Unabridged-A.C Henley

8/20/2019 Unabridged-A.C Henley

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McKEE

By

A.C. HENLEY


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Ebook by

PDAFiction.com


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Disclaimers:

characters of this fiction are the sole property of A.C. Henley. There is drama, violence, sex between women, and bad languag

of these things upset you, move along. If you have good or bad things to say feel free to email me at

[email protected].

ny thanks to Pam and ‘kisses' to Sherry.

Summary:

a little story about a PI. She has no special physical skills or supernatural skills. She finds plenty of trouble but in the end every

s out just ducky.


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McKEE


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PART 1

TTA JAMES SINGING A Sunday Kind of Love drifted from the speakers of the white '77 Chev

it sat parked along a busy Los Angeles thoroughfare. No one even gave the car or the driver a

ond glance as they went about their business. It was considered rude to intrude on the privacy

hers in LA, and that included making dir ect eye contact with someone on the street. The trained

the driver, however did not subscribe to such a belief and took note of three drug dealers, sev

ostitutes, two pimps, and four panhandlers, along with the midday bustle of hundreds of worke

ng about their afternoon rituals. All were just background noise. The watcher wasn't intereste

ything except for the sweaty bald man that leaned against a taco stand on the corner. Gray eyesck of his every move from behind dark Wayfarer sunglasses. Where he looked, whom he spok

th, how much food he ordered, how he paid for his meal, the puzzle pieces fell into place in th

vers mind as she watched.

r tanned hand ran over short, spiked, black hair. A glimmer of silver from slim fingers twink

afternoon sun as the hand came back to rest on the large steering wheel. The other hand gentl

pt time with the bluesy music against a muscled thigh that was encased in faded r ipped denim.

e man looked about nervously, even looking directly at the driver of the car, who just staredssively back at him not caring if he knew he was being followed or not. He jerked his eyes awa

m the white car, trying desperately to mask the fear that welled up from that brief look. He

hered his bagged food and headed down the crowded walk hoping to fade into the lunchtime m

humanity.

e watched her prey as he wove in and out of the pedestrians. Giving the man just long enough

ieve he had eluded the watcher, the big V8 engine came to life and the white car pulled into tra

e man huffed his way warily around a corner and leaned against the warm masonry of a long andoned building. He watched as the car passed him and continued down the congested street.

ssed through the next light and seemed to continue on. He sighed in relief, and then felt foolish

behavior, thinking his paranoia was at an all time high and that he needed to just relax. He sto

m his leaning position and continued down the side street unaware of the other set of eyes that

cked him.

ang Ngo was a slight man. He was commonly non-descript and could blend in well with the

wded Los Angeles sidewalks. When his victims had been asked to give a description of him th

st they could come up with would be Asian, with black hair. His mother was American, his fathond generation Vietnamese in this country. He took after his father in stature and coloring; hi


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ther had gifted him with, or was it cursed him with, green eyes that he hid behind mirrored

nglasses, or dark brown contacts. He could pass for anything from Korean to Chinese if need

d spoke six different oriental dialects to cover all his bases. He had actually only been caught o

his sordid criminal life. That one time brought him to understand how he was affecting society

behavior, and bringing shame to his family. It also was the reason why he was walking thirty

hind the man he had been detailed to follow. It was called a ‘favor ', but it was actually penance

nance he accepted with great humility. And after all it was kind of fun, Quang had found he wa

od at following people, finding out their little secrets, and repor ting back the minute details to

nefactor. He was always paid for his time, although he often wondered about that. Why shouldd for anything he did for the one person that quite frankly saved his life, and possibly his soul

e little man continued on his way for several more blocks, until he came to a redbrick, four st

d hotel. The building told its age by its wood-paned windows and iron fire escape that zigzagg

way down the front of the building. An ornate concrete molding ran the course of the roof; Q

ught the little creatures at the corners looked to be fabled gargoyles.

crossed the street and was able to read the faded sign hanging over the double glass doors tha

re encased in iron bars. He leaned against the large glass window of a liquor store and lit aarette. He then produced a cell phone from his pocket. A short conversation later the phone fo

way back into its pocket. Quang now waited. He knew it wouldn't be long, and actually only g

o drags off his cigarette before the big white car came to a stop in front of him.

e car's occupant emerged and walked to stand beside him. Slender fingers liberated the burnin

arette from his mouth and helped it find its way under a black boot. He looked indignant as he

wered his mirrored glasses to glare at the woman beside him.

filthy habit," the woman said with a shake of her head, "I thought you were gonna quit?"

inlan McKee was not a tall woman, nor was she overly burly. She was even a tad shor ter than

ang's modest 5'6''. But she had an atmosphere about her that demanded respect. And Quang did

pect her, but that didn't prevent him form reaching out and tapping the square patch on her

oulder, exposed by the black tank top she wore neatly tucked into her jeans. "I'm just waiting to

w you do with this. I'm not spending no sixty bucks for a band aid that doesn't work; shit McK

t's twice a carton of cigs!"

ack sunglasses were pushed up to rest in the thick black spikes of hair. "You are a coward Mr.

ay eyes pierced green. Quinlan liked the kid. He turned out to be the best backup out of all the

ople she had to choose from. He had come a long way in the four years they had been associate

e knew without a doubt she could trust the man with her very life if need be.

ope… I'm cautious." Quang retorted solidly. "And you owe me a cigarette."

cKee smiled, flashing straight white teeth. "I'll see what I can dig out of my couch when I get h

e looked over at the hotel, "think he's had time to settle in?"

ang pursed his lips in thought and finally answered, "Sure sure, by the time we find out what r


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s in he should be settling down to chow."

cKee nodded. The two pushed off the window and crossed the street, dodging the indifferent tr

ang stayed a few feet behind the woman as they entered the building. He knew his job at this p

s to watch her back as she worked. This freed her up to do what she needed without distraction

es traveled to the .45 pistol tucked in the back of her jeans. He had never seen her shoot the we

t had been on the end of that very gun one time. He shivered at the memory.

e door opened with a clank, then settled closed with an agonizing squeak. McKee stepped up tounter that was lit by a bare bulb that swung in the wind caused by the inadequate fan that wobbl

d moaned persistently from the middle of the ceiling in the dingy lobby. She wondered to hers

y these places always smelled like urine and stale beer. It was all so cliché. A skinny man with

chy beard sat behind the counter, his attention focused on Judge Judy. The pale glow of the TV

ve his skin a sick blue hue that just seemed to fit the whole setting.

e tapped the counter with her blunt nails gaining the man's attention. He seemed reluctant to le

chair, but eventually stood and shuffled his slipper-clad feet to stand before her. She spoke ev

want the room number of the man who came through that door just a few moments ago." Shented to the entrance to clarify her request.

e man scratched his beard. The woman wasn't a cop that was for sure. She didn't have that cop

neer. He took a quick look at the man behind her. Round mirrored glasses reflected his face ba

m. Neither one's a cop, maybe mob? He thought as he considered the request. A strong hand gav

ift jerk that brought him closer to steely gray eyes.

wo ways old man: easy or hard. I don't care which at this point."

w his attention was focused only on the gun that was pressed between his eyes. He should haveown something was up with that guy. It was always that way with the ones who paid their rent u

ee months in advanced. "44, top floor, second door on the right." He spoke rushed in an endea

have the item removed from his flesh.

cKee smiled sweetly, "Well that was easy." She chided as she put the gun back in its place. She t

e look at Quang who simply nodded and moved to take her place at the counter. He would wat

rk to be sure he didn't tip off the man upstairs. He lowered his glasses on his nose to let his

natural green eyes rest on the scruffy clerk.

th her back covered in the lobby, McKee opted for the narrow staircase. The small elevator lo

ttle dubious. She arrived at the fourth floor with a sigh; her legs burned a bit with the climb, a

e admonished herself for not doing her daily run and exercise. She made a mental note to recti

matter soon. Room 44 was right where the clerk had said it would be.

e brown door looked like it needed a new coat of paint, and one of the fours hung askew to its

rtner. McKee pressed an ear to the door, listening for activity on the other side. All she heard w

muffled sound of either a TV or a radio. She gently tried the knob to see if it would turn. The

re times she got lucky with this maneuver, but today wasn't one of those times. A small leather


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erged from her front jeans pocket, she knelt and the small metal picks found their way to the

e smallest of clicks announced her success, and she eased the door open just a crack.

e bed blocked her view, but she could see the man she had been following for three days sittin

all table in front of a window. He was happily eating on a large burrito, the sauce ran down hi

n, and he seemed to moan, enjoying his meal, oblivious to being watched. The man moaned a

nger this time, and a slight movement from below the table caught McKee's eye.

mall blonde head bobbed up and down at the man's crotch. The implication of this action wasmediately clear to McKee as she stood from her crouched position and silently entered the ro

nald Peterson was enjoying his lunchtime ritual. He closed his eyes as the boy between his leg

viced him as he had been taught. The sudden departure of the table in front of him and the war

t mouth on him, brought his eyes open. A powerful hand clasped his throat, causing his mouth

sp for air and expel the partially chewed food. The cool metal of a gun muzzle soon replaced

ne move you sick pervert and the tax payers of Los Angles get to save the money it will take t

ep you in prison for the rest of your sorry life." The words were firm and unwavering. Quin

shed the gun further into the man's mouth and removed her hand from his sweaty neck, wiping

nd on the man's shirt. She looked about her quickly trying to locate the small boy she had pulle

man. She found him huddled next to the bed beside another boy with dark hair and sunken bro

es and a collar and chain fixed about his neck. Her rage rose quickly, and she was quite unable

vent her fist from striking the man in front of her squarely in the face. A gush of blood from

se covered her hand holding the pistol. She withdrew the gun as he whimpered in pain and cur

r.

e picked up a dirty towel from the table and wiped her gun and hand clean of blood. She spotte

one cord running from the wall a few steps away. It took little time to tie the man's hands behin

ck, securing him to the chair. She paced a few minutes, trying to calm down enough to do wha

eded to do, but her eyes found the two boys again and she was compelled to take a bit of reven

e didn't want to kill the man, just make him hurt. Her training was extensive in the martial arts

e knew how to inflict pain without causing death. By the time she was finished he was still

nscious, but a lot worse for the wear. McKee shook her right hand; the last punch to the man's

s hard and she thought that perhaps she had broken the throbbing appendage.

ou won't get away with this. I have rights!" The man spat through his now bloody mouth. Seveth had found their way to the floor during his beating. "Cops just can't come into a person's ho

d beat em' up!"

cKee sneered at the man, "I'm not a cop." She approached the boys slowing her movements as t

ank from her. Their condition was intolerable; bruises and burns littered their small naked bo

bs stood out, skin stretched over muscle less arms and legs. She examined the chain that held o

boys. It was welded to the metal collar that encircled his neck. She reached out to turn the col

ping it had a release, but the boy scurried away, up onto the bed, as far as the chain would perm

s then that McKee noticed that the boy was castrated. Her eyes closed momentarily then poppe


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en. She was on the man once again. This time he may not survive what she was in mind to do t

m.

r swollen right hand retrieved her gun and pressed it against the still exposed genitals of the m

od trickled from cuts on her knuckles, though she wasn't feeling any pain at the moment. The

n's eyes went wide, and he pleaded with the woman. Before his first sentence ended, the sicken

p of a bullet passing through one of his testicles rendered him speechless. He then bucked in th

air as a feral smile crossed the woman's face. She adjusted the gun and calmly squeezed the tri

ain, sending the man's other testicle into oblivion.

ang's head jerked up at the faint popping sounds. He took off up the stairs calling 911 as he m

way up. Adrenalin propelled him into the room. He wasn't prepared for what he saw. A pool o

od was growing under the fat man in the chair. McKee sat on the unmade bed holding two boy

cking them gently, and speaking softly to them. A faint siren could be heard in the distance. He

ew he needed to get his fr iend out of there. He picked up the gun that lay on the floor between

d and the unmoving man, and tucked it into his waistband. He took McKee's arm and gently mo

r away from the boys who immediately huddled back together.

ome on Quin. We need to get out of here; cops are on the way." The sirens grew louder and ca

a blar ing stop. "Fuck! Move it McKee!" He said a bit more forcefully. It seemed to do the trick

small woman snapped out of her daze and moved through the door with a last quick look beh

r.

ey couldn't go down so they went up to the roof. The next building was a short leap away. Onc

t roof they made their way back down to the street. They crossed at the light and ambled back

. Soon one police car turned into several and two ambulances joined the scene.

ang knocked a cigarette out of a crumpled pack. He tried lighting it several times, his shaking

nds betraying his inner panic at the situation. A small steady hand took the lighter and ignited t

d of his cigarette.

cKee then dug another cigarette from Quang's pack, easily lighting it, and taking a deep drag i

r lungs. "I'm sorry." She said softly as she exhaled, "I kind of lost it in there."

What happened? Who were those kids?" Quang asked as his shaking hand ran across his black

aight hair.

… I'll tell you later." McKee said as she took her gun from the Asian man's waistband, and tuck

o the back of her own. She went to her car only to return shrugging into a light denim jacket t

rd off the cooling fall air. She flexed her hand repeatedly as she rejoined the Asian man.

ang knew when not to push the woman. The tone of her voice told him she wasn't going to dis

ny further.

o home Mr. Ngo. I'll call you tomorrow." McKee said, the young man sighed and started to wa

ay. "Quang!" She called out and waited until he turned his attention back to her, "Thanks."


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smiled at her and nodded his head. He gave a brief wave and made his way back down the stre

cKee focused her attention on the scene across the street. She knew she'd gone too far, but foun

d little regret. Some people weren't worth saving she thought. A stretcher came from the doubl

ors of the hotel. Its contents clear ly that of the man she had shot. The way the attendants rushed

ambulance indicated that he was still alive. That made a small smile appear on her face, she h

bastard lived a long life with out his balls.

wo female uniformed officers appeared next, each holding a small bundled child. They wereor ted to the second ambulance that headed off in the opposite direction as the first. As it move

vealed a tall, shapely, blonde woman who stared directly at Quinlan.

e small brunette finished the cigarette, sending the butt into the gutter with a flick of her finge

e studied the blonde who hadn't looked away yet. She wore black tailored slacks and a white co

rt that was pressed and open at the neck, just hinting at cleavage. A gold badge was clipped to

ist in front off to one side. A revolver rested in a holster at her other side. Low black heels

opelled the woman forward after a few more moments. McKee felt a twinge of arousal as the

nde strode toward her. It was a feeling she had not had in years. A deep breath and a small shar head cleared her thoughts as the woman stopped just three feet from her.

xcuse me," the blonde spoke, her voice low and controlled, "May I see some identification?"

cKee shrugged and produced her small battered wallet. She pulled her drivers license from its

d handed it to the woman, trying to contain the full body flush that she could feel creeping acro

r skin.

s. McKee?" She received a nod. "I'm detective Walsh. You seem to match the description of

meone who was involved in the matter across the street. Do you have any idea why the managhotel would implicate you?"

cKee smiled, "Because he's still bitter about me interrupting his midday TV watching?"

vian Walsh grinned, "Perhaps. It also could have been the gun in his face."

ossibly." McKee agreed.

Would you happen to have said weapon on you still?" Walsh asked handing the license back oveoulder to a stocky man with silver hair and a thick mustache.

cKee reached behind her and produced the gun. She held it by the barrel as she presented it to t

tective.

alsh took the gun and brought it to her nose. "Have you recently discharged this weapon Ms.

cKee?"

es," came the simple reply.


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m Ross recognized the woman from fifty feet away. He hadn't laid eyes on her in nearly three

ars. He glanced at the Illinois license. At least that was one rumor that seemed true as to the wh

out of the elusive private investigator. He watched Quinlan McKee as she interacted with his pa

eemed as though they were evenly matched to him. He opened his notebook and wrote a small

himself. There would be a lot of people interested in the brunette's return.

an you describe the situation and circumstance for the reason you discharged your weapon?" W

ked as she removed the magazine of the gun and cleared its chamber.

happened to walk in on a man who was receiving head from a small boy. I noticed another sm

y chained to the bed. Both children were naked and obviously abused. One of the boys had bee

trated. I took my weapon and blew the bastards balls off." McKee said calmly.

e older man behind Walsh snickered.

e detective looked at the small woman before her. She was all of maybe 115 lbs, 5'5'', well-def

scles, and a definite sublime quality about her. "Do you have a permit for this weapon Ms.

cKee?"

e brunette produced the proper paper work allowing her to carry a concealed weapon.

alsh turned to her partner, pulling him a few feet away "Well Tom, we can arrest her and expla

w she found not just one missing boy but two, and subdued the kidnapper. Or we let her go and

wift justice." She said examining the papers once again.

would have blown the guys head off Viv." He looked around his partners shoulder at the brune

nd for her not to have shows considerable restraint. She's a good guy Walsh, she found the boy

got our perp." He said handing the license back to his partner. "I'll vouch for her if need be."

vian nodded, "Go on back Tom. I'll catch up with you." She then turned to the brunette. "Ms. M

uld you mind telling me who hired you? And why you didn't call the authorities once you

nfirmed the missing child, that all of Los Angeles has been looking for, for the past six weeks

ght add, was alive and in the custody of the perpetrator?"

e brunette had made brief eye contact with the man she had hated for years. It had only been

ently that she had been able to come to terms over the incident that had torn her world apart. S

dded at the man as he gave her a brief smile before walking away. She turned her attention bacblonde detective.

nathan Peer hired me to find his son. As for the other, well I lost my temper. It's hard to sit idl

ile a little boy is being sexually abused in front of your eyes. Other wise I would have dropped

rvert off at the station my self."

e detective nodded, Vivian looked closely at the smaller woman in front of her. Her driver lic

dicated her age to be thirty-two, but she looked like she was in her mid twenties at best. Her sho

ck hair was in tiny spikes all over her head, a pair of dark sunglasses nested there. Pierced earth small diamond earrings in each lobe, gray eyes that were open and clear, even in the glare o


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ernoon sun, a small silver hoop was threaded thru the left eyebrow. If it weren't for the sun shi

it Vivian would have missed it all together. Muscular arms, a thin waist that tapered to curvy

d well defined thighs.

e faded jeans that covered those thighs had a rip across the top of one leg where the leg met th

bit of tan flesh and black lace panties peaked out of the frayed rip. Without much thought Vivia

sed her eyes to the brunette's chest wondering if there was a matching bra under the form fittin

k top. She unconsciously blushed as she recognized that there was no bra at all present, and th

her from her gawking, or the cool wind that blew down the street, the nipples on two small, fiasts became hard.

inlan cocked her head to the side as the tall blonde blushed. She wasn't able to control how he

dy had reacted to the outright perusal the detective gave her. At least she wasn't the only one

fering. She cleared her throat gaining the woman's attention and her vibrant blue eyes with he

ay. "I can arrange for a private viewing if you like detective." McKee smirked as the blonde's m

opped open, lips moved but no words came forth. "I mean it's obvious you're interested." She s

th a deep purr.

vian blinked several times as her brain processed the words spoken to her. "I was… was… just

e shook her head and thrust the brunette's ID and permit toward her, followed by McKee's gun

ou're free to go Ms. McKee."

inlan accepted the items and tucked them away in their proper places, aware that the blonde's e

l watched her. She produced a small black business card and took three steps forward into the

vate space of the detective. "Perhaps you'll change your mind. All my numbers are on there; c

ytime." She tucked the card into the blonde's ample cleavage and walked silently to her car,

ndering when the hell her libido had taken over her usually unsocial nature.

vian spun around and called out to the departing woman, "Not in this lifetime McKee!"

in simply raised a dark eyebrow at the detective before sliding into the car. She watched in he

w mirror as she pulled away. The blonde pulled the black card from her shirt and tucked it int

nts pocket. McKee smiled to herself as she found the freeway on ramp and headed home.

m Ross turned in his seat to look at his partner as she sank behind the wheel. It wasn't often he

woman flustered. "I have her phone number if you're interested."

What?" Vivian asked as she hooked her seatbelt and started the car.

he PI, I know her phone number, or maybe you'd like me to call and give her yours?"

e blonde looked at her partner, "Are you insane? That woman should be in jail; she's hardly b

n the scum we just arrested. I don't even know what I'm going to tell the lieutenant my reasoni

t is and you think I'd be interested in a date with her?" She huffed as she weaved the car betwee

o police cruisers. "She's so not my type anyway…"

m grinned, "Uh huh." He opens his notebook and started organizing his information for the re


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d soon be writing.

What would you know about it? You haven't been on a date in twenty years." Vivian continued.

already have my dream girl Walsh. I don't need a date. You on the other hand might want a car

ange," he kept his eyes down writing in his notebook, "Perhaps a convent."

e blonde scowled out the window. "I'm going to ignore that Ross."

ght laughter came from the passenger seat.

vian couldn't help the smile that crept onto her lips. This is how it had been between them sinc

e. Tom Ross was a capable detective. He had a wife and five kids with number six on the way. H

s constantly bragging about his family, and had dragged Vivian to dinner that first night to his

use.

vian, who had been on her own since she was eleven, was overwhelmed by the welcome she ha

eived. She had gained a family in the blink of an eye. She had felt so comfortable that when R

m's wife, had asked her if she had a boyfriend that she simply stated that she currently didn't hlfriend, but was always on the look out. The woman hardly missed a beat before a vow was gi

the small redheaded woman that she would help with the endeavor.

at was it. Her partner quickly became her best friend, and his wife the sister and mother she ne

d. Tom had taken to teasing her relentlessly, and she gave as good as she got. Together they m

at team.

sure would like to know how she came up with that guy." Tom mused looking out the front wi

the car, his eyebrows knitted in thought.

vian had been thinking the same thing. Now that would be a good reason to call the brunette. A

itimate reason, she thought as she weaved through rush hour traffic towards the station.


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PART 2

UIN TURNED THE key in the lock of the large stained glass door to her house. The inside w

et and dark. A soft fwap of the pet door and the click of a dog's paws was the only thing that

eted her as she closed the door. By the time she turned around to secure the door, the large he

black Labrador was rubbing against her thigh in an attempt to get some attention. She let her

op and pat the dog's head and her fingers scratched behind each ear. As she squatted to r etrieve

il from the floor, the dog's wet tongue swiped her cheek several times.

hanks buddy." She smiled as she wiped the slick residue from her face with her jacket sleeve. S

od and flipped through the correspondence as she walked the long hall to the kitchen, her wayly by the streetlights streaming through various windows.

e used her elbow to turn on the light in the kitchen and went to the fridge. The mail found its w

to a growing stack of letters and bills on the counter. Quin stood in front of the open refrigera

ering in at the contents for several minutes. The big black dog sat on his haunches looking in a

ll. After several more minutes dog and human looked at each other and sighed. "We really nee

to the store Mike. This is pitiful."

rk eyes blinked at her then turned back to the open fridge. The dog huffed once then walked awhis own food bowl to happily much on his standard kibble.

in shook her head. It had been a long day. She counted herself lucky not to be in jail. She had

oken just about every rule possible today.

e refrigerator door swung shut with a slight push. The brunette opted for an apple from a bow

table and a glass of water. She stood leaning against the counter while she ate, watching Mike

nch endlessly on his food. She made quick work of the piece of fruit and downed her water in

ee gulps. The core flew effor tlessly into the trashcan in the corner.

e returned to the fridge and made a quick ice pack for her bruised hand.

Well Mike, another day, another dollar." Quin walked from the kitchen, stripping her jacket and

positing it on a bench in the hall, the clicking of paws followed behind her. It was still early. T

l sun had set leaving the early evening hours dark. She glances up the staircase; she hadn't ven

the stairs since her return. Tonight would be no different as she headed to the basement door.

r office took up most of the basement. There were several banks of computers strewn in a

phazard mess on three desks that formed a U off of one wall, as well as white boards on stands


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e bolted to the basement wall surrounded by corkboard. A worn couch laid against one wall, a

umpled blanket pushed to one end, and a needlepoint pillow at the other. Three small TVs hung

m the ceiling, and a police scanner chirped away from a low shelf that also contained a coffe

ker.

in stood in front of one white board that contained pictures and notes from this latest case. Sh

und the boy, but not the person who had taken the boy. She let her eyes stay on the picture of th

iling eight year old, preferring that as a last image rather than the one she carried home with

m the dingy hotel room. The florescent lamp that lit the board's contents seemed harsh againsy's likeness. This picture deserved to sit in a place lit by sunlight, she thought.

e also thought of the other little boy she found by happenstance. His condition appalling, his s

utilated body would never recover from the act of castration.

Who are they Mike?" She asked the big dog who had taken up residence on the couch, his head

ting on her pillow. "Who does things to children like that and lives with himself?" Dark eyes

nked at her.

e picked up a blue marker and wrote in large letters across the board, HOW MANY MORE? T

d been the question that had been nagging at her since she tracked the boy down. He had been

erally sold and bought as merchandise on the internet. How many missing children were sold a

ught everyday? Who was taking them? How could they be stopped?

uite the can of worms Mike." Quin took a few steps and sank into a high back leather chair tha

the space between the desks. Her hands bumped keyboards and a mouse to wake up the sleepin

nitors. She reached behind herself and blindly pressed the recall button on the answering mac

e same hand picked up a remote control, and she turned on one of the TV's, muting the sound

e used the same remote to activate the sound system hanging from the wall under the TV's. Nin

mone's sultry voice sang to Quin as she started her nightly routine of information gathering.

m Ross entered his large ranch house just after seven in the evening. He quietly emptied his

ckets into the glass dish that sat on a table beside the door. He could hear his family talking aw

dining room. Dinner well underway at this hour. He felt a pang of guilt at that, thinking that t

obably waited much too long for him before they started the meal anyway.

walked through the deserted living room. Schoolbooks littered the coffee table and floor, a

gible sign that school was once again in full swing for his four oldest children. He remindedmself to ask each of them about their classes and teachers. Sometimes he would forget such thi

d his wife would have to remind him.

shrugged out of his suit jacket as he crossed into the dining room. His children greeted him w

nuine smiles and clamoring words of welcome home. He made his way around the table kissin

ch child, ending at his wife who looked at him with a knowing smirk. Tom leaned over and kis

r gently as the children voiced their disapproval of such a display by their parents. He couldn't

smile that came to his lips as he sat back in his chair.


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nerous amounts of food found way to his plate as the conversation picked up once again. He l

wards his wife, "Sorry, I should have called, but…"

We saw the news, Vivian handled herself well." Ruth Ross spoke while urging her three-year-ol

eat a small piece of carrot. "I'd hoped she would have been with you tonight. I found a date for

m raised his eyebrows as he himself shuffled his carrots to one side of his plate away from th

his meal. "Does she meet all the criteria?"

th slowly nodded, "Employed, no children, and no recent criminal activity."

m laughed, "Wow, that list certainly has dwindled over the last two years."

kept telling her she was too picky." Ruth said as she speared a carrot on the end of her fork fro

r husband's plate and offered it to him much in the same way as she just had done to his son.

m looked at his wife, then the carrot. The table grew quiet and all eyes rested on him, waiting

at he would do.

at." The three year old encouraged him in much the same way he had recently been.

ou'll pay for this later, Dr. Ross." He softly said with a smile at his wife, then wrapped his lips

und the fork in front of him and took the carrot into his mouth and made a good show of enjo

small piece of vegetable.

s children cheered for him as he swallowed hard to get the now mushy substance to go down h

oat. As a reward his wife kissed him on his rough cheek. He growled at the teasing his older tw

ns and two daughters gave him. It was wonderful to be home, and he wouldn't trade it for anyththe world.

arly three hours later and after having to resort to her reading glasses as eyestrain began to se

in looked up. There on the muted TV was Detective Walsh. The brunette felt a flash of heat at

membering the frank inspection the detective gave her in the late afternoon sun. She muted the

reo and turned the volume up on the TV.

What's the boy's condition now Detective?" a disembodied voice asked.

cott is in good physical condition. He has been reunited with his parents. We are still trying to

ermine the identity of the second boy. His condition is guarded, but he's expected to survive." B

ue eyes squinted slightly against the harsh camera lights as Vivian Walsh answered the barrage

estions hurled at her by the press.

he man who was holding Scott was reported as being injured…."

o comment on the condition of Mr. Peterson, except that he's under arrest for the kidnapping of

ott Peer. I'm sure further charges will be added as the days progress." This time the detective sm

ghtly. "That's all I have at the moment ladies and gentlemen…"


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etective! Is it true that Scott was found by the vigilante Angel of Justice and that the police

ppened onto the scene after several calls to 911?" The male voice off camera was booming an

me over the other disappointed mumbles of the group of repor ters loud and clear.

ngel of Justice?" Quin said to her self… "God! How corny is that?" She rolled her eyes.

have nothing more at this time." Detective Walsh restated as she turned and made her way back

building.

ngel of Justice?" she repeated again, "Got to put an end to that moniker!" The sound of her

orbell ringing brought her to her feet and up the stairs two at a time. The bell rang again. She

oked out the side window and raised a delicate black brow. She opened the door.

etective. I was just watching you on the news." Quin greeted keeping the Labrador at bay with

ot. Mike took the hint finally and shrugged off to the kitchen.

vian Walsh smiled, "And here I thought I was just dealing with another smar t ass PI, when I act

ve had the honor of coming into contact with the Angel of Justice."

in growled, "God is that awful or what? Did you get the name of that guy by the way? I'd like

rd with him." She looked at the blonde standing on her porch, "I recall you saying something

lier about the chances of you calling me in this lifetime?"

m not calling." Vivian smirked.

h, true, you're not." The brunette paused for a moment, "How very clever." Quin stepped back

door, "Please come in Detective."

vian stepped into the dark foyer of the big old house. It took her by some surprise that this was

inlan McKee's home as she pulled up in front of it. Silverlake was an old, long-established Lo

geles neighborhood. Big, wood clabbered houses sat on hilly streets. They rarely came up for

d when they did, expect to pay three quarters of a million dollars or more for one that was in t

ndition that Quinlan McKee's house was. "Nice place." She commented as a light came on to h

ht, illuminating the space.

hanks, my… my partner and I did the work. It was wor th every splinter, and bruise." She said

king her hands into her pockets.

vian didn't miss the hesitation in the smaller woman's voice at the mention of her partner. "We

autiful. Perhaps sometime I could get the full tour. I'm a bit confused though; I thought for sur

re flirting with me earlier, and here I find you're already taken." She wasn't sure where her

wardness came from, maybe it was the fact that the woman openly came on to her and was in

ence cheating on her partner.

Was… she's gone." Quin stated softly, she found herself uncomfortable under the scrutiny of thi

man. She lifted her head, "Grace was killed three years ago."


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m sorry… I had…" Vivian's heart sank into her stomach.

o way you could have known." Quin shrugged.

o, I suppose you're right, still…"

e brunette shook her head, "Forget it, besides I'm sure you have a reason for coming here."

sides getting another glimpse at that physique? Vivian questioned herself, but said aloud, "We

ndering how you came up with Donald Peterson as the kidnapper. He's nowhere in ourvestigation."

e's not the kidnapper," came the simple response.

What do you mean not the kidnapper? Then what the hell is he?" Vivian's voiced raised in volum

e spoke. She felt suddenly on the end of a joke.

sick, child molesting bastard. A slaver for sure. And now ball-less. Follow me detective; I'll s

u what I have so far." She motioned toward the basement door.

e blonde followed, "I don't detect much in the way of regret, Ms. McKee, for that action."

aven't been able to muster up any yet. Please call me Quin, Detective Walsh, I hear my last nam

ough during the day… usually taken in vain."

kay Quin, then please call me Vivian. The "Detective Walsh thing" is overdone as well." The b

quested as she stepped of the last step into what could only be described as a messy bat cave. "W

you keep your skin tight costume?" She couldn't help but ask.

in smirked, "It's at the cleaners today. Perhaps I'll show it to you at a later date." She pointed to

ge white dry erase board, "I kind of stumbled onto Scott actually, I was just feeling around the

dophile online community while looking into other things, and got a hit on the Peterson guy. I

ouple days to track him down. He moves around a lot. " She pulled a paper off the board and g

o Vivian, "Twenty addys in the last two years that I was able to confirm, he draws some kind o

deral disability, so he has to report moves to them, otherwise he would have been nearly

traceable. He bought Scott from an unnamed source."

vian looked at the print out handed to her then back up at the board. "The other boy, do you thi

s obtained the same way?"

urchased?" A confirming nod came from the blonde head, "Probably, or he traded for him. I'm

ting to know how it all works. There's a lot of them though, and they aren't all as stupid as Do

terson, especially it seems the people who acquire the children."

vian looked at the various pieces of information the PI had gathered. It was quite extensive. "H

we missed all this?" She wondered aloud.


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ou were thinking abduction for ransom because of who Peer happens to be. I just worked a

ferent angle, thinking maybe they didn't know whom they had, and once they had already struc

al it was too late. Peterson had Scott in his custody from day three. No one knew anything of th

dnapping for a full week after it happened, because I suspect you all were waiting for a phone c

e blonde head nodded, "We dropped the ball."

o. I got lucky." Quin admitted.

e two women regarded one another for a silent moment.

vian spoke first, "I'll share this information with the department, and maybe Peterson will give

contact. If you come across anything else…"

ou'r e more than welcome to any thing I have. I want this guy and his fr iends just as much as yo

t me get you a drink." Quin started for the stairs then turned back, "Have you eaten yet? I can o

mething in."

vian stared at the quantity of information in front of her. It would take several hours at best to ough just what was organized on the board alone. "I haven't eaten, and only if it isn't too much

uble," she replied.

o trouble at all. Be right back. Make your self at home." Quin sprinted up the stairs.

vian studied the board. She noticed a stack of folders on a low table in front of it with

rresponding labels. She picked up the first folder opening it as she shrugged out of her leather

ket. She looked about for a place to sit, but decided the floor in front of the table and board wo

the most convenient. A large black dog that wrapped his body around her back soon joined herk eyes looked at her as the dog rested its head on its paws. "Well hello there? Where did you

m?" She asked as she stroked the dog's smooth fur.

see the resident lounge hound has found you."

vian looked up over her shoulder at the now barefoot brunette. The woman just stepped off the

p. She carr ied two glasses in one hand and a pitcher of ice tea in the other.

hope tea is okay. I ordered a pizza and some salad. Should be here in a few." Quin sat the glassd pitcher on the low table. "If you would be more comfortable on the couch I could…"

o… this is fine. I can see everything from here. you don't mind do you?" Vivian asked as she

oked back down at the dog, "Besides the companionship is decent down here."

in chuckled, "Mike's just a big softy, loves the ladies." She sat down beside the blonde crossin

s and resting her elbows on her knees.

ike?"


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he big dog wrapped around you." Quin filled the two glasses and reached behind herself prod

ong spoon and several small packets of sweetener and sugar. "I didn't know what you took." Sh

d out the small paper packets in one palm and the spoon in the other hand.

vian smiled and took two small packs of sugar and a spoon. She prepared her tea and took a lo

nk. She watched the other woman dump the remainder of sweetener on the table. The brunette

ank her tea straight, nearly emptying the glass in three gulps. Her eyes rested on the graceful n

Quin's head tipped back. She quickly looked down at the file in her lap as the other woman low

r glass. The detective looked at the words, but didn't read them. Her mind raced with theplications of her obvious attraction to the smaller woman. She closed her eyes and minutely s

r head to clear her thoughts. She then produced her small notebook and began to earnestly read

e, stopping only to make notes and ask defining questions of the PI.

ey worked that way for nearly four hours. They took a brief break to eat, but that was it. Vivia

ounded at the amount of information Quin acquired in a short period of time. She was reading

t file when a name jumped up and smacked her in the head. "Justin Downs." She said aloud and

ked over to where Quin was resting against the couch. "He sounds familiar; I can't place whe

ow the name from." She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Her hand then combed thror hair and she stretched her back, emitting several expletives as a series of pops emanated from

ne. "Ugh! I need to move." Almost instantaneously a small tanned hand was in front of her.

etting cramped down there?" Quin's gray eyes smiled down at her.

vian accepted the hand and let her self be hauled up with astonishing ease. "Too much time in o

sition." She groused as she continued to stretch her back and legs after standing. She then stoo

d picked up the file again. "Justin Downs." She looked at Quin again, "Did you interview him?

e PI shook her head, "No, he was way down on my list. Did some wiring for one of the neighb

week Scott was taken. I did a quick check on him and nothing came back, so it became a dead

hat's right. He umm… ran some kind of network wiring for the Taylor 's a couple doors down

Peer's."

in nodded in agreement.

ead end huh?" Vivian asked.

othing I could connect anyway. Did you guys look at him?" the brunette asked as she sat on the

uch, pulling her legs up underneath her.

vian crossed and sat at the opposite end of the old couch, "He had an alibi. His girlfriend said

d been with him all night on the evening of the abduction, but there was something that didn't c

th Tom about that. I can't recall what it was."

om was always good at ferreting out the liars."

e blonde looked up from the file once again, "how long have you known Tom?"


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in bit her bottom lip for a second then shrugged, "For about ten years, he was Grace's partner.

vian's eyebrows raised, "But you didn't even acknowledge him today."

in shrugged again, "We didn't exactly leave on speaking terms. I'm surprised he didn't vote to

in."

ctually he's the reason you weren't hauled in." Vivian said as she closed the folder and slumpe

ck into the couch. "What time is it?" She asked as her eyes closed.

lmost one." Quin replied as she thought about what the detective said regarding Tom Ross.

vian pushed herself up off the couch, closed the folder and handed it to Quin, "I think I'm done

night." She crossed to the low table and retrieved her mostly spent notebook. "Thanks for the f

e gestured to their empty plates, "I owe you dinner. And umm, thanks for the information. I'll l

u know if we come up with anything further."

in escorted the detective up the stairs to the front door. "I apologize for my behavior this

ernoon. I was a bit stressed; I don't handle children being in a situation like that well. I'm offery services to you at anytime. You may need someone on the other side of the thin blue line. I ca

ces and do things that you can't." She paused in her ramblings, "That all sounded so not me. G

ckmail material for the future." She smiled as she opened the door.

vian Walsh didn't know what to make of the woman before her. She knew she would be gr illin

m Ross in the morning that was for sure. "I'll think about the offer. Have a good night Quin."

e brunette watched as the tall woman walked down the porch steps to a modest, four door Ford

s parked at the curb. She was undeniably attracted to the woman — a dangerous attraction. One was sure she needed to ignore in order to maintain her working frame of mind. She shut the

the blue car pulled away. The couch in the basement called her name as she descended the base

irs. Another night in denial. Another night with her nightmares. Maybe returning to Los Ange

sn't such a good idea.


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24/121

th threw the covers off and exited the bed, she paced the floor, "She came into our house Tom

ent on killing you."

he didn't though." Tom said moving to sit at the side of the bed and watched his wife pace.

th rubbed her extended belly thoughtfully, "I can't forgive that Tom, and I certainly can't forge

m reached his hand out and waited for his wife to take it. After a few moments he felt her sma

nd slide into his own. He pulled his wife to stand in front of him and wrapped his arms around

laid his head against her swollen abdomen. "I thank god every night that I have you Ruth, and

t I keep you every morning. I can't imagine what Quin went through after losing Grace."

at was something Ruth hadn't thought about. What would she do if something happened to Tom

didn't come home from the job? Would she react as McKee had? She stroked his head, runnin

gers through his thick hair, looking down on him in a way his fellow officers were never like

him. Perhaps if she had the capability that McKee had she would take revenge for her husban

ath. Hopefully she would never have to answer that question.

et's go back to bed love. We both have busy days tomorrow." Tom urged his wife under the colay close to her with his hand over her stomach, making small patterns with his fingertips. He

r move just enough to reach the nightstand and extinguish the light. He continued his moveme

til a soft snore indicated that Ruth had fallen asleep once again. He rolled over onto his back a

images of his nightmare play against the darkened ceiling. He wished someone could take the

ages from him, but knew he carried them for a reason, what it was he didn't know. Maybe Qui

cKee had an answer for him. There was more to know about the incident three years ago,

mething he was yet to discover. Something that would put it all to rest for all of them. Sleep

uldn't return to him this night as with so many others when the nightmare came. He was conte

ow that Ruth had returned to sleep. At least one of them would have a decent nights rest.

vian threw a worn file on top of her partner's desk. "Donald Peterson." She said as she plopped

wn in her chair.

m Ross looked at the thick and obviously well-used file, "Has our boy been a busy lad during

e?" he needlessly asked as he opened the volume and began to read.

x offenses in the state of California alone. Boys, girls, animals, the guy is a real sicko. They p

m in a hospital for a few months, declared him competent, and released him back into mainstreciety where he gets another kid and continues on his merry little way." Vivian opened her own

awer pulling out a brown paper sack. She emptied the contents on her desk, a sandwich, bag of

ps and a candy bar landed in a heap. She tossed the candy bar at the man across from her, "You

ok like you could use a boost."

e man accepted the candy gratefully. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

know what you mean." Vivian opened the baggie that contained her sandwich, pulling the brea

art to check its contents. "I was up late myself, got some interesting information from your PIend." She took a healthy bite of the ham and cheese sandwich that her landlord had made for h


25/121

e was grateful the matronly woman had adopted her and provided for her midday meal. It was

only sustenance she would take during the day until she got home to a bowl of soup.

m raised a salt and pepper eyebrow, "You went to see McKee?"

Why did you think I asked for her address?"

hought she wasn't your type?"

vian looked across their joined desks, "I didn't fuck her, and I wanted to know how she came uth Peterson," she said a bit harshly.

orry." Tom said as he chewed another bite of sweet chocolate and caramel, "I really didn't mea

t way."

nyway," Vivian started again, "it seems Peterson isn't our kidnapper, he's a lot of other things,

didn't take the kid." She tried to keep the conversation on track and away from any kind of per

lings she might or might not have for the small brunette.

m watched his partner for a moment. She had been a bit edgy all day, and he became concerne

mething might have happened between the two women. "Did McKee give you a hard time abou

owing up unannounced last night?"

o, should she have?" Two chips fell victim to Vivian's hunger simultaneously, "That reminds m

y didn't you tell me how well you knew Quin? How long were you partners with Grace?"

y my they did have quite the chat , Tom thought as he swallowed the last of the candy bar. "Ten

ars."

nd you see her lover after how long and not even a hello?"

fter three years, and we didn't leave things on the best of terms. Now I would really like to cha

subject."

vian smiled, "Not so comfor table huh? But let's do change the subject. The lieutenant is going

nt to know why we aren't filing kidnap charges against Peterson. He's going to want to know

ainst whom we are going to file, and I like to at least give him some kind of idea, seeing as we

one at all to pin this on."

id McKee have a clue?" Tom asked sitting back in his chair.

vian sighed, "No."

o name? No direction to head in?"

e blonde pointed a finger at her partner, "No name, but she did have a direction, and is still

rking on it. She said she would let me know if anything came up, in the mean time I want to taok at Justin Downs again."


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m sneered, "I don't like that guy. Something's up with him."

vian nodded, "I know, so let's dig deeper. Maybe we missed something. We also need to schedu

erview with Peterson. Maybe he can shed a bit of light on it for us."

here's certainly more light shining between his legs these days anyway." Tom smirked as he le

ough the file once again, this time making notes while looking for any connection to their cur

vestigation.

ull week passed before Quin emerged from her house again. Quang Ngo was missing and she

eded him. He was a native of Orange County, the great suburb south of Los Angeles. Quin hate

ce with its neatly arranged neighborhoods and cookie cutter people. Quin couldn't find one

deeming grace for the place, except for maybe the prolific punk music that seemed to stream f

hind the Orange Curtain as a protest to the conformity that was imposed on its youth.

e drove her white Chevelle across the invisible line separating Los Angeles from the overly c

sneyesque, Orange County. Her destination was just a few more exits down the 405 freeway. L

gon was located in Garden Grove California. It was heralded as the largest Vietnamese popul

tside of Vietnam itself. Quin had little doubt of that as she made her exit onto Brookhurst St. h

rth. A few more miles brought her to her destination.

in made her way into the import shop ran by Quang's father. Business appeared to be brisk on

nny Friday afternoon. She stopped to look at a set of teacups when her name was called from t

ck of the shop.

s. McKee, what a wonderful surprise, I wish we would have known you were coming; we wou

ve made preparations for a feast." Quang's father was a rail thin man with dark eye's and jet-bl

r. He spoke with a soft accent and his voice carried a great deal of emotion. Quin liked the mament he had come to her with his problem son. An elderly woman took Quin's arm from behi

d pulled her down. Quin knew very little Vietnamese, but was able to pick out just enough to sm

d nod. She spoke a reverent thank you, and kissed the small woman on the cheek, causing a sm

ggle and a swat to her shoulder.

ou enchant my mother as always Ms. McKee." Tran Ngo said as he walked Quin back to his of

ow may I help you this fine day? I hope my son is not the cause of your visit." The thin man sa

ther chair indicating that Quin should take the one opposite him.

ctually I was sort of hoping I would find Quang here. I need his help, but am unable to locate h

e came last Sunday. He was here until Tuesday afternoon. A woman came to the shop and he le

th her in a bit of a rush." The man looked down as he spoke, and then glanced up nervously at

cKee, "I hope he is not in trouble."

m sure it's nothing he can't handle, but it is perplexing why he hasn't called or is not answering

ges. It's not like him." Quin thought for a moment, "Did you recognize this woman?"

m not certain, but I think she was a friend of his from high school, a close friend of one of the


27/121

ang dated. I haven't heard from any of those kids since Quang was arrested; he became a non-

rson to that world."

in nodded her understanding. It was one of the reasons Quang had asked to join her in Chicag

und his friends in crime would not tolerate his law abiding behavior and turned their backs on

was hard to leave that behind and move forward, but Quang had managed. "I think I remember

ere they hung out. I'll start there." She said as she stood and offered her hand to the man. "Don

rry. I'm sure he's fine, and if he isn't I'll kick his ass." She grinned.

an smiled at the woman he credited with saving his son's life and his honor. "I shall be happy t

d the boy for you." He joked back as he bid the dark woman farewell.

e industrial buildings that lay empty were often taken up by small gangs of youths. This is wh

cKee knew she would find the people for whom she was looking. Most people would be fright

enter such areas at the late hour it was, but she wanted to talk to the right people, and to do tha

d to risk a little injury. On the other hand, those who didn't want to answer her questions risked

ual amount of injury by her hand.

e cruised by a large concrete building. Large fifty gallon barrels lit the interior as they burned

er was handy — gang members constantly feeding the flames for warmth against the chilly fal

ght. It never really got cold in southern California, especially along the coast. But the damp air

d to settle in ones bones, so to ward off the chill the gang members huddled around the barrel

ling tales of their day and exaggerating heroic deeds in the name of the gang.

e parked the old Chevelle along a brick wall and walked into the open building. Her memory c

names she had stored away for no particular occasion. She almost immediately found the girl

ang's father had described standing with three boys. A large bottle of beer was being passed am

four. One of the boys noticed her approached and took up an offensive stand. Quin raised her

nds, "I'm looking for Quang. If you tell me where I can find him then you can go right back to

u were doing."

e girl took a step forward and placed her hand on the boys shoulder, "S'okay, she's not a cop. S

ang's sponsor." The boy immediately relaxed, "Quang's not here; his old lady got busted, and

king after the kids."

ids?" Quin gaped at the plural.

hey're not all his, but one of em' is." The gir l clarified.

Where can I find him?"

e gir l was more than helpful in providing an address and gave fairly precise directions to the

artment at which door she now found herself knocking. The hollow wood was hardly a barr ier

ween the hall and what lay beyond. It always amazed Quin what people considered suitable

using. The door opened a crack, and her gray eyes had to look down the space to find the pers

o had opened it. Two big blue eyes blinked at her. "It's kind of late for you to be up isn't it?" Sestioned the child peeking out at her.


28/121

e child shrugged, "Baby brother is sick and the man needed help." Was the simple explanation

ven through the crack.

kay." Quin drew the word out, "Do you think you could tell the man that McKee is here?"

ere was a slow nod and the door shut tight. She could hear small bare feet slap against a tiled

ew minutes later heavier footsteps approach the door. It jerked open wide and a flustered Qua

o stood on the other side covered in something Quin was unable to identify. A relieved smile

ssed his lips.

cKee, man are you a sight for sore eyes." He stepped back so the woman could enter. "Sorry a

mess and all… I've been kind of preoccupied, the baby is sick," he pointed to a baby lying on

ged couch. To Quang's credit he had made a soft bed of clean sheets and blankets for the infan

e boy who had answered the door was sitting beside the couch with one hand on the baby's bac

ow long has it been sick?" Quin asked as she placed her hand on the child's head feeling for fe

ouple of hours, I was just trying to figure out how to get the mess of ‘em with me to the ER if

dn't start to get better…"

ow many kids are there here, and why didn't you call me? Better yet, why haven't you been

swering your phone or pager?" Quin picked up the baby, the older boy looked at her with a m

strust and a glint of protectiveness for his baby brother. Quin smiled at him, "What's your bro

me?"

ark. I'm Christopher." He pointed at his chest with a finger. The boy was of obvious mixed rac

ritage with his kinky black hair and olive complexion. Bright blue eyes dominated his round f

in estimated his age to be about eight.

m McKee, and I'm here to help Quang. Can you get me a bottle of water for your brother?" Sh

ked and smiled as the boy nodded and ran to do her bidding. She looked back at her protégé,

nswers Mr. Ngo."

mm, there are five kids, one is mine, but I couldn't see just taking one and leaving the rest for

I stayed. I don't know what happened to my phone or pager, they're here someplace," he flailed

ms indicating the apartment, "and I wanted to call you, but there is no phone here, and I haven't

ked with an adult since Tuesday." He finished. His shoulders slumped and he idly brushed at thcky stain on his shirt.

in looked at the young man who was as close to tears as she had ever seen him. "Quang," she

tly to gain his attention, "you've done a good job, okay. I'm here now. What do you need?"

need to get out of here, get them out of here. The place is infested with almost every critter

aginable, and the food is about gone. I need to get the baby to a doctor, and I could really use a

ower and about eight hours of sleep, consecutively if possible…"

in smiled at the young man, "Okay. Wake em' up; forget about clothes and such; we will get th


29/121

w. We'll go to my place. I'll call ahead and have someone meet us there to look at the little guy

ot you while you get cleaned up, and sleep. Fair enough?"

ang looked at his mentor with a bit of surprise. She had come in with a kick ass attitude and e

th being an understanding friend. He was certain that he would never figure the woman out as

he lived. He nodded his assent to the plan and moved to the back of the apartment to wake the

ldren and get them ready to travel.

in settled in a vinyl chair cradling the fussing baby in her arms. She pulled the infant against hd cooed softly to him. The older boy returned with the requested bottle. Quin placed it to the b

s where it was eagerly suckled.

re you taking us away?" Christopher asked, his eyes showing just a bit of trepidation.

ou'll be coming to stay at my house for a while, until we can find out about your mom. It's a bi

use, plenty of room for everyone." Quin tried to ease the boy's discomfort with the arrangemen

't perfect, but it will be better. Okay?" The boy nodded and ran off to join his siblings as they

rise. She watched as Quang organized the group. There were four boys including the baby, an

le girl. It took some doing and some convincing on the two adults part that they were not goin

separated or discarded.

e trip to Los Angeles was mostly quiet. An occasional murmuring from the back seat as the

ldren pointed out the window at the passing city skyline. Quin had made a phone call to a frie

about the baby's condition. Quang had passed out almost as soon as the car hit the interstate. T

tried to remember if there was ever a time in her life that things weren't complicated. When

mories of quiet Sundays spent with Grace came to mind she smiled to herself. Life had given

me precious moments after all.


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PART 4

HE SOUND OF the phone ringing woke Tom Ross first. He reached for the offending applian

ndly, knocking over a picture frame as he finally grasped the receiver. "Hello." He rasped. He

the voice for a moment, his eyes still shut. His eyes opened at the mention of Quinlan McKee.

led to his back and sighed. He looked at his sleeping wife and bit his lower lip. "Okay, I'll ask

t no guarantees. Hold on." He pressed the phone to his chest and nudged his wife. "Ruth?"

mmm."

uth, Stephanie Miller is on the phone, she wants to know if you'd do her a favor."

e red head turned toward her husband, "What kind of favor?"

he needs to you to make a house call. She's in the middle of some kind of emergency and can't

rself. She said she would make it up to you ten times." Tom held his breath.

ne, get the address, I'm getting up."

m picked up the phone again and told the young doctor on the other end that his wife had acce

job. He hung up the phone and climbed out of bed.

What are you doing?" Ruth questioned a she returned to the room buttoning a large white shirt.

nt to her dresser and pulled out a pair of sweatpants.

m going to wake up Peter; then I'm going with you. I'll dr ive."

kay, you can keep me awake." Ruth replied she was glad to have the company. The pregnancy

r tired, and with just two hours of sleep under her belt, she wasn't sure she could make the driv

erever she was going safely anyway.

m woke his oldest son. The sixteen year old was trust worthy and capable, and took his father'

sition in his parents king size bed next to the only phone that rang at night in the house. Convin

t all was well, Tom and Ruth headed out.

th in moments Tom pulled the large passenger van that was his family car in front of McKee's

use. Ruth turned angry amber eyes on her husband. "This is a joke right? You don't expect me

there do you?"

ephanie said there was a baby that needed care here. I don't know the circumstances, but for Q


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e up a favor like this it must be important. I'm coming in with you." Tom stepped out of the van

lked around the vehicle. He opened his wife's door and waited.

in sat in a low back leather chair holding the now sleeping baby. All the other children had be

orted to various rooms and nestled into beds. Quang was passed out on the couch in what look

be a very uncomfortable position for which Quin was sure he would pay in the morning. The

orbell rang causing Quin to jerk and the baby to startle awake. She eased up out of the chair an

de her way to the door, comforting the child as she went.

m stood behind his wife holding her black bag. He reached around her and rang the bell again

most simultaneously the door opened. McKee stood on the other side talking to an infant in her

ms. She waved them in without even looking up.

th had a million things to say to Quinlan McKee, but they all rushed from her mind as she wat

dark woman console the whimpering child in her arms. There was something about the scene

med, so natural, so right. Like McKee was meant to hold a child like that. It was a picture that

d never conjured, and she analyzed that for a second. Grace had seemed more the mothering ty

cKee had always come off harsh and uncaring for such things. Ruth recalled the brunette treatir own children more like adults instead of the kids they were. Yet here she was, obviously in

tress over this unknown baby's condition, to the point she used a very expensive favor. Ruth sh

door and cleared her throat.

in looked up, she was sure she looked surprised, even a little shock at the two people standing

foyer. "I… I thought…."

m extended the black bag in front of him, dangling it over his wife's shoulder, "Stephanie got

at the hospital. Ruth agreed to come in her stead."

th took the bag from her husband, "He neglected to say that I wasn't completely informed of w

was going," she said a bit harshly in her husband's direction.

in tilted her head at the red head who was now glaring at her, "If you'd prefer I can just run hi

ER. I'll wake up Quang…"

th knew she was acting the ass, but it was hard being on the same planet with Quinlan McKee,

ne in the same room. "I'm here now, no sense in taking the baby out in the cold." She gestured

dining room door on the right of the hall. "In here is fine."

m pushed back the large pocket door revealing the formal dining room. The furniture was sti

vered in protective drop clothes. The room was probably being open for the first time since M

d returned. He pulled back the large drape off the table making room for McKee to ease the ch

wn on the polished cherry wood surface. She then stepped back to let Ruth work.

e doctor found nothing serious wrong with the child. He was simply teething. That caused fus

d extra acid in the baby's stomach caused the vomiting. She looked over at the woman leaning

ainst the wall, "He's cutting teeth and a little dehydrated."


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picked up some juice and pedolite on the way here…"

edolite is better than the juice. If need be, cut the juice with water."

in nodded her understanding.

o you have a crib?"

pstairs, across from our room." Quin said then corrected herself, "I mean my room. Quang go

dy."

th picked up the baby and made her way up the stairs without replying to the brunette. She just

nted to get the baby settled and then get on her own way. She knew the inside of the big house

ll as she did her own and had little trouble finding the correct room. She was surprised to find

mplete nursery set up with every convenience a new baby could ever need. The Doctor was alw

azed at Quin McKee's ability to have exactly what's needed when its needed most. She nestled

ld down into the crib and waited until she was sure he was asleep. She heard someone enter th

om and instinctually knew it was her husband.

verything okay?" Tom asked as he stopped beside his wife looking at the now sleeping baby.

e's fine." She brushed straight brown hair from the child's face letting her fingers luxuriate in

tness of the baby's skin. "Did you talk to her?"

he went out to the porch. I um… talked to Quang for a bit. It's kind of complicated."

th nodded her head and frowned, "It usually is with McKee involved."

e couple left the room silently. Tom glanced at the master bedroom as he walked down the hal

s in much the same state as the dinning room. Its furniture covered in heavy drop clothes to pr

rom settling dust. He continued down the stairs with his wife.

ang stood at the bottom of the stairs and gave a small smile at Ruth and Tom as they descende

ey Doc, is he…."

ust fine Quang, but you look like hell."

ang shrugged. "Been a busy couple of days, but it's better now."

th took a close look at the man in front of her. He showed signs of exhaustion, but there was a

ile in his eyes. She wondered at the details of this latest McKee adventure. She would extract t

m her husband later. "Tell that slave driver to give you a break. She owes me big time, and I'm

rting to call in my favors." Ruth said as she closed in on Quang and hugged him tightly to her.

eful." She said into his ear as she ended the hug.

ang stepped back and looked at the doctor, "I'm always careful, if I'm not McKee will kick my

sides, she is giving me a break on this one. It's kind of my fault." He shrugged his narrow


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oulders.

m sure that's what she told you…"

ang stood straight and rolled his shoulders back, "Listen up Doc, I know you and she have issu

t she's doing right here. She doesn't have to do anything, but she's helping me." He poked a thi

ger at his chest. "So lay off for tonight. Maybe you can pick up the hate fest tomorrow." He tur

d left the hallway, disappearing into a doorway off to the left.

th stood speechless. Her mouth gaped for some retort as the man exited. But there was nothing

y Quang spoke the truth. She closed her mouth and looked at her husband. "Am I that transpare

m encircled his wife with his arm. "Like crystal my dear, let's go home. Maybe things will be

the daylight."

in had heard the three people's discussion from the other side of the screen door. She knew sh

ends to make with the Ross', but she was having a hard time taking action to make them. She

ved back into the shadows of the porch and watched her former friends leave. Quin swung he

er the low banister that framed the porch, and sat on the rail as the van pulled away from the cd been a long day, and night. A new day began as she watched the eastern sky lighten behind th

untains.

e cry of a baby brought her from her sunrise gazing. She sighed and stretched. This was going

a definite learning experience. She quickly ran through names of people who might owe her a

vor that could nanny the brood of children. She needed to get back to work, and needed Quang

p her. As she ascended the stairs she had a short list to start calling as soon as it was polite eno

call and wake normal people up.

ter calling nearly twenty people Quin had hit pay dirt. There was just one problem. The twenty

mething black man in front of her didn't fit her definition of a nanny. He came highly

ommended by a trusted associate, but it didn't seem normal for someone so young and male to

nt this job.

thony Davis squirmed a bit under the brunette's intense gaze. He knew what the problem was t

ment he had introduced himself. "I assure you Ms. McKee, I'm not a child molester."

was Quin's turn to squirm as the man spoke what she was thinking. "I'm sorry, but it's just odd,ed to explain.

understand." Anthony said as he stood, "You have my references. If you change your mind, cal

." He nodded to the seated woman and turned to leave.

in sighed. "Wait. It'll take some getting use to, and since Pete Sacks says you're okay, then I ca

st give it a go."

thony suppresses a gleeful smile and a relieved sigh of his own. He really needed the job. It we in and the promised wage would pay for one more quarter of school. He turned and extended


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nd.

in stood and shook the offered hand and smiled for the first time at the man, "Welcome to the

use Anthony. When can you start?"

y stuff is in my van."

dark eyebrow raised, "That sure of your self?"

o ma'am, homeless as of noon yesterday. I couldn't pay for the new semester and an apartmentthony explained.

in smiled, "Then we are both fortunate this day."

th sipped at her decaf coffee and regarded her husband across from her. They had made the sh

p home in silence. Both too wound up to return to sleep, they decided to have some coffee and

oblem was that neither had said a word so far. Ruth sighed and looked at her reflection on the d

face of her coffee. "I suppose I can go first."

m looked up from where he to was gazing into the clouds of cream in his coffee. "I would, bu

n't know where to start. There's things you don't know."

hings? Things about McKee?" Tom's silver head nodded. "Start with anything honey. How bad

be compared to what she did to us three years ago."

m shifted in his chair, "Some of it is bad… Ruth. You'll have to listen okay, once I start…"

th raised a hand and got up from the table. She left the kitchen but soon returned with a foldedpaper and a pen. "I promise. I'll just jot my questions down as you go and ask when you're fini

t okay?"

m smiled and nodded. He rose and refilled their cups before settling down once again. "All rig

ace told you how she met McKee." Ruth nodded, "Well it was more than good girl meets bad g

d falls in love…."

vian climbed the few steps to the large concrete porch. It had been several days since she had

oken with the PI. They had played a good game of answering machine tag, and rattled each oth

ls phones. It seemed easier just to try and catch the woman at home. She pressed the doorbell a

ocked on the colorful stained glass for good measure.

high squeal and giggling came through the heavy glass and wood. A blonde eyebrow slowly r

he sound and made her step back to check the address on the house to be sure she was at the ri

ce. The door opened as she peered at the four numbers on the pillar of the porch.

ay I help you Miss?"

vian's head snapped back to the door at hearing the male voice, "Ummm is Quin home?" She a


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utiously.

s. McKee is in her office. Is she expecting you?" The black man adjusted something under his

ook a moment for Vivian to discern the shape of a small child who wiggled and giggled as the

ed to hold on to him. Now she was concerned, she did not recall Quin having any children. An

o was the man answering the door? No one ever mention him either. He wasn't here last week

ther was the kid. The blonde frowned to herself.

iss?" Anthony called to the woman who looked perplexed.

vian shook her head, "Ummm she's probably not expecting me, but she might want to speak w

."

thony weighed this answer. McKee had said she wasn't to be disturbed. She and Quang had

appeared to the basement early that afternoon after helping him unload his van into the garage

artment in back of the house. He was then introduced to the children who were due for lunch a

n some games to help with their cabin fever that was carr ied over from being cooped up in th

all apartment for the last week. He looked closely at the tall blonde woman. The gold badge a made up his mind for him. "If you'll come in I'll tell her you're here. Who should I say…."

etective Walsh." Vivian supplied as she passed by the man and giggling child into the house. T

re children sprinted across the wide hall from one door to the next. Vivian stopped and looked

man who let her in with a tilt to her head.

thony shrugged, "I've been trying to get them rounded up for a nap for about thirty minutes. T

ve me out numbered and the house is rather large. My hope is they will drop from exhaustion

gain the upper hand." He shifted his load under his arm, the child enjoying the game with a sqthony nodded down the hall, "Do you know the way to the…."

at cave?" Vivian offered with a smile.

e young man laughed, "That's exactly what I thought when I saw it too."

know the way," another child scampered by, "I think you have your work cut out for you here.

you feel like lending a hand after your talk with Ms. McKee…"

vian shook her head as she retreated down the hall, "no way mister, I'm a cop, not a baby wran

Kee sat in front of her computer entering another stream of words in hope the search would c

ck with something that would help her and Quang head in the right direction.

ang snoozed happily away on the couch. The man was exhausted after his four-day ordeal. Th

med Laney was his. Her green eyes a dead give away. Quang seemed attached to the small five

d. He had even threatened Anthony with bodily harm if anything should befall the girl. Quin th

ang was going to be a good father. He certainly had the protective streak for the job.


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in stretched in her chair, reaching her arms for the ceiling palms up. She gave a satisfied groa

t turned into a menacing growl as smoke rose from the monitor in front of her. She scramble

der the desk to unplug the device.

at was how Vivian found her. She quietly stood admiring the view of the PI's rear and smiled a

eam of profanity that came from the small space the brunette had wedged herself into. She bro

t into full laughter when Quin ran out of English words and moved onto what sounded like

rman.

in looked behind her and saw the tapered dark green slacks and low heel shoes of the person w

s being entertained by her. She hoped it was Vivian Walsh as she backed out of the hole she wa

e waved away the smoke in the air and smiled at the detective, feeling as though a wish had be

anted.

rouble?" Vivian asked with a bright smile. Her arms were across her chest, long fingers on on

nd drummed on a white linen covered arm.

in shrugged and grinned, "Nothing I can't handle detective." The words were barely out when

mes leapt into the air from the back of the aged monitor. "Whoa!" Quin shouted and dashed fo

all fire extinguisher mounted on the wall above the couch. She scowled at her friend Quang w

pt merrily on, then dashed back to douse the flames. "See, all under control," she said as she o

ain waved smoke away and set the spent extinguisher on the floor.

see." Vivian said barely controlling her laughter.

in in an effort to take the focus off herself ambled over to the tall blonde. "Do you find me

ertaining Detective?" she said as low and menacing as she could.

vian couldn't hold it any longer and busted out into full laughter. She nearly doubled over with

ort. Tears ran from her eyes as she tried to catch her breath, but every time she looked at the

unette a new round of laughter would start.

in stood with a straight face and a blush. She didn't see what was so funny. After nearly two m

the detective's laughter she had enough. On the next clear breath the blonde took Quin moved

ward and up onto the tip of her toes to deliver a heated kiss to unsuspecting lips.

vian's body leaned into the sensation, her lips almost immediately opened at the brunettesquesting tongue. Every nerve in her body came to attention and her knees threatened to collaps

effort to give as good as she got she stepped forward, forcing Quin back against the edge of t

sk, her lips pursued the PI's, her hands taking hold of Quin's and pinning them to the edge of th

sk. A deep throb started between her legs, a sensation she wished to increase.

in kicked off her loafers, and extended her legs onto either side of Vivian. She wrapped her le

und the taller woman's thighs, crossing her sock covered feet and pulling the woman closer t

e deep moan the blonde made was repeated by herself as the kiss continued.

ang rolled over and opened his eyes. A lazy smile graced his lips as he watched the two wome


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en his eyes popped completely open as he realized he wasn't enjoying a dream but reality. He

balance and ended up on the floor with a thud. He scrambled to his feet and scurried for a pill

cover his obvious arousal. "Damn McKee, sorry." He backed toward the stairs.

in's eyebrows drew together, then her eyes opened and widened as the words and who had spo

m finally penetrated her pleasurable haze. She reluctantly ended the kiss and rested her head

ainst Vivian's shoulder. "He can sleep through a fire, and you laughing hysterically, but can't

nage through a kiss." She said as she burrowed deeper into the blondes embrace.

vian laughed softly, "Who are all these people in your house McKee? I thought you were a sol

?" She caressed Quin's back holding her close, unwilling to let go of the wonderful feeling of

ving the compact body next to hers. She felt Quin's lips smile against the skin of her neck.

uang kind of works with me, and the others are a long story." Quin sat back and looked into

vian's blue eyes, "I assume you're here for some reason other than to laugh at me and get me a

rked up."

vian loosened her hold on Quin, but couldn't help the soft smile that seemed plastered to her fa

Well I was going to inquire if you had any idea where Justin Downs had got off to. He seems to

ssing."

in sighed and looked at the remains of the computer monitor, "That's what I was doing when t

mn thing decided to go up in smoke." She turned back to the blonde, "I just need to switch out

nitor." She raised her hand and caressed Vivian's cheek. "This is such a bad idea," she said sof

vian's smile twitched, "Why's that? We seemed to be doing okay." She moved forward and

nfirmed her statement by giv

Documents

Unabridged-A.C Henley