeling rejuvenated from the jog, Morgan showered and changed into her favorite pair of baggy black pants. Throwing on a white T-shirt and black vest she headed for the safe house to be debriefed.

Morgan's Toyota Land Cruiser purred down the Long Island Expressway, allowing her to lose herself in thoughts of the last month. For the first time in her career she was stumped. She was certain in the beginning that the perp was a white male, early 30's, and new to the serial killer world. Now she wasn't so sure; she was leaning towards this being a seasoned professional.

She still believed it was a white male, only because it fit with the norm for profiling these killers. The stats showed very few ethnic races and even fewer women leaned toward the serial killer phenomenon. The baffling thing had been how this particular killer made each crime scene different, but also alike. The bodies were always found nude, always found by hikers or campers, and there was never any trace evidence. The differences were that all the crime scenes were staged to look like an amateur had committed them. They were all killed in different manners, some strangled, some mutilated, some shot, some stabbed, and the only constant was they were all dead.

The last scene she'd been called to had been the worst. This body was found in the Ozark Mountains. The body of a young woman had been found by a Boy Scout troop earning their camping badges. The bodies were never hidden, and this was no exception. She'd been laid out in a grisly tableau, at first glance it appeared that she'd been decapitated and amputated with the pieces scattered about. After Morgan had taken over the scene she saw a pattern to the pieces.

The woman had been amputated while still alive. Cause of death was hemorrhaging; she'd been alive and conscious until her head was cut off. The head was sitting on a stump facing the body with a sad almost wistful expression in the sightless hazel eyes. The torso was nude with the arms exactly two feet from the shoulders, each hand reaching for a piece of clothing mere inches from it's grasp. The legs were crossed modestly at the ankles but far enough from the torso to make modesty a moot point.

Morgan walked around the body in a wide circle, careful not to disturb what trace, if any, would be there. She wondered if this woman would be a virgin like the last. That could be the reason for the crossed legs; a mocking symbol of the last barrier to innocence. Everything about this particular scene screamed innocence; the crossed legs, the hands reaching for the clothes, and the sad look on the victim's face.

It was the lack of trace that had Morgan's full attention now. Everyone leaves trace behind; most people never realize the amount of hair and fibers they pick up and deposit throughout the day. But these scenes had nothing in the way of trace around them. For the forensic team that meant no clues and no idea where the killer would strike next. They had no clear ideas of how long the killer had been doing this either. The lack of any similarities between the scenes meant they hadn't been able to track the killer back to the first crime.

The victims were all dissimilar; sometimes men, sometimes women, once a child. The escalation of the kills indicated to Morgan that the killer wasn't being satisfied by the thrill any longer. It had now become a need. The bodies were showing up within weeks of each other now, whereas before it had been months. This by itself wasn't uncommon but with this particular killer it could be a double-edged sword. The killer could get better at hiding the evidence or could become sloppy in the search for the missing thrill.

This is what concerned her most. If the killer didn't start slipping up, they'd never catch him. There were already so many reports in Morgan's briefcase of unsolved murders that she'd never get through them all. Seemed every police department with an open homicide case was convinced that the killer had struck in their town. She knew that most likely some of those reports could be attributed to this killer. If there were no new developments and no bodies showed up in the next week she planned to sort through all the files.

So far they'd found bodies in just about half of the continental states, but not two in any one state. That seemed another constant; their killer didn't return to the scene of the crime. There were so many variables to this case, none of which fit the standard profile. This killer picked no single victim type, was not partial to race, sex or nationality. No physical characteristics could be linked. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing physically similar about the victims. None were sexually molested and none of them fought back.

"Besides the murder, what was the motive?" Morgan wondered out loud.

She pulled into the driveway of the non-descript half brick-half wood single story gray safe house. She was amazed to see the number of cars parked haphazardly around the lawn. This case was definitely garnering quite a bit of extra attention. In a case this high profile that was never a good sign. Too many cooks are going to spoil the stew, she thought.

Walking to the door she set her face into an unreadable mask. The door opened as she reached for the handle and the deputy director for the behavioral sciences unit stepped onto the porch.

"Morgan, we need to have a chat before you go in there."

"What are all these people doing here Walt?"

"That's what we need to talk about," he said, taking her elbow and steering her to a bench under the stately old oak by the porch.

"No, we don't have to talk about it; they have to go. My contract gives me exclusive rights to choose my team and you know that."

"Not on this one; you need the extra help."

"Wrong again Walt. I don't need any extra help, what I need is for these people to leave so I can get my team focused. It doesn't matter how many people you put on this case, no one's going to solve it until our perp fucks up."

"I don't have a choice on this, Morgan. The director's breathing down my neck about finding this psycho. He wants more people on the team. You'll have to adjust."

"I'm not adjusting SHIT Walt, do you understand that? I will walk off this case in a heartbeat and don't think I won't. You need to pull out my contract and read the fine print. If the bureau doesn't 'adjust' to what I want I can leave at any time, with full pay as well. So you decide, is it going to be my way or do I walk out of here?" Morgan was standing over the shorter man, fists clenched at her sides; every muscle in her body was tense with barely controlled anger. She wanted nothing more at that moment than to yank the desk-jockey off the bench and rip him limb from limb.

Walt stared into the cold blue eyes inches from his face and prayed he wouldn't wet his pants. God she's intimidating, no wonder she always gets her way. She must have the whole bureau glad she's on our side. He pulled the cell from his jacket.

Sliding, literally, out from under Morgan, he hit the speed dial and walked rapidly away from her.

"This is Deputy Director Walter Johnson, I need a secure line to Director Baxter ASAP." Walt stated looking in Morgan's direction. Baxter wasn't going to like this one, but they couldn't afford for Morgan to walk on this case. He knew Baxter was going to cave, he just needed confirmation before he gave Morgan the okay to boot everyone.

He never saw Morgan move, but suddenly there she was behind him, taking the phone from his hand.

"Beat it Walt this is between me and Baxter."

"Bax? Morgan? listen I want that team you sent in disbanded now?. Fine?. And one more thing, there will be no more debriefings. Not from me and not from my team, understood?"

"The team can go, that's a given but why no debriefings?" Baxter's voice came through the line.

"Is this a secured line?"

"Yeah, speak freely."

"Okay I've been kicking an idea around; we can't find any trace right? So who knows enough about trace to totally eliminate it from a scene? An agent, and probably one of my team at that. So we're going to flush them out. I need you to give me a lot of leeway on this one. I'm not going to go by the book."

"Do you have any idea who the perp is?"

"I'm not 100 percent on that one yet but I have a few possibilities. I want to keep it under my belt for now. I'm not giving out any more information than I feel is absolutely necessary."

"Alright Morgan, I'll give you all the leeway I can, but I need results on this. You're going to have to flush this termite from the woodwork as quickly as you can."

"Count on it Baxter. I need jackets on everyone who ever worked any part of this case, plus taps and surveillance. If they sneeze I want to know who handed them a Kleenex. Don't put anyone on them from regional; pull a crew from the boonies, I don't want anyone recognizable."

"Okay we can do that, the taps will be in place tonight and surveillance will start tomorrow. Who's in the loop on this one?"

"You and I. I don't want anyone else to know, so no paper."

Morgan flipped the cell in Walt's direction and vaulted onto the porch. She paused briefly at the door to set the mask in place again then walked in with all the authority she could muster.

She strode to the conference table that took over what should have been the livingroom, and looking at the thirty-five or so faces staring at her told them if they weren't on her original team to leave. Murmurs of protest were heard throughout the room, though none were acknowledged. When the last of Baxter's men had filed out she turned to her team. "We're packing it up here folks and moving this party to my house. From now on all meetings will be held there and no information goes to HQ unless it goes through me. If you can't keep your mouths shut you won't be working for me anymore. Am I making myself perfectly clear on this?"

Affirmative nods from the five people left in the room answered her question.

"Good, pack it up and head to my house."

She left her crew to gather their notes and walked outside to Walt.

"After they move out, scrub the house. We won't be working here anymore."

"Yeah okay. Where should I meet you later?"

"Nowhere. As of now you're off the team; go back to Quantico. If I need you I'll be in touch."

Ball busting bitch, Walt thought to himself as he watched Morgan's Land Cruiser drive off. We'll see about being off the team. No two-bit contract agent was going to tell the Deputy Director of the F frigging BI what cases he could work.

Morgan escorted the five agents into the metal building that constituted her lab. Taking drink orders she made her way into the house. Placing the soft drinks on a tray she grabbed herself a Dr. Pepper and keying the door code went into her study.

Turning on the lights she turned to the row of VCR's lining one wall. The TV's showed the inside of the lab and she hit the record button as she listened in on the conversations.

Good, they were all wondering what she was up to. It was going to be easy to divide and conquer this bunch, she surmised, watching the group argue. None of them liked being cut off from HQ and that would come in handy for what she had planned. If the killer were one of hers she hoped the stress of only having part of the facts would drive them to doing something stupid.

Smiling wryly at the TV's, she shut off the lights and locked the door, taking they tray of sodas to the waiting group.

Morgan sat at the table listening as the operatives gave their reports. She wasn't paying close attention to the group as her mind formulated a plan. The silence snapped her from her reverie.

"Okay guys this is the last time we'll hold one of these meetings as a group. From now on you'll meet with me one on one. There will be no discussing this case either amongst yourselves or with anyone else. That includes the Director and the Deputy Director; from now on we maintain silence. Any press releases will come directly from me. If I hear that any of you have broken silence on this case for any reason, not only will you be dismissed from my team but from the bureau as well. Each of you will be assigned certain parts of the case to work on and that is all you'll do. There will be only one written copy of your reports and you'll give those to me. All your notes will be turned in with your reports or shredded. Don't leave anything lying around for anyone else to see. This case has become Top Secret and all rules apply. Any questions?"

"What about crime scenes?" Asked the fifty-ish balding man sitting next to her.

"You'll be on the crime scenes with me, Bones, but no one else on the team is to be there. We'll work the scene and I'll filter the information to the appropriate team members. Anything else?"

"What about the rest of us? Are we going to be desk-jockeys for the duration?" The question came from the only other woman on the team.

"You'll all have things to do outside the office Gin, but some of the assignments will require a certain amount of desk time. This will not be much different than the way we've been working this case so far, people. You'll each be concentrating on a different aspect that's all. Don't act like this is the end of the world. I think we'll crack this faster if we give our full attention to one thing each. Right now we're running around like a dog chasing it's tail, so we're going to try this and see if we can get somewhere."

There were a few moans and groans but no more questions from the group. "Good, now I want to meet with each of you to hand out assignments. If you have any questions ask them then. Once you drive away, you do not contact each other. If you need some information come to me; I'll get it for you."

"Bones, I want you first. The rest of you wait for me to contact you on the intercom, then come on up to the house for your assignments."

Morgan sighed and leaned back in her chair; the meetings had gone better than expected. The trap was set, now she only had to wait for the jaws to snap shut. Time to put in a call to Baxter.

"Baxter, this is Morgan?. Do you have the jackets for me?"

"Yeah I uploaded them after we talked earlier. You ready for transmission?"

"Have you downloaded the new encryption database I sent you?"

"Yep, and I gotta tell you Morg, it's a beaut. There is no end to your talents, girl."

"I have many skills Bax, but you'd better watch out that sounded almost like a compliment. Use the new program to encode the files and send them over. I also want the tap logs sent directly to me through the database; no one sees them but me ok?"

"I gotta tell you Morgan, I don't like this. You are way too fixated on this case."

"Yeah I know Bax, but I just can't shake the feeling it's someone on the inside and they're laughing at us. I want this guy, and I want him bad."

"Don't make it personal Morgan, it's not personal. It's a case just like any other case."

"No, no it's not Bax, if this guy is one of mine, then it's very personal. I hand picked this team, they're supposed to be the best of the best. I don't want to think I've had a killer around me for the last five years and haven't picked up some kind of a clue."

"I can understand your position on this one Morgan, just don't go off half cocked. If it is one of your guys we need them alive. The information we can gather will be invaluable to us in the long run."

"I get your point Bax; I won't kill them unless it's absolutely necessary. Can't promise not to rough him up a little though."

"Do what's necessary but no more Morgan; we can't afford to let this guy go on a technicality. Make it a clean bust and I'll make it worth your while."

"Yeah yeah Bax, I've heard it all before. The jackets just made it through decoding; I'll keep you up to speed. Talk to you again soon."

"Okay Morgan, have a good evening."

Morgan swiveled her chair to face the twenty-one inch monitor and with a roll of her trackball mouse lost herself in the personnel files. Two hours later she was wondering how some of these people had ever gotten hired. Shaking her head she reached for the phone.

"Baxter, you didn't send the file on Walt."

"What would you need Walt's file for?"

"Because he worked on the team Baxter, I told you I wanted the jackets on anyone who ever worked on the team. Tell me you put a tap and surveillance on him as well."

"No I didn't. He's been with the bureau for almost 30 years Morgan; I don't think he's our man."

"You may not think so, but I'm not prepared to rule out anyone right now. Send his file and get him coverage."

"Okay Morgan, I'll get on it, by the time you finish dinner you'll have the file."

"Thanks Bax, talk to you later."

Hanging up the phone Morgan realized she hadn't eaten all day. Heading for the kitchen she remembered she hadn't bought groceries today either.

"J.D. come here girl, you want to ride to the store with me?"

"Woof." She answered, bounding into the livingroom, leash in her mouth.

"Good girl, now if we could just teach you to put it on," Morgan said, scratching her head and hooking the leash to the stud collar. "Alright saddle up and let's go."

Tucking her Glock 9 mil into the holster on the back of her pants she grabbed the keys and followed J.D. to the truck.

Pulling out of the driveway she noticed a strange car parked next door. She put the truck in drive and pulled back in the garage. Telling J.D. to go back in the house, she drew her pistol and crept onto the back porch of Janice's house.

Morgan reached over her head and unscrewed the bulb from the motion sensitive porch light, and peered through the deck window. Seeing no one in the kitchen she silently slid the patio door open and entered the house. She checked around the corner and moved into the hallway. Dropping to one knee she scanned the livingroom. There, by the fireplace, was a small blond woman peering at the pictures on the mantle. Morgan weighed her options and decided to circle around the woman and come in from behind.

Coming up behind the woman she placed the gun beside her head and whispered in her ear.

Kathryn was conscious first of the warm breath that whistled past her head then she heard the words "What the hell do you think you're doing here?" before the sound of the gun cocking against her head made her jump. She whirled to face the intruder in her house.

"I might ask you the same thing; this is my house."

"No, this is Janice's house. Who are you?"

"Who are you?"

"I asked you first."

"Look I'm not going to play this game with you. Why don't you put that gun away and we can sit on the sofa and talk."

Morgan uncocked the pistol, replacing it in the holster, and followed the smaller woman to the sofa.

"My name is Kathryn Peterson, and I inherited this house from my aunt. And you are?"

"You must be June's daughter; I'm Morgan Sumners and I live next door to you." Morgan held out a slender hand and was surprised at the strength of the smaller hand clasped in hers. This woman had the most beautiful green eyes she'd ever seen outside a cat. Morgan couldn't break contact as the emerald orbs pinned her in place.

"You inherited the house? Then you mean Janice?"

"Passed away about a month ago." Kathryn finished for her and was shocked when the woman before her began weeping silent tears. Not knowing what else to do for Morgan, she wrapped her arms around her, rocking back and forth making shushing noises. This was the last thing Kate would have expected from the stranger sitting on her sofa. When Morgan had first come up behind her she thought she was going to die. When she turned to look at her she thought it would be from a heart attack instead of a gunshot. This was the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen. Kathryn had taken in the six-foot height, waist length raven hair, and eyes the color of the bluest sky before she found her tongue.

Morgan pulled away from Kate abruptly and walked to the pictures on the mantle. Taking one, she gazed down at the smiling figures with their arms wrapped around each other. Morgan had taken the picture three years ago on the deck of Janice's house. Mel was in good health that summer. The sun reflecting off her bronze skin, picking up the silver highlights in her hair made it hard to believe she'd be gone in less than a month. Janice had been so devastated by Mel's death that Morgan was sure the smaller woman would follow her into the grave.

Kathryn walked to the taller woman and putting her hand on Morgan's elbow she pointed at Mel in the picture.

"Is this your mother?"

"No" Morgan smiled. "Everyone who saw us together assumed that, but no she wasn't. Sometimes she seemed the closest thing to a mother I'd ever had. Sometimes I even wished she were my mother. She never had kids of her own and I think she missed that. She was such a loving woman, very giving and kind. "

Kathryn's stomach began rumbling just then, bringing a chuckle from Morgan.

"Are you hungry Kathryn?"

"Yeah a little. It's been such a hectic day for me, I forgot to get anything."

"Unless you brought food with you there's probably nothing here to eat. I was on my way to the grocery store. Do you want to come along?"

"That'd be great. I passed a couple of stores on the way in but it didn't occur to me to stop."

"They're both closed now, so we'll have to drive into Mattituck. The sidewalks roll up here around 7; if you need anything you have to go out earlier."

"Would it be possible to go eat before we shop? I don't really feel like cooking anything tonight."

"Sure, Mattituck has some really great restaurants. What are you in the mood for?"

"I'll eat anything at this point, but how about seafood?"

"Sounds good to me, let me make sure J.D. went home and I'll bring the truck around."

"J.D.?"

"Oh, my dog, I sent her home when I came over. She's a little over-protective; I just want to make sure she's not sitting outside waiting to pounce on you when we leave."

Morgan turned around to go and found herself face down on the floor, nose-to-nose with a blond furball.

"Oh my god, Morgan, are you all right? Casey you bad girl, go lie down." Kate knelt down by Morgan, surprised to see the woman laughing.

"Well that hasn't happened to me since J was a pup. Casey huh? Come here Casey, come here girl."

Kate stood, shaking her head, watching Morgan roll around on the floor with the cocker. This woman was amazing, and Casey sure seemed to like her too. That, in itself was shocking; Casey generally shied away from strangers yet there she was lying on Morgan's chest and licking her face.

"Guess you've got Casey's stamp of approval, and all over your face at that." Kathryn said, lying down on the floor beside Morgan and reaching over to ruffle Casey's hair.

"Yeah guess I do. Okay Casey let me up so I can check on my baby."

Morgan stood, reaching down to offer Kate a hand up.

"Tell you what, why don't you bring Casey to my house and we'll leave her with J.D. while we go eat."

"Are you sure that's such a good idea? I mean, Casey doesn't do well in strange houses, she has, uh? accidents."

Morgan chuckled. "It will be fine; I have a doggie door and J will show her how to use it. Besides she'll have someone else to play with so she won't be scared."

"It's fine with me as long as you're sure. I'd hate for her to make a mess in your house."

"It's fine Kathryn, now come on, I'm getting hungry too."

"So what do people do around here for fun?" Kathryn asked on the trip to Morgans' house.

"I'm not around all that much, but when I'm home I like to take the boat out or shoot pool. Mostly I just hang around the house. There's not a lot to do out here for younger people; this is mostly a retirement community. If you want to go out sometime I'll take you up island."

"Could we go out on your boat sometime? I love being on the water but I don't have time for it much at home."

"Sure. If I'm home this weekend we'll take her out, maybe sail up to Maine. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great! I've never been to the East Coast."

Morgan opened the patio door and ushered Kathryn through the kitchen and into the livingroom.

"Umm, Morgan, I don't know you very well and I may be over-stepping my bounds here but, uh? could you leave the gun here? Weapons make me nervous."

"I'll take it off tonight but if you're going to be hanging around with me you'll have to get used to it; it's part of my job to carry a piece."

"Thanks Morgan, I appreciate it."

Morgan walked into her bedroom pulling the gun from her belt. She didn't know why she was doing it; she never liked going anywhere unarmed. Deciding that Kathryn would be none the wiser, she pulled a snub nosed 38 from the closet and strapped it to her ankle.

"You ready?" Morgan asked, walking into the livingroom.

"Yeah, who painted this?" Kathryn asked, looking at the large oil painting hanging behind the peach colored sofa. The picture was done in muted grays and showed an angry ocean tossing a clipper ship against a rocky bluff.

"What do you think of it?"

"I love it; it's beautiful and angry at the same time. This artist has real talent. Maybe I can find another painting by him to take back home."

"Her."

"Huh?"

"It was painted by a woman."

"Did you buy it on the Island?"

"No I didn't buy it."

"You know the artist?"

"Yeah I know the artist."

"Why isn't it signed?"

"Because it was painted for me, not for the public."

"So who painted it?"

"I did. You ready to go now?"

"My God Morgan you have such talent. Do you sell to the public?"

"No. I've never sold a painting. I usually don't even hang them but this one, I don't know. There was just something about this one that touched me and I wanted it around."

"Do you have any others that I can see?"

"There's one hanging at Janice's hou? I mean at your house. Now if we're finished playing twenty questions can we go eat before the restaurants close?"

Morgan was glad when they'd finally reached the Apple Tree in Mattituck; she hadn't realized what a chatterbox Kathryn was. The girl seemed to notice and comment on the slightest thing as if Morgan hadn't seen any of this before.

The hostess seated them in a darkened booth, handing them menus and a wine list before walking away.

"Do you like wine, Kathryn?" Morgan asked, picking up the list.

"Sure wine sounds fine."

"Red or white?"

"I never know how to order wine. Aren't you supposed to pick a color to go with what you're eating?"

Morgan chuckled. "Yeah that's the way you're supposed to do it, but I don't particularly care for white wine."

"Me either. Get whatever you think is good."

When the waiter arrived, Morgan ordered a bottle of Rocche 91 and the English cut prime rib, then glanced in Kathryn's direction.

"I'll start with the smoked salmon with rice pilaf and baby carrots followed by the broiled stuffed lobster with asparagus, finishing with the grilled shrimp skewers and corn on the cob."

Morgan didn't know who was more stunned by the blondes request, her or the waiter.

"Ma'am? Uh, you do realize you're ordering three separate main course dinners don't you?"

"Yeah I do. I haven't eaten all day but I want to save room for dessert."

Room for dessert?' Morgan thought incredulously. Where the hell was she going to put dessert? in her purse?

"Yes ma'am, we'll have those right out for you," He said, walking away.

"Do you always eat so much?"

"Most of the time. My metabolism is really good I guess. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat or how much; I just burn it off."

"Then you're one of the lucky ones. I know if I ate that much at every meal my body would have it's own address."

"My dad says the same thing. I think he was really glad when I moved away from home just so his grocery bill would go down."

"Where is home?"

"Houston, how about you?"

"What do you do there?"

"I work for an architectural firm."

"As an architect or in some other capacity?"

"Both actually. I'm an architect but also president of the firm. My father owns it and we're partners."

"Must be nice for both of you. I'll have to give you a tour of my house and see what you think. I had the old structure torn down and designed this one."

"From what I've seen of the outside and inside you did a great job. It looks bigger than all the other houses in the neighborhood but it fits in with the surroundings. Is that big metal building yours?"

"Yeah, kinda sticks out like a sore thumb huh?"

"Not really. Being the last house on the street you don't really notice it because the house shields it from view. If I hadn't walked over with you I wouldn't necessarily know it was there."

"Good. I'd hate to know I was bringing down the property values because of it. I got a lot of flack from Mildred after they built it. Actually caught her breaking into it one night." The raven- haired woman grinned at her companion.

"Who's Mildred?" Kathryn couldn't seem to take her eyes off of Morgan.

"You haven't met her yet? That's hard to believe. Usually, if she sees a strange car going down the road she follows it. You'll probably meet her tomorrow. She's a little old lady that lives up the road from us. Between her and Delores they know everything that goes on in the neighborhood."

Morgan asked the waiter for another bottle of wine as he set Kathryn's last course on the table. She'd finished the first two platefuls, the remainder of Morgan's prime rib, and showed no hint of stopping anytime in the near future.

"So you never said what you do for a living, Morgan."

"I do occasional work for the government."

"Occasional work? What does that mean?"

"It means I do consulting work when they need me."

"Umm, so what do you consult on?" The smaller woman finished off the last course and settled back into her seat.

"Different things, most of it confidential."

"Must be exciting. Do they keep you busy?" She took another sip of her wine.

"Sometimes they do. I've been pretty tied up for a while but there are times when I'll get a few months off to be a beach bum. What about you? How long are you going to be on the Island?"

"I don't know right now. I think I'll play it by ear and see how I like it here. My dad wants me to take the summer off and decide what to do about Janice's house."

"That's surprising. Janice said Henry didn't care much for her. From what she said, I'd think he wouldn't want you here at all." Morgan felt relaxed for the first time all day and made a mental note about how easy it was to talk to this woman.

"Do you know why they had a falling out? He wouldn't say anything to me other than they had 'differences,'' whatever that means. We had an argument about her before I left but he sent me a letter apologizing. He said I should forgive him the prejudices of youth or some such nonsense. It really hurt to hear I had an aunt. I didn't know. It was hard on me when my mom died and I wish I'd had someone around that knew her."

"Janice was a wonderful woman. She spoke of you often. She kept tabs on you and was very proud of your accomplishments. She sent you birthday and Christmas cards every year even though she knew they'd be returned." Morgan leaned closer to the blond before she spoke.

"She loved you, you know, even if she wasn't a physical part of your life."

"But that doesn't explain why Daddy cut her off from us. Will you tell me about that?"

"It's not my place Kathryn; I'm not a part of your family." Morgan's chest tightened when she said that because for a while she had been a part of Janice's family. They'd shared a bond that went beyond friendship. Janice told her once that family didn't necessarily mean being born to someone, just that you loved them enough to call them that.

They'd made it through two bottles of wine and several pots of coffee before Morgan noticed the waiters placing chairs on the tables.

"I think they're trying to close the place. You ready to go shopping?" Morgan grinned; after the meal Kathryn had just consumed she wondered how the young woman would even be able to get up from the table.

"Oh god yeah, let's go. I didn't realize it was getting so late."

"2 a.m." Morgan said, signaling the waiter for the check.

"Doesn't feel that late. Must be the company." Kathryn smiled warmly.

"Probably because you're still on Texas time. I know I'm not that much of a conversationalist."

Morgan paid the check and they left for the all night grocery store.

They each got a shopping cart and split up. Morgan headed to the frozen food aisle and picked out a week's worth of T.V. dinners and waffles. She tossed in dog food; beer and sodas then headed for the checkout.

She was standing by the door when she saw Kathryn wheeling her loaded down cart to the front. God I hope that's for the month and not just a week. Though if dinner were any indication that food wouldn't last a week. She'd never seen anyone who could eat that much. Kathryn had put away not only the dinners but two helpings of Apple Crisp and ice cream as well.

Kathryn hopped in the truck while the sacker loaded their groceries in the back. When Morgan got in she looked over and saw her passenger fast asleep. She looked so peaceful that Morgan didn't wake her. Reaching over her, she buckled the sleeping woman in and started the thirty-minute drive back.

The drive home was peaceful, broken only by the soft snores coming from the passenger side of the truck. Morgan pulled into Kathryn's driveway and tried to rouse the sleeping woman.

"Kathryn, wake up. We're home." Morgan said, gently shaking her new friend.

"Mmmrfph." Kathryn answered, pushing Morgan's hand away.

"Okay we'll do this the hard way then."

Morgan left her in the truck. Carrying the groceries into Kathryn's kitchen, she put them away. She went into Mel and Janice's bedroom and not seeing any suitcases headed for the spare bedroom. Spotting the open suitcases on the bed, she searched for Kathryn's nightclothes and laid them out. Closing the luggage, she set it on the floor and turned the bed down.

Opening the passenger door she unbuckled Kathryn and pulled the small body into her arms and carried her to the bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, she tried again to rouse the sleeping form. Getting no response, she stripped Kathryn's clothes off and redressed her in the pajamas. Tucking her under the covers, Morgan brushed a wisp of hair off Kathryn's forehead and placed a gentle kiss on the sleeping woman's brow before turning off the light and driving home.

Hefting her own groceries she walked into the kitchen and put them away. This had been a crazy day but she admitted she'd enjoyed her time with Kathryn. By the end of the evening it seemed like they'd been friends forever. Morgan had never been one to make friends easily and she was amazed to find herself so relaxed in Kathryn's company.

Stripping off her own clothes she walked into the bedroom and fell naked into bed beside the dogs. She barely had the energy to push J.D. off her pillow and turn off the lights before she felt Casey snuggle up against her and they were all three fast asleep.

Morgan knew she was dreaming as she watched Megan walk toward her, shedding her clothes. She had just reached out her arms to pull the dream woman against her own nude body when Megans face changed into Kathryn's. Cupping Kathryn's head she pulled her in close and woke as their lips met.

Bolting upright, Morgan pushed her hair off her face and scanned the room, almost disappointed to find Kathryn wasn't there. The dream seemed so real and Morgan felt the heat in her body that said it felt betrayed by the dream as well. Looking at the sun starting to stream through the window, Morgan headed for the shower.

Showered, dressed, and full of coffee, Morgan called to the two dogs and started jogging down the beach.

Kathryn woke from a dream of Morgan undressing her to find the sun up. It took a minute for her to recognize her surroundings and then to realize she didn't know how she'd gotten from the truck into bed. Looking down she knew Morgan must have carried her to bed and changed her clothes. "God how embarrassing is this? I just meet the woman, she feeds me, takes me shopping, and I fall asleep on her. I wonder if she'll believe it was jet lag?" Though most likely it was the wine, Morgan only had two glasses and Kathryn finished the rest. She knew she was a little tipsy but it wasn't enough to fall asleep like she'd done.

Kathryn pulled the suitcases onto the rumpled bed and pulled an outfit from the now neatly folded pile of clothes. "Oh god she even folded the clothes in my suitcase." Taking the clothes and cosmetic case into the bathroom Kathryn decided that after her shower she'd go over and offer to make Morgan breakfast.

Continued in Part 2.