~ Drango Gap ~
by Elizabeth Carroll AKA RangerLiz

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Chapter Four:

Meredith lowered the checklist and glanced toward the brunette woman busy coiling up the last of the new ropes inside protective storage bags. The monthly inspection of the rescue and fire cache gear had been completed, and it was well after quitting time. Dianthe stepped back, wiping her right hand across her sweaty brow and gave her partner an expectant look.

The last six weeks had been a busy one, especially for their newest member. Dianthe had proven herself an incredible pilot, and a very solid law enforcement officer whose cool was not easily shaken. Ryan had left two weeks ago, deeming her ready for action, and she had flown four standard patrol her own.

She covered not only Burntmountain, but the National Forest and Park Service lands adjacent the park, plus special missions of their six sister units. Not to mention sharing road and backcountry patrols with the district's six other law enforcement rangers. She and Tracy Spencer were the two full time law enforcement rangers, and the other four were career seasonals.

"Well, that's it. We are ready for the season," Meredith announced, lowering the clipboard with an impish grin. "Next week, the balance of our seasonal arrive. Some are locals, but a fair amount are not. Should take us about two weeks to them up to speed."

Dianthe groaned, rolling her eyes. Training seasonal was one of the things she dreaded:. many were wonderful, talented folks, others were pure nightmares to deal with. In some parks it did not really matter how good the rangers and guides were in certain skills, but here it could mean the difference between life and death. All of the full time staff members were trained in Search and Rescue methods, drilled regularly, and fought wildland fires.

A good portion of the seasonals came with the necessary skills, though they would be trained here. Jason and Annie did not want to discover a seasonal misrepresented his or her skills when it counted. She, Annie, Sam and Meredith would be responsible for certifying the seasonals for SAR and fire fighting.

Meredith grinned when Dianthe jumped at the big wood spider that dashed along the beam she had been leaning against. The towering woman recoiled when the spider paused, and she raised her work glove clad hand to squash it. Meredith caught her friend's hand, shaking her head, and scooped up the little guy. Holding the spider inside her leather gloved hands, Meredith bumped open the door with her hip and vanished outside.

She returned a few minutes later, beaming. "He's gone. No more danger, Ranger."

"Yuck.." Dianthe shivered, annoyed that she had been such a wimp about the spider. It had not been the first time a spider had caused her mortification.

She and Furball had a wonderful arrangement: she hated spiders, and he ate them. Since he had come into her life, she had not had any major spider scares.

"It's okay. Jason hates spider, too. Annie and I take care of spiders for him."

Dianthe scowled, tucking her gloves inside her the back pocket of her work jeans. "What are you afraid of?"

Meredith shrugged her shoulders, and considered the question seriously. "No animals. I like them all. I have a hell of a lot of respect for those that can do damage, but that happens mainly out of ignorance on our part. I guess what scares me the most, is whatever we humans are capable of. From destruction of our environment to wars and murder, not to mention all the shades of gray in between, and how we become used to the horrors of it all.

Two years ago there was a rancher who fell into debt from his gambling habit, and he knew he was going to lose the ranch that had been in family for four generations. In the middle of the night, he killed his wife and three kids rather than having them being made homeless. He set fire to the ranch house, and hung himself in the barn.

Thing is, I worked with him on several big fires: he was a ground pounder. He used to talk about his family and the ranch with such joy. He was a decent man with a problem, He just became so lost, and it broke my heart to know what he had done. He had been on my crew for a big fire in Montanan two weeks before he killed them and himself.

He seemed so happy..he gave a picture of his family, told me about them.. I think he wanted someone to remember them. I have the picture in my office, since I knew Vic for three years. He lived in Idaho, worked out of the Boise operations to supplement his income. His wife and boys did a lot of the daily ranch work. And his little girl was learning all about the ranch."

Dianthe flinched. She had handled a similar case in the Everglades. A fellow law enforcement officer had a steady girlfriend with emotional problems. He thought he could help her. He thought loving her could cure it. Late one night she used his off-duty carry to kill him, then blew her own brains out.

"Why did you never become a law enforcement ranger?"

"Because of things like what Vic did. I would rather learn about nature's secrets than the dark corners of the human heart. As it is, I've seen some of that darkness up close and personal," Meredith hung the clipboard. Shadows of memory clouded the woman's incredible gray-green eyes, echoes of pain and remorse. Dianthe touched the short woman's shoulder gently.

Whatever it had been, it haunted Meredith. Dianthe cursed herself for having reopened a healing wound that Meredith preferred to forget. She could only wonder what it was that haunted the woman beyond the current situation with Dawson.

Meredith smiled softly. Dianthe returned the smile, glad that the shadows had vanished. She recalled how she and Meredith had watched the movie "Top Gun" together a few nights ago, lounging over a the remains of a fine meal Meredith had cooked.

Dianthe could cook, but Meredith made it an art form to be savored. The rosemary chicken with lightly sautéed vegetables with subtle herbs that had made Dianthe groan with delight. Meredith had cooked the meal in the cabin, filling it delicious aromas while they listened to Melissa Etheridge, k.d. lang and other well-known female singers.

Sipping chilled California Chardonnay, and laughing, they had watched the movie, and Meredith had been intrigued with the concept of Dianthe had really done such things. Dianthe had been happy to tell her some stories, and Meredith had been fascinated.

Meredith had asked questions about the intense training programs Dianthe had undertaken, the realities of life in what had been an exclusive male club for so long. Dianthe found talking about her past life did not hurt as much as it once had, at least not with Meredith.

Dianthe had been hard pressed not to lean over and brush her lips across Meredith's. It would have been so easy. Instead, she had made a lame excuse about being really tired. Meredith had headed back to the main house, unaware of how close Dianthe had been to asking her to spending the night.

"How about we get something to eat?"

Meredith's gray-green eyes brightened, and she nodded. "How about my house? I made some lobster salad last night."

"Lobster salad?"

"Yup; my grandfather and grandmother are back on Mount Desert for the summertime, and he sent me twelve pounds of fresh Maine lobster. You had night patrol last night. Annie, Jason and Tracy had their lobsters last night at my house; I made the salad last night, when they left."

"Sounds great," Dianthe ambled towards the district office, glad she was off duty now. She and Meredith had been working since early morning, a double shift for the law enforcement ranger. "How about I meet you back your house about seven thirty? The least I can do is get us wine and desert."

"Hmm, surprise me. Decadent Delights doesn't close until midnight."

"You love that store," Dianthe had been shown the best shop in the very lovely, very quaint town of Blackstone. It had the feel of Seattle, and the shops were great. Decadent Delights had incredible baked goods, fine, handcrafted chocolates, coffee, and teas that could be enjoyed there, or taken home.

"Yup; I do," Meredith answered with a grin. "I gotta hit the road. Have to pick up a package at the post office. Another present from my grandparents, and maybe if you are lucky, its my grandmother's famous blue berry and cinnamon oatmeal and Swiss milk and dark chocolate chip cookies."

"Homemade cookies?" Dianthe licked her lips. Grandmother Murphy's cookies were loved by the staff, and when she set a box, she sent enough to keep the cookie hounds happy. Meri always made sure she sent some to Morgan and Karen, too. Sam and Kelly knew when the delivers occurred, and made sure they got their cut, too.

Dianthe understood why everyone had been eager to know what package had arrived the other day. If there was one thing that seemed true, there were a lot of Burntmountain folks awaiting the first big box of summer cookies. Dottie had called Meredith to announce a large overnight package had arrived at the Blackstone post office. It had late hours today, and Meredith would just make the post office if she left now.

"If we are lucky, she's doing her summer baking for us. She says the fresh air on Mount Desert inspires her, and she makes us a couple big batches every summer. I wonder what wines goes well with cookies?"

Dianthe laughed, though no doubt there was someone out there who would know what wine complimented cookies.

There was a good wine market right next door to Decadent Delights, and they also stayed open late. Blackstone was atypical of most American towns: it's shops and venues stayed open late, since the tourists of Burntmountain enjoyed the nightlife.

Meredith secured the huge shed's doors, then tossed Dianthe the keys. Dianthe snagged them out of the air, beaming. They both had the next few days off, and Dianthe was thinking of asking the woman to go mountain biking with her. The sprawling Burntmountain resort utilized its network of world-class ski trails and slopes for off-season mountain biking trails. Dianthe snapped the keys on the black carabineer she used to hold her keys when she was not wearing her gun belt.

A lobster diner, some good wine, and chocolate cake for desert. Meri's weak spot was good chocolate. But it did not show. Meredith kept herself trim and fit, the description Annie had given her came to mind. "There's no such thing as Meredith at rest: just different stages of motion," it had been said when the woman had come back from five days hiking the edge of the park's back country.

Meredith had been out tracking the elusive grizzly bears of the park, collecting things the ex-fighter jock did not care to think about. Since the loss of the young male bear, Meredith had been asked by the Resource Management team to determine how the other known bears in the park where doing.

She had come up signs of an old male bear that had come down out of the high backcountry, and had been concerned. Something had felt wrong about the signs left behind, and the scat indicated he had been eating poorly. And he had been favoring his left hind leg, indicating some type of wound or condition.

Meredith had contacted Morgan and Karen, since the bear would be cutting through their district. What had Meredith concerned was the animal seemed lame, and how close he was to the edge of the sprawling parks heavily used trails and campgrounds. The fringes of the park was where most visitors spent their time, sparing the backcountry heavier use, and the bear was headed for the more populated sections of the National Forest.

For a few days she could find no further sign of the huge animal, then reports began trickling in. Two campers had found their campsite trashed, the tent shredded because one of them had forgotten the most basic thing: no food in tents. A beef jerky left inside the tent had attracted the huge bear. A seasoned woodsman spotted the bear, and said it had been acting odd.

He also reported he had glimpsed a man wearing camouflage with a rifle in the same area. Not wanting to discover if the man was a poacher, he had gotten out of the area and called the Forest Service from his car.

Between the risk of a bear-human conflict and trail work scheduled on the long backcountry route shut four seasons ago, Meredith had requested a temporary closure of the short loop trail that was six miles long. She had identified it last season for restoration work slated for this season as part of the larger project to restore the backcountry trails of Witch Mountain area. Jason had agreed, and the Witch Mountain's Wind Meadow Trail was closed due to the combination of necessary trail work and the bear issue.

Meredith had spent two days with Tracy posting "trail closed" signs, and checking for backcountry campers with and without permits. She notified the local sports vendors, and outfitters about the temporary closure, and had the district web page reflect it. If things went well, Meredith hoped the bear would return to the backcountry, and the trail workers could have the trail open by the end of June.

It meant that many of the summer tourists would not have access to the popular trail, but there were other trails in the park and bordering Okanogan National Forest. And dire hard hikers and campers were more interested in the more demanding trails that gave them access to places many visitors never saw.

The National Forest Service closed the access to the area where the bear had been sighted, and the Fish and Wildlife Service had sent some folks to help track the animal. No wanted the bear injured, nor a confrontation between hikers. Meri had helped lay three bear cages, under the guidance of an bear expert on loan from Glacier National Park.

They had viewed her information, agreeing the tracks showed the animal favoring his left hind leg. Hair samples indicated the animal was definitely a grizzly bear, and a big one from the tracks. A combination of tracks and the old woodsman's spotting indicated it was an old male.

Everyone hoped the animal would return to his high country haunts, but they were all watching. Meredith had been too busy to check the area this last couple of days, but local game wardens, Fish and Wildlife, and Forest Service staff were covering the affected areas.

Meredith had disliked not being able to help the last four days, but the inventory needed to be done. Not to mention finalizing the trail work and maintenance program for the season, as well as implementing the district fire plan for the season. Meredith had pulled eight fourteen-hour days, but things were done.

The last few days had been hectic for the wildlife biologist between the inventory, the bear issue, trail work planning and the Operation Wilderness programs she had been giving. Meredith had handled in insane workload with grace and good humor, especially her role as an acting Interpretive ranger. Dianthe had attended one of the three-hour programs, helping haul some extra gear when one of the chaperons had twisted his knee the day before, and had found herself enthralled in the living classroom Meredith revealed.

Meredith loved what she did, and it showed. Her enthusiasm for nature and the wilderness could touch all but the most jaded of souls.

Dianthe had watched Meredith with the kids. She had a knack for reaching them, and had them totally engrossed in what she was teaching them. Many of them had been reluctant to leave, and Meredith had seemed equally saddened by their departure. Annie had snapped photographs of the programs Meredith and Sam had given.

Sam did a really good job, but he admitted Meredith had a true gift for interpretation. Dianthe could understand why Alex Larson had chosen Meredith to be the back up Interpretive Ranger. Meredith enjoyed helping out, but she admitted her true love was Natural Resource Management.

The wildlife biologist had explained reaching the next generation of park visitors was one of the most important thing field interpreters could do. Getting those future visitors involved in positive ways to preserve cultural and natural resources in a world where wilderness was vanishing.

Dianthe sauntered towards the ranger station where her vehicle was parked. Three days off. She grinned. On her right hip she wore her radio, having left her weapons belt and vest back in the station. Annie, Tracy, and a career seasonal had patrol duties, and Jason was off.

She had broken the promise she had made herself. But she had found herself drawn to the warm, exuberant woman whose sheer love of life was infectious. She had fallen in love with Meredith Murphy. She was halfway to the station when her radio crackled to life; "All SAR members, we have a report of missing campers from the Burntmountain Sheriffs Department inside the park. Location stated is the Witch Mountain Meadow Trail."

Meredith's vehicle reappeared, and the two women exchanged worried looks. The location was the remote area that had been shutdown. All routes leading to the trailhead had been clearly marked, and missing hikers there could only be trouble. Big trouble, Dianthe sensed. Meredith cursed softly. Dianthe informed Annie she and Meredith would be responding from base, once they figured out what gear they would require.

Dottie Hagen's battered old truck chugged up to the station, and the silver haired woman slipped out of her old Dodge, waving to them. Dottie immediately began handling the transmissions as she headed for the base station, and Dianthe breathed a sigh of relief. Dottie was the best Dispatcher she had ever met. She was a tough old bird, unflappable and able to handle the worse scenarios with aplomb.

Dottie knew too well the hazards of poorly handled dispatching, especially incomplete or inaccurate information hastily given. She had been widowed young when her husband, a Seattle cop had gone to what was supposed to be a minor problem, but turned out to be drug deal gone bad. Both Walter and his partner Earl were killed in a hail of bullets because a new dispatcher had mixed up two calls. He had given the wrong codes to Walter and Earl, and the two officers never had a chance.

Earl had not been married, but Walter had a wife and two boys. Dottie had applied for a job as a dispatcher in the Department where her husband had been a patrol officer for five years. Between Walter's veteran benefits, his small pension, and her job, she had managed to keep a roof above their heads and food on the table. She had also managed to send her boys to college while becoming one of the best dispatchers in the city. She had retired as the chief dispatcher twenty-three years later.

The Seattle cops she had watched over loved her like a mother, and she returned the love tenfold. She may have only born two sons, but she had dozens of sons and daughters by extension. One of them had been a captain by the time she was nearing retirement who contacted an old buddy, Sam Griffin. He had called Sam, telling him there was a great old gal retiring to her family's house in Blackstone who might be really good for the new park. Sam had called Annie and Jason, and Dottie had been dispatching for the park every since. Her boys were Seattle cops like their old man, though both were high-ranking members of the force with boisterous, happy families. The other dispatcher was an intermittent one who worked mainly the busy seasons, and whenever there was a gap in coverage.

Bill Talbot taught in one of the two Blackstone high schools, and admitted his had big shoes to fill whenever Dottie was off-duty. Bill stood six-foot-four and had size twelve double E shoes, and Dottie stood five foot nothing and wore size six shoes. And he was right.

Dottie had been heading home, where she had a substation that she used to monitor the park operations. Brett Ferris had approved the substation placement in the lovely house Dottie's mother had left her in Blackstone. The seasonal dispatcher had not yet come on board, since he was a schoolteacher. The sprightly, silver haired grandmother waved, monitoring her handheld radio. Dottie informed the hasty team members assembling that Dianthe and Meredith would bring ready packs and other necessary equipment warranted by the situation.

All patrol vehicles carried certain emergency gear, but there were some things they would need. Dianthe signaled she would get the door, and wished that two of their patrol vehicles were not in the repair shop for their seasonal overhauls. Meredith parked beside the shed, "We'll use my Expedition; it has more space than yours. Jason is enroute..he will there before us."

Dianthe nodded. Meredith flipped open the tail gate, then joined her in gathering the packs that they kept ready for such emergencies. Medical supplies, spare batteries for the headlamps, food, canteens that would be filled, foil space blankets, body bags, and a rescue litter.

Next, the SAR jackets that were bright orange with large, reflective letters reading "Burntmountain SAR". Helmets with mounted headlamps were also added, freeing the hands of the SAR members. Meredith tossed a hard, rolled plastic sked into the basket, then met Dianthe's eyes. "Better break out the rifles. If there's trouble, bear mace may not work."

Dianthe swallowed, understanding what she meant. She trotted to the station, letting Meredith get the last of the gear ready. Meredith appeared ten minutes later, and jogged into her small office. She emerged carrying one of her every present high end hiking sticks with "O" rings and carefully painted harsh marks, and a powerful handheld flashlight. Dottie already begun gathering information, jotting down notes even as she tossed Dianthe the keys to the gun rack and ammo kept inside a lock box she had keys for, "Jason said to bring three boxes of ammo and four rifles..."

Dianthe snatched the keys out the air, nodding as she headed to the weapons locker. She opened the heavy door, and stepped into the small room where the law enforcement staff kept rifles, shotguns, and handguns they were issued. Meredith Dianthe broke out the requested weapons and ammo, signing the paperwork Dottie had waiting for her. Meredith had stored away her gear, and dashed to use the restroom.

"I would recommend you do the same," Dottie pronounced, and Dianthe decided it sounded like a good idea. She hit the head. When she came out, she recollected the rifle and ammo and joined Meredith outside. Meredith already had the engine running, and waited to Dianthe to lay the rifle down in behind the front seats. Dianthe laid the closed ammo boxes beside the rifles, then climbed into the loaded SUV.

It was a ninety-minute drive to the trailhead from the station. Meredith had placed the emergency blue light she carried atop her vehicle, driving fast. The last forty minutes were winding, narrow dirt roads that Meredith knew well. She pulled up outside the trailhead where two patrol cars, a familiar red truck, and two Forest Service trucks were parked beside the trailhead.

Ten figures turned, and Jason waved them over. Meredith jumped out, and joined the briefing for the hasty team. Hasty teams were used to begin searches as soon as possible, and should further personnel be needed it could be called out as the situation evolved. Dianthe tossed Jason, Annie and Tracy the rifles, lips compressed into a hard line. "How good of a shot are you, Dianthe?" Meredith asked softly.

"Very good; expert rating," she knew the woman hated the idea of killing the bear. Meredith had put down a problem bear three years ago. A black bear, not a grizzly, that become very aggressive, and raiding campsites and tents.

The animal had been relocated twice, but kept returning to his old haunts. Meredith and Morgan had tracked down the habituated bear after one rather disturbing incident involving the sub-adult male bear stalking a young child.

Meredith had dropped the bear with one shot after tracking him for two days. Morgan said the woman had tears in her eyes when she had lowered her rifle, and Dianthe could understand why. It had been careless campers that had taught the bear to equate humans with food.

Dianthe handed out the ammo boxes, then turned her attention to the map Jason spread out on the hood of his truck. "Okay. This is the information we have: six hikers are overdue, a family gathering of fathers and sons type deal. They are three days late. But their families were not too worried, since they said they might spend an extra two days here.

Bad news is the two adults have limited backcountry experience, and did not file permits with the Forest Service or us. One of the men is a weekend warrior type with rock climbing experience and occasional overnight camping trips, the older brother is described as being very laid back, and not very athletic. It seems they thought the trail closed signs were mere suggestions, not actual closures. They were dropped off by a mini van driven by one of the wives.

They figured they would hike back to the main road...and use a public phone," Jason's tone indicated what he thought about the intelligence of the two men.

Charlie Fenton muttered an oath under his breath. "Yeah; alongside the wilderness McDonald's and shopping malls."

There was a murmur of agreement that fell silent at the curt gesture of Morgan Griffin. She was coordinating the rescue with Jason and Annie, "Not everyone here came fully versed in wilderness survival skills. I recall of couple of you tripping over your feet until you learned the ropes. Remember, there are four kids out there. Two teenagers, two young boys," Morgan stated softly. "Focus, people."

Jason nodded in agreement.

Chastened, the crew fell silent. Morgan indicated that Jason should continue. "Air National Guard has a Huey on standby, and Eagle Creek will be the landing zone, should we need a medevac. Charlie, you are remaining at Base Camp with Tracy as the IC, since you are having back problems. That will free up Morgan and me for the hasty team search. Radio Dottie with updates, and she will pass on the information to the Forest Service team on the other end of the trail.

Karen received a disturbing report by day hikers that they were stalked by a very big grizzly close to this area. They high tailed it back to the open section of the trailhead, and reported the bear charged their truck. When they drove away, the bear headed back to the forest. It seemed hurt. The hikers are considered very reliable in the identifying the animal, since they are members of Karen's seasonal work force."

"We have teams covering the back of Witch Mountain, in case our hikers are lost there. The local dog teams are in Seattle, helping with a landslide where several homeless campsites were buried. So we do not have air-scenting dogs available. We will be stretched pretty thin," Morgan indicated where she had sent out four other Forest Service Rangers. County game wardens are sending out three teams to the east of here, so we will have the area pretty well covered. When they get here. We figure these areas are the most likely. Sam's leading the other team, so we should be good to go once we gear up."

"Meri, you are the only trained tracker here. You are our best hope of finding them quickly, if possible," Jason said.

Meredith nodded, donning her helmet, but not turning on her headlamp. "I'll let you know if I see a positive sign. Do we have any information on the type of foot gear being used?"

"Basic boots.."

"How old are the youngest?"

"Seven and nine."

"Good, that helps," Meredith scanned the area using her flashlight. Dozens of footprints, most made by the rescuers were in the parking lot. "Assuming this is the point last seen for this group, a lot of variables will come into play. Fitness level of the overall group, and how determined they were to get into the backcountry. Average hiker can cover a good amount of distance under the right conditions, though this group most likely would try to stay relatively close to the trail head."

Jason agreed, and the teams began gearing up. The sun was beginning to descend by the time they were good to go. Charlie told Dot the teams were headed out, and began keeping a log of the rescue. Teams of two were sent out, one member carrying the heavy rescue packs, the other lighter packs and the rifles.

Each team was assigned a certain sector that they would check thoroughly. Based on the point last seen, the searchers began sweeping their assigned areas in two person teams.

****************


Meredith crouched low, studying the trail she had located. Using her flashlight at waist level, She used her trekking pole to measure the size of the foot and length of stride. Dianthe stood to her left, rifle cradled in her strong arms, ready to be brought into play. They had been searching for three hours, the crackle of their radios announcing no luck. Meredith triggered her radio, and said, " Base, Team Two. Looks like we may have a hit. Got some recent boot prints, sizes indicating children and adults. A couple of days old, but fits profile. We are going lateral to the old south trail head."

"Base copies. Do all teams copy?"

A chorus of copied directs sounded, breaking the strange silence of the night. Dianthe felt sweat trickle down her forehead as she shone her helmet lamp into the inky darkness of the forest. Hyper vigilant, she listened and scanned the depths of the surrounding forest with nervous eyes.

Meredith re-holstered her radio, primed her can of bear mace and led the way. She replaced the large can of bear mace inside the chest harness she wore. She paused occasionally, reading signs that the other woman did not recognize. Relying on Dianthe to keep her safe, Meredith continued following the old trail, marking off what she considered positive signs by circling the best prints. Others she had marked with a curving line that bent left or right and placing flagging tape along side the signs and prints, according to the foot. Meredith had learned how to track when she was a young teenager, and had increased her sills each year. She maintained her skills with frequent practice and dozens of call outs. It showed as she scanned the area with intense focus.

"Why flagging tape? And how did you learn to track so well?

"You can see it better under these forested conditions," Meredith explained. "My Godfather, Ben Whitetree, taught me how to track when I was a child. I have been doing it ever since. Ben is part of the Navajo Nation, Ben's Great Grandfather taught him. He taught me all I know about tracking and seeing what others miss.

Ben and my grandfather have been friends since World War II, and he is a partner in my family's law firm. He and his wife are sort of my third set of grandparents, and they have a place on Mount Desert, too."

The footing was treacherous, and Meredith pointed out hazards Dianthe might miss without rancor. Dianthe had done some hiking, but this was hard country under bad conditions. She did not take insult. Meredith rose, inclining her head towards the dense undergrowth they were about enter and ascend. "Ready?"

Dianthe nodded, trusting the smaller woman. Meredith managed a grim smile, then began cautiously following the trail she had found. Around her left wrist she wore a set of bead she called tally beads to keep count of something, never jumping ahead of the footprints she found. Dianthe did not question why she did so, understanding Meredith knew what she was doing. Meredith stopped every few feet and blew a whistle, then called out the names of the men.

It was a basic search method that could help locate conscious individuals close to the area they were searching. Both women strained to listen for responses, then began following the tracks and other clues Meredith had found.

They were entering the section of trail Meredith and the Resource Management team had slated for repair over the next two seasons, and had been shut for four years due to severe erosion created by illegal mountain biking, off trail hiking and storm damage. If Dianthe had worn her full grain leather general-purpose hikers from the uniform company, she would most likely end up with a badly twisted ankle or worse. She would never have been able to keep her footing in the park boots. The boots Meredith had helped her select, and told her to break in, had saved her neck more than once tonight.

Dianthe flanked the tawny haired woman, heart hammering inside her chest from more than mere exertion. She could not shake the feeling they were being stalked, and Meredith's body language indicated she felt it, too. Meredith raised her right fist, then hunkered down to study something she had spotted. "Bear droppings and prints.." the woman used a stick to stir the massive pile of droppings, which contained undigested sections of a yellow material and torn food wrappers. It steamed when the air hit it. "Still warm. this doesn't;t looks too old. maybe an hour or so. And it is the same bear we have been tracking and trying to capture."

Meredith informed the others of her findings carefully phrased wording, then scanned the area further. Even Dianthe could see the bear prints lay over footprints, her nose wrinkling when she smelled something nasty. Meredith glanced back at her companion, "They used this area as outhouse, though they did not bury their waste, and most likely an access point. Keep really close, and keep your eyes open."

Dianthe could now smell urine and rotting fecal matter. Meredith had been correct about not burying their waste. She spotted several impressive human piles, and toilet paper littered the ground. Dianthe grimaced in distaste, especially when her boot squished in something that was not mud.

The stench of the pile of human waste made Dianthe's nose crinkle in distaste. She tried wiping the worst of the stuff off her boots, annoyed that these people had such obvious disregard for the environment and others. "Damnit..." Dianthe muttered when she slipped in another pile, landing on her right knee. "Oh shit..."

Meredith turned, a question in her eyes. Dianthe sighed, and rose with a grimace of distaste. She mutely indicated she was okay, noticing the hard look in the woman's usually warm eyes. Meredith was worried. Very worried. A soft curse made Dianthe flinch. Meredith rarely cursed, and only on occasions warranting it. Dianthe knew it was bad news.

Meredith froze, raising her right fist to signal a halt, then used her powerful flashlight to illuminate the reason for the curse. Dianthe swallowed her bile, recognizing the object. It was a human right arm torn off below the elbow, dangling across a blood-splattered snag. What remained of the partially eaten limb was encased in a yellow micro fleece material: the same color as the material in the droppings.

Dianthe swallowed hard. Maggots were pouring out the rotting flesh, and the stench made her stomach churn. She breathed through her mouth, wondering how Meredith could endure the foul smell. Dianthe recalled reading a book by a woman that had been a homicide detective for many years that it was better to adjust to the stench of decay than to try and cover it up.

The woman was a grandmother, and far tougher than Dianthe. Dianthe kept swallowing hard. Meredith had lost some color, but seemed less affected by the stench. Being a wildlife biologist had given her more exposure to the less than pleasant aspects of nature.

"Base, Team Two. We have positive evidence of a problem bear. I repeat, we have a confirmed problem bear. Possible black tagger. Recommend all teams use extreme caution. Copy?"

The units responded, and base said he was contacting dispatch. Meredith had chosen the word used for a fatality in a triage situation: black tags were given to the dead. The helo would be a full alert, ready to fly in five minutes of notice. Meredith straightened, stepping cautiously over the fallen tree.

Dianthe saw the ravaged remains of several bodies behind the log in a ruined campsite. Meredith stepped forward cautiously, avoiding the large boulders as best she could. Neither she nor Dianthe spotted the form hunkered low in anticipation, concealed by the boulders and undergrowth.

Meredith spun when she heard the sharp crack of a breaking twig, and shouted out a warning. She instinctively faced the source of the sound. A glint of silver arched downwards, and Meredith threw up her right arm to block the hunting knife's lethal descent. Hampered by the remains and the terrain, Dianthe rushed forward as quickly as she could.

Blood spurted, and Meredith fell backwards over the decaying corpse of a youth. Screaming, the man leapt forward, intent on finishing his attack. Meredith brought up her legs, hoping to push the man back. Dianthe hurtled forward, the butt of the rifle on the man's jaw in a controlled blow. It landed with enough force to stun him, but not do serious harm. He crumbled, knife clattering down beside the sprawled, wounded woman.

Meredith held her useless right arm cradled against her chest, and shouted, "Dianthe, behind you!"

Dianthe twisted around, firing off a round at what she hoped would be chest level. The bullet hit the charging grizzly in the lower chest, but he barreled towards them, roaring. She adjusted, and fired again. This time the bullet hit him dead center of the chest, staggering the massive beast.

Another two shots rang out, to Dianthe's immediate right. Morgan Griffin's chest was heaving as she lowered her rifle. The bear's skull had been blown wide open, dropping the big animal in its tracks.

The bear was less than three feet from where Dianthe stood, shaking and breathing hard. Dianthe kept her rifle ready, feeling how wet her park jeans were. Her mortification paled with the understanding of how close they had been to being mauled to death, and Meredith's being hurt. Wetting her pants was trivial in comparison.

Morgan approached the animal with her rifle held at the ready. Years of experience told the woman the bear could still be alive. For safety, she took careful aim, and fired a final round into the animal's head. She used the barrel to check the animal. Dianthe kept her rifle trained on the animal. "You okay?" Morgan growled, relaxing once she was certain the animal was dead.

"I'm fine, but Meredith's not. She's been slashed," Dianthe kicked aside the knife, watching the groaning man. He was sitting up, rubbing his jaw with disbelief. "Do not move."

"Shit! Paul, get over here," she shouted, signaling the young, silent man forward. "Take care of him. Karen's bringing the two boys down the mountainside to the base station. God knows how, but they are fine.

Okay, Meri, let's see how bad is," Morgan knelt beside the shivering woman. Morgan pulled on a pair of latex gloves she kept in a small fabric holder on her belt. She undid the straps of the backpack, Dianthe stooping to lend a hand. "Let us do it, Meri. Dianthe, gloves."

Dianthe realized she had almost reached for Meredith without gloves. She pulled on a pair of heavy-duty latex gloves, hoping Meredith would be okay.

Meredith leaned against the fallen tree, trying not to look at the three bodies strewn around the campsite. They showed signs of having been mauled and consumed, and old food lay around the littered campground. She squeezed her eyes shut, lips compressed against a moan.

Morgan used her folding knife to expose the wounded arm, and pressed her lips together. She could glimpse bone beneath the beam of her headlamp, and the wound ran the length of the entire forearm. She exchanged worried glances with the towering woman that spoke volumes. Incisions of this kind were very dangerous wounds, and could lead to death due to blood loss. Already Meredith's features were becoming very ashen and moist, a sign she was swiftly becoming shocky.

"Land evac?" Dianthe asked softly. Morgan shook her head as she considered the situation.

"Tell them we will need a medevac.." Morgan said, undoing the medical kit she carried to get the necessary supplies out. "Driving out will take too long, and my gut tells me she does not have that type of time. Too much blood loss."

"Base, Team Two. Get the helo underway pronto. We have a team member down. Serve knife inflicted wound with heavy blood loss'. Patient is getting shocky," Dianthe snapped, ripping out the necessary medical supplies.

Morgan began applying pressure bandages over the gaping wound. Her gloved hands glistened with blood. She kept wrapping the wounded limb, "Meri, what day is it?"

Dianthe had begun doing what she could to help tend the grisly injury. The knife had hit the top of the arm, not the underside. Meredith was beginning to shiver more obviously.

The trauma dressings were soaked with blood. Meredith watched the two women working on her wound with an odd detachment. Meredith shut her eyes, brow wrinkling in concentration. "Thursday...no, Friday, I think. Can I have some water?"

"Team Two, Team Leader," Jason's voice crackled over the radio. Paul pulled out his radio, keeping a leery eye on the blinking man. "Situation?"

"Bear's dead; the surviving adult man will require medical treatment for a minor facial trauma. He slashed Murphy."

"How bad?"

"It's not good. Morgan wants a medevac helo pronto," Paul Smith answered. "And we need three body bags for human remains."

"Team Leader, Base. Dispatch advises medevac en route. Am readying L.Z. ETA will be less than 15 minutes; hospital has been alerted."

"10-4; Team Leader clear."

"Team Two, Team Four, we are closing on your position, and should be there shortly," Annie called out.

"Base, Team Leader, sent up the rescue basket."

"10-4; Team Five will bring it up. We have the juveniles at base."

"10-4; Max speed."

Karen's disembodied voice announced she would be there in seven minutes. The campsite was not far off the closed trailhead, though well concealed by the overgrowth.

"Team One, help secure the landing zone and keep an eye on the survivors."

Tracy responded she and Charlie were headed down toward the helicopter-landing zone. Jason and one of the Forest Service seasonals approached the campground, expressions grim. The illegal campground was littered with debris older than the attack. Food had been left out in the open, the debris older than the attack itself.

A fire pit had been built, the earth charred and debris strewn. Whatever wood had been lying on the ground had been collected to burn, and trash had been burned inside the fire pit. Branches had been cut off surrounding trees, and human waste encircled the illegal campsite. The tents had been located next to the fire, and trenches had been dug around the tent to divert water.

He surveyed the campsite with a combination of anger and pity. Part of him wanted to haul the weeping man off his knees and make him look at what his deliberate disregard had cost the boys, the other man and the old bear. The conditions of the campsite would be important in the lawsuits that the families would undoubtedly bring against the park.

The bear had been old, hurt and hungry, and the campsite a perfect lure. The park had done everything it could to prevent this needless tragedy, and his gut instinct told him it would get nasty. But the facts were straightforward: the sheriff that had called him told him the family chose to ignore the signage.

"Paul, secure the site. Disturb as little as possible. We are going to call the county coroner and document everything," Jason flinched when he saw the state of the bodies. He strode across the campsite, squatting down beside the two women working frantically on Meredith. "Hang in there, Meri."

"What about me?" the burly, dirty man lamented, sporting a very colorful bruise and cut. "That bitch attacked me. Hit me with her fucking rifle butt."

Jason turned toward the man, brown eyes diamond hard, and said, "Don't push it."

The man stopped his complaining, realizing these people were not pleased with him. He fell silent, crying softly. Paul laid a blanket around his shoulders.

"I'm fine," Meredith tried rising, annoyance evident in her tone. She tried pushing the women away, causing more blood to flow. "They were babies, Jason. They were only children. It's my fault. I should not have let the game wardens handle it alone."

"Easy, Meri," Morgan soothed, monitoring the woman's vitals with a solemn bearing. "You know the drill. Trust us."

"Give me some water. please," Meredith begged, licking her lips.

"We can't give you water, sweetie," Morgan wrote down Meredith's third set of vitals on the now gore stained notepad she carried in her shirt pocket. "You have to conserve your energy."

Dianthe gently restrained the injured woman, silently praying that she would not die. The bandages were soaked through, and Meredith's eyes were becoming glassy. Karen Winslow and Annie appeared, hauling the folding plastic litter up the mountainside where the others were waiting.

Meredith was becoming increasingly restless despite their best efforts, insisting she was fine. Jason shot the surly man a cold look, especially when he saw the bloody knife. If Meredith had not blocked the descent of the blade, they would be hauling her down in body bag, too.

"Has he got any other wounds?" Jason asked Paul.

"None that I can see or feel. Other than a mild facial bruising and a small cut, he seems good to go. Pupils are good, equal and reactive. Nothing a few solid meals and a hot shower shouldn't mend. Sir, you are going to have walk down the trail."

"But I'm tired," the man objected, watching the rescue basket being laid beside the aggravated woman. "Why can't she walk down? She looks fit enough. And she said it was her fault; she should have killed the bear when she first realized it was here!

It's her fault! She's responsible for my brother's and his sons' deaths! Make her walk down the mountain. I should be the one being carried down, not her!"

Jason pivoted, brown eyes darkening dangerously, "Shut up! She has to be hauled down because you sliced open her entire forearm, bone deep. She's bleeding out, badly," Jason's tone was flat, icy. "Wounds like this kill. She could die. And the one responsible for this horror show is you and your brother, Sanderson."

Annie gave her husband a warning glance that made him regain his emotional distance. She met the man's eyes, and said softly, "You must be Hank."

The man nodded, relaxing when someone used his given name, "Yes. The bear killed my brother and his sons. We were asleep when it attacked. Jerry tried to save William and Bryce, but the bear had killed them."

"Your sons said you kept them safe; that you came back here to find the map and compass."

"We were so lost. The bear attacked us two nights ago. I figured if I found the map, we could find our way back. Jerry kept it on him. I should have helped fight the bear, but I had to get my sons out."

Paul flinched, imagining what it must have been like. "Hank, we need you to help us. We know you didn't mean to hurt Meredith. You will have to walk down the mountainside, behind the litter team."

The man nodded, a guilty look crossing his face. "I thought it was the bear. Returning to feed."

Jason helped the others strap Meredith down, promising himself he would never loose it again on a SAR mission. In all his years of working, this was the worse bear attack he had seen. No doubt there would be calls for hunting down the remaining grizzlies from those elements that wanted a pasteurized version of wilderness.

"Helo's here. Charlie says they are getting IVs ready," Karen called out, hitching a thumb in the direction of the base camp.

"Let's haul out. Paul, you stay here. We'll be back soon. Document everything. Okay, time to go," Jason took the left top side of the litter, Dianthe the right. Annie and Karen the ends, while Morgan kept an eye of the woman's vitals.

Using the heavy-duty straps to help distribute the weight of the litter across their shoulders as they picked their way down the rock-strewn path. More than once they had to halt to get a better purchase on the slick ground, wishing they had more staff immediately available.

The young female forest ranger that had accompanied Jason gently guided Hank Sanderson down the mountainside. A soft-spoken, pretty woman, she had the man following without further complaint. He and his boys would be going home.

The team emerged to find the young boys being helped on the Huey. Air National Guard Paramedics rushed forward with medical supplies, including IVs that they swiftly administered to the pallid woman. "Hospital in Burntmountain's ready. Should take us fifteen minutes to reach it. We need some medical information."

Morgan tossed Annie her notepad. Annie snatched it out of the air. "Annie can provide it. She can have Meredith's medical information faxed en route to the hospital. Make sure you get Sanderson's statement," Jason said softly, helping slide the rescue litter in place. Hank Sanderson clambered on, embracing his sons. He kept them alive, despite the odds.

They hugged him, forming a tight knot inside the helicopter's interior. Annie was the last on board as the county coroners van arrived with several police units, and three unmarked vehicles that meant the press had been monitoring the airwaves.

Jason established a perimeter, turning towards Dianthe and Morgan. "Morgan, you're better at handling the press than I am. Stonewall them until we get this thing under control."

"You got it, Jason. God, what a mess," the woman turned, assuming her most diplomatic persona, and approached the local reporters seeking a winning story.

Sam and the other team members radioed in they would be joining the rest in the documentation, clean up and follow up investigation. Charlie pulled Jason aside, informing him Brett Ferris had been notified. Jason accepted the steaming cup of coffee offered by the seasonal ranger.

"Meri?" Charlie Fenton asked softly, worried. He watched the helicopter's lights vanishing with a solemn air.

"Pretty bad. Lost a hell of a lot of blood," Jason tried not to think about the blood covering Dianthe and Morgan. "Maybe too much."

Charlie flinched, his dark blue eyes darkening, "Where the hell was Dianthe?"

"Behind Meri. She dropped the bastard before he could finish his attack," Jason sighed. Charlie glanced towards the dark haired woman gathering herself for the grim task ahead. "It's a real mess, Charlie. Christ."

Charlie laid a comforting hand on Jason's muscular shoulder in a rare gesture of affection. Charlie was a very, very private man not given to demonstrative gestures, and Jason managed a grim smile. There were times he thought he had come to understand Charlie Fenton, but he was always surprising him.

The coroner and the sheriff and his deputies silently made their way forward. Outdoorsmen, hunters and lovers of wildlife, they knew how easy it was for the untrained to get hurt. Jason warned them about the bodies, then the led the group up the mountainside.

They would be up on Witch Mountain for ten hours, documenting the worse grizzly attack in recent memory. It would be media frenzy. Still despite their best efforts, details leaked of the horror.


******************

Chapter Five:

Meredith awoke inside the hospital bed, wondering if she had died. There were flowers surrounding her and filled the room. But she felt too rotten to have had the good luck to have died. She grimaced, her mouth tasting the bottom of a septic tank, and peered around the room. Her room was dimly lit, and cool.

She tried to sit up, but found herself too weak. No to mention nauseous. She heard the door open, and two figures entered the private room. One was a tall, leanly muscular form wearing the uniform of the dress whites of a United States Naval officer, the other still wearing the familiar gray and green of the National Park Service.

"Hey you," Annie said, beaming. "Welcome back, honey."

"Richard?" Meredith stammered, not believing her brother was here.

"In the flesh, kid. How you feeling?" Richard Murphy pressed a gentle kiss against his kid sister's temple.

"Had better days," Meredith admitted, accepting the cool water Annie offered her. Annie held the cup as Meredith sipped the water. "How long?"

"Almost eighteen hours. You were in pretty rough shape by the time you arrived," Annie moved a gentle curl off Meredith's forehead.

Richard Murphy's smoky gray eyes showed the same lack of sleep that Annie's did. He sat beside his sister, taking her left hand between his bigger ones. "Mom, Dad, and Kat have been told you are all right. They want you to come out east for a bit."

Meredith shook her head, knowing if she went east they would try to keep her there. They were convinced that William Dawson and his thugs would harm her. "Tell them I'm fine. And I'm home."

Richard smiled, understanding what she meant. Meredith loved her family with all her heart, but she had found her home out in the Cascade mountains. She had always be an adventurous and independent soul since he could remember. Meredith had a life out here, and she had friends who would be there for her."All right. Carolyn sends her love. She couldn't get free. I got a special forty-eight hour leave."

Meredith did not want to ask what favors her brother must have called in. He had been in the middle of a very important case concerning a marine accused of murder in San Diego. It involved a fellow marine, and the dead marine's wife.

"The survivors?"

"Physically, they are fine. Emotionally, that's another thing entirely. The families are being to make noises about lawsuits regarding the deaths of their family members, but the odds of their winning are not good.

The media's making the entire mess a circus. Especially the lurid details of the bear attack, and you're being wounded during the rescue."

Meredith groaned, not out of pain, but knowing the next few weeks would be difficult ones. Richard stroked her hair, jaw muscles working. "How's the pain?"

"Not too bad," she smiled thinly. Annie met her questioning eyes.

"The doctors say you're incredibly lucky. Your arm will heal fully, but it's going to take lots of work. It was bone deep, but there's almost no major nerve damage. The worse thing was the blood loss and tissue damage. Good thing we kept blood stocked in the local hospitals."

Annie and Jason insisted that all staff members kept several pints of their own blood in the local hospitals during the busy rescue season. The practice lessened the odds of blood borne diseases, should a staff member require blood.

"I don't remember too much of it," Meredith admitted, getting glimpses of the night. "I screwed up, Annie. I should have insisted on helping the state game wardens and Fish and Wildlife."

"Bullshit; you did what you could, laid it out. Brett knows you did what you could, and Fish and Wildlife and the game wardens were monitoring the situation closely. The Sanderson's deliberately ignored all the warnings, waited for the game wardens to leave before they entered the trailhead.

"Hank Sanderson said his brother had chatted up the game warden in a local bar. Knew the man's schedule; they used that information to sneak in," Annie's forest-green eyes darkened with the memory of the man's rambling testimony she had recorded. A nurse had loaned her a tape recorder, and Hank had told the entire story. "You came close to dying up there, Meredith. Dying because of their ignorance and arrogance."

"Like I said, I really don't remember too much after finding the bodies. It's all a blur."

Annie's eyes said she remembered it. The woman had been shaken by what had happened. It had been the first time they had almost lost one of their own during a Search and Rescue operation. "We almost lost you, again. Jason and I have decided you are not permitted to die. We need you, honey."

Richard's lips assumed a hard line, and she knew he had been worried she might not have survived the ordeal. He and Meredith were very close, though seven years separated them. She had been the tag-along-little-sister that thought her brother was the best in the world.

"Your friend Kim Green has been researching the best physical therapist in the Seattle area," Richard interjected. "If you want, you can stay with us. San Diego has lots of good physical therapists'. Not to mention a bunch of military folks that happen to like a certain kid sister."

Meredith shook her head, smiling wearily. "I know someone here: Patrick Hearne. . But Kim does not know him. She's one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Seattle, and Patrick's even better than she is. And if I stay with Kim and Alex, Alex will no doubt kidnap me for Interpretation."

Annie scowled, "No way...you are ours." Richard laughed.

Richard mussed his sister's soft curls, grinning. "Gotcha. We can't help it; we love you, Meri. When you are feeling better, call Granddad and Grandma Murphy."

Richard playfully tweaked his kid sister's nose, chuckling at her woebegone expression. He reached down, and pulled up a familiar form and tucked it beneath her good arm. Meredith glanced down at the worn, but clean stuffed gray rabbit that had been her constant companion since she was seven. It had been an Easter gift from him. "Flopsy was getting lonely in that big house of yours, sis."

Meredith grinned. She did not care how it looked. She would never give up Flopsy or her worn, battered daypack, both given to her by loved ones. There were two things she would keep as long as she could.

Annie sat on the other side of the bed, and began singing softly. She had a rich voice, and the soothing words began to take effect. Meredith fought to keep awake, but the combination of drugs and the damage she had endured began to take its toll. She found her eyes too heavy to keep open, and she drifted away.

In her dreams, a pair of startling blue eyes held hers' and she felt safe, warm and loved. She had become used to the presence of Dianthe in her dreams, and she knew what the woman had come to mean to her.


****************

Dianthe entered the private hospital room, whistling softly under her breath when she read a couple of the cards affixed to the very impressive flora arrangements. She scrutinized her modest flowers, and thought momentarily about getting something nicer.

But Meredith's eyes opened, and a smile touched her lips that reached her eyes, "Hi. How are you?"

"Exhausted, but good," Dianthe perched on the edge of the bed, pleased that the color had returned to the woman's cheeks. The last time she had seen Meredith, she had been frighteningly pale. "More importantly, how are you doing?"

"I get out tomorrow afternoon," Meredith laughed, meeting Dianthe's sapphire blue eyes with humor. "Thanks for the flowers. They are beautiful."

Dianthe watched the woman sniff the flowers, and shrugged her broad, muscular shoulders. "I wish they could be better."

"Nonsense. I love them." Meredith watched Dianthe set the flowers on the nightstand beside her bed. Dianthe noticed a small, pink fabric nose peeking out from under the blankets. She arched an eyebrow and noticed the blush rising on her friend's face. Meredith watched the towering woman peek beneath the covers and grin. "Ah, Dianthe, meet Flopsy. Flopsy, Dianthe..."

"Hello, Flopsy," Dianthe laughed, studying the woman who never ceased to amaze her. "Looks like you have had Flopsy for a long time," Dianthe let the blanket and sheet settled down over the stuffed bunny.

"Since I was seven, he was a Easter gift from my brother," Meredith beamed when Dianthe reached down and playfully tickled the half buried toy's nose. "My brother brought him over from the house where he lives in the master bedroom on my bed."

The door opened, and Meredith's eyes rose. Dianthe turned, stiffening when she recognized the sandy haired man. Bitter memories surfaced, and she rose to face the man that had been part of the nightmare. "Lieutenant Commander Murphy."

Richard's gray eyes rested on the flowers his sister held, then back to the towering woman. "Lieutenant...ah, Ranger Xavier."

Meredith frowned, trying to figure out what was happening. Dianthe turned back to the confused woman. "I got patrol in another hour. I best be going. Feel better, Meri. I'll visit again, later on. Promise."

Richard stepped aside, allowing the proud woman to exit the room. He felt the weight of his sister's stare, and turned to face her. "Richard, what the hell just happened?"

Richard sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose, and said, "We know each other."

Meredith awarded her brother a level look that made him squirm. She knew what his job was, what the military did to those they deemed unworthy. "No kidding, Richard."

"Meri, she was accused of something that the military frowns on. She did nothing wrong. She was victim of less than enlightened thinking. She was one of the best pilots the Navy had. Better than a lot of her male counterparts: she was a natural. Her commanding officer fought tooth and nail for her. It's the one of the reasons she got an honorable discharge."

Meredith shut her eyes, the missing pieces of the puzzle having fallen into place. She had long ago figured out that Dianthe was a lesbian, having several close gay friends. Richard had been the J.A.G. officer pressing the archaically dim view about gays and lesbians in the military.

"Damnit! There are times I think the military you love so much is the most incredibly stupid organization in the world. You handled the victims of the Tailhook scandal of 1991. Tell me why most of those pilots were not hauled before J.A.G., and not given their walking papers. Hell, some of them should have been arrested, and imprisoned!

But it was okay. They were men just being men. Sexually harassing and assaulting women and young girls is fine, since they were blowing off steam!"

Richard did not argue the point. It was valid. He had been one of the few voices recommending the worse offenders be given dishonorable discharges. Meredith flinched, the sudden motion bringing on a wave of fiery pain. Her eyes screwed shut, and she fought a wave of disorientation.

"Easy..." Richard admonished, sitting on the bed. "Meri, I'm not proud about what happened to her. She just loved the wrong woman."

Meredith met her brother's remorseful eyes. "Then change it, Richard. Change it. Otherwise, good men and women will not be allowed to serve. All because of misconceptions and ignorance on the part of a few true bigots."

Richard had never been one to decline a challenge, especially if he felt it was just. He hugged his kid sister, and spent twenty minutes more with her. Annie was giving him a lift to the small airport where he would get a connecting flight to San Diego.

Meredith studied the flowers she held. She hit the nurse's station call button, then began planning what she needed to do. She never let the modest, but lovely bouquet out of her sight.


**********************

The patrol had been uneventful, despite the media's ongoing coverage of the slaughter up on the mountain. The locals were getting weary of the entire mess, and more than one had said less than kind things about the victims. Most were used to sharing the landscape with wild animals, a lot made money on it, and they did not want their eco-tourism and adventure tourism industry damaged.

So called experts, and real ones, argued the point on numerous television stations, highlighting similar incidents. Jason, Annie and Morgan were almost constantly fielding questions, answering what they could without speculation. The victims' families blamed everyone but themselves, refusing to acknowledge they were responsible for the horror.

Dianthe, Charlie, and Tracy had been doing patrols for the last forty-eight hours. Annie had called them in. Told them to take the next four days off. Brett had arranged for several law enforcement rangers to be temporarily assigned to Burntmountain.

The three rangers had not waited for further information. They scattered, leaving Annie watching with mild amusement. She and Jason had no such reprieve. They had to orient the rangers that would filling in, and filling out the dozens of reports necessary.

Dianthe drove up the dirt road that wound it's way through the very secluded property Meredith had purchased. She hoped that Furball would forgive her for not being around for two days. She had stopped by twice to fed him, clean the litter box, take a quick shower and change her uniform, then continue her patrol.

During her last ten-hour patrol, she had thought about her encounter with Richard Murphy. He had not been like some of the military that had delighted in hunting down the gays and lesbians serving their nation. He had been professional, polite, and thoughtful. When he and Captain Bennett Thompson had sat down, the J.A.G. officer concurred that she should have an honorable discharge with full benefits.

He had not been very tolerant of Ellie. Ellie had done her best to hook up with male aviator, showing the brass which side of the fence she fell on. It seemed the man soon grew weary of her company following the discharge of Lt. Xavier.

Ellie had been transferred off the Abe Lincoln, and sent to an overseas station where she was ostracized. "Dusty" Rhoades had told Dianthe that Ellie had quit the navy several months after her transfer. The last her former RIO heard was Ellie Luden had settled in San Diego, and was working for a major hospital.

Ellie had not won the support of a man like Burner Thompson, and had barely gotten her honorable discharge from the Navy. Dianthe could not help but feel sorry for the woman. Had the system not been against gays and lesbians, their story may well have had a different ending, though Dianthe doubted it.

Ellie had been self-centered. Even when she had been with her fiancé, a young hotshot male with stars in his eyes. His engines Hornet's engines lost power for some unknown reason during the seconds after being catapulted off the carrier deck. Neither the man nor his plane was found. His last transmission had been that he had lost all engine power. Having been friends with the man, Dianthe had befriended the grieving young woman.

It had been Ellie that had altered their relationship, had made it sexual. Dianthe had thought she had found the love of her life, and been naive enough to think no one would say anything. Ellis had decided she wanted to survive, so she had given up her lover and several other women.

Two were not lesbians, but women that just did not sleep around. The rejected males were quick to point fingers, and two fine nurses found their careers and lives shattered. Witch-hunts for lesbians had been part of Dianthe's life since the Academy, so she had learned to keep a low profile. Ellie had been her weak spot, the price had been a dream that seemed so distant now.

Hurricane Ellie had claimed seven victims, and ultimately, herself. One of Dianthe's fellow pilots had given the nurse the nickname, and it had stuck.

Dianthe's attention returned to the present when she spotted another vehicle parked beside Meredith's. Dianthe had brought Meredith's sports utility vehicle back when they came off the mountain. She did not recognize the custom black suburban that dwarfed Meredith's Eddie Bauer Expedition.

She pulled in alongside the big truck, parked and turned off the engine. She walked around the vehicle, then headed for the rear steps of the house. There was no sign of a forced entry, and the lights were on.

Twice, the local Blackstone deputies had driven off curious reporters intent on learning more about Meredith. Part of their fascination was that Meredith was part of the Murphy and Stanhope family. Dianthe had never paid much attention to such matters, but she had learned that Meredith's family was very, very important.

Meredith spoke of her family in terms of affection, not power and prestige. Dianthe had watched a new program that had the lurid details of the bear attacks while on a break at the Ranger station. When they mentioned Meredith, a biosketch of her family came on.

There were several high government officials in the woman's family, including the Intel Community, several US ambassadors, five federal judges, a host of high profile lawyers, well known doctors, wealthy business men and women. She had resented the inference that Meredith may have lacked the family's talent for such high-pressure fields.

Jason had shaken his head, cast her sideways glance, and changed channels when a 'disgruntled federal employee' stated he had been passed over for her. The man proclaimed on national television he had been denied the job out of political considerations.

He insisted he had more expertise, but had been held back due to Meredith's family connections. He implied the bear attack had been her fault, that she had not handled the situation correctly. The reporter covering the man's 'professional assessment', Janice Portman of station K.I.B., began asking leading questions that the man answered. The pretty, delicate red headed woman's hazel eyes were diamond hard, and Arctic cold.

"The man's a total asshole...and a damned drunk, too," Jason had muttered, rising. "He had been passed park to park for years. He's bad news. And knows jack shit about his job, but he manages to exploit the system. Plays the victim all the time."

Cal Trent kept elaborating on how he would have handled the situation, savoring his fifteen minutes of fame. A heavy set, ill kept looking man with watery blue eyes and thinning blonde hair, his nasal voice pronounced that Meredith Murphy might as well have killed the boys and man herself. The gathered staff members of Burntmountain listened to the dripping venom of the man's words, and Jason picked a phone.

He dialed a number, the program being recorded by Dot Hagen. "Brett, this Jason. Turn on to the local news.."

Dianthe had shared his opinion. She had wished she had been there to tell the woman and her news crew that Meredith was a fine Ranger. Show the photographs of taken during rescues, show the honors she received over the last five years of service as both a wildlife biologist and SAR leader.

She mounted the rear steps, and rang the doorbell. Meredith was not supposed to be back until tomorrow afternoon. She wanted to make sure everything was all right.

A couple of minutes later Meredith appeared wearing an ash-gray, oversized hooded sweat jacket that read, "Burntmountain District", and matching sweat pants. She had recently showered, smelling of expensive scented soaps (which she never used when she doing wildlife studies, or working in the back country), her dark blonde hair damp and tousled.

"Hi," Meredith said brightly.

"Meri! What are you doing out of the hospital?" Dianthe asked, smiling. Her weariness lifted.

"Hospitals are for sick people; I'm not sick. Just a bit beat up," Meredith motioned for the towering woman to enter. "Karen and Morgan sprang me about three hours ago."

She entered the house, savoring the delightful scent of really good pizza heating up as her stomach rumbled. Meredith chuckled. "We have three great pies warming up. We picked them up before coming home. New York Brick Oven Pizza."

Dianthe had heard about the Burntmountain pizza restaurant. Its owner had come from a long line of New York City pizza shop owners, and had moved out west. His pies combined the best of the east and west coast traditions, and Dianthe had tasted his creations twice.

The pies were on the expensive side, but they were worth it. She sniffed the air. Meredith laughed. "One's a traditional pepperoni and cheese, the others a veggies and cheese, and the last is a California Quake: chicken, steak, veggies and three cheeses. There's more than enough for six, let alone four. Join us?"

A willowy, red haired woman with emerald green eyes came into the kitchen, sorting through several CDs. She smiled when she saw Dianthe. She was a definite beauty. "It occurs to me we never exchanged formal greetings; I'm Karen Winslow."

"Dianthe Xavier," Dianthe gripped the slender woman's hand in a firm shake.

Morgan Griffin came down to find out why she had been abandoned. Her smoky gray eyes flickered between Meredith and Dianthe with apparent satisfaction. "Dianthe."

"Morgan."

Dianthe noticed the silver treading the woman's close-cropped curly black hair, and realized the woman was older than she had thought. Both she and Karen were a good ten to twelve years older than she was.

"Meri called us. Said she wanted out, not that I can blame her. Annie and Jason were tied up with legal matters, not to mention the incoming seasonals arrive next week. Sam's taking care of personal matters in Seattle, and we need to be closer to Blackstone for the next week or so.

We were going to pick her up tomorrow, but things changed. Karen and I have been scheduled for deposition with the US Attorney's Office regarding the incident. Jason and Annie have bee, too. And several long-winded meetings related to this entire mess.

Meredith's house is closer, so we here we are," Morgan gave Meredith an affectionate nudge. "Did you tell her about our sinful feast?"

"Almost everything..." Meredith blushed slightly, raising her eyes towards Dianthe. "Besides the standard beverages, we have Chocolate Orgasm cake."

Dianthe chuckled and grinned, seeing the impressively large box sitting on the island. "Decadent Delight's most lethal chocolate creation, I if recall the description."

"Join us?"

"Sounds like fun. Let me go feed Furball, and I'll be right back."

"Great."

Dianthe noticed that her flowers were sitting on the green and black granite stone island in an elegant crystal vase. None of the other floral arrangements were present.

Her eyes met Meredith's. She felt her heart skip a beat at what she beheld. It was her turn to blush. Morgan whispered a comment. Karen drove an elbow into her lover's stomach, and Morgan managed to look contrite.

Dianthe dashed out of the house, fumbling for her keys to open the cabin door. Furball meowed, demanding food and attention as he weaved between her legs. Scooping up the long cat she entered the kitchen, whistling under her breathe in contentment. Furball jumped down the floor, yowling when she picked his food bowl to clean it out.

Once she cleaned it out, she opened a fresh can of cat food and spooned out a generous amount. Furball purred, rubbing his cheek on her right leg. She set down the bowl, then refilled his water bowl. Furball pounced, nipping at the food like he had been hunting a mouse.

She watched him play with his food for several minutes before Furball began eating it. Dianthe knew she and Meredith would have to discuss how she and Richard Murphy knew each other. There was no denying what she felt for the younger woman: she had fallen in love. But she would not act on it.

She did not want to damage the wonderful friendship that had blossomed between her and the woman. Confessing her feelings would only destroy their friendship. Not to mention render her a persona-non-grata with the others.

Morgan and Karen added an element she had not anticipated. How much, if anything, had the women told or discuss with Meredith?

Dianthe returned to the main house. She entered as Morgan laid out the last of the three pizzas, yelping about the hot pie pans. It seemed Morgan had opted for a kitchen towel instead of the oven mitts hanging near the state-of-the-art professional twin ovens and stove top range.

No doubt it was because the mitts were cute deer. Morgan preferred seared fingertips to using cute mitts. Dianthe would have used the mitts. Meredith inclined her head towards the cabinets, "Glasses in cabinet, wine, beer, soda and sun brewed tea in the refrigerator. Merlot's breathing on the counter."

Karen had been watching her lover with exasperation and affection. She began cutting the pies, watching her lover rinse her fingers underneath the cold water. Meredith favored her right arm and hand, using her left whenever possible.

"What can I do?"

"Eat, drink, and make merry," Morgan quipped, earning another elbow in the ribs. "What would you like, Meri?"

"A slice of pep and a slice of California, please," Meredith responded eagerly, sitting down at the island. There were four grapevine and leaf designed oak captain's chairs arranged around the spacious green and black granite island that contained the ovens and stove top range. The chairs had been arranged so they could eat and chat.

The soft jazz music played in the background. Karen passed Meredith a plate, then served Dianthe, Morgan and herself. The pies were placed within easy reach, and the women settled down.

"I love pizza..." Dianthe admitted, folding a slice of the California Quake pie.

"This reminds of my college days," Meredith laughed, glancing around the island. "It reminds of the feasts we had following finals, or having finished writing your thesis."

Murmurs of agreement rose, and the women enjoyed their pizza. Meredith sighed when she took her first bite of pepperoni pizza. She swallowed, saying, "Why is it hospital food tastes like cardboard?"

"Because it is," Karen surmised. "How's the pain?"

"It's not too bad," Meredith murmured, ducking her eyes.

"Yeah; right. Did you take the painkillers?" Morgan asked softly.

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Don't like them. Never have, never will. Aspirin is better," Meredith answered, swallowing another bite piece of pie. "Besides, I have done worse to myself."

Morgan sighed, awarding her younger friend a stern look. "It's your choice, Meri. But it's going to hurt. Badly. You may have twisted, sprained and broken things, but this wound's different. You got slashed, bone deep, for the entire length of your lower arm."

"Pain's better than becoming dependent on painkillers. I've seen it happen. Better to endure the pain," Meredith's eyes searched Morgan and Karen's in silent communion with her friends.

Dianthe sensed it had been a very personal experience, no doubt someone the woman loved. Morgan lowered her eyes. Karen pursed her lips. Her comment had struck home. "Beth."

"Sam's wife. She had ovarian cancer. It was pretty terrible to watch such a vital woman fade away; she became very addicted to the painkillers," Karen informed Dianthe. "It was brutal to see happening to such a good person."

A solemn silence descended over the women.

"Hey..." Morgan cleared her throat. "Enough maudlin chatter. Meredith's alive, well, and out of the hospital."

"And we have Chocolate Orgasm!" Karen crowed.

Having dispelled the sense of gloom, the conversation flowed about professional and personal matters. Morgan sipped her wine, shaking her head. "Believe it or not, the lawyer for the family called me yesterday. Seems Hank wanted to sue you for disarming him so roughly. I told the lawyer he could speak with the US Attorney's Office regarding the matter."

"I know," Dianthe shook her head. She had used reasonable force, so she was not worried. The fact that he had stated that he had heard the rescuers calling his name had been picked up. He had said in a national interview, stating he not answered out of fear the bear would find him.

But he had heard Meredith calling his name. He had spotted a form coming around the boulder he was hiding behind. His panic had made him attack. It was a natural response to the fear that had been haunting him. His lawsuit, though, had become weaker with each passing moment.

The facts were clear: he and his brother had ignored posted trail and campground closure signs. There had been bulletins warning about a bear problem. The hotel staff stated they had mentioned the camping trip, and had recommending alternative sites. They had told the men why the trail had been closed, handing them flyers furnished by the National Park Service and Forest Service.

Flyers concerning the closure of the trail and campgrounds had been posted in the visitor information center, and a recreational specialist had given the men a copy of the local press notice. The men had stated they would camp elsewhere.

"Bad enough he and his brother broke every single rule of wilderness camping, ignoring both the permit policies stated at the entrance of parking lots, and the signage. The kids have stated the bear had been seen lurking around the mess they called a campsite.

We found out why the bear was acting so violently: it had been shot. The wound was enough to make it lame, and it seems the poacher must have pursued it."

"Or driven it," Meredith said darkly. "Washington's current Grizzly population's estimate had been between sixteen to twenty-four animals. It's not a firm number, and the population has increased since Drango Gap was created."

Dianthe saw the infinite sadness flicker across the faces of Meredith and Karen. Both women were wildlife biologists, and the loss of the old bear had been hard. But the simple truth was, "A fed bear is a dead bear." Morgan squeezed her lover's hand.

"Any sign of the poacher?"

"No; whoever he is, he's damned good at concealing his tracks. The only reason we think he had followed the bear is the eyewitness statement. Fish and Wildlife is investigating it. We have been having poaching problems the last two years."

The fine hairs on the nape of Dianthe's neck prickled. When she had been a fighter pilot, it had been a signal of imminent danger. It had kept her alive. She had learned to listen to it. Her sixth sense had been on a low level alert the last few weeks. Now, it was in overdrive.

On the surface there were a series of events that viewed by themselves seemed trivial. But her gut instinct told her they were somehow connected. The fire, the recent rash of break-ins, the low level vandalism, the poacher shooting the bear, somehow it fit together.


Dianthe mentally chastised herself. Jason and Annie were very astute individuals, and damned good law enforcement rangers. They busted up several poaching rings, handled drug cases, a couple of murders, suicides and rape cases in their years of service.

Tracy and Charlie were no slouches either. Charlie had been a deputy in Colorado six years ago; he had mentioned it once, during a shared patrol. Colorado was getting too crowded, he said. He uprooted himself, became a seasonal law enforcement ranger during six months of the year and a ski patrol member the rest of the year.

He said he didn't need a lot of money to live, since he liked the simple life. He had a log cabin up in the mountains, on land that he owned, building it himself with his bare hands.

A hunter, he kept a smoke house on his property, and spoke about the joys of living off the land. He bow hunted. Dianthe gathered he did not have much company, nor did he encourage it. He was friendly enough, but he kept his private life very private.

"Dianthe?"

Dianthe blinked, realizing that she had lost track of the conversation. She shook her head, apologizing. "Sorry; just thinking about the poacher."

"Want another slice of pizza?"

"Sure." Dianthe had finished her first two pieces, and was still ravenous. "Think I'll try the veggies."

"Good choice," Karen gave her slice, acting as the official server. "Broken Rock has a decent pizza joint, but nothing this good."

"Good thing; I'd be too fat to move," Morgan laughed, having downed her fourth piece.

"Yeah; right. The Griffin family is blessed with slim genes," Karen nudged her lover. "But I have to watch myself. The next few days, I'll have to jog a couple of extra miles and find other ways to burn off tonight's feast."

Morgan's eyes sparkled with delight. Dianthe had no doubt how the woman would help her beloved burn off the extra calories. Dianthe could not help but envy them.

"Been a hell of last few days..." Morgan rumbled, sipping her wine.

"Well, we can be thankful that we had three survivors, lawsuits and poacher aside," Meredith interjected, savoring another slice of California Quake.

"Four," Morgan corrected. Her gray eyes rested on the blonde woman, and she shook her head. "Do you have any idea how much you scared us? I've seen people die of blood loss. It was too close for comfort, honey. Hell, Sam and Jason were ready to skin the bastard. Truth be told, so were most of us."

Meredith lowered her eyes, blinking back tears. She had always known she had found herself a home, and a family of her own making. Karen sniffled, too. Morgan and Dianthe were becoming equally misty, though not so obviously.

"Hey; why don't you and Karen go upstairs and get a fire going. Dianthe and I will clean up, and join you. Later on, we'll have the cake and a some tea."

Meredith began protesting, but Morgan held up her right hand. "Look; you just got out of the hospital. Go. It won't take us very long."

Karen gave Morgan a quick peck on the cheek, then patted Dianthe on the shoulder. She urged Meredith up the stairs, saying, "Come on; you are supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days."

"Five days, no more," Meredith groused.

"The doctor said twelve would be best."

"Well, I can go back to work sooner."

"Jason and Annie said the doctors said two weeks would be best, and light duty only for a few weeks," Karen's disembodied voice pronounced.

Meredith groaned. "But there's so much work that needs to be done for the busy season!"

"She's a good lady," Morgan said, placing the pizza inside a long glass container. "Stubborn, but really good. She has a big heart."

Dianthe looked up from clearing off the plates. "Yes; she does."

"There have been a couple of fellas that hearts broke when she would not date them. Heck, Charlie's had a crush on her for years. But she's never seen him that way."

Dianthe's eyes narrowed, "Charlie dated Meredith?"

"No; but not for his lack of trying. Meri was not interested in him that way. He's a coworker, nothing more. Meredith has never really found a man that she could love, not the way love is supposed to be. Thing is, Meredith's not a naive woman."

"Morgan, if this is headed where I think it is, don't go there," Dianthe held the other woman's eyes. "I like you and Karen a hell of lot, but there are some things that are not open to discussion."

Morgan weighed her words. "Fair enough. Friends?"

"Friends," Dianthe and Morgan exchanged a firm handshake. The two women finished the chore of cleaning up, then went upstairs.

Karen and Meredith were in the very cozy den that had occupied the east wing of the house. Meredith used the great hall for more formal occasions, and large gatherings of friends and family. The den was a space for relaxing by herself, or with a few good friends.

It had four comfortable arms chairs with footrests, and plush couch intended for reclining on. Subtle turquoise-blue western fabric, one colorful Navajo rug, and a rough-hewn pine table gave the room character. A specially designed fireplace occupied the outer wall of the den.

A warm fire had begun burning merrily, and Meredith lay on the rug. She was propped up on a pillow, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. There were four snifters and a large bottle of expensive cognac laid out.

"There's brandy, too, if you like. It's left over from when my family visited last fall. Just before I went up to Spirit Lake. Figure since I'm not on anything, a glass of cognac would be nice."

Dianthe chuckled. Annie and Jason had referred to the fact that Meredith kept a good stock of alcoholic beverages for her friends and family. But the woman herself drank infrequently, preferring nonalcoholic drinks.

But tonight, she would indulge in a snifter of fiery liquid. She had shed her heavy Champion sweat jacket, and wore only a muscle tee shirt that hugged her lithe frame. A fresh bandage encased the entire length of her forearm where the hunting knife had sliced open the muscle and skin.

Being relatively small breasted, Meredith did not wear a bra unless she was running or climbing. Stretching, Meredith rolled on her back and accepted a snifter of cognac poured by Karen. Karen poured her own, then settled herself on the floor beside Meredith.

Morgan sat in the armchair that Karen used to prop her back against. Having poured herself a brandy, Morgan ran her fingers through Karen's long hair. Dianthe chose the cognac, nestling down in one of the chairs. She propped her long legs up on the hassock, and sipped the potent drink.

"Hmm, I haven't had a good cognac in years." Dianthe murmured, watching the other women. "After the last fifty hours, I needed this."

Morgan raised her glass in silent salute. She and Karen had been equally busy, writing up reports and answering hard questions asked both by the government and the media. Thus far, the answers had been well received.

But the women knew political pressures could shift the blame squarely on them. They had seen it happen. It was why they had documented the campsite so thoroughly, why the deputies and they had worked together to get statements.

Meredith reached for the snifter, grimacing when she raised her right arm. "Shit."

"Meri?" Karen reached out, and touched the younger woman.

"Muscle cramp..big time," Meredith held her right arm close against herself. "Shoulder and neck."

"Morgan, get a body towel and my massage oil."

Morgan rose, and headed for the bedroom they would be using on this level. It would grant them privacy, and prevent them from disturbing Meredith during intimate moments. She reappeared with a plush body towel and massage oil.

Karen laid out one of the towels, and placed the smaller pillow down on the floor. "Okay, Meredith. Shirt's got to go. Your muscles are way too tight."

Meredith removed the muscle tee shirt, displaying the woman's beautiful, firm breasts tipped with pale pink nipples. Dianthe closed her eyes at the sweetness of the image, fighting down the urge to reach out and caress that smooth skin. Her palms itched, and her mouth was watering for a taste.

Dianthe licked her lips, fighting for self-control. She envied Karen sitting astride the woman's shapely bottom, kneading and caressing the woman's flesh. She drew in a steadying, breath, and watched.

She tried not to squirm as other parts of her body let her know how much she wanted to be the one rubbing Meredith's well muscled back. She took a healthy sip of her drink, hoping it would douse the flames burning inside her.

Morgan had not missed the woman's reaction, but she held her tongue. Karen was sitting astride Meredith's rump, warming the juniper-scented oil between her hands before she began kneading the tense muscles. Starting at the small of the woman's lower back, Karen's fingers worked the corded muscle expertly.

After several minutes Meredith let out a little noises of pleasure, and Karen chuckled. "No wonder Morgan loves you. You have great hands, Karen."

Dianthe almost choked on her drink, and Morgan laughed wickedly. With her best slow grin, the Forest Ranger declared, "Best fingers in the West for all kinds of massages."

Meredith purred with contentment, relaxing under the massage. Karen smiled, gently mussing Meredith's short hair. Morgan and Dianthe were silent, each lost in her own thoughts. Twenty minutes later she gave Meredith a swat on the bottom, and Meredith yelped.

"Better?"

"Yup; thanks, Karen," Meredith sat up, and pulled on the white muscle shirt. Karen tossed her hooded sweat jacket, and Meredith donned it.

"Cake time?"

"Morgan and I will go get it. Why don't you and Dianthe relax," Karen suggested, wiping her hands on the towel.

Meredith leaned back into the armchair, and sipped her drink thoughtfully. Dianthe cleared her throat, "Do you need anything from town tomorrow?"

Meredith shook her head, and managed a slight smile. "I might go to Blackstone tomorrow afternoon."

"How are you going to get there? You won't be able to drive for another week or so, not with that arm."

Meredith shrugged her shoulders, and said, "I can hike back and forth."

"Six miles each way, along winding country roads, still weak from blood loss and having your arm laid open? Hauling stuff in a backpack? How about we go tomorrow. I need to go get some food and other things."

Meredith brightened. "Only if I can buy us lunch."

"Hey, you fed me tonight. By my count, that means I owe you a meal."

Meredith knew there would be no arguing the point; she accepted. "I know you must be incredibly tired, what time's good for you?"

"How about around noon, or a bit after. Maybe we can go explore a bit.."

Meredith grinned, inclining her head. She would have to start the physical therapy in another two weeks, so she would enjoy her free time. Walking around town was not stressful stuff.

Karen and Morgan rejoined them twenty minutes later, Morgan bearing a tray with very generous slices of cake. Karen had a tray with mugs of herbal tea. The two women seemed breathless, and their cheeks were flushed.

The next two hours they laughed, shared stories about growing up and other such matters. It was almost midnight when Dianthe headed back home; she felt wondrously alive. She found herself enjoying the company of the older couple.

Dianthe spotted a figure standing in the woods, watching the house. The figure spotted her, and bolted. Dianthe shouted out Morgan's name, and the woman appeared in the space of a heartbeat.

"Prowler..." Dianthe called out, knowing that both had consumed a decent amount of alcohol earlier. But neither of them was drunk, or badly impaired.

"Shit! Okay, get me some flashlights. Karen, call the Blackstone Deputies office, tell him we have a prowler. There was a break in four night ago, four miles away from here."

Morgan came out holding two good flashlights, and had her service pistol clipped her belt. "You armed?"

"My gun's back in the cabin."

"Let's get it. We stick close, no straying. Karen, Meri, keep the door locked unless you know it's us. Most likely it's some damned reporter," Morgan groused.

Karen pulled Meredith back inside the main house, telling the woman she was in no condition to take on trouble.

Dianthe nodded, the adrenaline kicking through her veins as she and Morgan headed to the cabin. There were no signs of forced entry. She unlocked the cabin, and found Furball sound asleep in her bedroom. She went to the closet, and hunkered down beside the small safe she kept for holding her Sig, clips, and ammo.

She slid on her pancake holster and slid home an extra round of ammo. If it was not a reporter, it could be something far more dangerous. Meredith's death would serve Dawson well.

Once she was ready, they stepped back outside and secured the cabin. Together, they headed in the direction the figure had run. They found no evidence of cigarette butts or food wrappers laying around the boulder the figure had been standing on.

It had a perfect view of the kitchen and living room area where an observer could monitor the house. Dianthe and Morgan cautiously approached the woods, hearing the sound of movement ahead. Moving forward cautiously, the two women entered the trailhead. It was one of the two running trails Meredith kept on her property.

They were a quarter of the way into the narrow, winding trail when a twig snapped directly to their right. A figure burst out of a hiding place, and both women shouted, "Freeze!"

The figure considered running until he realized the two women were serious. Wearing a jeans and a sweat jacket, the young male blinked nervously, and glanced behind him.

"Tell your friends to come out. Hands held up high," Dianthe warned, hand resting on the grip of her gun. "Now!"

Morgan had struck a similar pose, and the frightened boy stammered, "Come on out, Sara."

A young teenaged girl, no more than sixteen, rose, arms folded across her bare bosom. Sara rushed to the side of her boyfriend, snuffling his name, "Bobby."

"Anyone else?" Morgan demanded, hearing the sirens announce the arrival of the Blackstone deputies.

"No, ma'am," Bobby answered.

"Come on..." Dianthe waved the lovebirds forward, glancing towards their love nest. A well-concealed tent and small, well designed campfire that had not yet been lit. She tossed the girl her discarded bra and turtleneck, "Here, you will want to get dressed."

Murmuring her thanks, the girl hastily donned her bra and shirt, blushing while Dianthe watched. Her attention was focused on the girl's hands, making sure she did not have the intent of reaching for a concealed weapon. Morgan had kept a sharp eye on Bobby. Karen had watched where the two women had gone, and the deputies called out their names.

"Down here..." Morgan called out.

The two officers came into the small clearing, one of the two men turned beet red. He had the fair, sandy hair color and gray blue eyes of the girl. "Sara?"

"Hi, daddy."

Morgan and Dianthe exchanged level looks. Bobby looked like he wished they would shoot him. The older of the two deputies cleared his throat, gesturing for the gangly youth to step forward, "Bobby, come with me."

"Yes, sir," the boy dashed past the Sara's stunned father, flanking the other officer. Morgan and Dianthe decided they would take Bobby's example. When they emerged from the woods, Karen and Meredith were outside, Meredith talking with the deputy named T.A. Baker.

She seemed to know the man, and the youth, too. Meredith said something, and the officer nodded. Bobby's head kept moving up and down like one of those odds car toys favored by some drivers. It made Dianthe dizzy.

"Thanks, Meredith. We'll make sure the kids understand the meaning of private property."

"Ah..Ranger Murphy..." Bobby ventured nervously. "Are you gonna run the trail program this summer?"

"Yes, my arm may not permit me to build and repair trails right away, but I will be running it."

"Ah, does that mean I'm off the crew?"

Meredith shook her head, and met the youth's eyes. "Make you a deal: no more using my property for romantic hiding places, and you stay on."

"You got it," Bobby enthused until he saw his ladylove being led out by her father. The deputy glowered at the youth, then hitched his thumb toward his daughter, "Sara, what have you got to say to Ranger Murphy?"

"We're sorry about everything," Sara whispered.

"Apologies accepted; tomorrow, you two can come by in the morning with one of your folks to collect your gear."

"I'll make sure everything's squared away," Sara's father promised, shaking his head mournfully. "I think it's time we had a talk, honey. And Bobby, I will be talking with your parents, too."

"Yes, daddy."

Bobby swallowed hard, eyes wide with alarm, but he stammered, "Yes, sir."

"I'm sorry if the kids caused you ladies any concern. Especially considering the recent rash of break-ins that have been happening," Deputy Hal Collins inclined his head, and gently led his daughter away.

*******************

None of them saw the camouflaged form watching them from the other side of the woods. His position had almost been given away by the youth investigating a strange noise. A thin, cold smile touched the man's lips as he leveled his high-powered rifle with night scope towards the women.

He focused on Meredith, his finger caressing the trigger. It would be easy. No one had ever caught him. He knew the game better than those county clowns; he had been a soldier, once. He had been a Marine Corps sniper. Now, he belonged to a different army.

One day they would bring America back. It meant getting rid of certain groups of people; especially women like Griffin, Winslow and Xavier. Murphy had not yet been corrupted, he thought, but given time she would be.

It would be kinder to put her down, out of harm's way. Her soul would reach heaven untainted. She had survived the cabin fire he had set, survived a brutal blizzard, proof that she was destined to be his mate.

He shook his head. His friends were not happy that Murphy was still alive. She could ruin everything. But he could not kill her. Maybe he could convince her not to testify. Love could make people do amazing things; it could move mountains, and he knew he could win her heart if he tried hard enough. And he would be saving her from the obscene love Dianthe Xavier offered.

Natural love, not unnatural love. He smiled, envisioning himself holding the small woman inside the shelter of his arms. Dawson would understand. He would try one more time to win the woman's heart and soul. Her soul, he needed to protect her soul. It was what God would want for such a woman like Meredith.

Besides, she had shown she was a survivor. She had courage, strength and a keen intellect. He had wanted to kill the man for harming Meredith up on Witch Mountain. He blamed Dianthe for not watching over her.

He trained his rifle on the tall woman and debated blowing her away. It was tempting. Take out the woman, solve the issue of Meredith's being tainted. He smiled. Killing homosexuals was doing them a favor, really, he thought. It prevented them from further destroying their eternal soul, and maybe God could purge them of the vileness that they embraced.

He smiled. He could be her savior, just like Christ,

It was tempting. So very tempting. But he would tip his hand. It would put Jason and Annie on alert, and raise questions he could ill afford. There were other ways to get rid of Dianthe Xavier. Ones less obvious than blowing her brains out in front of witnesses. It was a question of timing, and opportunity.

He made his way silently back through the woods, using a deer trail. Once he reached the road, he uncovered his truck and drove away. They were others that needed to be punished first.

He understood punishment well enough. His father had used it to teach his small family the way things should be. More than once his father's heavy leather belt had landed hard, stinging blows that had taught him respect.

His father had mourned the untimely death of his wife so many years ago, praying each day he would be reunited with the woman in death. He got his wish eight years ago when he suffered a stroke. His father had been concerned that his son could not find himself a fit woman, capable of her learning her true role in the world.

He had hoped he could find himself such a fine woman who he could guide and protect.

He had vowed to help restore America. If it meant certain people had to die, it was a fair price to be paid. Fire, his father had taught him, was a cleansing element that restore the true balance of nature.

He loved fire. Fire was power without constraint, it was a purifier, it cured the world of its ills. A good bullet could do the job, too, but fire was much better.

Fire was the tool of God and his guardians. He would wield it like the sword of redemption. It would cut away the corruption of the three women.



Chapter Six:

Dianthe found Meredith dressed and ready to go. Wearing a pair of comfortable blue jeans, a crisp white shirt, a black velvet and satin vest with golden-red vines and flowers, Meredith looked great. She wore a highly polished ankle high brown boots, and had her battered green and black Jansport backpack slung over one shoulder.

"Hi..." Meredith said, grinning.

Dianthe returned the grin, noticing that Meredith's eyes were taking in what she was wearing. Dianthe had chosen khaki trousers, pale green hiking shirt, and light hiking boots.

"How's the arm?"

"Hurts, but not too bad," Meredith replied, sliding into Dianthe's vehicle.

"Where to first?"

"How about Burntmountain? There are tons of neat old shops there, then we can go shopping in Blackstone."

"Sounds good to me. I haven't had time to really check out Burntmountain," Dianthe admitted, driving down the private road.

They drove for an hour and a half, chatting about life and joking about last night. Dianthe knew how the kids had gotten in. Meredith had constructed two running trails on her property, and Dianthe had used them. She also had permitted a local hiking club to build a public hiking trail on the edge of her property. It connected the properties of several different private owners to public lands, and owners got insurance to cover themselves should an accident occur.

Meredith had kept her section of the trail pristine, and posted signs regarding possible hazards and the official route. It clearly stated only the marked section of the trail was public, and there was no camping or fires permitted. The kids had found the well-concealed running paths, then the small glen that they had used.

Bobby had been very skilled in keeping their little love nest hidden. Dianthe had run by it a couple of times, never seeing it. The kids kept the area spotless, and did not have fires. Other things kept them warm.

But there had been a few times she had sensed she had not been alone out there. It had been disconcerting. But she had found no sign of being followed. She had taken an hour's run in the morning, loving the interior trail system Meredith had designed.

Burntmountain was easily three times the size of Blackstone, which was not a small town. Tasteful buildings dotted the landscape, the building styles varied according to the taste of the owners. Victorians, Cape Cods, townhouses, Tudor's and log houses were the main choices, though there were some very impressive French style chateaux, too.

It was a picturesque town with a dramatic backdrop of towering, snow capped mountains. There were dozens of stores lining the business and lower residential areas, and Meredith flashed her companion a grin. "Ready?"

"Yes..." Dianthe laughed flanked the smaller woman. Annie was right. There was no such thing as Meredith at rest, just different stages of motion. Laughing, they strolled along the shady streets, taking in the sights of the mountain town.

There was a lovely shop with assorted candles, scented oils, bath salts, crystals and other New Age stuff that Meredith loved. She urged Dianthe inside the store, then headed for the bath and body oils section. In old fashion glass bottles with cork stoppers were different bath oils intended to refresh, relax tired muscles, energize a person's spirit or arouse the passion of lovers'.

Meredith placed several different kinds inside the basket Dianthe bore. Dianthe studied the table for one of the Aromatherapy soaks: Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Lemon grass. Meredith grinned, "It feels wonderful. Takes the aches out of muscles that have been worked hard."

Dianthe recalled there were two bottles of each back in the cabin, one a muscle relaxer like the one she held, the other a refreshener. There were scented candles, too. She decided tonight she would try it.

If Meredith liked it, there must be something to it. She made her way through the aisles, selecting specialty soaps, moisturizes and hair products. Dianthe would have been dubious of the value of such products, but Meredith radiated good health.

Meredith loved both the oils and bath salts, and told her how each product worked. Dianthe found herself grinning. Meredith swore by the stuff.

Dianthe found herself exploring the large store, stumbling across the section devoted to sensual pleasures for lovers. It was separated from the main shop by a curtain of incredibly tiny, golden bells that sounded unlike anything she had ever heard. A tasteful wooden placard announced the section was meant for adults only, calling it the Garden of Delights. Her eyes touched upon the tastefully displayed items that were in the back section of the store. For a brief instant she had visions of herself and Meredith together, and Dianthe shivered.

An older woman with wildly curly blonde hair, beautiful skin and twinkling periwinkle blue eyes met her eyes. "The bliss of sexual union is one of the greatest gifts the mother grants us, but I suspect you know that. Welcome to the Mother's Bounty Shoppe. I am Cara Daniels, one of the owners."

"Dianthe Xavier," Dianthe extended her hand, realizing what she had thought to be a fur boa was really a pure white, long haired cat with blue eyes. The cat lay draped across his mistress' shoulders, totally content.

"This is Salem. He was born in Salem, Massachusetts," Cara informed Dianthe. "My husband Winston found him inside a bag of kittens set out beside a jetty. He gave the rest to good friends, and brought Salem home to me."

A short, slightly overweight man bearing a good resemblance to Santa Claus came out of the rear section of the store, carrying boxes. He beamed when his wife turned towards him, and said, "Meri has brought us a new customer."

"Well, good day, young lady! Hope my love has not made you think we are totally daft!"

Winston bristled with great energy and happiness. He laid aside the boxes of herbal creams and offered a warm hand. Dianthe shifted the basket, and accepted his handshake. Meredith came down the aisle, beaming when she met the eyes of the couple.

"Hi, Cara, Winston," Meredith reached up and stroked Salem. Salem purred contentment. Dianthe touched the sleek animal, thinking how jealous Furball would be when he smelled another kitty on her hands.

"How are you doing, Meri? We heard you had gotten hurt," Winston said, studying the blonde woman with paternal concern. It was clear Meredith was more than a valued customer. "We stopped by the hospital yesterday afternoon, but you were already gone. No doubt you tunneled under the fence, eh?"

"I got cut on my right arm. It will be fine," Meredith indicated her wounded forearm. "Hospitals are for sick people. I was only a bit beat up."

"No doubt," Cara gave Meredith's right shoulder a gentle squeeze. "But watch yourselves. Those creatures from the media are still lurking about. The reputable ones are not so bad, but there are some very nasty ones seeking to make themselves a name at your expense!"

Meredith sighed, shaking her head. "This year we lost two Grizzly bears because of human stupidity and greed. I feel awful about the two teenagers and man, but the fact remains they disregarded warnings."

Winston made a noise of agreement, then excused himself when he heard the door opening. Carrying his boxes, he exchanged greetings with another man. Cara's shrewd eyes narrowed, then brightened when she observed Meredith and Dianthe.

A hint of smile touched her lips, and she said, "Ah, finally!"

Meredith cocked her head sideways, and met Cara's twinkling regard in bemusement. Dianthe swallowed hard as Cara excused herself. "Wonder what that was about," Meredith murmured, shrugging she shoulders.

Dianthe held her breathe. The urge to touch the smaller woman was becoming harder to resist. For a brief instant she felt the urge to bolt, but fought it down. She made herself breathe, said nothing.

"Meredith?" Charlie Fenton came down the aisle, stiffening slightly when he beheld Dianthe. Dianthe did not miss the unconscious reaction.

He was a handsome enough man, soft spoken and clean-shaven, but there was something not quite right about the man. Dianthe had felt at ease around all the other staff members, but there was something she did not like about Charlie Fenton. Almost her height, he had a muscular build and intense dark blue eyes. His dark hair was neatly cut, and his features well balanced.

But there had been something cold about his eyes when he saw them together. He straightened. "Imagine running into each other."

Meredith seemed puzzled. This was not the type of place you expected a man like him to frequent. But she smiled graciously, "Hi, Charlie."

"How are you feeling? Thought you were supposed to be resting, not playing tour guide," Charlie stepped close to Meredith, laying a huge hand on her good shoulder. Meredith shifted uncomfortably, an unconscious gesture that spoke volumes of how the woman felt.

Charlie removed his hand, though Dianthe got the distinct sense he wanted to be holding Meredith inside the shelter of his arms. Her eyes and Charlie's locked in a silent test of wills. "Does your doctor know that you are out and about? I would think he would rather see you relaxing, rather than entertaining your renter."

Dianthe bridled at the deliberate dig, but did not give him the satisfaction. Meredith, though, frowned. "Dianthe was kind enough to bring me in to town. I needed some things. What brings you to Burntmountain? Thought you said you disliked it."

Charlie shifted, jaw muscles working, "Hey, a man can change his mind, can't he?"

No one commented on the statement. He noticed where they were standing, and a look of disgust flickered across his visage. "You know, if you go with the real thing, you don't need such things. You know, the way nature and God intended it to be. Unless you are someone that wishes they had one."

Meredith's eyes narrowed in mounting annoyance. It was clear she was not pleased with the direction the conversation had taken. Dianthe straightened to her full height, and fixed the man with cool eyes.

Sensing he had stepped across an invisible line, the man tried to make it a joke. "Ah, come on, folks! I was kidding. Sorry if I offended anyone, but this is a free country. Or it used to be.

Take care, Meredith. Glad to you are feeling better. See you in a few, Dianthe. Hope you find what you are looking for here. Guess I am too Norman Rockwell, huh?"

Dianthe colored when the man's eyes swept across the sensual toys in the display case. He shook his head, "Nope; nothing like the real thing. Have a good day."

Charlie turned, and walked out of the store. Meredith watched him with worried eyes. Dianthe let out her breath, realizing she had been holding it. She knew what had inspired the man's comments.

Dianthe reached out and touched gently squeezed Meredith's good shoulder. "Hey, come on. We have a whole day to have fun."

"Yes; don't let that awful man ruin your day," Cara declared, hugging Meredith.

A hint of a smile touched the woman's lips and eyes. Dianthe fought the urge to touch her lips to Meredith's. She saw the storeowners exchanging pleased grins. "True enough. I have never heard Charlie talk like that. Must be the stress."

Dianthe did not inform the woman that they had just glimpsed the real Charlie Fenton. She carried the basket to the cash register, Meredith and Cara followed. Winston merrily tallied up the impressive bill, chatting with them. Meredith handed over her credit card, not blinking at eyelid at the hefty price tag. "Want me to hold your stuff until you two are done exploring?"

"That would be great, Winston," Meredith beamed, watching him place her large, recycled paper shopping bags beneath the counter. "See you later."

"Where next?"

"There's a great book store I think you might enjoy on Cobblestone Lane, and two gentlemen you will enjoy meeting, too." Meredith suggested, slipping on her glacier sunglasses.

Dianthe raised an eyebrow, tantalized about the bookstore that Meredith had recommended. They walked for a good twenty minutes, winding through the well-groomed streets of the resort town. Cobblestone Lane had old-fashioned cobblestones, and was styled after a quaint New England village.

Majestic maples lined the picturesque lane where small shops were mixed with grand Victorian styled houses. Dianthe noticed two men working together in a garden, laughing about the trial and tribulations of keeping out marauding bunnies.

It seemed the bunnies were winning the war of wits.

Meredith beamed, and folded her arms across her chest. Dianthe frowned. Both men were sun bronzed and very athletic looking, one dark haired, the other had dirty blonde hair. Dianthe guessed they were in their late twenties, or early thirties, and definitely gay.

The dark haired male wore a white muscle tee-shirt reading, "Burntmountain Sheriff's Department". He paused when he spotted Meredith. "Hell, Meredith, you going to introduce us or what?"

"Jon Brandice, Patrick Hearne, Dianthe Xavier. Thought you would be out on patrol, Jon."

"Hey, even deputies are allowed to have days off. You must be the new law enforcement range and pilot. I've heard about. You should let Patrick check out your arm, Meredith. We were out of town when that jackass attacked you."

Meredith shook her head, "It's fine, Jon."

"Humor us," Jon pressed, extending his right hand.

Dianthe offered her hand, noticing the matching bands the men wore on their ring fingers. Patrick grinned, inclining his head, "Yes; we are a couple, if that's what you are wondering."

"Speaking of surgeons, Kim called Patrick. You will be doing Physical Therapy with his group, so you can stay here if you need. We have tons of room," Jon's aquamarine blue eyes rested on his friend with affection. "Maybe we can get together with Karen and Morgan, too. It's been months since we had a chance to get together."

Dianthe had recalled hearing the two men's names brought up last night. It seemed Meredith had lots of friends in the close knit gay community.

"Sounds good.."

"Wonderful! You will come, too, won't you, Dianthe?" Jon's eyes rested on the towering woman with a speculative gleam. "You are part of the family now."

Dianthe nodded. Having a connection to the gay community would be a good thing for her. Patrick stiffened, a look of disapproval passing over his features. Dianthe turned and followed his gaze. Charlie Fenton's battered truck drove past the house, the man's eyes concealed behind mirrored shades.

"You know him?"

"Charlie? Yeah. He's not exactly one of the enlightened straights around here. Can't say why, but he gives me the creeps," Patrick muttered, shaking his head. "Meri, come on inside. I would like to check out that arm. I spoke to the surgeon, so please do not place down the extent of the injury."

Dianthe nudged Meredith forward. "Go on. It can't hurt. Jon and I will wait here."

Meredith knew there would be no winning. Patrick led her inside the combined house and private doctor's office. Dianthe focused her attention on the silent deputy whose eyes were contemplative. "What do you think of Fenton?"

Dianthe met the man's eyes, and weighed her words with care, "I'm not sure I trust him, to be honest."

"Good. Neither do I. Nor do I like the attention he keeps pushing on Meredith. He's a creep."

Dianthe straightened, eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

"Ever since she has been here, he's been sniffing around her like a damned dog in heat. Meredith's too kind hearted for her own good, sometimes. She's never complained to Jason and Annie about him. If she did, he would be gone."

Dianthe considered what the man was saying. "Why don't you like him?"

"Instinct. Not to mention rumors about why he left Colorado. Some friends of mine said he was involved in several gay bashing incidents, but it's word of mouth only. Whatever happened, he resigned rather suddenly and moved out of state," Jon shrugged his shoulders. "Want a glass of iced tea?"

"I'd like that. How did you meet Meredith?"

"During a search for a child five months after she got here. The boy got separated during a family picnic outside of town. We had dogs searching, and Burntmountain sent over some of their folks. Meredith was one of them.

She was the one that found him."

"Was he alive?"

"Yes; hidden under an ledge. She spotted tracks and other signs. Things we had missed. So much for a city bred green horn. Turned out one of her family's oldest friends is a member of the Five Nations. He's a member of their family law firm, one of their top guns. He trained Meredith to track when he learned how much she loved nature, especially wolves and bears.

He was too frightened to answer the calls of strangers, and other than being cold and frightened, he was fine. Dogs had picked up the wrong scent trail, and led most of the teams away. Meredith insisted that we were headed the wrong way."

"What happened?"

"She told the Incident Commander the air scent dog handlers were wrong, and pleaded her case. He told her she was damned Green Horn, but told he gave her two hours to check it out. By herself, mind you, since he did not want to risk taking other searchers off the trial. Sam Griffin and the rest of us learned that she was a damned fine tracker that day."

Dianthe could picture what it must have been like when the newcomer found the lost child. Meredith had helped on dozens of searches since that time. This last one almost cost her life. Dianthe removed her shades when they entered the lovely Victorian styled house, feeling the warmth of the two men inside the house. Jon led them down the corridor that led to the spacious kitchen where he poured them both tall glasses of ice tea.

"Heard you are renting the cabin behind Meredith's house."

Dianthe nodded. "The housing units burnt down during the winter."

"Just like the research cabin," Jon muttered. "Too many damned fires the last few years."

Dianthe leaned her hip against the turquoise tiled counter and said, "What happened?"

"Meredith was spending the winter up by Spirit Lake, observing the Spirit Lake pack. William Dawson brought some very rich German hunters into the research area for poaching. He knew she was up there, so the bastard burned down her cabin."

Dianthe had heard snatches of the story. Meredith and the other staff members never spoke about the incident. She could not imagine what it must have been like. "But she managed to make it to the USGS cabin."

Jon nodded. "She's tougher and braver than she looks; I've seen her haul men bigger than me down mountainsides. If you had not been there, she might have died up on Witch Mountain."

"It was too close for comfort. She nearly bled out," Dianthe's jaw muscles bunched at the painful memory.

"You are in love with her, aren't you?" Jon asked without preamble.

Dianthe met his eyes, knowing he knew her secret. She inclined her head. Jon smiled softly. "I was the same way when I met Patrick. Wondered what this incredibly handsome, talented older surgeon saw in a country bred sheriffs deputy. I almost let the best thing in my life slip away because I was afraid."

Dianthe swallowed hard, pondering his words when Meredith and Patrick joined them. Patrick snagged Jon's glass, taking a sip before he could protest. They shared a brief kiss before he removed two more glasses from the cupboard.

"Well?" Jon demanded.

"Her arm's healing, but not to my satisfaction. I want to monitor it the next few days to make sure she does not have an infection beginning. You, young lady, need to take it easy."

Patrick handed Meredith a glass of iced tea and slid an arm around the waist of his lover. Meredith rolled her eyes, insisting she was fine. Dianthe noticed that she seemed totally comfortable around the two men.

"Would you two like to come with us?" Dianthe ventured.

"Sure; just let us get cleaned up an we shall show you Burntmountain."

"How about meeting us at the bookstore?" Meredith suggested, sipping her ice tea.

"Good; it will give us enough time to get decent," Jon laughed.

"Not sure there's hope there for that," Meredith teased. Patrick and Jon laughed.

"You know us too well, Meri," Patrick returned with twinkling eyes. "I'll get the shower ready, honey."

Jon saw them to the door, giving Meredith a warm hug and shaking Dianthe's hand. "We'll be there in twenty minutes."

Meredith beamed, slipping on her glacier glasses and dashed down the steps. Jon grinned, "Think about it."

Dianthe quirked a smile, then joined the woman. She donned her dark aviator sunglasses, and fell into step alongside the enigma that was Meredith Murphy. "Meredith, there's something I need to tell you."

Meredith stopped and faced the towering woman. "Tell me what?"

"Why I left the navy," Dianthe said softly. She sat down on the stoop of Jon and Patrick's house. Meredith settled herself beside the woman. "I was forced out because I fell in love with the wrong person. Her name was Ellie Luden. Word leaked out about us being lovers'. She panicked and gave up several others up as well me.

It cost me my wings, my career as a naval aviator and as an officer."

Meredith had removed her sunglasses, so Dianthe could see her eyes. She cleared her throat, "I know. My brother told me."

Dianthe swallowed hard, digesting what Meredith had just said. Meredith reached out with her right and touched the law enforcement ranger's left knee gently. "What happened to you was wrong. But the military is not always the most enlightened branch of the government."

Dianthe chuckled, "That's the understatement of the century. Thank you for understanding."

"Thank you for feeling you wanted to tell me; it means you trust me. I'm honored," Meredith said softly.

Mere inches separated them. It would be easy to lean forward and kiss Meredith. Dianthe gazed into the woman's gray-green eyes, and began leaning forward. Meredith did not pull away. She could feel the warmth of the woman's breath on her lips.

Dianthe did not care that they were outside. Did not care that the world could see them. She was focused only on the unfolding moment.

"Excuse me, are you Meredith Murphy?"

Meredith blinked, confused as she turned to see an attractive, athletic woman standing at the bottom of the stairs. Meredith stood up and stepped towards the chestnut haired woman, "Yes. May I help you?"

Without warning the woman lashed out with a violent back handed blow that snapped Meredith's head back. Dianthe launched herself forward, tackling the woman down. Jon and Patrick came charging outside, demanding to know what had happened. Meredith had been staggered enough to knock down a heavy planter on the steps, and it had shattered with a loud crashing sound.

Both were wearing gym shorts and nothing else.

"You killed my family..." the woman sobbed. "My husband and my babies. You could have prevented it if you killed the bear before it reached them."

Dianthe rose, hauling the woman up none too gently. Blood trickled out of the corner of Meredith's mouth. The entire left side of Meredith's face was swelling, and the lower lip had split.

"I'll call for a unit," Patrick stated coolly.

"No; let her go. Mrs. Sanderson, I wish we could have changed things. But we can't. If it means anything, I am sorry."

The woman met Meredith's eyes, then said, "Not as sorry as I am that you came off that mountain alive. I wish you were dead. You should have died up their on that damned mountain!"

Dianthe's cobalt blue eyes narrowed dangerously and Patrick said, "And if your family had paid attention to the signage and notices, they would not be dead. Meredith did all she could to prevent a needless tragedy, did you?"

The woman's lower lip quivered. She had been the one that had driven her husband and sons up the mountain. She ran away. The small crowd that had gathered dispersed when Jon and Dianthe ordered them away.

"Let's get you cleaned up, Meri," Patrick led the woman inside his house again. Dianthe and Jon were not far behind them.

Patrick's office was on the ground level that he had accessed through a stairway from the first floor. He had donned latex gloves and was busily cleaning the split lip. "You will need three small stitches, Meri."

Meredith nodded her consent, and the man threaded a thin, small needle with expertise. He met Dianthe's anxious eyes, and smiled his reassurance. Meredith refused to let him numb the area, and endured the painful process without complaint.

"Jon, make an ice pack for me, hon. Meredith, sweetie, you need to learn how to duck."

"Ouch..don't make me laugh, Patrick," Meredith sighed, touching her lip.

"Sorry; I'll be right back, ladies. You need a shirt; it will be big, but cute."

Blood had stained the vest and the crisp white shirt that Meredith wore. "We can wash your shirt, but the vest needs to be taken to a dry cleaner's, Meri."

Dianthe searched Meredith's eyes, seeing the guilt and anguish the woman's words had engendered. She closed the distance separating them, tenderly raising the woman's chin. "Meredith, you are not responsible for their deaths."

"Maybe, maybe not. I wonder if there is more I could have done to prevent what happened. What if I had been more aggressive? Those people might be alive right now, and the bear, too."

"Hey; you did everything you could. I don't want to here you blaming yourself again for it, okay? You tried finding the bear, you had traps laid out, and the state game wardens and Morgan's folks were monitoring the area. You all did your jobs. They ignored all the warnings you had out.

You are not the one to blame. Understand me?"

Meredith sniffled, raising her eyes. "Okay."

"Good," Dianthe touched the swelling cheek with gentle fingers. "Hurt much?"

"Just a bit," Meredith pressed her injured cheek against the warmth of Dianthe's hand. "You always seem to be coming to my rescue."

"It's been my pleasure, ma'am," Dianthe said her best western style drawl. She drew her hand back, knowing how much it must hurt. "How are you feeling?"

"I'll be fine. This is the first time we have had to explore together."

Dianthe mentally chastened herself for thinking about what she would like to be exploring. Last night the woman's dreams had been haunted by erotic images of herself and Meredith. Truth be told, she had having morning, day and night dreams about them being together.

Had Mrs. Sanderson not interrupted them, she would have kissed Meredith. If she had kissed her, she did not think she could ever let her go.

"Here, this should bring the swelling down," Patrick announced, entering the examining room with an ice pack, a small towel and a pastel green shirt. "Keep that on for fifteen minutes. Jon and I will be dressed and ready by then. You might be able to get the blood out of your vest with cold water."

Meredith pressed the ice pack against her cheek. Dianthe sat opposite the tawny haired woman, thinking about how her life was changing. The wall that had been built around her heart was slowly being taken apart brick by brick.

Much of the reason for the wall coming down was Meredith, and the new life she had begun here. She did not really miss the sun as much as she thought she might, and found it did not rain as much as many folks thought.


She and Meredith sat in companionable silence, each lost in deep thought. Jon and Patrick came downstairs, wearing casual clothing, and flushed from more than a mere shower.

"Let the doctor have a look," Patrick teased, gently removing the ice pack. "The swelling gone down a bit. Tonight, ice it again. But, first, change out of that bloody shirt."

"We'll wait out in the waiting room," Jon said, winking towards Dianthe. Dianthe followed them, not sure she could resist seeing Meredith half naked again.

Meredith watched her retreat, a hint of mischief behind those stormy sea green eyes.

Meredith emerged, tucking her shirt inside her jeans, holding the vest and shirt folded over her right arm. Jon took the shirt and dashed upstairs, and returned several minutes later. "It's in the wash with our whites. Next time you are in town you can pick it up. Leave the vest, too. I'll drop it off with my uniforms at Martin's."

Meredith smiled "Thanks, Jon. Does this look okay?"

Dianthe wanted to tell her how cute she looked in the oversized shirt with the sleeves rolled up. But she merely nodded, not trusting herself.

"You look good enough to eat, Meri," Patrick teased, knowing she felt awkward with the mended lip and bruised cheek. "Come on, let's go have some fun!"

"Sounds good to me," Jon laughed, leading the way.

Outside, they began a leisurely stroll towards the bookstore. Patrick's gray eyes studied Dianthe with interest, "How long did you serve?"

"Seven years, not including my four in Indianapolis," Dianthe answered.

"What did you do?"

"Fighter pilot. I flew a F-14D with the Blacklions," she replied smoothly. "You?"

"Four years to pay off my debt for medical school. I worked mainly in the United States, San Diego for the most part. They wanted to keep me on, but I did not want to stay. You?"

"I wanted to stay, but word got out about myself and my former lover," Dianthe found the pain lessened with each telling. "My CO went to the mat for me. What I miss most is the speed and thrill of flying fighters."

"Did you see any action?" Jon asked, clearly fascinated.

"None the government would admit to, but, yes. It got me elected for the Top Gun training program and several medals."

"Hmm, any Tom Cruises types?" Patrick teased, winking at his lover.

"Don't know. I got elected, but I never got to go," Dianthe said softly, lips compressed into a hard line. "I had to face charges brought by J.A.G., because of my former lover. A lesbian love affair tends to disqualify Top Gun candidates and selectees."

Meredith touched Dianthe's side with gentle fingers, and the woman's dark mood dispelled. She met Meredith's eyes, and smiled. They kept walking, none of them talking.

The bookstore, In The Family, occupied the corner of the long, winding lane, and had lovely arched windows that permitted natural light to illuminate the interior of the store. The front section of store had several tables where patrons could enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, and watch the scenery pass-by.

Dianthe heard two women murmuring about her when she strode past them. Both were assessing their chances with the towering woman until they caught sight of Meredith. Meredith and Jon came in behind Patrick and Dianthe, discussing lunch plans.

They saw how Meredith looked at Dianthe, and how she returned the look. Dianthe knew she had just broken two hearts, since they also were checking out Meredith.

"Hi, Jon, Patrick," a tall, silver haired man wearing Docker pants and a Ralph Lauren polo shirt waved at the couple. "Who are your friends?"

"Dianthe Xavier, Meredith Murphy, meet Sean Nielson, owner of this commendable establishment," Jon said.

Sean shook the women's hands, his eyes narrowing, "I know you two. You're the rangers that were involved in that terrible incident. Such a shame. But, there is only so much you can do to keep people out of harm's way.

What happened?"

"Mrs. Sanderson," Meredith answered.

"Ah, yes. She has not left. She has been very vocal about blaming everyone, but herself and the brothers Sanderson. She was seeking supporters here; she found none."

Meredith ducked her eyes, shifting uncomfortably. Sean became contrite, "I'm sorry; I won't mention it again. Please, look around."

Meredith seemed momentarily uncertain, then shrugged her shoulders and ventured towards the fiction section. Sean, it seemed, believed that the bookstore should be divided into categories, not genders.

Dianthe joined her, noticing she headed for the romance section. Meredith surveyed the variety of titles, head cocked slightly to side as she reached out and pulled down a book. She read the back of the Naiad cover, glancing over her shoulder.

"What do you read, Dianthe?"

"Mysteries and science fiction, though I do enjoy a well-written romance novel," she indicated several books she had read over the years.

"I like science fiction and a good mystery, too. But most of my reading tends to be natural history and ancient civilizations. So, what do you think?"

"The store's great. How does the community handle it?"

"You mean the non-gay folks? Most have a "live and let live" attitude up here. This is not Hayden Lake, Idaho. Burntmountain has a very diverse tourist trade, and lots of gays and lesbians enjoy it year round. Blackstone is good, too. Other areas of the state can be hard."

Dianthe pulled down one of the classics of lesbian literature and handed it to Meredith. Meredith raised her eyes, then said, "A Curious Wine. Sounds interesting."

Dianthe slid her hands inside her khaki pants, resisting the urge to touch the smaller woman. Meredith lowered her eyes, sensing the towering woman's uncertainty. She held the book Dianthe had given her, and scanned the other titles.

Dianthe selected a few titles, then headed to the register. The men were still chatting about the upcoming summer season, and the mountain biking group they belonged to. Meredith wandered up a few minutes later, carrying six books that had caught her eye. Jon grinned, "Hmm, buying some books, Meredith?"

"Yes. They look interesting," Meredith answered sweetly, sticking out her tongue at the man. Dianthe did a double take, seeing yet another side of the woman she'd fallen in love with. Fallen in love with, but she would never risk losing Meredith's friendship by pushing the issue.

Sean listened to the banter with a sage expression, and said, "They are very interesting, and very inspiring, Meredith. I have seen you around town, usually in the company of these scoundrels."

"Guilty as charged," Meredith handed over the books to the young woman working the register. She took the Platinum Visa card, watching Meredith with intense scrutiny. "I remember you! You're the ranger that brought the wolf to my school four years ago. He was so cool. And you rocked," the cashier declared.

"Lobo. That was in Broken Rock, I remember you. You were the tomboy that kept asking me about Search and Rescue missions. Casey, right?"

"Cool, you remembered my name!"

Meredith laughed, enjoying the young girl's enthusiasm. She moved her dark brown and red hair out of her hazel green eyes. "I got to tell my folks you were here. Dad totally loves wolves, and mom thinks you're a great example for young girls."

"Casey's father is my brother Bob, and his job as an engineer has taken him to Saudi Arabia for the next two years. He and his wife Robin did not want Casey to have deal with the backward notions of women there.

Robin went with him because she's an engineer, too. If only the Saudis knew that Bob and Robin are a team! Now, young lady, back to work! Nose to the grindstone and that sort of thing."

Casey sighed, "I know where I got my gay genes from."

Meredith watched the exchange between the man and the girl, thinking how his eyes shone with pride. She was aware of Dianthe observing her, gauging her reactions. Casey handed Meredith a pen, and watched her sign the receipt.

The fresh bandage made her raise her eyebrows, "Does it hurt much?"

"It hurts, but it could have been worse. If it weren't for the swift actions of a certain law enforcement ranger, I would have most likely been stabbed fatally," Meredith met Dianthe's eyes as she spoke.

Casey looked at the two older women and grinned, "Cool!"

Dianthe smiled at the teenage girl, paying in old-fashioned cash for the books she bought. Jon took the lead, insisting they had figured out what stores would be the best ones to hit. Patrick grinned, falling into step alongside his beloved.

She matched her longer stride to Meredith's, "What books did you buy?"

"Hmm, curious?"

"Yes..." Dianthe almost said she was wondering why Meredith had purchased the lesbian books. She had gotten herself three good, solid mysteries and one science fiction novel.

"Curious Wine was one of them. The rest..." she smiled wickedly "you'll have speculate about."

Dianthe grinned, "Is that a challenge I hear?"

"Maybe," Meredith slipped on her shades with a crooked grin.

Dianthe returned the grin, and determined she would find out. It would be dusk by the time they left Burntmountain; it had been a delightful day. The back of Dante's Grand Jeep Cherokee had lots of packages and bags that showed the results of their day. Food shopping had been laid aside for the day. Dianthe would do it tomorrow.

She had enough food for the next couple of days, as did Furball. Meredith had purchased a fishing toy for the cat that would entertain both cat and humans alike. It was a real, tiny fly fishing rod with a mini-reel with a furry thing on the end of the line.

"What do you want for dinner?" Dianthe asked, glancing over towards Meredith.

Meredith's head rested against the head restraint, eyes shut and her breathes slow and soft. Dianthe drank in the sight of the woman that had won her heart, mind and soul. Dianthe returned her attention to the road, knowing the woman must be exhausted. She turned the radio onto a soft music station, considering the day's events.

When she pulled up beside the house Karen came jogging outside, a grim look on her face. Dianthe parked the vehicle and raised her eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

"It seems your encounter with Mrs. Sanderson was caught on tape by some local reporter," Karen informed her, eyes stormy with anger. "It's not faltering."

"Shit! Meredith does not need this crap," Dianthe swore furiously. Meredith jerked awake, blinking and confused at the tension she heard in Dianthe's voice.

"Meredith, you'd better come inside. Jason and Annie are waiting for you two," Karen ducked her eyes.

Meredith frowned, sliding out of the vehicle she shut the door. She squared her shoulders and headed inside her house. Annie, Jason, and Morgan were awaiting them inside the den.

"What's wrong?" Meredith asked.

"Meredith, Dianthe, you both better sit down," Annie said softly. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the vivid bruise and stitches. "If I see that woman, she better not be breaking any laws."

Jason pushed a tape inside the video player and stepped away from the TV. Images appeared of Dianthe and Meredith walking down Cobblestone Lane. It showed them together with Jon and Patrick, then continued with the two of them sitting outside on the stairs.

There could be no doubt what Dianthe had been prepared to do. Nor Meredith's reaction to the gesture. The next scene showed Maggie Sanderson entering the yard, the blow that brought about Dianthe's response.

It showed them inside the bookstore and later walking together as the reporter, an attractive red head narrated the clip. "When contacted about why she had felt compelled to confront the lesbian couple about their behavior up on the mountain, Maggie Sanderson said she just wanted to know why her sons and husband had to die. She says she struck out when the wildlife biologist responsible for the tragedy blamed her for their deaths.

This reporter believes that the violent response of the other ranger tells what happened up on that mountain. In these days of gay liberation and the gay agenda, what can a normal family hope to expect?

Perhaps, if these women were more interested in the serious nature of their jobs, and not each other, this tragedy would not have happened. Again, the gay agenda stains the American dream with its vile taint.

I am Janice Portman, station K.I.B., Hayden Lake, Idaho reporting on the tragedy on Witch Mountain."

Meredith stared in total disbelief at the screen, while Dianthe rose with a volley of impressive oaths. Her cobalt blue eyes flashed ominously, "When did this broadcast?"

"Tonight. The five o'clock local news. It was nationally broadcasted on ABC when station K.I.B.'s owner contacted the network," Jason phrased his next words with infinite care. "It seems that the network did some background investigations about you two. Other than speculations about Meredith's reasons for being a wildlife biologist, they found out why Dianthe left the navy."

Dianthe shut her eyes, fighting for self-control. She took a deep breath, "I assume Brett Ferris wants my badge and gun?"

"Nothing like that. Hell, Brett knows a setup when he sees one. And being lesbian is a non-issue with the National Park Service and us. Right now we have some quiet inquiries running, and we know we can clean this up. But we did not want you two being blind sided by this."

"And what's ABC saying?"

"They are questioning the motivations of the reporter and her crew, since the owner of the station is William Dawson," Morgan declared. She shook her head. "Either way, the next few days you two will most likely be under a microscope. CNN became interested, too, considering your family's history, Meredith."

Dianthe sat down, head hung low. She felt suddenly very tired. An intimate moment that had not been fulfilled had been filmed and broadcast nationally. Meredith met Dianthe's eyes.

"We did nothing wrong, Dianthe. And I will not let Dawson control me," Meredith said. "I and Dianthe had nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed about."

Jason and Annie studied the two women, and nodded. "Dianthe, I am sorry about this entire mess. We should have thought about the potential of Dawson's involvement."

"It's not your fault. But I would appreciate it if Meredith and I could have a few minutes to talk alone."

The two couples departed, Annie and Jason saying they would be by tomorrow, and Morgan and Karen walked them downstairs. Dianthe rose, closing the door behind the others than sat down beside Meredith.

"Are you all right?"

"Yes, just very pissed off. But I am not going to regret today for any reason; I had a wonderful time with you. The best I've had in a very long time, to be honest."

"So did I," Dianthe's voice took on a deeper timbre.

"There's something I want to know," Meredith asked softly.

"Anything..."

"Are you going to kiss me?"

Dianthe flushed at the directness of the question. She tried to formulate a response, but decided to answer the question. She closed the distance between them, brushing her lips across Meredith's.

It was the briefest of contacts, but it made them both shiver.

"Does that answer your question, Meredith?" Dianthe drew back just a couple of inches. Speechless, Meredith nodded her head, breathing hard. "May I kiss you again?"

"Definitely," Meredith sighed. Dianthe slid her arms around Meredith and pulled her close. The kiss became more urgent, and soon they were both moaning.

Dianthe drew back, cobalt blue eyes smoldering with desire. She traced Meredith's wounded lip, concerned about the discomfort kissing might cause her. Meredith reached up and stroked the towering woman's cheek.

"Are you sure about this?" Dianthe pressed her lips against the woman's left palm. She brushed her thumb over the tender flesh of Meredith's right wrist, touching the edge of the bandage encasing her forearm. She did never wanted to be responsible for causing Meredith any further pain.

"Very," Meredith leaned back on the couch. Dianthe lowered herself carefully, kissing the woman again. "I love you, Dianthe Xavier."

"And I love you, Meredith Murphy," Dianthe nuzzled the woman's throat. Hands learned what brought the other pleasure, and clothing was loosened. "I want you so much. I began falling for you when we first met. Do you know how many times I wanted to make love to you?"

"Then show me," Meredith challenged, rolling her hips up. Dianthe did not need to be asked again. She reared up, hastily shedding her shirt and sports bra in record time.

Meredith's eyes were fever bright as she beheld the full breasts with hardening rosy nipples. "I think the floor might be better for this," Dianthe suggested, tossing the large Navajo blanket down onto the hardwood floor before the fireplace.

She helped Meredith up, kissing the shorter woman with hard won expertise. Meredith's shy hands stroked and teased the woman's breasts. "So soft," Meredith whispered, tasting one of the swollen nubs with playful strokes of her tongue. "Tastes good, too."

"Hmmm, something tells me I'm in trouble," Dianthe groaned, fighting the temptation to rip the shirt off Meredith. She instead made herself unbutton the shirt, revealing the flesh she had been dreaming about.

Pushing the shirt off, she trailed her fingertips up and down Meredith's sides, deliberately avoiding the woman's breasts. Meredith whimpered, arching so Dianthe hands rested on her breasts.

Dianthe kissed Meredith, then worked her way down to the pink tips that made her mouth water. She felt Meredith shudder when she suckled and nipped her breasts. Dianthe's hands slid down, cupping Meredith's mound through the fabric of her jeans and underwear. Heat and moisture greeted her questing touch, and Meredith's eyes screwed shut with raw pleasure. "Hmmm, feels like you need some attention, Meredith."

Reduced to nonverbal communication, Meredith grunted and ground her hips in acknowledgment. Dianthe guided her lover down, keenly aware of the bandaged forearm and newest set of injuries. She unzipped the blue jeans and smoothed a hand across the woman's toned, flat belly. Meredith's abdominal muscles were not as defined as Dianthe's own, but she could feel how they quaked beneath her touch.

"This works better without clothing," Dianthe murmured, pulling off the woman's boots, jeans and underwear. For each section of skin she revealed, she traced the heated flesh with the tip of her tongue and playful nips. She inhaled the musky scent of arousal, fingers lightly brushing the downy, dark blonde triangle. "A natural blonde, I see."

"Please--" Meredith hissed, writhing beneath the feathery touches that promised so much more.

Dianthe tossed aside her lovers' jeans, underwear and boots, then shed her own jeans, underwear and boots. She lowered herself down, pressing her breasts against Meredith's as she kissed her deeply. Meredith's tongue fenced with hers, giving and demanding at the same time. Dianthe broke the kiss, knowing Meredith would be an incredible lover from the way she kissed.

Dianthe let her hair cascade down around them to press hot kisses along the column of Meredith's throat. Her right hand slid downwards to discover the molten heat awaiting her touch. Her fingers teased the hot, wet center of the smaller woman, driving Meredith half mad.

"More..." Meredith groaned, sea green eyes imploring for the torture to end. Dianthe parted the fleshy lips, ignoring the hardened bit of flesh to thrust two fingers deep inside Meredith.

Dianthe watched the play of emotions flash across the woman's face, moaning herself when the surge of moisture dampened her hand. She withdrew her fingers and tasted the evidence of Meredith's arousal. Reaching behind her, Dianthe snagged a large pillow that she placed beneath the woman's rump. She slid down until she lay between Meredith's muscular thighs, parting her nether lips and began feasting.

Lost in primal pleasure Meredith writhed, reaching down to guide Dianthe. Dianthe felt the tension building, watched it gathering behind those incredible eyes. Meredith's back arched powerfully as she climaxed. Her scream of pleasure echoed inside the den, and tears dampened her flushed face.

Dianthe positioned herself, straddling Meredith's muscular right thigh she ground herself against it. Meredith clutched Dianthe's straining buttocks, guiding her as she whispered encouragement. Dianthe moaned deeply when release claimed her.

She slumped forward, resting her face against Meredith's sweaty chest. Meredith held her close, sighing with pleasure. Dianthe gathered her strength, leaning down to kiss the woman. Meredith's eyes widened when she tasted herself in the sensual kiss, "Like it? You taste so good, Meri."

"Teach me how to make love to you," Meredith requested, gray-green eyes glinting with desire and determination.


Dianthe did as she was asked.


****************************

Neither woman spotted Jason silently backing out of the den and shutting the door. Meredith scream had alarmed the two couples downstairs, and Jason had beaten Morgan to the door of the den. Red faced, he swallowed hard and ushered the others away.

"Jason?" Annie had never seen her husband seem so embarrassed.

"Ah, things are..fine. Nothing to worry about," Jason stammered, blinking hard. "How about spending the night with us, Morgan, Karen?"

Morgan and Karen crossed looks, beaming as sounds of passion echoed behind the door. Jason managed a weak grin."Sure; we'll be right with you. Annie, could you leave the lovebirds a note."

"No problem," Annie chuckled, looking very pleased. She gave Jason a bear hug. "It's seems Meredith has finally found love."

"Ahuh" Jason had the look of a deer in headlights: dazed and confused. He shook his head, regaining his composure. "Annie, next time remind me to listen better, okay?"

Annie laughed, green eyes twinkling. She kissed her husband, whispering what she would like to be doing right now. He grinned. Their house had three bedrooms, and theirs occupied one end of the corridor by itself.

Karen and Morgan appeared several minutes later carrying just enough clothes for the next few days. Meredith would be hurt if they left entirely, and they knew she would want to talk with them.

******************


In the woods hard eyes watched the lovers' discovering each with utter disregard for what God had intended. His mind clamored with the images he beheld through his rifle's night scope of the towering woman feasting on nectar he had never tasted. He found himself spellbound, fascinated despite himself at the obscenity he was watching.

When Meredith did what had been done to her, he saw red. He would teach her the price of defiance and deviance. He would teach them all. He raised his high-powered rifle with night scope and focused on Meredith. A simple squeeze of the trigger would shatter her spine and destroy her lungs and heart as the bullet tore through the woman's body.

She would be dead in seconds, leaving her lover holding a bloody corpse.

He began squeezing the trigger, but decided it would too easy. She needed to suffer first. Meredith must be punished for deceiving him, for deceiving God himself. Rising, he left his place of concealment, yanking off his gloves he did not see his Marine corps ring fall off into the leaf litter.

****************

Meredith sighed, wondering how she had ended up in her king sized bed. Last night had been one of heated moments and gentle passion that changed everything for her. She had begun questioning her own sexuality before Dianthe Xavier had entered her life, recalling a conversation she and Morgan had about being lesbian. Dianthe lay sound asleep next to her. Meredith's body felt great, despite the recent damage it had taken.

She leaned her left elbow, watching the rise and fall of Dianthe's chest. Never had she experienced the passion and urgency she had last night, and she mentally laughed at herself. No doubt Karen, Morgan, Alex, Patrick and Jon would be teasing her about being a late bloomer.

Her parents, siblings and grandparents would not be surprised, either. James Denis Murphy had told his favorite grandchild about his dead sister, Erin. It had saddened him that she committed suicide when her lover was placed in an insane asylum by her family. Glynis' rape and murder by a male staff member, combined with own parents disproval of the illicit liaison the friends had shared without their knowledge.

She glanced towards the bay window. Dawn. Dianthe reached out in her sleep and draped an arm around Meredith. Vivid cobalt blue eyes opened and focused on her.

"Good morning," Meredith said, stroking the woman's side with reverent fingertips.

"Morning," Dianthe grinned, pulling Meredith close. "Hmm, best way to wake up with someone you love, and loves you back."

Meredith kissed Dianthe, and buried her face between her lover's plush breasts. She inhaled the scent that was uniquely the woman's: clean, with a hint of leather and something exotic. Last night, she had learned how powerful love making and sex could be.

She had tasted a woman for the first time, knowing this would be the woman she would love for the rest of her life. The missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle had fallen into place. Her left hand slipped beneath the covers, smoothing up and down the impressive length of her lover.

Dianthe had sculptured muscles that moved beneath her smooth skin. Nude, she resembled what Meredith thought an Amazon warrior should look like. Curves and hollows blended with well-defined muscles that years of exercise had built up. Meredith had very tight, compact muscles developed from years of sports and outdoors living, but Dianthe had very muscular shoulders, arms and legs.

Her abdomen was flat and carved. Dianthe had the type of six-pack belly muscles men coveted. Meredith's own was flat and very tight, but lacking that type of obvious toning. She resolved to do more sit-ups and crunches.

She pushed back the covers, lips following the trail her fingers marked. She fluttered the tip of her tongue around and into the well of the woman's naval in a suggestive manner. Her efforts were rewarded with a throaty groan of desire.

If there was one thing she was, Meredith was a very, very fast learner. She nibbled, kissed and teased her way steadily downward until Dante's languid pose became one coiled of anticipation. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of her lover's heated center.

"Ohmigod--" Dianthe groaned, hands grasping the sheets as she watched Meredith descending with a wicked smile.

She called upon the lessons of last night, and soon had Dianthe trashing around the bed. Using her own imagination, and what felt good to her, she had Dianthe bellowing out her name. She pressed her face against Dianthe lower belly, thrilled to know she had been the one that made the woman come.

"Come here, you scamp," Dianthe rumbled, her long fingers tangling inside the short, dark golden curls. Meredith raised her head, enjoying the feeling of those fingers playing with her hair. Dianthe quirked a smile at the contented grin her lover wore, thankful she had found this love.

She crawled back up and lay down atop the taller woman. It was becoming one of her favorite resting places. They kissed, Dianthe tasting herself in the lingering exchange.

"You learn fast..."

"I have a great teacher; very hands on," Meredith said seriously.

"Speaking of hands on," Dianthe rolled Meredith onto her back. "I owe you one."

Meredith shut her eyes when those amazing hands that had once controlled powerful combat jets commanded her passion. It would be late afternoon when they would emerge from the master suit, seeking food and drink.

Save for a few minutes when Dianthe dashed over to feed Furball, they spent the remainder of the day discovering each other's bodies.


************************


Dusk found the lovers lying inside the den, enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the room. Laying on the couch, the lovers' knew their time alone was coming to an end. Tomorrow Dianthe would be working, helping check in the seasonals, and Meredith had a doctor's appointment.

Morgan and Karen were due back soon, and they would go to dinner at Smokechaser's Grill. Dianthe nuzzled the back of Meredith's neck. "Penny for your thoughts," Dianthe murmured.

"Hmmm, thinking how safe, warm and loved I feel. How lucky I am," Meredith snuggled closer. Strong arms held her close, warm lips brushed her right ear, "No, I am."

Meredith shivered with delight. She rolled over so they were nose tip to nose tip. Playfully, she rubbed her nose against the towering woman's. "How about we are both lucky."

"Sounds fair enough," Dianthe concurred. "What time is it?"

"About six p.m.," Meredith replied, glancing at the walnut and brass mantel clock.

"Meaning we have thirty minutes," Dianthe cupped her lover's lovely bottom. She began gently kneading the flesh, nuzzling Meredith's throat with purpose. She began tracing her tongue tip along the slender throat in a light, fluttering pattern that she discovered made Meredith wild.

Meredith pushed herself up, flushed and out of breathe. "If we start, we won't stop," Meredith protested thickly,.

Dianthe pouted, but knew it was true. She contented herself with holding Meredith close, thinking about what their future would hold. They heard the crunch of tires coming up the driveway, and several minutes later the doorbell rang. Meredith reluctantly rose, flanked by Dianthe.

Karen and Morgan were waiting outside, wearing knowing smiles. Meredith managed a shy smile, instinctively seeking Dianthe's big hand as she met her friends' eyes.

"I'm just going to check on Furball, then we can go," Dianthe gave Meredith a quick hug and kiss, then dashed off.

Karen and Morgan focused their full attention on the smaller woman. "Happy?" Morgan asked, gently squeezing Meredith's left shoulder affectionately.

"Very, very happy," Meredith answered, blushing. "I think I fell in love with her the first day she was here."

Morgan hid a grin. She recalled how a certain ex-fighter pilot had been laser locked onto the wildlife biologist. Neither woman had been aware of the fact most of their friends had recognized what they had not admitted.

"Better put on a jacket, Meredith," Karen teased gently, ruffling her friend's hair.

Meredith grinned, dashed inside and came back with her royal blue Columbia fleece and Sea Shepherd's ball cap of the same color. Dianthe returned five minutes later, inclining her head towards the back of her vehicle. "We have to remember to get the packages out tonight."

"Do you want to ride with us, or in separate vehicles? Karen and I were thinking of doing Blackstone tonight."

Meredith and Dianthe exchange glances, the intensity of the cobalt-blues made Meredith blush. Dianthe cleared her throat, "Meredith?"

"Sounds fun," Meredith met the level blue eyes. "What do you want to do?"

Dianthe arched an eyebrow, letting her eyes take in her lover. Meredith's blush deepened. Morgan and Karen were hard pressed to keep straight faces. "I think separate vehicles would be better. We'll be able to leave when we want," Dianthe announced. "How about using your vehicle? Mine looks like Santa's workshop right now."

"Good; let's move it out," Morgan slapped Dianthe on the back. She and Karen ambled to their vehicle. Dianthe took Meredith's keys. "How's the arm doing?"

"Hurts," Meredith admitted. Dianthe frowned, mentally kicking herself for not thinking how much their recent activity level might affect the terrible wound. They had found creative ways around the problem, resulting in several humorous moments. "Tonight, I'll give you a good, old fashioned back rub," Dianthe promised, leaning down to kiss the top of her lover's head.

"Just my back?" Meredith teased, watching Dianthe's eyes flash with sweet memory.

Dianthe chuckled. Meredith was not a shy woman when it came to sexual matters. She was giving, and very expressive about what she liked. Dianthe admired that quality in a lover. So many other women were hesitant to express their carnal desires, but not Meredith.

Dianthe shared that frankness. She slid the driver's seat back, and adjusted the rear view mirror and driver's seat. Meredith reached over and laid her left hand on Dianthe's right thigh. "Move that hand, young lady, or we may not be going out."

Meredith's sea-green eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let me get this: you were in several real dog fights where you could have died, and you are worried about my hand on your thigh?"

"Definitely; it's more distracting," Dianthe leaned over and kissed Meredith deeply. "I love you."

"Ditto," Meredith laughed as they pulled apart.

Morgan and Karen were patiently waiting for them, and soon two vehicles drove down the road. None of them noticed the figure moving like a ghost amidst the trees, a high-powered sniper's rifle hitched over his shoulder.

Continued...

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