Crime

by Cruz, Sofia

  She ran her hands over her face in exhaustion. Glancing up at the wall clock she saw that it was after 9 p.m. The office had emptied out hours ago. Melanie stood up and stretched. She hadn't left the chair since this morning, except for a few quick trips to the ladies room. She had buzzed David's office and talked to all three members of the Matthews family. Felicia was pretty shaken up and had gone home with Jessica shortly after lunch.

  Melanie let out a sigh, racking her brain for a new idea. Noticing the pictures on Felicia's desk, she leaned over for a closer look. Spying one of Felicia and Jessica, she picked it up and sank back into the chair. Holding the frame in her lap, she studied the two women. At first glance, most people would probably never suspect they were sisters. Felicia was 5' 8" with long, straight, raven black hair and blue eyes. Jessica stood about 5' 6", her bright red hair spilling down her back in a cascade of curls, her eyes an emerald green. Staring at the picture, Melanie began to pick out the small details that, when noticed, spoke to the reality of both women being sisters. They shared the same complexion, creamy, rose tinged skin. The delicate cheekbones and petite noses made Melanie think of a porcelain doll. She sighed, her thoughts turning to their different personalities. Where Felicia was relaxed and fun loving, Jessica was wound tighter than a top, always defensive. Melanie thought back to last night, in the parking lot, when Felicia had told her that Jessica was vastly different than what Melanie was seeing. I wish I could get a glimpse of that, she thought.

  Looking up, Melanie stared at the email message she'd been dissecting all day. Jessica may hate her but, for some reason, Melanie realized she cared very much about her safety, Jessica's and Felicia's. It wasn't just a case anymore. Hell, maybe it never was. Never the less, somewhere along the way things had taken a personal bent. Now the sisters' safety was a lot more than just a basic security issue. Reaching for the phone, Melanie placed a call, hoping to cash in a few favors that were owed her.

  Ten minutes later, she placed the handset back in its cradle. Satisfied that she had gotten the ball rolling on a very necessary step, she refocused on the computer. A fresh idea sprang to mind. There was one more trace she hadn't tried yet. She started the run and, knowing that it would take a while, headed over to Jessica's office. She needed to verify that Jessica had received the same email and run the same tests on her computer. That way, she would have two sets of results to compare. She strode towards Jessica's office, the whole floor quite as a tomb. Somewhere in this pile of IP addresses was her embezzler. He had to be. Melanie didn't want to consider the alternative.

  ##

  Jessica strolled down the hall towards her office. Felicia had stayed home, still unnerved from yesterday's email. They hadn't heard a word from Melanie since yesterday afternoon, right before Jessica had taken her sister home. She had called her uncle before leaving the house this morning, to see if he knew anything new. He hadn't heard anything either, but insisted that Melanie had come highly recommended, and that Jessica needed to leave her be and let her do her job.

  All night last night, Jessica had mulled over what she knew about Melanie. Gathering all of her impressions, Jessica had to admit that the woman was a bit of a puzzle. When she had questioned Felicia about their budding relationship, Felicia had flatly refused to hear a single bad word. She told Jessica she should try talking to Melanie instead of biting her head off and then form an opinion.

  Still mulling over thoughts of the infuriating P.I., Jessica opened her office door, surprised to find Melanie asleep in her chair. Quietly, Jessica closed the door and leaned against the wall, studying the woman in front of her. God, she slept here, didn't she? Melanie was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday morning. There was no sign of food, or food wrappers, anywhere, so Jessica wondered if she had eaten at all last night. Deciding to take Felicia's advice and call a truce, she pushed off from the wall and headed back out to get some breakfast.

  ##

  Melanie was vaguely aware of food. The smell of it anyway. For a moment, she thought it was just a dream, seeing as all she ate last night were a few candy bars from the vending machine she found. She eased her eyes open and began to sit up, groaning when she felt the muscles in her neck protesting any movement.

  "Morning, cher. How about some breakfast?"

  Wiping the sleep dust away, Melanie felt her eyes come into focus. She rolled her head slowly, trying to work the kinks out, and heard her stomach growl. She glanced up at Jessica, watching as she unwrapped a breakfast sandwich and laid it on the desk, along with a coffee cup.

  "I didn't know how you liked your coffee, so I just got it black. I brought some cream and sugar if you want it."

  "Orange juice," Melanie croaked. Clearing her throat she looked back up at Jessica. "Thank you, but I'm not a coffee drinker. I usually have a glass of orange juice in the morning."

  "You don't drink coffee? God, but you're an odd one. I would think someone in your line of work would drink caffeine like it was going out of style."

  "I live for caffeine. I just prefer it cold. After my orange juice, I switch to soda."

  "I see. You like to kill two birds with one stone; caffeine and a sugar buzz."

  "You got it," Melanie answered, smiling. "But thanks for the sandwich. Oh man, that smells good."

  "Wait here. I'll go raid the company icebox. I'm sure someone keeps orange juice around here." With that, Jessica disappeared out the door. Melanie just sat there for a minute, wondering if she was really awake or not. Jessica had just been really nice to her. She pinched herself and, feeling the sting, realized that the Jessica who had just brought her breakfast was, indeed, the real thing. Smiling, she picked up her sandwich and dug in.

  A few minutes later, Jessica reappeared with a bottle of orange juice, which she set down in front of Melanie. Then she sat down in the chair opposite the desk and started to dig another sandwich out of the bag for herself. She sat there nibbling on it, watching as the last few crumbs of Melanie's food disappeared.

  "You can have half of mine if you're still hungry. You didn't eat last night, did you?"

  "I snagged a couple of candy bars."

  "High cuisine indeed," Jessica said, laughing.

  Melanie smiled, enjoying the sound of Jessica's sexy laugh. "My job usually means odd hours so, I eat what I can, when I can." Melanie's stomach let out another growl and Jessica peeled with laughter. After she settled down, she found a plastic knife in the bag and cut off half of her sandwich, handing it to Melanie.

  Melanie accepted it with a sheepish grin. "Again, thank you. How'd you know I hadn't eaten?"

  "No food wrappers."

  Melanie smiled. This woman didn't miss a trick. "How's Felicia?"

  "Still shaky. She decided to work from home today. You should call her later. I'll give you the number."

  Melanie scowled at the idea that Felicia was so spooked by that email, that she felt safer at home than her office. "Thanks. I'll call her in a little bit."

  "Did you find anything?"

  "Not yet. I ran one last test on your computer and Felicia's. I need to get the results off of Felicia's computer so I can compare them. I've got a guy on standby that can trace the IP addresses. Hopefully, we'll get a hit." Polishing off the rest of her food, Melanie sat back and considered Jessica for a minute, watching her finish her half of the sandwich. This is nice, she thought, having breakfast together. Just as quickly, she shook off the thought. Remembering the favors she called in last night, she decided it was past time to follow up with a few things.

  "Listen. Why don't you go on down to David's office. I'm going to finish up here, make a few calls. I should have some information in about half an hour. I'll meet you down at David's."

  "Ok." With a quick shrug, Jessica stood up, gathered the remains of their breakfast, tossed it into the wastebasket, and headed out the door.

  God, that was too easy, Melanie thought. Well, I'll take what I can get because she certainly won't like the rest. Melanie made her calls, c
onfirming that arrangements were in place and that the people she requested were coming in. Then she headed off to Felicia's office, hoping she'd soon have a name.

  ##

  Jessica was working away at the conference table in David's office when Melanie walked in. Looking up, she found Melanie standing just inside the doorway, watching her. She could tell by her face she wasn't going to like what came next.

  "Nothing. This guy knows his computers, or he found someone who does. Everything came back as fake names and addresses." Melanie crossed the room, bracing her hands on the back of the chair opposite Jessica. "I've called your uncle and Felicia and updated them. The four of us are going to meet here in a couple of hours. I'm going to introduce you and Felicia to your bodyguards."

  Jessica jumped up, slamming a hand on the table. "Damn it, Melanie. I told you I wouldn't agree to a bodyguard."

  "We're past the point where you get a choice, Jessica. This guy's stolen way too much money to back off now. He'll want to tie up any loose ends before skipping town, now that he knows your family is on to his scheme. You and Felicia are loose ends. I saw the emails, Jessica. This guy means business and right now, I'm chasing a ghost. You're both getting guards. End of discussion."

  Jessica stood there, realizing that the situation was much worse than she had originally thought. She hadn't seen the emails, but they must have been pretty bad, judging from Melanie's reaction. Melanie was worried. She could tell by the look in her eyes. Then it dawned on her. Melanie was taking their safety personally.

  "Then I want you."

  "Excuse me?"

  "I want you to be my bodyguard."

  "I can't. There's no way I can watch you 24/7 and still smoke this guy out."

  "You're my bodyguard, Melanie. I'll just ditch anyone else."

  The two women Melanie had hired were pros at security, but Melanie knew that if anyone could shake them, it would probably be Jessica. Suddenly she was desperate for a cigarette. "I'm going out. I'll be right back, so don't go anywhere." Stewing, she left the office and took the elevator to the lobby. Stepping outside, she crossed the plaza to the street corner and looked around for a convenience store. Spying a drug store across the street, she jogged over, dodging traffic. Entering the store, she made a beeline for the counter and bought a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Back outside, she promptly sat down on the curb and lit up. After taking a drag, she sank her head into her hand, her elbow propped on her knee. She was dog tired and in a jam. There was no way she could be Jessica's bodyguard. Aside from logistics, she had just slept with Felicia, but her attraction to Jessica hadn't cooled any either. Her head jerked up as she felt someone sit down beside her. Looking over, she found herself face to face with Jessica.

  "Can't you do anything you're told?" Melanie snapped out.

  "Since when do you smoke?"

  "Since I've got an embezzler sending threatening emails, two sisters who are too damn stubborn to realize they're up to their necks in hot water and I haven't had a whole night of sleep in almost three days." Melanie realized she was shouting, hung her head and ran a hand through her hair in frustration.

  Suddenly Jessica reached out and cupped Melanie's cheek in her hand. "You're maxed out, aren't you, cher?"

  The softness of Jessica's voice undid her and she pressed her cheek into Jessica's hand, feeling tired clean down to her bones. She felt Jessica inch closer and wrap an arm around her shoulders.

  "I'm sorry, cher, but if you insist on me having a bodyguard, I want you."

  "Why?"

  "I trust you. Something tells me that if this guy comes near me, you'll tear him apart."

  Melanie turned her head to face Jessica. "I would."

  Jessica saw the look of sheer determination in Melanie's eyes. "Melanie...," her name came out in a silky whisper.

  Melanie studied Jessica. Finding those green eyes locked on hers, she found nothing more than sympathy and understanding. Within seconds, though, she could also feel that spark of electricity that was always there between them.

  "Jessica, I ....," Melanie stopped herself, aware that she was about to make a confession she shouldn't make. Tossing her cigarette into the street, she jumped up and headed down the sidewalk, desperate to put some space between herself and Jessica.

  Jessica jumped up and ran after her. Jumping in front of Melanie, she put her hands on her shoulders, stopping Melanie in her tracks.

  "Take me home with you."

  "What? No!"

  "Take me home with you, Melanie. I'll ... I'll watch over you while you sleep." But Melanie knew from the look in Jessica's eye that the last thing they would do is sleep. She couldn't take it anymore. Leaning in, she kissed her, gently at first, just a brushing of lips. Feeling Jessica respond, Melanie deepen the kiss, sliding her tongue between Jessica's butter soft lips. Jessica's tongue darted out to meet hers and their tongues began gliding over each other, sliding in and out of each other's mouths.

  Feeling people staring, Melanie pulled back. Looking around, she saw one young man in particular standing across the street, watching them like a hawk. Grabbing Jessica's hand, Melanie took off down the street, pulling Jessica along behind her. Spying an alleyway, Melanie ducked inside, pulling Jessica in after her. Pushing Jessica against the wall, she pressed in, fastened her mouth on Jessica's once again, and picked up where she left off.

  She buried one hand in Jessica's silky hair, cupping the back of her head, keeping her still while she plundered her mouth. Her other hand slid down to cup Jessica's ass. Oh God! She was a perfect fit. Melanie's hand instinctively flexed, giving Jessica's ass a little squeeze.

  Feeling Melanie's hands on her, Jessica moaned into Melanie's mouth. She wanted her closer. She tried to lift her leg, to give Melanie more access, but the pressure of Melanie's body against hers had her skirt pulled taut against her legs. She slipped her foot out of her dress shoe, lifting her leg high enough to plant her stocking clad foot flat against the back of Melanie's calf. Now her legs were spread wide enough that she could feel Melanie sink deeper in between her legs. The fly of Melanie's jeans was putting delicious pressure on her clit, and her hips bucked in response.

  Melanie felt herself sink deeper between Jessica's legs and her heart leaped. She dove her tongue even deeper into Jessica's velvety, hot mouth, trying to swallow her whole. Her hand slid up from Jessica's ass, slipped under her suit jacket, and settled against the small of her back, urging Jessica even closer. Their breasts were smashed against each other, nipples rubbing together, their tongues delving deeper and deeper as their need rose.

  Jessica felt another moan rise up from deep within. She could feel the dampness of Melanie's palm on her back through her silk shirt. She felt her vagina clenching and unclenching, her juices flooding her panties. She needed more. She wrapped both arms around Melanie's waist and pulled her body as flat against hers as humanly possible. She felt her hips buck again and wished to God she could just lift her skirt, wrap her legs around Melanie's waist, and ride her fly.

  Melanie felt her control slipping and yanked her head away. She took a step back, chest heaving, panties damp. Jessica whimpered at the sudden loss. Dear God, Melanie thought, a few more minutes of this, and she'd have fucked Jessica blind right here in the alley. Trying to get control of herself, she let her gaze drink in the sultry picture Jessica made. Her hair was tussled, as if she had just gotten out of bed. Her full, pouty lips were a beautiful deep red and swollen from Melanie's kisses. Jessica's jacket was hanging open and Melanie could see her gorgeous C cups straining against the silk blouse. The phrase "fallen angel" leaped to mind.

  Afraid if she stared much longer, she'd attack Jessica all over again, she glanced over towards the street. The young man from earlier was still across the street, leaning against a light post, avidly watching the alley. Melanie could swear she could see the bulge in his pants from here. She moved over to lean against the wall, her back to the street, blocking the man's view of Jessica. She reached behind her,
grabbed the hem of the shirt jacket she wore over a tank top, and lifted it up. Then, quickly let go, letting the shirt fall back into place. She shifted to stand on the other side of Jessica, turning just in time to see the young man spin on his heels and rush off down the street.

  Jessica watched the man disappear into the crowd. She had spotted him earlier too. When Melanie pulled her into the alley and started kissing her, she thought she was putting on a show for him, Jessica finding a perverse thrill from it. Now, watching him scurry away, she began feeling suspicious. She pushed off from the wall, quickly spinning around to stand behind Melanie. Grabbing Melanie's shirt, she lifted it up to find a .9mm Glock tucked into the back of her jeans.

  Melanie jerked away, spinning to face Jessica.

  Jessica exploded. "What the hell are you doing with that? Were the hell did you get it?"

  "I always carry a piece. I just wasn't able to bring mine with me on the flight, so I picked one up when I got here. It's not that hard you know, if you know where to look."