Marked for Murder

by Donna Raider

  Leah looked up to find her wife smiling at her. “I guess you heard my conversation,” she said, grimacing.

  “Pretty much like mine.” Mika nodded. “The archbishop has decided to lead the charge for celibacy in our conference. This could go on for years. I think he will try to stall the vote until the Pope dies, so there will be a Pope with the same views as his.”

  “I’m not sure I want to stay in New York for years.” Leah frowned. “I would like our children to be somewhere they can roam freely, ride horses, and just be children. I don’t want to worry that some crazy religious terrorist is going to kidnap them just because they have blonde hair or fair skin.”

  “…or because you’re a famous movie star and I’m a priest,” Mika added. “Our lives are much more complicated here. We are too visible here. Do you ever get homesick for our home in Maine?”

  “Honestly, no.” Leah shook her head. “I never even think about it. With you, life is so full of excitement and love that I never think of anything except when I’ll be with you again.”

  “Oh, lady,” Mika said, looking at her lovingly, “you truly do know how to reach into a woman’s chest and steal her heart.”

  ##

  They met their children at the rink then took them to Vincent’s for dinner. Joe was astounded when he saw the age range of their children. He didn’t even want to attempt the math. He was content to meet the most well-behaved, beautiful children he had ever seen. Like their parents, they were breathtaking. Yes, he was certain they were immortals. At least that’s what he wanted them to be. All of them were too perfect and enchanting to die.

  The Christmas holidays were exactly what Leah had dreamed of: days filled with her children and nights filled with her wife. She dreaded going back to work and the children going back to school.

  Leah knew her wife was struggling with the conference. The archbishop had decided to hate Mika and never missed an opportunity to insult or undermine her. Mika knew what the Lord wanted her to do. She was used to battling demons and the devil himself. She wasn’t used to battling evil in priest’s clothing. She knew she had to handle the archbishop carefully to keep from harming the church. She really wanted the repulsive man to go away.

  Today, they were arguing the statement that being married and having a family distracted priests from God’s work. All the clergymen attending the conference had arrived early. It had been agreed that they would argue ten points pertaining to celibacy and vote on each individual point. The issue would be decided on the total number of points garnered by the arguments. Distraction from God’s work had been the first point of argument. The statement had been discussed by the entire conference, and many ideas and good points had come from the give-and-take between both sides. Now Mika and Pelosi had an hour each to present their views before the vote was taken. The vote was a secret ballot, as many had expressed a concern that the archbishop might retaliate against them if he knew they didn’t agree with him.

  The archbishop went on and on about how family took a man’s time that could be devoted to doing something for the church. He argued thirty minutes into Mika’s time.

  Finally, the procedural panel stopped him and asked Mika to limit her points to thirty minutes.

  When Mika took the podium, she simply let God lead her.

  “A person’s works can be multiplied many times over with the help of their family.” The priest spoke softly, but her voice was heard clearly by every ear in the audience. Her wife and two oldest children were front row center to show their support for her. Carlie and Jennifer were also present to offer encouragement.

  “It has been my experience that most married priests enlist the assistance of their wife and children. I know I do. My family volunteers for work projects to help the church. They volunteer in fundraisers. Three members of my family have volunteered to participate in the Masked Ball fundraiser next week. Leah, Adam, and Sara, please stand. I’m pretty certain they will bring in some big donations for the Sisters.”

  Father Darius Norton didn’t hear another word Mika said. He couldn’t take his eyes off Sara Cross. He was certain she was an angel. Something stirred deep within him and he was more committed than ever to Mika’s fight to end celibacy.

  “I believe we can all agree on one thing,” Mika began her closing remarks. “Jesus Christ forever changed the road to salvation for mankind. He was sacrificed for our sins. Can you even begin to imagine how much God loves us? He loved us so much He gave His only begotten son, that whomsoever should believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Unless you are a parent, I do not believe you can even begin to understand how much love that is. Adam, please stand again.”

  As Adam stood and turned to face the assembly, tears ran down Mika’s face.

  “This is my oldest son, my firstborn. I love him more than life itself, as I love all my children. It is unbearable for me to think of seeing him tortured, spit upon, and crucified. I am weak. I could not do it, but God loves us so much. He loved us so much, He sacrificed His only son for our salvation. It is not so much that Christ died for us. It is the ultimate sacrifice God made for us. I believe God wants us to marry. I believe God wants us to have children—only then can we understand the depth of the love He has for us. We must experience it to understand it. God paid a high price to prove His love for us. Only as parents can we truly comprehend the love God has for us. Only as parents can we truly understand the sacrifice our God made for us.”

  Mika looked at her wife and children. Tears streaked their beautiful faces. Then she realized tears were on the faces of most of the assembly. The head of the procedural panel wiped his eyes then instructed the assembly to cast their electronic votes. The vote was unanimously in favor of priests marrying.

  Mika closed her eyes, bowed her head, and thanked God for His continued guidance. Leah could feel the stark emptiness in her wife. Her emotional presentation had drained her of everything she had. Leah knew Mika had put her heart and soul into making the assembly understand her position. This woman never ceased to amaze her. Her depth of passion and understanding were inestimable. Leah sat quietly between her children, holding their hands, as a flood of clergymen swarmed her wonderful wife, congratulating her, thanking her and praising her for her insight.

  Mika felt as if her very essence had been sucked from her. Leah caught her hand and Sara caught her other one. Calmly, Mika let them lead her from the church.

  “How about Joe’s for a glass of wine and dinner?” Leah said softly. “You must be hungry. I know you didn’t eat today.” She gently sent her magic through Mika to rejuvenate the strength the speech had siphoned from her.

  Mika smiled at her and nodded. She thanked Carlie and Jennifer for attending her argument. “Will you join us for dinner too?”

  They nodded agreement.

  “Mika,” Darius hailed them from across the street, looked both ways, then ran to join them. “I just wanted to say that was the most soulful presentation I have ever witnessed.”

  “Thank you,” a depleted Mika said tiredly. “You know my wife, Leah. These are my children, Sara and Adam. I believe you know Detective Carlyle and her friend, Dr. Jennifer Jordon. This is Father Darius. He has been my second-in-command and my strongest supporter.”

  Darius blushed slightly as he touched Sara’s hand and then shook hands with Adam and the others.

  “We’re going to dinner.” Mika smiled. “Would you like to join us?” She was beginning to feel more like herself, thanks to her wife.

  “Yes, I would.” Darius almost burst into song at the thought of dining with Sara Cross.

  “Mika Cross,” the archbishop bellowed across the street. “A word, please.”

  Mika glanced at her wife. Leah caught Mika’s hand in hers and stood waiting for the archbishop to cross the street. “We’ll meet you at Joe’s,” Mika told her children. “Go ahead and arrange for a table in the restaurant.”

  The walk across the street left Pelosi breathless. They
stood waiting for him to catch his breath so he could speak. Leah tightened her hold on her wife’s hand. She sent a warm, light tingle of electricity through Mika. You were magnificent, Leah thought. I love you so much.

  “I want to speak with you alone,” Pelosi huffed.

  “I keep no secrets from my wife,” Mika said softly. “Right now, I need her.”

  “You represented your cause well today,” Pelosi snarled, “but don’t think you’ve won. That was a clever little trick, playing on the emotions of men who think they might want to be fathers.”

  “I only delivered the message God placed on my heart.” Mika shrugged. She was tired of fighting for no reason.

  “Well, I’m not a sore loser.” Pelosi grinned dangerously. “How about dinner?”

  “I am sorry, sir.” Mika frowned. “We have already made plans with friends, most of whom you have insulted, so I don’t think it would be a very happy occasion if you joined us tonight.”

  Pelosi sputtered as the young priest and her gorgeous wife walked away. Leah fought the urge to send Pelosi squealing down the street with his snout in the air. Maybe curl his tail so tight it would pull his—

  “Leah,” Mika’s sharp use of her name told Leah she was reading her thoughts. Leah grinned wickedly and hugged Mika’s arm against her breasts.

  Martin joined Pelosi. “Would you like me to drive you somewhere to dinner, Your Excellency?” He half bowed.

  “Yes,” the archbishop barked. “Somewhere that serves large portions.”

  Martin escorted the man back across the street to the waiting limo. He knew just the place.

  The driver watched the archbishop’s face in his rearview mirror. It was black with anger. Ah, wrath, Martin thought. Four of seven.

  “I thought your presentation was good today.” Martin really thought Pelosi had been verbose and boring. He just wanted to get the clergyman talking. He made a personal bet with himself that he could rack up all seven of the deadly sins before they reached the restaurant.

  “Obviously not good enough,” Pelosi growled. “How could anyone take Cross’s side over mine? I am a much more eloquent speaker. My position carries much more authority. After all, I am the archbishop.”

  Now we have pride, Martin thought. Five. Just two more, Your Excellency, and you will be guilty of all seven of the deadly sins.

  ##

  “Mika, you were incredible.” Adam sat close beside his mother. “I’m proud to be your son.”

  “I am proud to be your mother.” Mika smiled at her eldest then reached across the table to take her daughter’s hand. “I am proud of you too, sweetheart.”

  “No jealousy here.” Sara laughed. “It is kind of good to know I won’t be chosen for a sacrifice.”

  Everyone at the table laughed.

  I just want you to hold me, Mika thought to her wife. I need you so much.

  A slow dance floated from the jukebox. “Want to dance, darling?” Leah’s dark eyes searched Mika’s.

  “Oh, yes.” Mika exhaled as if she had been holding her breath for days.

  When they reached the dance floor, Mika pulled Leah into her arms slowly, rejoicing in every inch Leah moved closer to her. She held Leah tightly against her, thanking God for her.

  Mika leaned down to bury her face in soft, wonderfully scented hair. She inhaled the fragrance of Leah, replenishing her soul with the aroma of her love. Mika genuinely felt sorry for anyone who had no woman in their life.

  Leah held Mika tightly, making her feel her love. She slowly moved her body against Mika, begging her to want her. She wanted to hold Mika and comfort her. As the song neared its end, Mika led her to the shadows of the dance floor and kissed her thankfully.

  “Um, I can tell you feel better already.” Leah smiled the smile that always shook Mika’s universe.

  “Oh, yes, My Queen.” She smiled sensuously.

  “That’s my good girl.” Leah kissed her again. A kiss filled with promises of things to come.

  “No, I’ve never seen him before.” Sara shook her head as she looked at a picture Carlie was showing her.

  “He doesn’t teach at my school.” Adam frowned.

  “What is that?” Leah asked as she scrutinized the artist’s sketch of Byron Welch.

  “Some fellow involved with Clinton,” Carlie explained, placing the drawing in front of the actress. “We believe he was the last person to see Clinton before he disappeared.”

  “Why are you showing this to my children?” Leah raised an angry eyebrow. She didn’t want the Catholic Murders to touch her children.

  “He’s supposed to be a professor at one of the colleges or universities in this area,” Carlie explained. “His name’s Byron Welch.”

  Both Leah and Mika snapped to attention at the name.

  “You know something,” Carlie immediately attacked the priest. “Please don’t tell me it is protected by this sacred confession crap.”

  Father Darius recognized the name from Janet Cantrell’s confession. Sensing tempers were on the rise, he asked Sara to dance.

  “If I say I can’t say, how will you take that?” Mika asked, grimacing.

  “As a yes,” Carlie hissed.

  “I can’t say.” The priest grinned.

  “Dammit, woman. You’re no help. Well, maybe a little.” Carlie thought of questions she could ask that would be acceptable to the priest.

  “Okay, was his name in the confession of Janet Cantrell?” the detective asked.

  “I can’t say.” Mika frowned. “Can we order dinner now? I am starving.”

  ##

  Leah pulled Mika’s head to rest between her breasts. A shiver ran through her body as she recalled the passionate way Mika had just made love to her.

  “Was it that bad?” Mika teased.

  “That wonderful.” Leah chuckled. She stroked Mika’s hair, tangling her fingers in the curls that magically appeared when Mika simply showered, but didn’t blow-dry.

  “I love your hair like this.” She briefly clenched her fist in Mika’s golden locks.

  “Only because you can get a better grip on my head.” Mika laughed. “Don’t think I don’t know when I am being steered to where you want me.”

  “It does work rather well.” Leah hugged her head tighter into her breasts. “Sometimes you don’t move as quickly as I would like.”

  Mika raised her head to look into Leah’s eyes. “As I told you the first time you let me make love to you, I’m yours to train, Your Majesty.”

  “Um,” Leah hummed, “and you are such a quick and willing student.”

  “Eternity is such a short time.” Mika smiled. “I want to learn everything there is to know about you. My goal in life is to please you.” Mika kissed her. Leah loved it when she tasted herself on Mika’s tongue.

  Leah inhaled sharply. “Oh, darling, you do.” She pulled Mika’s head back down to rest on her breasts.

  “You truly were incredible yesterday at the conference.” Leah spoke as if to herself as she toyed with Mika’s curls. “There was such fire and passion and compassion. One could have heard a pin drop during your presentation.”

  “I just opened my mouth and the words came out. The Lord led me,” Mika said honestly.

  “What do you make of Carlie’s latest information on the murders?” Leah traced around Mika’s shoulder blades. She was always surprised that she never found any sign of her wings.

  “I think Welch is the murderer,” Mika answered. She listened to Leah’s heart beating. “I bet he’s the father of Janet’s baby.”

  “But why kill her?” Leah asked softly.

  “I don’t know.” Mika listened as Leah’s heart rate increased.

  “Carlie wants to inform Bishop Cantrell of his wife’s pregnancy,” Leah said, realizing she was massaging Mika roughly and arching her body against the angel.

  “Why?” Mika slowly ran her tongue around Leah’s nipple. Leah’s heart beat faster. Mika smiled.

  “She thinks that maybe t
he bishop may have been with Janet when she encountered Welch.” Leah clenched her legs around Mika and arched against her, putting pressure where she needed it.

  “Like a fundraiser or something?” Mika pulled Leah’s nipple into her mouth and sucked slowly, deliberately. Leah’s heart went crazy.

  “Something like that.” Leah’s smoky, rich voice aroused Mika’s desire for her as she undulated against her leg.

  “Are you humping my leg?” Mika laughed out loud.

  “No, foolish woman,” Leah huffed. “Queens don’t hump, but they do occasionally select one of their subjects to participate in one-on-one sex orgies.”

  “Pick me!” Mika breathed softly into her ear. “Let me be the one.”

  “You’ve always been the one, darling.” She buried her hands in Mika’s curls and guided her kisses down her body to where she needed Mika most.

  ##

  Supporting Leah and Mika, Trey and Scarlett had offered themselves up for auction. Publicity by the church and studio had made tickets sell out overnight. The decision was made to move the function to a hotel ballroom that was triple the size of the church community center, allowing them to sell more tickets. Leah and Trey had prevailed on the hotel’s management to donate the ballroom for the night so the ball would be pure profit for the Sisters.

  Mika, Adam, and Trey had decided to dress the same just to confuse people. Mika was like a rock star with her congregation. Many men and women were planning on bidding for her. Adam had his own following from the university. Of course, Trey was in demand by most of the women who watched Marked for Murder.

  Sara had her share of ardent admirers who had never been able to secure a date with the blonde beauty, so were willing to bid at the Masked Ball. And Leah! Ah, Leah, the men and women were lining up to bid on her. Mika was not entirely happy with the idea of her popular wife being alone with someone for six hours. She kept assuring Leah she would be happy to chaperone. Just to drive Mika crazy, Leah kept assuring her it wasn’t necessary.

  Mika, Adam, and Sara were waiting in the living room for Leah to appear. No one knew what she had chosen to wear, so all were anxious to see. Mika and Adam were dressed as white knights, with a slight golden trim that made them look like shining angels. Sara was going as Little Red Riding Hood.