~ Murder by Association ~
by Tonya S. Coley

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Disclaimers: This story is mine. The characters are mine. They do not bear a resemblance to a certain duo, who we all know and love. Although Wilmington is a real city, the names and places of certain areas have been changed to protect me from being sued.

Language: This story contains a lot of foul language.

Violence: This is a murder mystery, of course there's violence. Some of it is graphic.

Sex: This story contains details of a loving relationship between two women. Some scenes are very graphic. If this is not your cup of tea, or you are under the age of 18, I suggest you move on to something else.

Editing Credits: This story was edited by Katia N. Ruiz. Thank you for all your help.

Feedback: Please feel free to let me know what you think. Good or bad reviews I can take, but please don't be cruel. My email addy is Tcoley813@aol.com

Special Thanks: For Peaches. You helped me to see beyond myself, and gave me the courage to try something new. Muchos gracias, mi amiga.

© 2002

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Chapter 13

After dropping Alma off at work, Johnnie went straight to the police station. She was met and greeted by her fellow officers, receiving many well wishes and inquiries about her return. Johnnie was a little uncomfortable with all the attention that was shown, so she quickly made her way into the squad room and to her desk.

Pizo was seated at his desk, and didn't notice Johnnie come in. She sneaked quietly behind him.

"Reach for the sky, Copper." She playfully growled as she placed her index finger against the back of his neck.

He smiled. "Please don't shoot me." He whispered, acting as if he feared for his life. "My wallet is in my back pocket. You won't find any money in it, because a cop's pay ain't shit."

"Don't I know it." She replied as they both fell into a fit of laughter. She walked over to her desk and flopped down into her chair. "Did you take care of my little request?" She asked.

Pizo look at her incredulously. "Of course I did." He said as he pulled out a couple of files. "These are all the perps we apprehended the past couple of years that fit the description of our girl." He paused as he passed the files over to her. "A couple of them are still on lockdown, but the one on top should hold special interest for you."

Johnnie looked thoughtfully at him, and then down at the files he handed her. Opening the first one, she sighed. "You mean to tell me this bitch is out already?" She asked him, her voice full of both shock and surprise. "Elipidia 'Go-Go' Sanchez. Now she was a tough one to bring in."

Pizo chuckled. "Yeah, she almost kicked your ass."

Not bothering to look up, Johnnie lifted her hand and flipped him off. "Almost being the operative word, partner. It was a little hard to get her subdued. She has a black belt in Karate." She sneered. "Says here that she's still in the area. Guess I'll just drop by and check her out."

Pizo leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on his desk. "You know you can't do that, J." He told her. "Cap finds out about it and that's your ass."

Johnnie sighed heavily. "Well, you tell me what I can do, since you know so fucking much." She grumbled.

"Says she works at a restaurant on 401." He told her, removing his feet from his desk and leaning forward. He whispered conspiratorially. "Now, if you were to take your partner to lunch at said restaurant and we happen to run into her..."

Johnnie quickly interrupted him. "Then we wouldn't be going against code." She smiled broadly. "I like how you think."

A loud, booming voice rang out in the squad room. "Green, get your ass in here."

Johnnie winced at her name being called. "Aww, geez." She grimaced.

"Today, Detective." Captain Hill yelled.

Johnnie stood, squared her shoulders and walked into the captain's office. "You bellowed, Cap?" She asked sarcastically as she closed the door.

At first he just glared at her, then he offered a broad smile. "Good to see you, Johnnie." He told her. "How are you doing?"

"Getting stronger every day." She told him as she sat down. "Kinda chomping at the bit to get back into the thick of things."

He looked sympathetically at her. He knew all to well how it was to be shot and put out of action. He was wounded in a foiled bank robbery when he was a beat cop. "I know just how you feel." He said sympathetically. "It takes time, Johnnie, to get back into the swing of things. You talking to the department psychiatrist?"

"Yes, Cap." Johnnie answered. "Started yesterday." She paused. "I'm cooperating fully, don't worry." She promised him with a smile.

Hill just shook his head and smiled, too. "Green, you are something else." He leaned back in his chair, and took on a more serious tone. "The reason I called you in here is because you and your partner looked like you were up to no good."

Johnnie, caught off guard, began to stammer. "W... what are you talking about Captain? Pizo and I are just going to go out to lunch."

"Just lunch, eh?" He retorted. "And I'm Britney Spears."

"Ewww, Captain." Johnnie shuddered.

"You're not officially back, Green. I want you two to be careful." He told her, giving her a knowing look.

Johnnie knew they had been found out. "You got it." She said.

"Good. Now get the fuck out of my office." He yelled.

Johnnie blew him an exaggerated kiss and batted her eyes. "You sweet talker you." She teased.

"Now, Green." He ordered.

Johnnie flinched, and quickly ran out of his office. Captain Hill couldn't help but smile at her antics.



She sauntered back over to her desk and sat down. "We got a while before lunch, so I think I'll take my baby some flowers." She informed Pizo.

He nodded. "How is she holding up?" He asked her. Pizo was genuinely concerned about the both of them.

She smiled. "She's doing ok. After she gets off work, we're going to the range and work on her shooting."

"She's doing well with her targets." He said with a smile.

She looked at him in surprise. "And just how do you know that?" She inquired.

Pizo chuckled. "I'm a cop, J, or have you forgotten?" He paused. "Alma is doing well, and I'm glad. You will be comfortable leaving her alone when you return to duty."

Johnnie sighed. Not having to worry if Alma could take care of herself put her at ease. "You're right about that." She said as she stood up. "Guess I'll be getting those flowers now. I'll be back at a quarter to twelve."

"See you then, J." He replied.



Johnnie pulled up into the parking lot at Wilmington Steel. She looked over at the Dahlias, Alma's favorite flower, and smiled. She's gonna love these. She thought.

Sandra, the raven hair receptionist, had just hung up from a call when Johnnie walked in. Johnnie caught her eye and Sandra smiled broadly. "It's good to see you up and about, Detective. How are you feeling?" She asked.

Johnnie smiled. "Hey Sandra. I'm doing pretty good actually." She gestured toward Alma's office. "Is she busy?"

"No, I don't think she is right now. She does have a working lunch, though." Sandra said.

"I just wanted to stop by and bring her these." Johnnie told her, pulling the fragrant bundle from behind her back.

"Those are beautiful." Sandra admired the beautiful flowers. "What are they?" She asked.

Johnnie took a whiff of the flowers and told her. "Dahlias. They are Alma's favorites."

"Hold on a second." Sandra said as she picked up the phone to buzz Alma. "Alma, you have a delivery. Shall I send it in?"

"Sure, Sandra. That will be fine." Alma said.

"Ok, Johnnie. You're on." Sandra told her.

Johnnie gave Sandra a grateful lop-sided grin and walked toward Alma's office.



"Come in." Alma said in answer to the soft knock she received at her door. She was shocked when Johnnie stuck her head in.

"Delivery for the future Mrs. Green." Johnnie whispered.

"Get in here, you goof." Alma told her as she stood to walk around her desk.

Johnnie came in and closed the door. As she turned around she was enveloped in a warm hug from the woman she loved more than life itself. "Whoa, tiger!" She exclaimed. "You may damage your package"

Alma looked expectantly as Johnnie pulled the flowers from behind her. "For me?" She asked, awestruck.

"For you, my love." Johnnie said softly as she leaned down for a kiss.

When they pulled away, breathless from the kiss, Alma admired her flowers once again. "They are so beautiful." She whispered, as she laid them on her desk. Alma hugged Johnnie tightly once again, and noticed that she was wearing her vest. She felt Johnnie's sides to make sure. Uh, Johnnie, why are you wearing your vest?"

Shit. Johnnie cursed herself. I should have put this on before Pizo and I were to leave the station. Johnnie had to think fast. "Uh, Pizo and I are going out to lunch, and uh, people might think I'm back on duty."

Alma looked at her lover. Sensing that Johnnie was lying, she at once pulled away from her. Her temper flaring, she demanded, "Why are you lying to me?"

Busted. Johnnie sighed heavily. "Alma, sweetheart, I am not lying. Pizo and I are going out to lunch."

"Do you take me for a fool? You may be going out to lunch, but you are also up to something." She yelled. "You know you are not supposed to be working, but you are going to do it anyway." She turned away and walked over to the window, her arms were folded across her chest. Tears filled her eyes.

Johnnie walked up behind Alma and reached for her, but thought better of it. I have got to make this right. She thought to herself. "Honey, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to hurt or deceive you. I just..."

Alma spun on her heels and interrupted. "You just what, Johnnie?" She hissed. "You thought you could pull a fast one on your silly woman?"

Alma's words hurt Johnnie deeply. She never thought of Alma as anything but quick-witted and intelligent. "Alma, don't say things like that. You are not a silly woman. I'm the stupid one for trying to keep this from you." She paused. "Pizo and I are going to check on a lead. One of my former busts is out of prison, and we are just going to check her out. That's all, Alma."

"Why?" Alma questioned. "Do you think she has anything to do with this?"

Johnnie moved closer to her. She felt that a great gulf had formed between them, and she wanted to close it. "The woman's voice sounded familiar to me. I'm just going to see if she matches up to what we have been dealing with."

Alma tensed; fear made her tremble. "I'm afraid for you, querida." She whispered.

Johnnie took Alma into her arms, rubbing her back. "It's just a little look-see, honey. Don't worry; I won't do anything stupid. That's why I'm wearing, baby." She paused. "I promised you that I would do everything in my power to come home to you." She whispered into Alma's hair. "I intend to do just that. Have I ever broken a promise to you, baby?"

Alma smiled, through her tears. "No, beloved."

Johnnie pulled back a little, lifting Alma's chin so she could look into her eyes. "I don't intend on starting now."

Johnnie leaned down for a kiss. Hoping only for a quick one, Johnnie's tongue soon begged for entrance into Alma's warm mouth. Access was granted, and the kiss deepened. Alma wrapped her arms around Johnnie's neck as Johnnie placed her hands on Alma's waist, pulling her closer. Johnnie's hands slipped down to Alma's round buttocks, massaging them as she pulled her even closer. They broke the kiss, and Johnnie traced Alma's jaw with her tongue, moving to that spot just behind Alma's ear, making her moan.

"I love you, Alma." She whispered as she kneaded Alma's buttocks.

Alma kissed Johnnie on her neck. "I love you, too."

Johnnie, not wanting to surrender her hold on Alma, had to force herself to release her. "I've got to go, sweetie." Kissing Alma's forehead, she said, "I'll be back to pick you up. Then we will go to the range for a little practice."

"Ok." Alma replied. "Thank you for the flowers. They are lovely."

Johnnie smiled. "Lovely flowers for a lovely lady." Kissing her once more, Johnnie left to meet Pizo.



Pizo was waiting for Johnnie on the steps of the precinct. He got into her car, and quickly sensed that Johnnie had something on her mind.

"What is it, J? Something wrong?" He asked her, concern heavy in his voice.

"Nah. Had a little run in with Alma, but everything is squared." Johnnie answered reassuringly.

Pizo looked at his partner. "She figured out what we were up to, didn't she?"

"Am I that easy to read?" She asked him, arching her eyebrow from behind her sunglasses.

Pizo laughed. "Only to those who love you, J." He paused. "She's cool with it?"

"Yeah." She told him. "Or we'd be eating at Burger King."

They looked at each other and laughed.



They pulled up to Emma's Truck Stop on 401.

"Guess this is the place." Pizo told her. "Don't let me forget to buy some Tums." He remarked.

"I won't, cause you'll be sharing with me." She said.

When they entered, the place was crowded. Their eyes scanned for Elipidia.

"You see her yet, Pizo?" Johnnie asked.

"Nope." He paused. "Wait, I see her."

"Where is she?" Johnnie asked.

He nodded his head in the direction of the shortest waitress in the place. "There she is."

Johnnie turned to look in the direction that Pizo was looking. "Yep that's her. Damn, why would she dye her hair that ugly flaming red?"

Pizo shrugged. "Don't know. C'mon, let's get a booth."

"Get that booth next to the table that she's serving." She told him. "That way we can have a little chat with Go-Go."

Chapter 14

"Thank you, and have a nice day." Go-Go said to her customers, her Spanish accent not so thick, as she placed their bill on the table.



Go-Go was a small Cuban woman with incredibly gorgeous features. Her hair, which had been dyed red, was cut in a short style. She wore khaki cargo pants, and a black tank top that revealed a falcon tattoo on her back and crossed swords on her upper arms. She wore black walking shoes that made being on her feet all day a little more bearable.

Johnnie and Pizo walked by her, without Go-Go even noticing them. They sat in the booth across from the table that she previously served. Go-Go returned with menus in hand.

"Here you go folks, I'll be with..."She stopped speaking when she realized who was at one of her stations.

Johnnie flashed a feral grin at her. "Nice to see you again, Elpidia." She used her given name, knowing how much Go-Go hated it.

"What do you want? I'm working, something you should be doing." Go-Go spat.

"Cops gotta eat." Pizo said.

Go-Go rolled her eyes. "Take a look at the menus. I'll be back for your order." She quickly turned and walked away.

"Well, that went well." Johnnie sighed.

Sally, another waitress, had just picked up her order when Go-Go pulled her behind the counter.

"I need a favor Sal." Go-Go whispered.

Sal popped her gum. "What is it, Go-Go?"

"See those two at the last booth?" She asked.

Sally looked over to the booth. "You mean those cops?" Yeah, I see 'em. What of it?"

"I need for you to take over my station. They're the cops that busted me when I was dealing drugs. I don't want to have to serve 'em." She admitted.

"Sorry Go-Go, no can do." Sally said. "Cops don't tip worth a damn." With that she walked away from her.

"Gee, thanks pal of mine." Go-Go sarcastically said. She took a deep breath and walked back over to the booth.

"What'll you have?" She asked, placing her pencil to her pad, not looking at either of them.

Looking around at the other patrons' food, Pizo and Johnnie said simultaneously, "Water."

Dropping her hands to her hips, she glared at them. "What do you guys want from me? I've been out and clean for almost a year. I've had this crummy job for six months." She paused. "I'm not doing anything wrong."

Pizo looked over to Johnnie. "You heard enough, J?"

"Yeah." Johnnie said. She looked over at Go-Go. "Thanks for your time." She told her as she and Pizo stood to leave.

As they walked away Go-go yelled, "Pata."

Johnnie stopped and turned to her. She walked back over to the booth and placed a ten-dollar bill on it. "Puta." She spat as she glared at Go-Go. She walked away.



"Why did you give her a ten dollar tip?" Pizo asked as Johnnie buckled her seatbelt.

"It was worth ten dollars to call her that." Johnnie said. Truth be told, she actually felt bad for giving her a hard time. Go-Go was actually trying to turn her life around.

Pizo, knowing that Johnnie was lying, secretly smiled to himself.

Neither of the two detectives noticed the car that was parked a few feet away from them. Nor did they notice the woman who sat watching them.



"Have you had anymore nightmares, Johnnie?" Doctor Kohli asked.

Johnnie sighed heavily. "Yes, and they all end the same way. Alma becoming another victim and I'm helpless to do anything about it." Johnnie's voice became desperate. "How can I make her see that staying with her family would be for the best?"

Doctor Kohli looked at Johnnie, and saw the fear in her eyes. "May I ask you a question?"

"Sure, go ahead." Johnnie said.

"If the situation were reversed, would you leave her?" She asked as she leaned forward on her desk.

"No, but this is different." Johnnie responded.

The doctor leaned back in her chair. "How so?"

Johnnie became flustered as she tried to explain. "It... it just is." She stood and walked over to the window, her arms crossed against her chest.

Doctor Kohli twirled her pen between her fingers. After giving Johnnie a moment to compose herself, she began to speak. "What, if any, precautions are you and Alma taking to keep her safe?"

Johnnie turned to face her, then sat on the windowsill. She rubbed her face. "I've been teaching Alma how to handle a gun. She is doing quite well, actually. Better than I imagined she could."

"That sounds promising, Johnnie." She softly said to her. Doctor Kohli stood and sat on the edge of her desk and crossed her legs. "Does she feel confident that she will be able to protect herself?"

Johnnie smiled. "Yes she does."

"Well then, detective, why are you so frightened?" She asked.

Johnnie sat there, silently shaking her head. She took a deep breath and explained. "Alma is all I have. I love her more than life itself, and if anything ever happened to her I would just die." She paused. "I have friends, but it's not the same. I would stop breathing if Alma asked me to."

"Then you have to have faith that you will be able to protect her, and if need be she will be able to protect herself. This feeling of inadequacy that you are perpetuating on yourself will not help you or her." Doctor Kohli advised.

Johnnie took in what the doctor said to her. "Maybe your right, doc."

The doctor looked at her with mock indignation. "That's why they pay me the big bucks, detective." She then laughed, with Johnnie joining her.



The end of the week came, and then another began. Johnnie continued working out, and her sessions with Doctor Kohli. Alma's shooting skills were coming along, and Johnnie began to feel more comfortable with Alma staying at home. Her nightmares had even stopped.

It was time for Johnnie's follow-up visit with Dr. Pedrazo. He was taken aback at how well the detective had recovered. She was strong and healthy, and saw no need to keep her from returning to duty. Her sessions with Dr. Kohli proved to be advantageous as well. She had given Johnnie a glowing report and the green light to return to active duty, also.



Alma and Johnnie decided to throw a little get together on the Sunday before Johnnie was to return to work. Alma called her mother and invited her and her brothers. Rosa and Miguel would attend, but Guillermo said that hell would freeze over before he would set foot in their house again. Javier wasn't able to attend, because he had a meeting to attend.

Alma then called Annie and Myra, and of course Pizo and Diana. They all agreed to come. The impromptu party was in full swing when Alma realized that they needed more ice. She and Diana went to the store. The trip took a little longer than usual, and Johnnie began to worry. She was relieved when they finally returned.

Johnnie saw the hood was up on Alma's car, so she, Pizo and Miguel went outside to investigate.

"What's wrong with your car, baby?" Johnnie asked as she walked up to them.

"I don't know." Alma said. "It kept cutting off. That's what took us so long."

Pizo looked at Johnnie expectantly. "Well?"

"Well, what?" She asked.

"Aren't you gonna fix it?" He asked.

Johnnie crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at him. "Contrary to popular belief, not all butches are mechanically inclined."

Pizo laughed. "Do you mean to tell me that 'Ms. I can do anything' can't fix a car?"

Johnnie growled playfully at him. "Fuck you, Pizo. Can you fix it?"

"Hell no." He told her. "I'm a cop, not a mechanic."

"It's alright, querida." Alma said. "You do other things very well." She lustfully said as she pulled Johnnie into an embrace.

Johnnie puffed out her chest, then stuck her tongue out at Pizo.



Across town in a cheap motel, a woman sat in the darkened corner waiting for a visitor. A knock came and she told the visitor to come in.

A blonde man, in his late forties entered the semi-darkened room. He was wearing grimy clothes, and had a beer belly. His front teeth were missing, too.

"I was told that someone was in need of my services. The name's Mike." He said as he stood by the door, trying to make out the silhouette of the woman in the corner.

"I know who you are, Mike." She softly stated. "You come highly recommended."

He leered at the woman and licked his chapped lips. "I can, uh, give you a discount. We can work something out."

"I don't think so." She flatly told him. "This is strictly business."

"Can't blame a guy for trying." He said. "Give me the particulars."

"A friend of mine has to see the error of her ways." She sarcastically said. "I just want you to scare her."

"Address?" He asked.

"4215 Lockhaven Drive. Her car is a black 2001 Chrysler 300M." She said. "Your fee is in the envelope on the bed."

He rubbed his belly. "Are you sure you don't want to...."

She quickly interrupted. "Positive."

He shrugged his shoulders. "I'll take care of this first thing tomorrow morning."

"Good." She said.

He picked up his envelope and left.



"Oh God, Alma!!!" Johnnie yelled as she sat up. She quickly fell back to the bed.

Alma crawled up Johnnie's body from between her legs, placing a soft kiss on Johnnie's lips.

Breathing heavily, Johnnie stroked her lover's shoulder. "Alma, are you trying to kill me?"

"I only want to love you, baby." Alma sexily whispered, as she stroked Johnnie's stomach.

"I don't know how much love I will be able to take. You wear me out, woman." Johnnie admitted. Her breathing evened out, and she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Alma smiled to herself and kissed Johnnie's cheek. "Sleep well, my love." She whispered.



A lone figure was in the motel room, getting dressed. Wearing latex gloves, she pulled up her boxers, then a pair of black biking shorts. A black t-shirt was tucked into the biking shorts. She opened a package sporting a brand new purple dildo, harness included. After making minor adjustments, she slipped on the dildo followed by a pair of faded Levi's. The woman sat on the bed to lace up a pair of Doc Martens.

She looked at herself in the mirror. "Gotta make her see that I'm right and she is wrong." She said aloud, to no one. "She will change. She has to." She pulled on a black wig.

The woman picked up her bag that held a small rope and claw hammer. Then she picked up another bag that held her clothes. Looking once more in the mirror, she whispered, "More souls to purge." She put on her sunglasses and left.



Johnnie poured herself a cup of coffee and poured Alma some orange juice. They sat at the table eating a light breakfast.

"I already told you honey, I can drop your car off at the dealership and they will give me a loaner. You can take my car to work." Johnnie said.

"Why can't I take my car in?" Alma asked. "Won't that make you late for work?"

Johnnie sighed. "I don't want you to be stranded if it conks out again. I don't have to be in until eleven."

Alma stood and walked over to Johnnie. "My hero." She leaned down for a kiss.

Before Alma knew what was happening, Johnnie had pulled her into her lap. "Ooh, I just love brown sugar on my toast." She husked and kissed Alma again, thoroughly.

"Keep kissing me like that, lover, and neither one of us will be going in to work today." Alma breathlessly said.

Johnnie released her and gave Alma a slap on her behind. "Come on, let's get these dishes in the dishwasher and get out of here."

Alma got into Johnnie's 300M, and Johnnie got into Alma's Camry. The Camry started fine so the both pulled out of their driveway, Alma going in one direction and Johnnie the other.

Johnnie got three miles down the road before the car stalled. Actually, it died because it wouldn't start again. Johnnie got out of the car, and in her frustration kicked it. "Fuck." She yelled. She then got her cell phone and dialed for a tow truck.

Alma was listening to Kiss 101, oblivious to her surroundings. She didn't notice the car that was coming up quickly behind her. It was an older model car, no markings and had no color but the primer that covered it.



Mike was wearing dark glasses and a hooded sweatshirt. He was sweating like a pig. It was hot and the old car had no AC. He waited for the car coming from the opposite direction to pass, and then pulled closer to Johnnie's car. He rammed it from behind.

The jolt pulled Alma from her musings, startling her. "What the ... you crazy son of a bitch!" She yelled.

Mike rammed her again, only this time it was harder. Alma tried to speed up, but his car had a 440-block engine and she couldn't get away.

Alma began to get nervous. She reached for her cell phone and hurriedly dialed Johnnie's number.



Johnnie had just arrived at the dealership when her cell phone rang. "Green, talk to me." She said.

"Johnnie? Oh God!" Alma said frantically.

"Alma?!" Johnnie yelled. "What's wrong?" She could hear the fear in her lover's voice.

"There's someone follow..."Alma dropped the phone as she tried to regain control of the car.

Johnnie heard her screaming, squealing tires, and then a crash. "Alma, Alma talk to me." She begged. "Please baby." Silence. "Alma!!!!!!!!!"

She quickly dialed Pizo's number. "Pizo I need a squad car to search on Highway 70 for my car." She listened. "Now goddamn it. It's Alma. Someone was following her." She listened again, sobbing like a baby. "Yeah. I'm at Jones Toyota. Hurry Pizo, please."

Johnnie leaned against the side of the building. Her legs could no longer hold her weight, so she slid to the ground as she cried uncontrollably. A few passers by tried to help, but she growled at them so they left her alone.

Chapter 15

Officers John Newman and Harry Artis were scanning Highway 70 looking for Johnnie's car.

"Harry, do you see those skid marks?" John asked.

"Yeah." He reduced the car's speed and looked for any signs of a possible accident. "Oh shit!" He exclaimed as he pulled the squad car on the shoulder of the road.

Both officers quickly exited their vehicle and ran towards the mangled Chrysler that was upright against a large tree. Steam was rising from beneath the crushed hood. They moved closer to check for survivors. They took notice of the airbag that was deployed, and the tree branch that crashed through the windshield.

"Damn, you don't think she was impa..."Harry started to ask.

John quickly interrupted him. "Don't even say it, Harry."

"You call it in. I'm going to go and check." Harry said.

As John called the accident in, Harry moved closer to the car. Harry gasped at what he saw and immediately lost his breakfast.



"What am I going to do if I lose her, Pizo?" Johnnie desperately asked. "This is all my fault. I should have sent her back home."

Pizo looked at his pitiful partner. "J, it's not your fault. Alma stayed because she felt that was where she belonged; by your side." He paused. "Stop jumping to conclusions. We don't know how seriously she's injured."

"She's dead. I just know it. It's all my fault." Johnnie pathetically said.

"That's enough goddamn it." Pizo yelled. "Alma is not dead." He grasped her shoulder; his voice became more compassionate. "Don't go flaking out on me, J. You gotta be strong. You know that our guys can't touch her. Fire and Rescue are only allowed to move her. So just take a deep breath and relax. We'll be there in 10 minutes."



A young female paramedic was attending to Harry, as the others were removing Alma from the wreckage. After opening more smelling salts and waving it under the officer's nose, she was satisfied that he was recovering.

"So much blood." Harry whispered.

"That's how it is with scalp injuries, officer." The paramedic assured him.

"I didn't know that." The rookie officer said.

"I think you're going to be fine. I'm going to help the others." She softly said as she patted his shoulder.



Pizo had just pulled onto the shoulder of the road when Johnnie leaped from the car. She saw the condition of her car and nearly stumbled. She regained her balance and quickened her pace to the stretcher that Alma was lying on.

"Whoa." The state trooper told her, placing a firm hands on her shoulders.

"Get your fucking hands off me, Smokey." Johnnie yelled. "That's my woman on that stretcher."

He looked at her with disgust in his eyes. "I don't care if..."

Pizo interrupted his tirade. "It's ok, Trooper. We are police officers." He held up his badge for the trooper's inspection.

Johnnie jerked herself from his grasp and continued over to Alma. She fell on her knees next to the stretcher. She noticed the bandage that was red with blood. Johnnie touched Alma's fingers. "I'm sorry, baby." She whispered as she began to cry.

"Detective, we need to get her to the hospital. She's unconscious and appears to have a concussion. We also need to get her checked for internal injuries." A paramedic whispered in her ear.

"I'm coming with you." She told him.

"That's fine." He stood Johnnie up, and then he and the other paramedic took Alma to the waiting ambulance.

Johnnie followed them with Pizo by her side. "Call Rosa for me and let her know what happened."

"I just did." He said. "I told you that she was going to be ok."

Johnnie grasped his upper arm. "Yeah, you did." She jumped into the back of the ambulance after they got Alma secured.



Johnnie paced the emergency room waiting area, guilt and sorrow taking over her mind. Pizo walked up to her and handed her a cup of coffee.

"Drink this, J, you need it." Pizo softly said.

She gratefully took it and began to drink it when Rosa, Miguel and Guillermo rushed in. Johnnie returned the cup to Pizo.

"What happened, Johnnie?" Rosa asked as she fell into Johnnie's arms, sobbing.

Johnnie wrapped her long arms around her. "She was forced off the road into a tree." She said into Rosa's hair as tears fell from her eyes. "All I know is that she's unconscious and has a concussion. They are checking her for other injuries. The doctor should be out soon."

Guillermo's glare at Johnnie was full of hatred. Pizo studied him, hoping that he wouldn't make an already bad situation worse.

Harry and John, the first officers on the scene of the accident, walked over to Johnnie. She released Rosa from her embrace.

"Your car has been taken to police impound, detective." John told her.

Guillermo's eyes flashed toward Johnnie. "What was she doing with your car?" He demanded as he walked over to her. The two officers joined Pizo and silently hoped that the young man wouldn't cause a scene.

Johnnie turned to him with her head down; her guilt made her unable to look at him. "I was taking her car to the dealership. It was giving her trouble. I didn't want her to drive it." She quietly said.

"So instead you let her drive your car, knowing full well that there was someone after you." He angrily shouted. "Oh yeah, mami told me all about it. Why didn't you just send her home, where she would be safe?"

"She wouldn't leave me." She faintly said, guilt washing over her.

Guillermo animatedly chuckled. "She said no?! I thought you were the man of your house."

"That's enough, Gui." Rosa hissed. "We don't need this right now."

"You're right about that, mami." He spat. "Alma wouldn't even be in this mess if it wasn't for her."

Rosa walked over to him and raised her hand to slap him, as she heard Javier call out to her. "Mami, what's going on? What happened to Alma?" He asked as he rushed to her side.

Rosa turned and embraced him. She knew that he would take it harder than her other sons. Alma and Javier were very close. "Alma has been in an accident, mijo. She was forced off the road and into a tree."

"It's all Johnnie's fault, too." Guillermo angrily added.

Javier turned to Johnnie, then back to Guillermo. "You're crazy. She would never do anything to hurt Alma."

"It is my fault." Johnnie softly said.

"What? What are you talking about, Johnnie?" Javier asked, tears coming from his already red and swollen eyes.

"She was driving my car." She said. She couldn't even look him in the eye.

Javier was in shock. "The murderer of those women, the one who tried to kill you, tried again?" He wearily asked. His legs began to weaken, so he sat down. "Why do you say it's your fault? Did you know that the woman would try again?"

Johnnie sat beside him. "No. I was trying to take care of her. Her car was messing up, so I told her to drive mine."

"Then it's not your fault, Johnnie." He said. Rosa walked over to them and stood behind Javier, thankful that he conveyed the family's feeling. That is all but one member of the family.

"You're just going to let her off the hook? It is her fault. She made Alma be like this, and put her in a position to get hurt." Guillermo screamed, a vein bulging in his forehead.

"Enough." Miguel shouted. "Stop blaming her, Gui. She feels bad enough."

Guillermo walked over to Johnnie and stood in front of her. "Stand up!"

Johnnie stood. She knew what he was going to do, even before he did it. If it makes him feel better, then so be it. She thought, as she braced herself.

"I hate you for what you did to our family. You're a cancer that has invaded us, eating away at us." He spat. He swung at her, just catching her chin. She staggered back.

"Guillermo!" Rosa yelled.

Pizo and the other two officers were on him before he could swing at Johnnie again. "That's it, asshole." Pizo told him. "You're under arrest for assaulting a police officer."

"Let him go." Johnnie said, rubbing her chin.

"What?" Pizo asked, bewildered.

"You heard me." She said. "He had every right to hit me."

"No he didn't." Rosa adamantly said. "Take him, he should know better."

Johnnie touched Rosa on her shoulder. "He's hurting, too. I'm an easy target."

Rosa reached up to cup Johnnie's cheek. "You are a good person, Johnnie. No wonder my Alma loves you so much."

Pizo released Guillermo with a shove as the ER doctor came into the waiting area. "Martinez family?" He asked.

"Yes?" Rosa asked expectantly as she grasped Johnnie's hand. Johnnie looked down at her and smiled at her gesture.

"Ms. Martinez has regained consciousness. She needed twelve stitches to close the cut in her hairline. Her suffered a separated shoulder and bruised ribs, all on her left side. We couldn't give her a strong painkiller due the concussion, so we've given her 800mg of Motrin to take the edge off. We will be keeping her here overnight for observation."

"Thank God." They all said in unison.

"When can we see her, doctor?" Guillermo anxiously asked.

The doctor looked among them. "Which one of you is Johnnie?" He inquired.

"I am." Johnnie acknowledged.

"It seems Ms. Martinez is in a hurry to speak to you. She's been calling for you since she regained consciousness." He said, smiling.

Guillermo began to speak, but Miguel's venomous glare made him think better of it.

Johnnie turned to Rosa and grasped her shoulders. "Rosa, you go and see her first."

"Are you kidding?" Rosa chuckled; her tears are now tears of joy. "I know how she is when she doesn't get her way when she's sick and so do you."

Johnnie smiled and shuddered at that thought. "I won't be long."



Johnnie entered the ER and walked over to room 14. Alma was sleeping. She found a stool and sat it next to the bed. She looked at Alma; a blood free bandage was wrapped around her head, and her left shoulder in a sling. She reached for Alma's right hand and kissed it. "Alma, I'm so sorry. This is my fault. I should have just called a tow truck for your car and driven you to work myself." She said aloud, unaware that Alma heard her.

"Johnnie?" Alma quietly asked. She was still a little fuzzy due to the concussion.

"Yeah, baby?" Johnnie whispered.

"Please don't make me get out of this bed and hurt you." Alma said, her head slowly turning to look at the love of her life.

Johnnie chuckled. "I see you're almost back to your old self." She paused and kissed Alma's hand again. "I am so sorry, baby. It's my fault. I should have been...."

"Shh." Alma whispered groggily. "It's not your fault, and I don't want to ever hear you say that again."

"I love you. I was so scared." Johnnie seriously said. "I thought I was gonna lose you. Te amare, en la vida y hasta en la muerte."

"I know, querida. Me, too." She groggily said. "I'm so tired and my head hurts."

Johnnie leaned over and kissed Alma's cheek. Alma had begun to doze off. "Sleep well, baby."

"You know, your mom's voice is almost as low as yours." Alma blurted. "She says hi."

A stunned Johnnie could do nothing but look at her lover. "What are you talking about, baby?"

"She also says, mind what your father told you." Alma added just before she began to snore.

Johnnie shook it off. "She's confused." She touched Alma's cheek and walked out. Rosa, Javier and Miguel rushed Johnnie as she stepped out to the waiting room. Guillermo stood back, as Pizo glared at him.

"How is she?" Javier anxiously asked.

"Alma is really confused, and looks a little worse for wear." She said. "You guys can go in, but she's not making much sense."

"Mami, you and Javier go in. I'll go in with estupido over there." He said, nodding his head in the direction of Guillermo.

"They'll be moving her to her room soon." Johnnie said. Sensing Rosa's nervousness, she placed her hand on Rosa's shoulder. "The overnight thing is just a precaution. She's gonna be just fine."

"Okay, Johnnie." Rosa softly said. She started towards the ER when Johnnie caught her by the elbow.

"We need to discuss how to get Alma to stay with you for a while." Johnnie whispered into her ear.

Knowing full well the explosion that would be forthcoming when Alma found out, she nodded her head in silent agreement.

Pizo was ending his call on his cell phone. He turned and saw a nearly vanquished Johnnie. "I didn't think this day could get any worse, J." Pizo said.

"What is it?" Johnnie wearily asked.

"They found another body at the dunes." He informed her.

Johnnie's world came crashing down around her. She felt her legs go weak and she quickly made her way to a chair. Nearly losing Alma, then finding out that the killer had struck again was a little too much. She could have easily had two victims instead of just one. She leaned her head back against the wall.

After regaining her composure, she told Pizo to give her a minute to tell Alma that she was leaving for a short time. He knew that it was hard for Johnnie to leave Alma right now, but he understood the need for Johnnie to get the murderer behind bars.



Johnnie walked back into Alma's treatment cubicle. She saw Rosa on the left side of Alma's bed, and Javier on the right holding her hand.

"She still sleeping?" Johnnie quietly asked.

"Yes." Rosa said. Javier sat in silence looking at Alma. "She woke up for a minute, saying something about tomahawk and being pushed. Alma wasn't making any sense."

Johnnie walked over to Alma's bedside and stood next to Rosa. She leaned over and softly spoke to Alma. "Baby, I gotta go for a little bit. I gotta take care of some things. Our girl has been busy." Johnnie said. She looked at the ugly bruise that was beginning to peek from beneath the bandage and winced.

"So close." Alma murmured.

"What?" Johnnie asked, totally confused.

"It's the bump on her head making her say things, Johnnie." Rosa paused. "I'll stay with her. Go on, do what needs to be done. I want you to catch this killer."

Johnnie nodded. She leaned over to kiss Alma's cheek, and could see the pain on Javier's face. He kissed Alma's hand as he wept. Johnnie was aware of the close bond these two shared. "You ok, Javier?" Johnnie asked.

"Now that Alma will be ok, yes I'm fine." He whispered.



Johnnie walked over to Pizo, and they began to walk toward the exit. Guillermo saw them and rushed over to them.

"Running away with your tail between your legs, eh pata?" Guillermo spat. His bravado had grown from him hitting her earlier.

Johnnie's anger quickly grew as she grabbed him by his collar and slammed him against the wall. "I've had all I'm gonna take from you, little man." She snarled as she tightened her grip on his shirt and lowered her face closer to his. "You hit me earlier only because I allowed you to. Do not think for one minute that you did it on your own."

Guillermo, with great effort, tried to break free of Johnnie's iron grip. His struggle was in vain; Johnnie was too strong and absolutely furious. Miguel and Pizo stood back and watched with satisfaction. The short little shit deserved it.

Johnnie was taking great pleasure in watching him squirm. The same pleasure he had when he was kicking her emotionally while she was down. "Now, for your information, I have some business to take care of. You can stay with Alma as long as you want to. But know this, if you go in there spouting the garbage you were earlier, she won't be the only Martinez in a hospital bed. Do you get me?" She growled.

Angry because he had been thoroughly humiliated in front of everyone in the waiting area, he mutely nodded.

"Good boy." She told him, releasing her grip. She lightly slapped him on his cheek. She turned to Miguel. "I'll be back as soon as I can." She said.

Miguel nodded. He had been filled in by Pizo, while Johnnie was terrorizing Guillermo. "Go get her. Make that bitch pay for what she's done." He added.

She gave him a halfhearted smile as she and Pizo left.

Chapter 16

Johnnie sat at her desk, looking over the report of Alma's accident. Her car was rammed from behind, which made Alma spin out and loose control. The airbag had deployed properly and the seatbelt worked perfectly. She read something that made her blood run cold. The branch that crashed through the windshield could have gone through Alma's head if she had been a couple more inches to the right. For some unexplained reason the branch had split, causing only minimal damage to Alma's head.

Tears welled up in her eyes. My baby could be dead right now. She thought to herself. Rosa said Alma had said something about a tomahawk and being pushed. Is it possible? She continued to muse. Johnnie began to smile as she wiped the few tears that escaped her full eyes. Anything is possible. Thanks, daddy. Remembering where she was, she looked around to see if anybody had been watching her. None other than Pizo busted her.

Pizo felt empathy for Johnnie, she had been through a lot. So, instead of teasing her, he walked over to her and placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "You ok, buddy?"

Relieved that he wasn't going to tease her, she smiled. "Yeah. Just thinking about what I could have lost, and thanking the powers that be that I didn't."

"I feel you on that one." He said. "Have you checked on Alma?"

"They've moved her to a private room. Her family is with her now." Johnnie said. "I hope that prick Gui doesn't say or do anything to upset her."

"Why didn't you let me run the little bastard in? Pizo asked, still a little upset because Johnnie wouldn't let him arrest Guillermo. "He had it coming."

Johnnie studied her partner. She wanted to let Pizo bust him, but she couldn't allow it to happen with Rosa standing right there. She sighed heavily. "It was just too much for Rosa to endure at one time. I didn't want to do that to her."

"You pick the most inopportune times to be a softy, J." He said smugly.

Johnnie's back stiffened at what Pizo had said. "You tell anybody, your ass is grass."

Pizo put his hands up in mock surrender. "Ooh, I'm so scared."

Johnnie laughed and flipped him the bird.



"Mami, what's wrong with Guillermo?" Miguel asked as they waited in the hallway while the nurses got Alma settled in her bed. "Why did he have to act like that?"

Rosa sighed as she looked down the hallway at Guillermo. "I can't understand this hatred he has for Johnnie. She and Alma have been together for a while now." She shook her head. "It was hard for us to get used to the idea of Alma being with a woman, especially for me. But what's going on with Guillermo is stupid. I don't think I could find a man to treat my Alma better than Johnnie does."

Miguel could only agree with her. Thinking about how he has mistreated his girlfriend, the mother of his children, made him feel like a bastard. "I should take lessons from Johnnie on how to treat a woman."

Rosa smiled at her youngest child. Placing her arm around him, she whispered words of comfort to him. "It's not too late, mijo." She paused. "Do you love Anna?"

"I love her so much mami, it hurts. My macho image gets in the way." He said solemnly, hanging his head down in shame.



"Don't let your macho imagine make you lose the woman you love." Rosa softly warned him. She looked down the hallway at her other sons. "I don't know if there's any hope for Gui, but I do pray that Javier finds someone to love. He's so alone."

Miguel noticed the look in his mother's eyes. "No, mami, don't interfere. You know how Javier hates it when you start matchmaking."

"Callate." She playfully said as she swatted his arm.



"That bitch should get her ass kicked." Guillermo spat. "First she gets Alma involved in all this, and then she leaves her."

"Why don't you just be quiet, Gui." Javier wearily said. "I don't want to think about all that now. My concern is for Alma."

"You could have fooled me." Guillermo paused, and looked his brother in the eye. "This was our chance to get that dyke away from Alma for good, and all you did was take her side just like mami did."

"Not now." Javier warned.

"Alma needs to see that pata for what she is. She's selfish. She doesn't care for Alma. If she did, then she would be here, instead of running around searching for someone she'll never find." Guillermo countered. "The rest of you can sit with your heads buried in the sand, but I'm going to tell Alma what's what. This madness ends now."

Javier grabbed him by his upper arm. "You will not say one word to upset Alma." He growled. "Do you hear me? Not… One… Word."

Guillermo looked into his brother's eyes, seeing that Javier meant what he said. He snatched his arm from him. "Alright then. I'll handle it another way. Mark my words, mi hermano, that bitch won't be plaguing this family much longer. Alma is going to see her for what she is."

"Whatever." Javier said as he walked away to join his mother and Miguel.



Johnnie and Pizo went down to the impound area to look over Johnnie's car. When she spotted it, a wave of anger washed over her. She walked around the car clenching and unclenching her fists. A low, nearly inaudible growl came from her throat. The rear end had been smashed into, the windshield had a large hole in it and the front of the car was crushed. The more she walked around the car, the angrier she became. Pizo could only stand by and watch her. He knew that it wouldn't be a good idea to interrupt her. He could see the rage permeating from her body.

Charlie, the officer that examined Johnnie's car, walked over to Pizo. "I have the report ready for you guys, detective." He quietly said as he watched Johnnie pace around the car. "What is she doing?" He asked.

Pizo sighed heavily. "She's about to explode." He paused, the looked at Charlie. "Do me a favor and clear this area, ok?"

Seeing the anger on Johnnie's face, Charlie quickly handed the report to Pizo. "Hey fellas, let's go get some coffee." He and the other two officers left.

As they walked from the impound site they heard a deep, animalistic roar and a slew of expletives. Charlie was thankful not to be in there with the furious Detective Green.



Javier held Alma's hand as she slept. Rosa and Miguel sat in the chairs and talked about how they had thrown Guillermo out earlier for upsetting Alma.

Johnnie walked in with flowers, balloons and a stuffed teddy bear. Upon seeing Alma's beautiful face, she felt at ease for the first time that day.

Miguel walked over to Johnnie and relieved her of the gifts. Johnnie went over to the bed and kissed Alma on the cheek. Alma opened her eyes and then smiled.

"Hey, querida." Alma whispered.

"Hey yourself. How are you feeling, baby?" Johnnie asked.

"I'd be feeling fine if I were at home in our bed." Alma said. "How are you? You look tired, baby."

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." Johnnie leaned down for a chaste kiss. She looked over to Javier. "Has the doctor been in?"

"Yes. He said that Alma could be released tomorrow." He said as he smiled at her, then at Alma.

Johnnie gave silent thanks. "See honey, you'll be out of here tomorrow." She softly said.

"Unfortunately, I won't be here. I have a flight leaving tonight for Florida." He announced. "I should be back Friday. You call me if you need me, Johnnie. I'll leave my itinerary with mami." He kissed Alma's cheek then walked over to his mother and Miguel and hugged them.

"I'll walk you out." Johnnie said as she started to leave Alma's bedside.

Javier held up his hand to stop her. "Here is where you want to be." He grasped her shoulder. "Take care of her."

"I will." She said.

A little while later, Rosa said that it was time for them to leave so that Alma could rest. She and Miguel both kissed Alma, then Johnnie offered to walk them out.

"There's no way in hell you guys are gonna get Alma to agree to this." Miguel said.

"She has no other choice. I won't have her at home by herself, especially when she can't defend herself." Johnnie said.

"Alma will do as I say. I'll just put my foot down." Rosa adamantly said.

"Well, before you bring her over, call us so that I can leave. I don't want to be there for the big showdown." Miguel said to them both.

"I'm not afraid of her." Johnnie said weakly.

Rosa began to shift from one foot to the other. "Me either. I'm her mami, not the other way around."

Miguel laughed at both of them. "I would love to be there to see you brave soldiers, but I am afraid of her. She gets real mean when she's pissed." He looked at Johnnie and smirked. "Come to think of it, you'd better get back to her."

"Yeah, you're right." She said as she gave them both a quick hug goodbye.

Rosa quickly slapped the back of Miguel's head.

"Ow, mami. What was that for?" He asked as he rubbed the back of his head.

"For scaring that poor girl." She said.

"I was talking about Alma, mami, or have you forgotten?" He asked.

"Oh yeah, I did forget. Sorry, mijo." She said as she kissed his head. "I owe you one."



Alma had raised the head of her bed a little and the nausea had passed before Johnnie got back.

"I was beginning to wonder if you went home with them." She said as Johnnie entered her room.

"Nope, I was just asking how you were today. You were talking kind of weird when I left." She said as she sat on the side of the bed. "I know a couple of detectives came and talked to you earlier, I read the report. Do you remember anything else?"

"No. I told them all I could remember." Alma said softly. She rubbed her left arm, then let her fingers trail down her arm to her hand. She gasped in horror. "Johnnie, where is my ring? Oh god it's gone!"

"Shh, baby. I have it. It's safe." She told her as she held her. "The paramedics took it off before the swelling got too bad. If they hadn't, it would have had to been cut off."

Wiping the tears from her face, she breathed a sigh of relief. "Good." She paused. "Where is it?"

Johnnie chuckled. "It's at home with mine. I put it back in the box when I went home to get you some clothes."

"Ok." Alma said as she fiddled with the bedcovers. "Johnnie?"

"Yeah, baby?" She asked.

"Kiss me." Alma whispered.

"Gladly." Johnnie said as she leaned in for a kiss. It was the beginning of a first class make out session.



Mike sat at his desk going over the receipts and counting his money. The shop was closed and he was alone. He heard the door open to his office, so he pulled out his .45 and placed it in his lap. "Who's there?" He asked.

"You should learn to lock your doors, Mike. You never know who could walk in." The woman softly said.

"Oh, it's you." He said, putting his .45 back in the desk drawer. "You got another job for me?"

"As a matter of fact, I do." She told him.

"You liked my work on the one I did for you this morning, eh?" He asked. "What do you want done this time?"

"There's just one problem, Mike. You see, you didn't do your job correctly." She said, moving closer to him.

"Black Chrysler 300M. I ran it off the road this morning. Nobody got killed. I say I did just what you asked." Mike said, growing annoyed.

"Right car, wrong driver, fuckface." She hissed.

"You didn't say anything about who drove it, lady." He growled, growing angry.

The woman smiled coyly at him. "Well that's neither here nor there. You fucked up and I don't like fuck-ups." She flatly told him as she pulled her 9mm from behind her back. "Your job is to die slowly and painfully."

Mike reached for his desk drawer. The bullet entered his shoulder before he could get to the drawer.



Johnnie and Alma were riding in the 4-runner that the dealership had loaned them while Alma's car was in the shop.

"Honey, what do you think about getting one of these for us?" Johnnie asked.

"Yeah, fine." Alma answered absently. "Uh, Johnnie?"

"Yeah, baby?" She asked.

"Why are we heading for mami's house?" Alma inquired. "I thought we were going straight home."

"Don't you want your mom to check you out?" Johnnie asked. I hope she buys this. "Kiss your boo-boo to make it better, and all that."

"I'd rather have you kiss my boo-boos." Alma purred.

"Oh, I'll kiss them and then some." Johnnie winked.

Pulling into Rosa's driveway, Alma saw Miguel washing his truck. She smiled at him as he ran over to their vehicle and opened the door for her.

"Hey Alma. You ok?" Miguel asked as he helped her out of the SUV.

"I'm fine. Where's mami?" She asked as Johnnie came around the truck to stand at her side. Johnnie placed her arm around Alma's waist.

"She's inside making breakfast." He said, and then turned to Johnnie. "How did you convince her to go along with this, Johnnie?"

Johnnie stiffened. Alma pulled away from her slightly to look at her. "Go along with what?"

"Uh, Alma, I uh...." Johnnie's mouth became as dry as the Sahara.

Alma pulled completely out of Johnnie's embrace. "You're going to leave me here, aren't you?"

Miguel backed away from the quarrelling lovers.

Johnnie could feel a tension headache coming. She pinched the bridge of her nose in hopes of warding it off. "Baby, listen, it would be..."

Alma hastily interrupted. "Don't even try it." She hissed. You've wanted this from the beginning. Poor defenseless Alma, can't leave her alone for a minute."

It was Johnnie's turn to interrupt. "That's not it, Alma."

Rosa stood at the door, and told them to come inside. She could see the tension on Johnnie's face, and the anger on Alma's. She wondered if they would be able to convince Alma that this would be for the best.

"I guess you're all in this together?" Alma demanded as she entered her mother's house.

"Remember your tone, mija. I'm your mother." Rosa admonished.

Alma quickly remembered her place. "Si, mami."

Rosa sat on the sofa and patted the spot beside her. Alma reluctantly sat down and angrily pouted. Johnnie stood over by the door and leaned against it. Miguel made a hasty retreat upstairs.

"You're not getting your way this time, Alma. Not this time." Johnnie shouted.

Alma turned away from her and looked at her mother. She hoped that she would be her ally. "Mami, Johnnie wants to leave me here until this mess is over."

"It's not safe for you to be at home, Alma." Johnnie harshly said. "Why can't you see that?"

"I know how to protect myself." Alma turned back to her and yelled. "I know how to handle a gun."

Johnnie walked purposefully toward her. "And just how in the hell are you gonna handle a gun now with your arm in a sling?" She demanded. She could feel her anger and frustration growing. Rubbing her hands against her face, she tried to relax. "Alma, I want you to listen to me." She said in a calmer tone.

Alma looked up at Johnnie with tearful eyes.

"This is not open for negotiation. You have to stay here. I can not, no, I will not allow you to be put in a position where that nut can get at you again." Johnnie kneeled in front of Alma and took her hand into her own. "Please baby; don't fight me on this."

"Johnnie is right, mija." Rosa added. "Things are dangerous right now." She paused. "I'd like to make a suggestion, if that's alright?"

Alma turned to her mother, a look of pleading in her eyes. The thought of being separated from Johnnie was tearing her apart. She had no idea how long it would be before the killer would be caught.

"Johnnie, since Alma won't be returning to work until next week, why don't you drop her off here before you go to work and pick her up afterwards. That way she won't be alone and you two won't have to separate." Rosa suggested. Plus, that will give us time to plan for the wedding." She added.

This brought smiles to both Johnnie's and Alma's faces. They both nodded in agreement.

"Now that that's settled, I'm going to finish breakfast." Rosa stood and turned to them. "I'll call you when it's ready." She walked into the kitchen.

Johnnie sat on the sofa beside Alma. Alma snuggled closer to her. I wonder if our baby will be as spoiled as Alma is. Johnnie thought, looking toward the future. Yeah, probably even more. A smile formed as she mused.

Alma watched the smile creep on Johnnie's face. "Just what are you smiling about?"

Johnnie kissed her on the forehead. "The smile is about a spoiled little woman that I'm madly in love with."

Alma snorted. "I'm not spoiled; I'm just lucky to have my way all the time."

"Not this time, baby. You had to compromise." Johnnie triumphantly told her.

"So did you, querida." Alma whispered as she kissed Johnnie's neck. "So did you."



Johnnie worked at her desk through lunch, trying to piece the case together to get some leads. Gilliam and Westlake, two other detectives, had stopped Pizo, in order to share some information. Johnnie looked over at them and saw the agitated expression on Pizo's face. They all walked over to Johnnie.

"J, they found the car that ran Alma off the road." Pizo said.

Johnnie immediately stood up. "What? Where is it? Who was driving? I'm gonna tear that fucker a new asshole." She angrily yelled.

"Somebody beat you to it, Green." Gilliam said. "He was murdered last night."

"We found the car when we arrived at the scene." Westlake added. He opened and placed the file on Johnnie's desk and began to read from it. "His name was Michael Grice; he ran the auto body and repair shop just off I-40 called 'Rev it Up'. Guess he was in the process of counting his money, because there was a shitload of it on the desk. So that means robbery is out."

"He also had a sideline. He was a gun for hire." Gilliam said.

Pizo didn't know how to break the last bit of information to Johnnie. He knew she could possible snap. "There's more J."

She looked at him expectantly. "Well, spill it."

"The report is back on the murder weapon." Pizo paused. "The gun that Grice was killed with was a 9mm. It was the same gun that the killer used to shoot you."

"Fuck." Johnnie roared, pounding her fist onto her desk. The entire squad room was startled.

"She didn't want any loose ends." Pizo quietly said. He walked over to Johnnie and grasped her shoulders. "It's only a matter of time, J. She's gonna fuck up and when she does we'll get her."

Chapter 17

That bitch hired someone to run my car off the road. Johnnie thought as she drove toward Rosa's house to pick up Alma. How did she find out where we live? Why is she making this personal? Is she someone I know? She and Pizo checked all the Hispanic females that they had arrested and came up empty. What am I going to do about Alma? Will she be safe? Will she become a target as well? Johnnie's stomach began churning, forcing her to pull the SUV over so she could throw up.

Johnnie's mood had become sullen by the time she reached Rosa's house. Alma, Miguel, and his girlfriend Anna were sitting on the porch. Alma smiled when she saw Johnnie pull into the drive, but her expression changed when she saw Johnnie's face. She stood and walked over to her lover.

"What's wrong, baby?" Alma asked as she hugged Johnnie. She knew immediately that something was wrong by the way Johnnie was clinging to her.

"Rough day," was all Johnnie offered.

Pulling back a little, Alma noticed that Johnnie looked out of sorts. Her face felt clammy. "Honey, are you sure you're ok? You look sick."

"Lost my lunch on I-40." Johnnie said. She added a chuckle in order to play it down.

Alma's brows knitted in concern. "Maybe we should call the doctor just in case."

"I'll be fine." Johnnie whispered. "Are you ready to go home?"

Still not quite believing Johnnie, she sighed and mumbled, "Yes."



"I'll be glad when this swelling goes down." Alma said as she looked down at her hand. "I feel naked without my engagement ring."

Johnnie lay on her side of the bed, legs crossed at the ankles, staring up at the ceiling with her hands behind her head. In her mind she was going over all the information and evidence that had been gathered.

"Johnnie, are you listening to me?" Alma asked, sitting next to her reclining lover.

Johnnie continued to stare at the ceiling, oblivious to Alma's question.

"Querida, the house is on fire." Alma flatly stated.

"Yeah, that's nice." Johnnie thoughtlessly responded.

"I'm pregnant, and we're having twins." Alma joked.

"Whatever you say, dear........What?!" Johnnie's eyes quickly met Alma's.

"You weren't listening to me." Alma said. "Tell me what's bothering you, love. I can see that something is."

Johnnie sat up and kissed Alma on her cheek. "I'm just going over the case in my head; nothing for you to worry about." She paused. "You ready for bed?"

Alma sighed, realizing that Johnnie wasn't going to talk about what was bothering her. "Yeah. Can I wear one of your sleep shirts?" She asked as she stood to go to the bathroom.

Johnnie smiled. Alma's arm may be in a sling, but she can still move that ass. Whoa, down girl. "Sure. I'll get one that opens in the front. It'll be easier to put on." Easier for you to feel her up, you pervert.

The phone rang, pulling Johnnie from her musings. "Hello?"

There was nothing but silence on the other end.

"Hello?" She demanded. "Who is this?"

"Ah, how soon they forget." The woman said softly.

Thankfully, Johnnie had a tracer put on her home phone. "I haven't forgotten." Johnnie said.

"I just called to apologize for the little mishap yesterday. Is the 'little woman' alright?" She asked.

"How did you know it was her instead of me?" Johnnie vehemently asked.

The woman's tone changed into something more menacing. "Let's not worry about that right now, shall we?"

"Why are you doing this? What in the fuck do you want from me?" Johnnie asked, her voice nearly pleading. She was desperately afraid that this woman would harm Alma.

"I've already told you," The woman shouted, "You and your kind are sick. You take normal people and turn them into sick fucks, like yourself."

"Look bitch," Johnnie growled, her temper growing. "If you as much as come near my woman, or me I'll rip off your head and piss down your fucking neck."

Alma had returned from the bathroom and heard Johnnie yelling at someone on the phone. The anger emanating from her lover frightened her to her very core.

Regaining the softness to her voice the woman taunted, "Temper, temper. Wouldn't be thinking of taking the law into your own hands, would you?"

"If you come near her, you'll be begging the judge to throw you in jail. The things I'll do to you will have you praying to whatever god you pray to for a swift death." Johnnie snarled.

"I'll turn her back into a normal human being, and you'll be there to watch the entire thing. She'll see the error in her ways." She yelled, and then hung up.

"Fuck me!" Johnnie yelled, hurling the phone against the wall. "Fucking bitch!"

Alma stood rooted in the same spot. Her body was trembling with fear. Johnnie looked at her, mentally cursing herself for scaring Alma.

"It was her, wasn't it?" Alma fearfully whispered. The state of anger that Johnnie was in frightened her.

"Yeah, baby." She disconsolately told her. Johnnie knew she had to convince Alma that moving back home would be best. "Alma, it's not safe for you to be here. Can't you see that now?" She paused. "She paid someone to run me off the road, but got you instead. When she found out that it wasn't me in the car, she killed him. Now she's threatening you, baby. I can't bear the thought that you are a target, too." Johnnie felt more helpless now. The killer had threatened Alma.

Alma's feet finally gave up their hold on the floor, and she walked over to Johnnie. She could see the tears flowing freely from Johnnie's eyes. "Alright, I will go and stay with mami." She said quietly as she pulled her into a tight embrace.

Johnnie looked up and mouthed the words, "Thank you." She looked into Alma's eyes telling her, "This is only temporary, baby. I hope Rosa won't get used to having you back with her because as soon as this is over, you'll be back home where you belong."

The phone rang, causing them to break their embrace. Johnnie ran into the den and picked up the extension. "Hello?" She tentatively asked.

"Detective, this is Officer Lewis. We traced the call to a pay phone at the Exxon on Hwy. 70. It's closed, so nobody would be around." He informed her.

Johnnie sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead in despair. "Thanks, Lewis. Make sure the captain gets your report." She hung up. "Damn it all to hell."



Both Johnnie and Alma were miserable during the separation. Alma had returned to work, much to Johnnie's disdain. After work, Johnnie would go over to Rosa's to spend time with Alma. Sometimes they would go out to dinner or take in a movie. Alma cried almost every night upon Johnnie's departure, making it hard for Johnnie to leave her.

"These last three weeks have been hard, baby." Alma said as she straddled Johnnie's thighs. "I miss you. I miss being at home with you."

Johnnie sat on Rosa's sofa, running her large hands against Alma's thighs. "I know, love. I'm going crazy not being able to touch you like I want to." She snuggled into Alma's bosom.

"Why do you have to go back to work tonight? Mami is gone to Mass, and she won't be back until later on tonight." She whispered as she planted soft kisses on Johnnie's neck.

Johnnie felt a fire beginning in her belly. She moaned into Alma's breasts. "Baby, we gotta stop. We don't have enough time to go home, make love and get back here."

"Come upstairs with me." Alma begged.

Johnnie, unable to control her libido, stood up and Alma wrapped her legs around her waist. Johnnie ran as quickly as she could up the stairs.



Miguel sat at the kitchen table with Javier and Guillermo.

"Isn't that the truck Johnnie's parked by the curb?" Javier asked as she drank his beer.

"Yeah." Miguel told him.

"Well, where is the big bad dyke?" Guillermo snidely asked.

They were suddenly bombarded with the banging of Alma's headboard against the wall. Miguel looked at Guillermo. "Does that answer your question?"

"They're fucking in mami's house? That bitch has Alma doing all kinds of things she shouldn't be." Guillermo spat.

Javier was surprised. "I never would have thought that Alma would be making love here, in our house."

"I can see why you're stunned Javier." Miguel said, and then he looked at Guillermo. "But you, how can you act like it's something bad? You probably got Marisol pregnant up in your room. Hell you even fucked her when mami was here."

Guillermo sputtered. "That's different. What they are doing is unnatural."

"Yeah, whatever." Miguel said. He stood to leave. "I'm going outside to shoot some baskets. You guys coming?"

"Absolutely." Javier said as he immediately went outside. Guillermo quickly followed him.



Johnnie hovered over Alma, kissing her way down Alma's body. She stopped at Alma's belly, dipping her tongue into Alma's navel.

"Please, Johnnie." Alma begged. "I need you now."

Johnnie resumed her exploration, kissing the dark curls that were moist with Alma's need. She exhaled, causing Alma to shudder. Licking the curls, Johnnie parted Alma with her tongue.

Alma gasped. "Yes!" Her breath hitched. "I want to taste you, too." She begged. Johnnie shifted and positioned herself over Alma, her mouth never leaving Alma's mound. She lowered her throbbing sex to Alma's eager mouth. As soon as Alma's tongue met her aching clit, Johnnie moaned. The moan vibrated against Alma's swollen bud, causing her to shudder.

They were urgent in their explorations. Sweat slicked bodies moving toward the same goal. They brought each other to the edge and over. Johnnie rolled over to her side, with her eyes closed, gasping for breath.

Alma crawled up Johnnie's body and kissed her. "I have something for you, Querida."

Johnnie opened her eyes and watched as Alma got off the bed and walked over to her bag. A feral grin formed on her face as Alma pulled 'Little J' from her bag. Alma walked back over to her, and began to fasten the harness on Johnnie.

"Always prepared, eh?" Johnnie asked.

"For you, always." Alma whispered as she offered herself to Johnnie.



Johnnie showered and dressed. Fortunately, Alma had packed a pair of boxers for her. Alma put on her robe and walked Johnnie downstairs. They went to the back door, and Johnnie grimaced when she saw all of Alma's brothers outside playing basketball. "I see trouble." She said.

Alma looked out the window and saw them. She smiled and began to tease Johnnie. "Oh my, I wonder if they're gonna try and beat you up."

"I knew I should have kept my pants zipped up." Johnnie groaned.

"I was only teasing you. They know better." Alma assured her.

"C'mon and let's get this over with." She said, taking Alma by her hand.



All action stopped on the small court when the door opened. Miguel stood with a smile plastered on his face. Javier took interest in the ground, and Guillermo glared at them both.

Alma stood on the steps in order to tower over her lover. "Give me a kiss, baby."

Johnnie gave her a chaste kiss on the lips.

"Oh, you can do better than that." She said, and then proceeded to kiss Johnnie with reckless abandon. Hands roamed as tongues battled for control.

Once the kiss was broken, Johnnie was left speechless.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Call me tonight when you get home." Alma said softly.

Johnnie nodded dumbly and went to her truck.

Alma's brothers stared at her. She marched over to them. "Well, spit it out."

"You guys sure are loud." Miguel said as he smiled at Alma.

Alma blushed. "You could hear us?" She asked.

Guillermo slammed the basketball against the garage door. "Yeah, we heard! You should be ashamed of yourself, Alma. You disrespected our family's home."

"Gui, you do not have room to talk." She retorted. "I could hear Marisol screaming, and you grunting and pushing like an animal."

"That's different, Alma, and you know it." Guillermo spat.

Alma walked over and stood toe to toe with him. "Johnnie and I are in a committed relationship. We are faithful to each other. You, on the other hand, care nothing for Marisol. You just fuck her and send her on her way."

"Alma, please don't talk like that. It's so unlike you." Javier said; grimacing at the language Alma used.

Guillermo turned his attention to Javier. "Get over it, Javier. Your precious Alma is no saint. You heard her for yourself, begging that pata to fuck her. She sounded like a common whore."

Before Guillermo could say anything more, Javier had knocked him on his ass. Alma looked at Javier in shock. She couldn't believe that her gentle brother had struck Guillermo, but she knew that if Javier was ever provoked he could be a real handful.

"Don't you ever say anything about, Alma! You are not worthy to speak her name." Javier spat.

Alma reached for Javier's shoulder to calm him, but her hand was brushed away. "Don't touch me." He yelled, and then ran down the driveway to his car.

"Wait!" Alma begged.

"Leave him be, Alma. He's very upset right now." Miguel said, and then turned to look down at Guillermo. "Mami is gonna have a fit when she finds out that you upset Javier."

"Fuck it, I'm leaving." Guillermo yelled as she stood to his feet.

"Good riddance." Alma said.



Later that evening, Alma was putting together an out fit for work the next day when she noticed a spot on her suit.

Oh shit, that's just great. She thought. I'll just run home and get another one. She put on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and her sandals. She went downstairs, and found Miguel on the phone with Anna. It'll take him forever to say goodbye to her. She saw his keys on the table. I'll be back before he notices that I'm gone.

Putting the keys in the ignition, she started the truck and headed for her home. She put one of Miguel's tapes in the player. One of her favorites began playing and she sang along, never noticing that she was being followed.



Alma walked into the house and headed straight for their bedroom. When she walked in she looked at the bed that she and Johnnie shared. She missed holding the tall woman in her arms. Giggling like a two-year-old, she leapt onto the bed and began rolling back and forth on it. Alma took Johnnie's pillow and sniffed it. She could smell Johnnie's fragrance on it and it gave her chills. She remembered how Johnnie had made love to her earlier. The power in each stroke as Johnnie thrust into her. How Johnnie whispered that she missed having her in their bed.



Quietly someone was opening the front door to Johnnie and Alma's home. They eased in, closing and locking the front door.



"What to wear, what to wear?" Alma asked herself aloud. "Hmmmm, this is nice." She said as she pulled the charcoal gray suit from her closet.

She gathered matching shoes and a handbag. Draping the suit over her shoulder, she picked up the shoes and handbag and walked out of the bedroom.



Alma had turned the corner of the hallway to enter the living room when suddenly she felt a rag go over her mouth and arms wrap around her body. She dropped her garments and began struggling against the body that firmly held her. The substance on the rag made her groggy, and her arms and legs began to go limp. She tried to fight, but blackness began swirling around her. She felt herself being lowered to the floor just as the fight was going out of her. Her last thought was of Johnnie as unconsciousness claimed her.

Chapter 18

"Do you think that we'll ever break this case, Pizo?" Johnnie asked her exhausted partner. They were both going over the evidence, hoping to find something that would bring them closer to solving the case.

Pizo looked at Johnnie, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. He knew that being separated from Alma was taking a toll on her, and she was off her game. Johnnie was tentative in how she proceeded in her investigation. "Sure we will, J." He said, trying to sound encouraging. "That bitch is going to slip up, and we'll be there to bring her in." He paused. "Has she called you since that night?"

Johnnie put down the folder she was looking at and sighed. "No, she hasn't. Maybe she was just fucking with me." She said in a defeated tone.

"I know how hard it's been on both of you. You guys have been living apart for three weeks." Pizo acknowledged. "You know, J, this could be her way of throwing you off balance, disrupting your personal life. Making you worry about Alma will take your focus off the case. Unfortunately for you, she knows this."

Anger flashed across her face. "Well not anymore." Johnnie said as she reached for her telephone. "I'm getting my life back. My woman is coming back home, and I'll be damned if I'll let that bitch throw me off balance again."

Pizo smiled. Now that's the Johnnie I know. You go girl, kick ass now and ask questions later.



"I have some vacation time coming up, Anna. How would you like it if we took the kids down to Florida? Maybe we can check out Disney World or something." Miguel said as he was lying back on the sofa.

On the other end of the phone, Anna smiled. "Really, Miguel? Is this for real?" She hopefully asked.

"Anna, I told you, I'm gonna do better by you and the kids. We're gonna become a real family." He truthfully said. "Hold on a minute, baby. I have a beep." Miguel switched the phone over. "Hello?"

"Hey, Miguel. I'd like to speak to Alma, please." Johnnie said.

"Sure hold on a second." He said, and then switched the phone back over to Anna. "Baby, I gotta go. Johnnie's on the phone for Alma. I'll call you back. Love you." He said as he stood up to call for Alma.



Johnnie had a sudden feeling of uneasiness wash over her. Her stomach began to tie up in knots.

"Johnnie!" Miguel said nearly out of breath. "Alma is not here. She must have taken my truck while I was on the phone."

"What?!" Johnnie yelled. She stood up, but had to sit back down as a wave of dizziness came over her. She could taste the bile as it rose in her throat.

Pizo looked up at his partner, and then his eyes followed as she sat back down. He could actually see the color drain from her face. "What is it, Johnnie?" He asked, near panic.

Johnnie dropped the phone and immediately ran out of the squad room. Pizo picked up Johnnie's phone. "Who is this?" He asked.

"It's Miguel, Alma's brother. I just told Johnnie that Alma took my truck and left." Miguel said, his voice full of fear.

"Okay, Miguel calm down. Give me the plate number to your truck. I'll put out an APB on it." Pizo said as calmly as he could.



Johnnie was beside herself with fear. She could feel in her spirit that Alma was in danger. In a moment of clarity, she pulled her cell phone from her hip, and dialed Alma's cell phone number. It rang twice before it was answered. "Alma?!" Johnnie anxiously asked.

"No, detective, it's not Alma." The voice answered.

Tears flowed freely from Johnnie's eyes. Unwilling to let the woman know how afraid she was, she steeled herself. "If Alma is hurt, you are a dead woman." She hissed.

"Well, that will make two of us." The woman said, laughing. "I told you that I would make you watch, or did you forget?" A dog was barking outside. She walked over to the window to see that it was Johnnie's neighbor's dog. She then walked over to Alma's unconscious body on the sofa, and touched her cheek gently. "She's so beautiful."

"I'll kill you, I swear it." Johnnie choked as a lump formed in her throat. She was heading for the dunes in her truck.

"We'll see about that, you sick fuck. How did you turn this one to your evil ways?" She demanded.

"Let me speak with her." Johnnie begged.

The dog continued to bark. "No can do. She's sleeping." She softly said, and with that, she hung up.

An animalistic growl came from Johnnie as she pounded the steering wheel.



The early Saturday morning sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze blowing. A little girl was riding her Barbie big wheel around in her neighborhood. She was smiling as she pedaled, holding her Barbie doll in her hand. Suddenly, three boys jumped from behind the bushes. They were around ten years old. They stopped the big wheel and surrounded it.

"Hey little girl, what are you doing with that white doll? You ain't white." One boy spat.

"Yeah." One of the others added. "You're a wetback. Don't they make wetback dolls for you to play with?"

"My back's not wet." The six-year-old girl bravely told them.

"You need to learn your place. My dad says you wetbacks don't know your place." He yelled, and then pushed her from the big wheel.

Tears formed in her eyes, and her anger grew. She stood up and kicked the largest of the boys in the leg. He winced, then grabbed her by her hair and slammed her to the ground. She began to cry, as they spat on her.

The boys began falling one at a time, as another boy ran up behind then. He began kicking and stomping them. The boys were able to make it to their feet and scramble away.

He turned to the little girl lying on the ground. He took his handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the little girls face. "Are you okay, pepita?"

"Yeah." She told him sobbing. "I want to go home."

He smiled and helped her back on her big wheel. He kissed her on her forehead.

"You know what?" She asked between sniffles. "When I get big enough, I'm gonna marry you. I promise. You saved me."

The little boy blushed. "Okay, we can get married."

"I love you." She said as she smiled up at him.

"I love you, too." He said, returning her smile.



"You aren't one of those people, Alma. You'll see that soon." The killer whispered.

Alma began to stir. She felt groggy and dizzy. She tried to sit up, but realized her hands were tied behind her back, and her feet were bound as well. Alma's mouth was dry, and she tried to swallow. She found herself unable to because of the scarf that was in her mouth. She moaned and opened her eyes. Everything was blurry at first, and then she could focus on the light that was coming from the kitchen. A face moved closer to hers. It was blurry too. She focused in on the long black hair that framed the face and thought it was Johnnie. She smiled, but her smile faded when she focused on the crazed eyes and face of her brother.



Johnnie drove the truck directly on the dunes. Sand was flying everywhere. She couldn't see anyone or anything. The beach was empty. She drove the truck back onto the street, directly in front of the Homestead Motel. Through her tears she noticed that 'Home' was the only part of the sign that blinked. She heard a dog barking in the alleyway next to the motel. She watched the sign as it continued to blink. "Oh gods, she has Alma at our house." She said out loud, as she floored the accelerator.



"You're not like them, Alma. That bitch turned you into one of them." He whispered, as he sat next to her on the sofa.

Alma shook her head in disbelief. Her very own brother held her captive.

"We can work this out, get you back to yourself. The evil spell that pata has you under will be broken." He told her, touching her face gently.

Alma slid as far away from him as she possibly could. Tears flowed freely from her eyes.

"I won't hurt you, Alma. It'll be fine." He softly said.

Why? Alma asked herself over and over again. How could this be?

"Let's get you more comfy." He said as he pulled her into an upright position. "We'll wait for Diablo to come, and it will all be over."



Johnnie parked her truck a couple of houses down from hers. She ran until she reached the side of her house. She could see the kitchen light on, so she decided to come through the front door. She gently turned the doorknob and found it locked. She put in her key, unlocked the door and quietly opened it. She saw Alma sitting up on the sofa, bound and gagged. Alma looked up and violently shook her head as Johnnie rushed toward her. Johnnie was near her, when suddenly she felt the lights explode behind her eyes.

Alma's screams were muffled as Johnnie crumpled to the floor. Her brother walked over to the door, closing and locking it.



Pizo was driving aimlessly around hoping to spot Miguel's truck, or Johnnie's. A call came in on the radio for him.

"Petrillo." He stated.

"We've found the truck, detective. It's parked at Green's house. Her truck is a couple of houses down." The officer told him.

"Sit tight. I'm on my way." He ordered.



Alma worked frantically to free her hands from the rope. He walked over to her and laid her back down on the sofa. She tried to resist, but he was stronger.

"Its okay, Alma. I know it's the demon inside you making you fight me." He whispered. He touched her face, and then tried to kiss her cheek but Alma pulled away. He lay beside her, pulling her closer to him. "I've wanted to hold you like this for so long. I waited and waited for you to grow up and keep your promise."

She looked at him, startled and confused.

"You remember, don't you?" He asked. "When those gringos pushed you off your big wheel, I saved you and you promised me that you would marry me." He laughed as he touched her breast.

Alma cringed. She tried to speak, but her words were muffled.

"Let me take this from your mouth so you can talk to me." He said as he removed the gag.

"Don't, please." Alma begged.

"Alma, I've never loved anyone like I love you." He said. "I tried to be faithful to you, but my body just wouldn't let me."

He pressed himself into her, and she felt his erect penis on her thigh. She nearly threw up, but continued to try to free herself.



Johnnie began to regain consciousness. She could hear Alma begging not to be touched. She was able to hold her head up and see someone lying next to Alma, touching her.

"I had a problem a little while ago. I wasn't able to perform anymore. She wanted nothing more to do with me. I couldn't make love to her anymore because I couldn't be unfaithful to you." He said.

"I was a little girl back then. I didn't know any better. You couldn't possibly expect me to have sex with you, my own brother. That's just sick." She hissed.

He became angry. "Sick is what you do with that pata. I heard you begging her to fuck you. I heard her ramming herself into you, banging the headboard against the wall. I heard you screaming her name. Then you had to come outside and rub it in my face." He pulled roughly at her breast, and then ran his hand down her body towards her womanhood.

"I love her, and I gave myself to her freely." She angrily spat. Her hands were nearly free. "Anything you get, you will have to take from my cold dead body."

Before he could respond, he heard Johnnie trying to get up. He leaped from the sofa and walked over to her. "This is all your fault, pata!" He yelled as he kicked her. Johnnie grabbed the booted foot causing him to lose his balance. He fell next to her, then climbed on top of her and began choking her. "Alma is mine." He yelled over and over as he squeezed, cutting off Johnnie's air.

Alma finally freed her hands. She untied her feet and ran over to the bookcase to get Maxine.

Johnnie tried to fight as best she could. She punched him furiously in his face, feeling his nose break and warm blood as it splattered on her neck and chest. But the insane man that hovered over her was too strong. She gasped for breath.

"Get off of her right now, Javier, or I will shoot you." She screamed.



****Author's note: I know you didn't think it was Guillermo, did you?****



Javier turned to see Alma pointing a gun at him. He stood up and could see the gun wavering in Alma's shaking hands. Johnnie turned over on her side and sucked in as much air as she could. He took a step toward Alma. "You won't shoot me, pepita. You love me."

"Not another step." Alma ordered.

He walked toward her, and she had no other choice but to pull the trigger. Blood squirted from his shoulder as he slumped to the floor. Alma stood in complete shock; the gun was still upright in her hand. Johnnie looked at her lover; the tears streaming down her face, the distant look in her eyes.

"Alma, baby, put the gun down." She calmly whispered as she struggled to her feet. "It's okay." She said as she stepped over Javier's writhing body and walked over to her.

As Johnnie reached Alma and took the gun from her, Pizo kicked the door in. Johnnie pointed the gun toward the door, and then lowered it when she saw it was Pizo. She turned her attention back to Alma; her lover was trembling. Johnnie embraced her. She knew that Alma's world was crumbling around her.

"It was all my fault. Those women died because of me." Alma sobbed into Johnnie's chest.

Pizo looked at Javier in disbelief. He'd always thought of him as kind and gentle.

"Alma!" Javier screamed. "I love you, I always will. You will be mine."

Johnnie wanted to beat him to within an inch of his life, and nearly did it but she knew that Alma needed her. She tightened her grip on Alma. Pizo grabbed him roughly from the floor and took him out of the house.

Johnnie felt Alma's knees give way, and she picked her up and took her to a chair. She kneeled in front of Alma and held her hands within her own. "Alma, this was not your fault. Javier is insane. He did all of this. It's not your fault, baby." She whispered over and over. Alma sat with a dazed look on her face. I won't lose you baby. "C'mon, we need to get you checked out at the hospital."

Epilogue

18 months later...



Alma lay propped up against the pillows of their bed as Johnnie, wearing a tank top and boxers, danced around the room to Lucy Pearl's 'Dance Tonight'. She watched as Johnnie danced provocatively back and forth at the foot of the bed. Alma stared at Johnnie, taking all of her strength and beauty. Johnnie began to wiggle her ass, making Alma chuckle.

"Oh, you like that, eh?" Johnnie asked as she backed up to Alma. Alma playfully swatted the firm behind that was shaking near her.

Johnnie was glad to hear Alma laugh. The ordeal with Javier, then followed by his suicide while in jail, made Alma despondent. Alma bounced back with the help of her family and Johnnie. Guillermo slowly came around. He realized that Johnnie loved Alma and would give her life to protect Alma. They all knew that it would take Guillermo some time to finally accept Johnnie. As long as he wasn't stirring up trouble, they would give him all the time he needed. Guillermo attended their wedding, much to the shock and surprise of his family, especially Alma. Johnnie was afraid that he would cause a disruption, but he didn't. They don't see him as often as Alma would like, but each time got just a little easier. Alma hoped that one day they would all be a family again.

"So this is the anniversary dance you promised me?" Alma asked. She smiled at the thought of it being their one-year anniversary. The party her family gave them was wonderful. She was really surprised when Johnnie sang 'At Last' in front of everyone. It made her cry tears of joy.

"Yep, do you like it?" Johnnie asked as she shimmied.

"Very much." Alma said, smiling at her wife. "Come and hold me." She said, holding her arms open.

Johnnie happily obliged, pulling her close. Alma ran her hands down Johnnie's muscular back. She kissed Alma's neck, and then worked her way down Alma's chest to her breasts. She ran her tongue around the nipple and gently grazed it, causing Alma to hiss.

"Sensitive." Johnnie said as she lifted them. "They're getting bigger, too. Just three months to go, baby. We're in the home stretch." Johnnie lowered her hand to Alma's protruding belly and felt the baby kick. She chuckled. "Champ can tell that mami is getting excited."

"Yeah, and you better do something about it." Alma warned. "This baby really makes a fuss when I get horny. If I can't sleep, you won't sleep. Got it?"

"Yes dear." Johnnie playfully sighed. Then she began to worship Alma's body with her mouth and tongue.





The End



Continued in Murder Has Two Faces

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The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive