Guarding Light

by Mckoy, Cate

  Catlyn confirmed the director's words with a sure nod. "Yes sir that is what I am saying. I also believe he killed and framed Delbert Jenks."

  Catlyn could see the wheels turning in Director Strong's head. For several long seconds he pondered her suggestion. "Agent Lyte your track record with these types of cases is impeccable. However, I do think this time you are mistaken. I processed the scene, took a real good look around and I concur with CSU's preliminary findings. It looks as though the Newburgh Slasher was killed this afternoon by one of our most decorated agents."

  "Sir, I am—"Kyle turned away and stopped listening when he spotted a doctor in surgical scrubs standing in the doorway. They all gathered around the doctor.

  "Relatives for Ashley Mackenzie?" The doctor looked tired and bleak.

  Kyle took out his badge and I.D., "Special Agent Mackenzie's immediate supervisor, Assistant Director Strong, FBI."

  After ensuring Kyle's identity the doctor spoke. "We were able to stop the bleeding and re-repair her wound which was originally a gunshot and remove her gall bladder which was nicked. We had to give her a lot of blood. There was swelling on her brain but we were able to relieve some of the pressure. It was touch and go. She is in critical condition. We have her in a medically induced coma to help with the healing and swelling. We will monitor her closely for the next twenty-four hours." The doctor tiredly removed the sweat soaked surgical cap from his bald head. "Suffice to say, if Agent Mackenzie doesn't improve and start to respond within 24-48 hours, the prognosis isn't good." The doctor pointed to the director. "You can see her in a few minutes for only a few minutes and then every other hour for a few minutes. Now we just pray, watch and wait."

  "Dr…" Kyle raised an enquiring eyebrow. "Dr. Strover." The surgeon provided.

  "Dr. Strover, I need to ask." Kyle turned the doctor towards the hallway away from the others, lowering his voice. "Was Agent Mackenzie raped?"

  Giving a glum nod of his head, the doctor continued in an even lower tone, "Although, Agent Mackenzie's hymen is intact, she was definitely sodomized anally. The forcible penetration caused tearing that needed stitches."

  Kyle was floored. "Intact hymen, but…but, that would mean…"

  The surgeon gave a knowing smirk. "That's right Director Strong. Agent Mackenzie is a virgin. Since you are listed as her emergency contact I am assuming you know how to get in touch with her family?"

  "Agent Mackenzie has no family. In fact, she has sort of adopted mine. One of her best friends is my sister Nancy. Nancy's kids are Agent Mackenzie's god-kids. Her other best friend, Agent Lyte is already here." Kyle tilted his head towards Catlyn in the waiting room.

  "It's good you're all here. Agent Mackenzie needs all the support and prayers she can get."

  Chapter 15

  Catlyn tensed at the director's shocked face. He looked thunderstruck. "What is it? What did the doctor say about Mackenzie?"

  Kyle seemed to shake himself out of his trance. "Just that we should pray and it would be good to have her loved ones here now."

  Catlyn's world was coming apart, first her short-lived relationship with Jack and now she might lose her best friend. She couldn't sit still for this, not losing Mackenzie. Besides, Mackenzie would never sit still if the roles were reversed and it had been Catlyn laying in the ICU recovery.

  Catlyn took a quick glance around the waiting room. Sanchez and Tasha were seated in a corner having a whispered conversation. Tasha was still holding Sanchez's hand. She seemed to be assuring him all was going to be well. Jack and Kyle stood by a window. Jack spoke in low tones, telling Kyle that he shouldn't give up.

  Mackenzie had enough supporters standing around. Catlyn had to do something. Turning, she made her way quickly down the hall to the bank of elevators. Just as the doors opened and she was about to enter, she felt her arm gripped and she was spun around to a glaring Jack.

  "Where the hell do you think you're going?"

  Angered, Catlyn narrowed her eyes on his hand on her arm. She remained silent until he slowly released her. "Chief Gard, seeing as you and everyone else thinks the Newburgh Slasher has been fatally captured, I am no longer needed."

  Jack roughly grabbed her arm, pulling her down the hall. He checked doors as they passed them. When he got to an unlocked empty room he unceremoniously shoved her inside, closing and locking the door.

  They were in some sort of break lounge. There was a small table with a few chairs, a fridge and a loveseat and a counter with the makings for coffee and tea.

  Catlyn came to her full height and got in Jack's face. "Keep your hands off me!" She shook in outrage of being man handled by him.

  Jack gave it right back to her, crowding into her personal space until she was compelled to take a step back, "Or what, Agent Lyte?"

  Ignoring his challenge, she questioned instead, "What do you want? You made your choice when you decided to humiliate me in front of your officers and my peers, belittling my intelligence and usurping my authority. Your actions proved there is nothing between us, nothing but business. And, now, that business is concluded."

  "You think that is all there is between us? You're mine!" He continued to force her to step back until she bumped the wall. "We are not done by a long shot, Catlyn."

  "I was yours for a short time but that is over now. I can't be with someone who won't respect me."

  "That's bullshit and you know it. I respect you. I was protecting you." Jack pushed his body against hers, lowering his mouth to the side of her neck. He whispered as he licked her spot. "We will never be done Kitten."

  Trembling uncontrollably, she put her hands between their bodies against his chest, trying to get space between them. Her tears fell unchecked. "Jack, y-you chose. I told you w-what I needed for this to work between us. We now know that you will never be able to give me what I need."

  "Oh, I can give you what you need baby." He husked against her mouth before taking her lips in a determined kiss. His tongue gained entrance swiftly, almost without her realizing what was happening.

  In turmoil, fighting against Jack's insistence and her own body's urges, Catlyn gave a shuddering sigh before returning his kiss with molten vigor.

  Jack moaned in satisfaction taking the kiss deeper, opening her shirt and making quick work of her front fastened bra. His large hands knead her breasts before his greedy mouth took first one crest and then the other laving them in his saliva.

  Catlyn grasped his hard-on, undoing his belt and zipper. Jack aided by lifting Catlyn, anchoring her against the wall. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, grinding her pussy against his cock. With a growl, he reached beneath her skirt, pulling her crotch to one side. He dipped a finger into her heat to make sure she was wet enough to accept his length. Feeling her overflowing wetness, Jack shoved into her steamy channel to the hilt.

  They both groaned. Catlyn rotated her hips as Jack began a rapid to and fro, making sure to mesh against her clit when buried deep. Her tight heat gloved him completely, driving him to a quick release. Jack pinched one of her nipples, feeling her walls clutch his dick in prelude to her own quick release. "That's right baby, come for me!" He sped up his thrusts, slamming her against the wall as he tried to get even deeper.

  Catlyn didn't realize she was keening loudly until Jack covered her mouth with his. He pumped several more times before her universe collided with a powerful vortex, pulling her into a euphoric world of pure pleasure and bliss. The tingling subsided, taking away her paradise, throwing her cruelly into reality. Her legs shook, still wrapped around his waist. Opening her eyes, brown slammed into green.

  Jack smiled slowly, helping her to stand. "I knew you would forgive me Kitten."

  Catlyn shakily fixed her clothing, watching Jack put his softening rod into his jeans. When their clothes were fixed, Catlyn made sure Jack was looking deeply into her eyes when she spoke softly but clearly. "This was goodbye, Jack. I want to thank you for helping me get over my fears of intimacy with a man. As always, you've
been a great teacher. I will be eternally grateful." She reached up and gave him a tender kiss on the cheek. "Good bye, Chief Gard."

  She turned with tears in her eyes, not wanting to remember the crestfallen expression that overtook Jack's strong features.

  ****

  Catlyn was in her shower washing away the evidence of her goodbye with Jack. After getting back into town, she had made a stop at Mackenzie's hotel room. She took Mackenzie's notes and papers, hoping to make sense of them. She knew that the Newburgh Slasher was still out there. She needed to find him.

  After getting dressed in sweats, Catlyn put a kettle on to make tea. Taking out Mackenzie's notes she started to put them order.

  Subsequently, Catlyn realized she was holding a list of properties in the area Mackenzie had already checked and declared unviable, ones she still hadn't checked and their matching maps. Near the bottom of one list written in red pen was 'A.J. Vickers' with a big question mark.

  Vickers? Pondering why the name was so familiar, Catlyn went to stop the tea kettle from whistling. As she brought her tea through to the living room there was a knock at the door.

  Smiling, Catlyn opened the door for Detective Carl Rider. "Hello detective, please come in."

  "Hey, I am sorry to bother you. I heard about S.S.A. Mackenzie. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with her. I also wanted to make sure you were ok."

  "That's very kind detective. I am doing as best as I can."

  "I went by the hospital. They tell me it's a waiting game now with Agent Mackenzie."

  "Yes, that's right. Would you like some tea detective?" She indicated her cup on the side table next to the sofa.

  "No I don't want to bother you." The detective gave her an appraising look.

  "What is it detective? What else is on your mind?" Catlyn could tell he was reluctant to say.

  "The chief told me that you don't believe the Slasher is dead, even though your colleague shot him."

  Sighing, Catlyn explained. "I know it's hard for others to understand. But, I've lived and breathed behavioral analysis and abnormal psychology, and the man that Mackenzie shot," Catlyn shook her head, "And, I am not wholly convinced Mackenzie is the one who shot him, doesn't fit the profile of the man who has been terrorizing this city for the past 18 months."

  Carl considered her words and then nodded. "Ok. I guess it's not the first time law enforcement agencies have disagreed. But, your boss seems to agree with the preliminary findings of CSU and the chief."

  "I know." Resigned to be the odd man out, she shrugged.

  "Well, if you need help with anything, any digging or what not, just give me a call. I want to make sure we have the sicko that killed Tawny."

  "I do too and thank you." Catlyn assured the detective. Seeing his hesitancy, Catlyn prompted again, "Anything else detective?"

  He looked down at the floor. "Well, I kinda heard through the grapevine that you are royally pissed at the chief. I know it's none of my business, but, they don't come any nicer than the Chief. I am sure he's sorry for making you wait in the car."

  Catlyn shook her head. "It's a little more complicated than that detective."

  Carl nodded his understanding. "Ok then, I will be going. Remember, anything you need, just call me."

  "Thank you Detective Rider."

  He winked at her before going out the door.

  Catlyn was going through all the maps Mackenzie had compiled when there was another knock on her door. Wondering who it was now she peeked through the peephole, groaning in frustration when she saw Jabaria and Sharonda, opening the door, she waved the duo inside. "Hey guys."

  "Hi." Jabaria was subdued.

  "How're you doing?" Sharonda sympathized.

  "I am hanging in there, praying a lot."

  Jabaria with her usual directness blurted. "I am praying too. But, what is this about you being mad at Chief Gard?"

  When Catlyn only stared at her, Jabaria amended her tone, "I mean, Ma'am, he's so nice and it was so romantic what he did at the waterfront and you guys look so good together." Jabaria had a breathless quality to her voice, reminding Catlyn that she was only in her twenties.

  Not taking offense of her youthful exuberance for romance, Catlyn smiled and gently reprimanded, "That is none of your business, Agent James."

  Sharonda was stoic in her support. "Anything we can do? Anything you need? We heard about your beliefs that the man shot was not the Newburgh Slasher."

  "That's right. I think he's a patsy." Catlyn could see the disagreement in their eyes but was happy they were offering their help whether or not they believed her. "Thank you agents, I will let you know if there is anything I need."

  They left and Catlyn got back to studying Mackenzie's papers. There were copies of several property deeds in the name A.J. Vickers. The properties were fairly close to the Newburgh, NY area or actually in Newburgh. Catlyn sat up straighter as she read the deed for a piece of land called 'Vickers' Isle' located not too far from the Newburgh Marina and Yacht Landing.

  There it was again, Vickers. Why did that name sound so familiar to her? Catlyn headed to her bedroom for her laptop. Before she reached the bedroom door another knock sounded, changing direction, Catlyn went to answer it.

  Swinging the door open without looking, she put a hand on her hip and waved a welcome into her living room with the other. "Grand Central Station, how may I help you?"

  Tasha and Sanchez exchanged confused looks. "What?" Sanchez asked.

  "Sorry. It's nothing."

  "We just got back from the hospital. We wanted to check on you. You left rather abruptly." Sanchez gave her a worried look. "I know how close you and S.S.A. Mackenzie are, actually, I'm very surprised you left the hospital at all."

  "I know. It's seems to be the theme tonight."

  "Huh?"

  "It's just Detective Rider, Agents Washington and James also stopped by to check on me and to let me know they disagree with my assessment of the situation." Then giving a sarcastic laugh she added, "Oh, and they all think I shouldn't be angry with Chief Gard 'cause, gee, golly, gosh, he is just so dreamy and the super-est!"

  "Uh, ok! Now I know it's time for me to leave you alone." Sanchez knew from experience there was no reasoning with Catlyn in this mood. She had her Dr. C. L. Light hat on. And it appears in bitch mode, so watch out. "If you need me for anything at all call."

  Sanchez gave Tasha a peck on the cheek. Saying in a smooth lowered tone, "See you later at the hotel?"

  Tasha nodded in the affirmative before returning his quick kiss. Sanchez gave Catlyn a salute and walked out the door.

  Tasha turned towards her and opened her mouth. "Gurrl what is wrong with you? Have you lost your mind, dissing the chief?"

  "Oh my God, can I get a break?" Catlyn was about to pull hair, not sure if it was hers she was thinking of pulling, she glared at Tasha's black tresses. "I will tell you what is wrong with me. I was highly disrespected by the man who is supposedly in love with me. I was demeaned in front of subordinates and my peers, cuffed like a common criminal and forced on the sidelines when my very closest friend called for help."

  Soberly, Tasha took her hand. "I am so sorry about S.S.A. Mackenzie. I hear she is one of the good ones."

  Forcing tears back, Catlyn nodded. "Yes, yes, she is. I don't know anyone with more innate goodness. She is always there for… well, not just me, but for everyone."

  "Don't give up. Keep believing that she will be ok."

  Catlyn squeezed Tasha's hand. "This reminds me of when you used to comfort me after one of my clashes with J.T." She pulled Tasha closer for a hug. "I hope that you know that I've always appreciated your caring for me and considered you a great friend."

  Sniffling, Tasha gave her a warm smile. "You too, you know you're my girl." Shaking off her weepy mood, Tasha went to the sofa, asking, "So, why don't you agree with Jack and CSU?"

  Before Catlyn could speak there was yet another knock at the door, throwing her hands up, s
he impatiently stepped to the door and swung it open and froze, her muscles locking in rigid fear. Then after her initial shock, once again Catlyn reflexively reached for a weapon that was normally part of her dress code but she was not currently wearing.

  Jason, seeing Catlyn's habitual move to pull a gun, raised both hands in surrender. In a loud voice he said, "Blue butcher's block!"

  At the newcomer's strange words, Tasha looked towards the door. She screamed, jumped up, rummaged through her purse and before either Catlyn or Jason could explain, she gave Jason a face full of mace.

  Jason bellowed in pain, blocking his eyes with his hands. Catlyn quickly disarmed Tasha. "Wait Tasha", she also had to take her cell from quickly dialing fingers. Tasha had pressed 9-1 before Catlyn had the phone pressing the end button.