My Forever Hero

by Karen Legasy

  Marlee tried not to stare. “I’m relieved you’re going to let me help you. I’d do anything for you. I want you to know that.”

  “I know.” Abigail’s eyes met Marlee’s. “I do appreciate that you’re trying to help me. Have a good night.”

  “You too.” Marlee couldn’t help but notice that even though her black T-shirt was baggy on Abigail, it wasn’t loose enough to cover the hardened nipples beneath.

  Chapter Eight

  Marlee stood beside Abigail’s boat, its exquisite wooden deck and navy hull glistening against the reflection of the harbor lights in the early morning dawn. The salty mist, scavenging seagulls, and smell of fish reminded Marlee that she was at the sea. Her trepidation at stepping aboard wouldn’t let up, and she hesitated on the wharf while Abigail busied herself in the cockpit.

  “Permission granted to come aboard.” Abigail started the engine and readied to ferry. She looked at Marlee. “Do you need help?”

  “Maybe.” Marlee’s legs trembled and her breathing quickened. She was terrified, consumed by images of drowning or being eaten alive by a shark.

  “Give me your hand.” Abigail reached out.

  “This is embarrassing.” Marlee grabbed hold and stepped on. “What kind of police officer am I anyway?”

  “You’re human and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Abigail guided Marlee to a seat in the cockpit, giving an extra squeeze of support before turning back to the controls. “I’ll get us out on the water then we can move around The Cavity.”

  Marlee gripped the edge of her bench, preferring to remain seated. “I’d rather stay here instead of moving into the cavity of the boat.”

  Abigail laughed. “The Cavity is its name. I guess you haven’t spent much time on boats?”

  “Nothing as big as this, but I’ve spent many hours in a canoe. I even made love in one once.” Marlee was nervous and cursed herself for blurting out the inappropriate statement. “Sorry, I didn’t need to say that.”

  “If we’re going to trust each other, we have to be ourselves and not worry about what we say.” Abigail focused on the horizon, the hood of her red waterproof jacket flapping in the wind. “Just because I’m not interested in having sex with you doesn’t mean I’m a prude and will be offended by any of your comments.”

  “That’s a relief.” Marlee studied the shrinking shoreline and tried to keep herself calm by focusing on the woman before her. “As you witnessed last night, sometimes I can’t control my tongue.” Marlee’s cheeks inflamed again. Why did she have to mention her tongue? “I know you’re not a lesbian and I never hit on straight women because they stopped giving out toasters years ago.”

  “Toasters?” Abigail shut down the engine and readied to lower the anchor.

  “It’s another poor attempt at a joke,” Marlee said. “The saying is that if a lesbian converts a straight woman, she gets a toaster. Now I’d better shut up before I really embarrass myself.”

  “We can’t let that happen. Now might be a good time for a tour of the boat.”

  “Okay, I guess.” Marlee’s comfort level dropped when Abigail prevented her from entering the cabin and redirected her to walk the narrow gunwale along the side of the watercraft to reach the open deck at the bow.

  “Let’s sit in the forward and relax a bit.” Abigail led the way across the teak wooden-planked deck to two facing benches aligned with the tip of the bow.

  “This is nice, but it’s a bit breezy out here, don’t you find?” Marlee lowered onto a seat then gripped the metal side rail with one hand and the teak bench with the other.

  “I love the wind.” Abigail sat opposite Marlee, rolling her head back and eyes closing, her ponytail swaying in the breeze. “I love listening to the swish of water lapping against the hull, the tickling of the wind on my skin, the taste of salt on my lips and the smell of the fresh air. They’re all so empowering. Being out on the water in this boat always helps me relax. It’s one of my favorite places to be.”

  Marlee couldn’t relax and her teeth were chattering. “How did you come up with the name of The Cavity for the boat?”

  “I didn’t.” Abigail smiled, her eyes still shut. “Josh and his father named it. Keith is a dentist and Josh had just gotten his first cavity.”

  “My brother’s a dentist too.”

  “Really?” Abigail opened her eyes.

  “Yes. What about you? Any brothers or sisters?” Marlee knew the answer, but asked anyway.

  “No.” Abigail straightened up. “You look cold. Why don’t we head into the cabin? There’re lots of windows and a nice space to work. I’m anxious to hear about your plan.”

  “Good.” Marlee followed Abigail below deck, overwhelmed at the attention to detail on this entirely automated sailboat yacht. There was a raised saloon with big windows letting in light that flickered around the room and danced upon the maple dining table. White leather benches with enough seating for twelve bordered the table.

  “This is really nice.” Marlee’s mouth was dry.

  “Let me show you the rest of the boat before we start to work.”

  Marlee noted that the bathroom, its shower and vanity sparkling clean, was fully equipped and would be a luxury anywhere, let alone this far from shore. “How long have you been sailing?” They stood at the entrance of the master bedroom.

  “I feel as though I grew up on the water.” Abigail pushed through and sat on the edge of the bed, folding her arms over a healthy cleavage covered with a low-neckline T-shirt. “My parents loved to sail and almost every Sunday we’d head out onto the water. Of course, we had a much smaller boat, but we were happy and comfortable. I wish they were still here to enjoy this one.”

  “What happened to them?” Marlee leaned against the doorframe, fighting to keep her eyes away from Abigail’s chest. The fluffy bed had a white duvet and purple pillows that beckoned. There was a small porthole window at the head of the bed and Marlee focused on the bright circle, longing for a light at the end of this tunnel of lust.

  “They both died much too young,” Abigail said after a short pause. “It’s been almost twenty years, but I still miss them a lot.” Abigail took a few deep breaths.

  “I’m so sorry about your loss.” Marlee moved into the room and sat on the bed. “What happened?”

  “Cancer is such a monster. It eats people up and spits out their souls.” Abigail’s voice trembled. “My mother was the first to go from breast cancer. My dad died six months later from lung cancer and a broken heart. They weren’t much older than I am now.”

  Marlee handed Abigail a tissue. She longed to brush her lips against the glistening cheek to lick away the tears, but knew it wouldn’t be appropriate. She struggled to concentrate on the conversation.

  “So that’s why you do what you do?” Marlee asked. “Study genetics in hopes of finding a cure?”

  “I feel as though we’re getting so close.” Abigail stood up and moved toward the doorway. “I can’t let them win. We have to expose the bloody bastard that’s corrupting our work. Let’s finish the tour then discuss your plan.”

  Marlee followed Abigail to the galley, trying to shift her focus to the yacht. She was impressed with its stainless steel appliances, clean countertops, and maple cupboards. “Wow, someone could live on this boat forever. It has everything.”

  “Thanks,” Abigail said. “This is definitely more boat than I need. It’s meant to be a world cruising yacht for two people. I bought it because I want Josh to grow up with fond memories of sailing too.”

  “He certainly seemed comfortable at the controls.” Marlee inhaled Abigail’s just released breath, the small space of the narrow galley placing them within kissing range, her knees shaking with the sweet gasp. Drowning in the ocean or facing another shark attack seemed less of a threat now as a new reality started to take hold. She was falling hard for a straight woman.

  “He needs to know how to operate it if it’s just the two of us out here. Josh often spends time on the boa
t with his dad too, so it’s important. I let them use it whenever they want because I really bought it for Josh to enjoy. Keith has always loved sailing.”

  “So you’re still close with your ex?”

  “He’s a nice man, but I wouldn’t say we’re close. He’s still in my life because of Josh. It’s a good thing too because it’s best for Josh to be with his dad right now while I deal with this mess in my company.”

  “How’s Josh doing?”

  “It’s hard to tell for sure, but he seems to be going okay.”

  “And what about your ex? How’s he with the potential charges against you?”

  “He’s been supportive, both to Josh and to me.”

  “That’s good.” Marlee didn’t want to hear more about Keith. “Shall we move out of the kitchen and get to work?”

  “Yes, let’s do.”

  Marlee led the way back to the dining table, wanting to appear confident. She’d brought her computer and launched her file. “Let’s start by talking about Hannah Williams. How well do you know her outside the office?”

  “Hannah’s been a big help these last few days.” Abigail let out a deep breath. “Other than Josh, she’s the closest person in my life. There’s no way she’d be involved in anything that could sabotage all of our work.”

  Marlee felt a tinge of jealousy. “Can you be sure? You told me you couldn’t trust anyone.”

  Abigail hesitated, as though struggling to find the right words to describe Hannah. Marlee knew they’d worked together on a number of genetic decoding projects and were very close when it came to their research. Surely Hannah would never betray her, but Marlee’s gut told her to keep watch on this woman. Was it jealousy or was there something more? It didn’t matter. Abigail’s office had a mole and she couldn’t rule anyone out.

  “Hannah’s been very helpful over the years,” Abigail finally said. “I’m sure it’s not her, but if I’m to be fair, Hannah has to be investigated like everyone else.”

  “What exactly do you think is happening?” Marlee was used to tackling crimes with a victim, a body, or at least something concrete like drugs or guns, and she needed more specifics.

  Abigail sighed then lowered her head. “I think someone is trying to develop genetic sequencing that would cultivate cancers or mental and physical deformities within a specific DNA profile type.”

  “As in developing a weapon for biological warfare?” Marlee asked.

  “I’m afraid so.” Abigail nodded. “A bioweapon could be disastrous. Take me, for example. Any inherent cancer genes in my system could be switched on through a simple environmental change like an allergic reaction to pollen. The tumors could be fast or slow growing, depending on the environmental controls, and entire populations could be targeted or just a few people.”

  “You’re both scaring and losing me,” Marlee said. “How could someone do that?”

  “By turning genes on or off,” Abigail said. “The focus of my research has been about finding a way to switch cancer genes off, to rid the world of this terrible killer, but unfortunately a byproduct of this work has uncovered potential ways to propagate more cancers.”

  “Can you think of anyone who might have a motive?” Marlee imagined herself back in a patrol car, where crimes seemed simpler and police procedure straightforward.

  “No.” Abigail shook her head.

  “What about an employee who could have links to a terrorist organization or who needs money to support an addiction like gambling or drugs?”

  “They’re all good people who’re passionate about their work,” Abigail said. “Those are the only kind of people I hire. My human resources department thoroughly screens every applicant under consideration and I must approve before a hiring takes place.”

  “Can you trust everyone in your HR department?”

  “Obviously not.” Abigail groaned. “So how can you help me?”

  “By doing more of what I’m doing now.” Marlee’s confidence was waning, but she kept her voice strong. “I wish I could get into your office. Maybe you could hire me as an internal security expert.”

  “That wouldn’t work.” Abigail bumped her knees against the table as she shot to her feet. “I have a fully staffed security team in place and they’d know you were planted. Besides, I need a refuge right now and you fit that role because you don’t have anything to do with my company.” She lurched away from the table and went to the interior controls where she started fidgeting with the buttons. “It’s getting too hot in here. I’m turning on the air conditioner.”

  “Why don’t we take a break?” Marlee closed her laptop and pushed it aside, holding her hands together on the table in front of her. She straightened her spine like an eager student looking for a reward, but in reality felt she’d just failed her first test.

  Abigail sighed. “I feel like we’re getting nowhere. I wish I knew what to do.”

  “I know this is a very difficult time for you, but we’re just beginning. Investigations, especially complex ones like this, take time.” Marlee approached Abigail and stood beside her. “I think we’ve made some good progress in that we’ve started the conversation on suspects and motives. Attention to every little detail and never giving up are two strategies that have helped me many times to solve cases. Work with me on this, okay?” Marlee put a hand on Abigail’s arm and squeezed.

  “I’m sorry.” Abigail turned to her. “You’re right. I’ll have to think of this as if I’m in the lab, focusing on every little molecule and always searching for that next lead that could uncover a breakthrough in research.”

  “I like that analogy,” Marlee said. “The work you do is so above me it’s nice to hear you use some of the same strategies I use as a police officer.”

  “Don’t ever think my work is above you.” Abigail’s face softened. “I need you because your experience and expertise in solving crimes is a skill set I don’t have. It’s not about being above or beneath one another. It’s about working together to bring out the best of our individual strengths.”

  Marlee wanted to melt in this woman’s arms. Instead, she smiled and turned away. “Is there anything to eat in that fridge?”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the work of AbTay Biosystems and key employees in each department, but nothing or nobody stood out as unusual. Exhausted and wanting to rest before their return in the dark, Abigail suggested they have a nap.

  “You can sleep with me in my room if you want,” Abigail said.

  “Are you sure?” Marlee’s heart started to race. “You’re okay with that?”

  “Yes.” Abigail led them to the bedroom. “The bed is certainly big enough and I know you’re still nervous on the boat. I want you to relax and feel safe.”

  “That’s very thoughtful. Does that mean you now trust me to keep my hands off you?”

  “Yes, of course.” She smiled. “I’ll throw you overboard if you don’t.”

  “Yikes.” Marlee gave a nervous laugh.

  Abigail got on top of the covers. “Besides, I kind of like the idea of having a police officer by my side. Now let’s get some sleep while we can.”

  Abigail slept for two hours while Marlee savored the tingling brought on by just lying beside this woman and listening to her even breathing. It was far better to focus on that than the fact she was drifting on the ocean and vulnerable to what lay beneath the waves, even if it was on a luxury sailboat with a beautiful woman. She hadn’t felt this good in a long time.

  Chapter Nine

  Marlee was back in her apartment for less than an hour when a thud against her door disrupted the tranquil evening. Abigail had dropped her off after their day on the boat and should have been long gone. Adrenaline kicked in.

  “Who’s there?” She slowly turned the knob. The door burst open and Tyler came crashing in, almost rolling onto her feet. He was curled up on his knees and grasping his stomach.

  “Holy shit, Tyler.” Marlee slammed the door shut and dropped to the gr
ound. “What happened to you?” She cradled his bloodied head and scanned the rest of his body, noting swelling, scratches, and bruises that were usually signs of a brutal beating.

  “Sorry to be a bother.” Tyler’s words were barely audible. “Can you help me into my flat?”

  “We need to get you to the hospital.” Marlee reached for her phone.

  “No.” Tyler raised a hand to stop her. “I’ve been here before and I’ll be okay. I just need to get to my bed.”

  “Who did this to you?”

  “My fucking ex.” Tyler struggled to stand up, clutching his stomach. “He must’ve known I was on the beach. He jumped me.”

  “That’s assault and you need to press charges.” Marlee held his arm. “I’m calling the police.”

  “I don’t want the fucking police involved.” Tyler jerked away. “There weren’t any witnesses and it’s not worth the hassle.” He held out his keys. “Could you unlock my door? It sticks sometimes and I couldn’t get it to open.”

  Marlee grabbed the keys. “You can’t let him get away with this. I think you should go to the hospital.”

  “Will you just help me get inside?” Tyler’s green eyes started to tear up. “Please?”

  She jiggled the key until the lock released then pushed the door open. Stale air mixed with his cinnamon aftershave wafted out as they shuffled inside. Marlee turned on the hall light. “Let’s have a look at you. I can see some cuts and at least one bruise on your cheek.”

  “He has a pattern.” Tyler dropped on his couch and flopped back. “He likes to go for the face. I’ll look like shit tomorrow.”

  “You look like shit now.” Marlee lifted his feet onto the sofa. “How’s your stomach? He must’ve hit you there because you keep clutching it.”

  “He kicked me, actually.” Tyler raised his T-shirt, but there were no obvious signs of trauma.

  “What a fuck,” Marlee said. “If you don’t do anything about it, he’ll do it again.”