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Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 01

By: velvetpie



BEFORE PRESENT TIME

The Chief shook the rattle, standing behind the Medicine Man as Mitena, known as New Moon, gritted her teeth and pressed down. Sweat oozed from her dark skin, her voluminous hair plastered to her forehead as she panted, working to bring the child forth. Her uncle stood at the head of the bed, massaging her shoulders and whispering words of encouragement.

The Elder Women huddled together around the fire, looking up as if they could see the approaching storm through the roof of the hut. Veins of lightening split the midnight velvet of sky, the dry air swirling through the open door. Mitena groaned in pain.

"It hurts, Father."

The Chief moved over her head, the rattle still sounding in his hand as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It will be over soon. Be strong."

Thunder rumbled overhead, echoing in Mitena's tiny womb and the Cherokee woman screeched loudly, trying to suppress the pain. She took several shallow breaths, then screamed again as a loud thundercloud burst overhead, the bountiful rain pelting the hut's roof and streaming into the parched earth.

"She is born!"

The tiny baby's cry mingled with the chants of the Elder Women and the Chief wrapped her in a cloth of her people and handed her to a weary Mitena. "Have you chosen a name, my daughter?"

"Yes. She will be Taima." Mitena smiled, hearing the wail of the storm outside but safe and snug in her home. "Crash of thunder."

* * * * *

PRESENT TIME

"Come on, Alicia. Everybody's gone."

The blonde-haired young woman lay on the bed, her hard-nippled breasts tenting the soft cotton of her shirt, just inches from Taima's fingers. It had taken Taima two months to get Alicia Brewster to this point and she didn't want to stop now. Today could actually be the day that she gave in.

"I don't know, Tam." Alicia fidgeted under Taima's heated gaze. "I – I ... "

"You won't have to do anything. Just lie back and let me touch you."

Alicia stared into Taima's dark eyes and let her gaze travel over the young woman. She'd known Taima for years. They'd been best friends in high school and had drifted apart a bit in college. Now Taima was a police officer and Alicia was teaching English and Social Studies on the reservation. She had always loved Taima and had always known that Taima had a crush on her, but she'd never considered sex with her. "I want to, Tam, but ... "

"But what?" Taima ran her fingers over Alicia's temple, where the silky hair met her silky flesh. From this angle, she could see light down sprinkled across her cheek, ending at the pink rim of her lips. She ached to press a kiss there, right at the corner of her mouth. "You know me, Alicia. You know I wouldn't hurt you."

"That's not what I'm worried about." Alicia let her eyes trace the muscle of Taima's shoulders and down to her forearms. Without looking, she knew that the rest of her body would be the same: well-toned muscle under smooth, tawny skin. Wide hips, a well-formed ass and long legs to die for. All of this topped with dark, glossy hair and eyes the color of black pearls.

"Then tell me, sweet." Taima ran her fingers down her Alicia's forearms, smiling as a shudder ran through her friend. "Because you're driving me crazy."

"What about our friendship?"

Taima rose up, gazing into her friend's eyes. "Are you really worried about that?"

Alicia nodded. "Your friendship is very important to me, Tam. I wouldn't want to lose it."

"Oh, honey, you'll never lose it."

"Even if I ... I couldn't reciprocate?"

Taima smiled. Now she knew what was bothering Alicia. "I told you that you didn't have to, honey."

"But what about you?"

"Don't worry about me. I'll get off, believe me." Taima tenderly stroked the line of her jaw. "Please." Her breath was warm on Alicia's cheek. "Let me make love to you."

"Oh, Tam." Alicia's breathy response was Taima's answer. She tenderly pressed her mouth against Alicia's soft lips, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe that she was finally kissing this mouth. Her hands moved along Alicia's body, smoothing the blue fabric of her shirt until her fingertips encountered the round globe of her breast. Alicia moaned into her mouth, her tongue playing a tune against Taima's.

Taima broke the kiss, pausing a moment to enjoy the sweet look of passion in Alicia's sky blue eyes, then applied her warm mouth to the soft underside of her jaw, feeling the bump of Alicia's pulse under her tongue. Alicia sighed deeply. Taima kissed her way down Alicia's warm throat, crossed her collarbones and buried her nose in the scented valley of her breasts, her hands on either side of those luscious globes.

Alicia moaned when Taima's mouth curved over her nipple and gasped when she felt her tongue lashing the tender flesh. Her skin tingled and she pulled Taima's head harder onto her breast, panting as liquid heat seeped into her pussy. Her breast was slick with Taima's saliva when she moved to the other, nipping the hard nub and sucking it between her lips. "Oh, Tam!"

Taima smiled and continued her exploration of Alicia's body, spreading open-mouthed kisses across her ribs and stomach. Just below her belly button was an obstruction: a pair of white, lace panties. Their eyes met and Taima was sure that her friend was thinking about the length of their friendship. She bent forward a bit and grasped the top edge of the panties with her teeth. Alicia gasped as she pulled them down, exposing a dusky brown triangle and the scent of a woman.

Alicia raised her hips, her eyes intent on Taima's as the panties drifted down from her hips, over her thighs and across her ankles. A shiver ran down her spine and she felt hypnotized by the dark depth of Taima's eyes. Her fingers stroked the insides of Alicia's thighs, the movement causing them to open and uncover the soft, wet bloom of her pussy. Alicia knew that she was wet but she couldn't help it. She loved Taima and she knew that her friend loved her back. It was almost a dream come true to know that Taima would be the first woman to make her cum.

The perfume of Alicia's juicy cunt filled Taima's nostrils and she inhaled deeply, taking the heady smell deep within her lungs. She wanted to bury her face in her wet snatch but she held herself back, using pure willpower to prolong the session. She moved to the edge of the bed and took Alicia's small feet in her hands, bending to lick the insteps with short, fat-tongued swipes. The blonde moaned, her fingers gripping the sheets tightly. "Oh, God!"

Taima rubbed her nose under the crest of Alicia's toes and thrust her tongue between them, smiling when the girl gasped in delight. She sank the largest toe into her mouth, sucking it like a small penis and driving her friend crazy with lust. The fragrance of Alicia's sopping cunt lulled Taima up the long legs and directly to her crotch. Sweat sheened the delicate flesh, allowing Taima's tongue an easy entry to Alicia's slit.

"Oh, shit!" Alicia gasped. She had never felt anything like a tongue in her pussy. Taima's firm tongue grazed over her hidden nub and a series of electric shocks radiated through her body, making her pussy clench. Taima's tongue traveled down the slit, finding the deep well of cream and lingering to sweep inside. A tingle spread across her skin and she groaned again. Her body seemed to have a mind of its own, responding to Taima's touch as if it had never been touched before. "Oh, God, Taima. You're going to make me cum."

"That's what I want, baby." Taima pulled the thick, sticky lips apart and thrust her tongue into Alicia's hot hole, pressing her nose against her swollen clit and applying a little suction lower. "Cum for me." She whispered. "Cum on my tongue."

Alicia couldn't breathe. She couldn't think. Her body was one big, throbbing nerve, numb everywhere except for her pulsing pussy. She could feel Taima's tongue sliding in and out of her hole, each lick making her body jackknife with pleasure. Her friend was holding her hips tightly, making sure that she couldn't escape her grasp. "Oh, oh, Tam! Yes!"

Taima felt the muscle contractions and redoubled her efforts, lapping the fresh cream that flowed from Alicia's pink pussy. Alicia screamed at the top of her lungs as an intense orgasm racked her body, making her body jerk and her cunt weep with sweet honey. Taima moved up and held Alicia as the tremors moved through her body, rendering her breathless and limp.

"Alicia?" Taima kissed her way back up to Alicia's face, smoothing her soft hair down. "Are you okay?"

Alicia giggled. "Oh, yes. That was wonderful, Tam. I never came like that before."

Taima gazed into her eyes. "I'd make you cum like that every night, if you'd let me."

Alicia looked away, tugging her skirt down and rolling away. "I wish you hadn't ruined the moment."

Taima wiped her face. "How'd I ruin the moment?"

Her walkie-talkie squawked into life at that moment. "Taima, Taima, are you there?"

She leapt to her feet and answered the call from her colleague, Mahalo Jenkins. "Yeah, Malo, I'm here."

"Meet me at the corner of Weston and Joachim."

"Lights and sirens?"

"No. He's already dead. Just get your ass here."

"All right." Taima thumbed the radio back into silence and turned to Alicia. "Can I come back by tonight?"

Alicia nodded. "I've got tons of papers to grade." She met Taima's eyes, then looked away quickly. "Better make it another time."

Taima felt her heart drop into the pit of her churning stomach. She gave Alicia a curt nod. "Gotta go."

As Taima wrenched her car door open, she felt like she was sleepwalking. Every nerve ending was numb. How could that have happened? All the time she spent with Alicia, their friendship ... lovemaking should have been a foregone conclusion. Instead, it was a disaster. How would she be able to look Alicia in the face again? More importantly, how would she be able to be near her without thinking of the luscious pussy that she'd just had her face in?

She wheeled onto Weston Road, pulling onto the shoulder when she reached the other three sets of emergency vehicles. In the center of the intersection lay a young man, American Indian by his features and coloring. He was nude except for a red Converse tennis shoe on his left foot. Her colleague, Ray Elliott, held the sheet up for her.

"Any signs that he was dumped?"

"Nope. No tire marks, either. We think he died here."

"Naked like that?"

"Hey, maybe the natives are restless, you know?"

Taima ignored his remark. Elliott was one of those cops that hated her fellow tribesmen. He'd always joke about the drunk tank being a new reservation because it was always filled with her Indian brothers. "What's this?" She took her pointer and indicated a thin, stitched line along the side of the victim's body.

"Don't know. Hey, Mahalo!"

Mahalo Jenkins, another American Indian and police officer, came striding over, muscles rippling with every step. "What's up?"

"Check this out." Elliott showed Jenkins the line, snubbing Taima's involvement. Mahalo knelt beside her.

"It looks like an incision, Malo. Freshly made and stitched closed."

"Weird." Jenkins arose and gave her a hand. "Ray, you'd better follow up on this. Make sure the ME checks that out."

Taima huffed but remained silent, angrily watching Elliott move away. "That was my find, Malo."

"I know, Tam, but this way, it'll keep him out of your hair." Jenkins lifted the yellow tape for her. "His name is Benny Rhodes. His father owns that big store up on the Pike."

"The new one?"

"Yeah."

"Ugh, this is going to be a rough one."

"Precisely why I wanted Ray to handle the body." Jenkins gave her a knowing smile. "I need you to go to the Rhodes house and break the news to his family. Get any information that you can but remember that they'll be grieving and we don't want to be obtrusive."

"Okay. I'll catch you back at the station."

* * * * *

The Rhodes house was a mansion compared to the other homes in the area. Most of the homes were concrete block or trailers on wheels with aluminum car ports while the Rhodes home was all dark brick with a graceful driveway and a two car garage. Flowering bushes adorned the front entranceway and huge decorative urns held colorful impatiens and petunias.

Taima parked next to a sparkling white Mercedes-Benz and slowly got out, checking the other vehicles. A dark green Ford Expedition and a burgundy Cutlass Supreme also sat in the driveway, the Cutlass being the odd man out with rusty spots and three bullet holes in the trunk.

"One of these things is not like the other ... " She sung softly as she crept along the side of the car, peering into the warped, melted plastic sun shading. The back seat was littered with fast food wrappers and dirty clothes. The front seat was a little better. A dark blue work shirt with the name BEN was neatly folded on the passenger's seat and the cigarette tray was stuffed with crumpled butts. Benny's car?

"May I help you?"

Taima whirled so quickly that the man took a step back, eyeing her hand where it rested on her piece. "Who are you?"

"Albert Whitley. I'm the Rhodes' gardener."

"Oh, okay. Sorry. I'm Officer Greenleaf." She flashed her badge and credentials for the old man and re-pocketed them. "Does this car belong to Ben Rhodes?"

"Yes."

"How long has it been here?"

"Since he died."

Taima turned to the man. "You already know?"

"Of course. He's been dead a week now."

Taima's confused mind worked to digest the information. "I see. Is Mr. or Mrs. Rhodes home?"

"Yes. They're on the back patio. I can take you to them."

"That would be great. Thanks."

Whitley led her around the side of the house, opening a large wooden side gate and ushering her inside. Mr. Rhodes was seated on the patio floor, his feet dangling in the clear, blue pool while his wife sat at the table, both nursing morning mimosas. He noted her approach and slowly stood, moving to his wife's side.

"Mr. Rhodes, this is Officer Greenleaf. She was looking at Benny's car."

With those words, Whitley left. Taima turned to the couple, extending her hand to Mr. Rhodes. "I'm Taima Greenleaf, sir. I've come about Ben."

Rhodes shook her hand. "I'm Nathan Rhodes. This is my wife, Harmony."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. May I sit?" Taima sat in the chair he indicated and made mental notes about the couple. He was very much the patriarch and his carriage reminded her of Ricardo Montalban, very proud and very masculine. Harmony Rhodes was a mouse, a pretty mouse, but definitely a mouse. Both were of American Indian descent but she looked like she was mixed with Caucasian by the look of her features. She did not make any effort to welcome the officer and did not make eye contact with her, either.

"Why were you looking at my son's car?"

"Just looking for clues, sir. Maybe I'd better give you my news first. Two hours ago, we found your son's body at the intersection of Weston and Joachim."

"What? That's impossible!"

"Why is that impossible, sir?"

"Because he's dead and buried!" Harmony broke into muffled sobs and Nathan Rhodes shot an angry look at Taima. "His funeral was last Saturday."

"Well, sir, I don't know what to say. This person was found with identification and matches the photo on the ID." She paused. "It would be very helpful to us if you'd come down to the morgue and take a look at the body."

"Excuse me." Harmony's words were strangled by a fresh bout of sobbing and she walked quickly into the house, her heels clicking on the patio. Nathan watched her leave, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"I'm sorry about that, Officer Greenleaf. I'm sure you can understand how upsetting this is."

"I completely understand, sir, but we really need you to come to the morgue. Mrs. Rhodes doesn't need to attend. Just you would be fine. I understand that you're a very busy man. I could arrange it so that you could be in and out in a few minutes."  

Nathan Rhodes finished his drink and reached for his wife's. "Officer, I watched six of my finest employees lower a coffin with my oldest boy into the ground and cover him with cold earth. I don't see how the man you found could be Benny."

"I don't know how, either, sir, but I need you to take a look at this person just to make sure. If it's not Ben, then we'll apologize and you can be on your way. But if it is ... "

"I don't even want to think about that."

Taima sat quietly, nodding in understanding as she stood. "I know how hard this is, sir, but here's my card. I'd appreciate it if you would give me a call some time tomorrow and let me know what time would be convenient for you."

Nathan Rhodes took the card and after reading it, shoved it into his jacket pocket. Taima turned to leave, wondering how a dead man could suddenly walk.

* * * * *

"Taima!"

Three hours at the precinct filling out paperwork had eroded the tiny bit of energy Taima had to a splinter. Alicia's soft voice didn't help. The police officer continued to her car, hoping that it was just a figment of her imagination, but it wasn't.

"Taima, are you mad at me?"

"No, Alicia. I'm just very tired."

"I can help you with that." Alicia stepped closer to Taima, placing her hands on her shoulders and massaging her muscles.

Taima groaned softly, feeling the tension draining from her body and enjoying Alicia's small hands on her body. "That feels nice."

"I can run you a hot bath if you come home with me."

"I don't want to play games, Alicia."

"I don't, either." Her hands continued their work, her voice warm in Taima's ear. "After you left this morning, I was so mad at myself. I didn't want you to leave. I just didn't know how to tell you."

"Alicia, you've known me for almost all our lives. Why can't you just talk to me?"

"Because I've been in love with you for a long time."

Taima grabbed one of her hands, pulling her around to the front. "I told you that I didn't want to play games."

"I'm not playing games!" Alicia yanked her hand away and for the first time, Taima noticed that her eyes were red around the edges. "I can't help that I don't know what I feel." She looked away, rubbing her cramped fingers. "I want you and I want to have sex with you but ... I don't want to be a lesbian."

"Then you don't want me, Alicia, because I am a lesbian." She tossed her hat into the car and followed, sliding in the front seat. "And that's not likely to change any time soon."

"What about my job? What do I tell them?"

"You don't tell them anything! It's your business!"

"But someone will find out!"

Taima stuck the key into the ignition and looked up at her. "Is that what you were thinking when I was sucking your pussy? Were you worrying about what someone would think? Or were you concerned with getting your nut?"

Tears streaked Alicia's pale face. "That's not fair."

"Life's not fair and you know it." She heaved a tired sigh. "Call me when you've figured things out."

Alicia watched Taima pull away, tears in her eyes and confusion in her heart. 

Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 02



The phone call came at 7:45 in the morning, a full two hours before Taima was due at the station. Mahalo's words were terse. "Mr. Rhodes is here and wants to see the body. Get here right away."

Cursing in half-sleep, she forced herself out of bed, into uniform and squealed around all corners until she reached the police station. Nathan Rhodes, resplendent in business garb, sat on a perp bench in the outer entryway, nursing a styrofoam cup of cop sludge, the station's version of coffee.

"Good morning, Mr. Rhodes." He looked up, his expression showing his surprise, and arose, extending his hand. "It's very good of you to come so quickly."

He ignored her unstated implication and sucked on the foam cup's opening. "Thank you."

"If you would have called me, I would have been glad to arrange a convenient time for you."

Rhodes sputtered. "Well, I was on my way to work... "

"Taima, glad you're here." Mahalo winked at her and turned to Rhodes. "Mr. Rhodes came down to identify the body."

"I know. I told him that we were grateful. Is Manny ready?"

"Yes. Come with me, Mr. Rhodes."

Jenkins led the way with Rhodes and Taima following. The large picture window of the showing room stretched to the right and Mahalo ushered the civilian and officer inside. A body laid on the steel gurney, covered with a cotton sheet, a grayish-blue toe with a wire toe tag. BENNY RHODES was etched on it in big, black block letters. Taima saw Nathan's eyes fall on the tag and move quickly away.

Mahalo moved to stand by the head of the corpse, poised to lift the cotton sheet. Nathan moved beside the gurney, nervously looking at the shrouded body. "Are you ready, Mr. Rhodes?"

Rhodes nodded. Jenkins lifted the sheet and Nathan Rhodes turned a rather unnatural shade of white and dropped backwards, quickly caught by Taima, who slid to the floor with his weight. Mahalo dropped the sheet and helped her carry Rhodes to a bench, scowling as he went. Rhodes left when he awakened, more embarrassed than upset. Taima took a deep breath.

"Whew! Glad he's gone!"

Mahalo nodded. "He just showed up, Taima. Sorry to wake you so early."

"That's okay." She glanced up at the window. "So that's really Benny Rhodes, who was supposed to have been buried a week ago. Do we have any idea on how that might have happened?"

"Yeah. I have the funeral information." He shoved a lined square of paper at her. "I want you to go there and find out how Benny Rhodes cheated death."

"Sure, Mahalo."

* * * * *

Anyone entering the Petersen-Givens Funeral Home could tell that the services would be expensive. Oriental carpets, King Louis chairs and marble arches adorned the waiting area, along with a velvet-lined mahogany coffin. Taima examined the casket, wondering what it would feel like to be buried in such luxury. The door opened and a smartly-dressed man stepped in, heavy gold rings winking on his liver-spotted hands.

"Officer Greenleaf? I'm Myron Petersen. I understand that you have some questions about a client of ours?"

"Yes, sir." Taima fished the photo out of her jacket pocket and showed it to him. "Benny Rhodes."

"Hmmm... I don't seem to remember him." He gave an effeminate wave. "But that's of no consequence. I don't handle all of the funerals."

"Is there someone else that would be able to help me?"

"Yes. Our head mortician would probably be able to help you. If you could wait a few minutes, I'll get her."

"Thanks."

Since she had to wait again, Taima decided to walk through to the selection room, a large square room filled with coffins, cement outer covers and floral arrangements. She never imagined that there was such a large selection of caskets and found herself drawn to one that had a tribal motif. The wood was beautiful, gleaming in the soft light and she reached out, stroking the mosaic pattern and inlaid gold piping.

"That's one of our bestsellers."

Taima turned toward the voice, the saliva drying up in her mouth. The woman was breathtaking. Her glossy black hair cascaded over her shoulders in a wave of curls and perfectly framed her heart-shaped face. Deep emerald eyes gave her the once-over and a smirk curled her pink lips, as if she could tell what Taima was thinking. She strode forward, extending her hand, her smile as confident as her grip.

"I'm Pilar Petersen."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Petersen. I'm Taima Greenleaf."

"Miss. Myron's my brother."

"I see. I'm sorry."

"No problem. Anyway, Myron said that you had some questions?" Taima handed her the photo, watching her forehead furrow in thought. "This is Benny Rhodes."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Ugh! Please don't call me ma'am! It makes me feel old."

"Sorry, ma... " Taima stopped herself just in time and both women laughed. "I can't help it. It's part of our police training."

"Then call me Pilar."

"Okay. Only if you call me Taima."

"It's a deal." Pilar smiled and felt a tingle at the answering grin of the officer. She's quite a looker. Pilar wondered what her body looked like under that uniform. "Say, are you hungry?"

Taima was momentarily stunned. This beauty was asking her to lunch? "Uh, sure."

"How about we go have a bite of lunch and you can ask your questions?"

"Sounds good."

"Great. Let me get my purse and I'll meet you out front."

Taima decided that it would be best for her to drive since all the company cars were gone and Pilar's only other mode of transportation was a selection of color-coded hearses. She felt as if she was chauffeuring a celebrity around from all the attention that Pilar received "You seem to be very popular."

Pilar didn't answer right away, just sighed heavily. "Yeah, that's all anyone ever sees."

"Well, you are beautiful, Pilar. You can't help that people see that."

"I know."

Her quiet response drew Taima's attention. "Is that a problem?"

"Seems to be." Pilar turned to the officer. "Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you think I had sex?"

"You?" Pilar nodded. "Um, jeez, I don't know."

"Guess."

Taima looked over at her again as she pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. "I don't know, Pilar. I don't think I could guess."

"Oh, come on. Guess!"

"All right." Taima put the car into park and killed the engine. "A week ago."

"That's your serious guess?"

"Yes!"

"Wrong." Pilar gathered her purse, gripping the door handle. "Try three years ago."

Taima followed the woman into the restaurant, holding her conversation until they'd reached a table. The waitress gave them menus, took their drink orders and dashed off, leaving them in silence. Taima felt a jolt of adrenalin streak through her. Was Pilar flirting with her?

"Were you serious?"

"About it having been three years? Yes."

"That's a shame."

Pilar's electric eyes met Taima's dark ones. "Why would you say that?"

"Because... " Taima whispered. "I bet you sound sexy when you cum." Pilar's face flushed with heat and her pussy muscles flexed moistly. Taima cleared her throat, looking suddenly uncomfortable. "Sorry. I hope I didn't offend you."

"No offense taken." Pilar felt a tremor thrum through her body and her entire body tingled. There was no doubt that Taima was interested in her. But what do I say to her? Just then, the waitress came back with Pilar's cosmopolitan and Taima's peach iced tea and asked for their lunch orders. Taima begged for a little more time, avoiding Pilar's eyes.

Pilar decided to be a little bold. She slipped off her shoe and let her toe stretch out in search of Taima's ankle. She heard a small intake of breath from the officer and kept her face buried in the menu. Taima's ankle was encased in a sock so she had to slide her toes up farther to reach skin. Another small gasp. There was only so far she could go up and switched to the outside of the pants, making tiny circles around the inside of her thigh.

Taima bit her lip in an effort to not to moan out loud. It floored her that something so simple had become so erotic, especially from gorgeous Pilar. She felt Pilar's stockinged toes move past her knees, heading up the inside of her thigh.

"Pilar!" Pilar raised a finger to her lips to shush Taima from further conversation, her toes still questing as her eyes locked onto Taima's. She reached the juncture of Taima's legs and gently flexed her toes. Taima's eyes closed and her teeth bit into her bottom lip. Pilar smiled knowingly.

"Put it where you want it."

Taima kept her eyes locked with Pilar's as she reached under the tablecloth and placed Pilar's big toe directly on her clit. A shiver snaked through her body. Pilar's toe pressed down and started a gentle rotation, each movement making her gush more, sending her spiraling towards an orgasm.

"That's it." Pilar whispered, enjoying Taima's expression and her body language, massaging the officer's sopping pussy. "Feel it coming?" Taima nodded, beads of sweat forming on her upper lip, her nostrils flaring. "Up your spine, over your skin and into your pussy?"

"Oh, God."

"Let it happen, baby. Cum for me."

Taima felt like a bottle rocket being shot into the bright, blue sky. Her orgasm burst from deep inside her steaming cunt and she bit her finger, her entire body tingling. The ball of Pilar's foot pressed against her throbbing clit and Taima whimpered as aftershocks rocked her body. Pilar sat up, looking as cool as a cucumber, turning a brilliant smile to the waitress who arrived for their lunch orders.

"Officer, are you all right?"

Taima took a drink of her tea with a shaky hand. "Yeah, just a muscle spasm." 

Pilar burst into laughter.

* * * * *

The remainder of lunch passed with sensuous smiles and questions about the dead man. Pilar had prepared the body for burial after Harold Wasserman, the embalmer, had finished up with him. The service was held last week, she wasn't sure what day, and he was sent to Sheltering Elms for interment.

When they returned to the funeral home, Taima turned to Pilar with a shy smile. "Are you free tomorrow night?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to go to dinner with me?"

Pilar's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to."

The moment seemed to be suspended in time. Taima's hand curled around the nape of Pilar's neck and their mouths touched softly and sweetly. Pilar whimpered into her mouth, shivering at the intensity of the kiss and the subtle stroking of Taima's tongue against hers. "I'll call you tomorrow afternoon, okay?"

Taima watched Pilar walk away, her pussy twitching again at the thought of having her in bed and was heading back to the station when Mahalo called on the radio, asking her to meet him at the ME's office. Ray Elliott and Mahalo were already in scrubs when she arrived and it took her a few minutes to don a set and join them in the medical examination room. 

Dr. Charles Mulligan gave her a welcoming smile. "Hey, Tam! Long time no see!"

"That's a good thing, Dr. Chuck. You know how much I love this place!"

They all laughed but Elliott laughed the loudest. "Guess that's why it's a man's job."

Mahalo sensed Tam's anger brewing and stepped in. "Well, doc, what do you have to show us?"

"That stitched up seam in Mr. Rhodes' side." Mulligan stepped around the stainless steel table, grabbing a short-bladed knife and raising the flap of flesh. Taima moved in front of Elliott, adjusting the protective goggles and bending as close as she could to see the incision. "When I clipped the sutures, I found a surprise."

He switched to a pair of long-handled tweezers and gently tugged on something that was just out of sight. A glassine bag, filled with white powder and dripping with embalming fluid, slid out, landing on the table with a wet plop. The three officers looked at each other, then back to the doctor.

"So the dead Mr. Rhodes was a drug mule. That's interesting."

"Not as interesting as this." Mulligan handed Jenkins a vial half-filled with blue fluid and the officer read the label attached. "That's the result of testing this."

Jenkins looked up at him. "Are you kidding?" Mulligan gave a negative nod.

"What is it, Malo?"

"It's crystal meth."

* * * * *

Another long night found Taima dragging into her house at nearly midnight. She went through the usual routine. Keys on the pegboard, hat and jacket on the hat rack, holster on the table and gun tucked into the back of her jeans. The gun would go everywhere with her until she lay down to go to sleep and even there, it occupied the space beneath her pillow. But something was different tonight.

First, there was the scent of lilac in the air, something that was unusual in her kitchen. Taima flicked on the light and found a bowl of white and purple lilac sprigs on the table. She knew what that meant and who had brought them. Alicia. A warm pot of beef stew rested on the stove and a crusty loaf of bread was in the countertop. Alicia.

Candles burned in the bathroom and rose petals were strewn in the bottom of the tub in anticipation of hot water. And in her bed, drinking a glass of white wine and listening to Nina Simone, was Alicia, dolled up in a sexy blue teddy that matched her eyes. For a long moment, Taima forgot to breathe.

"Welcome home."

"How'd you get in?"

"Your spare key." Alicia picked up a second wine glass and poured one for Taima. "Third ceramic frog from the left."

Taima took the glass, licking her lips over the sight of her friend's nearly naked body. "So, what are you doing here?"

"I came to tell you that my head is clear." She clinked her glass with Taima's, moving in for a kiss. "And that I want to be with you."

"Alicia, I've been giving us some thought and... "

"You feel the same way, don't you?" Alicia's soft mouth plundered Taima's and her breasts pushed against her chest. The excitement of Alicia being the aggressor wiped all thoughts from Taima's mind and she became like putty in Alicia's virgin hands. Alicia cupped Taima's denim-clad pussy and pressed with the heel of her hand, making her friend arch against her with pleasure, moaning mouth-to-mouth. "You still want me, don't you?"

"God, yes." Taima could feel the heat of Alicia's hand through her jeans and moaned when the heat of Alicia's mouth matched it. Her skin felt as if she were being shocked and her heart was pounding like a drum. This was what she had wanted for so long. Her beloved Alicia. She tried to push Alicia onto her back but the blonde broke the kiss, resisting.

"No, honey. It's my turn to do the work."

Alicia started by running a hot bath and lovingly washed every inch of Taima's body, making sure to spend extra time cleaning the folds and creases of her pussy. She brought Taima to the edge of pleasure twice in the rose-scented bath water, but denied her release both times, laughing at Taima's obvious discomfort. Instead, she helped her friend out of the tub, dried her thoroughly and pushed her back on the bed.

Taima never felt anything as delicious as Alicia's hot, wet tongue licking water droplets from her neck. She tried to remain still but the combination of her warm breath and her inexperience had Taima writhing like a snake on scorching desert sand. Alicia's hands cupped her heavy breasts, thumbs circling over the hard buds and flicking them. Taima moaned. Alicia grabbed her nipples and tweaked them hard enough to make Taima moan again.

"Oh, yes." Taima's whisper made the blood rush to Alicia's face. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to satisfy Taima but she didn't feel like that now. The way Taima's body responded to her made her feel powerful and she wanted to use that power. Her mouth covered one breast, giving a few licks and a hard suck, then quickly moved to the other. Taima whimpered, wanting to get off, desperate to get off. "Please, Alicia. I need to cum. Please."

Alicia moved down, across Taima's muscled belly to the well-trimmed pussy and hovered above it, swallowing.

"Alicia, you don't have to." Taima lifted her head, looking down at her. "Just use your fingers."

"Lay back." Alicia commanded, pulling Taima's knees up and pushing them back. Without hesitation, she buried her face in Taima's juicy slit, licking upward and finding her clit. Taima nearly shouted in unexpected pleasure and Alicia smiled. Taima's juices flowed onto her tongue and she lapped hungrily, steadily bringing her friend closer and closer. Sensing that she was teetering on the edge, Alicia thrust her tongue into Taima's weeping hole.

Taima came apart. She screamed in absolute pleasure, her hips bucking against Alicia's mouth, coating her friend's face with her flowing cream. Alicia sat back, rubbing two fingers along Taima's grasping slit and smiled as a second and third orgasm gripped her. "Oh, Alicia! That was great!"

Taima wiped a hand across her face and sat up, putting her arms around Alicia. She was startled to find her crying.

"Oh, baby! What's wrong?"

Alicia smiled into Taima's eyes. "I did it! I actually did it!"

"Oh, Alicia!" Taima hugged her tightly.

"I love you, Taima."

Taima held her new lover, softly stroking her hair as she cried, visions of a green-eyed, black-haired woman in her mind and her date tomorrow with Pilar. She wondered what she was going to do now.



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 03



Thank God she didn’t have to work. There’s no way that she would have been able to concentrate, let alone stay awake. Alicia’s nubile body was spread across her, softly snoring with her soft mouth pressed against Taima’s throat. Jesus, what a night! Alicia had become a sex machine. Not only was she willing to give Taima’s snatch a lot of extra attention, but she squealed, screamed, moaned and gasped her way through more orgasms than she could count. And in between the lovemaking, Alicia snuggled against her, making plans for their future together, not realizing that Taima was not on the same page.

Taima was thinking of Pilar. Pilar with the waterfall of black hair and eyes that smoked holes through her soul. “Alicia. Alicia, time to wake up.”

The blonde yawned, stretched and pushed her mound into Taima’s, drawing a hiss from the woman. “You want me again already?” She muttered sleepily, licking the pulsing underside of Taima’s neck.

“Yes and no.” Taima pushed her aside, pulling her body away. “I do want you again but it’s late and you have to get going.”

Alicia’s blue eyes blinked in confusion. “You … you want me to leave?”

“I’ve got a bunch of work to do, Alicia. I’ve got reports to finish. I just can’t lie around in bed all day.”

The teacher stared at her friend for a long moment, watching her disappear into the bathroom. “I thought you said today was your day off!”

“It is, but I have to finish those reports. I promised Mahalo that I’d have them on his desk this afternoon.”

“That’s not fair!”

“I can’t help it. Reports are part of my job.”

“Yeah, but not on your day off.”

“Alicia, I told you. I can’t help it.” Taima switched the shower on, waiting for the hot water to kick in before evening it out with the cold. “And besides, I have a big case I’m working on and I need to do some follow-up.” 

“Yeah, I bet.”

Taima stuck her head out of the bathroom door. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that you’re the sexist thing for miles around.” No, Pilar is. Taima thought, glad that Alicia couldn’t read minds. “I bet you have lots of people hitting on you all day long.”

Taima shook her head. “I wouldn’t know, Alicia. That’s never concerned me.” She stepped under the shower’s stinging spray, sighing at the feeling of the heated water on her stiff muscles.

“Are you telling me that no one comes on to you while you’re working?”

“I didn’t say that.” Taima worked shampoo into her hair. “I said, it doesn’t concern me.”

“You’re a liar.” Alicia stepped in, pulling the curtain shut behind her. “I know you care.”

“Alicia, did you get in here just to argue with me?” 

“Of course.” Her soft hands moved over Taima’s wet flesh, outlining the ropy muscles and slick skin, her eyes roaming over Taima’s coffee-colored nipples and brown sugar-dusted pussy. She licked her lips, thinking about how smooth the skin was with the tiny sprinkling of baby hairs … “I’d care if I was as beautiful as you.”

“You are as beautiful as I am, Alicia. We just express it in different ways.”

“Is that why you like to be so butch?” Taima met Alicia’s eyes at the mention of that word. It was a word she hated. Being athletic had always been a part of Taima’s life and had taken care of her thus far. Guys were less likely to target her and she could stay healthy and in control. “All the muscles, the constant workouts … I bet you put those guys you work with to shame.”

“Alicia,” The breath caught in her throat as Alicia’s fingertips circled her puckered nipples, catching water droplets. Her skin pebbled, a sweet ache throbbing from breast to cunt. “Alicia, don’t.”

“Why not?” The blonde moved behind her, her arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her back against her body. Taima moaned at the contact. “Why can’t I give you something to remember me by?” One arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding Taima immobile, while the other snaked around her stomach, her hand pushing into her slick furrow. “Something to remind you of whom you belong to?”

Taima’s gasp reverberated through her body, melding with a tremble that started in her cunt, streaked upward to the base of her neck where Alicia’s small, white teeth nipped and back down again. Alicia was relentless in finding her clit and working it between her fingers, dipping down to coat her digits with pussy honey and sliding upward again. Taima tried to fight it, but she couldn’t. The little blonde minx knew what she liked. She held Taima’s body close, almost suffocating her while her other hand worked Taima’s quivering sex.

With each stroke, Alicia drove her new lover closer to the edge, her teeth gritted as she strained to hold her tight, her whispered words a rhythmic mantra. “You … belong … to … me!”

Taima screamed in absolute pleasure, her heartbeat vibrating through her arteries and veins, the pure energy of her climax racing through her skin, muscles and bones as her pussy creamed around Alicia’s fingers. “Oh, God!”

“Just remember what I said.” Alicia released her, raising her fingers to her mouth, her blue eyes meeting Taima’s dark ones. “No matter who hits on you, that pussy is mine.”

Taima sagged against the tile wall, panting as if she’d run a thousand miles, the pulse in her swampy sex aching like an open wound. Now you have an even larger problem. Her mind shouted as she staggered beneath shower’s jets. One owns your pussy, the other your mind. 

With a groan, Taima turned the hot water off and twisted the cold water valve to full.

*****

“What the hell happened to you?” Elliott’s words penetrated Taima’s protective bubble and she gave him an angry sneer, dropping her keys and wallet onto her desk. “Looks like you’ve been rode hard and put away wet!”

“At least I was ridden hard!” She whirled on the senior officer, her frustration transforming from personal to professional. “The only part of your body that can claim that is your hand!”

“At least I know what a dick is.” He grabbed his package, almost painfully. “Bet you haven’t seen one of these in a long time.”

“You’re wrong. I’m looking at one right now!”

“ENOUGH!” Mahalo’s stern shout quieted the entire room. Taima flung herself into her chair so hard that it creaked and nearly broke. “I have enough problems without having to referee a fight between children!” Taima pulled her computer keyboard forward and began to type furiously. “Taima! My office. Now!”

The ferocity of her anger propelled her into his office, quickly deflating as her eyes fell on the pictures on his walls. The snaggle-toothed smile of his eight-year old daughter Rosalie in her first cheerleader outfit glared back at her. Abstract drawings by five-year old Santos cascaded over the walls, punctuated by those of eleven-year old Mahalo, Jr. Taima’s eyes were drawn to her favorite drawing by the young artist. A charcoal sketch of Mahalo in a Superman costume. Mahalo strode in, shutting the door behind him, his eyes on her face.

“All right, Taima. What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Malo.”

“Nothing? That … performance out there was nothing?”

“He pushed my buttons, Malo! What am I supposed to do, let him cowboy his way all over me?”

“No. I expect you to be the same professional officer that I depend on every day.” Mahalo’s words deflated her precious balloon of fury and she slumped into his chair. “Everyone in this office knows that Ray Elliott is an asshole, but everyone also knows that he’s a great cop. You and I both know that his instincts have saved our lives a few times over.”

“But that doesn’t give him the right to treat me … “

“I know, Taima!” Mahalo sat down, gazing at his daughter’s picture. “But you can’t give him a reason to attack you. You of all people should know that.”

Yes, I should know that. Mahalo wasn’t just her Chief. He was her friend, her mentor, her god-father. It was Malo that had been the rock in her life, giving her a North point for her compass. And he had never rebuked her or asked too many questions.

“Sorry, Malo.”

He nodded, looking up at her. “I know you are.” He hesitated. “Are you really all right?”

“Yeah. Just got some stuff to work through.”

“Okay. I’ll accept that answer for now.” He leaned across the desk, making eye contact with her. “But I’m always here. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, Malo.” Taima smiled. “I know.”

“Good. Now get your ass out there and finish that report!”

Taima smiled, feeling a little weight lift off her shoulders and was surprised to find herself looking forward to her date tonight.

*****

Pilar stared at her reflection in the mirror. Was the dress too much? Too much tit? You foot-fucked her at lunch! What are you worried about? That she’ll think I’m easy, her inner voices taunted. That she’ll think I’m frigid. That she’ll only be interested in my face. Her green eyes went from joyous to sad and she looked away to avoid seeing the distress in her own face. 

Why is this bothering me so much? She knew the answer. She felt a connection with the beautiful officer. Something in the woman’s deep Cherokee eyes touched a part of her that stirred into wakefulness, like a slumbering dragon awakened by a lovely maiden. Pilar found herself working on the bodies, her mind replaying the expressions on Taima’s face when she came, imagining what her lovely mouth would feel like on her aching pussy, recalling the feeling of her cunt lips beneath her toes. Until she snapped out of her reverie, she had no idea that she’d done the make-up wrong or put a woman’s wig on a man.

You’ve never felt this before, have you? No. Never before had she been so completely bewitched by someone, not even her first lover, Maggie. Her encounter with Maggie had been impossibly sweet and sexy, but it didn’t generate the same fire as just being in the presence of Taima. Taima was like a tiger, her body tensile with strength, fire and energy radiating from her and enveloping those who were around her. It was that heat that had pierced the protective veil Pilar had draped around herself. Now staring at her reflection, she hoped and prayed that she would be worthy of Taima’s attention. And maybe her love?

The front door’s hanging bell rang, signaling that someone had entered the building and Pilar took a deep breath, stepping from behind the curtain and smiling into Taima’s face.

“Hi.”

“Wow!” Taima’s eyes slid over Pilar’s shapely figure, noting how the aquamarine brought out the depth of color in Pilar’s eyes. The dress was cut daringly above her generous breasts and flowed like colored cream over Pilar’s hips, flaring to a stop just above her knees. Her legs were tantalizingly bare and her tiny feet were shod in gypsy pumps, the braided ties circling her ankles. “You look fantastic!”

“Thank you.” Pilar suddenly felt shy under Taima’s appreciative gaze. She had looked Taima over as well. The khaki shirt Taima wore was open to just above her breasts, the shadows hinting at a set of nicely-sized globes and the black jeans clung to her trim body. Pilar found her eyes drawn to Taima’s neck, where a black obsidian shark’s tooth lay, threaded on a soft length of hemp, resting on a light sprinkling of freckles.

Both women just stared at each other for a long moment before Taima moved, stepping forward and pressing a light, but passionate kiss to Pilar’s perfumed cheek, handing her the white rose she had brought. It seemed that there were no words to say. The connection between them was too strong, so strong that Taima had to step away to clear her head. “Well, I guess we’d better get going.”

“Y-Yeah.” Pilar blushed, feeling awkward. “Let me get my wrap.”

A twenty minute ride brought them to Samone’s and they were seated in a private booth where they could see the beauty of the city spreading out beneath their feet. A waiter lit the hurricane lamp at the table and left them with the wine menu. Pilar’s eyes looked like brilliant crystals in the burnished light and the shy smile she gave transformed her into an exotic beauty. Taima pinched herself under the table, just to be certain that she was awake.

“Shall we order some wine? Maybe some champagne?”

“Champagne sounds wonderful.”

Champagne was served with escargots, one of Taima’s favorites. Pilar opted for Oysters Rockefeller with lemon-rubbed toast points. They chose the filet of sole with capers for dinner and quietly shared a thick slice of Death By Chocolate cake, each licking the fork suggestively, and then laughing at the effort. Finally, over warmed snifters of Amaretto di Saronno, Taima took Pilar’s hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers.

“Taima?”

“Yes?”

“I … I don’t quite know how to say this so … “ Pilar took a sip and paused, feeling the fiery liquid blossom in her chest.

“Just say it, honey.”

“I … when you and I are together … I feel so … “ Another hesitation. “I guess what I’m saying is that … I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I’m looking for a relationship. I want to be totally involved with someone and I want that someone to feel the same way about me.” Pilar raised her eyes to Taima and quickly looked away. “So, I need to know what you want, where you stand with us. If there is an us.”

Taima twirled her glass between her hands, her focus on the amber liquid. “Pilar, my life is so complicated right now.” She took a breath. “I know what I want, I just am not sure how to accomplish it.”

The ensuing silence was uncomfortable. “I see.”

“No, you don’t.” Taima slugged the liquor down and nodded to the waiter to bring another. “There’s someone that I’ve been in love with for quite a long time and we just recently got together.” Taima hated the way Pilar’s face fell at her words. “I thought it was what I wanted. Then I met you.” Taima touched the woman’s hand. “And my world changed forever.”

“Taima … “

“Please, Pilar, I’ve been very torn about this all day.” Pilar nodded but didn’t release her hand, a good sign. “I have never felt this way, not even about Alicia, and I’ve known her for a good part of my life. Pilar, just seeing you makes my heart jump! I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s going to be like to touch and kiss you. I might have a heart attack!” Pilar’s soft chuckle brought a smile to her lips. “I know what I want. I know where I stand. I want an us, a never-ending us. An us that melts into each other and becomes a we that goes on forever.” Tears glittered in Pilar’s eyes. “I just need a little time to get things worked out so that there will be no obstacles in our way. Okay?”

Again, there were no words to be spoken. Pilar left her side of the booth and slid beside Taima, pulling her into a warm embrace. Both knew that personal barriers had been broken and they held on to each other tightly, braving the storms and spiritually moving closer. Taima pulled back, lifting a hand to gently wipe Pilar’s tears away while desperately trying to hold her own back.

“Will you come home with me tonight?”

Taima nodded negatively. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I want to keep things separate until I can handle Alicia.”

“I know.” Pilar touched Taima’s cheek, feeling the hard muscle underneath and knowing that she was fighting to control her emotions. “But you need to be with someone and I would be very honored to sleep in your arms tonight.” Taima’s bottom lip began to tremble. “Just sleep, okay?”

Her control threatening to break, Taima just nodded, grateful for the enfolding embrace that Pilar pulled her into. The low sound of the waiter clearing his throat broke the women apart.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but are you Officer Greenleaf?”

“Yes.”

“Phone call for you. You can take it at the receptionist’s desk.”

“Thank you.” Taima turned to Pilar. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’m going to visit the ladies’ room.” Pilar grabbed her purse and smiled at Taima. Her heart melted at the sincerity in her eyes. This is going to be so different! She was surprised to find herself bouncing, nearly skipping to the bathroom. If this is love, I never want it to end! The sounds of a woman sobbing were like ice water being dashed over her body. Pilar stepped into the bathroom’s dressing area, attuning her ears to search out the source and located a pair of red high heels behind a stall door. Unsure of what to do, she knocked lightly on the door. “I don’t mean to bother you, but are you all right?”

There were several soft sobs, then, “Yes.”

“Okay.” Pilar started to turn towards an empty stall when she heard the voice again.

“Could you give me some tissue?”

“Sure.” Pilar yanked several lengths from the roll of toilet paper and held it underneath until the woman took the wad. “Here you go.” She waited a moment and when no other requests came, she went back to the empty stall and pulled the door shut.

“I’m sorry.” The voice said. “I just got dumped.”

“Sorry to hear that. Maybe it was for the better, you know?”

“Yeah, I know, but … she’s everything to me. Yesterday, we were happy and today … I just don’t understand! I don’t know what happened.”

“I’ve been dumped like that before. Don’t blame yourself. There was nothing you could do. If it’s not meant to be … “

“It was meant to be!” Fresh sobs echoed through the tiny room. “She was my soulmate!”

Not if she dumped you so easily. Pilar thought but didn’t lend a voice to her words. It was obvious that the other woman was in pain. “I don’t know what else to say, except that I’m sorry.” She flushed the toilet and quickly washed her hands. “I hope everything works out with you.”

Taima was waiting for her at the entrance and they strode quickly to the car. “I hate to do this to you, but I have to go to a scene. I can drop you off … “

“No, I’ll go with you.” Pilar moved into Taima’s embrace, pressing into her body. “I still want you in my bed tonight.”

“It could take a long time … “ 

“Doesn’t matter. If it turns out to be a problem, I’ll call a cab.” Taima felt a shiver snake through her body as Pilar’s mouth brushed against hers. “But I still want you in my bed tonight.”

The touch of Pilar’s tongue on her lips sent electric waves through Taima and her arms instinctively around Pilar, twining her hands into the soft, black tresses. Pilar moaned softly, trembling when Taima’s hands slid down her back and over her buttocks. Her fingers remained on Taima’s cheek when they separated and Taima smiled.

“You expect me to just sleep after that?”

“Yes.” Pilar answered with a teasing smile. “It’ll make our first night that much more special.”

“Our first night.” Taima’s voice was husky in her ear. “The first night of the rest of our lives.” The women shared a deep look of longing until Taima broke it, opening the passenger door and kissing Pilar’s fingers again. “Let’s get going.”

As Taima’s car sped off into the night, a small figure emerged from the restaurant’s shadows, holding a wet wad of toilet paper to her nose. “You will be sorry.” Alicia sobbed angrily. “Both of you will be sorry.”

*****

Taima parked her SUV at the curb, gave Pilar a quick kiss and an admonition to stay put until she could find out what was going on, then grabbed her service revolver and badge out of the glove box. Elliott was waiting at the curb, smoking a cigarette and having a conversation with the gardener, Mr. Whitley. He sneered at Taima when she ducked under the emergency tape.

“Thought this was your day off.”

“Guess Malo needed a real detective.”

“Well, don’t take too long. I might leave with your date.”

“I doubt it. She’s sober.”

Taima headed for Mahalo, who stood just inside the iron gates, waiting for her. “Hey, Chief. What’s up?”

“Nathan Rhodes is dead and his wife’s the one who shot him.”



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 04



The alarm clock's ring startled Taima out of a deep sleep and confused her even more because it didn't sound familiar. It wasn't. It took her a few moments for her to realize that she was not at her home and in her bed. She was in Pilar's stylish condominium, tucked deep into a queen-size bed with a warm and half-naked Pilar in her arms. Pilar raised her arm and pressed the snooze button, replacing the irritating buzz with smoky jazz and stretched like a cat. Taima welcomed the opportunity to press Pilar back into her body, running her hands over silk-covered flesh.

"Good morning." Pilar whispered, turning her head for a kiss and gasping when she received a deep, soul-stirring one from Taima.

"Morning."

"Sleep well?"

"Perfectly." Taima tucked her nose into Pilar's neck, hugging her warmly and wishing that she didn't have to face the day.

Last night had been so hectic. Nathan Rhodes had been murdered by his wife, Harmony. They found him in the same position that she'd first seen him in, dangling his feet into his swimming pool, Haggar slacks rolled up to his calves and his tie loosely dangling around his neck. The crime was so fresh that smoke still curled from the bullet wound and his quickly congealing blood spread like a red velvet blanket beneath him. 

Albert Whitley had heard the shot and had found an unresponsive Harmony Rhodes slumped on her haunches, the .38 in her hand. He had immediately called the police and Mahalo had called her minutes later. Taima had worked the scene, coming down to check on Pilar and was happy to see and hear that she was all right and was hanging in there. It meant so much to her just to know that Pilar was waiting for her.

It was a hard life and Pilar knew it. She dealt with the aftermath, once it had been cleaned up. Taima's world was different. She saw the raw aspects of the seamy underside of life, which was one of the reasons Pilar wanted her to spend the night. Taima had no one to help her cope with the realities of her cop life and Pilar knew that the best person for the job was herself. Pilar had welcomed her into her home and in the process, had let her further into her heart.

"Are you glad you stayed?"

Taima smiled, hearing the uncertainty and shyness in Pilar's voice. "Absolutely." Taima checked the numbers on the clock. "Shit, I've got to go. We're heading over to interview Mrs. Rhodes and I have to wear a suit."

"I bet you'll look good." Pilar laughed when Taima made a funny face, surmising that she hated dressing up. "Would you ever wear a dress for me?"

"What? Are you kidding? I'd rather be shot!" They laughed together for a few moments before Taima leaned down and fitted her mouth to Pilar's, turning them face to face. It was so hard to keep from rubbing Pilar's hard nubs or sliding her hand into her silk shorts. Pilar smelled so wonderful, musky and earthy. "I've really gotta go, love."

"Call me later?"

"How about I fix us dinner? My place, this time."

"I'll bring the wine."

"Sounds wonderful." Taima slid out of the bed, turning to hold Pilar's hand. "Thank you."

Pilar blinked, her eyes tearing. "For what?"

"Just being there." Taima looked down, then caught Pilar's eyes again. "Just letting me be me."

"No problem." Pilar whispered softly, arising to coax another long, deep kiss from Taima's mouth. "See you tonight."

"Tonight."

* * * * *

"Where have you been?"

The young woman glared at him, hoisting the bag and letting it thump onto the floor. "Where do you think? I still have to work."

"No, you don't. I pay you enough money to make sure that you're at my every beck and call."

"Maybe I don't want to be at your beck and call."

"Doesn't matter. That's what I want so that's what you give me."

"I don't think so."

The man produced a small bag of crystal methamphetamine, dangling it just in front of the young woman's nose. "Wanna make a bet?"

"That's not fair!"

"Who said life was fair? Now, get over here. I want you to suck my dick."

The pretty girl with strawberry-blonde hair walked over, wrinkling her pixie-ish nose and sitting on the bed. She had known the old man for a long while, but hadn't begun a relationship till this past year. It would never have started if she hadn't started modeling again. Working and modeling didn't mesh well and when one of her fellow models had suggested meth, she eagerly partook, loving the abundant energy that followed. She hated, despised herself for becoming an addict. She loathed the fact that this man held her existence in her hands.

The old man unbuckled his belt, watching as she snatched the glassine bag of meth packets and snorted two quickly, smiling happily as euphoria swept through her body. "I have a little surprise for you." He produced a small envelope and using a tiny spoon, spread a long line of white powder down the length of his hard dick. "Now, suck that!"

The young woman eagerly bent to her task, bending to inhale the precious cocaine and using her tongue to draw the residue into her mouth, sighing at the tingle that spread from her lips to her throat. "Mmmm." 

"Like that, don't cha?"

"You know I do, you old bastard."

"Open your mouth." She did as she was told, taking the old man's wrinkled penis into her mouth and enduring the humiliation of him smacking the fat-headed tube of meat against her cheeks. "Yeah, little bitch. Suck my cock." He pushed his prick into her mouth, rubbing against her tongue. She gagged a bit, then quickly recovered as he shoved in again and again, fucking her mouth for all he was worth. Thankfully, it didn't take long before he was pumping his hot, salty cum down her throat, both hands on the back of the girl's head as he grunted in the throes of his climax. "Fuck, that was good."

The young woman crawled onto the bed, breathing heavily and rapidly swallowing from the open bottle of Jack Daniels. She knew what was next. 

"We lost the first shipment, but another is on its way." He pulled the leather harness on, selecting the largest dildo from his suitcase to slide into the holder. "I know that you're sorry but I'll accept your form of payment."

The young woman trembled inside. "Yes, master."

He pulled her onto her knees, pulling her undies down and spreading her cheeks apart to see her unused pucker. "And I hope it will be a well-learned lesson for you." He leaned forward, his pink tongue pressing past her tight muscle and spitting into her cleft. "If you take care of your part, we'll be rich and home free."

"Yes, master."

When he pressed the head of the huge dildo into her tiny asshole, she knew that this was just a warning.

* * * * *

When Taima pulled into her driveway, she knew something was wrong.

Her home was small and she had taken extra care in planting chrysanthemums, marigolds and begonias around the front, along with a Japanese maple and a white birch. The bright green, burgeoning shoots that signaled flowers were gone. Gone, as in now non-existent. Taima's entire body went cold as she surveyed the dark earth, now dotted with sliced blooms and her police instincts kicked in, her eyes swinging toward her front door.

It was open.

"Shit!"

Taima pulled her revolver and thumbed the safety off, flattening against the wall. She took a deep breath, attempting to slow her heart as she pushed the front door the rest of the way open with her foot. Silence met her. She knew better than to call out. Whomever had been here might still be here and wasn't welcome. Alicia certainly wouldn't have left everything open, nor would she have hacked Taima's plants.

Quietly, Taima checked each room, ending her search in the bedroom. On her bed was a message, punctuated by an unpotted flower, its root ball hacked into pieces.

First, Nathan Rhodes. Next, you.

* * * * *

"What does it mean?"

Mahalo Jenkins shook his head. He had been unusually quiet since arriving with the team. She knew that it was because of her, because this crime had been committed against her. His protective nature came out and his cop instinct kicked in right behind it.

"I don't know, Tam, but I don't like it." 

A thorough examination had discovered that nothing else had been disturbed, the plant had been torn out of a flower bed on the side of the house and no other fingerprints other than hers and Alicia's. When no other information could be gleaned from the scene, everyone left. Except for Mahalo.

"What's going on, Taima?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, Malo. I swear."

"Oh, so it's a usual occurrence to have your house broken into?"

Taima shook her head, stepping into the walk-in closet and yanking the overhead bulb. "And you haven't had your house broken into, Mister Police Chief?"

"Of course I have. But the circumstances were different and you know it."

"Do I?" Taima laid her tweed suit on the bed, tossing a camisole on top of it. "I can't help it that I was a victim. I'm not doing anything that I don't ordinarily do."

"What about girlfriends? Ex-girlfriends?"

"Don't have any of them. Too busy."

"Messing around with anyone? Piss anyone off that didn't know you were gay?"

"Malo!" Taima paused in her preparations to stare at her friend. "You know me better than that."

"Who are you messing around with?"

"Malo ... "

"Tell me, Tam!"

"Alicia Brewster and Pilar Petersen."

Mahalo's face wore an incredulous expression. "Pilar Petersen? How'd you score her?"

"I haven't yet, Malo, and it's not a 'score'. She's the one."

Jenkins grinned, shaking his head. "She's a beaut. Guys have been trying to get her for a long time."

"Well, if I have anything to say about it, she'll be off the market soon. Permanently."

Mahalo smiled again. It was nice to hear that Taima had finally found someone. "And what about Alicia?"

"That's a problem."

"You think she'd do this?"

"Maybe, but she doesn't have anything to do with Nathan Rhodes."

"True."

The phone rang and Taima quickly picked it up. It was Pilar, who had heard about the break-in from one of the funeral home employees. "I'm all right! Really!"

"I don't like it, Taima! What if you'd have been home?" 

Pilar's concern was touching and she smiled. "Then I would have shot the bastard!"

"That's not funny!"

"I know, Pilar." Taima softened her voice. "But there's really nothing to worry about."

"Not any more. You're staying with me."

"Pilar ... "

"No. You pack your bags and come by here. I'll give you a key."

"You don't have to do that."

"Yes, I do." Her voice was suddenly warm. "I'm falling in love with you."

Taima felt like a chunk of chocolate in the red hot sun and the saliva in her mouth dried up quickly. "I feel the same, Pilar."

"Then say it."

"I can't. I have company."

Pilar giggled. "Okay. I'll let you off the hook. For now."

"Thanks."

"Handle your other business and come by."

Alicia. Taima had tried her best to forget about that little chore. "I will. See you."

She hung up the phone, ignoring the knowing smirk on Mahalo's face. "All right. Get dressed. Let's get going."

* * * * *

On the ride over, Mahalo filled Taima in with some information. Benny Rhodes' car had been processed and nothing much had been found. His body had contained 75 ounces of crystal meth and an employee of the Sheltering Elms Cemetery had since disappeared. Her name was Julianne Bennett. The general contention was that Bennett arranged for the body to be used for the drug transportation. 

A small piece of the puzzle had been fitted into place. But more questions were left unanswered. Who was running the drugs? And where were they going? Taima's worry was that the drug was coming into town and a drug like crystal meth would bring a storm that no one would be able to survive. 

The visit to the psych ward in the jail was a wasted trip. Harmony Rhodes sat across the table from them, her dark eyes dull with confusion. Her immaculate hair was rough and unkempt and her elegant hands were curled into claws. It was clear that she was not going to be able to help with the investigation. 

By the time Taima returned to her desk, it was lunch time and she was starving. She knew what she should do. She pulled into the school parking lot and found Alicia grading papers.

"Hi."

Blue eyes raked over her coldly. "What do you want?"

"I guess we need to talk."

"Don't bother." Alicia stacked the papers, tucking them into an orange folder. "I saw you and your little whore at Samone's."

Taima lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Alicia. I never meant to hurt you."

"You pressure me to have sex and then you dump me?"

"I didn't pressure you."

"The hell you didn't! Don't you remember? It happened right next door!"

"But you wanted it! Remember that?"

Alicia's thin grip on her control snapped and she burst into tears. Taima went to her, embracing her friend but Alicia pushed her away. "Get the fuck out of here and don't come back."

"Alicia, I can't just leave like this."

"Then I will."

The slam of the door echoed in the tiny room and Taima bowed her head, sobbing over a lost love and a lost friendship.

* * * * *

Chief WhiteEagle was not surprised to see Taima. RunningEagle, his son and tribal medicine man, had told him that she would be coming for a visit. At first, he didn't believe him because it had been more than twenty years since she had visited him. Taima had changed when Mitena had died and she had quarreled with her grandfather when he insisted that she remain on the reservation. No one understood her, she had said and no one will ever love me like my mother. It hurt him that she could not look past the importance of his office and see how much he loved her. She saw him only as Chief, not as Grandfather.

Now, he watched his granddaughter enter his home, frowning at the tentativeness in her body language, sadly realizing that she was not even comfortable here. She graciously accepted her uncle's welcome hug and gave WhiteEagle a long embrace, tears streaking her cheeks when they parted.

"Welcome, Taima. It makes my heart glad to see you." His words seemed to upset her more and the Chief motioned for RunningEagle to leave. It was obvious that she was troubled and he was gratified to know that she had come to him for assistance. "Would you like some tea?" She nodded 'no'. "How about some whiskey?" She nodded again and he poured them two sturdy shots, pushing the beveled rocks glass into her hands. He waited as she took a sip, steeling her nerves. "How are you?"

"My spirit is confused, Grandfather." Taima had never thought that she would ever connect with her spirituality, but the manic rollercoaster of the day's events had drained her and made her aware of a deficit that she'd never acknowledged. As physically strong as she prided herself on being, she was as emotionally weak. "I – I ... "

"Do you know why your mother named you 'crash of thunder'?"

Taima paused in mid-sip, her mind going back to when she'd first heard the story. A great storm had passed overhead just as she was being born. "Yes, the storm."

"You were not named Taima just because of the storm, little one." WhiteEagle refilled his glass, pausing to add a little to hers also. "The entire time that Mitena carried you, you made yourself known. She had the morning sickness for nearly four months and when you started kicking, she was afraid that you would kick your way out." He returned her smile, noticing that it didn't reach her eyes. "But she named you Taima because she knew that you had a strong spirit."

"But I don't, Grandfather. I've hurt someone that I've known my entire life for no other reason except that I found someone else."

"Have you made a commitment to her?"

Her. That was the first time she'd ever heard him acknowledge her lesbianism, even obliquely. "No."

"And the 'someone else' that you found. Have you made a commitment to her?"

"No."

"But you feel strongly about this second woman. You feel strong enough to make a commitment to her?"

"Yes, I do."

"Taima, even though we have not spoken, I know about your life." WhiteEagle paused, letting his eyes meet hers when she raised her head. "I know that you are not promiscuous and I know that you choose to have relationships. It can't be helped that you hurt Alicia. You didn't pursue her with anything but love in your mind and in your heart. In time, she will see that you loved her."

"I still love her, Grandfather, but I met someone ... "

"Her name?"

"Pilar."

"The young lady that works at the funeral home?"

"Yes, sir."

WhiteEagle genuinely smiled. "She is known to me."

"How?"

"She has prepared many of our tribes people for burial and she was respectful enough to ask about our traditions. No other has ever asked."

"Oh, Grandfather, she is my soulmate. She is so wonderful."

"I can see the love you have for her in your eyes." WhiteEagle tossed his whiskey back, with a sigh. "I am an old man, Taima. I have many summers under my belt and maybe not too many more winters. I have loved many women but only one was the owner of my heart. That is a blessing that many do not receive." One of his wizened hands enfolded hers, tenderly caressing while the other wiped her falling tears. "Alicia will understand, little one."

Taima smiled through her tears and Chief WhiteEagle was happy to see that it finally reached her eyes. "Thank you, Grandfather."

"Now, would you like some lunch?" Taima nodded. "And maybe you can tell me more about what's been happening in your life."

She gripped his smooth hand, threading her fingers through his like she'd done as a child. "I'd like that, Grandfather." 



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 05



The meeting with her grandfather had been the best thing that had ever happened to her, other than meeting Pilar. Her recollections had been so different: mother's death, the lying, the fighting, and finally, the rebuke from the Elders in the tribe. Homosexuality was not welcomed in the tribe and a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy was used in keeping everyone in line. 

Taima had proven her namesake one day. At the age of eighteen, she had loudly proclaimed her lesbianism during a council meeting and incurred the entire tribe's wrath. Thus had begun her exile. Until today. She not only had her grandfather back but he had also promised to give her bond with Pilar a tribal wedding ceremony when she was ready to express her commitment.

There was a message from Pilar waiting when she returned to the office. She would be getting off work early, around 3 and wanted to know what her plans were. Taima decided to call her back immediately. "Hi."

"Hi, honey. I've been waiting for your call."

"I was out. I've got some really good news, but I'll wait to tell you later."

"Later? I have to wait?"

"Yes, but it's so good! Oh, Pilar, it's so great!"

"Then tell me now!"

"No, not until tonight."

"That's not fair!"

"No, it isn't." Taima laughed, kicking her feet in the air happily. "So what would you like for dinner?"

"You."

Taima felt the blood rush to her face and glanced around to see if anyone else had noticed. Thankfully, she was alone. "How would you like me?"

"Naked and spread-eagled on my bed with my tongue basting you." Taima's pussy twitched, imagining a visual to fit with her words. "I want to make love with you, Taima. I've been doing nothing but thinking about fucking you."

"Jesus, Pilar!"

"I'm sorry. I can't help it. I've frigged myself at least four times this morning." Her voice was quiet. "Did you take care of ... things?"

"Yes, I did."

"Are you all right?"

"I'm better now."

"Good, and is she all right?"

"No. She's angry as hell."

"You might try to talk to her in a week or two."

"Yeah." Taima said softly. "Thanks for being so understanding."

"Are you kidding? There's no way I couldn't be. Taima, I told you ... " Pilar's voice grew deep and husky. "I'm falling in love with you."

"I feel the same way, Pilar, and if you don't mind, I'd like to make you mine tonight."

"Oh, Taima."

Mahalo cleared his throat, standing over Taima's shoulder. "Listen, I have to go. My boss is standing here waiting for me to finish this call. Fish okay?"

"Anything is fine."

"Good. I'll meet you there at 4."

"Okay."

Taima hung up the phone, desperately trying to hide her smile and failing miserably when Mahalo was smiling just as large. "Hot date, officer?"

"Uh, yes, sir." She sat back. "What's up?"

"Got some financials on Rhodes. Thought you might like to look them over."

"Okay. Can I take them home? I do have that date ... "

"Yeah, you can take them." Taima powered her computer down. "But I expect to have a full summary in the morning."

"Have I ever let you down, Malo?"

Jenkins had to smile. "No, can't say that you have. Now get going."

"Thanks, Malo!"

* * * * *

The almond-encrusted turbot had turned out perfectly. Taima used the fish spatula to carefully extract the steaming fillets, arranging them on two plates, along with broccoli rabe, roasted pearl onions and blueberry-onion relish for the fish. As Taima served Pilar, she knew that the night could not have been more perfect. When she pulled up to the house, Pilar was in her swing on the front lawn, her long hair in pigtails and her bare feet pointing skyward as she soared. Taima had laughed. She had never seen an adult in a tree swing and the sight of Pilar was endearing, especially when she noticed that Pilar's beautiful breasts were unbound.

Pilar leaped out of the swing and skipped over to her, a huge smile on her gorgeous features and took Taima's breath away with a quick but expressive kiss. They took the groceries in and prepared the dinner together, even though Taima had wanted it to do it alone. Pilar didn't want to be away from her and turned the kitchen into a sensual play zone. Taima would be leaning over the chopping block, tending to the mushrooms and Pilar would mold her body to Taima's back, rubbing her breasts and hips into her. Pilar would bend over to check something in the oven and Taima would run her hand between Pilar's legs, teasing her already wet cleft.

By the time dinner was served, both women were vibrating with tension. Taima ate the tasty fish but found it difficult to keep her focus on the meal. Pilar sat across from her, her jewel-like eyes shining as she lifted her champagne-filled glass, sipping with full lips and licking with pink tongue. Taima fought the urge to groan at the delectable sight and shoveled a forkful of broccoli into her mouth, concentrating on chewing instead of on the creamy coffee shoulder that had slipped into view.

Pilar grinned, knowing that Taima had seen her skin. She only wished that Taima was close enough to smell her, to know that she had chosen a complex mixture of melon and lilac to scent her body with, to know that she had found out that both were favorites of Taima's. She lifted the fork to her mouth, her eyes meeting with Taima's and holding them as she slid the smooth tines past her lips. Taima almost choked when Pilar's toes touched the inside of her ankle.

"Stop." Taima whispered, chewing.

"Why?"

"I won't be able to finish my fish."

"Who said you needed to finish it?" Pilar touched her other foot to Taima's leg, rubbing insistently. "I do have a microwave."

Neither moved for a moment. Then Taima leapt up from her seat, crossing the space between them and jerking Pilar up from the chair, capturing her mouth with the movement. Pilar moaned, throwing her arms around Taima's neck. Taima crushed Pilar to her body, her hands sliding over Pilar's panty-clad ass.

"God, I want you so bad!" Her fingers touched Pilar's warm flesh, snaking under the elastic waist band, silk and lace on one side and silky flesh on the other.

"I want you, too. Take me upstairs." Pilar whispered against Taima's mouth. "Take me to bed."

"I can't wait."

With a passion that surprised even herself, Taima lifted Pilar and sat her on the edge of the solid cherry dining table, shoving the dishes off onto the floor. She didn't care. Neither did Pilar. The two women tore at each other's clothes, their mouths remaining locked, tongues battling, teeth nipping, hands searching. Taima moved her mouth to Pilar's neck, biting into the soft tendons and wrenching a cry from her tender throat. She shifted lower still, targeting a grapefruit-sized breast and drawing the dark-brown nipple into her mouth, sucking hard.

Pilar screamed, her body quivering as a sweet orgasm flowed through her, thick pussy cream squeezing between her blood-filled cunt lips and soaking her undies. She couldn't breathe. Her skin was on fire and Taima's mouth felt like a blazing ember. She reached up and pushed her mouth harder against her breast, hissing when Taima's teeth circled her teat, pulling and teasing. Taima moved to the other breast, sucking, licking and teething Pilar to another orgasm.

"Oh, God." Pilar's throaty whisper seemed to add fuel to Taima's fire. She found Pilar's mouth again, thrusting her tongue inside and Frenching her into a quivering mass as she laid her back on the table. Pilar was so beautiful. Taima reached down and spread the black silk open, exposing Pilar's exquisite body. With both hands, she cupped her lovely face, rubbing her nose against Pilar's and brushing her mouth over her trembling lips. She released Pilar's face, letting her fingers trail over her neck, collarbones, breasts, ribs and stomach, coming to rest on her slight hips.

"What do you want me to do to you?" Taima's inquisitive fingers emphasized each word, tracing the black lace that framed her pussy.

"I want you to fuck me!"

Taima bent close to her ear, nibbling on her fat lobe. "How do you want me to fuck you? Slow and soft or hard and fast?"

"Slow and hard." Pilar trembled as Taima started to pull the panties down. She lifted her hips and trembled again as Taima's fingers stroked her thighs, circling in toward her sodden core, teasing with alternate pressures. "Taima, please."

"Not so fast, my sweet." Taima bent and pressed an open-mouthed kiss just above her trimmed pussy, smiling at her moan. She repeated the action, this time adding a swirl of tongue. Pilar was so wet that Taima could smell her even before her kisses reached the crown of her pud, her tongue flicking into the cleft and pressing against her hidden nub. Pilar arched on the table, her knees falling open a little more. "You smell so sweet, Pilar." Taima blew on the swollen lips, watching them glisten in the light. "I wonder how you taste."

Pilar couldn't help herself. She let out a huge shout, feeling Taima's thick tongue thrust into her cream-filled hole and move upward until she reached her clit. "Oh, yes." Taima licked again, using her fingers to part the soft flesh and expose her pearl-sized clit, clamping down on it with wet firm lips. "Taima!" Another orgasm rocketed through her, bringing more cream to the surface. She couldn't believe it. She had never cum this many times and this hard. Oh, God! I really am in love!

Taima decided that it was time to get Pilar off, and in a big way. She ran two fingers up and down Pilar's drenched opening, encouraged by her whimpers and without warning, pushed them in hard. Pilar shouted again, her entire body vibrating around Taima's fingers. Taima pressed in again and again, adding a third and stroking roughly. Her pussy creamed more and more, her muscles sucking at Taima's fingers, pulling them deeper and deeper into her body. She leaned her weight into the strokes, pushing harder and watching the play of emotions of Pilar's face. So beautiful. Would you be mine? She heard her breaths shortening, felt the tiny trembles lengthening and knew that she was close to the edge. Taima put her thumb onto Pilar's clit, pressing hard and grabbing a handful of Pilar's hair, Taima pulled Pilar's soft mouth up to hers.

The combination of Taima pulling her hair and the almost painful pressure on her clit sent Pilar soaring. She groaned into Taima's plundering mouth, shaking as her climax burst upon her, robbing her of sense and sending tingles rushing through her skin. She must have passed out because when she awoke, Taima was carrying her upstairs, murmuring soft words to her.

"You okay, love?" Pilar nodded, still overwhelmed and unable to find the words to express her feelings. "I'm going to run down and lock up." Taima cupped her naked pussy. "Keep it warm for me." Pilar watched her go and began to softly sob, closing her eyes. "Hey!" Taima's voice warmly washed over her. "What's wrong?"

Pilar opened her eyes, staring into Taima's eyes. "Am I dreaming?"

Taima smiled. "Not unless I am, too." She brushed the hair out of Pilar's eyes. "I know it's too soon to say it but I love you."

Pilar's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Taima. I love you, too."

* * * * *

It was well past three in the morning when Taima slid from Pilar's bed and grabbed the folder containing the Rhodes financials. She was exhausted from the non-stop lovemaking but she didn't care. For the first time in her life, she had told someone that she loved them and she felt that love in return. She switched on the nightlight and accidentally woke Pilar.

"Taima, is there something wrong?"

"No, love. Just doing a bit of work. Shall I go downstairs?"

"Don't you dare leave me." Pilar muttered sleepily, snuggling against Taima's side.

Taima stroked her cheek. "I won't. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Taima opened the folder and began to scan the contents. There were photocopies of deeds, transcripts from court appearances, bank statements and other papers pertaining to the finances of Nathan and Harmony Rhodes. From what she could glean from the records, Nathan Rhodes was a tightwad and a millionaire. He spent what he needed to for the new store but scrimped on just about everything else. He and his wife took annual trips and destinations ranged from Greece to Fiji but there were no other expenditures.

Tucked into the mass of papers were bank statements from Albert Whitley and what she saw made her jaw drop. The Rhodes' gardener was also a millionaire.

* * * * *

Pilar awoke to the alarm and a beautiful sensation: the feeling of someone's arms around her. Taima's heart softly thumped under her ear and she sighed, trying to move closer. Taima's arms tightened around her, then her eyelids fluttered open. Pilar lifted her head and leaned down, pressing her mouth tightly against Taima's.

"Good morning."

"Morning." Taima touched Pilar's cheek, still unable to believe that this woman was hers. Her fingers slid down, cupping her breast and rubbing her already-hardening nipple. "Ready for breakfast?"

Taima's pulled Pilar's soft mouth down to hers again, letting her hand slide along the undulating valley of her back and buttocks, sighing at the soft skin that met her touch. Loving Pilar was like a dream, a wonderful dream that she never wanted to awaken from. She loved Pilar's schizophrenic nature. The submissive Pilar, whose mouth opened under hers and whose pussy readily accepted her fingers and the aggressive Pilar, who ate Taima's steaming cunt like a crazed woman and wouldn't relent until Taima had no less than six orgasms.

Pilar, likewise, was thinking about Taima, spreading her fingers over the taut sinew and ropy muscle that formed her arms, stomach and legs. She loved the strength that radiated from her lover, a strength that infused their lovemaking and wrapped around her heart. She was petrified to admit it to herself but she couldn't imagine living a single day with Taima. She shuddered as she came, rubbing herself more firmly against Taima's knee and whimpering into her mouth.

Taima held Pilar close, her own pussy clenching in orgasm, panting into her soft neck. "I wish I didn't have to go to work."

"Me, either." Pilar snuggled into Taima's body. "Taima, I've never been in love before."

"Neither have I. It's kinda strange, isn't it?"

"It feels like I've known you forever." She rubbed Taima's stomach. "But I have so much more to learn about you."

"What do you want to know?" Taima rolled sideways, gazing into Pilar's eyes. "Ask me anything."

"Why did you want to be a cop?"

The light in Taima's eyes suddenly faded and Pilar noticed it, reaching out to lay a hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry, Taima. You don't have to answer."

Taima just shook her head. "Yes, I do. I want you to own every part of me." She took a deep breath. "Maybe it's time to let it out."

Love flared hot in Pilar's chest and she brought Taima's fingers to her mouth, kissing them gently. "I'm listening, love."

"Before I was born, our house was broken into. My parents were asleep at the time and when my father didn't move fast enough, he was shot and killed."

Pilar's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Taima!"

"They couldn't stand my mother's screaming so they decided to shut her up by raping her." Taima remembered the look on her mother's face when she had come home from school that day. Mother, all the kids say that I'm a rape bastard. What's that? "Nine months later, I was born."

"Taima ... "

"When I found out that I was a product of rape, I decided that I would do whatever I could to find the guy that rape my mother. Being a cop seemed the best and easiest way to do it."

Pilar felt her heart break for Taima. "Oh, Taima. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Pilar. I came to grips with it several years ago. I just don't talk about it."

"And if you don't talk about it, it didn't happen." Taima nodded in response, her throat choked with unshed tears. 

"Maybe, but I haven't caught the guy yet, either."

Pilar waited several moments, allowing Taima to regain her composure. "You'll catch him one day, Taima. I don't think destiny would deny you that."

"I hope not." Taima sniffled, an edge to her voice. "It's all I've got."

"It used to be all you had. Now you have me." Taima allowed Pilar to enfold her in a gentle embrace, her insides racked with pain. She heard her grandfather's words in her mind. She named you Taima because you had a strong spirit. 

Time to be Taima.

The phone rang unexpectedly and Pilar reluctantly pulled away to answer it. "Hello? ... Uh, yes, she's here ... Hold on a second ... " Pilar cupped her hand over the mouthpiece. "It's Chief Jenkins and he wants to talk to both of us." Taima slid up beside her lover, both sharing the receiver. "We're both here, sir."

"Good morning, Taima. Sorry to bother you both but we have a problem."

"Sir?"

"Pilar, I had a call from your brother, Myron, this morning. A body was stolen from your funeral home last night."

"What?"

"A young woman named Ana Gonzales. I think you'd both better get down here."



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 06



Instead of meeting at the precinct, Taima and Pilar met Chief Jenkins at the funeral home and immediately, Pilar had her hands full of an apoplectic Myron, running around like a headless chicken, his be-ringed fingers clamped to the sides of his head as he wailed.

“Pilar, thank God you’re here! They’re been here since six a.m. and they nearly ruined Mrs. Mascotte’s first viewing!”

“Calm down, My. I’m sure that everything’s all right.”

“It’s most assuredly not all right! This could ruin our business!”

Chief Jenkins came up behind them, clapping a hand on Taima’s shoulder. “Glad you got here.”

“What do we have?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” Pilar piped up, her arm around her distressed brother. “No clues?”

“Not one. Looks like whomever stole the body did so by using a key. There were no signs of a break-in. The only thing we’ve found is that one of your hearses is missing.”

“Which one, sir?”

Pilar watched as Jenkins leafed through his notes. “The midnight blue one.”

Myron Petersen’s eyes rolled back and he crumbled to a heap on the floor, everyone looking on in horror. 

“It was his favorite.” Pilar supplied.

Jenkins helped her place Myron on a cot in the back office, then sent the rest of the officers and crew away. “We put out a BOLO for the hearse and I don’t think we’ll have to wait very long before someone spots it. It’s not going to ‘blend in’ anywhere.”

Pilar nodded. “Thanks, Chief Jenkins.”

“No problem, but now we have to move on to the other more serious problem. First, Benny Rhodes is taken from Sheltering Elms and now, Mrs. Gonzales from your funeral parlor. Whomever is abducting these bodies … has access to either your business, the cemetery prep room or both.”

“That’s so sick! How could someone defile a body like that?”

“Because they don’t think of it as a body.” Pilar said, placing a cold cloth on Myron’s forehead. The man stirred, moaning lightly. “They don’t have the same reverence that you and I do. To them, it’s just a cold lump of flesh. To me, it’s a shell, true, but that shell was someone’s mother or father or sister or brother. There was love and care there.” She caught Taima’s eyes and gave a weak laugh. “Sorry, I got a little carried away. It’s just that I care for these people every day.”

Taima smiled, touching Pilar’s hand. Myron moaned again and the two laughed, sobering quickly when his eyes opened. “My car. My beautiful car.”

“It’ll be all right, My. They’ll find the Batmobile.” Taima snickered, drawing an agonized look from Myron.

“What about Julianne Bennett?” Taima turned to Jenkins. “Any info on her?”

“Not a thing. The only thing I’ve been able to find out is that she was ugly. Messed up teeth, zits, the works. None of the guys really talked to her because of that.”

“Oh and I found out something interesting about the gardener, Whitley.” 

While Taima filled Jenkins in on the financials, Pilar helped Myron sit up. “You all right, My?”

Myron shook his head. “Why would someone want to do this to us?”

“I don’t know, My, but I know that Chief Jenkins and Taima will find out.”

“You like her, don’t you?” Pilar colored, looking away with a shy smile. “I thought so. She seems nice.”

“She’s very nice. She’s the one, My.”

Myron’s eyes grew large. “Really?” He glanced toward the officer, then back to his sister. “That’s great!” His shoulders sagged. “Are you going to leave?”

“No, My. I won’t be going anywhere. We’ll probably get a place together but we won’t be going anywhere.”

“Good.”

“Excuse me, Miss Petersen, Mr. Petersen, we’re going to leave now. Taima will be your contact and she’ll be keeping up with things, especially your hearse, Mr. Petersen.” At the mention of his beloved vehicle, Myron moaned, cradling his head in his hands. Jenkins shook hands with both and Pilar escorted them to the door. “I’ll see you at the precinct.”

“Okay, Malo.” Taima turned to Pilar, touching her arm. “Last night was wonderful.”

“For me, too.” Pilar leaned in for a kiss, feeling the touch of Taima’s tongue vibrate through her like a strummed string. Pilar was so appreciative of Taima’s tender nature. She knew she was so lucky to have found someone like her. “Will I see you tonight?”

“It may be late. Depends on what’s going on.”

“That’s okay. You have your key, right?” Taima pulled her key ring from her pocket, showing Pilar the key. “Just let yourself in. I’ll leave dinner in the oven for you.”

“You don’t have to do that, Pilar.”

“I know, but I want to.” Pilar blushed, looking down at their joined hands. “It’ll be fun to pretend that I’m your wife.”

Her simple, shy words struck a chord so deep in Taima’s soul that she was momentarily speechless. “Oh, Pilar.” Her whisper shook with the depths of her emotion and she pulled Pilar into another warm kiss. “There’s no need to pretend.”

A few more kisses and Taima left, heading for the precinct and snapping into cop mode. Several things were bothering her. Julianne Bennett, missing cemetery employee. Millionaire Albert Whitley. A missing body. The arrival of crystal meth in her town. The stormbringer. How did they fit together?

She spent most of the morning re-interviewing employees of the Sheltering Arms cemetery. Mahalo was correct; they couldn’t give any description other than she was of average height, had strawberry-blond hair, rotten teeth and a problem with zits. One of them showed her the employee locker room and she examined number 7, a battered locker bearing a grimy piece of masking tape with the name J. Bennett scrawled on it.

The locker held precious few items. A hair brush, two work coats, a pair of mud-encrusted tennis shoes and an employee handbook. No pictures, no personal items whatsoever. That struck Taima as strange. So did the hair brush. Why would someone so seemingly unconcerned with her looks have a hair brush at work? Taima grabbed a paper towel from the side counter and carefully wrapped the brush. Dr. Chuck could take a quick look at this. It just seemed so strange.

Lunch was a veggie wrap and a Pepsi Vanilla to go and she headed back out to the Rhodes house, finding the loyal gardener pruning a large hydrangea bush near the side. He stood slowly, watching her approach, his expression flinty.

“Mr. Whitley, I’m Officer Greenleaf. Do you remember me?”

“Yes.”

“I want to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.”

“Actually, I do mind, officer, but I will do my best to oblige you.”

Taima cleared her throat. “Thank you. I was just wondering if you remembered anything else about the night Mrs. Rhodes murdered her husband.”

His face turned even more steely if that was possible. “Miss Harmony did not murder Mr. Nathan.”

Taima surveyed his face. “She didn’t?”

“Of course not. Miss Harmony could never do anything like that.”

“Why not?”

“Miss Harmony does not believe in violence.”

“Maybe there was a reason that she felt she had to take Mr. Rhodes’ life.”

“Miss Harmony would not do that.”

Whitley turned away from her and continued his work, forcing Taima to follow him. “One more question, Mr. Whitley. I’ve had a chance to look at your financials. Where did you get a million dollars from?”

Whitley’s glare was filled with hate. “That’s none of your business, officer.”

“Actually, it is my business, Mr. Whitley. It might explain some things.”

“Some things?”

“The murder, for instance.”

Whitley took several moments to gather his fraying control before speaking. “Goodbye, Officer Greenleaf.”

Taima paused a moment, before flipping her notebook closed. “Thank you, Mr. Whitley. You’ll be here if we have any more questions?”

Whitley had turned his back on her, wielding the shears with the anger he felt. Taima left quietly.

*****

Ray Elliott pulled his patrol car into the driveway and checked the clock. Exactly two p.m. If he stayed an hour, he could say that he was at lunch. But he knew that he probably wouldn’t stay that long. He left his baton, badge and gun in the car and paused to glance at the wrapped package in the front seat. The Chief had given him a hair brush to take over to Dr. Mulligan’s for a quick exam and he was pissed off that Taima couldn’t have done it. Stupid bitch! He knew that Mahalo was giving him a menial task, while he allowed Taima to conduct victim interviews. He’d have to do something about her soon.

He knocked lightly on the door of room 227 and quickly stepped in when it opened.

“Hi, baby.” He’d been seeing her for three weeks now and still didn’t know her name. He didn’t really care. All he cared about was that she was a hot fuck. He grabbed her naked form and thrust his tongue down her throat. “Ready to fuck?”

She never spoke. She feverishly unbuttoned his shirt and pants, freeing his six inch cock and went down on it, deep throating it in one movement. Ray groaned. She pulled back and sucked him in again, lightly fingering his nuts, then pulling hard on them. He trembled in pain and sighed in pleasure.

“Oh, yeah. Suck my fucking dick, bitch!” Ray grabbed the back of her head, flexing his hips as he steadily fucked her mouth. She held onto his hips, her mouth open wide, waiting for his cum, but he pulled out. He wanted to do something different. He wanted to fuck her in the ass today. He turned her lovely body around and ran a finger down her ass cleft, searching for her opening. She squirmed, trying to turn back around, but he pressed her against the sink counter, forcing her to see him take her.

In one swift thrust, he was inside her and he smiled at her scream of pain. He loved the sound of women in pain. Maybe he would fuck that lesbian bitch like this. That would sure shut her up. Maybe she’d transfer out after that. He stroked the girl’s clasping asshole with slow strokes, making sure to pull out entirely and make her wail in pain again and again as the head breached her sphincter muscle.

“Like that, bitch? Like my cock in your ass?” She whimpered. “Well, I do!” He grabbed her hips and began to piston in and out of her tender hole, his teeth gritted as he worked himself toward the edge. “Ah, yeah.” He felt his balls tightening. “Ah, yeah, bitch. I’m gonna cum in your ass. You’re gonna be shitting my jizz.” She whimpered again, limply holding onto the counter. “Fuck, here it comes!”

He shot into her bowels, grunting with each blast. The girl shuddered, feeling his warmth suffuse her ass but she had not cum and she had not enjoyed the encounter. Ray didn’t care. He’d gotten a good nut. Now, he could go on to the ME’s office and get back to the precinct without drawing any attention. And he could probably get his wife to suck his dick again when he got home. I got it made.

Ray pulled his softening cock out of her asshole and smiled at the thin streaks of blood that pinstriped his cum-coated prick. “I’m gonna take a shower, baby. Want to scrub my back?” She nodded and he turned the hot water on, tempering it with cold and stepped into the tub, grabbing the soap and scrubbing with glee. Maybe, if he could get her into the tub, he could get her to revive his dick and he could fuck her again. A double play. HELL YEAH!

“Hey, baby! I’m ready!”

The shower curtain moved aside and a 175 grain hollow point bullet entered his brain.

*****

The body of Raymond Edward Elliott was found by the night manager an hour later. No one could explain why he was at the hotel and when the manager pulled the registration card, he realized that the name was false. Susan B. Anthony. He gave Mahalo and Taima a description of the woman. Strawberry-blond hair and bad teeth. Julianne Bennett. She had done a thorough cleaning job of the room. No fingerprints, other than Elliott’s were found.

A check of Elliott’s car found the hair brush missing but luckily, the paper towels were still there and a few strands of hair were attached. His service revolver was also missing.

By the time Taima arrived at Pilar’s house, it was well after midnight. She pulled into the driveway, hefting her work bag and used her key. Pilar was wrapped in a blanket, sleeping on the couch, the television blaring ‘Magnum, P.I.’ She sat up, when she heard the door close.

“Hi.”

Taima knelt by the couch and kissed her, touching her cheek. “What are you still doing up?”

“I was waiting for you.”

“Pilar … “

“I know. I don’t have to do it but I wanted to be awake when you came home, in case you needed to talk.”

“We’ll talk in the morning. Right now, I’d like nothing more than to take a shower, have something to eat and crawl into bed with you.”

“Okay.” Pilar gave her a kiss and jumped to her feet. “I’ll warm your dinner.”

Taima headed for the stairs, then paused and went back to Pilar’s side. “One of our officers, Ray Elliott, was murdered today.”

“Oh, Taima. Are you all right?”

Taima nodded. “I didn’t want to tell you.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I will always worry about you, Taima. I love you.” Pilar gave her a warm kiss. “And I’m glad you told me. That’s what I’m here for.”

Taima gave her another kiss and jogged up the stairs. She hoped that Pilar hadn’t noticed the worry on her face. 

Taima was worried that she would be next.



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 07



Her first trip of the morning was to the ME's office. Dr. Mulligan welcomed Taima with his usual enthusiasm and took the paper towels from her, scrutinizing the contents with a practiced eye.

"Got it from a hair brush." Taima explained, watching as he laid the paper open and retrieved a large pair of tweezers.

"Don't have the brush, by any chance, do you?"

"No, sir. We had it, but it was stolen out of Ray's car."

Dr. Chuck raised an eyebrow, then stood. "I'm sorry to hear about Ray."

"Thank you, sir. We all are. He was a credit to our team."

"And a bastard in uniform." The medical examiner gave her a knowing wink. "Okay, let's get this under the scope."

Taima watched closely as he lifted a long hair and placed it on a glass slide, covering it with a thinner protective piece and sliding it under the metal clips. He bent over the heavy microscope, adjusting the eyepiece.

"It's human hair."

"Are you sure?"

"Oh, yes. Synthetic hair has a different pattern to it. This is definitely human hair."

"Damn!"

"But there are two donors here."

"What?"

"They aren't from the same people." Dr. Chuck sat back. "One strand had darker pigments and the other is bright blonde."

The breath caught in Taima's throat. Bright blonde hair. "A-Are you sure?"

"Oh, yes. Here, have a look." She stepped forward and examined the hair strands, listening to Dr. Chuck's instructions and explanations.

"If you ask my opinion, I'd say that one of these strands came from a wig, the other from the actual head. Hold on a minute." He gently moved her aside and looked into the eyepiece again, moving the slide and the samples around. "Ah-ha. This strand has a follicle attached. The blonde is from the head and the darker blonde is from the wig."

"Thanks, Dr. Chuck. I appreciate it."

Bright blonde hair. It was a big town but Taima's instincts were blazing, her hackles raised in fear. There was one person she knew that had blonde hair.

Alicia.

* * * * *

Pilar's day had begun with the best orgasms that she'd ever had. Even now, sitting at her desk at the funeral home, she squeezed her legs together, sighing at the mini-orgasm that made her moist pussy twitch. Taima was such a fantastic lover. Before this morning, she'd never had someone wake her with a strap-on dildo.

She was deeply asleep, having lovely, sweet dreams when she dimly felt something breaching her sticky cunt lips. At first, she stiffened, struggling to the surface of a somnolent ocean, then groaned awake as Taima's lips fluttered across the nape of her neck, found her sweet spot and bit just as she pushed the dildo's fat, oiled head into her depths.

"Oh, God! Taima!"

"Good morning, love." Taima's husky whisper made tingles skitter across her skin. Her work-roughened hands stroked Pilar's honeyed skin, raising goosebumps and making her arch against her. "Sorry to wake you, but I couldn't wait to fuck you with my new toy."

"Oh, yes!" Pilar gasped as Taima moved the dildo in and out of her grasping pussy, touching places that made Pilar shake.

"Like that, baby?"

"Oh, yes, Taima! Please don't stop!"

"I won't stop, baby. I won't stop until you beg me to." She undulated her hips, driving the dildo deeper into Pilar's body. Pilar's answer was a low, long moan.

Taima reached up and grabbed their pillows and placed them in a tall stack in the center of the bed, then gently moved onto them. Her back arched onto top of the pillows, she rolled Pilar on top of her without breaking the buried connection, bending her knees up and pressing them together. Now Pilar lay astride her, her legs spread wide. Taima reached around and pinched Pilar's hard nipples, popping her hips up, releasing and impaling Pilar in one quick hard thrust.

"Oh, God, that feels good!" Pilar flexed her hips, matching Taima's movements, whimpering each time the dildo parted her thick lips. She pushed herself up, sitting across Taima's lap and breathed a shuddering sigh, feeling the dildo's head against her womb. Oh, so good! She pushed her knees back and using the bed's springs, began to bounce up and down. "Oh, fuck, yeah."

"Yeah, fuck it, baby. Take it like you want it." Taima held Pilar's hips as they bounced together. Pilar threw her head back, her dusky hair sweeping across Taima's chest and making her nearly cum with the sensation. "Oh, yeah, baby. Get off. I want to hear you get off."

"Oh, God, Taima! It feels so good! So ... " A deep tremor quaked through her. "Oh, so good!" Pilar put her hands on Taima's knees, letting one snake between to bury two fingers deep into Taima's sultry slit, then sliding to the top and rubbing her clit. Taima groaned herself, her fingers digging into Pilar's soft flesh, her hips bucking in rhythm with Pilar's fingers. "Oh, yeah, we're fucking together. It's so fucking good! So sweet! Oh, yeah, my baby's fucking me!"

"That's right." Taima said breathlessly. "I'm fucking you! I'm deep inside your hot pussy, fucking you!" A ball of sweet heat seemed to form in the bottom of her stomach, growing with every stroke of Pilar's nimble fingers. "Oh, baby, you're getting me close."

"Oh!" Pilar was finding it harder to breathe and her ears were filled with the glorious sounds of her lover's moans. She was getting close, too. The muscles of her pussy were rippling, her thick cream coating the dildo and matting her and Taima's pussy hair. "Oh, yeah, baby! I'm gonna cum! Keep fucking me! Oh, Taima!"

Her pussy clenched so hard that Pilar screamed. Taima pulled her back down, wrapping her arms around her and grinding the soaked dildo into Pilar's trembling body, her own body violently quivering in the throes of her own orgasm. Pilar turned her head, her mouth seeking and finding Taima's, exchanging the moans and whimpers borne of their passionate coupling.

Pilar had never cum that hard, especially not with a dildo. Even as they laid together, panting and sweating, Taima reached down and pressed a finger into Pilar's asshole, the other hand pinching her swollen clit, catapulting her into the cosmos again, screaming her lover's name to the heavens.

Another mini-orgasm burst through her and she just couldn't resist any longer. She pushed back from the desk, pulled the front of her skirt up and plunged her hand into her slick trench, gasping as she pressed onto her swelling clit. Oh, Taima ... She imagined that she was in Taima's strong arms again, feeling her lover's hand on her sex, stroking, teasing, pumping. It didn't take her long to climax, her fingers buried deep in her cunt, her legs squeezing them in deeper.

"I knew you were a whore."

It was the angry tone that startled Pilar the most. She withdrew her hand, still trembling from her climax and stuck them in her mouth, absentmindedly sucking her own essence from them as she looked into the blue eyes of a frumpily-dressed woman. Her heart skipped an unpleasant beat.

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Oh, you understand well enough, whore." The woman closed the door, locking it.

"No, I'm afraid I don't."

"Well, let me explain it to you." The silver barrel of a .38 pointed its deadly aperture at Pilar's forehead. "You stole my girlfriend, whore!"

A quiver of fear jangled through Pilar. "I don't ... I didn't ... "

"Yes, you did!" The woman screeched, waving the gun crazily. "Taima was mine!" Recognition flooded Pilar's face, quickly followed by confusion. Taima had told her that Alicia was a blonde. But this woman had darker hair, tinged with red, almost strawberry ... Pilar gasped, recalling a conversation with Taima about a cemetery worker that had disappeared. "Yeah, you know who I am now, don't you, whore?"

"Y-Yes. Julianne, I think." Pilar hesitated, still confused. "But I still don't understand."

"What is there to understand? Taima belongs to me."

"But she told me ... "

"Told you what, you stupid whore?"

"Her name was Alicia. The girl that she had been involved with."

The woman just glared at her, then slowly, carefully, raised her hand to the crown on her head, gripping the wig and pulling it off in on swift movement. Glossy blonde hair cascaded down from its hidden knot and straight white teeth emerged from the rotten denture plate. The zits were easily removed, peeling off of her alabaster skin in sticky, broken strips. "I am Alicia."

Pilar's entire body had turned to water, the blood draining from her face. She stood, extending her hand in an effort to control the insanity of the situation. "Nice to meet you, Alicia. I'm Pilar."

"I know who you are!" Alicia spit on Pilar's outstretched hand. "You stole my girl!"

"Alicia, I didn't know that you and Taima were involved at the time. She told me ... "

"I don't care what she said!" Alicia approached Pilar, her crazed eyes following the woman as she sat down. "I made love to her! I fucked her pussy and she came, knowing that her pussy belonged to me!"

"I'm sorry, Alicia. Whatever happened, I'm sorry. Let me call Taima and we can talk about it."

The sound of the shot made them both jump. The phone receiver, with its dissected cord, hung limply in Pilar's hand, the smoking revolver tightly grasped in Alicia's whitened hand. "No phone calls." Shaking, Pilar replaced the dead receiver. "I will take care of Taima in my own time. It's time to take care of you, first."

The door opened and Myron walked in, his trademark sunglasses tucked into the pocket of his flashy polyester suit.

"Oh, thank God, Myron! Run! Go call the police!"

"Why would I want to do that, dear sister?" He walked forward, standing behind Alicia, his gnarled hands resting on her shoulders, then moving downward, into her shirt and squeezing her firm, young breasts. Pilar watched in horror. "Alicia belongs with me." He leaned down and took Alicia's mouth with a deep, rough kiss, one hand still in her shirt. "It's time to go."

Alicia nodded and turned bright eyes to Pilar, the gun steady. "Get up, whore. Time for our revenge."

Pilar felt herself nod and the word, "No." drifted from her mouth but Myron jerked her up, her hand near his face. He paused for a moment, inhaling the residue of her cunt cream and smiled.

"Good. You'll be all ready for us."

"No!"

For Pilar, all went dark.

* * * * *

"We found the hearse."

Taima had sped over the scene as soon as Mahalo had issued those words. The midnight blue automobile had been found in the parking lot of Samone's restaurant, tucked in between two delivery trucks and covered with a thick length of tarpaulin. Mahalo waited for Taima to arrive before instructing the crew to remove the covering. A thick swarm of blue bottle flies erupted from the vehicle and the crew members stumbled backwards, holding their noses and forcing their stomachs to quiet.

In the front seat was a young woman with strawberry-blond hair, her naked body bloating in the heat. Clothing, papers and other items were strewn about the front and back seats and holding her hand over her face, Taima used the eraser-end of a pencil to lift them, the blood draining from her face. They were all school papers, dated a few days prior and graded. Each bore the child's name and the teacher's name.

The teacher was Alicia Brewster.

"The real Julianne Bennett." Mahalo whispered with reverence.

Taima yanked her cell phone from her hip and dialed Alicia's home number. There was no answer. A call to the school informed Taima that Alicia Brewster no longer worked there, having tendered her resignation the day before. A chill suddenly made Taima shake. She dialed Pilar's home number. There was no answer. She dialed Pilar's number at the funeral home. There was no answer. That scared the hell out of her. There should be someone at the funeral home to answer the phone.

"Malo." Her chief saw the fear in her eyes. "Pilar."

"Let's go!"

* * * * *

Her wrists were on fire.

Pilar opened her eyes and moaned, instantly upset that she had done it so loudly. A grinning Alicia came striding over, admiring the naked woman's spread-eagled form as she hung, strapped to a black vertical rack and lightly oiled with a sheen of nervous sweat.

"Ah, you're awake." 

Tears immediately filled Pilar's eyes as she remembered what had happened just before she lost consciousness. Betrayed by her brother. Abused by a killer. Bereft of her lover. Oh, Taima, it was so good while it lasted. I hope I find you again in our next life. She wanted to fly apart in a million sobbing pieces but she knew what Taima would say. Keep it together.

"I want to talk to my brother."

To her horror, the blonde threw her head back and cackled hysterically. "Oh, you'll get to talk to him, all right! That, and a lot more!"

"Is she awake?"

"Yes, master." Pilar watched Alicia turn to her brother who came into the room, weights dangling from his balls, a cock ring around his purple-headed penis and steel clamps on his nipples. The blonde dropped to her knees as he stood in front of her, rubbing his sticky pre-cum all over her face. "May I taste you, master?"

"Not just yet, servant." Myron turned to his trussed sister, letting his salacious gaze glide over her high C cup breasts, her tiny waist and trimmed pussy. Her jade eyes were silvery with unshed tears, her quivering full lips drawn in a defiant pink line. "Welcome to our playhouse, sis." He reached up and tweaked a fat nipple, watching it harden. Her expression turned from one of defiance to disgust. "You're our new toy."

"Myron, let me down! You don't know what you're doing! You don't know ... "

His slap rang through the room, drawing an excited hiss from Alicia and a look of terror from Pilar. "I know exactly what I'm doing. It's you who is uncertain." He turned to Alicia. "Let's get her moved to the bed."

"Yes, master."

Pilar screamed in pain as she felt the second set of straps applied to her arms and legs, then screamed again when the square steel harness dropped a few inches, taking her with it. Myron manned the pulley from the side wall controls, patiently waiting as Alicia unhooked Pilar from the vertical rack and rotated the connecting rack into its horizontal position. From there, she simply escorted the rack, like a floating bed, over to the huge square bed, attaching her to yet another set of straps and yanking the steel frame from under Pilar when she finished. Now Pilar was bound to the bed, spread-eagled and writhing.

"Good job, pet. That was the finest transfer you've ever made. For that, you get a reward."

Alicia again fell to her knees, grasping Myron's massive cock in her hands and stroking it to full hardness, giving the fat head a few shy licks. He carefully sprinkled a line of cocaine onto his erect hardness and watched in amusement as she snorted every bit off, licking the residue off. When she finished, she bent and began to kiss and lick the tops of his feet.

"Good pet." Myron lovingly stroked the back of her head and she arose, licking his hand in appreciation. His dark eyes connected with his sister's. "You see, Alicia knows her place. She knows where she belongs." He turned to her with a soft smile. "Where do you belong, Alicia?"

"On the end of your fat, hard cock, master."

Pilar gulped back a sob. It was obvious that they were both crazy. She flexed her wrists, looking for any bit of purchase and found none. The same went for her ankles. She was securely bound. There was no way to escape. "Myron, please let me go."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can! Taima and I can leave ... "

"Taima is the reason you're here. Taima belonged to Alicia and you stole her."

"Myron ... "

"And Alicia was going to bring her home to me." He sighed, taking a breath. "I was going to fuck that Cherokee pussy good, too." He sat on the side of the bed, reaching out to touch her breasts, laughing as he saw her try to struggle away from his touch. "Now, I have to settle for you."

The reality of the situation really settled into Pilar's brain. "Oh, Myron! NO!"

"I've always wanted to fuck you, dear sis. Alicia and I will make this a perfect experience for you."

Pilar began to shake, tears brimming and cresting her eyes. "No, Myron! You can't do this!"

Myron just smiled. "And you're still a virgin, aren't you? Your ass, I mean?"

Alicia grinned. "Oh, master! It couldn't be more perfect!"

Myron answered her smile with another of his own. "How right you are, Alicia. And I will give you the honor of sucking her pussy and my balls while I fuck her virgin ass. How would you like that?"

Alicia's smile reminded Pilar of a deranged, rabid animal. Her eyes were large and glassy; her teeth bared in a snarl. 

She could do nothing but scream. 



Dead Heat: Stormbringer Ch. 08



Taima Greenleaf and Mahalo Jenkins tried Alicia's residence first. It was empty. The school also yielded no clues as did Pilar's home. It was difficult for Taima to enter the home she had only recently shared with Pilar to think that she might find her lover there, hurt or dead. Mahalo did his best to keep her focused and to keep her spirits high. He knew how important it was to keep Taima moving. Pilar was the real thing for her and this could possibly push her over to the edge. Mahalo didn't want to see that.

Both chief and officer were surprised to find Albert Whitley on the funeral home's doorstep, hat in his hand. He gave Taima a shaky smile and shook Mahalo's hand.

"I'm sorry for not coming sooner." His gaze remained locked on Taima. "And I'm sorry for treating you so rudely yesterday."

"It's no problem, Mr. Whitley, but I must tell you that we're in a big hurry ... "

"I know. You're looking for Alicia Brewster, aren't you?"

"Yes, sir! Do you know where she is?"

"I have a good idea."

"Well, come with us. You can tell us on the way."

* * * * *

His cock was beautiful. She had to admit that. Myron's thick tube of meat bobbed just millimeters from her lips, the pre-cum dripping onto her lips. Pilar tried to turn her head and found it impossible, held in place by Alicia's strong thighs.

"Open your mouth." She nodded negatively and Myron's face reddened with anger. "I said, open your mouth!" When she nodded again, Alicia leaped up and moved just out of her line of sight. The punch in her stomach startled her into opening her mouth and Myron's prick slid right in. "If you bite me, I'll strangle you!"

Pilar closed her eyes and tried her best not to think about the situation. She had sucked men's dicks before but it had been quite some time ago and she was not a fan of the taste of semen. She opened her mouth, letting his rub himself against her tongue and jab the insides of her jaws. His slimy pre-cum tasted vile and she had to twice keep herself from vomiting. Alicia smiled, then turned and snorted a packet of meth, swaying in a self-induced trance.

"You've got a beautiful mouth, Pilar. I should have fucked it sooner."

"May I suck your balls, master?"

"No, pet. Why don't you get her pussy and asshole ready for me?"

"Anything you say, master."

Alicia moved down to Pilar's mid-section, positioning herself between the golden thighs. Pilar moaned around Myron's cock as she felt the young woman's tongue delve into her slit. Tears slipped from the edges of her eyelids as he thrust again and again. "She tastes like honey, master."

"Good. Get her to cum. I want her slick."

Pilar felt Alicia's spread her cunt lips apart and begin to explore the soft pink flesh of her inner lips. Her tongue was gentle, pushing into every corner and mapping her pussy thoroughly. Her manner reminded her of Taima so much that Pilar began to sob. Myron sensed her tears and gave her a resounding smack, pressing his prick farther down her throat. She gagged, swallowed and gagged again. This time, she regained her control and took him without problem. Myron sighed. Alicia stabbed her hole, moaning when she tasted the first of Pilar's cunt cream. She smiled. She knew Pilar was close to cumming and she wanted every bit.

"Oh, yeah, sis. Gonna cum. Gonna squirt right down your throat." Myron moaned. "Lick my asshole, Alicia!" Alicia bent underneath him, spreading his hairy cheeks and piercing his sphincter. "Yeah, baby! Yeah! Fuck that asshole, baby! Fucking eat me!" Myron moved faster now, Alicia gripping his hips in an effort to keep up and Pilar silently sobbing, unable to stop the assault. Oh, Taima! Help me! "Oh, yeah, baby! Here comes my load!"

Taima kicked the door open, sickened at the sight she beheld. She lost her mind. She raised her gun and brought it down on the back of Myron's head, dislodging his soft penis and causing him to fall to the floor. Alicia raised her head, her face slick with Pilar's juices and smiled at Taima.

"She's tastes like honey, Taima. You should have shared."

Taima raised the gun, aiming at the center of Alicia's head. "You fucking ... "

"No, Taima, don't do it!" Whitley's voice broke the tense silence, Chief Jenkins standing behind him, his gun drawn and also trained on Brewster. "Don't throw your future away. Please!"

Moments passed. Taima fought the red fog of anger back, her body shaking, tears striping her cheeks. Alicia raised up, licking her lips suggestively, goading her ex-lover into a reaction. But Taima didn't take the bait. She steeled herself, biting her bottom lip until she tasted blood.

"Get the fuck away from my girlfriend."

Jenkins moved around Whitley, swiftly cuffing a semi-conscious Myron Petersen. Still grinning evilly, Alicia climbed down from the bed and moved away from Pilar. Jenkins grabbed her, throwing her to the ground and cuffing her also. Taima holstered her weapon, threw a sheet over her naked lover and unbuckled the restraints. 

Pilar was silent, sobs racking her body but her mouth shut. As soon as she felt the last restraint leave her flesh, she turned over, gripped the side of the bed and regurgitated her brother's copious cum and whatever else she had in her stomach. Taima stayed at her side, rubbing her back while she expelled the vile liquid.

"You're safe now, honey."

Pilar just cried.

* * * * *

Seven days after Myron Petersen and Alicia Brewster's arrests, Taima Greenleaf sat behind the ceremonial lodge on her grandfather's reservation, staring out across the peaceful landscape, reflecting over the happenings of the previous days.

During extensive interviews, Mahalo was able to piece together the mystery. Myron Petersen and Alicia Brewster had become lovers several years earlier, when Myron had gleefully raped her and claimed her soul when she was a teenager. He had made her his 'servant' and her injured mind saw this as love. He toiled for the next years in the family funeral business and was livid to find out that, upon the death of his father, the business was in the red and the life insurance payoff went to satisfy bills. He had wanted that money for himself to leave town and become 'someone'.

Along came Nathan Rhodes, a well-to-do millionaire whom had made his money through drug dealing. Unfortunately, he had fallen on hard times and looked up his old partner-in-crime. They decided that crystal meth would provide them with enough money to accomplish their dreams and Myron came up with the idea to transport the drugs in dead bodies, which could be shipped without scrutiny.

Alicia had been charged with taking the first body. She made quick friends with wallflower Julianne Bennett, abducted her and took her place at the cemetery. It was her inexperience with crime that had caused the caper to be discovered. First, of all the bodies available, she had taken the body of Nathan Rhodes' only son. Rhodes was furious. They couldn't return him to the cemetery without notice so Myron and Alicia had left Benny in the intersection, knowing that he would be found. 

Meanwhile, Ray Elliott had come snooping around Bennett's house, having bedded her on a regular basis since their first coupling, looking for more pussy. Since Alicia had assumed Julianne's identity, it was no problem to continue with the sex meetings. When he became too rough the last time, she had taken his demise into her hands and had disposed of him.

Finally, Alicia, with Myron's help, had abducted Pilar, her need for revenge consuming her to the point of near madness. Even now, Alicia was in the mental ward at County General, still railing against Pilar and violently masturbating whenever given the chance. Taima couldn't believe that that same person was her friend. She had attempted to visit but all Alicia did was rub her pussy and ask Taima if she could smell her cum. With a heart full of sadness, Taima had left the hospital, vowing to never return.

Pilar had been a different story. She didn't speak for nearly two days and then, she had only spoken to WhiteEagle. Taima had immediately brought her to the reservation after the interviews were over, seeking to heal the emotional storm that she knew Pilar was braving. She had promised marriage to Pilar on that first day and had left her in her grandfather's capable hands. 

On the third day, Chief WhiteEagle had summoned his granddaughter back to the reservation and Taima was reunited with her love, still rough around the edges but much better. They spent the night together, talking and cuddling, aware of each other's proximity but respectfully remaining separate, Pilar afraid that Taima would not want to touch her and Taima afraid to touch and hurt Pilar.

The fourth day, Pilar went through an intense cleansing ceremony and when Taima arrived later that evening, she was informed that Pilar did not want to see her. And just yesterday, Pilar had asked her to come to WhiteEagle's home.

The Pilar Petersen that welcomed her was the Pilar she'd fallen in love with. Rosy cheeks, glossy hair and a sparkle in the green eyes that made Taima's heart leap. She apologized for not wanting to see her but she said that she thought that it was important for the separation. She wanted to make sure that she was all right and that she could return to her life, both as head mortician and as Taima's girlfriend. When she was certain of that, she asked Taima if the offer of marriage was still open. Taima answered with a kiss, a hug and fifteen minutes of sobbing.

Of course, WhiteEagle had just laughed. He had known that they would be married and he had been blessing an area in the southwest clearing for the wedding, following the old Cherokee wedding ceremony ritual of blessing the wedding area for seven consecutive days. 

And today was the seventh day. Today, Taima would take Pilar as her wife in a wedding ceremony sanctioned by the tribe. Things were so different, Taima mused. She would never have ever guessed that she would be getting married.

"Officer Greenleaf?"

Albert Whitley stood a few yards away, a smiling Harmony Rhodes on his arm. Mrs. Rhodes had been released from prison on bail but there was no doubt that she wouldn't stand trial for her husband's murder. Numerous police reports and emergency room records had detailed the decades of physical abuse that she had suffered at Nathan Rhodes' manicured hands. The last beating had caused her to snap and she had killed him in self-defense. A visit from Albert had pulled her out of her funk and she looked even better than when Taima had first met her. The dark-smudges under her eyes had fled and her eyes were filled with life. They would enjoy the money that frugal and hard-working Whitley had saved together.

"Hello, Mr. Whitley. Mrs. Rhodes."

"Please." Harmony said, her voice as soft as her eyes. "Call me Harmony. And he's Bert."

"Yes, ma'am." Taima smiled. "Thank you for coming."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Albert smiled shyly. "I just wanted to say thank you."

"I should be thanking you, Mr. ... " Harmony gave her a smile of reproach. "Uh, Bert. Your information saved Pilar."

"And you have saved me." Harmony gave the young woman a long hug, thrusting a manila envelope into her hand. "For your future."

"Harmony, this isn't necessary."

"Yes, it is." The older woman's eyes filled with tears and Albert looked away, his eyes misty. "Once you understand why, you come see me."

Taima was confused, but she nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Well, we'd better get going." Harmony gave her a kiss on the cheek, followed by one from Albert. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Taima watched the couple walk away, observing the byplay between them. There was obvious affection present. She couldn't help but smile, hoping that they would be as happy as she was. The envelope poked her hand and she suddenly had the urge to open it. Inside was a bank draft and a handwritten letter in very elegant script. Taima figured that Harmony had written it and she unconsciously ran her fingers over the opening line before starting to read it.

Dear Taima,

 

 I have decided to give you a wedding gift that you should 

have received several years ago. If I had been a stronger

woman, I would have delivered it to you myself but these

days, I still feel very fragile and I'm not sure that I could

get through it without breaking down.

The night I killed Nathan, we argued violently, the worst

argument that we have ever had during our married life

and I knew that I would probably receive the worst beating

of our married life. What were we arguing about? You.

When you came to the house to investigate Benny's case,

Nathan recognized you. I shouldn't say that he recognized

you. He recognized your features. As well that he should

have, because your features are his features.

Yes, my darling girl. Nathan Elias Rhodes was your father.

Nathan, Myron Petersen and Wylie Robertson, who died

several years ago were the three men who killed your

father and raped your mother. However, Wylie did not

participate in the rape and Myron was too drunk to get his

penis hard, so Nathan did the dirty work. Nine months later,

your mother gave birth to you.

Nathan never knew but I suspect that he had heard from

others in town so when he saw you in the flesh, he was very

disturbed. You see, he saw himself as an important business-

man, far removed from his violent past, even though he took

his anger out on my body and was preparing to bring that meth

drug into our town.

And so we argued. He wanted to kill you. I pleaded with him to

have you assigned to another precinct, out of harm's way. He 

was very upset that I was defending you and told me that he

was going to kill you and me, too. He said that no one would 

miss me and he could finally fuck whomever he wanted in our

bed.

I asked Albert for the gun. I don't remember it, but he says that

I did. And I put it away, waiting for the right time. I didn't have to

wait long. Later that same evening, I awoke to his fist smashing

my jaw and I pulled the gun. He laughed and I told him that this

was from you, Taima Greenleaf Rhodes and from me. And I

shot him.

That's all that I remember. Until my precious friend, Albert, came

to visit. I am well and getting better and I hope that one day, you

will come to look upon me as a stepmother. I cannot take

Mitena's place, but I can try to ease your way in the world.

Which comes to the second part of this letter. Nathan made most

of his money from hurting people. I can't think of anything more

appropriate than giving some to you to use for helping people.

Congratulations on your marriage and thank you for thinking

enough of Albert and I to invite us to share your joy this day. I

hope that we can be friends in the future.

Sincerely,

Harmony Rhodes and Albert Whitley

The bank draft inside was made out to Taima Greenleaf in the amount of two million dollars.

* * * * *

The wedding was the most beautiful ceremony that anyone had ever seen. Taima and Pilar rode into the clearing on white ponies, Taima in a white sleeveless duster-length tunic with matching pants and Pilar in a lacy satin dress that caused her to ride side-saddle. Taima could barely breathe when she saw her bride. Pilar's dark tresses had been braided and artfully wrapped around her head, her lips dark like blackberries and her eyes shadowed with earth browns.

Pilar gazed at Taima, her heart pounding as she saw Taima's strong arms and the graceful line of her neck. She so wanted to run into those arms, to be sheltered and protected and contented herself with the knowledge that very soon, she would be in those arms forever. Nothing had ever felt as wonderful. Nothing had ever felt as right.

They slid down from the horses and walked hand-in-hand to where WhiteEagle stood, the sea of tribesmen and friends enclosing and surrounding the couple. Vows were exchanged and Taima and Pilar Greenleaf became wives and companions. The reception had lasted into the wee hours of the night with Chief WhiteEagle leading the festivities. Taima and Pilar were escorted to the ceremonial marriage lodge and left alone.

Taima gazed in awe at the beauty of her wife and reached out to touch Pilar's cheek. Pilar met her hand, pressing a kiss into the palm and turning her cheek into it. Her fingers traced the chased silver band that Taima wore, knowing that her name was etched on the inside.

"Taima." Her voice was low, a sensuous whisper that caressed her lover's heart. "I love you."

"And I you." Taima pulled Pilar close, looking at her as if she was seeing her for the first time. "I belong to you, love."

"And I to you."

With those heartfelt, unrehearsed vows spoken, no other words were said. Taima took Pilar's mouth in a soft, but passionate kiss, possessing every scintilla of Pilar's being with her love. No dark corner of Pilar's heart, mind or soul would be left unlighted by the brightness of Taima's devotion. She used the kiss to blaze through any remaining doubts her lover might have had, replacing them with certainties, the clearest and best being the depth of Taima's love.

Pilar clung to Taima, fighting to release the horrors of her abduction and the devastation of her brother's treachery from her soul. He would not leave a mark on her. He would not! She let herself bask in the love she felt radiating from her new wife, wrapping herself in its protective embrace and taking it deep within her, making it a part of her, becoming not just Pilar Greenleaf, but an irreplaceable part of Taima. She sighed, feeling Taima's hands releasing the braids and quickly unplaiting them, while kissing her gently.

Taima couldn't resist running her fingers through Pilar's hair, seeking the warmth of her scalp and matching it with the softness of her curls. It was like touching the deepest velvet. She gave Pilar a final kiss and turned her in her arms, unbuttoning and unzipping her wedding dress. It slipped off Pilar's slight shoulders and Taima caught it, laying it reverently across a chair before returning to clasp a camisole-and-panty clad Pilar to her, focusing her kisses on Taima's exposed neck.

Pilar shivered, feeling her pussy grow warm and wet, the effect of Taima's open-mouthed kisses sending shock waves through her body. She raised her hands to Taima's collar and unbuttoned those buttons, shoving the tunic aside and cupping Taima's unbound breasts, rolling the nipples along with the silk material of her undershirt. A low growl of pleasure came from Taima's throat, accompanied by a deep quiver. She pulled the undershirt over Taima's head, followed by the half-camisole and lowered her mouth to her lover's impossibly hard nipples.

Taima yelped at the sensation of Pilar's warm mouth covering her and then at the simultaneous rough and silky feeling of Pilar's tongue flicking, circling and laving her flesh. Pilar held Taima's body to her mouth, pressing into the warm flesh and loving the feel of her response. She released her breast with a loud smack and pushed Taima back on the bed, stripping her camisole off while Taima shucked her pants. When Pilar bent to remove her strappy sandals, Taima stopped her with a nodded 'no'. Pilar just smiled.

The feel of flesh against flesh raised the tension a notch. Pilar ran her hands over Taima's back while trying to ignore the growing heat in her belly. Taima's touch was setting her on fire and she was quickly reaching the point where she wanted, no, needed to be fucked. She met Taima's mouth with a staggered sigh, completely giving herself over to the pleasure.