Dakota's Way 1 - Dakota's Way

by Robin Hicks

  "My ribs still feel like someone did the Electric Slide on them, but other than that I'm ok." Koty said as she took a glass of tea that Chris handed her.

  "Monty, lets sit down and eat first, and then you can hound Koty." Looking at Koty she said, "He's been going nuts since I wouldn't let him go over and bug you."

  "Have not." Monty said sticking his tongue out at Chris. Koty busted out laughing.

  "God, that is so mature!"

  After dinner, Monty made Koty sit in the recliner and prop her feet up. "You need a blanket Sis?"

  "Jesus Monty I'm ok, stop fussing over me." Koty said with a big grin. "I'll never heal if you don't quit babying me."

  "You know Koty," Monty said after lighting a cigarette, "Coleman isn't the one who shot you, but Jason has enough to put the bastard away for a really long time. Plus, Jason got a call from Washington. They're wanting to have him expidited there and charge him with manslaughter. He named the guys who were with him, like we knew he would. They have three of them in custody, but the one who pulled the trigger is still loose. His name is Bob Wheatly."

  Frowning and reaching for Koty's hand, Chris said, "Honey, you really need to be careful knowing that he is still out there."

  "That's what Jason keeps telling me. He put an unmarked car at my house, but I think the guy is probably long gone by now. Jason doesn't know I know about the car he put there."

  Koty leaned back and rubbed her temples with the palms of her hands. "I know Jason isn't gonna give in though. In the past three days, there has been four different cars on my block. Last night I took the guy some pizza and a coke. I thought he was gonna shit when I walked up to his unmarked car. He thanked me for the pizza though."

  Monty handed Koty a drink. "The building that they torched was insured. I'll rebuild it. I have three different inspectors working with me to check out the other buildings that they have done. It's probably going to take a couple of weeks for them to find anything out but I'd rather be safe than sorry."

  Chris sat down next to Monty, and curled her foot up underneath her. "Kasey and I are opening up our clinic in two months. We decided to still work at the Hospital a few nights a week, but we won't be at the clinic anymore. Next Thursday is my last day at the clinic but Kasey will be there for three more weeks."

  "That's great Chris. So, you've already picked a location and all?"

  "As a matter of fact, we found a place just two blocks down from the other clinic on First Colonial. We start remodeling in a week and a half. Dr. Jets might be joining us also. She is supposed to let me know next week."

  Koty started to yawn, and got up to leave. "It's been a long lazy week, and I've got laundry to do before I go to bed. Thanks for dinner guys." She gave them both a hug then headed to her lonely quiet house.

  ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗

  "You still don't do any cooking huh Lee?" Kasey asked as she made them drinks.

  "Why should I? Right now it's just me I have to fend for. That's why I always find a woman who can cook. As a matter of fact, it's mandatory in a relationship with me."

  They both laughed and carried their drinks into the living room to get more comfortable. Both full from the big dinner that Kasey had cooked.

  Kasey had been restless, and called Lee and invited her over after work. She had, had a long day and couldn't keep her mind focused for some reason. She couldn't seem to quit thinking about Koty. That woman had really gotten under her skin and left a permanent mark. She couldn't recall ever being affected this way by anyone.

  "So Kase, what's been happening with you and Koty?" Lee seemed to have read her thoughts, and asked. "I've gotta tell you hon, if you didn't have your eye on her...Well anyway, she sure is a looker." Lee didn't give Kasey time to answer as she continued, "When you and Koty left the party that night, there sure were a lot of unhappy women there. Jesus, you should have seen them all coming up to me and asking who she was."

  Lee winked and gave Kasey a smug smile. "You sure pissed Carla off. Man was that woman hot. I don't know what you did or said to her, but she was fit to be tied."

  Kasey grinned. "Yeah well, she'll surely get over it."

  "Oh she'll get over it, but I don't think her girlfriend will. Apparently she saw, and heard everything she said and did to Koty." Lee lit a cigarette and leaned back. "They got into this really big fight after you left. Her girlfriend slapped her right in front of everyone then left her stranded there."

  Still laughing, Kasey put her glass down. "That must have been a hell of a show. I kind of wish I had stayed to witness it. Carla's had that coming for a long, long time. She may be good looking, but she's a womanizer, and has a nasty temper, so it couldn't have happened to a more deserving person."

  "Yeah, it was a hell of a show. Pretty funny actually." Lee took a drag of her cigarette, and just stared at Kasey for a minute. "You still haven't answered my question. So what's up with you and Koty?"

  "Nothing is up Lee, I've already told you that."

  "Come on Kasey, I know you better than that. If nothing is happening, it's because one, or both of you are chicken shits, and you're holding out."

  Lee finished her drink and stood to go make another, but she stopped and looked at her friend. "Look, I know you are crazy for her, and I also know that she couldn't keep her eyes off of you the whole time at the party. Now hold that thought." Lee went to make her drink, then came back and sat next to Kasey. "Kasey, there is some really hot fire waiting to be lit between the two of you, so what gives. Talk to me."

  Kasey rubbed her temples and leaned back against the sofa. "I don't think Koty and her ex are quite over each other."

  "What do you mean?"

  "What I mean is, I think that maybe they are still stuck on each other Lee. At least the ex is still in love with Koty if you ask me."

  "Well, didn't you tell me her ex cheated on her? Fucked her over pretty bad didn't she?"

  "Yes, but I swear that woman shows up everywhere. She showed up the first night we had dinner. She showed up at the bar after the concert, and she showed up at the hospital."

  Kasey thought about the kiss she witnessed between them, and felt the deep rage start all over again, and got up and fixed herself a Grand Marnier. She had just been drinking Coke. "I tell you Lee, the kiss that woman gave Koty before she left the hospital had way too much heat in it to just be friendly."

  "Did Koty kiss her back?"

  "No, but I'm sure it was just because I was there, I don't know."

  "Could it be you are putting something more into it that really isn't there?"

  "I don't know Lee. I just don't know." Kasey gulped down her drink, then went to get the bottle. She sat down and poured another.

  "You're jealous Honey," Lee said with a smile. "You're letting this get to you. I can tell by the way you're drinking. It's rare to see you drink, but it's even more rare to see you slam it down like you are doing. Look Kasey, I don't know Koty that well, and I sure don't know her ex but..."

  "Her ex is gorgeous Lee." Kasey said with a sigh.

  "Well what the hell are you, Spam? Shit Kasey, you are a knock out, with a smile that could drop any woman to their knees. Myself included so don't hand me that shit! Look Honey, her ex fucked her over pretty bad, and Koty doesn't strike me as a woman with a learning disability. I don't think she will take her back, I've seen how she looks at you."

  Taking a long sip of her drink, Kasey softly said, "I don't know if I want to take that chance again Lee. You remember what happened with Samantha."

  "Kasey, you gotta take chances every now and then. Besides, I don't think you should compare those two."

  Lee got ready to leave and pulled Kasey into a hug. "Baby, there are no guarantee's in life, take a chance Kasey. If you don't, you're gonna kick yourself in the years to come wondering what might have been. If there is any chance Baby take, it. Don't let her get away." Then she left.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The next morning as Kasey was making coffee, Lee called. "H
ey Sweety, a friend of mine at work is having a really big party at Laces Friday night. There is going to be a lot of people, and it sounds like a lot of fun. What do you say, will you go with me?"

  "Well, I guess I really could use a night out." Kasey paused a moment.

  "I'll go Lee, but I won't be able to get there until around 9:30 so I'll meet you there ok?"

  "Fine, that's fine Honey. Wear something sexy, and I'll see you there."

  "Bye."

  Monday morning Kasey saw Chris sitting in the hospital cafeteria by herself. After getting her coffee, she went to sit at the table with her. "Are you alright Chris? You look really drained."

  Chris smiled a tired smile. "Dr. Camp couldn't make it in last night for some reason or another. They called me at 2:00 this morning and asked if I could cover for him." Yawning, she set her cup down and smiled. "I haven't pulled a double in about eight months. So Dr. Brooks how is your day?"

  "Obviously not as bad as yours. I'm meeting Mr. Rico at the new office later today with the plans. He said that he could start earlier than they thought. I was going to ask you if you wanted to come with me, I think though when you leave here, you need to go home and get some sleep."

  Chris went to refill her coffee then sat back down. "I'm off tomorrow so I can get plenty of sleep tonight. I want to come with you."

  "Great." She was hoping that Chris would say yes. "We're suppose to meet him around 5:30."

  Chris stood to get ready to leave. "I tell you what Kasey, Monty isn't due home until later this evening. I'll pick something up for us to eat from Bamboo Hut, and I will meet you there."

  Chris was getting really excited about getting this Clinic up and going. This had been a dream of hers for quite a while now. She loved working at the Hospital, but there was something more personal about running a clinic. When Kasey had told her several years ago, that she also wanted to have her own clinic, the wheels started to turn. Just eight months ago, they got really serious, and started scouting around for the perfect location. When they found this building, their dreams became a reality, and everything started moving ahead pretty fast. Monty had recommended Mr. Rico, and told them that he was one of the best.

  Chris met Kasey, and Mr. Rico at exactly 5:30, and they all went over the plans. After he left, they sat down to eat their take out that Chris had picked up, and discussed what their plans were going to be.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Friday night rolled around, and at 6:00 p.m. Koty dressed after her shower in sweats, and an old Houston Oilers t-shirt. She fixed herself a Crown and Seven, then settled down in her recliner to watch some old 80's sitcoms and just relax. By seven thirty, she had watched three shows and had as many drinks. Feeling pretty good, she was laughing at a funny part on the show when the phone rang.

  "Hello?"

  "Hey Koty girl, it's Jamie. Get that pretty little ass of yours up and dressed. There's a great big party going on at Laces and you're going with us."

  Koty groaned. "Not tonight James, I'm already in my P.J's. You go ahead and I'll take a rain check." Before Jamie could protest, Koty grinned and said, "Love ya, bye." And hung up the phone.

  She knew if she would have stayed on the phone, Jamie would have talked her into going, and she really just didn't feel like it. Besides she already had a nice little buzz going.

  All she wanted to do right now was relax, and watch some television. She looked over at the phone, then reached to shut off the ringer just in case Jamie tried to call her back.

  She knew that Jamie would be pissed at her for hanging up on her, but she also knew it wouldn't take her long to get over it. Hell, they were best friends after all.

  About twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang. "Shit!" Koty mumbled as she walked towards the door. Before she could open it all the way, Jamie and Trish pushed past her.

  "Dakota Silvers, don't you ever hang up on me again!" Jamie said as Koty shut the door behind them.

  "Well come on in guys. Geeze."

  Trish grabbed Koty by the hand, then gently pulled her towards the bedroom, trying to be careful not to hurt her.

  "Koty, you get your ass in there, and get dressed before I dress you my own damn self. What's it gonna be girl? Need my help?"

  Trish wiped her hands together like she was brushing dust off of her palms, put her hands on her hips, then gave the detective a level look. Stunned, Koty started laughing. She had never seen Trish be this forceful. "Um...Yes ma'am. Did you say a big party?"

  "Yes, we said a big party. Now be a good little Princess, and dress to kill. There is going to be lots and lots of gorgeous women there tonight, and we want you with us."

  When Koty came out of the bedroom, she was dressed to kill. Her snug jeans hugged her long muscled thighs, and her shirt showed every sensuous curve that she had. The shirt was cut low, to show just enough cleavage that even Jamie and Trish's eyes about bugged out of their heads.

  "Jamie hollered. "Holy shit! That's my girl." She slapped Koty a high five and Koty winched a little in pain. "Shit Koty, I'm sorry. I forgot about your ribs."

  Koty just smiled. "I'm alright Jamie, are you ready to go?"

  "Yeah Baby." Linking her arms through Trish and Koty's she said, "Lets go cream some jeans!"

  Trish elbowed her in the side and told her to behave.

  Koty was glad that they got to the club when they did, because there were only three tables left in the whole bar. She looked around from the table they were at, and recognized several women that were regulars at the club. She slowly turned her chair to a position where she wouldn't get bumped, and, so that she could watch Jamie and Trish dance.

  Sipping her Crown and Seven, Koty noticed Liz and Tammy walking towards her table. Liz was another running buddy of Koty and Jamie's from school. Koty slowly stood, and gave them both a hug telling them to sit at their table. "There are plenty of chairs for you guy's. Besides, the way those two dance, I'll at least now have someone to talk to, and won't be lonely sitting here by my lonesome self."

  "Why aren't you out there dancing with them Koty?" Liz asked as she sat next to her. "I can't remember seeing you sit this still."

  "The fast songs are a little too much for my ribs right now, so I'm taking it easy."

  "Oh yeah, that's right. We heard about what happened. You doing ok then?"

  Liz and Tammy had been out of town visiting Tammy's family when Koty had been shot. They just got back the previous night.

  "Yeah, I'm alright. I just have to take it easy for a little while is all."

  Suddenly standing, Liz said, "Here comes Fred and Ginger now." Referring to what they all called Jamie and Trish because they couldn't stay off of the dance floor.

  Laughing, Jamie walked up to Liz and hugged her. "Lordy Trish, look what the cat's dragged in."

  They had been there for about an hour laughing and drinking when Jamie nudged Koty, and gestured towards the door.

  The sight that Koty saw made her catch her breath, so that she choked on her drink. In the doorway stood Kasey in a short, strapless, clinging black dress. 'God, she is so stunning!'

  Liz gave a low whistle when she saw what they were looking at. "Who in the hell is that?"

  "Wow. What a looker." Tammy whispered.

  Koty didn't say a word. She couldn't. She just sucked down her drink, and turned back to everyone at the table.

  "Aren't you going to go over there and talk to her Koty?" Trish asked her.

  Tammy looked at Koty with a grin. "You know that woman Koty?"

  Jamie paid the waitress for the drinks that just arrived. Handing Koty and Trish their drinks; she ruffled Koty's hair. "That my friend is Kasey. She and my pal Koty here have the hots for each other, but they are both too chicken shit to admit it."

  A slow song started to play, and Tammy gave Liz a knowing grin. Tammy had been a die hard match maker ever since Koty had met her. She just absolutely couldn't stand to see anyone alone. So with a sheepish grin on her face, Tammy turned to Koty, and held out
her hand. "Koty, this is a slow song, and I promise not to hurt you, so don't argue and come dance with me."

  She pulled Koty out to the dance floor. "See, this ain't so bad is it Koty?"

  As Tammy turned her, Koty's eyes locked onto Kasey's.

  Kasey had been watching her the whole time. Koty nodded in her direction and Kasey smiled. She smiled that drop you to your knees smile that made Koty's body turn to liquid, and she thought she would dissolve right there on the dance floor.

  The song ended and they walked back to the table. A few moments later the waitress came and sat a drink in front of Koty.

  "From the lady in black at the bar." She said nodding in Kasey's direction.

  Koty felt her face suddenly flush. She was glad it was too dark for anyone to see. "Um... Tell her thank you will you?"

  Another slow song started to play, and Tammy and Liz got up to dance. Koty was just getting ready to say something to Jamie when she felt a warm hand rest on her shoulder.

  "Excuse me ladies." She heard Kasey's husky voice say. "Uh...Koty, will you dance with me?"

  Koty closed her eyes, and swallowed hard. She slowly got up and followed Kasey to the floor, missing Jamie and Trish's wide grins.

  Kasey turned and stepped towards Koty laying her hand on her shoulder. "Maybe this time we can finish our dance."

  "We will as long as you say no to anyone who tries to cut in."

  "Koty, I have no right, and I sure don't want to seem greedy."

  "I don't mind." Koty answered with that crooked grin. Kasey smiled back, and put her arms around Koty's neck.

  Koty's heart started pounding wildly as she pulled Kasey closer to her body. An electric current shot between them as their bodies connected. "I thought you were mad at me, or something."

  Kasey pulled back just enough to look Koty in the eyes. "I'm not mad at you." She said softly.

  Kasey looked around the dance floor as if in deep thought then slowly turned her face back to Koty.

  "It's just...It's just that...That woman..."