Radclyffe - Justice 01 - Shield Of Justice

by Shield Of Justice (lit)

  "Rebecca, the way you feel right now is perfectly understandable," Catherine began softly. "Youre worried about my safety, and its different than it usually is because you care about me. Were involved with each other, for heavens sake. Weve made love, weve shared something of ourselves. I am not someone you can be objective about." And not someone you must push away to satisfy your sense of duty, I hope .

  "I never should have let this happen," Rebecca said, her back still to Catherine. "Its compromising my thinking, and that could mean jeopardizing your safety."

  "Well, I, for one, am not sorry that it happened," Catherine persisted. She knew she was taking her own emotional risks by admitting to Rebecca, and to herself, just how important Rebecca had become to her. But one of them had to make the first move to breach the considerable defenses they both had erected around their hearts.

  Rebecca turned to her then, and tightened her arms around Catherine, holding her fiercely.

  "Neither am I," Rebecca answered, her voice rough with emotion. Im afraid to even think about how much you mean to me. I just dont know what Id do if anything happens to you . Her tension began to lessen in the soft embrace of Catherines arms, and her mind began to clear. Even as she held her, Rebeccas thoughts turned to what she must do to protect her. Where other emotions clouded her judgment, Catherines touch restored clarity. She was continually astonished, and still a little afraid, of the womans effect upon her.

  "I dont suppose I could persuade you to have a police officer accompany you around until this is over, could I?" she asked, her lips pressed to Catherines forehead.

  "No."

  "At least at night, when youre at home?"

  "Only if its you."

  Rebecca leaned back and gazed down into the face that never failed to move her, memorizing the image -- wisps of grey at the temples, fine bones beneath ivory skin, liquid pools of swirling greens in her eyes.

  "Its not in my contract," she whispered, longing to forget everything except the desire to kiss those tender lips and lose herself in Catherines welcoming warmth.

  "It could be," Catherine answered, her lips finding Rebeccas.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Rebecca slept during the afternoon in an empty on-call room at the hospital and later drove Catherine home. She attached a voice activated recording device to Catherines telephone after they had agreed that Catherine would review the tape and erase any client related calls before turning it over to the police. Once again Rebecca did a security check and arranged for extra patrols to pass through the neighborhood. Finally she felt satisfied that she had done all she could do. The next move was up to him.

  "I have to go out for a while," she said. "There are people I need to talk to --people I can only find at night. Will you be all right?"

  Catherine nodded, silencing the fear she felt, not for herself, but for the determined woman she had come to care so much for. Every time she saw the gun harnessed against Rebeccas chest, she was reminded of the potential violence Rebecca faced each time she went out into the streets. That fear was something Catherine knew she would never get used to, and that it was the price she must pay for allowing Rebecca into her heart. At this moment, however, she knew that Rebecca needed reassurance that Catherine was safe.

  "Can I expect you tonight?" Catherine asked, placing her hand gently on Rebeccas arm.

  "Count on it."

  **********

  Rebecca found Sandy without any difficulty. What surprised her was the lack of any protest when she pulled her car up beside the young prostitute. Sandy crossed the sidewalk quickly and slid in beside her.

  "Lets get out of here, okay?" Sandy said.

  Rebecca pulled into the line of traffic and looked at the girl questioningly.

  "Why so glad to see me?"

  Sandy grimaced. "Things are getting really weird out here. All the pimps are uptight because the cops are pulling them in -- asking questions about the kiddie porn stuff. And now theyre starting to pull in the girls, asking about kinky johns and rough trade. Its making everybody nervous. Whats going on?"

  Rebecca smiled at the reversal in their positions. Suddenly she had become the informant. "I dont know for sure. There may be a loose cannon around. Some guy who likes girls in gym shorts and gets a little rough."

  "How rough?"

  "Rough like in dead."

  Sandy leaned her head back against the seat and sighed.

  "Shit, we dont need this. Got anything on him?"

  "Look in the back seat. Theres a sketch of someone who might be him."

  Sandy looked at the police rendering and snorted.

  "Oh, him. I must see ten dudes a night who look like this."

  "Yeah, thats what I was afraid of," Rebecca answered grimly. "The best I can tell you is that hes white, late twenties or early thirties, probably well-educated, and wont seem like a nut case. And this is important. He may have a gym bag or something like it. He seems to like his women to dress for his pleasure, with short nylon running briefs."

  "Thats it?"

  "Afraid so."

  "What do we do if he shows?"

  "If you can, dont work alone. Stay in pairs or groups, so if he approaches someone, one of you can call me. Try to get the word out as quickly as you can. The girl he killed two days ago is the only prostitute we know about. I dont want there to be another one."

  Sandy looked at the woman beside her, surprised by the vehemence in her voice and the stony set to her features.

  "Yeah, well, thanks," was all she said. Too many years on the streets had taught her not to trust what looked like kindness, because there was always a price attached. But she would remember the look on the tall detectives face, a look that made her feel a little safer.

  **********

  When she knocked on Catherines door a little after midnight, Watts answered it. He stepped out into the hall before she could say anything and pulled the door closed.

  "Shes all right," he said quickly, noting the alarm on Rebeccas face. "Our boy called. She called it in and I came over. Figured youd rather have me here than someone she doesnt know."

  Rebecca took a deep breath and nodded, relief washing through her. "What did he say?"

  Watts shrugged. "This dame--excuse methis doctor--is one cool cookie. She insisted on clearing the tape of `unrelated messages before shed let me hear it. She should be ready for us now."

  "Thanks, Watts," she said as she pushed the door open.

  Catherine was seated in front of a small desk with the tape recorder before her. She seemed lost in thought.

  "Catherine," Rebecca called softly.

  Catherine turned at the sound of her voice, and a faint smile flickered across her fine features. "Im glad youre back."

  "Im sorry I wasnt hear when he called," Rebecca began.

  Catherine silenced her. "It doesnt matter--youre here now. Shall we go over this?"

  Watts shuffled in behind Rebecca and sat on the couch across the room, his notebook on his knee. Rebecca walked to the window and looked out into the night sky. She didnt want to be facing Catherine when she heard this. She didnt trust herself enough.

  "Go ahead."

  Rebecca prepared herself, knowing that she must forget that it was Catherine this madman had chosen to call. She had to be focused, searching for any clue to his identity. Still, she started suddenly when she heard Catherines voice on the tape:

  Catherine: Hello?

  Voice: Im so glad I found you home.

  Catherine: Im sorry, whos calling please?

  Voice: You know me, Doctor. Did you get my flowers?

  Catherine: Yes. Why did you send them?

  Voice: Because I wanted you to know that youre special to me.

  Catherine: Why is that?

  Voice: Because I feel as if you understand me. I know that you can appreciate the things Ive accomplished.

  Catherine: What things are they?

  Voice: You knowwith the girls. When I fucked them. I was good with t
hemtheyd never had it so good before. I took a long time with them, too. I didnt just fuck and come, I let them feel me for a long time. Do you know how that feels, Doctorto be fucked for a long time? Is that how you like it? Id like to fuck you like that right now.

  Catherine: Tell me about the girls. How did you pick them?

  Voice: Its not hard. Theyre everywhere, just waiting for me to show them how good it can be. Sometimes I just wait for them to come to me.

  Catherine: Where do you wait?

  Voice: They think they know wherethe police. But they dont know anything. The next time it will be very special. I feel powerful, my cock is powerful. Maybe next time youd like to feel it, Doctor. Would you like to feel my long hard cock pushing into youwould you?

  Catherine: How will I recognize you?

  Voice: Youll know, Doctor. It wont be long.

  "Jesus Christ," Watts breathed as the tape clicked off. "What a fucking nutcase."

  "Not exactly a clinical diagnosis, Detective, but fairly accurate," Catherine replied grimly. Rebecca had not spoken, and Catherine wanted desperately to go to her. She could see from across the room that Rebeccas spine was rigid and the hand that rested against the window frame was clenched into a fist.

  At last Rebecca turned, keeping her gaze away from Catherine. "Did we get a trace?"

  Watts shook his head. "Just under the wire--hes smart, this one."

  Rebecca nodded, her face a careful blank. "Double the patrols through the neighborhood, and put a man on the street across from Catherines office and at each entrance to the hospital.

  "Rebecca" Catherine began.

  " Do it , Watts." She turned to Catherine, her eyes simmering with repressed anger and the revulsion she had felt as she listened to that quiet, disembodied voice on the tape. She could envision his hands on Catherines skin, forcing her down, violating her. His words were the only violation of this woman she would allow. Nothing, not even Catherines professional responsibilities, would change her mind. If Catherine hated her for it, thats the way it would have to be. She would not give this maniac any opportunity to harm Catherine. She was too precious for Rebecca to risk for a moment. "Hes changed his M.O., Watts--hes got a specific target now. This is where hell come. Keep up the extra patrols in the park. Ive got the prostitutes alerted if he shows there. Sooner or later hell come after Catherine." And when he does, Ill kill the bastard .

  Watts heaved himself to his feet. "Right. Ill meet you at the hospital in the morning."

  "Ill need to see Janet Ryan in the morning," Rebecca stated after Watts left. She still had not looked directly at Catherine. She was afraid if she did she would lose what little control she had left. She trembled inwardly at the thought that any harm might come to her. Catherine had awakened a need in her which Rebecca had buried for far too long. With the undemanding acceptance of her body and her heart, Catherine brought Rebecca face to face with the loneliness of the half-life she had been leading. Rebecca did not want to return to that life, and it was Catherine she needed in order to go forward.

  "Ill want to be there when you question her," Catherine stated quietly.

  "All right."

  "Is there no other way?"

  "No. Its not a random victim any longer, Catherine. Its you he wants now."

  Catherine looked into Rebeccas determined face and knew there could be no other way. She held out her hand, saying, "I need you to hold me, darling."

  Rebecca was across the room in an instant, gathering her close. I will not let him hurt you!

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Rebecca awakened with Catherine enfolded in her arms. The sky outside was just beginning to lighten with the dawn. She gloried in the sensations of Catherine -- her warm flesh beneath Rebeccas hands, the whisper of her breath against Rebeccas skin, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. Rebeccas lips found the soft skin at the base of Catherines throat as her hands began a gentle exploration of her body. She traced the curve of breast, the arch of hip, the slope of firm thigh -- all the planes that fused to form the wonder that was Catherine.

  Catherines back arched and she pressed herself even closer to Rebecca, whispering urgently, "Do you know what youre doing to me? Im on fire."

  Rebecca smiled as she fitted the length of her body to Catherines. She was rewarded with a soft groan from the woman beneath her, and suddenly Rebeccas body answered with an urgency that left her breathless. Her head grew light as every nerve in her body burned downward into a single pounding point between her legs. Then Catherines hands were upon her, stroking through her wetness, teasing her into full distention, playing her body like a sensitive instrument. Rebecca closed her eyes tightly, willing herself not to come. She caught one swollen nipple lightly between her teeth, groaning in satisfaction at Catherines swift gasp of pleasure. She tried to concentrate on the heat and softness of Catherines skin, and to ignore the pressure building in her clitoris as Catherine rolled it gently under her fingers. She was moaning now, barely able to think, her hands clutching Catherines shoulders as her hips began to thrust against Catherines hand. Not yet, not yet, not yet, she chanted silently, gritting her teeth, each second a sweet agony as the pressure in her belly built to overflowing.

  "Oh!" Rebecca cried, shuddering, as Catherine pressed harder along the length of her clitoris. She couldnt hold it. The spasms started at the base and twisted outward, causing her to jerk in Catherines arms. When she cried out her release, she was unaware of the tears that coursed down her face.

  Catherine held her, gentling her with loving caresses. "Its all right, darling. Im here. Oh, god, Rebecca, I love you!" She continued her soft words and soothing strokes until they both slipped into peaceful, satisfied sleep.

  **********

  The woman who stood across the room from her did not seem like the tender lover who had cried in her arms just hours ago, yet Catherine knew that she was. That side of Rebecca, the vulnerable, all too human side, disappeared when she buckled on her holster and clipped her detectives shield to her belt. As formidable and aloof as she appeared now, Catherine loved this part of Rebecca as well. What they shared in private was precious to her, because it was a part of herself that Rebecca kept hidden from the world. But Catherine admired and respected her for the other woman she was as well -- the tough street cop with a will of iron and a core of steel. Her tender warrior with the fragile heart.

  Rebecca looked up to find Catherines eyes upon her, and she blushed slightly. She was both pleased by the appreciative look on Catherines face and embarrassed by the scrutiny. Nevertheless, she warmed inwardly to the attention from this composed, gracefully beautiful woman.

  Clearing her throat, Rebecca said, "I know it will be difficult for you to have me around all day, but I just cant take any chances. Hes becoming unpredictable, and theres no way to anticipate his behavior. Im sorry."

  "Dont be," Catherine replied, kissing Rebecca quickly as she reached for her briefcase. "I can think of much worse things than having you around all day. And I do know that youre doing what needs to be done. I appreciate it."

  **********

  Janet Ryan was sitting in a chair by the window when Catherine and Rebecca entered. The bruises on her face were fading, but she still appeared fragile physically. She smiled a greeting at Catherine and looked hesitantly at Rebecca.

  Rebecca sat beside her in a worn armchair.

  "Do you remember me, Janet? Im Detective Frye. I spoke with you before." When Janet nodded, Rebecca continued. "I have more questions to ask you. Im want you to tell me again everything you did on the day of the assault. Everything you can remember -- even if it doesnt seem at all important. Start with when you woke up."

  "I overslept," Janet began uncertainly. "I usually run in the mornings and then take the train to work. I was rushed that morning, so I decided to drive. I remember working. Nothing unusual happened. I took OHara Drive home. The sun was still out and there were boats on the river. It seemed so peaceful I decided to stop. I parked and began to walk down
to the water." She stopped suddenly, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her pale face.

  Rebecca tried not to appear anxious. Janet was speaking in a low monotone and her eyes were slightly unfocused. Her memory for the events surrounding the rape was clearly improving. Rebecca desperately needed for her to remember.

  "Youre doing wonderfully, Janet," Catherine said softly. "Tell us about walking down to the water."

  "It smelled like spring. There was no one around. I felt so peaceful. Then, I heard something, a scream!" Once again she stopped abruptly. This time she was visibly agitated. Her hands trembled and her breath came in quick gasps. Catherine reached out and lightly rested her hand on Janets arm.

  "Youre all right, Janet, you are safe here with us. Can you tell me what is frightening you?"

  "There was a man! He was doing something to the woman on the ground! I ran toward him, screaming at him to stop!" Janet looked wildly about the room, her gaze fixing on Catherines face. "Oh, Dr. Rawlings! I cant remember! I just cant remember any more!"

  "Thats all right, Janet, youve done beautifully. Really. Ill speak with you again tomorrow. It wont be long now before we can talk about sending you home."

  Catherine stood and motioned to Rebecca to follow.

  "Thats as much as youre going to get for today, Rebecca. She is remembering, but it will take more time."

  "What about trying hypnosis or drugs?"

  "Its possible that either method might help spark further recollections, but Im concerned that forcing the issue will be harmful to Janet in the long run. Her memory will return when her mind is healed enough to deal with what she experienced."

  "Is that doctor talk for `no?" Rebecca asked.

  "Youre learning, Detective," Catherine laughed. "Was it helpful for you at all?"

  Rebecca shrugged in exasperation. "I cant help feeling that theres something there and Im just not getting it. Three times this guy rapes and murders someone in a fairly well-populated area of the park, and no one sees him coming or going. Hes like the invisible man."

  The sound of Catherines name over the loudspeaker interrupted them. Rebecca was reviewing her notes from her first interrogation of Janet Ryan when Catherine motioned to her to pick up the extension line.