Insight

by Jennis Slaughter

  Rae hung her head as she blushed. “I don’t know why I did that. It is so out of character for me, and I do apologize for that. It is something that we should do when we’re alone.”

  He regarded her a few minutes before he spoke again. “Okay, you love her I see that and I will try to remember to respect it, but why Delaney? Why a thrill seeking P.I.? Couldn’t you have chosen; I don’t know a nice real estate lady or something? Someone a little less prone to trouble,” he whined jokingly.

  Rae looked at the cat in amazement, and shook her head. “Go catch a mouse.” With that, she stood up and went inside to get some drawing materials for Jenny.

  j

  Jasper was inventorying fine bone china when Del finally pushed opened the door to the shop. “Well, hello there Missy. How are you this fine morning?”

  Grinning, she sauntered over, leaning on the counter next to him. “I’m great. How’s business?”

  “If it wasn’t for the tourists from the highway, I don’t know how this town would stay afloat.” The older man took a closer look at the blonde. “And how is Raelin doing this morning?”

  Del grinned wider, taking a sudden interest in her nails. “What makes you think I saw Raelin this morning?”

  “You might want to button up your collar when you head to New Orleans to give your report. I heard about your little altercation with a couple of good ol’ boys and then another one with the Chief. Tell me what you found out,” Jasper walked up to the front of the store to see if anyone was tailing Del before he turned the closed sign.

  Del’s hand shot to her neck, her eyes wide. Turning to look at her reflection in the nearby mirror, she rolled her eyes when she found the mark Raelin had left behind. Waiting until they’d reached Jasper’s office, she pulled out her notebook where she’d written down what Jenny had told her. “I found the girl.”

  “You found Jenny! Where is she?” The older man stumbled, and would have fallen if it hadn’t been for the quick blonde, grasping onto his elbow.

  “She’s fine, a little worse for wear maybe, but she’s alive. She was taken by some men when she came across them stuffing some women into a van. She managed to escape, but was nearly caught before Raelin found her and managed to get her to the house before they were seen. Now she can identify the men who took her,” she explained. “And what’s this about heading to New Orleans?”

  Sitting at his desk, Jasper shook his head. “Tell me what you found.”

  “Not until you tell me why I would be going to New Orleans. I’m not leaving Rae and Jenny here alone,” she replied, leaning forward to stare him down.

  The older man almost growled. “I checked you out; you wouldn’t have confronted anyone until you had something, so when you went one on one with Brito, I knew you were on the right track and called the Bureau and told them that I would send you up as soon as you checked in. There have been too many young women missing to wait.”

  “Why can’t you go? They’re your Bosses. Honestly, all I’ve been able to put together is some bank statements linking the Kingsleys to the trafficking. Something a low-level street cop could figure out. The only thing I don’t have is why. We know why Kingsley’s are doing this, but why are so many of the townsfolk in on it.”

  “What about the bank statements?” The older man shook his head. What in the world had he missed?

  “You mean to tell me you never caught it?” She pulled the files out of her bag, tossing them on the desk and then opening them so Jasper could see. “I’ve highlighted some things of interest. If you look, you can see large payments coming into the Kingsleys account, around the date each girl goes missing. If you look closely, you’ll see a pattern. A girl with blonde hair goes for more than a brunette for example. Now if you look at the withdrawals, you see large amounts going out. The question is to where. Looking at the bank accounts of some of the townies you notice deposits; nothing too huge, so they wouldn’t raise a concern. Add them all up though, and you get the exact amount that comes out of the Kingsleys account. You see?” She said, pointing out all of the transactions.

  As he looked at the paperwork that the young woman had put together in two days, the older agent slumped in his seat. “How many years did I miss this, and how many young women went through hell because of it? My Lord. How can they ever forgive me?”

  “No one is perfect Jasper. The important thing is that we have it now. You can’t tear yourself apart over this. You and I both know that this isn’t enough to throw anyone away. That’s why I have Jenny doing up some drawings. She says she can do sketches of the men that attacked her. She’s a living witness. All we need is to find that last little piece. You’ve been doing some great work here Jasper, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the files you gave me, the research you’d already done was the key.” She walked over to the older man, resting a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.

  Hanging his head, Jasper admitted. “I know that when I found out who you were, that you would be able to see everything with a fresh eye and see all that I missed. That’s why you need to go to New Orleans. They need to be brought up to speed.”

  “I already told you, I don’t want to risk leaving Rae and Jenny alone. Raelin was with me when I had the chat with the Chief yesterday. He might go after her. Why can’t you go, isn’t that your job?” she questioned, frowning from where she was perched on his desk, facing him.

  “I can read your notes...hell, Rori could read your notes, but you’re the only one to point the little details out. I’ll keep a watch on Raelin and her house,” the older man promised.

  “Nothing doing Jasper. I still don’t see why you can’t go. Besides, I have some unfinished business to take care of since you have a lousy sense of timing.”

  “Delaney...this is bigger than my lousy sense of timing. You need to go to convince them that they need to send someone else to help me down here. There is more going on here than you and I can handle. We need help.” Jasper reached out to grasp her hand.

  Del engaged the older man in an intense stare, waiting for him to cave. When he didn’t, she sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Fine, I’ll go, but you better watch her Jasper. I’m trusting you with Raelin. I care a great deal about her and if anything happens, you better hope you aren’t in my sights when I find out.”

  “Delaney, Raelin is one of my few friends here in town, and I have always looked out for her when I could. I don’t think that anything will happen while you’re gone, but if it does, I’ll do my best,” the older agent tried to reassure the younger woman.

  “I’ll hold you to that Jasper. Now, I have Jenny doing up some sketches of the men who attacked her. I can take those to your headquarters or whatever and see what they can find out. I’m not staying long. If they want me for longer than a day, they can come here to talk to me,” she paused a bit, debating on whether or not to tell him her thoughts. Believing she could trust him, she opened up, just a little, “This isn’t all because I’m concerned for her safety. Well it is, but it’s also because, I’m not sure I would be okay with being away from her that long. This whole thing happened really fast and took me by surprise. I wasn’t looking for anything like this when I came here, but it happened and now that it has, I don’t want it to end. I’m turning into a big softy.” She chuckled.

  The older man grinned. “I’ve watched that girl at town gatherings, sitting alone, watching everyone else laugh, love, and be with someone. I am happy for you both. Take good care of her. She’s a special woman.”

  “She is very special. I’m still not sure what it is she sees in me, but I can’t complain. Now, give me the skinny so I can at least know where it is I need to go. I want to have enough time to say goodbye to Raelin. I have no idea how I’m going to tell her that I’m leaving without making her doubt us,” she said, once again taking the empty chair.

  j

  Del sat in her Jeep a long time before she actually started back towards the house. How was she supposed to tell Raelin that sh
e was taking off for a night? She’d finally found someone who accepted her, flaws and all. Now she was about to tell that woman she was leaving her, even if it was just temporarily. How was she going to explain this in a way that didn’t make her sound like she wasn’t serious about the relationship they were building? She took a deep breath, trying to think rationally. They were two mature adults; surely they could go one day without seeing each other? Sure they could, but the real question was if she wanted to. Her mind immediately responded no. Maybe it was moving a little fast, but Del realized she was totally opposed to anything that took her away from those strong arms that had held her while she slept, kept her safe while she vented her frustration, and calmed her when she was most exposed.

  She started out of her thoughts when she found that she’d already arrived at the house, her body already knowing the route and taking her there instinctively. She took the time locking her gun into its lock box to center her thoughts, hoping Rae wouldn’t feel abandoned or angry when she told her she had to go. Steeling herself for what she knew would be an unpleasant conversation, she knocked lightly on the front door before she entered, calling Raelin’s name in an effort to locate her.

  “I’m here,” Raelin’s voice came from the kitchen.

  Following the voice, she leaned against the doorframe, watching as Raelin moved around the space. “Hey Darlin’, what are you up to?”

  “Fixing you some sandwiches to take with you. I figured that you wouldn’t want to stop on your way to wherever you are going,” her voice was quiet as she worked.

  “How do you know I’m going anywhere? Is that cause of the Empathy you were talking about earlier? How you always know what I’m thinking?” she asked, not moving towards the woman, knowing she wouldn’t be able to handle it if Raelin rejected her.

  Turning around Rae could see the fear in Del’s face so she went over to pull her against her. “Your empathy had nothing to do with it. I did a reading and the cards said that you would be going away for a short time. I figure that you’ve been asked to report what you’ve found out and to ask for more help.” The brunette rubbed her hands over Del’s back and hair, trying to send her reassuring thoughts.

  Knowing Rae was calming her, she let her body relax under Raelin’s strong hands. She curled herself into the taller woman’s front, tucking her face in Rae’s neck, taking in the now familiar smell of lavender and the underlying tang of the earth, letting it soothe out the nerves she’d gotten since leaving Jaspers. “I don’t want to leave you. I don’t want you to think I’m being cavalier about us. Please don’t be upset with me. I won’t be gone for more than a day, but it needs to be done. We need help, as this isn’t something I can do alone, or even with just the two of us. Please understand.”

  Leaning back, Rae looked down at the blonde. “It’s okay. There is more than just our relationship going on here. I’ll be here when you get back, waiting on you. I know you Delaney. We’ll be just fine.”

  “Thank you for being so understanding. I think I might be more upset about this than you are. Aren’t I supposed to be the tough girl around here?” Del smiled, nipping playfully at Raelin’s chin and jaw.

  Closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of Del’s lips on her skin, the witch kept her fears well hidden. She was actually terrified that the blonde was not going to come back, even though the cards told her different. “You’re tough when you’re supposed to be tough. Don’t worry about the rest of the time.”

  “A girl has a reputation to uphold you know.” Del’s lips finally found Rae’s, teasing for just a second before engaging her in a firm kiss. She wanted to enjoy these moments while she could, knowing it would have to hold her until she got back.

  Holding her hand on the back of Del’s head, Raelin kissed her back with an intensity that almost scared her. She had fallen for the blonde like a ton of bricks, and it was tearing her apart to let her go.

  Del felt the desperation in Raelin’s kiss and knew that the brunette wasn’t as okay as she was acting. Hoping to reassure her lover, she gently walked them backwards until Raelin was leaning against the nearest counter, their kiss never breaking. Finally, Del pulled away, gasping as she took in some much needed air. “I’ll come back to you. I promise. If you can’t believe my words, then feel it in the way I kiss you and in the way I hold you.” Del kissed her again, slowly, pouring every bit of love she had in her into the kiss, hoping Rae would feel even a fraction of it.

  Moaning, the witch could feel the love that the detective had for her, and she let that push aside the fearful thoughts that she was having, like the sunshine after a rainstorm. Moving her mouth to the blonde’s neck, she murmured, “I believe you Delaney. Just hurry home to my arms.”

  “I will,” she murmured, eyes closing as the witch found an especially sensitive spot just under her jaw. “Not more than a day. I’ll drive through the night if I have to. Besides, I have plans for you.”

  “And what kind of plans do you have for me?” Rae never paused in her exploration. “Please do tell.”

  “Well…” Del started, her hands sliding under the hem of Raelin’s shirt to explore the silky skin underneath. “There’s you, and me and a bed. Most importantly; no cell phones.”

  Trembling at the woman’s touch, the brunette took in a hesitant breath. “Ahh...I like the sound of that.”

  “Raelin, as much as I would love to continue this, I really need to get on the road. It’s a long drive from here to New Orleans and I want to leave, get there, and come back to you as quick as I can. This goes on for much longer, and I won’t be leaving period,” she said, pulling her hands from Raelin’s shirt, trying to lessen the temptation to lock them in the bedroom and never come out. “Plus I need to get those drawings from Jenny.”

  Taking a calming breath, Raelin stepped away and motioned to the kitchen table. “They’re right there. She finished up about a half hour ago and then dropped off to sleep. I think that it took a lot out of her to do them.”

  Del headed to the table and took a good look at the drawings. Sucking in a breath, she dropped into a nearby chair. “I heard these men talking in the diner. I listened in on a conversation they had. That’s how I knew to talk to Reverend Preston about the girls, and to look around at the camps. She’s a brave and strong girl.”

  “She is. She likes you. Thinks that you’re good for me.” Rae smiled. “I know that you are.”

  “I’ll try my best. I’m not exactly an angel. So what kind of sandwiches were you cooking up over there?” Del knew she was stalling, but she wanted to make the moment linger. In a kitchen, and in a house full of warmth, while the love of her life; lovingly put together sandwiches for her trip. It was so domestic, it hurt, but Del wanted it. More than anything, she wanted to settle down, for the first time in her life.

  Turning back to the counter, Rae finished placing the sandwiches into a small cooler. “There is ham, roast beef and tuna fish. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I covered all the bases. There are also some carrots, celery, and nuts that you can munch on, and juice to drink.”

  “You are a saint. I hate it when I have to stop when I’m on the road. I just want to get to where I’m going, and be done with it. The faster I get the job done, the faster I get to go home.” Del smiled, pulling a glass from a nearby cupboard and filling it with water.

  Rae paused in closing the cooler, and stared at the blonde, wondering if she knew what she had just said. She had called it home. Mentally shaking her head, the witch just knew that it wasn’t the way that she meant it.

  Del looked at her witch, her head angled slightly. “What?”

  “Nothing...you had better get going. Here’s my number in case you need it.” Rae scribbled it down on a slip of paper. “Call anytime you want.”

  Del narrowed her eyes, trying to feel the brunette out, getting nothing she decided to let it slide for now, but made a note to ask about it later. She pulled her phone out and quickly punched in the number, saving it and closed her
phone again. “I’ll call you when I get there and when I’m on my way home. Let me just run these out to the Jeep and I’ll come say goodbye.”

  “No, say goodbye now...please. It’s going to be hard enough watching you walk out the door as it is. Go ahead and go; that way you’ll be back here sooner.” Rae swallowed at the lump in her throat. “I love you Delaney.”

  Del pulled the taller woman into her arms, kissing both cheeks, and then gently on the lips. Knowing there was a lot she wanted to say still, but not wanting to make things harder than they already were; she opted for short and sincere. “Oh Darlin’, I love you too. I’ll be back before you know it,” she gave Raelin one last lingering kiss before she pulled away, grabbed the cooler and the pictures Jenny had drawn, and headed for the door.

  Turning so that she wouldn’t have to see the blonde walk out the door, Raelin crossed her arms over her chest and took a deep breath. This was so hard.

  Not looking back, the blonde hopped into the Jeep and pulled away, knowing that if she looked back and saw Raelin, her resolve would crumble and she’d never make it out of the yard before she was running back into the house. Fighting back the tears, she turned towards the highway, hoping to be back soon.

  A Chapter 12 a

  She was busy cleaning up after the sandwiches when Rori hopped up and his bench, and started cleaning his face. “So she’s left then. When should we expect her back? Perhaps with some salmon in tow?”

  “She went to get help Rori, and I’m sure that she has more on her mind than bringing you some salmon. There are young women who need help and it’s bigger than she or Jasper guessed. She’s just going to give a report, and then she’ll be back with some help,” she wiped down the counter before tossing the rag into the sink.

  Rori watched his witch throw the rag with a little more force than needed and felt the stress and fear through their link. “You are scared she won’t come back aren’t you?” he asked jumping up onto the counter beside her.