Hurricane Watch - DK2

by Melissa Good

  A weary silence fell over them and everyone settled in to watch the routers, whose traffic LEDS were dark. Dar walked over to where Kerry was standing and slid down the wall, clasping her hands lightly in front of her.

  Waiting.

  Kerry sat down next to her and fiddled with the phone, sitting cross legged and resting her elbows on her knees.

  Fifteen minutes passed and there was no change in the lights. Dar closed her eyes and let her head drop in defeat, hardly feeling Kerry’s hand on her arm. Of all the times to fail, she had to pick this one. She refused to hear the disappointed murmur that echoed around the ill lit room, as the tired waves finally crashed over her.

  ”It was a damn good try.” Kerry rested her head against Dar’s shoulder.

  ”Not good enough,” came the whispered reply.

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  Kerry moved closer, accidentally jerking the power plug of the fiber hub from the wall. “Oh, crap.” She shoved it back in with an annoyed grimace. ”For all the good that’ll do,” she muttered, turning her attention to her lover. ”Hey, c’mon, no one could have done any more, Dar.””Hey!” A tinny voice distracted her, and she lifted the phone.

  ”What is it, Mark? It didn’t work,” Kerry admitted.

  ”Bullshit. Yes it did!” The MIS chief yelled. ”I’m getting packets!”

  Dar’s head jerked up on hearing that and they both stared at the router racks, where LEDS were coming alive in an electronic dance.

  ”Son of a bitch.”

  Yells were now coming from the techs, who were pointing at the routers.

  ”Wow!” Kerry let out a surprised and delighted laugh. ”I guess it just took a few minutes longer.”

  ”No.” Dar looked up at the hub over her head. ”You did it. You reset the optics hub.” She grabbed Kerry and hugged her. ”You did it!”

  Dumbfounded, Kerry stared at her. ”I did it?” She jerked around and looked at the plug. ”It was an accident!”

  ”Waaahoo!” Mark yodeled through the phone. ”Infriggingcredible, Dar! Give that woman a kiss for me.”

  Blue eyes now alive with mischief fastened on Kerry's face. ”Oh, I think I can do that.” She stood up and pulled Kerry up with her, as a round of tired cheers went up around the room.

  ”Uh, Dar?” Kerry whispered frantically. ”Um, you know, I love when you kiss me. I really, really do, but um, could we just kinda...” She jerked her head in the direction of the watching technicians. ”I feel like a video game.”

  Dar chuckled. ”All right,” she relented, draping an arm over Kerry’s shoulder instead, and walking towards the now excitedly talking group. She took the phone from Kerry. ”So, everything coming online?”

  ”Oh, yes.” Mark chuckled. ”Oh wait, there’s the hotline, figures, sun just started coming up.” He rustled around. ”MIS Ops, Polenti.” A pause. ”Hmm? Oh, yeah, we’re up, no problem.” Another pause. ”Yep, that too. The whole network’s online.” A longer pause. ”Yeah, I’ve got her on the other line. Wh...ok...I'’ll relay that, thanks.” He hung up.

  ”Hey Dar?”

  ”Yeah?” Dar replied, accepting the cries of congratulations from the crowd.

  ”Alastair said to tell you he slept like a baby,” the MIS chief related.

  ”He said you’d understand.”

  She let a brief, humorless smile cross her face. ”Yeah, I understand,” she replied. ”All right, let me get off this thing. I’m going to make sure this is stable, then go get some sleep.” The thought of a warm bed and snuggling with Kerry was suddenly overwhelmingly 206

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  attractive. ”Later.” She hung up and tucked the phone into her pocket.

  Fresh staff was entering the building, cautiously peering around the doorframe until they spotted familiar faces. A supervisor was busy making a schedule, and two other new faces were pulling out monitoring consoles from boxes and setting them up. ”We did it,” Dar stated, in a wondering tone. ”I don’t believe it.”

  Kerry exhaled. ”We sure did,” she confirmed.

  They both looked up as someone called out Dar’s name. A man trotted towards them, pulling up as he reached their sides.

  ”Ms. Roberts?” he asked. ”There are some people outside. I think it’s the environmental people. They want to see you.”

  Dar went very still. ”Same people as last night?” she asked cautiously.

  He nodded. ”Yeah, that same doctor, but she said her boss is here, wants to talk to you.” He made a face. ”They were kinda rude about it,”

  he added, then turned as someone called him, and moved off.

  Kerry looked up at Dar’s face, seeing the confusion and reluctance there. ”You want me to take care of this?” she asked bluntly.

  Pale blue eyes flicked to hers. ”Thanks, but, um, I’d better go,” Dar told her heavily. ”You wait here. It shouldn’t take long, since I don’t really care when they clear the other building now, as long as we keep the generators going.”

  Kerry didn’t back off. ”Sure you don’t want company?” She had no idea what was spooking Dar so badly, but she was damned if she wasn’t going to find out. ”Two of them, only fair if there are two of us.”

  Dar hesitated. ”Her boss and I have a history,” she finally admitted.

  ”I gathered,” Kerry answered quietly. ”That was the old history, right?”

  A nod. ”Yes.”

  ”Dar, it’s been a really long night. You’re tired, let me go take care of them for you,” Kerry pleaded gently, seeing the stark indecision in Dar's eyes. ”Or at least let me come, too.”

  She gave in. ”All right.” Dar ran a hand through her hair. ”Let’s get it over with, I want to get out of here.” She picked up Kerry’s duffel, and slung it over her shoulder. ”We can just go after that.”

  They walked out, side by side, into a gray drizzle.

  IT WAS ALMOST like her stomach was twisting into knots. Kerry paced alongside her boss, watching the jaw muscles bunch and relax on the side of her face as they moved around to where the networking office was. Two figures were standing under the overhang out of the rain, and Kerry almost felt Dar bristle as she spotted them.

  This was potentially very ugly, she realized, studying the two people. One was Dr. Simmonds, she knew. The other, a taller, stockier Hurricane Watch

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  woman with sun streaked chestnut hair was standing quietly, watching Dar like a hawk as they approached. Kerry had an immediate, very visceral desire to kick her in the shins, and had to wonder about her newly found physical nature.

  ”Hey, Dar!” A voice interrupted them, and they stopped, turning to let a jogging figure catch up. It was the Bellsouth regional manager, who held a hand out to Dar as he came up to them. ”Hear it worked, congratulations!”

  Dar mustered a smile, and took his hand. ”You made it happen,”

  she amiably told him. ”You guys really came through for us, don’t think I’ll forget that.”

  They were close enough for the two women to overhear, Kerry realized, and she saw their faces fall. A grin worked its way onto her face. ”Yes, it really was great working with you,” she added, shaking his hand as well. ”Your techs were wonderful. They got us back up with no problem.” She made sure her voice was a little louder than necessary.

  ”Well, thanks.” he grinned. ”Can I treat you ladies to an old fashioned country breakfast?”

  Dar regretfully declined. ”We’ve got things to take care of, but thanks for the offer.” She nodded towards the waiting women. ”I think the scientists have something to tell us.”

  ”Right, well, you take care.” He waved, then trotted off, hailing one of the techs nearby.

  ”You know, Dar, ” Kerry fell into step beside her as they resumed their stroll. ”If I didn’t know better. I’d say those people were disappointed to hear things worked out.” Her eyes flicked to their targets.

  ”Mm,” Dar murmured. ”You could be right.” She s
wallowed to get the cotton out of her mouth, and tried to ignore the pounding of her heartbeat, very aware of Shari’s eyes on her. She summoned her coldest, fiercest outer persona, and wrestled it into place.

  ”Dar?” Kerry's voice dropped to a low murmur.

  ”Hmm?” She ducked her head a little, nervously clenching and unclenching her fists.

  ”I love you.”

  Dar blinked, then looked up as they came even with the two women. Shari who? ”You needed to speak with me?” she asked amiably, feeling the dread fall away, nudged aside by the living, breathing acknowledgement that Shari had been wrong, all those years ago. Her eyes met her old lover’s, and she gave her a small nod of acknowledgement. ”Hello, Shari.”

  ”Dar,” the woman answered, in a low, musical voice. Her eyes flicked to Kerry’s face, then an eyebrow rose.

  ”Sorry.” Dar felt a smile edging her lips. ”This is my associate, Kerrison Stuart. Kerry, this is Shari Englewood. ”

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  ”Pleased to meet you,” Kerry responded politely, extending a hand, and returning the firm grip with one of her own.

  An awkward silence fell. ”Would you two please excuse us,” Shari finally said. ”I’d like to speak with Ms. Roberts in private.”

  Dr. Simmonds ducked away immediately, seemingly glad to get out of the situation, but Kerry paused for a long moment, gazing at the chestnut haired woman steadily before she took the duffle from Dar and gave her boss a quick grin. ”See you at the car.”

  Dar half turned her face, and winked at her. ”Won’t be long.” She watched Kerry stride off towards the vehicle, ducking her head against the still falling rain. Then she turned back and folded her arms over her chest.And waited. The cool gray eyes studied her, and she returned the look without flinching, keeping her expression noncommittal. Shari hadn’t changed much, save that she’d gotten a bit heavier, and her face had taken on a colder, more predatory expression. She was, Dar acknowledged, still very attractive, and the look of those familiar eyes brought up old and painful memories she tried to shove back down.

  ”You haven’t changed much,” Shari finally said. ”You still running around doing their dirty work?”

  Dar refused to take offense. ”Sure,” she drawled. ”Only now they pay me more to do it, and I’ve got an office in the penthouse.” It gave her quite a bit of satisfaction to say that, and a tiny smirk caught the edge of her lip as the jibe registered. ”And incidentally, if the chemical team finds no trace of your dangerous substance, you’ll find the bill for this sitting on your desk.”

  ”Oh, they’ll find it,” she responded. ”I wouldn’t have bothered making that up. I was just so happy to hear it was going to screw you up, that I had to come see for myself.” Her eyes wandered over Dar’s body. ”But you pulled the fucking rabbit out of your ass again, didn’t you?” She snorted. ”That sucks, Dar. I should have come over last night, when Anne told me you were tearing your hair out.”

  ”Sorry to disappoint you,” Dar replied. ”Now, unless you actually have something to say, I have a Jacuzzi and a nice warm bed waiting.”

  She let a frank grin shape her lips, watching the minute reaction in Shari’s pale eyes.

  A tiny shake of her head followed. ”I’d forgotten how different you look when you smile,” the other woman mused. ”You going to be in town long, Dar?”

  Uh oh. ”Just until tonight, then I’m heading up into the mountains for a few days,” she replied, cautiously. ”Why?”

  A shrug. ”Thought maybe we could just sit down and talk for a few minutes.” She paused. ”You seeing anyone?”

  Dar could hardly believe what she was hearing, and she felt a cool anger start to brew. ”Yes,” she answered quietly. ”Despite your prediction.”

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  A soft snort. ”I’d love to meet her?” she wrinkled her nose in question.

  Dar caught her balance. ”You just did,” she answered mildly.

  ”Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to be going.” She gave Shari a nod, then turned and started back towards the car.

  ”I hope she knows what she’s getting into,” Shari yelled after her.

  Dar stopped, and turned. ”You were right about something.” She gazed at her through the icy drizzle. ”I had no idea what love was.” She watched in savage satisfaction as the comment was understood, then she turned her back and walked off.

  Chapter

  Sixteen

  KERRY WAS GLAD it was light out. She was tired, and she knew her reflexes were suffering, but the traffic was very light. ”Right turn up there?” She asked softly, her eyes flicking to her companion.

  Dar nodded.

  Kerry was worried. Dar had been withdrawn since she’d gotten back into the car, allowing her head to rest against the glass of the window, her reflection bleakly evident to Kerry’s watching eyes. A little hesitantly, she reached over and folded her hand over Dar’s, encouraged when the long fingers tightened over hers immediately.

  ”You okay?”

  ”Yeah,” Dar sighed. ”Just tired.” She turned her head and studied Kerry’s profile. ”I think I need a nap.”

  Kerry glanced at her. ”Me too,” she confessed. ”My hand’s aching from this cold. How’s your knee?”

  Dar waggled her free hand and grimaced.

  Kerry waited a beat, then took a breath. ”That woman still bothering you?”

  The jaw muscles along Dar’s face clenched, then relaxed. ”It...she just brought up some old, bad memories, that’s all.”

  ”Mm. ” Kerry waited, but nothing else came. ”Anything you want to share?”

  Dar thought about that a long time, as rows of damp, gray shadowed trees went past them. ”I...” She stopped, then cleared her throat. ”I never...I’ve never really talked about any of that with anyone before. Maybe a pair of friendly ears would help.”

  The corners of Kerry’s mouth crinkled up, as she guided the car carefully across the slick road and up a long driveway, where a sign announced the presence of the hotel where they were staying. ”I think that could be arranged.” She pulled the car up under the valet parking overhang, and put it in park. ”C’mon.”

  Dar willingly followed her up the stairs, shouldering her overnight bag and giving the valet a brief smile as Kerry turned the keys over to him. They approached the desk, and Dar gave her name quietly to the desk clerk. “We were supposed to check in last night, but...”

  ”Yes, Ms. Roberts. Your office called and told us.” The woman smiled at her. ”We held the room. It’s no problem, and um...” she Hurricane Watch

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  chuckled a little, ”I think you have a little surprise waiting up there.”

  Dar and Kerry exchanged wary glances. ”A surprise?” Dar asked.

  ”What kind of surprise?”

  The woman smiled cheerfully at her. ”Now, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, but don’t worry. It’s nothing bad.” She handed over the room keys. ”Here you go. We have room service available twenty four hours, and you’re on the concierge floor, so you can just ask as you get off the elevator if you need anything.”

  Dar sighed. ”Thanks.” She took the key and gave Kerry hers, then followed the smaller woman as they went to the elevator. ”I hate surprises,” she groused.

  Kerry patted her belly tolerantly. ”C’mon, Dar. It’s probably a fruit basket,” she scolded her boss. ”Would you relax? All the hotels do that for VIP’s nowadays.”

  ”Mmph.” Dar leaned back against the elevator wall and tried to stifle a yawn. ”Yeah, I guess.” She waited for the doors to open then pushed off the back wall and trudged through them, giving the wide eyed concierge a nod before moving past his desk.

  Their room was on a corner, and Dar pushed the keycard in, then pulled it out, turning the handle when the light flashed. She shoved the door open.

  The scent of chocolate hit them and stopped them both in their tracks. ”Whoa,” Da
r got out, as she flipped the lights on.

  It was a large room, with a wide window and one big, comfortable looking bed. A door to one side led to a bathroom, and one on the other side to a tiled Jacuzzi. In front of them was a round table, which was currently covered with a huge, completely stuffed, overflowing basket of assorted things of the species chocolate. Dar found herself staring at it with a stupid grin. ”Oo.”

  Kerry peeked past her. ”Thought you didn’t like surprises?” she commented, giving her boss a slap on the behind as she moved past her to put her bag down.

  ”Tell you what, anytime you want to surprise me with fifty pounds of chocolate, you go right ahead,” Dar responded, plucking the card from the ornate holder and examining it. ”It’s from Alastair.”

  ”Gee.” Kerry grinned. ”What a surprise.” She came over and peeked at the card. ”That’s really sweet of him.”

  ”Well.” Dar poked into the basket’s contents. ”Considering we just saved his gray flannel butt, it’s not unprecedented.” She glanced at Kerry. ”There were twelve major accounts on the line if we hadn’t gotten that stuff working this morning.”

  Kerry stopped dead, and stared at her. ”Why didn’t you tell me that?” she asked, stung.

  Dar glanced at the table top, and fiddled with the card. ”No sense in both of us being worried sick, I guess. I don’t know. I should have.”

  She gave Kerry a contrite look. ”Not that you could have done more 212

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  than you were doing.” She paused awkwardly. ”I’m sorry.”

  Kerry gave her a vexed look. ”No, but it would explain why you were so damned tense.” She started to go on, then saw the almost imperceptible flinch in Dar’s face. Not now, Kerry. Her mind warned her. Not now. She’s tired, you’re tired, and she apologized for not saying anything. Just drop it. ”Jesus, Dar, tell me next time, huh? So I can chew my nails along with you?” She gave her boss a lopsided grin.

  Dar relaxed a little. ”I will,” she promised, stripping off her jacket and hanging it up in the small closet. ”Wonder how long it’ll take us to get through that basket.” She turned a grin of her own on Kerry.