A Promise Kept

by R E Gauthier

  Nikki tried not to laugh but failed miserably. A chuckle turned in a loud guffaw and then a huge belly laugh.

  Willow drew back and put her hands on her hips. “Are you laughing at me?”

  Trying to stop laughing, Nikki bit down on the inside of her mouth. Shaking her head, she said, “of course not. I’m laughing because you sounded and looked like a raunchy teenage boy talking about what they get up to in their bed. I do have to admit when I first met Miranda, I was star-struck. She writes under the pseudonym, Randi G. I read all of Randi G’s books, and I’m one of her biggest fans, but when I met Miranda, she wasn’t what I imagined she be like.”

  “She does sound intriguing.”

  “Oh, Miranda is special, and I’m glad she and Mack found one another. But let’s get back to the reason why I teased you. Willow Matheson, what’s going inside that mind of yours.”

  Then Willow stuck out her tongue. “You forget I was married, and before that, I may have fooled around, but I never went all the way. Including you, I have had sex with a total of two people. When I think of the naughty fantasies people could act out, it boggles my mind. An erotica author must have some doozies if you know what I mean.”

  Nikki had not given much thought to Willow's lack of sexual experience. Last night had been thrilling and awkward at times because Willow was hesitant, but what she lacked in experience she made up with enthusiasm. The heat of those moments began to cause a throbbing inside, and Nikki swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to disparage you or your…I only meant you made me giggle with the excitement I saw about what…would you like to meet her? I could arrange for you to meet Miranda.”

  Willow snickered. “Nikki, I love how you get all flustered and blush. Now, who looks like a raunchy teenage boy?”

  Ducking her head, Nikki stood and put some distance between her and Willow. If she was going to keep the promise to herself not to fall into bed with Willow just for the sake of sex, she had better get her head on straight. “I should get going; I have so much to do if I want to leave for Scotland.”

  “Nikki, I’ve been thinking about that. What do you think about me coming with you to your place and setting my stuff up there while you’re away in Scotland? I think I can be of use to you more if I have access to your equipment and can help you from this side of the pond.”

  Nikki had thought it would be good to have someone she could count on to help when things got sticky, or she needed to find more information. She could ask Torres or Deb, but then she would have to explain everything before they would be able to help. Willow could do it unsupervised and with minimal instructions. Asking Willow to do this meant that Willow would not only know where her bunker was located, but the woman would also share the small space with her. Her libido jumped into hyperdrive, and her heart rate raced. I’m not sure how wise that would be, said Nikki’s good side. It would certainly make it easier on me tonight, so I don’t have to have a cold shower, snickered her baser side. Closing her eyes, Nikki shook her head to dislodge the voices. “I could use your help,” she said. I’ll try to be good and not jump your bones, but I’m not making any promises. She said inwardly.

  Willow smiled brightly. “You can help me dismantle my babies and get them packed for travel. Is your place far?”

  Nikki shook her head. “No, it’s not too far. I’ll see if I can rent a truck while you start packing.” She’d take that time to text Torres and Deb that she would be out of touch for a while and not to worry if they didn’t hear from her. Closing the bathroom door, she also took the time to settle her nerves and this annoying throbbing in private.

  ***

  Nikki and Willow spent the better part of the evening settling Willow’s tech into their new home next to Nikki’s equipment in the bunker. Willow joked about how her stuff may not keep to themselves now that they had friends nearby. Nikki laughed at her jokes about coding and computing syncing. Willow’s sense of humor was good to be around and made Nikki yearn even more for Mack’s laughter and smiles. Mack may not understand Nikki’s attempt at humor sometimes, but Mack could come up with some dry humor that had Nikki on the floor. Between chuckles, Nikki said, “now, we have to talk about sleeping arrangements. There isn’t much room, but I can set up another cot and sleep on that until I leave for Scotland. I’d go tonight, but I need to do this right…Mack coming home soon depends on it.”

  Willow averted her eyes and smiled. “That’s too much trouble to do all that for a night or two; I promise to be good if you will.”

  Nikki thought about the consequences of not being able to keep her hands off of Willow; they were not all that bad. She did need to keep her mind on the task at hand, and that didn’t mean scratching an itch. Torres said she could arrange for a man to help Nikki with a new identity. She couldn’t be too careful because Mack may be with family, but this family was also involved in some seriously messed up shit, and they could make people disappear for years. “It will be two nights at the most; I’d like to get out of here as soon as I can arrange it. I’m sure we can be adults and control ourselves that long.”

  “It’s been some seventeen years; I’m sure I can wait until this is over.” Willow shrugged. “Besides, my babies are sensitive to loud noises, and I’m sure down here sound amplifies. I wouldn’t want to traumatize them.”

  Nikki rolled her eyes. If Willow was going to talk like that for the next day or so, she had better get used to cold showers right now. “I’m going to take a shower; make yourself at home. I cleared out a few cubbies for your things. Sorry, there isn’t much space in here.”

  “I could join you to conserve water, but then we may end up not keeping that promise.”

  Nikki groaned inwardly.

  Willow giggled. “Thank you for thinking of me. I don’t have many things. I have learned to be a minimalist years ago. I did a lot of traveling for my work.”

  Nikki stopped and turned. “I didn’t know you traveled a lot. That must have been hard on you with Adam.”

  Willow’s chin trembled slightly, and she bowed her head to look down at her hands. “I did take some time off when I had him, but I always thought I’d have plenty of time to spend with him when he got older. That is why David and I had our problems. He hated that I kept my job after we married. He could work from home; it made it easier for me to keep doing my job.”

  Nikki didn’t want to make Willow sad and think about her son. This woman’s tears affected Nikki almost as much as her smile. “I’ll only be a few, and then we can plan tomorrow. I want you to meet some people that will be able to help you while I’m away.”

  “Does that mean you’ll take me to meet Miranda and Nanna?”

  “Miranda, yes, but I’m not sure about Nanna. I may still be persona non grata in her home for not listening to her request to leave things alone. I also want you to meet Torres. She’ll be a great asset if you need something specific while helping me. She’s been a great resource for me.”

  Willow smiled. “I can hardly wait. I’m excited to go to bed so that we can get started tomorrow.”

  Nikki chuckled. It’s going to be a long, restless night.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Nikki’s Bunker, April 14, 2012

  Nikki woke sore and a little cranky. She didn’t sleep well, because every time Willow moved, she jumped. Sleeping with the alluring woman had been a colossal mistake. In full contrast, Willow woke bright and cheery, and that only made Nikki surlier. At least the woman could act uncomfortable or tense from sleeping close to Nikki. But no, Willow looked like she had slept like a baby.

  “I haven’t slept that good in so long. I don’t even remember sleeping that good.” Willow stretched her hands above her head and the t-shirt she wore rode up her stomach, offering a beautiful view of her midriff, and the bottoms of her breasts.

  Nikki smiled around a low growl. The pounding in her head didn’t allow for any spoken words at that moment. Maybe drinking those two shots of whiskey, earlier that morning to help her sleep was
n’t such a good idea. She mumbled, good morning, and said she’d be ready to start their day once she had a quick shower.

  Several minutes later, Nikki immerged from the bathroom, only somewhat more civil. Her eyes fell upon a still smiling Willow.

  “I thought we could pick up some scones and coffee on our way to see Miranda and Nanna. I’m so happy that Nanna has decided to forgive you. By the way, you were describing the last time you were there; I’m surprised she relented so soon.”

  Nikki had thought the same thing when Miranda said Nanna would be happy to welcome, she and Willow today. During their conversation last night, Miranda noted that Nanna wanted to apologize to Nikki. “Sounds like a great idea, although usually, I arrive at Nanna’s house with a healthy appetite. Her assertion that I better not set foot in her house any time soon does make me wonder if she’ll cook for us, but she does make the best oatcakes. Mmmm, her meat pies, and…” Nikki closed her eyes as her mouth watered with memories of Nanna’s cooking.”

  Willow giggled. “You look like a child, who was told it’s Christmas morning. You did say Miranda told you that Nanna was looking forward to our visit. Doesn’t sound like she won’t treat you like she usually does.”

  Nikki smiled. “I hope you’re right; I’m surprised that Nanna is welcoming us in her home at all. I hope it means that she was sincere when she told Miranda she wants to apologize to me. Maybe to be careful, we should wait to see how she treats us before we eat anything.”

  Willow’s eyes got big. “You don’t mean she would…?”

  Nikki chuckled. “Mack did tell me she drugged her for years.”

  Eyes widening even more, Willow whispered, “is it too late to change our plans? We can always meet Miranda somewhere alone.”

  Nikki shook her head and entered the security code to exit the bunker. With a huge smile on her face, Nikki said, “you’re easy to tease.”

  Willow stuck out her tongue.

  Nikki chuckled.

  ***

  Nanna’s House, April 14, 2012

  Miranda led them into the sunroom. “Nanna is upstairs but will be down soon. Can I get you some tea or coffee? I hope you didn’t have a big breakfast because Nanna made some of the lamb pies with tatties and neeps. She also made a huge batch of oatcakes. I think she’s been feeling bad how she treated you.” Winking, she added, “Willow, I’m not sure what Nikki has told you about Nanna’s cooking, but you had better have worn comfortable clothes.”

  Nikki nodded and nudged Willow’s arm with her elbow. “I told you.”

  Miranda chuckled. “I’m going to need to go on a diet before the wedding, or I won’t be able to fit into my wedding dress. I’ve been wearing my yoga pants for weeks because none of my jeans fit me anymore.”

  “What is this I hear about you, needing to go on a diet? What you need are bigger jeans. You needed to put on some weight. When I first met you, you looked like a starving woman.” Nanna clucked and shook her head. Her eyes filled with laughter. “Come here, Nikki; I’m sorry for how I had to be the last time you were here. I don’t need to tell you how hard it was for me to stop playing the part.”

  Nikki stood and walked into the waiting arms that Nanna offered. “I won’t lie that I wasn’t angry and disappointed for Mack about the lie that has been perpetrated by you and the family she thought had died. That’s why I wanted to come today because I wanted to tell you my plans to get Mack back.”

  Nanna’s face went ashen grey. Shaking her head, she whirled away. “You cannot do that, Nikki. Kelsey is safe, and when she can, she’ll come home, but you cannot meddle in this, not now.”

  Frowning, Nikki looked to Miranda for support.

  Miranda shrugged.

  Nanna’s stern and unwavering expression made Nikki decide she needed to explain herself better, maybe then Nanna would understand and be supportive of her ideas. “Nanna, you don’t understand—”

  “No, Nikki, you don’t understand!” Nanna’s voice rose several octaves as she continued. “I lost them once, and I will not let you cause me to lose them all for good this time. Kelsey’s life and safety are on the line. It was your help that caused her to go as far as she did, and they had to take her out of the equation. If you persist, you could be the reason why they kill her. This time it will be for real, and I cannot let you…no I WON’T LET YOU DO THIS!”

  Nikki felt a deep tremble begin in her middle. Coming here had been a mistake. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the rest of Nanna’s onslaught when she heard Willow clear her throat.

  “Ms. MacKenzie, you don’t know me, but I know Nikki, and she’s the best friend a person could ever have. I know she loves your granddaughter with her whole heart. She means no harm in her pursuit to bring your Kelsey home. I’m certain you’re afraid of what may happen if the people who are after your son-in-law, daughter, and granddaughter find them. Nikki can find Kelsey, and she could help stop these people. You will then have all of them home with you. I think you should trust Nikki that she will be able to do this.”

  Nikki watched as Willow strode to where Nanna stood. Willow reached out and touched Nanna’s shoulder. Nikki held her breath. Willow had no idea what she was doing, but Nikki was impressed by how bravely, the little woman stood before the imposing Isla MacKenzie.

  Nanna turned; her eyes filled with tears. “You’re right, my dear, I don’t know you, but I feel as though I do. Your heart speaks to me in ways no one has been able to do except for my granddaughters.”

  Nikki stood transfixed as Nanna’s eyes warmed, and a small smile grew. Willow had tamed the angry Isla MacKenzie, Nikki now saw the gentle, welcoming woman she met all those years ago. Mack had invited her for thanksgiving supper that year, and Nanna opened the doors to her home with loving arms. Nikki let out the breath she had been holding.

  Miranda sighed. “Nanna, I’m going to jump in here and say, you should at least give Nikki a chance to tell you her plan. Kelsey trusts her and loves her like family, and that warrants your open mind, at the very least. Kelsey would want you to listen to Nikki and believe she can help bring everyone back home safely.”

  Nanna smiled and motioned for Nikki to approach. “Come here; I won’t bite. I’m sorry, Nikki, you have to understand why I have to protect my family. I have missed my daughter and granddaughter more than I can bear. These past years have been harder, knowing that I may die before I see their faces again.”

  Nikki felt the love radiating from the tall, older woman as she went into the warm hug. For the first time, Nikki heard Nanna’s age come through her voice. Her heart tightened. Mack loved this woman, and Nikki loved Mack; she would do everything to make sure that Isla MacKenzie was around to spend the rest of her life with her entire family. “If you’ll let me, I can make sure they’ll all be home for the wedding.”

  Nanna straightened and pulled away. “I’d love nothing more than for that to be true. Sit and tell me this plan of yours.” She held tight for a few moments and whispered, “I like Willow, she reminds me of my Aisling. No one else stands up to me as she did.”

  Nikki whispered back, “I’m glad you like her because she’s helped me more than anyone, and while I’m away, she will be here to keep you apprised of my progress.”

  ***

  Nikki’s car, later that day, April 14, 2102

  “I think that you were more worried than you had to be. Nanna’s a sweetheart.” Willow sat back in the bucket seat of the car and closed her eyes. “You were right about her cooking, though. I have never eaten anything that good in years. I did have some pretty good authentic Scottish cooking a while back, but nothing can compare to what I just ate.”

  Nikki smiled as she pulled into her parking space of the former FBI Cold Case Behavioral Unit’s parking area. Torres moved her Private Investigation office into the space. She said that she had grown to love the old building and she could work from anywhere. Torres also said that once everything was back to normal and Mack home, she would happily relinquish th
e space back to Mack and her FBI unit. Nikki brought Willow here to meet Torres and let the two get acquainted. She needed the two women to trust one another so she could count on them to help her when she needed it. “I’m glad you had a great time. Nanna and Miranda seemed to warm to you better than I had hoped. If you charm Torres as well, I won’t be worried when I leave tomorrow.”

  Willow opened her eyes and winked. “You said she might be a lesbian, didn’t you? I’m sure I can charm her just like I did, Miranda, Nanna, and you.”

  Nikki wasn’t sure about her gaydar’s pinging around Torres. The older woman flirted with her and Deb, and she had all the usual signs of a kindred spirit, but Nikki still wasn’t sure Torres batted for her team. “Torres is a hard nut to crack. I do know she’s not one to warm up to everyone, but she’s fair and open as long as you’re honest with her.”

  Willow paused on her way out of the car. “I’m as honest as they come.”

  Nikki smiled. “If you can pass Nanna’s strict test of being genuine, you’ll have no problem with Torres.”

  “I also scored these awesome books from Miranda. I cannot wait to delve into their yummy pages. This one, in particular, piques my interest the most.” Willow caressed the cover. I’m thinking I might be taking many cold showers.”

  Nikki looked heavenward. Lord, help me get through the rest of this day and night. After lunch, Nanna decided to take a nap, Miranda and Willow talked in the sunroom, and Nikki saw the author hand Willow a few of her treasured volumes. She felt the flush of heat now as she did then. From the familiar covers, she knew what books Miranda gave Willow. Those two were so well-read over the years by Nikki, they looked like school textbooks. Nikki was sure Willow would get a thorough lesson in lesbian erotica with the books Miranda lovingly signed and gave to Willow. “You can leave them in the car. You wouldn’t want to forget them inside, would you? Come on, Torres is waiting for us.”