Illusive Witness

by S. Y. Thompson

  Fifteen minutes before the ferry was due to dock, Ruth headed out. She had a slight sunburn but felt refreshed by the sea air as she slipped the Marlin into its berth and arrived a few minutes early. She hadn’t heard from Jordan all day and nervously hoped she was still on schedule. Ruth paced the docks and watched the slow moving vehicle finally pull into port. Deck hands lowered the safety ropes to the waiting crew who tied them off.

  Jordan was one of the last off and Ruth watched her walk across the planks. She could feel the iciness of nerves in her fingertips, but she couldn’t stop smiling in delight. Jordan saw her and smiled back, seeming pleased to find Ruth waiting for her on the dock.

  “This is an unexpected surprise.”

  “A nice one, I hope.” Ruth felt a little like an immature schoolgirl with a crush.

  “You’re doing so much better. No cane?”

  “Nope, I feel a lot stronger. I don’t think I’ll need it anymore.”

  “That’s wonderful, just don’t be too stubborn. If you need it, use it. I’d hate to see you re-injure yourself.”

  The docks were crowded, thick with people coming and going. An old man in a wrinkled brown coat bumped shoulders hard with Jordan, knocking her back a pace. Neither Jordan nor Ruth paid much attention to him until they heard him complain in a harsh voice.

  “Watch where you’re going.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Jordan began, but the man never slowed down. He simply plowed his way through the throng of people.

  Ruth and Jordan exchanged confused glances.

  “I guess there’s no accounting for manners,” Ruth said, but something about the stranger bothered her. She was convinced that she had seen him somewhere before. There was something familiar in his walk, and the gray of his beard and heavy wrinkles seemed mismatched with the straight set of his shoulders and the spryness of his stride.

  “Is something wrong?” Jordan glanced between Ruth and the stranger.

  Ruth shook her head. “No, not really. Look, I don’t want to spoil this day because of a rude stranger. Let’s talk about something else.”

  “Great idea, what would you like to talk about?”

  “Well, believe it or not I did a little exploring of your island yesterday and I found a great place for a picnic.”

  “Do tell.” Jordan played along with a smile on her full lips.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Famished.”

  Ruth’s stomach did a slow roll as her mind centered on topics that had little to do with food. She tried not to let her baser instincts control her mouth and opted for keeping the subject neutral. There would be time for other things later if they were both willing.

  “Then you’re in luck. As it happens, I packed a picnic lunch.”

  Chapter Seven

  THE DAY FELT a little brighter as they walked to the Marlin. They made small talk during the trip to Ghost Island about nothing in particular. If someone had asked her later what they talked about, Ruth couldn’t have said. She could only bask in the glow of Jordan’s presence and enjoy the feel of the sun on slightly flushed skin.

  After mooring at the island, Ruth waited while Jordan took a quick shower in order to wash off the medicinal scent of the hospital. When she emerged from upstairs, Ruth could see the outlines of a bikini beneath her top. She couldn’t wait to see what Jordan looked like in the revealing costume. They spent the afternoon at the cove Ruth had discovered. She wasn’t surprised to find that the location was one of Jordan’s favorites on the island.

  “It was actually the deciding factor on purchasing my home here,” Jordan admitted as they lay on towels in the sun.

  “I can’t blame you, it’s a wonderful place. I think this vacation is just what I needed.”

  “Feeling pretty good about yourself, are you?” Jordan teased.

  Ruth was happy to take up the challenge. “Enough to race you to the water.” She had been waiting for Jordan to strip down to her bathing suit and couldn’t wait any longer. Someone had to take the initiative.

  She jumped up and stripped off her shirt before Jordan could catch on to what she meant. Then Jordan stood with a grin and began quickly removing her own clothing. Ruth had already discarded her shoes and socks and stopped to watch as Jordan removed her shirt. Ruth’s face grew warm when Jordan shoved her shorts down her legs.

  “You’re gorgeous.”

  Jordan flushed at the compliment. “I thought you wanted to swim.”

  “I do.” It was true, but suddenly Ruth wasn’t in such a great hurry.

  When they were ready, Ruth took Jordan’s hand. It took a lot of courage for her to make such a move and she was pleased when Jordan didn’t resist. The water was colder than Ruth expected and she splashed around vigorously for a few moments trying to get accustomed to the temperature.

  Jordan chose to submerge completely. As she swam under the water, Ruth took the opportunity to stare at her. From what she could see through the water, Jordan really was magnificent. She was all sinew and hard little muscles. Her tummy was flat and her thighs lean. Jordan swam around behind Ruth and surfaced.

  Ruth spun around and splashed water at her.

  Jordan laughed and splashed water back at her. They were fairly close to one another splashing and laughing when their legs brushed together. Ruth felt the electricity at the contact and knew that Jordan was experiencing the same by the way her expression froze.

  Jordan blushed and drifted away before she spoke. “Race you to the falls and back.”

  With that, they were off. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing in the water and basking in the sun without a repeat of the incident in the water, but Ruth couldn’t get the moment out of her mind. It gave her a warm glow just to be around Jordan.

  They returned to the cabin late in the afternoon and Jordan made a simple dinner of tortellini and garlic bread while Ruth sliced vegetables for a salad. A nice light wine completed the meal and they sat next to each other in the small dining area. Their arms brushed from time to time and their knees pressed together. The anticipation was nice and Ruth wasn’t inclined to rush into something physical.

  After dinner, Jordan asked what Ruth wanted to do to pass the time. A couple of sordid suggestions were on the tip of her tongue. “I don’t really want to watch a movie. I didn’t sleep very well last night and I’m afraid I’d be out in an instant.”

  “Why didn’t you sleep?”

  “Probably just because it’s a new environment.” Ruth shrugged. “I did have a bit of a scare and it got me thinking.”

  “What happened?” Jordan asked as they sat down on the sofa.

  “Nothing spectacular. I had a bad dream and woke up. There was a noise at the window and I instantly thought someone was after me. It turned out to be just the wind.”

  “You said it started you thinking.”

  Ruth didn’t answer right away and was pleased that Jordan didn’t push. Instead, Jordan pulled a chessboard from a drawer on the coffee table. A raised eyebrow was inquiry enough.

  “Sure, I haven’t played in years,” Ruth admitted before continuing with her story. “I was thinking about what happened on my way out here. I’m convinced now that it was just a case of road rage. It’s like seeing the old man in the cemetery and hearing the noise at the window last night. I’m starting to think that it’s all unrelated. Each time, it’s turned out to be nothing. At least nothing that relates back to last year.”

  “Are you including what happened with Nurse Flanagan in your list?”

  Ruth gave the question careful consideration. “I hadn’t really thought about that, but I’m sure that Mark Fuller had nothing to do with what’s happened to me. I do believe he has something to do with the missing narcotics.”

  “And Karl’s killer?” Jordan placed the chessboard on the coffee table and set up the pieces.

  “Long gone. I think I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m no threat. After all this time, it wouldn’t make sense to ri
sk exposing his identity by coming after me now. Not only that, but I still have no real memory of what happened. All I know is what the police were able to piece together from the scene and what the ranger saw when he rushed to help me.”

  Jordan scooted back against the sofa cushions and took her hand. “I’m glad to hear it. I feel a lot better knowing you’re safe.”

  “I just hope that you’re able to figure out what happened at the hospital.”

  “It’ll work out,” Jordan assured her. “Now, I believe it’s your move.”

  They played for a while, each winning a game and were well into their third. Ruth was studying the board, considering her next move when she noticed Jordan’s hand jerk. She looked up and saw Jordan’s eyes closing.

  “Am I boring you?”

  Jordan jumped a little, looking guilty. “No, of course not. Why would you think that?”

  “The fact that you’re falling asleep.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day.”

  “Don’t you just hate it when your muscles do that?”

  “It is kind of a dead giveaway,” Jordan admitted.

  Ruth grinned and decided to take advantage Jordan’s knowledge. “You’re the doctor, why do your muscles jump like that when you’re falling asleep?”

  “It’s called a myoclonic jerk. It can be a symptom or a disease.”

  “A symptom of what?” Ruth asked worriedly.

  Jordan laughed. “A symptom of being exhausted.”

  Ruth grabbed a pillow from the end of the sofa and swatted her with it. “Oh you! That was evil.”

  “Really though,” Jordan continued, “it’s usually nothing. It happens when you’re falling asleep. There’s a sudden drop in the pulse that makes the brain think the body is dying. In response, it sends out an electric impulse that causes the spasm. Basically, your body is falling asleep faster than your brain can keep up with.”

  Ruth wasn’t sure how to respond, but apparently Jordan took her silence the wrong way.

  “Judging by how your eyes just glazed over, I can tell you’re riveted by that information. What it boils down to is that it’s time for bed.”

  “Ah, do we have to?” Ruth teased.

  “Doctor’s orders.”

  Ruth knew it was a good idea and gave up the argument. “All right, but on two conditions.”

  “What is it?”

  “One, that you walk me to my room.” Jordan assented immediately and Ruth laid out the rest of her terms. “Two, you wake me in the morning and let me take you to the ferry.”

  “I’d like that.” Jordan took her hand. “But, it will be very early. I could just take a water taxi.”

  “I insist.”

  “All right.” Jordan’s eyes were shining softly and Ruth had a hard time looking away. “Now, let me walk you to your room.”

  They held hands as they climbed the stairs and were soon standing in front of Ruth’s room. For a moment, they stood there just staring into each other’s eyes. Ruth thought for sure that Jordan would kiss her.

  “Well, goodnight.”

  She started to turn slowly away, but Ruth tightened her hold on Jordan’s hand. Then before she could tell who had made the first move, she felt Jordan’s lips pressing against her own. Ruth groaned and opened her mouth, deepening the kiss and allowing Jordan’s invading tongue to dance with her own. One kiss became too many to count until Ruth had to pull breathlessly away and cling to Jordan.

  They held each other for a few moments, catching their breath. Finally, Ruth took a step back. Fire was raging in her and she saw the flame reflected back at her in Jordan’s eyes. It would be so easy to allow this to escalate, but Ruth didn’t want to be selfish. Jordan had to work early the next morning and she needed her rest.

  “Goodnight.”

  Ruth released Jordan and allowed her to walk away. Jordan stopped at the entrance to her own door and sent her a smoldering look before disappearing inside. Ruth leaned weakly against the doorframe.

  “How am I supposed to sleep now?”

  Ruth allowed her head to fall forward and thump lightly against the doorway. She rested there briefly before she pushed away and entered the bedroom.

  “Time for a cold shower.”

  DOWN THE HALL, another shower ran with frigid temperatures. Jordan’s teeth chattered when she finally emerged and reached for a towel. She threw on a short cotton robe to ward off the chill before preparing to brush her teeth. A quick glance in the mirror revealed slightly blue lips and she laughed quietly at her reflection.

  Jordan finished in the bathroom and set the clock before she turned out the lights and climbed naked into bed. Unfortunately, sleep proved elusive. She watched the glowing numerals tick by. Somewhere close to midnight, she couldn’t take it anymore. Jordan threw back the covers and got out of bed, pulling on a robe. She just had to see Ruth for another moment before she could sleep. The kiss had her body singing even after the cold shower and she couldn’t get it off her mind. Maybe listening to Ruth’s rhythmic breathing would help her relax.

  The guestroom door was open and Jordan leaned against the frame.

  She stared at the unmoving lump beneath the covers, illuminated only by moonlight that streamed in through the windowpanes. She strained to hear Ruth’s breathing. She couldn’t really see any details in the dark, but she became convinced that Ruth wasn’t asleep.

  Ruth confirmed her suspicions when she sat up and spoke. “Jordan?”

  Jordan didn’t wait for an actual invitation. She crossed the room toward Ruth, untying the robe as she went. Ruth anticipated her by throwing back the covers. Eager hands reached for her, pushing the robe from her shoulders. Lips met, teeth skidding together before their mouths opened and they devoured each other.

  Jordan lay atop Ruth, the robe open so that naked flesh pressed together. Ruth wasn’t clothed beneath the sheets and Jordan reached down to stroke her fingers across the planes of the flat stomach.

  Ruth gasped, running both hands up the smooth plane of Jordan’s back and burying her fingers in the thick mane. She pressed closer and Jordan felt hard nipples and full breasts pushing up against her. She pulled away slightly to gaze down into Ruth’s eyes.

  “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

  She leaned down and captured Ruth’s soft lips with her own, slipping easily into her mouth. Her legs parted slightly and Ruth pressed the slight opening with her knee. Jordan gave way willingly and Ruth’s thigh pressed against her, causing them to both gasp at the desire coursing through their veins.

  A hand moved down Jordan’s body, sliding against the warm wet place against her leg. Her fingers slid slickly through the crisp curls and Jordan pressed down harder.

  “Inside?” Ruth asked softly.

  Jordan could only grunt and move against the teasing fingers. Ruth obliged by sliding easily inside her with two fingers. Jordan felt Ruth anchor her with an arm around her waist, but she was long past speaking. She gasped at the sensation of Ruth filling her so completely. Her exquisite pressure broke and waves of sensation rocked Jordan’s body.

  As the tension in her body slowly eased, Jordan collapsed atop Ruth, unable to move. When she could finally breathe again, Jordan sat up and looked at Ruth.

  “Your turn.”

  Her lips found Ruth’s smaller breast and she sucked as much of it as she could into her mouth. Ruth moaned and her head thrashed against the pillow as Jordan sucked on one breast while her fingers tugged on the other nipple. Jordan felt Ruth’s legs wrap around her waist as she rubbed herself against Jordan’s stomach. When she heard Ruth’s breathing hitch, she raised up slightly. Jordan didn’t intend to let Ruth come like that.

  Jordan released the small breast and trailed kisses down Ruth’s chest and abdomen, moving ever downward. Jordan settled between Ruth’s legs and wrapped her arms around her thighs to hold Ruth in place. Jordan drew her tongue from the bottom of the wet opening up to the hard little knot on top and back
again. Ruth gasped and bucked against the sensation and dug her fingers into Jordan’s hair. With quick, soft strokes back and forth across the hard, little spot Jordan quickly brought Ruth to a shattering climax.

  The sounds of Ruth’s cries filled Jordan’s heart. As the last waves flowed through Ruth’s body, Jordan finally relented. Jordan moved back up and settled onto the mattress with Ruth’s head resting against her shoulder. Safe, warm and relaxed, Jordan fell asleep in seconds.

  The next morning saw them running late. Jordan had slept in Ruth’s room and barely heard her alarm when it went off. They showered together to save time, which resulted in some rather naughty play and setting Jordan back another half-hour. Finally, they were dressed and on their way to Jessup Bay. The ferry was getting ready to set out when they arrived on the docks.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow for a few days.” Jordan said as they raced for the ferry. “Maybe we can get in some deep-sea fishing?”

  “I’d love that.”

  Just as she was about to board the ferry, Jordan stopped and turned back. She kissed Ruth thoroughly in full view of the crowd. Jordan had never been one for public displays of affection, but never considered onlookers as she wrapped her arms around Ruth.

  “I’ll call you when I get to the hospital.”

  She jumped onto the ferry and found a spot at the rail. From where she stood, Jordan could see the dock. She watched Ruth walking toward the coffee stand at the far end of the pier. Although it was possible Ruth was merely on her way back to the island, Jordan didn’t think so. Ruth had an acknowledged obsession with coffee and wouldn’t leave without a cup if she had the chance to obtain one.

  A brown coat caught her eye. Jordan fixated on the man they had bumped into yesterday. He sat alone on a bench, rocking back and forth. Jordan thought she saw his lips moving and decided he must be talking to himself. Even sitting hunched, Jordan thought he was a big man. She was happy she and Ruth hadn’t become involved in a physical confrontation with him.