Chapter 29

Johnnie's demeanor had changed significantly as she drove from the hospital. She had shifted from happiness back into despair. I have tried to be strong. I've tried to think positively. Damn, I am tired of all this bullshit drama. I want this to be over. Please God, let the truth be revealed. I don't want to leave my family, my friends. She knew that she needed to talk all this frustration out, so she turned Alma's Lexus in the direction of Pizo's house.

She pulled into the driveway of Pizo's new home. He and Diana purchased it when they found out that she was pregnant. Johnnie was glad when he moved out of his apartment and bought the house. She also thanked the spirits that Pizo found Diana. She seemed to settle him down and make him more responsible.

Johnnie rang the doorbell and was greeted by her best friend. "Hey J, come on in." He said, stepping back to allow her entrance. He closed the door and enveloped her in a warm hug. "How are you? How did court go?"

"I'm fine, Pizo." She sighed. "I just needed to be with my favorite person, and talk for a bit."

Pizo smiled.

"So, where is he?" Johnnie asked, jokingly.

"Go to hell, J." Pizo laughed. "He's in his crib. I think he just woke up. C'mon, let's go see him."

Pizo led, and Johnnie followed him into the nursery. He was correct because John was cooing softly, looking up at the ceiling. He had dark, curly hair and dark eyes. Pizo and Diana decided to name him John, after his godmother.

"Hey, John-John." Johnnie said quietly as she leaned over the crib, adoring her godson. "How you doing, little man?"

As if on cue, John focused his attention on her. He squeezed the index finger that was place in his chubby little hand.

"This kid has quite a grip on him, Pizo. He's getting so big. What are you feeding him?" She asked as she smiled and cooed at the baby.

"We've had to add a little cereal to his formula. The formula is just not enough for him." Pizo revealed. "Guess he has his mother's appetite."

"I heard that, Petrillo." Diana said from the doorway. "Hi Johnnie."

"Hey Diana. You look great." Johnnie said, giving her a hug when she walked over to them. "So does John-John."

Diana patted Johnnie's arm. "Thanks, but I have a few more pounds of baby fat to shed." She paused. "Speaking of baby fat, how's Alma?"

Johnnie smiled. "She's doing good, eating everything that's not nailed down. I swear the way she eats makes me wonder if she's not carrying twins. She looks like it too." Johnnie paused, thinking about what she had just said. Shivers ran up and down her spine at the thoughts of what Alma would do to her if she ever found out. "Don't tell her I said that. She'll kill me."

Diana and Pizo both laughed. "Your secret is safe with us, Johnnie." Diana said. The baby started to fuss. "Looks like someone needs a clean up." She looked at Johnnie. "You know, you may be a little rusty, so maybe you should do the honors."

Johnnie sniffed; the odor that burned her nose hairs made her cringe. "Uhm, no thanks. I feel secure in my diaper changing abilities. You go ahead."

"Coward." Diana said as she lifted the baby from his crib and walked over to the changing table.

Johnnie chuckled. "Whatever."

Pizo studied his friend. Although she seemed jovial, he could sense that something was bothering her. "You said that you needed to talk. Why don't we go out into the living room and have a chat, eh?"

Johnnie nodded and followed him out of the nursery.

"That just doesn't sound right, J." Pizo said after Johnnie revealed what happened to Mary. "It seems just a little too convenient."

"I know. I have my people looking into it. I hope that they can turn up something that will help me." Johnnie sighed.

I know that look, partner. "J, you can't get discouraged now." He said softly. "You are innocent, and every free moment I have I use to find evidence to prove it."

"Yeah, I know." She said. "But there aren't any more leads. All fingers point to me. I was there; I had his blood on my clothes. It just looks bad."

"You can't give up. It will all come out in the end, J. You gotta believe that." He assured.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tori and Alma sat in the kitchen while Ceecee prepared dinner.

"Are you ready for tomorrow, Tori?" Alma asked.

Tori sighed. "As ready as I can be, Alma. I know it will be easy with Bob, but that asshole Abbott rubs me the wrong way."

"I know what you mean. He was relentless, and I lost my cool." Alma added. "He knows just what buttons to push."

Ceecee listened to the conversation. She knew that Tori could be calm, but if her number was rung, then all hell would break lose. God, please help her keep that temper of hers in check. "Baby, just be prepared for what that evil man may have planned for you, and try not to lose it, ok?"

Tori stood up and walked over to her wife, giving her a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll be good, Ceecee. I hope that asshole doesn't piss me off.

"Be good about what?" Johnnie asked as she walked into the kitchen. She leaned over Alma, giving her a brief kiss and then rubbed her belly. Alma smiled and placed her hand over Johnnie's.

"We were talking about how we hope that Abbott doesn't make Tori lose her temper tomorrow, baby." Alma revealed. She noticed the tired look Johnnie's face held. "Are you ok, baby?" She stood up, with a little assistance from Johnnie, and then stroked her face. "How did court go today?"

Johnnie sighed as she pulled Alma close. "Not to good, babygirl. Mary Stevens was found murdered in the showers this morning."

"She is the woman that was hired to kill you?" Ceecee asked.

Tori moved to stand behind her, placing her hands on Ceecee's shoulders. "Johnnie, something is not right about that. Today of all days…"

Alma quickly interrupted. "What does this mean, honey?" She asked looking up into the tired eyes of her wife.

"It means that we won't find out who hired her. She won't be able to tell the jury that someone wanted me dead." Johnnie said softly.

"Can't Bob get her testimony in anyway?" Tori asked. "I mean since she isn't able to appear."

"If the testimony had be sworn, there would have been a possibility. But knowing Abbott, he would try to get it ruled as hearsay." Johnnie told her.

The ringing phone halted further conversation. Johnnie released her hold on Alma to answer it. "Hello?"

"Hi, Johnnie, I'm glad I caught you." Laura said.

"Hey. Did you come up with anything?"

"Sure did. Seems a woman named Annette Scott stabbed Mary. Mary hadn't had any contact with her, so it seems as if it were a hit. I have someone going to the prison to interview her in the morning."

"Good work, Laura. You will make sure that a report will be sent to Bob, right?"

"Not to worry, Johnnie. My friend is on top of it."

Johnnie's burden seemed a bit lighter. "Thanks."

Alma looked at her expectantly when Johnnie turned to face them. "Tell us."

"It was a hit. Someone didn't want Mary to testify." Johnnie told them. "Laura has a friend from the SBI who will be going to interview the murderer tomorrow." Unable to discuss the matter any further, Johnnie excused herself to take a shower.

"I think she is feeling the pressure. I can see it in her eyes." Alma said quietly, returning to her seat. "She looks like she is unraveling. Johnnie is trying to hold it together, but I am sensing a change in her."

"Alma, this mess will soon be over, and you two can return to a normal life." Ceecee offered. "There is no way that the jury can find her guilty."

Tears slowly rolled down Alma's cheeks. "Innocent people have gone to jail before. Johnnie has seen it happen too many times. She knows it can happen to her." She paused as she wiped the tears from her face. "As long as Johnnie and I have been together, I have never seen that type of fear in her eyes. That is until now."

~~~~~~~~~~~

" Make me wanna holler, throw up both my hands

Make me wanna holler, and throw up both my hands"

Johnnie stood in front of the bedroom window, looking out at nothing in particular as Marvin Gaye played in the background. I am so tired of this shit. I didn't do anything to deserve this.

" Make me wanna holler, the way they do my life

Make me wanna holler, the way they do my life

This ain't livin', this ain't livin'"

Alma stood outside the bedroom door and listened. She's playing Marvin Gaye. This is bad.

You can't let them lock you up. You'll go crazy in there, cooped up for 23 hours a day. You'll die. Johnnie thought.

"This ain't livin', naw naw naw naw"

If you just end it, then you won't have to rot away in prison, and eventually Alma will be able to move on with her life.

At that very moment, Johnnie saw her wife burst into their bedroom.

"Don't you dare think thoughts like that, Johnetta Ameryce Green!" Alma yelled as she rushed toward her, tears streaming down her face. "You promised me."

Johnnie stammered. "Alma, I…"

"Alma what?" She yelled. "I know what you were thinking. You promised me that you wouldn't give up."

Johnnie picked up the remote and turned the stereo off. Her heart was heavy. "Alma, it looks bad. I won't be able to take it on death row."

"Do you think that I will be able to love another if you leave me?" She demanded, her body trembled with rage and fear. "Even if you take your own life, I will never be able to love another."

How could you know what I was thinking? "Alma I…"

"Alma what?" She yelled again as she moved to stand directly in front of her wife, mere inches from her face. Johnnie opened her mouth to speak, but Alma's raised hand stopped her. She looked unswervingly into fearful eyes "Not another word. You are going to listen to me. I'm only going to say this one more time. You are not going to jail. You are innocent. If you even think about doing what you were thinking, you won't have to because I will do it." She said, poking Johnnie in her chest to make her point. "Where is the strong, determined woman that I married?"

Johnnie listened to Alma's tirade, lowering her head only to have Alma lift her chin. "Alma, I am tired. I don't think I have any more fight left in me, baby." She said quietly. "All this has been too much for me to take. The feeling that I get from some of those jurors is they can hardly wait to go into deliberations to find me guilty."

Alma studied her exhausted wife. She placed her hands on her shoulders. "Querida, why didn't you just talk to me? You could have gotten this off your chest instead of letting it build up inside." And why did you pick that song to listen to? Of all the songs to listen to, why the song most full of despair? "Honey, I am right here with you. When you hurt, I hurt." She led then to the bed and sat down, pulling her wife down to sit next to her. "Talk to me."

Johnnie felt the smaller hand grip hers. She looked into Alma's eyes, and the floodgates opened. "Baby, we both have seen this happen; an innocent person goes to jail, to wither away and die." She paused, wiping her tearstained face. "Death row is worse than being in the general population. Staying in that cell 23 hours a day, I don't think I could handle it. Being locked away like an animal, unable to come and go as I pleased would kill me." She stroked the back of Alma's hand with her thumb, and then looked at her. "Unable to be with my wife, or touch you like this." Her hand moved to cup a soft cheek. "I would die."

Alma listened as the strong contralto voice broke down into a whisper. She would surely die. She is a free spirit and to be locked away break her. "Querida, to say that I know how you feel would be a lie, because I have no idea what you must be going through. All I know is that I love you, and I will always be here for you. We must trust that the powers that be will allow the truth to be revealed." She wrapped her arms around her trembling wife and placed a kiss on her cheek. At that time, the baby kicked and Johnnie felt it against her side.

"You too, Little One?" Johnnie asked, placing her hand on Alma's belly. She leaned down, placing her head near her hand. "I hear you." She pulled away and looked at Alma. "I hear you too, my wife."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen sat on the floor in her living room, taping up boxes. Maddie had stepped outside to get the paper. Karen heard Maddie gasp, and ran immediately over to where Maddie stood. "What is it?" She asked, frantically. "Is it news about the trial?"

Maddie was dumbstruck and could only nod her head. Karen took the paper from her and read the headline. "Oh shit!" She exclaimed as she continued to read. "This can not be happening." She handed the paper back to Maddie. "I'm going to make some calls, I'll be right back."

Maddie watched her lover go into the kitchen, the looked at the paper again. Witness in Green Murder Trial found Dead. Maddie stared at the headline in disbelief.

"Dave, now you know that there is a dead cat on the line. Something is not right with this." Karen said to her former editor, Dave Boliek.

"I know Karen, and we are on it." He revealed. "I'm beginning to think that the Green woman is innocent. First someone tries to kill her in her cell, then the woman who attempted it is murdered before she can testify."

Finally, someone is on board. "That's good to know, Dave." She paused. "As soon as you hear anything, you will call me, yes?"

"I will, Karen."

"Thanks, Dave. Goodnight."

"Nite, Karen."

When Karen finished her call, she went back out into the living room and saw Maddie sitting on the sofa crying. She walked over to her and kneeled in front of her. "What is it, Maddie?" She whispered softly as she wiped Maddie's cheek.

"You know, if I hadn't been such a bitch and badmouthed Johnnie while I was still the DA, then maybe public opinion about her wouldn't be so bad." She tearfully revealed.

"Baby, I can only imagine what you are feeling right now, but believe me when I tell you that the things you said did not sway public opinion about Johnnie. Ballantine, the asshole he was, was loved by many of Wilmington's population. The fact that Johnnie is a lesbian only added fuel to the fire."

Maddie looked at her hands that she held clasped in her lap. "But, if I hadn't said those awful…" A soft finger placed gently on her lips interrupted her.

"Maddie, it's not your fault. You've got to believe that." Karen said.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Myra quietly sat in the backyard as she watched Annie perform her nightly ritual. She listened to her lover's voice as it rose and fell; she could hear the pitch and tone change as she chanted. Myra could also hear the tears in Annie's voice. She stood when she saw Annie move from her kneeling position to stand. Myra took a few steps toward Annie, but stopped when she heard her chanting again. She watched as Annie chanted and danced in a tight circle around the small fire that she had built. The large woman's dance was as graceful as a ballet; her chanting was like a song, smooth and fluid. Each step that Annie took was in complete rhythm with the words that she spoke in her native tongue. Myra watched in amazement, though she was unable to understand a word that was being spoken. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. She thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I don't know what happened." The man revealed to Peters over the phone. "I guess things got out of hand."

"You're damned right they got out of hand." A flustered Peters yelled. "Now people are going to be digging around even more." He paused. "They were only supposed to beat her up, make her reconsider about testifying. How could you be so stupid?"

"Me? I didn't kill her."

"Yeah, but that goon you hired did." Peters spat. "Didn't you tell them that she was only to be roughed up?"

"Yes."

"Then what the hell happened?"

"That chick was no slouch. It may have come down to her life or Mary's."

"Can anyone trace this back to you?"

"No."

"Good. I would hate for you to get in trouble." Peters sarcastically said.

The man chuckled humorlessly. "If I were you, I'd be concerned about getting a visit from one of your friends in New York."

Peters shuddered at the thought.



Chapter 30



Pizo somberly walked into the squad room, still thinking about the events that Johnnie had told him about the previous day. He walked past his former partner without uttering a word. They had not spoken since Pizo went to the captain and requested a new partner. Captain Hill had heard what had transpired in booking between the fledgling duo. Although he was reluctant to end a partnership due to personal differences, he had no other choice but to comply with Pizo's wishes when Pizo threatened to leave the force if he didn't.

After getting settled at his desk, Pizo looked up and saw Drew talking to his new partner, a young woman in her late twenties who transferred from the 15th precinct. He noticed the differences in their builds. Where the young woman was tall and lithe, Drew dwarfed her with his height and bulk. Drew's attention was taken from his partner when he felt eyes upon him. His eyes met Pizo's and a moment of sorrow washed over him. Pizo, still very angry with him, diverted his eyes to the files on his desk. When he looked up again, Drew and his partner were gone.

He has the makings of becoming a very good cop. Pizo thought. Too bad he is such an asshole. His phone ringing deterred any further musings concerning Drew. The call was from a friend who had connections in the Prison system. After getting the name of Mary's murderer, he quickly booted his computer to find out all he could about Annette Scott.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tori sat in the witness box, waiting for Abbott to begin his cross-examination. Bob's direct questioning had gone smoothly. She steeled herself for what was bound to be a heated exchange between the arrogant prosecutor and herself.

Abbott watched the impeccably dressed witness as she answered questions from the defense. Something stirred in him, making it quite clear that this witness was one not to be trifled with. Her strong presence on the stand, her cool demeanor, and self-confidence worried him. I don't think I will be able to get this one to crack. He thought. Do I want to evoke a temper from this one? It's probably just what she is expecting. He looked over at Johnnie, and then looked back to Tori. No, I don't think so. I will just ask my questions then get her off the stand as quick as possible. Wooten doesn't have many more witnesses to go and we can put this trial to bed.

Judge O'Connell cleared his throat, drawing Abbott from his musings. "Mr. Abbott, do you have questions for this witness?"

"My apologies, Your Honor." He stood, straightening his jacket and tie. "Yes, I do." He walked slowly toward the witness stand, noticing that he was being sized up by Tori. "I will make this as brief as possible, Ms. Krisp."

Tori sat back in her seat. She glanced over at the jurors and noticed that a few of them seemed to perk up when Abbott began speaking. I guess those are the jurors that have already made up their minds. She thought. Get on with it, asshole.

"Ms. Krisp, you stated in previous testimony that you were with Detective Petrillo when Ms. Green was found wandering the streets in the vicinity of the mayor's office. Can you tell us again the demeanor of the defendant?"

What are you, fucking stupid? I just answered that fucking question less than 10 minutes ago. "She was highly intoxicated, and staggering in the middle of the street."

"She looked as if she had been in some sort of struggle?" He asked.

"Yes."

"She was covered in blood?"

"No, she had blood on her clothing. She was not covered in it."

Annoyed, Abbott turned to the judge. "Your Honor, would you please instruct the witness to answer the question and leave out the commentary."

O'Connell leaned forward in his seat. "Mr. Abbott, I would say she answered the question properly."

Abbott unbuttoned his jacket and shoved his hands in his pocket, trying to reign in his growing contempt for Judge O'Connell. He was used to getting his way in his previous trials. "Yes, your honor."

Tori looked at Johnnie, and Johnnie gave her a small wink. A brief smirk crossed Tori's face before she turned her attention back to Abbott. She could see that he was pissed.

Abbott walked over to his briefcase, pretending to look through his files. It's obvious that I am not going to get anywhere with this one. What didn't Wooten cover in his direct? Think, Abbott, think. It was if the lights came on in his mind. He smiled, and went back over to the witness stand. "Can you tell us what you noticed about Ms. Green the following morning, Ms. Krisp?"

"She had a terrible hangover." Tori stated flatly, causing members of the jury to chuckle.

"Were you with her when she first heard of the mayor's death?"

"Yes." Tori began to get a little nervous.

Abbott could sense the change in this witness. "What was her attitude?"

"Objection. Calls for speculation." Bob said.

"Sustained." O'Connell ruled.

"I'll rephrase, Your Honor." Abbott said. "How did she find out? What did she say when she heard that Mayor Ballantine was dead?"

Tori shifted in her seat. "We were all watching television when there was a news bulletin reporting of the mayor's death. My wife asked if he was the one at the funeral. She said yes, that's him."

"Is that all she said?"

"Yes?"

"I find that hard to believe, Ms. Krisp."

The hairs on the back of Tori's neck stood on end. One of the things she hated was being called a liar. Her impassive gaze turned into an angry glare. "That is all she said." She hissed through clenched teeth.

Oh shit. Johnnie thought. Here we go. Keep your cool, Tori. She leaned over to Bob to whisper in his ear. "Bob, if he keeps pushing her, she will lose it. Tori hates being called a liar."

"There's nothing I can do, Johnnie." Bob said quietly.

Johnnie looked back at Tori and Abbott.

"Are you sure that Ms. Green made no other comment about the death of Mayor Ballantine?" Abbott asked, feeling that she was lying to cover for her friend.

"I am positive." Tori answered, trying desperately to keep the venom out of her voice.

"How can you be so certain? Do you need time to think?"

Tori had a death grip on the arms of her chair, holding tightly to keep from reaching out and smacking Abbott. "No, I don't need time to think about it. She didn't say anything else because the doorbell rang. It was the police."

Deflated, Abbott stepped back. "No further questions."

Judge O'Connell could feel the tension in the air. "The witness is excused. Well will take a fifteen minute recess." I need some aspirin.

Tori steeped down from the witness stand and headed straight for Abbott. Johnnie could see that Tori had hell in her, and quickly stepped in front of her to ward off the confrontation.

"You did good, buddy. I liked the way you held your temper in check while you were on the stand." Johnnie said, placing a calming hand on a tense shoulder. She moved close to Tori's ear. "Let it go. He's not worth it." She whispered.

"He practically called me a liar, Johnnie. You know how I hate that shit."

"I know."

"Fucking asshole."

Johnnie kept her hand on Tori's shoulder. "You know, Ceecee is going to be relieved that you didn't lose your temper today."

This seemed to pull Tori from the dark place she was headed, creating a minuscule smile on her face. "Yes she will."

"Because you were good, she won't have to cut you off." Johnnie joked, trying to ease the tension that filled her friend.

Tori smiled broadly. "Yeah, gonna be a hot time in the old town tonight."

Johnnie laughed. "C'mon, let me buy you a cup of coffee."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Laura sat in a booth at Madison's Steak House waiting for her friend Martin Blum, who worked for the North Carolina Prison Systems. He was an investigator with the correctional facility in Wilmington.

"Sorry I'm late, Laura." Martin said as he leaned in to kiss Laura's cheek.

"No problem. Marty. How are you?"

"I'm fine, and you?"

"Could be better, but under the circumstances..." She offered, shrugging her shoulders."

Martin patted her hand sympathetically. "I understand. You and she have been friends for a long time."

"Yes."

"Well, I had a chat with Annette Scott. She says that it was accident. They were fighting, and it got out of hand."

"Do you believe that?"

"No."

"When Annette was discovered, her clothes were wet."

"Meaning?"

"She was not in the shower to take a shower. She was there intent on possibly killing Mary."

"No shit." Laura said sarcastically. "So what happens now?"

"Ms. Scott may become a permanent resident of the facility. Here is my report."

"Thanks, Marty. I owe you one."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Myra stopped by to check on Alma. She was very happy to see her friend. "How are you, Alma?" She asked as she gave her a hug.

"I'm ok, but I will be even better when this trial is over and Johnnie and I can get back to our lives."

"I hear you." She offered, rubbing Alma's upper arm. "Where's Ceecee and Tori?"

"Tori is testifying today, and Ceecee has gone out to get us some Thai food for lunch. I'm sure that there will be plenty. Would you like to join us?"

Myra smiled. "I would love to." She and Alma sat on the sofa. "How is Johnnie holding up in all of this?"

"She seemed to be doing well until yesterday." Alma revealed. "I trust you saw what happened to the woman that tried to kill her when she was in jail, yes?"

"We both saw it. Terrible shame."

"Indeed. Well, when Johnnie got home, she was not herself at all. When she went into the bedroom, I could feel that something was not right, so I followed and listened outside the bedroom. She was listening to Marvin Gaye. His 'What's Going On' CD."

"Uh oh, definitely not a good sign."

"Tell me about it. Anyway, all of a sudden, it was as if I could hear her thoughts." Alma's voice grew quiet. "She was thinking about killing herself."

"Oh no." Myra paused. "Well that explains it."

"Explains what?"

"Every night since the trial started, Annie has done some sort of ceremony. She builds a fire just after sunset, sits in front of it, and chants. I have watched because I want to learn more about her culture. Last night, she did something that I had never seen her do before. She stood up and started dancing around the fire. It was the most beautiful dance I had ever seen." She said. "She must have sensed what Johnnie was feeling, because she wept the whole time."

Alma listened in amazement as Myra told her of what happened. "You know Annie's father was a Shaman, don't you?"

"Yes."

"I must thank Annie for what she has done for Johnnie. I knew that it had to be something that kept Johnnie together through all this."

Ceecee returned with the food. Myra ran out to the car to help her with the three large bags of delicious smelling food. They ate and talked, Alma eating more than her share.

Tori arrived and greeted them, giving Ceecee a passionate kiss. Luckily for her, Ceecee had saved her a plate of food, which she happily dug into.

"How did everything go, baby?" Ceecee asked.

"About as smooth as could be expected. He pushed my button, but I held it together." She revealed through a mouthful of food.

"How was Johnnie?" Alma asked.

Tori put her fork down, and placed her hand over Alma's. She told them that Johnnie was at her lowest last night. "Alma, she seemed fine."

Alma blew out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, God."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Laura went to the hospital after having lunch with Martin. Glenda and Mike met her in the ICU waiting area.

"How did it go?" Mike asked.

"Well, from what Martin told me, it was no accidental stabbing. Mary was in she shower when the Scott woman stabbed her. I mean, why go into the shower and fight with someone. She knew that Mary would be vulnerable." Laura told them.

"Can I see that file, Laura?" Glenda asked.

"Sure." She handed the file over to her.

Glenda opened the file and gasped. "Shit, this woman is huge, 6 feet tall, 255 pounds. Why would she need a knife?"

"My point exactly." Laura said.

"Sounds like a hit to me, ladies." Mike said quietly.

Mark held and stroked Tracy's hand. He talked of mundane things, prattling on and on about nothing in particular.

We're almost there. C'mon and help me.

I'm tired. We have been at this non-stop. I need a break. I need sleep.

Sleep when we are dead, but as for now get off your ass and help me.

Ok, ok.

Laura sat at Tracy's bedside, filling him in on what has been going on at the trial and telling him of Mary's murder. She slipped her hand into his larger one. As she continued to talk, she noticed that he had gripped her hand.

"Oh my!" Laura exclaimed. "That's it Tracy, come back to us."

She made a move to get the nurse, but Tracy refused to let go of her hand. She rang for the nurse, and by the time the nurse entered the room, Laura's tears streaked down her cheeks.

Hold on Johnnie, I'm coming.



Lyrics to Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye were used without permission.



Chapter 31



Marie Ricotta stood near the window as the movers removed the last of Ballantine's furniture from her new office.

"Ma'am, would you like to keep this bookcase?" One of the movers asked, secretly hoping that she wouldn't want them to move the large oak monstrosity.

"Sorry guys. My furniture is cherry, and oak will clash with it." Marie said, giving them a sympathetic smile. "Maybe you can take it apart so it will be easier to move."

"I think this is all one piece." The other mover said as he checked the bookcase. "Thank goodness this is the last of it."

Marie moved out of the way as they began to pull the bookcase from against the wall. Alex was always so pretentious. She watched as the movers struggled with the bookcase. They placed plastic pads under each corner so they could slide it out of the office without breaking their backs. When it was away from the wall, she noticed a micro-cassette recorder on the floor. She walked over and picked it up. This must have belonged to Alex. Hmm, still set on record. Wonder what the asshole was dictating.

"It looks like they made good progress." Judith Bates said, startling Marie from her thoughts.

Marie gave her friend a warm smile. "Yes they have. The new carpet will be put down later, and my furniture will be delivered tomorrow."

"Sounds good, Marie." Judi smiled. "Would you like to get a cup of coffee?"

"I'd love a cup." Marie replied, tossing the recorder in her purse, and then placing the strap on her shoulder. "I really need a caffeine fix right about now."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen sat in her former boss's office, hunched over his computer. She had been looking at the files on Annette Scott. This is her fifteenth year of twenty-five years to life sentence. She was convicted for the murder of her stepfather. "I wonder why she did it?" She asked herself as she continued to read the file.

"Find anything?" Dave Boliek, her former editor asked as he entered his office.

"Yeah. Annette Scott is a twenty-five to lifer. She was convicted of killing her stepfather." She revealed.

"I remember that one." Dave said thoughtfully as he sat in the chair in front of his desk. "He beat the hell out of the whole family for years. The Scott woman had moved out when she was old enough, but she had a little brother that was still in the household. She had testified that she had gone over to the home and found her stepfather beating her mother and little brother. She came to their defense, and the old man attacked her."

"Then why is she serving time if it was self defense?" She asked, turning from the computer screen giving Dave her full attention.

He shook his head. "The mother testified that Annette killed him in cold blood and then attacked her."

"You're shitting me. She turned on her own daughter who was trying to save her and her son?" Karen asked, her face mirroring her disbelief. "Couldn't her brother testify?"

"No, he was in total shock." Dave revealed. "The poor kid spent a couple of years in therapy just trying to get over the trauma."

"Well, where is he now?"

"No one knows. He left the state once he was released." He said.

"It looks like she has blown her chances of ever getting out of prison." She took a sip from her coffee mug. "What happened to the mother?"

"She died in a fire a few years ago."

She got just what she deserved. Karen turned back to the computer. "Do you remember the brother's name? It's not in any of the court records."

Dave took a drink of his Pepsi. "I can't think of it off hand, but I may be able to find it for you." He paused for a moment. "Why do you want the brother's name?"

"I dunno. Just a hunch." She said as she continued her perusal of the court records on the screen before her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tracy still gripped Laura's hand as the nurse checked his pupils for dilation.

'Remind me to smack that bitch when we finally wake up.'

'Shut up and keep at it. We are almost there. I have to help Johnnie.'

"That's right, Tracy. Keep it up, you're doing great." Laura said, stroking his arm.

"Keep talking to him while I get the doctor." The nurse told her as she rushed out of Tracy's room.

"You're almost back, Tracy." Laura said. "Just think how pleased Johnnie will be when she finds out that you are back." She felt Tracy's grip increase. "If you put a bruise on my arm, Courtney will kick your ass."

'Sorry Laura.'

When she felt Tracy ease up on his grip, she smiled. "That's better. Do you realize how worried we have been?"

'I know, and I am sorry.'

Laura moved closer to Tracy's face when she saw his eyelids flutter. "C'mon big guy, that's it. Just a little more."

Tracy's eyelids continued to flutter, and finally slowly opened. Laura's face was streaked with happy tears. His throat was dry and raspy from lack of use. "Johnnie." He whispered.

"What did you say, Tracy?" Laura asked as she moved her ear close to his mouth.

"Johnnie didn't do it." He quietly said. "I know who did."

~~~~~~~~~~~

An emotionally drained Johnnie walked toward her front door, where Alma met her. They said nothing as they wrapped themselves into each other. Johnnie reveled in Alma's embrace, enjoying the feel of Alma's growing belly and the baby that kicked against her. My family.

"How did it go, baby?" Alma asked, snuggling her head against Johnnie's chest.

Johnnie sighed. "About as well as can be expected, Babygirl."

"C'mon inside, baby. Take a shower and change. Tori, Ceecee, Myra and Annie have gone to get some take out." Alma informed her. "Annie is anxious to see you."

"It will be good to see my old friend." Johnnie said as she walked toward their bedroom. She pulled off her jacket, and immediately stripped out of her clothes. It was all Alma could do to keep from jumping Johnnie's bones. Johnnie caught her wife leering at her. "You like what you see, baby?"

Alma moistened her lips. "Indeed I do."

"Come closer." Johnnie requested, her voice taking a seductive tone as she held her arms open.

Alma walked slowly over to Johnnie, her eyes floating over various parts of Johnnie's body. When she reached her goal, she wrapped her wife up in a warm and loving embrace. "Just let me hold you, Querida."

Johnnie's body molded to Alma's and at that moment she felt safe and secure. Though Johnnie was whom one would consider the alpha in their relationship, there were times when she needed to feel protected. Alma was sensitive to those times, and took great pleasure in being her wife's 'protector'.

"Thank you baby." Johnnie whispered.

"For what?" Alma asked; her voice muffled against Johnnie's chest.

"For knowing what I need, and when I need it." Johnnie said, and then kissed the top of Alma's head.

"Anytime, my love."

Johnnie pulled back, and lifted Alma's chin. "I love you, Alma." She then placed a soft kiss on Alma's lips.

Alma smiled. "I love you too, but I think you can do a little better than that, Querida."

Johnnie lowered her head to meet Alma's waiting lips, and kissed her with reckless abandon. They were just getting involved in it when they heard Tori and the rest of their friends enter the house. "Their timing really sucks."

~~~~~~~~~~~

A naked Karen lay on her stomach. Maddie's thigh was draped over Karen's buttocks. She drew patterns with her fingers on Karen's shoulder.

"What are you thinking about, baby?" Maddie asked.

Karen sighed. "A missing boy."

Maddie turned on her side. "You're working on a missing child case?"

"Well actually, he is no longer a child." Karen revealed as she turned over onto her back. He's an adult, now."

Maddie snuggled up next to Karen, placing her head on Karen's shoulder. "Is it anything you can talk about?"

"I was doing a little digging into Annette Scott's past." She said. "She was convicted of killing her stepfather."

"Alvin Markham?" Maddie asked.

"That's the guy."

"I was second chair on that case." She revealed.

Karen sat up and pulled Maddie along with her. "Baby, do you remember any details of that case?"

"Not too many. I do remember that something just wasn't right about that case." Maddie revealed. "The mother testified that the Scott woman attacked her husband."

"I know, and that just sucked. How can a mother turn on her own daughter like that?" Karen asked, unable to mask her disgust.

Maddie looked at her lover. "How can you be so sure that the mother wasn't telling the truth?"

"That man terrorized his family for years. How could you even prosecute with a track record like that?" Karen demanded, a little to harshly.

"First, it wasn't my call." Maddie argued. "Second, there wasn't one shred of evidence to back that up. No police reports, nothing." She paused in an attempt to reign in her growing temper. "It was basically Scott's word against her mother's."

Karen realized that she was accusing Maddie. "Honey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it seem like it was your fault."

"It's ok." Maddie shrugged. "Why are you thinking about the boy, anyway?"

"I dunno. I have this gut feeling." Karen said softly. "Do you remember his name?"

"Danny Scott. I think he was 13 at the time." She said.

"Thanks, baby." Karen whispered, giving her a kiss. She moved to get off the bed, but Maddie stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to do a little work." She said as she kissed Maddie again. "Trust me, I'll be back."

Maddie gave her a seductive grin. "Make sure you do."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Annette walked into the showers. She saw her intended victim as she lathered her body.

"Getting all dolled up to be a snitch, eh?" Annette asked.

"What the fuck to do want?" Mary growled. She knew that she had to sound brave to the huge woman.

"You know what happens to stoolies when they talk to much." Annette told her. "I can't understand why you want to get your ass whupped for that pig."

"Who says I'm gonna get my ass whupped?" Mary demanded, preparing herself for a fight.

Annette walked closer to her, sneering the entire way. "There are a lot of people you're gonna piss off if you open that trap of yours. I'm here to convince you not to do it."

Mary knew that she would have to make the first move to gain the advantage so she charged her, slamming her shoulder into Annette's mid section.

"You fucking bitch." Annette hissed as she was slammed into the shower wall. She pounded her fist onto Mary's back in order to release Mary's grip. "I'll kill you." She roared as Mary backed away from her.

They circled each other, trying to find an opening. Mary thought she had found one and charged Annette again, this time she was met with a roundhouse kick to the face. Blood and a few teeth were spat on the floor as Mary struggled to get back on her feet.

"You know better than to rat out your friends." Annette growled near Mary's ear. Suddenly she was seeing stars when Mary's elbow connected with her nose, making her fall back.

Mary used this opening to scurry across the floor. She reached the corner of the shower room and removed a loose tile. She pulled the shank from its hiding place and then she stood up. "Come get some, bitch. You fucked with the wrong one this time."

Annette wiped the blood from her nose and mouth, shaking the cobwebs from her head as she stood. She grinned evilly. "Can't do this one on one, huh? Bring it."

They circled each other again, this time Mary was dodging back and forth with the shank. Annette made certain that Mary didn't get too close. Suddenly she slipped on a small piece of soap and fell backwards. Mary leaped on her with the shank prepared to strike when Annette blocked the blow. The struggle continued, and Annette was finally able to roll Mary over. Mary gasped, startling Annette. Annette raised herself a little from Mary's body, finding the shank buried deeply in Mary's chest. "Oh fuck!" Annette exclaimed, leaning over Mary as she took her last breath. "I'm sorry." She whispered, and then ran out of the shower room.

"I really fucked up." Annette said aloud as she sat in the solitary confinement cell. She hit the wall in her frustration. "Why does this keep happening to me?" You have no one to blame but yourself. Always sticking your nose in other people's affairs, you should have learned from the first time. She was brought from her musings by the sound of a familiar voice. She stood and walked over to the cell door. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to see you." The man said. "You ok, Nette?"

Annette sighed, relieved to here the familiar male voice. "I'm ok. How did you get in here?"

"I borrowed a guard's uniform when I went into the locker room." He told her. "Nette, I'm sorry. Seems I always get you in trouble."

"Stop it, Danny. It was an accident. Don't go blaming yourself."

"I promise that I am gonna do everything I can to get you out of this mess. Even if I have to reveal…"

"Stop it." She interrupted. "You'll do no such thing. I'm already here, so it makes no difference."

He sighed. "You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me and mom."

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her. She's the one who lied." She said, a little more forcefully than she meant to. "Sorry Danny boy."

"Look, I gotta go before someone spots me. I love you, Nette." He said, grasping her fingers through the small portal in the door.

She locked her fingers with his. "I love you, too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie kneeled on the ground as Annie walked around her, chanting. The others were inside watching. When Annie finished the Walk of the Red Road, she kneeled in front of Johnnie. "Red Owl, you will see that everything will be ok." Annie said.

"I know. The Spirits told me. I lost faith for a while." Johnnie revealed.

Annie placed her large hand on Johnnie's shoulder. "This is true. Your father came to me in a dream. He said that he couldn't reach you. He told me to call upon the Spirits in your behalf. I have done so every night since the trial began."

"Thank you Standing Bear."

Tori sat near Myra. "That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." She whispered.

"She has done it every night for a while now." Myra said. "Last night she danced. Now that was a sight to see. It was incredible."

"I remember Johnnie taking me to Pembroke for the Nuwatiegwa." Alma added. "They were in full ceremonial dress." The phone ringing stopped her from continuing. She waddled over to answer it. "Hello."

"Alma, this is Mark." He told her. "Is Johnnie around? I have some wonderful news."

"She's outside. What is it, Mark?" She asked.

"Tracy has just regained consciousness." He informed her.

Alma yelped in delight, making her friends move to where she was. "That's fantastic."

"That's not all, Alma. He knows that Johnnie didn't kill Ballantine."

"We all know that."

"No, Alma. He saw who did it." Mark said. "Now get her over here as fast as you can."

Alma's eyes filled with tears. "We'll be there as soon as we can." She hung up and turned to her anxiously awaiting friends. "Tracy is conscious, and he saw who murdered Ballantine."

"What?" Ceecee asked.

Tori was stunned. "Why didn't he reveal this from the beginning?"

Before Alma could answer, Johnnie and Annie came inside. Johnnie looked at the expressions on their faces. "What's going on in here?"

Alma turned and ran into Johnnie's arms. "Mark called and said that Tracy is awake, and he saw who killed Ballantine."

All Johnnie heard was that Tracy had regained consciousness. "Thank the Spirits. Let's get over there right now." She rushed to their bedroom to change her clothes.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Glenda paced back and forth in the room, listening while Tracy recounted the events that happened in Ballantine's office. "Tracy this is incredible." She paused and stood next to his bed. "Why didn't you tell this to us sooner?"

Tracy took another long sip of the cool water. His throat was parched and raw. "I can't explain it, Glen." He managed to speak louder than a whisper. "There have been things going on with me. I can't explain it right now because I don't understand it myself." He took another sip of water. "All I know is a man went into Ballantine's office after Johnnie left, and he killed him."

Glenda looked at Tracy; her face was full of confusion and her mind was full of questions. "Tracy, are you absolutely sure about this?"

Tracy sighed. "Yes Glen, I'm positive." He paused. "I asked my doctor to get me a psychiatrist."

"What?!" Glenda exclaimed. "Why in God's name do you need a shrink?"

Tracy's head began to ache.

'What do you think you will be able to do for your precious Johnnie? Even your dear friend doesn't believe you. No one else will either, so why bother?'

"Shut up, damn it!" Tracy hoarsely yelled.

"Why are you yelling at me? I just asked a simple question?" Glenda asked.

Tracy realized that he spoke out loud. "Uhm, sorry Glen. I didn't mean it."

Glenda placed her hand on his shoulder in understanding. "It's ok, Tracy. You've been through a lot. I didn't mean to push."

He rubbed his face. "Thanks, Glen."

She leaned down and kissed his cheek.



Chapter 32



Alma could see that Johnnie was chomping at the bit to get inside the hospital to see Tracy. She struggled to keep pace with Johnnie's strides. "Baby, you and Tori go ahead, I'm sure Ceecee will keep me company while I waddle upstairs."

"I'm sorry baby, was I walking to fast?" Johnnie asked, looking her wife over. She could see that Alma was tired and breathing heavy. She stopped at one of the benches. "Sit here for a few minutes to catch your breath." Johnnie helped Alma sit down.

"Johnnie, you and Tori go ahead. I will wait with Alma." Ceecee said, sitting next to Alma.

"I'll stay with you two." Tori said. "It's dark and there could be trouble."

Johnnie looked at Tori. She knew that Tori was more than capable of taking care of Alma and Ceecee, so she conceded. "Alright, but come up as soon as you are rested baby." She kissed Alma's cheek, and then ran into the hospital.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie slid to a stop in ICU, startling Laura, Glenda, and the other few visitors in the waiting area. She looked around until she saw her friends, and then walked quickly over to them. "How is he? Is he really awake?" She asked, barely taking a breath.

Laura grabbed Johnnie by the hand. "Yes, he's awake and alert."

Johnnie sat down as tears streamed down her cheeks. Thank you Great Spirit. "When can I see him?"

Glenda sat next to her, rubbing her shoulder. "Johnnie, I don't think that will be a good idea right now."

Johnnie wiped her tears from her face. "What do you mean not a good idea?"

"He has information that may clear you of the murder charge." Laura revealed.

She looked at Laura in disbelief. "What? I…I don't understand."

"Johnnie if you go in there now, well, it could be considered witness tampering. You don't want to take that chance." Glenda advised her. "It will be better for you not to have any contact with him."

Johnnie looked from Glenda back to Laura in a state of confusion. "What in the hell are you talking about?"

Laura kneeled in front of her. "Tracy said that there was a man that went into Ballantine's office right after you left him."

Johnnie was astonished. "But…if he knew that, then why didn't he tell anyone. Why didn't he go to the police?"

"There is something going on with Tracy. He asked his doctor to request a shrink." Glenda said.

"What the fuck is going on?" Johnnie asked, placing her head in her hands. At that moment, Alma Tori and Ceecee walked into the waiting area. Alma saw the crestfallen look on her wife's face.

"What's going on?" She asked.

Johnnie looked up at Alma. "They said that I shouldn't see Tracy. He has information that could clear me, and it would be considered witness tampering."

"If he does have information that could clear you, it would be best." Tori said.

"Why didn't he say something before now?" Ceecee asked, looking at Glenda.

"I can't answer that, because I have no idea." She said. "There is something definitely going on, and we will soon get to the bottom of it."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark sat next to Tracy's bed holding his hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb. Tracy reached up for Mark's face with his free hand to wipe away errant tears.

"Baby, I know that this has been rough on you. Glen and Laura both told me that you hardly left the hospital." Tracy paused. "I realize that you didn't want to leave me while I was in a coma, but I will understand if you leave now."

Mark looked confused. "Why are you thinking that I will leave you?"

"I haven't forgotten what I did you to the night before the accident. What I did was reprehensible. I did to you what was done…" He suddenly became silent.

"Tracy, that night you were not yourself. I don't know what happened to you, but you were like a totally different person." Mark said quietly as he continued to stroke Tracy's hand. "You didn't even sound like yourself."

'You got that right. That ass was good.'

'Shut up.'

Tracy cleared his throat. "I realize that there is a problem, so I asked the doctor to request a psychiatrist. I need to get myself some help."

Mark moved to sit on the edge of Tracy's bed. "Tracy, I'm in this for the long haul. I'm not going to leave you. I'm going to help you through this."

"Thank you." He whispered.

Mark smiled. "Tracy, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"If you knew that there was someone who went into Ballantine's office after Johnnie left, why didn't you tell anyone before now?"

Tracy lifted his arm that was bound in a cast, and ran it through his hair. "I don't know. I must have blocked it out somehow. I can't explain it. That's another reason I need a psychiatrist."

"I hope that all of this will be sorted out. Johnnie doesn't deserve what's happening to her." Mark said.

Tracy nodded in agreement. "With all that is going on with her, Laura told me that she came by everyday after court was adjourned to see me."

"Yes she has." Mark said. "She would talk to you everyday."

"I wish I knew why I didn't remember." He said, frustration showing in his voice.

"Tracy, just relax. You have remembered now, that's what counts." Mark assured. "I'd better go and see if she has gotten here yet. I know she is anxious to see you."

Tracy smiled as he watched his lover leave his room. 'Alright, now talk.'

'What do you want?'

'I kept my end of the bargain. I helped you get us out of that coma. Now, you have to tell me everything you saw.'

'Why should I? No one is going to believe us.'

'You let me worry about that. I will convince them.'

'Well, it's your funeral.'

'Spill it.'

'All right, already. Damn. It was a white guy, big and strong.'

'Any distinguishing characteristics, hair color, facial scars?'

'Forever the cop, eh?'

'Just answer the question.'

'His face had blood on it when he came out. That's all I remember right now. I'm tired, just leave me alone.'

'Fine, but this is not over.'

~~~~~~~~~~~

Alma sat in one of the uncomfortable hospital chairs. She watched as Johnnie stood over by the window looking out with a forlorn expression on her face. She turned to Glenda, who was seated next to her. "Are you sure that Johnnie shouldn't see Tracy? Not even for a few minutes?"

"Alma, if there is even a chance that Tracy will be able to testify at the trial, then I don't want to risk Abbott using any communication between those two to block it." Glenda whispered. "He could say that there was witness tampering and keep any testimony that Tracy could offer out of the proceedings."

Alma sighed. "I know that you are right, and you understand situations like this. I just wish that she could see him. She has been here everyday, wearing herself down between worrying about him and then the trial."

"I know she has, Alma." Glenda said softly. "Those two share something special. Tracy and I are like brother and sister, but he and Johnnie share a bond that is different." She paused. "I realize that this will be hard for her to do, but she has to."

"Yes, it will." Alma agreed. "I just hope that she understands; that she sees beyond her need to be with him."

Johnnie looked out into the blackened sky. I really need to see him for myself. I want to see that he's really ok. Johnnie shifted on her feet, and stuck her hands in her pockets. Why didn't he tell anyone about seeing the man who murdered Ballantine before now? Was he on his way to tell us when he had the accident? Why was he even at Ballantine's office? What the fuck is going on? She was interrupted from her thoughts when she heard Tori calling her name. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"I was asking if you wanted this cup of coffee." Tori said, handing the extra cup to her friend. "I know it's not Alma's, but it may help some."

"Thanks, Tori." Johnnie took the cup and brought it to her lips for a sip. She grimaced. "Eww, that is some nasty shit." She threw the cup in the garbage.

Tori took a sip and then followed suit, throwing her cup in the garbage can as well. "If you drink a cup of that, you would need to be put in ICU." She joked, trying to lighten Johnnie's mood. "You know, I still don't understand why Bob couldn't have used Mary's confession as evidence."

"Well…" Johnnie said, shifting from one foot to the other. "Mary's confession was kinda coerced."

"What do you mean kinda coerced?" Tori questioned.

"I, uh, threatened to beat the crap out of her if she didn't tell me the truth."

Eyebrows rose in response. "Oh, I see."

"Can you imagine the field day Abbott would have had with that?" Johnnie asked.

"Heh, yeah I can. He is such an asshole." Tori said.

Before they could continue their conversation, Johnnie heard Mark call her name. She rushed over, meeting him halfway. "How is he, Mark? Is he ok?"

"He's fine, Johnnie." Mark said. "He's very anxious to see you."

"I'm anxious to see him, too. But Glenda thinks that it would be a bad idea." She revealed.

Mark gave her a questioning look. "Why? I don't understand."

"If Tracy has information that can help me, then he may be able to testify. Glen thinks that Abbott would try to say that I was tampering with a witness if I should talk to him." She said sadly.

"She's probably right, Johnnie. We don't need to do anything that could jeopardize your case."

"I know, but Tracy is my friend. I need to see for myself that he's ok."

"He knows that you love him. He knows that you have been with him every day. We will explain it to him. I'm sure that he will understand." He said, placing a comforting hand on her bicep. Mark noticed all his friends had gathered around them. "Tracy is doing fine. He's talking more." He paused. "Glen, would you be a dear and go to Tracy and let him know that Johnnie is here. Please explain the situation to him."

Glenda nodded and left to go talk to Tracy.

Johnnie looked over to an exhausted Alma. "I think we should go. Alma looks out of it, and I'm gonna go put her to bed."

"Thank you all for coming." Mark said. "I will give you call when I think you guys have gotten home."

"I'd appreciate it, Mark. Be sure to let him know that I really wanted to see him." She said, wrapping her arm around Alma's waist. "Goodnight everybody."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Glenda stood at the doorway of Tracy's room and saw that his eyes were closed. "Tracy, are you asleep?"

He quickly opened his eyes. "I have gotten enough sleep to last me a few years, Glen. I was just thinking." He paused. "Is Johnnie here?"

"Yes, she's here." She said as she took a seat in the chair next to his bed.

"Well, why hasn't she been in to see me?" He asked.

"Tracy, I don't think that would be a good idea." She told him.

"Why not?"

"If you are called to testify, Johnnie shouldn't have any contact with you." She revealed.

"I don't know why I didn't think of it before. That jerk Abbott could say that she got me to say all this. Damn."

Glenda smiled. "I'm glad that I'm not going to have the same trouble with you that I had with Johnnie. She was on her head to get in here."

Mark chuckled, imagining the fit that Johnnie gave Glenda. "I bet she was a handful."

"Yes she was. It was like she wasn't grasping what I was telling her. You mean the world to her."

"I know. I feel the same about her." He said softly. "She doesn't know this, but when she was shot a few years ago, I went to see her. Before I had my…"

Glenda grasped his hand. "It's ok."

He wiped away the tears that welled up in his eyes. "Just let her know that I understand."

She placed her other hand around his. "I will, Tracy."

"Has anyone called Bob?"

"I will as soon as I get home." She paused. "You know, Kaia is going to be excited that her uncle Tracy is back."

He smiled at the thought of the little girl who called him her big teddy bear. "Give her a big kiss and hug for me, ok?"

"I will." She assured him.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie sat at the foot of the bed, massaging Alma's swollen feet and legs.

"Oh, that feels good, baby." Alma moaned in her pleasure.

"I should have had you stay home, Babygirl. These legs are really swollen." Johnnie said as she administered her kind of therapy.

"Honey, it's ok. You needed me, and I was glad to be there for you." She said, reveling in the feeling of Johnnie's strong hands caressing her.

"I'm just thankful that Tracy is awake and ok. He has been through a lot. The trauma to his body was devastating. He could have died, or never regained consciousness." She said, thinking back to when she was comatose.

Alma, sensing the melancholy in her wife's voice, removed her feet from Johnnie's lap. "Come here, Querida."

Johnnie crawled to Alma's waiting arms. She snuggled herself into them. "This is nice."

Alma smiled. "Indeed it is." She paused, and decided to take Johnnie's mind off Tracy. "Baby, tell me what you and Annie were doing outside."

"Oh, ok. We did 'Walk the Red Road #5'. It's where I communicate with the Great Spirit from my heart, and live the insight I receive." She explained.

"And what did the Great Spirit reveal?" She asked as she absentmindedly played in Johnnie's hair.

Johnnie looked up into Alma's eyes. "That everything is going to be alright."

"That's good to know." Alma whispered just before capturing Johnnie's lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tori was brushing her teeth when she heard Ceecee boot up her laptop. "Honey, what are you doing?" She asked, peeking her head in their bedroom.

"Oh, I'm just going to finish reading this story I found on the web." Ceecee told her as she stroked the keyboard.

Tori rinsed and spat, then turned off the bathroom light and walked toward the bed. "What story?"

"Oh a little PWP that caught my interest." Ceecee said, holding the laptop steady while Tori plopped down on the bed.

"What is a PWP?" Tori asked, leaning over to look at the screen.

Ceecee sighed. What is it with all the questions? "Never mind, you wouldn't understand."

"Hmpf, ok then Miss Stingy, don't share it with me." Tori pouted.

"C'mon you big baby." Ceecee acquiesced. She moved the laptop so that they could share.

"Just One of Them Days, by Marlis Appleblossom." She read the title.

"Hush up and read." Ceecee admonished.

They both read in silence, the quiet being interrupted by an occasional damn, murmured by Tori. Her breathing became erratic, and her hands began to wander her wife's body.

"Stop it." Ceecee squealed.

"Uhm, why don't we put Ms. Appleblossom to bed for tonight and create our own hot story?" Tori whispered suggestively in Ceecee's ear, eliciting a moan from her highly aroused spouse. Tori took the laptop and put it on the floor, and then showered her wife's body with kisses.



Chapter 33



Bob walked quickly to Judge O'Connell's chambers. He met Abbott sitting in the outer office.

"What is this about? " Abbott demanded.

"Good morning to you too, Mr. Abbott." Bob sarcastically said.

"Cut the crap, Wooten." Abbott snapped. "What is so important that we had to meet here so early?"

"You'll see soon enough." Bob said.

The door to the judge's chambers opened. "Come in gentlemen." Judge O'Connell said, greeting each man with a nod.

Abbott entered, followed by Bob, who closed the door. They both sat down after the judge took his seat.

O'Connell cleared his throat. "Alright Mr. Wooten. Why have you requested this little gathering?"

"Your Honor, I am making a change to my witness list." Bob said calmly.

"You didn't have to request a meeting in chambers for that." Abbott spat.

"Your Honor, if I may continue?" Bob asked, casting Abbott an irritated glance.

"By all means, Mr. Wooten. This had better be good." The judge warned.

"Your Honor, Tracy Kenon will be a witness for the defense." Bob said. "But I am requesting an adjournment until he is released from the hospital."

"This is preposterous, Your Honor." Abbott snapped. "This is just a stall tactic because he is trying to postpone the inevitable."

"Believe me, Your Honor, this is not the case. Mr. Kenon has evidence that could clear my client."

"Bullshit." Abbott disputed.

"Counselor!" O'Connell bellowed. "You will not use that language in my chambers. Are we clear?"

With that, Abbott was reminded where he was. "My apologies Your Honor, but I must protest this blatant tactic used by the defense. Mr. Kenon is a friend of the defendant. Why is he just now coming forward with this so called evidence?"

"Good question, Mr. Wooten. Care to elaborate?" O'Connell inquired.

"Mr. Kenon somehow repressed what he knew of the events of Mr. Ballantine's murder. A psychiatrist has been requested to talk with Mr. Kenon."

Abbott sat on the edge of his seat. "Your Honor, if you are entertaining this idea, I request that the prosecution is also allowed to interview Mr. Kenon."

Judge O'Connell leaned back in his chair and thought. "Court will be recessed for today. You will be notified of my decision before 5 pm. Good day gentlemen." He watched as the adversaries left his chambers. I need a vacation when this trial is over.

When Abbott closed the door and they were in the outer office, he turned to Bob. "That was pretty slick, Wooten."

"This is not a trick, Abbott. I hope that you think better of me than that." Bob said. "I don't need any tricks to get my client off. She's innocent and you will soon see that."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that. O'Connell hasn't given you what you want."

"You're right. He hasn't…yet." Bob said and then walked out, leaving an opened mouth Abbott behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen walked up the steps of the 3rd precinct. I hope that he will talk to me. She walked in and went to the desk of the day sergeant. "Excuse me?"

"Can I help you?" He asked.

"I'm looking for Detective Petrillo." She said.

He looked at her, then handed her a visitor's pass. "Sign here." He said as he slid the logbook over to her. "Take the elevator to the third floor. The second door on the left is homicide."

"Thanks." She said as she clipped the pass to the breast pocket of her shirt. Karen had a nose for news. She was like a dog with a bone when she sniffed out a story. There has to be some connection between Annette Scott and the Ballantine murder. If I can just find her brother, I may be able to piece this thing together.

Pizo sat at his desk thinking about Annette Scott. Why would she murder Mary if she hadn't been hired to do so? Who is behind all of this? Maybe I should go to the prison and ask her some questions. He was about to pick up the phone when he noticed a woman walking toward him.

"Detective Petrillo?" Karen asked.

He stood up and extended his hand. "Yeah, what can I do for you, Miss…?"

"Karen Grace." She told him, accepting his hand and returning a firm handshake.

"The reporter?" He asked in amazement. "You look and sound different that you do on TV."

"Yeah, I get that a lot." She said. "I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment."

"Miss Grace, I don't have time for an interview or anything." He said, taking his seat.

"May I?" She asked, pointing at the chair near his desk.

Pizo sighed. "I really don't have time."

"Please Detective. I won't take up much of your time." She guaranteed him.

"Alright, have a seat." He said.

She sat down and leaned forward, hoping that their conversation wouldn't be overheard. "Thank you. Before we start, I would like to assure you that I am not here as a reporter. Johnnie is a friend of mine, and I want to do anything I can to help her case."

"I beg your pardon. Johnnie is not one of your fans." Pizo said, leaning back in his chair. "As a matter of fact, I know she detests you."

"She did at one point, until she got to know the real me." Karen said quietly. "I became a friend of hers the night I brought her home from the Leather and Lace."

Pizo's eyebrows rose in surprise. "It was you. I knew that I recognized you that night."

Karen looked around and noticed that they were being watched. "If it's ok with you, I'd like to take this conversation somewhere a little more private."

Pizo caught the hint and looked around. He saw that Drew and his partner were looking at them. "Sure, come with me." They both stood up, and he led them to Captain Hill's unoccupied office.

"I thought he was married." Angie Harris, Drew' partner, said as she watched them go into the captain's office. "They sure seemed awfully cozy."

"Yeah, he is." Drew distractedly replied. "I wonder what that's all about."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie rolled over and saw that it was 8:30 am. "Aww fuck me!" She exclaimed as she leaped from the bed. "I know I set that alarm."

"Honey, come back to bed." Alma moaned, her voice heavy with sleep.

"Alma, I have to be at the courthouse in thirty minutes." Johnnie said, rushing to the closet.

"Querida, Bob called early this morning and said that court would be in recess today."

"What?" Johnnie asked.

"He said that the judge was deciding whether or not Tracy could testify. He should know something this evening."

Johnnie scratched her head and walked back over to the bed, snuggling back under the covers. "I didn't hear the phone ring."

"It rang about an hour after you went to sleep. You tossed and turned the whole night." Alma said, moving closer to her.

Johnnie wrapped her arms around her. "Sorry. I just had a lot on my mind."

"I know you did. It's a good thing you get to sleep in. You would have been exhausted." Alma said, kissing her on the cheek. "Since you are awake, would you like to do something for me?"

Johnnie grinned as she felt Alma's hand creep up her thigh. "What did you have in mind?"

"I would love to have some blueberry pancakes." Alma said, almost pleading.

"Pancakes?" Johnnie squeaked.

Alma blushed. "Yeah, the baby is hungry."

"I thought you said that I could sleep in." She whined.

"Sleep when the baby and I are fed. Call me when they are ready." Alma said as she turned her back and burrowed under the covers.

Johnnie stared at Alma's back for a few moments. "I thought you wanted to… you know."

"Oh we will, but I need something to eat first." Alma mumbled.

Johnnie smiled as she got off the bed. "Well, that's different. Blueberry pancakes, coming right up."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen and Pizo emerged from the captain's office after agreeing to meet up after his shift to compare notes. She was followed by two sets of eyes until she left the room.

Angie stood up and walked over to Pizo's desk. "Hey Petrillo, you got somebody on the side?" She asked jokingly.

Pizo laughed. He liked Angie. "No way. I have all I can handle at home."

"Well, you two looked kinda cozy. Wonder what the little woman would think about that?"

"She has no worries." He said.

"Mind if I ask who she was, then?"

Pizo noticed that Drew was pretending to be reading a file, but he was intently listening. "She is an old friend."

Angie chuckled. "Uh huh, sure she is." She walked back toward her desk, but turned back to face him. "I'll be sure to tell Mabelene Ephraim that when you two go on Divorce Court."

Pizo laughed at the antics of the young detective.

Drew's eyebrows furrowed. I wonder what you are up to, Pizo. You may have fooled Angie, but I know you are up to no good.

~~~~~~~~~~~

An unknown woman entering his room awakened Tracy from a deep slumber.

"Mr. Kenon?" The African-American woman asked.

"Yes." He groggily responded.

She walked over to the bed. "My name is Dr. Wilson. Your doctor told me that you were in need of my services."

"Yes, Dr. Wilson. I have a serious problem that I need help with." He told her.

She sat down. "Would you like to tell me what's going on?"

"I was having problems with severe headaches a couple of weeks before my accident. There are times when I think I may have blacked out." He revealed.

"I see." She said.

'Oh man, here we go. They are all the same. They don't believe a word you say, and call you crazy when they can't figure out what's wrong.'

'Look, can't you just be quiet. I don't need this shit from you right now. I have got to get my head together so that I can help Johnnie.'

'You mean so you can get rid of me. After all that I did for you, you just want to toss me aside.'

'I can't continue to live like this.'

'Like what? Having someone shield you from all the hurt and pain?'

'I just want to be normal.'

'Normal? How in the world do you think you can be normal? You were passed around like the town whore, and you think you can be normal.'

"Stop it!" Tracy yelled, startling the young doctor.

"Stop what, Mr. Kenon?" She asked.

Tracy grimaced when he realized that he had spoken aloud. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I asked you to tell me about the headaches. You didn't respond, looking like you were lost. Then you told me to stop it." She informed him.

"I guess I must have zoned out for a few seconds." He said.

Dr. Wilson gave him a comforting smile. "Why don't you just tell me about those headaches you were having and we can go from there."



Chapter 34



"Si, Querida! More!" Alma breathlessly exclaimed.

Johnnie, always willing to please her wife, added two more fingers into Alma's soaked opening as she suckled her clit. Her left hand cupped Alma's breast, kneading it with her strong hand. Johnnie's desire was to make Alma see the same stars that she had made her see a few moments before.

Alma had both of her fists full of Johnnie's hair, pulling her head as close as possible. Her body began to quiver, and a scream was released as her orgasm tore through her like lightening. "Dios!"

Johnnie kept her fingers inside, enjoying the feeling of Alma contracting around them. Alma's thighs rested on Johnnie's shoulders until Johnnie moved up the bed to lie down next to her. Alma quickly moved into her wife's loving embrace.

"I guess we should get showered and dressed." Johnnie whispered. "I'm sure Tori and Ceecee are up by now." Her suggestion was met by soft snores. She chuckled softly, and held Alma closer. "I love you, Babygirl." She added. Alma snuggled into her, pressing her protruding belly against Johnnie's stomach. She was surprised when the baby growing inside Alma kicked against her. "I love you too, Little One."

Almost an hour later Johnnie's bladder began screaming bloody murder to be relieved, so she extricated herself from Alma's possessive grasp. After handling her business, she stepped into the shower, enjoying the warm water as it cascaded down her body. She was startled when the shower door slid open, but a smile graced her face when Alma stepped in to join her. She gave Alma a delicate kiss and then moved her under the shower spray. Johnnie began to lather Alma's body, taking care with her sensitive breasts. She took some lather and drew a smiley face on Alma's belly, making her wife giggle. After washing her, Alma then returned the favor. She took pleasure in caressing Johnnie's well-formed body, broad shoulders tapering down to a slim waist, moving her hands to cup Johnnie's muscular buttocks. She moaned when Alma gently scraped her nails against her behind, and placed butterfly kisses between her breasts. Her explorations of Johnnie's anatomy were interrupted by the familiar knock at their bedroom door.

"I'm gonna kill Tori." Alma said.

Johnnie chuckled. "Not if I get her first."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Case 1456…Tracy Kenon, white male, 36 years of age." Dr. Wilson spoke into her micro-cassette recorder. "Patient complains of headaches and possible periods of blackouts. He also exhibits traits of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Will be able to determine when all medical files are reviewed." A knock on her door halted further dictation. "Come in."

Dr. Marcus Fredrick, Tracy's attending physician, entered Dr. Wilson's office. "You got a minute, Stacey?"

Dr. Wilson placed her recorder on her desk. She looked up at her colleague. "Sure, what's up?"

He closed the door and walked over to her desk. "I have the medical reports on Tracy Kenon." After handing them to her, he took a seat. "There's also a psych evaluation in there."

Stacey smiled. "Good, that will make my job a little easier." She opened the file, finding the evaluation and began reading it. Her smiled turned into a grimace as she went over the report. "Did you read this?"

"Yes. That's why I brought it to you immediately." He said.

"There isn't any more?" She asked indignantly.

"No, that's it."

She tossed the report on the desk in disgust. "This is disgraceful. This man suffered abuse at the hands of his father, attempted suicide, and all they have here is a three-page report. No additional follow up or anything."

"Stacey calm down." Marcus said. "I know how dedicated you are to your work. Not all shrinks are as good as you are about keeping up with your patients. That's why I thought of you immediately when he said that he needed help."

"There is no excuse for the lack of treatment." She harshly said, quickly realizing that it was her friend sitting across from her. "Forgive me Marc. I shouldn't take it out on you. It's just my belief that if you are in a profession where you are required to help people get over emotional trauma, then you should do just that."

Marcus gave her a soft smile. "It's ok. I know how passionate you are about helping people."

"I just hope that I will be able to help Mr. Kenon." She said.

"I know you will, Stacey." He smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Pizo sat in one of the prison conference rooms, waiting for the guard to bring Annette to talk with him. I hope that this won't the typical interrogation. Just answer my questions lady, and I can get out of here. He hated being at the prison. It was one of the deterrents that kept him on the right side of the law. While his friends were pulling stupid pranks and getting into trouble with the police, Pizo managed to steer clear of it. When the door opened, and Annette entered his jaw dropped. Good night little children, she's even bigger than Annie. God, please let this go smoothly and quickly. He remained silent as she watched the guard chain the behemoth to her chair, and waited until the guard walked over to the other side of the room. "Miss Scott, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Go ahead." She said.

Her soft-spoken voice and mannerisms stunned Pizo. He expected her voice to be harsh and deep. "I…I'm Detective Pizo Petrillo from the Wilmington PD, and I would like for you to tell me of the events surrounded Mary Steven's death."

Annette sighed heavily. "How many times am I going to have to repeat this story?"

He looked into tired eyes; eyes that held no spark, and were nearly lifeless. "I'm sorry, but this is important."

She remained silent for a moment. "I was just going to scare her, to keep her from testifying in that trial." She revealed. "We started fighting, and she managed to get a shank. She jumped on me and tried to stab me with it. We struggled and when I rolled her over, the shank went into her chest."

Pizo studied her as he listened to her recount the events. He noticed gestures and facial expressions that seemed familiar to him. Why do you seem so familiar? "I just have one more question. Why did you want to keep her from testifying?"

Her shoulders slumped and her eyes drifted to the floor. "We don't like stoolies in here, Detective."

"Are you sure that there is no other reason?" He asked, knowing what she said was true, but he had a gut feeling that there was something else behind it. "You weren't paid by anyone to do this?"

She shook her head, thankful that she didn't have to lie. No one paid me, I was gonna scare her as a favor.

Pizo stood up. "Thank you, Miss Scott." He moved from the table, but suddenly stopped. Her turned to her again. "Is it possible that we have met before?" He asked, unable to shake the sense of familiarity this woman held.

The faintest of smiles formed on her lips. "I'd think you would be able to remember if we had ever met, Detective."

Pizo shook it off and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks again."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Drew was on the telephone when he noticed Pizo walk into the file room. After he finished his call, he waited a few minutes before following him in.

"Hi Pizo." Drew said.

Pizo nodded as he stood at the copier.

He took a deep breath. "Look, I just want to apologize for the things I said. I know Johnnie and you are close, and I should have kept my opinions to myself."

"No, I'm glad that you let me know your views. I wouldn't want to be teamed up with a bigot." Pizo revealed. "You did me a big favor." He took out the last paper to be copied and put the original back inside the folder, sliding the blue tab back in it's place. He then walked back over to the file cabinet he got it from and put it back. Once he gathered the copies, he put them in a new folder. "Now if you will excuse me, I have things to do."

Drew moved from his position in front of the door to let Pizo pass. When Pizo walked out, he went over to the cabinet that read 'Closed Cases'. He opened the drawer and pulled out the seven files that had blue tabs on them, reading each case name. He came across one that made his eyes widen in surprise. Was this what you were looking at, Pizo? If so, why?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Maddie worked in the kitchen preparing a late lunch, while Karen was in her office/spare bedroom. The doorbell rang and she yelled to Karen that she would get it. She was shocked when she opened the door and found Pizo standing there.

Pizo looked at Maddie and blushed. "I'm sorry, I must be at the wrong place." He stepped back and looked at the numbers on the house.

"If you're here to see Karen, you're at the right place. Come on in." She told him as she stepped back to allow him access.

"Who is it, Hon?" Karen asked as she walked down the hall, not bothering to look up from her papers.

Maddie cleared her throat. "Detective Petrillo is here to see you."

Karen's eyes widened, and there was an awkward silence between the three of them.

"I'll leave you two alone to talk." Maddie said, thankful that the timer on the oven went off.

When she walked out, Karen opened her mouth to speak, but Pizo forestalled her by holding up his hand. "None of my business. I just stopped by to tell you about my interview with Annette."

Thankful for the change of subject, Karen smiled. "Have a seat Detective."

Pizo sat on the sofa, and pulled the file from underneath his arm. "From what she told me, Mary's death was an accident. She went in to scare her out of testifying, but they started fighting instead. Mary pulled a blade out on her, they struggled and Mary caught it in the chest."

"Do you believe her?" Karen asked.

"For some odd reason, I do." He said as he scratched his head. "To be honest, I don't think she should have been locked up in the first place."

"You too?" Karen asked. "I think what happened to her stinks. To go through all that abuse, then have your own mother turn on you is sickening."

"You know about that case?" He asked, sitting up onto the edge of the sofa.

She nodded. "I don't understand how it is that none of the neighbors ever reported anything."

"Well, from what's in this file, he would beat them in the basement so no one could hear." He revealed, handing the file over to Karen.

"Aren't you gonna get in trouble for this?" She asked. "I mean I'm not a police officer."

"The content of this file is public record. I just brought you a copy to go over." He said. "Any luck on finding the brother?"

"Yeah." She said. "I got a lead after I met up with you this morning. Danny went to Maryland after his release. He was of age, so he didn't have to go live with relatives. After about a year in Maryland, it's as if he disappeared of the face of the earth. No credit, no job, he just vanished."

"I'll see if any of my contacts in that area can do any sniffing around for me." He said. "I guess I had better go and let you get back to…your guest."

"You will let me know if you come up with anything, won't you?" She asked as they stood up.

"Sure, and you'll do the same?"

"Absolutely. Thanks." She said, walking him to the door.

"I'll be in touch." He said.

Karen closed the door, and leaned her head against it.

"How did it go?" Maddie tentatively asked, not sure if she should or not.

"I'm sorry, Maddie. I should have told you that he might be coming by. I didn't think." She said softly. "I hope that it wasn't uncomfortable for you."

She walked over to her new lover. "At first I was surprised to see him. It had been a while. It's not like its any big secret or that we are sneaking around."

Karen shrugged. "I know. It's just that he was Johnnie's partner."

Maddie closed the space between them and embraced her. "Johnnie knows about us and she's ok with it. Actually, I think she is very happy for us." She paused. "Are you afraid to tell any one about us?"

"No, no, that's not it." Karen assured her. "C'mon, our lunch is getting cold. We can talk afterwards."

Chapter 35



Judge O'Connell sat in his chair, studying the two adversaries as they glared at each other. "Gentlemen, I have come to a decision about Mr. Kenon and his testimony."

Both Bob and Abbott turned their attention from each other to the judge. Abbott slid up to sit on the edge of his seat.

"I have decided to grant Mr. Wooten his continuance until Mr. Kenon has been released from the hospital." O'Connell said.

"Your Honor I must object. This is nothing but a trick by the defense to buy more time. Why should justice be delayed because his case is falling apart before his very eyes?" Abbott demanded, irritation weighing heavy in his tone.

Bob spoke up immediately. "This is not a stall tactic, as I told you before. Mr. Kenon has just now remembered information that could lead us to the true killer."

"How convenient for your client, who happens to be his employer and friend." Abbott retorted. "How can we be sure that your client didn't put Mr. Kenon up to this?"

"Ms. Green has had no contact with Mr. Kenon since he regained consciousness." Bob told him. Thank you for being there, Glenda.

"Is the true, Mr. Wooten?" The judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor. She has not see or spoken to him." Bob revealed. "Ms. Green went to the hospital immediately as soon as she was notified that he had regained consciousness. Another associate of hers told her that it would be in her best interest not to have any contact him. She figured that the prosecution would try to accuse of her witness tampering, so she prevented Ms. Green from seeing him."

Judge O'Connell was hard pressed to keep the chuckle that wanted to escape him from doing so. No sense in alienating the prosecutor.

Abbott just cast daggers at Bob with his eyes. You think that you are so smart, Bob? Let's see how you like this. "Since Mr. Kenon is being evaluated by a psychiatrist, I would like to have a psychiatrist of our choosing to evaluate him as well."

Bob smiled. "Feel free to have anyone of your choosing speak with Mr. Kenon. The defense does not have a problem with it."

O'Connell was relieved. "Well, I am glad that you two gentlemen are in agreement. This trial will be adjourned until Mr. Kenon is released from the hospital. If there isn't anything else, you gentlemen have a good day."

"Thank you, Your Honor." Bob said. Abbott continued to glare at him.

Once they were outside the judge's chambers, Abbot called out to Bob. Bob turned to him. "Wooten, you have won…nothing. This isn't over by a long shot. When I reveal the truth you will be exposed for the high priced charlatan you are."

"My, my Mr. Abbott. Are we resorting to name calling now?" Bob asked, amused. "I thought this was about the pursuit of justice."

"This is about putting that murdering client of yours behind bars." Abbott spat.

"How can you be so certain that my client is guilty?" He asked.

"Because she had a motive, and she was covered in Ballantine's blood." Abbott said, barely keeping his voice down.

"She was not covered in his blood. She had his blood on her clothes, but you saw the crime scene. She would have had more blood on her than she did if she had killed him." Bob was beginning to lose his temper. "Were you not paying attention?"

A feral grin formed on Abbott's face. "No matter what tricks you try to pull, I will get a conviction."

Bob walked closer to him, only inches from Abbott's face. "I know you will, but it will not be my client." He turned and walked away.

Abbott watched him walk away. "We'll see about that, Wooten."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bob had calmed down considerably by the time he reached Johnnie's home. He got out of his car and started up the walk when he saw Johnnie jogging up the street. He waited for her until she stopped in her driveway. "How are you, Johnnie?" He asked extending his hand.

She wiped her hand on her sweats and shook his. "I'm ok. Just coming in from an afternoon run."

He leaned against his black Continental. "Keeping in shape, I see." He smiled. "I have some good news."

Johnnie smiled along with him. "Good, I can sure use some right about now."

"O'Connell is going to allow Tracy to testify." He revealed.

Her smile broadened. "That is good news."

"I thought you would like it."

"I do, I do." She paused. "How did our good friend Abbott take it?"

Bob chuckled. "He is not a happy camper, I am certain of that."

"He'll get over it. If not, too bad." Johnnie said, shrugging her shoulders.

"You know, you owe Glenda a debt of gratitude. If you had seen or talked to Tracy, O'Connell could have denied us." He said. "You know, when she takes the bar I will have to offer her a job."

"She would deserve it. Glen has saved my ass many times." She confessed. "She's gonna be one hell of an attorney."

Bob nodded his head in agreement. "I hope I will be able to get her before anyone else does."

"I'll put in a good word for you, Bob." Johnnie laughed. "Come on in and see Alma. She'd be pissed if you didn't say hello."

"Alright, but only for a few minutes." He said as he followed her into the house.

"Alma, that is disgusting." Tori said, sitting at the table watching Alma make a sandwich.

"Would you like me to fix you one, too?" She asked, waving the tuna beneath Tori's nose.

She pulled her head away from Alma's waving hand. "Hell no. Banana, peanut butter and tuna sandwiches are not in my diet." She paused. "You know, I remember once Ceecee made me drive fifty miles to get her some red clay."

"Red Clay? For what?" Alma's curiosity was peaked.

"She would break a clump of clay into small bite sized pieces, bake it and then eat it." Tori watched the expression on Alma's face.

"Ceecee ate dirt?" Alma was appalled.

She smiled. "Yep. Sounds yummy don't it?"

Alma imagined Ceecee eating actual dirt. She looked down at her sandwich and sighed. "Do you think you can remember where you got it?"

Tori's jaw dropped. When will I learn to keep my big mouth shut? She's gonna tell Ceecee that she wants some, and they are gonna make me drive all the way back to Virginia to get it for her.

Alma was amused at the horrified expression that crossed her friend's face. "Relax Tori, I'm not gonna make you get me any. I'm not quite ready to start eating dirt, yet." Tori breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Where is Ceecee?"

"She's on the computer in the den reading some fan fiction." Tori said.

"Oh, I love to read that. A particular favorite of mine is Marlis Appleblossom. She's terrific."

Tori laughed. "I must agree with you on that one. I read part of 'Just One of Them Days'. I must say that she is very talented."

"So that's what brought all that racket on." Alma giggled. "It's a wonder there is any plaster left on the walls."

"You are one to talk, Alma." Tori chuckled. "I thought you guys were having Mass, they way you were calling God this morning."

"Oh hush up, woman." Alma playfully growled, picking up the tray that held her sandwich and apple juice. She walked out into the living room and met Johnnie and Bob coming inside. "Hello Bob." She greeted him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Alma, and you?"

"I'll be just fine as soon as I eat my snack." She said.

"What kind of sandwich to do you have there?" He asked, not recognizing the contents.

"You don't want to know, Bob. Trust me." Johnnie warned. "It's probably one of her weird combos." She took the tray from her wife and walked with her over to the sofa. "Bob has some good news for us, baby."

Alma sat down and started smiling, looking at Bob. "Did you get it?"

"Yes." He revealed. "The judge has agreed to an adjournment until Tracy can testify."

Alma breathed a thankful sigh of relief. "That's wonderful news."

"What's wonderful news?" Ceecee asked as she entered the living room. "Hi Bob."

"Hello Ceecee." He returned her greeting. "I was just telling Johnnie and Alma that the judge is going to allow Tracy to testify."

"Well that is good news. This calls for a celebration." Ceecee said. "We're going out for dinner. Would you like to join us, Bob?"

"No, I have other plans, thanks anyway." He looked at his watch and stood up. "I guess I'd better be going."

"I'll walk you out." Johnnie said.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Wilson sat in the chair across from Tracy's bed; barely able to keep her emotions in check as she listened to Tracy tearfully recount the abuse that he experienced at the hands of his father. My God, how can one man be so cruel to his own flesh and blood? She has had her share of patients that have been abused, but none to the extent that Tracy had experienced. Not only did he physically and sexually abuse his son, but allowed other men to abuse him as well.

"He had physically abused me since I was a little boy. The sexual abuse started when he caught me and another boy kissing when I was thirteen years old." Tracy revealed as tears ran down his cheeks. "I remembered the first time he did it. After that, I didn't remember anything until I was in the coma. Everything came flooding back." Tracy started to sob. "He passed me around to his friends like I was a whore."

"Take a deep breath." Dr. Wilson advised. "Try to calm down."

Tracy looked into her eyes. He could see sympathy and understanding in them. She will be able to help me without judging me and making me feel as if I played a part in all this. "You know, you are the first doctor who really seems to care."

She smiled at him. "I do care, Tracy. I care about all my patients. I want to help you finally get over this trauma, and be able to move on." She paused. "What happened to you was deplorable. For you to have maintained your sanity for this long is indeed an accomplishment." She stood and walked over to the table and handed him some tissues.

He gratefully took them, and wiped his face. "Thank you. I know in my heart that I will now be able to get the help I need."

"Well, I am here for you as long as you need me." Dr. Wilson softly said as she patted his hand. She walked back over to her seat. "Could you tell me what you saw at the mayor's office the night he was killed?"

"I will tell you what I remember. It's not all clear to me, you know."

She nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"I was waiting in his outer office. It was dark. I remember hearing the elevator doors open, and I saw Johnnie staggering out. She walked into his office, and they started arguing. Johnnie walked around his desk and he charged her, knocking her to the floor and straddling her. It looked like he was strangling her, and then she managed to punch him in the nose. He fell off her, and she said something to him. After that she staggered back out." He paused. "I wanted to go to her, but I was in shock. I sat, huddled in a corner like a frightened child. If I could have remembered this before now, then Johnnie wouldn't have had to go through this. I failed her."

"Tracy, you didn't fail her." Dr. Wilson assured him. "It was not your fault that you couldn't remember. I know she doesn't blame you." She paused. "You are doing what you can to help her now, as well as helping yourself."

He seemed to accept what she was telling him.

She gave him a moment before she continued. "What can you tell me about the man you saw?"

"I didn't have time to move, because as soon as Johnnie got in the elevator, he stepped from the stairwell. He was Caucasian, and a big man. He went into Ballantine's office. At first, they talked in hushed tones and then the yelling started. Ballantine tried to get away from him, but the guy was too fast. He picked up the ashtray on Ballantine's desk and hit him over and over… It was horrible."

Dr. Wilson allowed him a few minutes to calm himself. "Tracy can you remember why you were at the mayor's office in the first place?" She asked. "Take your time."

He leaned his head back on his pillow. "The only thing that I can come up with is I was there to get him to stop his persecution of Johnnie. Especially after what he did at Phillip's funeral."

"I heard about that fiasco. He should have been ashamed of himself for even intruding on her and her wife at such a sorrowful time." She said.

"Dr. Wilson?"

"Yes, Tracy?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to call it a day. I am very tired, and I'm not feeling so good right now."

"Of course you are. It's fine. We can stop for today." She said as she turned off her micro-cassette recorder. "I'll be back tomorrow after lunch, ok?"

"Sure doc. Thanks." He watched as she left.

'She's a nice one. I think she will be able to help us.'

'She's here to help me. Not you.'

'C'mon, Tracy, don't be that way.'

'You're out of here, and don't you forget it.'

'We'll see.'





Chapter 36



Johnnie, Alma, Ceecee, and Tori returned from their night out to dinner. They called it an early evening when Johnnie revealed that she and Alma would be turning Phillip's bedroom back into a nursery. It was a job that they felt that they had put off long enough, both dreading the flood of memories that the chore would surely stir up. Alma went quietly into their bedroom, leaving Johnnie alone with Tori and Ceecee.

Johnnie watched as Alma waddled toward the back of the house. "This is going to be hard on her."

"It's going to be hard on both of you, Johnnie." Ceecee countered. "Are you sure that you two are up for this? I mean, Tori and I would be more than willing to do this for you."

Tori nodded in agreement. "Just tell us what you want brought up from the basement."

"No, that won't be necessary." Johnnie said, forestalling any further arrangements being made. "This is something that we need to do, for both our sakes." She paused. "We have to take this on as part of our healing."

Ceecee walked over to Johnnie and embraced her. "Just know that we are here for the both of you." With that being said, she walked to the guest bedroom, leaving Tori with Johnnie.

Johnnie shoved her hands in her pockets. "I just hope that Alma will be able to handle this. With her being pregnant and all, this is a very emotional time for her."

"Look Johnnie, I know that you are concerned for Alma." Tori said quietly. "You're are gonna have to look out for yourself, too. You and Phillip were extremely close."

Johnnie gave Tori a remorseful smile. "Thanks, Tori. I knew that I could count on you to make me look at the big picture."

"Johnnie, just know that we are here for both of you." Tori said, putting emphasis on her last word. "Now if you will excuse me, I'm gonna go to bed."

"Sure Tori, and thanks." Johnnie smiled at her. "I'm gonna turn in, too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie walked into the bedroom, noticing that the bathroom light was the only illumination the room held. She saw that Alma was already in bed with her back turned to her. She quietly undressed, putting on her favorite raggedy t-shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms. Johnnie quietly slipped into bed, remaining on her back listening for Alma's soft snores. When she heard none she moved over, spooning herself against Alma's body. It was at that time she noticed that Alma was silently sobbing. She wrapped an arm around her, and used her free hand to stroke Alma's hair.

"It's ok, baby. I miss him, too." Johnnie whispered.

Alma's body continued to shudder as the once silent sobs became audible. It broke Johnnie's heart to hear them. The pain that she was feeling, Alma was feeling also. The bond she shared with Phillip was strong, but she knew that Alma's bond had to be stronger. She had carried Phillip inside her, and though their son knew her voice, it was Alma's heartbeat that he heard during his growth.

"That kid has a set of lungs on him." Johnnie whispered to Alma as the nurses cleaned him up.

"Just like his Mama." Alma whispered back, drained and exhausted.

The nurses cleaned and weighed a screaming Phillip as quickly as they could, then brought him over to his parents for inspection. The head nurse laid the newborn on his birth mother's chest, placing him near Alma's heart and he immediately stopped crying.

"Look at that." A stunned Johnnie gasped. She leaned down, looking into dark, unfocused eyes.

"It's not uncommon." The nurse revealed. "A baby immediately recognizes his mother's heartbeat because that is the one thing that was constant during gestation."

Yes Alma, Champ and I were close, but so were you. Johnnie just held her, allowing her to release pent up emotion. She held and whispered to Alma well into the night. It was just before dawn when Alma finally drifted off to sleep. Johnnie was too wired to sleep, so she eased out of bed. Pulling on a pair of sweatpants and grabbing her hooded sweatshirt, she put on her running shoes and slipped quietly out of the house. She started jogging down toward the gated entrance of the housing community, running through the gate and down the street. The early morning fog and the crisp morning air made her oblivious to her other surroundings. Her footfalls matched her elevated heart rate. Before she realized it, she had run 5 miles to the nearest beach. Exhausted, she sat near the boating dock. Johnnie sat back and watched as the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean.

Memories of Phillip flooded her mind as she watched the glorious spectacle of nature. Sunrise was her favorite time to mull things over, or to pull her emotions into check. Dealing with the loss of their beloved son and rejoicing in the upcoming birth of another child was pulling her apart. She, at one point, felt disloyal to her son's memory. Then she realized that he would live on in their hearts and minds. She would make sure that Phillip's younger siblings would know all about him.

She stayed at the dock a little longer, just to watch the fog burn off the water. When that was done, she ran back toward her house and her wife, able to complete the task that she needed to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Karen and Maddie walked down the concourse of Terminal C at RDU International Airport. Karen was headed for Dulles, while Maddie was on her way back to Atlanta. They went into the restroom, hoping that since it was still early they would have a few moments of privacy.

Maddie checked the stalls to make sure that there were no occupants, and then went into the open arms that Karen held out of her. "I'm going to miss you."

Karen closed her arms and pulled Maddie tightly to her. "I'll miss you, too. You think you will be able to make it back in a few weeks?"

"I think I can do that." Maddie said, smiling as she moved to look into Karen's eyes. She brushed dark bangs from Karen's eyes, and then cupped her cheek. "Are you gonna call me?" She playfully asked.

Karen chuckled. "Every chance I get." She leaned in for what was to be a quick kiss, but it deepened. She moved her hands to grasp Maddie's ample behind, pulling her as close as she could. They reluctantly broke this kiss when they heard the clicking of heels. "I'll call you tonight, ok?"

"I'll be looking forward to it." She paused. "Karen?"

Karen placed the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Yeah?"

"I want you to be careful, ok?" Maddie said softly.

Karen's eyebrows rose. "Uhm, ok."

Maddie felt the need to explain. "If this guy has disappeared, maybe he will do whatever it takes to keep it that way."

"You've been watching too much Law and Order." She laughed as she waited for the young woman to wash her hands and leave. Seeing the concern etched on Maddie's face, she took on a more serious tone. "I promise you that I will be careful, baby." She kissed her on the tip of her nose. "Now come on, we have flights to catch."

Karen sat in her seat, and put on her seat belt. She opened the file that she had on Danny Scott and started to read when the file suddenly held a stuffed Spongebob Squarepants. She looked at it, and then off to her left to see a dark haired, green eyed boy smiling at her. He didn't look to be more than two years old.

"Xanthos Popadopalous, you know better." A dark haired woman with blue eyes scolded.

Karen smiled and handed the stuffed toy back to the boy. "SpongeBob is my favorite. If he comes back over here, I may have to keep him."

"Sorry about that." The woman said. "He's very playful." She turned her attention back to her son. "Apologize to the nice lady."

"Sowee." He said, still grinning.

"It's ok, buddy." She smiled and turned her attention back to her file. She looked at the picture of the slender 14 year old and sighed. Where are you Danny Scott, and why did you vanish? She looked at eyes that were full of fear and despair. What that animal must have put you and your sister through. Death was too good for him. He should have been made to suffer the rest of his life in prison, not your sister.

Just as the plane reached cruising altitude, young Xanthos started to get fretful. The change in pressure was making the poor child's ears hurt. When the seat belt sign was turned off, a young, blonde woman stood and walked toward the back of the plane. Karen looked up into smiling green eyes that were similar to her own, and that of the uncomfortable child seated across the aisle from her.

The blonde woman kneeled and handed Xanthos a bottle filled with apple juice. When he started sucking, he immediately settled down.

"Thanks honey." The dark haired woman said softly. "I forgot all about the bottle until he started getting grumpy."

"So did I." The blonde whispered back. She kissed the boy on his forehead, and went back to her seat.

Karen felt like a voyeur, but couldn't help but watch the loving couple. She smiled. I hope to one day have something like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie returned home to find Ceecee alone in the kitchen. Ceecee looked up and smiled. She stood up and walked to the refrigerator, and pulled out a bottle of water. "Here you go, Johnnie. You look like you could really use this."

"Thanks Ceecee." Johnnie said, taking the bottle from her and opening it. She took a long drink. "Ahh, that hits the spot." She paused. "Has Alma been up, yet?"

"No, she's still sleeping." Ceecee reported. "I checked on her a little while ago."

"Good, because she didn't fall asleep until almost dawn."

"I know. I heard her crying through the night."

Johnnie sighed. "This is going to be harder on her than I thought it would." She paused, in thought. "Ceecee, maybe you should take her out of here. I can handle doing what needs to be done."

"Ok, Johnnie. If you think that is best." She said.

"Tori can help me if I need it."

Johnnie came out of the bathroom showered and refreshed. She was startled when she saw Alma sitting quietly on the side of their bed. "You ok, babygirl?" She asked as she towel dried her hair.

"I'm fine, Querida." She said, giving her a slight smile. "Are you ready to get started in Phillip's room?"

"Uhm, baby? Maybe you should let me handle it." She said, kneeling in front of her. "Why don't you and Ceecee go out for the day? It looks like it's going to be nice outside."

"Thank you, Mi Amor, but I want to be with you today. Ok?" She asked, cupping Johnnie's cheek.

Johnnie smiled at her. "Alright, baby. Anything you want."

~~~~~~~~~~~

I hate rainy days. Karen grumbled as she trudged up the steps of the Suitland, Maryland police department. Pizo had called and set up the appointment with Detective Tony Sampson, his friend from the NYPD Police Academy. She walked into the station and asked for the detective. She was given a pass and directed to the Vice Squad.

She searched the nameplates on the desks that were in the room until she found who she was looking for. "Detective Sampson?"

"That's me." The tall, African-American man said, barely looking up. "What can I do for you?"

"My name is Karen Grace. I believe that Detective Petrillo from North Carolina told you that I would be coming to see you today."

He looked up and smiled. "Oh yeah." He stood and offered his hand. "He told me that you guys needed some info on Danny Scott. Have a seat, Ms. Grace."

"Thanks." She said and took the offered seat. "Were you able to come up with anything."

"Actually I did find a little something on Scott." He revealed. "Danny Scott worked with Isaac Construction for about a year. After that, he vanished."

Karen frowned. "Well, we know that he disappeared. What we need to know is where did he go."

"It's all in this file." He smirked. "Danny Scott moved to Ohio."

"Then why isn't he showing up on the system?" She asked.

"Because Danny Scott became Scott Bronson, and as far as we know, he is living in Cleveland."

"Is there a last known address in this file, Detective?" She asked, her face lighting up with excitement.

He opened the file. "15 Westmoreland Drive, Cleveland Ohio."

"Looks like I am headed for Cleveland. Thanks for all your help." She said as she stood up.

He stood, too, and offered his hand. "Glad that I could be of help, Ms. Grace. Give Pizo my best when you see him again."

She shook his hand. "I'll do just that."



Chapter 37



Tracy's therapy was coming along very well. His continued sessions with Dr. Wilson, and his physical therapy made him feel stronger emotionally as well as physically. The weeks of recovery were now finally drawing to an end. Even his constant inner companion was become quieter, leading him to believe that he would finally be rid of him. It was the one thing that he felt guilty about not revealing to Dr. Wilson. He felt that it would hinder his therapy and subsequent release, prolonging his ability to help Johnnie.

There was one day in particular that he felt that he was rid of the inner voice that in some ways protected him from emotional harm. The psychiatrist that Abbott had requested interview Tracy was particularly harsh. A tear came to Tracy's eye as he remembered the altercation.

Tracy responded to a knock on his hospital room door. "Come in."

An older, silver haired man entered. "Good afternoon, Mr. Kenon. My name is Dr. Hilton Ashford. You have been expecting me, yes?"

"Indeed I have, doctor. I was told that you were coming last week."

Dr. Ashford became irritated. "Mr. Kenon, this interview was to fit my schedule, not yours. It's not like you were going anywhere, and I am a busy man."

Tracy's defenses immediately went up. He watched as the man took a seat, and retrieved a pen and writing pad.

"Let's begin, shall we?" The doctor said, already wearing a mask of skepticism.

Tracy went into detail about the blackouts and headaches he experienced prior to the murder of Mayor Ballantine. The doctor feverishly took notes, and responded with a condescending 'I see'.

"Now, Mr. Kenon, can you explain why you 'suddenly' remembered that there was someone at Mayor Ballantine's office after Ms. Green left?" He inquired, not even bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

Tracy's head was pounding but her persevered to continue, wanting the insolent little man out of his room a quickly as possible. "I must have blocked it out of my memory. The whole ordeal was just too much…"

"Yes, yes." The doctor interrupted. "Mr. Kenon, I have one more question for you."

"Alright doctor."

"Why were you at the mayor's office that night?"

"I have spent many hours trying to figure out why. The only thing that I have been able to come up with is that I was going to ask the mayor to stop his campaign against Johnnie. I was hoping that the altercation at the cemetery would give him a change of heart."

"How fortunate for Ms. Green that you were able to remember." Dr. Ashford smirked.

"What are you saying?" Tracy yelled as he sat up a little.

The doctor gave him a contemptuous smile. "I was just stating the obvious, Mr. Kenon. From the reports on the news and in the papers, it's inevitable that Ms. Green will be found guilty. Now you suddenly remember that the mayor was alive…"

"Are we finished?" Tracy angrily spat.

Before the doctor could respond, Dr. Wilson burst into the room. "What's going on in here?" She demanded. "Tracy, are you alright?" She walked over to his bedside and took his hand.

"Dr. Wilson, I was just completing my interview with Mr. Kenon." He said as he gathered his things. "Thank you for your time. Good evening to the both of you."

Tracy and Dr. Wilson watched as Dr. Ashford walked out of the room. He breathed a sigh of relief once the door was closed. "Thank you for coming in when you did. I was about to lose my temper."

"I can see that, Tracy." She frowned looking at the closed door. "Dr. Ashford is notorious for being obnoxious."

"He was that indeed. I just hope that I will be able to testify on Johnnie's behalf." He sighed.

"Oh no you don't, Tracy. You have made incredible progress. I'm not going to let you blame yourself for what you couldn't control." She finally smiled. "Although Ashford is arrogant, he is fair. I'm sure that you will be able to testify for your friend."

Thank God for Dr. Wilson. He thought.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Karen spent three weeks in search of Danny Scott, leading her to only another dead end. His last know whereabouts ended in Florida. On her way back to North Carolina, she stopped in Atlanta to visit with Maddie.

Maddie straddled Karen's back; giving her a well needed massage. "Gods, your muscles are tied up in knots."

Karen groaned under Maddie's touch. She felt the tension as it was leaving her body. "I don't know what you are doing, but please keep it up."

Maddie smiled. "I'm gonna get these knots out, have no fear." She continued her ministrations. "I know that you are disappointed about not finding Danny Scott."

"Yeah. It's been a rough couple of weeks." She said. "I don't know how he managed to fall off the face of the planet." Karen groaned when Maddie hit an especially sore spot. "There has to be some money behind his disappearance."

"They weren't a wealthy family, baby." Maddie revealed.

"I know, but the asshole father did have a few connections. Maybe Danny went to someone for help." She shrugged. "I don't want to talk about that now." She turned over, and grasped Maddie's hips. "I need some TLC from YOU."

Maddie giggled. "Certainly, Ms. Grace." She leaned down to kiss her tired lover.



Abbott paced back and forth in his office. He had read and reread the report he had recently received from Dr. Ashford. He sat back at his desk and dialed the doctor's office. He drummed his fingers on his desk while he waited to be put through.

"How may I help you, Mr. Abbott?" The doctor asked, his irritation evident at the interruption.

"I just read your report on Tracy Kenon, and I must say that I am disappointed."

"How so, Mr. Abbott?"

"Your report states that Mr. Kenon's condition is authentic."

"What part of that did you not understand?"

"Are you telling me that this asshole is telling the truth? That this is not a ruse?" He demanded as he pounded his fist on his desk. "This is not helping the prosecution, Dr. Ashford."

"Mr. Abbott, if you wanted someone to put the fix in, then you should have hired an unscrupulous psychiatrist." The doctor spat. "I read the medical file on Mr. Kenon prior to my interview with him. He has all the symptoms of Dissociative Disorder. He is NOT faking. Your case may be going to hell in a hand basket, Mr. Abbott."

Abbott reigned in his anger. "I apologize, Dr. Ashford. I meant no disrespect."

"If there is nothing else, Mr. Abbott, I have patients to attend to."

"Once again, doctor I…" Abbott stopped in mid sentence when he heard the doctor hang up. "Damn you, Ashford. I picked you because you are the most arrogant son of a bitch in North Carolina." Abbott yelled as he ran his fingers through his hair. He stood up and began pacing his office again. "There's only on thing left. I have to discredit Kenon to the jury." He grinned evilly as he reached for the intercom. "Get me all the files of court cases that Tracy Kenon testified in while he was a police officer."



"Sweet Jeezus!" Johnnie exclaimed.

"You like that, eh Querida?" Alma asked as she stroked Johnnie's abdomen.

"Damn, why didn't you show this to me before. It could have taken my mind off my troubles."

"Well, Ceecee just recently introduced me to this writer." Alma explained. "I take it you like her work?"

"You're damned skippy. She's kinda fly, too." Johnnie said as she looked at Marlis Appleblossom's picture that was posted on her website. "Am I drooling, baby?" She asked as she ogled the red bra the author was wearing.

Alma laughed. "It's good to see you in a good mood, Mi Amor. It has been a long time."

Johnnie looked at Alma and smiled. "Well, Tracy is going to be released from the hospital on Monday, and he will hopefully be testifying on Tuesday. By then, this mess will be cleared up and we can go on with our lives."

Alma sighed at the happy thought. She felt that Tracy would be deemed fit to testify, and Johnnie would be cleared. "He will testify Querida, and then this nightmare will be over."

Johnnie cupped Alma's cheek and smiled. "Always the optimist."

"Don't you feel good about this?" Alma asked.

"Yeah, but I don't want to get my hopes up. You never know what tricks that asshole Abbott has up his sleeve." She revealed.

Alma slowly sat up, grasping her back and moaning. "This time next week, we will be looking back on this and it will be over. Then we will be able to fight over baby names."

Johnnie laughed. "I kinda like the name Rosa."

"Oh Querida, that is so sweet." She said. "I don't think Mami will go for that. She hates that name."

"Really?"

"She has always hated it. She would have used her middle name if she didn't hate that one even more."

"What is it?"

Alma looked down at Johnnie. "Are you wanting to get me killed? Mami would have a fit if I ever told you."

"Alright, alright." Johnnie acquiesced. "I wouldn't want Rosa to hurt my babygirl." Johnnie sat up beside Alma and started nibbling on her neck. "Don't think that I didn't notice you grimacing when you sat up. How about we take a nice long soak in the tub?"

Alma grinned thankfully. "That sounds wonderful."

Johnnie helped Alma get into the tub, holding her securely to make sure that she didn't slip. Once Alma was in, she wrapped her arms around Johnnie's shoulders and allowed her to lower her. Alma then slid forward to allow Johnnie to sit behind her. Johnnie reveled in the warm water as it soothed her tired muscles, groaning with pleasure. The oversized tub accommodated them both, much to their delight.

"Does that feel good, baby? Alma asked.

"Mmm hmm." Johnnie moaned as she pulled Alma to rest against her chest. She placed her hands on each side of Alma protruding belly. She softly massaged it, working her way up to Alma's breasts. Johnnie cupped them and tweaked the sensitive nipples, making Alma hiss. She kissed Alma's neck, and then whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Johnnie moved forward, making both her and Alma's legs part. Alma turned her head to capture Johnnie's lips, their kisses igniting both of their passions.

Alma took Johnnie's hand and placed it between her thighs. Johnnie's fingers immediately found Alma's clit. She placed it between her middle and index fingers and started stroking it. Alma moaned her pleasure, opening her legs more. She dug her heels into the tub to aid her in her gyrations. She felt Johnnie grinding against her buttocks. Not wanting to leave her out, she placed her hand behind her back and used her fingers to find Johnnie's rock hard clit. Their movements made water splash over the sides, but neither cared. The goal was to bring each other to orgasm.

"Si bebe, just like that." Alma hissed.

"Damn. Oh yeah, that's it. Hit it just like that. Oh Shit!" Johnnie exclaimed as she came.

"Oh, oh, oh!" Alma's body became rigid, and then went limp against Johnnie's chest.

Johnnie wrapped her arms around Alma once again and placed kisses on sweat-soaked skin. "I love you, babygirl."

"I love you too, Querida."

Abbott sat at his desk going over the transcripts of trials that Tracy had testified in. "Ok Mr. 'I can't remember anything until now'. Let me see if I can find a chink in that shining armor of yours." He said aloud in his now empty office.

After an hour of looking through the pages of testimony, he begrudgingly began to admit defeat. "There has got to be something on this guy. I know cops sometimes hedge the truth just a little. All I need is one fucking thing. Damn it!" He yelled as he pushed his chair back and stood up. He paced his office once again. When he got to the front of his desk, he noticed a file that had slipped off his desk. "What's this?" He picked up the file, and started reading it. A wicked grin formed on his lips. "Gotcha."



Chapter 38



Mark sat at Tracy's bedside and watched him sleep. He's been through so much. I hope that he will finally be able to find peace. He studied Tracy's features, how his brow no longer had the crease in it as he slept. The way the faintest smile would curl his lips was something that was a rare sight. As long as Tracy and Mark had been partners, he had never known Tracy to seem so at peace. It broke his heart to hear the things that Tracy's father had done to him when he was a child.

Mark sat on the bed next to Tracy when Tracy had a session with Dr. Wilson. "Tracy honey, are you sure that you want me here?"

"Yes, Mark. There are some things that I want you to know about me, and Dr. Wilson and I both agree that you should be here for at least one of my sessions." Tracy said as he held Mark's hand.

"Tracy, why don't we start from the day your father caught you and another young boy kissing." Dr. Wilson said.

As Tracy recounted the brutal attack on him by his father, Mark's eyes filled with tears. He had a death grip on Tracy's hand, and Tracy used his free hand to stroke Mark's leg. He listened as Tracy revealed that not only did his father abuse him, he also allowed his friends to abuse him as well. Mark rested his head on Tracy's broad chest and sobbed. Tracy wrapped his arms around his partner and held him close.

"Tracy, I think we should stop here for today. You and Mark should discuss what was revealed today." Dr. Wilson said. Tracy nodded his head in agreement. She looked at the tearful couple and decided that she should make her retreat.

"Oh my God, Tracy I am so sorry that you had to endure that." Mark tearfully said.

Tracy sighed. "So am I, honey. I'm just glad that all this is finally coming to light."

"You repressed all those painful memories. Tracy, I don't know how you maintained your sanity."

"There was one point when I tried to end it all. I couldn't explain the self loathing that I had, but I knew that I just couldn't go on anymore."

Mark looked up into puffy eyes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad that you didn't succeed. I can't imagine my life without you."

Tracy smiled. "So am I."

"Dream sweet, my love. You are free from all your demons and can now enjoy your life." Mark whispered and kissed him softly on his lips.

Johnnie sat in Glenda's kitchen, drinking some iced tea with her. "Is Tracy really doing ok?" She asked.

"He is making remarkable progress, Johnnie. I don't know what Dr. Wilson's technique is, but it's like Tracy is a new man. He seems to be so much more relaxed." Glenda revealed.

"I'm happy to hear that." Johnnie said. "I just wish that I could see him."

Glenda grasped Johnnie's hand. "Hon, he knows that you want to see him and spend time with him. Tracy understands why you can't be with him right now."

Johnnie covered Glenda's hand with her larger one. "It's just so damned frustrating, Glen. All he has been through, the fact that I can't be with him is pissing me off."

"Well, after Tuesday, you can spend all the time you want with each other." She smiled.

"Yeah, can you believe it, he's going to testify." Johnnie paused. "I just hope that the jury will believe him."

"We know Abbott is going to make this look like a set up, but we have truth on our side."

"I really want to believe that, but we both know that juries can be fickle."

"Johnnie, you have to go into this with positive thoughts."

"I know Glen, but…"

Glenda cut her off in a no nonsense tone. "No buts. This is going to end in your favor. You are going to be found innocent of the charges." She arched an eyebrow. "Now I know you don't want me to get Alma on you."

Johnnie's eyes widened with fear. "No!"

Glenda smiled at her. "I thought not. So, are you two ready for the baby?"

"Yeah, we are. We got the nursery set up."

"I heard. I know it must have been hard for you both. I wish you would have called me, I could have helped."

"Thanks Glen, but it was something that we had to do alone. Tori and Ceecee offered to help, but we…"

"I know, Johnnie. How did Alma manage?"

Johnnie sighed. "It was rough for her at first. She cried while I took down Phillip's bed."

"How about you, my friend?"

"Well it was hard, but you know what? As long as I keep Phillip here, he will always be with me." She said as she pointed to the middle of her chest. "When I talk to the little one, I tell her about him. When I do, she moves like she is playing with him. It's kinda like he is with her, you know?"

"When I was pregnant with Kaia, my sister was pregnant at the same time. I had my baby in May, and she was due in July. Well there were complications and she lost her son." She revealed. "On the morning he died, about 10 minutes before I got the call, Kaia woke up and was playing and giggling in her crib. Mind you, she was only 2 months old. I was shocked so I just lay there and listened to her. She played like that all that day and well into the night. So yes, I do know what you mean."

"How did your sister deal with it?"

"She took the philosophy that you have taken. As long as he is in her heart, he will always be with her."

Johnnie smiled and patted Glenda's hand. "Thanks Glen for sharing that with me."

"Anytime."

Karen and Maddie sat at the dinner table. They had just finished eating take out from a local Thai restaurant.

"That was delicious." Karen commented as she lean back in her chair and stretched. "I didn't think that I would even like it."

"Well, you should always be willing to try new things." Maddie said as she smiled at her lover.

"Yeah, I know." Karen said. "I'm sure that you will be happy to show me the new things that are available to me here in Atlanta once I'm settled in."

"Do you know when you will be moving down here?"

"Actually, I should be moving in three weeks. I stopped by the rental agency where I'm gonna be renting an apartment from until I decide on a house."

Though the relationship was new, Maddie really felt a connection to Karen. As in love with Johnnie as she thought she was, the feelings that she had for Karen were much stronger.

"Are you going to show me this apartment?" Maddie asked.

"Sure, we can go and check it out tomorrow before I leave if you'd like." Karen stood up and took her and Maddie's plates to the sink. Maddie picked up the glasses and took them over, and stood next to Karen. Karen turned to face her and wrapped her arms around her. She placed the sweetest of kisses on welcoming lips. The kiss grew deeper and ignited their passions. Any further explorations were halted by Karen's cell phone ringing.

"Hello." She impatiently answered, a little miffed by the interruption.

"Is this Karen Grace?" An unfamiliar voice asked.

"Yes it is. Who is this?" Karen demanded. Maddie had a concerned look on her face.

"My name is Elgin Whitfield. I am the attorney for Constance McFarland."

"And?"

"We were advised that you are looking for Danny Scott."

Karen's entire demeanor changed. "Yes, yes I am. Do you know of his whereabouts?"

"Are you still in the Tallahassee area?"

"No, but I can be back by tomorrow."

"That would be perfect. Can you be at the law offices of Haywood, Douglas and McFarland at 1 pm?"

"Certainly. Will you be able to give me his new name and location?"

"Mrs. McFarland will be able to discuss that with you, for I am not at liberty to disclose any information." He told her.

"Alright Mr. Whitfield, I will see you tomorrow at one."

"Good evening Ms. Grace."

"Goodbye, sir." Karen said and then she ended the call. The grin on her face told all.

"I guess I can take it that you are returning to Florida." Maddie said, smirking.

"Yes ma'am. I'm going to see Constance McFarland. It seems that she found out that I was looking for Danny Scott." Karen revealed.

Maddie arched an eyebrow and pulled out of Karen's embrace. "The Constance McFarland?"

"Yeah, I guess. Do you know her?"

"She is the widow of Judge Duncan McFarland, retired from the 3rd Circuit of Appeals in North Carolina." Maddie informed her. "I wonder what connection she would have with Danny Scott."

"I don't know, but I will find out tomorrow." Karen paused. "I need to call Pizo and let him know that I may have found something."

"Honey, why don't you wait until after your meeting with Mrs. McFarland. There's no need to build his hopes if this turns out to be another dead end."

Karen calmed herself. "Yeah, you're right. I guess I got a little ahead of myself."

Maddie laughed. "Yes you did."

"Are you finished laughing at my expense Ms. Marshall?" She asked, arching a piqued eyebrow.

"I'm sorry honey, but you are just too adorable when you get excited about something." She giggled.

"I am not adorable." Karen argued.

Maddie took a few steps back. "Oh yes you are."

Karen gave her a little growl, so Maddie took off with Karen close on her heels. Before Maddie made it to the staircase, Karen grabbed her from behind. "I'll show you adorable." She said as she threw Maddie over her shoulder and ran up the stairs to Maddie's bedroom.

Johnnie noticed that the house was dark as parked her Navigator in the driveway. She didn't see Tori's car in the driveway. I wonder where they could have gone? Maybe they went out to get some take out or something. She speculated.

When she opened the door to the house, she saw candlelight coming from the dining room. As soon as she closed the door, she heard I Want You by Marvin Gaye echo throughout the house. A smile formed on her lips as she saw Alma standing in the doorway of the dining room wearing a spaghetti strapped nightie that stopped mid thigh. She thanked the spirits that Ceecee had talked Alma into buying it.

"Do you like what you see, Querida?" Alma seductively asked.

Johnnie nodded mutely.

"Are you hungry, Mi Amor?"

Johnnie walked over to where Alma was standing and kissed her. She placed her hand on Alma's belly. "Very hungry, babygirl."

"Good, because I am starving." She said as she pulled Johnnie into the dining room.

"What's all this?" Johnnie asked as she looked at the table that was set with fine china, crystal and candles.

"I thought we could have a nice romantic dinner. Do you like it?" Alma asked her, hoping that she would be pleased.

"I do like it, but you shouldn't have gone to all this trouble." Johnnie said. "I know that you have been very tired lately."

"Shh, beloved, I didn't do a thing. I was telling Tori and Ceecee how I would love to have a romantic dinner with you, and they put all this together."

Johnnie smiled. "Those two are something else."

"Indeed they are. Now come, the baby is hungry."

Johnnie carved the roast beef while Alma placed the vegetables on their plates. Alma noticed the thin slices that Johnnie was cutting so she cleared her throat.

Johnnie chuckled. "These are my slices, baby."

"Good, because they are too thin for me."

"I know."

After dinner, Johnnie and Alma fed each other cheesecake. Johnnie held up Alma's last bite, but instead of placing it in Alma's mouth, she spread it on Alma's neck. She then kneeled beside Alma's chair, and licked and sucked the dessert from her neck, eliciting moans from her wife. She placed sweet kisses on Alma's collarbone and moved to the tops of full breasts.

Alma's hands pulled Johnnie closer, and she released Johnnie's hair from its ponytail. She entwined her fingers into the long and silky strands. Alma hissed when Johnnie brushed her lips across her nipples that were straining against the fabric of her nightie.

Johnnie, now unable to contain herself any longer, scooped Alma up in her arms and purposefully marched to their bedroom.

Alma lay on her side, as Johnnie pressed herself into her ample backside. She moaned as Johnnie placed butterfly kisses on the nape of her neck and stroked and teased her rock hard nipples. Tiny electric shocks coursed through swollen breasts as long fingers manipulated them.

"Si, Querida." Alma hissed as she moved back into Johnnie's moist crotch.

Johnnie moved lower in the bed so she could trail baby kisses down Alma's spine. She reached full round buttocks and couldn't resist kissing them. "So nice." Johnnie whispered as she left passion marks on each buttock.

She turned Alma over onto her back and settled herself between Alma's thighs. Alma draped her thighs over each broad shoulder. Johnnie sniffed her wife's arousal. Her head was spinning from the scent that Alma was throwing off. The changes in Alma's body chemistry made her give off pheromones that drove Johnnie insane with desire. Her mouth watered as she looked at Alma, seeing how wet she was. She wrapped her arms around Alma's thighs and pulled her lips open so that she could see all that Alma offered her. Alma's clit immediately went into Johnnie's mouth.

"Dios mio!" Alma screamed as Johnnie made contact. She grasped handfuls of bed sheet and thrust her hips to meet the hot mouth.

Johnnie hummed as she devoured Alma's clit. Her tongue was working overtime whirling around it. She tasted Alma's sweet nectar, not allowing any of it to go to waste.

"I need to taste you too, beloved." Alma said as her voice trembled.

Johnnie didn't let go of Alma's clit as she turned herself to hover over her wife. She felt Alma's arms as they wrapped around her lower back. She lowered herself, nearly jumping out of Alma's arms as Alma's tongue flickered against her swollen clit. She groaned when it was suckled into Alma's mouth.

The excitement and ecstasy of their lovemaking flowed through their veins like hot lava, each trying to fulfill the other's fantasy. Johnnie sensed the urgency in Alma's gyrations, so she slid her fingers into Alma's opening. "Mmm." Alma moaned… her mouth filled with Johnnie's womanhood.

"Alma!" Johnnie gasped, placing her thumb over Alma's clit while she continued to thrust her fingers inside her wife. "Oh gods, baby. Yessss!!!!!!!!!!"

Alma released Johnnie's clit and threw her head back. "Si, si vengo!!!!!!"

Johnnie kissed the inside of Alma's thighs, and then fell to her side. She stretched and felt her back pop. The way Johnnie had been arched over Alma's belly made her back ache. "I'm not as young as I used to be." She groaned as she caught her breath.

"You're not getting older, beloved. You're getting better." Alma said as patted the muscular behind.

Johnnie turned and crawled up the bed to lie beside her. "Well, as long as I can keep you satisfied I'm cool." She wrapped Alma into a loving embrace, one that Alma happily snuggled into. "Thank you for a wonderful evening."

Alma kissed Johnnie's neck. "No, thank you."



Chapter 39



Annette was spending her last night in solitary confinement reflecting over her life. Your luck never changes. I wonder how much time they are going to tack on to my sentence. Guess I will never get out of here now. She was pulled from her musings when the opening on the cell was moved.

"Nette?" Danny called.

Annette stood up and walked over to the door. "Danny, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you before they let you out of here. You know I won't be able to see you when you go back into general population."

"Just forget about me. I'm never gonna get out of here."

"Nette, you know I can't do that. You're my sister."

"Danny boy, you're gonna have to let me go. Just go on and live your life. My life is over."

"It's my fault that you're locked up. You killed dad because of me."

"Stop it." She hissed. "It's not your fault. You were just a kid."

"I should have fought back."

Annette sighed. "He was bigger than you are now. You were a scrawny little kid. There's no way you could have defended yourself."

"See, it was my fault."

"It was mom's fault. She allowed him to beat us anytime he felt like it. He went through the whole damned family. Then she lied in court so that she wouldn't be looked at as a bad mother." Annette could feel her anger rising. "He made our lives a living hell, and then she allowed him to continue to torture us in his death."

Danny placed his forehead against the door. Tears rolled down his cheeks. "Please let me talk to a lawyer, Nette. I can tell what really happened."

Annette looked at her little brother, the fine man that he grew up to be. "Danny, I just want you to live your life. There is nothing out there for me. I've been in here so long that I don't even think I would know how to act out in the world."

Danny listened to his sister, hearing the despair in her voice. She sacrificed herself for me. I just can't let her rot away in prison. "Nette, it will be ok. I'm going to figure something out."

"It's over, Danny." She whispered. I have to do something to get through to him. "I don't want to ever see you again."

His eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

Her voice became harsh. "You heard me. I don't want to you come here again, ever."

"But Nette…" He started to plead.

"Get the fuck out of here!" She yelled. "I don't want to ever see your face again. Do you hear me?"

Tears streamed down his cheeks in abundance. "Please, don't do this to me. You're all I have."

She walked away from the door and kept her back to him so that he couldn't see her tears. It tore her apart to send him out of her life for good.

He watched her, hoping that she would change her mind. After a few minutes of standing there, he tearfully called out to her. "Please, Nette." When she wouldn't acknowledge him, he sighed. "I love you, Nette. I always will."

She desperately wanted to turn to look at him one last time, but she knew if she did, he would not leave her.

He slowly pulled the small door closed, and walked away. When he made his way to the guard's desk, he leaned against it. He needed to pull himself together. The guard, who was also a childhood friend, walked over to him.

"You ok, Danny?" He asked.

He looked up at his friend. "Will you do me a favor?"

"What do you need?"

He wiped the tears from his face. "Make sure that Nette has everything that she needs, and watch out for her."

From the look on Danny's face, he knew not to pry. "I'll do all I can for her."

"Thanks, Jimmy."

Annette fell to her knees, and then went face first onto her mattress. She released screams of anguish into the worn material. Her heart shattered into a million pieces, as she knew that she would never see the only person that she loved, and the only person that loved her, ever again.

"What are you thinking about?" Maddie asked as she drew lazy circles on Karen's thigh.

"I was just thinking about Danny Scott." She said softly.

Maddie sat up and looked at her lover. "This thing is really bugging you, isn't it?"

"Yep. I just can't help but wonder what he has to do in all this. What is the connection?" She asked as she blew out a frustrated breath.

Maddie moved behind her and massaged knotted muscles. "After what we just did, how can you still be so tense?"

Karen shrugged. "I dunno. Goes with the job, I guess."

"I'm sure that Mrs. McFarland will have the answers you seek." Maddie assured her.

"I certainly hope so."

Tracy sat on the side of his bed as he ate his breakfast. He looked up when his door was opened and Dr. Wilson stuck her head in.

"Hi Tracy, I just stopped by while I was making my rounds." She said, giving him a warm smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Hey Doc, c'mon in." He smiled. "Would you care to join me for breakfast?"

Dr. Wilson walked in, took one look at his plate, and politely refused. "I don't think that my taste buds could handle such a delicious looking breakfast." Sarcasm dripped from her statement as she sat in the chair next to the bed. "So, are you excited about being released tomorrow?"

Tracy took a sip of his coffee, and grinned at her. "Yes I am. I want to be able to help Johnnie. Now that I am free from the demons that possessed me, I can move on and build a life with Mark."

She smiled at his enthusiasm. It made her feel good inside when she was able to help someone regain some semblance of peace in their troubled lives. "That is good to hear, Tracy."

"I owe it all to you, Doc." He said. "If you had done as the other shrinks did, I would still be in a world of hurt. It feels good to be free."

"Tracy, you played a big part in this. I only helped you find your own way." She revealed.

"Well, you should teach your fellows psychiatrists your technique. A lot of people would be helped."

She smiled at his compliment. "Thank you, Tracy." She paused momentarily, looking at the healing soul of a tortured young man. "We still have a long way to go in your therapy." She said, and Tracy nodded in agreement. "I guess I should leave you to your breakfast."

Tracy grasped her arm as she stood to leave. "Uhm, Doc? I need a favor."

"Sure, if I can help I'll be glad to. What do you need?"

"I hear that this Abbott is a real piece of work." He paused. "I was wondering if you could be in the courtroom when I testify. I have a feeling that I am going to need to see a friendly face."

As she placed her hand over his larger one, she could see fear in his eyes. "I know that the case is being tried in a closed courtroom. Since I am your psychiatrist, I believe that I will be allowed to be present. I will call and make the necessary arrangements with Judge O'Connell's clerk."

Tracy breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Doc. I really appreciate this."

She patted his hand as he released her arm. "I am here to help you, Tracy. If there is anything that I can do, I am willing to do it."

He smiled broadly. "You are one hell of a shrink."

Karen ran her fingers through her hair, growing impatient with the cab driver that seemed to be lost.

"Look buddy, I have an appointment that I have to keep."

"I'm sorry ma'am, I must have gotten turned around somewhere."

"Bullshit." She hissed. "I know how some of you cabbies are. You think that you got some out of town sucker and you can run up the meter by getting lost."

"I have no idea…"

She angrily cut him off. "Get me to my appointment, or I will be filing a report on how your company scams unsuspecting travelers. I happen to work for CNN."

He rolled his eyes at her and stepped on the accelerator. I can't wait to get this bitch outta my cab.

When the cab pulled up in front of Haywood, Douglas, and McFarland, Karen got out and threw the fare at the cabbie. She had her luggage with her as well as her laptop. A man in his late fifties walked out of the building wearing a polo shirt and a pair of khaki shorts.

Damn, you live right here in Florida. Get some sun for Pete's sake. She grimaced as she looked at the pale but hairy legs.

"Ms. Grace?" The man asked.

"Yes, and you are?"

"Elgin Whitfield." He said as he extended his hand.

"Pleased to meet you, sir." She shook the offered hand. "I am very anxious to meet with Mrs. McFarland. Is she inside?"

He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, but Mrs. McFarland won't be able to meet with you today. She was called out of town on an emergency."

"What?" Karen yelled. "Why didn't you call me to let me know? I could have waited until she got back." This fucking sucks. I could be at home in bed with Maddie.

"Mrs. McFarland will be back tomorrow afternoon at the latest. She has reserved you a suite at the Hilton." He revealed. "She is truly sorry for any inconvenience, and hopes that you will take advantage of her offer."

Karen mulled it over. I may as well get a little R and R while I'm here. It's even better that I won't have to pay for it. "This is indeed an inconvenience, but I will accept Mrs. McFarland's offer." Just wait till you get the bill. Bet you will think twice about standing anyone else up.

"I'll be happy to drop you off and make sure that the accommodations are to your satisfaction."

"Thank you. I have had my fill of cabs today." She told him as they walked over to his Mercedes.



Chapter 40



Tracy sat on the sofa with Glenda while Mark and Laura put away his things in the guest bedroom. He and Mark had both agreed that it might be best to sleep in separate bedrooms until he had fully recovered. In actuality Tracy wanted to be sure that he was indeed free from his inner demons, one in particular, the voice that was his incessant companion since before the accident.

Glenda sensed the nervousness in Tracy's demeanor. "Worried about tomorrow, Tracy?"

He looked down into his lap and saw that he was unconsciously wringing his hands. "Yeah, you can say that." He offered a weak smile.

Glenda moved closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You know that we are here for you, right?"

"I know, Glen. Mark and I really appreciate all the help that you guys have given us."

"That's what families do, Tracy. Support each other through the rough patches." She slid her hand into his larger one. "You know Ki was disappointed that she couldn't come and see her Uncle Tracy."

His smile widened as he thought about the rambunctious little girl. "You should have brought her with you. I have been anxious to spend time with her."

"Not half as anxious as she is to be with you." She laughed. "She says that you owe her a zillion piggyback rides."

"Yeah, and she will get every one of them that is due, too." He assured her. "I can't have my niece going without." He paused. "Be sure to give her a big hug and kiss from her Uncle Tracy, ok?"

"Of course I will." She said as rubbed his hand. Glenda studied Tracy's face. She knew that he was nervous about giving his testimony in Johnnie's trial, but she also saw apprehension. "Tracy, I know that there is something else bothering you. You know that you can tell me anything."

He looked into loving eyes. "Yeah, I know Glen. I'm just worried about being here alone with Mark. Before the accident, I did some things to hurt him. I wasn't myself; I was a totally different person. I don't understand why he's still with me."

"Tracy, I don't know about all of what you are saying, but I know that Mark loves you. He was beside himself with worry when you got hurt. Whatever happened between the two of you is not strong enough to destroy your relationship." She paused. "I will say this, though. If you don't forgive yourself you won't be able to get past this, and that will cause problems for you two. I have seen many relationships destroyed because of things that happened in the past. Let it go, Tracy."

Tracy sighed. "I know Glen, but I am afraid that I will hurt him again. The things that I did are unforgivable."

"That's where you are wrong, Tracy. Mark has forgiven you. He loves you and I know you love him. You're going to have to face whatever demons have you captive and take your life back."

He pulled Glenda's hand to his lips and kissed it. "Where would I be without you to give me that kick in the pants I need?"

She laughed. "That's what I'm here for, big brother."

"C'mon, lets go get a Pepsi." He stood and pulled her up with him.

"Uhm, Tracy?"

He looked at his friend and pouted. "Glen, you didn't?"

She blushed. "Well, I was thirsty."

"Geez Louise." He said and then gave her a smile. "Glad to see that things haven't changed."

"I'll go get a couple of twelve packs from the market down the street. Do you need anything else?" She asked as she picked up her purse.

"No, I'm good." He said.

"Alright, I'll be back in a bit."

Karen paced back and forth in her hotel room. Mr. Whitfield had just called her to tell her that Mrs. McFarland had been delayed in California for another day. The news really ticked Karen off because not only was she away from Maddie, but there was the real possibility that this would just be another dead end. How could you be so stupid to drop everything, including time with your girl, to come here and play the waiting game with this old broad? She's probably a crackpot anyway. What kind of shit is she into anyway? I should just pack up and go back to Maddie's. Before Karen could finish her thought, the phone rang. "Hello." She answered, her voice full of irritation.

"Good afternoon to you too, love." Maddie responded.

A smile immediately formed on Karen's face. "Sorry baby. It's just one of those days."

"The McFarland lead was a wash out?" She asked.

Karen huffed. "No, that hasn't even happened yet."

"You're kidding! I thought she was supposed to be back last night."

Karen sat down on the sofa and stretched her legs out on the coffee table. "That was the plan, but the old biddy got held up."

Maddie knew that Karen would fall into a fit of name calling whenever she got upset. "You need to calm down. It won't make her get there any sooner."

"Well, it's not fair." Karen whined. "We could have spent this time together. Just because the old battle axe waves a bone in my face, I drop everything and come running."

Typical butch. Maddie chuckled to herself. "Karen?"

"Yeah?"

"Take a deep breath, and try to relax. It's not going to do any good to get all worked up. Try to enjoy yourself while you're there." Maddie pleaded. "There's lots that you can do while you wait."

Karen giggled evilly.

"Do I even want to know?" Maddie fearfully asked.

"Why do you say that?" Karen asked, feigning innocence.

"What did you do, Karen?"

"Well, I ordered all the porno movies on pay per view, mimosas for breakfast and had lobster and Dom Perignon for lunch and dinner…"

"You didn't?" Maddie interrupted.

"I did, and by the way there is a magnum being FedEx'd to your house as we speak. Don't open it until we have something to celebrate."

Maddie laughed. "You are so bad."

"I bet old girl will think twice about leaving an appointment hanging." Karen snickered. "Serves the old bitch right."

"Karen!" Maddie admonished.

"Ok, ok. I'm sorry."

"So when does she get back?"

"Tomorrow, or so Whitfield says. I had hoped to be back in Wilmington because the trial resumes tomorrow." Karen sighed.

"Well maybe the wait will be worthwhile. Just hang in there, baby."

"I will." She paused. "I'm gonna go and see what other devilment I can get into."

Maddie couldn't help but smile. She knew what a big kid her lover was. "Well, you go and have fun. Call me as soon as you hear anything."

"I will, baby. Be good."

"You too. Bye."

"Bye Maddie."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnnie, Alma, Tori, and Ceecee sat along the pier at Atlantic Beach. They had spent the day fishing. Well, Johnnie and Tori had. Ceecee and Alma just watched their spouses compete over who would catch the most fish.

"It looks like we'll be having Filet of Sole tonight, Alma." Ceecee teased as she held up the two different boots.

Alma laughed heartily, getting a gentle squeeze from Johnnie as she sat between her legs. "Yeah, and they are big enough for us to throw on the grill."

"Alright already." Ceecee interjected. "So, we didn't catch anything edible. Not our fault that the fish weren't biting."

"We did have fun, though." Johnnie said. "It's been a while since I have done this." She paused. "I remember the last time Champ and I fished on the Neuse River. We caught a shitload of fish that day." A tear formed in her eye.

"I don't know about you, but I am hungry." Alma announced, hoping to lighten the mood. The other ladies looked at each other and fell into a fit of laughter. "What's so funny about that?"

"Can you name a time when you're not hungry, Alma?" Tori asked.

Alma glared mockingly at Tori. "I am a pregnant woman with Bigfoot Jr. growing inside me. I can't help it."

"Leave her alone, Victoria." Ceecee admonished. "If not you will be cut off."

"Sorry Alma." Tori said, properly chastised.

Alma smiled and then stuck her tongue out at Tori.

"Did you see what she just did?" Tori whined to Ceecee.

"Nope, didn't see a thing."

"Femmes." Tori mumbled.

"What was that?" Ceecee asked.

"Nothing, honey." Tori replied.

Ceecee smiled. "Just as I thought."

"C'mon, Tori. Let's get this stuff loaded up and get back home so I can feed Alma and the baby." Johnnie said as she stood up. She then helped Alma to her feet. Tori and Ceecee followed suit.

"You get the tackle box and rods, and I'll take the cooler." Tori said, and then she turned to Ceecee. "Can you get the chairs, baby?"

Ceecee nodded as she folded her chair and then Alma's. "Yeah, I got them."

Johnnie and Tori walked ahead, while Alma and Ceecee lingered back. "I'm glad we were able to get out like this today. Tomorrow is going to be a trying day, and I hoped that Johnnie would be able to relax a bit." Alma said.

"I know it is. This could be the turning point in the case." Ceecee said.

Alma sighed. "I certainly hope so." Her attention was brought to Johnnie and Tori. "Look at those two." She said as she pointed toward the pair. Johnnie and Tori had taken the fishing rods and started fencing with them.

"We have got to be married to the biggest adolescents in the world." Ceecee laughed.

Alma laughed along with her. Today was a good day



Tracy woke at 6 am after only getting about two hours sleep. He was afraid to go into a deep sleep for fear of his alter ego emerging. At the times that he was alone, he waited for the now familiar voice, but it never came. Am I finally free? Have I rid myself of my personal demons? Will I finally be able to live a normal life?

He got out of bed and laid out his suit, shirt, and tie. After picking all of Mark's favorites, he emerged from his bedroom and walked down the hallway to the bathroom. He smiled when he heard Mark humming in the kitchen. Mark was indeed the early bird, as he was preparing to make breakfast. Tracy walked to the kitchen and stood in the doorway.

"Good morning. Did you sleep ok?" Mark asked as he shyly walked over to him.

"About as good as I expected. How about you?"

"I slept ok I guess." Mark revealed. "It was kind of funny having you back home and not in our bed."

"This is only temporary, baby. I promise." He said as he placed his large hand on Mark's shoulder. "I just want to be sure that…"

"I know." Mark interrupted. "I totally understand. Just know that I am here for you, and we will get through this."

Tracy smiled. "Thank you. You don't know how good it feels to hear you say that."

"I'm in this for the long haul, Tracy. I'm not going anywhere."

Tracy stood under the warm water, reveling in the feeling as it cascaded down his body. He played Mark's word repeatedly in his mind and a smile formed on his face. After today, everything will be as it should be.


Continued in Part 10